Father Han Gaozu

Chapter 818

Yang servant was a military lord of the state of Chu.

He was originally from Yiyang. Because of his dissolute personality since he was a child, he used the power of his family to hang around with some rangers. Unfortunately, at that time, the temple was severely cracking down on the tyrants everywhere. As Yiyang, which is not far from Chang'an, Of course, he was also affected by this turmoil. In order not to let him be implicated, the family sent him to the south to seek refuge with his relatives there.Yang Pu happily followed the crowd to the southern country, preparing to make a name for himself here.

Unfortunately, after arriving in the southern country, he still had no achievements.

Although he is young, he has great ambitions. He is really unwilling to do small things, let alone farming, and prefers to be a ranger. However, the attack on rangers in the south is not less than that in the north. He can only follow a group of friends all day long. Eat, drink, play, and often brag to others that sooner or later he will be able to build a big business.

But life was too lazy to listen to his bragging, and soon he spent all his money and was impoverished. Those friends left each other, no one paid attention to him, and even relatives began to roll their eyes at him.

He has lived a prosperous life since he was a child, and he has never had such a hard life.

After going through all this, Yang Pu finally realized the facts, he stopped being too ambitious, he stopped wandering, and directly joined the army in Chu State.

It just so happened that Chu State was expanding its Louchuan Army at that time, and this servant Yang became a member of Chu State's Louchuan Army. After just two years, he successfully became a military lord.

Unfortunately, his luck has not been very good.

When this man finally got the task of escorting alone, he encountered water pirates. Facing enemies several times his own, Yang Pu fought hard for a long time. Before reinforcements came, the grain boat was snatched away by gangsters.

Originally, he was going to be punished, but because there were too many enemies, and he killed a lot, he was injured all over. Thinking that he had done his best, Chu State did not hold him accountable, but transferred him to When he arrived at the rear, as a punishment, he was sent to Chang'an again this time to convey a very important military message.

There are two ways to convey military information on weekdays. The first is to convey directly at the post stations along the road. The speed is extremely fast, and because of the change of personnel, the messenger will not be too tired.

Another way is to send someone to send it all the way. Generally, what is sent like this is not the most urgent military information, but may be some content that needs to be kept secret and conveyed personally.

Yang Pu himself did not expect that he rushed all the way to Chang'an with great difficulty, and was beaten up for no reason.

If it was on weekdays, with Yang Pu's caring personality, whoever dared to hit him, he would definitely want revenge, but at this moment he was extremely anxious, and wanted to convey the news, so he didn't care about the fisting thing, so he arrived in a hurry In the mansion of the Secretary of the Ministry of War.

"The water thieves in Chu are really so arrogant?"

Looking at the memorial, Zhou Yafu frowned.

"Yes, this is the third time water thieves have come to rob a grain ship."

Zhou Yafu looked at his face again, "Why do you still have bruises on your face?"

"I walked too fast and fell down."

"Okay, I will report this matter to His Majesty, and you can rest here for a while."

After sending the letter here, Yang Pu finally let out a sigh of relief. Of course, he immediately called his followers to find out the traitor who attacked him and beat him up!
But they searched in the city for a long time, but there was no result. Because of the hardship of traveling, they had no choice but to give up their plan to find the traitor and go back to rest. ambassador of the country.

Yang Pu never thought that he would be able to meet the emperor one day. Although he used to boast that he would be the emperor's guest sooner or later, when he really wanted to see the emperor, he was still very scared, stiff all over, and walked up The road is very uncoordinated.

When he came to the hall of Houde, he didn't even dare to lift his head, he just saluted and prostrated.

Looking at the slightly familiar guy in front of him, Liu Chang looked a little embarrassed.

Isn't this the guy who was dragged down by Xia Houzao and beaten up yesterday?
Seeing that there are still some bruises on his face, it seems that Xiahou Zao has no strength left.

But remembering what Zhou Yafu had said, he still hurriedly put on a serious look, "What's the situation in Chu State?"

