sjar Chapter 1053 The First Inspection Tour
Chapter 1053 The First Inspection Tour
Seeing his younger brother's renewed fighting spirit, Li Che was also filled with pride.
He patted the car body and laughed, "So you originally wanted me to ride in this 'self-propelled carriage' to intimidate everyone when I went on tour?"
Li Tan nodded somewhat embarrassedly, then shook his head: "That's what I was thinking, but the roads in the south are even worse. What if we break down halfway or even fall apart? Wouldn't that put my brother in danger and make him a laughingstock?"
"It's good to be cautious." Li Che nodded approvingly, then changed the subject, "However, theory is no substitute for practice. Whether this car is good or not will ultimately have to be tested on the road."
"Tenth Brother, rubber is also produced in the south... Why don't you come with me on this inspection tour?"
"We tested the car's performance along the way, made improvements to its shortcomings, and also picked up the rubber while we were there."
"I grant you permission to bring your craftsmen and tools with you in your entourage. If inspiration strikes along the way, you may make improvements at any time."
Li Tan was slightly taken aback: "Really?!"
"A ruler's word is his bond," Li Che affirmed with a smile.
Li Tan grinned: "Your subject is willing to go!"
Seeing the two brothers' expectant expressions, Li Lin couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.
The sixth brother values the tenth brother, and the tenth brother lives up to expectations. With harmonious brothers and a prosperous family and country, what could be better?
However, this relieved smile lasted for less than three breaths.
Li Lin's smile suddenly froze.
and many more......
The sixth prince is going on an inspection tour.
The tenth brother wants to go along to do his research.
Wouldn't that mean I'd be all alone in the capital?!
孽 孽!
. . . . . .
In the following days, Li Che began to make intensive preparations for his inspection tour.
This was, after all, his first truly large-scale tour since his ascension to the throne, and it had risen to the political level.
Throughout history, the purpose of imperial tours has always been to consolidate rule, demonstrate power and virtue, and deter disobedient subjects.
Qin Shi Huang made five imperial tours, with his magnificent carriages and inscriptions on stone to commemorate his achievements. While these tours were unparalleled in their grandeur, they also cost a fortune.
Li Che naturally couldn't afford to do something so wasteful and extravagant; he eliminated any unnecessary formalities.
The imperial procession must be dignified to demonstrate the grandeur of the new dynasty and the emperor's authority, but it cannot be too extravagant.
More importantly, we must be pragmatic and able to solve practical problems.
After repeated deliberations with several cabinet ministers, Li Che finally finalized the list of attendants for his inspection tour.
Eight thousand elite soldiers were selected from the Imperial Guard, all veterans from Feng State, to accompany and protect the convoy.
Five hundred night watchmen and one thousand five hundred imperial guards were assigned to a total of two thousand men to be responsible for close guard duty and intelligence gathering.
A total of 10,000 armored soldiers accompanied him, with Yue Yun as his general.
Qiu Bai and Ying Bu were responsible for personal protection, while Ma Zhong, Xue Wei, Cao Yong, and Ren Kuan each led a unit to accompany the emperor.
In addition to the armed forces, Li Che also needed to bring along a number of civil officials, so that state affairs could not be neglected during the tour.
Not all seven cabinet ministers could be taken with him; Li Che only took two: Xu Jiezi and Tao Qian.
Xu Jiezi had just joined the cabinet and did not have a deep understanding of politics and officialdom.
Having him accompany us would allow us to consult him at any time and also provide an opportunity for him to learn about governance firsthand.
Tao Qian was mature, prudent, and highly respected.
More importantly, he was a leading figure in agricultural science in his time.
This southern tour was to inspect southern agriculture and water conservancy and promote new farming methods. Strictly speaking, he was just traveling with Li Che.
Having experienced Qian Bin's incident, Li Che was very wary of the health of his senior officials, and was originally worried that Tao Qian was too old to withstand a long journey.
To everyone's surprise, the old man immediately performed a set of powerful Taoist health-preserving boxing techniques for him. His breathing was long and deep, and his face was rosy. Li Che was speechless and had no choice but to agree.
In addition to the two cabinet ministers, Li Che also brought a group of civil officials, all of whom were his confidants.
Such as newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) like Zhang Qian, Zhang Han, and Lin Qingyuan, as well as rising officials from Fengtian.
In addition, the National Hospital selected ten skilled imperial physicians to be responsible for medical support along the route.
The Ministry of Works allocated hundreds of skilled craftsmen to be responsible for the maintenance of the ceremonial vehicles.
Prince Fu, Li Tan, also brought his research team, along with the 'self-propelled vehicle', to join the group.
Li Che roughly estimated that even if he tried to be frugal, the expenses on the road would still be a considerable sum.
Fortunately, his treasury has remained relatively full over the years, with a considerable amount of the proceeds from the confiscated property of noble families and royal estates still remaining.
And his 'private savings' accumulated in his early years through glass and overseas trade still have a surplus.
"I will pay for this myself," Li Che said to Huo Duanxiao, the Minister of Revenue. "I will not touch the national treasury's main funds, so as not to increase the burden on the people and to silence those officials who dare to speak out."
Huo Duanxiao was moved upon hearing this.
Being the Minister of Revenue is no easy job. Since he took on the role, his residence has been constantly visited by officials from various ministries, all of whom are asking him for money.
It would be wonderful if the emperor could personally cover the expenses of his tour.
Li Che, however, had his own plans.
The powerful families in the south have amassed astonishing wealth over the past century through cunning and plunder, and many of these wealthes are hidden in secret cellars.
One of the purposes of this southern tour was to follow the clues and bring these hidden riches to light to replenish the national treasury.
