Shuhan

Jiangling.

In the hot summer, the sun burns the earth like a raging fire, and the air is filled with the breath of heat waves.

The river in the distance is rushing endlessly, rolling like a mad dragon, the water is turbulent and looks extremely spectacular.

On the sparkling river, merchant ships shuttle back and forth, carrying either precious goods or tired travelers, forming a busy and orderly river landscape.

The ferry crossings on both sides of the river are bustling with people.

People were either walking or riding on carts or ox carts, hurrying along on their journey, their faces filled with determination and anticipation for life.

The merchants pushing the carts were sweating profusely, but they still gritted their teeth and moved forward firmly.

"Shu brocade, the finest Shu brocade!"

“If you haven’t tried Western wine, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”

"Fluffing cotton~"

Their hawking voices and shouting sounds came one after another, interweaving into a unique symphony of the market.

The vendors along the river are also busy.

They set up all kinds of stalls, displaying a wide range of goods, including colorful silks, fragrant dried fruits, exquisite handicrafts... Their hawking voices were even louder, and from time to time there were some bargaining sounds, adding a bit of vitality to this busy ferry.

"It's really lively."

Ma Liang was seen dressed like a wealthy businessman in a brocade robe. Behind him, there were several sturdy followers leading mules that were heavily loaded with what seemed to be a lot of goods.

Ma Liang from Jiangling has been here more than once.

But I have been here many times.

But every time I come here, there are huge changes.

It really is like a long time since we last met.

"A few years ago, Jiangling was sparsely populated, the people were scattered, and the land was barren. Now, only a few years have passed, and I'm afraid there are hundreds of thousands of people in Jiangling City."

Jiangling was a transit station on the trade route in the southern part of the Han Dynasty.

Goods from merchants in the Western Regions and Guanzhong were transported to Nanyang via the Wugu Pass, and then passed through Xiangyang and arrived in Jiangling.

Goods from Yizhou passed through Jiangzhou and went down the river, and also passed through Jiangling.

The State of Wu had to transfer goods to the State of Han and also had to enter Jiangling.

Therefore, with the help of the great river waterway, Jiangling developed faster and faster, and the commercial tax alone was equivalent to the tax revenue of an entire state.

"That's not the case!"

The merchant at the stall on the left heard Ma Liang's sigh and said with a smile: "It's all thanks to your majesty's great fortune. Before your majesty came to Jiangling, Jiangling was in the midst of war and there were only a few people. The local people couldn't even get enough food, let alone other things. But now, look!"

The vendor pointed to the stall in front of him.

"I, Hu Hansan, was originally a poor man with nothing at home. I didn't even have money to buy a coffin after my death. But now I have married two concubines and started a business, hehe."

Hu Hansan stared at Ma Liang and said with a flattering smile: "The cloth you are wearing is the finest Shu brocade. Ordinary people can't buy it at all. You are very capable. If you have such Shu brocade, although I don't have enough money, I am willing to spend all my family wealth and make a bet to open up a new situation for you in Jiangling."

"I didn't expect you to be such a connoisseur."

The fabric of the clothes Ma Liang wore was indeed of the finest quality, and was made by the palace.

This is a gift from the emperor. How can ordinary people get it?
"Of course, what do you think, my guest?"

"Good products are easy to sell, and I don't have any channels. I'm sorry to disappoint you."

"Hi hi hi~"

The merchant smiled and said, "It's okay. If you have a way, you can come to the second room in Jiangling Lane to find me, Hu Hansan."

"It's easy to talk about."

Ma Liang smiled and got rid of the businessman Hu Hansan, and whispered with emotion: "Jiangling is developing too fast. Even a businessman dares to spend all his family wealth to take a risk. In such an atmosphere, either he will go bankrupt or become a millionaire. Tsk tsk tsk~"

Ma Liang sighed and said to the people behind him, "Have you recorded everything you saw during this incognito tour?"

The attendant following behind nodded.

"Don't worry, angel. Everything has been recorded."

Among the attendants following Ma Liang, several were from the Secret Service.

This time he came to Jiangling, traveling from Chang'an through Wugu Pass, then through Nanyang, past Xiangyang, and directly to Jiangling along the waterway.

I saw a lot of scenery along the way.

There are honest officials, but there are also corrupt officials.

But generally speaking, people's living standards are much better than before.

In many places, people had already satisfied their basic needs and started wearing beautiful clothes. In the big cities, brothels and taverns popped up like mushrooms after a rain.

These are all signs of a prosperous era.

Ma Liang remembered what Liu Chan had said to him: Water can carry a boat but can also overturn it. Only when the people have enough food can the country be stable. If the people cannot even have enough food, it will be easy for them to cause unrest if they are instigated by someone with ulterior motives.

