Sui Dynasty: I, Yang Guang, am both scrupulous and stable

Chapter 158 Distant uncle

Yang Guang and his party still followed their original route. The Yellow River turned at Tongguan and followed a relatively gentle route. When this gentle route was almost complete, Yang Guang began to change the route and took Yu Wenkai to find a direction to divert the water. To Luohe River.

Because of the need for two-way navigation, when the Yellow River waters have a large gap or the water flow is turbulent, they have to build canals again. Now building fortifications on the Yellow River is a fantasy, and it is not as practical as digging a canal.

It took a lot of time to figure out the route before arriving at Luoshui. Compared with the previous Guangtong Canal, this section may be more difficult. It involves digging mountains. Although it is not a high mountain, it was too difficult to move mountains in ancient times, but Yang Guang decided to do it anyway, because he already had gunpowder on hand, and he planned to increase the amount and use gunpowder to open the mountain.

After arriving at Luoshui, you can go down the river to Luoyang City, but Yang Guang did not go to Luoyang City, but continued eastward to Xingyang County.

At this time, Yang Yong had arrived in Luoyang City, and Yuan Xiaoju went out to greet him.

Yuan Xiaoju had a strong opinion against Yang Yong. He was fully aware of what happened before. He was not at home at the time, and his daughter made such a big fuss by making independent decisions. He felt that his daughter was stupid, but he also complained that the prince was ignorant. Today When he went out of the city to greet him, he didn't look too good.

But when he saw his rosy daughter coming down from the prince's carriage and coming to him, Yuan Xiaoju was a little puzzled. After the prince's explanation, he realized that the two had settled their differences.

The couple settled their differences, and his father-in-law's attitude changed immediately.

"Yuan Xiaoju, respectfully welcome His Highness the Crown Prince."

After some pleasantries, Yang Yong and Yuan Xiaoju discussed privately: "Father-in-law, martial law will be enforced in Luoyang City from today. Everyone entering the city must be thoroughly inspected."

Thinking of the Jin King's team that had not yet entered the city, Yuan Xiaoju understood what the prince meant. He might not have helped the prince before, but now the prince's change made him change too. After thinking about it, he still announced that Luoyang City Total martial law was imposed until King Jin arrived.

After Yang Yong arrived in Luoyang, he immediately began to study and visit the current situation of Luoyang and the situation in the Northern Qi region back then. He was enthusiastic about official duties. This made Yuan Xiaoju very satisfied, and he felt that the prince seemed to have really grown up.

It's just that they waited and waited for King Jin's team to arrive. The last news came that King Jin had bypassed Luoyang and went directly to Xingyang County.

Yang Yong was extremely puzzled when he received the news: "What is he doing in Xingyang County?"

Zhang Dayi analyzed: "Your Highness, there is a Xingyang Zheng family in Xingyang County. The King of Jin went to visit Zheng Yi, Duke of Pei. Weichen felt that His Highness the King of Jin felt that he would definitely have to face you when he came to Luoyang City. He knew that in Luoyang City I definitely have to shrink back, and simply do the opposite and stop coming.”

"Not coming? Can he not come? He has obeyed the emperor's order. If he doesn't come, he is disobeying the order. He asked the officials of Luoyang City to write a note to the imperial city, saying that the King of Jin deliberately delayed the tour and put the emperor's order at risk. regardless of."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"and many more."

"What orders does His Royal Highness have?"

"I will send people to Xingyang County again to inform the Zheng family that King Jin is delaying the emperor's order."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Yang Yong tried his best to trick Yang Guang behind his back, and Yang Guang came to Xingyang County smoothly.

Zheng Yi met him at the city gate and had already sent someone to deliver a message before arriving.

Yang Guang dismounted as soon as they met, and Zheng Yi also came up to greet him. Yang Guang called him warmly: "Uncle, I hope you won't be blamed for coming to visit after such a long time."

"Your Highness, Prince Jin, you are trying to disgrace an old minister."

"Uncle, you are the pillar of the country. I should have brought Meng Lan to visit as soon as possible after we got married. However, Daxing City is busy with official affairs and I only have time now. I hope my uncle won't be surprised."

Zheng Yi's face was full of laughter: "Your Highness, please come to the city quickly. My wife at home has been looking forward to it for a long time."

Yang Guang calls Zheng Yi his uncle, which is true in terms of relatives, but as the eldest brother, Yang Yong and Zheng Yi are not related because this relative is from Xiao Menglan's side.

Zheng Yi's wife was Princess Angu, the daughter of Xiao Daxin, the king of Xunyang in Southern Liang.

At that time, the south was not Nanchen, but Nanliang. Xiao Yan, the founding emperor of Nanliang, had eight sons. The eldest son was named Xiao Tong, and the third son was named Xiao Gang. Xiao Tong died early, and the third son Xiao Gang ascended the throne. Tong is the grandfather of Xiao Kui, the current lord of Xiliang, and Xiao Gang is the grandfather of Mrs. Zheng Yi. They are brothers and sisters of the same clan.

So Xiao Menglan should call Zheng Yi's wife aunt, but Xiao Menglan has never seen this aunt, but because they are both nobles, Zheng Yi and the Lord of Xiliang are friends, and the relationship between the two parties is ironclad, although Xiao Menglan has never met this aunt, but she is a distant relative.

