Wuqing Port has not been completed for a long time, but there is no doubt that it has ushered in explosive development after the unification of the world, and it is also an important starting point and end point for maritime economic exchanges between the north and the south.
By early August, even without any delay, after a journey of nearly forty days, Emperor Liu arrived at the most important port in the north of the Han Dynasty.
This port is located at the western end of Bohai Bay and is also the maritime gateway of Yanshan Road. After nearly ten years of development, it has become increasingly prosperous. Business travelers traveling from south to north have brought a large amount of goods, and it is an ideal place for exchanges between businessmen from various countries, regions and ethnic groups. It is an important platform, and the booming rise of shipping has also contributed to its prosperity. This port also plays a role in radiating North China and even Shanyang and Northeast China.
At present, due to the war, non-governmental economic exchanges have been severely suppressed, but this does not affect the excitement of Wuqing Port. This is now one of the most important bases of the Eastern Route Northern Expeditionary Army. Especially after the Battle of Jinzhou ended, the Han army fully advanced into Liaodong, and the water transportation channel was completely opened, the importance of Wuqing Port became even more prominent.
After entering July, the land transportation of military supplies gradually decreased and almost stopped, and the supplies of the Liaodong army began to be fully transported by sea. In order to facilitate transshipment, the camp also mobilized a large amount of manpower and construction materials to urgently repair a port in Liaodong Bay. After all, some large ships were not suitable for entering the Liaohe River.
Wuqing Port, like Denglai at the eastern end of the Bohai Bay, serves as a logistics base for the Northern Expedition. Various military supplies from Yanshan and Hebei were continuously delivered to Wuqing port, and then loaded on ships and shipped to Liaodong to support the war against Liao.
Speaking of which, compared to the vigorous fighting on the front line with real swords and guns, Emperor Liu always believed that the scheduling and transfer of logistics supplies was the most difficult. It is the most cumbersome, involving people, ships, vehicles and horses, which may be a mess. And the logistical pressure of supporting hundreds of thousands of troops for an expedition can be imagined.
Fortunately, after so many years, Dahan's transshipment system has become relatively mature. Based on land and water transportation, it has also cultivated a large number of capable executive officials to ensure the huge transshipment demand.
It doesn't matter if you don't have the strength. During the Northern Expedition, everyone at the top and bottom is pressed hard. Anyone who dares to neglect will lose their head. During Emperor Liu's northern tour, more than 20 cases of corruption, slackness, and delays were revealed among subordinates of the East Road Water and Land Transport. Those responsible were either beheaded or demoted depending on the severity of the circumstances. be removed from office, or exiled.
In such a large-scale systematic project, as long as you want to dig out, there is no problem that can't be found. Of course, Emperor Liu's purpose is not to target these greedy officials.
Emperor Liu was very skilled at killing chickens to scare monkeys. When he saw that it was effective, he stopped it and did not expand it. Otherwise, going too far would not be enough, and it would not necessarily have a positive effect on the transfer of supplies to the army.
On the other hand, the ability to ensure the stable operation of all this also benefits from two capable talents, Han Hui in front of the army and Zhang Mei in the rear. These two people are both hard-working and capable ministers with solid resumes and rich experience, especially Zhang Mei. Every time he is responsible for logistics and military supplies, there is never a shortage or omission, which reflects his outstanding overall planning ability.
Zhang Mei, who is over fifty years old, is not so conspicuous among the many factions in the court. He was first promoted by the late Duke Zhang of Yu State and was transferred from a local petty official to the Third Division. After Wang Zhang retired, he was reused by Xue Juzheng, Duke of Ji. In the past twenty years, during the Han Dynasty's military deployment in the west, , has always managed the logistics work, especially in the process of pacifying Shu, and his merits have greatly increased his merits.
He was first responsible for the financial reform and economic recovery in the Sichuan-Sichuan region, and was later transferred to the Third Department to be in charge of Salt and Iron. After the establishment of the Financial Department, he became the deputy envoy, which can be said to be a high-power position.
Although he could not be regarded as Emperor Liu's confidant, he highly recognized his talents. Zhang Mei's private ethics were not good, but she did not lose her integrity. Emperor Liu generously ignored some cases of impeachment or slander, all because he could faithfully and efficiently complete the tasks assigned by the court and live up to his trust.
Therefore, during this Northern Expedition, Emperor Liu once again appointed Zhang Mei to be fully responsible for the logistics and transportation dispatch of the Northern Expedition army on the east route, which showed his trust.
