Chongde Hall, apse.

Liu Wei looked at Cao Cao's 'Guilty Petition Notebook', examined it again and again, and put it aside.

There were two people sitting in front of him, Xun Yu, who was already a little wrinkled and looked more old, and Xi Zhicai, who was pale and sick.

Liu Wei picked up the teacup and said, "Are the two Qing family saying that last year's autumn grain was at the root, and there was a problem?" ”

Although Xi Zhicai was sick, he was full of anger and said, "Yes." According to the minister's investigation and inference, as well as the acres of land and population of Yanzhou, the autumn grain of 100,000 stone is only a foundation, the real number, or above 200,000 stone. ”

Liu Wei took a sip of tea lightly, looking thoughtful.

For the script of Xi Zhicai and Xun Yu, he was also surprised.

He knew that the big families of the Yanzhou scholars hid acres of land and households to avoid the taxes of the imperial court, but he never thought that the gap would be so big.

If there are really 200,000 stones, it is almost half of the taxes paid by the imperial court.

There are so many hidden places in Yanzhou, other states and counties can be imagined.

Xun Yu raised his hand and said, "Your Majesty, yes, the ministers and others have discussed and taken this year's summer grain as an opportunity to conduct a thorough inventory of Bingzhou, Sili, and Yanzhou to ensure that all the summer grain goes to Taicang." ”

Liu Wei held the teacup, looked at Xi Zhicai and Xun Yu, and said with a smile: "There is no need to be so troublesome, and the symptoms are not cured." ”

Xi Zhicai was stunned and said, "What does Your Majesty mean?" ”

Liu Wei put down the teacup and said leisurely: "The imperial court has been promoting the two things of 'Qingzhang Tianmu' and 'Huding Registration', but because of various things, the implementation has not been smooth. Starting from this year, Shangshutai and Liucao should be vigorously promoted and completed as soon as possible. Only when the acres and households are clear, then the tax is clear at a glance. ”

When Xi Zhicai heard this, he didn't react for a while.

The imperial court has actually been doing these things, but it seems that everyone is not too concerned.

Now listening to Liu Bian's words, Xi Zhicai was a little surprised, and looked at Liu Bian's gaze, and couldn't help but be a little weird.

Your Majesty, did you already know about it?

He immediately rejected the idea, and in order to be sure, they spent several months to investigate, and only now did they dare to report it with certainty.

Your Majesty in the palace, how can you possibly know?

Xun Yu pondered for a while and said, "Your Majesty, the minister's will is a two-pronged approach to treat the symptoms and cure the root cause." ”

Liu Wei groaned slightly, shook his head and said: "The energy is too scattered, and we still have to focus on the main problem." The six cao must pay close attention to the main issues, and the household cao is the payment of taxes and acres of land. The officials Cao is in charge of the officials, and they must cooperate closely with the Yushitai to eliminate the rule of officials, which is the first step in governing the country! ”

Xun Yu, Xi Zhi saw Liu Wei say this, so he could only raise his hand and say, "The ministers are in order." ”

Liu Wei looked at the two of them, paused, and said: "Since the Wang Yun incident, there have been all kinds of rumors, and it is necessary for me to remind the two Qing families to concentrate on their work, ignore it, and concentrate on the affairs of the imperial court." ”

Wang Yun was defeated, and various rumors arose in the government and the opposition, the most of which was that the imperial court wanted to edict Liu Yu back to replace Yang Biao as prime minister.

"Obey the hadith." Xun Yu, Xi Zhi answered.

Without waiting for Liu Wei to nod, a palace maid ran to the door and said urgently: "Your Majesty, Your Second Highness is sick again." ”

Liu Wei's face changed, and he got up and said, "The two Qing family should go and get busy." ”

Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai hurriedly said: "The ministers will retire." ”

Liu argued out of the apse and went straight to Yong'an Palace.

In Tang Ji's dormitory, a group of people were crowded.

Tang Ji saw that Liu Wei was coming, her eyes were red, and her tears kept flowing.

