I studied in modern times

Chapter 818: Adding pressure step by step
In the second year of Yuanyou, May, Guihai (twelve).

Pu Zongmeng officially assumed the office of right prime minister, and Zhao Xu immediately assigned him a task - to work with Kaifeng Prefecture to implement the policy of exempting excessive taxes within the prefecture.

It was also required that this matter be implemented in all 17 counties and 31 towns within the boundaries of Kaifeng Prefecture within the year.

Pu Zongmeng received the imperial edict and did not dare to neglect it. He immediately called He Zhizhong, who had just taken office and was still in the running-in period with him, and told him: "He Dulang (the elegant name of the Right Secretary of the Shangshu Province, the corresponding elegant name of the Left Secretary is Dusi), take this letter from the Prime Minister and go to Kaifeng Prefecture to invite Cai Fuyin to come to Dutang for consultation!"

"Yes!" He Zhizhong bowed and accepted the order. He took the letter written by Pu Zongmeng and went to the government office of Kaifeng Prefecture. He presented the letter of appointment to Cai Jing.

Of course Cai Jing did not dare to be negligent. After receiving the invitation, he entrusted the official business of the yamen to his deputy, Zhang Shangying, who was transferred from the secretary-general to the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture in April.

He himself, surrounded by Yuan followers and following He Zhizhong, headed towards the capital in a grand procession.

After entering the palace from Donghua Gate and arriving at the Dutang, Pu Zongmeng had already come out with his men to greet him.

"Your humble servant Cai Jing pays homage to the Right Prime Minister!" Cai Jing saw Pu Zongmeng's figure from afar, and immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

Pu Zongmeng came forward with a smile, helped Cai Jing up, and said, "No need to be so polite, Yuanchang!"

"Come inside and talk with me!"

He then took Cai Jing into the Right Prime Minister's Hall and invited him to the elegant room behind the hall.

"Mr. Yuan, please bring me the tea I brought from Bozhou..." Pu Zongmeng smiled and ordered someone to bring the cooked tea.

After Cai Jing thanked him, he picked up the teacup, took a sip, and praised, "Good tea!"

He put down the teacup and looked at Pu Zongmeng.

At the same time, he also observed the layout and decoration of this elegant room.

It’s just as the legend says!
Pu Chuanzheng turned this elegant and simple hall into a luxurious place for the local rich country folk to show off.

No wonder the scholars were complaining - the Right Prime Minister is the second-in-command, the prime minister of the country. Even if he cannot choose an upright gentleman, he should at least use a good minister who can govern the country, right?

After all the choices, how come you chose such a shameful thing?
When Cai Jing saw the scene before him, he couldn't help but complain in his heart.

However, he was very good at maintaining his energy and still maintained a gentle smile on his face.

"The Right Prime Minister has just taken office and he has summoned me with a letter. Does he have any instructions?" Cai Jing asked calmly, bowing.

Pu Zongmeng hummed, bowed towards the Baoci Palace, and said, "In compliance with the imperial decree..."

Cai Jing quickly stood up and bowed towards the Baoci Palace to show his obedience.

"The virtuous message says: Please ask Prime Minister Pu to work with Kaifeng Prefecture to discuss the abolition of the [overtaxation] in the 17 counties and 31 towns within the Kaifeng Prefecture, and complete it within the year!"

After listening to this, Cai Jing bowed in the direction of Baoci Palace and said, "I, the acting governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, will follow your teachings!"

Then, he stood up and looked at Pu Zongmeng. After a moment's silence, Cai Jing first expressed his attitude towards the instructions he had just heard: "The Lord is kind and merciful, and hates the lawlessness of clerks. He also issued a benevolent decree to extend favor to Kaifeng Prefecture and order us to discuss the abolition of excessive taxes. This is truly a benevolent policy that will be remembered for thousands of years!"

Pu Zongmeng nodded and said, "Yes!"

