Chinese New Year

Chapter 1448 One Day

By the end of the first month of the lunar calendar, most officials in Beijing had returned to their posts.

Officials from other places who came to Beijing to report on their work will leave the city in batches.

Crown Prince Shao Jin specially summoned Liu Bin, who was about to travel south to Hefei to take up his post.

Liu Bin was originally the General of the Left Divine Guard. Four years ago, he was in mourning for his father, Liu Shan. After returning to service, he was temporarily appointed as the General of the Vanguard because there was no good position available for him.

The former general had a salary and rank, but no official duties. However, Shao Xun assigned him a task: to go to You and Ping prefectures to pacify the various tribes and investigate matters related to hereditary soldiers.

Pacifying the tribes was an easy task, but investigating the approximately 40,000 hereditary soldiers in the two prefectures was much more troublesome.

A whole host of problems were identified, though none of them were major. But in the spirit of preventing problems before they arise, a number of people were dealt with, and even Li Chong had to submit a letter of apology.

After all this was accomplished, General Zu Yue of the Right Heavenly Martial Guard died suddenly in the first month of the year, so Liu Bin went south to Hefei to take over the position.

"After you go south, prioritize the three prefectures of Linhuai, Guangling, and Tangyi. After summer arrives, the court will establish military garrisons in Xuzhou," Shao Jin said.

Liu Bin was slightly dazed. He felt that the person speaking to him was the Emperor, not the Crown Prince. After stealing a glance, he found that the person in front of him bore a five-point resemblance to the Emperor, but ultimately it was not him. So he replied, "After I settled in Hefei, I inspected the three prefectures."

He knew that the three prefectures had just finished dredging the river, and a group of newly arrived Tuoba Xianbei tribesmen were still doing the finishing touches, mainly to further dredge the river channels, build irrigation canals and sluice gates, and raise the low-lying areas to turn them into farmland.

This is usually the matter that the current emperor cares about most, but now it is being handled by the crown prince. Liu Bin thought about many things for a moment.

"Don't neglect the land reclamation work in the seven prefectures of Huainan either," Shao Jin added, perhaps still concerned.

He frowned as he said this, as if he was thinking about something he had overlooked. In the end, he couldn't remember it, and he breathed a sigh of relief while feeling a little uneasy.

He also glanced at Liu Bin, trying to glean something from his face.

Liu Bin remained calm and replied, "Your subject obeys."

Shao Jin nodded and said, "The Xianbei of the seven prefectures seem to have become quite docile. If there is any unrest, do not resort to force. First, investigate the cause and then try to persuade them. If that fails, then you can use a large army to suppress them. When Zu Shishao was stationed in Hefei, he was too ruthless and cruel. Now that all the garrisons have submitted, we can use a policy of appeasement."

"Yes," Liu Bin replied.

Actually, he was somewhat dismissive. The reason why these Xianbei, Di-Qiang, Lu-Shui Hu, and Wu-Shui Man people were so submissive was because of the "fierceness" of Zu Yue and others. Now that you're playing the good guy, it's like using both kindness and severity, so of course it will be effective.

He wasn't sure if the Crown Prince understood this principle, but he couldn't ask him in this situation.

"The matter of changing customs and habits will continue as before," Shao Jin continued. "I can appease others, but there is no room for discussion on this matter. As for the border regions, that's fine, but the heartland of Huainan must not be allowed to be overrun by barbarian influences."

"Your Highness, rest assured, with the Right Heavenly Martial Guard here, there will be no trouble," Liu Bin assured him.

Shao Jin nodded and dismissed Liu Bin.

Liu Bin bowed and took his leave.

Watching his departing figure, Shao Jin felt a surge of emotion. He recalled the throne to his right rear when he presided over court assemblies. Countless times, when his eyes caught a glimpse of that throne, he would immediately look away, not daring to look at it even for a second.

But he knew that if no one was around, he could stare at the throne for a long time, as if there was something on it that was mesmerizing.

