Jiuxi

Chapter 1042 Extra 06 [Vigor]

In the sixth year of Datong, it was April in late spring.

This is the ninth year since the implementation of the new policy and the first year of Daqin's second five-year plan.

Just over two months ago in early spring, the imperial court issued a communiqué on the first five-year plan, announcing the achievements made in the past five years to the world in a simple and straightforward manner. It covered farming, people's livelihood, water conservancy, roads, health, schools, workshops, commerce and other aspects. This was the first time in history.

The people living on this land have never thought that one day they would be able to truly and in detail understand the general situation of this land.

Thanks to the foundation laid by the implementation of the new policies in the previous four years and the complete implementation of the first five-year plan, the changes from top to bottom in Daqin, although not rapid, have made people see an upward development trend.

Farming has always been a focus of Lu Chen's attention. From the initial land boundary method to the land measurement and then to the improved version of the land tax system, combined with the household system implemented nationwide, it effectively alleviated and curbed the stubborn problem of land annexation. Lu Chen knew that the dynastic cycle was difficult to change. Although no one dared to commit suicide when he was alive, he might fall into the cycle of history again in one or two hundred years. Therefore, he had to improve the productivity of the entire society as much as possible in a limited time.

He did not implement any reckless policies, but insisted on taking agriculture as the basis. From developing water conservancy projects, cultivating good varieties, improving farm tools to researching farming techniques, he gradually reduced the burden on farmers while finding ways to increase crop yields. In the fourth year of Datong, he officially listed agronomy as one of the subjects of the imperial examination.

This incident really caused a commotion in the court and the country. After all, the words of the sages have been the guiding principles followed by countless scholars for thousands of years. Now that the court wants to introduce agricultural and sericulture matters into the sacred imperial examinations, many people cannot get around this for a while, even some ministers in the court.

Fortunately, the chief minister Xu Zuo and six cabinet ministers stood firmly on the side of the emperor. In addition, the military continued to follow the emperor's lead. In the end, this national policy was implemented with some bumps in the road.

In addition to agriculture, which is the foundation of the country, handicrafts and nascent commerce are also areas that Lu Chen pays attention to. With the vast territory of Daqin today, just satisfying the internal circulation will create endless wealth.

On this basis, Lu Chen's sights have already been cast towards distant foreign lands.

Su Yunqing led a large number of elite warriors from the former Weaving Bureau across the northwestern plateau and traveled thousands of miles to the far west, paying close attention to the changes there and trying to establish contact with the Jing Kingdom in order to open up a land trade route.

Luo Jiujiu's younger brother, Luo Hengshan, the successor of the Lord of Shazhou, led his shrewd and capable clansmen under Lu Chen's instruction, relying on the Fengfu Army stationed in the Shazhou area, and gradually expanded their horizons from Shazhou to the west. Since the enemies in the west were able to invade Shazhou more than a hundred years ago, they can naturally do the opposite now, at least to find out what forces exist in the distance.

Yin Shangfu led a group of elite troops straight south, from Yunnan Province and Lingnan Province to the south to explore the situation of Nanzhao Kingdom and some other small countries, in preparation for the future purchase of cheap grain and dumping of Qin goods.

Meanwhile, on the coast of Nanzhili, the Qin Royal Shipyard was quietly established. Lu Chen specially transferred more than ten master craftsmen who were good at management and understood the ins and outs of the shipyard from the General's Bureau, and then searched for various talented people who understood the shipbuilding technology from the market, and polished and manufactured the ships step by step.

The inexhaustible supply of logs from Shazhou can be transported down the Hengjiang River directly to the dock of the royal shipyard, which is extremely convenient and fast.

In short, while Lu Chen was vigorously implementing domestic affairs, he did not ignore the external situation. The footprints of the Qin people had begun to extend outward, but Lu Chen knew that he could not eat hot tofu in a hurry, so for the moment he just asked people to collect as much information as possible and made preparations silently.

At the same time as the court announced the results of the first five-year plan, Lu Chen once again made some adjustments to the court structure.

