Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 259 An Unprecedented Prosperity, the Restoration of Yan and Yun (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Kaijing, the Prime Minister's residence.

Today, the Prime Minister's residence has become the political center of the entire Liao Kingdom.

Wang Yingchen implemented a system of strong centralized power.

As for Yelü Xian, after the battle with the Northern Han, he also gave Wang Yingchen absolute trust. Even if he did not treat Gu Jin as Zhao Kuangyin did, he was very much like Duke Xiao of Qin and Shang Yang in the past.

Wang Yingchen represented him, and also represented the authority of the Liao court.

This is indeed an extremely effective method.

Wang Yingchen was an extremely ruthless man.

What was needed to make the entire Liao Kingdom take the court's authority seriously was precisely this kind of person.

However, Wang Yingchen's current situation is not very good either.

No, it wasn't him.

It seems that the entire Liao Kingdom was in a rather unfavorable situation.

Li Deming's sudden ascension to the throne was indeed beyond his expectations, and consequently affected the development of the entire Liao Kingdom.

Wang Yingchen originally intended to focus on agriculture and warfare.

Just like the Qin Dynasty in the past, they used the vast arable land of the Liao Kingdom to quickly restore the country's strength, and then went on to unify the world.

His attack on Liaodong was actually for this very purpose.

But all of this vanished with the fall of the Northern Han and the Song Dynasty's entanglement with it at Yanmen Pass and in Liaodong.

In fact, for the Liao Kingdom at present...

The Western Xia was not particularly strong.

Unfortunately, with the Song Dynasty looming large, he simply couldn't use all his strength.

This is the problem that's giving him the biggest headache.

Although Gu Jin did not directly send troops to help Western Xia, he could not allow the Liao Kingdom to directly destroy Western Xia.

This is the tripartite division of the Three Kingdoms.

Neither side will be significantly affected if they do not currently possess the absolute strength to crush everything.

In fact, if it were in the past, Wang Yingchen wouldn't have cared about these things.

After all, the Song Dynasty wouldn't gain any benefit.

But things are different now.

The emergence of corn solved the only weakness of the Song Dynasty, coupled with the development of commerce in the Song Dynasty.

Wang Yingchen could even foresee the terrifying strength of the Song Dynasty just a few years from now.

That is why he was suffering day and night.

Prime Minister's House.

Send more people!

We absolutely must get our hands on corn seeds!

Wang Yingchen looked at everyone present with a serious expression and instructed, "In addition, have people build a port in Suzhou and have people build ocean-going ships. This matter must not be affected in any way!"

The entire Prime Minister's residence was silent.

Faced with Wang Yingchen's rage, no official dared to hesitate and nodded in agreement.

Gu Yi was also watching all of this with great interest.

It is worth mentioning that this Suzhou is not the Suzhou in the Jiangnan region.

—But rather, it was Dalian in later generations.

It is also the only place in the Liao Kingdom where there is currently an opportunity to explore the ocean.

However, compared to places like Guangdong and Guangxi, and Mingzhou, this place is far inferior.

This was inevitable.

Even with the influence of the Gu family, Dalian was still considered a remote place at the time, so how could its development compare with that of the Central Plains?
Even now, Wang Yingchen's order to have these people build the port cannot reverse this trend.

The Gu family has now formed a technological barrier with the entire world.

That's right, it's far ahead.

This is true in every respect.

The system of artisans cultivated over hundreds of years is unparalleled in the world.

However, Gu Yi was actually quite pleased with this outcome.

This matter is beneficial to Kyushu.

Even he had to admit that Wang Yingchen was absolutely top-notch in terms of overall strategy.

Unfortunately, he can't overtake others by taking a shortcut.

Whether it's planning for ports or exploring the ocean.

Unless the Song Dynasty annexes the Liao Dynasty.

Time flies by.

Gu Jin continued to spend his days in the imperial court, meticulously preparing for everything in the Song Dynasty.

Under these circumstances, the Song Dynasty grew stronger and stronger over time.

This strength was so great that it left Gu Yi speechless.

The continued development of commerce brought immense benefits to this dynasty.

This development does not refer to the increasing amount of commercial taxes.

On the contrary, this is only a very small aspect.

—For the Song Dynasty at present, the continuous economic growth has brought about a new life for the entire dynasty.

With more wealthy people, the demand for goods and services will increase.

The resulting economic gains are enough to support countless ordinary people.

This includes the people they employ.

The workshop districts promoted by the Gu family have now flourished throughout the Song Dynasty.

Gu Jin's supervision of this matter is extremely strict.

Everyone was required to sign their employment contract through the Censorate.

That's right, it's the Censorate.

This is the powerful tool in Gu Jin's hands: a system formed over hundreds of years, coupled with the increasingly faster information transmission brought about by the development of the Grand Canal, which fully supports this framework.

And the resulting development is naturally quite remarkable.

