One of the passers-by

In the late spring of March, although the climate in Chang'an City is still a bit cloudy and cold, the rain has gradually increased.

As early as half a month ago, the repair of the hot spring village in Duke Wei's mansion had begun.The general craftsman Yan Yude led the officials of the Ministry of Industry to personally supervise the work. On the one hand, he asked the craftsmen to repair the Zhuangzi according to the drawings, and on the other hand, he presented the waterwheel and other things produced to His Majesty.

The newly built waterwheel was used as a landscape, and it was erected beside a pond behind the Lizheng Hall of the Taiji Palace.Emperor Yong'an watched with his own eyes three or four palace eunuchs stepping on the pedals to turn the waterwheel.The keel in the car is connected with string boards, which encloses grids of pool water that travel upwards.The drops of water falling from a high place are like bead curtains, shining brightly under the refraction of the warm spring sun.

Standing beside Emperor Yong'an, Xue Yan pointed at the waterwheel and said with a smile: "Using this kind of waterwheel to irrigate the farmland, a grown man can irrigate five acres of fields. If the waterwheel is pulled by oxen, the work will be doubled." .”

After finishing speaking, he took out a few pieces of jute paper with the decomposed structure of the waterwheel drawn from his sleeve, handed it to Emperor Yong'an with both hands, and said: "I thought about it after I went back. Apart from this trampled waterwheel, there are still a few feet Long hand-operated waterwheels, and wind-driven sail waterwheels... In this way, even if the terrain and environment of some regions are different, they can be used to the fullest."

Emperor Yong'an took the jute paper from Xue Yan's hand, frowned and looked at the lifelike pictures and ghost-like handwriting on it, and sighed: "Food is the most important thing for the people. In good years and disaster years, they depend on the sky to eat. When there is drought, we look forward to it." It’s not only the common people who look forward to the rain and the flood, but also the imperial court. Now that we have Yan’er’s waterwheel, this year will be easier.”

After pondering for a moment, he glanced at the ghost-painted talisman on the jute paper with distaste, and said again: "Master Ouyang's handwriting is the best in Chaozhong. The four characters of Kaiyuan Tongbao on my big Chu Wenqin are Ouyang's master's handwriting. The sage said that the words Watching people has some merits. Yan'er is full of talent and thinking, but it's a pity that handwriting is too bad. From tomorrow on, you can learn calligraphy from Ouyang Qing."

Xue Yan, who was disgusted by Emperor Yong'an, had black lines all over his face. He glanced at Emperor Yong'an and could only bow down to thank him.

After straightening up, some people asked which pot was not opened and which pot was lifted: "I heard that Shangshu Youcheng entered the palace yesterday to impeach His Majesty to repair the Yuehua Gate?"

Emperor Yong'an's face darkened, and he asked in a deep voice, "Why are you asking this?"

Xue Yan chuckled, and then said: "The treasury is empty, and His Majesty's money is tight. The majestic emperor, even repairing a palace gate, has courtiers staring at him. It's so embarrassing, it's really embarrassing—"

"It would be bad if Shangshu Youcheng heard what you said." Emperor Yong'an reached out and nodded Xue Yan, and said, "This is the talk of a traitor."

"Your Majesty don't want to scare me. This has nothing to do with being a sycophant or not. I just want to tell Your Majesty that as a man, you must have a small treasury, otherwise you will be restricted in your every move. The common people are like this, and so is Your Majesty." Xue Yan waved his hand. , leaned forward and whispered to His Majesty: "Your Majesty is a majestic ninety-five-year-old, the inner treasury is so empty, doesn't it mean that Your Majesty has no idea?"

Emperor Yong'an looked at Xue Yan standing in front of him angrily and amusedly, his dark eyes rolled around, and his face was full of strange spirits.Unknowingly shaking his head, he said, "Recently, you are not afraid of me more and more. Where is the restraint you had when you first saw me?"

After a pause, before Xue Yan could reply, he asked again: "After all, what are you going to do?"

"How can it be a moth? A gentleman loves money to get it." Xue Yan took out a few pieces of jute paper from his sleeve, and said: "Your Majesty must have heard from the master craftsman that Yan'er is going to make Glass is as transparent as waves and as hard as jade. It can be inlaid on windows, not only can block the wind and snow, but also brighter than window paper. Using this material instead of window paper can save a lot of candle lamp oil every year; It can be made into cups, bowls, bowls, and various decorations, and the cost is cheaper than jade, but the price may not be much different. This can be seen from the glass products sold by Western Region merchants in the eastern and western cities. Such a lucrative business, If it weren't for His Majesty's wisdom and martial arts, I wouldn't have said it."

"You want to persuade me to do business with you?" Emperor Yong'an waved his hand and said, "No, no, such an inappropriate thing——"

"Your Majesty, don't rush to refuse?" Xue Yan waved his hand and said with a smile: "Although the imperial court does not compete with the people for profit, this kind of business has never existed since ancient times. Of course, we can do it without the identity of the imperial court. We don't even need to let others know There is also His Majesty's share in this business. Yan'er just thinks that His Majesty, as the co-lord of the world, should not be short of money after all."

