Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 245: He did not treat the Queen as a woman in the palace, nor did he treat her as a human being
"Grandpa and Mom, what's on the other side of the mountain?"

"There's nothing over there... Well, just follow the others."

The official road at the junction of Youzhou and Pingzhou was crowded with fleeing troops.

The Tang Dynasty still retained the distinction between main households and clients. Ordinary people were not willing to leave their land and flee to become a "client" without full human rights.

In other words, either you don't run away, or if you run away it means something big has happened in your hometown, then the whole village will run away and everyone will become second-class citizens.

And now, the internal and external troubles sweeping across Hebei and Shandong provinces are the major event that has forced them to flee collectively.

Objectively speaking, the Xueyantuo's plundering in the south this time was like a young lady getting married - it was the first time, and they were disorganized and inefficient, and are now still lingering in the Youyun area.

However, the inhumane behavior of the local tyrants and evil gentry immediately triggered the common people's ancient memories of the Northern Dynasties, and they ran away without hesitation.

From Yunzhou to Yizhou, from Youzhou to Shuozhou, this unprecedented wave of refugees spread across the entire Youyun area.

Refugees from all over the world eventually ended up on the same road.

The road to Pingzhou.

The team of people with their families was getting longer and longer, and the official road was blocked to the point of being extremely congested. The refugees moved at a snail's pace, and the endless Yanshan Mountains came into view.

On the other side of the mountain is the legendary Liaodong area!

"Put away all your valuables and remember not to leave your money behind when you are out!"

The owner of the house warned his wife and children in a low voice.

On the roadside, you can see refugees tearing their clothes or making themselves dirty with dust, looking pitiful.

This is a necessary procedure for people from Hebei before entering Liaodong, and it is even one of the major causes of traffic congestion.

Because of Liaodong under Li Mingzhi, the reputation among the people of Hebei is somewhat... subtle.

Outside the coverage of his propaganda machine, local public opinion still follows the basic rule of feudal society - hearsay.

The common people below believe whatever the gentry says.

The local gentry in Hebei were not blind. They naturally saw the policy practices of "overthrowing local tyrants and returning land to the public" in Pingzhou and Yingzhou next door.

This is terrible, it is digging up the roots of their noble family, which is much more terrible than the invasion of barbarians!
Therefore, under their persistent smear campaign, it is difficult for Liaodong to maintain its image in the eyes of the people of Hebei Province.

No personal property is allowed to be owned. If discovered, it will be confiscated and the person will be executed on the spot.

In comparison, the green face and fangs seem more anthropomorphic.

Because of the systematic slander by local gentry, the people of Hebei were left in the dark and knew nothing about the current situation in Pingzhou, which was separated by a mountain.

In comparison, outsiders can be more objective.

Therefore, the attitude of the local people in Hebei towards the "people of lofty ideals" who came from all over the country to Liaodong and passed through their territory was nothing more than:

Don’t understand but respect.

There is no way. For the vast majority of farmers who work hard in the fields, it is impossible for them to read the news.

Even if I scan it, I still can't understand it because I can't recognize the words.

Of course, the gentry dared to say it and they dared to believe it.

If they had not been forced to have nowhere to go due to internal and external troubles, and the mature route to Chang'an Run had not been blocked by the eight princes, they would definitely not want to run to Liaodong.

The group of people were feeling uneasy and hesitant as they moved towards the northeast.

They were afraid of being eaten up by the Tiele people, and also afraid of being eaten up by the Liaodong people. It was really uncomfortable.

But the ugly bride had to meet her parents-in-law after all, so the refugees from Hebei still crossed the borders of Youzhou and Pingzhou reluctantly.

To be more precise, they did not cross over on their own initiative.

Instead, he was pulled over there.

Originally, the border between Youzhou and Pingzhou was a wasteland. When Li Ming passed by this road a few months ago, there was nothing but weeds.

