Chapter 89
However, when Emperor Qianlong visited here incognito, he unexpectedly discovered that the vendors in this small town could actually make ice drinks for sale. He was wearing casual clothes and a bamboo hat, and was accompanied by Xiaoyanzi, Ji Xiaolan and others, who were also very curious about this sudden surprise.
Emperor Qianlong originally thought that using ice in summer was the exclusive privilege of the nobility, but he did not expect that the common people in this small town could also enjoy this coolness. He walked to the stall and looked at the iced juices curiously, full of doubts. He asked the price of the juice, and the aunt smiled and replied: "Five cents a cup, iced orange juice, cool and refreshing, I guarantee you will feel comfortable after drinking it."
When Emperor Qianlong heard the price, he was so surprised that his mouth almost opened wide. He thought, isn't this a loss-making way to gain publicity? You know, in the palace, even the most ordinary iced drinks cost a lot of money. He turned his head to look at Xiaoyanzi and the others, only to see that they were also surprised, and obviously they were also amazed by the price.
Xiaoyanzi and her friends gathered around the stall, looking at the iced juices with curiosity. They wondered how cheap it must be to make these iced drinks, to be able to sell them so cheaply. So Ji Xiaolan asked, "Auntie, where do you get this ice? How can it be so cheap?"
When the aunt heard this, she happily explained to them. She said, "This is all thanks to the thing called 'refrigerator' promoted by Her Majesty the Queen. When I first heard that it could make ice, I didn't believe it. Later, Her Majesty the Queen promoted this thing, saying that it could allow ordinary people to use ice in summer, so our family bought one to try. Hey, it's really true, this refrigerator is really a magical thing!"
As she spoke, the aunt pointed to a wooden box next to the stall. The box was about one foot square and covered with a thick layer of cotton cloth. It looked inconspicuous. However, when the aunt uncovered the cotton cloth and revealed the structure inside, Emperor Qianlong and others were all stunned.
The inside of the box was divided into several small parts, each of which contained some strange substances. The aunt explained: "These things are the secrets of the refrigerator. Put water in it and it will freeze into ice in a short time. Moreover, this refrigerator does not need to store ice cubes like a cellar, which is very convenient!"
Emperor Qianlong and others were amazed after hearing the aunt's explanation. They didn't expect that this seemingly insignificant wooden box could have such magical functions. Emperor Qianlong asked again, "How much does this refrigerator cost?"
The aunt was stunned at first, but then, after Ji Xiaolan's reminder, she smiled and said, "It's not expensive, you can buy one for three taels of silver. Of course, there are cheaper ones, which can be bought for two taels of silver. But the one we bought is of good quality."
When Emperor Qianlong heard the price, he was so surprised that he almost couldn't recover. He thought, the price of this refrigerator is too affordable! You know, in their Great Yan Dynasty, the economy is prosperous, and the price is naturally not low. But in their eyes, three taels of silver is only worth a thousand yuan. And the function of this refrigerator is far beyond the value that can be measured by this price.
He asked in a deep voice: "Where can I buy this refrigerator?" He had already made up his mind to buy one so that everyone in the palace could enjoy the coolness.
The aunt pointed to a market not far away and said, "It's over there. Many stores are selling it. If you want to buy it, I can take you there."
Emperor Qianlong nodded, his heart full of anticipation. He followed the aunt to the market, thinking that this incognito visit really opened his eyes. He did not expect that there were so many surprises hidden in this small city. And this surprise came not only from the cold drinks and the magical refrigerator, but also from the simple and pure happiness of the people in this city.
In this bustling little town, the sun shines dappled on the bluestone road, and the shops on both sides are full of dazzling goods. Among them, a stall selling novel electrical appliances is particularly eye-catching. Li Qingge, a woman wearing a gorgeous cheongsam and exquisite jade ornaments on her head, is standing in front of the stall, her eyes deeply attracted by the refrigerator emitting a faint cool air.
"This thing is really good, I really want to buy more back." Li Qingge praised softly, her eyes flickering with curiosity and desire for unknown things. She imagined how wonderful it would be if she could bring this magical refrigerator back to the Qing Dynasty so that the Eight Banners children who were used to the hot summer could also feel the coolness.
Originally, she had a grand plan in mind - to buy thousands, even hundreds of thousands or millions of them, so that the entire Qing Dynasty could be bathed in this coolness. However, her thoughts were interrupted by a smiling woman.