Yang servant raised his head cautiously, "Go back to Your Majesty, Chu State."

As soon as Yang Pu said two words, he was stunned.

He stared blankly at the person sitting in the upper position, dumbfounded, isn't this the accomplice of the traitor who beat him up yesterday? ?
No, this is the emperor, the person who beat him is with the emperor? ?
Sitting aside, Zhou Yafu frowned when he saw that Yang Pu had just said a few words and then fell silent, "Yang Pu! Your Majesty is asking you!"

Only then did Yang Pu come back to his senses, and hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, since the opening of the sea, there have been more and more water thieves along the coast. They have occupied those small islands, hiding there, and dodged when encountering big ships. When encountering merchant ships, they will plunder. Some of the pirate ships are quite good, and they can compare to the big ships of the Louchuan Army. Not only Chu, but also Wu, Nanyue, Jiaodong and other countries are all deeply loved by them. As a result, water thieves are becoming more and more serious, from South Vietnam to Shendu, from Jiaodong to North Korea, there are water thieves everywhere.”

Yang Pu carefully described the situation in various places and the losses he suffered in these years. He was really clear and familiar with these things, without any omissions.

Once again, Liu Chang realized that any policy has pros and cons. When the temple was actively opening up the sea and preparing to expand trade at sea, those criminals also smelled this opportunity, and a large number of water thieves suddenly appeared along the coast. Think about it Snatching a carriage and a merchant ship, the profit comparison is not at the same level at all, and those powerful families in the coastal areas must have some people doing these things secretly, crazily amassing money.

These are unavoidable things in the new era.

Liu Chang frowned slowly, and asked, "Where is Zhou Shengzhi? What is he doing?"

Zhou Yafu replied: "General Lou Chuan is resting in Jiaodong."

"These water thieves must not be tolerated. Tell Zhou Shengzhi not to return to Chang'an in a hurry, and take people to wipe out these water thieves. Within half a year, I want this sea trade route to be unimpeded. If there is another situation where grain ships are robbed , I will punish Zhou Shengzhi!!"

Zhou Yafu hastily agreed.

"His Majesty."

At this moment, the little Junhou plucked up his courage and spoke softly.

Liu Chang looked at him suddenly, "What do you want to say?"

"Although the Louchuan army is fierce, if we want to put an end to water thieves, we still have to work hard on land. These water thieves usually hide on land, not on islands. They collude with some local people to fight for them. Seeking money, selling stolen goods, and sneaking out to sea, I suspect that local officials are conniving at this situation. Therefore, in order to eliminate water thieves, it is necessary to strengthen the management of land, cut off the water thieves' sales, supply, and strictly control each ship. Only by cooperating with the local government and the launching ships can we achieve the goal of eradicating them. In addition, people should also be sent to patrol the overseas stations. The water thieves are likely to hide in those places and pretend to be merchant ships to return openly."

Combining what he had seen and heard in the south, Yang Pu seriously talked about his thoughts. The more he spoke, the more fluent he became, and he narrated several ideas and suggestions on how to eliminate water thieves.

Zhou Yafu looked at this young man in surprise, and then at Liu Chang.

Liu Chang also stroked his beard and asked, "What's your name?"

"Servant Yang."

Liu Chang frowned, but he couldn't remember the name of this person. However, as a military lord, he was able to arrive in Chang'an in such a short period of time, and he still had the confidence to speak out his suggestions in front of him. , ability, courage, everything is missing, and many of the suggestions he made just now are aimed at those powerful merchants along the coast. It can be heard that this guy is a relatively radical person, which is not bad.

Liu Chang nodded, and said: "You are a good young man, and you are careful in your observations. How about this? Later, you can bring my letter to Zhou Shengzhi and help him eliminate the water thieves."

Yang servant was very excited, and hurriedly thanked Liu Chang again.

"Young students, you have to work hard. Yan Guo is also preparing to form the Louchuan Army. Now is the time when the Louchuan Army is short of generals. Do you understand?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Yang Servant thanked him loudly, then pointed to the other half of his face, and said, "How about your Majesty punch this way too?"

