Chapter 35

Chapter 35

The sound of the waves was muffled behind the dense forest.

Suddenly, it became quiet inside the carriage, making Jiang Yuxun’s voice exceptionally clear.

...Surely false?

Ying Changchuan couldn’t help but lower his eyelids, meeting those deep black eyes.

At the moment their gazes met, Jiang Yuxun nodded solemnly towards him.

The Emperor, usually indifferent to public opinion, unexpectedly felt a rare desire to explain himself.

After a brief pause, Ying Changchuan smiled and gently twirled the ring on his finger, returning his gaze to the memorial.

Throughout, he only uttered a soft "Hmm."

Hmm?

What does that mean?

The answer to a historical mystery seemed to be right before his eyes.

Jiang Yuxun felt an intense curiosity.

He wanted to delve deeper, but Ying Changchuan had shifted his attention back to the memorial, no longer speaking.

...I mustn't have guessed wrong, right?

Suddenly, it grew quiet inside the carriage, and Jiang Yuxun felt an inexplicable sense of guilt.

And a slight foreboding.

In ancient times, with sparse population and few towns, there was still some distance from the Chen River to the capital of Shuolin County, unreachable in one evening.

Ahead of the main troop, accompanying officers and soldiers had already chosen a site along the official road to set up camp.

After a while, the party finally stopped.

Stepping out of the carriage, Jiang Yuxun saw neatly arranged tents and seats, and fires burning outside the tents.

Additionally, the air was filled with a rich, sweet aroma.

The advance team's chefs had already prepared a meal here.

As soon as they sat down, the ready attendants began serving the food.

A scent both unfamiliar and familiar instantly filled the air.

The next moment, the young officials seated at the back of the banquet couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

"…What is this?"

"It smells a bit like fish, is it fish?"

"No, if it were fish, why would it have a shell?"

Hearing the quiet discussion, Lou Zhuo, the Prefect of Shuolin County, finally stood up slowly and smilingly introduced to the Emperor and the courtiers, "Your Majesty, today’s banquet features specialties of Shuolin County."

Speaking, he focused his gaze on the table: "The item in the dish is called 'fuyu fish', tender, juicy, and incredibly sweet."

Fuyu fish!

Jiang Yuxun felt a surge of excitement.

The "fuyu fish" mentioned by Lou Zhuo was the abalone of later times.

Jiang Yuxun hadn’t expected to enjoy seafood after traveling back to ancient times.

The Emperor preferred light-flavored foods, so whether in the traveling palace or the tower ship, everyone also ate lightly in his company.

Over time, this had led to a persistent blandness in their meals.

The fuyu fish in the dish, though simply steamed, was already perfect for seafood.

Knowing what was in the dish, Jiang Yuxun’s mood was already excited.

Little did he know, the surprises of the evening didn’t end there!

After serving the fuyu fish, the attendants brought the main course.

Lou Zhuo cheerfully said, "Some counties in Shuolin have already harvested their rice; the rice in everyone’s bowls is this year's new crop!"

The rich fragrance of rice from the plain porcelain bowls was irresistible, its sweet and tender taste instantly making one forget the fatigue of the day.

Although rice was also a staple in the Great Zhou, to cater to most people's taste preferences, whether in the capital or on the tower ship, meals were primarily made of millet.

Jiang Yuxun had forgotten how long it had been since he last properly enjoyed a bowl of rice.

Not just him, the other ministers from the capital were also quite intrigued.

For a while, the atmosphere at the banquet became exceptionally lively.

Not only were the ministers more relaxed than on the ship, but the Emperor's mood also seemed quite good.

After a few cups of wine.

At the fifth course, the Emperor picked up his wine vessel, took a sip, and casually mentioned, "Seven years ago, Minister Zhuang also accompanied me here."

Zhuang Yue: !!!

The Emperor is calling for me?

He hadn’t expected the Emperor to mention him at this moment.

Zhuang Yue, who was picking up food, immediately put down his chopsticks, pleasantly surprised: "Your Majesty, your heroic figure from that day is forever etched in my memory! Even after seven years, the events of that day are still vivid in my mind."

