At the end of Qin, I became a son of the plane

Chapter 512: The South China Sea Expedition Team that lags behind and the unreliable Liu Bang

On April 22, the 22nd year of the Han calendar, Kuaiji County.

That day, Xiahou Ying led Liu Bi to entertain several farming scholars.

"Farmers Ding Yue, Zhang De, Guo Yun, and Yu Cheng greet General Liu." Several people who looked like farmers saluted to Liu Bi.

Liu Bi looked at the people and said, "Masters, you are too polite."

Then Xiahou Ying said, "The court has handed over the seeds you brought back from the New World to several farming masters, but in order to ensure the survival rate of the seeds, these farming masters want to learn more about the organisms and environment of these seeds."

Liu Bi said, "I know this very well. The imperial court ordered us to bring back useful seeds. I remember that three years ago, the agricultural master Wu Yue was my teacher. At that time, Master Wu repeatedly told me to record in detail the environment in which the seeds grew, so that it would be convenient to bring the seeds back for planting."

In addition to the great geographical discoveries, the greatest contribution of the two expedition teams was to bring new crops to the Han Dynasty. When Liu Bi and his team were trained, there were several farming masters who taught them the knowledge to do it, especially the preservation and habits of various crop seeds.

Zhang De smiled and said, "Wu Yue is my master."

Liu Bi smiled and said, "In that case, the three of you are still my senior brothers."

Ding Yue asked: "Where does the crop called potatoes grow?"

Liu Bi said: "In terms of latitude, it is close to the south of the Yangtze River in our Han Dynasty, but the planting environment is different from that in the south of the Yangtze River. The Mayan Kingdom in the New World is a country on a plateau, about four or five hundred feet high, so even if it is close to the equator (the knowledge of longitude and latitude was brought by Xu Fan), their climate is relatively cool, which should be similar to the climate in the Hexi region of our Han Dynasty. Of course, it is not that cold in winter.

This food called potatoes is the main food of the New World tribes. Don’t be fooled by the fact that it is only the size of a thumb, but it has a high production capacity. One acre of land can produce four or five stones of potatoes. Therefore, although the indigenous tribes of the New World are backward, they can feed a large population. "

Then Ding Yue asked about the planting environment and production capacity of crops such as corn and sweet potatoes. He was surprised to find that the production capacity of these crops was much higher than that of the Han Dynasty's grains.

He couldn't help but sigh: "It's true that there are all kinds of wonders in the world. With such a divine seed sent from heaven, the New World didn't burst into brilliant civilization. This is what Mencius said: Born in sorrow, die in comfort."

You should know that according to the level of civilization in the New World, it is equivalent to the period of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of the Han Dynasty. According to the latest historical research of the Han Dynasty, the population of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors was about one million, while the indigenous people of the New World relied on three magical crops such as potatoes to feed a population dozens of times larger than that of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Logically speaking, the civilization of the New World should have developed more prosperously than that of the Han Dynasty, but the reality is that the civilization of the New World has stagnated for a long time, and even now they are still using stone tools.

If these three crops were promoted in the Han Dynasty, they could double the grain production capacity of the Han Dynasty (I saw the original potato and found that it was not the fist-sized one as everyone imagined, but about the size of a thumb, so it was called potato, not melon, and the production capacity was not as large as that in later generations, with an output of only a few hundred kilograms per mu. For the Western civilization with poor agriculture, their grain production capacity increased more than ten times, and the population also grew explosively more than ten times. However, for the Ming and Qing dynasties at that time, potatoes could only increase production capacity by one or two times. The biggest advantage of the two crops is that they are not picky).

Zhang De said, "I wonder if you have found the plant that the emperor wants that can produce rubber?"

Zhang De found that his uncle had never asked about rubber, so he had to speak up himself, because they had met the emperor before they came. Although the emperor wanted them to pay attention to potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes, he could feel that the emperor still valued the plant called rubber tree the most.

Liu Bi said, "We found the rubber tree that the emperor mentioned in Nan Yinzhou, and then we planted the rubber tree in a wooden barrel. Unfortunately, this rubber tree is too delicate. We brought back 20 rubber tree seedlings, but none of them survived. In the end, we only brought back ten stones of seeds. Brothers, if you want to plant it, you must plant it in batches carefully. This plant is too delicate and dies too easily."

