Due to his health, Emperor Liu was unable to attend the ceremony in the 25th year of Kaibao. Only the crown prince Liu Yang came forward to hold talks with senior officials and dignitaries who came to Beijing to listen to their work reports and discuss state affairs.
For the bureaucrats of the Han Dynasty, this was an annual event. In the past, Emperor Liu had to show up no matter what. Even if he did not participate in actual discussions, he would still make remarks on some matters and convey the holy teachings.
The twenty-fifth year of Kaibao was the only exception. It can be seen that the fall was indeed a serious injury to Emperor Liu. However, even without Emperor Liu attending, the grand event went on extremely smoothly. Under the auspices of Prince Liu Yang and a group of ministers, the atmosphere was more harmonious and less depressing than when Emperor Liu was present, but the business did not fall behind at all. .
This seems to mean that the Han Dynasty can move forward steadily even without the leadership of Emperor Liu and the ministers without the encouragement of Emperor Liu. Emperor Liu seems to be no longer as indispensable to the Han Dynasty as in the past... No matter what others think, but Emperor Liu, who was recuperating in Chui Gong Palace, had similar thoughts swirling in his mind after hearing the progress of the various meetings mentioned above, and his heart was full of gloom...
Since this was the first year after the tax reform was implemented, unlike in the past, most of the state officials arrived in Beijing to attend the meeting. In the pilot areas, progress must be reported to the court, where complaints are complained, and where credit is requested, credit is requested. As for the rest of the Daozhou, they have also clearly seen the general trend. No matter how difficult it is to change the tax reform, they naturally adopt a learning attitude and prepare for the tax reform under their rule. There is no telling when the imperial edict will come. In addition, The purpose is to contact us in advance and seek some benefits for our country.
There are many influential figures among the officials in the border areas, but the most eye-catching one is undoubtedly Pan You, the chief envoy of Gyeonggi Province. Of course, there must be a front in the position, and there are already rumors that Pan You will be transferred to Jiannan. It is reported that the procedures of the Ministry of Civil Affairs are almost completed, but before completing the process, Pan You still attended the meeting on behalf of Gyeonggi Province, reporting on all the difficulties and achievements of his reform in Gyeonggi Province, and criticizing some of his controversial practices and measures. Clarify and explain.
…
The high-hanging spring sun releases its warm light, shining on the city of Xijing. The tangtangluo water reflects the brilliant light. Thousands of sails are crossing the water, weeping willows hug the banks, and travelers are weaving. The whole scene is bright and harmonious.
Pan You wandered around the Shijing Street in Luoyang for a long time without any purpose, just strolling. Such leisure is extremely rare for Pan Shijun.
Luoyang is both familiar and unfamiliar to Pan You. When he was young, he had lofty ambitions and was focused on national affairs. He was busy criticizing the current ills and proposing strategies for national construction, and he didn't even bother to appreciate the splendor of Luoyang. After being released to the outside world, he spent more than ten years in officialdom and traveled to several provinces. His impression of Luoyang has long been blurred. At least when he was promoted to Gyeonggi Province, he only stopped for a moment when reporting on his duties, but he quickly took office...
Like today, it was the first time that I calmed down and silently observed the streets and streets of Luoyang. Of course, for people like Pan You, it is impossible to simply travel to relax. While visiting places, he also does not forget to observe the people's livelihood, how the people's livelihood is, and how the officials are doing their work. He almost subconsciously picks up the thorns. He even put himself in the position of Luoyang Mansion.
It wasn't until he finished the tour of West Market Street and looked up to notice that it was getting late that he remembered something important and simply bought some bamboo crafts as gifts and hurried north.
The high-hanging plaque in Xunyang Hou Mansion shines with golden light in the sunset, making it dazzling and eye-catching. Pan You looked up and saw only dragons and snakes with pens and iron paintings with silver hooks. You must know that this was inscribed by Emperor Liu himself in order to show his support for Zhao Pu's restoration as prime minister.
Diligence makes up for weakness, and after decades of practice, Emperor Liu's calligraphy was finally able to be read. Although it is not an art, it still has a unique charm, and each stroke seems to reveal the majesty of imperial power. Emperor Liu's calligraphy was learned from Yang Ningshi, a great calligrapher of the generation. In his later years, Master Yang's main job was to teach Emperor Liu calligraphy...
Pan You's thoughts did not wander that far. He just thought that what Zhao Puzhao said was probably not official business. Pan You had already done it in various formal and private occasions before.
And when he thought about the twists and turns afterwards, Pan You couldn't help but feel a headache. After thinking about it for a while, he stopped thinking about it, straightened his clothes, and went to visit him.
In the mansion, Zhao Pu had been waiting for him for a long time, but he was not in a good mood. Mr. Zhao took a rare vacation and specially took it out to see Pan You. As a result, Pan Chou dared to be late. However, after listening to Pan You's explanation and the "gifts" he gave in the hall, Zhao Pu was a little bit dumbfounded.
He opened his old eyes wide and looked Pan You up and down. He was still as ugly, or even uglier. But with those innocent eyes and clear eyes, Zhao Pu couldn't say anything to blame for a moment. Of course, Zhao Pu couldn't help but wonder whether this guy was sincere or just pretending to be stupid and unreasonable. Zhao Pu was leaning towards the latter.
