Perhaps a little surprising, after Wang Jien and Yan Tuo died one after another, Emperor Liu was very sad for two days, and even shed some tears silently in a deserted place. Perhaps what he was crying about was not the two old slaves, but the memories and good times of the past few decades. After all, those two people really witnessed how Emperor Liu got to the present moment.
Some habits that have lasted for decades are really not easy to change, nor can they be broken easily. The person was gone, but Emperor Liu still couldn't help but call Yantuo's name when he was dispatching his servants in the past few days, which not only frightened the people around him, but also added to the sadness.
The death of Yantuo also had a great impact on Emperor Liu's personal life. It was not difficult to find a replacement. It was difficult to get Emperor Liu to get used to it, but unfortunately, he was not used to it.
The new head of the chamberlain is named Hu De. He is the eunuch of Concubine Zhe Xian of Qiuhua Palace. Emperor Liu forcibly asked him to come over. Obviously, Emperor Liu trusted not this person but Concubine Zhe Xian. Perhaps even Emperor Liu himself realized that with his old friends gone, there were not even a handful of people he could trust who could trust him, and Concubine Zhe Xian was one of them.
Because of this incident, Concubine Gao became jealous. After all, Concubine Gao was now in charge of the affairs of the harem. Although she did not have the title of queen, she had the reality of it. The emperor needs a close servant, so he should ask her opinion no matter what. Even if he takes a step back, the virtuous concubine can train the servants well. Are the people in her Qiuhua Palace not loyal enough to serve the officials well?
Hu De is also a senior eunuch. He is not yet fifty years old. He is young and strong, not to mention "professional quality". More importantly, he has an honest and upright temperament. At first glance, he is someone who came from Xianfei.
However, no matter how good a person is, he is still not a good person. This is the biggest difference. At the same time, Emperor Liu made more rigorous and comprehensive improvements to the attendant system around him. One of the most basic principles was that no one could attend the attendant alone, especially when he was going to bed. No one should approach the emperor alone. couch, no matter what the reason, he will be executed immediately.
Even if the concubine is summoned to sleep with him, two maids must be watching. Of course, with the old emperor's body, he has long been powerless, and the work has long since ceased. But the principle of the system is like this.
Emperor Liu's various regulations and arrangements reflect a mentality: there are always unscrupulous people who want to harm me. Wang Jien's reminder before his death was very effective. The fate of the Liao Emperor Yelu Jing, who was assassinated by his slaves, is indeed worth taking as a warning.
Back then, when the news came, Emperor Liu was already wary and summed up the reasons. Therefore, Emperor Liu was quite generous to the people around him. However, for today's old emperor, even Yantuo and Wang Jien have been killed, and it is impossible for anyone else to be suspicious. Therefore, even if it is more difficult and troublesome, you must be on guard.
Emperor Liu could accept his death from old age and illness, and would never be willing to die "accidentally" due to some inexplicable reason. I am afraid that no one can understand Emperor Liu's state of mind in his old age. Similarly, it is also difficult for people to imagine that the old emperor has become so deranged.
Emperor Liu has obviously been in a bad mood recently. He looks depressed and even older, like a rotten tree that is about to rot to the core. But this rotten tree, even if it is rotten, seems to be extremely poisonous, making it even more frightening.
Emperor Liu no longer cared about what others thought, but the feeling of powerlessness made him appreciate it more deeply. But the more this happened, the more he doubted whether he could still subdue the ministers, the more he doubted whether someone was despising the power of God and making trouble, and the more he wanted to make some noise to show his existence.
This kind of mentality is obviously more serious than before, and if you want Emperor Liu to calm down, you may have to wait until he can't move anymore. Compared with other troubled old emperors, the biggest difference between Emperor Liu and Emperor Liu is probably that he tormented nobles and bureaucrats more, while trying not to disturb ordinary people as much as possible.
Of course, this may just be Emperor Liu's inaccurate self-perception. As for the specific situation, you can get the answer by looking at the current situation in the northwest and southwest, as well as the Helong, Gaochang, and Sichuan-Tibet regions. Even for Anton, without the blood supply and support of the imperial court, and without Liu Xu's hard work with great perseverance and talent, Anton may not be in the current stable situation, and it is very likely to be another bleeding point for the Han Dynasty.
Emperor Liu obviously did not fully understand this point, so every time he was silent for a period of time, he couldn't help but jump out and make trouble. The older he gets, the calmer and calmer he was in his youth. This is the truth.
