noveltune Chapter 5453 Governor of Songmo
Chapter 5453 Governor of Songmo
Chapter 5453 Governor of Songmo
Speaking of the academy's philosophy, Luo Binwang raised his chin slightly, his face full of pride: "The Grand Commandant often lectured at the academy, and every time the place was packed with people, with no seats available. The students would even surround the lecture hall three or four layers deep... The Grand Commandant was a scholar of both heaven and man, and he founded his own school of thought. However, he never kept his own knowledge to himself, nor did he exclude or denigrate other schools of thought. He always admonished us that all knowledge is useful, but it should be used to change the world, to build water conservancy projects, construct roads, cultivate good seeds, and improve weapons... rather than burying ourselves in the old books of classics and history, spending our days searching for ways to maintain imperial power, and certainly not pursuing strategies to keep the people ignorant in the hope of continuing the dynasty's rule for ten thousand years."
Hearing these impassioned remarks, everyone around him was speechless, while Cui Dunli rubbed his face with a wry smile.
This is indeed Fang Junzhi's style. Only Fang Junzhi in the world dares to so unscrupulously promote the idea that "the people are the most important, the ruler is the least important, and the state is the least important," and build an academy to carry his ideals.
It's no wonder that despite Fang Jun's numerous merits to His Majesty, the relationship between the emperor and his minister is now merely a facade.
As a beneficiary of imperial rule, how could His Majesty tolerate such "heretical" doctrines spreading throughout the land?
Cui Dunli waved his hand, looked around, and sternly addressed his subordinates: "Let's put aside those ideological disputes for now. The task of developing Liaodong is extremely difficult, with countless hardships and obstacles. I don't care what your stance or faction is. In this massive project that will be recorded in history, we must unite and work together. Anyone who causes internal division or even hinders the project for any other reason, I will strip them of their official robes and remove them from their post, regardless of their background or official position. I will then erect a pole and hang them at the mouth of the Liao River to atone for their actions, so that their name will be recorded in history and be infamous for ten thousand years!"
The officialdom of the Tang Dynasty was far too complicated.
Stances, schools of thought, powerful clans... each faction stands tall, representing drastically different ideas, pursuits, and interests. Even this massive project of developing Liaodong in the name of the Eastern Palace inevitably involves too many factions.
This was unavoidable.
But regardless of which faction it is, they should unite and prioritize completing the project, rather than fighting for power and interests among themselves, which would delay or even abandon the project.
Fang Jun placed him in a leading position in the development of the Liaodong project not only because he valued his ability to coordinate and manage various forces, but also because this confidant could consistently implement Fang Jun's ideas.
Whether to repay this trust or for his own political achievements, he must complete this project perfectly.
Anyone who dares to block his way will be kicked aside.
……
After inspecting the pier and assessing the urgency of the construction, the group arrived at a makeshift official residence.
Cui Dunli looked up at the huge map of the Liao River basin hanging on the wall: "To develop Liaodong, the Liao River is of paramount importance; to manage the Liao River, the port is of paramount importance! Although the Liao River floods all year round, the land it passes through is flat and fertile. As long as we build dikes along the river and control the water flow, we can cultivate millions of acres of fertile land on both banks in just a few years. The task of developing Liaodong will be almost half completed... Therefore, we must complete the port construction before winter and not delay the arrival of the seagoing ships that will flock in next spring."
In the entire development plan for Liaodong devised by Fang Jun and Ma Zhou, the port at the mouth of the Liao River can be regarded as a "bridgehead". Merchants would transport the purchased goods to this place, and then the goods would be transported upstream along the Liao River to various places by flat-bottomed river boats. The plan was to complete the construction of the Liao River dike in one year, guide the flood into Liaodong in two years, manage the swamps along the river in three years, and carry out land reclamation within five years.
Once completed, this plan will create a flat area spanning 300,000 square kilometers between the hilly regions of Liaodong and Liaoxi. With its fertile soil and crisscrossing waterways, it will become the premier rice-producing area in Liaodong.
Although the climate in Liaodong is cold and cannot have two seasons a year like in Jiangnan and Lingnan, the long growing cycle results in rice of excellent quality and taste, which can be given priority to the nobles of the Tang Dynasty and even the whole country, making it of extremely high economic value.
At the same time, the port at the mouth of the Wangjian River, located within the Strait of Kusu Island, will begin construction next spring. River boats will be able to travel upstream through the Wangjian River, Sumo River, Na River and other waterways to transport goods into the hinterland and cultivate fertile land in flat areas.
The entire development will be completed within ten years.
An official of about forty years old stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, Grand Protector, I will eat and sleep at the dock. If the work cannot be completed before the sea freezes, I will jump into the sea to apologize!"
Cui Dunli stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed, "This spirit of 'do or die' is enough to complete the mission. There's no need to actually jump into the sea. The development of Liaodong has already begun. The most important thing is not only the supplies, but also competent officials. Keep this spirit. If you encounter any difficulties, you can report to the Liaodong Protectorate. I have done my best to resolve them. What I want to hear is that the port will be completed on time, not that you will jump into the sea to apologize!"
"Here!"
The official responded loudly, relieved.
Although the construction period was very tight, the goods transported by the merchant ship from the sea were in continuous supply, and there was a high probability that the project would be completed before the ice formed.
