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In Tongzhou, the southern patrol fleet stayed for one night, but they did not stay for long. They headed south again early the next morning. [No pop-up novel website]
Then, at the urging of Emperor Deqing, the fleet increased its sailing speed to the fastest speed. However, due to the large fleet, large number of people, very complicated ceremonial rules, and the frequent presence of officials from various places to greet the fleet, it was difficult to stop and go. When stopped, even at the fastest speed, it is not much faster than an ordinary traveler.
In this way, on the third day of the southern tour, the fleet arrived in Tianjin; on the fifth day of the southern tour, the fleet arrived in Cangzhou; on the seventh day of the southern tour, it arrived in Cangzhou.
On the afternoon of the eighth day of the southern tour, Emperor Deqing's chariot finally left the scope of Beizhili and came to Linqingzhou, Dongchang Prefecture in Shandong.
This day has reached the tenth day of the third month of the lunar calendar.
Obviously, Emperor Deqing was keeping track of the time progress along the way. Seeing that at this speed, he would be able to reach Jiangsu by about mid-March and Yangzhou by the end of March, so Emperor Deqing was not in a good mood. No longer so urgent.
In fact, after arriving in Shandong, Emperor Deqing suddenly became kind-hearted and changed his usual attitude. He became a Shengming Emperor who was tolerant to his ministers and considerate of the people. He noticed the hardship and fatigue of the boatmen during this period, and The accompanying ministers were bored and said that they would stay in Linqing Prefecture for two days. This was to let the boatmen have a rest and relax the mood of the accompanying ministers.
Emperor Deqing's decision naturally caused the accompanying ministers and boatmen to shout "Long Live the Holy Ming".
But Zhao Junchen knew that the reason why Emperor Deqing did this was just because of these days. He was also tired of being in the dragon boat. Although the scenery along the canal was beautiful, he would also get tired of it after a long time. Linqing is an ancient town with thousands of years of history. In the past hundred years, it has risen rapidly due to the prosperity of water transportation. It became one of the largest cities in the Ming Dynasty. It is known as "the most prosperous county in Qi", "prosperity dominates the two capitals", "Suzhou and Hangzhou in the south and Linzhang in the north". Among them, the beautiful scenery of Fenghuang Slope is well-known to everyone. , coupled with plenty of time, Emperor Deqing naturally became interested in traveling, so he took a break in Linqing Prefecture.
As for what Emperor Deqing said, "I feel sorry for the hard work of the ministers and boatmen, but I really can't bear to stay for two days." They are all just high-sounding excuses.
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As the saying goes, "If you open your mouth above, you will lose your legs below." During the southern tour, Zhao Junchen was responsible for running errands.
Although Zhao Junchen was not an official of the Ministry of Rites, he understood Emperor Deqing's preferences best and had always spared no expense in gold and silver to please Emperor Deqing. So under Emperor Deqing's instructions, the daily arrangements for the southern tour were , gradually became Zhao Junchen’s job.
So, since the southern tour began. Zhao Junchen was quite busy and often accompanied Emperor Deqing.
Now, because of Emperor Deqing's decree, Zhao Junchen also led a group of officials from the Ministry of Rites. He took the express boat and arrived at Linqing Prefecture one step ahead to prepare for the arrival of Linqing Prefecture and inspect Linqing Prefecture's preparations.
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But it was said that Zhao Junchen arrived at Linqingzhou Wharf on a fast boat. Looking up, I saw that everything had been prepared. All the ships around the pier have left, and the people near the pier have also been dispersed. The atmosphere on the pier was even more solemn. It was paved with loess, sprinkled with clear water, and surrounded by yellow curtains. A group of Shandong officials, from Shandong Governor Lu Yuanan on down, were also waiting on the pier.
When Zhao Junchen stepped off the speedboat and boarded the pier, a group of Shandong officials rushed to meet him. Before they even got close, the leader called out: "Shandong Governor Lu Yuan'an, led officials of all sizes in Shandong to see you. Pass Master Zhao!"
