Chapter 389: After selling tea for so long, it’s finally time to harvest
Ziwei Palace.
Qianyuan Hall.
This is the main hall of the palace, which was called Qianyang Hall in the Sui Dynasty. It was later destroyed in wars. When Li Zhi designated Luoyang as the eastern capital, he ordered it to be built on the original basis. Its current status is equivalent to the Hanyuan Hall in the Daming Palace. History During the Shangwu Zhou Dynasty, this palace was demolished and the Mingtang was built.
Li Hong is located here today, receiving the victorious Western Expedition soldiers and envoys from various countries who paid tribute.
The ministers stood in awe, and saw a group of generals wearing military armor, dusty and dusty, walking into the hall.
The officials looked sideways.
Pei Xingjian was originally a standard Confucian general, quite like the teaching doctor in the second hall, but now his tough body was like that of a veteran on the battlefield.
An Yuanshou is over seventy years old. When he took off his helmet, his hair was completely white. Fortunately, he was in good spirits and was getting stronger as he got older.
There are also generals such as Hei Te Changzhi, Wang Fangyi, Cheng Wuting, and Li Duozuo.
They either stood out, or were promoted by Pei Xingjian, and became generals of the new dynasty. They did not have to worry about having no successors, nor did they have to worry about innocent people being killed.
Li Hong was obviously very happy about the return of the generals. He boosted his spirits and his calm voice echoed in the hall: "The troops are brave and marched to the frontier to fight for the country. Now we will reward you based on your merits..."
Officials from the Ministry of Rites came out and read out the details, and all the generals showed joy.
Pei Xingjian served as the Minister of Rites and the Right Guard General of the School. He held both civil and military positions, and his authority was only under the prime minister.
With his qualifications and achievements, he can definitely join the cabinet, but since the current Zhongshu Ling is Pei Sijian, he will have to wait for Pei Sijian to grow old before he can succeed him as prime minister.
And An Yuanshou was promoted to General Zuo Wuwei, inspected the Zuo Yulin Army, officially entered the ranks of the third rank, and wore purple robes.
This veteran of three dynasties, who had been guarding Li Shimin as early as the Wei River Alliance, was granted the title of Duke of Liang due to his meritorious service.
Generals such as Hei Te Changzhi, Wang Fangyi and others have become the backbone of the army. They have wives and children and do not hesitate to give rewards.
Li Yan, who was among the ministers, felt happy for the generals, but at the same time his eyes narrowed slightly.
Because he didn't see Qiu Ying.
Among the list of awards granted by the Ministry of Rites, there is Qiu Ying, who was granted the title of General Youwuhou. He also entered the third rank and was granted the title of Duke of Tianshui County.
It's just that they didn't return together.
Seeing Li Yan searching, An Yuanshou turned his eyes and exchanged a look with him.
Li Yan probably had some idea in his mind, calmed down, and looked at the messenger behind him.
Also returning with the army were envoys from Tubo, Tuyuhun and other countries in the Western Regions.
Needless to say, the countries in the Western Regions had suffered a disastrous defeat at Dafeichuan, and their envoys immediately gathered in the Tubo King's City.
Nowadays, Tubo is shrinking and the Tang army is mighty. They come to Luoyang to kneel and lick them obediently, but they are all fallen in the wind.
This is also the tragedy of small countries, which can only rely on big countries to survive.
Among them, the one walking at the front was an unexpected acquaintance.
The Rubenmo Nong family of Sun Poru in Tubo.
This old woman actually came to Luoyang to meet the Holy Spirit as a Tibetan envoy.
Seeing Li Yan at the forefront of the ministers, her eyes showed obvious joy, but she did not dare to look further. She respectfully exercised the courtesy of a minister and presented a large number of offerings. The countries in the Western Regions also brought their own tributes.
Li Yan listened carefully and paid more attention to crops.
The dynasty that introduced the most crops in history was the Ming Dynasty. Sweet potatoes, potatoes, tomatoes, peanuts, peppers, corn, pumpkins, etc. were all introduced at that time.
