Seeing that Yong Chi was the first to be granted the title of marquis, and the emperor was very generous, granting him 2,500 households in one fell swoop, all the heroes were beaming with joy, and they all congratulated Yong Chi, the new Marquis of Shifang.
This is a compliment to Yong Chi and a relief to himself. Even Yong Chi's results are so unexpectedly good. The emperor is indeed a kind man who repays evil with kindness.
After three rounds of drinking, he saw that everyone was almost drunk and the atmosphere in the palace was harmonious. Liu Ji let out a sigh of relief, pretended to be drunk, and went back to the ban to rest.
After a while, someone from Xiaohuangmen came to summon the eldest prince Liu Fei on the emperor's order.
Ever since he learned Zhang Liang's plan in the northwest, Liu Fei had always been worried and uneasy. He was worried that Zhang Liang would not guess the Sacred Heart, and he was also worried that Zhang Liang would guess the Sacred Heart completely.
At this moment, seeing Liu Ji being summoned alone, he vaguely understood that a conversation involving his family and life was about to take place, so he quietly left the palace and followed behind Xiao Huangmen, walking quickly with his head lowered while being inhaled by the heat and alcohol. He slapped his red cheeks hard twice to wake himself up quickly.
The cold moon on a winter night hangs high in the sky, so cold that you can't feel any warmth. It only makes people feel more lonely and cold, and the road under their feet seems to never end.
Fortunately, the ban arrived immediately. He respectfully took off his shoes at the door and slowly stepped onto the polished floor.
***
Liu Ji was lying on his back on the couch. He had already taken off his dark clothes, leaving only his crimson pajamas. He covered his face with a steaming thin silk handkerchief. He made no sound and seemed to be asleep.
Seeing that the palace servant kneeling beside him was about to remind the emperor, Liu Fei waved his hands in a hurry and sat quietly behind the first low copper-cornered table under the imperial couch, looking at his nose and nose and waiting.
After a while, slight snoring came from under the silk handkerchief. Liu Ji was so drunk that he fell asleep.
Huang Men, who had just given the order, looked at the eldest prince and then the emperor with a troubled expression on his face. He didn't know what to do, but he saw Liu Fei mouthing silently to indicate to him that he must not wake up the emperor, he could wait.
This wait lasted for more than half an hour. The tea in front of Liu Fei's case was changed and cooled again. I couldn't remember how many new rounds were served. Finally, Liu Ji let out a drunken murmur and turned over.
Seeing that there was no time, Huangmen hurriedly approached the emperor's ear and whispered,
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the eldest prince is here."
"oh?"
Liu Ji sat up sleepily, crossed his legs slowly, looked at Liu Fei with squinted eyes and said,
"Why didn't you wake me up? Fatty, have you been waiting for a long time?"
Liu Fei secretly moved his feet, which were already sore and numb, with a naive smile on his face.
"My son has just arrived and hasn't sat down for a while."
"Well, you went to the northwest for a trip. After eating some wind and sand, you became more organized in your work. You also know how to report to me when you encounter big things or small things. I am very relieved."
As Liu Ji spoke, he took a new handkerchief that had just been soaked in a hot water basin and wringed out from the hands of the palace attendant. He wiped his face carefully and said,
"When my son grows up, he can no longer be kept in Luoyang. It's time to let him go."
Liu Fei lowered his head and lowered his eyes, listening with fear, his heart beating like a drum.
The howling wind in Longxi was still in his ears. Zhang Liang knew that the great event was really coming.
As for whether he would respond according to Zhang Liang's plan, until now, he was still not sure.
"Faier, tell me, where is the richest place in the Han Dynasty now?"
***
Liu Fei thought for a while and said carefully,
"My son has been with Taifu day and night for the past six months, and I often listen to him talk about the customs of various places in the Han Dynasty.
I think that in terms of fertile soil and abundant rice, Chu and Shu are the first countries.
And—it’s the land of Qilu. "
"Well, that's right. The land of Chu, the land of fish and rice, and the land of Shu, the land of abundance. These two places are quite obvious. If you think of Qilu in the east, it seems that it has made some progress."
