I traveled with them to the Northern Song Dynasty

Chapter 332 The Emperor's Triumphant Return Brings Peace to the World

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"There is indeed something that His Majesty may not know, and something big may happen."

Zhao Yu had already suspected that the old woman was a shill hired to deceive him; 'This old woman knows far too much, unlike an ordinary peasant woman.'

Now that this old woman is saying this again, it seems even more like someone wants to use her to say something to them.

Zhao Yu asked calmly, "What matter requires His Majesty's knowledge? If he does not know, what major event has occurred?"

To Zhao Yu's surprise, the old woman played hard to get, saying, "You are not His Majesty, so it is of no use for you to know this."

As soon as the old woman said this, everyone around, especially Zhao Yu's group of women, covered their mouths and chuckled.

Humans have a peculiar tendency: the more something is kept secret or left unsaid by others, the more it arouses an irrepressible curiosity within us.

Although Zhao Yu was an emperor, he was not immune to worldly customs.

So Zhao Yu smiled and said, "I am an old acquaintance of His Majesty, and I will most likely see him when I return to the capital this time."

The old woman glanced at Zhao Yu and saw that he had an extraordinary bearing. She also noticed that the women around him were all very beautiful, and the guards outside the courtyard were all imposing and strong. She felt that Zhao Yu was extraordinary and thought that he might actually be able to meet the current emperor.

Thinking of this, the old woman said to Zhao Yu, "My place is Weishan Lake. The smell of rotting water plants mixed with insect excrement is so strong that it's hard to open your eyes. I'm afraid there will be a locust plague."

Zhao Yu never expected that the old woman was talking about locust control.

This is no small matter; it could easily escalate into a major disaster.

More than ten years ago, locusts appeared in Honghu, Jiangsu. When they flew, they blotted out the sky; when they landed, they covered the ground without gaps; when they gathered, they broke tree branches; when they ate, they made a rustling sound. Moreover, they could roll across the river in a ball shape. Their ferocity was truly rare. For six days and six nights, they devoured all the crops, leaves, and wild grass, turning the area around Honghu into a barren wasteland.

Locusts are the biggest pest in Chinese history, severely damaging agricultural production for one or two thousand years. What's even more dangerous is that locust plagues often occur after severe droughts. People have just survived a drought and managed to plant some life-saving crops when locust plagues follow, shattering their newly ignited hopes for survival.

This endless disaster and suffering continued to accumulate and ferment, and in the end, it was recorded in history books as just six bloody characters: "That year there was famine, and people ate each other."

Faced with the surging army of locusts, many people chose to give in. They invoked the Locust Queen and General Liu Meng, believing that as long as they devoutly worshipped these clay-sculpted, golden idols, they could appease the wrath of heaven and drive away the locusts.

Of course, there are always people who choose to fight against locusts.

According to the "Annals of Emperor Ping" in the Book of Han, as early as the second year of the Yuanshi era of the Western Han Dynasty, some people had already begun the struggle against locusts.

That year, a locust plague broke out in the Qingzhou area of ​​Shandong. In order to control the locusts, the imperial court allocated a large amount of money to reward farmers who killed locusts.

This is also the earliest recorded decree for controlling locusts.

During the Tang Dynasty, Chancellor Yao Chong attached great importance to locust control, and he invented a method of killing locusts by burning them. Because locusts are attracted to light, burning bonfires in the fields at night could kill large numbers of locusts.

Up to this point in time, the Chinese people have accumulated a wealth of valuable experience in locust control.

However, this experience is clearly insufficient to deal with the swarm of locusts.

Fortunately, this era had time travelers like Zhao Yu. Even more fortunately, among these time travelers was Yuan Qingcheng, a top student who graduated from an agricultural university and had studied how to control locusts.

Back then, it seems to have been the third year of Zhao Yu's reign when a large-scale locust plague broke out in the Jiangsu region.

Zhao Yu immediately ordered the transport offices and the granary administration offices in various regions to accept the direct command of the imperial court (in reality, they were under the command of Yuan Qingcheng) and become specialized locust control departments to fight the locust war.

—The Song Dynasty did not have a dedicated department for locust control. Locust control was primarily a collaborative effort involving multiple departments, among which the Transport Commissioner and the Supervisor of Ever-Normal Granaries were particularly important. The Transport Commissioner originally handled military provisions, but its authority expanded to include finance, supervision, and other areas. During locust control efforts, the Transport Commissioner was involved in organizing relief efforts. For example, in the fourth year of the Yuanfeng era of Emperor Shenzong, the court ordered the Supervisor of Ever-Normal Granaries of Kaifeng Prefecture and the Transport Commissioner of Jingdong West Circuit to dispatch officials to supervise locust control. The Supervisor of Ever-Normal Granaries was an institution established during Wang Anshi's reforms, responsible for laws concerning ever-normal granaries, market transactions, market stalls, river crossings, and water conservancy. During famines, this institution was responsible for warehouse management and relief efforts; in the process of locust control, it participated in allocating resources and organizing the public to catch locusts.

