Chapter 1730: A New Policy to Benefit the People

Just moments ago, Liu Jichang had been the center of attention, surrounded like stars around the moon—but the next moment, he shed all his dignified bearing, even showing a hint of nervousness. Seeing Liu Yang, he hurried forward and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness has graced us with your presence, and I failed to welcome you from afar—I beg your forgiveness."

Liu Yang instinctively glanced outside; since Liu Jichang had left his seat, the hall had grown considerably quieter. Looking at him, Liu Yang smiled lightly: "I hear you've found a new love. With such a fine match and happy occasion, I came specially to beg a cup of wine and share in the good fortune. Only, I've come uninvited—I'll need your indulgence as host!"

The tone of this conversation was somewhat off. Liu Jichang's heart tightened, and he hurriedly said with humility: "Your Highness speaks too gravely. Your Highness's coming is my honor alone. But these trivial personal matters of mine are truly unfit for Your Highness's attention—I would not dare disturb you."

"This banquet hall at Taihe Tower—is it also unfit for attention? Is it not grand enough, or not lavish enough?" Liu Yang countered.

One had to know—when Liu Yang had taken Xiao Chuo as his consort back then, he had not made a great show of it, had not even held a proper banquet, merely going through a simple ceremonial procedure, nothing more. So seeing Liu Jichang make such a grand spectacle over taking a concubine, how could Liu Yang not have thoughts on the matter?

Liu Jichang was not drunk, and he understood the implication. Somewhat anxiously, he clasped his hands and said: "I am guilty!"

Like Emperor Liu, Liu Yang also disliked subordinates who begged for punishment at every turn. Emperor Liu found it hypocritical, while Liu Yang considered it a sign of evading problems and shirking responsibility—of no use whatsoever.

"Don't rush to beg for punishment!" Liu Yang waved his hand forcefully, his brows slightly furrowing: "I'm merely curious—as the Governor of Kaifeng and heir to the Prince of Xu, watched by the entire court, the focus of the whole city—do you need to make such a display over taking a concubine, as if you wish every scholar and commoner in the city to know? Where is court propriety? Where is decency?"

Hearing this, Liu Jichang could barely remain standing. He knelt swiftly: "My deliberations were improper, my actions rash, unworthy of official dignity—I beg Your Highness's leniency. I shall immediately give orders to have the banquet dismantled!"

"Having already made such a grand scene, do you want to add more criticism to the mix?" Liu Yang asked.

Liu Jichang understood the reasoning well enough—he was merely showing an attitude—so he lowered his head and said: "I await Your Highness's instructions."

Liu Yang silently regarded Liu Jichang for a while, then spoke again: "Rise!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!" Liu Jichang could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"Who are the guests at this banquet?"

"Aside from some relatives, friends, and colleagues, the rest are all worthies and notables of the Eastern Capital!" Liu Jichang answered honestly. Observing Liu Yang's expression and seeing his countenance soften somewhat, he added cautiously:

"Your Highness, allow me to explain—I did not hold this banquet out of mere vanity, to receive congratulatory gifts or listen to those people's flattery, but rather out of other difficulties."

Hearing Liu Jichang say this, Liu Yang raised an eyebrow and stared straight at him: "Oh? I'd like to hear what hidden circumstances lie behind this."

Sensing the Crown Prince's skeptical attitude, Liu Jichang held his breath and steadied himself. The words were already out—he would have to see them through.

Organizing his words slightly, Liu Jichang clasped his hands: "Your Highness, I have served as Governor of Kaifeng for a year now. In my tenure, though I have committed no great errors, I have likewise achieved nothing for the state or the people. Whenever I think of this, I feel deeply ashamed.

I dare not claim to have exhausted my every effort, yet I have not lacked for deliberation. Recently, I have consulted with my advisors, listened to various opinions, and resolved to do what I can for the common people under Kaifeng's jurisdiction—to fulfill my duties in some small measure and repay Your Majesty's grace in elevating me."

Hearing Liu Jichang's roundabout words, Liu Yang, though not impatient, furrowed his brows deeply: "The thing within your power that you thought of—is it today's affair?"

Liu Jichang shook his head repeatedly: "I have examined my jurisdiction—within the Eastern Capital, all is prosperous and thriving. But Kaifeng's governance extends beyond the Eastern Capital to fifteen other counties, with nearly two hundred thousand households of common folk.

In the past, the government has largely neglected the common people of these counties and towns. Though they dwell in the heart of the imperial domain, basking in the capital's glory, they have enjoyed far fewer benefits than the capital's own residents.