Remembering his own "path as an official," Zhuang Yue instantly cast aside the trivial matter of eating.

His statement was resolute and powerful.

Everyone involuntarily put down their chopsticks and turned to look at Zhuang Yue.

Having a rare opportunity to bridge the distance with the Emperor, Zhuang Yue was determined to make the most of it.

He couldn’t help but look up and gaze towards the sea.

Then, with a profoundly deep voice, he reminisced about the past: "...Back then, I was merely a centurion, fortunate enough to lead men in battle alongside Your Majesty."

Suddenly, the banquet fell silent, leaving only the crackling of the campfire in everyone's ears.

Hearing this, Jiang Yuxun also quietly set down his bowl and looked towards Zhuang Yue, lost in memories.

He recalled the words he had spoken in the carriage not long ago.

The foreboding feeling buried in Jiang Yuxun's heart suddenly magnified at this moment.

Damn, could it be?!

The campfire illuminated Zhuang Yue’s cheeks, his eyes filled with admiration and awe: “The King of Shuolin back then was extremely brutal. We thought it would be a fierce battle. But soon after it began, His Majesty, amidst thousands, took the King’s life with a single arrow!”

His words were passionate, almost to the point of tears.

Jiang Yuxun: No way...

This event happened in the previous dynasty, and many at the banquet had not heard of it.

After Zhuang Yue finished speaking, all the young officials around Jiang Yuxun, including Zhuang Youli, lit up with aspiration.

Their gaze towards Ying Changchuan became even more reverent.

Clearly, they had no doubts and completely believed Zhuang Yue’s account.

Jiang Yuxun's heart suddenly felt cold.

...Am I the only one who doesn’t believe?

Shortly after Zhuang Yue finished speaking, Lou Zhuozheng also put down his wine cup and added, "That's not even the most impressive part. You should know that the fierce battle back then erupted in the dead of night! His Majesty was drawing the bow and aiming arrows without any light."

Unlike Zhuang Yue’s slightly exaggerated tone, Lou Zhuozheng was also excited but his tone was more calm and serious.

Many of the Great Zhou's senior officials were once warriors under Ying Changchuan.

Hearing this, the more experienced individuals among them began to nod in agreement.

Their words all pointed to one fact — the records in the 'History of Zhou' were indeed true.

The chopsticks in Jiang Yuxun's hand dropped onto the table with a "clack."

He silently bent down to pick them up, his movements unusually strained.

As he moved, the sweet aroma of the new rice in the porcelain bowl filled his nostrils.

But faced with the feast before him, Jiang Yuxun found he had lost all appetite.

He couldn't help but look up at the table.

Coincidentally, he caught the Emperor setting down his wine cup and smiling as he looked down.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

The next moment, Ying Changchuan smiled and gently nodded at Jiang Yuxun, appearing quite serene.

Jiang Yuxun: "......"

If he didn't do it on purpose, I'll take his surname.

-

Today, being publicly acknowledged by the Emperor, Zhuang Yue felt immensely honored and proud, inadvertently drinking a few more cups of wine.

Tian wine isn’t very strong, but drinking too much can still cause bloating.

Therefore, before the meal was finished, Zhuang Yue stood up to leave the table and head to the restroom.

Just as he got up and hadn't walked far, he was abruptly grabbed by Jiang Yuxun, who was sitting at the back of the banquet.

The younger attendee sitting at the table couldn’t help but lower his voice, desperately asking, "Uncle, was everything you just said true?"

"What?" Zhuang Yue was momentarily stunned, then realized what Jiang Yuxun was referring to, "Of course, it’s true! I witnessed it all with my own eyes."

Saying this, he quietly but forcefully tugged his robe from Jiang Yuxun's grasp.

Seeing Jiang Yuxun's peculiar expression, Zhuang Yue couldn't help but ask, "What? Has someone dared to question this?"

Jiang Yuxun remained silent.

True to his military origins, Zhuang Yue, urgent to leave, finally jerked his robe free.

As he walked away, he couldn’t resist gloating to his attendant, “Questioning the Emperor, such a person should quit the officialdom and just go back to farming!”

