Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 341 Class Teacher
"It has been more than a year since the locust and drought disasters, and now it is the beginning of the new year, and the general has won a great victory in the expedition to Longyou. This is a month of great joy and we should be celebrating, but the ban on alcohol has not been lifted. It is really disappointing!"

In a restaurant outside Anyi City, a big man wrapped in a big coat was warming himself by the brazier. He complained to the crowd and smacked his lips and said, "In the dead of winter, if I can have a sip of hot wine, it is really a great pleasure in life."

Since the locust plague and drought the year before last, Zhang Yu has not lifted the ban on alcohol in order to save food and fodder.

What is Prohibition?
Drinking in public places is prohibited, private brewing is prohibited, and wine shops and vendors are prohibited from selling alcohol.

However, the prohibition of alcohol was not strictly enforced, and the trend of private liquor was prevalent. In addition, due to the prohibition of alcohol, a group of alcohol dealers emerged, specializing in selling high-priced alcohol and making huge profits from it.

"Liu Wu, not to mention that you can't drink, even the general's father-in-law was held accountable for drinking with others before." The guest laughed and said, "You shouted to join the army a few days ago. If the superiors heard you complaining, they would chop off your dog head."

"What's wrong with drinking? I heard that Hu Hou likes to drink, but he can charge into battle and serve as a general under the general."

Liu Wu was warming himself by the fire and said, "If the general lifts the ban on alcohol, how can all the idle people get rich? The price of meat is lower than before. I know the taste of meat but not the taste of wine, which is the opposite of the past!"

Although the whole country was in turmoil, the counties of Shanxi were peaceful, and because of trade with the Hu tribe in northern Xinjiang, not only did the price of grain drop, but also the price of livestock such as sheep and dogs dropped significantly. Especially after Zhang Yu pacified Longyou, a large number of Long merchants seized the opportunity to make a fortune before the New Year and transported cattle and sheep to Hedong and Guanzhong for sale, making the price of meat cheaper than before.

The customer shook his head and laughed, then shouted to the shopkeeper, "Cut two pounds of mutton. I want to take it back!"

"Good Le!"

The shop owner's face lit up with joy and he hurried to the kitchen to cut meat for the diners.

"Two kilograms of mutton. How did you make a fortune recently?" Liu Wu said in shock.

"After winning the battle, the superiors gave rewards to the soldiers. So many people asked me to make furniture for them, and I made some money." The diner said with a smile.

Liu Wu shook his head and sighed, saying, "Only soldiers have extra money now. How can ordinary farmers have spare money to spend on carpentry?"

Serving as a soldier not only exempts you from taxes, but you can also receive military pay. When you win a battle, the government will reward you with money and food. As a result, a consumer group centered around soldiers and their families gradually formed, and various industries were created to serve them.

If restaurants can be opened here, it is to serve military families, otherwise how can ordinary people afford to eat and drink in the restaurants.

"Look!"

Seeing several tall young men in uniform strolling on the street, the diner motioned Liu Wu to look over there.

Liu Wu took a few glances and saw that the five young men were sturdy and dressed in uniform. If it weren't for the immaturity on their faces, it would be hard to tell that they were young. He subconsciously exclaimed, "What sturdy young men!"

The customer picked up the mutton handed over by the store owner and said, "The general selected hundreds of young Hu people from the Shuofang Hu tribe and settled them on Mount Bo last year. He asked them to learn martial arts and literature and practice military drills every month. After the training period, they can serve as officials, so they are treated generously."

"Why did the general choose the young Hu people?" Liu Wu asked curiously.

"I don't know!"

The guest laughed and said, "The general must have his own thoughts. Maybe he wants to rule over the Hu tribe in the north in the future, or take them in as his own troops."

"Not having to worry about food and clothing is really enviable!"

Seeing the young Hu people carrying meat or cloth in their arms, Liu Wu said sourly: "The general is really generous, supporting hundreds of young Hu people."

"What's there to envy?"

