The rise of the prince

Chapter 238 The Emperor's Cold Blood + Su Ban'an

In the past few days, Li Xingzhou made a deck of playing cards himself, using small fast hard red wood boards, asked Zhao Si to help polish the surface, and then boiled, the toughness is very good, when he is free, he can fight the landlord with two little girls .

Later, He Qian came here once, so it became the three of them in Doudizhu. Li Xingzhou wanted to take over, but the little girl was like a little tiger protecting the food, showing two canine teeth in demonstration.Later, Shiyu came back from time to time, so the three-person landlord became a four-person landlord, or fried gold flowers, upgrades and other gameplay.

He Qian was very dissatisfied with Shiyu, and always came to complain quietly in front of him, saying that she was coquettish and narrow-minded to take revenge on her, but in his opinion, the little girl was just comparing other people's chests with his own, and then got hurt. Tons of harm, so false accusations.

Li Xingzhou wants to clean up this brat, he really treats this as his own home
However, considering that he was still working under his father, he had to bow his head under the eaves, so he had to let her go.

It just so happens that Li Xingzhou is too busy these days, and many things always need time to ferment.

Two restaurants newly acquired by the Wangfu opened, and he was going to attend. As a branch of Tingyulou, with the gimmick of General Noodles and special cuisine, he had already been famous before it opened.And recently, after the Shangyuan Poetry Conference, many people have gradually put the name of the number one talent in Kyoto on Li Xingzhou's head.

In short, as long as he goes to that stop, the appeal is very strong, and the business will soon boom. Yan Kun has been so busy recently that he can hardly find the north. Apart from the business of the restaurant itself, the chain car service industry will also expand. The surrounding coachmen and bearers talked in detail.

In addition, the gunpowder production workshop in Houshan is gradually stabilizing, and the workers have gradually become familiar with the process. Yan Shen is quite qualified as a supervisor.

The second and third hydraulic drive systems outside Wangfumen have also started construction. With the experience of the first building, the progress of the project is very fast. Different from the first building used by Li Xingzhou to crush graphite, the latter two will be used For iron forging, including cold weapons, and even forging the barrel, there will be a little change in the working part.

The craftsmen are working hard, after all, a high-paying job is not easy to find.

But these are not major issues. The major issue is that the impact of the war in the south is not only on the imperial court. The southern waterway was cut off in the Suzhou area, and many merchant ships were unable to go south. As a result, many large merchants could not do business at all, and a series of entanglements followed.

That big merchant doesn’t have hundreds of thousands of mouths waiting to eat. In addition, the waterway is cut off, and the wheat noodles hoarded by many noodle merchants can’t be sold. The iron ore, seafood, and Orion’s mink, animal skin, and ginseng can’t be sold. Wait, it's all starting to slow down.

And the worst is the shipyards near Jiangzhou and Kaiyuan. Usually, the waterways are smooth. They build one or two large ships a year for big businessmen, enough to feed the whole family, and they have no worries about food and clothing. Such shipyards can support everyone. There are many craftsmen.

But now that the waterway is blocked, most of the merchants who run the waterway have no business to do and nothing to return. How can anyone order a large ship? Even if they ordered before, they began to regret it and disappeared.

Several large shipyards in Jiangzhou and Kaiyuan were facing bankruptcy. Many people went to the government to ask for an explanation, and the results can be imagined.

The most serious thing is that in the past few days, dozens of big businessmen have taken the lead, and many workers, ordinary people, and hunters are kneeling outside the Meridian Gate to petition every day, hoping that the court will quickly calm down Suzhou, otherwise they will not be able to survive.
According to Ji Chunsheng, there were a lot of people, thousands at least, and the number was still increasing. There was a dark crowd in front of the Meridian Gate.

For several days in a row, they knelt in front of the Meridian Gate without eating or drinking. At first, Wu Desi drove them away, and injured a few of them with his hands, and even killed someone by mistake during the dispute.

Although they were bleeding, they persevered and refused to leave even if they were beaten to death. Without Wu Desi's actions later, some people starved to death in front of the Meridian Gate, and more and more people gathered
Later, the emperor had no choice but to come out to speak in person, comfort these businessmen and people, and promised to deal with the affairs of Suzhou, and the people gradually left.

The matter was suppressed, but Li Xingzhou knew that it was not that simple. The prince's brute force crashed almost all the warships of the imperial army. Such a large ship would not be built in a short while, and it would probably take a few years.But if you want to enter Suzhou, it is best to go by water, and the land route will be very difficult.

Yang Hongzhao is now in Guazhou, and he is obviously not planning to march immediately.

"This time the emperor is also in a very difficult situation. He convened the officials of the Privy Council and the Political Affairs Hall for several days and nights to discuss matters, but there was no result." Ji Chunsheng said while drinking the general's brew, with a peanut in his mouth.

