Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 770 A Toast to Freedom
It seemed that everything had settled down in this late spring, and Xia Lin also welcomed a long-awaited holiday.

"Let life take its course amidst the misty rain, I'll return still in my thirties." Xia Lin raised his wine cup and smiled at Emperor Jingtai, saying, "This cup of wine is for you."

"Why are you toasting me? Are you toasting me because I'm a good-for-nothing?" Emperor Jingtai laughed and raised his wine cup as well: "So be it, so be it, peace and happiness are all that matter."

In your thirties, you are at the peak of your life, having shed the naivety and recklessness of youth without the lethargy of old age.

The two drank together in the room for a while, and then Emperor Jingtai suddenly looked up and sighed: "I don't know if I will have the face to meet my ancestors after I die. This is what I worry about the most."

Xia Lin didn't answer, but simply filled the two empty glasses by himself. Outside, fireworks were in full bloom and drums were deafening, marking the grand opening of the first sports meet. The two of them had just finished their speeches before the opening ceremony and were now able to take a break.

A few pickled vegetables, a steamed ribbonfish, and a pot of old wine—the two were quite content.

Emperor Jingtai removed his wig, revealing a head of short, cropped hair. He looked quite energetic. He was of average alcohol tolerance and was slightly tipsy at the moment. His speech was incoherent, and he even uttered words like "exterminating nine generations of one's family."

"In my opinion, this world is really boring. You don't know that once you sit on the dragon throne, all the evil in the world is yours, and you are not free. Sometimes I think, what is the use of being an emperor? Later, I figured it out and realized why they can act recklessly while I have to follow their rules." Emperor Jingtai slammed his fist on the table and said, "But I was born to suffer. They can use righteousness to suppress me."

Xia Lin rested one hand on the back of the chair, smiling as she watched Emperor Jingtai vent his emotions without saying a word, just watching him talk to himself.

"Later I figured it out. Since I can't do whatever I want, I'll make them be subject to the same constraints as me. They still want to see the collapse of morality and social order? Grandpa! Dream on! I'll be strict with myself, and they'll all have to be just as strict. Not only that, I'll also instill a belief in the people!"

"What belief?" Xia Lin asked with a smile, "Tell me about it."

"The will to rebel!" Emperor Jingtai slammed his hand on the table three times. "I want them to know that anyone who doesn't let them live in peace will be rebelled against! Rebellion is the right thing to do! What the hell are princes and nobles? What the hell are powerful families? Rebel against them! Burn down their mansions and cut down the trees in their courtyards!"

Hearing this, Xia Lin suddenly sat up straight: "Aren't you afraid?"

"What am I afraid of? Tell me, what am I afraid of?"

Xia Lin pursed his lips, remaining silent for a long while. Then, Emperor Jingtai continued, "At the end of the Hongbao era, less than one in a hundred people were literate. Each household had 375 catties of grain per year, less than one catty per person per day. One catty of grain—could that be enough to fill one's stomach? No, everyone was starving. With income insufficient to cover expenses, they could only sell themselves to wealthy families as slaves." He then picked up a peanut from the table, chewed it, and said, "In the tenth year of Jingtai, which is next year, 27% will be literate, each household will have 1350 catties of grain per year, not counting meat, eggs, and vegetables. The average surplus per person will reach 1.5 taels. Am I not a wise ruler? Huh? Go out and ask around, ask if anyone in the world would rebel now, if anyone dares to rebel? Why wouldn't they dare? Hmm? Because although I may not have much ability, I set myself up as a benchmark, in terms of clothing, food, housing, and transportation. Anyone who surpasses me deserves to die! They wouldn't dare!"

Although these words were spoken with a hint of drunkenness, they were indeed what Emperor Jingtai had always practiced. In fact, he was quite frugal from the beginning, and in recent years he had become almost mad. He set standards for himself in terms of clothing, food, housing and transportation. When he went out, apart from official needs, a carriage was enough for him, and the boat was just an ordinary passenger boat. The only difference was that the boat had to be cleared for security reasons. As for other things, he used almost everything that most people could use.

Tribute? It's been years since we've heard of tribute. An emperor who doesn't collect tribute from the local areas, doesn't select beauties from the common people, doesn't build side palaces, and doesn't add new imperial palaces—that's already setting a very high standard. Besides, he had already publicly disclosed the palace's expenses several years ago.

The daily expenses of several concubines, princesses, princes, and even those serving in the palace were meticulously recorded. These records were even compiled monthly and posted at the city gate of Jinling for public viewing.

