noveltune Chapter 5489 Observations on the Journey South
Chapter 5489 Observations on the Journey South
Chapter 5489 Observations on the Journey South
Often, an era with its unique imprint is like a harsh winter; suddenly, a spring breeze rises, and it melts away, leaving only a sense of loss.
Many meritorious officials from the Zhenguan era are still alive, but everyone knows that the "Zhenguan" dynasty, which was destined to be recorded in history, has completely become a thing of the past.
The "Renhe" dynasty completely broke free from the influence of the "Zhenguan" dynasty and became the "legitimate dynasty," carrying on the past and forging ahead into the future.
On the third day of the second lunar month, countless students from academies gathered at Fangjiawan Wharf in the south of Chang'an City. Many officials from the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Agriculture were also there to see off the students who were about to embark on their journeys.
Liaodong, a harsh and cold land, has been sparsely populated and desolate for thousands of years. While it has fertile soil that can be cultivated to grow more food, it also harbors countless dangers, waiting for these passionate students to use their knowledge and even their blood and flesh to tread and conquer them.
Everyone was confident of success in developing Liaodong, but they also knew that many of these promising young students would remain forever on that remote and desolate land, nourishing the already fertile soil with their own blood and flesh...
Minister of Rites Yan Qinli personally came to the dock to see them off. Instead of sitting in the carriage and talking loudly, he was dressed in a purple official robe and a neat turban. Accompanied by several clerks, he walked among the students, patting this one and touching that one, with a simple and kind smile. He offered words of comfort and encouragement or answered some questions.
As a member of the Langya Yan clan, he stood out among the students like a shining superstar.
No matter how much the status of natural sciences rises and how much they are embraced by the public, contemporary Confucian scholars remain figures of worship and reverence…
"Liaodong is a harsh and desolate place. While land reclamation and farming are of paramount importance, we must not compromise our health!"
"Even while working, one should not neglect learning!"
"Even if you can't attend classes regularly, you must still write and read diligently!"
"Never stop writing!"
"Reviewing the old helps us to learn the new!"
Yan Qinli repeatedly and patiently gave earnest advice to the students in front of him.
When the warships moored at the dock rang out with the clanging of metal plates to urge boarding, the students bowed deeply to Yan Qinli and the officials, then shouldered their bags and lined up to board the ships.
The warships hoisted their white sails and slowly left the dock, sailing downstream with the wind and current.
On the shore, Yan Qinli stood there for a long time, until the sails of the ship disappeared into the distance, and then he sighed with regret.
An elderly official nearby sighed, "The Grand Commandant is truly heartless. He throws so many promising talents into the desolate wilderness of Liaodong, where they will not only have to endure the exhaustion of labor and the depletion of their bodies, but may even die far from home."
Yan Qinli said solemnly, “These students were all cultivated by the Grand Commandant. How could he not feel sorry for them? But gold is refined by fire and steel is forged by tempering. Through the harsh and desolate environment of Liaodong, these students will undergo a transformation. At that time, no matter what official position they are placed in, they will become good officials who benefit the country and the people and support the backbone of the empire.”
Without enduring hardship, toil, hunger, and deprivation, how can one cultivate patience, perseverance, and improve one's abilities?
Another official said, "The Minister's words make sense, but if we want to train people in the poor prefectures and counties, why send them to Liaodong?"
Yan Qinli shook his head: "Now that the world is at peace and the rivers and seas are calm, these students are receiving the best education and are the emperor's disciples. Living in a period of unprecedented wealth and tranquility, it is inevitable that they will become increasingly spoiled. Mencius said, 'If a country has no wise ministers and advisors at home and no external enemies abroad, it will surely perish.' Now that external enemies are decreasing day by day, in order to maintain a martial spirit and a sense of crisis, we must find our own enemies... What could be a better enemy than the harsh wilderness?"
He stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the crowded docks teeming with boats, and sighed, “Our generation has come from the chaos of war. Even those of us in high office and from noble families have experienced the suffering of the common people and understand the principle that ‘the people are the water, and the ruler is the boat.’ But we are about to step down and completely hand over the reins of power. If a bunch of pampered rich kids take over our positions, how can we entrust this vast country to them? If these young people have been tempered by the times, then it will be different.”
Why do all dynasties become corrupt and decadent by the middle period?
It is precisely because of the long period of peace that arrogance has been fostered. The ruling class has always been high above and mighty, and has long been unaware of the suffering of the people. They have forgotten that this world belongs to the people, that power comes from the people, and that there is no such thing as rule without the people...
Fortunately, there was still Fang Jun.
This unparalleled talent remained calm throughout, able to recognize future threats amidst the prosperity of the era, and thus decisively used the arduous Liaodong development project to hone and train these future officials.
Yan Qinli raised his head and squinted at the bright sun in the sky.
Although the river wind was blowing and the chill hadn't faded, my heart felt warm and comfortable.
A future we can look forward to, a future full of beauty.
*****
The warships left Chang'an, sailed downstream into the Wei River, and after passing Tongguan, joined the Yellow River.
At this time, the Yellow River had just passed its ice jam, and the water was turbulent and the waves were turbulent. The boats were rocking and swaying on the river. The students, who were traveling on several warships, almost all poured out of their cabins and gathered on the deck, looking forward with anticipation.