The reason is very simple. Today, the authority of the New Government Ministry is getting bigger and bigger, and there are overlapping and conflicting functions with many ministries and offices of the imperial court. Gao Rulie has repeatedly petitioned the emperor to redistribute powers and responsibilities, otherwise he always feels uneasy and is also troubled by all kinds of troubles.

By the end of March, Lu Chen had finally completed this complicated personnel integration.

The Grand Council and the Ministry of Military Industry were not affected. The New Ministry was split into the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Ministry of Communications, and the Science and Technology Bureau, and were listed alongside the original six ministries of Rites, Li, Hull, Gong, Xing, and Bing. The powers and responsibilities of each ministry were further divided and clarified.

In addition, the Imperial Medical Bureau was upgraded to the Imperial Medical Supervisor, in charge of all matters related to medicine, medical consultation, medicinal materials and health throughout the country. Xue Huaiyi, who was over 70 years old but still in good health, was honored as the first supervisor. Under the instructions of Lu Chen, he is organizing a large number of famous doctors to write the simplest and most practical medical consultation teaching materials, striving to train more and more doctors who can solve minor illnesses.

After years of hard work, the Censorate headed by Liu Yuan has established a complete supervision system in the capital, Southern Zhili and the prefectures and counties of the twenty-three provinces. Lu Chen knows that this system cannot be a permanent solution, but it seems to be running quite smoothly at the moment and is far from being old and corrupt.

Generally speaking, construction is a very difficult task, and the process is not always smooth. Just looking at the increasingly white hair on Xu Zuo's head, one can know how difficult it is. Fortunately, Lu Chen has enough prestige to deter all the villains, and the court finally moved forward step by step with difficulty.

On a bright spring morning, in the Qinzheng Hall of the Imperial Palace, famous ministers and generals gathered to listen to the emperor's instructions.

"You have all worked hard over the past five years. I have seen all your hard work for the court."

Behind the imperial desk, Lu Chen, the founding emperor of the Qin Dynasty, had an approving and gentle look on his face.

He is already thirty-six years old this year. Even though he is busy with state affairs, the years have not left any traces of vicissitudes on his face, only an increasingly solemn and majestic demeanor.

At this moment, the important ministers in the hall were fine, but those middle and lower-level officials and military generals who seldom met the emperor dared not breathe loudly in front of him.

Facing the emperor's praise, the Prime Minister Xu Zuo, whose hair was covered with snow, smiled and said, "The Great Qin is now prosperous, all thanks to your majesty. We, the ministers, are just fulfilling our duties."

The rest are all like this.

Lu Chen shook his head and said, "What the Prime Minister said is biased. Even if I am made of iron, how many nails can I hammer? Without your support, I will definitely not be able to accomplish anything. I have always advocated clear rewards and punishments. The first five-year plan was completed so beautifully, how can I treat you unfairly?"

The smiles of the ministers became more genuine.

The four true words of the emperor at that time have long been spread. "Establish a mind for heaven and earth, establish a destiny for the people, inherit the unique knowledge of the ancient sages, and bring peace to the world for all generations" have become the motto of all scholars in the world. No one dares to sit in office and do nothing in such an atmosphere.

But this does not mean that everyone is willing to live in poverty and let their wives and children lead a frugal life. Now that the emperor is clearly going to reward them generously, how can they not be happy?
The atmosphere in the hall was joyful and harmonious between the emperor and his subjects.

A young man stood solemnly at one side of the imperial desk, looking at the harmonious scene in front of him with clear and respectful eyes.

The outline of the boy's face still looks a bit immature, but his brows are already showing signs of strength, like an unsheathed sword, hiding a cold light.

He stood very steadily, his back straighter than the vermilion lacquered beams in the hall, a black jade belt buckled around his slender waist, his wide sleeves hung down, revealing slender fingers with calluses on his knuckles from practicing martial arts.

The young man was the Crown Prince Lu Jiusi of the Great Qin. He was fifteen years old at the time, and already had a strong and capable character.

There was a light scar on the back of his right hand. It was from last autumn when he was hunting on the outskirts of the city. A frightened leopard suddenly jumped out. In order to protect his sister, Princess Changle, who was running forward and slightly away from the guards, he killed the leopard with his fist, and the ferocious beast left this scar on the back of his hand.

