Narrow streets, crowded houses, dilapidated huts, rotten thatch roofs, roads with sewage flowing across them...
Animal feces and human urine can be seen everywhere, and the air is filled with a disgusting smell.
On Zhongzhongfang Street, there are businesses, houses, children playing around, and the smell of fireworks. Passers-by walk in a hurry and seldom stop. There are beggars begging in the corners, and there are even wandering orioles soliciting customers in front of some low-rise houses. .
Liu Yang just stood on the street, his expression slightly gloomy, his face very ugly, and even a little at a loss. Looking around, what he saw was no scene of prosperity. The scene of poverty, chaos, and filth was presented to him in the most intuitive way.
This situation, I have to say, made Liu Yang feel a little confused and very uncomfortable. The impression he had always received from the prosperous age of Kaibao was that the rivers were clear and the sea was clear, the things were prosperous and the people were prosperous, the country was rich and the people were strong, but it was precisely within the capital and at the feet of the emperor that there was such a place where poverty intersected.
Back then, when Kaifeng was newly built, it was so majestic and glorious. As one of the most powerful cities in the world, Kaifeng has always been a symbol of the prosperity of the country and the prosperity of the people. The whole court is proud of it. Even Liu Yang always has a sense of pride in his heart.
However, the situation in Le'anfang caused the camouflage that exuded the glory of the great man to be ruthlessly torn apart, bloodyly exposing the true side that had been ignored or unwilling to face, and its profound The pain goes straight to the bone.
The problems of the Han Dynasty are not limited to chaos and civil unrest in the northwest, and it is by no means unique. What made Liu Yang a little angry was that no one had ever reported these situations to him.
He has been in power for many years and considers himself diligent. Under the influence of Emperor Liu, he has always paid attention to people's livelihood. But now it seems that it is still too little and his vision is still too narrow. Even under the emperor's feet, there is still such an ugly side. Why On the big world.
In the court, it is not purely about reporting good news rather than bad news. However, most of them focus on "national affairs". In fact, there are not many people and how much energy they have to focus on the sufferings of the common people.
No matter how loud the tune is, no matter how correct the politics, the concern for the common people is ultimately limited. You can see the whole thing at a glance. This is true in Tokyo, but there is really no need to be too optimistic about other places.
"Daddy!"
His sleeves and legs were pulled, and Liu Yang came back to his senses. He lowered his head and saw that Liu Wenji was covering his nose and looking at him. It was obvious that he could not bear the unpleasant smell lingering on the tip of his nose. Obviously, for Liu Wenji, such a situation has never been encountered before.
"Put your hands down!" For some reason, Liu Yang felt a little angry in his heart and scolded.
Liu Wenji was startled, and felt that his father was a little scary at this moment. He quickly put his hands down and did not dare to say anything. Seeing this, Liu Yang took a deep breath and said with some sincerity: "You have smelled the fragrance of nectar in your home, so naturally you can't stand these dirty smells. However, you have to smell these smells. You just feel uncomfortable for a moment, so you can bear it." It will pass, but the people living on the streets in this village will have to endure it year after year."
Naturally, Liu Wenji didn't quite understand what Liu Yang said, but seeing his father speaking seriously, he still nodded obediently. Next, Liu Yang held his hand and followed silently, even though the smell lingered and stained his shoes and robes. Even if it gets dirty, there will be no complaints.
After crossing the street and walking around the shop a few times, Liu Yang finally stopped and stood in front of a private house. The smoke is rising, and the aroma of rice has slightly diluted the odor in the air. Through the open door, you can see the crowded layout inside. There are many people, but most of the people moving are old, weak, women, children, and strong men. Most of them have gone out. Make money and make a living.
Just as he was about to take a walk, go inside to visit and observe the sentiments of the people, there was a commotion at the corner of the street. Looking from a distance, it was a fight. To be precise, it was three people beating a young man. They punched and kicked him very harshly and cursed constantly. The person who was beaten only let out a few screams. In addition to wailing, he just hugged his head and shrank back, enduring the bullying.