Liu Chang looked at him suspiciously, "Why?"

"Just receiving such a punch and receiving such appreciation from His Majesty, I feel that I have done nothing, and I feel very uncomfortable. How about another punch from Your Majesty?"

"Hahaha~~~"

After Yang servant left, Zhou Yafu asked, "So this guy's injury was caused by His Majesty?"

"No, it was Xia Houzao who beat him. How could I beat others at will? Besides, if I beat those punches, I'm afraid he will be lying on the bed until now, and he hasn't woken up yet!"

Zhou Yafu's face was still a bit serious, "Your Majesty, with the development of trade routes and the increase of merchant ships, there will be more and more water thieves who can rob a ship and make many people live comfortably all their lives. Such a temptation is really too much." It's too big, and the sea is so big that the Lou Chuan army can't wander around all day. I think that maybe the merchant ships can be allowed to arm themselves to deal with such a situation, otherwise, the sea trade will definitely encounter great risks. These people are simply powerless.”

Liu Chang frowned, "If such an opening is made, then the tyrants along the coast will have a reason to build up their own armaments, and merchant ships may become water thieves. They cannot be allowed to arm their merchant ships."

"What does His Majesty think?"

"Let Shengzhi carry out the suppression first, see the results, and then make a decision. I have to think about it."

When His Majesty said to think about it, he usually meant to find someone to help with his ideas. Zhou Yafu was also very aware of this, so he didn't bother the emperor any more, and left here knowingly.

Sure enough, soon, Liu Chang took Lu Lu to Changle Palace to find his mother.

Be prepared to think a lot about water pirates and merchant ships here.

"Mother!!!"

When the wild boar crashed into the longevity hall, the old woman's face was so calm, and sitting in front of her was a young scribe, who lowered his head respectfully at the moment, with his face With a faint smile.

Liu Chang was about to greet his mother as usual, when he suddenly saw this stranger and looked him up and down.

This person hurriedly got up to pay respects, Liu Chang saw that this person looked thin, not yet raised, and also looked very weak, so he didn't look up to him at all.

Liu Chang crossed his hips and asked arrogantly: "Who are you?!!"

Facing the emperor's rude questioning, the man hastily replied: "Chen Dou Guangguo, I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

Empress Lu said displeasedly: "Sir, don't be so rude, this man is the younger brother of Mrs. Na Dou, King of Wu."

"Oh, it's the fourth brother's relative, sit down!"

Liu Chang waved his hand and asked Dou Guangguo to sit down, while he himself sat beside Empress Lu, and asked puzzledly, "Since you are a relative of Fourth Brother, why are you here?"

Empress Lu patiently explained: "Mrs. Dou recommended this man to me, saying that he is very talented. I just took the school exam and this man is indeed talented and very intelligent. He is a rare talent." .”

But Liu Chang was very disapproving, "There are so many smart people. Besides, I have already ordered that no recommendation is allowed. If you want to be an official, you can go through the assessment. Why did my mother summon him? Maybe Madam Dou wanted to promote himself. My younger brother recommended it to you on purpose, so you should set off together!"

Liu Chang was talking, but looked at Dou Guangguo in front of him, and saw that his face was always calm and unchanged, so he laughed.

"Yes, hold your breath, you can use it."

Dou Guangguo saluted Liu Chang again.

"Dou Guangguo, right? Since everyone says you have talent, I'll ask you something. Today, Chu State sent an envoy to report the water thieves. Overseas water thieves are getting more and more rampant, robbing merchant ships, causing After suffering great losses, some people suggested that merchant ships should be allowed to build up their own armed forces to protect themselves, what do you think about this matter?"

"Your Majesty, merchant ships must not be allowed to arm themselves. Otherwise, wealthy families from all over the world will take the opportunity to form their own navy, defy the temple, and smuggle illegally. It will become a big hidden danger for the temple."

