Chinese New Year

Chapter 1507 Grand Commandant Yu

Bianliang was unusually peaceful during the fifth year of the Longhua era. It was so peaceful that there were only birds singing and flowers blooming, wheat fields swaying in the wind, merchants bustling about, and the sound of students reading aloud.

Another batch of students from the Imperial Academy have passed the examinations this year and have been granted official positions.

At the moment of parting, laughter and merriment filled the brothels and taverns within the city, while tears flowed endlessly at the post stations and pavilions outside the city, leaving behind countless poems and essays—there's no way around it, this is what the examinations are testing now, although it's not the decisive factor, it's definitely a bonus.

After years of examinations, the number of officials accumulated was considerable, especially among lower- and middle-ranking civil servants. For example, the number of low-level clerks, registrars, and attendants in the Three Departments, Six Ministries, and Nine Courts was vast, already occupying a significant portion of the ranks.

To be fair, most of these people came from aristocratic families. There was no way around it; they were truly exceptional in exams, and their educational traditions were excellent, making it difficult for others to compete. Given equal abilities, the examiners were more willing to give them higher scores.

The existence of the Imperial Academy somewhat curbed this trend, since it was a school that mainly enrolled children of noble families, so the examinations could not be so strict.

But in any case, this group is becoming increasingly well-established.

Just as he created the martial arts community back then, Shao Xun is also spending more than ten years creating another interest group, but it's uncertain whether we'll see it bear fruit.

Sogdian merchants also came to the Central Plains in large groups, often with their families.

Perhaps they are truly disillusioned with the political and economic environment of their hometown, or at least filled with anxiety.

Compared to his hometown, the winters in the Great Liang Dynasty were not as cold, and the summers were not as hot. The soil and water conditions were good, the products were abundant, and the culture and commerce were very prosperous. It would be strange not to settle here.

They now live in two places, one in Kangju City-state and the other within the territory of the Great Liang Dynasty, and their presence is spreading more and more throughout the entire region.

Shao Xun, in a fit of mischievous whim, asked if anyone was named "An Lushan." Huang Shayu actually went to investigate and reported back that there were over a dozen people with that name, but they weren't Han names; they were transliterations of non-Han names. This stumped Shao Xun, who finally made up an excuse, saying there was no need to look anymore.

The third brother, Shao Fan, gave Shao Xun a deep look, said nothing, and left to carry out his orders.

Sogdian merchants made a significant contribution to commercial taxes, but they also engaged in cultural exchange. Many dances popular in the Central Plains today incorporate elements of the Western Regions, with the Kucha dance being particularly popular in Luoyang.

This is the significance of the Silk Road, and it's not just about money.

It has been many years since the conquest of the Sima Jin dynasty, and hundreds of thousands of people have fled south. Over time, they have accumulated considerable wealth.

A typical impression is that goods from the south are being transported to the north more frequently, in larger quantities, and at lower prices.

Without a doubt, this is something that benefits the entire world. More people mean more products, and more surplus labor available for trade—this is a very clear principle.

Sun Xi from the Sun family has been constantly tinkering with various things, and recently he even responded to the call to participate in researching methods for making sugar.

Over the years, this guy has squandered almost half of his fortune. Of course, this only refers to his liquid assets; his "fixed assets" have actually not decreased, and may even have increased.

Fortunately, his elder brothers supported him and gave him money from time to time so that he could continue his research. After all, the Sun clan had already made a fortune by selling high-quality leather armor, paper, and soap, so it would be unreasonable not to subsidize their younger brother.

Sun Xi is also a very positive example, showing people that doing this can really make money, improve political status, and even qualify one's descendants to enter officialdom through hereditary privilege.

In comparison, Yang Ben's windmill was not as successful. This sickly fellow's windmills are mostly used in Xuzhou, and are scattered and not very common in other places.

But he still gained enormous benefits, including the troupe of Loulan dancers that Shao Xun bestowed upon him.

This was Shao Xun's overall impression of the country as the twelfth lunar month approached.

Yes, he has been back in the palace for more than five months. He adopted a hands-off approach, but when the giant ship of Daliang veered slightly off course, he carefully corrected it and brought it back on track.

At other times, it mainly operates in low-power standby mode, such as today.

"His Majesty is becoming more and more self-disciplined." On the Lichun Terrace, Yu Liang followed behind Shao Xun, walking slowly.

"Yuan Gui, are you getting impatient?" Shao Xun asked.

This statement has a double meaning. Firstly, Shao Xun took a nap for quite a while, and Yu Liang waited outside Lichun Terrace the whole time.

The land survey in Sichuan has ended. Although the government of the Agricultural Promotion Commission has not been disbanded, most of its staff are now idle, and only a few officials are needed to handle the remaining tasks.

As the Chief Secretary, Yu Liang had truly found himself with plenty of free time, spending the last two or three months even playing chess with others. On the surface, he appeared very relaxed, but that didn't mean he wasn't anxious. After returning to the capital, he procrastinated for half a month before finally requesting an audience with the emperor. This was the second layer of meaning behind Shao Xun's question to him.

Of course, regardless of the meaning behind these words, they were enough to make Yu Liang feel extremely uneasy, so he immediately said, "Your Majesty, I was presumptuous."