On the fifth day of March, there was only one day left before Emperor Liu's birthday. Jiaqing Festival is celebrated every year, but in recent years it has not gone well due to various reasons, and the overall atmosphere has not been in place. But this year, things are obviously going big, and it seems like they want to get rid of the bad luck through a happy birthday.
Of course, the most important thing is that this is Emperor Liu's fifty-ninth birthday and he has officially entered his sixtieth year. It has certain special characteristics, so it is natural for him to make a lot of arrangements.
The interior of the palace is already immersed in a festive atmosphere. There are lights and banners posted everywhere, please sweep the palace road, and the whole scene is busy. Of course, the same is true for the entire Xijing City, and even for the entire Han Dynasty. At least from the public opinion report of the new imperial city envoy Zhang Bin, it can be seen that the people of the capital are "joyfully welcoming Jiaqing and celebrating birthdays happily." The people of Luoyang City are all It was full of smiles, but it was much more lively than in the palace.
It is a natural thing for Zhang Bin to succeed Wang Jien as the Imperial City Envoy. After all, a major and traumatic change has just occurred, and there have been major breakthroughs and adjustments in regulations and powers. A person with sufficient qualifications and familiarity with affairs is needed. The person in charge of the situation was not suitable for another person, so after many years of marriage, Zhang Bin was able to straighten himself up and become the new envoy of the imperial city, becoming another influential figure inside and outside the palace.
There is only half a level difference between the deputy envoy and the chief envoy, but only when you actually sit in that position can you feel the huge difference. Of course, Zhang Bin doesn't dare to get too carried away at the moment. After all, Wang Jien's fate is a bloody lesson learned from the past. He doesn't have as deep a master-servant relationship as Wang Jien and Emperor Liu, at least he doesn't dare to act too out of the ordinary when he first takes office. Be safe and conscientious, showing a diligent and diligent attitude.
The sunshine in late spring was particularly bright, making people feel very happy. Emperor Liu, leaning on a bamboo joint, strolled among the royal roads in the palace and city, accompanied by Prince Liu Yang.
The bamboo cane in his hand has been used for almost two years. Even though it is made of high-quality materials and carefully maintained, it still looks old. Perhaps it is because it has been used so well that Emperor Liu is reluctant to replace it.
The bamboo stick was propped on the ground, making a clicking sound, while Emperor Liu kept talking to Liu Yang: "I heard that you plan to arrange for Wang Ming to be the chief envoy of Gyeonggi Province?"
"Yes! I want to ask His Majesty for your approval on this matter!" Liu Yang nodded and explained the reason for the policy: "Princes and princes are the pillars of the country, loyal and diligent, and have great achievements in hard work. Although the disadvantages of Hexi are wrong, they are understandable, so After discussion, I thought it would be appropriate for him to take charge of Gyeonggi Province to appease the veteran minister for his meritorious service."
Liu Yanggang did a big thing. Together with Zhao Pu, he officially promoted the action of "stopping the Western Expeditions" and implemented it. This was a real major event for the Han court, officials and people. In fact, after suffering from its shortcomings for a long time, it was not hundreds or thousands of people who wanted to overthrow it, but tens of thousands.
To be able to implement this matter, issue a formal edict and inform the world, this first requires the approval of Emperor Liu. Obviously, after Wang Yucheng's previous representations, Emperor Liu's attitude softened and wavered. However, both Liu Yang and Zhao Pu were too familiar with Emperor Liu. In order to be considerate of the "old man's" heart and to reduce Emperor Liu's suspicion, the conclusions drawn by Liu Yang and Zhao Pu also highlighted a "flexibility".
Stopping the Western Expedition does not mean that we will completely ignore Anxi and the Western Expeditionary Army. What has changed is the political philosophy and the adjustment of the support. At least, from now on, we can no longer draw blood from the country and the people without restrictions. Supplies were provided to support Anxi's operations.
At the same time, many of the policies that tired the people and the many abuses and even blatant crimes that resulted from the Western Expedition must be gradually sorted out. Exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes such as the "Four Expropriations" must be abolished. The imperial court needs to appease people's hearts and cure the poison. The most serious situation is undoubtedly the Helong area.
This is obviously a big project, and there are many people who oppose the Western Expedition. Due to the revelation of the intention to enfeoff, the number has doubled in the past two years. Emperor Liu was not unaware of the pressure before.