The woman was dressed in simple clothes and had a warm smile on her face, as if she could see into people's hearts. She did not directly answer Li Qingge's question, but cleverly changed the subject: "Looking at the way you are dressed, you look like tourists from the Qing Dynasty, right?"
Qianlong, a man dressed in a dragon robe and with an imposing manner, smiled and nodded when he heard the words: "That's right." His eyes revealed a kind of superior majesty, but on the streets of this foreign land, he seemed particularly amiable.
The woman sighed, with a hint of regret in her tone: "Don't waste your money. Although the refrigerator is cheap, you won't be able to use it when you take it back."
Upon hearing this, Qianlong frowned slightly and asked in confusion, "Why is this?" His heart was full of doubts. He had an indescribable curiosity and yearning for this new electrical appliance.
The woman pointed to a black line under the stall and explained, "This is the electrical wire. All electrical appliances made in the Great Yan Kingdom must rely on electricity to operate. Without electricity, the refrigerator is just like scrap metal."
"Electricity? What is that?" Qianlong asked curiously, his eyes flickering with a desire to explore the unknown. He imagined whether electricity was the terrifying existence during thunder and lightning, and he couldn't help but feel a little scared.
The woman shook her head and patiently explained, "No, no, electricity is a special kind of energy. I don't know exactly where it comes from. But it is as important to electrical appliances as salt is to food. Food without salt has no taste, and machines without electricity can't function."
She pointed to the street lamps on the roadside and continued, "Electricity is very useful. Not only electrical appliances, but even street lamps rely on electricity for lighting."
When Qianlong heard this, his eyes lit up. He had never thought that there was such a magical thing in the world. He, who claimed to be well-informed, didn't even know about electricity. This novelty and shock made him temporarily forget the woman's contempt, and continued to ask: "How does the electricity come from?"
He was filled with an indescribable excitement, thinking: Electricity is so important, I am afraid it can make a lot of money just like salt. If the Qing Dynasty can control the source of electricity, why worry about not getting rich? Thinking of this, his voice trembled a little.
The woman explained, "Electricity is the foundation of people's livelihood. Her Majesty the Queen values it more than anything else. Private ownership is strictly prohibited and it is a state monopoly. How can I, a woman, know where electricity comes from? But I know that in order to send electricity to every household, a lot of equipment and materials are needed. The initial investment may cost hundreds of millions of taels of silver. This is not something that ordinary people can afford."
"One hundred million taels of silver?!" Qianlong and his entourage were shocked again. They knew that the annual income of the Qing Dynasty was only 20 to 30 million taels of silver. To collect so much money, the whole country had to work together. Moreover, since some places in the south were annexed by the Great Yan, the fiscal revenue of the Qing Dynasty suddenly decreased by more than 60%. Now it only collects about 14 to 15 million taels a year. This investment of hundreds of millions of taels is simply the total tax revenue of the country for ten years!
Qianlong frowned, and an indescribable complex emotion surged in his heart. He was impressed by Li Qingge's generosity, but also worried that she would go bankrupt because of it. At the same time, he also had a deeper understanding of the magic and importance of electricity.
Since he knew that a refrigerator would be useless without electricity, Qianlong gave up the idea of buying one. He continued to wander around the town with his group, tasting all kinds of food and appreciating the scenery of a foreign land.
As night fell, the lights came on. The town looked even more prosperous and charming under the lights. Qianlong and his companions wandered around until midnight, when they felt a little tired and wanted to find an inn to rest.
After searching for a long time, they finally found an inn called "Good Luck Hotel". This inn was decorated very luxuriously. Although it was not as magnificent as the Forbidden City, it was comparable to the prince's residence. Two red lanterns were hung on the door of the inn, emitting a soft light, as if welcoming every guest from afar.
When Qianlong and his companions entered the inn, a faint fragrance filled their noses. The lobby of the inn was spacious and bright, with several exquisite tables and chairs, and several landscape paintings hanging on the wall, adding a touch of elegance. A shopkeeper dressed in gorgeous clothes came up to them and asked with a smile: "Dear guests, do you want to stay in the hotel?"
Qianlong nodded, and the shopkeeper led them to the guest room. The room was spacious and comfortable, with soft beds and clean bedding, making people not want to get up again after lying down. Qianlong and his companions lay tiredly on the bed, recalling the experience of the day, and their hearts were full of yearning and curiosity for the unknown world.
