Chapter 1430: Emperor Liu Returns to the Capital

By the time Emperor Liu returned to the capital once more, July was already half over; the fierce heat of high summer was steadily receding, and the finest season of the year had arrived. Luoyang was as bustling and clamorous as ever, full of the smoke and bustle of everyday life. The splendor of the imperial capital seemed utterly unchanged—even the arrival of fresh seasonal fruits and melons in the market differed not at all from usual.

Of course, even as things stood now, Luoyang still saw new changes every month and every year. Driven by ever-growing commercial demand, under the leadership of the Luoyang Prefecture, new docks and warehouse facilities had already been put under construction, and the commotion was considerable.

And with the issuance and promotion of the new currency, in the markets of the Western Capital, large-scale commodity transactions had already begun to be settled through silver coinage. The issuance of silver currency had not been going on for long—far from being spread across the whole realm—but in the Western Capital it had developed rapidly.

Toward this "novel" thing, the merchants and common folk of Luoyang had adapted quickly, and it had won the support of the broad mass of merchants and citizens. At the very least, silver as a precious metal was no longer the exclusive preserve of nobles and great houses.

Especially the big merchants—they were the most delighted of all. At least henceforth, in their transactions and dealings, they no longer had to rely on bolts of silk, which greatly facilitated their commercial activities. Within a few months, the court had already released more than one million five hundred thousand taels of silver into the Luoyang market, and every last bit of it had been absorbed.

Emperor Liu's return to the capital was as low-key as ever. He did not go straight back to the palace, but instead chose to tour the city. During this period, his work had been devoted entirely to sightseeing and leisure, and he had not yet emerged from that idle, carefree mood.

At the Dingding Gate in the southern city, the flow of pedestrians was like a tide, unbroken and unending. The common folk all obediently queued up, submitting to questioning and inspection by the city guards. After all, this was the vital heart of the capital, and great importance was attached to the screening and inspection of those entering and leaving—especially those entering the city.

Of course, the scrutiny of persons was not overly strict; the inspection and management of goods entering and leaving, however, was far more meticulous. Yet, markedly different from the past, goods were no longer permitted to pass through the Dingding Gate.

A merchant caravan from the south was intercepted by the city guards and sternly informed that entry into the city was forbidden. This threw the caravan's master into a panic. Facing the officer of the Patrol Inspectorate, he offered apologies, pleaded for mercy, and even produced a gift of thanks—all to no avail. The officer showed not the slightest leniency, was very firm, and simply would not let them in.

Emperor Liu's carriage was not far away. Noticing this situation, his expression remained unchanged, and he chuckled lightly: "Are the city defenders of Luoyang really so diligent in their duties?"

As if sensing Emperor Liu's sardonic tone, Zhang Yong took the initiative to go and inquire, but was stopped by Zhang Dejun: "Academician Zhang, wait a moment!"

Zhang Yong halted and looked at Zhang Dejun in puzzlement. Emperor Liu also cast a slightly surprised glance at him. Meeting the gazes of the two, Zhang Dejun clasped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, this matter—this humble servant knows of it. It is not that the city guards are deliberately making difficulties!"

"Tell me, then!" Hearing this, Emperor Liu immediately understood that there might be some hidden circumstances here that he did not know about.

Zhang Dejun said: "This matter originates from a new ordinance promulgated by the Luoyang Prefecture, personally presided over by Prefect Zhao. Since the start of July, all goods entering or leaving the Western Capital must use designated points of entry and exit, where they undergo inspection and inventory.

The Luoyang Prefecture has established five inspection stations around the outskirts of Luoyang, dedicated solely to the passage of goods. The authorities dispatch special officials to conduct inspections, determine the customs duties, and collect them on the spot. After entering the city, no further levies are imposed on goods traded within the city and its markets.

Apart from the five inspection stations, all other city gate passages permit only pedestrians. This merchant caravan is clearly visiting the capital for the first time and is not yet aware of the situation. They wanted to enter through the Dingding Gate as in the past, so the city guards naturally stopped them.

If they wish to bring goods into the city, the nearest passage would be the Houzai Gate to the southwest, not the Dingding Gate!"

Sure enough, even as Zhang Dejun was explaining, the situation before the city gate had already begun to change. Directed by the city guards, the caravan had already turned around, heading back the way they came, and veered off toward the west...

Seeing this scene and hearing Zhang Dejun's account, Emperor Liu's expression seemed to soften. He had, of course, perceived at once the convenience of the ordinance Zhao Kuangyi had issued. With the development of the Great Han's commodity economy to this point, the collection of commercial taxes had always been a difficult problem. After the boundaries between wards and markets had been broken down, the old market tax system was even less able to meet the needs of the present day.