After Yuan Qingcheng took command, he immediately pointed out the key to locust control that Ma Shijun, China's leading locust control expert, had discovered through countless observations and studies: the alternation of water and drought. In other words, the rise and fall of the water level in the mudflats determines the survival of locust breeding grounds. By using water power to regulate the ecology, the alternation of water and drought can be transformed into a stable water level.

Through Zhao Yu, Yuan Qingcheng first had the Transport Commissioner take the lead, in conjunction with local water conservancy officials, to dredge old canals and build new dikes around Honghu Lake. Previously, the water level of the mudflats fluctuated greatly with the seasons. During droughts, the exposed mud became a breeding ground for locusts, while during floods, it destroyed crops. After emergency repairs, the dikes steadily locked the water level at around three feet, sealing off the gaps between drought and flood. The locust eggs in the mudflats no longer had a suitable hatching environment and gradually disappeared.

Immediately afterwards, Yuan Qingcheng ordered the Office of Grain Supply to collect seeds and promote cotton planting in the locust-infested areas. Fields that had been eaten away by locusts, leaving only stalks, were replaced with cotton plants with thick leaves and fine down. The locusts disliked the smell and their feeding on the plants decreased significantly.

Meanwhile, Yuan Qingcheng instructed the Changping Division to set up "insect-knowing households" in each village, allowing villagers familiar with farming to regularly patrol the cotton fields and report any locusts they found immediately.

Subsequently, the establishment of the locust control agency of the Song Dynasty became even more meticulous.

Zhao Yu specially established the "Locust Control Office," which was headed by the three commissioners and staffed with officials from the Transport Commissioner and the Ever-Normal Granary Commissioner. The office was specifically responsible for compiling information on locust outbreaks in various regions and allocating resources.

Locally, each prefecture established a "locust control office," headed by a vice-prefect, with "locust patrol officers" under their command, responsible for supervising water conservancy facilities and crop planting; each county established a "locust eradication camp," composed of local soldiers and farmers, equipped with tools such as sickles and bamboo baskets, ready to deal with sudden locust outbreaks at any time.

In key locust-affected areas, a "Water Level Management Office" was also set up to record the water level of the mudflats daily and correspond with the Locust Management Office to ensure that water level control was foolproof.

Initially, due to inconvenient transportation and communication, there were always mishaps in the transmission of information. Sometimes, when the locust control station discovered locust nymphs, it would take three days for the messenger to report to the Locust Control Office. By the time Yuan Qingcheng's countermeasures were sent back, the nymphs had already grown into flying adults.

Yuan Qingcheng then took into account the existing conditions and ordered the post stations to be improved, adding "flying slave stations" along the locust-infested areas. Important messages were delivered by flying slaves, while ordinary matters were handled by post horses.

This greatly accelerated the flow of government orders.

And so, more than a decade passed. In the files of the Locust Control Bureau, records of locust plagues went from a thick stack to just a few lines, and later, even sporadic locust infestations became rare. In those prefectures and counties that had once been plagued by locusts, cotton fields stretched as far as the eye could see, and dikes stood firm.

Yuan Qingcheng's current fame is so great that she is the most famous of the five women. The ignorant people even regard her as Zhao Yu's legal wife and believe that she is Zhao Yu's empress (the people only know Yuan Niangniang, Ma Niangniang, and Ye Niangniang, but not Empress Zheng). Even more so, she has been deified by the people and regarded as a living goddess, with shrines built for her and offerings made to her. In addition to the fact that she made the Song Dynasty's grain production increase several times, she also made the Song Dynasty's land less fearful of the sky-covering swarms. This is also one of the reasons why the Song Dynasty's grain production has increased several times.

The Song Dynasty now has a very mature locust control system with a strict accountability system. If a locust plague occurs in the area under Zhao Yu's jurisdiction, Zhao Yu will kill people without hesitation, regardless of who is involved.

There was a saying that circulated in the Song Dynasty officialdom: "Corruption may offer a way out, but a locust plague will surely lead to death."

Zhao Yu believed that the court must already be aware of the locust infestation at Weishan Lake that the old woman had mentioned, and had already begun to address it; otherwise, it would be a challenge to Zhao Yu's resolve.

As for whether the old woman was arranged by someone, since she didn't say anything particularly serious, Zhao Yu decided to remain silent. Of course, being as meticulous as Zhao Yu was, after returning to the ship, he still sent someone to investigate the locust control situation at Weishan Lake, to see if someone had used the old woman to tell him that the locust control efforts at Weishan Lake were not going well.