Emperor Yong'an smiled when he heard the words, and said, "But I am short of money. Even the relief to the victims has to rely on the harem to prepare money and food. I am afraid that I am the poorest emperor in the world."

"My great Chu has established the country for ten years, and now it is time for a thousand wastes to be rejuvenated. Your majesty is wise and powerful. Under your governance, my great Chu's national power will surely flourish..." Xue Yan said bluntly, full of beautiful words. Emperor Yong'an waved his hands again and again, Xue Yanfang said: "Besides, not only His Majesty, but also the Empress, Prince and King Wei will be brought in—"

"Are you still going to make noise about the queen and the prince?" Emperor Yong'an had a headache.But Xue Yan said bluntly: "Of course. Such a good thing, let alone the empress and prince Wei Wang, I will not forget even Zhen Guogong and Lu Guogong. It's just that they are all managed by me. Mother went to persuade, now only His Majesty is left."

After a pause, seeing that Emperor Yong'an didn't take it seriously, Xue Yan said unintentionally: "When the glass business makes money, the queen and the crown prince will both get dividends. Only His Majesty is the poorest. Even your son's small treasury will be worse than yours. rich!"

Where is the husband?Where is the parent?

Emperor Yong'an was startled when he heard the words, Xue Yangang wanted to make persistent efforts and continue to persuade.Then I saw Fang Xuanyi, Minister Youcheng Wei Zhen, Minister of the Ministry of Households, Xu Hui, Minister of the Ministry of Households, Xu Yan, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, and Xue Ji, Minister of the Ministry of War, from the official biography of the Xiande Palace in the Eastern Palace.

Seeing this, Xue Yan had no choice but to temporarily press the persuasive words in his mouth, and bowed to leave.

But Emperor Yong'an stopped him. "Come with me to Xiande Hall, don't forget your duty."

It was only then that Xue Yan vaguely remembered the curse that Emperor Yong'an had cast on him in front of Tangquan Palace.Busyly following behind.

In the hall of Xiande, all the ministers pay their respects to His Majesty.After the monarch and his subjects sat down with each other, they went straight to the point.

"...The imperial court has been fighting for many years, and there have been countless casualties. Not all of the soldiers who died for the country can return to their roots and be buried in their hometown. There are still many bones exposed in the wilderness. My Da Chu governs the world with benevolence. Your Majesty loves the people like Son, something should be done."

Emperor Yong'an pondered for a moment, deeply convinced. "I have fought on the battlefield since I was a weak crown, and I have killed countless people. I know that the reason why the imperial court has today's peace and stability is the contribution of the frontier soldiers. We can't chill the hearts of the soldiers. Even if these soldiers are dead, We should also give them a name of loyalty. What's more, there are so many people waiting for Erlang to return to his hometown... The imperial court can't let these loyal people not live or die."

Immediately ordered that all the bones exposed in the wilderness be buried at the location.

Xue Yan's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.Thinking of the martyrs cemetery in his era.

When Emperor Yong'an was discussing important matters with his ministers, he would glance at Xue Yan from time to time to make sure that he was not out of his mind.

Seeing Xue Yan's expression moved now, he knew that this kid must have some idea, so he immediately asked: "What is Yan'er thinking, you might as well just tell me."

Xue Yan pondered for a moment, and then said: "I just think that since the local government is ordered to collect the bones and bury them locally, it is better to simply order the state government to build a martyr cemetery, gather all these bones, and bury them in the cemetery. The badges they left behind during their lifetime can be used to identify their identities and names. If they can’t be identified, as long as the bones can be confirmed as soldiers, they can also enter the cemetery. In this way, even if their family members and parents cannot come to visit them every New Year’s Day, the imperial court You can also pay money to repair their tombs and burn some incense candles to worship them. After all, let future generations understand that the court is a court of benevolence and righteousness, and those loyal soldiers who fought bloody for the court will not be forgotten. Even if it is just a single soldier, even if They are humble and cannot be remembered by others, but we remember their sacrifices."

Hearing Xue Yan's words, the monarchs and ministers present were silent for a long time.Zhongshu ordered Fang Xuanyi to smile and said to Xue Ji, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs: "Xue Shizi is worthy of his family background, this advice is more thoughtful than we thought."

Xu Yan, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, also said: "Not only that. If the generals and men of the world know the court's benevolence and righteousness, why worry that the people of the world will not be able to follow?" Therefore, the ability to conquer such a world depends on the bloody efforts of the soldiers. Now that the world is stable, it is time to rectify their names."

So the monarch and his ministers discussed a few words, supplemented Xue Yan's suggestion completely, and immediately ordered all the states in the world to implement it.

Then they began to discuss the establishment of righteous warehouses in various states and counties across the country.

