The arrival of midsummer also means that Emperor Liu will have to go through a torturous time again. As he grows older, he seems to be more and more afraid of cold and heat.
Of course, the climate here in Luoyang is still relatively comfortable. The problem lies in Emperor Liu's own habits. However, compared with the pain of every cold winter, the hot summer is nothing. His old cold legs have become a chronic disease. Even in this midsummer, he still pays attention to the use of ice cubes to relieve the heat to prevent the cold air from invading the body.
Inside the palace garden, you can see the prosperous scenery in summer. On the bank of the green lake, the breeze blows and the branches of the willows sway, seeming to resist the gradually hot weather.
In the Chengxin Pavilion built on the lake, Emperor Liu was dressed in simple clothes. The light brocade uniform looked very loose. He did not wear a hat and crown, and his hair was only tied with a jade hairpin. The whole person was in a leisurely atmosphere. middle.
Yantuo personally waited beside him with a can of fish food. Emperor Liu would grab a handful from time to time and sprinkle it into the water. In the lake under the pavilion, there are many kinds of fish swimming around, and from time to time there are fish that cross the water, which is a lively scene.
"Grandpa, the fish jumped out!" Following Emperor Liu was a child. Liu Wenyuan, the eldest grandson of Emperor Liu, was particularly excited when he saw the swarm of fish and held the railing.
"If someone feeds me, I will naturally enjoy it!" Emperor Liu smiled slightly.
Liu Wenyuan is the eldest son of Qin Gong Liu Xu. He was born in the fourth year of Kaibao. He is now almost five years old. Because he is the first grandson of the emperor, he is naturally very favored and will be called in from time to time. In the palace, a family talk was held.
The little emperor's grandson's attention was obviously attracted by the jumping fish. Emperor Liu slowly fed the fish, which made him feel itchy. He turned around, grabbed Yan Tuo's robe, and stepped on his feet to get the fish feed he caught. Can.
Yantuo saw this, his knees softened, and he hurriedly cooperated and squatted down. His hands were small and weak, so he couldn't catch much, and even spilled it all over the floor. He scattered it outside the pavilion, and most of it was scattered inside the pavilion. However, Liu Wenyuan was happy, staring at the lake with his dark and bright eyes, and he was very happy. The little boy The fun is that simple.
Emperor Liu seemed to be infected too, with a loving smile on his face, and his eyes gradually became darker as he stared at the fish vying for food at his feet. In his eyes, these swimming fish are like some ministers in the imperial court. As long as they are given some food and some temptations, they will rush out of the water and be particularly active, competing for power and profit, showing their sense of existence...
"Are the central government and various ministries still talking about it so loudly?" After a long time, Emperor Liu touched his eldest grandson's head and left Yantuo to play with him. He turned around and sat on the stone bench in the pavilion and asked the attendant Liu who was standing beside him. Warm.
Liu Xu's position has been transferred again. Since the middle of last year, he has been serving as the Minister of Zhongshu, walking in the political affairs hall, and assisting in state affairs. When he heard the question at this time, he immediately responded: "Since you sent the edict and issued the order, there has been a silence in the court, and the atmosphere has changed drastically. All the ministers and ministers in each department are doing their jobs and working hard!"
"Hmph! Do I still have to praise them?" Emperor Liu sneered lightly: "Some people just claim to share the country's worries, but in fact they have hidden agendas. The soldiers at the front are bleeding and dying, and they are making noise and causing trouble in the court. People's hearts are like gluttons..."
Listening to Emperor Liu's heart-wrenching words, Liu Xu's face tightened slightly. He looked at Emperor Liu's indifferent expression, hesitated slightly, and finally did not answer the words.
Fortunately, Emperor Liu did not get too entangled in this matter, but said with a serious expression: "This Northern Expedition requires more than one million people. Spring plowing has been delayed a lot, and summer harvest is about to begin. The imperial court must prepare for the situation ahead! Although the military situation is urgent, the farming work in the rear cannot be relaxed!"
When it comes to official matters, Liu Xu immediately showed a capable style. Over the years, he has also worked hard in many positions, held many practical positions, and done many practical things. While accumulating vision and experience, his ability to do things has indeed been honed. .
"The Government Hall has made preparations for this matter. Prime Minister Zhao issued an order to strictly urge local governments to organize manpower and animal power to carry out summer harvest and summer tax collection!" Liu Xu replied.
He glanced at Emperor Liu and saw that he was unmoved, and continued: "This time the troops are mobilized, the heaviest conscripts are from the four provinces of Yanshan, Hebei, Hedong, and Henan, concentrated in the northern Daozhou, Gyeonggi and the south. Daozhou has little influence and can maintain orderly production! In the northwest region, there are slightly fewer people, but abundant animal power. The soldiers also go on expeditions and fight from the rear, so there is not much demand for supplies and gifts!"
Emperor Liu nodded and sighed: "It has to be the Eastern Route Army, with more than 400,000 people on the front line. That is the giant beast that devours people's financial resources!"
