Compared to the situation that Xiaobei and the others encountered, the weather in the capital was much better. Only yesterday afternoon, there had been three hours of light snow, the kind that melted as soon as it landed on the ground.
Today's court meeting was originally planned to be held in the Political Announcement Hall. The Hanyuan Hall was too big, and there was no shelter when the wind blew. However, the Political Announcement Hall was building a geothermal system. Yes, geothermal.
To be precise, it was building pipes and adding a layer of floor tiles on top. The cost was huge, and Li Longji paid for it himself. The construction progress was estimated to take at least a month. Building pipes, laying floor tiles, and waterproofing.
If the results were good, the next step would be to dig trenches in the capital in the spring, lay gas pipes, electric cables, heating pipes, and expand the water distribution system.
As for the optical cable, well, that was a beautiful dream.
Li Longji didn't want to be extravagant again. Ever since he renovated the palace, he had become more simple. In the past, when he had no money, he always wanted to make his life more comfortable. He fought with the other officials for the surplus revenue, including how to use the internal funds.
When he found that he had endless money, Li Longji didn't want to tear down and rebuild a palace, and then tear it down again. His meals were simple, and there were only three or four dishes. Occasionally, he would make vegan dumplings.
The sudden spending of money was because the recent domestic economy made him worried. He had to prepare in advance. As for the specific solution … it was better to discuss it in the court.
Thus, today's meeting was still held in the Hanyuan Hall. There was heating here, a heater installed a few years ago.
When the time came, the officials lined up with empty stomachs. No one secretly brought food, and they waited for the court to end to eat the food provided by the palace.
Everyone found their own place and stood. Li Longji looked at the morning scenery as he strolled over. The carriage swayed a lot. According to him, it was dizziness. The officials were surprised at first, but then they expressed that regardless of whether others believed it or not, they believed it.
They came in the first batch of gasoline-powered carriages in the Great Tang. The shock absorption was much better than palanquins and carriages. It was also faster, and the vibration of the diesel engine was not light.
Li Longji sat down first. Gao Lishi placed the microphone and tested it. "Hey, hey." The quality of the sound was good, so he retreated to the side.
"Everyone, please sit." Li Longji raised his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Everyone turned around and sat down behind the table. They took out their notebooks and pens and prepared to record the contents of the meeting.
Li Longji also took out a book and flipped it open. His gaze landed on Minister of Revenue Wang Bei's face and said, "Today, we'll talk about the domestic economy first, Minister Wang."
Wang Bei moved the microphone in front of him, pondered for a moment, and said, "The data collected last month shows that the prices in most areas of the country have dropped significantly recently. The price of a well-woven third-class silk was 140 copper coins per piece in the middle of June, but it dropped to 132 copper coins last month. The average price of a pig in Henan Province in June was 6.5 copper coins per catty, but it dropped to 5.8 copper coins last month. The average price of bamboo in June was 915 copper coins per square meter, but it was 876 copper coins last month, and so on."
Wang He paused for a moment. The officials were all silent and had different expressions. He continued, "Other than table salt, the prices of other goods have decreased. That is to say, we can buy more things with less money. The lives of the people are better now. Haha!"
He laughed, but the others didn't because it wasn't a joke.
For a moment, the Imperial Court fell silent. After half a minute, Li Longji said, "That's the situation, that's the situation. All of you know that the development of the economy has always been to control the rate of inflation, which is the rate at which the currency depreciates. Now, there's no need to worry about this. The currency has appreciated. Are you all happy? We are truly too amazing. The people are able to buy things at a cheap price. "
No one was happy. If it was thirty years ago, perhaps some people would foolishly think that this was a good thing. Counting back, there had never been a dynasty that had achieved such results.
However, the officials now had learned a lot of political and economic knowledge. Whether the increase in the consumer price index was positive or negative, it would inevitably reflect the correctness of the country's macro and micro economic regulation. It was especially important to see whether the goal and result were the same.
The ability to buy a unit of currency was equally important, whether it was a large amount or a small amount.
The officials weren't looking forward to the current negative inflation. This wasn't in line with the current economic development. The savings and lending rates of the Great Tang Bank weren't negative.
Then where did the problem lie? Was the Great Tang currency too little? Was the interest rate of the national debt too high? Was the consumption concept of the people changing? Or was the supply really exceeding the demand?
Yuan Qianyao coughed, reminding everyone that he had something to say. He held the microphone and said, "I think that the investment in technology has increased the production of the original basic materials, thus reducing the cost of processing and sales. However, the cost of labor didn't change. That's why there are such figures."
