The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

On one side of the square, several elderly people were sitting on stone benches, enjoying the sun, with peaceful smiles on their faces. Their clothes were simple but clean, and the years had carved deep wrinkles on their faces.

One of the old men saw Yu Shu and others standing in front of the statue for a long time, so he slowly stood up, slightly bent over and walked towards the two of them, his steps slightly unsteady.

"Girl, young man, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time in Tuan?" The old man's voice was a little hoarse, but with a calmness that came from a person who has experienced many things in life.

"Is this the Concubine Dowager? She is so beautiful! The skills of these craftsmen are amazing. I'm sure they are as good as the real ones!"

Yu Shu shook her head slightly and said nothing. Yi Huawei smiled and replied, "We have indeed never had the honor to see the true face of the Empress. We have only heard of her great name."

"Haha, young man, you have never seen our Princess Yu Shu, so you are making such a fuss."

The old man laughed and waved his hand: "I tell you, this jade statue doesn't even have one tenth of the charm of our Princess Yu Shu. Back then, our Princess Yu Shu was so beautiful that she was stunningly beautiful. Her kindness and wisdom made us Tuan people admire her and love her."

"Oh? Forgive my ignorance. I have only heard that the Queen Mother is unparalleled in appearance, but I don't know her other deeds." Yi Huawei glanced at Yu Shu and said with a smile: "Why do you still call me Princess Yu Shu?"

"Because in Tuan, she will always be our princess!"

The old man smiled, a trace of nostalgia in his vicissitudes eyes: "I remember one year when there was a drought, the princess, who was only ten years old, personally went to various villages to comfort the people. She visited every household, checked the food reserves, and shared the joys and sorrows with the villagers. She personally distributed the only food to the affected children, and organized manpower and material resources to find all edible resources. Thanks to the princess's efforts, many families on the verge of despair were able to survive."

"Her Royal Highness the Princess also attaches great importance to Tuan's education." An old woman also joined the conversation, her eyes full of respect: "She gathered the learned people in Tuan and set up a school in the palace, so that the royal children and civilian children can learn knowledge, etiquette and skills together, and teach them to be kind, respect others, and work hard..."

Several old men and old ladies told the two people the "legend" of Yu Shu. As the old people told the story, more and more people gathered around, and everyone was immersed in the memories of Princess Yu Shu.

An old man spoke slowly, "We all remember the kindness that Her Royal Highness has shown to the people of Tuan. Back then, there was an old craftsman in the village who was seriously ill. He was the mainstay of his family. Once he fell ill, the whole family would be in dire straits. When Her Royal Highness heard about it, she not only sent the imperial physician to treat him, but also personally sent precious medicinal materials. After the old craftsman recovered, in order to express his gratitude, he carefully made an exquisite wood carving to present to Her Royal Highness, but Her Royal Highness declined it and encouraged him to pass on his craft to more young people."

"There was another time when the town's water source was polluted and the people were faced with a dilemma of having no water to use. Her Royal Highness the Princess personally led the craftsmen to find a new water source. They crossed mountains and rivers and experienced hardships. Finally, they found a mountain spring. Her Royal Highness the Princess organized manpower to build a water channel to allow the spring water to flow into the town. To commemorate this event, the people erected a stone tablet at the water source, on which was engraved Her Royal Highness the Princess's achievements."

A middle-aged man continued, "When Her Royal Highness the Princess was getting married, we all spontaneously saw her off. The people knelt on the ground, shouting out their gratitude and blessings to Her Royal Highness the Princess. The scene is still moving to this day."

Yi Huawei listened attentively, nodded slightly from time to time, turned to look at Yu Shu, and saw that Yu Shu's lips trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but was choked by the emotions in her heart.

Yi Huawei gently held her hand and bowed to the elders respectfully to express his gratitude: "Thank you all for telling us about Her Royal Highness's deeds. This has given me a deeper understanding of Her Royal Highness."