Liu Xu said: "Thanks to the smooth canals and mature water transportation, the actual number of civilians recruited this time has been reduced compared to the previous Northern Expedition. With a large amount of military supplies being transported northward, they were stationed in warehouses and ports in the north. , which basically meets the consumption of the army for half a year, and the demand for manpower for canal and land transportation is also greatly reduced.
The transshipment envoy Zhang Mei has moderately reduced his manpower and returned the civilians. Now, the northern armies only have more than 300,000 men left for front-line troops and food and equipment transportation.
In addition, during the Northern Expedition, a large number of ships and water transport were used. In terms of military rations, half of them were transported directly northward from Jiangsu and Zhejiang by sea. Coastal counties and counties have been ordered to recruit more than 50,000 fishermen and civilians to make up for the shortage of transport sailors and ensure smooth shipping. , which greatly eases land transshipment difficulties.
According to Zhang Mei’s prediction, after breaking through the enemy’s border, completely entering Liaodong, and ensuring the safety of Liaohe River water transportation, we can continue to increase the share of sea transportation and further reduce our dependence on land transshipment...”
After listening to Liu Xu's report, Emperor Liu finally had a smile on his face. After all, Emperor Liu had somewhat forced the development of sea shipping. The imperial government had invested a lot of financial resources before, and now it provided naked eyes for the army to fight. Visible convenience, facing such gains and results, it is natural to be moved by Taoism.
After thinking about it, Emperor Liu couldn't help but think about the key point and said: "Jinzhou and Yaozhou, these two cities have become two powerful shackles, restricting the progress of our army. I don't know when we can break them!"
Liu Xu was silent, considering Emperor Liu's mood, he still spoke to comfort him: "Now the army invades the city, like Mount Tai pressing down the eggs. Although the Liao army's resistance is strong, it is just a stubborn resistance..."
"I don't need your comfort!" After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu stretched out his hand to interrupt him. He quickly adjusted and changed the subject and asked: "How is the price of food in Xijing so far with the progress of the war?"
Liu Xu immediately replied: "During the war, various products were given priority to the frontline soldiers. Xijing was inevitably affected. The prices of grain, oil, noodles, salt, fruits, vegetables, etc. have increased. Now the price of a bucket of rice has risen to 17 yuan! However, Xijing official warehouse There are still three million dan of rice, millet, wheat and other grains stored in the house, which can be used at any time!
The grain reserves in the north mainly support the Northern Expedition, but in the past two months, a large amount of grain from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the two lakes has arrived in the two capitals, and grain merchants are very enthusiastic.
In recent years, there have been few disasters and the construction of water conservancy ditches has resulted in a large harvest in the southeastern region. Huainan has also seen a huge increase in yield per mu after the introduction of Champa rice, and the output in the two lakes areas has also further increased. Therefore, there is not much difficulty in food! "
"With food in hand, don't panic in your heart. This is the simplest truth!" Emperor Liu said: "No matter what time, the people of the Han Dynasty must not be hungry!"
If the people don't have enough to eat, they will rebel!
"You are right!" Liu Xu responded.
With Luoyang's current population of over one million year-round, the government and people's annual consumption of food is about 8 million shi, which of course includes the distribution of salary and food for officials and the army.
One of the obvious improvements compared to the Northern Expedition is that there is no need to transport grain from the capital's reserves to support frontline operations. What was transported north from the two capitals was mostly tents, weapons, gunpowder, tools and other combat materials.
Looking at Liu Xu who was talking eloquently in front of him, Emperor Liu also showed a smile of appreciation and praised: "You are becoming more and more capable, especially in the overall view, you have made great progress. After all the training you have received over the years, The effect is remarkable!”
Facing Emperor Liu's praise, Liu Xu remained humble and said, "I rely on you for your teaching and training. I still have a lot to learn!"
"Not arrogant or impatient, very good!" Emperor Liu nodded.
After thinking about it, Emperor Liu said: "I plan to go on a patrol. I just read your memorials and listen to your reports. I also have to see it with my own eyes. You should be responsible for arranging the patrol matters!"
Hearing this, Liu Xu's face became solemn subconsciously, he raised his hands and asked for instructions: "I wonder where the hunting expedition is?"
"Go to Hebei first, reach the sea in the east, and visit Deng and Lai. After that, let's check the situation!" Emperor Liu said.
"When will the patrol take place? How will the accompanying personnel be arranged?" Liu Xu asked again.
"The weather is getting hotter and hotter. Let's wait until autumn cools down. You should make early preparations first! The ministers will not take many with them. Zhao Pu and Song Qi will stay in Beijing and continue to preside over state affairs. Li Ye from the Political Affairs Hall will accompany them, and Cao Bin from the Privy Council will make arrangements for the camp. Let Wang Quanbin be in charge, and other officials will look after the arrangements. In addition, all princes and princesses over eight years old will accompany him!" Emperor Liu simply ordered.
"yes!"
Based on Liu Xu's understanding of Emperor Liu, it was obvious that the target was still the Northern Expedition. Although he looked indifferent on the face, he was still very concerned in his heart. Since the time is set to be after autumn, there may be no immediate expectations for the Northern Expedition.
After receiving the order, Liu Xu respectfully resigned, while Emperor Liu continued to summon his grandson to tease him. He is only forty years old, and his grandson can run and jump...
