Thank you to Kat for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
“Transportation by land incurs astonishing losses,” Liang Feng sighed deeply as he looked at the delivered intelligence report. “In the end, we must open up the canal transport.”
The news of the grain convoy’s arrival in Luoyang also reached Jinyang. Unlike the reactions of Zu Ti and Liu Yuan, Liang Feng’s sentiments were directed toward the unsatisfactory aspects of this grain transport.
Since the recovery of Ji County last year, finding a good harbor has become a top priority. The largest port in the northern region was undoubtedly Jieshi, a crucial trading hub since the Qin and Han dynasties. Its approximate location would be near the modern-day Qinhuangdao Port. When Sun Quan dispatched troops to Liaodong, they also traversed this route. However, Jieshi belonged to the jurisdiction of You County, too distant from Ji County, making it unfavorable for defense.
Other than Jieshi, there are currently no other major ports in Bohai Bay. Liang Feng could only look at the map and make deductions based on memory. Tangshan Port, needless to say, is also within the jurisdiction of You County. Tianjin Port is located at the border of the two provinces, but the safety factor is still insufficient. The only reliable option is the future Huanghua Port. This port is entirely situated in the coastal area of Ji County, and it significantly overlaps with the Changlu Salt Zone. If developed, it could solve both the maritime transport and salt shortage issues.
With a general direction in mind, on-site surveys were conducted. To select a port, Sun Li, the governor of Ji County, allocated considerable resources, employing seasoned coastal fishermen and pirates to search for a new port. After two months of exploration, a suitable anchorage was finally selected along the vast coastline. The first two sea vessels quickly set sail towards the south.
Since it was the inaugural voyage and Liang Feng didn’t have any large cargo ships at his disposal, he had to use the previously small sea vessels. Although it was a new route, the port’s location was very close to the original Jieshi route, and not far from the Yellow Port along the coast of Qing County. Without any major issues, they safely reached Qing County. The sea route from Qing County to Jiangdong had already appeared during the Warring States period and was an extremely safe waterway. Effortlessly, the sea vessels sailed all the way to Jiangdong.
Here, it was vastly different from the Northern Region, and both inland and overseas trade were surprisingly prosperous. Noble families and large clans with over a thousand merchant ships were commonplace. Large sea vessels could reach a colossal capacity of up to twenty thousand shi!
Similarly, the commercial acumen of these prominent families was remarkably keen. Since it was the inaugural voyage, the Ji County merchant convoy didn’t carry much cargo. However, white porcelain, glassware, and even the silk produced in Shangdang were precious commodities. More importantly, the ship carried wrought iron! During times of turmoil, iron was an extremely scarce resource, and it was in high demand wherever it was sold. With these few items, Jiang Ni, a maritime merchant from Panyu, sowed the seeds of a deal and quickly finalized the transaction.
The maritime merchant dispatched over thirty sea vessels to transport rice and lacquer from Jiaguang to Ji County. In return, Wu’s family had the priority to purchase all scarce commodities in Ji County.
In just half a year, this newly opened port reaped astonishing profits and completely resolved the potential food crisis in the three provinces under its jurisdiction. However, Liang Feng was still not entirely satisfied with this achievement. There was no suitable river transport channel near the new port. Even for this short-distance transport, it still cost thousands of horses and carts to deliver tens of thousands of shi of grain and fodder onto the boats. Clearly, there were still considerable losses. The best solution would be to directly transport goods from the sea to the river.
“We must capture the southern part of You County.” Liang Feng turned his head and said to Zhang Bin, “Only by taking Quan City and reopening the river channels, can we open up the water transport in the Northern Region.”
When he mentioned Quan City, it was not in Fujian but the Quan City in You County, Yanguo. In earlier years, when Cao Cao attacked the Wuhuan, he opened two canals in You County, one called the Pinglu Canal and the other the Quan City Canal. Through these two artificial channels, several vital waterways like Hutuo River, Zhang River, and Qingshui River were connected. Additionally, he opened Baigou, Xinhe, and Licao canals in the northern plains, thoroughly linking the water system in the Northern Region.
Originally, Liang Feng didn’t know that maritime transportation in the north was so advanced during this era. It was likely that Cao Cao suffered a major setback in Jiangdong, which made him start to value water transport. The capital of Cao Wei, Ye, had numerous navigable waterways, and countless ships could easily transport tens of thousands of shi of strategic materials through water transport from the hinterland of the Yellow River to You County. Luoyang was even more of a hydraulic hub in the Central Plains, reaching as far as Chang’an and extending down to the Yangtze and Huai Rivers. Such an extensive waterway system—why not make good use of it?
“Duan Xianbei is not good at naval warfare. It shouldn’t be difficult to retake some coastal cities. However, if we choose a good harbor, Qing County is still more advantageous. Cao Yi has already defeated the Gou Chun forces, and now Qing County is without a lord. We should seize it!” Zhang Bin suggested.
