Kaifeng, which is catching the end of midsummer, is already very hot. The scorching sun is shining in the sky, releasing light and heat, shrouding the city inside and outside. In the markets and on the pier, there are many shirtless porters, sweating and toiling in Tokyo. The city survives.
I don't know since when, Tokyo has also been labeled as "living in a big city is not easy." Although Tokyo is prosperous, it is not a paradise for the people at the bottom. Of course, as an imperial capital, the benefits it brings to the people are also obvious. If you are willing to work hard, you can always find a good job.
The intense heat still has a great impact on the lives of Tokyo residents. The most obvious change in the neighborhood is the increase in the number of vendors selling herbal tea and ice drinks.
"What is the most talked about thing in Tokyo these days?" Liu Chengyou asked Zhang Dejun, who was accompanying him while walking in the East City and looking at the various behaviors of the citizens.
"Your Majesty, this is a fight between the envoys from Champa and Zhenla. There are a lot of discussions in the public, saying that these small barbarian countries have no regard for the national system and do not know etiquette!" Zhang Dejun reported with a little playfulness in his tone.
Hearing this, Liu Chengyou couldn't help but smile and said in a relaxed tone: "Small countries like Champa and Zhenla were originally penniless and few people knew about them. Now it's just a fight, but it is widely known among hundreds of people in Tokyo. Wan Shimin knows, do you think it’s worth it?”
Hearing what the emperor said, Zhang Dejun immediately laughed and responded: "As the officials said, it is indeed worth it!"
The fifteenth year of Qianyou seems to be a special year. The special thing is that since the beginning of the year, envoys from all over the world have been sending tribute to Tokyo. Like Indochina, not long after the arrival of Sri Lanka Buddha in the spring, the envoys from all over the world came in droves. Envoys from the city and Zhenla also came separately.
In this era, the situation in Indochina was equally unsettled, with various countries standing side by side and constant turmoil. Of course, for the Han Dynasty, it was just a small fight.
For example, the war between the Champa Kingdom and the Chenla Kingdom has been going on for more than half a century. From strong to weak, there seems to be no end in sight.
This time they went to Tokyo to pay tribute, and they all wanted to perform well in China, and the struggle between the two countries also extended to Tokyo. It was also because the hotel arrangements were not careful and did not take the relationship between the two countries into consideration. With too much contact, conflicts occurred, and even It resulted in a brawl that was discussed and laughed at by the citizens of Tokyo, including two envoys who participated in the fight and were beaten until their noses were bruised and their faces were swollen.
"Speaking of which, I don't pay much attention to it. How about mediation?" Liu Chengyou asked.
Zhang Dejun responded, with a hint of arrogance in his calm tone: "Zu'er is a small country, but it dared to break the law and fight in the capital of the Han Dynasty, and the court did not imprison him. It is an act of extrajudicial tolerance. It is said that in the face of the mediation of the officials of the Ministry of Rites, the envoys of the two countries were I am sincere and frightened, apologize endlessly, and promise to restrain my followers and not to cause trouble again in the future!" Zhang Dejun replied.
"It seems that this attitude of admitting mistakes is quite good!" Liu Chengyou smiled lightly.
In fact, Liu Chengyou didn't care at all about the grievances and grievances between Champa and Zhenla. He just listened to the conflicts between the envoys. However, he still welcomed the envoys' exchanges.
In contrast, Liu Chengyou was more concerned about the Champa State. For the sake of Champa Rice, which was a famous "artifact" in historical records, he had never thought that this envoy came on his own initiative, which reminded him of his memory. It is a pity that there are no rice seeds among the tribute items, but the introduction of Champa Road is on the agenda and is in a very important position.
Listening to the conversation between the master and the servant, an old man in rich clothes next to him also spoke up: "The Han Dynasty is becoming more and more prosperous with thousands of people coming to visit. The age of peace and prosperity has already arrived!"
The tone was full of emotion, mixed with a bit of pride and relief. Hearing this, Liu Chengyou raised his hands, not knowing whether he was complacent or modest, and said: "It's too early for Gao Gong to say this. The world has not yet been unified, and the people's livelihood is still suffering. If there are so many, how can you dare to talk about a prosperous age?"
The old man following Liu Chengyou was Gao Fang, the chief envoy of Yannan who returned to Beijing. Everything was going according to Liu Chengyou's plan. After three years of adjustments, the imperial court's rule over the Yannan states was completely stabilized. Gao Fang's mission in Youzhou was basically completed and he was finally transferred back to Tokyo.
