Chapter 1855: Emperor Liu's Stance

"Send Zhao Kuangyi to Yingchang?" In Chuigong Hall, Emperor Liu looked intrigued, asking Zhao Pu, who sat at the side seat: "Whose suggestion is this?"

Zhao Pu slightly cupped his hands and replied: "It was the proposal of His Highness the Prince of Jin!"

"Not bad!" The corners of Emperor Liu's mouth turned up slightly as he said calmly: "The Zhao and Li families have always had deep ties. Zhao Kuangyi and Li Shouyuan are uncle and nephew by generation. If he goes to mediate, the effect should be better than anyone else's.

Moreover, in these past few months, Zhao Kuangyi has been rather quiet at court. Previously he had many suggestions regarding the reforms, but now he maintains a silent attitude. Taking this opportunity, it's also a good chance to see exactly what his stance is!"

Emperor Liu's words carried a hint of "probing" in them. Zhao Pu didn't take the bait, instead offering a hollow compliment: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Emperor Liu waved his hand and said thoughtfully: "I have recently heard some rumors that there's a Pan You in the capital region and a Zheng Qi in Henan. Both are former officials of Jiangnan, yet they wield power arbitrarily and act tyrannically in the prefectures of the Central Plains. Some also say the court would rather trust surrendered Jiangnan officials with important posts than use worthy ministers from the north... Chancellor Zhao, have you heard these remarks?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pu immediately grew cautious and said: "This old minister has heard some of this, but they are merely idle gossip, not worth mentioning. When it comes to criticism, has there ever been a shortage at court or among the people? During major reforms, a little discussion—so long as it doesn't affect the overall reform effort—truly need not be taken too much to heart!"

Hearing him say this, Emperor Liu gave a cold smile: "Chancellor Zhao takes a broad view, worthy of a chancellor's magnanimity. However, these discussions are not merely complaints—I find their intentions deserve death!

Those who say such things create contradictions, emphasize the division between north and south, and deliberately undermine the court's unity. The land may be divided into north and south, but are not all people subjects of the Great Han? Are the Great Han's loyal ministers only those from the north, while all officials of southern origin are traitors and turncoats?

Jiangnan has been pacified for over twenty years now, yet some still stir up trouble over the north-south distinction, confusing people's hearts. Such people are the true traitors, the hidden villains within the Great Han's court and populace!

If these malicious schemers are not punished, how can we make this clear to the world and reassure the people! If there are problems with the system, it can still be changed course, but if people's hearts are corrupted, it will be hard to remedy!"

"What does Your Majesty intend?" Seeing that Emperor Liu took this matter so seriously, Zhao Pu cooperatively asked.

"The Palace City Office has submitted a list to me. Let Chancellor Zhao distinguish and handle them—follow the list and deal with those who like to show off petty cleverness!" Emperor Liu directly instructed.

"Yes!"

Zhao Pu agreed readily, without any hesitation. After all, he was also dissatisfied with these remarks in his heart. After all, many of them attacked Zhao Pu himself—whether Pan You or Zheng Qi, both had been recommended by Zhao Pu.

Pan You needed no further mention. Zheng Qi was also a reform stalwart newly promoted after Zhao Pu's restoration as chancellor, serving as Deputy Administrative Commissioner of the Henan Circuit, assisting Li Fang in implementing reforms. As for Li Fang—letting him oversee the overall situation and coordinate personnel was acceptable, but if truly asked to act boldly and decisively, his shortcomings were too obvious; he was too hesitant and fussy.

Thus, Zheng Qi, who had been known as the "Unyielding Official" since his time in Jiangnan, remained true to his original nature after serving the Han—incorruptible, upright, fearless of the powerful, and famous for it, even reaching Emperor Liu's ears. And back when Jinling surrendered and the Crown Prince handled the aftermath, during the screening of retained Jiangnan surrendered officials, Zheng Qi was likewise among the standout figures. After all, given the chaotic political environment of Jiangnan at the time, someone as clean as Zheng Qi was rare and easily caught the Han court's eye.

In the tense political atmosphere of the Great Han in recent years, Zheng Qi's ability to stand firm and even rise step by step was also a very important point. When the great tide of tax reform came rolling in, some were submerged by the waves, while others faced the surge head-on and actively rode the current—Zheng Qi was clearly one of the representative figures.

And in his post on the Henan Circuit, Zheng Qi also stirred up a wave of reform, which likewise inevitably meant making trouble for those bureaucrats. The most criticized point was that after the new regulations were promulgated, Zheng Qi required officials at the prefecture, subprefecture, and county levels to thoroughly study the new provisions, understand the court's reform intentions, memorize the relevant articles, and undergo periodic inspections. Those who failed would be demoted for minor offenses or dismissed for major ones.

Learn first, then implement—Zheng Qi could be said to have led a new trend in the Great Han's policy implementation... but for those bureaucrats, it was not so friendly. The targeting and criticism Zheng Qi received naturally were considerable.

And for Zhao Pu, targeting those two—wasn't that targeting Chancellor Zhao himself? Though it could be dismissed as the barking of dogs and buzzing of flies, it certainly bred annoyance in his heart. Since Emperor Liu intended to deal with them, Zhao Pu naturally could not oppose it.

After finishing this matter, Emperor Liu pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhao Pu with interest and asked: "Chancellor Zhao has been overseeing the tax reform for quite some time now. What are your thoughts on the problems that have been exposed?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pu considered for a moment, then cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, in this old minister's view, the emergence of these problems precisely shows that the court's reform efforts have made progress and touched the root of the issues—otherwise there wouldn't be such a strong reaction.

At this time, we should strengthen our resolve all the more and continue pushing forward, giving strong support to the capable reform officials in various regions, and striking against those who delay progress or even secretly oppose. At the same time, we should strengthen inspection and supervision, firmly controlling the pace of reform..."

"Since Chancellor Zhao already has a plan, then go ahead and do it according to your thinking! I'll say the same thing again—full support!" Emperor Liu declared.

"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust!" Zhao Pu could no longer remain seated and rose to bow respectfully.

Seeing this, Emperor Liu slowly straightened the memorials on his imperial desk and continued as if in casual conversation: "The most important matter at present is the land survey. Quite a few problems have been exposed—the dispute between the two commissioners in the capital circuit is one manifestation. Concealment, underreporting, trading, even gifting—truly every means has been employed. Does the central government have any considerations regarding these phenomena?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Pu thought for a moment and maintained his composed demeanor: "This old minister believes that the land is always there. No matter what means are used, since it has been exposed and seen through, it can eventually be found out—it just takes time. What the court needs to guard against is local non-cooperation and private collusion..."

Emperor Liu nodded, then suddenly sat up straight, his entire demeanor shifting, with a hint of curiosity in his tone: "I hear that in Zhengzhou, the tax reform has advanced the furthest. This year's autumn tax—was the subordinate Yuanwu County implemented according to the new regulations?"

At this mention, a satisfied expression appeared on Zhao Pu's aged face as he nodded: "I must say, Prefectural Administrator Li Hang has given the court a pleasant surprise. Though it is currently limited to just Yuanwu County, the issues exposed there have great reference value and are extremely instructive!"

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