The cold wind is picking up slightly, and flakes of snow are floating on the roof after it has just fallen.
In the pavilion of the palace garden, a pile of charcoal was burning in a cast-iron stove.
The bright red charcoal fire makes the surroundings warm and comfortable.
Liu Yu sat on the soft bearskin chair next to him and took a glass of wine.
The fragrant wine is most suitable for this kind of snow-watching weather.
"I wonder if there will ever be someone as talented as a catkin blowing in the wind."
Liu Yu looked at the light snowflakes and couldn't help but sigh.
Xie Daoyun, the talented girl of the Eastern Jin Dynasty in history, would not be born for decades. Although the Xie family of Chen County today has a high reputation in Jiangdong, she has little power.
It is far from the scenery of "Wang Xie" and "Wang Xie" in later generations.
"What your Majesty said just now is truly of the highest quality."
The queen on the side laughed softly.
She knew that Liu Yu had never been good at poetry, nor did he like parallel prose.
I definitely don’t know where I heard the sentence about praising snow just now.
"A good sentence is a good sentence, but the snowflakes in our Yecheng are not comparable to catkins."
Liu Yu said with a smile.
The snowflakes Xie Daoyun saw were snowflakes from the south of the Yangtze River, and it was not bad to compare them with fluttering catkins.
But the snowflakes in Yecheng are often whistling from the northern scenery, and they are nothing like the soft catkins.
"Your Majesty, I heard that there was a snowstorm in Bingzhou just now. I wonder how the damage was?"
After the two chatted for a while, the Queen suddenly changed the topic and asked.
As soon as Liu Yu heard this, he knew Wang Ze's hidden thoughts.
He drank the wine in the glass and then said slowly.
"Wang Zan has already taken care of the situation as soon as he took office as governor of Bingzhou. It saves me the trouble of disaster relief."
When the queen heard this, she immediately felt happy.
Wang Zan came from the Wang family in Taiyuan and was the cousin of Queen Wang Ze.
Today's Wang family in Taiyuan has suffered great losses due to the fall of Wang Jun. Although its reputation is still the same, the only talented young people in the group are Wang Zan, Wang Chang and other people who were originally under the governor of Youzhou.
In addition, the other children of the Wang family in Taiyuan were disliked by Liu Yu because they were too pragmatic and refused to easily change their habit of advocating glitz.
Now Queen Wang Ze knows that whether the Wang family in Taiyuan is prosperous or not is the key to whether her son's position as crown prince is stable or not.
After all, there are now news that several palace maids are pregnant in Liu Yu's harem.
Some of the palace servants are from the Hongnong Yang family, the Yingchuan Xun family, the Bohai Gao family and other wealthy families, which are not inferior to those of the Taiyuan Wang family.
Of course Wang Ze would be anxious.
"However, Wang Zan thanked guests behind closed doors in Bingzhou. No matter whether they were relatives, friends or disciples, they were all missing. I really appreciate it." Liu Yu said lightly.
"Not at all?" After hearing this, Queen Wang Ze was immediately stunned.
Bingzhou is the hometown of the Wang family in Taiyuan.
Although the descendants of the Wang family in Taiyuan have spread all over the world after becoming officials, there are definitely many relatives and friends in their hometown in Bingzhou.
Even though they were harmed several times by the Huns, there were still many Wang family descendants from the side branches.
Wang Zan, the governor of Bingzhou, immediately received a large number of people asking for an audience as soon as he went to Jinyang to take over.
Most of them are descendants of the Taiyuan Wang family, or former disciples of the Taiyuan Wang family.
What everyone wants is nothing more than the right to recommend the governor of Bingzhou.
Since Liu Yu gradually abolished the power of conscripting states and counties, only high-ranking officials such as governors and governors have the power to recommend conquests.
As long as Wang Zan, the governor of Bingzhou, nods, all of these people will immediately become Han officials, and they will also be officials of high rank.
"Wang Zan is able to do practical things in Bingzhou and knows how to advance and retreat. He is really the pillar of your Wang family in Taiyuan." Liu Yu continued to praise.
At this point, Wang Ze already understood the meaning.
Wang Zan, the governor of Bingzhou, was a high-ranking official, but he did not see the old disciples. He was simply afraid of causing Liu Yu's resentment.
Now everyone in the world knows that the Taiyuan Wang family was at the height of its power in the Northern Dynasties.
There were not only Queen Wang Ze, but also Wang's nephew and crown prince Liu Zhi, two state envoys Wang Zan and Wang Chang, as well as dozens of generals, princes, and guardians.
If such a large and powerful group was placed in the hands of an ordinary emperor, it would have already aroused fear.
Not to mention letting Wang Zan return to his hometown to serve as governor of Bingzhou, I am afraid he will find opportunities to suppress him.
"It's my duty as my cousin to share your Majesty's worries. I'm just afraid that he might do something wrong and make His Majesty angry again."
Queen Wang immediately said in an understatement.
When she just thought about it, she felt that her previous thoughts were a little inappropriate.
