Chapter 1877: A Conversation

Due to his physical condition, Emperor Liu was unable to attend the annual accounting assembly in the twenty-fifth year of Kaibao, and could only send Crown Prince Liu Yang to preside over discussions with the central ministers and the high-ranking officials from various circuits who had come to the capital, listening to their reports and deliberating on matters of state.

For the bureaucrats of the Great Han, this was an annual grand occasion. In the past, Emperor Liu would always make an appearance no matter what, and even if he did not participate in the actual discussions, he would still give a speech on certain matters and convey his imperial instructions.

The twenty-fifth year of Kaibao was the sole exception, which showed that the fall he had taken was indeed a severe blow to Emperor Liu. However, even without Emperor Liu in attendance, the annual accounting assembly proceeded especially smoothly. Under the stewardship of Crown Prince Liu Yang and the various chancellors, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious, lacking the oppression that accompanied Emperor Liu's presence, yet none of the substantive matters were neglected.

This seemed to imply that the Great Han could advance steadily even without Emperor Liu's leadership and without the ministers being spurred on by him—that Emperor Liu no longer seemed as indispensable to the Great Han as he once had... Regardless of what others thought, Emperor Liu, resting and recuperating in Chuigong Hall, found such thoughts circling endlessly in his mind upon hearing of the progress of the various accounting meetings, his heart filled with gloom...

Since this was the first year after the implementation of the tax reform, unlike previous years, the principal officials of all circuits and prefectures had basically all arrived in the capital for the assembly. The pilot regions needed to report their progress to the court—those with grievances voiced their grievances, those seeking credit claimed their credit. As for the remaining circuits and prefectures, they too could see the general trend, that the tax reform could no longer be reversed, and so they adopted an attitude of learning, preparing for the tax reform in their own jurisdictions, since one never knew when the court's edicts might arrive. Additionally, they made advance connections to seek some benefits for their own circuits and prefectures.

Among the assembled regional magnates, there were many prominent figures, but the most eye-catching was without a doubt Pan You, Administration Commissioner of the Capital Circuit—though, of course, one should add a "former" to his title. Word of Pan You's transfer to Jiannan had long since spread, and the procedures at the Ministry of Personnel were nearly complete. But before the process was finished, Pan You still represented the Capital Circuit at the assembly, reporting on all the difficulties and achievements of his reforms in the Capital Circuit, and clarifying and explaining some of his controversial practices and measures.

The high-hanging spring sun released warm and gentle rays, illuminating the Western Capital. The surging Luo River reflected a resplendent light, a thousand sails racing upon the water, weeping willows lining both banks, travelers coming and going in droves—an entirely bright and harmonious scene.

Pan You strolled for a long while along Stone Well Street in Luoyang, without any destination, merely wandering at leisure. Such idleness was extremely rare for Governor Pan.

Luoyang was both familiar and unfamiliar to Pan You. In his youth, with lofty aspirations, he had devoted himself wholly to the great affairs of state, busy critiquing current ills and offering strategies to the court, with no time at all to appreciate Luoyang's splendor. After being posted away from the capital, over a decade or more of ups and downs in officialdom, shuttling between several circuits and prefectures, his impression of Luoyang had long since grown hazy. Even after his promotion to the Capital Circuit, he had only paused briefly during his reporting duties before hastily departing for his new post...

This was the first time he had calmed his mind and quietly observed the markets and streets of Luoyang as he did today. Of course, for a man like Pan You, it was impossible to go out purely for leisure. While sightseeing, he could not help but observe the myriad conditions of the people's livelihood—how the gentry and commoners fared, how the officials and clerks conducted their duties—almost subconsciously finding fault, even mentally placing himself in the position of the Luoyang prefectural office.

It was only after walking the entire length of the Western Market Avenue and looking up to notice the sky growing late that Pan You remembered an important matter. He simply purchased some bamboo-crafted trinkets as gifts and hurried northward.

The Xunyang Marquis Estate, with its high-hanging plaque, glittered with golden light under the setting sun, appearing resplendent and eye-catching. Pan You looked up, seeing the calligraphy sweeping like dragons and snakes, strokes like silver hooks and iron strokes. One should know—this was personally inscribed by Emperor Liu to express his support for Zhao Pu's reinstatement as chancellor.

Diligence can compensate for lack of talent. After decades of practice, Emperor Liu's calligraphy had finally become presentable. Though it could hardly be called art, it possessed a distinctive spirit and charm, every stroke seemingly imbued with the majesty of imperial authority. Emperor Liu's calligraphy was learned from the great calligrapher Yang Ningshi, and in his later years, Old Master Yang's primary occupation had been teaching Emperor Liu calligraphy...

Pan You's thoughts did not drift that far. He merely wondered what matter Zhao Pu had summoned him for. It was probably not official business—everything that needed to be said or reported, Pan You had already done on various formal and informal occasions previously.

And thinking of the complications that would follow, Pan You could not help but feel a headache. He pondered for a while, then stopped overthinking, straightened his robes and cap, and went to pay his visit.

Inside the estate, Zhao Pu had long been waiting, though in no very good mood. Old Chancellor Zhao had taken a rare day of rest specifically to meet Pan You, and yet this "Pan the Ugly" had actually dared to be late. However, after hearing Pan You's explanation in the hall, and seeing those "gifts" he had brought, Zhao Pu found himself caught between laughter and tears.

Widening his old eyes, he looked Pan You up and down several times. Ugly as ever—even uglier, in fact—but that innocent gaze and clear, bright look made it impossible for Zhao Pu to utter any words of reproach at the moment. Of course, Zhao Pu could not help but suspect whether this fellow was genuinely sincere or deliberately playing dumb and feigning ignorance of propriety. Zhao Pu leaned toward the latter.

