Wuqing Port is still the same busy scene. Large and small ships carrying various supplies are entering and exiting the port under the guidance of the guidance ship. A huge boat like a mountain, sailing from overseas, has an unrivaled aura.
The momentum breaks through the waves.
With its wide hull, towering sails, and flying dragon flag, there is no doubt that this is a dragon boat specially built for Emperor Liu. This behemoth is almost like a mobile palace.
The dragon boats passed by were dwarfed by comparison, and the huge transport ships seemed so small, while the escorting Han warships were guarded at a distance.
Emperor Liu knew about the construction of this sea palace, but this was also the first time he saw the real thing, and he was shocked again.
Of course, this dragon boat caused some controversy in the court because it was too expensive and required the best design talents, the most skilled craftsmen, and the finest materials.
Over and over again, the Financial Secretary allocated a full six million dollars for the construction of dragon boats. This was under the circumstances of the imperial system where the human resources costs of various people had been greatly reduced.
Useless things, too much waste, this is the label given to dragon boats. However, Emperor Liu had his mind set on building a giant ship that concentrated the essence of Han shipbuilding technology. At the same time, this dragon boat was vaguely the authority of Emperor Liu
A manifestation of this, this is a ship that only the emperor can ride on.
The original plan was to build two ships, one for Emperor Liu as the "Dragon Palace" and one for the Queen as the "Phoenix Palace". However, later Da Fu learned that the cost was too high and cost too much, so he took the initiative not to build the "Phoenix Palace"
, but the smart Dafu did not dissuade him like the admonishers when Emperor Liu had already made up his mind. On the grounds that the husband and wife would ride the dragon boat together, it was enough to build one. As a result, it naturally saved the court a lot of money.
pen fee.
Even so, Emperor Liu was a little unhappy. Some people vaguely compared the story of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty building a dragon boat, which dissatisfied him. Obviously, many people thought that Emperor Liu was extravagant and wasteful for enjoyment.
Although, as far as Emperor Liu was concerned, he wanted to continue to advance the Han Dynasty's shipbuilding technology... It was a bit self-hypnotic. In fact, if it was just to promote the improvement of the Han Dynasty's shipbuilding technology, why bother with such extravagance?
Moreover, if it is built, he can ride it several times in his life. In the final analysis, it is more of a spectacle.
When he really saw the results, Emperor Liu was still in a good mood. The magnificence and majesty were probably the effect. Even after arriving in Wuqing, he only took a short rest and inspected, and then he couldn't wait to board the ship and go to sea.
However, after staying at sea for two days, he hurriedly returned to Hong Kong. For no other reason, Emperor Liu's excitement had passed. Emperor Liu had always not liked taking boats. Previously, he had experienced problems with boating on rivers.
Worry, and the risks involved in riding a dragon boat to break the waves are too great.
On the pier, where the guards were closely guarding him, Emperor Liu stepped onto the ladder to get off the ship. After landing, he couldn't help but stamp his feet on the trestle. It still felt like he was down to earth, which made Emperor Liu feel comfortable and secure.
Duke Liu Xu of the State of Qin came here to greet him with a group of civil and military officials. When they saw Emperor Liu, they all came forward to kowtow to him.
"You're all free of charge!" Emperor Liu just raised his hand in response.
Looking back, Queen Dafu also landed on the shore with the help of her attendants. Emperor Liu reached out his hand, gently supported her, and asked concernedly: "Are you okay? Are you still okay?"
Although the dragon boat broke through the waves and felt like walking on flat ground, after all, being on the sea was a bit stressful mentally and physically. Facing Emperor Liu's concerned gaze, Da Fu's slightly pale face showed a smile, shook his head and said, "It's okay!"
When Liu Xu and others saw Emperor Liu returning safely, their expressions were obviously much more relaxed. It was obvious that they were worried about the safety of their chariot during the voyage.
"If anything happens, we'll talk about it when we get back!" Seeing his appearance, Emperor Liu ordered.
"yes!"
