Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 325 The Growth of the First Prince
Luoyang was the center of the world, and in ancient China, it was used to refer to the Luoyang Plain.

There is also an imperial palace in Luoyang City, named Luoyang Palace, also known as Ziwei City, which was built by Yang Guang.

The Luoyang Palace was built by laborers over 1.7 million people and was completed in just two months, making it the fastest-built imperial palace in all dynasties.

The first tribute ceremony of all nations to the Sui Dynasty was held in the Luoyang Palace.

Unfortunately, the Sui Dynasty fell after only a dozen years of construction, and the Luoyang Palace became vacant.

It was not until the sixth year of Zhenguan that Emperor Taizong changed Luoyang into the Eastern Capital. Since then, he occasionally visited the Luoyang Palace.

Luoyang Palace also has a special meaning to Wu Meiniang. She was originally from Luoyang and was canonized as a talented person in Luoyang Palace.

But for Li Zhi, he was tired of palaces and preferred to visit famous mountains and rivers.

He stayed in Luoyang Palace for only three days before continuing eastward. After passing Hulao Pass, he finally entered Henan Road.

Although Li Zhi decided to go to Hebei, the specific route of the inspection tour was entirely discussed privately between him and Sun Simiao.

One day, the emperor's touring team came to Xingyang. Li Zhi sat on the dragon chariot and looked at the scenery outside. He felt that the scenery here was beautiful.

"Mei Niang, do you know what famous mountains and rivers there are in Xingyang?" he asked Wu Meiniang beside him.

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "Your Majesty, why don't you ask the Imperial Concubine?"

Concubine Zheng was born into the Zheng family of Xingyang, and this is her hometown.

Li Zhi smiled slightly and said, "I had forgotten about her." He immediately ordered someone to stop the sedan chair and call Concubine Zheng to come for an audience.

The carriages of the four concubines followed behind Li Zhi's dragon chariot.

Concubine Zheng was holding her child and introducing the various scenic spots to Liu Chong'er, Zhu Cairen and Yang Cairen. When she heard the emperor summoned her, she handed Li Ren to Liu Chong'er, got off the car and came to Li Zhi's dragon chariot.

Li Zhi asked him about the famous mountains and rivers in Xingyang.

Concubine Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, you are well-versed in the history of various dynasties. Do you know how Xingyang got its name?"

Li Zhi thought about it and shook his head, "I don't know."

Concubine Zheng said, "In ancient times, the water from the Taihang Mountains flowed south to Jiyuan, where it was called the Jishui River. The Jishui River flowed into the Yellow River, overflowed southward and formed the Ying River, where it gathered and formed a marsh called the Yingze. During the Warring States Period, the State of Han built a city north of Yingze, hence the name Yingyang."

In ancient times, the north of the water was called Yang, and many cities built north of the water were composed of the name of the water plus "Yang", such as Luoyang and Xiangyang.

Li Zhi laughed and said, "I never thought that the imperial concubine is so knowledgeable."

Concubine Zheng laughed and said, "I don't know the origins of other places, but as a native of Xingyang, it's really outrageous that you don't even know this."

Li Zhi asked about the scenery of Xingyang again, and Concubine Zheng also gave a detailed introduction.

As the name of Xingyang suggests, this is a place with abundant water. There are six rivers in the area: the Yellow River, Suo River, Si River, Ku River, Jiayu River and Xushui River.

In addition, Xingyang also has a famous canal called Honggou.

At that time, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu fought in Xingyang for four years, dividing the world in half with the Honggou as the boundary.

In addition to rivers, Xingyang also has many famous mountains, the most famous of which is Songshan Mountain.

However, strictly speaking, Songshan is located in Songyang County, south of Xingyang, and cannot be considered as a scenery of Xingyang.

In addition to mountains and rivers, Xingyang also has many Taoist temples, the most famous of which is Dahai Temple.

It is said that Li Shimin had eye disease when he was a child, and his eye disease was cured after he worshipped Buddha in this temple. Later, he ordered Yuchi Gong to build this temple, which was as big as the sea, so it was named Dahai Temple.

After listening to Concubine Zheng's introduction, Li Zhi stayed in Xingyang for a few days, visited Honggou and Dahai Temple, and later climbed Mount Song.

Five days later, he ordered the troops to leave Xingyang and head towards Chenggao, the capital of Zhengzhou.

Prince Zheng Li Yuanli was originally thinking of finding a reason not to meet the emperor.