Liu Wei patted her on the back and came to the bed silently.

Liu Yuxiao's face was pale, his brows were furrowed, and he was very painful.

The doctor was checking the pulse, and after a while, he raised his hand and argued to Liu: "Your Majesty, Your Second Highness is fine, and the minister will be fine if he prescribes a few doses of medicine." ”

Liu Bianchang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Pan Yin, you accompany the doctor." ”

"Yes." Pan Yin hurriedly responded.

As soon as the doctor left, Liu Wei sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Liu Yu's soft voice from time to time, feeling extremely uncomfortable, wanting to wipe his frowning brows with his hands, but worried that it would add pain.

The reason why it is named 'healing' is that this little guy was born weak and sickly, and he looked like he couldn't support him.

Tang Ji stood behind Liu Wei, crying silently, equally worried.

Until he took the medicine, after a while, the little guy's brows were soothed, he was no longer so painful, his face returned to a little ruddy, and he gradually fell asleep.

Liu Wei accompanied him for a long time, and only then did he leave Yong'an Palace after he was sure that he was fine.

"Your Majesty, the Queen Mother is invited." After not taking a few steps, Pan Yin followed and whispered.

Liu Wei snorted, turned around and walked towards Yongle Palace again.

Empress Dowager He was not in the palace, but hugged He Yan, looked outside the palace, and was quietly distracted.

When Liu Wei got closer, Empress Dowager He was a little sober, sighed, looked at He Yan who was quiet in her arms, put him on the ground, and said with a smile: "Go play." ”

He Yan looked up with a small face, looked back and forth at Liu Wei and Empress Dowager He, and then discerned the direction and turned to the direction of Yongning Palace.

Empress Dowager He looked at He Yan's back, her expression was a little sad, and she sighed lightly: "He Xian is only a few years older than you, how can you say that it is gone?" ”

Liu Wei didn't know how to comfort Empress Dowager He.

Nowadays, it is not surprising that people die at any age.

"When he was a child, he liked to rely on me the most, saying that he would raise pigs in the future and buy me a big yard......"

Empress Dowager He was in a trance and kept talking to herself.

Liu Wei didn't speak, just stayed aside.

The affairs of the old He family, Liu Wei is not interested at all.

After a long time, Empress Dowager He came back to her senses, shook her head, and said helplessly: "What did I tell you about this." I'm going to tell you about Ho Xian's funeral. ”

Speaking of this, Empress Dowager He paused and said: "After his father's incident, He Xian has no friends, just Cao Mengde alone, I plan to hand over the funeral to him, what do you think?" ”

Liu Wei originally wanted to press Cao Cao again, but looking at Empress Dowager He's melancholy face, he nodded and said, "Okay, I will send someone to pass the word." ”

Empress Dowager He relieved her heart, sighed to herself, looked outside the palace, and said, "I heard that He Miao has been addicted to alcohol recently, and her health is very bad, I don't know when it will suddenly disappear again." ”

Liu Wei understood why Empress Dowager He was so sad, and shook his head secretly.

The He family soared into the sky because of Empress Dowager He, but they didn't know how to advance or retreat, and they fell to today's end.

On the other side, Xun Yu and Xi Zhi left the palace and went straight to Hu Cao.

Xun Yu was called, and the three of them sat down and discussed things.

Xi Zhicai coughed twice and said: "It is not difficult to judge from Your Majesty's words, Your Majesty is aware of the false declaration of money and grain and corruption in the local government, but it is impossible to judge how much you know." ”

When Xun You heard this, he said thoughtfully: "I'm afraid I knew it before I succeeded to the throne, I remember that His Majesty had talked about this with him the year before last." ”

Xun Yu glanced at him and said, "Your Majesty wants us to concentrate on promoting the registration of Qingzhang fields and households. ”

Xun You suddenly understood and said, "Are you worried about the situation of the treasury?" ”

Xun Yu said: "Jizhou, Qingzhou, Yanzhou and other places need a lot of money and grain, and now they are basically raised by themselves, which is not a long-term solution. ”

Xun You and Xi Zhicai glanced at each other and fell into deep thought.

