As the sun sets over the western mountains, the sky is covered with colorful clouds, and the afterglow of the setting sun falls on the canal. It is another wonderful scene, colorful and intoxicating.
The rays of light reflected the water of the canal red in the film. On the Shanyang Wharf, there was a bustle of people. Coolies, some wearing short clothes or simply topless, were working hard to load and unload goods. They would finish work in the evening.
, the busier it becomes.
As the starting point of the Huaiyang Canal and the intersection of the north and south waterways, the nature of Shanyang's transportation hub has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Passenger and cargo ships traveling from south to north will basically choose to stop here for supplies. Some powerful merchants even stop here for supplies.
There are special cargo stations and warehouses in Yangzhou to facilitate trade.
After more than 30 years of construction, Shanyang Port has become very mature. Although its scale is not as good as those well-known seaports in Dahan, nor as good as Yangzhou Port in the south, it is at least the first port in Huaihai, with more than 30 large and small wharves, and is still
Under expansion.
The river port is very spacious and has a wide view. In the evening, most of the ships are moored in the port. Under the urging of the setting sun, it even seems a bit chaotic. However, the passenger ship Zhao Pu took was naturally unobstructed and entered smoothly.
In Hong Kong, the Zhao family's flag is still very useful.
The ship docked at the shore, anchored and took off the plank. The person living on the ship was the highest, but Zhao Pu was also the first to disembark. With the help of the servant, when he stepped off the plank, the scene on the dock immediately made Zhao Pu frown.
I saw that under the leadership of Zhao Chengzong, the magistrate of Chuzhou, officials of all sizes in the state were waiting respectfully. The moist river breeze made people feel a little uncomfortable, but they were all at ease and seemed very patient.
Seeing Zhao Pu coming ashore, Zhao Chengzong suddenly beamed with joy and immediately went up to greet him, saying joyfully: "My son welcomes my father!"
When the Chuzhou officials saw this, they might be curious or awe-stricken and saluted Zhao Pu in unison: "I'm here to see Duke Zhao!"
In the officialdom, Zhao Pu is a legendary figure. The authority accumulated over twenty years as prime minister cannot be completely faded in just two years. Most of the officials in Chuzhou have never met Zhao Pu (when they went south)
At that time, he did not stop in Chuzhou at all) but he had seen his reputation and some of the government decrees issued by him. Now that he could see his old husband in person, naturally he actively wanted to show his face.
Zhao Pu naturally had a good idea of what these officials were thinking, and simply returned the gift with a cupped hand, and said calmly: "I am very grateful to you for your warm welcome. However, I am just a bearded old man now, living in the world. I passed by this time just for
I am unworthy of such courtesy when visiting relatives!"
Hearing what Zhao Pu said, the Chuzhou judge immediately responded: "The elders of Duke Zhao have always been admirable. I am waiting for you this time. I am only treating you with courtesy as a descendant, not as an official greeting. I hope you don't take it personally!"
Obviously, Zhao Pu wants to be humble and low-key, but these Chuzhou bureaucrats will not take his words seriously. Not to mention anything else, Zhao Pu's current title of king and marquis is the most real status symbol that no one dares to look down upon wherever he goes.
What's more, it would be a fool to really regard Zhao Pu as a has-been prime minister, and in this matter, Chuzhou's bureaucrats are all smart people.
"I appreciate your thoughts. I would like to thank you!" Zhao Pu said in a calm tone, "Everyone, please go back. With so many people crowded here, don't affect the orderly operation of the port!"
"Mr. Zhao is right! The banquet has been prepared in the state. I'll respectfully ask you to move on!" Upon hearing this, the judge looked at the passengers on the boat who were queuing up to get off the boat for dinner, and hurriedly asked.
"No need!" Zhao Pu waved his hand directly: "I'm tired! Everyone, please come back!"
Seeing Zhao Pu being so unkind, the judge couldn't help but be stunned and looked at Zhao Chengzong helplessly. However, under Zhao Pu's gaze, Zhao Chengzong dared not agree and waved his hand gently. Upon seeing this, the judge led the people to respectfully step back, almost one step away.
Leaving the pier without looking back.
After getting rid of the flies in Chuzhou, Zhao Pu's face immediately turned cold, and he said to Zhao Chengzong, who was carefully serving beside him: "Did you cause this battle?"
Faced with the accusation, Zhao Chengzong immediately explained: "Hearing that his father was passing through the border, the Chuzhou officials were delighted and took the initiative to come to see him as a sign of respect!"