As for Han Hui, he was Emperor Liu's favorite Qingjun, and he was Han Tong's son. He was only thirty-seven years old now, and he was already ahead of many of his peers in his official career.
He was born as a Jinshi, had experience in ministries and departments, and had experience in prefectures and counties. He participated in the first Northern Expedition and performed outstandingly. He remained calm in the face of danger, dealt with things well, and made meritorious deeds. This time he was in the Northern Expedition again, and he was the special envoy directly responsible for supplies for the camp. The flat and open official road greeted him with almost golden light.
Just like when he was in Daming Mansion, when he arrived at Wuqing Port, Han Hui also came in person to accompany Emperor Liu on his inspection. Of course, Han Hui was not specifically trying to cater to Emperor Liu, but just happened to be arranging and coordinating affairs in Hong Kong.
Although the war in Liaodong is now in full swing, the early deployment is already sufficient to last until winter. There is no need for him to keep an eye on the front of the army all the time. Moreover, preparing for the consumption of winter operations is now the job. center of gravity.
On Pier 1 in Wuqing Port, Emperor Liu stood facing the wind, facing the bustling and huge harbor, feeling the southwesterly wind, and feeling indescribable pride and surprise in his heart.
He has experienced facing the East China Sea to the east, but this is the first time he has faced a seaport with such a large scale, complete facilities and complete functions as Wuqing Port.
Although it was difficult to tell which part of Tianjin Port he was stepping on, Emperor Liu couldn't help but muttered: "Tianjin..."
Looking at the dozen or so huge three-masted ships docked at the pier, one of them had already begun to weigh anchor and prepare to sail out of the port. The gradually rising sail made Emperor Liu feel as if he had already opened a new chapter in the Han Empire. The Age of Sail...
The pride and complacency that promotes the historical process tangles the toes in the heart, and a smile can't help but appear on the corner of the mouth.
Han Hui followed Emperor Liu. The older he got, the more obvious his hunchback became. However, among the big men, few people dared to discuss and ridicule his physical flaws. Power and position were the best cosmetics.
Of course, Han Hui could not understand the thoughts and feelings swirling in Emperor Liu's heart. When he heard the word Tianjin, he took the initiative and said: "Your Majesty, Wuqing Port is named because it is under the jurisdiction of Wuqing County. There is no shortage of local objections to this. The Yan region divided Yeluyin into the Tianjin of Ximu, so someone suggested that the port should be named Xijin Port. Your Majesty, with the title of Tianxian in his mouth, came to this Tianjin, and the name of Tianjin is just right!"
After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu chuckled and waved his hand: "I have no intention of changing its name. The most important thing now is not the name of this port, but the role it can play!"
"As the supply hub for the Liaodong army, it is the key to be able to undertake the transshipment task!" Emperor Liu said: "I have said more than once that the war is fought based on national strength, and what is fought for is arms, money and food. Hundreds of thousands of troops are here In Liaodong, logistics is even more important. The generals are fighting on the front line, and you, Han Hui, are coordinating and dispatching to replenish military supplies. You are also fighting a war and overcoming difficulties. Your responsibility is no less than that of the generals in the camp!"
"I understand! I have always remembered His Majesty's teachings and dare not neglect them!" Han Hui took a step back and said solemnly with his hands raised.
Emperor Liu looked at him again. He was less than forty years old, but his age was not much different from his own. This showed how busy and hard he had been in the past few months.
"Seeing that you look tired, you still need to pay attention to your health!" Emperor Liu raised his hand to support Han Hui.
In response to the emperor's closeness, Han Hui's face broke out into a smile, his expression still respectful: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!"
"When the Northern Expedition is over, I think you can take a step further, take on more responsibilities, and become a local official!" Emperor Liu said.
Hearing this, Han Hui was slightly stunned, and then expressed his gratitude. Obviously, Emperor Liu was going to promote him again, and with his current position, he could fully expect to become a chief official.
Even if you stay in the local area for ten years and then return to the court, it may be time to pay homage to the prime minister. The future is promising! However, when he noticed that Emperor Liu was looking towards the direction of Liaodong, Han Hui couldn't help but feel nervous. If it was that way, this job would not be so easy...
"How much cargo can these ships carry?" Emperor Liu's attention turned to the large ship docked at Pier 1.
"Back to Your Majesty, these are new sea-going ships built by Su and Yang shipyards in recent years. They are called Haima. They are specially designed for material transportation. They can transport five thousand shi of grain at a time when fully loaded!" Han Hui introduced.
"Five thousand stones...it's so big!"
Emperor Liu calculated silently, it must be three to four hundred tons...
