Chapter 1243: The Difficulty of Tax Reduction

"I will wait and see!" In response to Lu Duoxun's words, Emperor Liu ultimately gave a reply that seemed less than enthusiastic.

The contradictions between Hu and Han, ethnic issues—how could they be resolved so easily? Especially on this vast expanse of land in the northwest, where historical problems left behind were far too severe. Not to mention a few short years—even if magnified tenfold, stretched to a hundred years, could they be thoroughly resolved?

On this matter, Emperor Liu's attitude was reserved. Differences of ethnicity, disparities of status, entanglements of interest, cultural conflicts—laid out plainly, it was all a tangled mess. Moreover, as time passed, the contradictions might not necessarily improve; they could instead grow more serious. These were all unforeseen matters.

However, since Lu Duoxun had this idea and plan, Emperor Liu naturally still supported it. The inclusiveness and assimilative power of Han culture were also worthy of trust. Perhaps there would be unexpected gains and results?

If one couldn't solve the problem, one could solve the people who created the problem—how simple and straightforward that would be. But if that kind of "once and for all" approach were truly adopted, would there be no new problems in Hexi? Obviously, that would be inevitable.

A vast empire would always have problems. When old problems were solved, new ones often followed on their heels. In today's Hexi and the greater northwest, the Hu-Han issue was the principal contradiction in governing the people and consolidating the territory. But at least it was out in the open and had drawn the attention of the court and officials, so it could be guarded against at all times and responded to promptly...

Visible problems were often not so frightening.

Though Lu Duoxun was shrewd, he still found it difficult to truly fathom Emperor Liu's thoughts. He did not know that Emperor Liu viewed these matters from a very profound and extremely far-sighted perspective.

While feeling that the imperial will was hard to gauge, Lu Duoxun still perceived the support Emperor Liu had expressed. Noting that Emperor Liu's face remained calm, Lu Duoxun continued: "Your Majesty, your minister wishes to promote Han assimilation in depth in Hexi in order to achieve submission and governance. Besides Your Majesty's approval, I also need a certain amount of support!"

"If you have any requests, just speak up boldly!" Emperor Liu raised his eyes toward Lu Duoxun, and seeing his proactive manner, said with a light laugh.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lu Duoxun made a bow, then said: "Nothing more than money and grain! Your minister pleads on behalf of the people of Hexi, hoping that some taxes can be reduced, leaving enough money and grain to support development..."

"Has Hexi suffered any great disasters or famines in these past few years?" Seeing Lu Duoxun's lack of ceremony, Emperor Liu instead asked calmly in return.

"This..." Immediately sensing the change in the Emperor's tone, Lu Duoxun lowered his voice somewhat: "No, it has not."

"With no disasters and no famines, why should taxes be reduced?" Emperor Liu's tone grew even firmer: "Though Hexi has not been established as a circuit for long, in these past years, appeasement policies have already been implemented. According to the Kaibao tax system, the two-tax quotas for the northwestern circuits have already been adjusted, and Hexi has received special consideration.

In terms of remoteness and poverty, there are places worse off than Hexi. If I were to grant today's request and give extra preferential treatment, then when other circuits and prefectures make similar requests in the future—this one asking for tax cuts, that one asking for exemption—how would I respond?

If the state's tax revenue decreases and the money and grain at the central government's disposal become insufficient, how would the court maintain itself, how would the army be supplied, how would those projects and facilities beneficial to the state and the people be built..."

Though since taking power, Emperor Liu had issued such edicts and gracious decrees on several occasions, reducing the burden on the people and improving the livelihood of the common folk. Whenever disasters struck, reducing or exempting taxes for the affected prefectures and counties was a common occurrence.

However, if one analyzed it carefully, one could discover that in caring for the people and showing compassion for the common folk, a large part of it was for the sake of building his public image and winning people's hearts.

Emperor Liu's policies benefiting the people had always been implemented step by step. Take tax reduction for example—it was only done decisively and generously when the state's finances were in good shape, or when the people's burden had reached a level close to dangerous.

Back when he first succeeded to the throne and implemented the Qianyou New Policies, he abolished a great number of exorbitant and miscellaneous levies, but those were all overly unreasonable or even absurd tax laws—such as taxes on marriage, funerals, begging, and so on. As for the regular taxes, the reductions were merely symbolic, just enough to let people see hope.

Even the two methods of "shengmo" and "shenghao" implemented by Wang Zhang alone had exploited a vast amount of money and grain from the people, earning a large "price difference." This had continued for nearly five years, and it was only after the acquisition of Huainan that adjustments were made. Remember, it was adjustment, not abolition—the wastage incurred during the tax collection process had always been borne by the taxpayers. Even by the seventh year of Kaibao, there had been no substantive change in this regard.

The hardships of the early years of the state, the financial straits—thinking of them now, it all seemed inconceivable. How had they managed to endure back then? It could be said that the development and strength of the Great Han's early period relied on internal exploitation and tapping potential.

In the first decade of the Qianyou era, there was no doubt that the lives of the Great Han's people could be described as hard. It was only after the continuous victories in foreign wars, the gradual unification of the realm, and the gradual recovery of internal self-sustaining capacity that conditions began to improve.

And it was only after entering the Kaibao era that the people of the Great Han truly welcomed good days. That series of Kaibao New Policies formulated back then were the real benefits to the people, the real love for the people.

