Wuqing Port is still the same busy scene, with large and small ships carrying various supplies entering and leaving the port under the guidance of the guidance ship. A huge boat like a mountain came from overseas, breaking through the waves with an unrivaled momentum.
With its wide hull, towering sails, and flying dragon flag, there is no doubt that this is a dragon boat specially built for Emperor Liu. This behemoth is almost like a mobile palace.
The dragon boats passed by, dwarfed by comparison, and the huge transport ships seemed so small, while the escorting Han military ships were guarded at a distance.
Emperor Liu knew about the construction of this sea palace, but this was also the first time he saw the real thing, and he was shocked again.
Of course, this dragon boat caused some controversy in the court because it was too expensive and required the best design talents, the most skilled craftsmen, and the finest materials.
Over and over again, the Financial Secretary allocated a full six million dollars for the construction of dragon boats. This was under the circumstances of the imperial system where the human resources costs of various people had been greatly reduced.
Useless things, too much waste, this is the label given to dragon boats. However, Emperor Liu had his mind set on building a giant ship that concentrated the essence of Han Dynasty's shipbuilding technology. At the same time, this dragon boat is also a vague manifestation of Emperor Liu's authority. This is a ship that only the emperor can ride on.
The original plan was to build two ships, one for Emperor Liu as the "Dragon Palace" and one for the Queen as the "Phoenix Palace". However, Dafu later learned that the cost was too high and took the initiative not to build the "Phoenix Palace". However, the smart Dafu did not dissuade him like those who advised him when Emperor Liu had already made up his mind, and they rode the dragon boat together as husband and wife. For reasons, it is enough to build one. As a result, it naturally saved the court a lot of money.
Even so, Emperor Liu was a little unhappy. Some people vaguely compared Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty to building a dragon boat, which dissatisfied him. Obviously, many people thought that Emperor Liu was extravagant and wasteful for enjoyment.
Although, as far as Emperor Liu was concerned personally, he wanted to continue to advance the Han Dynasty's shipbuilding technology... It was a bit self-hypnotic. In fact, if it was just to promote the improvement of the Han Dynasty's shipbuilding technology, why bother with such extravagance? Moreover, if it is built, he can ride it several times in his life. In the final analysis, it is more of a spectacle.
When he really saw the results, Emperor Liu was still in a good mood, magnificent and majestic, which was probably the effect. Even after arriving in Wuqing, they only took a short rest and patrolled, and then they couldn't wait to board the ship and go to sea.
However, after staying at sea for two days, he hurriedly returned to Hong Kong. For no other reason, Emperor Liu's excitement passed. Emperor Liu had always disliked taking boats. He had previously been wary of boating on rivers, but taking a dragon boat to break the waves and go out to sea was too risky.
On the pier, with the guards standing guard closely, Emperor Liu stepped off the ship on the ladder. After landing, he couldn't help but stamp his feet on the trestle. It still felt down-to-earth, which made Emperor Liu feel comfortable and safe.
Duke Liu Xu of the State of Qin came here to greet him with a group of civil and military officials. When they saw Emperor Liu, they all came forward to kowtow to him.
"You're all free of charge!" Emperor Liu just raised his hand in response.
Looking back, Queen Da Fu also landed on the shore with the help of her attendants. Emperor Liu reached out his hand, gently supported her, and asked concernedly: "Are you okay? Are you still okay?"
Although the dragon boat breaks through the waves and feels like walking on flat ground, after all, being at sea is stressful both mentally and physically. Facing Emperor Liu's concerned gaze, Da Fu showed a slight smile on his slightly pale face, shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter!"
When Liu Xu and others saw Emperor Liu returning safely, their expressions were obviously much more relaxed. It was obvious that they were worried about the safety of their chariot while they were at sea.
"If anything happens, we'll talk about it when we get back!" Seeing this, Emperor Liu ordered.
"yes!"