"I don't think so." Yu Wenrong replied impolitely, "I think that the investment in technology has always been right, especially in the aspect of grain, oil, plants, and livestock. In the past, the consumption of grain was huge, but now, the consumption is small. It can't be said that the population of the Great Tang has decreased. It's just that people have more choices when they need nutrients.
The cost of processing isn't low, but there's also the cost of labor. The more advanced the technology, the higher the cost of labor. Correspondingly, the cost of sales hasn't decreased. There's definitely advertising in sales, and the cost has always been on the rise. This can be seen from the profits of various newspapers.
Then, what's the reason why the figures for the past two months don't match our expectations? It still needs to be researched. Your Majesty, I've finished. "
Yuan Qianyao stared angrily and cursed in his heart. What did you say? You've analyzed so much, and you still need to be researched? Everyone wanted to know the reason and the solution.
Yu Wenrong avoided his gaze and said embarrassedly, "Prime Minister Yuan, don't look at me like that. I'll be shy."
"Hahaha …" Li Longji laughed.
The other officials also couldn't help but laugh. Even the usually serious Zhang Zhong's lips curled up.
Everyone was very happy, and no one was worried about the data. The so-called worry was that they couldn't think of a solution. However, they didn't panic. This was because there were two people who were qualified to attend court but couldn't because of Zhang Zhong's existence. They were taking care of their children in the capital.
If they really couldn't think of a solution, they could only trouble the couple. The problem was very serious. The worry was caused by themselves, but they weren't at the end of the road yet. They believed that if those two people spoke up, everything would return to normal.
"Don't be like this, okay? She's clearly still young and is probably sleeping. Do I have to call her parents over? Be careful that she doesn't run to your house to cry. "Li Longji held back his laughter.
The people below laughed again. Morning court was a very happy thing. As long as it wasn't a disaster that killed people, everyone came to court with a happy mood.
In any case, if the problem could be solved, they would solve it directly. If they couldn't, they would push it to Xiao Bao and Cuckoo. Then, they would learn from them. Who asked the two of them to always be so calm no matter what situation they faced! It was as if any problem wasn't a problem to them.
"Yongcheng, you say something. Don't tell me that you don't visit your grandson on a daily basis. Don't tell me that you only visit your grandson and don't ask any questions." Li Longji looked at Zhang Zhong and said.
Zhang Zhong had always abided by the etiquette between a ruler and a subject. When he heard the voice, he immediately stood up and replied respectfully, "Yes, I'll say it. Regarding the domestic economy …"
"Let's talk about Ming Ming first." Li Longji interrupted Zhang Zhong.
Zhang Zhong's serious expression immediately turned into one of happiness. He changed from the cold and strict face of the Minister of Works to the face of a kind grandfather. He looked at Li Longji gratefully and replied, "The little guy can already sit up. Occasionally, he can even crawl a few steps. He rarely cries. Even if he cries, it's for a short period of time. Usually, it's because he pees or is hungry. Every day, he cries for less than a quarter of an hour.
He likes to laugh and laughs at everyone he sees. When he catches a toy, he can play with it for a long time. Xiao Bao and Cuckoo have also turned into children. A small ball can actually play with Ming Ming for an hour and even crawl everywhere with him. There's no bed in the house anymore. The floor and the carpet are all crawling. Last night, I also crawled over to talk to Ming Ming. My legs hurt. "
"Hahahaha …" Li Longji laughed again. He was very happy.
Jiang Cen immediately took the opportunity to speak, "Yongcheng, my little granddaughter is four months older than Ming Ming. She can crawl better. Why don't we send her over to play? My granddaughter is virtuous and polite, dignified and generous, graceful and charming. When she grows up, she'll definitely have a daughter. What do you think? "
"Cough cough! Official Jiang, there's no need to talk about family matters in court. " Li Longji interrupted Jiang Cen's words and told him not to talk about family matters. Everyone was in court. He said, "Although Pan 'er is a little older, her age shouldn't be determined by age. Her age shouldn't be determined by …"
"Your Majesty, regarding the recent increase in the value of the currency, I have something to say." At this moment, the person who appeared was actually Li Linfu. After he finished speaking, he immediately looked at Zhang Zhong and said, "Brother Yongcheng, you and I have known each other for almost ten years. After spring and autumn, we've seen winter come. The snow is as white as a rabbit. It's said that a white rabbit walks to the east and looks to the west. Clothes are not as good as new, people are not as good as old. Brother Yongcheng, we know each other. My little girl … "
"Minister Zhang, let's talk about economic matters first." Wang Bei interrupted with a cold face. He shook the book in his hand and said to Zhang Zhong, "After work, I hope you can bring your family to my residence for a chat. We can discuss financial matters and other matters. State matters are important."
While the officials and Li Longji were inwardly cursing Wang Bei for being shameless, Zhang Zhong finally had time to speak.