Looking at the map, Luo Binwang said with a hint of worry: "If everything goes smoothly, it will not be difficult to complete the plan on time. However, our large-scale dredging of the Liao River and management of the Liao Marshland are extremely disadvantageous to the various tribes entrenched in Liaodong. It is hard to guarantee that these guys will not take risks and cause trouble."
Cui Dunli asked, "Which region do you consider to pose the greatest threat from the Hu tribes?"
Without hesitation, Luo Binwang pointed to the hills in northeastern Liaoning and the area around Meituo Lake: "The Khitan Dahe clan and the Sumo Mohe."
Cui Dunli nodded and then asked, "Does the Chief Secretary think these two threats should be appeased or eliminated with all efforts?"
After pondering for a long time, Luo Binwang shook his head and said, "There are both advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to choose."
As the two most powerful of the various nomadic tribes in Liaodong, both have now submitted to the Tang Dynasty. The former was granted the title of "Songmo Prefecture" during the Zhenguan era, governing the hilly region of northeastern Liaodong and leading the various nomadic tribes. The latter's leader, Qiqi Zhongxiang, once led his people to migrate inland to the Yingzhou area, but later returned to his original homeland, greatly increasing his strength.
If the approach is to appease and appease, the two tribes will remain strong and may even grow stronger by taking advantage of the development of Liaodong, thus increasing their threat.
If we were to send troops to eliminate them, not only would Liaodong be a vast and sparsely populated region, making it difficult for a large army to traverse and annihilate these two tribes, but the mere fact that taking action against them would cause other nomadic tribes to suffer losses and unrest would be a net loss.
Cui Dunli smiled and said, "Chief Clerk, there is no need to worry. The Grand Commandant has already made a plan."
Upon hearing that Fang Jun had already taken notice of these two powerful Hu tribes, Luo Binwang felt somewhat relieved, but then curiosity arose.
What strategies did the Grand Commandant employ to deal with these two potential threats?
*****
In northeastern Liaoning, there are rolling hills.
As the autumn winds rise, the grass on the undulating slopes turns yellow and withered. Herds of cattle and sheep roam freely on the meadows and by the river, grazing on the grass. Eagles swoop low overhead, their sharp talons snatching up a struggling hare before flapping their wings and soaring into the clouds.
With rolling hills and flowing rivers, this is the upper reaches of the Liao River and the seat of the Songmo Governor's Office.
During the Wude era, the imperial court established the "Raole Prefecture" here to manage the Hu people on the Liaodong border. During the Zhenguan era, it was renamed "Songmo Prefecture", and the hereditary management of the Xi tribe leader was formally established.
However, after the rise of the Khitan Dahe clan, in order to stabilize the region, Emperor Taizong appointed Dahe Kuge, the leader of the Dahe clan, as governor. He also divided the eight Khitan tribes into ten prefectures, appointing tribal leaders as governors, thus forming the "ten prefecture system." He maintained indirect rule over the Khitan through bestowing surnames and titles, hereditary leadership, and military supervision.
Dahe Kuge was given the surname "Li" and became a powerful figure in the region.
Thick rammed earth walls surrounded a city spanning several miles, complete with city gates and corner towers. This was Raozhou City, the seat of the Songmo Governor's Office and the highest power center of the nomadic tribes in northeastern Liaoning.
One after another, fine horses galloped in from all directions, but reined in their horses before the city gate. The city gate, which used to allow free passage, was now tightly closed. The city was heavily guarded, with soldiers standing guard both on and off the walls. Everyone had to dismount and have their identity verified before being allowed to enter the city.
The tall and imposing Abugu arrived at the city gates, surrounded by dozens of personal guards. Facing the tightly closed gates, he glared angrily and shouted, "Are you all blind? How dare you obstruct my entry into the city! I'll skin you alive!"
The Khitan soldiers at the city gate were trembling with fear, and quickly opened the gate to let them in.
Abugu snorted angrily, cracked his whip and lashed his warhorse, leading dozens of his personal guards into the city like a whirlwind.
Upon entering the city, one immediately senses a completely different atmosphere.
Soldiers holding weapons stood guard every three steps and sentries every five steps on the streets, their left arms wrapped in white gauze. White cloths were also hung from the houses along the street, and mournful music filled the air, with the whole city dressed in white.
The group drove straight to the gate of the governor's mansion. Upon seeing the white cloth covering the open gate, Abugu's face was gloomy and sorrowful. He dismounted and stepped straight into the gate.
As soon as he entered, he let out a wail and knelt in the courtyard. Gazing at the coffin faintly visible amidst the swirling smoke and fluttering white banners in the main hall, he pounded his chest and cried out in anguish, "The Grand Commander was wise and mighty, as strong as a mountain. He should have soared like an eagle and flowed like a river. How could he have suddenly passed away after only a few days? I can't believe it! Come, come, can anyone tell me how the Grand Commander died? Was he murdered by traitors? If so, even if I, Abugu, face mountains of knives and seas of fire, even if I am struck by a thousand blades, I will avenge the Grand Commander!"
Upon hearing this, the family members, officials, and clansmen who were busy running around in the governor's mansion immediately stopped in their tracks, staring in horror at Abugu, who was shouting that he wanted to avenge the governor. The entire courtyard fell silent instantly, with only the mournful music and the sound of the north wind blowing the banners.
revenge?
The Grand Commander died of illness, so what blood feud could there be?
What is Abugu trying to do?!