"When I was in Bozhou, I knew that the evil of the clerks was even worse than that of the bandits!"

"In Bozhou, the tax collectors in the towns and cities are rampant and disregard the law, causing complaints from merchants passing by!"

"I have long wanted to get rid of this Shen Ke, but my words are not taken seriously by my insignificant person. Now that the Lord has shown his benevolence and virtue, the world is fortunate! The people are fortunate!"

However, when he was in Bozhou, he mainly focused on two things.

One is to catch bandits, the other is to collect taxes.

And, is there anything that could be faster than collecting taxes from passing merchants?

Therefore, almost every county in Bozhou has a checkpoint, and each checkpoint has a city gate tax.

Even if a goose flew over Bozhou, he would want to pluck out a hair from it as tax.

but……

The past is the past! The present is the present!
In the past, when the previous emperor was in power, he only cared about the amount of taxes paid by the prefectures and counties, regardless of anything else.

As long as you can help him get the money, everything can be negotiated.

So Wu Juhou squeezed the marrow out of people on Jingdong Road.

Qian Zhoufu and his son were on Jiangxi Road, and they almost cut the roots of the leeks off.

In Fujian, Wang Zijing also followed the example of his predecessors and then doubled his efforts.

Quanzhou was a prosperous city, but he has ruined people’s livelihood!

According to Cai Que, the poison has spread to this day, and even good people dare not do business!

Others include Li Zong from Zizhou Road and Han Zongdao from Chengdufu Road...

They are all small calamities, not presentable.

Therefore, people like Pu Zongmeng at the local level will of course pay close attention to taxes.

They all set KPIs for themselves.

Every year more taxes must be collected than the previous year.

In order to win the emperor's favor by having an impressive tax report card.

however……

Today is different from the past.

When the current emperor summoned him, he had clearly expressed to him his disgust for the frequent establishment of checkpoints by prefectures and counties to collect taxes, affect the business environment, and exploit the good.

He also praised Zhang Zihou's action of abolishing commercial taxes in Guangxi.

For a political figure like Pu Zongmeng who only cares about superiors, since the emperor hates commercial taxes.

Then, on the first day of his appointment, he would not hesitate to raise the banner of opposing commercial taxes and speak out for the "good subjects" in the prefectures and counties across the country who were exploited and oppressed by clerks.

He will become a messenger of justice and, with a fearless spirit, resolutely enter the deep waters of reform.

Cai Jing listened to Pu Zongmeng's words and then looked at his expression.

Alarm bells suddenly rang in my heart!

"This Pu Chuanzheng... is really too flattering!"

You have been appointed as prime minister, why are you still as fawning as I am to the emperor?
Where is your dignity as prime minister?
However, on the surface, Cai Jing's attitude was very submissive.

When Pu Zongmeng finished speaking, he immediately said: "Your Highness has the people in his heart. I admire you very much. I am willing to follow your example and implement this benevolent policy!"

Pu Zongmeng laughed, and then he said to Cai Jing: "Yuan Chang has been the prefect of Kaifeng for a long time. He must know the internal and external malpractices of Kaifeng. I would like to ask Yuan Chang to make plans for me..."

"How many months will it take to abolish taxes within the Kaifeng Prefecture?"

As he spoke, he stared into Cai Jing's eyes.

Although there was still a smile on his face, the look in his eyes was putting pressure on Cai Jing.

Yes!

The emperor's decree states that it must be implemented within this year.

It seemed like he still had plenty of time.

But the emperor said it will be implemented within this year, do you really plan to implement it within this year?

It’s not the first day for them to become officials.

Everyone knows it very well.

If you really plan according to the deadline given by the emperor, in the end, you will definitely be hindered by various people or things.

The final result is definitely - nothing accomplished!
Moreover……

If we cannot complete the task assigned by the emperor ahead of schedule.

So how does he demonstrate his abilities and skills as the right prime minister?
so!