Zhang De smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, General."

Ding Yue and others chatted with Liu Bi for a few days, and then sent all the plant seeds brought by the expedition team to various parts of the Han Dynasty in batches for planting. Among them, the rubber tree seeds that the emperor was most concerned about were used to open a plantation in Wuling County. Zhang De planted one third of the seeds and then waited for them to take root and sprout.

The 22nd year of the Han calendar, May 22nd, Linzi County, dock.

After three years, the expedition team of the South China Sea Fleet finally completed their round-the-world voyage.

Unfortunately, as soon as they stepped onto the dock, they learned a piece of news that was like a bolt from the blue to them: they returned to the Han Dynasty three months later than Liu Bi of the North Sea expedition team.

When the expedition leader Xu Lu regretted deeply, he said: "It's all my fault for choosing the wrong course."

The expedition team from the South China Sea crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Yanzhou Continent and finally arrived at Beiyinzhou Continent. Facing the obstacle in front of them, Xu Lu made a wrong choice. Their expedition team sailed northwards, trying to cross Beiyinzhou Continent. As a result, they sailed northwards for more than a month, but found that there was no route to the north, and even approached the ice field in the end. Their expedition team was almost destroyed by icebergs.

They had no choice but to turn around and head south. This back and forth journey delayed them for more than three months, and finally returned to the Han Dynasty more than three months later than Liu Bi.

For Xu Lu, what he regretted most were the three months. Even if it was a little longer, they would not regret it so much, because more time would mean that they were far behind Liu Bi's expedition team, and it would not matter whether they took the wrong route or not.

Now they just lack these three months, which means that if they had taken the right route, they would be the first to complete the circumnavigation of the world. The gap between the first and the second is completely different.

Meng Ju, the expedition team leader, said in annoyance, "Xu Lu, you have delayed my life."

More than ten years ago, when Xu Lu cheated him into signing a contract and made him stay in Ryukyu for five years, he finally joined the Han army, and worked hard for another five years to become a naval garrison commander, able to command a small ship on patrol. When the Han Dynasty was selecting expedition teams, he passed the exam and became one of the officers. Relying on strong military force, he became one of the squadron leaders of the Southern Fleet. After three years of sailing around the world, Meng Ji thought he could achieve success and return home rich and famous, but he was three months late for the Northern Expedition Team. He felt that this was God against him.

General Zhendong Chai Wu comforted them, "You have accomplished an unprecedented feat. Don't worry, the court will not forget your contributions. Now you should have a good rest. When you are well rested, go to Chang'an City to receive the court's reward."

Chai Wu also felt sorry for Xu Lu and his team. Three years of hard work were only three months away. Now Liu Bi was famous all over the world. The Northern Expedition Team was touring all parts of the Han Dynasty, receiving cheers and support from the people, while they could only be drowned in the cheers. Few people even knew that they had completed the circumnavigation of the world. But this was something that could not be changed. One of the two expedition teams would eventually fall behind, and they would be the unlucky one.

Then Chai Wu reported to the court the news of the return of the South China Sea Fleet. The court ordered Chai Wu to properly settle the heroes who returned from the expedition and bring them back to Chang'an City before September to receive the court's reward.

On the 10th day of the ninth month of the 22nd year of the Han calendar, in Chang'an City, the Mansion of Marquis Pei.

It can be said that Liu Bi was walking in the clouds in the past few months. On their journey westward, every time they encountered a county, they would ride horses in a parade through the streets, pave the road with flowers, and accept the welcome of all the local people. Afterwards, the local powerful nobles would host a banquet for them, and Liu Bi would recount the stories he encountered during this adventure, shocking everyone.

The imperial court also took his situation into great consideration and made a special detour to Pei County, allowing him to return home in wealth and honor in front of his fellow villagers. The local county government arranged a buffet for Liu Bi, giving him enough face.

The elders in Pei County all envied Liu Bi's treatment and said that the Liu family was full of talents. Liu Ji became a prince before, and then there was Liu Bi. They were afraid that their family would have another prince. Even the smoke coming out of their ancestral graves was not as good as this.