On the issue of taxation, Emperor Liu had always been rational, rarely making hasty promises just because someone petitioned, someone memorialized, or someone poured out their grievances. This could be considered his consistent style—unless necessary, unless it was an established precedent, he would never lightly reduce taxes.

This was also the fundamental reason for rejecting Lu Duoxun's request. One could not show favoritism just because Hexi was remote and difficult, or because of its great military significance. After all, when it came to Hexi's taxes, the Finance Commission had already taken preferential treatment into account when formulating the annual quotas. Emperor Liu's balancing act was not limited to the central court—it applied equally to the local circuits and prefectures.

Sensing Emperor Liu's attitude, Lu Duoxun was first stunned, then after a moment's thought, lowered his head and confessed his fault: "Your minister's considerations were incomplete. Please punish me, Your Majesty!"

"When have I ever punished anyone for their words?" Emperor Liu waved his hand magnanimously, fixed his gaze on Lu Duoxun, and said with a hint of encouragement: "You govern Hexi and seek blessings for the people under your charge—that is what you ought to do, and it is understandable. However, you must not only focus on Hexi alone. It would be best to look at the whole country and survey the overall situation. By all means, broaden your perspective!"

Hearing these words, Lu Duoxun's somewhat dispirited mood was instantly swept away. He silently savored the words, then immediately responded: "Your Majesty's instruction is correct! It is your minister whose vision was too narrow!"

In his heart, he could not help but reproach himself. His goal was to enter the court and become a chancellor. It seemed he needed to set his sights higher and farther, looking toward the future. But if he did not perform well in his post in Hexi, without outstanding achievements, how could he enter the court?

Lu Duoxun's mental activity began to grow rich. Usually so decisive, he was uncharacteristically hesitant.

"However, since you have the idea of reforming and innovating to consolidate the territory, I naturally support it. How about this—during this western inspection tour, I have felt the hardship of the northwestern people's livelihoods and the difficulty of the officials' governance. After returning to court, I will have the Finance Commission allocate a portion of money and grain to fill the granaries and fund improvements!" Emperor Liu said further.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lu Duoxun immediately bowed in gratitude, beaming with joy.

Compared to tax reduction policies, perhaps this kind of special funding support was more beneficial to the local government. This way, they would have more capital to govern and handle affairs, and it would be more substantial.

"Your minister has one more request!"

"Speak! Whatever other requirements you have, finish them all at once!" Emperor Liu could not help but cast a glance at him.

"Your minister feels that to promote Han assimilation, the jurisdiction needs a batch of capable officials, more usable people. This is also what the Hexi government lacks most. Currently, many people in the Hexi government hold multiple posts simultaneously. I hope that another batch of talent can be dispatched. Though Hexi is remote, it is a place where one can accomplish things and produce results..." Lu Duoxun said.

"Very good. Whether governing the state, governing politics, or governing the military, talent comes first!" Emperor Liu said: "Report the vacancies in all the government offices of Hexi to Luoyang, and I will have the Ministry of Personnel handle it. It's also time for the new batch of observing Academicians to be sent out to provincial posts!"

"However! The matter at Fengzhou has also reminded me—the Great Han's current staffing quotas for officials at all levels do not suit every place! Hexi is also a place with vast territory and sparse population. I will send you the personnel, but do not create redundant staffing and waste!" Emperor Liu stated his attitude directly.

Upon hearing this, Lu Duoxun immediately declared: "Rest assured, Your Majesty! Your minister will surely ensure that every person is put to proper use, and will never tolerate any situation of overstaffing or squandering of court salaries!"

Seeing this, Emperor Liu stroked his beard, which the wind had blown into somewhat disarray, and said with a light laugh: "Very good!"

Emperor Liu naturally acknowledged Lu Duoxun's assurance. He was quite familiar with some of Lu Duoxun's official styles. Before his western journey to Hexi, he had already heard a report about Lu Duoxun from Li Chongju.

This man was not a kind person! His arrogant nature was something Emperor Liu had long witnessed.

From the time he passed the imperial examination, Lu Duoxun had nearly twenty years of official career. During this process, his abilities, experience, and methods had all improved rapidly. But one thing had not changed much—that arrogance. He had always been conceited about his talents. Even being assigned to the Three Institutes as a librarian two years earlier had only made him slightly more restrained.

Now, it had been less than a year since he was promoted to Administration Commissioner of Hexi, yet his style of governance and handling affairs was becoming increasingly pronounced. To achieve his goals, he would stop at nothing, even resorting to any means.

In terms of ability, Lu Duoxun was absolutely one of the most capable officials in the Great Han. He was decisive in action and forceful in style. Those who served as officials under him were all driven by his whip and felt great pressure. One official had once uttered complaints, which came to Lu Duoxun's knowledge. Later, after some maneuvering, that official not only lost his post but couldn't even remain in Hexi, and could only slink away with his family to move to Guzang, hiding far away before he could feel at ease...

Since he had made the promise, Emperor Liu believed he would definitely follow through. As for matters of personal virtue, Lu Duoxun's not-so-good official reputation was not what Emperor Liu cared about most.

From the bottom of his heart, Emperor Liu did not expect, and was even unwilling, for all officials of the Great Han to be "moral paragons." The Great Han's officialdom also needed people like Lu Duoxun!