Chapter 236: There is food in hand, no panic in mind
The arrival of midsummer also means that Emperor Liu will have to go through a torturous time again. As he grows older, he seems to be more and more afraid of cold and heat.
Of course, the climate here in Luoyang is relatively comfortable. The problem lies with Emperor Liu's own habits. However, compared with the pain of every cold winter, the hot summer is nothing. His old cold legs have become a chronic disease. Even in this midsummer, pay attention to the use of ice cubes to relieve the heat and prevent the cold from invading the body.
Inside the palace garden, you can see the prosperous scenery in summer. On the bank of the green lake, the willows are blowing in the breeze and the branches are swaying, seeming to resist the gradually hot weather.
In the Chengxin Pavilion built on the lake, Emperor Liu was dressed in simple clothes. The light brocade uniform looked very loose. He did not wear a hat and crown, and his hair was only tied with a jade hairpin. The whole person was in a leisurely atmosphere. middle.
Yantuo personally waited beside him with a can of fish food. Emperor Liu would grab a handful from time to time and sprinkle it into the water. In the lake under the pavilion, there were many kinds of fish swimming around, and from time to time, some fish would cross the water, which was a lively scene.
"Grandpa, the fish jumped out!" Following Emperor Liu, there was a child. Liu Wenyuan, the eldest grandson of Emperor Liu, was particularly excited when he saw the swarm of fish and held the railing.
"If someone feeds me, I will naturally enjoy it!" Emperor Liu smiled slightly.
Liu Wenyuan is the eldest son of Qin Gong Liu Xu. He was born in the fourth year of Kaibao and is now almost five years old. Because he is the first grandson of the emperor, he is naturally very favored and will be called in from time to time. In the palace, a family talk was held.
The little emperor's grandson's attention was obviously attracted by the jumping fish. Emperor Liu slowly fed the fish, which made him feel itchy. He turned around, grabbed Yan Tuo's robe, and stepped on his feet to get the fish feed. Can.
When Yan Tuo saw this, his knees went weak, and he hurriedly squatted down. His hands were too weak to catch much, and they spilled all over the ground. He threw them outside the pavilion, and most of them were scattered inside the pavilion, but Liu Wenyuan was happy. Hehe, his dark and bright eyes stared at the lake, and he was very excited. The fun of a child is so simple.
Emperor Liu seemed to be infected too, with a loving smile on his face, and his eyes stared at the fish vying for food at his feet, which gradually became more and more profound. In his eyes, these swimming fish were like some ministers in the imperial court. If you order something to eat, if you are given some temptation, they will rush to jump out of the water, be particularly active, compete for power and gain, and show their sense of presence...
"Are the central government and various ministries still talking about it so loudly?" After a long time, Emperor Liu touched his eldest grandson's head and left Yantuo to play with him. He turned around and sat on the stone bench in the pavilion and asked Liu who was standing beside him. Warmth.
Liu Xu's position was changed again. Since the middle of last year, he has been serving as the Vice Minister of Zhongshu, walking in the political affairs hall, and co-managing state affairs. When he was asked about it, he immediately responded: "Since you issued the imperial edict, there has been a silence in the court. The atmosphere has been greatly changed, and all ministers and ministers in all ministries should stick to their duties and work hard!"
"Hmph! Do I still have to praise them?" Emperor Liu sneered lightly: "Some people just claim to share the country's worries, but in fact they have hidden agendas. The soldiers at the front are bleeding and dying. They are making noises and causing trouble in the court. People's hearts are like gluttons..."
Listening to Emperor Liu's heart-wrenching words, Liu Xu's face tightened slightly. He looked at Emperor Liu's indifferent expression, hesitated slightly, and finally did not answer the words.
Fortunately, Emperor Liu did not get too entangled in this matter, but said with a serious expression: "This Northern Expedition requires more than one million people. Spring plowing has been delayed a lot, and summer harvest is about to begin. The imperial court must be prepared to deal with it! What lies ahead!
Although the military situation is urgent, the farming work in the rear cannot be relaxed!"
When it comes to official matters, Liu Xu immediately showed a capable style. Over the years, he has also worked hard in many positions, held many practical positions, and done many practical things. While accumulating vision and experience, his ability to do things has indeed been honed.
.
"The Government Hall has made preparations for this matter. Prime Minister Zhao issued an order to strictly urge local governments to organize manpower and animal power to carry out summer harvest and summer tax collection!" Liu Xu replied.
He glanced at Emperor Liu and saw that he was unmoved, and continued: "This time the troops are mobilized, the heaviest conscripts are from the four provinces of Yanshan, Hebei, Hedong, and Henan, concentrated in Daozhou in the north, Gyeonggi and the south.
Daozhou has little influence and can maintain orderly production! In the northwest region, there are slightly fewer people, but abundant animal power. The soldiers also go on expeditions and fight from the rear, so there is not much demand for supplies and gifts!"
Emperor Liu nodded and sighed: "It has to be the Eastern Route Army, with more than 400,000 people on the front line. That is the giant beast that devours people's financial resources!"
Liu Xu said: "Thanks to the smooth canals and mature water transportation, the number of civilians actually recruited this time has been reduced compared to the previous Northern Expedition. With a large amount of military supplies being transported northward, they were stationed in various warehouses and ports in the north.
