Chapter 157: The Yan land where rites and music have collapsed, four countries visit

Yan land!

Jiakang City.

Like a pearl embedded in the border area, it borders the Hexi coast in the west and connects to the Korean border in the east.

A fortress where merchants naturally gather!

This city is one of the important giant cities in the Yanbei territory, and it also possesses the third largest river in the world, the "Zhi River."】

The water vein is vast, passing through the city.

On the river surface, boats come and go, whether it is the lonely sails from north to south or the merchant ships and giant warships leaving the city, they are endless.

On both sides of the wharf, goods are piled up like mountains, and the bustling wharf workers are busy without stopping.

Almost every moment, dozens of merchant ships enter the ferry.

And more than a dozen merchant caravans enter "Jiakang City."

However, it should be called "Jiakang Directly Administered City" now.

A decree issued from Mount Zhongnan a few years ago changed the name.

Although the name is strange, the tariffs of the markets in Yan land have been reduced by 10%, and the people are naturally happy.

So it doesn't matter what the name is!

At this time!

It is just past noon.

The sun is fierce, the river is sparkling, and two four-story building ships sail leisurely into the wharf.

The "Yuwen" flag hangs high on the bow, fluttering in the wind.

Yet it is not eye-catching!

On this river surface, there is no lack of giant ships as heavy as Mount Tai, seven or eight stories high, like buildings on the water.

Thousands of sails compete for the current, and hundreds of boats compete for the flow.

The ship hanging the "Yuwen" flag just looks more exquisite and elegant.

No one cares!

The two ships turn into a river islet on one side and slowly dock at the military wharf.

"Is this Jiakang City?"

A woman in white gently pushes open the cabin and walks onto the deck, somewhat unbelievable, and slowly says this sentence.

Following closely behind is a beautiful maid in green.

At the same time!

The other ship also opens its cabin door one after another, and a group of elegant scholars pours out from it. Their eyes flash with curiosity, and they cast their gazes toward this strange land.

The woman in white looks to be under twenty, with a graceful figure, like a white lotus blooming in the lake.

With an oval face, skin like snow, a beautiful appearance, and a pair of phoenix eyes, she naturally carries an unprofanable nobility.

At this moment!

Surprise and curiosity flash in her beautiful eyes as she carefully examines everything around her.

She grew up in a magnificent palace since she was a child, and she has long been accustomed to luxury.

Coming from the east along the Zhi River, she has also appreciated the prosperity of several big cities along the way.

And Jiakang City!

This city has been an important place in the north since ancient times, and it gradually declined after the chaos of the North Wind.

Now Lu Chen is the Prince of Yan, re-establishing several special big cities and giving priority to development.

This Jiakang City is one of them, and it is a big city that only belongs to the jurisdiction of that Yan Prince's Mansion.

She had expectations before coming, but she didn't expect that this city would be so big and prosperous to this point.

Their big ship sailed into this city, and they encountered countless merchant ships on the road, sailing for a full hour before docking steadily at the wharf.

Standing on the ship's side, she looks into the distance on both sides, only to see that the warehouses built on the wharf are continuous, and she cannot see the end at a glance.

The flow of people on the bridge over the Zhi River is like weaving, and the traffic is endless.

Lively, prosperous, and endless, this is her first impression in her heart!

Even compared with the Korea she is familiar with, such a big city appears particularly rare.

Although Korea has been established for six hundred years, the big cities that can compare with it probably won't exceed the number of two hands.

"Your subordinate, pays respects to the Princess!"

A voice interrupts her thoughts.

She comes back to her senses, only to see seven or eight people welcoming them on the shore; they should be officials of Jiakang City!

A few people, not wearing official uniforms.

Several people have complete etiquette, but they cannot be said to be respectful, and their attitude is neither humble nor arrogant.

The woman in white nods gently!

The woman's name is Yuwen Liqian, the Princess of Korea, the second daughter of Yuwen Yan.

She went to Great Chu the year before last, traveled to Qianyuan last year, and just returned from the North Wind.

This time, bringing many scholars to Yan land, it is actually under the order of the Father Emperor, as the last place for the four countries to travel.

Among the countries, not only Korea, but the other three countries also sent envoys and scholars one after another, nominally for exchange and learning, but actually containing the intention of spying, trying to peek at the reality of other countries' development.

The maid behind Yuwen Liqian, seeing this scene, cannot help but frown slightly.

When her master traveled to the first three countries, she was treated with great courtesy. Whether it was Chu, Qianyuan, or North Wind, they were all received with high standards, officials lined up to welcome them, and the scene was grand, which made her also hold her head high and feel honored.

However!

Arriving in this Yan land, only a few people were seen welcoming them. In contrast, it appeared particularly shabby, which made her feel a bit unfair in her heart.

This Yan Prince's Mansion is too contemptuous of people!

Yuwen Liqian's reputation in Korea is no less than that of several princes.

She is not only knowledgeable and well-read, but also has the ability to never forget what she sees, and once studied at the White Deer Academy, which is famous all over the world in Great Chu!

White Deer Academy only takes thirty-six disciples every year, and it is a place for people all over the world to study and make pilgrimages.

