He said, “Your Majesty, I believe that the court should increase its investment in nursing homes and sanatoriums. During the reign of the late emperor, nursing homes and sanatoriums were first implemented throughout the country, but local officials failed to carry them out in depth.”
Zhao Huan nodded repeatedly. The Song Dynasty did indeed have a relatively complete social security system, with nursing homes and sanatoriums being prime examples. Ironically, this could also be considered one of Cai Jing's achievements.
However, the Song Dynasty's administrative system was bloated, and in practice, it was not what it seemed.
Zhao Huan said, "This matter should be included in the plans of the Council of State Affairs."
"Yes, ma'am."
Liu Yanzong suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I believe that to enrich the people, it is not enough to simply ensure their income; we must also strictly curb the abnormal flow of wealth. I recall that Your Majesty stipulated in the new policies that, apart from the Great Song Merchant Guild, no other official may engage in commerce, in order to prevent collusion between officials and merchants and the inflation of prices. I believe that the Qingzhou case was caused by collusion between officials and merchants, with all the valuable resources such as land and commerce being controlled by a few people, which greatly harmed the interests of the people and also posed a threat to the new policies of the court. Therefore, I believe that Your Majesty should thoroughly investigate all officials in the country!"
Liu Yanzong is truly a mind reader; I summoned you all here precisely for this matter!
If the corrupt practices of these officials are not properly rectified, it will be extremely difficult to ensure that the many new policies implemented in the future are effectively implemented and that social wealth flows to the people!
Zhao Huan remained expressionless and asked the other prime ministers.
Li Gang stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that what Liu Yusi said is absolutely right. As Fan Zhongyan once said, ‘Be the first to worry about the world’s troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures.’ As an official of the court, one should always share the emperor’s worries and seek happiness for the people, rather than indulging in business and competing with the people for profit.”
Zhao Huan glanced at the others and asked, "Where is the rest?"
Everyone said, "We second that proposal!"
Zhao Huan said, "Good, Minister Xu, I'm giving you a task. The Council of State Affairs must take it seriously. Next year, I want the wealth of the people in the four districts of Jingxi Road, Jingdong Road, Hebei Road, and Hedong Road to double! Remember this, it's the Council of State Affairs' task!"
"I obey the decree!"
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