The people from the North Sea expedition team from Chen County, Yingchuan County, and Sanchuan County who came later were all warmly welcomed. The local upper-class tycoons were all proud to host a banquet for Liu Bi. His treatment now was a bit like that of a superstar in later generations. He was welcomed wherever he went.

This trend affected the entire Han people, and everyone was proud to understand the situation in the New World.

During the first half of the journey, Liu Bi was quite excited. It was wonderful to be the center of attention. He felt that he was at the peak of his life. But after passing Pei County, every place had the same process. He knew that this was done by the court to arouse the attention of all Han people to the New World. But he felt a little bored. He felt that he was a bit like an actor in a theater, and every move he made had a script prepared by the court.

So after returning to Chang'an City, he first reported to the Taiwei Mansion. The military general Peng Yue told him that the lowest reward the court could give him this time was a marquis of ten thousand households. He then asked him to think carefully in the next few months whether he wanted to go to the Han Dynasty to establish a country overseas or stay in the Han Dynasty to become a feudal lord. Peng Yue asked him to think seriously about it, as this would determine the path of his family's future development.

After returning from reporting to the Taiwei Mansion, Liu Bi hid in the residence of his uncle, the Marquis of Pei.

At this time, there was no sign of Liu Bang in the Peihou Mansion, but Liu Fei was in charge. In addition to Liu Ruyi and Liu Heng who lived in Chang'an, Liu Hui, Liu You, Liu Chang and Liu Jian were also in Chang'an City.

When Liu Fei and his younger cousins ​​came to greet him, Liu Bi was a little surprised and asked, "Why are all of Liu Hui's cousins ​​in Chang'an? Where did my father go?"

Liu Fei said helplessly, "Two years ago, Uncle Cao retired from his position as Prime Minister, and my father took my uncle to Treasure Island. It is said that the hot springs there really have the effect of curing diseases. My father built a villa there and lived in Treasure Island with several aunts and my younger brother for more than a year. Half a year ago, I got the news that my father went to Tianzhu. Before he went to Tianzhu, my father sent me a letter asking me to take good care of my younger brothers, and then he sent them to Chang'an City."

Compared to his wife Lu Zhi, Liu Bang obviously trusted his eldest son Liu Fei more. After knowing that Liu Fei had become the chief clerk of Chang'an County, he simply sent all his sons to Chang'an City to be taken care of by Liu Fei.

Liu Fei's official career was relatively smooth. Under Liu Bang's arrangement, he left the money house system before the economic crisis and became the magistrate of Du County in Guanzhong, so he was not affected by the economic crisis. Two years ago, because of his outstanding political achievements, he was transferred to the chief clerk of Chang'an County. If he continued to move forward at this pace, with a promotion every five years, Liu Fei would be promoted to the governor of a county with a salary of 5 stones in 10 years at least and 20 years at most, and become a senior official of the Han Dynasty. You must know that even after 2000 years, Liu Fei would only be in his fifties. As long as his political achievements were good, he would have two more chances to impact the positions of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers of the Han Dynasty.

Liu Fei had already established a firm foothold in the Han Dynasty, so Liu Bang naturally felt confident in leaving his young son to his care, and Liu Fei accepted the task without complaint. After all, in this era, the eldest brother was like a father, and he did not feel that his brothers were a burden.

When Liu Bi heard the news, he didn't know what to say for a moment. It turned out that Ji's father had some of the character his father described.

Liu Ruyi said excitedly: "Cousin, isn't the Maya princess beautiful? She almost made you forget your mission in the court."

Liu Heng asked curiously, "Cousin, how did you defeat 10 strong enemies with your chariots?"

Liu Hui and others also looked at Liu Bi with sharp eyes. What they were most concerned about was the battle that Liu Bi fought.

Liu Bi didn't know how to respond to this. This was completely false. Not only were there no war horses in the New World, there were not even large animals like cows and donkeys. Where could he find chariots to defeat the enemy's 10-strong army?

Liu Bi changed the subject and asked, "Has cousin Ruyi graduated from the academy now?"

Liu Ruyi said: "I will graduate this year and want to join the Han Navy like my cousin, but my father and brother disagree. They want me to take the Han Li exam and then stay in Chang'an City."