Must increase the amount!

The emperor said that within the year, he would force Cai Jing to sign a military order in front of him.

The emperor’s mission must be completed ahead of time!
Cai Jing swallowed and looked at Pu Zongmeng. He knew very well that this was Pu Zongmeng's style of doing things!

When he was in government, he, together with Lu Jiawen, Lu Huiqing and others, formed a radical faction within the New Party.

What these people are good at is adding layers of pressure and exerting extreme pressure on those below them, forcing them to find ways to exceed task targets in excess.

This is how most of their political achievements came about.

only……

The current emperor doesn't like to do things this way.

He prefers to take steady steps.

This is true both in the use of military forces and in domestic affairs.

Cai Jing had listened to the emperor's teachings in front of the emperor, and the emperor also instructed him to "build a strong camp and fight a stupid battle" in Kaifeng Prefecture.

Don't be reckless or impatient. If you can't get rid of it in one go, try a few more times.

Dripping water can wear away a stone. Even the most difficult person can be penetrated!
For example, the civil servant examination in Kaifeng Prefecture was slowly advanced and gradually eroded under the emperor's request.

It took two years to replace about half of the thousands of clerks under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng Prefecture.

But the effect is excellent!
In particular, many clerks in the city of Bianjing were replaced almost silently.

By the time they reacted, the situation was already hopeless and they were completely powerless to resist the policies of Kaifeng Prefecture.

and so……

Cai Jing knew that Pu Zongmeng would fall into trouble sooner or later because of this matter.

But he would never remind Pu Zongmeng!
He then bowed and said, "Reporting to the Right Prime Minister, this matter is of great importance. I am in a hurry and have no strategy..."

"Give me a few days to come up with an idea, and then report it to the Right Prime Minister for discussion... How do you think?"

Pu Zongmeng listened and his expression changed immediately: "Why is Yuan Chang so hesitant?"

"Could it be that Yuan Chang lacks control over the officials of the counties and towns under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng Prefecture?"

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This seemed to be questioning Cai Jing's prestige in Kaifeng Prefecture, but in fact it was a subtle warning to him.

Cai Jing bowed and said, "Please forgive me, Right Prime Minister!"

"This matter is of great importance and involves the moral integrity of the government. I have no choice but to proceed with caution!"

"Otherwise...if I make a mistake and bring harm to your holy name, I will not be able to atone for my sins even if I die a thousand times!"

Pu Zongmeng pursed his lips and looked at Cai Jing for a long time before asking, "How many days will Yuanchang need?"

"Please give me three days!"

"Good!" Pu Zongmeng said, "In three days, I will be in this capital, waiting for good news from Yuan Chang!"

Wait until Cai Jing leaves.

Pu Zongmeng frowned.

Because he smelled something wrong.

He had already known Cai Jing when he was in the court.

At that time, the young man was as respectful as he could be in front of him.

He almost hits the target wherever he points, and is extremely considerate. Whether he is talking or doing things, he makes people feel comfortable.

But Cai Jing today is different from that of the past.

Is it his tail that's turned up?

Become arrogant when you succeed?
wrong!

Pu Zongmeng knew that Cai Jing was the current emperor's confidant.

The fact that he has served in Kaifeng Prefecture for a long time is enough to prove the trust and favor that Cai Jing enjoyed from the emperor.

And this matter was a task assigned by the emperor himself.

No matter how rampant Cai Jing was, he would never dare to delay.

and so……

What is it that I don't know?
……

Cai Jing shook his head as he left the hall.

"Mr. Pu, you are still the same as you were back then!"

But now the dynasty has changed.

The current emperor's governing style is completely different from that of the previous emperor.

The late emperor only wanted results!

Nowadays, we not only want results, but also require the people below to do things well and properly.

Moreover, he cares more about system construction.

