On the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Pinghai Jiedushi Chen Hongjin and his family finally came to Beijing. Emperor Liu was accompanying Zhou Shufei in Qionglin Garden. When he heard about it, he summoned them to entertain him with a royal banquet. Regardless of the hardships of the journey, Chen Hongjin ordered people to bring gifts and go quickly.
Chen Hongjin, now forty-nine years old, made a good first impression on Emperor Liu. He had a long and thin face, thick beard, and a very upright demeanor. Looking at his respectful behavior, he unconsciously developed a good impression.
It can also be seen that Chen Hongjin was able to gain the trust and importance of Liu Congxiao, and was finally able to seize the military and political affairs of Zhangquan. This was an extraordinary person. He had his own talent and charisma, and he was in power for less than a year. , the lives of the people under the rule were not affected at all, and they continued to be protected and nurtured.
When you like a person, you can't help but explain what he does. What you thought was wrong before can now be fully understood. Moreover, because of the previous dissatisfaction, after he was relieved, he felt "guilty" about it. Therefore, after a conversation, Emperor Liu's attitude towards Chen Hongjin was very friendly.
The emperor's kindness gradually calmed down Chen Hongjin's uneasy heart. Chen Hongjin is a character with both civil and military skills. He is good at reading, knows military strategies, and has outstanding talents. He can be said to be an elite, a man of the hour, and outstanding in this era.
Once I had the confidence in my mind, I would respond more appropriately to the emperor's inquiries. I could say that my answers were fluent, and I could tell you the situation in Zhangquan and Quanzhou like a treasure trove. There is no hiding anything about government affairs, officials, the army, household registration, land, finance and taxation, and even customs and culture. Chen Hongjin was afraid that it was not detailed enough. When put on the table, these are all capital to fight for the treatment he will enjoy after entering the DPRK. Moreover, they were all talking about things that the emperor was interested in. When he noticed the joy and pleasure in Liu Chengyou's face, Chen Hongjin knew that he had spotted it right.
"Fujian can be said to have eight mountains, one water, and one farmland. Its most important areas are Fuzhou and Zhangquan. Qing and Liu Gong managed Zhangquan for eighteen years, brought peace and stability to the people, and protected the peace of the area. They have made great contributions!" Listen! Feeling happy, Liu Chengyou became more and more comfortable, crossed his legs, moved his butt, and said to Chen Hongjin.
Upon hearing the question, Chen Hongjin hurriedly said humbly: "Your Majesty, your Majesty is ridiculous. The contribution to the governance of Zhangquan lies in Liu Gong, how dare I dare to praise him in the same breath?"
"Hey!" Liu Chengyou smiled and said, "You don't have to be humble. Even if you follow good governance and make government affairs smooth and people's livelihood stable, it is still an achievement! There are fourteen counties, 112,300 households, and only Zhangquan Two Prefectures and registered residences are more than what the imperial court gained from Hunan in the past. It is a great achievement for the imperial court to be able to transfer it intact. Over the years, the imperial court has invested a lot of energy in governing Hunan, but it has always been limited by Dingkou. It’s not enough…”
It can be felt that Emperor Liu's words came from the sincerity. Chen Hongjin laughed twice, rolled his eyes, cupped his hands and said: "This is also the hand of God's false ministers, who carefully govern the country, nurture the people, and treat China." When the master of the Ming Dynasty comes out, he will bow down and submit to obey the destiny!"
The core idea of Chen Hongjin's compliments was the insights of many knowledgeable people in the south. Emperor Liu felt very comfortable. He toasted to invite him and said with a smile: "Chong Qing's theory of destiny must be made public. Please, please !”
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The emperor took the initiative to propose a toast. Chen Hongjin had a flattered expression on his face and drank the glass in both hands.
Although it was the first time for the monarch and his ministers to meet, they had a very pleasant conversation, and the warm atmosphere seemed to dispel the coldness of the winter. After the words were spoken, Emperor Liu said to Chen Hongjin in a calm and calm manner: "I treat the world with sincerity, and I welcome the virtuous with all my heart. Now that you are returning with your family, you will pay tribute to me. I am grateful in my heart, and I will not be reciprocal." , please be at ease and don’t worry about others!”
