Lin'an City, Royal Street, Yuanxi Festival.
Compared with the liveliness and commercialization of the Lantern Festival in previous years, this year’s Lantern Festival is more solemn and less noisy.
There is only one reason, the King of the Song Dynasty is going on the Northern Expedition.
After more than a hundred years of Song Dynasty's journey south, the King of the Song Dynasty finally sent his troops northward for the third time.
"Remember history! Restore the Central Plains! Unite as one and donate money and materials!"
A group of students wearing the uniforms of Lin'an Normal School came along the street. They held banners and shouted slogans. The students in the group carried donation boxes and handed out leaflets. Scholars and people continued to come forward to collect donations on the street, and it was extremely lively.
"The King's Northern Expedition! The day we have finally waited for!"
"Master Wang sets the day of the Central Plains in the north. He will not forget to tell Naiwen about family sacrifices! It is a blessing to the country, a blessing to the country!"
In the crowd, some people sighed one after another.
"I'm just afraid that it will be like before, ending in a hasty way but ending in an anticlimax, which will harm poor people like us!"
"Yes! They are so aggressive that they really think the Tatars are easy to deal with! Anyway, I won't donate money!"
A few spectators complained disdainfully.
"Sun Er, shut up!"
"Thursday, why so much nonsense?"
The people around them immediately turned against each other and scolded the two people for their harsh words.
"Sun Er, do you think this court is still the same as before? You idle fool!"
"My Song Dynasty's frontier army recaptured Hexi, Shaanxi and Huaidong one after another, killing all the Tatars. Who is the opponent? What nonsense did you talk about on Thursday!"
The crowd became angry and rebuked one after another. Thursday became angry and replied angrily.
"It's not enough to talk about it. Are you the emperor?"
"You can say anything you want, but you can't say bad things about Master Wang Shi of the Song Dynasty!"
"On Thursday, I won't let you talk. What can you do?"
Everyone still wanted to attack in groups, but Thursday had already left with a dark face.
Everyone was annoyed and started teasing Sun Er again.
"Sun Er, don't leave! Donate money quickly!"
Sun Er also walked away boredly, and everyone booed without mercy.
As the army of the Song Dynasty won battles one after another and the navy of the Song Dynasty expanded overseas, the patriotic enthusiasm and national self-esteem of the Song people were completely aroused.
If the country does not know that there are people, then the people will not know that there is a country. If a country loves its people, then the people will also love their country.
In the military, the troops were strong and the horses were strong, and they were invincible. In the civil affairs, the officials were in charge, and the improvement of people's lives was visible to the naked eye. The scholars and people were naturally full of expectations for the Song Dynasty court, and their love for it skyrocketed.
"... Thirty years of fame and dust, eight thousand miles of clouds and moons. Don't wait, your young head will turn gray... The ambition is to eat the meat of the Huns, and laugh and talk about the thirst for the blood of the Huns. Let's start again..."
The students' loud singing rang out, and everyone applauded. No one paid attention to Sun Ershu, who was "escaping" and donated money one after another.
"Second brother, you and your sister-in-law are also here to donate money?"
Everyone was surprised to see Zhang Er and his wife and son appear.
"Uncle Zheng Wu, is there anything strange about this? Master Wang is going to the Northern Expedition. I am also a citizen of the Song Dynasty, so I should give my best!"
Zhang Er, Zhang San, Zhang Zhongxia's brother, smiled brightly. Regardless of his wife's pull, he just stuffed a few Huizi into the students' donation box and got a small red flag.
"Second brother, your third brother is a general of the imperial court. You should go to Yujin Garden to donate money!"
Some people said with smiles on their faces, and indescribable envy and jealousy in their eyes.
A rogue on the streets of Lin'an can also become a general on the battlefield. The fate of life is really amazing.
"It's not the same where you donate. It's all just out of your heart!"
Zhang Er said with a smile and applauded the singing and marching fundraising team.
During the King's Northern Expedition, his younger brother will also go north with the army. He has thousands of troops under his command. He is a great general of the Song Dynasty. Thinking about it, he feels like he can't breathe smoothly and his heart beats faster.
