The emperor travels. The momentum is loud, because it is a night tour, deliberately refined, so as not to disturb the people. But there were also hundreds of people, and they came to the bank of the Qinhuai River on the east side of Guozijian. Li Jian had already ordered people to prepare four large paintings. The first and second ships are Jin Wuwei and Yu Linwei, and the middle two ships are Emperor Li Yu, Xiao Zhouhou and others. The other was the Prince of the Southern Han Dynasty and his entourage. There are also walking feather forest guards on both sides of the river to follow and protect.

Li Yu asked, "Jian'er." Why don't you use a royal dragon head painting?"

Li Jian said: "Doesn't my father want to have fun with the people? If you use a dragon's head to draw fat. Then the other paintings have to be avoided. My father couldn't see how the people of Jinling celebrated the Wanshou Festival. ”

Li Yu nodded repeatedly. Praise Li Jian for being thoughtful.

The painting is swinging slowly, and the court ladies on the painting are fiddling with the silk and bamboo orchestras. The wind comes on the water. The music is gone. Standing on the bow of the boat feels like a fairy.

Xiao Zhou whispered something to Li Yu. Li Yu beckoned Zhou Xuan to approach, and asked with a smile: "Nephew Xuan, I heard that there is a female music in your house, led by that Yang Xiaofeng, right, why don't you summon me to compete with my court musicians and have a lively time?"

Zhou Xuan hurriedly said, "Your Majesty." The band has just been created. You can't get to the top of the hall yet. How dare you pollute Your Majesty and your mother's ears? ”

Li Yu said: "What's the matter. It's just festive and lively. ”

Xiao Zhouhou said with a smile: "Didn't Nephew Xuan say that Yang Xiaofeng is proficient in all musical instruments." Summoned to open my aunt's eyes. ”

Zhou Xuan couldn't refuse, so he had to let Gu Changshi follow the shore to return home quickly. Invite Yang Xiaohao, Nian Nujiao and others to bring their respective musical instruments to the Qinhuai River.

The day is hot, and it gradually refreshes after nightfall, especially on the Qinhuai River, the wind blows, refreshing and pleasant, and the two sides of the river are continuous and endless. , Li Yu looked up happily. High in the sky. Dotted with stars. Shine brightly.

Li Yu took Xiao Zhouhou and pointed to Zhongtian with his hand: "Xiao Tong, that is Vega, there are four small stars on the side." Like a shuttle. And across the Milky Way, there is a big star, one on the left and one on the right, and a small star on each side. That's Altair—" Whispered

"Altair. The Han girl of the Kyaukyao River is slender and slender. Zaza makes the machine, all day long, the weeping is like rain, the river is clear and shallow, how many times is it different? Yingying is in the water, and the pulse is silent. ”

Xiao Zhouhou said with a smile: "Your Majesty, this is a good sentence from the predecessors. Your Majesty, compose a poem or fill in an idle word, don't let the ancients specialize in beauty. ”

Li Yu smiled: "I have been thinking about declining in recent years. is no longer the brilliant talent of the past, and today I want to test Xuan's nephew to see how he becomes a poem. ”

Zhou Xuan bowed and said, "How dare your nephew." The poetry of the seven forks is just a rumor. ”

Xiao Zhouhou smiled and said: "Don't be too modest, don't be too modest, deal with it well, Your Majesty will be rewarded." ”

Li Yu smiled "hehe" and said to Xiao Zhouhou: "Xiao Tong is asking for a reward for his relatives and nephews again?" Zhou Xuan has only been in Beijing for half a year, and he has already been the second official and the prince of the county. Such grace has never been seen in ancient times. Of course. There must be a reward, and when Xuan's nephew comes back from the Southern Han Dynasty, he will be rewarded together. ”

Zhou Xuan hurriedly said: "Thank you for your grace." ”

Li Yu said: "I have a question today, the poems are not limited, with the theme of the Tanabata Cowherd and Vega, I will fork my hands for you." After the seven forks, I have to chant the first sentence, haha, I won't fork too fast. Let's get started—"

Zhou Xuan saw Li Yu and wanted to cross his hands. Busy said: "Your Majesty, wait a minute, the nephew has something to inquire about." ”

Li Yu stopped and didn't fork his hand. Smiled and asked, "What's the matter?"

Zhou Xuandao: "I don't know if my Tang Kingdom has the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meeting at the bridge?"

