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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 100 - Eastern Capital
With the excavation of the Canal and the construction of the Expressway, Zhuojun had undeniably become the most important transportation hub of the Sui Dynasty's Northern Frontier. Naturally, Prefect Li Jian Cheng's status rose along with it.
Especially after the war against Goguryeo concluded, the emperor would undoubtedly bestow generous rewards. Organizing logistics and supplies was a significant achievement, and in the eyes of the other Prefects, Li Jian Cheng would soon return to the capital and rise in rank.
Who could have imagined that the invincible Sui Dynasty would falter against mere Goguryeo?
Since they had already set out, there was no rush to travel. They took their time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, exploring and comparing their experiences afterward.
The group deliberately avoided areas where commoners were laboring under forced conscription; such sights were too painful to witness, leaving them with no mood for sightseeing.
If even the Sovereign Father did not show compassion for his people, what could these officials do?
They had never discussed state affairs, as there was little to say. With Your Majesty's undefeated reputation and dominance over all nations, how could there be any mistakes?
They leisurely made their way to the Eastern Capital and reported for an audience, but the emperor was not in the mood to see them. He only allowed Li Jian Cheng to stay behind and wait while the others would meet him at court later.
The other Prefects left with knowing expressions, bowing to Li Jian Cheng before departing. Even those from Chang'an were unbothered; with so many relatives around, they surely had a place to stay.
After waiting for over an hour, Wang Yi secretly sent word that several princesses from Western Regions had been presented to the emperor and were currently enjoying a banquet.
Another hour passed before Wang Yi came to invite Li Jian Cheng inside. After entering the hall and paying his respects, Li Jian Cheng looked up and remarked, "Your Majesty looks thinner."
Yang Guang appeared satisfied and smiled kindly, "You are the only one among my ministers who cares about my health. The others only fuss about how I am exhausting my people and wasting resources. Hmph! Without resolving issues with the Western Turkic and Tuguhun or restoring trade routes with the Western Regions, what can be saved through frugality?"
"Your Majesty is wise beyond compare!"
"What news from Zhuojun?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Yongji Canal has reached Zhuojun, and both Expressways are under construction. Before departing from Linshuo Palace, I instructed my subordinates to gather craftsmen to begin work."
Yang Guang nodded in satisfaction and casually asked, "During your journey here, did you discuss state affairs? Any gains or losses?"
Li Jian Cheng maintained a tense demeanor throughout; it would be unacceptable to say they hadn’t discussed anything—the emperor wouldn’t believe that.
"Your Majesty's literary accomplishments and martial virtues surpass those of Zhou Han. You have dealt a crushing blow to Tuguhun, expanding our territory by thousands of miles and instilling fear across all seas. We ministers can hardly contain our desire to follow Your Majesty and witness this great achievement."
The Emperor's face showed little emotion, and after a moment, he asked, "Is there anyone among them who has any dissatisfaction with my decree?"
Li Jian Cheng feigned hesitation. "Not really, Your Majesty. I have only just become acquainted with them and traveled together; I do not know them particularly well. Most of our conversations have been about the governance of the prefecture."
Seeing that it was nothing more than this, the Emperor wearily waved his hand. Li Jian Cheng understood and took his leave. After exiting the palace, he did not send anyone to convey messages, knowing the Emperor must be watching over them, these local officials.
Li Jian Cheng had his own residence in the Eastern Capital. As soon as he stepped out of the palace gate, a servant came to greet him. Upon returning home, he bathed and changed clothes before enjoying a hearty meal.
This was also the first time he stayed in his newly completed residence. The servants had started preparing as soon as they received the news, ensuring everything was perfect without a single flaw.
The main dish was Azure Essence Rice. Its name was simple, but its preparation was not easy. The leaves and branches of Southern Candlewood were crushed to extract a dark green liquid used to soak the rice. After nine rounds of steaming and drying, the resulting Azure Essence Rice grains were small and black like precious pearls, delicious in taste, and beneficial for strengthening muscles and enhancing complexion over time.
The dishes included Flying Phoenix Sashimi, roasted lamb, Roasted Venison Leg, Sugar Crab, along with several pastries and fruits. After finishing his meal, Li Jian Cheng wiped his hands and smiled, "You all have put in great effort."
The steward of the Eastern Capital residence sighed in relief and replied, "This is what we should do."
Li Jian Cheng said, "With the New Year approaching, reward everyone in the household with three bolts of silk."
The servants present were delighted and bowed deeply. "We thank you for your generosity, my Lord. May you live long and prosper."
Although they were all born into servitude, rewards could not be overlooked, especially with the New Year approaching; they needed money to buy new clothes.
This was also why common people sold their children or sought to sell themselves into wealthy families; as long as nothing went wrong and they did not aspire to climb high social ladders but remained loyal in their duties, they would not lack food or clothing. They could maintain their dignity outside without being bullied by ordinary officials.
This was far better than those who struggled for food in the fields; it ensured not only their own well-being but also that of their descendants, freeing them from corvée labor and taxes.
In the future, Li Jian Cheng would have little opportunity to dine at home again; he returned to a life similar to that in Chang'an, albeit with one difference—his position had moved further forward.
Though local officials of the same rank were slightly inferior to court officials, it depended on individual circumstances. Li Jian Cheng was no longer someone who relied on others; he had become a pillar for many himself.
Being recalled to the capital required no one else's effort; he could return whenever he wished, thus eliminating any disparity.
After his grand wedding and being assigned as a governor of a prefecture, many treated him as if he were the head of the Li Family. He was still quite young; otherwise, they might have called him Li Gong.
At that moment, Li Jian Cheng saw Yang Xuangan after a long separation. His figure had grown more robust; every gesture exuded charm. Clearly, his father Yang Su's death had not crushed this former noble's spirit but rather made him more mature and composed.
Upon seeing Li Jian Cheng, Yang Xuangan strode forward and embraced him, as if the past grievances had never existed. However, the two indeed had no direct conflicts.
What troubled Yang Xuangan was that he had expected Li Jian Cheng to be his loyal little brother, but unexpectedly, he had leaped ahead and taken away the glory that belonged to him.
“Jian Cheng, it’s been a while since we last met.”
Li Jian Cheng smiled and patted his back, feeling as if he was hitting a stone. “Brother, I hope you have been well.”
“It has been two years since we parted in Chang'an.”
The crowd dispersed a bit to give them space to catch up. Li Jian Cheng urged him to sit down and said, “I heard you accompanied His Majesty on a southern tour.”
“Yes,” Yang Xuangan replied, taking a large gulp of wine. “It’s fortunate you didn’t go; the journey was too arduous. Especially when climbing the mountains and staying in the valleys, many of my Guardians froze to death, and after descending, dozens fell ill and died. It’s truly not a place where we Central Plains people can frequently visit.”
The main issue was simply the sheer number of people involved. The vanguard had to be cautious of ambushes, while the central army needed to protect His Majesty. If only a few dozen or a hundred people had gone, there would have been no problems at all.
Pei Ju had traveled many times but had never heard of such significant losses. However, this was not something that could be discussed openly; how could His Majesty possibly be at fault?
…………
(End of Chapter)
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