Despite repeated attempts by the Ministry of Rites to stop it, and even a hunger strike by the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs, nothing came of it. It wasn't that no one tried to smear Emperor Jingtai, but in this matter, what he did was to expose the centuries-old misunderstanding that emperors used golden hoes to till the land to everyone, giving him an absolute advantage in the public opinion arena.

In the end, Xia Lin stopped the project because if these data were released, those with ulterior motives could use the monthly spending changes to track the palace's movements, which was unwise and even dangerous.

Afterwards, Emperor Jingtai did many abstract things, but they were all harmless. Later, he inadvertently reached the true pinnacle of power by personally leading the expedition to thwart a rebellion, recovering the four northern garrisons, and Xia Lin's massacre of the aristocratic families in the capital.

It's no exaggeration to say that the degree of centralization of power during the Jingtai reign is unprecedented. Although the problem of imperial power not extending to the county level still exists, it won't be long before those young people sent to the countryside will overturn the existing system. Once a foothold is established, everything will proceed more smoothly.

Even at this point, Emperor Jingtai's self-discipline did not change much, and in fact, it became even more excessive. As a result, even merchants who wanted to enjoy themselves now had to do so secretly, and officials were even more apprehensive.

Why? Even the emperor eats a bowl of pork bone soup with noodles every night, so who would dare to throw away delicacies?

At first, Xia Lin thought it was because his level of understanding was particularly high, but now, judging from what he said, this guy wasn't interested in any kind of revolution at all; he was just after revenge.

He takes pettiness to the extreme; if someone makes him unhappy for a moment, he not only makes that person unhappy for a lifetime, but he also wants everyone in the world to be unhappy with him.

Sure enough, Tuoba Jing is still the same Tuoba Jing. After leaving for half a lifetime, he still has the same petty mind.

Just then, cheers from outside poured into the room like a tsunami. The super-sized fireworks, the highlight of the show, rose into the sky. The moment these fireworks, which, when laid flat, resembled a massive bomb, burst open, even the room was brightly illuminated.

The moon was bright and clear, fireworks were dazzling, and the aroma of food wafted freely through the night sky.

Ordinary people love festivals, and they especially love the festivals they can participate in. The joy that was once enjoyed exclusively by the wealthy has now spread to ordinary families. Children chase each other through the streets with colorful little lanterns, and young men and women chat about the future by the river, which is decorated with lanterns.

Emperor Jingtai, holding a wine cup, leaned against the window, watching the hustle and bustle of the street outside. After a long while, he suddenly turned to Xia Lin and said, "Compared to powerful ships and cannons, I prefer this kind of scene."

“Without powerful ships and cannons, none of these things would exist.” Xia Lin stood up and stretched his numb legs. “This damn kneeling posture needs to be changed. My legs are numb.”

"You still need to practice more."

The noise outside continued until midnight. Emperor Jingtai was already drunk and unconscious. He and Xia Lin were sleeping like pigs on the ground. When the guards came to change shifts, they did so quietly.

Meanwhile, on the distant Japanese islands, the east wind blew, releasing a thousand blossoms on a single night. And then, stars fell like rain.

The salvo from hundreds of rapid-fire cannons burst into flames across the city. The bombardment was triggered by a Japanese samurai attacking soldiers who came to mediate, resulting in the deaths of seven men who were left on this land forever.

The fleet commander then summoned the people of Heian-kyo, but their attitude was very bad, even arrogant, which completely enraged the fleet commander. He gave them advance notice and then launched the shelling operation.

Li Shimin stood on the warship, looking at the raging flames in the distance. His face was expressionless, and he did not feel lost at the fact that a city had turned into a sea of ​​fire. In his heart, he only felt regret as a warrior for the seven brave men who had sacrificed their lives.

"Select three hundred men for me tomorrow."

Li Shimin said to the fleet commander, "I'm going to teach them a lesson."

"Your Highness..." the fleet commander said with a troubled expression, "I can't make this decision myself."

“If you can’t make the decision, I will; if you can’t bear the responsibility, I will take it.”

At this moment, Li Shimin didn't seem like an apprentice at all; he was clearly there to be a commander, giving the real commander a real headache.

"Your Highness..."

"No need to say anything more."

"Would two hundred people be enough?"

Li Shimin's eyes darted around, and he nodded slightly: "Two hundred it is!"

When it was light, Xia Lin got up to wash and saw Emperor Jingtai stretching his limbs outside. Today he was wearing a popular style from Fuliang, a short-sleeved shirt for spring and summer, with a small leather belt and buttons fastened. His neat, short haircut even gave him a sunny look.

Why are you dressed like that?

"You can tell I'm the emperor?" Xia Lin burst out laughing at his words: "Heretical! You're utterly heretical!"

"Great, there's a match today, I'm going to check it out. I've already placed my bet."