Although it is a last resort, it is necessary for the localities to raise their own money and food, recruit their own troops, and even appoint their own officials, although they have no choice, but they also contain unpredictable dangers!

Yizhou and Yizhou Mu Liu Yan, which are hardly mentioned by the government and the opposition now, are the biggest danger!

Liu Yan turned a deaf ear to the orders of the imperial court, and even used the instruments of the Son of Heaven, and the imperial court could only pretend to be deaf and dumb and helpless.

Now, except for Qingzhou, Sili, Yanzhou, and other places, there is such a situation.

For example, Lu Bu in Xuzhou, Gongsun Zan in Yuzhou, and Cao Cao in Qingzhou.

They have almost no dependence on the imperial court, and once they lose their 'reverence' or 'loyalty', they are a prince.

The Han world will let them chase the deer!

"Now, the key place is Qingzhou!" Xun Yu Shen said.

The northern states, aside from the two states, are under the control of the imperial court, and then the Jizhou of Fuding and the Youzhou of the north.

Jizhou Mu is Ying Shao, this person lacks prestige, there is a high probability that he will not mess around, and Zhang Liao will guard it.

And Youzhou is tired, the land is vast and sparsely populated, the food is scarce and the soldiers are outnumbered, and Youzhou Mu is Liu Yu, so there is basically no need to worry.

On the contrary, it was Qingzhou, Cao Cao forced the landing of a million Yellow Turban Army, and he had to be young and strong for more than 100,000 troops to be trained into an army, although he obeyed the order of the Great Sima Mansion and carried out 'Tuntian', but so many soldiers and horses were in his hands, and the court was very uneasy.

Especially in the recent Xiahou Yuan case, the court tacitly magnified this matter, obviously to take the opportunity to suppress Cao Cao.

Xi Zhicai's eyes were a little cold, and he said: "I look at Cao Cao, a wolf and an eagle, with a fierce face, he is not a person who is willing to live under others for a long time, once he gains power, the court may be difficult to restrain him." ”

At this time, a small official knocked on the door outside and said, "Shangshu, General Cao sent someone to ask for money and food." ”

Xun Yu looked as usual and said, "According to the usual practice." ”

Traditionally, it is to send it away.

The poorer the treasury became, the more money and food were needed, and the most important thing for Tocao every day was to deal with officials from all over the world who asked for money and food.

The little official didn't leave, but said: "Shangshu, General Cao was ordered to host He Xian's funeral, and he asked for it for this reason. ”

Xun Yu was not familiar with He Xian, and looked at Xun Yu, who was once a staff member of the Great General's Mansion.

Xun You knew that He Xian was gone, and recalled some of He Jin's favors, nodded lightly, and said: "Most of the people in the court are related to the general now, so allocate some." ”

Xun Yu turned his head and said, "How much?" ”

"Hui Shangshu, three million." The little official said.

Xun Yu was stunned, He Xian's funeral is only three million?

"Give it to him." Xun Yu said.

The little officer responded and turned to leave.

Xi Zhicai was a little surprised, and said, "Your Majesty, is this still going to reuse Cao Cao?" ”

Xun You thought that Cao Cao had come all the way, but Liu Wei forcibly protected him, and said: "Qingzhou, it doesn't have to be Cao Cao, I suggest that Cao Cao stay in Beijing for the time being." ”

Xi Zhicai immediately said: "I agree, but, will Your Majesty agree?" Moreover, what if there is another accident in Qingzhou? ”

Xun You thought for a while and said, "Then let Cao Cao move his army, and Zhu Yuanjun will take over the entire Qingzhou in an all-round way, with Zhu Yuanjun's ability, it shouldn't be a big problem." ”

Xun Yu said: "Zhu Yuanjun does have the ability, but the courage is insufficient. ”

Xi Zhicai glanced at him and understood what Xun Yu's 'courage' meant.

