Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 447 The New Dynasty is Established, the World Belongs to All

The executioner's blade fell swiftly, and a white, grizzled head rolled in the pool of blood...

The entire audience, and the people of Bianjing, fell silent in that instant; some even turned away and closed their eyes, unable to bear watching...

The officials from the Ministry of Justice continued calling out names.

Yang Zaixing watched with great interest, but Zhao Kai felt a little reluctant. It wasn't that he was afraid of watching people kill, but killing such an old man really made him feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, the next one pulled out was not a gray-haired man.

On Ma Xing Street, in the teahouse, a waiter with quick legs rushed back, shouting as he entered, "Killed! Killed! Beheaded! Beheaded! Killed that Tang Ke..."

The entire room, filled with about a hundred students, fell silent. Chen Dong spoke up: "So it really is!"

However, there was also a sense of melancholy. Killing these people would certainly benefit Chen Dong, but when the killing actually began, Chen Dong felt a strange sense of complexity.

What can be said?

Chen Dong began, "The new dynasty has been established; the world belongs to all..."

Everyone looked at Chen Dong, mostly remaining silent.

Someone then ordered the servant: "Go and scout again, scout a lot more, see if they're all killing each other..."

Outside Donghua Gate, they came to kill one after another; more than thirty were beheaded, followed by hanging...

Clearly, everyone was killing, but before half of them were killed, the people at the front watching the spectacle had changed several times. Why was that?
It's really bloody. How many ordinary people could actually watch it all the way through?
What a tragedy!

This could have been resolved in one go: line up all the people to be killed, cut them down with a single blow, and then put a noose around their necks...

But they deliberately didn't do it that way; they insisted on cutting them off one by one...

The body wasn't even collected yet; the body and head lay there, surrounded by pools of blood...

For a moment, it resembled a battlefield of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, with the air thick with the stench of blood.

The various tabloids in Beijing, as well as the major newspapers, have countless readers here, all waiting to go back and write about the most captivating and novel stories. In any case, they have to endure reading them all...

Even Li Gang, who was supervising the scene, turned away, unable to bear watching any longer, along with countless officials from the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review...

What is the emperor doing?
The emperor was at work when he met with Yue Fei.

With the western expedition drawing ever closer, Su Wu still had many things to explain.

It means: "Pengju, in the Western Regions, and even further west, there is a kind of plant. When you go there, you must search for it extensively, collecting as many seeds as possible. If you happen to meet Yelü Dashi, ask him to help with this as well. The more seeds you collect, the better. Once you have collected them, immediately send them back by fast riders..."

Yue Fei also asked, "What are the shapes and forms of the plants Your Majesty speaks of? How can they be identified?"

"It's easy to spot. It blooms a flower, which is actually its fruit. When this fruit ripens, it turns into a white, wool-like tuft of silk, like placing a tuft of wool on a flower. It can be called cotton. People in the Central Plains have seen this before, but they didn't think much of it. So, it may exist in the Central Plains, but it must be very rare. It's just something some people use for ornamental purposes. The purpose of this trip is to bring back a large quantity of seeds of this plant so that it can be planted on a large scale in the Central Plains, and even in the Western Regions and various arid lands in the Northwest..."

Su Wu had previously drawn the "Map of the World", so how could he not start working on it now?
Let's start with cotton.

"Your Majesty, what is the use of this?" Yue Fei asked.

"This item has many uses, the most basic being to make clothing and bedding for warmth. People wear clothes to keep warm. Noble families can use furs, but for ordinary people, a sheepskin coat is a luxury. In winter, they often stuff their clothes with hay for warmth, and they also use hay to keep their beds warm, which is really difficult. This item is different. When made into cloth, it is far better than linen and much cheaper than silk. In short, it is excellent in every way. It can even be used to make paper, and the paper made from it will last a long time. It can even be repeatedly pounded and used to make armor. In short, it has many uses. Just find it and bring it back; it will be a great deed!"

Su Wu spoke earnestly: once the seeds were found, he would personally guide their cultivation, and he would even have to write an official document outlining the guidelines to distribute throughout the land.

Once cotton is successfully cultivated on a large scale, weaving machines will naturally follow suit.

Yue Fei, now understanding the importance of this matter, nodded and said, "Your subject will certainly collect a large quantity of these seeds and send them back immediately!"

“Alright, that’s settled then, go…” Su Wu raised his hand.

The first thing is done.

The second thing is the Champa rice variety from the Indochina Peninsula, which is the kind of rice that can be harvested two or three times a year. This type of rice can be grown in the vast south. Although the taste may be a little worse, it can greatly increase the yield, by at least one-third to one-half.

If there is more food in the world, more people can be fed, and more productive forces can be unleashed.

In the south today, at least 70-80% of the vast paddy fields have been nationalized, which can basically ensure that people have land, even though it is nominally rented.

