Han Dynasty Achievements

Chapter 120: Falling Down

Chapter 120: Falling Down

Liu Bian was indeed more confident than ever before.

With an army of 100,000 and many brave generals at his disposal, he naturally has the confidence!

He sat up straight, his eyes stern, and said: "Although the matter of cutting redundant officials is handled by the Wang family, it is also the business of the Shangshutai. The Shangshutai must carefully discuss and determine the specific list of cuts, consult the Yushitai and the Nine Ministers, and unify thoughts and build consensus. This is a national policy made by the court based on the large number of redundant officials and the waste of the national treasury. It is not the work of one person or one government office!"

The four of them bowed together and listened to the Hadith.

Xun You and Zhong Yao both knew that His Majesty was supporting Wang Yun.

Wang Yun couldn't help but clutch his knees tightly with both hands, his eyes becoming more determined.

Yang Biao's face was tense, and his uneasiness became even stronger.

"Five days,"

Liu Bian pondered in his heart and said, "Within five days, determine the final list, publish it in writing, and then gradually reduce it. Wang Qing's family must coordinate the various prefectures and temples, and proceed in a safe and orderly manner, and avoid major chaos."

"I obey your command." Wang Yun raised his hand and said.

Liu Bian took in the expressions of the four people and said, "This is settled. Regarding the reform of Sili, the Shangshutai will personally handle it, especially the transportation of money and grain, and the salt administration. It must be implemented as soon as possible. Before the summer harvest next year, I want to see the results!"

Liu Bian had an army of 100,000, but he still needed money and food to support it. The money and food obtained from "confiscation of property" alone could not sustain the country for long, and he could not rely on "confiscation of property" to maintain the operation of the country.

There must be a healthy tax system!

"We obey your command!" The four of them raised their hands and responded in a deep voice.

Liu Bian looked at Yang Biao and said, "I am not satisfied with the policy outline submitted by the Prime Minister. The state affairs are not the responsibility of the Prime Minister alone. The Prime Minister must convene court officials for a comprehensive, detailed and coordinated discussion, distinguishing between priorities and rhythms. He must not work behind closed doors and shut his eyes and ears."

Yang Biao's face became serious, he raised his hand and said, "I accept your order."

Liu Bian picked up the teacup and asked, "How many titles did the Shangshutai choose?"

Yang Biao hadn't put his hand down yet, and interrupted him, "Your Majesty, there are three for now, Guangxi, Zhaoning, and Yonghan. Please make the decision, Your Majesty."

Guangxi was the one agreed upon by the court officials beforehand, and Liu Bian disliked him very much.

"Zhaoning, Yonghan..."

Liu Bian looked thoughtful and said, "Then let's go to Yonghan."

"I obey your order." Yang Biao said.

Wang Yun, Xun You and Zhong Yao all had no objection. This was the reign title they had agreed upon, and any one of them could be chosen.

Pan Yin walked in quietly and handed Liu Bian a memorial with a respectful and cautious expression.

Liu Bian glanced at him, opened it and read it. After a moment, he remained expressionless, glanced at Yang Biao and Wang Yun, closed it, and said with a smile: "Xun Qing family, have you arrived at the vacancy in Bingzhou?"

The four were still very curious about this memorial, but no one asked. Xun You said, "It is basically in place. In a few days, I will set off for Jizhou."

Ying Shao is about to take office as the governor of Jizhou, and Xun You has to go to support him and stabilize the situation.

"it is good."

Liu Bian nodded and said, "Regarding the salt policy and the series of 'new policies' of the court, the Xunqing family must have a clear discussion with Ying Shao."

The salt administration concerns two places, one is Jizhou and the other is Yizhou.

The memorial in Liu Bian's hand came from Liu Yan, the governor of Yizhou.

"I accept your order," Xun You said. He knew that the court was short of money and grain, and salt administration was the court's top priority!

"Let's talk about other things." Liu Bian said.

Yang Biao pretended to think, and then said: "Your Majesty, I recommend the famous scholar Wang Lang from Donghai to join the government."

Liu Bian was stunned. This was the first time Yang Biao recommended him. He thought to himself: This guy feels the pressure and wants to do something?

After thinking for a while, Liu Bian asked, "How about the Luoyang magistrate?"