"Let me, let me think. Just now, everything was in a mess. I actually forgot what I wanted to say." Zhang Zhong was speechless. How old was his grandson? Unexpectedly, others were fighting to reserve him.
After thinking for a few seconds, Zhang Zhong finally found his train of thought. He said, "The technology released by the Ministry of Works and the Agricultural Temple has always been basic industry technology. To put it bluntly, it is to increase agricultural production and initial processing technology. It directly affects the people's livelihood.
As a result, grain production has increased, and the initial processing efficiency of the handicraft industry has increased. This year is the right time to show the results. The influence of the Ministry of Works and the Agricultural Temple has met, resulting in a seemingly temporary decrease in cost. "
"I have already thought of this point. However, since it has decreased, the amount of trade must have increased. Why has the tax not increased?" Li Longji asked.
"The tax has increased, but it has not entered the statistical period yet. It can only be seen at the end of the year. The tax has not increased because it is not reported. The local finance suppresses the tax for a few months, and the profits go to the local government. Therefore, the tax is simple. It is human nature. "
Zhang Zhong replied. What he meant was that there was only the tax and no one supervised it. People collected the money and waited to report it at the end of the year. This way, the money could be used for other things for a few months, and the profits would become the local government's additional income.
When Zhang Zhong said this, he did not have any intention of attacking the local yamen. The yamen had more money, and it was additional income. It looked dangerous, but it was actually not a big problem. Many yamen would show this part of the money.
The commoners could see and know that the yamen had an additional income. This money did not belong to the imperial court and could be used freely. Therefore, in the future, when the money was spent, the commoners would be involved.
As for hiding it from the commoners and then embezzling it, Zhang Zhong did not believe it. If they did that, the cost and benefits would not be proportional. It would not be as much as the rewards after the official finished his term. Furthermore, once he was found out, he would lose everything, including his life.
Li Longji nodded. He was very satisfied with the current governance. The investigation was strict, and the reporting system had been perfected. The cost of malfeasance was too high, and the officials were not willing to take the risk.
However, he still had a question, "Since that is the case, why don't the merchants hoard the goods at a low price and artificially inflate the price?"
"They don't dare." Zhang Zhong proudly said these four words.
The officials understood. They knew that Zhang Zhong was speaking the truth. The price could rise and fall, but hoarding and harming the market would definitely result in bankruptcy. It was fine if it was small, but once it reached a large scale, Zhang Xiaobao would definitely take action. However, if it did not reach a large scale, how would they make money?
It did not matter if it was a bottom line or a red line, whoever crossed it would die. You should earn the money you should earn, but you could not go overboard. Of course, luxury goods were an exception. If you sold luxury goods at a sky-high price, Zhang Xiaobao would also pretend not to see it.
"Mm ~!" Li Longji replied.
Zhang Zhong continued, "From my perspective, I can only continue to release a part of the technology and precision processing technology to allow the basic products to form more grades and thus raise the price of some of them. The rest is the responsibility of the cultural, sports and education department."
The cultural, sports and education department was separated from the six departments. It overlapped with the functions of the Ministry of Rites. It was influenced but not under its jurisdiction. Its functions were naturally culture, sports, and education.
It was independent but also related to other departments. The Ministry of Rites was the most important in educating the people. The officials were also managed by the Ministry of Personnel. The construction site was controlled by the Ministry of Works. If there were economic and administrative problems, the Supreme Court and the Censorate would still intervene. If there was a large-scale sports competition, they would need to coordinate with the Ministry of War. When money passed through their hands, they would inevitably have to go through the Ministry of Revenue.
The cultural, sports and education department was managed by Zhang Jiuling. He had already changed departments many times. In the end, he volunteered to come here. He had a part-time job in the Secretariat. Otherwise, without a central department, his power would be relatively small.
When he heard Zhang Zhong mention him, he picked up a pen and said, "Minister Zhang, please advise me."
"I don't dare to advise you. Frankly speaking, the fall in the price of products is caused by the mass use of raw materials. The consumption of the people is too purposeful. They only buy things that they normally use.
We can't say that we don't allow the people to use technology to mass produce. In fact, as long as we don't do anything, after half a year or so, the price of goods will naturally rise. The market will adjust itself. The price of basic goods will be low, and the unit labor cost of other reprocessing industries will not change.
This will cause people in the planting, breeding, and textile industries to work very hard, but their income will be the same as before, or even drop, while the income of other industries will increase. Once the former lose enthusiasm, there will be at least three situations. "
Zhang Zhong flipped through the book. It was densely filled with small characters. He had learned it from his son and daughter-in-law in his daily life. In the past, he had thought that if he worked hard, he would one day learn all of his son's knowledge.