On this night in a foreign land, they dreamed of the light of electricity, which illuminated the entire Qing Dynasty and filled every corner with vitality and vigor. They knew that this was a brand new beginning, a future of common prosperity for Qing Dynasty and Da Yan.
As soon as everyone stepped into the door of the shop, which was decorated in a simple and modern style, they were deeply shocked by the scene in front of them. The shop was brightly lit, and a row of young men and women in gorgeous clothes looked like people walking out of a painting. They were dressed in colorful brocade, wearing pearls and jade on their heads, and wearing jade on their waists. They bent down in unison and shouted in unison, like the sound of nature: "Welcome!" This scene, like the etiquette before a royal banquet, was played out in this small inn, making people feel as if they were in another world.
Emperor Qianlong and his companions had never seen such a scene before. The surprise in their hearts was like a surging tide, which was hard to describe. The name of the store "Good Luck" was already peculiar and arousing, and the way of welcoming guests was even more unique and eye-catching. Emperor Qianlong thought to himself, how many unknown surprises are hidden in the vast land of Dayan that he, the emperor, has not seen yet? However, these young people were friendly and smiling, which made Emperor Qianlong feel warm and comfortable.
The decoration inside the store is unique. There are exquisite murals on the walls, each of which seems to tell a touching story. The floor is covered with a soft red carpet, which feels like walking on clouds. The air is filled with a light fragrance, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. Emperor Qianlong and his companions were surrounded by this luxury and comfort, and they couldn't help but feel intoxicated.
When she walked to the front desk, a smiling maid came up to her. She was wearing a light green dress, a thin ribbon tied around her waist, and a delicate flower on her head, which made her look fresh and refined. She asked softly, "How many guests are there? Please register here and we will arrange a room for you right away." Emperor Qianlong replied, "We are all together. Are there enough rooms?" The maid was stunned for a moment, then smiled more brightly and replied, "Enough! It's hot these days, there are few guests, and the rooms are empty." She carefully looked at the clothes of Emperor Qianlong and his entourage, and a trace of curiosity flashed in her eyes. She asked, "Look at the way you are dressed. You came all the way from the Qing Dynasty, right?" Emperor Qianlong nodded gently, with a trace of pride in his eyes.
Seeing this, the maid became more enthusiastic. She explained the accommodation rules in detail: "Our rooms here are divided into three grades. The lower-class rooms are half a tael of silver a night, the middle rooms are one tael, and the upper-class rooms are two taels. Each room is equipped with the most comfortable beds and the latest technological facilities to ensure that you have a comfortable stay." Emperor Qianlong, Yongqi and others looked calm when they heard this, but Xiaoyanzi was furious when she heard it: "Two taels of silver a night? Aren't you treating us like fat sheep? This is not the imperial palace, why is the price so high!" There was a bit of dissatisfaction and surprise in her words.
Although Emperor Qianlong blamed Xiaoyanzi for her inappropriate words, he also felt that the price was indeed not cheap. He thought to himself that the past and the present were different, so the prices of daily expenses such as food, clothing, housing and transportation were naturally different. In the past, in the Qing Dynasty, food and clothing were very expensive, but staying in a hotel was cheaper. In the capital, twenty taels of silver for a good meal was nothing, and it was common to buy a piece of good silk for hundreds of taels. But now, staying overnight costs two taels of silver, which is simply a sky-high price. Money, like water, flows to where it is expensive.
Emperor Qianlong couldn't help but sigh at the changes of the times. In the past, people spent most of their money on food, clothing and shelter. Now that the Great Yan Kingdom has developed and technology has advanced, people no longer have to worry about food and clothing, so money naturally flows to places like accommodation and transportation. This is why real estate has become a big black hole that absorbs money. Nowadays, people have better living conditions and have spare money in their hands, so they begin to pursue a higher quality of life. When getting married, a house and a car have become standard. Why? Because these two things cost a lot of money, they can show that the family is rich, and they can also put all the working capital into it.
The Great Yan Kingdom is taking the path of modernization, with abundant grain harvests and cheap clothes, but housing prices are rising continuously, especially in big cities like Jinling, where prices are ridiculously high. Emperor Li Qingge also saw this problem. She knew the impact of rising housing prices on people's lives, so she quickly introduced a policy of limiting purchases and sales to suppress housing prices. However, the effect was not satisfactory. Housing prices are still high, which makes many people discouraged.