However, in order to take advantage of this wave of "demographic dividend", Li Ming specifically issued instructions to have the land renovated, weeds removed, roads paved, and soup kitchens, tea shops, and steamed bun shops built along the way...

It was set up just like a university club’s welcome party.

A banner was hung on the border line, with a few large words written on it:

Once you come here, you are from Liaodong.

The main focus is on a home-away-from-home experience.

In the feudal era, which has always looked down upon refugees, this set of "welcoming new people" process was truly beyond the comprehension of that era.

The refugees just stared blankly at the bustling scene across the border, unable to move for a moment.

"Hey, big brother and big sister, come in and take a look!"

The social worker in Pingzhou directly pulled the first few refugees over the line and asked enthusiastically:

"Where are you from, big brother? How old are you? How many people are there in your family? Can you farm? Are you good at carpentry or stonemasonry?..."

He asked a lot of questions and then stuffed two steamed buns into each person's hand.

Brothers, it’s time for dinner again!
On this side of the border, the refugees holding steamed buns looked confused.

On the other side of the border, more refugees stared at the scene in amazement.

The people of Pingzhou asked what these were used for, but the refugees didn't know.

But they all understood the real steamed buns that were distributed.

"There's food!"

They had been braving the cold wind all the way and were already tired and thirsty. When they saw that there was food and hot tea, they completely ignored the various horrific rumors about the people of Pingzhou that the gentry had spread and rushed forward like mad.

Snapped!
A whip cracked.

A cavalryman wearing armor and a red turban stopped the rushing crowd and shouted:
"Line up one by one, don't rush or rush, everyone will get a share!"

With a combination of kindness and force, the refugee team at the border immediately became orderly and moved forward quickly and neatly.

After their identities were registered, the refugees received necessary living supplies such as food and winter clothing and were about to continue their journey to Liaodong.

They planned to find work in the country, or beg for food in the town.

As long as we can survive this winter, we will win.

But they hadn't taken a few steps when they were stopped by social workers.

"Wait a moment, someone will lead the way for you in a moment."

That’s what the social worker said.

The refugees gathered together, looking at each other, and all thought this was very funny.

How novel! You can even lead the way just to escape danger or beg for food?

Those who can gather together automatically are generally from the same village, with the same surname and clan.

Several people looked at each other, and saw relief and surprise in each other's eyes.

It seems that the people of Pingzhou are not as bad as the landlords say?
"What do you know? Don't be fooled by the people of Pingzhou and let your guard down!" The elder warned in a low voice:
"The people of Pingzhou are the most jealous and can't stand seeing others get rich. If they find out that I have hidden gold and silver, once they are discovered, robbing them is a small matter. They will also kill me..."

Wow!
Before he finished speaking, a crisp sound attracted everyone's attention.

A ragged refugee, dressed like a beggar, probably because his clothes were not sewn tightly and were torn.

The gold and silver jewelry hidden in the clothes fell all over the floor.

The atmosphere immediately became awkward.

In ancient times, public security was poor, and it was a basic principle not to show off one's wealth when going out.

Especially when one’s identity is a “client” without human rights.

Especially when there were all kinds of strange rumors in Liaodong.

The refugees huddled together on the side, holding their breath as they watched this unfortunate fellow whose head was about to be chopped off.

"You lost your stuff."

A soldier maintaining order bent down and picked up the valuables.

The refugee disguised as a beggar was about to cry:

"This... this is a gift to you, General. Please don't drag me out and behead me. I have elderly parents and young children to take care of..."

"There's something wrong."

The Red Scarf Army soldier stuffed the valuables back into the frightened "beggar's" hands with a strange look in his eyes, and returned to his post muttering.

The refugees huddled together looked at each other and then at the elders.

What about the confiscation and beheading?

The old man scratched his head in embarrassment:

"That's not right. The village head and township head all said so. Is there something wrong with this Pingzhou soldier..."

Then comes the "Don't treat individual cases as the rule" part.