Liu Ji nodded and said approvingly.
The land of Qilu is one of the most fertile grain-producing areas in the Central Plains, and it also has a large mulberry and hemp industry. The sericulture and textile industries operated by local small farmers are very common, and it is also the largest silk fabric production area in the country.
Moreover, the coastal areas of Qilu have been rich in fish and salt since ancient times. In the early Han Dynasty, there were many wastes waiting to be renovated. The government had loose control over private salt boiling. Therefore, the local salt industry was extremely developed, and many rich people in the private salt boiling industry were born.
"The prefectures and counties in Bashu have been under the control of the imperial court for a long time. In two years, we will move the capital to Chang'an and establish the country in Guanzhong. Bashu and Hanzhong are our inner circle and will probably not be sealed off.
As for Chu State, well, since Han Xin has lived in Luoyang forever and never plans to go back, I think those six counties in Chu State will soon no longer have the surname Han. "
In order to gather Qi, the inner room in the forbidden area was not very big. The half-person-high double-layered charcoal pots placed at the four corners were burning too brightly. Liu Fei felt hot all over, and there seemed to be beads of sweat rolling down his back, making him wet. It was very uncomfortable.
The emperor turned his head and stared at Liu Fei, his eyes filled with indescribable excitement.
“Of these precious lands, only Qi Di is left without ownership.
That area faces the sea to the east and north, has the danger of Mount Tai in the south, and the natural chasm of the Yellow River in the west. It has a vast territory and can reap the benefits of fish and salt. I would not worry if it were left to others. "
***
When Liu Ji listened to the advice of the unknown garrison soldier Liu Jing and established his capital in Chang'an, he learned from the Qin State's precedent of using the natural barrier of the Yellow River and high mountains to obtain a natural and dangerous geographical advantage, making it possible to attack when advancing and defend when retreating.
Then, once the center of gravity of the imperial court moves westward to Guanzhong, Qi, located in the easternmost part of the Han Empire, it will become an economically powerful and politically independent island that is difficult to control.
During the conflict between Chu and Han, Qi sometimes followed the Chu and sometimes the Han. The Tian family was deeply rooted and the country was independent and had a very special status. After Han Xin destroyed Qi, he used the excuse that Qi was difficult to control and was able to blackmail Liu Ji. Proclaimed himself King of Qi.
After the Battle of Gaixia, Liu Ji ignored the celebrations and cooperated with Cao Shen, the deputy general guarding Qi, to move King Han Xin of Qi to the title of King of Chu without delay, without daring to delay for a second.
Such a rich and difficult-to-manage heart problem can only be relieved if it is left to one's own son to take care of it.
But, can we really rest assured?
"Fat boy,"
Liu Ji stood up with a calm face and casually walked in front of Liu Fei. Liu Fei's heart was beating fast out of his chest, but he didn't dare to show his face. He only looked up at his father who was worried.
Suddenly, Liu Ji stretched out a hand, pressed heavily on Liu Fei's shoulder, and said carefully,
"I am determined to make you the King of Qi.
In the future, the territory of Qi State will be larger than when Han Xin was there. There will be a total of more than 70 cities, with Linzi as the capital, all of which will be under your jurisdiction. "
Liu Fei was dumbfounded and froze in place. He even forgot to thank him. In his ecstasy, there were only two thoughts left in his mind:
First, Zhang Liang is really a living god, and he predicts every move of his father with perfect accuracy;
Secondly, should I follow Zhang Liang’s advice next?
Seeing that he didn't answer for a long time and didn't rush to thank him, Liu Ji hummed in surprise, bent down slightly and glanced down to see Liu Fei's face.
"Why don't you say anything? Are you so happy that you become a fool?
After all, those with the last name are outsiders. You are my biological son, and you must guard the east side of the Han Dynasty for me.
You work hard, but don't rebel, haha. "
This last sentence seemed like a witty joke, but it was like a heavy hammer, hitting Liu Fei hard in the chest, causing him to wake up instantly.
He suddenly leaned down, knocked his head on the floor with a thud, and said hurriedly as if begging for mercy,
"I dare not obey the imperial edict even if I die. I beg your father to think again!"