As long as it is beneficial in the long run, he doesn't mind spending more money and time in the short term.

so……

Cai Jing rolled his eyes and ran to the inner east gate, handed over a letter and requested an audience with the emperor.

In fact, on Pu Zongmeng's side, after hearing the imperial edict, Cai Jing already had some ideas.

but……

He, Cai Jing, Cai Yuanchang, is not Pu Zongmeng's father.

Why should you give your good advice to others for free?

Even if you want to say it, you have to report it to the emperor first.

He put his name on the emperor's list and let him know that it was all thanks to Cai Jing that this matter was done so well!

……

When Cai Jing's letter was delivered to Zhao Xu.

Zhao Xu is copying calligraphy.

As soon as he saw Cai Jing's note, he laughed: "This Cai Yuanchang... really deserves to be the leader of the six thieves!"

So slippery!
"Take Kaifeng Prefecture to the Imperial Garden behind the Funing Palace..." Zhao Xu ordered Feng Jing.

"Yes!" Feng Jing took the order and went down.

Zhao Xu came to his new bedroom and began to bathe and change clothes with the help of Wen Xunniang.

It is midsummer now, and even the palace has an ancient air conditioner called Bingjian to regulate the temperature.

But it's still very hot indoors.

After bathing and changing into clean clothes, Zhao Xu led his men back to Funing Palace and came to the Imperial Garden.

Cai Jing is already waiting here.

When he saw Zhao Xu's procession, he knelt on the ground from a distance.

When Zhao Xu came closer, he bowed and said, "The acting governor of Kaifeng Prefecture, Jing Gong, wishes His Majesty the Emperor long and happy health!"

"My Lord!" Zhao Xu nodded and asked, "Lord Cai has written to me to ask to see me. Is there something wrong?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, I have just received an imperial edict from the Right Prime Minister Pu Gong, summoning me to the capital to discuss matters... Pu Gong has conveyed Your Majesty's teachings to me..."

"Because of the impact on your Majesty's holy name and reputation, I dare not neglect it... so I risk my life to submit this petition and beg for an audience. I will listen to your instructions!"

Zhao Xu listened to Cai Jing's words and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

Look at these people, how sensible they are!

As expected, he is the leader of the six thieves in Zhao Ji's era, and he always remembers to ask for instructions.

However, Pu Zongmeng was the right prime minister appointed by Zhao Xu.

Therefore, he needed to maintain Pu Zongmeng's prestige and authority.

Zhao Xu then said to Cai Jing in a serious tone: "I have entrusted this matter to Prime Minister Pu!"

"In this matter, you should respect Lord Pu!"

Cai Jing bowed his head and said, "Yes!"

"I will obey your command!"

Then he raised his head: "It's just... I am worried that Mr. Pu has no experience in Kaifeng Prefecture... He is not familiar with the affairs of Kaifeng Prefecture and the counties and towns..."

"If you fail to thoroughly investigate the internal situation of the counties and towns in Kaifeng Prefecture, and rashly use imperial edicts to govern..."

"I am afraid..."

Zhao Xu understood and asked, "What deadline did Minister Pu set for you?"

Increasing the pressure layer by layer is the characteristic of the politics of the Song Dynasty after the Xining Reforms.

Wu Juhou, Wang Zijing, and Qian Zhoufu and his son are all masters in this field.

The superiors said that the deadline for something should be completed in one year, but they gave the subordinates an eight-month deadline. After the subordinates returned, they gave the subordinates another six-month deadline...

Finally, when it comes to the execution level, it may have been compressed to three months.

Then, the helpless grassroots, with no other options, can only choose the simplest and most effective method - a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the basic situation and objective reality!
The horse and armor protection system in Jingdong Road, the salt monopoly system in Jiangxi Road, and the salt and liquor monopoly system in Fujian Road were all ruined by them in this way.

This is completely different from the previous Jiayou and Zhiping eras when everyone was in harmony and worked according to the rules and slowly.

(End of this chapter)