Chapter 1211: The Duke of Jin's Observations on His Southern Tour

"Third Brother, sit down quickly!" In the Eastern Palace, Liu Yang led Liu Xi, who had just returned to the capital, to a seat and poured him a cup of cold tea, saying, "It's midsummer now, and the weather is hot. Have some iced drink to cool off!"

"Thank you, Second Brother!" Liu Xi appeared carefree and at ease as he sat down, his whole body in a relaxed state.

"This southern inspection tour lasted over half a year. Father and Noble Consort Gao both missed you greatly. It's good that you're back!" Liu Yang said.

"I have already paid my respects to our parents!" Liu Xi's expression turned somewhat more serious as he said, "The scenery in the south, though different from the Central Plains, has a charm of its own. If it weren't for the summer heat being too intense, and my wife being pregnant, I might have stayed even longer!"

"Your wife is pregnant?" Liu Yang asked, as if seizing upon some key point.

"Yes!" Liu Xi rarely showed a hint of embarrassment as he acknowledged it, a smile unconsciously forming at the corners of his mouth: "She's been kept at Yaohua Hall, listening to Mother's nagging."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang also revealed a somewhat restrained smile and said, "What joyous news! With this, the imperial lineage grows ever more flourishing, truly manifesting the Great Han's prosperous national fortune!"

"Our eldest sister-in-law has given birth to another son, and not long ago, Consort Huifei also added a fifteenth younger brother to our family..."

"I've only just returned to the capital and am not yet fully informed of the situation. It seems I'll need to prepare two gifts to make up for missing the congratulations!" Liu Xi said with a laugh.

After speaking, Liu Xi keenly noticed a trace of disappointment in Liu Yang's eyes. Recalling the topic of their conversation, he understood somewhat. He opened his mouth as if to speak but ultimately said nothing.

As time passed, the fact that the Crown Princess had not conceived and Liu Yang had no son began to be magnified. For both the state and the family, this was a hidden concern. And as a brother, Liu Xi found it inappropriate to say anything rash.

"Third Brother, on this journey south, you visited the two Hu and two Guang regions. How is their governance? What are your impressions? Did you discover any problems?" Liu Yang quickly adjusted himself and turned to serious matters with Liu Xi.

Sending Liu Xi south had never been merely for a honeymoon; observing governance in the central-south and understanding local conditions among the people—that was the primary purpose.

"I must say, Father's vision is unmatched by anyone. Though he dwells in the Central Plains, his insight into the two Hu and two Guang regions is as clear as watching fire!" Mentioning this, Liu Xi grew more solemn and offered a heartfelt compliment from afar.

Liu Xi concisely summarized some of the matters he had already reported to Emperor Liu: "The court has governed the two Hu regions for fifteen years now. After such a long period of construction, the achievements have been remarkable.

Possessing the advantages of rivers and lakes, they have become lands of fish and rice. It can be hoped that as long as development and reclamation continue, the two Hu regions will surely become the court's new granary. With a population of less than 1.5 million in Hunan, there are 230,000 qing of registered farmland—a rarity among all the prefectures and circuits in the realm.

However, from what I observed, the actual amount of farmland in Hunan is likely more than what is recorded in the official registers. In reality, there should be a considerable amount of unregistered land. Moreover, given the vastness of the two Hu regions, the land available for development should be counted in multiples!"

Listening to Liu Xi's account, Liu Yang nodded continuously: "It seems the situation is indeed consistent with what the lower-level reports say—it's still constrained by the population!"

"The court has relocated people to fill Hunan on several occasions, with nearly 700,000 people moving in over time. Combined with natural growth, that's how the current scale has been achieved, no longer the desolation of former days.

I had exchanges with Governor Li. According to him, the people of Hunan have been happy to bear and raise children in recent years. Once this generation grows up, Hunan's development will accelerate even further, and the longer time goes on, the more its population disadvantage will gradually be resolved..."

"How is Master Li faring these days? Is he well?" Hearing Liu Xi mention Li Fang, Liu Yang couldn't help but ask.

Among the ministers, if there was anyone Liu Yang had the best relationship with, it was none other than Li Fang. However, during the years of Li Fang's external appointment, perhaps to avoid suspicion, the two had not maintained overly frequent contact. Liu Yang only sent gifts during festivals and holidays to express his regard.