This "Good Luck" Inn is located in the center of the county town, so the land price is naturally high. Although Emperor Qianlong and his friends thought the price was high, they were relieved when they thought about the luxury and comfort of the inn and its geographical location. After all, you get what you pay for. So they decided to stay in the superior room and enjoy this rare journey.
Seeing that they decided to check in, the maid smiled with satisfaction. She quickly checked them in and personally led them to the room. The room was spacious and bright, decorated in an elegant and modern style. The bed was soft and comfortable, making people not want to get up again after lying down. Emperor Qianlong and his friends nodded with satisfaction, secretly glad that they had chosen this inn.
As night fell, the lights came on. Emperor Qianlong and his friends sat on the terrace of the inn, sipping tea and admiring the night view of the county town. They talked about their experiences of the day, lamenting the changes of the times and the beauty of life. Although Xiaoyanzi was a little dissatisfied with the house price at first, she was also infected by the beautiful scenery and atmosphere at this moment, and her mood became cheerful. They knew that although this journey was full of unknowns and challenges, it was also full of surprises and joy. They looked forward to every day that followed, and looked forward to discovering more beauty and miracles in the land of Dayan. And this "Good Luck" inn undoubtedly added a touch of bright color to their journey.
A high-end guest room costs two taels of silver per night. This price may sound shocking at first, but in this prosperous inn, it is not a waste of money. There is a bit of childishness and confusion in Xiaoyanzi's words. The girl at the front desk heard her words and smiled gently. That smile was like the warm sunshine in spring, warm but not dazzling. She explained softly: "Two taels of silver is the price of our inn's upper-class guest rooms. If you think the price is a little high, we also have lower-class rooms to choose from. However, please rest assured that no matter what the room level is, every room in our inn is carefully decorated, equipped with a separate bathroom, a spacious bathtub, an advanced refrigerator, and an electric fan that is indispensable in summer. Bedding, pillows, slippers, and even drinking water are all brand new and clean. Late-night snacks and breakfast are also readily available, and tea is always available and there is no shortage."
Her words revealed a sense of confidence and pride, as if this inn was her home, and every detail was the result of her hard work. After a pause, she smiled again, with a hint of cunning in her smile: "Of course, these are just trivial details. The most important thing is the comfort of our rooms. All guests who have stayed in our inn have praised it, especially those friends from the Qing Dynasty. After experiencing it, they often think that our prices are really a bargain!"
Qianlong and the others were stunned when they heard this, and exchanged puzzled looks. They were full of curiosity and confusion about unknown things. They could understand the concept of refrigerators, which were magical things that used modern technology to keep food fresh, but new words such as toilets and electric fans made them feel unfamiliar. Bathhouses sounded like a good place to take a bath, but this inn was not large. Could it have a spacious bathroom and a separate shower room like the palace?
The maid seemed to be accustomed to the reactions of the Qing guests. She looked at them with a smile, and a glimmer of understanding flashed in her eyes: "You may not be able to fully understand it just by listening to me. Why don't I take you to see it myself? It won't be too late for you to make a decision then."
Qianlong nodded, with a hint of expectation in his eyes: "Okay, then I'll trouble you to lead the way."
The maid led them up the stairs to the third floor. The door of the superior guest room was gently pushed open, and as the lights were turned on, the room suddenly became as bright as day. A modern and traditional atmosphere came over them, refreshing and elegant, forming a sharp contrast with the dim and simple old buildings.
The walls are painted white as snow, and the beds, coffee tables, sofas and other furniture are all in cool colors such as blue, cyan and green, giving people a cool and comfortable feeling. Different from the warm and prosperous style commonly seen in ancient buildings, the decoration style here is simple and generous, and every detail reveals the designer's ingenuity.
"Wow, this room is so beautiful!" Xiaoyanzi couldn't help cheering as soon as she entered the room. She jumped onto the sofa excitedly like a child. She originally thought that the sofa would be like the hardwood chairs of ancient times, but she didn't expect that as soon as she sat down, she would sink into the soft cushions. The wonderful and comfortable feeling made her shout, "Ziwei, come and try it. This sofa is as soft as a cloud. It's so comfortable!"