This was a further reassurance for Chen Hongjin. Chen Hongjin felt this and stood up without hesitation, bowed his head and replied solemnly: "Thank you!"
"Your Majesty, this journey has been both floating on the sea and crossing water. It has traveled thousands of miles. I have been tired all the way. You were summoned by me before you could rest. It was a bit unreasonable! I have ordered people to build a building on the shore of Bian River. This is a mansion where you and your family can move in and rest in peace to relieve the fatigue of the journey." Liu Chengyou said to Chen Hongjin with a warm smile on his lips.
"Yes! Your Majesty is so considerate and thoughtful for me, I admire you from my heart!" Chen Hongjin responded. However, there was a slight haze between his brows. Before arriving in Kaifeng, he could send someone to inquire. Li Yu was knighted on the day of the interview. Even Liu Yuan was awarded the title of Marquis of Nanning. It was his turn, although the emperor had always been gentle. Whispering, but if it is just such an arrangement, this person will inevitably be disappointed.
However, I dare not express the words I hold in my heart casually. Perhaps hearing Chen Hongjin's thoughts, Emperor Liu added: "You are a man of both wisdom and courage, and a profound understanding of righteousness. He is a pillar of the country. Although you have come back to Tokyo, you should not just return to Tokyo, and I will not abandon you. But for the time being." Live in Tokyo and get familiar with the local customs. Soon, I will be employed!"
After hearing this, Chen Hongjin regained some of his energy. With the dignity of the emperor, he would never agree easily. Perhaps, Emperor Liu had other considerations.
After Chen Hongjin retreated, Concubine Zhou Shu, who had been waiting at the side, took the initiative to ask: "Guan family, do you want to cancel the banquet?"
"No need!" Emperor Liu smiled slightly, raised his hand and touched Madam Zhou's smooth cheek, and said, "You can have a few drinks with me!"
"Of course the official is in a good mood, he shouldn't drink too much. He has already overdosed today!" Madam Zhou advised. Her soft voice sounded like the sound of nature to the drunken Emperor Liu, tickling his heart.
"I am indeed happy today!" Liu Chengyou said: "It doesn't hurt to drink two more cups!"
As he spoke, Emperor Liu opened the album presented by Chen Hongjin, pointed to the area of Zhangquanzhou, and said: "Fourteen counties, 110,000 households, 630,000 people, how can this be such a fortune?" , I praise them for their achievements in governing Fujian, but this is not a compliment!"
Emperor Liu's face was full of energy, showing a different kind of charm. Infected by it, Concubine Zhou Shu stopped trying to persuade him and took the initiative to pour him wine. A bright smile appeared between her jade faces, which warmed the heart. She could do it. Yes, I can only be happy with the emperor.
Of course, Liu Chengyou was not a drinker. If he said he would drink two cups, he would drink two cups, and then he would engage in activities to decompress and relax. With the beauty in his arms and his high mood, he did not suppress his physical and mental desires at all, and soon he and Zhou Shufei I went to bed...
Regarding Chen Hongjin, Liu Chengyou did not lie. After that exchange, he really felt that this was a useful talent, and he was not too concerned about it and could be used.
On the other hand, Emperor Liu was also unexpectedly happy about Fujian. Its development maturity far exceeded Emperor Liu's imagination. Through Chen Hongjin’s description, I realized that just like Jiangnan and Zhejiang, Fujian has also made great progress in the past half century.
It can be said that in the late Tang Dynasty and the Three Dynasties period, under the leadership of the three Wang brothers, the Fujian region ushered in an unprecedented development. Under the leadership of Liu Congxiao, Zhangquan was further developed, as evidenced by its large population and prosperous economy.
If this is the case in Zhangquan, what about Fuzhou? If this is the case in Fujian, what about Zhejiang and Yuhang?
After communicating with Chen Hongjin, Emperor Liu was even more looking forward to the arrival of King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue.