Afterwards, he frankly reported the details to Lu Chen and Lin Xi, and did not deliberately help Lu Xinyi conceal the truth, but he also bravely took all the responsibilities and did not blame those loyal and diligent guards.

It was after this incident that Lu Chen allowed him to enter the court to observe government affairs.

Lu Jiusi followed Lin Xi's teachings carefully. He only watched and listened without saying a word in the court, unless Lu Chen asked him to speak. Even so, he would not take advantage of the favor to become arrogant. At most, he would speak occasionally in a slightly childish tone.

Seeing his father chatting happily with the officials in the court, Lu Jiusi felt endless admiration and respect in his heart.

He was not a prince who grew up in the deep palace and was ignorant of the sufferings of the world. Although he had not left the capital area until now, he had often gone out of the palace incognito with Lu Xinyi in the past two years. Naturally, he knew the real situation in the streets, and he was also aware that under the leadership of his father, the lives of the people of Daqin were getting better day by day.

When he thought of this, he suddenly felt something in his heart.

Yesterday evening, Lu Xinyi sent her personal maid to the East Palace and invited him to go for a stroll in the West City together today. Because he knew that Lu Chen was going to summon important civil and military officials today, he declined his sister's proposal and decided to accompany her out of the palace another day.

Could this girl have run away by herself?

Lu Jiusi had no doubt that Lu Xinyi had this ability.

Even though he was the crown prince, Lu Chen cared about him a lot and had high hopes for him, but he had to admit that his father did favor Lu Xinyi a little more, and so did his mother and the other ladies in the harem. Thanks to the good education of the Imperial Noble Consort since childhood, his sister did not develop an arrogant, domineering and unruly character. At most, she was just a little more lively.

Simply put, if Lu Jiusi asked Lu Chen for a promise because of something that was not in line with the rules, there would be only a 50% chance of success at most, but if Lu Xinyi stepped in, there would be an 80% chance of success.

Of course Lu Jiusi would not hate his sister, but he could not help but feel a little worried. However, when he thought of the defense forces that his father and mother had arranged for Lu Xinyi, he gradually calmed down.

"...I earnestly hope that you will go one step further. As the saying goes, everything is difficult at the beginning. The first five-year plan is a good start. Next, the court must seize this opportunity and strive to achieve the set goals in the second five-year plan."

Lu Chen glanced at Lu Jiusi casually, then looked at the ministers who were gradually becoming solemn and said, "Everyone already knows the content of the second five-year plan. Why don't you speak freely today and share your thoughts."

The Second Five-Year Plan still insisted on being based on agriculture, but there were relatively detailed plans on how to promote the development of domestic handicrafts, how to use the Imperial Household Department, which was reorganized from the Lu family business, as the main force to promote the prosperity of private commerce, and how to increase commercial taxes to effectively control the recklessness and collusion of merchants.

This should be the most obvious change.

Xu Zuo said first: "Your Majesty, I think the construction of official roads needs to be put on the agenda. I have been paying attention to the status of industry and commerce in the past two years. The biggest limitation now is the inconvenience of transportation. For example, if silk from Jiangnan wants to be transported to Yanyun Province in the north, it will take at least six months. Because the road is difficult to travel, the cost is extremely high, which is an obvious obstacle to trade."

Lu Chen nodded slightly and said calmly: "What the Prime Minister said is very much in line with my opinion, but in my opinion, the construction of official roads is indispensable. At present, there are two more convenient solutions, one is river transportation, and the other is sea transportation."

The ministers were in awe.

The new Minister of Transport, Cui Hao, fell into deep thought.

The Minister of Revenue Gao Huan began to frown subconsciously.

After the accumulation of the new policies over the years, the national treasury was naturally full, but he knew that building official roads and developing river and sea transportation were no small matters. Once the investment began, it would be a bottomless money-eating beast.