Qianlong also sat down. He was deeply shocked by the comfort of the sofa. He had sat on countless expensive chairs in his life, but none of them could compare to this one. Even the dragon throne in the palace was not as comfortable as this sofa in his opinion.
The sofa was so comfortable, so what about the bed? Qianlong was curious and tried to lie on it. Sure enough, the bed was soft and elastic, as if the whole person was gently wrapped up, and it felt like sitting on a large piece of jelly. It was so comfortable that he didn't want to get up again.
Seeing this, the maid turned on the electric fan at the right time. The six blades whirred and blew out gusts of cool air. Although it was not as effective as modern air conditioners, it was much better than the fans of palace maids and eunuchs.
Qianlong nodded with satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with approval: "We will all stay in the first-class rooms."
The maid smiled and agreed: "Okay, I'll arrange it for you right away."
Seeing the room so comfortable and pleasant, everyone was yearning. Especially for the guests who traveled from the Qing Dynasty, everything here seemed like a whole new world, opening their eyes. While the maid helped them check in, she called other waiters and patiently taught them how to use the various facilities in the room.
After the demonstration, Qianlong and others were stunned. It turned out that the place called the bathroom was actually an improved version of the toilet. Not only did it not require others to serve it, but it also did not require you to clean it yourself. You only needed to press a button to flush away the dirt. The changes in the world were truly amazing!
They were all amazed at the advanced and convenient inn, and their hearts were filled with curiosity and yearning for the unknown world. In this inn, they seemed to have found a bridge connecting the past and the future, allowing them to glimpse the wonder and beauty of this world.
The water in the bathtub seemed to be endowed with life, and it automatically adjusted its temperature as Li Qingge's mood fluctuated. A little cooler would refresh her mind, and a little hotter would relax her muscles and joints. She didn't need to pour or change the water, but only needed to gently turn the delicate copper knob to enjoy the perfect warmth. She turned on the faucet, and the clear water flowed into the bathtub like a cheerful stream, creating circles of delicate ripples. After washing away all the dust, she only needed to touch the small drain button with her fingertips, and the dirty water would quietly flow away along the pipe, leaving the room fresh and clean.
In a corner of the bathroom, a variety of toiletries are neatly arranged: soap exudes natural herbal fragrance, shampoo has a fresh floral scent, and shower gel is a blend of various fruity scents. Every time you use it, you feel as if you are in a sea of flowers and orchards, which not only soothes the tired body, but also brings unprecedented joy to the soul. The design of this bathroom reveals ingenuity in every detail, which makes people sigh that this is indeed a place that transcends time and makes people linger. Enjoying it, Li Qingge couldn't help but sigh that such an experience is hard to compare even with the luxury in the palace.
The overall layout of the room is even more amazing. There are delicate ink paintings hanging on the wall, and the tables and chairs are made of fine wood, with smooth lines, simple yet elegant. The bed is covered with soft brocade bedding, colorful yet harmonious. Lying on it, it feels like being in the clouds, extremely comfortable. Emperor Qianlong stayed in this superior guest room and had a good night's sleep. When he woke up, he praised the softness and support of the mattress. With a gleam of satisfaction in his eyes, he whispered: "If this mattress can be easily moved, I really want to take a few back to the concubines in the harem so that they can also enjoy this comfort. No matter which palace it is from, it should not be forgotten."
Reluctantly bidding farewell to this small town full of modern atmosphere and ancient charm, Qianlong and his entourage embarked on a new journey. They arrived at the dock, abandoned the heavy carriage, and chose to take a large and gorgeously decorated ship, along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, heading straight to Yangzhou. In the Qing Dynasty, water transportation was the most convenient means of transportation. As a golden waterway, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal directly connected the capital and Yangzhou, carrying the heavy task of transporting goods from the north to the south. Its importance is self-evident. It is the economic lifeline of the country and the guarantee of people's lives.
Today, as the emperor of the Great Yan Dynasty, Li Qingge has witnessed the changes of the times. Although new modes of transportation such as trains, high-speed railways, and highways have sprung up, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal still continues to play an irreplaceable role with its unique charm. However, with the advancement of technology, the wooden boats of the past have been replaced by sturdy iron boats, and human rowing has become electric drive, making the journey faster and smoother. Qianlong originally thought that it would take several days to reach Yangzhou, but he didn't expect to arrive in just one day. He couldn't help but be surprised and amazed at the speed.