Li Yu said: "Yes, it has been widely circulated, and it was first seen in the "Narrative of Differences" in the Northern and Southern Dynasties - the east of the great river. There is a beautiful woman, the son of the Emperor of Heaven, a female worker of the machine, who works hard every year. Woven into a cloud and mist silk cloth, hard work is not joyful. The appearance is not flawless, the emperor of heaven takes pity on his solitude, and marries Hexi Morning Glory as Qin. Since then, it has been a waste of weaving and rushing, and greed and joy have not returned. The emperor is angry, and the blame is on Hedong. Annual meeting - Mo Hou interprets it as the Qixi Magpie Bridge Meeting. ”

Zhou Xuan respectfully said: "Your Majesty is well-read and remembered, and you will never forget it. The nephew is not as far away. Your Majesty, please. ”

Li Yu motioned for the music to pause. The people in the painting paid attention to Zhou Xuan. Watch him fork his hands with the emperor, fork and fork......

Li Yu forked his hands slowly. So that Zhou Xuan had a little time to think, and asked after the seven forks: "Xuan's nephew has not been successful?"

Zhou Xuan nodded and said, "It's done." Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy—"

Li Yu laughed: "Read it to me." ”

Zhou Xuan recited: "The clouds are clever, and the flying stars spread hatred." The silver and the Han are dark, and as soon as the golden wind and jade dew meet, they will win countless in the world. Tenderness is like water, the best period is like a dream, and you can endure the return of the Magpie Bridge. If the love is long, how can it be in the morning and twilight? ”

Li Yu praised: "Wonderful! Wonderful!' If the two love for a long time. And how can it be in the morning and twilight', it is really a good sentence for the ages. Xuan nephew's talent, I can't do it. ”

Zhou Xuan said modestly: "Your Majesty has an overreputation, writing poems and lyrics requires context and enjoyment." Beautiful day. The poet's feelings are difficult to resist, as the saying goes, 'the article is made by nature, and the magic hand is even obtained'. ”

Li Yu said with great joy: "'The article is made by nature, and the magic hand is even good'." This is a very novel statement. I don't know why?"

Zhou Xuan had no choice but to make another copy. First Shaoyou and then Lu You, said: "This is a poem by the nephew at the beginning of the year - the article is natural." Clever hands. If it is flawless, it must no longer be artificial. Look at the ancient Yi vessels. Clumsy and clumsy. The Han Dynasty has recently pre-Qin, and it has been very pure, what is the Hu Department. Haozhu mixed with mourning, and it will not be repeated. Who will be with the period for a thousand years?"

Li Yu was full of praise again, and suddenly asked: "Xuan nephew." If the idle 'two love is long, how can it be in the morning and twilight' What kind of song is the land, how can I never see this word?"

This "Queqiao Immortal" word plate was created by Ouyang Xiu. Of course Li Yu didn't know, Zhou Xuan said as his own: "This is a self-created word grid created by his nephew, the same as the last "Dark Incense". However, I haven't thought of a suitable name yet, so please give me a name. ”

Li Yu said happily: "Okay, wait for me to come." "Think for a moment. Said: "The word Xuan nephew is written about the meeting place of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl Magpie Bridge." How about calling it Queqiao Immortal?"

Zhou Xuan secretly sighed that there were days in the dark, so Li Yu was named "Queqiao Immortal". Mr. Ouyang Xiu, I can't blame me, and said happily: "Queqiao Immortal." That's great. It is natural with the meaning of the word. Your Majesty's talent. The mountains look up. ”

The painting is drifting slowly, the drums are blowing, the oars are sounding and the lights are shadowing, it is really a fairyland on earth.

Suddenly, I saw a luxurious painting in front of me, connecting the song tower on the shore. It's very bright, and a group of people are drinking and talking. Suddenly, they all stood up and raised their glasses and shouted: "Cheers to His Majesty the Emperor's 60th birthday!" I wish your majesty good health! I wish me a prosperous and strong country!"

Li Yu was very happy when he heard it. Ask: "Who are these people?" Is it that the officials who did not go to the birthday banquet of Calyx House are gathering here to have a feast?"

Zhou Xuan's eyes were very sharp at this time. He said: "Your Majesty, it seems that a group of businessmen are celebrating the Halloween here, and Your Majesty's benevolence is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Loved by all. Even the merchants of the end of the four people sincerely congratulated His Majesty on his birthday. ”

Li Jian said: "Father, why don't you listen to what these businessmen have to say?" It can also be regarded as a private visit by the emperor. ”

Li Yu ordered the boatmaster to approach the boat. Silence the female musicians. Listen to the drunken conversation of the merchant on the painting.