“Hahaha, Minister Zhuang is absolutely right!”

The next moment, Zhuang Yue had disappeared without a trace.

Jiang Yuxun picked up his chopsticks and began to count the grains of rice in his bowl.

Seeing Zhuang Yue leave, the nearby officials finally couldn't resist taking up their cups, approaching the recently popular Jiang Yuxun to engage in close conversation: "Master Jiang, why so worried? Are you pondering over national affairs again?"

Jiang Yuxun slowly shook his head, putting down the chopsticks in his hand.

"I was thinking... it might not be bad to go back to my hometown and farm."

"Ah?"

Go back to the hometown to farm?

The official was momentarily stunned, then sat up straight with his wine cup, carefully pondering the underlying meaning of Jiang Yuxun's words, who was a close minister to the Emperor.

※

Today's banquet was organized by Lou Zhuozheng.

Besides the unusual dishes served at the banquet, there was also tea soup prepared afterward, following the local customs of Shuo Lin County.

——In this era, tea had just transitioned from being a medicinal herb to a beverage.

People's understanding of it was not as profound as in later generations, so it was common to drink tea after meals and at night.

As Shuo Lin County was famous for its tea production, Lou Zhuozheng, the governor of the area, naturally wanted to entertain the guests with local specialties.

Towards the end of the banquet, several eunuch attendants brought over the stone mortars and pestles used specifically for crushing tea.

They first ground the tea leaves, then roasted them in a clay pot before finally pouring them into boiling water.

Soon, the fragrance of the tea pervaded the air.

Generally, the tea at this stage was not yet ready to drink — most of the time, after roasting the leaves, various condiments were added, like making a soup, with candied fruits added last.

Fortunately, Ying Changchuan did not prefer strong flavors, so the process in the palace always stopped at this stage.

The eunuch attendants placed condiments and candied fruits on everyone's table, allowing them to add as they wished.

Following this, the prepared tea was served.

Jiang Yuxun didn't add any condiments but poured all the candied fruits on the table into it.

Seeing this, the official sitting beside him couldn't resist leaning forward to chat: "Does Master Jiang not use spices? Won't that be too sweet?"

Jiang Yuxun smiled, shook his head, and replied, "No, I'm used to drinking it this way."

Modern milk tea is much sweeter than this kind of tea.

Thinking this, Jiang Yuxun couldn't help but add, "If some milk were added, the taste might be even better."

"Tea with milk?" The nearby official was momentarily stunned, clearly struggling to imagine the flavor, "Where did Master Jiang learn this method?"

This...

Jiang Yuxun paused, about to say that the "Kehan people" who lived in the snowy mountains and highlands to the west of the Great Zhou were fond of milk tea.

But before he could speak, he realized — at this time, tea had probably not yet reached that region.

Faced with the curious gazes of those around him, Jiang Yuxun was about to make up a casual excuse to skirt the issue.

Unexpectedly, before he could speak, there was sudden chaos outside the camp.

"Back off!"

"Catch him—"

"There's another one over there!"

Someone was forcing their way into the camp?

Jiang Yuxun immediately tensed up, resisting the urge to look back.

The guests at the banquet also fell silent in unison at this moment.

Lou Zhuozheng's expression changed, about to excuse himself to check the situation.

But before he could stand up, he was gently stopped by Ying Changchuan raising his hand.

"Handle it right here," he said calmly.

Lou Zhuozheng's forehead broke out in cold sweat: "Yes, Your Majesty!"

The relaxed atmosphere of the banquet vanished in an instant.

In the quiet open space, everyone carefully set down their tea cups and turned their gazes towards the outside of the camp.

...It was unknown who was so bold as to intrude into the royal camp.

In less than the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, the imperial guards outside the camp had already brought the intruders in.

To everyone's surprise — the ones now being forced to kneel were several emaciated refugees.

The campfire illuminated their faces.

Their bodies trembled uncontrollably, as they kowtowed and tried to explain.

Jiang Yuxun couldn't understand what they were saying, but he could see the fear in their eyes.

