On the other side, after Xiao Yuan left Taikang, he still traveled eastward, passing through Linfen, Heyang, Handan and other places.
He traveled in casual clothes, and every time he stopped at a place, he would make secret visits and chat with street vendors, or go to some teahouses, restaurants, and storytelling places.
Because these are lively places, where people chat after dinner, where you can hear whether they are satisfied with the current policies, their evaluation of local officials, and many times, you can also hear some high-minded talks, even on the country's political and military aspects. insights.
Just like when he was in Cheng'an County, he was a diner in a tavern and heard a table of young people talk about using troops against Beidi. He felt like he was scolding Fang Qiu and pointing out the country.
At that time, Peng Shuang almost took a sip of tea and was glared at by Xiao Yuan.
These people, knowing that the country's military is strong, think that war can be fought at any time. Little do they know that once a war starts, the people in the north will suffer.
Of course, Xiao Yuan will also take a walk to observe some local people's livelihood, such as passing by and staying in some villages to see from the real situation whether the people can have enough food and clothing, and whether their lives have improved.
There are also colleges and schools in various places, which are the focus of his attention, especially the school buildings in various rural concentration points. Now, except for southern Xinjiang, there are already schools in every place.
Generally speaking, some of the counties, counties and villages he passed through were relatively good. Although the reputation of local officials varied, there were not many treacherous and evil people. After all, Tan Shimin was in the minority.
In March, Xiao Yuan arrived in Xinghe County, Jiyang County.
The county magistrate here is Wang Yuanju, the new champion in the first year of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
This used to be the Xinghe City of Dongyi. When the county was first established, it was still a dilapidated scene. However, since Wang Yuanju took office, he took drastic measures, convened meetings with officials, village chiefs, etc., and implemented a series of county administrations. Today, it has greatly changed. It looks like a county town.
Wang Yuanju's policy measures have been praised by the imperial court. Zhang Shanping, the governor of Jiyang County, once designated Xinghe County as a development model and set it as an example for other counties to follow.
It can be seen that Wang Yuanju has made great achievements in politics. Calculating the time, it won't be long before he will be promoted.
In Xinghe County, Xiao Yuan and others have just entered the city. There are no clean and tidy streets lined with high-end buildings. Shops and vendors occupy their own places. There are all kinds of residential and alleys. Pedestrians come and go in peace, and there are many hawkers along the street.
You know, this place used to be the territory of Dongyi. It was still the era of slave owners. It was poor and backward. Not only the people's livelihood, but also the market was in chaos.
In just two years, it is very, very remarkable that it can develop into a county town.
Although Xiao Yuan knew that Wang Yuanju had good political achievements, he was still surprised during the on-site inspection because he knew very well what it was like here before.
Peng Shuang also said: "Your Majesty, this Xinghe County is surprisingly good. Although it is not as prosperous as Taikang, it looks more prosperous here."
"That's right. Keeping a rich county as it is and turning a poor place into a county are two completely different concepts." Xiao Yuandao: "This Wang Yuanju, I still remember his strategies on the exam paper. , the opening chapter is that the sage kings from ancient times must take people’s livelihood as the cornerstone.”
"Hehe, our Great Qin's number one scholar is just different!" Xu Hu said stupidly, "In that case, Your Majesty, should we go to the county government to see him?"
"No need." Xiao Yuan also smiled: "It's still the same, let's find an inn to stay in, and then walk around."
"Understood." The two nodded.
The three of them each led a horse and soon found an inn. Xu Hu shouted loudly: "Waiter!"
"Hey, it's coming, it's coming." The waiter trotted over in a hurry.
"Three rooms above, feed the horses well and ask for good fodder." Xu Hu spoke concisely and while speaking, he threw out a grain of silver.
The waiter raised his hand to take it, wiped it on his clothes, and immediately smiled brightly: "Okay, please, sir."
Then he called for help and took the horse to the stable for feeding.
This inn is not bad in scale, offering accommodation and meals. The first floor is the dining area, with eight or nine tables set up. It is now noon, and there are already several tables of guests sitting inside.
Not long after, several more young men came in and paid for a few guest rooms. They were the Jin Yiwei in disguise.
Xiao Yuan and the other three were led by the waiter to go to the room and put down their luggage and other things, and then went downstairs and found a seat at random.
When the food and wine were served, Xiao Yuan saw a man who looked like a businessman at the table. He also picked up a plate of dishes, picked up the wine bottle and walked over.
"Your Majesty, would you mind sitting with us?"
The other party raised his head and said politely: "I don't dare to speak respectfully. Your Excellency, please."
"Thank you." Xiao Yuan sat down, poured a glass of wine for the merchant, and said with a smile: "Looking at your lord's dress, he should be someone who travels around the world all year round."
The other party was delighted: "Your Excellency has good eyesight. I have indeed traveled extensively and visited many places."
Afterwards, the two of them chatted while eating. Through chatting, Xiao Yuan learned some about the business situation in Xinghe County. For example, whether foreign merchants have collected additional business taxes, or what the routine inspections are like when entering the city. Will it be asked by the officers and soldiers to wait?
Xiao Yuan was very good at reading people and what to say to whom. In this case, the two of them were very far apart and chatting happily. The other party laughed heartily from time to time. After having a good meal and wine, he even said with unfinished meaning: " Brother, I have an open-minded temperament and extraordinary insight. It is a pleasure to be friends with you."
"No, no, I've been rewarded with just one step. I have traveled thousands of miles and learned about the customs and customs of various places. This free conversation has also given me a lot of knowledge." Xiao Yuan said with a smile.
The other party cupped his fists and said, "When you are away from home, you value your friends. If we meet again by chance, we will definitely have a drink."
Xiao Yuan also handed over his hand: "Definitely, definitely."
"Farewell."
"One step counts."
After the merchants left, Peng Shuang and Xu Hu were both satiated. The former couldn't help but asked: "Your Majesty, who is that person?"
Of course, his voice was very low and it was impossible for the guests at other tables to hear him.
Xiao Yuan smiled: "A traveling trader, if you chat with them, you can know the business situation in the local area and even other places as long as you have a good conversation."
"Your Majesty is wise." Peng Shuang said boldly.
Xiao Yuan glanced at him in surprise: "I remember you don't know how to flatter someone."
"I'm telling the truth." Peng Shuang laughed.
Xiao Yuan sat down again. Xu Hu poured him a cup of tea and said, "Your Majesty, what is our next itinerary?"
Xiao Yuan thought for a while and said: "I have been traveling for several days. Let's rest at the inn in the afternoon and go out tomorrow."