One person said: "Your Majesty has ruled for 30 years, the country is peaceful and the people are safe, and the people are rich, just take my Tang businessmen as an example." Compared with the Song Kingdom, the Han Kingdom, and the Wuyue Kingdom, the merchants can be said to have been born in the prosperous era of the Ming Dynasty. The merchants of other countries are very envious of us. In recent years, many merchants and other people have migrated from the Song, Han and Wu Yue to the Tang Kingdom. It is because the emperor of Tang Guodi did not belittle the merchants too much, and the decree was clear and clear, and the legitimate income of the merchants was protected.

A group of people chimed in: "Yes." Yes, Your Majesty is really a generation of benevolent monarchs!"

What kind of benevolent monarch, holy lord, Li Yu has listened to the courtiers a lot. But this is the first time that I have heard the praise of the people behind my back. It feels very different from hearing it in person. The words behind his back are the truth, so the smile on Li Yu's face became stronger and stronger, and he nodded frequently.

I only heard the man before say again: "The emperor is merciful." The people are loyal. We businessmen often have the idea of serving the country loyally. It's a pity that I don't know where to start, just imagine what we are capable of, it is nothing more than to travel to various countries and communicate with each other. It's just a little profit. Loyalty to the country is on this one sharp word. A few months ago, he donated 60,000 taels of silver for military salary. It can be regarded as a small people's loyalty under the rule of Ming Jun. ”

The group of businessmen said, "We also want to donate to the country." It's a pity that the channels are not smooth, and I don't know which yamen to donate to? Hubu? Guanglu Temple? Or just carry the silver and send it to His Majesty?"

Li Yu laughed loudly, and the merchant on the painting heard someone laughing and ignored it. Discuss how to donate money to help the country.

Li Yu asked Zhou Xuan on the side: "Xuan nephew." Isn't the person who spoke just now like Hu Shang Abu, isn't it only Abu who donated 50,000 silver? I've named him Feng Naolang. ”

Zhou Xuan said: "Your Majesty, the nephew knows this person." It is Wang Shizhang, a salt merchant in Guangling. Su Huai loyalty. Last time, I felt that a big food merchant living in my Tang country could donate 50,000 taels of silver. He is an authentic citizen of the Tang Kingdom, how can he fall behind. It was a donation of 60,000 taels of silver, didn't Wei Xiang tell His Majesty?"

Li Kun on the side hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, uncle." Wang Shizhang's nephew knew about the donation of silver. The nephew and Wei Xiang thought it was a trivial matter. There is no need to bother Your Majesty, and there is already Abu donating silver in front, if everyone donates silver, they must feast Your Majesty. Your Majesty, isn't it bothered!"

Zhou Xuan said: "Loyalty to the monarch and patriotism is no trivial matter. Wang Shizhang donated 60,000 yuan in silver with a salt merchant. But he did not receive any reward, which is equivalent to 60,000 taels of silver donated silently. It's no wonder that these businessmen say that they don't know where to donate silver, and there must be an explanation for donating silver. ”

Li Jian said: "Father, what Cousin Xuan said is extremely true. The people's allegiance must not be cold. ”

Li Yu sighed with emotion: "I have such loyal people in the Tang Dynasty, why worry about the country not prospering, and when I return to the palace, I will pass on the decree of the province in the book, according to Abu's example." Give Wang Shizhang the position of Zhilang. ”

Zhou Xuan said: "Your Majesty Shengming. Your Majesty, please see, Wang Shizhang is still speaking generously there, and he doesn't know that his fate has quietly changed, which is all a gift from His Majesty. ”

Zhou Xuan's words were flattering. Li Yulong, Yan Dayue. He's a monarch who is high up in the orders of his superiors. I don't usually think so. This is especially true at this time.

Li Jian was in a good mood when he saw his father. He further said: "Father, there are many merchants in the Tang Kingdom, and there are also merchants from all over the world who come as vassals, with Abu and Wang Shizhang as models, there will be more businessmen who are loyal to the monarch and enthusiastically donate silver." The sons thought that this required the formation of a decree, and those who donated silver to help the land would enjoy all kinds of benefits according to the law. For example, the gift of officials (of course, it is a fictitious title), and the children and grandchildren can enter the imperial examination, etc., so as to encourage merchants to be loyal to the monarch and patriotism, and the silver obtained is used to smelt weapons, buy war horses, establish academies, and raise orphans and widows—what does the father think?"

Li Yu pondered for a long time and asked: "In this way, how much silver taels can the inner treasury increase in a year?"

