The Great Tang General

"What are the prices of food?"

Li Xuan asked Chang Xuan again. This was the question he was most concerned about when he passed by.

The Tang Dynasty had a vast territory and was separated by mountains and rivers, so the food supply in different places often varied.

"Replying to Your Majesty, a dou of rice in Linhuai area is thirty coins."

Chang Hyun replied to Lee Seon.

Li Xuan nodded.

The price of grain will never return to the level of the Zhenguan period.

Low grain prices hurt farmers. Now farmers all have land, and if grain is too cheap, it is not a good thing for farmers.

Moreover, the abolition of city registration caused some people with ideals to give up farming and become businessmen.

Now that the country is vigorously developing industry and commerce, you can basically make money by transporting goods from the south to the north.

If more people engage in trading, the profit will decrease, or business methods will be needed, those who want to make money can only go back to farming or become craftsmen.

This is also an inevitable way to develop industry and commerce.

"Has the Central Bank of the Tang Dynasty been established in Linhuai?"

Li Xuan asked Chang Hyun this question again.

"In the fourth year of Qianyuan, the Central Bank of the Tang Dynasty was established in Linhuai City, and a treasury was built in the city. Even ordinary people temporarily deposited their money in the bank. Linhuai is one of the important transit points of the Grand Canal. Since last year, merchants have been coming to the bank to settle currency."

Chang Hyun replied to Lee Seon.

The establishment of banks makes industry and commerce more active.

The Tang Central Bank, which was personally endorsed by the imperial court, had established a credit system after Li Xuan's repeated operations.

Whether ordinary people or merchants and craftsmen, they all feel safe to deposit their money in banks.

We are just waiting for the Tang Dynasty to store more gold and silver and issue gold and silver coins that are more convenient and more conducive to economic development.

"How is the location of the rural school in Linhuai?"

Li Xuan also asked Chang Hyun about education issues.

"Since the late Kaiyuan period, there have been many rural schools in Linhuai. After the Qianyuan period, Linhuai responded to the court's policy and used tax revenue to fill the gaps in rural schools. In addition, a higher-level county school has been established in Linhuai City. Every day before dawn, you can hear the sound of reading aloud."

Chang Hyun replied to Lee Seon.

Even the little kids know how to be polite and courteous.

Only by learning to read and write can one have a bright future and the opportunity to become an official. This has been the consensus of the Chinese people since ancient times.

Ordinary people all hope to send their sons to school and hope that they will become successful.

In the Huainan area, the academic atmosphere is very prosperous.

“Is there any difficulty in governing a place?”

Li Xuan changed the subject and asked Chang Hyun.

Local governments no longer implement the court's policies by simply taking care of people's livelihood and maintaining stability as before.

So, counties are going to be facing all sorts of problems after the new law is enacted.

There are even greater differences between places.

This would remain the case even if the provincial system were established.

"Replying to Your Majesty, the counties of Linhuai are small and easy to dispatch. Since I took office as the governor of Linhuai, I have not encountered any problems."

Chang Hyun bowed to Li Xuan.

There are far more ships traveling on the Grand Canal now than during the Kaiyuan and Tianbao periods.

As an important water area where the Tongji Canal connects to the Huai River, Linhuai County is like guarding a gold mountain.

Together with farming and handicrafts, even if some taxes were paid to the court, there was still enough left for development.

Chang Hyun scored 93 points in the assessment last year, which is a very high score.

For an official like him, it was absolutely extremely lucky to be able to work in Linhuai.

Standing on the current wave, as long as Chang Hyun does not forget his original intention and develops people's livelihood, his future will be limitless.

"The ships sailing along the Tongji Canal are called "Xixi" when they are heading north, and "Rangrang" when they are heading south. The world is bustling because they are coming for profit, and the world is bustling because they are going for profit. Does Governor Chang agree with this statement?"

Li Xuan suddenly pointed at the passing ships and replied to Chang Hyun.

Chang Hyun answered fluently and Li Xuan didn't notice anything wrong with him.

"I... don't agree. The Tang Dynasty governs the country with Confucianism. We should be cautious and cultivate our moral character. If we only pursue profit, we will be burdened by profit and fall into the abyss sooner or later."

Chang Hyun couldn't guess what Li Xuan meant. His future depended on Li Xuan's thoughts, so he expressed his thoughts without hesitation.

Business people are only interested in profit.

Officials are not businessmen.

If morality and reputation can constrain a person's life, they cannot be labeled as hypocritical.

When it comes to heart, no one is perfect.

Because everyone has a hypocritical and sanctimonious side.

Chang Xuan must read "The Monthly Report of the Tang Dynasty" because he understands that the Supreme Emperor highly respects Confucianism.

Confucians who practice morality are more highly praised than those Confucian masters who write books and biographies and spread their ideas.

To practice Confucianism is to truly set an example, implement Confucianism throughout one's life, and serve as a role model for future generations.