In this era, the truly poor couldn't afford clothes, nor had the means to make their own.

Fortunately, Shuo Lin County was in the south, where it wasn't too cold in winter; in extreme cases, a single set of clothes could last through all four seasons.

The refugees were dressed in thin, tattered clothes, and among them, a woman cradled a naked child in her arms.

The child was thin-limbed, with an abnormally swollen belly.

——This was ascites caused by malnutrition.

The child was close to starvation...

Jiang Yuxun's heart clenched.

The Yi River Plains were fertile and prosperous, and life under the Emperor's rule in Zhao Du was passable for the common people.

Since arriving in this era, today was the first time he had faced hunger so directly.

As the local governor, Lou Zhuozheng's face was extremely grim, but thankfully, he maintained the composure befitting the head of a county.

After listening for a while, he hastily turned and knelt, reporting, "Your Majesty, these refugees didn't know of Your Majesty's presence here. Fearing bandit attacks, they avoided official roads and moved through the forests, ending up near here tonight."

Ying Changchuan had people with him who understood the Shuo Lin County dialect.

Therefore, despite his reluctance, Lou Zhuozheng had to speak the truth.

"Just now... smelling the scent of food, they followed it here, hoping to beg for some."

Ying Changchuan's journey was to survey the people's conditions.

Hence, he didn't close roads or announce his visit in advance.

These refugees wandering through the forests were indeed unaware of everyone's identity.

After a silence, the Emperor's voice came from the banquet: "There have been no disasters or calamities in Shuo Lin County this year. Why are they fleeing?"

Indeed.

Jiang Yuxun also couldn't figure out this issue.

These refugees, in their thin clothes, could barely survive in Shuo Lin County.

Now that autumn has arrived, heading further north, they might freeze to death on their flight.

Moreover, these people only speak the local dialect of Shuo Lin County; once they leave this region, they would struggle even to ask for directions.

Lou Zhuozheng bowed deeply to the Emperor, then turned and relayed this question.

After a while, he spoke softly: "Your Majesty, these refugees originally had no land to farm. They lived by picking tea leaves and traded them for rice and grain. Over the years, as more people depended on tea picking for a living, the price of tea gradually dropped. With no choice... they had to leave their homes to seek a livelihood elsewhere."

Lou Zhuozheng's voice was particularly strained.

Jiang Yuxun involuntarily looked down at the tea cup on the table.

...The tea from Shuo Lin County was sold far and wide throughout the Great Zhou, fetching high prices in Zhao Du.

Yet, those who picked the tea lived day to day, always on the brink of starvation.

With this thought, Jiang Yuxun suddenly felt that no amount of candied fruit could sweeten the bitterness in the tea soup.

-

The group of destitute had only come to beg for food and did not forcibly enter the camp.

Including a baby in arms, eight people were temporarily detained in a tent by the imperial guards.

Though they were “detained,” the imperial tents not only offered shelter from the wind but also provided food, which made the destitute weep with gratitude.

——This was the scene Jiang Yu Xun witnessed as he entered the tent with an interpreter.

Upon seeing him, everyone put down their food and prepared to kowtow to him.

Jiang Yu Xun quickly helped them up with one hand, while extending a porcelain bowl to the woman holding a child with the other.

The sweet scent of milk instantly filled the air, and the listless child in the woman’s arms began to sob like a kitten.

She was momentarily stunned.

The interpreter hurriedly explained, “This is sheep's milk, feed it to the child quickly.”

"…Sheep, sheep's milk?"

"Is this for me?"

The light of the tent illuminated the faces of those who had come.

She saw a young man in a light blue garment holding the porcelain bowl, gently nodding as if he knew what she was thinking.

Hunger had slowed her mind, and the woman, after a long pause, tremblingly took the sheep's milk and hesitantly brought it to the child’s lips.

Though utterly exhausted from hunger, the child, driven by a strong will to survive, clung to the bowl and began drinking with all his might.

At that moment, the sound of the child swallowing the sheep's milk was the most beautiful melody in the world.

In no time, the child in her arms finished the entire bowl of sheep's milk.