Yang Biao opened his eyes slightly, feeling pleasantly surprised, but his face remained unchanged as he said, "I think it is possible."

Wang Yun, Xun You, and Zhong Yao looked at him, each with their own thoughts.

In short, the Luoyang Ling is the magistrate of Luoyang County and the Dongdu County. You can imagine how special his status is.

The previous magistrate of Luoyang was Zhou Yi. As he was a member of the General's Mansion and a disciple of the Yuan family, he was put on "holding" in a series of court struggles a few months ago. Later, he resigned due to fear and now no one knows where he has gone.

Wang Yun said: "Your Majesty, regarding the Bingcao, I think that its powers and responsibilities overlap with those of the Hucao and Taipu, and they need to be further divided."

Bingcao is tentatively a logistical organization that raises military funds, manages armaments, and provides support to the army.

Liu Bian said: "This matter was discussed and reported by the Shangshutai."

Zhong Yao glanced at Yang Biao, paused, and said, "Your Majesty, there are many prisons in Luoyang City, more than a dozen of them, should they be managed in a unified manner?"

Liu Bian raised his eyebrows and nodded, saying, "Your Excellency is right. Except for the Huangmen Beisi Prison, all prisons in prefectures and temples will be abolished and may not be retained or re-established. The Tianlao will be directly under the jurisdiction of the Shangshutai and will not be under the jurisdiction of the Xingcao, Tingwei, Yushitai, etc."

Zhong Yao was stunned. He proposed this just to guard against Yang Biao, so how come even his Tingwei Prison was gone?

But he soon realized that this was to prevent powerful officials from using prisons to frame opponents and suppress dissidents. It would also reduce torture and false and wrongful convictions.

"I will receive the order."

The four people raised their hands. Such a change would be beneficial and harmless, and they had no reason to object.

Liu Bian discussed all matters with them. Outside the Yongle Palace, Tang Ji finally came out and was shocked to hear the news that her father had resigned.

"Father, what happened?" Tang Ji looked nervous.

Tang Mao sighed and said, "My father was foolish and accepted money from others."

Tang Ji pursed her lips and looked straight at her father.

Tang Mao immediately smiled and said, "It's not a big deal, don't worry. Who in the court doesn't accept some money? Just serve His Majesty well, and your father will come back in the future."

Tang Ji heaved a sigh of relief after hearing this, and said in a somewhat reproachful tone: "Father, how can you accept money from others at this time? Do you want me to ask the Queen Mother or His Majesty for mercy..."

"No!"

Tang Mao stopped him decisively, then looked around and whispered, "You must apologize to the Queen and His Majesty on behalf of your father, and you must not ask for mercy!"

Tang Ji seemed to understand, but nodded obediently.

Tang Mao knew that his daughter was always well-behaved, so he didn't worry too much. He also instructed: "If the Queen Mother wants to select a beauty for Your Majesty, you must not stop her."

Tang Ji never thought of stopping it and just responded softly.

Tang Mao gave a few more instructions and left the palace feeling melancholy.

The originally bright future has turned into a bubble in the water, which makes everyone feel melancholy.

As we passed by the Jiade Hall, we heard bursts of discussion coming from the Shangshu Terrace.

"Have you heard? Lord Wang used some unknown means to force Lord Tang to resign!"

"The prince is really amazing. Not only did he disobey the Queen Mother, he even managed to get Lord Tang to resign."

"That's not all. According to the news from the Ministry of Personnel, Minister Xun has signed it and will start cutting redundant officials tomorrow!"

"Tomorrow? The officials in the Three Dukes' Mansion will be furious."

"Also, I heard that the Criminal Department has already arrested some people. Anyone who caused trouble has been put in jail..."

After listening to it, Tang Mao shook his head, sighed, and walked out of the palace.

In Jingfu Hall, they discussed for another half an hour before Yang Biao and the other four left.

The four people who went out were all in a good mood.

They almost all got what they wanted and were happy.

In the study, Liu Bian sat at the desk, holding Liu Yan's memorial in his hand.

In his memorial, Liu Yan said that his illness was getting worse and he could not go to the capital to meet the emperor, so he sent his young son Liu Zhang to the capital to apologize.