The matter of his son Li Mao made him disheartened. In the six months since he returned to Zhengzhou, he has hardly been involved in government affairs and is even less willing to see the emperor.

But he soon didn't have to worry anymore, because the emperor bypassed Chenggao and went straight to Yanzhou.

In Yanzhou, there is Mount Tai, the first of the Five Great Mountains.

Li Zhi couldn't help but sigh at this time. Although he didn't plan to come to Mount Tai to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, he still had to come here.

This was Sun Simiao's proposal.

In the eyes of this King of Medicine, Mount Tai, with its majestic mountains and prosperous scenery, is an excellent place to cultivate one's nature.

There is also a small mountain at the foot of Mount Tai, named Mount Culai. Although the mountain is not very attractive in appearance, it is connected to the earth veins and there is a hot spring on the mountain.

Sun Simiao once traveled here and found that people living near this mountain were light and healthy, and had a longer life expectancy than those in other villages and towns.

After some investigation, we found out that it was because of this spring.

Regular hot spring bathing can relax muscles and activate blood circulation, making people light and strong, healthy, and rid of all diseases, so the villagers can live a long life.

Sun Simiao recorded this spring in a medical book, and later gradually developed a hot spring therapy that combined hot springs, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

Li Zhi climbed Mount Tai and soaked in the hot springs in Mount Culai three times. After each soak, Zhen Guangxiou gave him acupuncture and Sun Simiao gave him medicine.

After three such treatments, I felt more energetic.

The touring team continued to move north. Li Zhi did not enter the city, nor did he send anyone to notify the county officials. He only sent accompanying officials to inquire about the people's livelihood.

Officials in various states and counties did not know that the emperor had passed through their territory. Only a few well-informed people like King Zheng knew something about it.

These officials, knowing that the emperor was nearby, did not dare to go to see him without his permission.

They could only be extremely alert, go to court to hear cases from dawn to dusk every day, and send their officials to do their jobs diligently, be kind to the people, and try their best to leave a good impression on the emperor.

Shangguan Yi was responsible for the incognito visits to various prefectures and counties.

When Li Zhi left Yanzhou for Qizhou, he came to report to Li Zhi with a booklet.

It records the people's livelihood and the reputation of officials in all the counties and prefectures visited along the way.

Li Zhi took a look at the booklet and asked Wang Fusheng to put it away.

When the end-of-year assessment comes, he will use the records in this booklet to compare with the assessment results submitted by officials from the Ministry of Personnel.

Qizhou is the last place to enter Hebei. Further east is Shandong. The only way to get to Hebei is by sea.

There are many ferry crossings across the Yellow River in Qizhou to the north, among which Luokou Ferry is the most famous. It is located at a water and land hub and is known as the "No. 1 Ferry in Qi and Lu".

Li Zhi then issued an order to cross the river at Luokou.

Li Zhi's group was large in number, and they also had a large number of carriages and horses. It was neither convenient nor safe to use civilian boats to cross the river.

At Xue Rengui's suggestion, Li Zhi ordered warships to be transferred from Laizhou to cross the river.

Before leaving Beijing, Li Zhi was very interested in the navy and ordered Laizhou to train the navy.

This is a good opportunity to take a look at what the Tang Dynasty's warships look like.

In less than ten days, Sun Renshi, the commander-in-chief of the Laizhou navy, came eastward with 3,000 naval troops, accompanied by Li Zhong, the Prince of Chen.

Li Zhong was the governor of Laizhou. When he heard from Sun Renshi that the emperor had issued an order to dispatch 3,000 naval forces to Luokou Ferry, he followed Sun Renshi to see the emperor.

It was not known whether Sun Renshi had received instructions, but he did not bring many navy soldiers with him, but he brought one of each type of ship, including a tower ship.

These ships were almost identical to those in Yan Liben's paintings, except that their sizes were magnified countless times. The tower ships in particular were even larger than Li Zhi had imagined, reaching nearly two zhang in height.

Early the next morning, Li Zhi boarded a ship and headed towards the north bank of the Yellow River.

He stood on the roof of the ship, his hand on the parapet, facing the wind, gazing at the vast Hebei plain in the distance. He said to Li Zhong behind him, "Zhong'er, have you gained anything in the six months since you left the country?"

Li Zhong whispered, "I followed my father's teachings, visiting the people and understanding their lives. Only today do I understand how difficult it is for ordinary people to make a living."

Li Zhi glanced sideways at him.

In just half a year, Li Zhong's tone of voice and temperament changed significantly.

Sure enough, people grow fastest only after they become independent.