How to do it?

Sending a letter to Jiaozhi serves two purposes: first, to urge them to quickly come and pay homage to the Emperor of Great Yan; second, to request these rice seeds. Ten thousand catties wouldn't be much, only a hundred or so shi...

This also needs to be promoted...

The second task is complete.

The third thing is that Ruan Xiaoqi has already answered the summons and arrived before Su Wu, bowing deeply. He was summoned from another place...

The emperor said, "I have a task for you to complete!"

No sooner had the emperor finished speaking than Ruan Xiaoqi bowed deeply and said, "Your subject would gladly die ten thousand times over!"

"Have you seen the map of the world?" the emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, I have carefully reviewed it several times..." Ruan Xiaoqi replied.

"Very good. This time, I want you to assemble an ocean-going fleet. One gunboat will suffice, mostly large ships, carrying soldiers and armor, as well as plenty of durable food and water. As you know, the vast ocean before my Great Yan is about 30,000 to 40,000 li across. I want you to cross the sea and go to that land of Yin!"

The official ocean-going fleet, crossing the Pacific Ocean, is currently experiencing warmer weather, a perfect time for the monsoon.

Ruan Xiaoqi was shocked: "Your Majesty, what is the purpose of sending me to Yin?"

"Firstly, it's a meritorious deed of territorial expansion. As long as you reach Yin, it will be an immense achievement. Upon your return, you'll be immediately promoted and ennobled. For generations to come, history will record you, Ruan Xiaoqi, as the foremost pioneer of Yin's territorial expansion. Secondly, Yin is vast, teeming with gold and silver, even abundant in many places. Thirdly, and most importantly, this matter concerns the prosperity of the nation. On your journey, seek out four things. First, there's a crop that grows in the ground with broad leaves and vine-like branches. Its fruit is buried deep in the soil, and each plant can produce several fruits. This is called a sweet potato. Second, there's another crop that also bears fruit in the ground, but with different branches and leaves. Each plant can also produce several fruits. This is called a potato. You must search for both and bring back these buried fruits. The more of these two things, the better. Keep them safe."

It's not actually a fruit... it's a root... but the root can reproduce.

Ruan Xiaoqi also asked curiously, "Your Majesty, what is the use of this?"

"It is for sustenance. The Great Yan is thriving, and naturally there is a need for more food to fill the stomach. Such things can be grown anywhere, even the worst land can produce countless crops... I will draw a sketch for you so you can compare it."

"Your Majesty, I understand!"

Su Wu answered casually, and continued, "The third thing is a tall plant that bears fruit halfway up its trunk. I will also draw the shape of the fruit and the shape of the plant for you. This thing is called corn, and it is also an agricultural crop that can be produced in large quantities."

These things are actually not hard to find; they are just distributed in different regions. As long as you search along the coastline and find the Yin people, who eat these things, you will eventually find them. However, this process requires great perseverance.

Why choose Ruan Xiaoqi?

Because this was an adventure and an exploration, although a basic map of the world was available, it was not entirely accurate. The dangers of sea travel are self-evident.

Among those skilled in sailing, only Ruan Xiaoqi possesses this adventurous spirit, and he has also gained considerable experience in navigation.

Then we should choose Ruan Xiaoqi.

Ruan Xiaoqi stood up: "Your Majesty, may I borrow some paper and pen to take notes?"

Su Wu shook his head: "No need. Later, I will make a list for you, along with explanations and illustrations, and give it to you as well."

"That would be perfect. But what about the fourth thing?" Ruan Xiaoqi's curiosity was growing stronger and stronger. She was preoccupied with these things and seemed to have forgotten the hardships of the journey.

"The fourth thing is a kind of large tree, a tall tree. When you scrape the bark of this tree, a whitish glue will flow out. You know, it is the kind of fish glue that can be boiled down. This thing will be of great use in the future, and it is exactly what we need. You should try to bring it back, bring the seeds, and transplant the seedlings into pots. The more the better. When you go, it would be best to bring a few gardeners with you so that they can take care of these things on the way. Let's call it rubber."

Su Wu planned very carefully. This fourth item was of paramount importance, as industry desperately needed it for sealing and similar tasks.

“I understand, I understand…” Ruan Xiaoqi nodded repeatedly.

Actually, there are fifth and sixth items, such as chili peppers, tomatoes, etc...

But none of these are important, they are not necessities, and can be left for future generations to carry out gradually. There is no need to increase Ruan Xiaoqi's workload.

Su Wu said, “As for the others, if you find them useful or… interesting, you can take them with you if you wish… These four items are not so easy to find. If you travel south along the coastline, you may need to interact with many natives of Yin to find one or two. This would be a great achievement, benefiting the country and the people, an unparalleled merit!”

"Your subject will surely return with a full load!" Ruan Xiaoqi was even already imagining what the land of Yin looked like, and what the people of Yin looked like...

