After entering Fengzhou City, the scene inside made Emperor Liu's eyes brighter, and even exceeded his expectations. Although the roads in the city are narrow and basically dirt roads, they are simple and clean, especially the main roads, which are paved with stone slabs and appear smooth.
There are also some businesses and wine shops along the street. Of course, there are also many vacant places.
Although the civil structures of the houses are simple and uneven, they do not give people a sense of depression and decay. Perhaps it is because of the royal chariot's personal visit, or because the city's population is not large and it seems very quiet.
The entire Fengzhou City looks monotonous, even deserted, but it is extremely orderly. It is obvious that the government has put great thought into the management of the city and the people.
Such a result naturally won the favor of Emperor Liu again. He did have a sympathetic attitude towards the army, officials and people of Fengzhou. The bitter, cold and remote environment was difficult to change, and poverty was also a reality. However, if he would be willing to degenerate because of this, he would be in trouble.
Because of the sinking, breaking the pot and letting the management go, then complaining about poverty will arouse Emperor Liu's contempt.
When he was in Hedong, a conversation with Shi Xizai made Emperor Liu feel quite deeply. If the people want to improve their lives and get rid of poverty, they must ultimately rely on themselves. They must rely on the mountains to feed themselves, the water to feed them, and be self-reliant.
Compared with other poor areas, Fengzhou has received certain policy support because of its special geographical location and military value. For example, in terms of finance and taxation, in the past ten years, it has been either reduced or exempted. If the financial support from earlier years is added,
Not only did the imperial court not collect much tax from here, but it actually contributed a lot. Moreover, the imperial court also shouldered a large part of the supply of local garrison soldiers.
Therefore, Fengzhou was poor and poor, but there was not much burden imposed by the imperial court.
However, although the first impression was very good, Emperor Liu did not show it on his face. On the contrary, he asked the prince Liu Yang to personally inspect and visit inside and outside the city.
Emperor Liu only has one pair of eyes and one pair of ears. Even if he sees it with his own eyes, he can't guarantee whether all this is an illusion arranged by Feng Guang to cater to him. After calming down, Emperor Liu will treat everyone and everything with a certain attitude.
He must look at it carefully and even with suspicion. This is something he will find difficult to change in his life.
"What's going on with these things?" Emperor Liu asked, pointing to an open space on the corner of the street.
Next to the barracks, there should be a warehouse, close to the main road, with firewood, fodder and other items neatly stacked. The wood was all chopped, and there was a pile of black coal beside it. In order to prevent moisture, it was simply arranged
Some rain protection measures.
After hearing this, Feng Guang hurriedly introduced: "Your Majesty, it's winter now. No matter whether officials or people are concerned, the most worrying thing is hunger and cold, and things to keep warm are especially important. After traveling a long distance, I led the people to prepare more firewood.
Forage for camping..."
"You are really thoughtful!" Emperor Liu glanced at Feng Guang and said, "This is not just to prepare more, but to build a hill. How much people's energy is wasted with so many? I have already had a strict order to inspect the places I passed.
, the local government does not need to pay tribute, let alone waste the people and money!"
When Emperor Liu said this, he felt a slightly stern tone. Feng Guang hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty's edict, how can I not obey it? It's just that at the end of every autumn, the officials and the people prepare materials to prepare for the winter. This time it's just too much."
We have made some preparations, and the state government will also pay for the extra people's effort, so there is no need to work for the people. Your Majesty did not avoid the wind and cold, and visited Fengzhou in person. All the officials and people of this state felt sorry for him. There were no precious tributes, and only these few firewood were available.
Do whatever the officials and the people want..."
After hearing what Feng Guang said, Emperor Liu's expression improved. Seeing that he was frightened by him, he couldn't help but wave his hands: "That's it!"
In fact, Emperor Liu also knew that it was absolutely impossible for him to go on patrol without disturbing the place, even if there was an edict in front of him. The geese passing by could still make a sound, not to mention the tens of thousands of people.
On the other hand, it is common sense for officials and people everywhere to express their filial piety to the best of their ability as they appreciate the emperor's visit.
Like Feng Guang's approach, if you think about it carefully, there is not much to criticize. The charcoal materials are what the camp needs. If they are lacking, the camp will purchase them.
Feng Guang, as for Feng Guang, had considered the matter ahead. It happened to be at this time of year, which reflected his intentions and was an expression of his loyalty to the emperor.
Of course, maybe he was too attentive, which made Emperor Liu couldn't help but think about it. Is this because he is careful and considerate, or is he deliberately acting to please himself and invite favors?
Emperor Liu kept this question in his mind and had no answer for the time being, but he was not in a hurry. The future was still very long and he could wait and see.