Li Xingzhou also took a sip: "It would be great if things were that simple. It's normal for this kind of thing to be discussed for a month or two, and in all likelihood there will be no practical solution in the end. Look at Yang Hongzhao's."

"My son, if you don't understand, can't you go by land? You have to wait for the ship to be built. The imperial army has 10,000+ troops. If you go by land, you don't believe that Suzhou can resist it." Ji Chunsheng frowned puzzled.

Li Xingzhou drank a cup, and then said: "It's not that it's impossible, it's that I can't afford it. The land road is rough and difficult to travel, and the risk is too great. It takes a month to walk from Kyoto to Suzhou. Including the army's supplies, 10,000+ troops will go there. , plus transporters and auxiliary soldiers, it is estimated that there can be 60 to [-] people, not to mention countless money and food, and it is easy to cause accidents halfway.

When he had to, the emperor was afraid that he would send people to go overland to Suzhou, but there would not be too many.In my opinion, going to Suzhou is better than going to Luzhou. "

Ji Chunsheng let out a sigh of relief, then bared his teeth and let out a breath: "Why?"

Li Xingzhou picked up a piece of deep-fried pork ribs, which was made by Ji Chunsheng's wife, an ordinary woman in her forties, whose cooking skills were worse than that of Buyan Cook: "Suzhou's overall situation has been decided, and there will not be many people traveling by land, and it is certain There are no locals who are familiar with the road conditions. Now Suzhou is united with one mind, and the army will definitely be known as soon as it enters the mirror, which is too dangerous.

Luzhou is still vacillating, and it is behind Suzhou. Now Suzhou must try every means to win over Luzhou, or coerce Luzhou to join them. If Luzhou cannot be stabilized and the two places sit together, they may not be able to control the situation.

Luzhou is like a grass on the fence, whichever side comes to listen to whichever side, so of course it is better to act first. "

Ji Chunsheng nodded half-understood, and then said: "Then the emperor won't send troops?"

Li Xingzhou shook his head: "Nine times out of ten, they will be dispatched."

"Why, didn't your son say it's dangerous? It's too risky to go by land." Ji Chunsheng felt that his brain was not enough, and it was obviously dangerous, but he still sent him. Is the emperor stupid?
Speaking of this, Li Xingzhou also frowned slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable. He is always a modern person. In this era, some values ​​​​are difficult for him to adapt to.
"Because I need an explanation." Li Xingzhou sighed, and then drank a glass of wine: "The one who made the mistake is the prince. The corrupt situation caused by the prince, the emperor can't kill the prince, right? If you don't kill the prince, how can you tell those who are transported by the river?" The farmers, hunters, workers, and businessmen who are eating, explain? Only sending troops can stabilize people’s hearts. Didn’t you say that there are tens of thousands of people kneeling outside the Meridian Gate, and how many of them died?”

Li Xingzhou understands the great impact of this incident, and there are countless people who rely on Jingchao's main river artery for food.

From Guanbei Road, to Ningjiang Mansion in Jiangzhou, then to Kaiyuan Mansion in Kyoto, then to Jingnan Road, Weizhou, Guazhou, to Ansu Mansion in Suzhou, Huaihua Mansion in Luzhou, and even further to Jiannan Road.
This large area occupies almost half of the territory of the Jing Dynasty, and most of them are prosperous and populous areas. If the waterway is cut off, the number of people affected will be too many to count. Even the emperor must give an explanation, otherwise it will be a public grievance. All around.

Ordinary people might think it was just a small defeat. After all, not many people died, and they could fight again, but those who understand know that this defeat is much more serious than the one in Guanbei where tens of thousands of people died last year.

So when Degong and Zhong Daoyu told him about this before, they were worried and their brows couldn't be stretched, because this defeat didn't kill many people, but it broke the main artery of Jingchao!

The prince wants to take the big pot
Ji Chunsheng's eyes widened. He didn't expect things to turn out like this: "Isn't that... Isn't it that they are sent to die!"

"There is a high probability that he is going to die." Li Xingzhou sighed, that's why he didn't get used to it.

There are many such examples of high-level power struggles in later generations, but it is impossible to achieve this level. It is a real human life to exchange the lives of tens of millions of people, not benefits or power. up.

He almost forgot that this is always an age of absolute monarchy, blood, barbarism and darkness, no matter how bright and beautiful the cloak is.

Ji Chunsheng seemed to be shocked, his mouth was open for a long time and he couldn't speak. After all, if Li Xingzhou hadn't told him, he would never understand these truths and see the darkness in them.

"Uncle Ji, I will tell you about this, please don't spread it to the outside world." Li Xingzhou drank a big sip of wine, the hot liquor suppressed the nausea in his heart, and he was able to talk to Ji Chunsheng about his depression.

Then he continued: "After all, this is not something that you and I can control. The world belongs to the emperor, and the crown prince is the future emperor. No matter how many people die, he will not hesitate to die. Not only the emperor, but also the ministers must think so."

