Gou was a member of the imperial family in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 894 Xiaoyingzhou
Zhang Xijun knew nothing about what was happening in the capital, as he was currently in Hangzhou.

Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang Province. Since the Northern Song Dynasty, the city of Hangzhou has developed rapidly. Especially when Su Dongpo was an official in Hangzhou, he overhauled the Hangzhou water conservancy project, organized people to excavate the silt from the West Lake, and built the famous Su Causeway. Hangzhou became more and more prosperous.

In the Southern Song Dynasty, because the Zhao Song Dynasty moved southward and established its capital in Lin'an, royal nobles, scholars, and merchants gathered in the south, and Hangzhou became extremely prosperous. Lin Sheng, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty, wrote an article "On the Residence in Lin'an" at that time, in which he wrote: "There are green mountains beyond the mountains, buildings beyond the buildings, and the singing and dancing in the West Lake never stops. The warm wind makes the tourists drunk, and they mistake Hangzhou for Bianzhou."

Now Zhang Xijun is visiting the beautiful scenery in Hangzhou. He is standing on the Su Causeway built by Su Dongpo. The Su Causeway is located in the west of the West Lake in Hangzhou. It is a famous tourist attraction in Hangzhou and is also known as Su Causeway Spring Dawn.

In spring, the scenery of Su Causeway with willows on both sides, bright peach trees and mirror-like lake waves is breathtaking. Although it is no longer spring, the scenery of West Lake can still be seen here. Hangzhou prefect He Canglan is accompanying him, and there are also officials such as Hangzhou Tongzhi and Qiantang County magistrate.

Zhang Xijun had just arrived in Hangzhou a few days ago. On the day he arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Provincial Governor Wang Ji specially hosted a banquet for him, and officials from Hangzhou at all levels were also present. Zhang Xijun happily attended the banquet and had a good conversation with Wang Ji and others at the banquet, which made Wang Ji very happy.

After all, Zhang Xijun was a high-ranking official in the imperial court, an imperial envoy sent by the capital and the governor of Zhejiang. In terms of official position, he was one level higher than Wang Ji. Moreover, Zhang Xijun was well-known in the capital and was good at networking. There were many people in the court who were on good terms with him. When Wei Zhongxian was in power, Zhang Xijun secretly saved many lives, including many backbones of the Donglin Party and the Zhejiang Party.

So when Zhang Xijun came to Hangzhou this time, Wang Ji, as the Donglin Party's governor in Jiangnan, did not dare to neglect him and personally hosted a banquet to welcome him. Zhang Xijun also gave Wang Ji enough face, and they chatted and laughed at the banquet. Although it was their first meeting, they hit it off right away.

Originally, Wang Ji wanted to ask about Zhang Xijun's itinerary and arrangements in Zhejiang so that he could cooperate in advance, but Zhang Xijun smiled and told Wang Ji that he had come all the way from the north, and especially after arriving in Nanjing, he saw the prosperity of Jiangnan, thriving business, and stable people's livelihood. Compared with the depression in the north, he was very happy to see such a peaceful and prosperous scene in the south. He met many people in Nanjing and talked about the situation in Jiangnan, so he already had some understanding of it.

Zhang Xijun praised that the prosperity of Jiangnan was all due to the achievements of the people in Jiangnan! Wang Ji, as the governor of Zhejiang, had made great contributions. In his opinion, Jiangnan was very good, unexpectedly good. He was inspecting Jiangnan this time just to inspect the south for the emperor, nothing else. He had seen enough and there was nothing big to do in Hangzhou. He just walked around everywhere and there was no need to make special arrangements.

Wang Ji was very happy to hear Zhang Xijun's words, and he was relieved. After accompanying Zhang Xijun for two days, Wang Ji had to ask the prefect He Canglan to accompany him because of official duties. Zhang Xijun did not think much of it, and continued to travel around Hangzhou with He Canglan.

After a few days, everyone gradually relaxed from their initial cautiousness. Although Zhang Xijun was a high-ranking official, he was not arrogant and gave people a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze. Moreover, Zhang Xijun did not talk about official business with them during his wanderings in Hangzhou these days, but only talked about romantic things. He was particularly fond of delicious food, and his love of fine food was fully demonstrated, which made everyone relax.

"My Lord, please look this way." He Canglan pointed to the lake not far away and said, "The Xiaoying Island is in front of us."

Looking eastward along his finger, there were three small islands connected together in the lake not far away. The islands did not look big but were very elegant. Zhang Xijun could not help but sighed: "So this is Xiaoyingzhou. I heard that there is a scene of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon in Xiaoyingzhou? Is it true?"

"It's natural. The Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is the most amazing of the ten scenic spots in West Lake and is known as the best scenic spot in West Lake. On every full-moon night, light a candle in the center of the three towers in the lake, and you can see the candlelight reflected from the towers and falling on the lake, just like a bright moon. Each stone tower has five holes, and the three stone towers can reflect a total of 15 moons, plus 30 reflections, plus one in the sky, one reflection, and the last one is the moon in the hearts of tourists. This strange view of 33 moons can only be seen on the Mid-Autumn Night when the moon is bright and the sky is clear. This view is unique to West Lake and there is no other place like it in the world."

"Sir, although today is not the Mid-Autumn Festival, it is also the day of the full moon. You have come at the right time. I have already asked someone to make arrangements in Xiaoyingzhou. Please go on board the boat to visit Xiaoyingzhou, drink wine and watch the scenery in the lake to enjoy the wonders. How do you think?"

"Haha, Lord He is thoughtful. I didn't expect Lord He to make such an arrangement. In this case, I will follow Lord He and the others to Xiaoying Island to enjoy the beautiful scenery together."

