The Imperial Age with the Resurgence of Han Style

Chapter 175 Shocking Spring

During the New Year, in addition to offering sacrifices and receiving blessings, visiting temple fairs during the New Year has become a common practice during this period.

There are different opinions on when the temple fair originated, and it is difficult to verify. But in the pre-Ming Dynasty, many temple fairs had begun to transform into markets.

At the temple fair, most people go sightseeing or buying New Year goods, and not many people actually perform sacrifices or pay homage.

An important feature of temple fairs in the Ming Dynasty was the rise of a large number of "guilds" or "guild halls" and "public offices", which made temple fairs more orderly and organized.

Since the Qin Dynasty established the Ming Dynasty, the temple fair has naturally remained the same as before. During the leisure time in winter, it has become a grand folk entertainment event. Penglai City and Huangling City have become crowded and extremely noisy at this time.

For many young men and women, the annual temple fairs are extremely attractive. Some diligent scholars spend their days studying the sages' teachings in the "Four Books" in school, but during the New Year, they will meet up with their classmates and go shopping at street stalls one after another.

A woman who is deeply hidden in her boudoir will invite two or three sisters to walk in the street and choose some rouge, gouache, or red jewelry.

Whether they are selling treasures, paintings, calligraphy, antiques, inscriptions, or paper, or selling all kinds of food, toys, jewelry, and flowers, you must stop and take a closer look. During this time, everyone is willing to spend money to buy a few nice things, just for the sake of auspicious New Year and good fortune.

Qi Zexuan held a candied haws in his hand and chewed it imagelessly. His eyes were still looking at the busy vendors on both sides, as if to see if there were any other novel gadgets. He bought it and took it back to Hanzhou to give it as a gift. My own brothers and sisters.

A dozen guards officers struggled to squeeze through the crowded crowd to leave as much security space as possible for His Royal Highness. At the same time, they were also nervously scanning the crowd around them. There were two or three imperial guard officers guarding him. Although they were holding large and small bags of goods in their arms, their actions intentionally or unintentionally kept Qi Zexuan close to his body to prevent any accidents.

"I, the imperial family of Da Qi, have been in the state for decades, and have blessed tens of millions of people. I don't believe that there are bad people in Penglai County who have evil intentions towards us." Qi Zexuan smiled and patted the side of his body. A guard officer said: "You don't have to be too nervous. The people here are happy and the atmosphere is peaceful. You can experience the Qin people's life and customs."

When Li Yanliang heard this, he smiled bitterly.

Although, with the power of our Da Qi family, we should not have young people come to take advantage of our Da Qi royal family. But in such a lively and noisy temple fair, there is a mixture of good and bad, and there may be criminals or extremely evil people among them. Once they don't know what's going on and collide or injure His Highness the Emperor, then they, the imperial guards officers accompanying him, will die forever.

"Brothers, I'm afraid you are all a little hungry after walking with me until now."

The group of people walked along the street and walked to a restaurant with several banners hanging on it. They looked around and saw that it was very lively inside. The lobby on the first floor was already full of diners, and waves of delicious food wafted out from inside. , people can't help but whet their appetite.

All the guards officers could not help but heave a sigh of relief when they heard His Royal Highness's instructions.

Well, it's better to have something to eat. It's safer to eat in a restaurant than in a crowded street.

His Royal Highness, the grandson of the emperor, loved the excitement the most, especially walking in the streets and markets, so the accompanying imperial guards always had to tense their nerves for fear of an accident.

Unlike His Highness Prince Dan, he was either dining and drinking in the luxurious mansions of princes and nobles, or enjoying life in the gardens of wealthy businessmen. Needless to say, in terms of safety, even the accompanying imperial guards officers were treated well.

No, during the Chinese New Year, His Highness Prince Dan was invited to have a banquet and have fun by the local officials and gentry of Penglai County. He lived a very lively life.

But their highness, the grandson of the emperor, felt like they were in Nanjing City, visiting the temple fairs in the city and experiencing the people's livelihood.

In other words, the Qin country is not that good except that there are many people. Penglai, a small county town, has a population of 200,000 to 300,000 people. If it were in Hanzhou itself, it would not be a big city on the list.

"Tell you something."

He found a quiet place on the second floor of the restaurant, ordered three tables of wine and food, and rested his stomach for a while. Qi Zexuan suddenly approached Li Yanliang with some gossip and whispered.

