The Lantern Festival has just passed, and the people of Tokyo are still immersed in the joyful atmosphere of the festival. The lanterns and ribbons all over the capital are still bright, and the officials are still enjoying their rare rest time.
Of course, these had nothing to do with the prince Liu Yang and the high-ranking officials. After the royal banquet at Chongyuan Palace, Liu Yang only got one day's rest before he gathered his spirits and gathered his energy again to devote himself to the heavy state affairs. The plan for the year begins with spring, which is also a busy time.
In the past few months, although the focus of the imperial court has been on the Yulin Rebellion, there is more than one Yulin in such a huge empire, and the real energy involved in the Yulin Rebellion is probably not even ten percent, especially after the situation in Yulin was completely reversed and it was under control.
Liu Yang, the prince, is probably the person with the most real power in all dynasties. Although he does not have the reputation of supervising the country, he has long been able to govern. Especially in the few months since Zhao Pu left office, he has been extremely busy.
The empire is too big, there are too many affairs, and there are so many things. Even if Liu Yang is diligent, it is difficult to take care of everything. Of course, the new leadership team of the Central Committee has basically been adjusted well. With the assistance of veterans such as Song Qi, Zhao Kuangyi, and Wang Zhu, it can still smoothly advance various government affairs work.
In the political hall, Liu Yang specially set aside some time to meet with the King of Qin Liu Xu. This New Year, Liu Xu and his family returned to Beijing again to celebrate the festival together. Of course, it was not just the family of King Qin, but also King Liu Xi of Jin. Among the princes, except for Liu Fang, Liu Min, Liu Ye who were in the northwest, and Liu Yun who wandered to who knows where, they all gathered in the capital.
Liu Xu is now thirty-six years old, and has been in charge of Anton for nearly ten years. He has struggled with the harsh and harsh environment in the Northeast for many years. Compared with his original glory, even if he did not deliberately create it, he has a lot more. Distinguish the color of vicissitudes of life.
Perhaps due to their upbringing and extensive training, Emperor Liu's older sons may have different personalities, but they all possess some similar traits.
That is to endure loneliness and hardship, to do things without hesitation, to have determination and perseverance, and to be like a dragon. This has formed a consensus among the government and the opposition. This is not to flatter, but the performance of more than ten or twenty years, everyone can see it.
The two brothers sat across from each other, drinking hot tea. Liu Yang noticed the little white stain on Liu Xu's temples, and couldn't help but feel touched. He said warmly: "Anton is bad, and the eldest brother insists on being simple, so you still need to take care of yourself!"
After so many years, the relationship between the two brothers cannot be described as close at all. Once some grudges are formed, it is difficult to eliminate them. However, when they get along, they can still maintain basic decency and even be honest. However, this kind of honesty, when used between brothers, will inevitably have a somewhat alienating meaning.
However, listening to what Liu Yang said at this time, Liu Xu did not think that Liu Yang was hypocritical. He also knew the prince's temperament. Nowadays, there is no need for too much hypocrisy between the two brothers.
Liu Xu subconsciously raised his hand to caress his temples, showed a smile, and said to Liu Yang: "It is hard to govern Dongdong, but after all, it is only a small area of Andong. The prince supervises the country and governs the country, but he has to take into account the world and serve the country. Billions of people are working hard and hurting their bodies, so you should take care of yourself!"
Liu Yang looked calm and sighed softly: "Dad has placed a huge burden on me. There is not much I can do. I can only do my best and live up to my trust, that's all!"
The meaning of these words was obvious. Seeing Liu Yang's magnanimous and calm look, Liu Xu was stunned for a moment. This was the first time he saw Liu Yang declare his sovereignty, and in such a calm and reasonable tone.
An inexplicable bitterness quietly hit his heart. Liu Xu quickly suppressed this emotion, looked at each other with Liu Yang, and sighed insincerely: "Dad has always been very accurate in judging people, and he trusts people!"
After a few pleasantries and a few moments of silence, Liu Yang cheered up and said in a relaxed tone: "Brother, Anton's development over the years is very gratifying. I was very happy when I heard about it in Tokyo. The strength of the Northeast also benefits from the efforts of our eldest brother Anton!"
Hearing this, Liu Xu shook his head and said: "Anton's situation is there. Even if I work hard, there will be a limit. I still need the support of the court. Otherwise, let alone further development, all the past efforts will not be able to hold on." question!"
Hearing what Liu Xu said, Liu Yang frowned slightly, took a sip of tea and said, "Is there something hidden about Anton's situation?"
There was a sense of probing in Liu Yang's words, and Liu Xu also put on a magnanimous look, saying leisurely: "We have spent ten years developing Anton, and we have certainly made some achievements. However, today, we have inevitably fallen into a bottleneck. .