But at the same time, no matter what Emperor Liu thinks, Feng Guang's performance has actually attracted Emperor Liu's attention. There are so many prefects and governors in the country, and I have seen many of them during this patrol, and they can get Emperor Liu's attention.
How many more people are there?
For an official to be remembered by the emperor and even pay attention to him, this is very beneficial to his official career. In the era of the emperor's autocratic rule, this can be vividly reflected.
"Is there anything we need to keep warm during the camp? These firewood and charcoal will come in handy!" Emperor Liu turned to ask his uncle Li Ye.
Li Ye gave an affirmative reply: "Of course it will be useful! After the cold weather, the camp consumes a lot of money and even requires soldiers to cut down trees and make fires. Feng Jishi is so prepared, which saves a lot of trouble in the camp!"
"In this case, let's write a note and let the camp organizer accept it. The required expenses will be allocated directly to Fengzhou!" Emperor Liu directly ordered, then looked at Feng Guang and showed a smile: "The officials and people of Fengzhou will pay for this."
I will accept your wishes peacefully, and your hard work will not be in vain!"
"Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!" After hearing this, Feng Guang was completely relieved.
"Let's go and have a look at your state government office!" Emperor Liu tightened his coat and ordered as the north wind blew.
Feng Guang did not dare to neglect and personally led the way.
The government office of Fengzhou is located in the northwest of the city. Due to the small size of the city, it only takes about three hundred steps to reach it. Just like the city wall, the government office also has a simplicity.
Emperor Liu's entourage was able to fill the yamen, and a large number of guards had to stand on the street in front of the yamen. Above the court hall, Emperor Liu, a man in luxurious clothes, also seemed out of place with the layout of the hall.
Emperor Liu sat alone on the wooden table in the hall, looked around the scene in the hall, looked at Feng Guang and the two assistants behind him, pondered for a while, and said: "Feng Guang, you, the state government, are afraid that
It’s not as good as the Dashu County Government in the Central Plains!”
When asked, Feng Guang responded calmly: "Fengzhou is poor and remote, so we can only make it as simple as possible to make your Majesty laugh!"
In fact, not to mention the county offices in the Central Plains, even some large city and town government offices are more magnificent than the Fengzhou Prefecture Office. Fengzhou Governor is a fifth-rank official position in the imperial court, which is not considered low. This official position
It can be said to be desolate. I would rather be a county magistrate in the Central Plains than a provincial governor. This is a real situation.
"I have a question!" Emperor Liu looked at Feng Guang and said without dwelling on the simplicity of Fengzhou.
Feng Guang immediately cheered up, raised his hands and said, "I respectfully listen to the holy teachings!"
Ignoring his humble attitude, Emperor Liu stared at him with bright eyes: "Although Fengzhou is remote, it is also surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is in the hinterland of the Hetao. The Shannan grassland is suitable for farming and grazing. After so many years of recuperation, why is it still poor?
So far?"
Hearing this question, Feng Guang immediately became nervous. This could be regarded as questioning his political ability as a governor. He organized his words a little and said calmly: "Your Majesty, although Fengzhou is surrounded by mountains and rivers, it has been abandoned for many years.
When the Khitans were in the hands, they did not manage it well. Before the Jiuyuan Marquis went west to recover, the Liao army also wreaked havoc in the territory, resulting in the destruction of the barriers and the extinction of the pavilions. After the recovery, due to the sparse population and the remote location on the border,
It is difficult to develop. In recent years, the climate has been extremely harsh, with frequent famines and famines, resulting in poverty to this day..."
After listening to him explain the problems and difficulties clearly, Emperor Liu finally nodded and asked: "How many people are there under Fengzhou now? How many residents are there in the city!"
"Your Majesty, in the sixth year of Kaibao, Fengzhou had one city and three castles under its jurisdiction, with a total of 732 households and 3,853 people of all ethnic groups! There were 203 households in the city, with more than a thousand people!" Feng Guang responded.
After hearing Feng Guang's report, Emperor Liu couldn't help but feel bitter for him. The only division at the level of Dahan Prefecture was so desolate, it was probably Feng Prefecture.
"How many people in your state government office enjoy official salaries and live on rice?"
"Including the ministers, including all the official positions and government officials, there are a total of 19 people!" Feng Guang replied.
"This is much less than the quota of state officials stipulated by the imperial court!" Emperor Liu smiled slightly.
Feng Guang said: "There are few people in Fengzhou and too many officials will only cause redundant staff and consume the court's salary. Therefore, I made some reductions based on the actual situation!"
"Good!" Emperor Liu finally praised: "This is adapting to local conditions, this is caring about the court and being loyal to one's duties! Feng Guang, although Fengzhou is remote, you have given me a new look!"