"But there are more and more water thieves, and they are frequently attacking merchant ships. The merchant ships have no resistance to them. How can we find a solution?"

Dou Guangguo said with a smile: "It is actually the easiest thing to deal with these thieves. These thieves are all for money. On the one hand, His Majesty can accept some water thieves and let them go to Anxi and other places to plunder under the order of the temple. Use them On the other hand, His Majesty can issue a new law, ordering that those who can report and catch water thieves will be rewarded, regardless of their status, and they will be given great rewards, which will cause their internal discord. The water thieves are here to deal with the water thieves, mobilize them to do it themselves"

"The other is to rely on the cooperation of the Louchuan army and local officials to attack the allies of the water thieves on land, use the Louchuan army to force them not to dare to take action at will, let the Louchuan army pretend to be merchant ships, and let them go, so that they can no longer When you identify your identity, you don’t dare to take action on merchant ships. In fact, the core of the solution is money. Your Majesty can also build military garrisons on the islands along the coast, form strict supervision of the sea area, and conduct inspections at various checkpoints and landing sites. Strictly check and issue inspections to ships, yes”

With a straight face, Dou Guangguo talked more and more, and in a short period of time, he expressed a lot of ideas.

The more Liu Chang heard it, the more surprised he became, and he couldn't help looking at Empress Lu who was at the side.

Empress Lu smiled, not looking surprised at all.

While Dou Guangguo was talking, Liu Chang made a sudden move and grabbed his hand. Dou Guangguo looked at the emperor in astonishment, and found that Liu Chang's face was full of smiles.

"Mr. Dou, many of your ideas coincide with mine!"

"It's hard to talk about the plundering of Anxi, but I'm really concerned about mobilizing water thieves to explore overseas and triggering their infighting."

Dou Guangguo said with a wry smile: "The main reason is that His Majesty suddenly asked a question, and I didn't have time to prepare, so I couldn't give an accurate answer. If Your Majesty allows me to think for a few days, I can come up with a more suitable plan."

"well!"

Liu Chang said with a smile: "In the future, you will be a doctor by my side first, and advise me. You should think about this water thief first. In a few days, I will call Zhou Yafu, and we will sit down Talk slowly!"

"only!!"

Dou Guangguo didn't disturb their mother and son any more, and left here knowingly.

After he left, Liu Chang couldn't wait to say: "This person is really quick-witted, and my mother's vision is really good!"

"Heh, I just lack some experience, but that's not important. The matter over there in Wu has been settled. Young Master Shan died of illness, and his disciples were found to have violated the law and discipline, and they were pulled out and beheaded. It has been settled, and the Lu surnames in various places have also been warned, and many people have been dealt with, are you satisfied now?"

"Looking at what you said, mother, I am naturally satisfied with your work."

Empress Lu didn't speak, but her eyes bypassed Liu Chang and looked into the distance.

Liu Chang looked back a few times, but he didn't know what his mother was looking at.

"The affairs of the Lu family are pretty much the same. Even if I'm not here, there's nothing to worry about. Long, the members of the Lu family are of course incompetent, but they have contributed a lot to the big man. If I'm not here, you have to take care of me." They, don't let them be insulted."

Liu Chang's face suddenly became a little ugly, "Say something like this again. My mother is still young, so don't say something unlucky."

Empress Lu didn't argue with him, and asked again: "Why hasn't Liu Ji come to my place recently? Where has she been?"

"Oh, my mother doesn't know something, this Shuzi, this girl, just followed her mother! She messes around all day, doesn't want to read any Confucian books, and insists on going to military studies. She can just mess around by herself. In the end, the Taiwei still helped her, and actually taught her the art of war. Cao Shu was furious, but she couldn't make her obedient at all."

Empress Lu was suddenly very angry, "It's too shameful!"

"Yeah, this little guy is really outrageous!"

"I mean Cao Shu!"

"What about the female general? As long as she is strong enough, she becomes a female prince, so what can she do?!"

(End of this chapter)