It seemed as if he already believed he would definitely reach Yin...

"I grant you one gunboat, five large ships, twenty medium-sized ships, and countless small ships, plus five thousand men, whom you can select and allocate yourself. The same goes for armor and weapons, as well as other items. You can list them all out at the time, and I will personally allocate the funds for you."

Su Wu conveyed a serious, earnest, and earnest attitude.

Ruan Xiaoqi bowed and said, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

"This journey may take one or two years, or even two or three years... The sea is turbulent, so please be careful on your journey!" Su Wu felt a sense of tragic heroism in his heart.

On the contrary, Ruan Xiaoqi himself did not feel tragic at all, and said loudly, "Your subject will certainly live up to your mission!"

"Go, go prepare for this..." Su Wu waved his hand and left, already beginning to worry, worried that Ruan Xiaoqi might not be able to return.

Actually, there's no need to cross the sea. You can go north along the coastline, then across the Bering Strait, and then south along the coastline. This route won't take you far from the mainland, making it much safer and allowing for resupply at any time.

However, there are also some troubles...

We must come back...

Su Wu hoped that ten years from now, he would truly see towering rubber trees and rubber plantations, and that potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn would grace the tables of ordinary people…

When it comes to eating, the priority is to eat your fill first, then talk about eating well.

In this way, industrial development and population growth will both reach a new level.

The further into the future something is, the faster and earlier it needs to begin, so that Su Wu can truly see what he wants to see in his lifetime...

Only then can I die in peace...

A man entered through the door and announced, "Your Majesty, the matter outside Donghua Gate is resolved!"

It's Li Gang.

Li Gang's face was somewhat pale...

Su Wu sighed and nodded: "Well done! Come and have a seat..."

Li Gang came closer and sat down; the paleness on his face was a sign of grief and reluctance.

Su Wu had to console him further: "In Jiangnan and Liangzhe, countless bandits ravaged the land, causing countless deaths and injuries. In Hebei, the number of people killed or wounded was also in the hundreds of thousands. You have seen it all..."

"Your Majesty's intentions are understood!" Li Gang nodded.

"Good that you understand! The world belongs to everyone, the world belongs to everyone! That's how it should be!" Su Wu added, trying to explain.

"I will do my utmost to serve you!" Li Gang said as he rose.

"I have another task for you!" Su Wu gestured for Li Gang to sit down.

"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

"Investigate whether Qin Hui has embezzled funds. He handles all sorts of affairs in the Ministry of Finance, and the amount of money coming in and out is enormous, beyond counting. I'm not necessarily going to suspect him; I use him, so I don't doubt him much. But you can't question the hearts of the people. I just want you to keep an eye on things and investigate. If there's nothing wrong, that's best; if there is, don't hide it!"

Su Wu's words were certainly well-spoken, but did he really intend for Li Gang to investigate Qin Hui?

No matter how skilled or efficient the censor is, it can't compare to Yan Qing's methods.

The idea was to have Li Gang keep an eye on Qin Hui, making the two rivals in the imperial court.

As for whether Qin Hui will be in trouble, let's hope he is still innocent at this moment...

However, Qin Hui was a wicked and criminal. Historically, he was not a law-abiding person. Putting aside matters of money, the biggest case of cheating in the imperial examinations in the Song Dynasty was Qin Hui helping his son and grandson cheat.

Let's see what fate holds for Qin Hui...

"Your subject understands the importance of this matter. Such an important position and task must be handled flawlessly!" Li Gang's expression immediately became serious and solemn.

"Alright, get on with this matter quickly..." Su Wu waved his hand and dismissed another person.

Su Wu added, "For those corpses, if they have relatives, let them collect them. If the relatives are far away, provide a coffin and send them back to their hometowns. If they have no relatives, then provide a coffin and bury them..."

Li Gang had already left, but turned back to bow and say, "Your Majesty is benevolent!"

Outside Donghua Gate, the crowd of onlookers had mostly dispersed. Zhao Kai and Yang Zaixing were on their way back to the military camp. Yang Zaixing walked with light steps, as if he could fly, and was overjoyed. Zhao Kai, on the other hand, was deep in thought, pondering whether this way of governing the country, so different from that of the Song Dynasty, was good or bad.
What are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?

But Zhao Kai suddenly realized a truth: with this kind of governance, the country seemed to be able to avoid any mistakes or major problems, at least that's how he felt today.

The crowd at Donghua Gate had mostly dispersed, and the scholars on Maxing Street had also left. However, Chen Dong walked alone to Donghua Gate, staring at the corpses scattered on the ground. Some officials were busy collecting the bodies, while some soldiers were beginning to wash away the bloodstains.

"The new dynasty has been established, and the world belongs to all..." Chen Dong muttered to himself, but what he was seeing was truly awe-inspiring.

(End of this chapter)