"My old friend bid farewell to the Yellow Crane Tower and went to Yangzhou in the fireworks of March." Although it was the hottest month of July, Qianlong was full of infinite yearning for Yangzhou. He imagined the delicious food there, which was delicious and mouth-watering; the beautiful scenery there, which was picturesque and refreshing; and the beauties there, which were gentle and charming. However, he also knew that Yangzhou today was no longer the Yangzhou of the past. It had become the territory of the Niuhulu family. The traces of history and the changes in reality were intertwined, making the city full of complex and profound emotions.
When they tried to enter Yangzhou, they were stopped by the soldiers guarding the city. The reason was simple: they were Manchus. Qianlong could not help but recall the ten-day massacre in Yangzhou when the Qing Dynasty entered the pass. It was a bloody and cruel history. More than 800,000 innocent lives disappeared in that catastrophe. The deep hatred was as deep as the sea. Even after hundreds of years, it still left an incurable scar in the hearts of the people of Yangzhou. After the establishment of the Great Yan Dynasty, the people were eager to get rid of the symbol of the Manchus, cut off the ugly pigtails, and restore the traditional costumes of the Han people. Yangzhou was the leader of this trend. However, surprisingly, although the pigtails were regarded as a symbol of ugliness, some bald people were reluctant to cut them off. They believed that the pigtails could cover their flaws and were also a kind of alternative "fig leaf".
As an emperor, Li Qingge has been committed to promoting the integration and harmonious coexistence of multiple ethnic groups. He knows where the hatred in the hearts of the people of Yangzhou comes from, and he also understands the heaviness of history. He watched all this silently, with complex emotions surging in his heart. He knows that to truly eliminate this hatred, it takes not only time, but also sincere understanding and tolerance, as well as joint efforts and struggles. And Yangzhou, this city with a long history, is telling the past and present in its own unique way, witnessing changes and integration, and quietly waiting for everyone who is willing to listen to its story.
This hatred is like the icicles condensed in winter, which is hard to eliminate and cannot be easily forgotten with a casual remark. Li Qingge, the queen of Da Yan, not only has extraordinary talents in governing the country, but also gives the people of Yangzhou an unprecedented right - free choice. As soon as this decree was issued, a special checkpoint was added at the gate of Yangzhou City. Its function is to intercept those who are incompatible with Da Yan in terms of dress and appearance.
The sun shines obliquely on the city wall, and the golden glow and the resolute faces of the soldiers defending the city complement each other. At the city gate, the checkpoints are like a copper wall and iron wall, strictly screening the passers-by. No matter whether it is the long braids dragging behind the men's heads or the complicated flags on the women's heads, whether they are Manchus or Han people, as long as their dress does not conform to the rules of Dayan, they will be turned away.
Qianlong, Yongqi, Fu Erkang, Ji Xiaolan and their group were dressed in gorgeous but unmistakable Qing Dynasty costumes. Their braids shone brightly in the sun, like a bright logo that made people recognize their origins at a glance. The general guarding the city, a middle-aged man with a stern face and sharp eyes, was furious when he saw this scene, and his curses were like thunder, resounding through the sky. Qianlong, the former emperor of the Qing Dynasty, was pointed at and scolded by an ordinary soldier at this moment. His face and dignity seemed to be trampled on at this moment. The people around him, either out of resentment for history or out of loyalty to Da Yan, echoed one after another, and the shouts and curses intertwined to form an irresistible torrent that impacted Qianlong's heart.
Xiaoyanzi, a straightforward and hot-tempered woman, was furious. Her eyes were wide open, as if they could spit fire, and she shouted loudly: "You unruly people! How dare you bully me like this! Do you know who my master is? You want to die!" Her voice was sharp and piercing, like a sharp knife, trying to cut through the tense and oppressive atmosphere.
The guard heard this and sneered, his smile full of disdain and ridicule. He said coldly: "I don't care who you are, but under the laws of Dayan, everyone is equal and must abide by the rules. Yangzhou does not welcome you, leave quickly!" His voice was firm and powerful, like an unshakable mountain, standing in front of everyone.
When the people heard this, they became even more excited. They waved their arms and shouted slogans: "Get out of Yangzhou!" "The Tartars are rude!" "The blood debt has not been repaid, so don't even think about having an easy life!" These voices gathered into a powerful force, impacting the eardrums of Qianlong and his entourage, and also impacting their hearts.