"Dad, I want to visit Yujin Garden. I heard that it is lively and has a lot of delicious food and fun!"
Zhang Chengen, Zhang's 28-year-old son, suddenly shouted.
Yujin Garden is the donation place announced by the imperial court. Today is the first day. I heard that the imperial court officials, princes and nobles, as well as celebrities from Lin'an City will go there. It must be very lively.
"Sir, why don't we go to Yujin Garden to have a look?"
Zhang's second daughter-in-law's face was white and plump, and there was a layer of expectation in her eyes.
"What? You want to go again? Are you not afraid of being recognized and donating again?"
Zhang Er looked at his wife in surprise and said.
Yujin Garden was a fundraiser organized by the Imperial War Department, so it must have been very lively, and most of the people who went there must have been fundraisers. The wife was afraid of being recognized, so she had to pretend to be fat. Unexpectedly, my wife changed her mind again.
"Would you like to go and have a look? Just watch the fun. Besides, my son also wants to go."
Zhang's second daughter-in-law was a little embarrassed.
My husband's brother is a general, so even donating money is a respectable thing. Anyway, the family doesn't lack that much money.
"Okay. Then go and have a look!"
His younger brother is a general of the imperial court, and as the brother of a general, there seems to be nothing shameful about him.
At best, it’s just a matter of spending some more money to raise donations.
In front of the Yujin Garden, there was a lively scene, with hawkers everywhere, and a huge crowd of scholars and people, coming from all directions, heading into the garden.
"Second brother, sister-in-law, you are here too!"
The Forbidden Army officer who was patrolling at the door with a knife in his hand saw Zhang Er's family, his face was full of smiles, and he hurriedly greeted them.
"Brother Li Xiong, you are on duty today. Thank you for your hard work."
Zhang Er was sincerely happy to see that his younger brother's former "little brother" Li Xiong was now also an officer of the imperial army.
"It's not hard work! Speaking of which, it's the third brother's hard work! Fighting on the battlefield and making achievements, it's so majestic!"
Li Xiong said seriously, with an apologetic smile on his face:
"Second brother, did third brother have a letter? What did he say?"
"It's a letter. I just received it! Your third brother is now the deputy commander of Shaanxi Road, commanding thousands of troops. He said that he may have to join the army in the Northern Expedition and will not be able to come back. The ones he can't let go of the most are you brothers. He also asked Is your mother's illness better? Have you received the medicine you sent?"
Zhang Er was warm-hearted and said everything at once.
"Got it! Much better! Much better!"
Li Xiong's eyes heated up and he quickly raised his head, fearing that tears would flow out.
"Okay now, your third brother, Du Er, Gao Hu, Gao Guoshou, and Wang Gui, they are all in the Northwest Army. They are all court generals who command thousands of troops. It's Du San, alas, don't mention the many things in his heart. It’s so uncomfortable!”
Zhang Er shook his head, his face full of regret.
Du San was the commander of the naval forces in Champa, but because he violated the court's laws, he was beaten to death and sent to Africa. They also knew in their hearts that if the emperor hadn't been nostalgic, Du San would have died.
"Second brother, stop talking about these bad things."
Li Xiong waved his hand and called the Forbidden Army soldiers on the side.
"Open your eyes and let me see clearly. This is the second brother and the second sister-in-law. If they come to Yujin Garden to play in the future, they will be treated well. If anyone dares to neglect, don't blame me for falling out!"
"Yes, General!"
Several Forbidden Army soldiers looked confused, but they still obeyed the military orders.
"Don't think that I am serving the public good for personal gain. Listen carefully, the second brother is the biological brother of the third brother Zhang. Do you understand now?"
"Brother Zhang?"
One officer was still confused, but the other suddenly understood and blurted out.
"Brother Zhang! Zhang Zhengsi and Zhang Zhongxia!"
"That's right! Third brother Zhang, Zhang Zhongxia, is the deputy commander of Shaanxi Road. I, Li Xiong, am a destined nobleman, and I am closer to him than my own brother!"