She is knowledgeable and experienced, and her temperament is calm and introverted.

She is deeply loved by Yuwen Yan, and she is even allowed to participate in the compilation of Korean laws and national history outlines.

She also has unique insights and achievements in state governance and military strategy.

There is an evaluation in the court and the public: "It's a pity she is not a man!"

Facing this scene, the scholars on the other ship also show dissatisfaction, obviously unfair about such reception specifications.

They are scholars carefully selected by Korea, and they should be treated with courtesy wherever they go.

Yuwen Liqian's face maintains a calm.

"Thank you, officials!"

She thanks the officials in front of her with a gentle voice.

The leading official!

A middle-aged fat man with a kind face and a slightly bloated figure.

"Your subordinate Su Beihai, the current Prefect of Jiakang City, pays respects to the Princess."

He explains with an apologetic face:

"We originally rushed over to prepare to welcome the Princess after receiving the letter from Lord Dou, but I didn't expect that there would be an emergency in the city today, and all the manpower in the government office was dispatched, so that only a few of us were left to welcome you here, which is really a loss of etiquette."

Emergency?

Yuwen Liqian is skeptical; there are tens of thousands of troops in such a big city.

What else could happen!

Seeing Su Beihai's sincere face, it seems to be true.

As for this Lord Dou.

Dou Gu!

She naturally knows that Dou Gu's status in the Yan Prince's Mansion, as the Right Vice Minister, has power comparable to that of a real-power First-Rank official in Korea.

Even more so, because that Prince of Yan is dedicated to cultivation.

She has also heard about that legendary Prince of Yan, Lu Chen.

He has ignored state affairs for ten years and is dedicated to cultivating the Dao on Mount Zhongnan; the memorials submitted to the mountain every month are covered with dust because they have not been read for a long time.

Thinking of this, Yuwen Liqian cannot help but shake her head, comparing in her heart.

Her father, from the day he ascended the throne, has been diligent and tireless, working for the country day and night, without a moment of slack.

Compared with Lu Chen!

The gap between the two is like the bright moon and the mud, as different as heaven and earth.

It is a great fortune for the people of Korea to have a monarch like her father.

Mentioning Lu Chen, Yuwen Liqian cannot help but feel complicated. In the early years, the military talent he showed in the battle against the North Wind's invasion was indeed admirable.

However!

Since the establishment of Yan land, his words and deeds have become increasingly contrary to common sense.

For example, this person said, "Heaven, Earth, Monarch, Kin, Teacher!"

Lu Chen said more than once, "One can worship heaven, earth, parents, and teachers, but one cannot kneel to the monarch."

How absurd this is!

One does not know the vastness of the monarch's grace, and the thunder, rain, and dew are all the monarch's grace.

Since ancient times, the concept of hierarchy of "monarchs are monarchs, ministers are ministers, fathers are fathers, sons are sons" has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and is an important cornerstone for maintaining social order.

Yuwen Liqian cannot understand how Lu Chen could do such rebellious things, challenging the order of respect and inferiority formed over thousands of years.

What makes her even more unable to understand is that Lu Chen also recklessly delegated power, managing military and political power separately.

In her view, such a practice is undoubtedly cutting off one's own hands and feet, weakening the power of centralized authority.

Korea was like this back then, delegating power to eunuchs,

When the family slaves had power, they were no longer family slaves, and they also wanted to try to be masters, so there was the eunuch disaster in Korea for two hundred years.

And the generals in the Lu family army are all brave generals who have been through hundreds of battles, which is completely different from the eunuchs in the palace. If they have too much power, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Lu Chen's such practice.

Benevolence of a woman, short-sighted!

At this time, Su Changhai said at the right time:

"Princess, please get on the carriage; the welcoming banquet and residence have been prepared for all the scholars."

After speaking, he made a gesture of invitation.

"Thank you!"

Yuwen Liqian responded politely, and then led a group of scholars down the ladder on the ship.

Su Beihai led the way in front.

While walking, Yuwen Liqian asked casually:

"Have the scholars from Great Chu, Qianyuan, and other countries arrived? And who is the leader?"

She originally thought Su Beihai would avoid answering.

Unexpectedly!

Su Beihai told the truth:

"The scholars of Qianyuan are led by the Third Prince, His Highness Wu Long, and are expected to arrive tomorrow."

"As for Great Chu, it is Mr. Xun Li, the Vice Dean of White Deer Academy, who is responsible. As for the North Wind country, there is no exact news yet, but the scholars of Great Qing have arrived, led by Lord Xie Chunan and his beloved daughter."

Yuwen Liqian said with a light smile on her face: "Then we are still early!"

She didn't show it on her face, but there were waves in her heart.

She narrowed her eyes; every person who came to Yan land this time was no small matter, and they were all important figures in their respective countries.

His Highness Wu Long of Qianyuan is not only the confidant of the Empress, but also the head of the nine pillars of the army, and his status and influence can be seen.

I didn't expect that this person would come to Yan land!

And Xun Li, the Vice Dean of White Deer Academy, also serves as the Minister of Personnel of Great Chu, holding the country's personnel power, and is known as the real Heavenly Official.