Compared with the importance of these crops, the Silk Road in the Tang Dynasty was smooth, but only spinach and watermelon were introduced. Watermelon was still very different from those of later generations, making it seem a bit shabby.
There is no way, don’t underestimate the wisdom of the ancients, they also know how to introduce good things, but the Han Dynasty has introduced cucumbers, carrots, garlic, grapes, broad beans and other products from Central Asia, and the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties also introduced walnuts, sesame seeds, cotton,
Eggplant, there's really nothing left to eat.
The crops of the Ming Dynasty basically originated in the Americas. For example, sweet potatoes were first planted in Mexico and Colombia in central America. They were first brought to the Philippines and other countries for cultivation by the Spaniards, and then introduced to the country. The following ones are also
similar situation.
At this time, Li Yan was a little disappointed after hearing about the crops from various countries. He felt that the tributes from these countries were very flashy and he might as well replace them with pepper.
After all, that thing is extremely valuable and can be used as currency externally.
Of course, paying tribute from country to country should not only be based on interests, but face is also very important. Li Hong enjoyed this moment very much and sat upright to accept the worship of envoys from various countries.
It wasn't until a country in the Western Region changed Yangxian Tea's name and carefully paid tribute that the saint couldn't help it anymore and looked at Li Yan with a smile.
Who in the Manchu Dynasty didn't know that this man was the promoter of tea, and that the current tea drinking culture in the Tang Dynasty was closely related to him. As a result, the Western Regions actually regarded tea as a treasure and in turn paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty?
Li Yan was also startled, carefully observing the repackaging of Yangxian Tea, and raised the corners of his mouth slightly.
He has been selling tea for so long, spreading it all over the place, and finally it's time to harvest.
…
"So, Uncle Qiu fell ill in Lanzhou and found it difficult to move forward?"
After resigning from the court, Li Yan returned to the inner guard and waited for news.
An Shengan came quickly to convey the words of his father An Yuanshou and also brought a letter written by Qiu Ying.
Li Yan unfolded the letter and read it carefully.
Qiu Ying fell ill and suffered from an old injury, making it difficult for him to join the army. He stayed in Lanzhou to recuperate, and then prepared to resign from the saint and return to his hometown.
Qiu Ying was not very old, only in his fifties. It was indeed a wise move to retreat from the rapids at this time, which would not only preserve the evening festival, but also eliminate the possibility of Empress Wu continuing to exploit him.
At the same time, he also expressed his gratification in the letter, congratulating Qiu Shenji for his submission and supporting the Qiu family's reputation, saying that after working hard for most of his life, he could finally be relieved of his heavy burden.
Li Yan read it carefully and had mixed feelings.
The most uncomfortable thing is when someone close to you is found in the investigation. Empress Wu saw it very accurately, and he was not exempt from the common custom. It is easy to say that it is easy to say that it is just for the sake of justice, but it is really uncomfortable to do it.
Qiu Ying took good care of him from Liangzhou to the capital. Although in the eyes of the other party, he was more helpful, in any case, this burly man who appeared in front of the academy and changed the trajectory of his life was in Li Yan's heart.
The status is very important, and it can be considered a decent ending for the other party to retire with the title of Tianshui County Duke without being deeply involved in the case.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Seeing Li Yan's face soothed, Anshen felt relieved: "Liu Lang, then I'm going to do something."
Li Yan said: "Wait a minute, how are the sales of tea cakes in the Western Regions recently?"
An Shengan laughed: "Aye just mentioned that when he passed through Liangzhou and returned to his old home, he was shocked to learn that the family's income in recent years was so great. Later I found out that it was Liulang who led us.
I’m in the tea cake business, and I really didn’t expect it to be more profitable than pepper.”
Li Yandao: "Pepper's huge profits are due to its scarcity. There are only a few places where it is produced, but there are many people competing for it. According to businessmen from the south of the Yangtze River who once traveled far, not only our Tang Dynasty, but also those distant Western countries are also interested in it."
People flock to pepper, comparing it to black gold, and even going to war over it..."