, which basically meets the consumption of the army for half a year, and the demand for canal and land transport manpower is also greatly reduced.
The transshipment commander Zhang Mei has moderately reduced his manpower and returned civilians. Now, the northern armies only have over 300,000 men left to use for frontline forces and the transportation of grain and equipment.
In addition, during the Northern Expedition, a large number of ships and water transport were used. In terms of military rations, half of them were transported directly northward from Jiangsu and Zhejiang by sea. Coastal counties and counties have been ordered to recruit more than 50,000 fishermen and civilians to make up for the shortage of transport sailors and ensure smooth shipping.
, which greatly eases the difficulties of land transshipment.
According to Zhang Mei's prediction, after breaking through the enemy's border, completely entering Liaodong, and ensuring the safety of Liaohe River water transportation, we can continue to increase the share of sea transportation and further reduce our dependence on land transshipment..."
After listening to Liu Xu's report, Emperor Liu finally showed a smile on his face. After all, Emperor Liu had somewhat forced the development of sea shipping. The imperial government had invested a lot of financial resources before, and now it provided naked eyes for the army to fight.
Visible convenience, facing such gains and results, it is natural to be moved by Taoism.
After thinking about it, Emperor Liu couldn't help but think about the key point and said: "Jinzhou and Yaozhou, these two cities have become two powerful shackles, restricting the progress of our army. I don't know when we can break them!"
Liu Xu was silent, considering Emperor Liu's mood, but he still spoke to comfort him: "Now the army invades the city, like Mount Tai pressing down the eggs. Although the Liao army's resistance is strong, it is just a stubborn resistance..."
"I don't need your comfort!" After hearing what he said, Emperor Liu stretched out his hand to interrupt him. He quickly adjusted and changed the subject and asked: "How is the price of food in Xijing so far with the progress of the war?"
Liu Xu immediately replied: "During the war, various products were given priority to the frontline soldiers. Xijing was inevitably affected. The prices of grain, oil, noodles, salt, fruits, vegetables, etc. have all risen. Now a bucket of rice has risen to 17 yuan! However, Xijing official warehouse
There are still three million dan of rice, millet, wheat and other grains stored in the house, which can be used at any time!
The grain reserves in the north mainly support the Northern Expedition, but in the past two months, a large amount of grain from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the two lakes has arrived in Beijing and Beijing, and grain merchants are very enthusiastic.
In recent years, there have been few disasters and the construction of water conservancy ditches has resulted in a large harvest in the southeastern region. After the introduction of Champa rice in Huainan, the yield per mu has also been greatly improved, and the yield in the two lakes areas has also been further improved. Therefore, there is not much difficulty in food!
"
"There is nothing more simple than having food in your hands and no panic in your heart!" Emperor Liu said: "No matter what time, the people of the Han Dynasty must not be hungry!"
If the people don't have enough to eat, they will rebel!
"You are right!" Liu Xu responded.
With Luoyang's current population of over one million year-round, the government and people's annual consumption of food is about eight million dan, which of course includes the distribution of salary and food for officials and the army.
One of the obvious improvements compared to the Northern Expedition is that there is no need to transport grain from the capital to support frontline operations. What is transported from the two capitals to the north is more tents, weapons, gunpowder, tools and other combat supplies.
Looking at Liu Xu who was talking eloquently in front of him, Emperor Liu also showed a smile of appreciation and praised: "You are becoming more and more capable, especially in the overall view, you have made great progress. After all the training you have received over the years,
The effect is remarkable!”
Facing Emperor Liu's praise, Liu Xu remained humble and said, "I rely on you for your teaching and training. I still have a lot to learn!"
"Not arrogant or impatient, very good!" Emperor Liu nodded.
After thinking about it, Emperor Liu said: "I plan to go on a patrol. I just read your memorials and listen to your reports. I also have to go see it with my own eyes. You should be responsible for arranging the patrol matters!"
Hearing this, Liu Xu's face became solemn subconsciously, and he raised his hands and asked for instructions: "I wonder where the hunting expedition is?"
"First go to Hebei, reach the sea in the east, and have a look at Deng Lai. Then we will see the situation!" Emperor Liu said.
"When will the patrol take place? I wonder how the accompanying personnel will be arranged?" Liu Xu asked again.
"The weather is getting hotter and hotter. Let's wait until autumn cools down. You should make early preparations first! There will be no more ministers. Zhao Pu and Song Qi will stay in Beijing and continue to preside over state affairs. Li Ye from the Political Affairs Hall will accompany them, and Cao Bin from the Privy Council will make arrangements for the camp.
Let *** be the one to take charge. Other officials will look at the arrangements. In addition, all princes and princesses over eight years old will accompany you!" Emperor Liu simply ordered.
"yes!"
Based on Liu Xu's understanding of Emperor Liu, it was obvious that the target was still the Northern Expedition. Although he looked indifferent on the face, he was still very concerned in his heart. And the time was set after the beginning of autumn, so there may be no immediate expectations for the Northern Expedition.
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After receiving the order, Liu Xu respectfully resigned. As for Emperor Liu, he continued to summon his grandson to tease him. He was only forty years old, and his grandson could run and jump...