Qianlong and his men were furious, but they thought that they were now in the territory of Da Yan, not Da Qing. If their identities were exposed, the consequences would be disastrous. So they had to suppress their anger, waved their hands and said, "Let's go back!" Their voices were full of helplessness and unwillingness, but more of a compromise with reality.
The land of Jiangnan is vast and picturesque. Qianlong thought to himself, Yangzhou is beautiful, but Jiangnan is so big that there is more than just Yangzhou. The West Lake in Hangzhou, the gardens in Suzhou, the ancient city of Jinling, which one is not a paradise on earth? He thought to himself, maybe he could find another kind of fun in another place.
However, Xiaoyanzi was still upset. The spirit of not admitting defeat in her heart was completely aroused. She pushed the guard and said angrily: "Yangzhou is not owned by your family. Why do you stop us? This is discrimination! I will sue the court and chop off your head!" Her voice was full of anger and unwillingness, like an enraged lion, ready to pounce on the enemy at any time.
The guard's face changed and he shouted sternly: "Da Yan has no emperor, only Her Majesty the Queen. If you want to go wild, go back to Da Qing and don't make yourself uncomfortable here!" His voice was full of majesty and unquestionable power, like a flash of lightning that cut through the sky, shaking the hearts of everyone present.
Xiaoyanzi was furious when she heard this. She kicked the guard several meters away. This kick not only knocked the guard's body away, but also the order and peace at the scene. The scene was in chaos. The guard shouted for the soldiers to surround them and arrest Qianlong and his men. The soldiers rushed in like a tide, and the weapons in their hands flashed coldly in the sun, as if they wanted to swallow everything up.
Qianlong originally just wanted to come to Yangzhou to enjoy the beauty and customs of Jiangnan, but he didn't expect it to turn out like this. He hurriedly asked the guards to protect him and retreat, but the scene was already in chaos. Yongqi, Fuerkang, Fuertai and Xiaoyanzi fought fiercely with the soldiers guarding the city. At the city gate, swords flashed and shouts shook the sky, as if a life-and-death contest was taking place.
Although the garrison commander was not a high-ranking official, his soldiers had received modern military training and were very skilled. They fought Yongqi and others in a close fight, and every move was full of power and speed. Seeing that the situation was not good, Qianlong quickly ordered a retreat. But Yangzhou is not a place where you can come and go as you please. Here, everything must be done according to the rules. They wanted to leave, but found that they were firmly trapped in this vortex.
Oh, this guy is really brave, daring to go against the officials guarding the city, and even wanting to escape in broad daylight? This is simply a daydream, a fantasy.
Just as the two sides were fighting fiercely, with fists and feet clashing and dust flying everywhere, the guard suddenly pulled out the shining gun from his waist and fired a shot into the air. The sound of the gun was crisp and loud, like thunder, exploding in the sky above Yangzhou City, shaking people's hearts, as if even the dust in the air was trembling with fear at the sudden sound.
"Bang!" This shot not only shook the entire city gate, but also woke up those who were immersed in the fight. Xiaoyanzi and the others, who were originally aggressive, were now frightened to the point of paleness, as if they had seen a ghost, with fear and anxiety in their eyes. Xiaoyanzi's lips trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but she couldn't say anything. She just bit her lower lip tightly, as if to suppress the gasp that was about to come out.
The guard pointed his gun at Xiaoyanzi and said coldly: "If you want to live, surrender obediently. My gun has no eyes. If it goes off accidentally, don't blame me for not warning you." His voice was low and powerful, with unquestionable majesty. Xiaoyanzi was so scared that she lost her soul and her body was as soft as mud. She forgot all the words "I would rather die than surrender" that she usually said. She was so scared that it seemed as if an invisible hand was tightly pinching her throat, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
Seeing Xiaoyanzi like this, Yongqi did not dare to act rashly, fearing that she might make a mistake. He held Xiaoyanzi's hand tightly, trying to give her some strength, but his hand was also shaking slightly, showing his inner panic and helplessness. Qianlong, Ji Xiaolan and others also looked solemn, they knew that this time they were afraid that it would be dangerous.
In the end, Qianlong, Xiaoyanzi and their group were all escorted to the government office, waiting for their fate. Their figures looked particularly lonely in the afterglow of the setting sun, as if they were puppets played by fate, unable to struggle.
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