Chương 114: Advice and Commands

Guo Jia leaned back lazily in his chair: "If we don't have enough money and provisions, we'll just ask the court. Anyway, the Marquis is His Majesty's favorite, he can always play the victim, right?"

After listening, Liu Ce remained silent for a while.

These suggestions are all valid, but they are quite difficult to implement.

Especially the exemption of land rent—that requires the imperial court's approval, and the imperial court is currently... so short of money that it's practically green with envy.

He knew what it meant; it meant taking away the government's power, and he could lose his head if things went wrong.

Historically, Huangfu Song proposed this idea, and Liu Hong later agreed. The Yellow Turban Rebellion did indeed devastate Ji Province.

Now that Huangfu Song is no longer the governor of Ji Province, this proposal must be made by him.

"My lord, what is troubling you?" Fang Xuanling noticed Liu Ce's hesitation.

Liu Ce waved his hand: "It's alright. Let's proceed with this plan. However... I will submit a memorial to His Majesty regarding the exemption of land rent."

The group exchanged glances and understood Liu Ce's meaning: he was taking the greatest risk upon himself.

Liu Ce finally said, "Everyone, please go back and rest."

The six people took their leave.

Liu Ce was the only one left in the study. He looked at the pile of documents on the table and rubbed his temples.

"This mess... is even worse than I imagined."

The next day, Liu Ce sent someone to summon Wang Fen to the temporary residence.

Wang Fen arrived quickly and bowed as soon as she entered:

"What business does Your Excellency have summoned me for?"

Liu Ce asked him to sit down and got straight to the point:

"Governor Wang, I have some thoughts on the governance of Ji Province."

He recounted the political suggestions made by Fang Xuanling and others the previous day, emphasizing in particular:

"These are all suggestions; the specific implementation will depend on Governor Wang's decision."

Wang Fen listened attentively, nodding as she listened.

When the topic turned to military measures, Liu Ce's tone changed:

"These are orders. I am in charge of military affairs in Ji Province and have the authority to adjust defenses and recruit and train new troops. Governor Wang, please comply."

Wang Fen's heart tightened, but she remained respectful on the surface:

"This humble official understands. Military matters will be handled entirely according to the Marquis's arrangements."

He knew in his heart that Liu Ce was drawing a line.

You can manage political affairs, but I have the final say in military matters.

That's good too; each person manages their own area, which avoids disputes.

After hearing this, Wang Fen couldn't sit still.

"Regarding government affairs, everything else is fine, except for the clause about 'waiving one year's land rent for the people of Jizhou to provide relief to the famine victims after the war'..."

Liu Ce smiled and looked at Wang Fen, "What does Governor Wang think?"

Wang Fen's smile froze.

He stammered for a long time before finally saying:

"My lord, this... this is not a good situation."

Liu Ce raised an eyebrow, feigning an expression: "Why is it so difficult?"

Wang Fen wiped his sweat: "My lord, think about it, exempting land rent is no small matter! It requires the approval of the imperial court and His Majesty's approval. But the imperial court is also short of money right now."

The Yellow Turban Rebellion has lasted for more than half a year, and the national treasury is already empty. To petition for a year's land tax exemption in Ji Province at this time would be…"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear: it was like walking into the line of fire.

Liu Ce knew perfectly well what Wang Fen was afraid of.

Historically, it was Huangfu Song who, after suppressing the Yellow Turban Rebellion, served as the governor of Ji Province and risked his life to petition Emperor Ling of Han to exempt land taxes.

As for Wang Fen... he remembered that Wang Fen later participated in the conspiracy to depose Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, which showed that he was quite bold.

But now he's so cowardly; it seems he hasn't reached that point yet.

"Is Governor Wang afraid of following in the footsteps of his predecessors?" Liu Ce asked directly.

Wang Fen's expression changed: "My lord, please be careful with your words! I only... I only feel that this matter needs to be considered carefully."

Liu Ce laughed: "Governor Wang need not worry. I will handle the matter of submitting a memorial to His Majesty requesting the exemption of land taxes."

Wang Fen was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed: "My lord! You... you're really willing?"

"That's right." Liu Ce nodded.

"I am the Marquis of Champion, General of the Cavalry, and His Majesty's personally recognized younger brother. My memorial carries more weight than that of Governor Wang."

Even if His Majesty disagrees, he won't do anything to me. Besides, the people of Ji Province are suffering too much; if the land tax isn't waived, who knows how many will starve to death next year. I'll take responsibility for this."

That's half true and half false.

Liu Ce was indeed confident that Liu Hong wouldn't do anything to him, after all, he had just given Liu Hong a set of glass products, and Liu Hong was in a good mood. But to say that there was absolutely no risk would be a lie.

Wang Fen believed it, and he was so moved that he almost cried. He wasn't moved by the people, but by the fact that he didn't have to take any risks.

He then feigned reluctance: "My lord, how could I possibly let you take this risk..."

"It's all for the people of Jizhou." Liu Ce waved his hand.

"Governor Wang only needs to take care of a few other things. Establishing granaries, restoring order, comforting displaced people, and repairing facilities—can you manage that?"

"Yes! I definitely can!" Wang Fen patted his chest.

"Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will certainly handle it well!"

He was overjoyed: Liu Ce had taken on the risk of exempting the land rent, while he himself had the political achievement. Where else could he find such a good deal?

We chatted for a while longer.

Liu Ce then sent him away, saying, "Go ahead and get busy, I'll write the memorial now."

"Yes! Yes!" Wang Fen nodded repeatedly and backed out.

As he reached the door, he turned back and said, "My lord, you are truly a just and upright official!"

Liu Ce watched his departing figure and shook his head: "That old fox..."

After Wang Fen left, Liu Ce went to his study, spread out a silk scroll, and began to write a letter.

Dip the pen in ink and begin to write.

The general meaning is:

"Your subject, Liu Ce, Marquis of Champion, General of Chariots and Cavalry, Governor of Youzhou, and Military Commander of Jizhou, bows twice and reports to Your Majesty:" Your Majesty, I have arrived in Ji Province. The main force of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Ji Province has been annihilated, and on the surface, the matter is settled. But the scene I witnessed upon entering Ji Province was truly heartbreaking.

How heartbreaking it was! Seven or eight out of ten houses were burned down, leaving only empty shells; five or six out of ten acres of land lay barren, overgrown with weeds; the roads were full of refugees, families in tow, all emaciated and pale. Those who starved to death were left by the roadside, unburied. When the people saw officials, they cried out, "We can't go on living!" Their voices were heartbreaking to hear.

As I traveled, I kept thinking: If we were to continue collecting land rent according to the old practices at this time, it wouldn't be collecting rent, it would be collecting lives. How did the Qin Dynasty fall? Wasn't it because its exorbitant taxes and levies drove the people to the brink of starvation? The lesson of the past is right before our eyes.

Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty to exempt the people of Jizhou from one year's land rent. This will allow them to have food to eat, to resume farming, and to stabilize the people's hearts.

Your Majesty, I have no other intention than to restore peace to Ji Province. You, my benevolent brother, surely feel compassion for the people. I beg you to have pity on these afflicted people and grant my request!

Your subject Liu Ce kowtows to you here!

September of the first year of Zhongping After finishing writing it, Liu Ce read it over himself and thought it was alright.

His tone was sincere, his reasoning was clear, and he even flattered Liu Hong, praising him as "benevolent and virtuous."

Most importantly, the pros and cons were made clear: if rent is not collected, Jizhou can remain stable; if rent is collected, trouble may arise again.

Even if Liu Hong is confused, he should know which option is more cost-effective.