"Minister Gao, don't be too anxious." Lu Chen joked, causing all the ministers to laugh. The atmosphere in the hall became much more relaxed. He then said to Cui Hao, "Minister Cui, you must lead your elite troops to carefully and steadily carry out the road planning. This is the top priority of the second five-year plan. I hope that you can check the existing road conditions in Daqin within half a year, and then formulate a comprehensive and detailed plan based on this, including extending the original official roads, building new connecting roads, widening some rivers to develop river transportation, determining the coastal sea conditions to determine the north-south shipping routes, etc."

Cui Hao immediately stood up and said, "I will obey your orders and live up to your expectations!"

Lu Chen smiled slightly and then started the next topic.

The sunlight dimly filtered into the hall, and Lu Jiusi was completely immersed in this atmosphere of unity and concerted efforts.

It was a blueprint that made him extremely fascinated as long as he thought about it.

……

Although the officials in the court were thinking hard about how to further boost the domestic handicrafts and commerce, the capital was obviously different from the provincial capitals below.

Heluo was originally the most powerful city in the world. Now as the core of the Qin Dynasty, it has become even more prosperous and has unknowingly surpassed Yongjia City in Nanzhili.

The Forty-six Quarters in the West City, in particular, gathered goods from all over the world and travelers from all over the world. There were shops, taverns, and warehouses lined up one after another, making it almost overwhelming.

No matter whether they are peddlers or high-ranking officials, they can buy what they want in various markets, and women are not uncommon in the streets and alleys.

Lu Chen naturally would not maintain that kind of strict and decadent moral defense. There used to be many female workers in the Lu family business. In his opinion, letting women, who accounted for nearly half of the population, stay at home was an extremely backward and conservative behavior, and a huge waste of human resources.

In this era, women can also make a living with their own hands. Although it is not as easy as Lu Chen in his previous life, at least they can create considerable value.

Therefore, in the winery you can see lively and vigorous wine girls, in the weaving workshop you can see skillful and capable female workers, and even many female vendors roaming around in many corners of the capital.

In this context, it was not surprising that a girl of fourteen or fifteen years old appeared with two maids in Jinkangfang, the most prosperous place in West City.

The girl was wearing an apricot-red soft silk skirt. The light gold tassels wrapped around her double bun trembled slightly with her steps, revealing two sparkling pearls on her earlobes.

Her round cheeks still had a hint of baby fat, and she had a pair of willow-shaped eyebrows slanting into her temples. There was a small cinnabar mole at the end of her eye. When she looked at people, her pupils were always three points brighter than those of ordinary people, as if the starlight in the sky was crushed and immersed in the spring breeze.

Walking in the bustling market, she stopped to curiously look at the novelties on the street, and the white jade pendant wrapped with a red gold ribbon around her waist jingled. The jade ring was engraved with the Xiezhi totem - she had worn it every day since she was ten years old. Her mother told her to imitate the mythical beast and distinguish right from wrong.

The most eye-catching thing is the pair of silver butterflies that are always jumping in the hair. Their wings are woven with ice silk, and they refract fine rainbow light with every step they take.

One look at this kind of attire showed that the person was either rich or noble, so ordinary people naturally did not dare to look at him for too long. Even the usually shameless idlers subconsciously stayed away from him - they knew very well who they could offend and who they could not. In the capital, where throwing a brick could hit an official, it was common to get into trouble if you were not careful.

Two maids followed closely beside the girl, they were about seventeen or eighteen years old, and looked like maids from a wealthy family. Only a true master could see their extraordinaryness. Their bright eyes, long and steady breath and calm steps were enough to show their skills. Moreover, the two of them, one on the left and one on the right, silently protected the girl in the middle to prevent any accidents from occurring in the first place.

As for some seemingly ordinary men and women in the crowd around her, their peripheral vision would always quietly fall on the girl, and they would be wary of anyone passing by her.

After strolling along the long street, the girl held a snow willow made of silk flowers in her right hand and a box of flower candles made of fresh flowers in her left hand. The two maids also held small items they had bought along the way.

The maid on the right came forward and whispered, "Miss, how about we just stroll here today?"

The girl looked around and smiled sweetly, "Sister Qi, I want to go to Chengjia Lane for a walk."