My father once said that when he conquered Pingyang as the King of Liang, he sat directly on Liu Cong's throne, and no one found it strange.

But he dared not. He would continue to suppress his feelings and wait silently.

In the evening, Shao Jin received Wang Qia, a retainer of the Prince of Yan's residence, in the Chongde Hall of the East Palace.

This man was the third son of Wang Dao, who had been pardoned and lived a life of leisure. Later, he was recruited by the Prince of Yan and became a servant in the Prince's palace, specializing in running errands.

At the end of last year, he was ordered to go to the capital to present tribute from Liaodong. During this time, the emperor summoned him to Chang'an to inquire about the recent situation in Liaodong. He only returned to Luoyang before the new year and is leaving today.

"Jinghe, how is Fourth Brother doing in Liaodong? Are you settling in well?" Shao Jin looked at the elegant Wang Qia with some fondness.

I've heard that he loved reading since childhood, often staying up late into the night, his hands always full of books. As a result, he has read extensively and can readily recall various historical anecdotes. In addition, he possesses excellent calligraphy skills and can also discuss the principles of music and the Book of Changes. He is truly a man of great talent.

Some might say he had no other talents, only excelling in literature. But those who employed Wang Qia didn't expect him to have any other abilities. Listening to him recount historical anecdotes, appreciating his calligraphy, and enjoying his music was enough.

It's a pity that such a person was from the Langya Wang clan.

“When the lord resides in Lushun, he often thinks of the Crown Prince and regrets that he cannot share a drink and talk with him to express his brotherly affection.” Wang Qia said, “Unfortunately, the affairs of Liaodong are complicated and he cannot spare the time. He often regrets this.”

What is the situation in Liaodong?

“It can be called a rough settlement,” Wang Qia replied. “My lord has registered some Xianbei tribes, which has caused discontent and occasional minor rebellions, which have been quickly quelled. Last year, he launched a large-scale land reclamation project in the country, especially in the five counties of Lushun, Beifeng, Pingguo, Xiuyan, and Xiangping, acquiring more than 10,000 hectares of new land, of which 3,000 hectares have been converted into fertile fields. This year, we will dig ponds and ditches for long-term planning.”

"I never expected my fourth brother to be so skilled in farming," Shao Jin remarked.

“We still need to rely on the imperial court,” Wang Qia said with a smile. Shao Jin glanced at him, then suddenly smiled and said, “Don’t worry, this year the three prefectures of Yan, Yu, and Qing will send 700,000 bushels of grain, 500 oxen, and 3,000 farm tools, which will be shipped to Lushun by sea in May or June.”

"Thank you, Your Highness." Wang Qia bowed.

"This was ordered by His Majesty; I merely issued the seal," Shao Jin said. "Furthermore, I also want to see my fourth brother establish a firm foothold in Liaodong. The likes of Murong Ren are ambitious and always a potential threat. The Liaodong troops led by Commander Lü have already returned to Chang'an. I've heard they are valiant in battle in the Western Regions, defeating the Wusun, Gaoche, and Xiongnu tribes. The Emperor is pleased and has bestowed upon each of them two bolts of silk. With such a strong army, Murong Ren, Gao Zhao, and their ilk will certainly not dare to act recklessly, and the court can rest assured."

"I rely on Your Majesty's authority," Wang Qia replied modestly, while inwardly wondering, what exactly did the Crown Prince mean by that? Was he truly at ease or not?
"Are Fourth Sister-in-law and her nephew going to Liaodong?" Shao Jin asked again.

"I'm afraid it will be difficult to achieve your wish." Wang Qia shook his head.

Shao Jin understood.

The fourth brother, Shao Yu, had a son and a daughter last year, born to Guo and Yuwen respectively, around the same time as his daughter (mother Chen).

Originally, Lady Mi and Prince Jiahe were indeed going to return to Liaodong, but after winter began, Lady Ronghua was ill and her condition fluctuated. She had a poor appetite and felt weak and tired, so she hesitated again. Lady Mi and her fourth brother must have discussed this matter.