Although the barbarian natives in the territory have been basically controlled through unremitting efforts to clean up, they have never been eradicated and harassment and attacks have continued. Shiwei in the north has also been moving southward, especially in recent years, and has moved to the river basin. There have been frequent conflicts, and the governor's office also sent troops to expel them, but they have not been able to drive them to Lingbei."
Listening to Liu Xu's narration, it seems that the current situation in Anton is very difficult. Of course, these problems exist, but the severity of the plot is worthy of consideration.
Naturally, Liu Yang didn't believe everything. He also had his own judgment. At least, he believed in Liu Xu's ability. With Liu Xu's skills, how could he be defeated by a mere barbarian? He just had other purposes.
After thinking about it, Liu Yang said: "It's really not easy for my eldest brother to be in Anton! However, in the past two years, the Han Dynasty has been troubled and has been in constant trouble. The sixth brother is on the Western Expedition and Yulin is suppressing the rebellion. It is reasonable to take into account the overall situation. Where I can't reach it, I always feel that I am powerless. I still need to work hard for Anton!"
Hearing what Liu Yang said, Liu Xu laughed out loud, even smiling brightly, waving his hands and saying: "Protecting the land and guarding the borders is both a duty and a mission. When I return to Beijing this time, I am not asking for help from the imperial court. The imperial court also has its own I understand the difficulties and troubles. However, for this reason, I still have to shamelessly request the court."
Liu Yang looked at Liu Xu and thought about it secretly. His face remained calm and he said: "Brother, it's okay to speak out. Wherever I can, I will try my best to push!"
Liu Yang seemed to agree to this, but he seemed not to. When Liu Xu heard this, he no longer hid it and said slowly: "Anton's biggest flaw is that it has a vast territory and a sparse population. Over the years, it has always insisted on attracting people.
However, the effect has become less and less obvious now. As of now, the Han population under Anton's rule is less than 400,000. As for those naturalized barbarians, I don't trust them either. The Yulin Rebellion is enough to be wary of.
Therefore, my request is still about the population, and I hope that the imperial court will give me a helping hand! "
Liu Yang looked at Liu Xu thoughtfully, thinking silently in his heart. Liu Xu was minding his own business and said: "Although Anton is remote and bitterly cold, there are still a lot of undeveloped areas whether it is cultivated land or pasture, but there is just a lack of labor for development.
Over the past ten years, the past immigration policies have become increasingly inadequate, and their appeal to mainland people has continued to decline. I heard that there was a rebellion in Yulin, and the customs accepted a large number of refugees who fled south, and the imperial court planned to transfer them to Anxi for resettlement."
Hearing this, Liu Yang suddenly understood and had confidence in his heart. He chuckled and said, "It seems that the elder brother is interested in those Yulin refugees?"
"That's right!" Liu Xu nodded: "Compared to the immigrants from the interior, these border residents are more in line with Anton's requirements. They have experience in colonizing frontiers and can endure hardship better. After the Yulin Rebellion, they have no idea about migration. There will be more conflicts, and Anton will do his best to accommodate them.
My requirements are not too high either, 20,000 to 30,000 people are enough, and 40,000 to 50,000 people are not too many either.”
After Liu Xu finished speaking, Liu Yang immediately shook his head and said: "So far, according to the reports from the Guan Nei Road, the number of refugees that have been taken in is only more than 50,000. If the eldest brother takes them all in, I am afraid that the sixth brother will also It’s hard to explain.”
"Then half!" Liu Xu said immediately, as if I had compromised.
Liu Yang thought for a while, met Liu Xu's gaze, and nodded: "Since the eldest brother has spoken, he has agreed to it. This matter has been settled. I will send someone to arrange it. Anton can also send someone to arrange it." People, go to the pass and organize migration!"
Liu Yang originally had the decision-making power in this matter. Now that he has made the decision, the problem is obviously not big.
After receiving Liu Yang's consent, Liu Xu smiled again, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you!"
Liu Yang waved his hand and sighed: "It's all for the country and the country. If Anton is stable, the Northeast will be stable!"
"One more thing!" Liu Xu added: "My father said that if you want to be rich, you must first build roads. The road conditions in the Northeast are very poor. I intend to build a straight road from Andong to Liaodong to strengthen internal and external connections and exchanges!"
In this regard, Liu Yang pondered again: "This is a good thing, but it is probably difficult to coordinate the finances of the imperial court."
Liu Xu said: "In terms of human and financial resources, Anton can share half of it, but it requires the court's policy and the cooperation of Liaodong!"
Obviously, Liu Xu had already made up his mind about this matter. Liu Yang hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "I will let the Financial Secretary and the Ministry of Industry discuss this matter and give me an answer as soon as possible."
"Then I'll just wait for the good news!" Although he didn't let Liu Yang make a decision directly, Liu Xu still said with a smile. He also knew in his heart that building roads and bridges would be beneficial to the Northeast and the country. He also offered to take the initiative to share the pressure. If Liu Yang refused for any other reason, the result might not be good for Emperor Liu. .
(End of chapter)