On the bank of Gushui, east of Xin'an County, thirty miles from Luoyang, a huge official post stands here, named Yanxi Post.
There are three major post stations in Tokyo: Xiangfu, Chenqiao and Yong'an. Xijing is not bad either, especially the two major ones connecting the east-west passage, Yongchang Post to the east and Yanxi Post to the west.
Of course, in the early days, the scale of this post was not large, and the environment could not be called good. However, since Murong Yanchao took office and accepted the major transformation of Luoyang, the construction of Sifang roads, post bridges, ditches, and other infrastructures was also carried out simultaneously.
ongoing.
As a result, in less than two years, the scale of Yanxi Station tripled, becoming an important resting place for travelers from the west before entering Luoyang. It is said to be an inn, but in fact it is more like a town, with not only Yicheng and Yizu
, also equipped with catchers and city tax collectors.
Winter is approaching, and the wind direction is changing more and more violently. Everyone can feel the gradually getting colder weather. However, the cold weather does not affect the excitement in Yanxi Post.
Liu Yang had seen many similar scenes with cars and people coming and going, but the worldly atmosphere in Guanyi still made him feel quite touched.
This time, Liu Yang left the palace and was on a patrol incognito. When he arrived at the inn, he did not make any announcement, but ordered a "VIP seat" to be arranged. The window facing the water is a good place to enjoy the scenery. However, Liu Yang's
My thoughts were not on the late autumn scenery, but perhaps the faint smell of mutton in the air, tempting my taste buds and affecting my thoughts.
Over the years, pork has become the most important meat ingredient among the Han people, but it has to be said that the most popular meat is mutton, both inside and outside the palace.
In the early years, when the country was poor and the people were poor, there was still some restraint. However, as the Han Dynasty continued to become richer and the living standards of the people gradually improved, the pursuit of mutton became more and more intense.
Emperor Liu once received a report from Wu Desi, saying that nowadays, there are hundreds of ways to cook mutton among the people. In addition, the scale of trade with the Liao Kingdom in the north is also increasing, and cattle from beyond the Great Wall are
Sheep were also imported into the country in large quantities and became a staple food on the tables of the Han officials and people.
In view of this, Emperor Liu also thought that if he launched a "mutton war" against the Liao Kingdom, he might be able to win the support of many people...
"Yanxiyi! This is a good name!" Liu Yang said.
A young man in Jinfu next to him said: "This post was originally called Hengtong Post, but later it was renamed Yanxi by Duke Luan. The memorial was approved, so it is auspicious!"
The person sitting with Liu Yang was a young man, Murong Defeng, the second son of the late Duke of Wei Murong Yanzhao. Since Liu Yang married a young lady from the Murong family, his relationship with the Murong family naturally became closer.
, and there is no need to be too evasive, after all, the relationship is there openly.
Being related to each other and being of similar age, Murong Defeng was naturally transferred to the East Palace to wash horses for the prince and serve as Liu Yang's attendant. He was almost inseparable from Liu Yang on weekdays and accompanied him on all trips.
Although the title of Duke of Wei was inherited by his eldest brother Murong Deye, Murong Defeng's future was also very bright. He had been smart since he was a child, and Murong Yanzhao once commented that this is the son who will prosper our family.
Emperor Liu also admired the second son of the Murong family quite a lot. With his family background as the foundation, and now that he was a popular person around the prince, it was obvious that he had a bright future.
I have to say how stable the status of the prince Liu Yang is. His mother's family is the Fu family, and his wife's family is the Murong family. These two families, coupled with Emperor Liu's careful training and education, have an early title and have participated in it for many years.
Government experience.
As long as he maintains his current performance and maintains a good relationship with Emperor Liu, his status will be impregnable and no one can shake it.
"Go and summon Yi Cheng!" Liu Yang suddenly ordered.
"Yes!" A guard was immediately ordered to go.
Soon, a middle-aged man wearing a blue official robe was summoned. He bowed to the ground respectfully as soon as he entered. He was nervous and excited at the same time. Obviously, his identity was revealed to this person.
Looking at this humble little official, he was middle-aged, a little stout and a little greasy. He stretched out his hand to signal, and Liu Yang said: "No gifts!"