Zhao Junchen knew that this person would be Li Lide's immediate boss in the future. The success of his layout in Shandong would largely depend on this person's attitude, so he looked carefully and saw that Lu Yuanan was about fifty years old. , but with a strong spirit, a rosy face, a rather elegant temperament, and shrewd and profound eyes, he is obviously not an easy person to deal with.
While looking around, Zhao Junchen quickly walked up to Lu Yuanan, raised his hands in greeting, and said with a smile: "Governor Lu, I haven't seen you for a long time. Are you still well?"
Lu Yuanan also smiled and said: "Yes, the last time I met Mr. Zhao was when I returned to the capital to report on my work two years ago. I remember that Mr. Zhao was already the Minister of Household Affairs at a young age. At that time, I was surprised for a long time. I had thought that after two years of not seeing each other, Mr. Zhao has been promoted to the position of Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and he really has a bright future."
Zhao Junchen laughed and said: "Governor Lu is overly praised. His Majesty just promoted me. Since I became the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, I have been walking on thin ice and working conscientiously. I am afraid of betraying your Majesty's trust and making some mistakes. I just feel exhausted. , how can I dare to think about any future..."
While speaking, Zhao Junchen seemed to have thought of something. He glanced at Lu Yuanan and then at the officials in Shandong behind Lu Yuanan, but reminded him: "However, today, Governor Lu led all the officials in Shandong to personally come to Linqing Prefecture to greet him. There seems to be something wrong with the Holy Emperor. You should know that before His Majesty's southern tour, he issued an imperial edict stating that during the Southern Tour, officials from various places are not allowed to leave their posts without permission, are not allowed to mobilize troops, and are not allowed to delay their duties in order to welcome the Holy Emperor. Now Governor Lu and a group of Shandong officials, in order to welcome the Holy Emperor, left Jinan without authorization and left their jobs. Although they were loyal to the emperor, they violated the will after all, and they will inevitably be blamed by His Majesty. "
Although he said this, Zhao Junchen's expression was not serious. In fact, not many officials paid attention to Emperor Deqing's seemingly high-sounding decree.
Not to mention anything else, since the southern tour began, all the officials from the upper and lower levels of Northern Zhili have mobilized troops and launched wars. Not only did they accompany the tour throughout their respective jurisdictions, many officials actually crossed the border to welcome the tour in order to please Emperor Deqing. , all of them have worked hard, how many of them still remember their duties as parents?
It can be said that each of these officials violated the will of Emperor Deqing, but because they all made Emperor Deqing comfortable. He showed a "loyalty to the emperor", so Emperor Deqing only reprimanded him a few words, both mild and not serious. However, compared with these few reprimands, they can leave a good impression in Emperor Deqing's mind. Nature is more important.
In fact, Emperor Deqing's decree was just to deal with Qingliu. Maybe Emperor Deqing himself didn't care much.
It is also conceivable that during Emperor Deqing's southern tour in the future, officials from all over the country would mobilize troops, leave their posts without permission, accompany them throughout the journey, and even cross the border to greet them, just like the current Shandong Governor Lu Yuanan and officials of all sizes in Shandong.
Zhao Junchen knew very well about this situation at this time. Although Lu Yuanan had to be reminded a few words, it was just an official effort and not serious.
Obviously, Lu Yuanan also understood these situations. After hearing Zhao Junchen's reminder, although he looked frightened, his eyes remained calm and he just sighed: "I hope Mr. Zhao understands that I am waiting for Shandong officials. Let's come together this time." Coming to Linqing to welcome the Holy Emperor is by no means ignoring His Majesty’s will. I was just inexplicably excited after hearing that His Majesty had arrived in Shandong. I wanted to see the Holy Face, and I really didn’t want to miss this opportunity. This is all because of my worries. Loyal! What's more, as human ministers, we are responsible for your majesty. This is our duty, and this is also in Shandong. It does not count as leaving our post without authorization. Regarding these situations, Mr. Zhao must mention a few things in front of your majesty. sentence."