Nowadays, the basic requirement of filling their stomachs for the people of Jingzhou can be met. Even if the spies of the school affairs office fan the flames, it is impossible for them to cause any trouble in the nine counties of Jingxiang.

"In that case, go and pay your respects to the Governor of Jiangling!"

The Governor of Jiangling was in charge of Jiangling, Jiangxia, and the four counties of Jingnan. The governor was Pang Tong, who was appointed to the position at the beginning of the year.

This time he is going on a secret visit to the State of Wu as an envoy, so he must prepare some ceremonial items.

If he really went to Jianye in disguise, where would the Han Dynasty put its face?
Soon, Ma Liang handed in his business card in front of the Jiangling Governor's Mansion and waited quietly outside the mansion.

Not long after, a hearty laugh came from the inner room.

"Hahaha~"

Pang Tong came out of the Governor's Mansion, followed by several officials from the Governor's Mansion.

The Jiangling Military Governor's Office had the power to establish its own government and appoint some subordinate officials.

"I have been looking forward to it for a long time, and finally Ji Chang has come."

Because it was a secret visit, the speed from Chang'an to Jiangling could only be described as snail's pace.

If it had been faster, what might have arrived in a month ended up taking three months.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, Governor."

Ma Liang bowed to Pang Tong.

"This is not the place to talk. Let's go inside and have a good chat."

Ma Liang was from Xiangyang, and Pang Tong was also from Xiangyang.

The two can be said to be fellow villagers.

The relationship is naturally closer than that with other people.

"please!"

In the governor's mansion, there are fine wines and delicious food on the dining tables.

The delicacies and cooking methods that came out of the palace quickly became popular in the Han Dynasty and even in the Wei and Wu Dynasties.

There's no way around it, good things spread quickly.

Especially since food is the most important thing for people, everyone is a foodie in essence.

In an era when only roasting and boiling were available, Liu Chan introduced the method of stir-frying, brought in many novel cooking methods, and also improved the eating habits of the people of that era.

At this moment in the Governor's Mansion, Ma Liang and Pang Tong benefited from it.

"Did you see any illegal activities in Jiangling during your trip?"

Ma Liang shook his head and said, "With the governor in charge, who in Jiangling would dare to do anything illegal? Unless he thinks he has too many heads."

Hearing this, Pang Tong smiled and asked, "When will Ji Chang leave for the mission to Wu?"

Ma Liang thought for a moment and said, "We will set off in three days."

Three days later?
Pang Tong was very happy.

"Then you and I must sleep side by side and have a good chat during these three days. As for governing this place, sometimes I also have a lot of confusion. If Ji Chang is here, everything will be solved." Ma Liang shook his head.

"I'm afraid I won't be in Jiangling City for the next three days."

"Oh?"

Pang Tong showed a look of surprise.

"Is there anything else?"

If you return home
On the way here, Ma Liang should have returned to his hometown early.

Facing Pang Tong's puzzled and surprised look, Ma Liang smiled lightly and said, "Your Majesty's secret order, I'm afraid I can't explain it clearly."

secret order?

Pang Tong was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and said with a smile: "I'm afraid he is going to Longshan?"

Ma Liang raised his eyebrows, remained silent for a moment, did not answer, picked up the wine bottle and took a sip.

"Governor, what is the situation in Wu? You should have more information in Jiangling."

Pang Tong also knew that he couldn't continue talking about the sensitive topic, so he immediately took over Ma Liang's conversation and walked down the stairs.

"Wu is weak, two princes are fighting for the throne, and the noble families are on their own side. Even Sun Quan can't mediate."

Ma Liang was stunned for a moment.

"When I set out, the situation in Wu was not like this. How could so many things happen in just three months?"

Pang Tong also said with emotion: "I see that Sun Quan is intentionally supporting Sun Lu to compete with Sun Deng. As for why, everyone has their own opinions."

When a country's national strength declines, all kinds of monsters and demons will emerge.

Ma Liang was not surprised.

"Then according to the governor, when I go to Jianye this time, can I ask the Wu Kingdom to send troops to attack Hefei?"

Pang Tong seemed to have been prepared for this question. Without thinking too much, he said to Ma Liang:

"In my opinion, it is unlikely that Ji Chang will succeed if he goes there this time. King Sun Quan of Wu will definitely not agree. However, if he can get the support of Sun Deng, the outcome is still unknown."

"Oh?"

Ma Liang's eyes lit up and he said, "I'd like to hear more about it."