The four countries attach such importance to Yan land!

This specification is much higher than the envoy from North Wind.

Su Beihai had already prepared the carriage, and Yuwen Liqian saw it.

Her tone changed!

"This is the ritual system of the Son of Heaven!"

The luxury of the carriage, from the selection of materials to the decoration, all shows extraordinary, but the most eye-catching thing.

It is the number of horses—the first carriage actually has six horses driving side by side, and the last three carriages each have five horses.

This scene not only shocked Yuwen Liqian, but even the accompanying Korean scholars looked at each other, unbelievable.

The Son of Heaven drives six, the Minister drives four, the Doctor drives three, and the commoner drives one. This is the ritual system and rules that have been insurmountable since ancient times, symbolizing the supremacy of imperial power.

Any act of exceeding the ritual is a serious crime, and may even lead to the extermination of the nine clans.

Yuwen Liqian's footsteps stopped involuntarily, and complex emotions surged in her heart.

In Korea, especially after experiencing the eunuch disaster, the sensitivity to this hierarchy reached its extreme. Even her uncle who was crowned Prince, when riding in a carriage, would never dare to exceed the limit of five horses.

Why is this arrangement!

Is it Su Beihai's negligence, or is it intentional?

"Lord Su, what does this mean?"

The maid behind Yuwen Liqian also raised her beautiful eyebrows!

Lu Chen was only given the ritual equipment of the Son of Heaven in Great Qing, so he could naturally ride in a carriage pulled by six horses.

But she is now a princess of another country, if she does this, I am afraid it will not work!

The surrounding scholars also glared!

"What is Yanbei's intention?"

Su Beihai saw this, and was also stunned, then suddenly realized, and explained with a wry smile:

"Princess, don't be surprised, we in Yanbei don't have such cumbersome etiquette. Here, how many horses you drive depends entirely on personal preference and financial resources, and there is no need to stick to the old system."

He pointed to the street, only to see all kinds of carriages, six, seven, and even nine horses.

They shuttled through the market as if nothing had happened, walking upright from the front.

The sound of horse hooves!

Leaving the scholars with stunned faces.

Yuwen Liqian was also at a loss, she looked at the people on the street again, and they were all accustomed to the horse drivers.

She shook her head helplessly!

No wonder when she was studying in Great Chu, some teachers who had traveled in Yanbei said.

"Yanbei is a place where rites and music have collapsed, and it is foul!"

Several times submitted memorials to the Great Chu court.

"Great Chu should send troops to Yanbei to capture the unrighteous!"

With the White Horse Alliance, it naturally sank into the sea.

Yuwen Liqian was strange at the time, but now she finally has an experience.

Monarchs are not monarchs!

Ministers are not ministers!

People are not people!

Without rules, it is like firewood on the grass, which will catch fire as soon as it is lit.

Su Beihai continued to explain: "The Prince of Yan is far-sighted. He encourages the development of animal husbandry, believing that the horses driving the carriages mostly come from the hands of wealthy families, and the constraints of the ritual system limit the demand, so he decisively abolished these restrictions."

"In this way, it not only promotes the prosperity of animal husbandry, but also allows these horses to be quickly transformed into military power in wartime."

He smiled and added:

"Speaking of which, the Prince of Yan once went on an inspection tour and rode in a carriage pulled by twelve horses. This caused quite a sensation at the time, and Yanbei followed suit, becoming a fashion for a while."

Everyone then boarded the carriage, the carriage was spacious and comfortable, and it drove very steadily.

The Korean scholars were slightly excited, and such opportunities to ride in a five-horse carriage are rare in the Korean capital.

Yuwen Liqian sat in the carriage, and as a princess, she naturally had a separate carriage.

"Twelve horses, how can this be pulled." The maid was also indignant:

"Princess, this must be the Prince of Yan, really extravagant and lawless, extravagant and immoderate."

Yuwen Liqian also nodded.

Her father only had three dishes and one soup for three meals a day, advocating frugality.

The North Study of the Imperial Palace leaked several times and was not repaired.

Yuwen Liqian's evaluation of this Prince of Yan became lower and lower.

She noticed that the carriage was driving unusually steadily, even compared to the feeling in the Korean capital, and she couldn't help but feel curious in her heart.

So!

She gently pushed open the window and looked out. Only then did she see that all the roads outside the carriage window were paved with bluestone slabs, flat and solid, no wonder the carriage was driving so steadily.

Yuwen Liqian felt helpless again.

This is how much manpower and material resources it will take, wasting money and people.

She couldn't help but ask Su Changhai, who was riding a horse and guarding outside the carriage.

"Lord Su, could it be that all the roads in Jiakang City are like this?"

Su Beihai said proudly:

"All of Jiakang is like this!"

"The Prince of Yan said that only when the roads are built well can merchants from all over the world come to invest money, and our Jiakang City must take the lead in creating a bright spot economy!"

Yuwen Liqian just smiled at the corner of her mouth and put down the curtain.

Yu Ke slowly opened his eyes.

【Whether to claim the reward?】

(End of this chapter) ===== CHAPTER 158 =====