At this point, Liu Ruyi was a little dissatisfied and said, "A real man should make achievements immediately and travel the world like his brother. How can he live in this Chang'an city?"

Liu Fei said dissatisfiedly: "In the current environment of the Han Dynasty, it is not easy to be granted a title of nobility. It is safest to find a job in Chang'an City."

Liu Ruyi said: "I have been in Chang'an for 10 years. Now I am an adult, but I am not allowed to go out. It is not easy to be a marquis in the Han Dynasty. At worst, I can go to the New World."

Then Liu Ruyi looked at Liu Bi and said, "Brother, you must support me to go out and explore the world. The world is so vast, I can't stay in this small place like Chang'an forever."

Liu Bi didn't know how to answer for a moment. Liu Fei's arrangement cannot be said to be bad. At least this journey is very safe. Don't look at his glory now, but he also experienced life and death during the three years of his round-the-world journey. There were more than 500 people in their expedition team when they set out, but only more than 300 people were left when they returned. Almost % of them died of various diseases, plagues and storms. Although the outside world is wonderful, it is also extremely dangerous.

Liu Bi could only try to ease the atmosphere and said, "This is a major event that will determine your life. Don't rush to make a decision. It's better to think about it more and watch it more."

September 20th, the 22nd year of the Han calendar.

Liu Bi refused to be disturbed by anyone and waited for the meeting of princes in Peihou Mansion. But he could refuse some people. But Cao Qiu found him and said that his brothers wanted to meet him, so Liu Bi had no way to refuse these second-generations.

Liu Bi had no choice but to change into casual clothes and go to the Jin Yu Man Tang Restaurant.

When Liu Bi arrived at the Jin Yu Man Tang private room, it was already full of descendants of meritorious service.

Zhou Ce saw Liu Bi clapping and said, "The great hero of our Han Dynasty has returned. Let's welcome him together."

More than a dozen second-generation people applauded at the same time to welcome Liu Bi's arrival.

Liu Bi said: "You are too polite. I am just following the emperor's orders. I am not a great hero or a great man."

Zhou Ce smiled and said, "Of course not. The court will confer upon Brother Liu the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households. We are now considering which fief to give to Brother Liu."

Many of the second generation present looked at Liu Bi with envy. Their fathers' titles were only equal to Liu Bi's. If Liu Bi went overseas to establish a vassal state, it would be fine. But if he stayed in the Han Dynasty, at his current age, he would definitely be one of the four generals of the Han Dynasty, the general of the Taiwei Mansion, and the general of the military supervisor. Liu Bi's future was extremely bright.

But Liu Bi did not want to discuss this topic, and instead asked, "I wonder how you brothers have been doing these past two years?"

Zhou Ce smiled and said, "Of course, we are not as successful as Brother Liu, but we have also made considerable achievements. A few years ago, I listened to Brother Liu and brought my brothers together to establish Chang'an Trading Company. Now the company specializes in Tianzhu and Nanyang, and can make hundreds of millions a year. If the brothers share it, each family can get tens of millions."

Cao Qiu and others also looked proud. Although they handled more money in the money shop, it was the court's money, not their money. The money earned by Changan Trading Company actually belonged to them.

This is a considerable amount of money. Except for a few princes in the Han Dynasty, most nobles did not have such a high annual income. They more than doubled the money their families earned.

Zhou Ce smiled and said, "The reason why the brothers invited Brother Liu here this time is mainly to learn about the New World. Would it be better for our family to establish a vassal state in the New World than in Nanyang Tianzhu?"

Zhou Ce and his team naturally had channels to learn about the situation in the New World, but information on paper was not as good as what the parties themselves could tell them. That was why they invited Liu Bi to come.

Liu Bi thought for a moment and said, "I have only been in the New World for three months, so I don't know much. But there are indeed no powerful countries in the New World, so it is not difficult to establish vassal states. Moreover, there are a large population, and there are abundant gold and silver mines. It can be said that the New World is richer than Tianzhu in the South Seas. However, it does not mean that there are no shortcomings. The 20,000-mile sea route is the biggest flaw. I also experienced many dangers before landing in the New World."

(End of this chapter)