In the end, the more he learned, the more complicated it became. There were set after set of formulas and book after book of theories. Even so, his son and daughter-in-law always said that their knowledge was too shallow and that there were many things they didn't understand.
Zhang Zhong could only sigh at the depth of their ability and their modesty.
Right now, the book had recorded the situations that would occur. He paused, and someone quickly asked, "What are the three situations?"
"First, the smarter people will immediately change. They will plant other crops, breed other livestock, or move toward precision processing. Second, the people don't know what else to do. They have been planted before, and they are already used to it. Even though it doesn't make money, they still persevere. Third, the family needs money, but they don't have it. The more they plant and breed, the more they lose. In a panic, they commit suicide. So … "
Zhang Zhong stopped here.
Li Longji said, "So we can't let the price of goods rise naturally. The law of the free market can adjust the economy, but it can't save lives. We can't just look at the data to deal with the problem. Otherwise, what's the use of having you and me? "
"What should I do?" Zhang Jiuling was still taking notes.
"In the name of the court, increase the number and content of winter sports competitions, increase the prize money, and increase the number of winners," Zhang Zhong said.
He continued, "Xiao Bao has already made preparations to reduce the interest rate on savings. I ask Your Majesty and everyone to pass this resolution. The good people will interfere with the purchasing power of money. The Ministry of Works and the Agriculture Temple will release a portion of the precision processing technology for free. At the same time, the bank will provide an interest-free three-year loan related to the technology. The interest rate of the bank's reserves will remain unchanged for the time being. This will control the annexation of the merchants and prevent them from using this opportunity to expand their private industry. "
The officials, including Li Longji, were all writing and drawing with their heads lowered. They were calculating whether the implementation of the various measures was in line with their expectations.
After a while, everyone stopped writing.
"Anything else?" Li Longji asked.
"Yes, write articles in various newspapers and magazines. Write stories about the value of life, and even make up stories. Let the people cherish their current lives and don't commit suicide. Especially write about the benefits that appear in the Tang Empire. Compare it with the past and paint a better future. You persevered through so much hardship in the past. Now, you die for a little money. Isn't it not worth it? With the benefits of the imperial court, even if you don't have money, you can still eat, raise your child, and treat your illness. "
As Zhang Zhong spoke, he began to reminisce about the years before he had his son, Xiao Bao. It was really tough. Even the clan head didn't have it easy, much less the farmers.
Then, with his son, Xiao Bao, everything began to change. Not only did his family change, but the world of the Tang Empire also changed.
Many officials, including Li Longji, began to reminisce when they heard about the benefits.
Some of them smiled as they reminisced. There was a trace of confidence, a trace of pride, and a trace of accomplishment.
They even thought, 'Li Gui, Wu Qi, Shang Yang, Guan Zhong, Sang Hongyang, you were powerful back then. If you have the ability, why don't you try it in the Tang Empire now? Your political and economic methods are simply too weak.
Do you know what the production relationship between the private economy and the public economy is? Do you understand the interaction between monetary control and the GNP? Do you know what the final function of the industrial system is?
I know, and it's a very simple question. I even know how the international currency exchange process works. What is the point of subduing the enemy without fighting? I can make the people I bully continue to beg me to bully them.
But even so, I still have to be careful, treading on thin ice, not daring to make any mistakes. Because in the current Tang Empire, I understand that my ability is not enough to control the current economic situation of the Great Tang. It's too complicated.
I can't just rely on the data to govern. I have to understand the psychology of the people of every class. What I'm considering now isn't whether the national treasury has enough money, but how to properly spend this money and raise the living standards of the people.
People like you think that earning money for the national treasury is very impressive, but in my view, it's truly lamentable. Is it difficult to fill the national treasury with money? It's not difficult. If I don't consider the actual situation of the people, I can fill the national treasury.
But this isn't my goal. I can't be that selfish. To me, what's difficult is to let the people of the Great Tang feel the warmth of winter, to let the elderly enjoy the rest of their lives, and … to let the children smile.
What politician, what economist, what strategist, what writer, all of them can stand aside. With me here, do you have the right to speak?
But even so, I'm just one of the many people standing in the court. What I know are the basic qualities that all the officials present in Hanyuan Palace must have.
I'm just that ordinary, but I'm also proud. I'm proud of the Great Tang Empire. If you were still here, the Great Tang Empire could wipe out all of your countries in a year, just because I, who is stronger than you, am so ordinary in the Great Tang Empire. What's it called again? Oh, foundation.