Jiang Yu Xun gently took back the empty bowl and, instead of leaving in haste, started to converse with the people in the tent.

“How many people are in the same situation as you in this area?”

After the interpreter asked a couple of questions, the people began to answer in a flurry of voices.

A while later, the interpreter turned around and summarized their responses:

"Reporting to Lord Jiang, they say that in some areas of Shuo Lin County, the soil is not suitable for rice cultivation, only for tea planting. As the number of people relying on tea for their livelihood increases, tea can only be sold at a low price in Shuo Lin County. There are at least several hundred destitute like them, struggling to survive. Some have already left Shuo Lin County to beg elsewhere, but most have not."

The laws of the Great Zhou dictate that destitute without relatives or friends for support can only be sent back to their place of origin.

They do not speak the official language and have no one to take them in; their only interaction has been with tea, so most choose to stay here, even if it means starving to death.

The interpreter, also from Shuo Lin County, spoke with a particularly heavy tone.

The soil in Shuo Lin County is slightly acidic and poor, indeed unsuitable for rice cultivation.

But it is known as a famous tea region in later times.

Jiang Yu Xun nodded somberly.

"I understand," he said softly to the interpreter, "Please convey my thanks to them."

"Yes, of course!"

-

Jiang Yu Xun lifted the felt curtain of the tent and stepped out, handing the empty porcelain bowl to the imperial guards standing by and instructing them to bring another bowl of warm sheep's milk the next morning.

The still-burning bonfire brightly illuminated the ground, causing Jiang Yu Xun to squint and shield his eyes with his hand.

——In fact, before visiting the tent to see the destitute, he had already formed a plan in his mind.

If they could find "Hai Feng rice" and appropriately develop terraced fields,

Shuo Lin County would be fully capable of sustaining its current population.

But this was not something that could be accomplished quickly.

Hai Feng rice is usually planted as early rice, sown in spring and harvested in summer.

Clearing new land, along with finding and promoting the rice variety, would mean the earliest harvest of the first rice crop wouldn’t be until early summer the year after next.

Not long ago, Shuo Lin County was an independent small country.

Most of these destitute find it difficult to adapt to life in other parts of the Great Zhou.

Moreover, their skills in growing and picking tea are unique to the Great Zhou.

The best course of action now seems to be to let them stay in their native land, continuing to live by cultivating and picking tea.

……

After adjusting to the light outside the tent, Jiang Yu Xun lowered his hand.

To his surprise, before he had walked far, he saw that the Emperor had not gone inside the tent to rest, but was standing by the bonfire, quietly looking towards him.

“Your Majesty,” Jiang Yu Xun quickly approached and performed a respectful bow, “I have just visited the local destitute and spoken with them.”

Hesitating for a moment, Jiang Yu Xun then shared what he had just heard and his considerations.

Ying Changchuan seemed to share Jiang Yuxun's thoughts.

He didn't dismiss the suggestion from his aide but directly asked, "What does my minister think about where these teas could be sold?"

The campfire made Jiang Yuxun's eyes particularly bright.

He smiled and softly voiced the answer he had already considered: "To the Kehan people."

The matter of "milk tea" reminded Jiang Yuxun.

The Kehan people, living in the highlands, could hardly grow vegetables.

After the introduction of tea leaves to the region, they immediately became a staple and even a necessity, as the Kehan people urgently needed tea to cut through the greasiness and aid digestion.

The influx of tea leaves brought about an extremely prosperous tea-horse trade between the two regions.

And it opened up a brand new trade route.

Ying Changchuan raised his eyebrows, seemingly quite interested in the matter.

Although Jiang Yuxun couldn't reveal future historical events, he hinted, "Tea was originally a medicine, and it's precisely what the Kehan people, who lack vegetables, currently need most."

"Since Your Majesty's ascension, the Great Zhou has never had dealings with the Kehan. Now that the world is at peace, the court should indeed engage with them. In my view, Your Majesty could send envoys with tea to the Kehan. Within a season, they will surely send envoys to the Great Zhou to procure tea."