The maid's name was Qi Min. She was the youngest daughter of Qi Lianfu, the supervisor of the Sutra Weaving Bureau. She had learned martial arts since she was a child and had a generous and generous personality. She was very much loved by Lin Xi, so he let her stay in Changle Palace for a few years.

The girl's identity is self-evident. She is the eldest daughter of the Qin Emperor and his most beloved daughter, Princess Changle Lu Xinyi.

"Chengjia Lane?"

Qi Min felt a little surprised. The street was not far away, but she had never heard of a lively market there.

Lu Xinyi nodded and said, "Let's go, take a look and then go back."

Qi Min and another maid looked at each other, not wanting to disappoint this cheerful and sensible princess who had always treated them like sisters, and nodded in agreement.

The three of them strolled all the way to Chengjia Lane, which was very quiet, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the main street.

"My two sisters, I heard that the banquet there is unique and is quite popular among the gourmets in Beijing. How about I treat you today?"

Lu Xinyi raised her hand and pointed to the gatehouse not far away.

The two maids looked over and saw three large characters "Jinxiu Tower" written on the plaque on the door.

Seeing that there was no one around, Qi Min changed his address and said, "Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine has told you not to stay outside the palace for too long."

"It's just a meal. Mother will definitely not blame you. Don't worry."

Lu Xinyi raised her hand and pointed at the sunlight above her head, indicating that it was time to eat.

She led the two of them into the lobby of Jinxiu Building, where the receptionist immediately came up to greet them. After asking politely, he arranged a seat for them by the window on the left side of the lobby.

This Jinxiu Building has three floors. There are already many diners seated in the lobby on the first floor. When they saw the three new women, they just glanced at them and continued to enjoy their food and wine. It can be seen that the dishes here are indeed extraordinary.

Qi Min always felt something was odd. It was true that Lu Xinyi was free and lively, but she would not act on impulse. Usually when she went out of the palace, unless she was with Crown Prince Lu Jiusi, she would just take a quick stroll and then return to the palace. She had never specially gone to a restaurant to satisfy her appetite like she did today.

About an incense stick later, all of Jinxiu Tower's signature dishes were served, and Lu Xinyi invited the two to enjoy them.

"how?"

After filling her stomach, Lu Xinyi looked at the two of them with a smile.

Qi Min nodded and smiled: "It's really good."

Lu Xinyi observed the environment of the lobby with great interest. The furnishings here were simple and elegant, adding a touch of elegance. The diners also spoke in low voices, unlike the noisy and bustling restaurants in other places.

On the surface, this is a restaurant that lives up to its reputation.

however……

When the receptionist came to check in, Lu Xinyi suddenly asked, "Is your boss here today?"

The receptionist said respectfully, "Excuse me, sir. The host is not here today."

Lu Xinyi asked again: "Really?"

The receptionist was surprised, wondering what the purpose of this rich and noble girl was, but he knew that he should not offend a distinguished guest casually, so he bowed his head and said, "It is absolutely true. I wonder what you have to say?"

"I can't say I've met your master, I just heard some rumors and wanted to talk to him in person."

Lu Xinyi shook her head, then stood up and said, "Since he's not here, I'll go to the back to take a look. After all, seeing is believing."

The receptionist was shocked, but before he could say anything to stop her, Lu Xinyi, accompanied by two maids, walked straight to the back hall!

"No guests allowed!"

Following the receptionist's shout, the shopkeeper, waiters and other diners in the lobby all looked at the girl in surprise. Then the shopkeeper and his waiters tried to stop them, but the two maids beside the girl just raised their hands and waved lightly without any violent movement, and no one could stop the girl.

At the same time, some figures stood up quietly and looked at their surroundings vigilantly.

Lu Xinyi had a smooth journey through the back hall and arrived at the back of Jinxiu Building. In front of her was a seemingly ordinary atrium, and opposite was a tightly closed hanging flower door.

There were also more than a dozen strong and sturdy men standing in the courtyard and the corridors on both sides with unfriendly faces, staring at her eagerly.

Lu Xinyi looked around at everyone and said softly, "I didn't expect that there are so many experts behind a seemingly ordinary restaurant. It seems that what Fourth Brother said is right. There is a different world behind Jinxiu Building."

(End of this chapter)