Soon, someone reported to Zhao Yu that, under Yuan Qingcheng's command, the Jining Locust Control Office had decided to transform the 120,000 mu locust-affected area around Weishan Lake into a composite ecological system of fishponds and rice paddies. The deep-water area would be used for fish farming, the shallow-water area for rice cultivation, and the riverbank for cotton planting. These crops would either prevent locusts from laying eggs or make them "unable to eat".

Upon learning the truth, Zhao Yu was relieved. 'Perhaps I was overthinking it; that old woman was probably just a talkative village woman.'

When the boat reached the Yellow River, Zhao Yu went ashore and bought fish at the riverside market. He bought a lot of Yellow River carp and had someone raise them for him, intending to take them back to the capital and have Yuan Qingcheng cook them for him.

Returning from buying fish, Zhao Yu was deeply moved upon returning to his boat and composed a short poem:
Journey Along the Yellow River: Triumphant Return

The river, having swallowed the pass, finally flows into the sea; ten thousand banners return on their journey. The ancient land of Yan and Yun is reborn. Fifteen years of governance have yielded abundant harvests for a thousand miles.

Having once vanquished the Jin invaders and pacified the northern borders, I will continue my heroic campaigns. The unification of China is a lifelong achievement. Though weary from the journey, let us once more ascend the steps to peace.

Three days later, Zhao Yu returned to Bianliang City.

Crown Prince Zhao Shou and Chancellor Cai Jing led the entire court and the people of the city to travel ten miles outside the city to welcome and congratulate Zhao Yu on his triumphant return.

Outside the city of Bianliang (Kaifeng), the ten-mile-long pavilion had long been submerged by the surging crowds.

As the morning mist dissipated, a cloud of dust rose from the north, signaling the approaching imperial army.

Crown Prince Zhao Shou, dressed in a purple robe, stood side by side with Prime Minister Cai Jing by the roadside. Behind them, civil and military officials were arranged according to rank, their crimson and purple robes forming a cloud-like expanse, quietly awaiting the figure that the people had been longing for.

"coming!!!"

Someone shouted, and the crowd suddenly erupted in cheers.

First, the dragon flag could be seen fluttering in the distance, followed by the imperial guards in their bright armor, their hooves pounding the morning dew, carrying the dust of the north.

As the imperial carriage approached, Zhao Yu was seen wearing a majestic and imposing suit of armor, riding a very tall and powerful Akhal-Teke horse, with guards averaging 1.85 meters tall behind him, each leading a tall horse to protect Zhao Yu.

Sunlight pierced through the morning mist, falling directly on Zhao Yu's gleaming armor. The armor plates were made of newly tempered steel, polished to a cold gleam by the winds and frosts of the north. The breastplate reflected the sky, and even more so, his straight, pine-like spine.

The Akhal-Teke horse snorted, its hooves landing firmly and powerfully on the bluestone slabs. Its mane swayed slightly with Zhao Yu's movements, seemingly blending with the scales of his armor to form a flowing, sharp line.

At this time, Zhao Yu was already in his early thirties, but he looked about twenty years old. There was no sign of weariness in his eyes. The wind and sand of the north had not dulled his eyes. On the contrary, they made his eyes shine like unsheathed swords. When he swept over the crowd, they had the sharpness of someone who had been through many battles, and they also had the composure to appease the people.

Behind Zhao Yu, his personal guards stood like iron towers, while the central and right armies of the Divine Machine Army behind them exuded a murderous aura and a chilling atmosphere. The Divine Arm Bows interspersed among the ranks were long and slender, with full bows that gleamed with a cold metallic luster, as if they could fire a fatal arrow at any moment. The Li Lin Guns had a unique design, with bayonets on the barrels that gleamed with a cold light, making their sharpness immediately apparent. The Tiger Crouching Cannons resembled tigers crouching on the shoulders of the Divine Machine Army soldiers, ready to unleash astonishing power at any time. The Thunderclap Thunder and the Li Lin Cannons exuded a chilling sense of oppression, as if the energy they contained, once released, could shake the heavens and the earth.

Zhao Yu and his soldiers seemed not to have returned from the north, but rather had just arrived from the battlefield – the cold gleam of their armor still held the frost of Yan and Yun, and the aftershocks of their horses' hooves still carried the force of breaking metal.

The civil and military officials, as well as the people of Bianliang, gazed at Zhao Yu's young yet composed face, at the armor on his body that seemed to protect him from all attacks, at the magnificent steed he rode like a dragon and a tiger, at the immovable formation of his personal guards, at the invincible might of the Divine Machine Army, and at the weapons that struck fear into the hearts of the enemy. Suddenly, they felt that the fear that had been hanging over their hearts for a hundred years was firmly supported by this silent aura.

No words are needed; this is the confidence to recover Yan and Yun, the sharp edge to defeat the Jin Kingdom, and the indomitable spirit of the Song Dynasty.

