In spring, in February and March, peach blossoms bloom all over the mountains and plains. The flood from the melting ice in the upper reaches flows to Huazhou much more smoothly and gently. The ice banks of the Yellow River are melting, and the waves are rolling eastward. You can feel the powerful force in the sound of water rushing against the embankment.
The Liuhe Embankment is a major breach of the Yellow River's winter flood. Due to its terrain, it is much more rapid than other sections of the river in Huazhou. The embankment, which cost a lot of people and material resources to build, is tall and solid. Facing the impact of the river, it stands firm and does not move an inch.
At this time, Liu Chengyou stood at the head of the embankment, inspecting it from a high position, and praised Bai Zhong who was following him: "If the embankment is as solid as this, it can block floods and protect the people's safety!"
Bai Chongzan was wearing the robes awarded by Liu Chengyou. He looked particularly energetic and said: "To build this fort, more than 13,000 servants were recruited. In the past two years after the embankment was completed, there were no more people." There is no danger. In order to prevent unexpected events, Li Zhizhou also issued an official order, provided money and food, and asked the people along the river to use their own efforts to monitor the water conditions, clean up the silt, and salvage floating water. Every embankment in the territory has a garrison stationed in rotation. Do protection and prevention..."
"One blockade is not enough to secure it for a hundred years. We have comprehensive strategies to prepare for rainy days, strengthen protection and monitoring, and prevent problems before they happen. You have done a good job!" Liu Chengyou said with satisfaction: "I hope that the prefectures and counties on both sides of the lower reaches can do their best. The disaster of annual floods will not be so rapid!"
Faced with the emperor's praise, Bai Chongzan smiled and said, "I have also kept in mind His Majesty's teachings and imperial decrees, and protecting the river is to protect the countryside and protect its home. Therefore, the people also actively responded and cooperated!"
"If there is good government, the people will follow it and serve it!" Liu Chengyou looked at Bai Chongzan with some emotion and said, "I know that the veteran general in Bai Qing's army is brave and resolute, fierce and cannot be bullied. I never thought that, It is very rare to have such insight and awareness. I think that even if I give you a state and a government to govern, you will do a good job!"
Hearing this, Bai Chongzan immediately cupped his hands and expressed his stance: "Your Majesty has an order, and I can only do my best!"
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou said to Bai Chongzan with a serious face: "I have heard some rumors in Tokyo. It is said that Bai Qing is not one of my followers, and his achievements are not outstanding enough to be a general and a marquis, and they are said to be rewarded by me. It's too thick. Do you know why I look at you differently?"
Hearing what the emperor said, Bai Chongzan's expression became serious. Without waiting for his reply, Liu Chengyou continued to chuckle: "From the first year of Qianyou, the imperial army moved to Sishui, and moved from Sishui to Tumen (Jingxing Pass). He transferred Baima from the south of Tumen and served as a guard for a long time. He was transferred frequently. However, he never complained and tried his best to change things. Nowadays, there is no shortage of handsome men in the Han army, many veteran generals, and more brave generals. However, A general like Bai Qing who abides by his duties and works hard without complaint is rare for me!"
After hearing Liu Chengyou's heartfelt words, Bai Chongzan showed an indescribable touch on his old face and almost bowed his head before bowing. However, he tried his best to remain restrained and did not breathe heavily. He just bowed and said gratefully: "I joined the army as a young man, wandered around the world, and experienced troubled times. In my twilight years, I can have such trust from Lord Desire Lord Mingzhu. I have no regrets! "
"Bai Qing is less than fifty now, and he is in his prime. How can he say he is old? There are still many days to come, and you and I, the emperor and my ministers, should encourage each other!" Liu Chengyou smiled brightly.
Seeing this, Bai Chongzan cupped his hands and clasped his fists, and said in a solemn and solemn manner: "I won't say much more, but I have something to say. I can only do my best to repay Your Majesty's kindness!"
While the monarch and his ministers were expressing their sincere words of "deep friendship", a burst of clear laughter suddenly sounded in their ears. When they turned around, they saw several princes chasing each other on the embankment.
This time I came to inspect the Liuhe Embankment, and the four princes also came with me. The princes who had been raised in the palace all year round felt like they had entered a new world when they came out. Everything they saw felt novel and full of vitality.
Liu Yang, Liu Xi, and Liu Fang were racing, seemingly with Liu Chengyou as their goal, running hard, with lively smiles on their little faces. The eldest son Liu Xu is more reserved, like a little adult. Watching his younger brothers playing around, his lips are filled with a smile, which is a cheerful mood. Seeing this, Liu Chengyou suddenly felt that it was time to let the children come out for a walk...