"Huh?" Seeing Qi Zexuan's suppressed smile, Li Yanliang felt suspicious and stopped holding the chopsticks in his hand.

"My uncle, King Min, was appointed by the cabinet as the governor of Runzhou (today's Mekong Delta), and he will soon go to Annan to take up his post." After Qi Zexuan finished speaking, he stared at Li Yanliang with a look of gloating on his face.

"Oh." Li Yanliang's eyes twitched a few times, and then he continued to eat the food in the bowl with his head down.

"Perhaps the Persian princess you are fond of will also come to Annan as Princess Min." Qi Zexuan said with a smile: "When you stay in Qin for more than a year, you might still have time to go and see her. .”

"Your Highness..." Li Yan's conscience seemed to be tugged, but a solemn expression appeared on his face, "Your Highness, my wife is pregnant, and I am going to be a father. The young man's love for Ai has become a thing of the past. .”

"I understand your state of mind." Qi Zexuan smiled and shook his head and said: "My fair lady, a gentleman is so jealous. Furthermore, if you know how to be lustful, you will admire Shaoai, and Yanliang can take it up and let it go at this time, I You should praise it. A good man needs to open up and expand the territory of the country, perform meritorious service on the battlefield, and don't cry out because of the little daughter. To be honest, I am really worried that you will not be able to pass the hurdle in your heart and worry about a woman. pregnant."

"Your Highness, this matter has been revealed and there is no need to mention it again." Li Yanliang took a deep breath and said softly: "At that time, the young man was ignorant and had no love. He should no longer feel sad at this time."

Qi Zexuan smiled and nodded.

"In the future, we will definitely make great achievements, establish great achievements, and be famous in the world after our death."

"By the way, Yanliang, what do you think of Beiming's upcoming war against Qin?"

"Huh? Your Highness means..."

"Do you think Beiming will fight Qin in North Korea?"

"If Beiming wants to gain the initiative on the battlefield, it should not place its main attack direction in North Korea." Li Yanliang said: "The Kingdom of North Korea is connected to the mountains and rivers of Liaodong and is connected by land. Qin's navy is weak and most likely cannot control the sea in North Korea. Then, in the face of Beiming's provocation and attack, the only way is to enter North Korea by land and start a war with Beiming. With Qin's strong military power, Beiming may not be able to get good results in North Korea."

"Well, what is Beiming's best strategy?"

"Use the affairs of Korea to attract the Qin army to gather in, and then use the internal advantages of Beiming, Dongdan and Bohai along the Ussuri River and Heilongjiang to attack Liaodong and eradicate the large and small cities and settlements established by the Qin State. Point. That is, North Korea focused on defense, consuming Qin's military strength and supplies, while the northern and eastern fronts took the initiative to attack, forcing Qin to fight a border offensive and defensive war with poor logistics and poor transportation."

"With the military power of the Qin State, is it possible to drive out all the forces of the Northern Ming Dynasty in North Korea?"

"If Beiming insists on holding on and does not attack, using fortresses and fortresses as camps, delaying the Qin army's attack, coupled with its relative maritime superiority, it should be able to defend parts of North Korea. After all, the land of North Korea is known as three thousand miles of rivers and mountains, and the terrain is The rugged terrain makes it difficult for the army to deploy, so if Beiming defends it by relying on the fortress, it will probably consume a lot of Qin's military strength."

"Yanliang, with your opinion, you can serve as the Beiming General Staff." Qi Zexuan looked at Li Yanliang with burning eyes, "The strategic plan we obtained from the Beiming General Staff is as you said."

"Oh." Li Yanliang felt proud after hearing this, "When will Beiming plan to take action?"

"The day of spring."
-

Established, started to build.

The spring air begins and establishes, so it is called the beginning of spring.

The ancients said that there are three periods of the Spring Equinox: the first period is when the east wind thaws, the second period is when stinging insects begin to stir, and the third period is when fish are wading through the ice. For the ancient Eastern land, spring is related to the fertility and barrenness of the entire country throughout the year.

On this day, the emperor would personally send all the princes, ministers and court officials to participate in grand sacrificial activities to pray for good weather and abundant harvests in the new year.

As the beginning of spring is approaching, Nanjing officials will arrive outside Zhengyang Gate one day in advance. The government officials will evenly spread the golden seedlings on the ground, making a rustling sound when they step on them. In the center of the site is the Tuniu Terrace, which was just completed half a month ago. Adjacent to the Tuniu Terrace is the temporary Mang Shen Pavilion built with wood.