Ji Chunsheng also took a big sip, his face was tense, and his face turned red: "Your Majesty, you can't bear it."

"Hehe." Li Xingzhou bared his teeth and smiled. He has always been more civilized than this era. This is not because of complacency, but because of the environment he lived in since he was a child. In his previous life, no matter how cold-blooded he was, he could not be the emperor.

"Of course I can't bear it, but what can I do." Li Xingzhou shook his head. He couldn't possibly chop up the prince with a knife.He also remembered what Wei Chaoren had told him back then about the emperor killing tens of thousands of unarmed rebels and surrendering to the rebels. This emperor was indeed frighteningly cold-blooded.

Ji Chunsheng stopped talking and drank with his head covered.

"I'm going to buy two shipyards, and I'll also buy craftsmen." Li Xingzhou said while picking up food, "Many people will have no food in this defeat. Can you save a few? I just want to Shipbuilding is coming, although I don't know when Heyuan will recover."

"My lord, the shipyard is not cheap."

"It's not cheap. Fortunately, the emperor gave me 10 taels." Li Xingzhou drank another cup and said, "Using that money is to accumulate virtue for him, otherwise he will have nothing to do with his way of doing things after he dies."

Su Ban'an led more than a dozen followers, dressed lightly, and rode out of the north gate of Suzhou City on horseback.

Outside the north gate, Ding Yi, who was smiling all over his face, had already prepared a banquet outside the city gate, and thousands of well-equipped Xiang troops were waiting in the distance.

"I came here specially to see Mr. Xu off." Ding Yi cupped his hands and said.

Su Ban'an smiled but didn't smile, got off his horse and sat down beside the case: "If you're sincere, why don't you let me bring my family?"

"I'm afraid they won't be safe in Luzhou. Mr. Xu is here to expand the country of Xu. The family members can rest assured to stay in Suzhou to enjoy the blessings. I will take care of Mr. Xu." Ding Yi said with a gentle smile, and then Pour the wine over.

Su Ban'an didn't say anything, actually he knew it well, he had reminded his elder brother many times to pay attention to those rich merchants in Suzhou, but his elder brother Su Banchuan was happy to hoard weapons and arsenals besides sending him out to work hard.
"Mr. Xu's trip to Luzhou is going smoothly." Ding Yi raised his wine glass, and Su Ban'an also took a sip.

Looking at the smiling young man in his 20s, he admired him, "It's really young and promising to make such a career at your age, and it can even be said to be amazing, which is admirable."

"Grand Xu has won the award." Ding Yi smiled, not being modest, and accepted it calmly.

Su Ban'an poured himself a glass, then drank alone: ​​"But I still don't think you should kill all the thousands of people in the Mishan village."

"You killed it." Ding Yi corrected.

Su Banan asked amusedly: "Is there a difference? There is still a need to hide between us. Ming people don't speak secretly, and you don't order me to dare to kill you? In any case, Mr. Fang can be regarded as nurturing to you." Well, the relationship between master and apprentice, why do you have to be so decisive?"

"There is a difference." Ding Yi stopped laughing, sat upright, and looked at him fixedly: "I promised Master that I would not kill Mishanren, but I also don't want to cause future troubles. Don't worry, I didn't kill you if you did it, it's not a breach of oath."

Su Banan opened his mouth, but in the end he didn't say anything, but for some reason, he glanced at the young man in front of him again, and his heart gradually turned cold
He drank a full glass, and then stood up: "I won't go back to Suzhou, take care of it for me, and when people's hearts are stable, I will give you the Zen seat, provided that I take good care of my family." After finishing speaking, Su Banan nodded Go back to the Xiang army in the distance.

Halfway through, he stopped suddenly, turned around and said, "By the way, although I'm not as good as you, there is still a lesson to be learned as an elder."

"All ears." After a dozen steps, Ding Yi cupped his hands.

Su Ban'an looked at the confident young man standing in the wind: "It's nothing, as an old saying goes, there are people beyond people, and there is a sky beyond the sky." After speaking, he also cupped his hands, turned and mounted his horse, and walked towards the formation of the Xiang army.

Soon, the Xiang army raised a big "Xu" flag in front of them, and then lined up in a long line, slowly heading north.

Su Ban'an was riding on a horse, looking at the winding mountains in the north, behind which was the bustling Luzhou City, feeling mixed feelings in his heart, he couldn't calm down for a long time, and he also knew that his departure would mean handing Suzhou over to him Let it be dominated by several major merchants headed by Ding Yi.

But he had to go, if he didn't go, he might lose his life
Luzhou, what will happen when he gets there?
The best situation is nothing more than the prefect of Luzhou being subdued and letting him preside over the affairs of Luzhou.

He actually didn't like Ding Yi at all, but the situation forced it.
(End of this chapter)