Indeed, they bear heavy burdens to supply the capital, and among the villages and fields, there is no shortage of those in dire poverty. Therefore, in my presumption, I wish to extend grace and benefits to these people under my governance, as a form of compensation.

I intend, in the counties under Kaifeng's jurisdiction, to undertake new construction—widening roads, building reservoirs, and dredging irrigation canals. Last year, crop yields declined, and small farmers and common folk have struggled to make a living. I also plan to provide them with corresponding subsidies."

While speaking, he observed Liu Yang's expression. Seeing him lost in thought, Liu Jichang's heart steadied somewhat, and his words flowed more smoothly as he continued: "To implement a new policy of benefiting the people, the first priority lies in finances."

Liu Yang interrupted him: "The idea is good, but what does it have to do with today's spectacle at Taihe Tower? If we speak of fiscal abundance, how many prefectures and circuits in the realm can compare with Kaifeng?"

Liu Jichang said: "Your Highness speaks truly—Kaifeng's tax revenues have always ranked among the foremost in the realm. Yet its annual expenditures and fixed costs are also considerable. I plan to invest two million strings into the new policy initially—half from the prefectural treasury, and the other half to be raised through charitable contributions.

Back then, when Duke Luan repaired Kaifeng, funds fell short, and he specially invited the worthies of the capital to contribute grain and money. Today, in implementing my policy of benefiting the people, I am merely following that precedent."

At this point, Liu Jichang stopped, quietly awaiting the Crown Prince's reaction. And at this moment, Liu Yang seemed to have been persuaded by Liu Jichang's words. After pondering for a while, his tone softened considerably: "Is that so?"

"How would I dare deceive Your Highness? Regarding the new policy plan, it has been discussed and formulated at the prefectural office, reduced to written articles, with complete records—available for inspection at any time!" Liu Jichang said confidently.

"If that is the case, then this is indeed a good policy. The state takes the people as its foundation, and the people take farming as their livelihood. In this regard, extending more grace and benefits is only proper!" Liu Yang finally acknowledged.

"However, back then, when Imperial Uncle Murong raised public funds for the city's construction, he used both coercion and inducement, and promised no small number of benefits. What conditions do you plan to offer now? Otherwise, how could those 'worthies' out there willingly donate their funds?" Liu Yang asked.

"In reply to Your Highness, only by offering certain tax concessions. Moreover, this matter is one of virtue and righteousness—they would not dare demand too much." Liu Jichang said.

Liu Yang immediately pressed: "Have you obtained the support of the Finance Commission?"

"This…" Liu Jichang said: "Not yet."

"Matters involving taxation must receive the Finance Commission's approval before proceeding!" Liu Yang said directly. These days, the court was placing increasing importance on commercial taxes.

Clearly, as a prefectural administration with great power, Kaifeng held a special political status. But likewise, with a host of overseers above it, it did not enjoy that much freedom—after all, it sat directly under the nose of the central government.

To this, Liu Jichang nodded: "I understand!"

"Very well—draft this policy of benefiting the people from Kaifeng into a memorial, submit it to the central government, and let the chancellors review whether it can be implemented. Kaifeng has made a start; if it proves viable, other places may also give it a try!" Liu Yang thought for a moment, then instructed.

"Yes!" Liu Jichang's face immediately lit up with joy upon hearing this. If, per the Crown Prince's wishes, this policy could be promoted widely, then his name, Liu Jichang, could also spread far and wide through it—and this would be a name of virtue and goodness.

"The planning at Kaifeng Prefecture is bound to have imperfections—it is precisely Your Highness and the chancellors' guidance that is needed to perfect it!" Liu Jichang quickly added flattery: "My vision is narrow, seeing only Kaifeng Prefecture, while Your Highness, with a commanding view from above, can take the entire realm into account. I am truly filled with admiration!"

"Enough!" Liu Yang waved his hand: "Your advocacy of the new policy is very good!"

Seeing Liu Yang express approval once more, Liu Jichang lowered his head again with modesty: "It is only that in handling this matter, my conduct was improper, and I feel deeply ashamed."

"Being able to raise the funds and get the matter done properly—that is what matters most!" Liu Yang said: "As for minor details, there's no need to dwell on them excessively!"

"Your Highness is wise!"

And so, through the new policy of benefiting the people at Kaifeng Prefecture, Liu Jichang finally managed to brush past the matter of his concubine banquet. Of course, this also meant that on this new policy, he absolutely had to succeed—and succeed splendidly—otherwise, how would he account to the Crown Prince?

But likewise, with the Crown Prince's support, the likelihood of success rose accordingly. At this moment, Liu Jichang was brimming with confidence.