Li Jian said: "Preliminary estimate. There are about two million taels. ”

Li Yu was taken aback: "Are there so many?"

Li Jian said: "My father has lived and supported the people for 30 years. The wealth of the people of our Tang Kingdom is still better than that of the Song Kingdom. According to the statistics of the Ministry of Households, there are more than 100,000 people doing business. Erchen thought that the increase in income by 2 million taels was still an underestimate. ”

Seeing that Li Yu was still hesitating. Zhou Xuan was a little anxious. After looking at Xiao Zhou, he showed a pleading look.

Xiao Zhou Hou glanced at Li Jian and Zhou Xuan respectively. Wan Er smiled and said to Li Yu: "Your Majesty is not worried about the promotion of the status of businessmen. The three people's associations of scholars, peasants, and workers will criticize it?"

Li Yu nodded and said: "Scholars and workers are just farmers, mainly farmers, only farmers are jealous of business, I am worried that once this decree is issued, it will attract criticism from farmers." ”

Xiao Zhou said: "Since the Tang Dynasty, the people of industry and commerce have abounded, and Bai Juyi has written to Wuzong, but I am afraid that he will lose his morality." You can't waste people', Your Majesty also saw it, and these businessmen know how to be loyal. How can they hinder their allegiance because they are the end of the four peoples? ”

Seeing that Li Yu was moved. Zhou Xuan hit the railway while it was hot: "Your Majesty." Businessmen donate. First of all, it was used for the army and the construction of farmland and water conservancy, so that it could adjust the land jealousy between farmers and businessmen, before the implementation of the law. It's a pity that the newspaper publicizes it. Make a splash. The people need guidance, and in this way, the decree must be passed. ”

Li Kun was on the side to look at his face. Although he wanted to oppose Li Jian and Zhou Xuandi's proposal, but now that Xiao Zhouhou has expressed his support, it would be unwise for him to oppose it, Li Jian and Zhou Xuan are businessmen. Most of the land occupied by the people of the Tang Kingdom was agriculture and labor. Once needed, he Li Kun regretted that farmers and workers would make a big fuss, so that Li Jian and Zhou Xuan would reap the consequences. There was silence immediately.

Li Yu finally nodded and said, "Okay, let Zhongshu Province and Menxia Province work together to formulate a decree." Standby execution. ”

Legislation was originally the prerogative of Shangshu Province. However, the Tang State did not set up Shangshu Province, and the power of legislation was jointly held by Zhongshu Province and Menxia Province, and it took effect with the approval of the emperor.

Zhou Xuan and Li Jian looked at each other and smiled. They all let out a long breath. It's finally a big deal.

Then. Sergeant Yulin Wei on the shore said in a loud voice: "The girl of the Zhou Mansion has taken it, please instruct." ”

Because Li Yu had an order first, Yu Linwei was not allowed to publicize it. So Yu Linwei was vague when he reported.

Li Yu immediately ordered the painting to dock. Let the Shinshu County Mansion Female Music on board.

I saw Yang Xiaofeng holding the nine-stringed piano bag in front. Followed by Nian Nujiao holding the pipa, holding the dragon Ruan Di fine willow, holding the pan flute Ji Zhi, holding the sheng wind chime, holding the twenty-five strings Su Xixi, and two maidservants, one blowing the bamboo foot, the other blowing the pipe, a total of eight people. Go up to the painting in order.

Zhou Xuan greeted him and said, "Hurry up and salute Your Majesty and Niangniang." ”

The eighth girl had learned from Gu Changshi that she had come to see the emperor and empress. It was not in a panic, kneeling down together, and wishing the Holy Ann in a coquettish voice.

Li Yu said with a smile: "The female musicians in Xuan's nephew's mansion are all full of characters. Are you good at singing and dancing?"

Zhou Xuan responded: "Yes." Four of them were maiko brought from Jiangzhou. ”

Li Yu immediately ordered the eight people of Yang Xiaofeng to play a song to listen to, and the painting fat had already sailed away from the river bank at this time, and it was far away from Wang Shizhang's painting fat.

Li Yu is proficient in music, and Yang Xiaofeng and other eight girls began to play. He knew what kind of song it was, and glanced at Xiao Zhouhou. He said softly: "Yes, I can actually play the song "Green Waist". ”

"Green Waist" is a great song of the Tang Dynasty, compiled by Li Guinian, a court musician of the Xuanzong Dynasty, with pipa as the main theme. with other orchestras. The music is quite complicated, and the sheep and the girls have only practiced this song for ten days, so it is inevitable that there will be rustiness and improper coordination.