Zhu Jun has been in Qingzhou for more than two years, and he can only block the Yellow Turban Army, and he has repeatedly failed, not because he is not capable, nor is it that the court has too little support, but because Zhu Jun lacks the 'ruthlessness' of Huangfu Song.

Huangfu Song can slaughter the city, build a view of Beijing, and kill and surrender without mercy.

At this point, Cao Cao is even more ruthless than Huangfu Song, and for the sake of 'victory', Cao Cao can do whatever it takes!

But Zhu Jun couldn't do it.

Therefore, once the Yellow Turban Army surged again, Zhu Jun was ruthless and could not control the situation at all.

Xun You frowned deeply and began to seriously think about the candidate.

There is no shortage of generals in the current imperial court, but there is no second one who can control the complex situation in Qingzhou!

Xun Yu saw Xun You and Xi Zhicai thinking hard, and said: "Let's put this matter aside for the time being, and talk about Taicang." ”

Taicang, that is, the treasury.

Xun You suppressed Cao Cao's matter, and said: "Your Majesty wants to clear the acres of land and register the households, in order to never keep up with the problem, this is a national policy, and we should support it." However, it is our responsibility to alleviate the emptiness of the treasury, and we cannot evade it, otherwise we will not be able to explain it to Your Majesty when the time comes. ”

Xi Zhicai also nodded, the requirements of the palace, they have to do it, it is their duty, and they can't be perfunctory because of this request, regardless of it.

Xun Yu said: "Okay, let's make a detailed plan, with the cooperation of Cao and Yushitai, and keep an eye on the summer grain." ”

Xun You sat up straight and said, "Okay." Next month, I plan to go out of Beijing, from Sili to Bingzhou, and then to Jizhou, and walk around. ”

Xi Zhicai glanced at him and said, "Do you want the Yushitai to send someone to be easygoing?" ”

Because of his performance in Shanyang County, Xi Zhicai has been highly valued in the Yushitai, not only has his quality been improved, but his power has also increased greatly.

Xun You thought for a while and said, "My trip is mainly to appease, and it is not appropriate to make a big move." I don't want the Imperial Observatory. By the way, I heard that Wang Jingxing is still in Beijing? ”

Jingxing, Wang Lang's words.

Xun Yu looked at him, his eyes were puzzled, and said, "Didn't you say that he was going to be transferred to the right servant of the criminal Cao?" ”

Xun You was stunned and said, "Cao Cao doesn't have this proposal. Is it the meaning of Shangshutai, or is it in the palace? ”

According to the current system, either there are big names recommending them, or they are appointed by the palace, otherwise the big and small officials are basically selected by the officials first, and then reported and discussed.

Xi Zhicai saw Xun You say this, and said: "I also heard such a statement, since the official Cao didn't have it." So, what does the prime minister mean? ”

As we all know, Prime Minister Yang Biao's only 'henchman' is his family's Mr. Xixi, Shanyang County Taishou, Wang Lang.

Xun Yu's expression moved, and then said, "Ignore him first." The salt works in Jizhou have been cleared, Zhicai, I want you to watch. ”

Xi Zhicai was sick, shook his head and said: "I don't have any soldiers in my hands, and I can't look at it, you might as well find Han Bin." ”

Xun You took in the conversation between the two, coughed, and pretended to cover up: "Not long ago, the Imperial City Mansion, Jizhou Mu, and Huben Zhonglang will jointly write to me, saying that the salt farm will be taken over by them together. However, the specific operation and the arrangement of the officials are still decided by the officials and households. ”

Xi Zhicai was stunned and said, "This ......"

Xun Yu said: "Imperial City Mansion? ”

Xun Yu wanted to speak and stopped, glancing at Xi Zhicai.

Xi Zhicai smiled unconsciously and said, "Why don't I know your uncle and nephew so well?" The Imperial City Mansion, with the second son of Huangfu as the school captain, is in charge of spying, and is set up by His Majesty, not affiliated with the Taiwan Pavilion. ”

(End of chapter)