Following his father, Liu Wenji was also attracted by the movement. He looked around curiously to see the situation clearly, and subconsciously shrank behind Liu Yang. Liu Yang gently touched Liu Wenji's head to comfort him. His face remained serious. He no longer had much anger towards this situation and just watched calmly.
On both sides of the streets, many residents poked their heads out, but they just looked around, and no one stood up to stop them. This kind of brawling and bullying by scoundrels seemed to be a common thing. The common people have their own way of survival. It has nothing to do with them, and they will not easily provoke unbearable troubles.
The guards around him had surrounded him early. Wang Yue had already noticed the prince's corrupt mood, and finally said: "Your Highness, there is a mixed bag of fish and dragons here. To avoid any unexpected events, it's better to leave for the time being. I'll send someone to solve the matter!" "
"Solve it?" Hearing this, Liu Yang immediately asked: "How are you going to solve it? Can you save that person and the whole community?"
"Is this a village owned by the Han Dynasty and under the jurisdiction of Kaifeng Mansion?"
Obviously, Liu Yang is asking and reflecting on himself.
However, Liu Yang was a kind-hearted person after all and did not remain immersed in sadness. Seeing that those people still refused to give up and were still fighting with fists and kicks, he sent guards to stop them.
Before the trip could be completed, a few more people appeared, dressed in black uniforms, and they were police officers patrolling the streets. The leader was a rough-looking man, who had obviously heard the sound.
The officer's response was very straightforward and he didn't stop. Several people rushed up and beat the three attackers, followed by a severe beating. Not only the fists and feet were used, but the saber in his hand was also used, and the scabbard was not used. Dare to take the position and greet the three people fiercely.
More shrill screams resounded in the streets and alleys. It wasn't until they were tired of beating that the leading police officer stepped on one of them, panting, and said viciously: "Why are you making trouble and beating people?"
The black skin on the body is a symbol of power and is extremely intimidating. He didn't dare to look at the guard and said in fear: "This boy will not repay his debts."
Hearing this, the officer immediately rushed to the person who was beaten first and said, "Why don't you pay back the money?"
The man's nose was bruised and his face was swollen, and his breath was very weak, but he did not dare not answer and whispered: "Young man has no money!"
The officer gave the leading scoundrel a rough kick and said coldly: "Don't you take the rules of the government seriously? I told you long ago not to cause trouble. You want to go to prison." , or do you want to be charged into a prison camp?"
"I don't dare, I don't dare!" After hearing this, the leading rogue shook his head and apologized.
Seeing this, the officer moved away the foot that was on his chest and said coldly: "I don't care what grudges you have. But I'm warning you again, please stay calm and don't ask for trouble!"
"Yes Yes!"
"Have you seen enough of the bustle? Get out of here!" Looking around, the officer scolded the people around him. He quickly retracted his protruding head as if he received an electric shock, and closed the door.
After giving him a lesson and showing off his prestige, the officer seemed satisfied. He greeted his subordinates and walked away slowly. Several of the subordinates loosened their wrists, as if they were not satisfied with the beating.
The scoundrels stood up in embarrassment. Even though their bodies were in unbearable pain, they did not forget to put on a humble posture and send them off respectfully. After the officer walked away, the leader kicked the "debtor" who was still lying on the ground hard: "It's you who made me get beaten! Take him away!"
The two subordinates gave each other a kick and lifted him up. The four figures quickly disappeared at the corner of the street.
Liu Yang stood in the distance and had a panoramic view of what happened. When the streets and alleys were empty, he still stood there, not understanding anything. His followers all lowered their heads subconsciously and did not dare to say anything.
Liu Yang was not an irritable person, but at this moment, his chest was filled with anger. After a long time, he asked Wang Yue: "Is this Anminfang?"
"Your Highness, that's right!" Wang Yue replied, almost shrinking his neck.
"How can the people be at peace?"
(End of chapter)