The officials all had their own thoughts. Li Longji also went through some bitter memories and then looked at the officials below and said, "Everyone, you still have to work hard. Yongcheng, is there anything else? "
Zhang Zhong nodded. "There is, but it's not about this matter. It's about next spring. Xiao Bao and Cuckoo plan on a large scale construction project, estimated to cost 100 million strings of coins."
"How much?" Li Longji, who had always been calm, couldn't help but cry out in surprise. The others' expressions changed again and again.
"100 million strings of coins, 100 billion wen. My family will pay 10 million strings of coins, Your Majesty will pay 10 million strings of coins, the national treasury will pay 20 million strings of coins, the Great Tang Bank will pay 10 million strings of coins, and the remaining 50 million strings of coins will be raised by Xiao Bao and Cuckoo, but not by my family. My family can't take out so much cash. Oh, Xiaobei and the others may pay a million strings of coins, but that's not included.
They can pay as much as they want. There's also the group set up by our officials. The recent financial data has been good, and everyone will receive dividends during the New Year. Let's set aside the one million strings of coins first. "
Zhang Zhong calmly listed out the items, all in units of ten thousand strings of coins.
Wang Bei's expression was not very good. He couldn't help but cough twice and say, "Brother Yongcheng, as an individual, I don't object to the group paying one million strings of coins. But, why didn't my Ministry of Revenue receive any news of such a large amount of money? "
"Because, the news was only released today," Zhang Zhong said calmly.
"Your Majesty." Wang Bei pretended to be indignant.
Li Longji frowned. A pencil was twirling in his hand. Before it fell to the ground, it suddenly paused. He said, "Minister Zhang, I want to talk to you."
Wang Bei was happy, and the corners of his mouth curled up.
"I know you always think that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo are very capable, but no matter how capable they are, raising 50 million strings of coins is difficult. Next year's budget for health care, education, retirement, employment, and other welfare departments should be made first. If the national treasury still has a surplus, it can increase the investment.
In addition, I see all the civil and military officials in the court. In the past, their benefits and salaries were generous, and their family property was not lacking. If there is a surplus in the group's accounts, why not use it for the people and the country? Money will depreciate if left there. Money that doesn't depreciate, as discussed today, is worrying. "
Li Longji said with a heavy heart.
Thus, countless angry gazes converged on Wang Bei. Wang Bei realized that it was really cold. He didn't know if the humidifying and warming fans that Zhang Zhong and Wang Bei had promised would be sent back to his house after the court.
"Your Majesty, I impeach Zhang Zhong for not discussing with the Head of the Secretariat about important matters concerning the country." Yu Wenrong's voice sounded.
"I second the motion." Su Yi, the Minister of Rites, spoke in agreement.
Yuan Qianyao followed. "I think so too."
"I second the motion." Another group of people impeached at the same time, including Xiao Song, the Minister of War.
"I also impeach Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, the Jiedushi of Bohai Commander-In-Chief's Office for staying in the capital for too long. I'm afraid they have other motives." An official from the Censorate took advantage of this matter to point the spearhead elsewhere.
"Oh? Then I want to know where you want them to go when you impeach them? "Li Longji asked.
"I don't know. I only impeach them." The person replied.
"Good, I already know." Li Longji praised.
"I impeach Zhang Xiaobei, Wang Xiaoyuan, and the others for acting recklessly. I'm afraid they are heresy." Another official from the Censorate was also unwilling to be left out. Seeing that others were impeaching them, he also spoke up.
However, after he finished speaking, he realized that the situation seemed to be wrong. Why was the Emperor unhappy? Previously, there was no problem with his colleagues impeaching Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan.
Then, he looked at Yuan Qianyao and Yu Wenrong. The two of them were from the Head of the Secretariat. Seeing the two of them giving him a look, he then realized that he had impeached the wrong person.
Previously, when he impeached Zhang Zhong, Zhang Xiaobao, and Wang Juan, he knew that it was because everyone had a tacit understanding. Every time there was a court meeting, they would definitely find fault with their families. It was not to say that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were really wrong, but it was a form of protection.
It was not good for an official to not have any colleagues opposing him. Therefore, everyone would find fault with him. He reckoned that this time, he had chosen the wrong person in his excitement. The Emperor could impeach him, and the things that should be sent would be sent to his family. Impeaching Xiao Bei … was a little too much?
As this person thought about it, he became very anxious and sweated profusely.
Gao Lishi could not help but remind him, "You said that Xiao Bei and the others are running around everywhere. What's wrong with such young children?"
"Ah, yes, what they are doing is wrong. Your Majesty, everyone, think about it. Xiao Bei and the others are so young, and they are running around all day long. How worrying is that? Don't they think about what will happen if they are tired? What will happen if they are cold? They are really too reckless. "This person was quick-witted in his hurry.
"Then how did they become heresy?" Li Longji asked.