The palace people started the ceremony with dance music, which meant waking up the earth that had been sleeping all winter. Later, the Minister of Rites presented the "Spring Mountain Throne", and Nanjing Zhili Prefecture presented the Spring Ox Picture.

After the Emperor of Qin had read them one by one, the Ministry of Rites and the Nanjing Prefecture took them back one by one.

The emperor held a golden whip and walked to the Tu Niu platform. He swung the golden whip and struck the Tu Niu. The tip of the whip struck the air, making a crackling sound. After three whips, the Spring Cow Beating comes to an end.

The government organized farmers to start cultivating the land, and spring officially began.

Agriculture in the Qin Dynasty developed vigorously, and various places attached great importance to farming. Therefore, the custom of spring cattle hunting flourished not only in Nanjing, but also in other parts of the country.

As a vassal of the Qin Dynasty, the Kingdom of Korea also held a grand spring ox hunting activity outside the Ying'en Gate of Hanyang City on the first day of spring, following the tradition of the Celestial Kingdom.

However, unlike the golden whip used by the Qin emperor, the 21st monarch of North Korea, Li Ming, could only use a silver whip to whip the native ox.

On the south bank of the Han River, there were two people walking as light as a butterfly in the procession to pray for the beginning of spring. They were carrying a gorgeous platform. Inside the platform was a famous local singer. The singer sang all the way, attracting people on both sides of the strait to stop and watch. .

This activity is naturally inherited from China and is called "carrying the beauty of spring". The road it passes is also called the road that spring passes, which means harmony and happiness.

"Report!"

While the North Korean monarchs and ministers were engaging in spring ox hunting, a fast horse came from the northwest. After being intercepted and questioned by several imperial guards, they were immediately brought to King Li Bang.

"Your Majesty, there is an urgent report from Jianghua County." The messenger was dripping with sweat, with a bit of panic on his face, "...Li Linzuo, the general manager of Southeast Quanzhi, led the troops to attack Jianghua Island. County Governor Cui Yan and the following officials Dozens of people fell into the hands of thieves!"

"...How dare you, thief!" Li Yan was startled for a moment, and then roared with splitting eyes, "You traitor, traitor, do you want to make a riot this time?"

The civil and military officials present could not help but roll their eyes when they heard this.

My Majesty, the powerful southeastern general manager had already established his own regime more than ten years ago with the support of Pseudo-Ming!

Making trouble?

Why don't they dare? You don't see it. In the past ten years, the imperial court has summoned Li Linzuo to the capital several times to meet the emperor, but they ignored him.

Moreover, many officials appointed by the imperial court to the three southeastern districts were either coerced and bribed by Li Linzuo, or they were sent back by him to focus on building his independent kingdom.

Half a year ago, he wrote to the court, requesting the title of King of Silla County, with the right to know the governors of the southeastern provinces. This made it clear that he wanted to establish a feudal system and prepare to establish a new country.

A few months ago, Da Qin sent 3,000 elite troops to Hanyang to intimidate Li Linzuo and the puppet Ming regime behind him.

But they still kept moving. Not only did they ask Puppet Ming to continue to send troops to station at the three strategic points in the southeast, but they also recruited troops on a large scale, hoarded food and grass, and strengthened their troops. Their disobedience was clearly revealed.

Well, now Li Linzuo directly sent troops to capture Ganghwa Island, directly stabbing the throat of our Korean Kingdom and threatening Hanyang.

At that time, when Jeong Mao was in chaos, His Majesty Injo took refuge in Ganghwa Island and made an alliance with the Qing Dynasty here. Taking this incident as an opportunity, our Joseon Dynasty promoted the Ganghwa Protectorate to the Ganghwa Remaining Prefecture, and the envoy to the Remaining Prefecture, as one of the accompanying capitals of the dynasty. Later monarchs such as Xiaozong, Xianzong, and Suzong successively built facilities such as the palace, Changning Hall, Wanning Hall, Dingzushan City History Library, and Waikui Zhangge.

This island can be said to be the only refuge for our Korean monarchs and ministers after the Hanyang City was attacked by foreign enemies.

Now it was suddenly attacked by the traitor Li Linzuo. Then, next, he will lead his troops all the way along the Han River to attack Hanyang City! ?

