In fact, Zhao Huan was very anxious.
The Northeast had been conquered for more than half a year, yet Tang Ke was still implementing a policy of appeasement towards those centuries-old landowners and ruthless nobles.
If it weren't for the fact that Li Chongguang had been placed there, Zhao Huan would have seriously suspected that the territory he had just conquered would become too powerful to control, and might even be restored to its former glory at any time.
Zhao Huan was very dissatisfied with Tang Ke's work.
After reading countless memorials from Tang Ke, Zhao Huan finally made up his mind to recall Tang Ke to the capital.
Tang Ke is a rather slow-paced person, and he is indeed not suited to the situation in the Northeast.
Zhao Huan originally intended to send him away so that Yu Yunwen could make good use of his abilities in the central government, and by the way, Tang Pangzi's gentle personality could help balance the situation in the Northeast.
It now appears that the situation is more serious than I anticipated.
Yu Yunwen has also established himself in the central government, and the Northeast is now lacking a ruthless and decisive person.
This reminded Zhao Huan of Li Gang, who had a rather upright personality.
Li Gang has been very stable in the Privy Council all these years.
It also made great contributions to promoting the military and political reforms of the Song Dynasty.
Logically speaking, sending Li Gang to the Northeast was indeed a disservice to him.
However, this is the best option right now.
So Zhao Huan shamelessly treated Li Gang to a hot pot meal.
"Lord Li, I can't sleep."
"What worries does Your Majesty have? Your subject is willing to share them with you."
"War has broken out in the Northwest, and the circulation of paper money in the Northeast is extremely slow."
"The problem in Northeast China lies in the old aristocracy. As the official said in his 'Economic Treatise', most of the production resources and capital are in the hands of a small number of people with power, which easily leads to a huge gap between the rich and the poor. The rich will hoard their money, and naturally there will be less money circulating in the private sector."
"What you say, Prime Minister Li, is absolutely right. This is exactly what I'm worried about. How should we resolve this?"
"Naturally, it's the right approach: expose the small group of people who control the vast majority of production resources and capital to see if they all abide by the laws of the Song Dynasty."
"I understand." Zhao Huan nodded, pretending to say, "Tang Ke mentioned in his memorial that he was seriously ill and could not stay in the north for long. Now, who should I send to oversee the northeast?"
Li Gang said, "Your subject is willing to go."
“No, that won’t do. Prime Minister Li is in charge of the Privy Council. How can he go to that harsh and cold place? I can’t bear to do it.”
"I will serve Your Majesty with utmost devotion until my dying breath."
The Empress said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is also of sincere heart, why not grant Prime Minister Li's wish?"
Zhao Huan looked reluctant and said, "Don't say anything more."
"Please grant my request, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Huan pretended to drink a large cup of wine, sighed, and said, "Since Prime Minister Li is so determined to go, I have no choice but to grant his wish."
After making some preparations, on a clear, sunny day in Tokyo, Li Gang, carrying people and the emperor's letter of appointment, headed north.
After leaving Juyong Pass, we headed directly to the capital.
Of course, the position of Privy Councilor was definitely revoked.
Like Tang Ke, Li Gang was granted some honorary titles.
Li Gang was appointed Grand Tutor, ranking among the Three Dukes.
Li Gang was also granted the title of Duke of Linbei, a first-class noble title below that of a king.
Thus, ten thousand elite troops escorted Li Gang all the way north.
The desolate livelihoods and stagnant commerce in Northeast China were weighed down by the heavy clouds at the beginning of the year, leaving them unable to move.
Only animal furs can be sold in the Central Plains; other industries are practically nonexistent.
Even worse, some are still stuck in the situation of the first year of the Jingkang era.
For example, agriculture.
After the Jin dynasty was destroyed, agriculture in the Northeast naturally followed the laws of the Song dynasty.
However, due to the lack of supervision and management systems, as well as the lack of enforcement, the agricultural laws of the Song Dynasty are basically ineffective in the Northeast.
The powerful families and nobles were very happy collecting taxes, and they also made many false accounts for the court.
Farmers in Northeast China and farmers in Central China are like people from two different worlds.
The productivity of farmers in the Central Plains has been largely liberated.
But in Northeast China, they were still tied to the land by the landlords.
Unfortunately, rice in Northeast China is harvested only once a year, and with limited farmland available, yields are extremely low.
This further restricts economic development.
Just think about it, if you can't even get enough to eat, how can you have the energy to do anything else?
Tang Ke's biggest problem was that he failed to deal with the powerful families and nobles in the Northeast within the past six months.
This is the root of all problems.
Tang Ke wanted to change the situation there gradually in a gentle way, but Zhao Huan thought it was unrealistic.
This was also something Zhao Huan wouldn't allow.
The promotion of Jiaozi (paper money) was no joke, and the structure of the private economy cannot be ignored.
For a place to develop, the first step is to eliminate the original resource monopolists.
Tang Ke, upon receiving the order, had other thoughts on his mind.
In his view, there was another very important reason why the emperor had recalled him: his relationship with the Duke of Chong had crossed the line.
The emperor sent the Duke of Chongguo to Xianzhou as a form of training.
However, he directed most of the resources to the Duke of Chong, which enabled the Duke of Chong to quickly gain fame in the Northeast.
Clearly, this step went beyond the emperor's control.
March of the twelfth year of the Jingkang era.
Tang Ke returned to the capital and was appointed as the Chancellor.
This official position is thought to be equivalent to the central prime minister, but it does not have any specific duties.
Tang Ke had no choice but to stay at home, eating hot pot and grilling meat, which was quite a comfortable life.
One day, Zhao Huan arrived at Tang Ke's residence.
Tang Ke was discussing ways to improve Dongpo pork with his son Tang Rui when the emperor arrived, and they hurriedly came to greet him.
"Your Majesty, I have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"
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