"Of course. Your Majesty, think about it. Shouldn't we be worried when they are outside? Once we are worried, we can't do good things. If we don't do good things and make the people suspicious, what is it if not heresy? "After speaking, this person let out a long sigh. In just a short while, sweat had already soaked through his clothes.
Li Longji nodded, "Yes! That makes sense. You have worked hard. "
"It is my duty." This person hurriedly responded.
There was a ten second period of silence in the imperial court. Just as Li Longji was about to call out names and ask about politics, Jiang Cen of the Si Nong Temple saw that no one was speaking. He opened his book and said loudly, "Your Majesty, according to the temple's statistics, our country's tomatoes, chili, potatoes, sweet potatoes and other foreign crops have reached the number of crops that can be planted throughout the country. I suggest that we should give an administrative order to …"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, urgent news from Yin Province, urgent news from Yin Province …"
Without waiting for Jiang Cen to finish speaking, a loud shout came from the entrance of Hanyuan Palace. Luo Bin rode a wide wheel mountain bike and appeared like the wind.
The officials were not paying attention to the bike, but to what Luo Bin had shouted. What happened to Yin Province?
A few seconds later, Luo Bin stopped and threw the bike to the side. He came to the table of the officials at the bottom and drank two mouthfuls of water. Then, he snatched the microphone and said, "Your Majesty, Yin Province has reported that heavy snow has covered the sky and covered the earth. It has accumulated to the waist in half a day and has not stopped for the entire night. In the villages far away, huu … huu, there are more than 1500 people who have been blessed.
Li Longji felt his heart beat faster and he felt weak all over. The officials also had solemn expressions.
In the past, when the Great Tang's technology was not advanced and there were no medical or education benefits, the lives of 1500 people would not matter to them.
Which day did people not die? Which year did people not die in disasters? Not to mention 1500 people, even if 15,000 people died, they would still be fine. When they fled for their lives, hundreds of thousands of people lost their homes. Countless people died on the road. They were already used to it.
However, it was different now. There was no drought now, and hundreds of thousands of people did not have food to eat. It was even more impossible for people to trade their children for food. As long as people were still alive, other problems were not a problem.
But suddenly, there was a place where 1500 people lived, and the snow was up to their waists in half a day. It had been snowing for an entire day and night, and it still had not stopped. That person …
"Bastard!" Li Longji slammed the table and stood up, glaring at him angrily.
Luo Bin hurriedly took two deep breaths and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me, please calm down. There were more than 1500 people, and they were all trapped in the thick snow. However, the ten Patrol Inspectors of the Imperial Court called last night and urgently dispatched troops to rescue them."
"You …" Li Longji gritted his teeth and pointed at Luo Bin.
"This lowly one deserves to die. I ran too fast. Your Majesty, please calm down." Luo Bin grabbed the microphone and knelt there, not daring to raise his head.
Li Longji slowly sat down, thought for a moment, and said, "What did Minister Jiang say about the administration of corn?"
"Replying to Your Majesty, because the people in many places are used to planting a certain crop and are not familiar with the new crop, they do not accept it. I think that an administrative order should be issued to force the local people to plant corn."
Jiang Cen glanced at Luo Bin, pretended not to see him, and answered the Emperor's question.
"Must an administrative order? I think that other methods can be used. For example, the newspapers can say that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo support the planting of corn. How about that? "Li Longji expressed his own thoughts.
"Very good. Your Majesty, please inform the two of them." Jiang Cen was waiting for these words. He couldn't go to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan to discuss and ask them to come forward.
Li Longji nodded, and then suddenly said, "Speaking of corn, I have specially built a cold storage for all of you this year. Before the harvest, I have stored a lot of corn ears. During the New Year, each of you will be given a few hundred ears to bring home for your children to eat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The officials didn't need to rehearse, and tacitly said their thanks in unison.
As for Luo Bin, no one cared about him for the time being. It was as if they had already forgotten about the news they had just received.
"This lowly one … does this lowly one also have some?" Luo Bin originally wanted to ask about the disaster areas, but the moment the words left his mouth, he changed his mind.
"No. Go ask Xiao Bao and Cuckoo for some. In the future, say everything in one breath and then leave." Li Longji angrily glared at Luo Bin and said.
Luo Bin hurriedly said, "Yes, this lowly one will take his leave."
After he left, Li Longji pondered, looked at the sky, and said to the officials, "This year's snow is not small. We must make the necessary preparations."
"Yes." The officials replied in unison.
Regarding the matter of Kaguang County, no one mentioned it. Everyone was clear that Xiaobei's team was ranked in the Great Tang army.