Shao Xun stopped, turned to look at Yu Liang, stared at him for a moment, and then sighed, "Yuan Gui, if one day I'm gone, you—"

Upon hearing this, Yu Liang was struck dumb, as if struck by lightning. He was momentarily speechless, because it seemed as if the emperor was asking whether he should take Yu Liang with him if he were to die.

Surprisingly, Yu Liang didn't seem too afraid. Instead, he looked at Shao Xun with some concern and said, "Your Majesty is in the prime of life and in good health. Why do you say such a thing?"

Shao Xun chuckled and said, “Yuan Gui, you’re an old man who came from the Imperial Academy. You’ve seen plenty of battles and how could you not know the hardships of military struggle? I have seven or eight wounds on my body, and they always ache on rainy, windy, or snowy days, but I never mention them to outsiders. I’ve been on several expeditions to the northern deserts, thousands of miles away. How can that compare to the comfort of the capital? Even you, traveling around with your servants, find it quite inconvenient, don’t you? Life in the army is much worse than when you’re on official business. I don’t have the energy to look after everyone anymore. You have to help me.”

Yu Liang did not answer immediately upon hearing this, because he had fallen into a strange emotional state.

He was indeed passionate about fame and fortune, but he was not a heartless or indifferent person. On the contrary, he was emotionally rich, even overly impatient and impulsive. Upon hearing Shao Xun's words, his first reaction was not about his own future, but what had happened to Shao Taibai and Shao Quanzhong? If they were just recuperating in the palace, that would be fine, but if they were gone, Yu Liang felt a blank and lost sense of emptiness, not knowing what to do in the future—well, he should be able to adjust himself and calm his mindset in the future, but his shock and loss of composure at this moment were genuine.

Shao Xun sensed this.

Looking at the genuine expression on Yu Liang's face, he said in a sincere tone, "Yuan Gui, why are you like this?"

After saying that, she took his hand and said, "Those were truly difficult years. The bond we shared in Biyong is still vivid in my mind. After I was sent to Zhenliang County, Yuan Gui, you helped me stabilize the rear. Xiangcheng, Yingchuan, Runan and other prefectures submitted. Didn't you deserve credit for that?"

At this point, he shook his head again and said, “The Jin court appointed me General Who Pacifies the East, but I am not so confident that I can command the entire province as easily as my own once I receive the seal and official robes. Anyone with a bit of insight would not think that way. Money, provisions, weapons, able-bodied men, and land are all in the hands of the powerful clans of Henan. Even with the threat of the Xiongnu, how can I support my army, mobilize soldiers, and wage war if I cannot be regarded as ‘one of their own’? Without the help of the Yu family back then, it wouldn’t have been so easy. Now that things have changed, I certainly no longer need to rely solely on the powerful clans of various regions, but that’s not how things work. For forty years, I have treated people with sincerity, as you, Yuan Gui, have always known. This country still needs your continued efforts.”

Yu Liang was deeply moved and said, "Your Majesty, I..."

After saying that, she choked up a little.

When the eunuch Hou Sangang brought over the tea presented by Gu Zhuyuan, his face twitched slightly upon seeing it.

Yesterday, the emperor was still frowning and pondering how to deal with Yu Liang, so why is he like this today? He doesn't know what happened, but he knows very well that Yu Liang is probably going to be tricked again—of course, this is just a guess, but his guesses are always very accurate.

The Emperor's voice continued: "Yuan Gui, now you enjoy the highest reputation among the scholars of the land. You should be more lenient with them and prevent them from having any ulterior motives. The scenery of Jiangnan is beautiful, the scenery of Jiangnan is truly beautiful, and life there is becoming increasingly peaceful. They should all know that I haven't lied to them. Therefore, their resentment should dissipate. I keep my word; if Jiangnan doesn't approve land surveys, then it won't. From now on, do your work well, be a good person, and be a good official. Whether you take the imperial examinations, join the army, or are recommended, or receive a special appointment through family connections or official channels, do not hesitate to contribute to the country. You should discuss these matters with them."

Yu Liang wiped away his tears and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will give my life for you—"

"Hey!" Shao Xun tugged at Yu Liang and said sternly, "What nonsense are you talking about? With the world at peace, I still want to share wealth and honor with you."

A warm feeling welled up in Yu Liang's heart.

The emperor ultimately valued him.

The leader of all scholars? Absolutely not. But then again, those who are more learned than him, those who are less powerful than him, and those who are less famous than him—in short, he could barely be called the leader of the scholar class, though not as much as Wang Yifu back then.

The earliest group of scholars had already migrated south for over a decade, establishing themselves and even expanding their businesses and accumulating wealth. Even the weather had become less unbearable after living there for more than ten years.

Their next generation was born in Jiangnan and adapted better than they did, even regarding Jiangnan as their hometown. The emperor said their resentment should dissipate, which might be a bit optimistic, but at least a considerable portion of it had dissipated. From now on, they should stop being hesitant and serve the country when they should.

Alright! It's time for him to take on important responsibilities. So let your brother-in-law rest well, and he can handle the complicated matters.

On the sixth day of the eleventh lunar month, an imperial edict appointed Yu Liang as Grand Commandant and Inspector of ten prefectures including Yu and Yan, to investigate the conditions of the people throughout the land.

(End of this chapter)