Looking at Pan You, Zhao Pu toyed with the teacup bestowed by Emperor Liu and said in a casual tone: "Are you prepared for the governance of Jiannan Circuit? What thoughts do you have?"

At the mention of official matters, Pan You's demeanor suddenly changed, his face turning grave and earnest. After pondering for a moment, he replied in a cautious tone: "Regarding Jiannan Circuit, this humble official does not know it very well and cannot rashly make judgments for the time being. I will need to arrive in Chengdu, familiarize myself with the political affairs and people's conditions, before making arrangements.

However, over these past two days, this humble official has reviewed some archives and records from Jiannan and have gained some small insights. Among the southwestern circuits, Jiannan stands first—the Land of Abundance, with fertile fields stretching a thousand li. In recent years, its contributions to the court have always ranked among the foremost in the entire realm.

Yet over the past thirty years, Jiannan Circuit has also developed certain ills, especially in land and taxation. Even from the registers alone, one can glimpse numerous confusions and omissions.

After this humble official assumes his post, in addition to official governance, I will also start with the tax system, rectifying the several pillars of tax revenue—land, tea, silk, and well salt..."

All humble words, but as for what he would do upon assuming his post, Pan You had long since drafted his plans and settled his decisions.

Considering his proposals, Zhao Pu thought for a moment and finally nodded, then stroked his beard and sighed: "Your vision is indeed sharp—you have seen straight to the vital points of Jiannan's accumulated ills! When Shu was pacified back then, although a round of cleansing was carried out, the lingering poison ran deep. It has continued down to the present, already fused into the Great Han, penetrating bone and flesh.

Over the past thirty years, for more than half that time, Jiannan's tax levies were very heavy. Besides supporting the court, it also had to sustain the circuits of Shannan, Chuandong, Qianzhong, and Yunnan.

Add to that some local officials acting arbitrarily, deceiving their superiors and oppressing those below, and the livelihoods of the people in Sichuan were very bitter. Even after the court's later lenient policies and rectification measures, there was no substantive improvement.

When you reach Chengdu, it will not merely be a matter of official governance and tax reform. That will touch the very foundations of interest groups, requiring cutting to the bone to cure the poison—painful to the very heart, and you will face powerful, even frenzied, counterattacks. Compared to that, the problems and difficulties you faced in the Capital Circuit are truly nothing.

You must be mentally prepared!"

Hearing Zhao Pu's grave description, Pan You's expression also grew somewhat heavier, but his ugly face quickly returned to composure. Raising his head, he declared with fervor: "His Majesty once said, if it benefits the state, one should devote life and death to it. Pan You likewise takes this as his self-encouragement!"

Seeing Pan You's appearance of boldly shouldering responsibility, Zhao Pu could not help but feel moved. Setting aside his prejudices regarding personality and appearance, a man like Pan You was indeed worthy of respect. To have come this far, to have persisted in his political ideals and governing style for decades without change—that was truly no easy feat.

A trace of reminiscence appearing in his old eyes, Zhao Pu said with emotion: "Pan You, you are a man both admirable and somewhat fearsome. In some respects, even I am far inferior to you!"

Hearing Zhao Pu suddenly utter such a sentiment, Pan You was somewhat startled. He looked at Zhao Pu in surprise and clasped his hands: "This humble official truly does not deserve such words. Chancellor Zhao's talents are ten times this humble official's..."

Zhao Pu waved his hand and said: "This has nothing to do with talent—it concerns integrity! I have served as chancellor for twenty years, twice assuming the post, and achieved no small number of accomplishments. But no matter what I did, I always kept some leeway and harbored certain reservations. As the saying goes, 'the desireless are strong.' When it comes to matters and people, how many can set aside selfish motives and act for the greater good?

As things stand, you, Pan You, have done so. I am inferior!"

Facing Zhao Pu's praise, Pan You felt neither joy nor honor. He merely lowered his head in contemplation, and only after a long while let out a wry laugh: "This humble official's meager worth does not merit such an evaluation. It is simply that in this life, there are things one must not do, and things one must do!"

Hearing this, Zhao Pu smiled, then turned to ask in a serious tone: "The Capital Circuit's reforms had just entered the proper track when the court transferred you away. Many in the court have speculated about the suspiciousness of this change. Do you know the reason behind it?"

At the question, Pan You was silent for a long time, then raised his head and sighed: "It must be the matter of the land under the Yangzhai Chu State Duke's estate!"

"Do you regret it?" Zhao Pu asked.

Pan You resolutely shook his head: "Since it has been done, there is no room for regret! Some things must be done by someone. The loopholes in the tax reform must be mended, otherwise all the efforts we have made will flow away like water. For that, even if my reputation is utterly destroyed, what is there to fear? Pan You has a clear conscience!"

"Well said—a clear conscience!" Zhao Pu could not help but clap in admiration.

"You have always been firm in your convictions. There were some words I had thought to remind you of, but as things stand now, they seem unnecessary!" A complex emotion showed in Zhao Pu's eyes as he said with earnest sincerity: "The task in Jiannan is by no means easy. That is a place of right and wrong, with many eyes upon it from within and without, above and below. You must be careful and take good care of yourself!"

As he spoke, Zhao Pu's withered hand drew a booklet from his sleeve and handed it to Pan You: "These are some old associates of mine from when I served as inspector in the southwest back in the day. So many years have passed—things have changed and people are different—but those I have marked out may perhaps be of some help to you!"

Pan You took it with some astonishment, savored the words, and looked at the old chancellor whose face was calm. A surge of intense gratitude welled up in his heart, and he bowed solemnly: "This humble official thanks the Chancellor!"