By doing as Zhao Kuangyi had done—securing the choke points for goods entering and leaving—one could not say it solved all problems once and for all, but at least it could resolve the majority of goods tax collection issues, and it was also an improvement to the city's commercial order.

"This Zhao Kuangyi—he really can come up with some tricks!" Emperor Liu chuckled lightly: "This method is not bad; it can resolve quite a few goods tax collection problems! However, to do it well and avoid chaos is not so easy. The volume of goods entering and leaving the capital is no small figure. These several inspection stations must require a great deal of manpower!"

Zhang Dejun said: "Prefect Zhao has reorganized the original market tax clerks and soldiers under the Luoyang Prefecture, dispatching them to the various passes, and has also borrowed officers and men from the Patrol Inspectorate. There should be no shortage of manpower!"

"True enough—positions like these are low in rank but heavy in power, and the interests involved are enormous. How could there be a shortage?" Emperor Liu smiled meaningfully: "I suspect those hoping to get into this new customs supervision are practically crushing each other to get through the door!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhang Dejun said: "That is indeed the case. However, Prefect Zhao's connections are not easy to work through. As far as this humble servant knows, Prefect Zhao personally examines all tax officials; only after they pass does he appoint them. In addition, he frequently makes personal visits to the various stations. Thus, up to now, everything has been operating fairly smoothly!"

"That really is Zhao Kuangyi's way of doing things!" Emperor Liu smiled faintly.

"In addition, Prefect Zhao has also rectified the collection of taxes within the city. He has divided it according to neighborhoods and markets, placing tax officials in each to be responsible for collecting taxes from the various business establishments within their jurisdictions! It can be said that the commercial tax situation in the Western Capital has been completely transformed!" Zhang Dejun added.

"Prefect Zhao is truly a capable official!" From the side, Zhang Yong could finally not help but exclaim in admiration: "If this system ultimately takes hold and operates without obstruction, and then receives subsequent supplements and refinements, it could vastly improve the collection of commercial taxes in the Western Capital! It can be imagined that this year's commercial tax revenue from the Western Capital will see tremendous growth!"

A look of appreciation could not help but appear in Emperor Liu's eyes as he said: "Completing a single task may not be difficult, but establishing a set of effective rules and institutions that can be passed down—that is no easy matter. Zhao Kuangyi has done well in this matter. It is clear that he has put real thought into it!"

"Ziyong!"

"Here!" Zhang Yong responded.

"Later, bring me that new system of goods inspection and taxation that Zhao Kuangyi has issued, so I may have a look!" Emperor Liu instructed.

"Yes!"

"This system has just been established, and its implementation has not been going on for long, so no problems can be seen yet! Whether it is truly workable still needs to be tested by time. Let it be tried out in the Western Capital for now. Observe the results before saying more. If it proves genuinely feasible, it would be a fine method, and in the future it could be promoted to the prefectures, circuits, and towns across the realm!" Emperor Liu directed.

"Your Majesty perceives the slightest detail and sees far ahead—your servant admires you immensely!" Zhang Yong immediately began to flatter.

Emperor Liu smiled but said nothing more.

"Your Majesty, shall we return to the palace?" Having been unable to get a word in during the previous topic, Yan Tuo now seized the opportunity to make his presence known.

"There is still plenty of time; why rush back to the palace?" Emperor Liu shook his head and instructed.

"Where would Your Majesty like to visit?"

"Let us go see the Taihe Tower!" Emperor Liu said: "The special imperial examination is about to begin, and scholars from all directions are converging on the capital. They should add considerable luster to the city. Let us go and take a look, broaden our horizons, and add a touch of literary refinement!"

"Yes!"

The Taihe Tower was the property of Prince Chen, Zhao Kuangzan. Over all these years, it had gained great renown within the capital and had attracted no small number of literati and men of letters. Every time the court held its examinations, it would proactively provide conveniences for the scholars coming to the capital to sit for the exams, allowing them to prepare and to exchange ideas. This year was no different.

During this period, as the special examination drew near, scholars and student-officials from all corners of the realm arrived in the capital one after another, reviewing their studies, preparing for the exams, and exchanging visits—adding yet another scene of flourishing prosperity to the Western Capital.

And this special examination was also quite targeted in its subjects. Besides the jinshi examination, it increased the weight of the medical, mathematics, agriculture, and history examinations, and the criteria for admission were also somewhat relaxed. Added to this was the first military examination since the founding of the dynasty—it could be said that this would be the most professionally oriented imperial examination in the history of the Great Han.