Yu Shu slowly bowed to the crowd.

Afterwards, Yi Huawei took Yu Shu and slowly left the crowd, and the two of them strolled along the edge of the square. Yu Shu's steps were a little heavy.

Yi Huawei said softly: "You have given so much to Tuan, and the people's love for you is the best proof of that."

Yu Shu nodded slightly: "I just did what I should do, but I didn't expect that after so many years, they still remember me."

She paused for a moment, then looked up at Yi Huawei. The alienation in her eyes faded a little, replaced by a barely perceptible warmth. She bit her lower lip lightly, "Is this the surprise you prepared for me? Is the cost of this jade too extravagant?"

"Haha~, are you happy?"

Yi Huawei raised his lips and said with a smile: "If you like it, that's enough. Although this jade is priceless, it is worth it. This statue will not only make the people of Tuan County remember you, but in the long run, it will also attract tourists from nearby and even surrounding counties. In this way, the business here will prosper, and the people's lives will become more prosperous."

Yu Shu lowered her head, her trembling eyelashes seemed to hide the turmoil in her heart. After a moment, she said softly, "Thank you for taking so much trouble. I am very grateful."

Yu Shu's voice was gentle, but a little warmer than usual. Yi Huawei's attentiveness and consideration seeped into her heart like a trickle of water, quietly increasing her favor for him.

"let's go!"

Seeing Yi Huawei's eyes, Yu Shu's heart skipped a beat and she said hurriedly, "It's getting late, let's go shopping and then find a place to eat, shall we?"

"Okay!" Yi Huawei smiled and walked forward side by side with Yu Shu.

At the end of the square, there is a newly built temple with some murals about Tuan's history painted on the walls. Yu Shu walked into the temple and looked at the murals carefully. The murals have the origin legend of Tuan, the heroic deeds of the ancestors, and some scenes she herself has participated in. Her fingers gently touched the murals, as if touching the history and soul of Tuan.

After leaving the temple, the two came to a busy commercial street. There were many shops on both sides of the street, with a wide variety of goods. Yu Shu saw some traditional Tuan handicrafts, such as exquisite ceramics, delicate wood carvings, etc.

After walking around for a while, Yi Huawei and Yu Shu arrived in front of Yunyan Pavilion. The glazed tiles above the flying eaves and brackets were shining faintly in the sunlight, and the vermilion door was open.

Entering the pavilion, in the lobby on the first floor, the noise of peddlers and hawkers rose and fell. Some were sitting or standing, wearing coarse linen clothes, with faces showing the fatigue of a long journey and the vicissitudes of life, holding large bowls of tea and drinking them to quench their thirst; some were excitedly telling others about their experiences along the way, spitting and making various gestures with their hands. The air was filled with the mixed smell of sweat, tea and food.

Yi Huawei looked calm as he and Yu Shu climbed up the wooden stairs to the second floor.

The layout of the second floor is much more elegant than that of the first floor. The tables and chairs are arranged neatly and orderly, all made of warm mahogany. The tea set on the table is exquisite and delicate, and the white porcelain teacup is painted with a faint blue and white pattern. The merchants around are either talking in a low voice or silently calculating their accounts. Most of them are dressed in silk and satin, and the texture and style of their clothes show their wealth and status. Some are potbellied and greasy, sipping fragrant tea while bargaining with the people opposite, with shrewdness and cunning in their eyes; some are thin, with deep eyes, and their fingers tapping the table rhythmically. Yi Huawei and Yu Shu found a seat by the window and sat down. The breeze gently blew through the gauze on the window lattice, bringing a hint of coolness.

Yi Huawei raised his hand to signal the waiter to come over. The waiter nodded and bowed, smiling: "Sir, what would you like to order?" Yi Huawei said softly: "A pot of the best Biluochun, and some of our specialty dim sum."

"Yes! Sir, please wait a moment!"

The waiter responded, turned around and left quickly.

