Elegy of Tang Dynasty

Chapter 613: Those who do not consider the overall situation are not worthy of considering a small part

In a bedroom in the backyard of Kaifeng County Government Office, Li Yi was sitting in front of an oil lamp, staring at the light with her beautiful eyes, feeling anxious because of the long wait.

And I don't know what to do because of the fear of losing.

Even though Fang Zhongyong had sent someone to inform her that she would stay here tonight.

But Li Yi still didn't know what mood she should use to face this man.

The feeling of those big, calloused hands caressing my delicate body is still unforgettable, and it makes me shudder just thinking about it.

It was a passionate period when you could forget everything, think about nothing, and just keep moving forward.

Li Yi has given herself up completely.

But when she went to Xingyang camp to find Fang Chongyong while pregnant, all she was greeted with was indifference.

The other party didn't even hug her and sent her back to Bianzhou.

Li Yi had the illusion that she had been deceived in her feelings.

However, she chose her own path, so how can she blame others?
Just as I was daydreaming, the door was pushed open, Fang Zhongyong walked in slowly and closed the door casually.

"There is new news from Guanzhong: Li Baochen has entered Chang'an.

The crowd that came to greet him stretched five miles outside Chunming Gate.

People who don’t know him would think he is the new emperor.”

Fang Chongyong poured himself a glass of water, took a sip, and said casually.

"Is he so popular?"

Li Yi was stunned. Why didn’t she realize before that Li Baochen was so popular?

"That's not all. The day after Li Baochen entered Chang'an, he married Li Ying's sister, Princess Taihua."

Fang Zhongyong said pointedly.

This really shocked Li Yi.

Because she knew that Princess Taihua originally had a prince consort. When Brother Ji was holding Yang Yuhuan in his arms, in order to please his former daughter-in-law and to flatter Li Ying, he married Li Ying's sister, Princess Taihua, to Yang Qi, the son of Yang Yuhuan's uncle Yang Xuangui.

It is called: closer relatives!
In other words, Yang Qi was Princess Taihua's husband before, but the two had no children.

Marshal Baochen did not bother to be polite with Yang Qi and directly ordered them to divorce. Then he married Princess Taihua on the same day. It was a "seamless transition".

This princess inherited Concubine Wu Hui's appearance, which is very outstanding among all the princesses. I think her appearance is more than enough to match Li Baochen's.

As for whether Marshal Baochen has a minotaur or the strange habit his husband currently has, it is unknown.

Because Li Baochen had never been violent towards Li Yi before, she still didn't believe that such a thing would happen. She didn't believe that Li Baochen would order someone to divorce and remarry immediately.

But now the facts are before us: no matter how royal or noble they are, or how many princes and princesses they are, they are nothing in the face of power and the blade.

"There is such a thing!"

Li Yi murmured to herself, and she seemed to suddenly understand something.

There are many beautiful people in the world, including many royal nobles, but what is truly scarce is someone who can lead troops into battle.

No matter how beautiful one is or how noble one's birth is, without the protection of force, one will become a tool for the powerful to take whatever they want.

Nothing is up to me.

"I was very happy when you came to visit me in the camp that day.

But such feelings cannot be written on your face, let alone seen by outsiders.

Only by treating you coldly can the soldiers under my command understand the strictness of military law.

If it weren't for my concern for you, I would have tied you up and flogged you to maintain military discipline.

The two armies were facing each other, and the battle was dangerous. If they failed, they would most likely die and their clan would be destroyed. This was no joke.

I can't just dote on you and put everyone in danger."

Fang Zhongyong patiently explained to Li Yi, then held her in his arms, gently stroking her flat belly with his big hands.

"It was my fault."

Li Yi whispered, a little embarrassed. She took the initiative to hook Fang Zhongyong's neck and moved her red lips closer.

Just as the two were hugging and kissing, reluctant to part, there was a knock on the door.

