The breeze is caressing, the green grass is like mist, and the inside and outside of Daiyue Town have been rendered new by the rich spring light. The newly built Zhendian, even if the Yanzhou government worked hard and invested huge amounts of money, would still be unable to handle the reception of more than 100,000 people, even if it was reduced to one-tenth.
Therefore, around the new and tidy town, campsites were spread out like tofu blocks, with a large number of tents and huts erected among them, intricate and orderly.
Of course, in addition to the accompanying personnel, the tens of thousands of scholars, civilians, businessmen and merchants who gathered spontaneously did not receive care in terms of food, clothing, housing and transportation. Many people brought their own dry food and slept in the open on the edge of Mount Tai.
On both sides of the imperial road that leads straight to Mount Tai, the mighty Suwei soldiers stand neatly on the left side of the road, each carrying a sword on his shoulder, like a sculpture, without squinting.
In the imperial hall, there were palace servants holding brooms and carefully sweeping away fallen leaves and dust, doing the work of cleaning the path before the ceremony. Accompanied by several ministers, Emperor Liu and Empress Fu walked slowly, observing the surrounding situation.
Zhang Qixian was able to accompany him for consultation. However, Emperor Liu rarely asked questions and remained silent, using his eyes to personally collect various information and situations.
This made Zhang Qixian feel uneasy. For his work in Yanzhou, he was highly recognized by Prime Minister Zhao Pu. However, judging from the emperor's performance, he did not seem to have much goodwill. This also made Zhang Qixian doubt whether there was anything he could not do well. .
Fortunately, the King of Qin Liu Xu was by his side and communicated with him in good faith. He asked about the details of the preparations from time to time, which made him feel a little relieved.
The royal road is not long, only more than thirty miles, and two feet wide, enough for Luan drivers to pass. It is laid flatly towards the entrance of Mount Tai. Walking on it, it also gives people a solid feeling. The level is well controlled, with almost no traces. ups and downs.
Along the roadside, in addition to the neatly arranged Sophora japonica and Catalpa trees with green spots, there are also a large number of newly reclaimed farmland extending to both sides, with crisscrossing streets and rich layers.
Not only has the land been cleared, but wheat has also been planted. It’s late spring, and the fields of wheat have dyed the ground a rich dark green color. They seem to be growing well. Under the blowing of the spring breeze, they are making waves. Going there also makes people feel relaxed and happy.
It was probably only this touch of green that made Emperor Liu feel a little more relaxed. He called Zhang Qixian, pointed to the wheat fields on the left side of the road, and asked: "It must have taken a lot of effort to organize these wheat fields!"
"Your Majesty, these places were originally wastelands. Although Yanzhou's population is not large, there are still people who are good at farming. The yamen provided money, seedlings, cattle and farm tools, and hired thousands of farmers, so that the emperor could If the surrounding acres of land are reclaimed, they only need to cultivate them according to the requirements of the Yamen..." Zhang Qixian replied.
"But you are creating such a big painting on the land of Daiyue!" Emperor Liu glanced at Zhang Qixian and said, "However, compared to the royal road under my feet, compared to those altars, I am most satisfied , it must belong to these farmlands, these thriving wheat grains! The country is based on agriculture, and the people rely on food. We should always remember it!"
"Yes!" Zhang Qixian responded quickly, finally gaining Emperor Liu's positive approval.
"Where does this farmland belong?" Emperor Liu thought of something and asked.
Zhang Qixian said: "I think it should be transferred to the Shaofu!"
Obviously, Yanzhou Prefecture has considered the special significance. Emperor Liu obviously didn't care about this, he frowned and directly gave instructions: "No, do you still need the young master to allocate energy to manage these Xu Tiantu?
I have understood the surrounding environment. It is surrounded by mountains and rivers, and the fields are fertile. I should further develop it. These fields should be handed over to the people for cultivation! "
"yes!"
"I also heard that Yanzhou Prefecture issued an order that officials and civilians were not allowed to pass?" Emperor Liu mentioned another matter.
"It's true!" Unsure of Emperor Liu's thoughts, Zhang Qixian responded cautiously.
"I understand what you are thinking!" Emperor Liu said directly without taking into account his thoughts: "This is probably the only time I will come to Mount Tai. After the ceremony, the restrictions will be opened. After all, the roads will be built for people to walk and will facilitate the local area. People, that’s the best!”
"I am deeply impressed by your majesty's love for the people!" Zhang Qixian opened his mouth.
"Okay!" Emperor Liu waved his hand, stopped to think about it for a while, and said, "The sacrificial altar is to the east, go and have a look!"
"Yes!" Zhang Qixian quickly arranged for someone to clear the way.
"The ceremony is coming soon, you seem to be in a bad mood?" Inside Luan Jia, Empress Fu looked at Emperor Liu's uneasy brows and asked softly.