Seeing Zhang Xijun agreed immediately, He Canglan's face showed joy, and the Tongzhi, Qiantang County Magistrate and others around him also smiled.

Accompanying Shangguan to tour the West Lake was their most important task in the past few days. As long as they could accompany Zhang Xijun well and make him happy and satisfied, their task would be accomplished. Moreover, Zhang Xijun was favored by the emperor and held a high position of power. Normally, they would have no chance to curry favor with such a big shot. Now that they had a rare opportunity, how could they not do everything they could?
He Canglan gave a look to the Hangzhou Prefecture Tongzhi beside him, who understood immediately and went down to make arrangements. A moment later, a cruise ship that had been prepared long ago approached the Su Causeway. He Canglan personally led Zhang Xijun on board the ship, and then several people boarded the ship one after another. The ship sailed out steadily and sailed on the lake. It didn't take long to reach Xiaoyingzhou. Xiaoyingzhou is indeed a famous place in West Lake. It is composed of three islands, also known as the Three Islands in the Lake.

In the 35th year of Wanli's reign, Xiaoyingzhou was officially built and became famous. Since then, literati and poets must visit this place when they come to West Lake. The three islands are connected by winding bridges. There are pavilions, terraces, towers and platforms built on the islands. The architectural style adopts the Su-style garden structure, and the winding stone bridges add a unique charm.

After a closer look on the island, I found that it was indeed worthy of its reputation. Standing on the island and looking out, the beauty of West Lake is even more beautiful. The famous Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is just around the corner. Although it is only evening now and the candlelight has not been lit yet, I can already see that the scenery is extraordinary.

He Canglan had made arrangements in advance. After arriving on the island, he took Zhang Xijun for a tour, pointing out various places and introducing the scenery on the island. He spoke in a very clear and logical manner. Zhang Xijun was happy to listen and even asked about some allusions. He Canglan's explanation was simple, vivid and interesting, which made Zhang Xijun very satisfied.

After walking around, everyone came to the largest pavilion on the island. At this time, the wine and food prepared by He Canglan were also delivered to the island and had been arranged in the pavilion.

He Canglan invited Zhang Xijun to the pavilion to drink and enjoy the scenery. Zhang Xijun naturally would not refuse. He walked into the pavilion with a smile, went up to the second floor and sat in the main seat. He Canglan accompanied him, and there were also several officials including the Tongzhi and Qiantang County Magistrate.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhang Xijun was in a very good mood. He pointed out the beautiful scenery outside the window and talked about the wind. He Canglan and others echoed him, and the atmosphere was extremely harmonious.

"Hangzhou is indeed a paradise on earth. This statement is true. There are very few places in the world that can compare with Hangzhou. When I was in school, I heard the saying that there is heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou below. I have never been to Suzhou Prefecture, but this time I came to Hangzhou to see it and I found that it is well-deserved!" Zhang Xijun said with real emotion.

Everyone present was very happy to hear Zhang Xijun praising Hangzhou. After all, they were the officials who supported Hangzhou. Their superiors came to inspect Hangzhou and praised it highly. Wouldn't they be proud of it?
"Your Excellency is right. Suzhou and Hangzhou each have their own merits. Suzhou is famous for its elegant gardens, accompanied by small bridges and flowing water, and has a stronger pastoral atmosphere. But my Hangzhou has the world-class scenery of West Lake, and the beauty of gardens. From this point of view, it is better than Suzhou. I am not bragging, there are very few places in the world that can compare to Hangzhou. If your Excellency can stay in Hangzhou for a few more days, you will naturally have a deep understanding of it."

"Oh, in that case, I must stay for a few more days, walk around Hangzhou and appreciate the beauty of this place." Zhang Xijun laughed and replied according to the other party's words.

Everyone smiled and nodded in agreement. Zhang Xijun's eyes swept across the lake, then he looked back at He Canglan and asked about the living conditions of the people in Hangzhou. He Canglan was not surprised by his question. After all, Zhang Xijun was an imperial envoy and was sent by the emperor to inspect Zhejiang. Naturally, he had to understand the people's sentiments and lives.

He Canglan had been prepared for this, and he immediately talked about the situation in Hangzhou. Zhang Xijun listened with a smile, and nodded slightly from time to time, as if he was very satisfied with He Canglan's story. Especially when He Canglan talked about the people in Hangzhou living and working in peace and contentment, and the people were prosperous, Zhang Xijun praised him a few words, saying that He Canglan, the prefect, did a good job, and it was a blessing for the local people to have such achievements. It was natural for an official to do so. Let him do a good job. As long as he did a good job and let the people live and work in peace and contentment, he would be a good official. The court saw all these merits and would not treat him unfairly.

He Canglan couldn't help but be delighted after hearing this. He said polite words, but he was actually very happy in his heart. With Zhang Xijun's praise, what else did he have to worry about? Moreover, he had been the prefect for several years. If Zhang Xijun could say a few good words for him after returning to Beijing, then he would have a chance to be promoted. At that time, he might be promoted directly to the position of Censor, or even the position of Governor.

However, Zhang Yinli, the magistrate of Qiantang who was accompanying him, lowered his head slightly, and his expression changed slightly, as if he had a different opinion on Zhang Xijun's praise of He Canglan. However, he concealed it well and his expression soon returned to normal, and no one else noticed.

But what kind of person is Zhang Xijun? His eyes were sharp, and all the subtle changes in Zhang Yinli's expression fell into his eyes, but Zhang Xijun did not ask, as if he knew nothing, and continued to chat with them about love and romance, looking leisurely and at ease.

(End of this chapter)