When ordinary people could earn an income through these workshops during their leisure time from farming, it already demonstrated just how wealthy the Song Dynasty was.

Besides that, there was maritime trade.

The tea plantations designated during the reform era have played a perfect role in the current era.

This also requires hiring people, which can bring income to them.

And don't forget—

Tea, whether in its original history or in its current development, is one of the most widely spread things in the history of Kyushu.

In addition, there was the presence of Ryukyu.

It is worth mentioning that the current king of Ryukyu is still a descendant of Li Chengqian, but he has no power. Therefore, the Gu family, together with the local people, formed a unique management system.

That's right, it's the system that Gu Yu devised after traveling all over the world and then hid in Julu.

This place has now become a transit point for Kyushu shipping.

Including the local people.

They have now been completely integrated into the Kyushu region and have absolute faith in the Gu family.

Under these various factors, the profits that this tea plantation can generate have reached an astonishing figure.

This is completely different from the original historical development.

Although there are many differences between the various dynasties in the original history, the four characters "scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants" still run through the entire history.

Even in the Song Dynasty, when merchants held the highest status.

This can actually be observed in many systems.

This is understandable, because the continuous development of businessmen is bound to drive the transformation of the entire country.

But the current situation is completely different.

With their influence permeating local areas, and subject to various restrictions, these merchants became one of the key tools for national development.

Gu Jin went to great lengths to achieve this.

Through his monthly publication, "Morning News," he was constantly changing the values ​​of the people.

This transformed the respect ordinary people had for wealth into moral character.

Indeed, in the present Song Dynasty, wealthy merchants are not necessarily respected, but those who abide by the laws and regulations of the court will certainly be respected.

He even established a special department within the Censorate.

The people are permitted to report "unethical" merchants.

He used these methods to curb the merchants of the Song Dynasty.

Of course, this series of systems cannot be called perfect.

No matter what system it is, it can only be used at that time.

But for the Song Dynasty at present.

As long as the Gu family still exists, and as long as the Censorate remains standing, no matter how corrupt the system becomes, it will not directly affect the foundation of the nation.

Because the people's values ​​have gradually been established!
This is what's truly important!

April of the tenth year of the Tongyuan era.

Kaifeng.

Tufu's Mansion.

"Reporting to the Grand Tutor, last year the annual revenue from maritime trade in Liangzhe Circuit increased to 3.5 million strings of cash, and the commercial tax revenue in Quanzhou and Guangzhou both exceeded one million. Twenty-seven new government-run weaving workshops were established in the Jingji Circuit, employing more than 30,000 workers, and more than 200 private workshops followed suit."

Chen Shu, the Vice Minister of Revenue, stood before the officials, skillfully unfolded the silk scroll, and earnestly said, "The implementation of corn rotation in Hebei Circuit has resulted in overflowing granaries, enough to supply the border troops for three years."

"The Censorate reports that the number of registered labor contracts in various prefectures has reached 400,000, and the number of displaced people has dropped to the lowest level since the founding of the country."

This finance official, historically known for his shrewdness and competence, spoke with barely suppressed excitement, his hands trembling.

—A golden age!
An unprecedented golden age!
Such a prosperous era is enough to keep any scholar up at night, including them.

Before he could finish speaking, Lü Duan, the Vice Chancellor, immediately stepped forward and added, "Grand Tutor, the volume of grain transported on the Bian River has doubled compared to ten years ago, and rice and silk from Jiangnan can reach the capital in three days."

“Three hundred new official schools have been established in various places, and the enrollment rate of children has exceeded 40%.” He paused, “but the border army reported that the Liao Kingdom has built more than 30 imitation sea ships in Suzhou and has repeatedly sent spies to sneak into Liaodong to steal corn seeds.”

Gu Jin lightly tapped the rosewood tabletop with her fingertips, completely unconcerned.

This kind of thing can't be restricted indefinitely.

This is something that is impossible as corn planting areas expand and yields increase.

His expression was very calm. The moment Lü Duan finished speaking, he spoke leisurely, as if he had already thought everything through: "Do you all know that the splendor of a prosperous age is most likely to erode a person's bones and muscles?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback.

The excitement on their faces gradually subsided.

Gu Jin glanced at everyone, slowly stood up, and his tone became increasingly serious: "The Liao people stealing our race and building ships is nothing more than a minor ailment."

"A real abscess—"

He walked to the map beside him and pointed to the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun on the map, "They're here!"

It was supposed to be a very serious moment.

But at that moment, everyone visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

How could they not know Gu Jin's ambitions?

The geomantic map of the world has always been located within the Grand Tutor's mansion for many years, and its obvious location already explains everything.

Gu Jin never forgot the shared aspirations he had with the founding emperor.

—Sweep away the entire world!
The reason why Gu Jin would set his sights on the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun is also quite simple.

Ever since Shi Jingtang of the Later Jin Dynasty ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun to the Khitan, this land has become a Damocles' sword hanging over the heads of the entire Central Plains dynasty.