“This trip is expensive, but if handled properly, we might make a fortune.” A glint of light flashed in Li Che’s eyes. “It will make up for the losses in the inner treasury. It can be considered taking from the corrupt and using it for the benefit of the people.”
. . . . . .
A few days later, there will be a meeting.
Li Che sat on the dragon throne, and after the daily political affairs were reported, he announced to the public that he would be going on an inspection tour.
Sure enough, as soon as Li Che finished speaking, a commotion broke out in the court.
Many officials immediately stepped forward to express their opposition.
"Your Majesty! The south has just been pacified and the people's hearts are not yet settled. If you go on an inspection tour at this time, it may disturb the local areas and waste money and grain."
"Your Majesty is responsible for the fate of the nation. You should be sitting in the central government and governing all directions. How can you lightly move your imperial body and venture far into the rivers and lakes?"
"The ceremony of the imperial tour is a matter of national dignity. According to custom, preparations should be made a year in advance. The prefectures and counties along the route need to repair roads and build palaces. If it is done hastily, there may be shortcomings that could damage the imperial majesty..."
The reasons for opposition are varied, but the core issue is nothing more than that it is wasteful of manpower and resources and does not conform to precedent.
The civil officials of Fengguo were still dedicated, especially Li Che's former subordinates, who all spoke their minds.
Even if Li Che did something wrong, everyone dared to speak up to his face.
Li Che patiently waited until they had finished speaking before slowly saying, "I am aware of what you, my dear ministers, have said."
"However, my southern tour this time is not for leisure and pleasure, but to observe the people's conditions, examine the administration, and consolidate the foundation of the country."
"The fertile lands of the South are vital to the Grand Canal transport system and are crucial to the implementation of the new policies. How can I be at ease if I don't see it for myself?"
The ministers remained unmoved.
Li Che paused for a moment, then continued, "All expenses for this southern tour will be covered by my imperial treasury, without touching the national treasury's regular accounts or increasing the people's taxes by a single penny."
"The prefectures and counties along the way should simply provide receptions according to usual practices, without deliberately indulging in extravagance, and certainly not taking the opportunity to impose additional charges."
"Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished by me!"
Upon hearing this, the court immediately fell silent.
The emperor paid for it himself, so there's no problem.
Li Che continued, "During my absence from the capital, the Prince of Yan oversaw the state affairs, and the Grand Secretariat assisted in governing. The court functioned as usual."
Upon hearing that the Prince of Yan would oversee the country, some powerful officials who had been harboring their own ambitions were even more disheartened.
Although the Prince of Yan disliked politics, his high status and deep brotherly bond with the emperor were enough to keep the situation under control.
With veteran ministers like Tao Qian and Du Fuji in charge of the cabinet, and capable officials like Zhuge Zhe managing affairs, the central government was as stable as Mount Tai.
"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough and compassionate towards the people's needs; we have no objections."
"We second that!" More and more people bowed in agreement.
"In that case, all departments shall act in accordance with the decree and intensify preparations. I shall depart at the end of summer," Li Che declared decisively.
. . . . . .
After the court assembly ended, Li Che was summoned by Wang Sanchun, who said he had important matters to discuss.
Li Che was puzzled. This guy always only knew how to fight and kill, and he was too lazy to even attend court meetings. Why was he so enthusiastic today?
What important business could this kid possibly have? Could it be that he's having a murderous urge and wants to go to the frontier to chop off a few heads?
After asking, Wang Sanchun said, "This humble general has come for the sake of those noble families and their relatives. Has Your Majesty considered this carefully?"
The families of the rebellious clans were all imprisoned in the imperial prison, including those who had fought alongside Wang Sanchun against the epidemic.
Although Li Che issued an order not to make things difficult, what kind of good place is the Heavenly Prison? Not only is it dark and damp, but the long-term confinement is extremely damaging to one's mental health; after a while, a person will be ruined.
Wang Sanchun was a man of honor, so naturally he couldn't stand idly by.
They thought this matter would be resolved sooner or later, but seeing that Li Che was about to go on an inspection tour and still hadn't mentioned it, they finally couldn't sit still any longer.
Li Che frowned and looked at him: "I have said before that rebels will be executed along with their entire clan. Are you trying to make me go back on my word?"
Wang Sanchun, however, said frankly: "If Your Majesty makes a mistake, so what if you break your promise? The people of the world only know that Your Majesty corrects your mistakes."
Li Che said helplessly, "You rascal... Fine, I can pardon the few people who helped the army fight the epidemic before."
Li Che did not forget this matter; rather, he ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate.
These people haven't really done anything that would anger heaven and man, so letting them off the hook wouldn't be a big deal.
Unexpectedly, Wang Sanchun was dissatisfied: "Your Majesty, I have asked them, and many of their brothers and sisters did not participate in the rebellion, yet they are forced to die alongside their fathers..."
Li Che said sternly, "They enjoyed the benefits of their parents' generation, but now they can't die with their parents?"
Wang Sanchun fell silent.
Li Che's expression softened slightly, and he said, "I know you can't understand it, that's alright. I haven't figured it out myself yet. How about this..."
“Those ringleaders will definitely die. I will behead them before I go on my tour. As for those who helped the Qing army fight the epidemic, they can be released first.”
"As for those noble families who have not done anything wrong, let's imprison them for now, and deal with them according to the law once the relevant regulations are improved."
Wang Sanchun breathed a sigh of relief and immediately bowed: "This humble general thanks Your Majesty."
Li Che kicked him and laughed, "Stop with that nonsense. You ugly wretch, you've finally become something, you even know how to bargain with me... Get lost, get lost, just looking at you annoys me."