There is one thing that Emperor Liu himself is not willing to admit, which is that from the beginning of the enfeoffment, it meant the separation of the feudal state and the imperial court, and this separation will only become farther and farther away as time goes by, rather than getting closer. , which is related to interests and humanity, rather than personal feelings and will.
There are also many people who support the Western Expedition. This is a matter of political stance. In the roughly ten years of the Western Expedition, a large number of bureaucrats, military officers, and merchants emerged, and a large number of benefits were obtained from them. Once the court changed, it was Their cheese.
The strength of these people is naturally much weaker than that of the opposition, but they are newer and more cohesive. To a certain extent, they are backed by the Anxi army. Their power cannot be underestimated, so they also need to be appeased.
And Wang Ming is one of the most representative characters, a big boss. Wang Ming's conclusion can also be regarded as a signal. Of course, the most important thing is to take into account Emperor Liu's feelings.
After all, the Western Expedition mainly reflects the will of the old emperor. Such a "compromising" approach, rather than criticizing and completely beating the Western Expedition to death, is to save face for Emperor Liu. The object of compromise was not the interest groups that relied on the Western Expedition, but the old emperor. Otherwise, no matter what small group, they would not be able to withstand the heavy blow of the imperial court.
The imperial court's change of course does not mean that it has given up its support for the Western Expedition. After all, there are several princes and grandsons in Anxi. It just changed from full support to limited support, from disregarding everything to returning the focus to the country, putting the financial security of the imperial court and the livelihood and well-being of the officials and people first.
Outside of the official government, Emperor Liu himself provided financial support from internal funds, and no one could control it. There may be righteous people going west to Anxi to make a living, or ordinary people going to Anxi to seek a living, and the court will support them. If there is a brother of a noble or bureaucrat who wants to work hard in Anxi and earn a fiefdom, it will be even more desirable.
All kinds of exiled criminals can still be transported to Anxi. If in a disaster year, the victims are willing to go to Anxi, the court will still formulate measures to support them in a timely manner.
Some people even proposed that local governments could come forward to organize and call on county officials, gentry, gentry and common people to actively donate money to support Anxi. However, this point was decisively rejected by Liu Yang without any hesitation.
Having been in power for many years, Liu Yangke is very clear about the nature of those bureaucrats. If he really wants to use such a trick, he is afraid that it will not be long before it turns into a bad government again. "Donate money" can become a bad government with a little manipulation. It is a miscellaneous tax item, and the tax collected will most likely not be used in the name of Anxi.
Helong's bad government is exactly the same as this. This is what Wang Long, the governor of Lanzhou, did. Less than 10% of the large amount of materials and funds raised in the name of supporting the Western Expedition was invested in Anxi, and the remaining 90% was spent by the superiors and subordinates. It's been divided cleanly.
It was precisely because of these fully considered and balanced measures that Emperor Liu did not say much about the decision to stop the Western Expedition, but tacitly supported it. Now, the appointment of Wang Ming once again took the old emperor's feelings into consideration. Emperor Liu also felt that respect, and a smile naturally appeared on his ugly old face.
Glancing at Liu Yang, Emperor Liu said: "Wang Mingguo is an important minister who is honest, capable, and hard-working. Although he is responsible for the ineffective supervision of Hexi's shortcomings, the corruption must be the cause of such evils and harm to the people. You have to understand these situations clearly.
There are really not many high-level people in the imperial court who are capable of civil and military service, and Wang Ming is one of them. With his qualifications and merits, he would have been able to become the prime minister long ago. I suppressed him and asked him to fix my leaks in Hexi.
In these years, without Wang Ming in Hexi, how could Liu Min have achieved such achievements in Anxi?
I owe Wang Ming a debt, even if I am appointed to the capital, it is not that high! "
Hearing the old emperor's words full of recognition and appreciation for Wang Ming, Liu Yang couldn't help but feel a little ripples in his heart. You know, Emperor Liu had severely reprimanded Wang Ming back then and almost dismissed him from office.
Today's trust and respect, in Liu Yang's interpretation, may still be the same problem. The "origin and end" of the Western Expedition. What Emperor Liu cares about is his own face and authority.
However, judging from his attitude, his decision to deal with Zhao Pu this time was correct and quite satisfactory.
"I have had several conversations with the prince. I am indeed experienced in governing and controlling the people. I have a lot to learn from!" Liu Yang lowered his head slightly and said humbly.