"I agree with you! But I believe that most people agree with this statement. It is understandable that ordinary people, merchants, and craftsmen work hard for their own interests, because this is their right to survive. But officials cannot do that, because they have the will of these people in them."

Li Xuan spoke to Chang Hyun earnestly.

"I will follow your instructions and fulfill my duties to ensure peace in this area, and live up to your Majesty's trust."

Chang Hyun quickly responded.

Li Xuan nodded and discussed some other matters concerning people's livelihood with Chang Hyun.

Then, accompanied by Chang Hyun, he came to the dock and met the people outside the dock.

The people came to see him with their old and young, and he naturally had to greet them.

This is also in line with Li Xuan's consistent image.

After each of Li Xuan's inspection tours in Guanzhong, the following month's "Tang Monthly" would vividly record the emperor's greetings to the young and old and his extraordinary friendliness towards the people.

Therefore, people from all over the world subconsciously believe that the emperor is benevolent and a wise ruler of all ages.

"The Supreme is here!"

"Which one is the Supreme..."

"The one who is beside Governor Chang is the supreme one!"

"The Supreme is very heroic, and his appearance is completely different from what is said in the legend."

"At my age, I can still see the Supreme Being. I have no regrets in my life."

"Grandpa, what is the Supreme?"

A three-year-old child asked.

"He is a saint who keeps the world well-fed and clothed."

A middle-aged man answered.

From different perspectives, we can see different achievements in Li Xuan.

"Greetings to the Supreme..."

The people knew the etiquette, and wherever Li Xuan went, they would salute him as rumored.

"Fellow villagers, there is no need to be so polite."

Li Xuan stepped forward and raised his hand to signal the people to excuse themselves.

The words "fellow countrymen" bring countless people closer together.

He asked the officers and soldiers to step aside, and he took an old man and asked about his well-being.

The old man was so moved that his eyes filled with tears and he was choked with sobs and could hardly speak.

This posture is unique throughout history.

Li Xuan also held a child in his arms and took out Luoyang's "fructose" from his pocket and distributed it to the children he met.

Not much, just one per person.

The children had never seen this thing before, and they didn't know what to do with the fructose in the paper package.

Li Xuan demonstrated it herself, putting it in a child's mouth. The sweetness made their eyes brighten instantly.

To the naive little children, this was the most delicious thing they had ever eaten in their lives.

The common people couldn't believe that the Supreme Being, who was so high and mighty and existed only in newspapers and rumors, could get along well with them, the poor and humble people.

Appearance is determined by the heart. In the hearts of the people, Li Xuan's benevolence is so great that they forget that Li Xuan was a general before he became emperor.

Forgot the process of Li Xuan becoming emperor.

It seems that everything is destined.

Li Xuan walked several miles within an hour so that all the people could see him.

He himself was tireless and always had a smile on his face.

After finishing the task, Li Xuan sent away local officials such as Chang Xuan and asked the Jinyiwei to select a dozen elderly people from the village. Li Xuan invited them to drink a glass of hot wine by the Tongji Canal.

In fact, the question is how the Linhuai prefect, the chief secretary, the deputy governor, and the county magistrates in various places perform their duties as officials?
Are there any powerful families running rampant in the village?
Are there any high-ranking officials who are trying to annex other companies?
The faces of the old men who were chosen were flushed, as if they were rejuvenated. The Supreme invited them to drink, which was a great honor.

In the future, they will have enough to brag about in their neighborhood for the rest of their lives.

"I came south this time not only to see you, but also to let you see me. I heard that there are corrupt officials here who are colluding with the powerful. Is there such a situation in Linhuai? If so, I will chop him off on the spot to comfort the people."

Li Xuan spoke to the old men in an inducing tone.

The intention is to let them not have to worry and not be afraid of retaliation.

No matter how great you are, can you be greater than the emperor?

Not to mention the Tiance Guards who followed them, at Li Xuan's command, the government troops of Huainan Province would gather in Linhuai within a few days.

"Your Majesty is wise. Please do not kill Governor Chang. Governor Chang is a very good person! When he was in Linhuai, we had no worries about food and clothing. He also personally farmed during the busy farming season and ordered the government to subsidize orphans and widows and save children. We don't even have to pay taxes for the charity granary. Our grandchildren can go to the local school to study..."

After hearing Li Xuan's words, an old man hurriedly spoke to Li Xuan.

He was pleading for Chang Hyun. In his heart, Chang Hyun was a rare good official.

"Yes, Governor Chang also gave us cotton seeds to plant. That stuff is very valuable."

"When Governor Chang tried the case, he was frank and honest, which convinced people."

The group of elderly people did not understand what Li Xuan said and pleaded with Li Xuan.

"Haha...you all misunderstood my meaning. If there is no crime, I will not wrongly accuse you..."

Li Xuan laughed, even though many of the things the old men said were policies and decrees issued by the imperial court.

But as long as you resolutely obey orders, you will be a good official.

The people have a good reputation for him, which shows that Chang Hyun is most likely an honest official.