Now Liu Yu is only in his early thirties, and he still has a lot of time ahead of him.
If he blindly wanted to expand the Wang family in Taiyuan as his backing, not only would he not be able to gain a solid foundation for his son, but he would also incur the suspicion of Liu Yu.
"Haha, if Wang Zan is capable, then let them all show their skills in the prefectures and counties. The affairs of the Taiwan Provincial Court are really overstating their talents."
small book booth
Liu Yu also said immediately.
Nowadays, with the increase in the number of women in the harem, it is natural for the Queen and Wang Ze's mentality to change.
Liu Yu also knew the reason, and he would not blame Wang Ze for it.
As long as Wang Ze and the others know how to advance and retreat, and don't try to bring power into the court, there is no harm in letting Wang Zan, Wang Chang and other prince disciples serve as governors.
After all, the military power of various states and counties is now controlled by the military government offices.
Liu Yu and Wang Ze drank two more glasses of wine and were about to ask the chamberlain to buy lunch, intending to enjoy the meal in the pavilion while enjoying the snow.
Suddenly, the personal servant came to announce that Yu Wenzhao was here.
"Isn't she still pregnant? Why did she come out in the snow?" Queen Wang Ze immediately asked with concern.
Yu Wenzhao was born in Xianbei, Kuntou. Her background as a barbarian meant that her children would not be able to threaten the crown prince's status.
Therefore, Wang Ze was not too wary of Yu Wenzhao's usual care.
"Then let her come."
Liu Yu said slowly.
He also couldn't understand why Yu Wenzhao came to see him in the snow in this cold weather if he didn't stay in the house to take care of himself.
Soon, Yu Wenzhao, dressed in snow-white fox fur, came to the two of them.
Before she could salute, Queen Wang Ze stepped forward and supported her.
"Okay, we are all members of our family, don't be like this anymore. Your Majesty has already said that you don't need to salute."
Wang Ze smiled and pulled Yu Wenzhao to sit down together.
The outspoken Yu Wenzhao couldn't wait to speak as soon as he sat down.
"Does your Majesty know that this year's grassland has been hit by heavy snow, and there have been reports of people and animals freezing to death?" Yu Wenzhao said to Liu Yu with a pretty face.
Liu Yu was slightly startled.
There is indeed a lot of snow this winter.
However, in the Central Plains, as long as the snowfall is not too severe, there will not be a disaster that crushes the houses.
And for the Central Plains, which has gradually begun to promote winter wheat, auspicious snow heralds a good harvest, which is very effective.
"There is indeed a lot of snowfall this year. Although the Liaozhou area has asked for food and grass to be prepared for disasters, there are no reports of disasters." Liu Yu said.
When Yu Wenzhao heard this, he immediately started to burst into tears.
"Your Majesty, Liaozhou hasn't had time to report it yet, but my servants have already sent people to tell them that Lucheng, Tacheng and other places in Liaozhou have suffered from a white disaster, and tens of thousands of cattle, sheep and horses have frozen to death! "valley
"Tens of thousands?"
When Liu Yu heard this, he was slightly surprised at first.
However, I immediately felt that something was not right.
Liaozhou was basically restructured from Yuwen Xianbei's territory. Yuwen Mogui and Yuwen Sunniyan, who were content with enjoying themselves, were both of the "happy but not thinking about Shu" faction.
For the governance of Liaozhou, it is still the routine of the grassland Chanyu Khan.
However, Lucheng and Tacheng areas all belong to Yu Wenzhao's territory.
Yes, it belongs to her personal territory and comes with her as a dowry.
According to Yuwen Xianbei, the tribal populations in these two places were not considered elite tribesmen directly under their jurisdiction. There were even many mountain and forest dwellers, rather than nomads who lived in pursuit of water and grass.
Among them, they are mainly tribesmen called "Xi people".
"That's right, tens of thousands. Your Majesty, if this continues, all my people will die."
"At that time, I have to pity the baby in my belly and it will become a broken house!"
After Yu Wenzhao said this, he even squeezed out two tears, which made Liu Yu wake up instantly.
"It turns out that I came here to cry out for my poverty!"
Liu Yu had long said that if the child born to Yu Wenzhao was a girl, she would be a noble princess and must be taken care of by Zhongyuan Haosheng.
If the child is a son, then he will go to the Yuwen Department early to inherit Yu Wenzhao's tribe, just to be able to hold a more noble title.
This was done to cut off the nomadic relatives from having the power to interfere with the imperial court.
Rather than that, it would be better to cut off his inheritance rights early.
"What kind of gold and silver mountain? Who did you listen to?" Liu Yu frowned.
"Your Majesty, almost everyone inside and outside Ye City knows now." Yu Wenzhao said with an innocent face.
For everyone, the legend of a gold and silver mountain is already a very tempting word.
"What kind of gold and silver mountain? Who did you listen to?" Liu Yu frowned.
"Your Majesty, almost everyone inside and outside Ye City knows now." Yu Wenzhao said with an innocent face.