"Did you see it?" Emperor Liu looked up at her.
Empress Fu nodded and said calmly: "It's not just me, maybe, only a few people can't see it! The ministers below are also worried when they think about it. Looking at Zhang Qixian, I'm afraid they are also doubting themselves now!"
"Haha!" After hearing this, Emperor Liu suddenly sneered and said, "Don't be corrupt, don't commit corruption, don't commit blasphemy, just do your own thing well. Why is he nervous!"
This was so easy to say that he could stand up and talk without pain in his back. After pondering for a moment, Emperor Liu sighed: "A ceremony for conferring Zen is too big! It wastes people and wastes money!"
After hearing what Emperor Liu said, Empress Fu secretly thought that indeed, she looked at Emperor Liu who was a little unhappy. In fact, she knew in her heart that Emperor Liu was making his old habit of being both a man and a man again.
After thinking about it for a while, Empress Fu said: "Feng Chan is not only your business, but also a major event for the court. This is probably the only time in this life, so there is nothing wrong with making it more grand. The officials may also want to make the ceremony perfect. , to avoid regret..."
"That's right!" Emperor Liu thought about it again and smiled at Fuhou.
The emperor smiled, and the spring light shrouding Mount Tai seemed to become even brighter. Emperor Liu's mood did seem to have improved, at least the gloom on his face had dissipated a lot. Perhaps, he just needed a reason, an excuse, and it was best to say it from someone else's mouth, and there was no one more suitable to express comfort than the Queen.
...
In Daiyue Town, where the prince was staying, Liu Yang frowned slightly and looked at the old man in brocade clothes sitting next to him with white hair and dyed temples. This person is Song Xiong, the chief envoy of Liaodong, who is on the occasion of the Zen ceremony. Regardless of his age, the veteran came all the way to Mount Tai to watch the ceremony. Given his status, he is naturally qualified.
In fact, there are not many military and political officials like him. Of course, when they arrived at the camp, the main people responsible for receiving them were Prince Liu Yang and Prime Minister Zhao Pu.
As for Emperor Liu, he still selectively met with some people. Of course, they are not only here to watch the ceremony. They also need to communicate with the central government in person about local government affairs, the current situation and difficulties they are facing, and other political issues.
Song Xiong has made some achievements in the past few years since he took office in Liaodong. It is easy to make achievements in a place that is full of waste and waiting for development.
After several years of governance, Liaodong has been rebuilt from the ruins of the war. Perhaps all aspects are still far from the level during the Liao rule, but the overall environment, both in politics and people's livelihood, is moving in the direction of stability. is developing.
Especially on agricultural issues, remarkable achievements have been made. The resumption of production and farming has been completely completed on the Liaohe Plain. In Song Xiong's words, starting from this year, Liaodong has basically achieved the goal of not needing the court's support in food. Of course, there is a premise, that is, the food, salary and silver of the Liaodong garrison are calculated separately.
When Song Xiong met Liu Yang, in addition to making some reports on the political situation and people's livelihood in Liaodong, the most important thing was to bring news concerning the stability of Northeast China.
"According to Song Gong's opinion, the Jurchens and Shiwei people are definitely going to war?" Liu Yang said.
Song Xiong stroked his old beard and said: "Military news has been reported since the horse inspection. The veteran can only make some speculations based on the signs that Wanyan Department has shown. According to the investigation, since the beginning of this spring, Wanyan Department has been It is easy to obtain a large amount of food, medicinal materials, shoes and clothing in the Liaodong market. It is roughly estimated that it can be used by an army of 5,000 for half a year. In the case of the Jurchens, they may be able to continue to consume it for much longer..."
"In view of this, the old minister has given orders to control transactions with border markets and Jurchens!" Song Xiong said.
"Why?" Liu Yang asked.
Song Xiong was slightly surprised: "The veteran believes that the priority should be to stabilize the situation in Liaodong at the moment. The Wanyan tribe wants to stir up trouble and start a war with the Shiwei people, which is not conducive to the stability of Liaodong. Therefore, the veteran believes that the Wanyan tribe should still be Certain restrictions should be imposed! And now is the time of His Majesty’s Zen Ceremony..."
Liu Yang abruptly interrupted Song Xiong and said, "Song Gong should know that the territory under the jurisdiction of Tieli Mansion was expressly promised to the Wanyan tribe by the imperial court, and it was also allowed to be taken by himself."
"Old minister, I understand!" Song Xiong was silent for a moment, and then said solemnly: "However, I believe that the court should mainly focus on regulating and appeasing the conflicts between the various tribes in the Northeast. Sitting back and watching the chaos and attacking each other will not be beneficial to the Northeast. The overall situation will affect the tranquility of Liaodong and will also affect the imperial court's control of the Northeast..."