Ah, yes, yes, yes… Everyone agreed on the surface, but slapped themselves on the forehead in their hearts.

Damn, I got cheated!
People in Pingzhou are not as vicious as the legend says. They are actually pretty nice people!
If I had known this earlier, I would not have waited for the barbarians to invade. I could have come here a few months earlier and occupied a good position in advance...

"Okay, everyone is here, follow me."

After a group of a hundred people was gathered, a social worker greeted everyone loudly.

When fleeing, are there really local clerks leading the way?
Everyone feels that the government office in Liaodong is a bit magical.

Other counties and prefectures guarded against refugees more than they did against thieves, so why was it that the people of Pingzhou not only welcomed them warmly but also worried that they would lose their way?
The refugees followed in confusion, and under the guidance of social workers, they headed deep into Liaodong.

As they walked, they realized something was wrong.

The road under our feet is too wide and flat, isn’t it?

In their impression, Pingzhou was still a sparsely populated, poor and weak inferior state, which was ruined by the Murong family.

But a road of this scale is not something a small frontier state can possess!
Besides, what about the pedestrians, carriages, and vendors hawking their wares coming and going on this road?

Are there so many people in Pingzhou? Is there such a strong business demand?

But the refugees knew that they had to live under someone's roof, so they dared not say anything.

As they walked, they passed by a village.

The population is prosperous, and the chickens and dogs can be heard everywhere. It is even richer than Youzhou.

Children were playing and the elderly were sitting in the yard basking in the sun.

The adults are taking advantage of the winter farming season to renovate the house.

A pastoral scenery full of vitality and flourishing nature.

The refugees were drooling at the sight.

Wow, it turns out you people from Pingzhou eat so well hiding over in Yanshan Mountain!
It would be such a leisurely and affluent pastoral life. I would be willing to eat white rice and white flour every day!
Of course, dreams are just dreams, and the refugees themselves are still very clear about themselves.

It is impossible for the government of Pingzhou to allow them to pollute the beautiful countryside and compete with the locals for precious arable land resources.

Most of them are sent to some illegal brick kiln or black mine to be squeezed out of surplus value, or thrown into a corner of a county town where no one cares about them and left to fend for themselves...

Then, just as they were scaring themselves, the social worker had turned the corner and led them into this paradise-like village.

The refugees were both surprised and delighted, and dared not say a word. They just followed in amazement until they arrived at a row of large sheds.

These sheds imitate the style of the Buyeo people's tents, with bamboo as the frame and thick felt on the outside, which are very warm in winter.

In the middle of the shed's gate, there is a plaque with five large characters "New Villagers' Home" inscribed on it.

"This is a temporary shelter. You may have to squeeze together and take a break for a while. But there will be no problem in keeping you fed and warm."

The clerk said to everyone apologetically.

The refugees nodded their heads like sifting chaff.

Wandering outside, he could not only get food, but also a house to live in. This house looked even warmer than the shabby thatched house in his hometown.

What else do you need a bicycle for?

"Once you settle down, the committee will further distribute you to other towns based on your reported specialties, wishes, and local labor shortages.

“Those who want to farm can do so, and those who are good at craftsmanship can go to the workshop.

"By then, you will be able to obtain a household registration in Liaodong and officially settle down and work in peace and contentment here."

The social worker added.

"What what what?"

Everyone feels that this sentence contains an explosion of information.

How can refugees get household registration?
Are these still refugees?

Isn’t this the “main household”? !
How can there be such a good thing in the world? !

Looking at the shocked expressions of the crowd, the social worker laughed and said:

"Welcome to Liaodong."

…………

"I didn't expect that this remote Lulong County would be much more lively than Chang'an."

Li Ming's mother, Yang, was waving a large shovel and stirring in a huge pot.

She was making porridge for the surging number of refugees.

Her daughter Li Ling helped her and said with a smile:
"Look at what you said. You haven't actually seen the streets of Chang'an much, have you?"