Then, he snuggled up with Da Fu and his wife and walked towards Luan Jia parked on the pier. Before leaving, Emperor Liu couldn't help but look back at his "Dragon Palace", his eyes were deep and a little strange flashed across his expression.
"What's wrong?" Da Fu asked softly after noticing Emperor Liu's unusual reaction.
Looking at Da Fu, Emperor Liu sighed slightly: "Da Fu, after this trip, I really regret building such a dragon boat!"
Facing the surprise on the Queen's face, Emperor Liu said slowly in a calm tone: "To be honest, the dragon boat built can neither attack or defend by water nor transport food and equipment. It is just to satisfy my vanity!
What's more, after this experience, I'm afraid I won't go on it again in the future. Such a large dragon boat will probably become a decoration and useless thing, let the officials say it right!
I had previously advocated frugality and reducing expenses in the palace, but how much more money and materials were saved compared to the cost of building this boat?
If the construction cost of this ship had been used to build warships and sea-going ships to supplement military needs, what practical effect would it have had..."
After hearing Emperor Liu's remarks, Da Fu was surprised and felt relieved. Leaning on Emperor Liu, he said with a smile: "You can have such experience and reflection, but your trip is not in vain! When the ministers and common people hear this, they will also praise your sage!"
"Liu Xu!" Emperor Liu seemed a little embarrassed and called Liu Xu seriously.
"I'm here!" Liu Xu responded quickly.
"You draw up a document to pardon all officials who were demoted for opposing the construction of giant dragon boats and restore them to their posts. In addition, each of them will be rewarded with some money and food!" Emperor Liu ordered.
"As you command!"
"Let's go back!" Emperor Liu pulled the queen, walked a little faster, and said in a relaxed tone: "This life at sea is still not suitable for me. It is too unstable, and the road is solid. At least there is no danger of capsizing. ....."
Dafu walked with Emperor Liu and glanced at his side cheeks. Today's Emperor Liu is indeed no longer as majestic and heroic as before, and his age is really obvious.
However, the older I get, the stubbornness that is almost rooted in my bones becomes more and more obvious. After being married for many years, Dafu was very familiar with Emperor Liu and was deeply touched by the changes in Emperor Liu's temperament. He is headstrong and arrogant and cannot tolerate opposition from others. This makes Dafu worried.
Over the years, even though Dafu had different opinions on many things, he rarely forced disobedience and more often followed the emperor's temper.
Emperor Liu had to sum up and see through many things by himself. It would be difficult for others to persuade him to stop. Fortunately, even if Emperor Liu's temper changed, his mind was still clear, and he dared to admit his mistakes and be more open-minded. His magnanimity was still there, and he did not blindly protect his own face.
Judging from the dragon boat incident, Emperor Liu's performance is still reassuring, but I don't know how long this peace of mind can last.
"What are you thinking about? Why are you so preoccupied?" Inside the carriage, Emperor Liu was lying on his side and noticed the queen's expression.
After glancing at Emperor Liu, Da Fu hesitated for a moment, leaned forward, held him in his arms, gently kneaded his temples, and asked: "Have you ever thought about how to deal with that dragon boat?"
Hearing this, Emperor Liu's breathing paused subconsciously, and he secretly pondered the purpose of this question, and said leisurely: "The capital has been built, so it won't be destroyed again, right?"
"You don't plan to use it. Even if it is anchored at the port, it will still need to be maintained and repaired..." Dafu said.
After pondering for a while, Emperor Liu suddenly asked: "Da Fu, do you think that my reflection just now is just superficial, formal and verbal?"
Feeling Emperor Liu's somewhat cold tone, the queen stopped moving her hands for a moment, then continued to hold him, and said calmly: "I don't dare!"
Luan Jia Nei calmed down, and the air seemed to be a bit calmer. After a while, Emperor Liu, who seemed to be about to fall asleep, spoke in a brisk tone: "Then find some uses and remove all the useless decorations. Use it to transport troops, transport food, or even modify some to make warships!"
"In addition, I will issue an edict that this dragon boat will never be built in the future!"