Zhang Guangsheng said softly outside the door: "General, Liu Yan wants to see you. He said that he has sent someone to bring Lu Yu to Bianzhou. He is now in the study of the government office."

It’s finally here!
Fang Zhongyong patted Li Yi's hand and said, "You go to sleep first, I'll come later. It's important to take care of the baby. If it's too late, you don't have to wait for me."

Looking at his departing back, Li Yi couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Some harsh realities unfolded before her like a scroll, and it was hard to accept them for a while.

Some people are just too busy to stop for a moment. The beauty and charm of women are just some embellishments in their lives.

Many times, they don't even have the time or the inclination to stop and take a good look.

If such a strong man does not use his time where it should be used, his final outcome will most likely be... death without a burial place.

All the people who depend on him will be destroyed together.

While the strong enjoy the spoils of war, they also bear pressure that outsiders cannot understand.

Li Yi touched her belly and began to worry about her unborn baby.

For Li Baochen, Princess Taihua was a substitute for Li Yi.

Li Yi himself is a "treasure" chosen by Fang Zhongyong.

Even if she was gone, there would be other girls from the Li family if needed in the future. Fang Zhongyong could even choose someone younger, prettier, or from a more suitable family background.

This is the twisted rule.

"It's okay, at least I picked one I like."

Li Yi comforted himself in this way.

As for whether that feeling was real love, she became less sure.

……

"Marshal Fang, I have visited various places in the past two years and investigated tea trees and tea leaves in various places.

The techniques of planting tea, picking tea, and frying tea have been written down and recorded in a book.

Please take a look. "

Lu Yu handed a scroll to Fang Chongyong. This was the result of his hard work over the past two years, all for the purpose of governing the country and bringing peace to the world.

Well, to put it simply, it means seeking official positions from the powerful.

The news that Yong Wang Li Lin was about to ascend the throne and become emperor was no longer a secret. Not only was Fang Zhongyong spreading the news intentionally, but Li Lin himself also sent many people to spread the news privately.

After all, at this moment, His Royal Highness Prince Yong no longer needed to pretend. Even Chang'an had fallen, and even Li Baochen had entered Chang'an, so what else was there to pretend about?

The disintegration of the Tang Dynasty is an indisputable reality.

Just do it, issue a manifesto immediately! When the Lantern Festival comes, he will ascend the throne and become emperor!
Everything has been planned out long ago!

Lu Yu came to Bianzhou from Huainan for this reason. He hoped to get a job after the coronation ceremony.

There are many people like him, and Fang Zhongyong has even seen quite a few of them.

Lu Yu is not the first, and certainly not the last.

“Yes, tea leaves are very useful.

You stay in Kaifeng for two days first. After the coronation ceremony of His Royal Highness Prince Yong, I will find you an official position so that all your learning will not be wasted. How do you think?"

Fang Chongyong said with a smile.

"Lu thanks General Jie for the recommendation!"

Lu Yu was quite shrewd, and his emotions were not revealed on his face. Although he was already crazy with joy in his heart, he still saluted the other party with his hands crossed, neither hurried nor slow.

"It's getting late. I'll have the personal soldiers in the government office take you to the posthouse."

Fang Chongyong waved his hand and sent Lu Yu away with a few words.

"I will take my leave."

Lu Yu bowed deeply to Fang Chongyong and then left the study.

Liu Yan also stood up and was about to leave, but was stopped by Fang Chongyong.

"What are your orders, Commander-in-Chief?"

Liu Yan asked doubtfully.

The war is over, and there is no need to work hard to transport food to the front line. Fang Chongyong should not be in a hurry.

"I wrote something, can you help me review it?"

Fang Chongyong pulled out a piece of paper from under the paperweight on the desk and handed it to Liu Yan.

The latter sat down opposite him and began to check what was written on the paper.

"Agricultural Water Conservancy Law?" As soon as Liu Yan saw the title, he fell into deep thought.

“The government confiscated the land of many wealthy families in one go, at least cut it in half. There will definitely be people who are dissatisfied, and there are quite a few of them.