The An family was a wealthy family in Liangzhou, so Liangzhou merchants temporarily went offline and became Jiangnan merchants. An Shen wondered how Jiangnan merchants could go to the West, and was dumbfounded: "Although pepper was used by nobles in the Tang Dynasty, it was very expensive.
, but starting a war over this thing is unimaginable, it’s just crazy!”
Li Yan smiled: "From the pepper, we can actually see the effect of tea. You must know that drinking tea can nourish the body, clear the heart and reduce fire, prevent bloating, and make it convenient to relax afterward. This is very good for us Tang Dynasty people. Those who live
For people on the grasslands and plateaus, it is a necessary drink, so what will its value be?"
An Shengan felt a little regretful: "To be fair to Liulang, you always emphasized that tea has so many wonderful uses in the past, and we were still a little doubtful. Now that we see countries in the Western Regions competing for it, we are sure. I would have known that tea cakes are really related to the lives of aliens.
Should we start early and achieve what Rokuro said...'monopoly'?"
Li Yan shook his head: "We can't monopolize it. Tea drinking has long been practiced in Jiangnan and Shu. The method of making tea I used is just a new idea and is not irreplaceable. I am now a promoter. If I force a monopoly, it will be
A disruptor to this industry.”
An Shen felt admiration: "I can't wait for Liulang's pattern. Tea can be popular all over the country. Now sales have increased greatly in various places. The person who the tea merchants are most grateful to is Liulang!"
Li Yan said: "I don't expect those businessmen to be grateful, and I won't make selfless contributions. The production of famous Jiangnan teas such as Yangxian tea, purple bamboo shoot tea, etc. are all in my hands..."
"From Jiangnan to Chang'an, it was completed by Xie's Chamber of Commerce. From Chang'an to Longyou and then to Tubo and the Western Regions, it was assisted by your An family. It was transported to various places in foreign countries and then distributed by merchants. The division of labor was clear and the profits were extremely high. This went through several times
Years later, the trade routes were finally stabilized."
"Nowadays, the nobles of Tubo are probably used to drinking tea. I wonder if their ordinary people still ask for a tea cake and not get it?"
An Shengan's eyes lit up: "If this is the case, our internal guards should pay attention to it. If they don't eat pepper, they just lack some seasoning, and if they don't drink tea, they may die in pain due to lag."
Conflicts are good. Neiwei likes neighboring countries with conflicts. He makes decisions for the oppressed classes and feels calm: "They don't even have the freedom to drink tea. The people of Tubo are living too hard. I'm going to
Go make arrangements."
Li Yan took a sip of tea with pleasure and felt calm that after all these years of experience, he could now stand alone. His Sogdian background made him suitable for completing tasks that others could not.
However, when he returned home from get off work and just arrived at Li Mansion, Li Yan found that it seemed that he did not need to take the initiative. Sun Boru of Tubo was already waiting respectfully outside the house. When he saw his lion, he greeted him and saluted in advance: "Lead Li!"
Li Yan immediately dismounted. He had held the banner when he was in Tubo. When facing this Sun Bo Ruben, he just nodded as a courtesy. Now he returned the courtesy: "Ruben helped me in the past. I still remember it in my heart. Now come to my country.
, it’s time for me to show my kindness as a landlord, please come in!”
Seeing that his attitude remained unchanged, Sun Boru was ecstatic, and her emotions were brewing all the way. When she took her seat in the main hall, a look of determination appeared in her eyes: "Li Geling still remembers that when he was in Tubo, he gave me a copy of "The Tang Dynasty"
"Records of the Western Regions"?"
Li Yan nodded: "Of course I remember."
How could he not remember that the "Records of the Western Regions of the Tang Dynasty" translated by Su Pi woman was a special edition. It described the former daughter's kingdom as rich and powerful. Xuanzang would be surprised if he saw it. This is where I have been
The daughter country?
It was that book that planted a seed in this man's heart. After being watered by wind and rain, it blossomed and bore fruit.
At this time, Sun Boruben took a deep breath and said straight to the point: "I came here this time to ask for help from the Heavenly Army of the Tang Dynasty to help me, Sun Bo, break away from Tubo and reestablish Supi!"