Yu Shu turned her head slightly and looked out the window. Outside the window, the streets were busy with cars and pedestrians. The mountains in the distance were looming in the clouds and mist, like a landscape painting in light ink. There was a trace of tranquility and leisure in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth were slightly raised.

Yi Huawei gently stretched out his hand and gently brushed a strand of hair that fell on Yu Shu's cheek behind her ear, his movements were gentle and natural. Yu Shu was slightly startled, turned her head and looked at Yi Huawei, a faint blush appeared on her cheeks, and there was a hint of shyness in her eyes.

Soon, the waiter came over with tea and snacks. He placed the tea sets on the table one by one, with skilled and quick movements. The boiling hot water poured into the teapot, and the fragrance of tea filled the air in an instant. Yi Huawei picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea for Yu Shu first. The green tea soup rippled in the white porcelain cup, like a clear lake.

Yu Shu gently picked up the teacup, put it to her nose and sniffed it gently. The elegant tea fragrance was refreshing. She took a sip and showed a hint of admiration in her eyes: "This Biluochun is indeed a treasure among teas, with a refreshing fragrance and endless aftertaste..."

Yi Huawei smiled and nodded: "The snacks and teas in Yunyan Pavilion have always been very exquisite. I brought you here today just to let you experience it."

The two of them sipped tea and chatted quietly.

On the third floor, the laughter of dignitaries could be heard from time to time. Compared with the merchants, their clothes were more gorgeous and exquisite, and their accessories were more dazzling. Some of them were wearing official uniforms embroidered with gold thread patterns and black gauze hats, and were talking about court affairs with their colleagues, with expressions sometimes serious and sometimes relaxed; some were dressed like rich young men, holding folding fans with exquisite calligraphy and paintings on them, and they were surrounding several beautiful women to show their courtesy, with frivolous and arrogant eyes.

As for the fourth floor, it has never been open to the public since the opening of Yunyan Pavilion. The legend that it is only open to kings and generals has filled everyone's hearts with endless reverie. Perhaps there are more luxurious decorations there, with rare treasures and antiques in the world... It is said that someone spent a lot of money to go to the fourth floor to take a look, but was rejected by the shopkeeper, which also made the fourth floor of Yunyan Pavilion a mystery. Of course, there are also waiters who have worked there and said that there is nothing inside, but they were refuted by people who know the goods, because the ambergris burned there all year round is worth a lot of money.

………………

While Yi Huawei and Yu Shu were leisurely enjoying tea in the teahouse, on the straight road of Yuyang County, a seemingly ordinary carriage was moving slowly towards Tuan County.

The body of the carriage is slightly mottled due to the baptism of time, and the wheels make a rhythmic "creaking" sound as they roll, as if telling the story of the journey.

Inside the car, the atmosphere was solemn and a little tired.

Yi Xiaochuan was wearing heavy clothes and looked haggard, but his eyes were still firm and deep with the accumulation of years. Xiang Yu was still tall and straight, but his face was also marked by a few traces of frost. Xiang Liang beside him seemed more calm and reserved. Liu Bang would occasionally lift a corner of the curtain and look out, his eyes flashing with cunning and anxiety.

Xiaoyue sat quietly by the side. She was no longer the young girl she used to be. The years had left faint crow's feet at the corners of her eyes, and her expression was a little hesitant and entangled. Sitting next to Yi Xiaochuan was Yi Xiaochuan's wife, Princess Songzhi of Ailao. Although her face looked haggard, she still had a unique temperament, but her face was also mixed with the fatigue of the journey.

In a blink of an eye, they had spent ten long years in Ailao. The pressure of life and the erosion of time made their appearance haggard and prematurely portrayed the appearance of aging.

Soon after Yi Xiaochuan and Songzhi got married, Xiaoyue gave in to Xiang Yu's pursuit and agreed to his pursuit. Now they have three sons and one daughter. Yi Xiaochuan has not been able to have children because of his physical disability, which has become a hidden pain in his heart.

