Since arriving at Qionglin Garden, the emperor has been staying there for a while, obviously. Because Liu Chengyou lives here, the ladies in the Han Palace can't sit still, and they have come out of the palace to accompany and serve them. .
To put it bluntly, the Han Dynasty's royal garden was just a place for him to go out, enjoy sightseeing, and relax. It was just such a place, and it was quite simple. The princes were also accompanying them. In the fifteenth year of Qianyou's reign, Liu Chengyou The sons have grown a little longer.
The eldest son of the emperor, Liu Xu, is about to turn fourteen. Not long ago, the Queen Mother Li summoned Liu Chengyou to discuss finding a wife for him. Although Liu Chengyou thought it was still early and was not even under the legal age for marriage, the Queen Mother was anxious. Chengyou also had to think about this matter.
It can be said that Liu Xu grew up under the care of the Queen Mother. The relationship between her grandfather and grandson is very deep. There is a reason why the Queen Mother is so anxious. In the past few years, she has been in poor health and has become older. After all, she is nearly six years old. At the age of ten.
In the season when the grass is growing and the orioles are flying, the wind is bright and the sun is shining brightly. Wandering among a patch of green, a long carpet is spread out on the flat grass. I lie on my side in a comfortable posture, surrounded by beautiful women, basking in the sun and blowing the lake breeze. Drinking a little wine, listening to music, and watching the children playing in the distance, looking relaxed.
A horse galloped forward, grass clippings flying, and a guard hurriedly led the horse to ride in front of him. When the visitors saw Liu Chengyou's posture, they smiled and said from a distance: "Your Majesty, you are so comfortable! I am envious of you!" "
Hearing the call, Liu Chengyou sat up and looked at the person who came. He opened his mouth and said, "The emperor's uncle is here! Please set up a seat for the emperor's uncle!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Murong Yanchao is also in his fifties, but his body is well maintained and strong. His face is rosy, and his beard and hair are not gray. In fact, Murong Yanchao, the emperor's uncle, apart from his greedy personality, has a very strong personality. He can also discover a lot of advantages and cuteness. Under the constraints of Liu Chengyou, his reputation has been pretty good in recent years, and he has done a lot of things for the court.
Therefore, Liu Chengyou was very kind to this imperial uncle. When he sat down, he asked with a smile: "What can I do for you to go to Qionglin Garden in person?"
Murong Yanchao was not polite. He took a swig of wine to moisten his throat, and then said to Liu Chengyou: "I come to see your majesty. Naturally, I have something important to report!"
"Uncle, please speak!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand and gestured towards him, feeling relatively relaxed and even thinking that he would not come to ask for instructions on construction projects again.
Murong Yanchao said: "Your Majesty, I have been inspecting the world's prisons in recent years. I have some doubts about some punishments and judgments, and I am here to report them!"
"Huh?" Liu Chengyou frowned subconsciously, and an alarm bell sounded in his heart: "Is there some unjust or malicious case?"
Murong Yanchao said: "No! It's just that during the process of judging the case, I felt that some of the sentences needed to be adjusted. I also listened to the opinions of many officials from the Third Division, and they responded one after another."
Liu Chengyou became interested and said: "Tell me the details!"
Seeing that the emperor's attention had been attracted, Murong Yanchao said: "For example, in the law of theft, the "Xingtong" stipulates that those who steal more than a thousand feet will be put to death. I think it is a little harsh, and I sincerely ask for a leniency in the sentence!"
According to the customization, one Mo is one hundred coins. Of course, the actual situation is very different. The government's loss to one Mo is set at ninety-three coins, while the common people's payment is the same as before. The difference is called Sheng Mo. In the early Han Dynasty, , under the auspices of Wang Zhang, it was even more exaggerated, with the government spending 80 or even 77 yuan in Yimo. Although it alleviated the financial pressure on the court, it caused great public resentment.
We can't even call it extortionate, but it is definitely a harsh government. Even though it was later abolished, to this day, I have never used money from the government. After all, "provincial money" is really a huge amount of income.
A thousand feet, that is, a hundred coins, and if the value of the stolen goods exceeds the penalty, you will be put to death. Objectively speaking, it is indeed a bit serious. Theft is not a minor crime, but due to the seriousness of the circumstances, there should be a more appropriate sentencing.