The newly enacted Agricultural Water Conservancy Law selected the area around the future city of Bianliang as the area for digging tributaries of the canal and using it for irrigation.

Families who participated in the canal digging could own the new land along the canal, depending on the amount of work done. A household was capped at 10 mu, and anyone could participate, regardless of whether they had a tenant or not.

You should study the specific details carefully. If the method of opening new fields and compensating for the redemption of fields can be promoted, it will be promoted in other states.

Let’s test it for a while and see how it works.”

Fang Chongyong said seriously.

"This method makes sense. You can give it a try."

Liu Yan nodded slightly and said.

The government seized the land of the wealthy not to force all of them to death, but to interrupt the momentum of land annexation.

This is something that cannot be avoided.

However, opening up new canals, new fields and new channels could ease the pain caused by drastic reforms.

In other words, it won't force people to hang themselves.

The big households may not be able to open new fields, as the government's policies are not prepared for them. However, if the tenants of the big households open new fields and have land, it will naturally reduce the big households' ability to annex land.

Without so many tenants, the family could not maintain such a large area of ​​land. Even if the big families wanted to make trouble, no one was willing to follow them.

This is the method of removing the fuel from under the cauldron.

The Farmland Irrigation Law can obviously increase the enthusiasm of the people in Bianzhou to participate in farming. This is a typical policy to stimulate production and encourage farming.

If it is done well, the effect can be immeasurable.

"General Jie, this Bianliang city will be amazing after it is built."

Liu Yan couldn't help but sigh.

Although the city has not yet started construction, the supporting infrastructure has already been arranged in advance.

The branch canals that were established obviously had the nature of a moat, and were also related to the water source and transportation in the city. In addition, these newly reclaimed fertile fields all had irrigation water systems, and the output of grain could be guaranteed.

What are these policies intended for?
It is to provide food for the future city of Bianliang which will be of astonishing scale!

Liu Yan was well versed in business operations. As soon as he saw Fang Zhongyong's various plans, he knew that they were all built around the economy and people's livelihood of the new capital.

Water resources, transportation, food, population, housing, etc. are all included in the plan.

Once the city wall is built, the new city will be built naturally and stand in the prime location where many canals meet.

Its impact is so great that it can be measured in hundreds of years.

"Bianliang City does not have to worry about grain transportation, nor does it have to send grain and fodder to Chang'an with great effort.

In the future, with every passing day, the military force under the commander-in-chief will become stronger.

I think that the commander-in-chief may not need to make Chang'an his capital in the future."

Liu Yan said thoughtfully, he seemed to understand something.

Fang Chongyong's thinking is different from others. He sees Chang'an's decline and inherent defects.

Guanzhong was a dead end and could no longer serve as the capital of a huge empire. Guanzhong could not avoid the difficulties of grain transport in any way.

The food shortage alone is a huge problem.

Since you can't afford it, then just don't bear it and just give up!
Liu Yan vaguely guessed Fang Chongyong's plan, and Chang'an City did not seem to be the most important part of Fang Chongyong's plan.

It might not even be in the plan!
He is really brave. Liu Yan couldn't help but sigh.

While everyone was trying their best to squeeze into Guanzhong, some people were already planning other arrangements in advance.

This may not be the best answer, but it is definitely a new answer that is worth looking forward to.

"By the way, I have another little idea."

Fang Chongyong pulled out another piece of paper from under the paperweight and handed it to Liu Yan.

It says "Five Acre Garden Law".

"This is?"

Liu Yan was a little confused because there were only these five words written on it.

“Whether they are tenants or not, every household with less than 50 mu of arable land can have 5 mu of new land allocated from government farmland nearby for them to grow vegetables.

Of course, you are only allowed to grow vegetables, nothing else.

Be sure to grow a variety of cabbage, radish, carrot, lettuce, spinach, bamboo shoots, wild rice stem, mushrooms, etc.

Once the government finds out that someone is growing other things, they will immediately take back the vegetable land.