"But how did they know my whereabouts?"
Zhao Chengzong couldn't help but feel embarrassed. The news naturally leaked from him. Seeing this, Zhao Pu sighed and said: "I am just an old man now, with no official and no position. You listen to them talk about Zhao Gong. I have no need."
So-called. But this is in Chuzhou, where you are a pastor and guard. If you spread the word to the generals, wouldn’t it be just to teach others what to say!"
Faced with Zhao Pu's lesson, Zhao Chengzong looked solemn and immediately said: "My father taught me that I didn't consider this matter well!"
After saying that, Zhao Chengzong said: "You have worked hard on the boat. If you don't want to go to the banquet, please go back to the Yamen to rest!"
Hearing this, Zhao Pu shook his head and said: "I'm in a hurry, so I won't bother. I'll stay at the dock tonight! Send someone to pick up your family, I'll meet them, and have a family dinner, that's all!"
Zhao Pu gave the order, and Zhao Chengzong had no choice but to obey and immediately arranged for someone to take care of it. Leading the way to the dock inn, Zhao Pu looked left and right along the way, then looked again, and said: "Shanyang is a transportation hub between the north and the south, and its location is crucial.
, if I have time, I would like to take a stroll around the area to see your political successes and failures! But no matter what, you, the chief official of the state, should do your best!"
"I understand!" Zhao Chengzong nodded.
Zhao Pu pondered for a moment and asked: "How many people have changed in the Chuzhou government this year?"
Zhao Chengzong sighed: "From the state officials to the county officials, there are more than 70 people. There are as many as 20 people who were asked to be executed by the capital. If the court had not stopped it in time last winter and changed its course, let the officials all over the world
Breathe a sigh of relief, I'm afraid there will be big trouble in Chuzhou..."
Hearing what Zhao Chengzong said, Zhao Pu's face suddenly became serious. He stopped and stared at Zhao Chengzong, with a hint of sternness in his eyes: "Is that what you think?"
Seeing his father's expression, Zhao Chengzong immediately became more alert. He met Zhao Pu's gaze and said hesitantly: "Did you say the wrong thing?"
"Of course you are wrong! What are you doing? Are you complaining to me? Or are you complaining about the court's policies and questioning His Majesty's will?" Zhao Pu said sternly.
Hearing this, Zhao Chengzong said anxiously: "How dare you? You have no such intention!"
After frowning and examining Zhao Chengzong for a long time, Zhao Pu just said: "Not to mention more than seventy people, even Chuzhou has been replaced all over. All you have to do is behave yourself, be safe, and do your best to ensure that everyone in Chuzhou
The stability of Chuzhou! If there is trouble in Chuzhou, it is you, the governor, who is to blame, and you, the chief officer, are the first to bear the responsibility!"
"Yes! My son has learned a lesson!" As Zhao Pu's most valued son, Zhao Chengzong was certainly not a fool. After hearing his lesson, he responded solemnly with a look of enlightenment on his face.
"Over the past few years, there has been no peace in the imperial court, both inside and outside the country, and I'm afraid it won't be peaceful for some time to come. Remember, as an official, you need to be cautious and be careful not to rush but to be patient!" Zhao Pu warned again.
"yes!"
"You have been in Chuzhou for two or three years. What difficulties do you have?" Zhao Pu continued to ask.
"The situation here in Chuzhou is very good. A canal is enough to benefit the whole state, and it also has the benefits of floods. Although I dare not say that the government is harmonious and the people are prosperous and the country is prosperous, but the people under the rule will have no worries about food and clothing!" Zhao Chengzong
With a slight smile on his lips: "The biggest difficulty is probably the Huaihe River. Although the embankments have been repaired and the ditches dredged, floods have been recurring, and the people along the coast have suffered greatly..."
"Having gained the benefits, you should bear the harms. If you are in charge of government, you should take the benefits and prevent the harms!" Zhao Pudao, pondered for a while, then asked: "How much cultivated land is there in the state?"
This is a sensitive matter for the current big man. Zhao Chengzong immediately thought of something and said in a deep voice: "The registered cultivated land is about 30,000 hectares!"
"In the register?" Zhao Pu showed a little playful expression: "What about the actual situation?"
There is naturally nothing to hide from Zhao Pu. Zhao Chengzong said: "I have sent people to investigate. Although it is not clear, according to predictions, the actual cultivated land owned by Chuzhou is no less than 60,000 hectares..."