Returning to the high defense in Tokyo, it seemed as if the heavy burden on his shoulders had been lifted, the shackles on his body had been liberated, and his whole body felt relaxed. And Liu Chengyou also gave high respect and preferential treatment to this veteran minister who was loyal to the king's affairs. , he was summoned into the palace every now and then to talk, and during this tour, he was also asked to dress up and serve.
"Officials are humble. In today's world, if you choose any people, I am afraid that no one will not miss your majesty and live a stable life with them!" Gao Fang replied. People who have experienced that troubled times know how difficult it is to survive in that era. Already.
However, Liu Chengyou shook his head and said meaningfully: "Gao Gong, fifteen years is enough for a new generation to grow up. The life that the previous generation hoped for may not necessarily satisfy the new generation. Unify the world. , is just the beginning of peace, a starting point. If we want to reach a prosperous age, there are still many things that the court needs to do!"
The emperor's words were full of emotion, and Gao Fang was quite surprised when he heard them. After a moment's appreciation, he raised his hands and said to Liu Chengyou: "Your Majesty can always have such far-sightedness and remain so calm and wise. I admire him endlessly. For what is about to happen, I have great expectations and confidence in the coming prosperous times!"
"Haha!" Seeing his serious look, Liu Chengyou smiled, quickly helped him up and pointed to the passers-by around him.
Only then did Gao Fang react and accuse him again and again: "I got emotional for a moment, I lost my composure, I lost my composure!"
Looking around, Liu Chengyou chuckled again and said: "Gao Gong, I plan to leave Kaifeng to you to govern!"
When I suddenly heard these words, I was surprised and surprised. This was a sign of the emperor's trust. However, he was still very humble and lowered his voice: "How can I be so virtuous as a minister?"
Liu Chengyou's expression also became serious. He looked at Gao Fang and said solemnly: "You don't have to be humble. You have made great contributions to me and the imperial court. Now you are returning to the imperial court. I have been thinking about it for a long time. Only the post of Kaifeng Mansion can reward you for your merits. Also show off your talents. Mr. Gao, don’t you have the confidence to govern Kaifeng well?”
Seeing the emperor say this, he somewhat understood his temper and no longer pretended to be reserved. Gao Fang cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Let's take a walk again. Living in a deep palace for a long time is boring. I don't have much contact with people's hearts. I don't know what the world is like." Walking on the wide street with a slightly shy pace, hands behind his back.
This is just an ordinary branch road in the middle of the East City, but it is nearly five feet wide, enough to accommodate four carriages running parallelly. However, Liu Chengyou and his group looked very arrogant and swaggering while walking around the city, attracting attention.
There was no other way. The guards had to ensure the safety of the emperor. They did not disperse the crowd and clear the streets, which was considered restraint. Even though it was unsightly, Liu Chengyou could understand it.
As for the strange looks from others, it doesn’t matter. Of course, although this group of people showed off, they did not cause any sensation. Tokyo is a place where there are too many noble people with all kinds of ostentation, so Liu Chengyou and his group are special. It was not too surprising. Even the patrolling city guards hid far away and did not come up to inquire.
Stopping in front of a stall, at the signal of the escort general Liu Tinghan, two guards immediately pressed forward, frightening the middle-aged stall owner with a simple face and repeatedly begging for mercy.
Seeing this, Liu Chengyou waited for the guards to finish the inspection before scolding him. This was a small citizen selling cattail fans. He took a handful and observed it, and said to the stall owner in a friendly manner: "Don't be afraid, old man. The attendants are all rough people and do not know the etiquette. I have disturbed you. I hope you will forgive me!"
The stall owner was stunned by Liu Chengyou's words. He didn't react at all. He just looked at the noble and majestic Liu Chengyou and said subconsciously: "Does this official want to buy a cattail leaf fan?"
He shook the cattail leaf fan in his hand and said, "How much does this one cost?"
"The one you have is the most expensive, it costs ten cents a handful." The stall owner replied carefully, observing Liu Chengyou's expression, and said quickly: "If the official likes it, just treat it as a gift."
"Pay your money!"
Hearing the sound, Zhang Dejun hurriedly took out ten copper coins from his pocket and threw them to the stall owner. Not one cent too much, not one cent too little. It was a normal transaction.
Even so, the stall owner's eyes couldn't help but shine. After all, there are only a few customers who are willing to buy high-priced cattail fans.
Liu Chengyou fanned the fan without exerting much force. The hot wind hit his face. Liu Chengyou smiled and said, "It works pretty well!"
"Don't worry, officials. It's expensive for its own sake. I never dare to deceive customers!" The stall owner skillfully put away the copper coins and agreed.