Liu Xi, knowing the bond between the two, said: "Governor Li is a worthy minister, diligent in governance and nurturing the people. At the same time, his literary talent is outstanding. Hunan has a rich cultural atmosphere and has produced many learned scholars. From what I've heard, those people are sincerely convinced and submissive to Governor Li.

Several successive chief administrators of Hunan, from Lord Zan to Lord Bian, and then to Lord Li, have all pursued a consistent policy—emphasizing agriculture and nurturing the people. Therefore, in the three Xiang regions, their official reputations and popular acclaim are all very good..."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yang revealed a slight smile.

Liu Xi continued: "I spent a full month within Hunan's borders, touring the prefectures and counties. Under the governance of several successive governors, the people's livelihood can be described as stable and prosperous, and public security is also good.

What stands out especially is that the integration and coexistence between Han and the tribes have also made considerable progress. In the past, whether from classical texts or local memorials, the most unstable element in Hunan was the Yao tribal groups in the west, who almost every year gathered forces to raid towns.

Now, such situations have become rare, and even when they occur, they are quickly suppressed. Besides the forceful crackdowns and strict punitive expeditions by generals like Pan and Li and the garrison troops in earlier years, this is also due to the court's policy of pacification and recruitment.

Led by Qin Zaixiong, the Marquis of Hongjiang, some Yao tribal chieftains, after submitting to the court, have served with wholehearted sincerity, leading the Chu tribesmen to gradually become naturalized. Now, among the registered population of Hunan, the naturalized Yao and Miao tribespeople already exceed 100,000 in number. I personally went to inspect—most of them have their own land, forests, and dwellings. Their hearts have turned to the Han, and their children mostly study the official language..."

"Though the Xiang people are called barbarians, they can still be accepted and civilized—this is the effect of winning hearts!" Liu Yang couldn't help but remark: "With such results, it proves that the court's established policy is correct!"

That was only natural; moreover, one could hardly say that the policies led by Emperor Liu could be wrong...

"So it seems, Hunan's governance and popular sentiment are all in good order?" Looking at Liu Xi, Liu Yang asked. Clearly, he felt Liu Xi was only highlighting the positive aspects.

"Of course not!" Liu Xi naturally shook his head and said: "In the early years, to help Hunan recover quickly, the court bestowed grace by reducing and exempting taxes. However, since recovery, the burden on the people has correspondingly increased!"

"Hmm?" Liu Yang was slightly taken aback, his brows immediately furrowing: "Reducing the people's burden and nurturing the populace is the primary goal of the Kaibao governance strategy. What problem has arisen in this regard?"

Liu Xi said: "In recent years, Hunan has undertaken too many construction projects of all kinds—many large works and a constant stream of small ones. Given Hunan's population, this naturally creates excessive corvée labor. Although the authorities provide some compensation, the exploitation of manpower is still somewhat severe."

"Master Li is not the kind of person who would disregard the people's conditions or abuse their labor!" Liu Yang said.

Liu Xi replied: "It's still that there are too few people! Lord Li is also responding to the court's policies. Roads, dikes, canals, reservoirs—these facilities are equally vital to the people's livelihood, even to their safety and survival, so a great deal of manpower must be invested. Though it has been hard, Hunan has not suffered flood or drought disasters for many years..."

Only then did Liu Yang show an understanding expression, musing: "It seems I should send an edict to Hunan, placing some restraint on the use of manpower!"

"Lord Li is a man of measure, so no major disturbances have arisen, but the people are indeed somewhat weary. Throughout the four seasons, besides farming for their livelihood and paying taxes, there are also militia drills at certain times, and with heavy labor service added on top, it is indeed arduous..." Liu Xi said.

"Additionally!" Liu Xi continued: "The southern prefectures have many silver mines. In recent years, annual silver production has exceeded 90,000 taels. However, the people working in the mines endure excessive hardship, their labor service is too heavy, and there is no guarantee of compensation for injuries or disabilities. This is something that should be adjusted!"

Liu Yang was clearly taking this to heart, murmuring: "This indeed deserves attention. The people working in the mines should also be those more suited to the task!"

Coming back to himself, Liu Yang calmly appraised Liu Xi with his gaze. The facts proved that this third brother, though languid on the outside, possessed keen intelligence within.

"It seems this southern tour has indeed allowed you to see quite a lot! You should draft a memorial detailing your observations!" Liu Yang said.

Liu Xi nodded readily: "I'll write it as soon as I return to my residence, and I'll give a copy to Second Brother as well!"

"Good! Now, tell me about the situation in Lingnan..."