kvmb Chapter 110 Emperor Jing'an's Reminder
Chapter 110 Emperor Jing'an's Reminder
The Duke of Zhao uttered a name: "The Prince of Zhenbei."
Emperor Jing'an also thought of the Prince of Zhenbei.
At the age of sixteen, this man led an elite force in a surprise attack on the enemy camp, beheading the enemy general and becoming famous overnight.
Perhaps due to youthful arrogance, he didn't play the game of not pursuing a defeated enemy, but instead pressed his advantage and defeated the enemy army in several battles, thus becoming a nemesis to the enemy army, who dared not thwart his edge.
Since Emperor Jing'an ascended the throne, the country has been peaceful, except for a war that broke out in Liangzhou fourteen years ago.
The late emperor regarded the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion as a major threat, but due to the enemy's repeated incursions, it was not yet time to discard the prince after he had served his purpose. Therefore, he could only tolerate the arrogance of the Prince of Zhenbei.
However, it was precisely because of the arrogance and conceit of the Prince of Zhenbei that his fearsome reputation spread far and wide, and the people dared not talk about the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion anymore. Even when they did talk about it, it was no longer with praise and respect, but with fear.
Therefore, the late emperor became more tolerant of the Prince of Zhenbei's residence.
Emperor Jing'an, however, had a different opinion. He always believed that the Prince of Zhenbei was deliberately ruining his reputation.
If the prestige of the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion continues to rise and its achievements become too great for the emperor, even if the war in Liangzhou is not yet over, the late emperor will probably eventually lose patience and take action against the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion.
The most obvious evidence is that during the reign of the late emperor, Liangzhou was constantly embroiled in battles of all sizes throughout the year.
After he ascended the throne, he did not suppress the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion like the previous emperor had, and he distributed the necessary military funds and pay.
After the Prince of Zhenbei sent memorials to test the waters three times and confirmed that he would not be as intolerant of the Prince of Zhenbei's residence as the late emperor, there was no more war in Liangzhou.
Emperor Jing'an held a different view from the late emperor. He believed that Prince Zhenbei was a once-in-a-millennium genius, a brilliant strategist, and utterly loyal to the court. He was a gift from heaven, and Emperor Jing'an believed that Emperor Jing'an must have been blinded by greed to harm such a treasure.
More importantly, his mother and maternal grandfather both died unjustly because of the late emperor's suspicion. How could he possibly follow in the late emperor's footsteps and become the person he hated most?
Emperor Jing'an made a decision: "I order the cabinet ministers to draft an edict to dispatch the Prince of Zhenbei to reinforce the northern border."
Duke Zhao was relieved. In recent years, there had been no war in Liangzhou, and the sons of the Prince of Zhenbei had lacked opportunities to make achievements and held no official positions.
Only the eldest son was granted the title of heir apparent; the other two sons were appointed as low-ranking soldiers or officers.
Emperor Jing'an resolved one major issue, but then brought up another major headache.
"Father-in-law, the censor mentioned the issue of displaced people during the morning court session today. I recall that the famine reported from various regions at the end of the year had already been resolved."
Emperor Jing'an frowned and pondered, "I haven't heard of any disasters in any place this year, so why are there still refugees in Guanzhou? How did Guanzhou manage the disaster last year?"
Duke Zhao did not answer, but looked at Zhao Yi, who was sitting quietly to the side.
Emperor Jing'an followed his gaze and made no attempt to avoid him.
Upon seeing this, Duke Zhao reported: "The Ministry of Revenue has dispatched physicians to granaries in various regions. They are registering and compiling records based on the age and quantity of the grain, and then submitting the information to the Ministry of Revenue."
He voiced his doubts: "I remember that before the natural disaster, Guanzhou had a bumper harvest every year, and the granary reserves were over a million shi. Last year, the doctor in Guanzhou reported that they opened the granary and lent the grain to the people. Logically, there should not be any refugees."
How could Emperor Jing'an not know the Duke of Zhao's intentions?
He revealed the state of Guanzhou's grain reserves to prove that the reserves were sufficient to cope with the disaster.