Soon after, we will pass through the world-famous Sanmenxia Gorge.
These students came from all over the world, and the vast majority of them had long heard of this canyon but had never seen its true face. How could they miss such a good opportunity to broaden their horizons?
However, the accompanying naval soldiers persuaded everyone to return to their cabins.
"When the warships pass through the strait, the current is rapid and the river is narrow. The ship rocks very badly and it is very dangerous to stand on the deck. If we accidentally run aground, the danger will increase many times over. You are all the pride of heaven and students of the commander-in-chief. Any mistake would be a sin that we cannot bear."
The students had no choice but to reluctantly return to their cabins.
As the warships passed through Sanmenxia, they indeed shook violently. The timid students screamed and cried in the cabins, and some even suffered from seasickness, feeling dizzy and vomiting profusely.
After passing through Sanmenxia and Luoyang, the Yellow River channel was wide and flat, and the sails of all the boats were raised, enjoying the wind, and they traveled faster than galloping horses on the water.
After passing Xingyang, the students entered the Grand Canal through the sluice gate. The students crowded on the deck marveled at the sight, with many exclaiming, "This is the Grand Canal that caused Emperor Yang of Sui to lose his empire!" But at the same time, they couldn't help but wonder—how could such a monumental project, which connects the north and south and links the country, have become the culprit for the downfall of the Sui Dynasty, when it should have benefited the world and been unparalleled in strategy?
The further south you go, the warmer the climate becomes.
After passing through Shanyangdu and Guazhou Ferry, we entered the Yangtze River.
The river flows mightily, shrouded in mist and rain.
Northern students, undeterred by the drizzle, crowded around the gunwale of the boat, looking down at the rushing river and gazing at the green willows on the banks, marveling at this picturesque scene of misty rain in southern China.
Upon arriving at the Huating Town naval port via the Wusong River, a completely different, solemn scene unfolded before them. Ships came and went on the waterway in an endless stream, while inside the naval port, countless warships were densely packed in their berths, and shirtless naval craftsmen climbed up and down poles to repair damaged warships.
If what I had seen on the Yangtze River before was the gentle beauty of the Jiangnan water towns, what I was seeing now was the powerful force displayed by the most basic industrial manufacturing.
"This is the navy's naval port? It's truly magnificent!"
"My goodness! How many ships are there? There must be at least a thousand!"
"No wonder the navy has been able to roam the oceans with impunity all these years, they really have the confidence!"
"Look at those ships! My God! How can they be so big?"
As the warships entered the harbor, more and more scenes were revealed to the students, who exclaimed in amazement at the sight of the several "Royal Princess" ships docked at their berths.
"There's another new one! Is the name written on the side of the ship 'Mingkong' or 'Zhao'?"
"Where is the character '曌'? It must be '明空'!"
The naval soldiers pointed at the massive ships: "The Grand Commandant has already issued orders that the newly built 'Mingkong' is about to set sail for testing, which will take you to Liaodong!"
This naturally elicited cheers.
Some knowledgeable students exclaimed, "This ship must have cost a fortune! The navy is really rich!"
Today, the consensus is that "the navy is rich," and some even praise the invincible Royal Navy as "the best army in the world," with both praise and veiled criticism.
The naval soldiers laughed and said, "No, this ship does not belong to the navy, but is a gift from the Grand Commandant to Lady Wu."
"This is truly... a perfect couple, the envy of all."
The students were at a loss for words, and could only mutter this: This super ship, which cost hundreds of thousands of strings of cash, was actually just a gift that Fang Jun used to please his concubine?
What a spendthrift!
The students had different thoughts, but no one dared to say anything harsh. If anyone did, the strong and imposing sailors on the ship might just throw them overboard...
Several warships were moored at their berths, and gangplanks were lowered from the ship's side as students disembarked one after another, carrying their luggage.
Naval officers were already waiting there, and they shouted, "Attention! All personnel, assemble! Stand at attention!"
The academy often held military training sessions, so the students were not uncomfortable with such orders that had a strong military feel, and quickly assembled and lined up.
The officer's eyes were sharp, his muscles bulging beneath his thin uniform, and his bald head gleamed in the drizzle: "The barracks have been cleared for you. Move in immediately. You will eat all three meals in the mess hall with the soldiers. Report any problems to me immediately. Anyone who leaves the camp without permission or violates discipline will be dealt with according to military law! Do you understand?"
"I understand!"
"Speak louder, I can't hear you!"
"understand!"
"Alright! Left turn! Forward!"
The students turned left in unison and followed the officers into a large military camp.
The barracks were all made of blue bricks and black tiles, and the walls were painted with various slogans that were all simple and easy to understand, such as "With a loyal heart, we serve the emperor; with compassion, we care for the people and benefit all living beings," "We will defend the country to the death and protect the people with our lives," "Our glory will reach the heavens and the earth, and our merits will be engraved on the banners," "Our will is as firm as metal and stone, and our spirit is as strong as steel"...
A chilling and powerful aura, unique to the battle-hardened lion, instantly spread out.
Being there, one immediately feels their blood pumping and their morale soaring.