Since the appearance of precious items such as ink, paper, imperial wine, glass, and vegetables, coupled with the recent appearance of fragrant tea that is so rare that even a single can is worth a fortune, the market has become increasingly competitive.
The officials also felt that their money was becoming increasingly insufficient. Having grown accustomed to the fine things, how could they possibly want to return to their previous lives?
Therefore, the current emperor not only increased salaries but also promised all sorts of rewards, which naturally made everyone extremely happy.
The officials, who had been trembling with fear because of Dou Miao, were now filled with enthusiasm, and their attitude changed from passive to active.
Seeing the officials' expressions, Liu Hong couldn't help but smile and nod.
If you want your subordinates to do their jobs well, besides appropriate punishment, raising their wages is undoubtedly the most effective way.
Just as the officials were rejoicing, Xi Zhicai in the procession couldn't help but chuckle. This mother and son were truly cunning.
Seeing all the officials thanking him with joyful expressions, Liu Hong couldn't help but smile.
Although he promised to increase the salaries and bonuses of the officials, he had to make sure it was worthwhile.
Liu Hong's lips curled up slightly as he said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, don't rush to express your gratitude. Whether it's a raise or a year-end bonus, all of this is contingent on you doing your job well!"
"All of you must supervise each other. If you find anyone who has done a poor job, report it to me. If it is true, then that person's salary and reward will all go to you. Do you understand?"
"Uh...! We obey!"
Upon hearing Liu Hong's words, the officials were stunned. Wasn't this the same tactic Emperor Xiaowu used against merchants back then? Now the emperor was actually using it on them?
For a moment, the officials were filled with despair, but in the blink of an eye, they began to look around with gleaming eyes at those they usually disliked.
In the ranks, Cao Song looked at the smiling emperor and couldn't help but think to himself: His Majesty's moves are getting more and more ruthless!
Seeing the officials' expressions, Liu Hong revealed a smug smile, and then loudly proclaimed:
"Now that you all understand, let's adjourn the court! First, get the population statistics for Luoyang and Sili region sorted out! Then we'll go to Jizhou and Yizhou."
Remember... no matter what, the people must not be allowed to become disorderly!
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
The officials hurriedly and respectfully accepted the order.
"Then let the court session adjourn!"
After saying this, Dou Miao got up and walked towards the back hall, with Liu Hong following closely behind, waving to the officials.
Upon hearing this, Lü Qiang stepped forward and shouted loudly:
"All matters are concluded; officials may now leave the court!"
"Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, we respectfully bid you farewell!"
With Dou Miao and Liu Hong's coordinated efforts, a combination of threats and sweet words, and a mix of intimidation and coaxing, the civil and military officials finally put aside their own ulterior motives.
Only after Liu Hong and Dou Miao disappeared from sight did the officials leave Chongzheng Hall and head towards their respective offices.
With the issuance of various orders from the imperial court, all officials in Luoyang and the Sili region once again became busy.
Even the usually upright officials were motivated by the generous rewards, as were the eunuchs Yang Qiu sent out to keep an eye on them.
When the people around Luoyang learned that the imperial court had abolished the poll tax, corvée labor, and military service, they cheered and celebrated.
With no worries about taxes and corvée labor, the people were very cooperative with the population statistics and the collection of taxes per mu, and did not underreport or conceal information as they had in previous years.
At the request of the imperial court, officials also carefully compiled and categorized the population age structure, male-female ratio, and household registration information collected in the survey.
For example, in a village, what percentage of the total population are elderly, what percentage are children, and what percentage of young people are men and women?
Regarding household registration, a detailed classification and division were also made based on the main sources of income for the people.
For example: those who make a living by farming their own land are called "household owners"; those who make a living by renting land or working as long-term laborers are called "customer owners"; those who engage in commerce or run workshops are called "merchant owners"; those whose relatives hold official positions are called "official owners"... and so on!
Within a few days, the population situation of farmers and common people around Luoyang was clearly reported to the imperial court.
Chen Fan, Li Ying, Hu Guang, Cao Song, Yuan Feng, and others also gathered in the government office to study and discuss the next steps.
"Your Majesty's method is truly brilliant! Now that the people have no more worries and no longer conceal information, the population has suddenly increased by as much as 30%!"
Looking at the household registration information compiled and reported by the surrounding counties of Luoyang, Hu Guang couldn't help but sigh.
Cao Song nodded with a smile, "Yes! On the surface, without the poll tax and corvée labor, the court has lost some revenue and increased some burdens."
However, on the other hand, as long as the imperial court had a clear grasp of the population situation, it could also have a clear understanding of the situation regarding arable land and other tax revenues, greatly preventing tax evasion and avoidance in various regions. In comparison, this actually increased the national treasury's revenue.
Chen Fan, who was standing nearby, chimed in:
"Indeed, just as Your Majesty said, population is the foundation of a nation's strength and development. As long as we have a grasp of the population situation, it will greatly help the court to formulate various management, development and control policies!"
After some discussion, everyone understood the importance of clarifying the population, and then they turned their attention to the powerful landlords who had hidden the most people.
Yuan Feng, standing to the side, said with a grave expression, "The situation of the people around Luoyang has now been investigated. What remains are those powerful landlords and local tyrants! The people are willing to cooperate, but those powerful landlords probably won't be so obedient!"
"Hmph, as long as the people don't cause trouble, they can't stir up any waves!" Chen Fan couldn't help but snort when he mentioned those powerful landlords.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