In Zhang Bin’s mind, he was unaware of the future Tianjin Port. In his view, the best maritime hub was still in Qing County’s Eastern Sea. If Qing County could be occupied, then communication with Jiangdong, Jiaguang, and even Wakoku1Japan would be easily manageable. Moreover, Qing County was currently in chaos, and there was a good chance of capturing this province. Liang Feng nodded, “Maritime affairs cannot be underestimated. After stabilizing Ji County, we should gradually expand to both wings. Regarding the refugees, they can be used to dredge rivers and level roads. Within three to five years, we must unite the Northern Region into a cohesive whole.”
Canals need regular maintenance and dredging to enable navigation. In recent years, with the turmoil in the Northern Region, who cares about that? Most channels are already silted up, and this recent grain transport alone has undoubtedly added numerous complications. Without smooth land and water routes, everything is in vain. With the current chaos in various provinces and an overwhelming number of refugees, aside from opening up new land, now is the perfect time to build such large-scale infrastructure. Otherwise, no province or commandery can absorb tens of thousands of refugees easily.
“There’s also the Qiuzhi Academy. We should increase research on water conservancy and boats, and establish shipyards in the new port of Ji County. Ye City should be developed as the main commercial hub of Bing County. Expand the scale of the porcelain industry in Shangdang as well,” Liang Feng added.
Previously, a large amount of porcelain clay was discovered in the mountains near Ye City, making it the raw material center for the Shangdang porcelain industry. Through the Fukou Pass, porcelain and pig iron produced in Shangdang could be quickly transported to Ye City and then shipped to coastal ports through nearby waterways. In this way, Jinan, Ye City, and Luoyang formed a stable economic triangle, with the steady growth of money, grain, and population serving as the foundation for further expansion. As long as there is room for development, the recovery of the Northern Region is imminent!
The only obstacle is the Han Xiongnu entrenched in Si County.
Searching glances fell on Zhang Bin. He smiled slightly, “Lord, rest assured. Xinling has already taken action, and the Han chaos is imminent.”
※
“Your Majesty… Your Majesty may be suffering from a wind ailment…” Sweat dripped densely on the imperial physician’s forehead.
The emperor’s illness came urgently, and there was a tendency for him to pass away in the blink of an eye. Several imperial physicians could not think of a solution and suspected symptoms of poisoning. However, who dared to say such things! The emperor had never taken any elixirs, and the most likely explanation was that someone had poisoned him! Once such court intrigues entered the picture, the entire family would be exterminated. After careful consideration, they could only use the appearance of a wind ailment to cover up the situation.
Liu He nodded, “If it’s a wind ailment, then treat it quickly. We must not delay!”
Wind ailments require bloodletting, and the imperial physician’s heart trembled. He nodded obediently and withdrew.
Liu He sighed softly. Since the day he heard that the provisions had arrived in Luoyang, his father had been in a coma, never waking up. Incontinence, abdominal swelling, occasional convulsions—just looking at the symptoms was horrifying. Now, diagnosing it as a wind ailment sounded off.
However, the specific illness at this age didn’t really matter. What mattered was not to disrupt the stability of the court. A wind ailment could be the result of the anger caused by the cunning plan of Bing County. And the inability to find the cause of the illness was another explanation. Haven’t you seen that Empress Dan invited several times more monks into the palace? The rumors of the Emperor’s expedition to Shangdang being criticized by Buddhist disciples have spread widely. How can we stabilize the hearts of the people in such a situation?
There is also the former dynasty, which is causing a headache. Liu Yuan fell ill in the palace. Since that day, the news has been sealed within the palace. Now with the army outside, if news of the emperor’s serious illness leaks, it might lead to some trouble. Moreover, there are the fifty thousand troops led by Liu Yao…
Liu He pondered for a moment and said to the young eunuch beside him, “Has Zongzheng arrived?”
Zongzheng naturally referred to his cousin Huyan You. The young eunuch hastily replied, “Zongzheng is already waiting outside. Does Your Highness want to see him?”
“Yes, lead him to the side hall.” Liu He whispered a command and carefully observed his critically ill father on the couch before walking heavily towards the side hall.
As soon as he entered, Huyan You hurriedly approached, “Your Highness, we cannot delay any longer! If we don’t resolve the Three Princes, Your Highness might not be able to secure the throne!”
Currently, Prince Qi Liu Yu served as the Grand Minister, Prince Lu Liu Long was the Minister of Works, and even the young North Sea Prince Liu Yi held the title of Grand Marshal. All three were Liu Yuan’s biological sons, and Liu Yi was the legitimate son born to Empress Dan. All of them lived in the imperial city and commanded significant military forces. Once they developed rebellious intentions, Liu He’s throne would be in jeopardy!