The Kingdom of Korea has also had a bad fate over the years, and has repeatedly fallen victim to the battles between Qin and Ming.

The most recent incident was seven years ago, when the puppet Ming Dynasty crossed the Yalu River from Xianning North Road in North Korea and invaded the Hunchun area (today's Yanbian Autonomous Prefecture), plundering border residents and grabbing property. Subsequently, a fierce armed conflict broke out with Da Qin. The two sides gradually developed from sporadic border battles into a war involving tens of thousands of people.

It's a pity that most of the territory of the Korean Kingdom has been reduced to a battlefield again, with several areas in the southeast and northwest destroyed, and countless people displaced.

Finally, with the intervention of Qi State, the two sides temporarily stopped fighting and stopped the war.

Furthermore, the late emperor Jingzong had always been weak and sick, and was unable to manage the affairs of the state. Therefore, Li Bian was appointed as the king's younger brother, supervising the country and administering the government, and was incorporated into the palace to serve on decoctions and medicines.

On September 1725, the third year of Yongzheng's reign (), Jingzong was terminally ill and dying. Li Ban tried to use ginseng tea to prolong Jingzong's life. Although the medical officer Li Gongyin objected, he still let Jingzong take ginseng tea.

Unexpectedly, Jing Zong died suddenly in the early morning of the next day.

After Li Bin ascended the throne, some Shaolun and Nan people were very afraid of him and worried about being counterattacked. On the other hand, there was controversy when Li Bin was originally appointed as the younger brother of the king. The teachings on Li Bin's accession drafted by Zhao Taiyi also included "Who knew that in the middle of the night, he would suddenly inherit Ji's order" and "Ruoren and Mingxiang" The statement "Inherited (it is said that Renzong of Joseon was poisoned)" caused the outside world to misunderstand Jingzong's sudden death, which left room for Shaolun and Nanren who were dissatisfied with Li Ban to spread rumors that Li Ban had killed his brother and usurped the throne.

Therefore, Li Bin's status is very unstable and the legitimacy of the throne is also fragile.

Therefore, at the beginning of his accession to the throne, Li Min "put the most emphasis on distant suspicion". In order to get rid of the suspicion that he was disloyal to Jingzong or even killed his brother, he did not clean up the entire court. Xin Ren’s prison case was overturned.

Therefore, when he came to the throne, he still used the Shaolun Li Guangzuo and Zhao Taiyi as leaders to discuss politics from the left, and even appointed Liu Fenghui, who had originally opposed the establishment of the throne, as the right to discuss politics, thereby stabilizing most of the Shaolun.

It can be said that King Yi Ming's control over the entire Korean state affairs is very weak. He is unable to suppress the two groups of courtiers at all, and he does not have much binding power over the local governments and counties. "Government orders do not leave Gyeongbokgung Palace." The edict does not go down to Daofu County", which is a proper "lame" king.

Under this situation, the situation in the Korean Kingdom was extremely chaotic, power struggles continued, and armaments were even more depleted. If Daqin hadn't been shaking behind it, let alone Beiming, it would have been easy to destroy it. Maybe Li Linzuo, who controlled the three southeastern roads, could have come to "Waihua Island to return to Beijing" (the founding king of North Korea, Li Chenggui, raised an army here) ), subverting the Kingdom of Korea and performing a drama of changing dynasties.

Unexpectedly, even if Great Qin sent three thousand soldiers and horses to Hanyang City, it still had no deterrent effect. This damn Li Linzuo brazenly captured Ganghwa Island on the first day of spring, breaking the current situation in North Korea.

"Your Majesty, the Li thief is attacking. Please issue an edict to mobilize the imperial army to be on full alert, and to recruit troops from various garrison halls to King Qin of Hanyang." Li Guangzuo, the leading minister of political affairs, took a step forward and said in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, please transfer orders to the Daqin garrison camp and ask the heavenly soldiers to go to Jianghua Island to help in the battle and regain the lost territory to fight against the rebels." Zhao Taiyi, the minister of Zuo Council for Political Affairs, also bowed and said.

"Yes, yes..." Li Bin threw the silver whip in his hand to the ground, nodded hurriedly and said: "Quick, quick, quickly send an order to the commander of the imperial camp to immediately mobilize the troops to enter a state of full alert. ...The order The soldiers and horses from all over the world come to Hanyang Qinwang quickly. ... Please protect the safety of my country, Korea, quickly!"
-

(End of this chapter)