Yang was startled, and nodded with a sad look in her eyes:

"yes……"

Although she has lived in Chang'an all her life, she has been locked up in the deep palace all day long. Apart from the walls of Lide Hall, how many times has she seen the outside world?

Li Ling realized that he had let something slip and hurriedly tried to make amends:

"Uh, that's not what I meant..."

"Tsk."

Chu Suiliang, the attendant who was recording Her Majesty the Queen's every move, smacked his lips subconsciously.

The queen cooked porridge for the refugees with her own hands. This is definitely a historical anecdote that is comparable to "Bai Qi sucking pus for the soldiers". He must record it.

But Li Ling's big mouth ruined the atmosphere of Her Royal Highness the Queen being the "mother of the country" in an instant.

Just as Chu Suiliang was muttering and taking notes, a black hand patted him on the shoulder.

Looking back, I saw a charcoal head.

"excuse me."

Yuchi Xunyu squeezed out a space, and two of his men immediately set up a table in the space. One of them quickly started writing an article, while the other was even more amazing and started to sketch Her Majesty the Queen cooking porridge.

No, I am the attendant… Chu Suiliang, who valued words as much as gold, took the initiative to speak for the first time:

"What are you..."

"A reporter from a newspaper, here to interview."

Yuchi Xunyu said in a deep voice.

Now that accepting refugees has become Liaodong’s top priority, they will naturally not miss this opportunity for publicity.

It is necessary to create an atmosphere in which the whole society is united in welcoming new residents, and avoid a farce of fighting between locals and outsiders.

This is another way to create a people-friendly image for the queen.

What’s the point of writing it into history books for future generations to read? If you want to read it, let people today read it!
As the queen's image among the people was elevated, the image of Li Ming, the legitimate and glorious son, was also elevated.

"Okay!"

Yang finished cooking a pot of porridge, and the two graphic editors finished their work at almost the same time.

"Then we say goodbye!"

The two men casually crossed their fingers to the person being interviewed, and then left in a hurry.

Nowadays, the technology to print pictures does exist, but it is very expensive and time-consuming.

In order to save time, every second counts and the woodblock printmaker has to carve the picture as quickly as possible.

"The people of Liaodong are really vigorous and resolute in doing things..."

Yang looked at the two young figures' backs and couldn't help but sigh.

"Ahem." Yuchi Xunyu coughed dryly:
“Your Highness, I’m afraid you’ll have to hurry.

"The newly completed 'Coal Supply and Marketing Cooperative' is still waiting for you to cut the ribbon."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was another strange ceremony that Li Ming organized in Liaodong.

Every time a project of great significance is completed, a person in a high position of power will cut the ribbon in public.

Although its meaning is unclear, it is indeed a very ritualistic event and is a landmark event that is very suitable for news dissemination.

Li Ling grumbled in dissatisfaction:
"My mother is running around the city all the time, but he's sitting in his office yelling and yelling. Why doesn't he go there himself?"

Li Ling's complaint was not an exaggeration. Cooking porridge for the refugees was just one of the stops on Yang's full-day itinerary.

Under the arrangement of the secretary and security captain Yuchi Xunyu, Her Royal Highness the Queen's day schedule is full of performances everywhere.

Li Ming never regarded the queen as a woman in the deep palace.

He didn't treat her as a human being either.

"He has more important government affairs to deal with. It's just right for him to leave these ceremonial matters to me."

She smiled and advised her daughter.

Li Ling puffed his lips and muttered:
"Mother, why are you still speaking for him..."

Yang left the kitchen, surrounded by her little bodyguard Yuchi Xunyu and a group of plainclothes officers from the Intelligence Committee.

She smiled bitterly in her heart.

"That brat probably wants me to make up for all the times I haven't been out of the house or seen the world in my first half of life in just a few months..."

The winter sunlight shines brightly on the snow.

On the wide road, there are energetic people from all walks of life.

There are coal miners, shipbuilders, blacksmiths, farmers...