Zhao Junchen sighed: "I see, I will mention these words to your Majesty. I think your Majesty will not blame you too much when you see the sincere loyalty of Governor Lu and the officials in Shandong, but some reprimands are unavoidable." , I hope Governor Lu will be mentally prepared."
Lu Yuanan nodded repeatedly and expressed all kinds of thanks, but he didn't mention it.
Then, Zhao Junchen changed the topic, changed his serious face, and said: "Although I am taking the first step on the speedboat, His Majesty will be arriving soon, so let's stop talking and do business first!" I hope Governor Lu can tell me if everything has been prepared in Linqing Prefecture to welcome the Holy Emperor? Also, His Majesty will stay in Linqing Prefecture temporarily for two days. Has the palace where His Majesty used to rest has been packed? Already?"
While speaking, Zhao Junchen glanced at the Shandong officials behind Lu Yuanan and asked again: "Also, who is the prefect of Linqing Prefecture? His Majesty's visit to Linqing Prefecture is not a trivial matter. This is the jurisdiction of Linqing Prefecture. I still need Ask the prefect of Linqing Prefecture personally about the situation, so that you can know the basics and understand the details."
After hearing Zhao Junchen's inquiry, the field suddenly fell silent!
Then, all the Shandong officials, including Lu Yuanan, looked embarrassed, and then they all looked at an official at the end of the team.
This official, wearing the uniform of the prefect, is about forty years old and has a slender figure. Although he has good facial features, the two whiskers at the corners of his mouth ruin the overall image. At this time, under the gaze of everyone, he is sweating coldly and his face is expressionless. Panic, body trembling.
Judging from the situation, this person should be the prefect of Linqing Prefecture, but I don't know why he is so flustered and nervous at this time.
Could it be possible that there was something wrong with the reception?
Zhao Junchen felt that the matter seemed a bit subtle, so he frowned and asked again: "What? No one answered my question? Who is the prefect of Linqing Prefecture? Come forward and answer!"
While speaking, Zhao Junchen looked towards the prefect.
Sure enough, while Zhao Junchen was watching, the prefect came out of the queue with trembling steps, and came to Zhao Junchen with panic steps. Then he knelt down with a "plop" and said in a trembling voice: "I'm going to the prefect of Qingzhou, Zhang Jizhi." ,Bye, greet Mr. Zhao..."
Seeing that this man couldn't even speak clearly, Zhao Junchen's face darkened and he interrupted: "Your Majesty will be here soon. I don't have time to listen to you stuttering here. Speak clearly and talk about the important things first! This is Linqingzhou Are the arrangements for your arrival properly arranged? Is His Majesty's palace ready?"
However, under Zhao Junchen's questioning, the man became more and more flustered and stammered while answering, and replied: "Go back to Mr. Zhao, all matters related to welcoming you, the lower officials are the same." It's all ready, just..."
Seeing that Zhao Junchen's expression was gradually becoming impatient, Lu Yuanan, the governor of Shandong on the side, sighed, but took over the topic and said: "Sir Zhao, all the preparations for the arrival have been made with the help of Shandong officials like me. The preparations were complete, but there were some mistakes during His Majesty's rest in the palace. Fortunately, I and a group of colleagues have discussed ways to make up for it. I just hope that Mr. Zhao will help cover it up for my sake. There will be generous rewards in the future!”
Zhao Junchen raised his eyebrows and his expression became serious.
He understood how much Emperor Deqing had high expectations for this southern tour, so he also understood how furious Emperor Deqing would be if something disappointing happened during this period!
Now, according to what Lu Yuanan said, there was a problem in the palace. Although remedial measures have been taken, this matter is not big or small. Zhao Junchen did not dare to take it lightly, so he asked solemnly: "What is going on? ?”
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ps: I was planning to make a big splash today, but the plan couldn't keep up with the changes. Many troubles suddenly appeared. After finally solving them, looking at the time, the update plan of 12,000 words seemed to have failed before it started. , but Chongzi will still try his best today. If the coding goes very smoothly, there may be hope of completing the plan!
Well, the first update today!
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