When he arrived at the house, a kind old woman was waiting to greet Yang Guang at the door. When she saw him, she said with a smile: "I have met His Highness the King of Jin." "Aunt, I can't help it, we are all family members, so there is no need to meet you." These are just false gifts."

Seeing Yang Guang's talent, the old lady nodded secretly with satisfaction. In any era, it is easier to form a solid alliance with family ties.

The two welcomed Yang Guang into the mansion. The Zheng family was a truly famous family, and it was a famous family with a very rich history. In the one-third of an acre of Xingyang, the Zheng family could be said to cover the sky with one hand. Although the Pei Guogong Palace was not as big as Beijing. The building is as tall as a Chinese building, but it covers a very large area, at least two square meters at a glance.

Knowing that Yang Guang was coming today, a lot of people came to the house, all elders of the Zheng family.

At this time, a young man in his twenties came forward and bowed and saluted: "The humble minister Zheng Yuanxuan (shu) is here to see His Highness the King of Jin."

Zheng Yuanxuan is Zheng Yi's eldest son. Yang Guang took his wrist and said, "Cousin, there is no need to be polite."

Yang Guang is a low-key person, speaks in a gentle manner, and does not have the airs of the King of Jin. It can be said that he has a pleasant conversation with these old people of the Zheng family.

After sitting down, Yang Guang said to Zheng Yi: "Mr. Pei Guogong, I am going to Luoyang on official business, and I will not hide it from you all. It is to build a canal and water channel. However, Meng Lan Qian warned her before departure. My aunt is my natal family in Sui Dynasty, so no matter whether I have to travel a long way or whatever, I must pay a visit."

No one knows whether this is true or not, and no one cares. In short, after saying this, the old lady smiles, and the relationship becomes much closer.

"I am an old woman and the princess has to worry about her."

Zheng Yi heard the meaning of Yang Guanghan's words and asked: "Your Highness, you said you are here to build a canal this time. I would like to ask you what kind of canal it is."

"It's not a secret. Once I've explored the route, my father will announce the construction of the canal. The first stage of the canal is from Daxing City to Tongguan, and from Xiaxian County to Luohe. If this section is connected, there will be a waterway between Daxing City and Luoyang City." If it is connected for a long time, it can be used for trade and irrigated farmland."

Zheng Yi retired from the center of the court, and his insight was unparalleled by ordinary people. Since Yang Guang told him about this matter, he naturally had something to discuss with him.

He immediately answered: "Your Highness has really worked hard for such a large-scale canal project. The old minister is quite famous in the Xingyang area. It would be great if His Highness could give instructions wherever he is useful. Although Quanzi has an official position now, he is idle. Very, if there is anything your Highness needs, you can just ask him to do it."

"That's great. I really need my cousin's help with something."

"I don't know what His Highness is talking about?"

"Uncle, does he know the current national granary in Daxing City?"

"I heard a little bit. Some time ago, it was said that the food shortage in Chang'an was quelled by relying on the national granary."

Yang Guang nodded and said: "I plan to build a large national granary at the junction of the Luo River and the Yellow River. It will be larger than the national granary in Daxing City. The location of this national granary is very close to Xingyang and will be the future The hub of canal water transportation.”

Historically, Luokoucang was located at the junction of the Luo River and the Yellow River, very close to Xingyang. This was also to facilitate water transportation, including the fact that the other two canals in the future would meet at Luokoucang, just because Luoyang is such a giant. The city exists, so resources will be siphoned away.

Yang Guang decided that the position of Luokoucang would remain unchanged, but the defenses would have to be strengthened and passes built.

"The location of Luokou Cang is in Xingyang County, so if my uncle is willing, I can ask my cousin to help me with this matter. I can't be here in real time and ask my cousin to help supervise the construction of Luokou Cang and build the pass."

Hearing this, Zheng Yi immediately said: "Your Highness is looking at Quanzi, and Quanzi should go all out."

The largest granary in the country is built in Xingyang County. This matter is of no harm to him. Not to mention just supervising the construction, he is willing to pay some money. At least Xingyang will never have to worry about food shortage in the future. .

This is equivalent to bringing a national-level large-scale project to your local area. Not to mention how much money you make, the labor force used must at least be mainly local people. Naturally, the management officials must also be held by local prominent families. The Zheng family can earn more There are a few officials who are still in charge of hard currency such as grain, and trade is booming at the intersection of the canal, which has many benefits.

The richer Xingyang gets, the more prestigious the Zheng family will be. The elders of the Zheng family present have begun to support Yang Guang personally. They say that they want their sons to help Yang Guang, just find a position, and that all their servants will be given to Yang Guang. It is widely used, and the simplest one is willing to pay some money.

"Everyone, thank you very much. We have money and people in the imperial court. With your support, I will definitely report it to my father when I return to Beijing. Yu Wenkai will make plans and plans. At that time, some of the craftsmen who built Daxing City in the capital will come over. Cousin, please take the lead in managing the people here who are here to build the Luokou warehouse. When the work is completed, my father will definitely reward him well."

Having brought so many benefits, the elders of the Zheng family felt that the King of Jin must have taken some advantage of the old lady. The old lady's status in the Zheng family had once again increased. With the old lady relying on the King of Jin, she would naturally follow the Jin Dynasty. The palace came closer.

Over time, the relationship between the Zheng family in Xingyang and Yang Guang became closer. It would be great to have the support of a wealthy family.

(End of this chapter)