At the end of each year, people who grow vegetables must report to the government. Families that fail to do so will have their vegetable plots reclaimed.”

Five acres of land per household is not worth mentioning, but the idea of ​​using it to grow vegetables is very interesting.

In fact, if the small-scale farming economy is self-sufficient, there is no need to grow so many vegetables at all, because they cannot be eaten up and are not convenient to store.

If one only focused on this moment, one would definitely think that Fang Zhongyong was going crazy and making some inexplicable laws.

However, if we look at the future five years or ten years later, when Bianliang City is completed, there will definitely be a large number of officials, merchants, and workshop workers in the city. These people may not be able to farm, but they also have a mouth to eat!
The gap in the required vegetables in Bianliang City will definitely be huge.

It would not be surprising that the population of Bianliang City would exceed 100,000, 200,000, 300,000 or even 500,000 in the future.

After all, Bianzhou’s location is there, with many canals converging and it is very close to the Yellow River, making it a natural economic center.

At that time, every farmer in the suburbs had at least five acres of vegetable fields, which were dedicated to providing dishes for the city of Bianliang, thus invisibly satisfying the vegetable needs of the entire city.

Moreover, since these farmers are used to growing vegetables, they don’t need to make any additional arrangements and can achieve the results naturally.

Fang Zhongyong was already thinking about what would happen five years later.

"Marshal Jie, please rest assured, this matter is easy to handle.

As long as we take back the land that has been unreasonably occupied by large households, we can implement a series of new policies.

This is the starting point of development. Without destruction, there will be no construction.

I have already discussed this with General Cui. Once the decree is issued, all those who are rebelling or preparing to rebel will be killed immediately."

Liu Yan saluted Fang Zhongyong with his arms crossed. Although his tone was gentle, it was cold and resolute.

Compared with Fang Chongyong's far-sighted arrangement, there is nothing much to say about these insects among the local bigwigs who are just occupying the toilet without doing anything. They can just be dealt with with an iron fist.

If they don't obey, use a knife to make them obey.

Without reclaiming some of their land, a series of agricultural reforms cannot be carried forward. Liu Yan is sure that he is not a person who kills indiscriminately, but at this critical juncture, there is really no room for compromise.

“By the way, the government didn’t pay much attention to cattle breeding in the past.

The demand for horses will definitely decrease in the future, and raising cattle in cowsheds must be put on the agenda.

As more arable land is created, the demand for oxen will also increase. How to raise oxen and how to raise them well is a top priority.

The government can offer rewards to the public for strategies on raising cattle and set up official positions for people who know how to raise cattle.

After the cattle were raised, they were only rented out and not sold. They were used as labor for the government or rented out to the people.

When there are more oxen in the future, they can be sold to the people. The oxen should be treated as human beings. There should be regulations on when to work and when to rest in the government ox sheds.

Fang Chongyong raised another point.

It is obvious that his attention has always been on food, or on developing production.

Many of the policies that I have been discussing with my staff recently are related to this, such as organizing special personnel to collect feces from toilets and make fertilizers in a unified manner.

All for the purpose of producing more food!

Liu Yan nodded slightly and said nothing more. Fang Zhongyong was very knowledgeable and thoughtful, so he didn't need him to lecture him.

“The people’s heart does not lie in divine weapons and laws, but in having enough food and clothing.

In the future, compared with other places, Bianzhou’s advantage is that it has money, abundant food, wealthy people, and can afford to support elite troops.

The rest is not worth mentioning.

The world is now torn apart, and no one can eat a big fat man in one bite. Whoever can survive to the end will have the last laugh.

There is nothing to be ashamed of in farming.”

Fang Chongyong instructed Liu Yan.

"Please rest assured, Marshal Jie, everyone can see who is doing things and who is making trouble.

The world is in chaos now, and we need people like Ji Shuai to clean up the mess.

Let everyone in the world have enough food and warm clothing. "

Liu Yan said meaningfully.

(End of this chapter)