Then, he cuddled up with Da Fu and his wife and walked towards Luan Jia parked on the pier. Before leaving, Emperor Liu couldn't help but look back at his "Dragon Palace", his eyes were deep and a little bit of confusion flashed across his expression.
Strange.
"What's wrong?" Noticing Emperor Liu's unusual reaction, Da Fu asked softly.
Looking at Da Fu, Emperor Liu sighed slightly: "Da Fu, after this trip, I really regret building such a dragon boat!"
Facing the surprise on the Queen's face, Emperor Liu said slowly in a calm tone: "To be honest, the dragon boat built can neither attack or defend by water nor transport food and equipment. It is just to satisfy my vanity!
What's more, after this experience, I'm afraid I won't board it again in the future. Such a large dragon boat will probably become a decoration and useless thing, let the officials say it right!
I had previously advocated frugality and reducing expenses in the palace, but how much more money and materials were saved compared to the cost of building this boat?
If the construction costs of this ship were used to build warships and sea-going ships to supplement military needs, how practical would it be..."
Hearing Emperor Liu's remarks, Dafu was surprised and felt a sense of relief. He leaned on Emperor Liu and said with a smile: "You can have such experience and reflection, but it is not a worthwhile trip! I serve the people."
When they hear this, they will also praise your sage!"
"Liu Xu!" Emperor Liu seemed a little embarrassed and called Liu Xu seriously.
"I'm here!" Liu Xu responded quickly.
"You draw up a document to pardon all officials who were demoted for opposing the construction of giant dragon boats and restore them to their posts. In addition, each of them will be rewarded with some money and food!" Emperor Liu ordered.
"As you command!"
"Let's go back!" Emperor Liu pulled the queen, walked a little faster, and said in a relaxed tone: "This life at sea is still not suitable for me. It is too unstable, and the road is solid. At least there is no danger of capsizing.
....."
Dafu walked with Emperor Liu and glanced at his side cheeks. Today's Emperor Liu is indeed no longer as majestic and heroic as before, and his age is really obvious.
However, the older he gets, the stubbornness that is almost rooted in his bones becomes more and more obvious. After being married for many years, Dafu is very familiar with Emperor Liu, and he is also deeply touched by the changes in Emperor Liu's temperament. It is hard to be stubborn and arrogant.
Allowing people to object makes Dafu worried.
Over the years, even though Da Fu had different opinions on many things, he rarely forcibly disobeyed the advice, and more often followed the emperor's temper.
Emperor Liu had to sum up and see through many things himself, and it would be difficult for others to persuade him. Fortunately, even if Emperor Liu's temper changed, his mind was still clear, and he dared to admit his mistakes and be more open-minded, and his magnanimity remained.
Blindly protect your own face.
Judging from the dragon boat incident, Emperor Liu's performance is still reassuring, but I don't know how long this peace of mind can last.
"What are you thinking about? Why are you so preoccupied?" Inside the carriage, Emperor Liu was lying on his side and noticed the queen's expression.
After glancing at Emperor Liu, Da Fu hesitated for a moment, leaned forward, held him in his arms, gently rubbed his temples, and asked: "Have you ever thought about how to deal with that dragon boat?"
Hearing this, Emperor Liu paused for a moment in his breathing subconsciously, secretly pondered the purpose of this question, and said leisurely: "The capital has been built, so it won't be destroyed again, right?"
"You don't plan to use it. Even if it is anchored at the port, it will still need to be repaired and repaired..." Dafu said.
After pondering for a while, Emperor Liu suddenly asked: "Da Fu, do you think that my reflection just now is just superficial, formal and verbal?"
Feeling Emperor Liu's somewhat cold tone, the queen stopped moving her hands for a moment, then continued to hold him, and said calmly: "I don't dare!"
Luan Jia Nei calmed down, and the air seemed to be a bit calmer. After a while, Emperor Liu, who seemed to be about to fall asleep, spoke in a brisk tone: "Then find some uses and remove all the useless decorations.
Use it to transport troops, transport food, or even modify some to make warships!"
"In addition, I will issue an edict that this dragon boat will never be built in the future!"