Is this taking Liu Zhang as a hostage?

'You will regret it someday!'

Liu Bian knew something and sneered in his heart. He then looked at Zuo Li and said, "Liu Zhang will arrive in Beijing tomorrow. Send someone to pick him up."

"Yes." Zuo Li understood, lowered his head, and said with cold eyes.

Liu Bian threw away the memorial and said, "Let Dian Wei prepare. I have to go to Taicang tomorrow."

Taicang, the national treasury, not only stores the money and grain of the Han Dynasty, but also has the right to mint coins!

"As you wish." Pan Yin responded.

Liu Bian thought quietly for a while and found nothing missing, so he picked up the memorials piled in front of him and began to review them.

Yang Biao, Wang Yun, Xun You and Zhong Yao returned to the Secretariat and also heard various discussions.

"So, the prince is in power this time, and the prime minister is no match for him?"

"That's right. Don't look at the position, but look at the work. If there is nothing to do, no matter how great the power is, it will be useless..."

"Do you think it's possible for Wang Gong to become the prime minister?"

"I bet it's only a matter of time!"

Yang Biao stood at the door and heard everything. He was angry and glared at her. He shouted, "Is there nothing to do?"

The voices from the duty rooms suddenly stopped.

Wang Yun looked indifferent.

"Let's discuss matters at the Secretariat!" Yang Biao's face was full of majesty.

Xun You and Zhong Yao looked at each other and shook their heads secretly.

The prime minister could no longer sit still with the sudden rise of Wang Yun.

The Shangshutai held its first meeting and began to discuss specific matters.

It opens all night long.

Following the busy clerks, he felt extremely uncomfortable and complained bitterly.

After the noon hour, Li Ru, the Minister of Justice, led his men to formally seal off the three dukes' mansions and announced a list of layoffs and relocations.

It is easy to deal with those who are transferred, but those who are classified as "redundant officials" are naturally unwilling to accept this and will resist in various forms.

Li Ru had an elegant temperament, but he was ruthless when it came to action. In Sangong Mansion alone, he arrested more than 30 people.

But the really lively place was not the Three Dukes’ Mansion, but Taichang.

Early in the morning, more than thirty officials of all ranks and hundreds of students from the Imperial College and Hongdumen School surrounded the gate of Taichang and made a loud noise.

"Why should we be laid off? We are veterans of three dynasties. Even if we have made contributions, we have worked hard. Why should we be laid off just like that?!"

"We are Taixue students, the foundation of the future imperial court and the pillars of the country. How can we drop out of school?"

"The importance of Chinese culture is unparalleled! Cai Yong, you are also a scholar. If you don't let us study today, we will dig up your grave tomorrow!"

"Hongdu School was founded by the late emperor. We are his disciples. How can you, a mere minister, expel us?"

Hundreds of people surrounded the door, the noise was as loud as the tide, the door was forced down, and hundreds of people rushed in frantically.

The officials of Taichang tried desperately to explain, block and stop them, but the angry officials of all ranks, students of Taixue and students of Hongdumen were furious and would not listen to any explanation at all. They roared and demanded to see Cai Yong.

Cai Yong hid in the distance and said urgently: "Go quickly, mobilize the yamen runners from all places to stop them!"

The official beside him responded and quickly ordered a clerk to climb over the wall to find reinforcements.

The Ministry of Rites didn't have many officers to stop hundreds of people. Moreover, more and more people were causing trouble.

Cai Yong frowned, looking solemn.

He followed Liu Bian's opinion and carried out a large-scale expulsion of the misbehaving and disorderly students in Hongdumen School and Taixue. This coincided with the court's reduction of redundant officials, and the situation became a big deal!

"What should I do, what should I do..." Cai Yong felt a little panicked. If he continued to make trouble, it would be difficult to end it!

"Cai Yong is there!"

Suddenly, someone saw Cai Yong behind the door, pointed and shouted.

For a moment, the crowd was excited, and the officials and students who rushed in instantly broke through the obstruction and headed straight for Cai Yong.

Cai Yong was startled and turned and ran away.

"Cai Yong, don't run!"

Someone shouted loudly, and no one knew who it was, but he actually threw an inkstone towards Cai Yong's back.

砰

Cai Yong fell down immediately.

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