Geographically, the Yan-Yun region encompasses the northern section and spurs of the Taihang Mountains, serving as a natural military barrier.

The Great Wall winds its way across the mountainous terrain, guarding the crucial passage through the mountains.

The loss of Yanyun meant that the gateway to the North China Plain was wide open, allowing the Liao cavalry to advance south without hindrance, reaching as far as the Yellow River.

For the Song Dynasty, which had its capital in Kaifeng and was situated in a region surrounded by enemies, this strategic passivity and threat were particularly profound, a situation that could be described as "losing the key to the nation's gates."

And this is only the most basic level.

At a deeper level, the Yan-Yun region was also a threshold that the Song Dynasty had to overcome.

Because this place is not a remote area.

On the contrary, after the development of the Han and Tang dynasties, this place not only became densely populated and agriculturally developed, but also had a large number of skilled craftsmen.

Although it's impossible to completely stop the outflow of corn, even a slight impact would be beneficial for the Song Dynasty!

This is also why Gu Jin wanted to take direct action!

The entire hall fell silent instantly.

Even though these people already knew Gu Jin's thoughts, when the moment actually came, many of them hesitated.

This is human nature.

When they hold a prosperous era in their hands, these people lose their ambition and are unwilling to gamble on the future.

After all, for many of them, the current prosperous era alone is enough to earn them an excellent reputation in history.

—But, it doesn't require these people's consent.

Wang Yingchen held sole control of the Liao Dynasty's government.

Wouldn't Gu Jin then hold the reins of a nation?
This matter does not require their consent.

Gu Jin had already made full preparations.

Informing them now is merely a notification, not a discussion.

Wende Hall.

This is the core hall of the Song Dynasty imperial palace, and it was the place where Zhao Kuangyin discussed state affairs with his important ministers when he was alive.

But now this place has completely lost its former solemnity.

Although it is still in the core position.

Unfortunately, the people involved have changed.

At least today's stewards can no longer possess the same majesty as Zhao Kuangyin in the past.

The moonlight was cool and clear. Gu Jin followed the eunuch and stepped steadily into the hall.

His face remained calm and expressionless.

I still remember when I first returned to Kaifeng and entered this palace, the scene of talking with Zhao Kuangyin here all night long still comes to mind.

Now, those memories have faded with time, and are no longer able to stir up any ripples.

"Grand Tutor!"

Gu Jin had just entered the hall and hadn't even made a move when Zhao Dezhao's delighted voice rang out, and he even got up to greet her personally.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Gu Jin quickly bowed.

Zhao Guangyi, who was standing to the side, also bowed at the opportune moment and said, "Greetings, Grand Tutor."

"Your Highness is too polite." Gu Jin returned the greeting with a calm expression, and was then pulled inside by Zhao Dezhao to sit down.

As usual, Gu Jin reported the recent situation in the court to Zhao Dezhao, but today he had a slightly different plan—to march the army north and recover Yan and Yun.

Zhao Dezhao nodded frequently as usual, but when he saw the gray hairs that had quietly grown at Gu Jin's temples in the flickering candlelight, a trace of panic flashed across his eyes.

"Grand Tutor, is it absolutely necessary to go?" He hesitated for a moment, but still blurted out, "I really cannot do without the Grand Tutor."

"Your Majesty," Zhao Guangyi interjected before Gu Jin could respond, "Unifying the world was the lifelong wish of the late Emperor and the Grand Tutor. Your Majesty must not let personal feelings ruin this great cause."

As the emperor's uncle, Zhao Kuangyi spoke these words quite naturally.

Gu Jin didn't say much, only nodded: "Your Majesty, rest assured, this old minister will surely return in triumph."

Although Zhao Dezhao was still reluctant, he could only nod in agreement.

Afterwards, he spoke many words of concern until late at night, when Gu Jin and Zhao Guangyi finally took their leave.

Although Gu Jin didn't have much affection for Zhao Guangyi, she wasn't particularly wary of him either.

Over the years, this Prince of Jin has always kept a low profile and lived a quiet life.

But this time, just as they were about to part ways at the palace gates, Zhao Guangyi suddenly spoke up: "Grand Tutor, this time when we went to war..."

He looked at Gu Jin with a solemn tone and a complicated gaze, "I wonder if I may accompany the army?"

He's actually not young anymore.

For Zhao Guangyi, this may be the last chance in his life to go to the battlefield and fulfill his ambitions.

“If Grand Tutor does not despise me,” Zhao Guangyi said, staring intently at Gu Jin, “I am willing to serve as your charioteer.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin was slightly taken aback.

Under the moonlight.

Looking at the increasingly aged Zhao Guangyi before him, he vaguely sensed a resemblance to the Zhao Kuangyin in his memory.

After a brief silence, Gu Jin finally nodded and did not refuse.

(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes! I'd be incredibly grateful for your support, brothers.)
(End of this chapter)