Li Xiong was serious, and several Forbidden Army soldiers stood in awe, clasping their fists and saluting together.
"I've met my second brother! I've met my second sister-in-law!"
Zhang San, Zhang Zhengsi, Zhang Zhongxia, from a gangster in Lin'an City to a general guarding one side, was given a name by the emperor, what an honor it is, and it is also a legend and pride among the forbidden soldiers in Yujin Garden.
"Brothers, you're welcome! You're welcome!"
Zhang Er cupped his fists and returned the gift. He and his wife were both smiling and feeling happy.
Having such a distinguished younger brother can be said to be a glorious ancestor!
"Dad, in the future, like my third uncle, I will make great achievements and be famous throughout the ages!"
Zhang Er's young son, Zhang Chengen, suddenly spoke.
"Okay! Cheng'en, then you should study hard and practice martial arts diligently. In the future, you will go to the Jinling Martial Arts Lecture Hall to study hard and become a general!"
Li Xiong said with a smile and made a gesture of invitation.
"Second brother, second sister-in-law, please come inside. I will lead the way."
Yujinyuan Campus was filled with people who came to watch the fundraiser. There were so many people that the high platform with fluttering colorful flags was surrounded by water. Everyone was looking towards the platform.
"Dear soldiers and civilians, I am Wei Liaoweng, the Minister of War in the Song Dynasty. Please be quiet and listen to what I have to say!"
Wei Liaoweng stood on the stage and shouted loudly, signaling for the soldiers and people below to be quiet.
"Dear fellow citizens, King Wang's Northern Expedition aims to restore the Central Plains, occupy the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, complete his achievements in one battle, and bring about hundreds of years of peace in the Song Dynasty. As our people in the Song Dynasty, people are not divided into men, women, old and young, and the land is not divided into east, west, north and south. We all have the obligation to share the country's worries. It doesn't matter how much you donate, but it only depends on your patriotism. Let me stop talking nonsense. Come and donate, and contribute to Wang's Northern Expedition!"
Wei Liaoweng's words were concise and to the point, and the people in the audience were in high spirits, shouting loudly and cheering.
"Zhao Hong, the Emperor of the Song Dynasty, donated 200,000 taels of silver to the treasury!"
Wei Liaoweng personally called the roll, instantly igniting the enthusiasm of the people in the audience, and loud cheers followed.
"Long live Long live Long live!"
The emperor was frugal, refused to wear brocades, did not build palaces, and strictly prohibited luxury in the palace, but he donated 200,000 yuan at once. This king of the Song Dynasty truly deserved his reputation for serving the country and the people.
After the people's cheers subsided, Wei Liaowen continued the roll call.
"This dynasty's concubine, Madam Yan, donates 1,000 guan!"
"This dynasty's Princess Yi, Mrs. Rong Guo, donates 10,000 yuan!"
…………
"This dynasty's queen, Empress Zhou, donates 2,000 yuan!"
"This Concubine Zhang Shu, please donate 1,000 guan!"
"I, Concubine Jia, donate 1,000 guan!"
These are all donations from the concubines of the Song Dynasty. According to the custom, those who donate more than 100 yuan must be called by name. As the registration officials continued to roll the names, the crowd occasionally let out exclamations and cheered in shock at the number of donors.
"Zhao Shixiu, the king of the royal family of the Great Song Dynasty, donated 10,000 yuan!"
"Zhao Buxi, Prince Pu of the Great Song Dynasty, donated 10,000 yuan!"
…………
"Zhao Guicheng, the royal family of the Great Song Dynasty, donated 10,000 yuan!"
The soldiers and the people were all astonished. Zhao Guicheng, who competed with the emperor for the throne, also came out to donate money. However, he himself was not present, but his family members made donations on his behalf.
"Chen Qi, the owner of Lin'an Chen's Bookstore, donated 100,000 yuan!"
Amidst the exclamations of the people, Chen Qi, the shopkeeper of Chen's Bookstore, came up to the stage and handed a plate of Huizi to Wei Liaoweng. The two of them bowed their hands, both smiling.
