Zhao Jun looked at Zhao Zhen in surprise.

I didn't expect that talking about the knowledge of the universe could give Zhao Zhen such a great insight.

I think the reason he was able to delegate power so easily these days was not only because of the urgency of the Song Dynasty's demise, but also because he saw the vast world and felt that he was insignificant and powerless, so he became more open-minded.

After all, people eventually die, and dynasties eventually fall. Compared to the vast universe outside, Earth is but a drop in the ocean, so why dwell on power?

It would be better to give up power and help Zhao Jun, the descendant of the next generation. Maybe he can extend the life of the Song Dynasty for a few hundred more years, which would be a meaningful life.

Thinking of this, Zhao Jun smiled and said, "Yes, the universe is vast and magnificent. Even a thousand years from now, when technology has reached that stage, people can only suspect and speculate that Earth civilization is the first in the universe, but they dare not be sure. No one knows whether there is another Earth millions of light years away."

"The universe has no end, and human life is like the morning glow. Although I am the emperor of the world, I am as short-lived as the morning glow."

Zhao Zhen sighed.

Zhao Jun said, "The morning glow is brief but brilliant. Your Excellency, think about this: even if you can't accomplish much in your lifetime, every generation has its own mission. What we need to do is lay a solid foundation for future generations. Just like Yugong moved the mountain, our descendants will continue to do the same! This is the meaning of life."

"I understand this principle very well, which is why I allowed my eldest grandson to take charge of the Constitutional Court, even to make laws."

Zhao Zhen looked at him meaningfully.

Zhao Jun was stunned for a moment, then asked, "So, brother knows everything?"

"Of course I know."

Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "You told Lü Yijian and the others before that when the new policy is implemented, there will not be a large-scale dismissal of officials, but only a more moderate approach. You must have lied to them, right?"

Zhao Jun smiled bitterly and said, "Nothing can be hidden from you, brother. A gentle approach is slow to take effect, and secondly, it may not be effective. The administration of the Song Dynasty is already very poor, so we must use harsh measures to deal with them. Although I am not so ruthless as to kill everyone, if those people do nothing, then they can't blame me for dismissing them from office."

"So as long as an official is capable, he won't be dismissed?"

Zhao Zhen pondered.

"Um."

Zhao Jun nodded. "The Song Dynasty is plagued by excessive bureaucracy, resulting in enormous annual expenses. This is especially true for the prime minister, whose monthly salary differs significantly from that of lower-level officials. I plan to start at the top and cut their salaries by at least half, using the funds to subsidize lower-level officials. It would be best if lower-level officials were willing to work and contribute their share. However, if they are overstaffed or collude with others to harm the people, they will naturally be severely punished."

Song Dynasty officials did receive high salaries. Even those of the ninth rank could earn 200 to 300 guan (approximately 100 strings of cash) per year, much better than ordinary people. However, the bulk of the income went to high-ranking officials, whose annual salaries were generally around 20,000 guan (approximately 10,000 strings of cash). The rest of the mid- and high-ranking officials, combined, could earn around 10,000 guan (approximately 10,000 strings of cash).

If it can be cut in half, the fiscal expenditure burden can be reduced by one or two million each year.

Moreover, even if it is cut in half, the income of middle and senior officials is still dozens of times that of middle and senior officials in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In particular, many officials have their own family businesses, so it is not difficult for them to continue to maintain their luxurious life.

If the money saved can be used to subsidize middle and lower-level officials who live in poverty, especially clerks, so that they can have extra income, and then the crackdown on corruption can be increased, so that they are afraid of strict anti-corruption laws while having enough money to live, I believe the administration of officials will be much better.

This is also how later countries treated civil servants.

Why does everyone want to take the civil service exam?

In addition to a fixed monthly income, there are also substantial bonuses at the end of the year to ensure the livelihood of most civil servants.

Although there are certainly some who are not satisfied with this and take risks.

But there will be much fewer termites.

After hearing what Zhao Jun said, Zhao Zhen asked, "Lower-level officials are indeed the ones who have the most direct contact with the people. Cutting the monthly salaries of higher-level officials to subsidize lower-level officials will indeed make them more restrained and treat the people much better."

"Um."

Zhao Jun said, "The key is to ensure that lower-level officials receive benefits and are willing to obey. After all, if all officials are dismissed or executed, who will do the work? Therefore, refraining from wrongdoing is the first key, and obedience is the second. As long as the government orders can be issued, everything will go much more smoothly."

“Just go for it.”

Zhao Zhen raised his head and gazed at the gradually fading sunset in the west. He said softly, "I know that without my eldest grandson, the Song Dynasty won't survive for many more years. We might as well give it a try. I believe that my eldest grandson's wisdom will surely bring a different outcome to the Song Dynasty."

It seems that the continuous CPU and threats such as the Jingkang Shame and the Yellow River flooding in recent days have not been in vain.

Zhao Jun pondered this, a solemn expression on his face as he said, "This path may be difficult. There may be countless opponents, a large number of corrupt officials may be uncovered, and even many people may be killed. But as long as I have your support, I will pave a way for the Song Dynasty even if it means risking my life."

As the two of them walked, they arrived outside Xihua Gate.

Zhao Zhen patted Zhao Jun on the shoulder and said, "I trust my eldest grandson, just as he trusts me."

Sorry, I don't really trust you.

Zhao Jun complained in his heart, he felt that Zhao Zhen seemed to be rebelling against him.

Is it possible that this guy just wants to use me, and when everything is back on track in the future, he will abandon me and destroy the bridge after crossing it?

This thought popped up in my head unconsciously.

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