The diner walked away carrying the mutton, saying, "Joining the army will bring happiness to the whole family!" When the diner just left the restaurant, he suddenly saw someone pointing at a flag that looked like clouds hanging from the sky and shouting.

"The general has returned!"

Soon, hundreds of vanguards were seen clearing the way, driving away the idle people along the way. Then the flag bearer walked with the flag, and behind the flag bearer, the majestic drums and music were played, which made the onlookers feel awe. Zhang Yu was surrounded by the crowd and rode a tall horse towards Anyi City.

Perhaps due to the strict military discipline of the Shanxi Army, the diners and Liu Wu were not afraid. They stood at the door of the restaurant, pointing at the passing infantrymen along the way, as if looking for someone familiar.

Hedong has actually been peaceful for only a few years. Previously, it was ravaged by the Baibo Army and the Niu Fu Army, and the people should have a deep memory of the chaotic soldiers. However, since Zhang Yu took over Hedong, due to the strict military discipline and Du Ji's outstanding governance, the people gradually stopped fearing the soldiers. Therefore, although life is not much better than before, at least the public security can be controlled and people don't have to live in fear.

Soon, Zhang Yu, surrounded by the crowd, rode his horse to the city gate. Zhong Yao, Du Ji, and Yang Jun received the news in advance, so they led the general's office officials to the city gate to welcome Zhang Yu.

"Your servant greets you, my lord!"

Zhong Yao led the crowd in bowing and said, "The rebels in Longshang have been rebellious for more than ten years, and our dynasty has failed to defeat them. Now, you have defeated the generals in Longshang and put down the rebellion in Longyou. Yao and the officials in the government are very happy."

Zhang Yu got off his horse, held out his hand to help Zhong Yao up, and said with a smile: "The army is on a long expedition to Longshang, and the military supplies have been transported thousands of miles away. Without Yuan Chang's allocation of military supplies, how can I quell the rebellion in Longyou!"

"It's my job!" Zhong Yao said.

Zhang Yu then helped Du Ji up and said, "Since I led the army back east, I have passed through Guanzhong and Sanfu. I saw that the roads in Sanfu were blocked and the people were mostly poor. But since I crossed the river to Hedong, I have seen that the people are peaceful and every household has surplus food. Now Hedong is well governed, all thanks to your governance."

"Don't dare!"

Du Ji said modestly: "The three prefectures were affected by the war, and there were military incidents every year. However, Hedong surrendered and was the first to be stabilized. If we can rest and recuperate, and encourage farmers to work hard, the three prefectures will surely become prosperous."

Zhang Yu held Du Ji's hand and said to the crowd, "Bo Hou's governance is lenient and benevolent, and he does nothing for the people. This is similar to the Huang-Lao philosophy of the former Han Dynasty. If you were to govern, you should learn from Du Hedong's governance. There will be no war next year, and the counties should save the people's energy and encourage them to farm."

Next year, since we need to store grain and train soldiers and give the people a rest, Zhang Yu naturally wants to convey his political preferences to everyone, so he pushes Du Ji to the front so that everyone can learn Du Ji's political ideas.

"promise!"

The first thing Zhang Yu did when he came back was to praise Du Ji. All the officials glanced at Du Ji and obeyed his orders.

After exchanging pleasantries with everyone for a while, Zhang Yu led Zhong Yao, Zhang Liao and other civil and military officials into the city.

"My Lord, there is news from Wancheng!"

On the way, Zhong Yao reported to Zhang Yu.

"What's the news?" Zhang Yu asked.

"Your Majesty granted Yuan Shu the right to wear a sword and shoes when entering the palace, but not to kneel when entering the court. Yuan Shu, on the grounds that the emperor had moved the capital, ordered that the next year's reign be changed to 'Jianxing'," said Zhong Yao.

"Oh?"

Zhang Yu suddenly became interested and said with a smile: "Yuan Shu will first be appointed as the prime minister, and then enjoy the power of the sword and shoes. He may be promoted to the duke soon!"

(End of this chapter)