"Shopkeeper Chen, give us a few words!"
Wei Liaoweng laughed and asked Chen Qi to speak.
Chen Qi laughed, cleared his throat, and said loudly:
"Everyone, I am Chen Qi, the shopkeeper of Chen's Bookstore in Lin'an City. I have voluntarily donated 100,000 yuan. Don't worry about how much you donate, as long as you have a patriotic heart and do what you can. When I, the King of the Song Dynasty, make a triumphant return from the Northern Expedition, everyone will They have all done their part, and they are all heroes of the successful Northern Expedition of my Great Song Dynasty King’s Division!”
"good!"
Wei Liaoweng took the lead in applauding, and the audience burst into applause.
A businessman who sells books and newspapers makes a voluntary donation of 100,000 yuan, but it is not easy.
"Xuan Zhen, the people of Lin'an, donated 50,000 yuan!"
"Ge Hong, a citizen of Lin'an, donated 50,000 yuan!"
"Xue Tan, a citizen of Lin'an, donated 30,000 yuan!"
…………
These high-ranking officials in the imperial court also came out one after another and donated money regardless of their capital.
"The current emperor of the dynasty, Duke Anguo Zhou Jiacheng, and Mrs. Zhou of Yanguo, donated 100,000 yuan!"
The emperor's father-in-law and mother-in-law appeared and donated a huge sum of money, which again blinded everyone's attention.
"Thank you so much, Madam!"
Wei Liaoweng kept applauding. When Zhou and his wife stepped down, he stepped forward, opened a box and put it on the table.
"Wei Liaoweng, Minister of the Ministry of War, donated 30,000 yuan!"
The officials called the roll call, which caused another round of cheers. Wei Liaoweng was an upright official and the emperor's right-hand man. He donated so much, which was quite real.
"The prime minister of the dynasty and the Minister of Household Affairs are truly virtuous and donated 30,000 yuan!"
The official roll call also caused a roar of mountains and tsunami.
"Zou Yinglong, Minister of Industry, donated 10,000 yuan!"
"Censor Zhongcheng Li Zongmian donated 10,000 yuan!"
"Xu Xuan, the minister of Dali Temple, donated 20,000 yuan!"
…………
"Shi Mijian, a citizen of Qingyuan Prefecture, donated 50,000 yuan!"
The official roll call elicited a burst of exclamations.
Shi Miyuan, the historian of the Siming Dynasty, and his younger brother Shi Mijian, actually came out to donate money for the Northern Expedition.
It seems that during the Northern Expedition, state affairs were the most important thing, and everyone put their money and efforts aside regardless of past grudges.
“Anti-corruption chief Xu Shouchun and his son Xu Liang donated 5,000 yuan!”
"Zhou Ping, the head of the Anti-Corruption Department, donated 5,000 yuan!"
"Tian Yi, the director of the Jiangnan Arms Manufacturing Department, donated 5,000 guan!"
These are all the emperor's close ministers, and no one is short-changed.
…………
"Wei Gao's family in Pujiang, Sichuan, donated 20,000 yuan!"
"Daye Hu Mansion on Jiangnan West Road, donate 20,000 yuan!"
"The Wu Mansion, the two Zhejiang and Ning Kingdoms, donated 20,000 yuan!"
"Lin'an Wu Mansion, donate 20,000 yuan!"
"Xiaoshan Yang Mansion, donate 20,000 yuan!"
These are all distinguished nobles from this dynasty, and none of them are inferior to them.
…………
"Lin'an Boat Shop, donate 100,000 yuan!"
“Quanzhou Boat Company donated 80,000 yuan!”
"Cao's Grain Shop in Lin'an City donated 30,000 shi of rice!"
“Deng’s Silk and Satin Shop in Lin’an City donated 1,000 pieces of cloth!”
"Shaoxing Zheng's Soap Shop, donated 10,000 yuan!"
The generosity of major business houses aroused waves of cheers and envious looks.
The dignitaries and wealthy businessmen were bleeding, and the hearts of the vast majority of the people were extremely sour.
