Water Margin: The opening scene involves assassinating Emperor Huizong of Song and forcibly taking L

How is Tokyo now compared to thirty years ago?

Xiao Chu said, "There aren't as many people in the city as before."

"It is likely that they have not yet recovered from the war."

"But you don't see beggars everywhere,"

"Even the peddlers and laborers are quite spirited,"

"The current emperor has governed Tokyo quite well."

The two walked around the city for a while,

Hu Quan's stomach suddenly growled.

Xiao Chu smiled and led him to the restaurant.

The shop assistant saw that Hu Quan was carrying a book box.

Again, they were not accompanied by any attendants.

They identified him as a poor scholar traveling to the capital for the imperial examinations.

They then proactively recommended some relatively inexpensive foods.

Xiao Chu was worried that his disciples were not getting enough nutrition.

They also specially added a plate of meat.

The master and apprentice had just started eating.

A scholar stepped in and asked,

Do you have Huang Song here?

The shopkeeper replied with a smile, "My shop is too small; where can I buy Huangsong?"

"Please come again in two years, sir."

"This dish is definitely available."

The scholar's servant angrily said...

"How dare you talk like that, shopkeeper?"

"My son will surely pass the imperial examination this year!"

"I will definitely not come back in two years!"

The shopkeeper realized he had misspoke and quickly apologized.

"Misunderstanding, misunderstanding,"

"If you two dine at our restaurant,"

"A complimentary serving of meat soup is being offered today."

"We've searched over a dozen places but haven't found Huangsong."

"I'll eat here."

The scholar was quite disappointed.

The shopkeeper left the counter.

He personally greeted the master and servant.

The scholar saw that there weren't many empty seats.

Hu Quan had a book box next to him, so he came over and asked,

"My name is Li Yi from Yangzhou. May I join you for a meal?"

"Please."

Hu Quan smiled and replied.

Li Yi was dressed quite dashingly.

He was a handsome young man who clasped his hands in greeting to Xiao Chu and said...

"I haven't dared to ask the old gentleman's name yet."

Xiao Chu said, "Xiao Chu of Luling."

Hu Quan also said: "I am Hu Quan from Luling, courtesy name Bangheng."

"Li Yi of Yangzhou, courtesy name Shunzhi,"

Li Yi plopped down as he spoke.

"Brother Bangheng, are you here to take the imperial examination?"

Hu Quan nodded: "That's right."

Li Yi then said, "I am an expert in the *I Ching*."

"May I ask which classic you study, brother?"

Hu Quan replied, "The Spring and Autumn Annals."

"The Spring and Autumn Annals contains profound meanings in concise language, yet it is difficult to read."

Li Yi said,

"But math and physics are even more difficult,"

"I can't even buy books in Yangzhou,"

"I only found out about these things when I got to the capital."

Hu Quan was taken aback: "Then how can we take the exam?"

Li Yi smiled and said, "I heard the book was just printed."

"Available at major bookstores in Beijing."

"The Ministry of Rites also posted a notice,"

"This time the test is only a small part, so it won't have a significant impact on the imperial examinations."

"Even with mathematics, one need not understand the numbers created by the emperor,"

"It can still be solved using the old methods of arithmetic."

"Your Majesty understands the importance of proceeding step by step; this is a wise move."

Hu Quan casually flattered the emperor.

Li Yi said gloatingly, "The candidates for the imperial examinations three years from now..."

"I'm afraid it won't be that easy."

Hu Quan asked, "By the way, what is this Huang Song that you mentioned earlier?"

Li Yi said, "It's a type of cabbage, cultivated by the current emperor."

"The Agricultural Promotion Office outside the city has planted quite a lot,"

Its common name is Chinese cabbage.

"Some were sent to the ministers,"

"They sold a lot more to restaurants."

"Those who have eaten Huangsong say,"

"This is a superior winter vegetable."

"Unfortunately, I asked at more than a dozen food stalls,"

"Either they're sold out,"

"Either there is none."

Hu Quan frowned and said, "The emperor values ​​agriculture and walled villages, which is naturally excellent."

"But if we get bogged down in this matter, won't it interfere with national affairs?"

Xiao Chu said, "That depends on what you're preoccupied with."

"The foolish emperors of the old Song Dynasty loved exotic flowers and rare trees,"

"They also ordered tributes from various regions to be presented for their amusement,"

"This is naturally very detrimental to governing the country."

"The current emperor is preoccupied with agricultural affairs,"

"Surely you can't order all the prefectures to send vegetables to the capital, can you?"

"Hahahaha!"

Li Yi burst into laughter.

Hu Quan smiled and said, "That's true."

Xiao Chu asked, "Do you know, sir?"

"Is Master Zhiquan of Taiping Xingguo Temple still alive?"

Chapter 1834 His Majesty is Awesome

Li Yi shook his head: "I don't know."

"However, the halls of Taiping Xingguo Temple have already been demolished,"

"It will be converted into some shops."

“The monks’ quarters were also converted into government residences,”

"Many minor officials from other places moved in."

Upon hearing that his old friend's temple had been demolished,

Xiao Chu actually became happy.

"The Emperor is indeed wise and sagacious,"

“There are indeed too many temples in and around Tokyo.”

The three of them ate and chatted.

I also drank some rice wine.

They talked about interesting anecdotes and then moved on to academic topics.

After a satisfying meal,

Li Yi enthusiastically led them to the inn.

"Ta-da!"

Suddenly, several bells rang nearby.

Li Yi said excitedly, "I forgot to tell you two earlier,"

"There are two huge four-sided clocks in Tokyo."

"Without the need for manpower or water power,"

"It can move around on its own,"

"You can see the time from very far away!"

The master and apprentice did not understand.

Li Yi then led them forward.

Turn the corner and you'll see the clock face.

Li Yi said, "The hour hand on the clock face will move."

"Now we're pointing to number two,"

"It is noon."