Although Liu Fang was a year younger, he was still the quickest to jump into Liu Chengyou's arms despite his physique. Picking it up, Liu Chengyou laughed, plucked the grass clippings from his hair, wiped the dirt on his face, and said, "What are you doing running so fast? If you fall and get knocked down, you can go back to Tokyo." Mom will never let me go."
Liu Fang's hands grabbed the hem of Liu Chengyou's clothes and were stained by him. He stared at his calves and wanted to get off the ground. As soon as his hands were released, he jumped down like a tiger cub breaking free from the restraints and responded: "You're running too slow. Then I was caught up by my second brother and my third brother!”
Behind, Liu Yang and Liu Xi followed up slowly. Looking at Liu Fang who was somewhat proud, the second prince Liu Yang said a little unconvinced: "Fourth brother, you ran away first!"
Liu Fang raised his neck and responded, "It's because you were slow to react!"
The third prince, Liu Xi, looked indifferent and just smiled. After caressing the heads of his three sons affectionately, Liu Chengyou said, "Where have you forgotten the etiquette and rules of Gong Middle School? It's such a mess!"
Liu Fang tilted his head and said, "Since you are not in the palace, why do you have to abide by the rules in the palace?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Chengyou stared and said: "You have learned sophistry at a young age? Isn't the whole world a royal land? What I have set for you are the rules of the world, and you must abide by them wherever you go!"
After saying that, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but laugh. Why are you serious with this child? Liu Fang's face was narrowed, as if he was thinking about how to refute him.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou waved his hand and told Zhang Dejun: "Take the princes to wash up and take care of themselves!"
"yes!"
"Dad, I won the race, is there any reward?" Liu Fang was stubborn and asked Liu Chengyou.
"You want me to reward you for winning or losing in the competition?" Liu Chengyou smiled heartily, looked at Liu Yang and Liu Xi, and asked, "Do you think Liu Fang should be rewarded?"
Liu Yang thought for a while and said, "I should give it!"
"Why? Aren't you unconvinced?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Liu Yang said: "Fourth brother wins!"
Liu Xi said: "If I win next time, dad will share the reward!"
Observing the reactions of his sons, his eyes wandered for a moment. Liu Chengyou looked at Liu Fang and asked, "Tell me, what reward do you want?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Fang's little face suddenly showed excitement: "Sitting in a car all the time is too boring. I want to ride a horse, a big horse!"
Hearing what he said, Liu Chengyou smiled: "Okay, I agree! Let you ride a horse, a big horse!"
"Brother, how did you get here?" At this time, Liu Yang looked at Liu Xu, who was slowly walking up, and asked curiously.
The remaining two brothers noticed the belated arrival of the eldest son. Liu Xu took his time and stepped forward, saluted Liu Chengyou, and said, "I can't run away from you, but luckily I can't run away!"
After the three princes were taken away, Liu Chengyou turned his attention to Liu Xu and saw that his face was not red and he was not out of breath. He was dressed in decent Chinese clothes, except for his robe and feet, everything was clean. Liu Xu was already somewhat precocious, but after being taught by Li and Zhang Zhao, he became even more gentlemanly, with a gentle and elegant temperament.
He directly found a flat stone to sit down on, called Liu Xu to his side, and asked, "Why don't you play with your brothers?"
A warm smile appeared on Liu Xu's face: "I am older than my brothers, so I should let them go! I am very happy watching them from behind!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Chengyou took a serious look at his eldest son, and he felt a simple emotion from the boy's words. Feeling slightly moved in my heart, I touched the eldest son's head.
Seeing Liu Xu staring at the water of the Yellow River under the embankment, Liu Chengyou asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Liu Xu said: "I am thinking that this river is even more magnificent than the description in the book!"
Liu Chengyou smiled: "It's spring now. Thousands of miles away in the upper reaches, the peaks and waterfalls are even more magnificent and majestic. It's a pity that I only heard about it and never saw it with my own eyes!"
Hearing what Liu Chengyou said, Liu Xu's eyes lit up: "From now on, I want to go and see it too!"
Liu Chengyou said: "I brought you out this time because I wanted you to see my country and experience the customs of the people. The Han Dynasty has a vast territory with vast resources. It is thousands of miles away in all directions, and it will be even wider in the future. I can't finish it. When you grow up, maybe you can go for a walk for me..."
"Yeah!" Liu Xu nodded seriously.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou rubbed Liu Xu's head again. He felt a little more pity for the eldest son because he was so well-behaved and smart.