"Most importantly—"

Jiang Yuxun paused for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "The Great Zhou can even trade tea for warhorses with the Kehan."

Ying Changchuan's gaze sharpened.

The campfire blazed even more fiercely in the wind.

The heat illuminated Jiang Yuxun's cheeks, turning them a light red, his heart pounding forcefully, pumping blood to every limb.

In that moment, his blood boiled with excitement.

To conquer Zhe Rou, warhorses were indispensable.

And the other end of the famous "Tea-Horse Trade" in later times was precisely the endurance-renowned horses raised by the Kehan.

Jiang Yuxun's suggestion was highly feasible.

Even if the Kehan people didn't cherish tea as he said, there would be almost no loss for the Great Zhou.

Ying Changchuan paused momentarily, then unexpectedly nodded in agreement quite readily.

Not only does Shuolin County cultivate tea, but its hills are also home to numerous wild tea bushes.

A sea breeze blows from afar, causing the campfire to flicker and sway.

It even carries a faint scent of tea to the nose of Jiang Yuxun...

-

The middle of the night is not the time for serious discussions.

By now, everyone had disembarked from the ship, and Jiang Yuxun, who was prone to seasickness, of course could no longer linger in the presence of the Emperor.

After expressing his thoughts, Jiang Yuxun planned to make a quick getaway.

However, it was unclear who arranged the tents this time, but once again, he was assigned a spot right outside Ying Changchuan's tent!

—Unlike the cabins on the ship, the inner and outer areas of the tent were separated only by a screen.

Jiang Yuxun looked up at the sky, then respectfully said to Ying Changchuan, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. We have to head to the capital of Shuolin County tomorrow. You should rest early."

His tone was very serious, resembling that of a loyal minister deeply concerned about his country and people.

However, it seemed the Emperor was in no hurry.

Seeing Jiang Yuxun standing there sending him off, Ying Changchuan couldn't help but smile and casually ask, "Aren't you going to rest, my dear official?"

How could that be possible?

Jiang Yuxun bowed and replied, "To answer Your Majesty, I plan to find Zhuang Youli tonight and squeeze in with them for the night."

Apart from Ying Changchuan's main tent, the others were not very large.

A senior minister like Zhuang Yue naturally had a tent to himself.

However, a young minister like Zhuang Youli had to share a tent with others.

To be honest, Jiang Yuxun was not opposed to sharing a tent and sleeping close to others.

But perhaps it was due to Ying Changchuan's dazzling "Emperor's aura"...

The thought of sleeping behind a screen just a breath away from him.

Made Jiang Yuxun feel decidedly uncomfortable.

In contrast, seeking refuge with Zhuang Youli seemed no different from cramming into a dormitory in his past life.

Lowering his gaze to the ground, Jiang Yuxun didn’t notice Ying Changchuan's brows furrowing slightly.

Having said this, Jiang Yuxun quickly added, "Your Majesty has endured the fatigue of travel; you deserve a peaceful rest. As my sleep is restless, I naturally shouldn’t disturb you further."

To justify his excuse, Jiang Yuxun silently labeled himself with the minor fault of "restless sleeping."

The Emperor chuckled lightly and slowly turned to walk towards his main tent.

Just as Jiang Yuxun was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he heard him say, “It’s no bother.”

No... no bother?

Didn’t Ying Changchuan mind the nuisance of having someone close by?

Jiang Yuxun was momentarily stunned.

"What’s the matter?" Ying Changchuan turned to look at him, still standing there, "What else is on my dear official’s mind?"

The campfire was nearly out, darkening the surroundings significantly.

Later historians speculated that Ying Changchuan’s dislike for having people around might be related to several assassination attempts by close officials in his early years.

Jiang Yuxun couldn’t help but think of this and, while taking hesitant steps, unconsciously asked, "Aren’t you worried, Your Majesty, that I might stealthily approach in the night to harm you?"

At these words, Ying Changchuan paused mid-step.

Jiang Yuxun, still moving forward, nearly bumped into Ying Changchuan's shoulder.

While feeling a sense of alarm, he finally remembered his own martial prowess.

"Damn, am I being overly confident?"