"The emperor is wise, and the governor is capable. Our Linhuai is a hundred times better than Huaiyin. I am content with this life."

Another old man took over Li Xuan's words.

The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was interested. Li Xuan asked curiously, "Is Huaiyin County very bad?"

Huaiyin is a famous county on the banks of the Huai River, located in the southeast of Linhuai County and adjacent to Linhuai County.

Overall, Huaiyin County is not as good as Linhuai County.

In terms of economy and population, it is far behind Linhuai County.

"That's right! Last year, people from Huaiyin County came to Linhuai to make a living! The country is peaceful and the people are safe, but the news that there is a bully in Huaiyin County actually floated up along the Tongji Canal..."

The old man replied to Li Xuan.

Even in such a peaceful and prosperous time, there are still people fleeing to Linhuai.

In addition, he lived near the Tongji Canal and heard from others that Huaiyin County was a bad place.

"Yeah!"

Li Xuan thought that there seemed to be no disaster in Huaiyin.

If this is true, and just a few years after the people were freed from slavery, some people lost their land and fled, then the local officials cannot escape blame.

When Li Xuan questioned the old man in depth, he only had a vague understanding.

Don't trust everything you hear from others.

Li Xuan didn't ask any further questions. He would go to Huaiyin to take a look in a few days.

After drinking a pot of wine with the old people, Li Xuan wished them good health before saying goodbye.

Such words are very heartwarming.

They will never forget this moment in their lives.

At this time, Li Xuan's carriage had already been unloaded from the ship.

The Tian Ce Guards rode on tall horses in front, and Li Xuan sat on the dragon chariot and returned to Linhuai City first.

At sunset, the people watched Li Xuan return to the city, and then, under the persuasion of the constable, they returned to their homes.

On the way home, there was endless discussion.

Everyone praises the emperor for his wisdom. Being able to meet a wise emperor is a blessing from heaven.

In particular, the dozen or so elderly people who were invited by Li Xuan to drink were surrounded by a group of people, asking what the "Palace Jade Liquid" tasted like.

The children are recalling the sweetness brought by the emperor!

……

Linhuai Prefecture's Mansion was Li Xuan's temporary residence.

That night, Li Xuan rested here.

The next day, Liao Zhengrong reported to Li Xuan that after investigation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he found that the prefect of Linhuai had a good reputation among the people.

No fault was found.

At most, they are just some trivial and controversial matters.

Similar things happen everywhere and are inevitable.

There were also Jinyiwei stationed in Linhuai County, but Liao Zhengrong sent the Jinyiwei who accompanied the emperor to prevent excessive involvement between the local Jinyiwei and officials, and thus turning a blind eye.

After making sure that there was no problem with Linhuai County, Li Xuan planned the date for continuing his journey south in advance.

For seven consecutive days, under the guidance of Chang Hyun, Li Xuan traveled to two counties except Linhuai County to learn about the local customs and people.

Li Xuan also inspected Linhuai's agriculture, handicrafts, and Changping warehouses.

Linhuai's colored silk and lacquerware are very famous, and the company makes huge profits from them every year.

Chang Hyun also paid attention to colored silk and lacquerware, and sold them to Luoyang and Chang'an through the Grand Canal, and even to the Western Regions through the Silk Road.

However, Li Xuan suggested that Linhuai County could expand into other businesses.

As far as he knew, Linhuai did not have an advantage among the southern counties in terms of colored silk and lacquerware.

No matter how good the Linhuai colored silk is, it is far less famous than the Guangling colored satin, the Danyang Jingkou shirt satin, the Jinling tomb embroidery, the Kuaiji crimson embroidery, and the Wujun embroidery.

Moreover, Yangzhou is second to none in lacquerware.

Ordinary people cannot afford these expensive things.

In the absence of competitive advantages, the market is saturated and the ability to deal with risks is too poor.

Li Xuan prefers daily necessities that can be used by ordinary people, such as soap, toothbrushes, iron pots, etc.

Or various types of furniture, new glazed tiles, bricks and stones, etc.

Having enough food and clothing are basic requirements, and the quality of life of the people must also be improved.

Linhuai County has sufficient finances and can try to do these things.

Chang Hyun wrote down Li Xuan's words very seriously.

We must also keep a close eye on food, vegetables and fruits, as they are key to people's livelihood.

Li Xuan hoped that in the Tang Dynasty, like in later generations, every county would have at least one fruit that was most suitable for the county.

In terms of animal husbandry, Li Xuan recommends raising chickens, ducks, geese and pigs in the south.

All things are difficult at the beginning, so you have to raise the cubs little by little.

Sooner or later, expectations will be met.

"Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels a thousand miles. Some people say that Huaiyin County is not satisfactory. The two counties are separated by a long distance. Has Governor Chang heard any of this?"

When Chang Hyun and the people of Linhuai County saw Li Xuan off, Li Xuan asked Chang Hyun about this matter at Linhuai Wharf...

(End of this chapter)