Usually, the impression that the Imperial Guards and Chamberlains of Imperial Insignia were ranked first, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's team was ranked second, and Xiaobei's team was ranked third.
But the officials knew in their hearts that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's team was ranked first, and Xiaobei's team was ranked second. The members of Xiaobei's team needed to go to the borders of the Great Tang to kill enemies, and some even needed to follow the fleet to be considered qualified.
Furthermore, everyone, including Li Longji, knew how advanced Xiaobei's team's technology was. The most advanced technology in the country would definitely be used by them first.
This was a comprehensive team, and there was no lack of talents in all aspects. If Xiaobei and the others were willing, they could find a place to establish a country.
The infrastructure, education, medical, military, finance, foreign affairs, research, and other departments would be able to support them immediately.
With such a strong team providing disaster relief, if they still couldn't do it, they wouldn't be able to think of a solution in the Imperial Court. Could it be that they really had to continue sending Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's team to protect the seedlings? Even if they were sent out, there wouldn't be enough time.
Li Longji thought the same, but he couldn't help but think about Xiaobei and the others. Thus, the topic of the Imperial Court passed very quickly. No one continued with the impeachment, and they immediately settled the matter.
Seeing that the morning court was about to disperse, Luo Bin suddenly ran back and shouted, "Reporting to the Emperor, in the area under the Bohai Commander-In-Chief's Office, Regional Commander Zhang Xiaobao and Deputy Regional Commander Wang Juan are outside the hall seeking an audience."
When Li Longji heard this, his eyes widened, and he couldn't help but think of what Xiaobei had said before. 'What are they trying to do?'
The officials were also stunned, and then they looked at Zhang Zhong. Zhang Zhong's eyes were filled with confusion.
*****
While Zhang Zhong was in a daze, Xiaobei and the others were in a daze.
When they woke up early in the morning, the surrounding snow was piled high. From time to time, there would be people pushing snow into the distance. The snow that fell naturally was already above Xiaobei and the others' heads. The snow that was blown by the wind had piled up to more than three meters high.
There were always people in charge of clearing the snow in the camp. After piling it up into a small pile, they would use a makeshift sleigh to move it far away. They didn't dare to pile it up near the camp, for fear that the wind would blow and bury the tent.
What made Xiaobei and the others confused was not how heavy the snow was, but what they were going to do when the children, who were supposed to rest until noon, were woken up by the adults in Kaguang County.
Many of the children were as confused as Xiaobei and the others when they opened their eyes. After thinking for a while, they realized that they were in the camp and not at home.
From the children's rosy complexions, one could tell that they had slept very well last night. From the way they rubbed their eyes, one could tell that they hadn't slept enough.
Under the watchful eyes of Xiaobei and the others, the adults in the county began to take out the two memorial tablets and found a high place to place them steadily. Then, they lit incense and led the children to kneel down, saying all sorts of praises.
After about two minutes, Sun Mao took the lead and shouted loudly, "Ancestors and ancestors, I have a will in the underworld. To the heavens and to the earth, I pray for justice. Today, the people of Tang must not die in vain. Xiao Bao, Cuckoo, will live forever and be safe. "
The other county citizens who could speak also shouted in unison, "My heart, I wish to carry out the will of the heavens. Xiao Bao, Cuckoo, will live forever."
Some of the children who couldn't speak also started to babble.
Xiaobei and the others were so confused. They felt a kind of solemnity, a kind of solemnity, and a kind of piety from the people in the county. Except for the children who didn't know anything, no one acted casually. Even the children were shouting words that only they knew the meaning of, and they didn't cry or make a fuss.
Xu Yilong and Weiwei opened their mouths. Today, they finally felt the power of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan in the Tang Empire. It was more direct than when the whole Tang Empire came to congratulate them on their marriage. What time was it? When the people fled from the disaster, they didn't forget to bring the memorial tablets of longevity with them. The first thing they did when they woke up in the morning was to burn incense.
No wonder the aristocratic families and big clans, including their own family, all bowed their heads after knowing that they had been schemed against by Zhang Xiaobao. The land that the family had saved before was gone, so they endured. In the past, only the family members could learn knowledge, and ordinary people rarely had the opportunity to go to school. But now, they endured. After some exchanges, they found that the conditions of the carriage and other conditions were no longer monopolized.
Sure enough, they were all smart people. So what if they couldn't endure? Whoever made a sound would die! The Xiao Bao and Cuckoo that the people were talking about only needed to shout …
Xu Yilong shuddered and didn't dare to think about it anymore.
When more than 1,500 people stood up, Xiaobei and the others came over.
