Chapter 173: Yan Capital Observations

Huo Guang stepped into Yan Capital, and the sight before him made him exclaim in awe.

Just as when he first saw Xianyang and was shocked beyond measure.

Looking at the newly built secondary capital Yan Capital, it was even more magnificent and grand than Chang'an City and Xianyang.

The wide, flat boulevard stretched straight into the distance, tall trees lining both sides, casting shade over pedestrians.

Carriages rode smoothly on the road, without any jolting.

The road's drainage system was ingeniously designed; even after heavy rain a few days ago, there was not a trace of standing water on the surface.

The newly constructed buildings rose one after another, imposing and grand.

The streets teemed with people, their hawking and chatter intertwining, presenting a bustling commercial scene.

Yan Capital's bridges were elegant yet sturdy and practical, spanning the rivers and linking the city's districts, greatly facilitating public travel and goods transport.

To understand the land reform measures, Huo Guang deliberately went to the fields to examine each plot's clear markers, then asked local officials about the distribution process of land deeds.

Local officials detailed to him the standards for land allocation, how to prioritize the rights of landless and smallholder farmers, and the policy encouraging farmers to reclaim wasteland.

At the same time, Huo Guang ventured into the countryside, seeing farmers enthusiastically engaged in tilling the land, newly built houses scattered picturesquely, the village brimming with vitality.

Recalling the difficulties he faced in relocation and resettlement while overseeing the Jing-Hang Grand Canal project, Huo Guang felt a myriad of emotions.

Yan Capital's successful experience in land reform and infrastructure construction enlightened him deeply.

After finishing his incognito visit, Huo Guang then entered the offices of Yan Capital, and upon stepping inside he saw Jin Fu approaching with a smiling face.

Jin Fu quickly walked up to Huo Guang, respectfully bowed, and said, "Lord Huo, I have long heard of your great name; His Majesty often mentions you, and you have endured a hard journey."

Huo Guang naturally had also heard of the recently rising new noble Jin Fu; of course, this was not the first time he had heard that name, though he had previously had little interaction with him.

He was more astonished that Jin Fu could turn the tide against adversity, allowing the Jin clan to rise from the depths back to the peak.

Unlike others who believed Jin Fu gained the Son of Heaven's favor due to his unique vision and outstanding abilities, Huo Guang firmly believed that Jin Fu's ability to return to the court and serve the Son of Heaven stemmed mainly from his selflessness and loyalty to the Son of Heaven.

Especially the latter point was particularly important.

The present young Son of Heaven never values others' status or rank; even the Former General Li Guang, whom everyone in the Great Han considered mediocre, could be ennobled and appointed as a general by the Son of Heaven.

All he relied on was nothing more than his loyalty and courage.

Huo Guang silently understood, and looking at Jin Fu, his smile grew wider.

He hurriedly helped Jin Fu up, responding, "Lord Jin, you are too modest; I have long heard of your many achievements in Yan Capital, and today, seeing you in person, your bearing is indeed extraordinary."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two proceeded to the inner hall to prepare for an in-depth discussion of work.

As soon as they sat down, Huo Guang got straight to the point: "Lord Jin, I have come to Yan Capital this time mainly to learn from your experience in land reform and relocation and resettlement. When I was in charge of the Jing-Hang Grand Canal construction, this relocation and resettlement work encountered a major problem, with strong public opposition and slow progress, truly giving me a headache."

Jin Fu nodded slightly, his expression serious, and said, "Lord Huo, relocation and resettlement is indeed a thorny issue. When we first implemented land reform in Yan Capital, we also faced similar difficulties. But the key is to let the people see the long-term benefits and understand that this is for their own good."

Huo Guang pondered, then asked, "Then, specifically, how is it carried out?"

Jin Fu patiently explained: "First, we will send officials deep among the populace to thoroughly explain the land reform policy, so they clearly understand what benefits they can receive. Take land allocation as an example: we will distribute land fairly and reasonably based on household population, labor force, and other factors, and we will also show the people a blueprint of future land planning and development, giving them confidence in the future. Regarding relocation and resettlement, we will build resettlement houses in advance, ensuring the houses meet quality standards and that surrounding facilities such as markets, schools, and wells are complete, so that after moving, people's lives are unaffected, and they may even live better."

Huo Guang listened, nodding repeatedly, and then asked, "What about those particularly stubborn people who refuse to relocate—how do you handle them?"

Jin Fu smiled and said, "For these people, we will arrange their representatives to visit already completed resettlement areas, letting them see firsthand the advantages of the new environment. At the same time, we will also respect some of their reasonable demands, such as preserving certain items or architectural elements with commemorative significance, to satisfy their emotional needs as much as possible. In this way, most people will understand and cooperate with the work."

After hearing this, Huo Guang felt suddenly enlightened and exclaimed, "Lord Jin, hearing you say this, I have truly benefited greatly. Upon returning, I will certainly draw on Yan Capital's experience and handle the relocation and resettlement work of the Jing-Hang Grand Canal properly."

Jin Fu humbly replied, "Lord Huo, you flatter me; we are all working for the development of the Great Han, learning from each other and progressing together."

The two then delved into many detailed issues for a long time, only concluding this exchange with lingering satisfaction as the sky grew dim.

Returning to the post station, Huo Guang meanwhile savored his daytime conversation with Jin Fu, while also recalling the recent rift with Tian Qianqiu.

Huo Guang secretly reflected that Tian Qianqiu had followed the Son of Heaven's side since he was still the crown prince, assisting him all the way to the present; this merit of aiding the dragon was immeasurable, and the Son of Heaven undoubtedly trusted him deeply.

Moreover, he himself was the younger brother of the Great Han's Prince of Propagating Might, Huo Qubing, a true imperial relative; no one in the court dared to lightly oppose him.

Now, in matters such as the relocation and resettlement of the Jing-Hang Grand Canal, his opinions clashed with those of Tian Qianqiu, and the latter's associates repeatedly refused to cooperate; to outside observers, this situation seemed easily liable to be labeled as "party strife."

Huo Guang felt a tightness in his chest; if the Son of Heaven truly misunderstood him as forming factions in the court to stir up party strife, the consequences would be unbearable to imagine.

He wholeheartedly wished for the Jing-Hang Grand Canal project to proceed smoothly and for the long-term development of the Great Han, yet the Son of Heaven, burdened with myriad affairs, could he perceive his sincere loyalty?

If the Son of Heaven, because of Tian Qianqiu's connection, grew suspicious of him, not only would his years of diligent service to the Great Han come to naught, but even the Jing-Hang Grand Canal—a monumental project vital to the nation's livelihood—might fall into an even more difficult situation.

The more Huo Guang thought, the more fearful he became; his back was already soaked in cold sweat.

He well knew the court's situation was intricate and tangled; a slight misstep could plunge him into an irredeemable abyss.

Now that his conflict with Tian Qianqiu had surfaced openly, how to resolve this predicament—without stalling the project and while dispelling any suspicions the Son of Heaven might develop—left Huo Guang at a loss for a moment.

He had always been cautious and careful, and now he felt somewhat apprehensive.

If only his elder brother Huo Qubing were here.

Huo Guang couldn't help but think that.