Liu He hesitated and said, “The three princes don’t have a large number of troops. With the assistance of the Imperial Guards, we can suppress them. But the Prince of Qin is a real concern…”
Huyan You sneered, “Now it seems that Bing County has used some cunning plan. The fifty thousand soldiers of the Prince of Qin are probably in dire straits. As long as we can keep the news from spreading in the palace, he will have to fight against Bing County’s forces in Shangdang. If he happens to lose, Your Highness can then deal with him. It might end up just like the Grand Marshal did back then…”
Although there was a hint of maliciousness in his words, the logic was sound. As long as Liu Yao was entangled in Shangdang, or even met the same fate as Liu Cong, Liu He could stabilize the situation. Liu He was never at ease with the idea of sealing the throne for several sons, especially with Liu Yao being an adopted son.
However, actions couldn’t be taken too early.
After careful consideration, Liu He finally said, “We must quickly win over the Left Guard General and the Martial Guard General, and control the city’s military forces. Let’s suppress the news of Father’s severe illness for a while. Before ascending the throne, make sure not to let the troops return to Pingyang!”
At this moment, it was the best time for Liu He to eliminate dissidents. Most of the high-ranking officials were either following Wang Mi and Shi Le’s campaign against Yu County and Yan County or accompanying Liu Yao to Shangdang. The remaining forces had to guard against Lishi and protect the capital. Once he gained control over the city’s guards, the several princes would be like live fish on a chopping block.
Wait until the throne is stabilized, then summon Liu Yao back. Once this major concern is eliminated, he can firmly sit on the throne!
With heavy responsibilities, Liu He became busy. Every day, he had to meet numerous trusted aides, demonstrating loyalty and filial piety by attending to his father’s illness in the palace. With these continuous activities, his energy was significantly depleted. One night, as he lay down, still not fully asleep, he heard someone urgently entering the Eastern Palace: “Your Highness! The Emperor has awakened!”
What? Liu He was startled. Was this an improvement, or was it the end? Without bothering to tidy his clothes, he hastily put on a robe and rushed to the sleeping chamber.
The grand hall was brightly lit, resembling daylight. The old man who had been lying on the couch had opened his eyes. However, his gaze seemed not to perceive anyone; he just kept muttering something.
“Father!” Liu He sprinted to the bedside, kneeling on the ground with a thud.
This exclamation seemed to awaken someone from a dream. Liu Yuan slightly turned his head, his murky eyes looking over. Those eyes seemed lifeless, causing Liu He to shiver, but he dared not avert his gaze. He could only watch the man’s mouth moving incessantly.
What did he want to say? Liu He hastily crawled two steps forward, holding his father’s hand, “Father, what are you saying?”
“Relocate… Yongming…” Liu Yuan finally uttered a few words.
Even in his final moments, he was concerned about relocating the capital and that adopted son, Liu Yao! Liu He clenched his teeth, showing a shocked expression, “Father, rest assured, I will order Prince Qin to withdraw as soon as possible and relocate the capital to Chang’an!”
Hearing his son’s words, Liu Yuan’s swollen body trembled slightly, and he exhaled his last breath.
For a moment, the hall fell silent. In the next instant, cries erupted.
“Your Highness! Please quickly ascend to the throne! The country cannot be without a ruler for a day!”
Someone, amidst the deafening cries, shouted. Liu He shivered and snapped back to reality. The sound of sobbing and the cries for ascending to the throne intertwined in the hall. The once bright flame of power was now a heavy responsibility thrust upon Liu He’s shoulders.
All around, everyone knelt, bowing and worshiping their new sovereign. A warmth slowly climbed up their spines, surged into their chests, and rushed into their minds. Liu He straightened his back. He was now the Emperor of the Great Han. He would surely secure this hard-earned throne!
The author has something to say:
The navigation during the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties was extremely developed, with numerous internal rivers and canals crisscrossing the land. The major water systems were all interconnected. Ships could travel as far as India and Rome through the outer seas, and trade and diplomatic ships frequently sailed to and from the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese archipelago, and the countries in the South China Sea.
For example, during the era of the Sixteen Kingdoms, Shi Hu had “consolidated the old army in Hebei, totaling five hundred thousand, with ten thousand ships. From the river to the sea, he transported one million one hundred thousand bushels of grain to the city of Anle, preparing for the mobilization of the military.”
During the Battle of Fei River, when Fu Jian led a large army southward, “transporting countless ships, from the river to the Stone Gate, reaching Ruying.”
And these were just the rulers of the northern regions; not to mention the scale of ships in the southern regions. It was precisely due to the accumulation throughout the dynasties that the Grand Canal was born during the Sui Dynasty.