Looking at Pan You, Zhao Pu played with the tea cup rewarded by Emperor Liu and said in a casual tone: "What are your thoughts on getting ready for the political affairs of Jiannan Road?"
When it came to business, Pan You's temperament suddenly changed, and his face became serious. After thinking for a while, he replied in a cautious tone: "I don't know much about Jiannan Road, so it's hard to make rash judgments at the moment. You need to go to Chengdu and familiarize yourself with the political affairs and people's conditions before taking charge of the district office.
However, in the past two days, Xianguan reviewed some Jiannan citizenship plan files and gained a little bit. Among the southwestern roads, the first one is in Jiannan, the land of abundance, with thousands of miles of fertile fields. Over the years, its support to the imperial court has always been at the forefront of the country.
However, over the past thirty years, Jiannan Road has also experienced some shortcomings, especially in terms of land and taxation. Just from the registers, many confusions and omissions can be seen.
After the official takes office, in addition to official administration, he will also start with the tax system and rectify the tax pillars of land, tea, silk, and well salt..."
It was a modest remark, but Pan You had already made plans and made a decision on what he would do after taking office.
After thinking about it, Zhao Pu thought for a while and finally nodded, then stroked his beard and sighed: "You have a very sharp vision, and you have pinpointed the key points of Jiannan's long-term disadvantages! When Shu was pacified, although after A round of cleansing, but the legacy is still deep, and it has continued to merge into the big man, invading the muscles and bones.
For more than half of the past thirty years, Jiannan's tax collection was very heavy. In addition to supporting the imperial court, it also had to support Shannan, Sichuan East, Central Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces.
Coupled with the arbitrary behavior of some local officials and bullying of superiors and subordinates, the livelihood of the people in central Sichuan was very difficult. Even after the court's subsequent leniency and rectification measures, there was no substantial improvement.
When you arrive in Chengdu, it’s not just about government administration and tax reform. It’s about touching the root of interest groups, and you need to scrape the bones and cure the poison. It’s heartbreaking, and you’ll also face strong and even crazy counterattacks. In comparison, you’re in Gyeonggi. The problems and difficulties faced by Tao are actually nothing.
You have to be mentally prepared! "
Listening to Zhao Pu's serious description, Pan You's expression became a little more solemn, but his ugly face quickly regained its composure, and he held his head high and said with emotion: "Your Majesty once said that you will risk your life or death to benefit the country, and Pan You also took this as his own example." Mian!"
Seeing Pan You's courageous appearance, Zhao Pu couldn't help but feel emotional. Putting aside the prejudice of personality and appearance, a person like Pan You is indeed worthy of admiration. He has been able to reach this point and has been able to do so for decades. It is not easy to adhere to one's own political ideals and style of government.
After a hint of memory appeared in his eyes, Zhao Pu sighed: "Pan You, you are a respectable person, but also a bit scary. In some places, I am not as good as you!"
Hearing Zhao Pu's sudden emotion, Pan You was a little surprised. He glanced at Zhao Pu unexpectedly, raised his hands and said: "I really don't dare to be a lower official. Zhao Gong's talent is ten times that of a lower official..."
Zhao Pu waved his hand and said: "This has nothing to do with talent, but with integrity! I have been the prime minister for twenty years, worshiped the prime minister twice, and achieved a lot of achievements, but no matter what I do, I always keep a certain amount of room and a certain heart. Scruples. As the saying goes, be strong without desire and treat people with things. How many people can abandon selfishness and act righteously for the public?
From the current point of view, you, Pan You, have done it, I am not as good as me! "
Faced with Zhao Pu's praise, Pan You had no joy or honor. He just lowered his head and muttered. After a while, he cried and laughed: "A low-ranking official has despicable qualifications and should not be evaluated like this. It's just that in life, there are things you should not do, but you must do something." That’s it!”
After hearing what he said, Zhao Pu smiled and asked again in a serious tone: "The reform of Gyeonggi Province is on the right track, so the imperial court will transfer you. Many people in the imperial court are aware of the strange changes. Guess, do you know the reason?"
After hearing the question, Pan You was silent for a long time, raised his head and sighed: "Maybe it's about the land under the Duke of Chu's mansion in Yangzhai!"
"Have you ever regretted it?" Zhao Pu asked.
Pan You shook his head decisively: "Now that you have done it, there is no room for regrets! Some people must do some things. The loopholes in the tax reform must be filled. Otherwise, all the efforts made by us people will be in vain." . For this reason, even if your reputation is completely ruined, there is nothing to fear, Pan You, you have a clear conscience!"
"What a clear conscience!" Zhao Pu couldn't help but admired, stroking his hands.
"You are always determined. There are some things I wanted to remind you, but now it seems that it is unnecessary!" Zhao Pu's eyes revealed a complex emotion, and he said with some seriousness: "Jiannan's errand , it’s by no means easy, it’s a place of right and wrong, there are many people watching from inside and outside, you have to be careful and take good care of it!”
As he spoke, Zhao Pu took out another booklet from his sleeve with his skinny hand and handed it to Pan You: "These are some old people from when I was governor of the southwest. Over the years, things have changed and people have changed a lot, but The ones marked out may be able to provide you with some help!”
Pan You took it with some astonishment, thought about it for a moment, looked at the calm face of the old husband, and suddenly felt strong gratitude in his heart, and solemnly bowed and saluted: "Thank you, sir!"