Leaning against the wall of the car, Xiaoyue's heart seemed to be weighed down by an invisible burden, feeling depressed and lost. Her sight inadvertently fell on a slightly worn piece of wood grain, but her thoughts drifted away involuntarily.

Nearly eight years have passed quietly amid the laughter and cries of the children. The birth of three sons and one daughter has brought busyness and joy to Xiaoyue's life, and also made her experience the happiness and hardship of being a mother. However, now she has no sense of joy, and is full of worries and uneasiness about the future.

Xiaoyue knows better than anyone the deep hatred in Yi Xiaochuan's heart. Ever since Zhao Gao cruelly castrated Yi Xiaochuan and took away Yu Shu, Yi Xiaochuan's eyes were filled with endless hatred and pain, and revenge became his only motivation to live.

As for Xiang Yu, the hatred in his heart stems from the painful experience of his country being destroyed and his family being ruined. The once powerful Chu State collapsed under the Qin's iron cavalry. His grandfather Xiang Yan died in battle, and the prosperity of the Chu State was destroyed. Xiang Yu grew up in the shadow of hatred, and his vow since childhood was to make the Qin pay for its atrocities and revive the glory of the Chu State.

Xiaoyue understood that Yi Xiaochuan and Xiang Yu were determined and unshakable. But she also knew clearly that the current Ailao Kingdom was far more powerful than the Qin Dynasty.

Under the governance of his former sworn brother, the Qin Dynasty became prosperous.

The Qin army was large and well-trained. I had seen the elite troops stationed on the northern border, and the scene of the drill was still vivid in my mind. The soldiers wore solid armor and were proficient in the use of various weapons. The Qin cavalry was even more terrifying. Moreover, the Qin had established a complete military logistics system. Granaries in various places stored sufficient food, and weapon workshops could continuously create sophisticated weapons and equipment to ensure that the army had sufficient supplies in the war.

In terms of economy, Ailao was not on the same level as Daqin. In agriculture, Daqin vigorously built water conservancy projects. Along the way, the newly built irrigation canals in Guanzhong area crisscrossed, allowing large areas of land to be irrigated, and grain production increased significantly. The wheat-growing areas in the north and the rice-growing areas in the south all had good harvests.

At the same time, the handicraft industry of Daqin flourished. In the textile workshops, the sound of looms was heard constantly. The exquisite textiles such as silk and cotton produced were not only supplied to the domestic market, but also exported to other countries through the Silk Road in exchange for a large amount of gold and silver treasures. Commercial trade was also very prosperous. Large cities such as Xianyang became commercial centers, and merchants from all over the country gathered here. There were a wide variety of goods in the market, including livestock and furs from the northern grasslands, jewelry and spices from the south, and various agricultural products and handicrafts from the Central Plains. The smooth circulation of currency and the stability of Daqin's monetary system promoted the further development of commerce.

In terms of domestic affairs, Daqin has left Ailao behind. The selection of officials in Daqin today is no longer limited to hereditary aristocrats, but through examinations and assessments, talented and moral people are selected to hold official positions. This has improved the quality of Daqin's official team and greatly enhanced administrative efficiency. The laws are strict and enforced fairly. Whether it is aristocrats or civilians, those who violate the law will be punished, and the social order is in good order. In addition, schools have been established in various places to cultivate a large number of knowledgeable and cultural talents. These talents have provided intellectual support for the development of Daqin, and the people's sense of identity with Daqin has gradually increased. Under the rule of Daqin, the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Although there are still taxes and labor service, compared with other areas where wars are frequent, it is already a relatively stable life.

When Xiaoyue thought of this, her brows furrowed, and the hesitation in her eyes became more obvious. She slowly raised her head, glanced at everyone in the car, took a deep breath, and broke the silence in the car:

"Do we really want to form an alliance with the Huns?" (End of this chapter)