Li Zhong suddenly asked, "Father, why did you suddenly order the training of the navy?"

Li Zhi said: "This is to prepare for war. Baekje is in turmoil, and the situation on the Liaodong Peninsula will change, so we must also prepare early."

Li Zhong said, "Hearing what you said, it seems that General Sun was right."

Li Zhi glanced sideways and said, "General Sun?"

Li Zhong hurriedly said, "It was General Sun Renshi. When you delivered the decree, I personally went to the water fort to inspect the navy. General Sun told me that something must have happened in the Liaodong states that prompted you to issue this decree." Li Zhi pondered for a moment, then said, "Zhong'er, while you are in your place, you must listen and observe more, adhere to your duties, and avoid interfering in other people's affairs. Be humble and learn from others."

Li Zhong, the governor, should not have been able to supervise Sun Renshi, the commander-in-chief of the navy. It was only because of his status as a prince that Sun Renshi allowed him to inspect the navy.

Li Zhong said hurriedly, "I'll remember it."

To the north of Qizhou is Dezhou, also known as "Pingyuan County". After Liu Bei defeated the Yellow Turbans, he was appointed to office here.

As the name suggests, Pingyuan County is a vast plain with flat terrain, rainy summers and cool autumns.

It was late summer and early autumn, and there was plenty of rain.

The day after Li Zhi arrived in Dezhou, it started raining. The rain was not heavy, but it lasted for three days.

The raindrops hit the eaves of the carriage with a "crackling" sound, and Princess Taiping in the carriage started crying again. As she cried, Li Dan followed suit.

Li Zhi handed the child to Wu Meiniang to take care of him, put on his hat and raincoat, and ran out to get some fresh air.

Wu Meiniang could clearly feel that the emperor had become much more open-minded in recent days.

She asked Sun Simiao, and learned that the emperor's condition had stabilized recently and his headache was improving, which made her feel better.

In the carriage behind the dragon chariot, the eighth prince Li Ren did not cry or make a fuss after hearing the sound of rain. Instead, he opened his big eyes and looked out the window curiously.

He was so well-behaved that Concubine Zheng felt much more relaxed. She handed him to the guardian and played a game of Bo with several other concubines.

Several concubines were playing Bo and chatting about trivial matters.

Unlike Empress Wu, who had to worry about big and small things, the only thing they had to do was serve the emperor.

This trip was no different from an outing. Everyone was like a bird out of a cage, having a lot of fun.

Even Yang Cairen, who was always sentimental, had a bright smile on her face at this moment.

She just said, "We'll be in Cangzhou soon, Sister Zhu. Is your hometown in Cangzhou?"

Zhu Zhenlian sighed, "Yes, Lucheng County in Cangzhou is where Your Majesty first tried to exempt people from corvée labor. I haven't been back for so long, I wonder if much has changed."

When the women talked about this, they began to discuss why the emperor wanted to exempt corvee labor.

Although Concubine Zheng and Concubine Yang were from prominent families, they could not answer this question.

It was Zhu Zhenlian who explained the reason in detail to everyone.

In the past, when the government conscripted people for labor service, everyone was forced to do the work and had no enthusiasm. Many simple projects took a long time to complete.

Moreover, many people have farm work to do at home, but due to corvee labor, their farm work is delayed, resulting in low output.

After the abolition of corvee labor, the government spent money to recruit civilians for labor. Everyone was paid, worked enthusiastically, and the fortifications were built quickly and well.

Those who are busy with farm work can focus on it.

Those who are not busy with farm work can take on the work. Everyone is busy with their own work, and as long as they are willing to work hard, everyone can earn money to support their family.

After hearing this, the women suddenly understood.

Liu Chong'e looked out the window at the rain-beaten road and said, "No wonder the roads are much easier to travel on after arriving in Hebei. They're not slippery even when it rains."

Concubine Zheng said, "I heard that Hebei was the first to implement the policy of recruiting civilians. I guess that's why the roads, bridges, and canals are all better built."

In fact, there is more than one reason. Before the corvée reform, Hebei had the heaviest corvée burden, and the people were skilled in folk construction.

When the government implemented the policy of recruiting migrant workers, these people found their place.

With their skilled craftsmanship, they have greatly improved the traffic conditions in various counties and cities in Hebei.

If the road is easy to travel, business will prosper.

The recovery of people's livelihood in Hebei Province is inseparable from the improvement of these road conditions.

Liu Chong'e smiled and said, "If that's the case, the road will be much easier to travel once we reach Lucheng County."