"Sun Deng is a rare talent, and he has some skills. In comparison, Sun Lu, the Marquis of Jianchang, is no match for Sun Deng. Sun Deng's position as the crown prince has been re-secured after only one year of absence. If Sun Lu, the Marquis of Jianchang, did not have the support of the King of Wu, he would have collapsed long ago. So, in fact, the battle between the two princes in Wu is more like a contest between Crown Prince Sun Deng and King of Wu Sun Quan."

Pang Tong talked freely.

"How could King Sun Quan of Wu allow Sun Deng to do this?"

Pang Tong sneered and said, "What if he doesn't want to? Can he depose Sun Deng or kill him? Sun Deng, the crown prince of Wu, is a smart man. He has never overstepped the boundaries. Sun Quan can't find any evidence against him, so he can't deal with him either."

Sun Deng had the backing of the Han people.

If they kill them rashly, Han will definitely not let Wu go.

This is also the reason why Sun Quan, although the ruler of Wu, was constrained in every way.

"With the continuous transfer of benefits from the Merchant Alliance, many noble families in Jiangdong have already admired the Han Dynasty. This is also the foundation of Sun Deng."

Under the leadership of Liu Chan, the Han Dynasty has gradually regained its former glory.

When you become powerful, you will have followers.

Everyone is strong-willed.

Moreover, following you can indeed bring benefits, but following Sun Quan can only eat coarse food. In comparison, Sun Quan's base is shaken.

In addition, since Sun Deng had a golden medal of immunity from death, it was not surprising that there was a situation of loving fathers and filial sons in the court of Wu.

"In that case, I understand."

To a certain extent, if Sun Deng agreed to send troops, Sun Quan would probably find it difficult to refuse.

"If you are even more ruthless, you can even kill Sun Zhongmou!"

Your foundation is unstable and your power is gone. What is the difference between you, the King of Wu, and a puppet?
Kill him and support Sun Deng, wouldn't that be wonderful?
"I have only heard about the situation in Wu. If you go to Wu, I'm sure you will know the inside story."

Kill Sun Quan?

The risk is too great.

It would be fine if he was killed, but what if he was not?

A rotten boat still has three nails.

If Sun Quan was really pushed into a corner, he could still cause considerable trouble to the Han Kingdom.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's drink this cup to the full!"

Ma Liang and Pang Tong drank happily and slept together that night.

Early that morning, Ma Liang and his entourage left the Governor's Mansion and rode in a carriage towards Longshan.

early morning.

Longshan Temple is shrouded in clouds and mist. The clouds slowly fall like a veil, gently covering the roof of the temple and the surrounding ancient trees, making the entire Longshan Temple appear and disappear, as if in a fairyland.

In front of the temple, the water flows gently, and the stream is like a silver ribbon, winding between the rocks, making a pleasant sound.

The trees are lush and green, with luxuriant branches and leaves, and they appear full of vitality under the morning light.

In the temple, there were the sounds of bells and sutras being chanted, incense sticks flying in the air, and many pilgrims coming and going.

But in the backyard of the bustling Longshan Temple, there is a relatively secluded courtyard. At the door stands a stone tablet with eight characters written on it: "This is a restricted area of ​​the temple. No entry for unauthorized persons."

There were two burly monks with ruddy faces at the door, who did not look like monks, sitting on both sides of the door like stone sculptures.

If you don’t know, you might think it’s a scripture repository containing some martial arts secrets!

At this time, Ma Liang walked to the forbidden area.

"No idle people allowed."

When the two fat monks saw Ma Liang coming, they drank immediately.

Ma Liang didn't bother to be polite with them and said directly: "The king of heaven covers the tiger of earth."

Upon hearing this, the two fat monks were stunned and immediately became respectful.

"Pagoda suppresses the river demon."

Ma Liang was so embarrassed after hearing this that he almost dug his toes out of the three-bedroom, one-living-room apartment.

“This is a message.”

Taking out the letter Liu Chan had given him in advance, the two fat monks looked through it carefully. After confirming that it was correct, they said to Ma Liang, "Angel, please!"

Ma Liang walked into the courtyard in silence.

The courtyard is simply decorated, and there is a training ground, but the ground is covered with fallen leaves, and it seems that no one has used it for a long time.

At the gate, Ma Liang shouted to the courtyard: "I have received your Majesty's order and come to see you."

After saying this, the gate was opened in less than a moment.

A nun walked out of the door.

"Your Excellency is waiting inside, please."

Ma Liang felt like he was doing something extremely unethical and felt a little uneasy.

call!
He took a deep breath and then exhaled, then regained his composure and stepped into the yard.

The leader entrusted such a confidential matter to me.

You must do it well.

otherwise
How could Your Majesty reuse him?

PS: It seems to be the last day of this month. If you don’t vote for the monthly ticket, it will be invalid~ (End of this chapter)