12dz Chapter 780 is really getting such high praise!?
Chapter 780 is really getting such high praise!?
How did a transaction between two willing parties end up being associated with eternal infamy?
Liu Bang rolled his eyes at Xiao He's shortsightedness.
He had seen in his review of the sky that Emperor Ling of Han at the end of the Han Dynasty had indeed become infamous for selling official positions.
But his actions this time were completely different from his.
At present, the positions he sells to various powerful figures are all nominal but meaningless sinecures.
And he never put a price tag on the price; the highest bidder won. Those were all prices they offered voluntarily, without any coercion whatsoever!
"But Your Majesty, isn't it a bit too extravagant of you to spend money during this extraordinary time?"
"There was no need for so much food for disaster relief."
"Even those local officials have never demanded such a large amount of money and grain, have they?"
Xiao He clearly had quite a few complaints.
That's the biggest complaint.
Even though the local officials reported far less money and grain shortages, Liu Bang didn't care. If the national treasury hadn't been truly in dire need of funds, he would have loved to add a zero to that number.
Knowing that the national treasury is empty, why act so generously?
"It's a very simple principle."
"By the end of the Ming Dynasty, corruption had become rampant. Whether it was money and grain for disaster relief or other things, officials from all walks of life had become accustomed to reaching out and taking a piece of it."
"Once the disaster relief funds and supplies are distributed, will the Ministry of Revenue accept them?"
"If the Ministry of Revenue takes it, will the Ministry of War, which is in charge of escorting it, take it too?"
"If the Ministry of War takes it, will the local officials at each level take it too? Will they take a copy for their superiors? What about the Ministry of Personnel?"
"In a short time, I cannot completely rectify this officialdom, but disaster relief is urgent and cannot be delayed for even a moment."
Having said that, Xiao He understood.
The disaster relief work cannot be delayed for a moment, otherwise the people's trust in this newly established Han Dynasty will only decrease rapidly.
Since there's no time to clean up the bureaucracy, let's first satisfy their appetites and then use the remaining money and grain to help the people below get through this difficult time.
"But so much money should be used where it is more needed, and now it is going into their pockets."
Xiao He understood the reasoning, but he was still somewhat unwilling.
"There's nothing to be resentful about. I have no habit of starving my soldiers."
Liu Bang smiled and said.
"As long as the goal of disaster relief can be achieved, the rest are not problems."
"As long as people are still alive, the money and food will come back one day."
"On the contrary, if you lose your person but keep your money, then one day you will lose both your person and your money."
"You need to be more open-minded, Xiao He. Sometimes you're just too petty."
Although Xiao He still expressed his incomprehension, he carried out Liu Bang's orders without any deviation.
Everything is going in the right direction.
The Southern Ming did not cause any disturbance, and Zhang Xianzhong obediently stayed in his Sichuan region, not daring to make the slightest move.
He was fully aware of the situation in the Central Plains.
The various disasters were quickly quelled, and public grievances were also swiftly quelled.
The hearts and minds of the people are gradually turning towards the newly established Han Dynasty.
Moreover, not only the common people, but also the powerful clans and aristocratic families had no desire to fight back under Liu Bang's methods.
If things continue to develop in this way, it probably won't be long before the will of the people becomes more than just empty words!
"Hongyuan, do you think that person is truly a hero comparable to the founding emperor of the Zhu family?"
"Is this really how the world is going to be at peace?"
Zhang Xianzhong, who was far away in Sichuan but had been observing the situation in the Central Plains, finally couldn't resist summoning his adopted sons over on this day.
The situation in the Central Plains is improving.
Consequently, his current situation has become increasingly difficult.
Sichuan was indeed the place where he made his fortune, and the vast majority of the people believed in him, Zhang Xianzhong.
The problem is that Sichuan can never compare to the Central Plains, whether in terms of grain production or talent reserves.
When Liu Bang occupied the Central Plains and established a dynasty, he was able to attract countless talented people to submit and pledge their loyalty.
In contrast, even though Zhang Xianzhong founded the Great Western Kingdom and became emperor, he was still seen by outsiders as nothing more than a regional warlord.
More importantly, Liu Bang was able to amass wealth through selling official positions and other means, which he then used to provide disaster relief and appease the people.
But he couldn't.
The powerful clans and aristocratic families only recognized the Central Plains dynasties and looked down on his regime, which was a separatist regime in Sichuan.
Liu Bang selling official positions was accepted by most powerful clans and noble families, but if Zhang Xianzhong were to do it, he would truly be a complete clown.
"Clearly, the emperor of the Central Plains is very capable, and is likely much stronger than my adoptive father."
Li Dingguo spoke the truth without fear of hurting Old Zhang's feelings.
He knew that at this moment, Zhang Xianzhong wanted to hear the truth.
"So, do you think he will be a wise emperor?"
"Can he truly always remember his original aspiration and consistently ensure that the people live a good life?"
Zhang Xianzhong was indeed not angry at Li Dingguo's blunt words.
Even if he were to evaluate it himself and ask himself honestly, he would never have been able to improve the situation so quickly after taking control of the Central Plains!
In fact, given his perspective, if the two sides were in different positions, he felt there was absolutely no possibility of stopping the war.
In his view, improving people's lives and alleviating disasters in various places should be postponed.
At least until he has resolved the troubles of the Southern Ming, he will not devote most of his energy to improving people's livelihoods.
In this respect, the emperor of the Central Plains was a hundred times better than him.
The question is, can one consistently maintain this stance?
Whether we can remember our original aspirations is a matter for the future, and no one can guarantee it.
"But I think he is doing very well now and is the kind of wise ruler who will last for all time."
Li Dingguo spoke without any restraint.
A wise and benevolent ruler throughout the ages!
"Really that high a rating?"
Zhang Xianzhong was slightly surprised.
He knew his adopted son very well.
Li Dingguo appears humble and polite on the surface, but in reality, he has very high standards and few people in the world can meet his expectations.
This is the first time I've ever given someone such high praise!
"He was able to stop the war in time, and at the same time, try his best to keep the powerful figures around him and use them to raise funds for disaster relief by selling a small number of nominal official titles."
"Your subject has thoroughly read the history books and found that there are fewer than two counts of emperors who can do everything so perfectly."
In short, this person's position was directly elevated to a level comparable to that of Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Han.
Zhang Xianzhong could no longer sit still.
Is it really that highly rated?!
"Is it really necessary to elevate the opponent while belittling the godfather?"
"In the end, it's just the beginning of a dynasty, and it might all just be a show."
"Anyone can act for a short period of time."
Liu Wenxiu said with dissatisfaction.
"Playing along?"
Was this a charade orchestrated by Li Zicheng, or by Dorgon of the Manchu Qing dynasty?
"Don't they know that putting on a show is the best way to win over the people?"