Zhu Zhenlian smiled slightly, and was extremely excited. She wondered what changes would happen to her hometown after she saw it again.

The next day, the rain stopped and the team's pace increased a bit.

There are not many famous mountains in Cangzhou. After staying there for two days, Li Zhi went straight to his next destination, Youzhou.

After leaving Beijing, the monthly arrangements for the ladies to serve the emperor were adjusted again. They were still arranged according to their rank. Concubine Zheng had a high rank and had more opportunities to serve the emperor, and tonight was her turn.

While serving the emperor in bed, she suggested to him that they take a detour to Lucheng County to take a look.

Li Zhijing reminded her that he also wanted to know the development of Lucheng County, a model county.

An imperial decree was immediately issued to adjust the route and bypass Lucheng County.

When the team entered Lucheng County, the situation was completely different from what Li Zhi had imagined.

The infrastructure here is not only inferior to that of other counties and prefectures in Hebei, but even inferior to that of Henan Province.

The team stopped ten miles away from Lucheng County.

This was not an order from Li Zhi, but a report from Xue Rengui that a bridge two miles ahead was broken and could not be passed.

Li Zhi had no choice but to order his troops to camp near a river bank.

He summoned several officials including Shangguan Yi and Xue Yuanchao and asked them to go to Lucheng County to investigate what had caused Lucheng County to develop into this state.

As soon as they left, Zhu Zhenlian came over.

"Your Majesty, this is my hometown. Please let me investigate as well. I will definitely be able to find the problem!"

Li Zhi thought for a moment and said, "Okay then. I'll let Wang Jishan follow you. Be careful along the way."

The few of them were gone for the entire day, and it was not until noon the next day that Zhu Zhenlian returned with the officials.

Li Zhi first met Zhu Zhenlian in the tent and asked her about the situation.

"Zhenlian, have you found the crux of the matter?"

Zhu Zhenlian nodded solemnly and said, "I have discussed this with several officials and have determined where the problem lies."

"where?"

Zhu Zhenlian said, "Since you abolished corvée labor, all kinds of construction work in Lucheng County has been completed by recruiting civilians. Many civilians have spontaneously formed associations to undertake the construction work."

"At first, everything was in perfect order. Some people worked on the farm, others took on communal labor. The fields produced more and more, the city's business prospered, and everyone's lives improved. But after County Magistrate Changsun was transferred away, problems began to arise!"

Li Zhi's heart tightened, and he asked, "What's the problem?"

Zhu Zhenlian said, "With the increase in the number of societies, competition has become fierce. Initially, the government selected societies based on their good reputation and ability. Later, those who were not selected actually bribed county officials and used unfair means to obtain the qualifications."

"Those people bribed the government, and to get their money back, they lowered wages and withheld wages. Many people no longer wanted to join associations and returned home to farm. Government construction work has been monopolized by a few associations."

"They bribed officials, cut corners, exploited workers, and sometimes withheld their wages. How could the workers do their jobs properly? Problems often arose in the fortifications they built!"

After listening to this, Li Zhi was silent for a long time, and then slowly said: "I was negligent. Since I handed over the construction work to the civil society, I should have expected this situation to occur."

"Your Majesty, can the situation still be salvaged?" Zhu Zhenlian asked cautiously.

Li Zhi said, "Of course. Any new thing will bring about corresponding problems. We just need to solve the problems and not panic."

Zhu Zhenlian smiled and said, "I thought something serious had happened, but after hearing what you said, I feel relieved."

Li Zhi said: "Okay, go and rest."

After Zhu Zhenlian left, Li Zhi sent someone to summon Shangguan Yi and others to inquire about the matter.

These court officials were all capable people carefully selected by Li Zhi. While waiting to be summoned, they had already thought of various countermeasures.

Some people suggested improving the laws, some proposed strengthening supervision, and some proposed establishing new official positions in the county government and directly governing them by the court.

As for the specific solution to this problem, Li Zhi decided to wait until he returned to Chang'an to gather ideas and carefully consider the matter.

The most urgent task at the moment is to severely punish those corrupt officials in Lucheng County who accepted bribes, and deter other officials to prevent this from becoming a common practice!

He immediately issued an edict, appointing Shangguan Yi as the envoy of promotion and demotion, and asked him to stay in Cangzhou to investigate the illegal activities of a group of corrupt officials in Lucheng County.

Li Zhi's patrol team continued to move northward towards Youzhou.

(End of this chapter)