For everyone, the legend of a gold and silver mountain is already a very tempting word.
"That's just nonsense from the Buyeo people of Baekje. How come you really believe it?"
Wang Ze said from the side.
Wang Ze naturally knew about this so-called 'gold and silver mountain'.
It was said by Buyeogi, the king of Baekje who had just surrendered.
When Fuyuchi surrendered to Zhang Tong, the governor of Dongping Prefecture, he told everyone that the Japanese country in Haidong had a huge gold and silver mountain with huge reserves that could last almost a thousand years.
Naturally, the Queen and Wang Ze did not believe this news.
If that barbaric Japanese country had all this gold and silver, how could it be so poor?
Wang Ze heard that the Japanese navy had hundreds of boats and fled in Dongping Prefecture, and they did not have the courage to fight the Han army.
"Hehe, your news is not false."
Liu Yu suddenly smiled.
Wang Ze was slightly startled and turned to look at Liu Yu.
Could it be that there really is a huge gold and silver mine in Japan?
"Yes, the Japanese country does have huge gold and silver mines, I already know that."
Liu Yu said straightforwardly.
When Yu Wenzhao heard this, he immediately became happy.
"Your Majesty, since it is true, then I want all my people to conquer the Japanese country. I don't want any more. You only need to give me a small half of the gold and silver mines."
As Yu Wenzhao spoke, he began to count his fingers to calculate for Liu Yu the combat effectiveness of her subordinates.
Even if they are not as good as Dongping Prefecture's soldiers, they will definitely not be worse than Murong Ren's men.
"Your Majesty, if the Japanese country really has so much gold and silver, it will be a great thing for the country and its people."
Wang Ze also said immediately.
"How can such an important place be handed over to others so easily? It is better to have it under the control of Taiwan Province."
What she said was very to the point.
They didn't want to fight for it at all, they just wanted to nationalize the Japanese treasures, that is, belong to the emperor, instead of restricting the rule as previously planned.
"Although the Japanese country has huge gold and silver mines, it is a barbaric land and does not have the corresponding equipment and craftsmen. In any case, it is a huge investment."
Liu Yu waved his hand and continued.
"Besides, the barbarians in the Japanese country are quite fierce. If we don't open up feudal borders, we will have to invest a lot of money."
For the cross-sea conquest of Japan, only the enthusiasm of the army can be mobilized to the maximum.
Otherwise, the fatal logistical supply will be a huge pit.
"I can also grant your request."
Liu Yu said to Yu Wenzhao with a smile.
When Yu Wenzhao heard this, he was immediately overjoyed.
"I thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Wait, don't thank me in a hurry." Liu Yu said playfully.
"We have to go to the Japanese country first, and we have to cross the sea. There are many dangers in it. If we are not careful, we will feed the fish and turtles in the sea. Are those Xi people under your command really willing to go?"
Yu Wenzhao immediately nodded fiercely.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. My subordinates are all very obedient, and those two cities are surrounded by mountain cities. There will be no problem even in Dongping Prefecture, and there will be no problem even in the mountains of Japan."
It seems that Yu Wenzhao has done a lot of homework.
She is quite familiar with the geographical conditions of Dongping Prefecture and the Japanese Kingdom.
"That's good. I will send someone to pass the order after a while and ask Zhang Tong, the governor of Dongping Prefecture, to take over all your troops."
Now the King of Baekje, Buyeogi, has taken Bangjun as a prisoner. Although he takes the initiative to take the title, he is also in an unceremonious situation.
However, the remaining tribes of Benhan and Chenhan were important barbarians, and they had not yet completely surrendered.
Even before arriving in Japan, there were many savages on the land at the southern end of Dongping Prefecture.
To deal with so many barbarians, the more servants and vassals of the Han army, the better.
"Also, these Xi people are all elite soldiers who are good at mountain warfare. They can't all go to the Japanese country. That means they are overqualified and underused."
The Kumoxi and other tribes under the Ministry of Yuwen all live in grasslands and mountain forests, and they are most familiar with the jungle.
The combat experience in the jungles and mountains is naturally far superior to that of ordinary nomads.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely keep at least 3,000 troops in Dongping Prefecture, and I will send the rest to Japan." Yu Wenzhao said.
Liu Yu nodded with satisfaction.
Although Liaodong County has basically stabilized now, war has rekindled in the Goguryeo area to the east.
Goguryeo, which had suffered successive defeats before, had lost its influence over the Buyeo and Sushen people in the north.
These barbarians further north began to often go south to plunder the land and population of Goguryeo.
The nobles of Goguryeo were so overwhelmed that they had no intention of fighting anymore.
In fact, some Goguryeo people went north to seek interference from tribes such as Buyeo and Sushen.
Therefore, if Liu Yu wants to support the lackey Goguryeo, he must find a way to repel the increasingly arrogant Fuyu, Sushen and other tribes in the north.
And these Kumoxi soldiers under Yu Wenzhao's name are naturally the best choice.