At the end of the song, Li Yu took the lead in high-fives and praised: "The skills of the piano and pipa." Not inferior to my court musicians. Also, who is the orchestrator? Is it Xuan's nephew?"

Zhou Xuan hurriedly said: "Back to Your Majesty, my nephew doesn't know much about the rhythm. The apparatus is a sheep's chaff.

Li Yu looked at this little prostitute he had seen once, it was really pink, quiet and cute, Li Kun and Zhou Xuan were arguing for this Yang Xiaofeng, Yang Xiaofeng kissed Zhou Xuan in front of him, it was interesting, and asked Xiao Zhouhou sideways: "Xiaotong, this girl has taken off her music status, right?"

Xiao Zhouhou smiled: "Yes." Or the main palace himself came forward. ”

Li Yu said to Zhou Xuan: "Nephew Xuan, I intend to let Yang Xiaofeng enter the palace as a musician. Would you like to?"

Zhou Xuan was stunned. Before he could speak, Yang Xiaofeng had already "pounced" and knelt down. Said three words: "No." ”

Li Kun took the opportunity to attack: "Bold." Your Majesty didn't ask you about it. How dare you say you don't want to!"

Xiao Zhou Hou signaled Li Kun to shut up and said to Li Yu: "Why is Your Majesty so unkind, Zhou Xuan is out of pleasure for this woman." Isn't it just to take her as a concubine? How can I let my nephew and concubine enter the palace to serve in the palace?"

Li Yu smiled "hehe": "I lost my words." I'm just a lover of sheep and a little bit of music. Sheep small cheeks. I give you a flat body, I won't let you be separated from Zhou Xuan, I heard that you can play any instrument. I just took the exam for my nephew. I'm going to put you to the test now. I picked three musical instruments. You play and listen. ”

Yang Xiaofeng said: "Obey." ”

Li Yu thought for a while and said, "Let's use the pipa, pan flute and drum." ”

The sheep is calm and unhurried. Play them one by one. The pipa is like a Zheng Zheng iron horse, the pan flute is like a gurgling water, and the drum is like a torrential rain in June. What a genius who can play any musical instrument!

When the sheep hits the drum. The paintings are all quiet. It seems that Qin Huai has been quiet for ten miles to listen to the sound of the sheep's drums, and when everyone is holding their breath and listening, they suddenly heard someone in the neighboring boat scolding: "Which bastard is blowing, playing, and knocking." Stir up the palace to sleep badly, come someone. Pull it out and cut it!"

Someone hurriedly replied: "It's been cut, it's been cut." ”

The sound of the sheep and the drums stopped. Li Yu and Xiao Zhouhou were also stunned.

Who is this? The emperor and empress are here. Dare to say that you want to cut people?

One of the neighbors saluted this side with a sharp voice: "Please forgive the emperor of the Tang Kingdom, His Royal Highness the Prince of the Kingdom is sleepy at night and falls asleep." Woken up by the sound of drums, he was angry, and the prince of our country was most afraid of being disturbed when he fell asleep. His Majesty the Emperor is considerate. Don't preach it anymore?"

The drums are beating here...... As soon as he stopped, the prince of the Southern Han Dynasty stopped scolding, and must have fallen asleep again. The snoring was so loud that it could be heard even from so far.

Li Yu looked at Xiao Zhouhou. Shook his head.

Princess Qingle said in a low voice: "Spoiled." ”

Li Yu said: "It's late at night. Let's go ashore and go back to the palace, and tonight will be considered a happy return. ”

When he went ashore, he was in trouble again, and the Southern Han Honglu Siqing said that Prince Liu should not be alarmed when he was asleep. It is only possible to spend the night on the painting. Li Yu left 200 Lin Wei on the bank of the river to protect the prince of the Southern Han Dynasty.

Zhou Xuan took Qin Que and Yang Xiaofeng and his entourage back to Xiangluanfang Mansion It was already past time, but Wang Shizhang, who was on the Qinhuai River, was already waiting outside the door. shouted: "The county prince-" ordered his subordinates to present a stack of books. But it is the freshly baked "Strange Tales of Calyx Tower".

Zhou Xuan smiled and said, "Wang Weng, it's late today. I won't invite you in to talk. Wang Weng went back and waited for the official robe to be added. ”

Wang Shizhang was overjoyed, he waited for this sentence. As soon as he hit the ground, he choked up and said: "The kindness of the county prince, the subordinates will never forget." This means that he, Wang Shizhang, is a subordinate of the Xinzhou County Prince.