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墨書 Inktalez
Outside the study, sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting golden spots on the blue stone slabs. An Lushan stood by the window, gazing into the distance, lost in thought. Ever since he exposed the crimes of the court officials last time, although the court had briefly returned to calm, he knew deep down that beneath this calmness, there were hidden undercurrents. "My lord," Li Bai's voice interrupted An Lushan's thoughts. He turned around to see Li Bai holding a scroll, his face showing some concern. "Taibai, what's the matter?" An Lushan asked.
Li Bai handed over the letter: "Sir, these are some memorials and grievances I collected from the folk. The people's lives are not as stable as we perceive."
An Lushan took the letter and flipped through it page by page. The words, whether complaining or pleading, all revealed the hardships and helplessness of the people. His brow gradually furrowed, and an indescribable emotion surged in his heart.
“Why weren't these memorials and grievances reported before?” An Lushan asked in a deep voice.
Li Bai sighed, "Sir, many officials in the court are busy with power struggles and often turn a blind eye to the suffering of the people. Even if someone reports it, it is often suppressed and not brought to the attention of the heavens."
An Lushan fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Taibai, as high-ranking officials of the court, we cannot only focus on the struggles within the court, but must also care about the suffering of the people. These memorials and grievances are the voices of the people, and we cannot ignore them."
"You are absolutely right, sir," Li Bai nodded, "So what should we do?"
An Lushan pondered for a moment, then said, "First, we need to compile these memorials and grievances into a book and present it to the emperor. Only when the emperor understands the suffering of the people can he make the right decisions."
"Second, we need to personally visit the folk and understand the real lives of the common people," An Lushan continued, "Only by experiencing it firsthand can we truly understand the people's suffering."
"Wise words, sir," Li Bai admired, "When should we set out then?"
"Time is of the essence," An Lushan decisively said, "We will set out tomorrow."
The next morning, An Lushan and Li Bai, accompanied by several attendants, set out on the journey to the folk. They passed through bustling streets, walked across desolate fields, and witnessed various scenes of life.
In a dilapidated village, they encountered an old farmer. The farmer was ragged, emaciated, and holding a worn-out hoe, toiling laboriously in the fields.
"Old man, why are you working so hard?" An Lushan stepped forward and asked with concern.
The old farmer looked up, glanced at An Lushan, and sighed, "Sir, you don't know. In recent years, the taxes have been heavy, and the lives of us farmers have become increasingly difficult. We work hard, but can barely make ends meet."
“Why are the taxes so heavy?” An Lushan asked.
The old farmer sighed, "The officials in the court are corrupt and greedy, layer by layer exploiting, leading to heavier and heavier taxes. We farmers can't bear it anymore."
An Lushan felt a sinking feeling in his heart, he didn't expect the suffering of the people to be so severe. He turned to Li Bai and said, " Taibai, we must find a way to reduce the tax burden on the people."
Li Bai nodded, "What the sir said is extremely true. We can petition the emperor to reduce the taxes."
In the days that followed, An Lushan and Li Bai traveled to nearby villages and towns, engaging in deep conversations with the people. They heard many complaints and pleas about official corruption, heavy taxation, and the suffering of the people. These voices pierced their hearts like sharp knives.
Upon returning to the capital, An Lushan and Li Bai immediately compiled their observations and experiences in folk into a report, along with their own suggestions and opinions, and presented it to the emperor. After reading the report, the emperor was deeply moved. He ordered a reduction in the tax burden on the people and severe punishment for corrupt officials.
This action caused a huge response in folk. The people cheered and praised the wise emperor. The punished officials, on the other hand, regretted their actions, realizing that their crimes had incurred the wrath of both heaven and the people.
An Lushan and Li Bai looked at all this, feeling full of contentment and satisfaction. They knew that they had done a good deed for the people. But they also knew that this was just the beginning, and the road ahead was long and difficult. However, as long as they stayed true to their original intentions and worked for the well-being of the people, they would surely be able to achieve more victories and glory!
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