"Thank you, Your Highness! Your Highness is here, but I didn't have time to greet you. Please forgive me!" Yi Cheng said hurriedly.
"There's no need to say these polite words!" Liu Yang shook his head and said directly.
"How long have you been working at this post?" Liu Yang asked.
After hearing the question, the Yi Cheng quickly calmed down and respectfully replied: "Your Highness, I have been serving as the Yi Cheng here for ten years!"
"Ten years!" Liu Yang raised his eyebrows and was a little surprised: "You haven't been promoted in all these years?"
The Yi Cheng showed a slight smile and said: "A small talent is short of moral integrity. It is already difficult to manage this post. How can we expect a higher position?"
Hearing this, Liu Yang couldn't help showing a hint of amusement, with a hint of curiosity in his eyes, and looked at this person seriously: "You don't want to be promoted?"
Is there anyone in the world who doesn't want to be promoted? The same goes for Yi Cheng, of course. However, he is a self-aware person with no great talent or background. Even if he is promoted to one or two levels in the camp, his potential will be limited.
It would be better to stay here, where you can take care of all matters big and small, and get to know all kinds of people coming and going, from high-ranking officials to nobles, to traders and pawns.
With the expansion of Yanxi Station, as a local leader, he, as the station chief, has considerable influence, and his life is better than that of some officials who serve as the head of a town or a county.
With real benefits in front of him, moving up a level or two and changing positions is not good at all for him.
Of course, these calculations in my heart and the weighing of gains and losses cannot be told to the truth. Yi Cheng just explained respectfully: "I am satisfied that I can manage this post well for the imperial court."
Liu Yang smiled and asked: "Now, how many people can this post accept every day?"
When it came to business, Yi Cheng seemed much more capable and said: "In recent years, more and more officials and merchants have traveled between the east and west. At this season, we receive more than 3,000 people every day, and we can provide nearly 3,000 people in accommodation."
Eight hundred people!”
"This is really a lot, almost as good as the Xiangfu Station in Tokyo!" Liu Yang said.
Yi Cheng couldn't help but feel a bit proud in his tone, and responded: "Since the expansion, Yanxi Post has become the largest post station west of Luoyang, and it is also close to Xijing. Officials and businessmen traveling back and forth often choose this post to stop!"
Nodding, Liu Yang also understood that, if nothing else, even if it was just because of the name of the largest inn, there would be no shortage of customers.
"How much can you earn every day?" Liu Yang asked again.
When Yi Cheng mentioned the accounts, his heart tightened subconsciously. He glanced at Liu Yang carefully, and after thinking carefully, he still didn't dare to hold anything back. He told the truth: "There are about 230 items in each account!"
"That's not too little!" Liu Yang said.
Seeing this, Yi Cheng hurriedly said: "It's quite a lot! It's quite a lot! Does Your Highness want to check the accounts?"
"Yeah!" Liu Yang responded: "You can bring it and show it to me!"
"yes!"
Facing Liu Yang's reaction, Yi Cheng was still a little surprised. After all, you, a dignified prince, actually want to personally check the accounts of a small inn...
At the same time, I also had a feeling of fear, but fortunately I told the truth. As for Liu Yang, he didn’t feel that he was condescending and making a fuss. After all, the post station belongs to the country and belongs to the official system, and its income should also be included in the national finance and taxation. He checked to understand
Once upon a time, there is nothing wrong with it.
Of course, Liu Yang was still a little surprised. The daily income of a Yanxi Station is 230 guan, which is 6300 guan in a month and 75600 guan in a year. Although various costs need to be considered, it is already considerable.
Although Yanxi Station has its own special characteristics, if you include the stations across the country, what is the total annual fiscal and tax revenue?
You know, over the years, the imperial court and local governments have built thousands of official posts. After excluding a small number of military posts, the rest can be used to receive guests, excluding all human, material and material costs.
, the income of the inn must also be a huge amount.
Every year, the fiscal and tax payments from various places include the post station project, but the details seem a bit vague. Liu Yang suddenly felt that the Financial Secretary could investigate and rectify this project.