After thinking for a while, Liu Chengyou asked: "How many criminals have been sentenced to death for theft over the years?"
Upon hearing this, Murong Yanchao immediately said: "In the past five years, there have been a total of 392 people!"
"So many!" Liu Chengyou looked a little surprised.
"Then change it!" Liu Chengyou was also decisive and immediately ordered Murong Yanchao: "Raise the death penalty standard for theft! However, this does not mean tolerance for theft criminals. This is still a bad behavior that endangers public security and requires no punishment. The rules continue to be improved!”
"yes!"
With his expression still serious, Liu Chengyou asked again: "It should be more than just this one!"
Murong Yanchao nodded, took the initiative to hand over a memorial, and said: "This is what I and other officials have compiled, and I hope your Majesty will review it. There are many things in it that need to be considered, especially business laws. In recent years, the imperial business tax Income has surged, but there are still many loopholes in the regulations..."
Liu Chengyou opened it and looked through it for a while. There were quite a few rules listed, dozens of them, and reasons for adjustments were noted under each one. He couldn't help but look at the emperor's uncle with a surprised look. He had been there not long ago. I was teasing him for not doing his job properly, so I gave him a surprise and did a lot of work behind the scenes!"
With a smile on his face, Liu Chengyou said: "It seems that the Han Dynasty's "Xingtong" should be revised again! This matter will be left to the emperor's uncle to take the lead, select the officials of the Three Laws Division, and correct the inappropriate legal provisions. Make revisions and adjustments. In addition, in addition to criminal laws, you can also conduct an inspection on civil laws!"
"yes!"
Since the completion of the "Xingtong", the laws of the Han Dynasty have been continuously added, revised, and improved, but they are all minor repairs. This is the first time for such a major revision.
Revising laws and regulations is an extremely important task. If it is left to him, Murong Yanchao feels both excited and stressed. After thinking about it, he said: "Your Majesty, revising laws is a major matter for the country. I will preside over it with my ability." I’m afraid it’s hard to do this!”
Liu Chengyou was even more satisfied with Murong Yanchao's self-awareness, and immediately smiled and said: "Then find a deputy for the emperor's uncle!"
As for Murong Yanchao's ability, Liu Chengyou knew clearly that it was enough to conclude the case, but it would be difficult for him if legal provisions were involved. If he was given full responsibility, Liu Chengyou would not be relieved.
Searching for suitable candidates for this position in his mind, names flashed through his mind. Suddenly, Liu Chengyou looked at Murong Yanchao: "Uncle Emperor, do you have anyone to recommend?"
Almost without thinking, Murong Yanchao said: "How about Dou Yan, the Minister of Punishment?"
"It's up to him!" After saying that, Liu Chengyou decided on the matter.
This person was among the candidates Liu Chengyou had just considered. The five Dou brothers, Dou Yi and Dou Yan, were extremely accomplished in the study of the legal system. Dou Yan was appreciated by Liu Chengyou for this, and was later transferred to the East Palace. , and was transferred to the Ministry of Punishment at the beginning of last year. At the same time, Liu Chengyou was basically certain that the idea of amending the law was probably also Dou Yan's idea, but it was just reported through Murong Yanchao.
"It's rare for your uncle to come here and sit with me for a while to enjoy the scenery of Jinmingchi!" After talking about business, Liu Chengyou said to Murong Yanchao again.
Hearing this, while he was delighted to be invited, Murong Yanchao couldn't help but suggested to him: "Your Majesty, you are rich all over the world, but there is only one place that you can visit every year to relieve the fatigue of running the country. Even horse racing can be done in this place." It's not pleasant. I know that Your Majesty doesn't like spectacles, but you have worked hard for the country for many years and built a palace to rest in your spare time. I think that if the people in the world hear this, they will not criticize it, and they will even understand it... .”
Well, Emperor Murong's favorite thing is still in architecture. First there was Kaifeng, then not long ago he suggested building Luoyang, and now he directly proposed building the Li Palace in person.
Liu Chengyou asked back: "Isn't it true that the emperor's uncle has already planned a farewell palace for me with the friends you summoned?"
Suddenly he became energetic, Murong Yanchao raised his hand and said: "As long as Your Majesty is interested, I will immediately arrange for someone to sketch it!"
"No need!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand: "I understand the emperor's kindness! Don't say that I don't have this intention. Even if I have this intention, it is not the right time!"