"Life and death are truly unpredictable." Shao Jin sighed and said, "I have already sent the imperial physician to deliver medicine and take good care of you. After you return, you can tell your fourth brother not to worry, that I will take care of everything. He—will take care of Liaodong."

"On behalf of my lord, I express my gratitude," Wang Qia said, prostrating himself on the ground.

Shao Jin quickly got up and helped him up. He then invited him to dine at the East Palace. After dark, he had someone escort him out of the palace.

After a flurry of activity, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and returned to his bedchamber.

The Crown Prince's servant, Yu Yi, was waiting outside the palace.

"What is it?" After a busy day, Shao Jin was a little tired, but she still asked calmly and gently.

He hated this state of suppressing his true self and living behind a mask, but he had no choice. Otherwise, even a small matter could cause a huge uproar, and if it reached his father's ears, who knew how he would view it.

"Your Highness, the first troop will return to the capital tomorrow..." Yu Yi said.

Shao Jin sighed inwardly. He thought he could finally get a good night's sleep since he didn't have to attend court tomorrow, but he didn't expect to have to get up even earlier.

"I understand." He nodded and asked, "Who will lead the troops?"

“It is Dong Le, the deputy commander of the Black Spear Left Battalion,” Yu Yi replied. “His troops consist of 1,700 carts, 3,300 horses, and more than 5,200 camels, carrying gold, silver and valuables, as well as more than 400 prisoners.”

“I saw in the military report sent from Chang’an that there were nearly a thousand prisoners, didn’t they?” Shao Jin asked curiously.

“Some of them were kept in Chang’an by the emperor,” Yu Yi replied. “Most of them were from the palace in Kucha.”

Shao Jin suddenly realized that he should have thought of this sooner.

At the same time, he was also a little disappointed. He had heard that the music and dance of Kucha were quite unique and he really wanted to see them, but his father stopped him.

"This matter of showcasing our national prestige should be undertaken early tomorrow morning. Shall we meet at the western suburbs of the city?" Shao Jin asked.

“That’s right.” Yu Yi replied, “Your Highness can simply go to the Princess’s Terrace. His Majesty said that you only need to greet her once, and there is no need to personally greet her there afterward.”

"How many more batches are there?" Shao Jin asked.

“Dong Le was in the first batch, and Zhao Wei was in the second batch. Last December, a third batch returned,” Yu Yi said. “In total, there were 12,000 horses and more than 16,000 camels, and the wealth was incalculable.”

Shao Jin gave a thumbs-up.

Before setting out on the expedition, he never expected to acquire so many spoils of war in Yanqi, Kucha, Gumo and other countries. Even in the wealthy Liang Dynasty, this was a considerable amount, which would greatly benefit the court's finances.

Of course, it will probably be spent again next year.

The father intended to recruit strong men from various states in the Central Plains to Gaochang, promising them a large reward. In addition, he planned to purchase a large quantity of supplies from the Central Plains and transport them to Gaochang at great expense.

Of course, we should not forget the establishment of Kucha Town.

A large number of people with the surnames Kezhuhun, Murong, and Muyu have arrived in Youzhou from Liaodong. My elder brother is there helping with the investigation and has laid off a group of people. The remaining three hundred elite soldiers have been sent to Luoyang.

At the same time, more than two hundred members of the Xianbei Duan clan, Wuhuan Kunuguan clan, and Wang clan were recruited from various tribes in Youzhou and Bingzhou and sent to Luoyang.

The supervisor will have to make their equipment, Guangchengyuan will have to provide tall horses, and the coaching supervisor will have to organize training; all of this will cost money.

Besides the armored cavalry, there is still a shortage of three thousand infantrymen that we don't know how to fill. Although my father said that we could recruit from the Imperial Guard and the local militia, we could only recruit as many as we could. But without spending a lot of money, at most we could only coax and trick a thousand or so people to go west, which would not be enough at all.

The money just arrived, and it's already being given away again.

(End of this chapter)