Zhu Youxiao saw clearly that few people would speak up for the misfortunes of the wealthy landlords and merchants. The majority were those who gloated over their misfortunes or those who cursed and resented them.
Of course, the Ming Dynasty was mostly populated by ordinary people, and they all applauded the corrupt officials and gentry who were punished by the law. Regardless of whether it was out of hatred for the rich, Zhu Youxiao would also let them feel the actual benefits they had gained.
Since the Eight Great Families are from Shanxi, we might as well include Shanxi in the list of provinces exempt from taxes this year in addition to Henan.
Next year will be the year of Northern Zhili and Shandong. Zhu Youxiao calculated that with this year's tax reductions and exemptions, the people will have more assets and more savings to withstand major disasters.
"Your Majesty, the newly appointed Censor Liu Lishun is waiting for an audience outside." A palace servant came in to report, interrupting the emperor's train of thought.
"Announce!" The emperor sat up straight in the imperial chair without much hesitation.
Liu Lishun was a Jinshi in the second year of the Tianqi reign. He first served as a county magistrate and later as a prefect. His promotion was very rapid.
The reason is simple: the emperor's will is carried out completely, regardless of whether you are a gentry or a landlord, a student or a wealthy businessman. Moreover, bribes are not accepted and the emperor is ruthless.
Not only him, but also several officials who performed well at the local level were summoned by the emperor to come to Beijing. Among them was his classmate who entered the Inspectorate and became a powerful censor.
Because Liu Lishun was from Henan, the emperor not only refused to allow him to return to his post, but also sent him back to Henan to supervise local officials and implement tax reductions. This arrangement was both a trust and a test for Liu Lishun.
"Your humble servant kowtows to the Emperor. Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!" Liu Lishun knelt down and kowtowed as soon as he entered the hall.
Zhu Youxiao raised his hand and said gently, "Liu Qing, please stand up."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Liu Lishun stood up and bowed, waiting for the imperial edict.
In fact, this summons to the emperor was unnecessary. But he believed that after this personal instruction, most officials would feel his expectations, the so-called "imperial grace," and perform their duties loyally.
Moreover, based on Liu Lishun's character and ability, as well as his apprenticeship with Yuan Keli, the emperor believed that he deserved this favor. If you think about it, there is also a friendship between them!
"I heard that Liu Qing was poor when he was young and wanted to go to Beijing to take the imperial examination. Monet had no money for the trip, so he taught at a wealthy man's house to earn money..."
Zhu Youxiao did not give any instructions immediately, but told a story with a smile, and even he didn't know whether it was true or not.
Liu Lishun taught the son of the wealthy man at his home and studied at night to prepare for the college entrance examination. The wealthy man saw that Liu Lishun was knowledgeable and talented, and had a good teaching method, so he valued him very much.
Therefore, a smart maid was specially selected to take care of Liu Lishun's food, clothing, and daily life, and to sleep in the same room with him at night. The intention was obvious, right? She was sleeping with him for free.
But after three years of hard study, Liu Lishun bid farewell to the official and went to Beijing to take the imperial examination. He asked the official to find a good husband for his maid. The official was very puzzled and thought that Liu Lishun intended to abandon her.
After Liu Lishun's explanation, the official realized that he was calm and had not had any affair with the maid for three years. They had been sleeping in the same room for only one or two days. According to the comments of later generations, Liu Lishun was really "worse than an animal"!
Anyway, Zhu Youxiao admitted that he couldn't do it. Not to mention three years, even three days, facing a young woman who he would rather sleep with than not, he couldn't control himself!
So, he was the emperor, and Liu Lishun was a minister, a master of Neo-Confucianism, a gentleman, a historical figure who left his name in history and was posthumously named "Wenzheng".
After hearing the story, Liu Lishun was extremely surprised and doubtful. He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this is a rumor. I have absolutely no intention of telling you anything."
Oh?! Zhu Youxiao blinked his eyes, couldn't help but smile, and waved his hand, saying, "Let the rumors be rumors. I praise your noble character and say that you are a rare gentleman in the history. There is no need to pursue it."
Zhu Youxiao's expression straightened as he spoke, "A great disaster is imminent. This is no rumor, nor is it a lie. Shaanxi and Henan are among the worst hit provinces in the north, and that's why I've sent Liu Qing on this inspection tour."
Liu Lishun was aware of the news of the great disaster published in the Ming Forum. He had not taken it seriously at first, but after seeing the policies and actions of the emperor and the court, he took it very seriously.
"The Ministry of Revenue's direct grain reserves, tax exemptions for the people, planting high-yield crops, and the construction of water conservancy facilities are all measures to prevent major disasters." The emperor continued in a serious tone, "This is also the focus of your inspection. Let the people have a respite and accumulate some wealth. Increase local reserves for relief..."
Liu Lishun listened attentively, feeling even more deeply the emperor's importance. The tight schedule of these measures was no mean feat, especially considering the ongoing wars in Liaodong and the southwest.
"Liu Qing has experience in local affairs, so he should be aware of the drawbacks." Zhu Youxiao took a sip from his teacup and said in a deep voice, "It's not that the court's policies are bad, but that their implementation is flawed. As a result, good policies fail to benefit the people, or are passed on by officials and gentry, becoming policies that oppress the people."
The emperor paused, looked at Liu Lishun, and waited for his answer.
Liu Lishun, receiving a signal from the palace attendant, hurriedly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are perceptive and insightful. What you have said is the root of the bad governance. When I was a county magistrate and prefect, I was deeply aware of this and dealt with it severely, but I still couldn't eradicate it."
"If you prefer money to your life, you'll always have it." The emperor sneered and said, "You usually appear righteous, but when it comes to personal gain, you become penny-wise and lose all respect. Liu Qing has seen this kind of people many times, so I don't need to teach you how to behave."
Holding up a finger, the emperor solemnly emphasized, "Liu Qing, just remember one thing: the purpose of the court's policies is to benefit ordinary people, not the wealthy gentry and landlords."
"I understand," Liu Lishun replied with a sigh. "I am from Henan, and my family is humble. I understand the people's sufferings and the worries of Your Majesty. I will serve you with all my heart and will not dare to disappoint your grace."
Zhu Youxiao nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face. Indeed, Liu Lishun came from a humble background, which was one of the reasons he was favored by the emperor.
"After the autumn harvest, the governors and governors-general of various regions in the north will report to the capital. I have further arrangements for overall disaster relief efforts," Zhu Youxiao said. "Liu Qing, please go to Henan to oversee the implementation of tax reductions and exemptions. Do your job well, I will still have important positions for you."
Liu Lishun is currently the Censor-in-Chief, but Zhu Youxiao is determined to train him to become a high-ranking official. Of course, whether this can be finally realized depends on Liu Lishun's performance and ability.
Listening carefully to the emperor's words, "re-employ", Liu Lishun knew that this trip to Henan was another opportunity for promotion.
The so-called doing a good job means not discriminating against relatives and friends and punishing anyone who breaks the law or engages in corruption.
"I thank Your Majesty for your grace in selecting me." Liu Lishun knelt down and kowtowed, bidding farewell to the emperor.
……………….
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