Xu Yan, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, said: "This time, I was ordered to inspect the customs and help the victims. I am deeply touched. The territory of Dachu is so wide that it covers ten provinces in the world, and there are countless prefectures and counties. If there is a disaster in every place, Regardless of the size of the disaster, the local government must report it to the imperial court, and then the imperial court will distribute relief money and food. Not to mention the complicated procedures, the most fearful thing is that it will not be able to quench the thirst of the near. It is better to set up free warehouses in all states and counties in the world. In this way, if there is a moment disaster, the local prefectures and counties can rescue themselves, I wonder if Your Majesty thinks so?"

Emperor Yong'an naturally had no objection to this matter.However, setting up a righteous storehouse is no different than ordering the collection of bones, it only needs a decree from the imperial court.

Yicang is a warehouse for storing money and food.For more than ten years since the founding of the country, there are regulations on taxation and corvee every year. Now the local state government is required to collect taxes and turn them over to the imperial court, and the local state government is also required to set up free warehouses. There is a problem of degree.

Is it necessary to withhold part of the local taxation and set up free warehouses, or to open up other sources.If intercepted, how much is appropriate to stay.If you open source, you can't use your brains on the taxes and corvees of the people.

There are so many things that need to be properly negotiated by the Ministry of Household Affairs to ensure that the move to set up free warehouses will not affect the normal taxation and operation of the imperial court.

Tariffs and taxes always affect the whole body, so Emperor Yong'an ordered Zhongshuling Fang Xuanyi to discuss and supervise the matter with Xu Hui, Minister of the Ministry of Household Affairs.Make sure you come up with a viable solution.

Later on, the monarch and his ministers discussed some trivial matters in the court, and until lunch time, the monarch and his ministers all had their meals in the Xiande Hall before they dispersed.

After Xue Yan came out of the Xiande Hall, he went to the prince and King Wei to discuss the business partnership.

Wei Wang Zhuangtao was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou by Emperor Yong'an in January, and he was in charge of the 22 states of Shishi, and each of them was a rich land.The little man is not very old, but he does have money in his pocket.

On the contrary, the crown prince, because he was in the East Palace, had his own supplies in the palace for all expenses, and if he calculated seriously, his purse was much smaller than King Wei's.Not even Han Wang Zhuangxu can compare.Although the latter came from concubines, there are still Shishi towns in six states.

Prince Zhuang Xi couldn't bear such a blow for a while.He didn't reveal anything in front of him, turned around to empress Wei, and began to complain surprisingly.

"I don't want to be a prince anymore!"

Empress Wei was startled when she heard the words, and looked at the prince whose face was full of grief and indignation, and couldn't help asking warmly.

"Being a prince is not good at all. I have to study with my husband every day, but the blue bird doesn't need it. My father also likes the blue bird more than me... and I am a prince, and I am not as rich as the blue bird."

When the prince said the last sentence, he became even more sad.

As a prince, he is not as good as his younger brother in every way.

Empress Wei smiled when she learned where the prince's astonishing words came from.In front of Zhuang Xi, he couldn't help teaching in a gentle voice, telling Zhuang Xi that being the crown prince was to share His Majesty's worries and help His Majesty handle the government affairs, not to enjoy it.Furthermore, the crown prince is the crown prince of a country, and he will inherit the world in the future, not to mention one state and one place.

Unexpectedly, the crown prince completely ignored Empress Wei's words, and said, "Father is still the emperor, and he has no money. Two days ago, my father wanted to repair the Yuehua Gate, and he was impeached by Shangshu Youcheng."

The implication is that being an emperor is no better than being a prince.

Empress Wei was stunned.

In the evening, Emperor Yong'an came to Lizheng Hall to rest.Empress Wei also told Emperor Yong'an about this matter as a joke.

Emperor Yong'an also smiled when he heard the words, shook his head and said: "Yan'er also used this matter to confuse me this morning, and said that as a man, he should have a small treasury, and the Ninth Five-Year King is no exception. He also said that the imperial treasury Empty, my internal treasury is also empty, and even repairing a palace gate will be impeached by my ministers, it is really embarrassing... Do you think my situation is really so miserable?"

Empress Wei couldn't stop laughing when she heard the words, and said: "Your Majesty is a wise king, and he is willing to share weal and woe with the people. This is His Majesty's benevolence. It's like the Duke of Wei leading the army to fight, and he also eats and lives with the soldiers. Everyone praises it The Duke of Wei is sympathetic to the soldiers, and I have never heard anyone say that the situation of the Duke of Wei is very pitiful. Yan'er is a child in his family, and he always speaks and does things casually, why should your majesty take him seriously."

Emperor Yong'an lay on Empress Wei's lap and let Empress Wei massage him.While listening to Queen Wei's words, it was also funny for a while.

After laughing, he said seriously: "However, I feel that Yan'er's words are somewhat reasonable. The court wants to do things, but it can't do without money. To persuade farmers and mulberry, to recuperate, and even today to talk about its establishment in various states and counties. Yicang, money is needed everywhere. Now that the imperial court is empty and there is no supply, it means that reducing expenditure is not a long-term solution. It is time to open up more money."

Queen Wei's heart moved, and she said: "Princess Pingyang entered the palace today, but she also talked about it with my concubines, lobbying them to buy shares."

Emperor Yong'an looked up at Empress Wei, and said softly, "What do you think?"