Everyone has different destinations, but they are all in a hurry, as if they have endless energy and endless work to do.

Yang breathed in the fresh air outside and looked down at the empire her son had built for her, her eyes full of eagerness and passion.

…………

"Clerks, farmers, craftsmen, merchants, each profession has its own way, and they should follow their strengths and not act recklessly.

"Are you right, Wei Daijia?"

Liaodong government office.

Li Ming sat behind the desk, crossed his legs, and asked gently.

Wei Daijia, who was kneeling opposite him, was sweating profusely, like a naughty child who was caught by his teacher.

Li Ming is usually carefree. He thinks a curse or two or a few slaps on the face are no big deal to him.

However, when His Highness called Awei's full name in such a gentle tone.

This shows that His Highness is really, really angry.

This is much more serious than scolding someone harshly.

"Your Highness, I..."

Awei opened his mouth timidly to explain himself, but Li Ming glanced at him and he immediately shut up.

"No need to say more, I understand your difficulties." Li Ming said slowly:
"Isn't it that there was an influx of refugees that exceeded expectations, and the population statistics were inefficient, unable to match the skills of the new refugees with the labor gaps in various industries, resulting in a large number of refugees being stranded in temporary shelters?"

Wei Daijia was about to cry:
"Your Highness, I will work overtime to provide jobs for every new labor force as soon as possible..."

Li Ming looked at him and smiled:
"Good Awei, I have always believed in your ability."

The implication was that if this matter failed, wouldn't he lose the trust of His Highness...Wei Daijia was sweating profusely, he stood up tremblingly, and walked out almost holding on to the wall.

Looking at the staggering figure of his old subordinate, Li Ming almost laughed out loud.

He was indeed a bit too demanding of Wei Daijia.

Overall, the administrative team in Liaodong has done a pretty good job.

The refugees were all properly resettled, there were no tragedies of people freezing to death on the road, and no large-scale conflicts broke out between locals and outsiders.

It can be said that we have initially caught up with this wave of demographic dividend.

However, the situation in Hebei was more deteriorating than anyone had imagined, so the number of refugees pouring in also exceeded the most optimistic estimates.

When there are too many people, trouble is inevitable.

Just enhance your organizational skills and make corrections in a timely manner.

"You actually complain about having too many people... Population equals wealth. In the feudal era, this was truly a luxury."

Li Ming also stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced slowly in the study room with a proud look on his face.

The large influx of people from Hebei were not refugees in the ordinary sense. They were people who had suffered from floods and droughts and were extremely poor.

They came here to escape the war and brought some property with them.

These riches can give a shot in the arm to Liaodong's economy.

Of course, the money they carry with them is nothing compared to their true value.

They can solve three key problems in the development of Northeast China:

Population, manpower, talent.

To dilute the bloodline of the nomadic fishing and hunting peoples with Han people, population is needed; to build the Northeast, manpower is needed; and to govern the country and maintain its security, talents are needed.

All the refugees from Hebei can be satisfied.

The first wave of demographic dividend has already begun to be realized.

Emerging coal mines and shipyards have been short of staff due to the implementation of shipping and clean energy strategies.

Fang Yize was shouting in his ear that they were short of people, and he almost broke his throat.

Finally, Fang Yize stopped bothering him these days.

Presumably the manpower problem has been solved once and for all.

In comparison, the problems Wei Daijia encountered were not a problem at all.

Of course, this does not mean that Wei Daijia's working methods are impeccable.

Li Ming immediately thought of several ways to improve the efficiency of population statistics.

For example, at the first moment of entry, the refugees are diverted in advance according to the general occupational classifications such as miners, blacksmiths, carpenters, farmers, etc.

This will save the time of reviewing and checking the population data one by one later.

However, as the top military and political leader, Li Ming had no intention, nor the time and energy, to interfere in the work of his subordinates in every detail.

He has a lot of things to do.

He wants to focus his energy on military affairs.

(End of this chapter)