"Okay, go and take a look."

"Hmm?" Emperor Jingtai turned around and looked at Xia Lin curiously: "Aren't you going?"

"I'm going to see an old friend."

"What old friend? He's clearly a former lover." Emperor Jingtai sighed. "You have too many emotional debts. Go, go, and stop wasting your breath."

Xia Lin bowed respectfully to Emperor Jingtai, then turned and walked out. He walked all the way to the Dugu family's residence, where the servants at the gate naturally did not stop him.

"Where is your master?"

"The patriarch has gone to attend the ceremony with His Majesty."

The "Emperor" they were referring to certainly wasn't Emperor Jingtai; it must be Third Sister. Xia Lin didn't say anything, but simply walked into the house.

He walked easily to the back courtyard, pushed open the small door of a side courtyard, and saw a tall woman tending to the flowers and plants as soon as he entered.

Even just seeing his back, his aloof and resolute demeanor made it clear to him who he was.

Xia Lin coughed lightly as he walked up behind her.

Dongniang only glanced back at him before continuing with her work, without even a significant change in expression.

It's been quite a while since I last saw Dongniang. She looks much better than before, probably because she's gotten older and has a more outstanding temperament. At this moment, Dongniang exudes a mature and sophisticated aura.

"So cold?"

Dongniang didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly to him: "Is there something you need?"

"Can't I come to see you if there's nothing wrong?"

He stepped forward and naturally placed his hand on Dongniang's waist: "It's been three years since we last met."

"It's only three years."

Keep in mind that Xia Lin is only in her early thirties, while Dong Niang is much younger than Xia Lin and is in her prime at twenty-seven or twenty-eight. In addition, she is now the head of the medical school and the person in charge of Xia Lin's eugenics program. She is a high-ranking female cadre and a member of the highly educated group.

Whether it's her temperament or her demeanor, it's truly captivating.

Dongniang pushed Xia Lin's hand away and went to the other side of the yard to continue her work. She did manage to say a few words to Xia Lin when she had a moment: "Commander Xia's three years were just a fleeting moment, not worth mentioning."

"Hey! Don't make fun of me." Xia Lin continued to step forward and pat Dong Niang's butt: "You know I've been really busy these past few years."

Dongniang didn't deny this either. Although she didn't know why, she felt a bit resentful whenever she saw him, and she felt that she wouldn't feel right if she didn't tease him.

"They are very busy, so busy that the head of the Dugu family is about to have a second child."

"Oh dear..." Xia Lin smiled awkwardly, "Dong Niang is starting to become petty, isn't she?"

"I wouldn't dare." Dongniang stood up, glared at Xia Lin, dodged his hand, and went into the house.

Xia Lin paused in the courtyard for a moment, then followed her inside. He found that he and Dong Niang had nothing to talk about except work. They used to tease each other a little, but now it felt a bit awkward.

"Dongniang."

"Ok?"

"I'm planning to establish several more medical schools. Can you spare any staff from your side?"

"can."

"How is Dr. Sun's health?"

"pretty good."

"You've gotten quite plump."

At this point, Dongniang was momentarily stunned, and her face flushed bright red. Seeing Dongniang's unwavering innocence, Xia Lin couldn't help but laugh and say, "You're still the same Dongniang as before."

"The two princesses will be arriving tomorrow, and Sister Chuntao will also be coming to take care of your daily needs. You'd better behave yourself."

Xia Lin coughed, now emboldened, and asked, "Dongniang, lately I've been feeling rather weak. Would you like to take my pulse?"

Without a word, Dongniang grabbed his hand and checked his pulse. But then she sat up straight, her expression turning serious: "There's accumulated fire poison in your body, damaging your heart and lungs. Are you poisoned?"

Xia Lin paused for a moment, then took out the metal box he always carried with him: "Is this it?"

Dongniang took out a cigarette from the tin box, smelled it under her nose, and said with an unusually serious expression: "Datura, what are you going to do with it? It will damage your lung meridian!"

Xia Lin scratched his head, picked up a cigarette, and only took one puff before Dong Niang snatched it away and threw it on the ground: "Are you crazy!?"

"Let me explain..." Xia Lin, like a child who had done something wrong, told Dong Niang about the origin and use of this thing.

After hearing this, Dongniang's expression softened considerably: "Hulai, you're not allowed to smoke anymore. I'll prepare a substitute for you."

Xia Lin chuckled, then suddenly his expression changed, and he said rather shamelessly, "Let's not talk about this little thing for now. We haven't seen each other for so many years. How about letting big brother give me a hug today when no one's around?"

Dongniang blushed at the teasing, but responded in a barely audible voice, "Mmm..."

(End of this chapter)