Xiaobei rubbed her hands nervously. "You … you … Aiya, let's eat. Let's eat breakfast. This morning, there are two-rice porridge, soy milk, soup, and tofu pudding. There are also buns, fried dough sticks, pies, steamed buns, fried cakes, and many side dishes. There are dozens of kinds. Everyone, wash your hands and eat."
Xiaobei originally wanted to be modest and say something. After thinking about it, she realized that they were not giving her the memorial tablets of longevity. She couldn't say anything, so she could only introduce the breakfast.
Xiaoyuan and the others stood at the side with an indescribable expression on their faces. Just like the people of Kaguang County who felt peace and warmth in their hearts when they saw the protection team during the heavy snow, they also felt warm in their hearts when they saw the people in the county praying for their brothers and sisters early in the morning.
After the people of Kaguang County finished doing what they needed to do every morning, they began to enjoy the breakfast provided by the protection team with peace of mind.
They had never regarded the protection team as outsiders, and it was impossible for them to pretend to be embarrassed. When they met Xiaobei and the others, they had to try their food.
The women who were nursing their children and pregnant women also made their own requests. For example, they wanted some fruits after the main meal. If there were no fresh fruits, they would eat canned fruits so that the children's nutrition could keep up.
They didn't think that they were overboard, nor did they think that such requests were unreasonable. The Tang Dynasty belonged to everyone, and the children belonged to the Tang Dynasty. When the children grew up healthy, they would be able to contribute to the Tang Dynasty.
"Xiaobei, do you know? I slept very peacefully last night. It's been two months, and I have nightmares every night. It's useless to put the scissors under the pillow. I was fine yesterday. "
During the meal, a six-year-old girl was holding a big bun and talking to Xiaobei with a happy smile on her face.
Xiaobei was holding a bowl of egg cream, also known as water egg, and feeding it to a two-year-old boy. He blew on it twice, tasted the temperature, and then stuffed it into the boy's mouth. There was no other way. Ever since the boy saw Xiaobei, he smiled and asked Xiaobei to carry him. He refused to leave Xiaobei while eating.
Hearing the girl's words, Xiaobei temporarily stopped what he was doing and said, "Me too. I slept very well last night. It's all thanks to bringing you guys out. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to sleep well and would always be thinking about you. Oh, baby, don't eat salted vegetables. You'll be thirsty if you eat too much. You'll feel uncomfortable. Come and eat the braised food. It's salty in the braised food. "
Today's breakfast was indeed very sumptuous. It was just to show off to the people of Kaguang County, or to put it another way, he was afraid that the people of the county would be picky.
The boy in Xiaobei's arms was very obedient. He ate whatever he was told to eat. He smiled after taking a bite. He smiled at everyone he saw.
At this time, Sun Mao made some simple arrangements for the people of the county. He walked over with a steamed bun in one hand and a salted duck egg in the other. He said to Xiaobei and the others with a face full of gratitude.
"The heavens have eyes …"
"Don't, County Magistrate Sun. We never believe in the heavens. We only believe that as long as the imperial court doesn't give up on the people, the people won't betray the Tang Empire." Xiaobei quickly changed his expression and spoke in a profound tone.
"Sister Xiaobei, why are you different from before?" a girl asked curiously.
"Because your county magistrate is an official. Of course, he has to speak in the official language. I'm not wearing official robes. Otherwise, I would say that the imperial court hasn't forgotten you guys. The people in other parts of the Tang Empire still care about you guys. Although the snow is cold, people's hearts are warm. This is the victory of our unity. This is the victory of our people."
Xiaobei's expression changed again. It was more solemn and amiable.
The children of the county looked at Xiaobei in a daze. They couldn't understand why there was such a big difference when the same thing was said in a different way.
The girl who asked the question earlier asked tentatively, "Sister Xiaobei, is there any other way to say it?"
Xiaobei nodded. "Yes. For example, in the Tang Empire's official newspaper, the title should be 'Strong Soldiers Pass Through the Border, Peace'. The wind and snow are heartless, but there are feelings.
"That's fun. Sister Xiaobei, you're right. With strong soldiers passing through the border, we're not afraid at all. Even if the snow is still falling and the clouds are still drifting …"
"Still drifting? Drifting to where? Men. "Xiaobei was stunned for a moment and quickly called for people.
"There are already people getting ready. It was difficult to judge the terrain last night. Just now, a group of five hundred people is ready to set off to the next place that might be affected by the snow." A maid came forward and reported.
Xiaobei blinked. "Today, the snow is only falling in one place. Why are they going back and forth? Is it difficult to go and rescue them? "
"It's difficult. It's like paddling west when facing the east."
"In other words, countercurrent?" Xiaobei asked.
The others agreed.
"Yes. Equip them with our most advanced equipment. This time, we'll call it countercurrent." Xiaobei raised his head and said.
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