The cheers of the crowd gradually subsided, not because their enthusiasm had waned, but because they were overwhelmed by the overwhelming aura emanating from within, transforming into a deeper sense of awe—awe for the young and vigorous emperor before them, awe for the battle-hardened elite army behind him, and even more awe for the Song Dynasty, which could finally stand tall.

Crown Prince Zhao Shou was the first to bow and greet the Emperor, his voice ringing out: "Your subject respectfully welcomes Your Majesty's triumphant return!"

Cai Jing followed closely behind, leading all the officials to kowtow: "Your Majesty, we congratulate you on recovering Yan and Yun, and defeating the Jin invaders. Your achievements will be remembered for a thousand years!"

As soon as the word was uttered, the surrounding crowd erupted in deafening cheers.

The crowd, which had been suppressing its excitement, burst forth like a river bursting its banks, shouting "Long live His Majesty!" and "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Some people have even lost their voices from shouting!
Nearly two hundred years have passed since the Yan-Yun region was ceded to the Khitan by Shi Jingtang.

During these two hundred years, the Central Plains dynasties lost the natural barrier in the north, the Great Wall defense line fell into the hands of foreign tribes, and the barbarian cavalry could no longer be hindered from moving south, repeatedly invading the borders and even driving straight in.

After the founding of the Song Dynasty, it also suffered greatly. The people on its northern border lived under the constant threat of war. In order to seek temporary peace, the Song Dynasty had to pay tribute to countries such as Liao and Western Xia in exchange for money.

The public has long harbored deep resentment about this.

Now, Emperor Zhao Yu personally led the expedition, not only recovering this homeland that had been occupied for two hundred years, but also defeating the Jin Dynasty, the most powerful regime in the north, and completely reversing the passive situation of the Song Dynasty in the north.

This means that the Song Dynasty has finally regained control of the strategic northern region, enabling it to build defenses based on the terrain and mountains. The northern border now enjoys a stable guarantee, and the people no longer have to worry about the invasion of the nomadic tribes.

What's even more remarkable is that Zhao Yu was not only focused on military prowess. During his fifteen years on the throne, he consistently prioritized the people's livelihood, reducing taxes and corvée labor, developing water conservancy projects, encouraging agriculture and sericulture, and vigorously promoting maritime trade and the Industrial Revolution. As a result, the people under his rule gradually became more prosperous, and society became more stable.

A ruler who combines civil administration with military prowess not only expands the country's territory and eliminates external threats, but also allows the people to truly feel the improvement in their lives. Such an emperor naturally wins the heartfelt love and respect of his officials and the people.

Now, having recovered Yan and Yun and defeated the Jin Dynasty, the Song Dynasty has fulfilled its long-cherished wish of more than a hundred years, laying a stable foundation for the country before returning home; the people's livelihood under its rule has been greatly improved, and the people have seen the hope of the dynasty's revival.

Who wouldn't be excited to see Zhao Yu return in triumph?
This excitement was the release of pent-up frustration from two hundred years ago, a genuine hope for national stability, and a heartfelt recognition of Emperor Zhao Yu, a ruler skilled in both civil administration and military affairs.

In his early years, Zhao Yu vigorously promoted anti-corruption and strictly investigated embezzlement in order to rectify officialdom and replenish the national treasury. A number of officials who relied on powerful figures and exploited the people fell from power, which touched many deeply rooted interest groups. The subsequent implementation of the "Equal Grain Payment for Gentry" and "Equalization of Land Tax and Labor Service" further executed a large number of gentry and landlords and broke the long-standing tax exemption privilege of the gentry class, making them bear taxes and labor services like ordinary people. Although it benefited the people, it also aroused the secret dissatisfaction of the gentry group.

These people either criticized the new policies in secret, tried to obstruct their implementation, or even privately considered undermining their rule.

But now, with his illustrious military achievements in recovering Yan and Yun and defeating the Jin Dynasty, coupled with his cultural accomplishments of bringing prosperity to the people during his fifteen years of rule, Zhao Yu has already established an unshakeable authority throughout the court and the country. Officials revere his decisions, the people are grateful for his benevolence, and with his battle-hardened and well-equipped army as a backup, he is more than capable of deterring any potential dissent.

Those who harbored resentment could only bury their discontent and scheming deep in the face of Zhao Yu's overwhelming prestige. They knew that any rash action at this moment would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock, not only failing to shake Zhao Yu's throne but also resulting in their utter disgrace.

Therefore, they could only choose to conceal their ambitions and live obediently within Zhao Yu's governance framework, or conform to the new policies and try to secure a place in the new order. Their past resentments, faced with absolute power and popular support, ultimately became an undercurrent that dared not be exposed, unable to stir up even the slightest ripple...

……

(End of this chapter)