Unfortunately, the granaries in Guanzhou were empty, but the problem of the displaced people remained unresolved.
What does this indicate?
Corruption!
"Cough...cough..."
Zhao Yi coughed.
Emperor Jing'an and Duke Zhao turned their attention to him.
Zhao Yi took a sip of warm water, her voice a little hoarse: "I'm fine, you can continue."
Emperor Jing'an: "..."
Duke of Zhao: "..."
"Yi'er, I happen to have something to attend to." Emperor Jing'an asked, "In your opinion, how should the matter in Guanzhou be resolved?"
"The refugees have already reached the foot of the capital. The corrupt officials in Guanzhou have probably already destroyed the evidence. When you go to investigate, you will only find scapegoats they have pushed out. Even if you confiscate their property and punish them, it will not be enough to make up for the food deficit."
Zhao Yi coughed a few times to catch his breath before continuing, "The granaries in various places have doctors, prefects, and commissioners to manage the income and expenditure of grain. When the disaster struck, the reserve grain was also lent out through them."
"Your Majesty may issue an edict stating that since the granaries are currently empty, the people should return the grain they have borrowed to the granaries when the harvest is in May. If there is a shortfall in the amount that cannot be repaid, the person in charge of this matter shall resolve it."
"The grain didn't reach the people; it was all embezzled by officials. The disaster in Guanzhou alarmed the imperial court, and they dared not continue to exploit the people, so they had to fill the gap themselves. If they couldn't fill it, they would be punished, so naturally they would contact other officials who were in cahoots, right?"
"You should secretly send an imperial envoy to Guanzhou, and then have another group of people issue decrees to keep track of who has taken the grain, and record them one by one. After they have filled the granaries, you should arbitrarily find a crime to detain them, confiscate their property, and use that money to build more granaries."
After hearing this, Emperor Jing'an clapped his hands and said, "Yi'er, your ideas are always the best."
This is indeed a good way to lure the snake out of its hole.
He asked curiously, "How did you come up with such a tactful and effective method?"
Zhao Yi said, "My wife loves to read. A few days ago, she came across a book of miscellaneous notes, which contained a story that she found very interesting. She shared it with me, and I gained some inspiration from it."
Emperor Jing'an was somewhat surprised, and his curiosity grew even stronger: "What kind of story is it?"
Zhao Yi said calmly, "Lord Wei uses thieves to prevent theft."
Emperor Jing'an: "..."
Duke of Zhao: "..."
Zhao Yi said gently, "Your Majesty, I suggest that you pay attention to the amount of grain stored. You should encourage the people to reclaim wasteland and cultivate land, adjust taxes to increase grain reserves, and build more granaries at the border to ensure sufficient food supplies for the border defense and prevent a recurrence of food shortages."
Emperor Jing'an also realized this problem. It was precisely because of insufficient grain reserves and empty granaries that the war in the north became tense and the people were displaced.
Zhao Yi's suggestion was very pertinent, as agriculture is the foundation of people's livelihood.
He noticed that Zhao Yi's expression remained indifferent, only changing slightly when Shen Qingtan was mentioned.
Emperor Jing'an deliberately asked, "How did you come up with the proposal regarding the major issues concerning people's livelihood?"
Zhao Yi sensed the sarcasm in Emperor Jing'an's words and said with some helplessness, "This was inspired by the shortage of military rations and the people's hunger."
He paused for a moment, then said, "You once gave me a book called 'Classic Historical Anecdotes,' which states that agriculture is the foundation of a nation."
Emperor Jing'an looked somewhat somber. He had initially intended to vigorously promote the policy of prioritizing agriculture, but the reform was no small matter and had encountered resistance, preventing its implementation.
He said in a deep voice, "Let's first discuss the details of Guanzhou."
After the group finished discussing their matters, Duke Zhao and Zhao Yi were about to take their leave.
Emperor Jing'an stopped Zhao Yi and reminded him, "In a few days it will be the anniversary of your aunt's death. Remember to come and pay your respects to her then."