On New Year's Eve, the heavy snow stopped for the first time, and the entire city of Chang'an was covered in thick silver. The city wall was like a recumbent dragon, winding and stretching toward the distance.
Due to heavy snow and road closures, the docks on the banks of the Weishui River were crowded with ships, goods were backlogged, and the place was bustling with people.
Looking at this bustling scene, Yang Fan, who is increasingly mature in mind, can't help but feel a surge of heroic spirit from his chest!
This is the benefit of economic prosperity. If it were in the past, the dock would have been deserted and there would be no one at all.
Nowadays, because the cargo transshipment center of Junyangfang has boosted the economy of Guanzhong area, such a wharf was built out of thin air on the bank of Weishui River to collect all kinds of goods in Guanzhong.
Once this model spread throughout the Tang Dynasty, the circulation of goods would greatly increase people's income and promote population mobility.
When quantitative changes lead to qualitative changes, the power of capital will give the empire a completely new look.
Yang Fan never believed that war is only the collision of blood and fire. Economic erosion and control are the ultimate weapons to kill people without blood, which can destroy a country invisibly!
In the previous life, a certain Citigroup was particularly good at using the economic stick to extract the wealth of other countries, and even control the politics of a country.
The reason why Wu Meiniang is allowed to control such a huge business empire is so that she can wield the economic big stick when going global.
The emergence of a super empire usually involves using force to open the opponent's country and then using capital to completely conquer it. This is a tried and tested method!
No matter what era it is, the law of survival is the law of the jungle.
When you are strong, don't accumulate primitive capital and enrich yourself. Once you decline, no one will pity you when you are weak. This is the law of the jungle.
Jackals, tigers and leopards must abide by the laws of the jungle, and humans as the spirits of all living things must also abide by them!
Only the weak can promote benevolence, morality, fairness and justice.
As for whether you will be criticized by others, who cares?
History is written by the victors. You can dress up however you want. Who dares to say anything?
As for his life and death, it doesn't matter if the floods are raging.
Yang Fan took the lead, followed by two carriages, and a large group of people slowly walked towards the Chang'an city gate.
Due to his injury, Yang Fan came back several days later than His Majesty Li Er, and his stay here will be close to the end of the new year.
When he arrived at the Mingde Gate, he was caught off guard. There was a large flow of people waiting to pass the inspection.
The soldiers guarding the city were inspecting it meticulously, with the steel guns in their hands standing sideways. Whenever large quantities of goods came through the door, they would be carefully inspected for fear of any contraband.
There was no way. Some time ago, Li Yuanchang and Hou Jun conspired to rebel and resorted to assassination methods, which made people in Chang'an panic. They had to make the soldiers who defended the city be extremely careful.
When he heard the sound of horse hooves, the soldier looked up and his expression suddenly froze.
With so many tall horses and several luxurious carriages, he obviously belongs to a noble family.
After taking a closer look, he happened to know the man riding in the front. He didn't care much. The captain of the city guard immediately organized people to clear away the people waiting for inspection in front of the city gate, and then shouted: "Young man, I have seen you. You are so powerful."
Invincible, with unparalleled martial arts, facing thousands of troops, he defeated the rebel plot with just one hand, and protected His Majesty from danger. It is truly a blessing to the empire and a blessing to the people..."
Your sister...
I can defeat thousands of troops with just one hand. Do you think I am a god? The rumor is too outrageous!
This gave Yang Fan a chill.
Why don't you say that we are gods descending to earth and destroying the rebels with just one breath?
There should be a limit to bragging, okay?
Seeing the soldiers who were guarding the city falling to their knees, Yang Fan shouted: "What nonsense are you talking about? Why don't you get up quickly?"
I was originally afraid that my superiority would overwhelm me, so I deliberately bumped into the emperor, but this group of people acted like this. Isn't this an eyesore for me?
Once it reaches the ears of the emperor, no matter how generous the emperor is, he will always feel a little unhappy in his heart.
However, the soldier guarding the city at Mingdemen is really an old acquaintance, and he seems to be called Wang Er.
When he and Cheng Chumo entered the city and forced their way into Duke Ying's mansion, they entered the city through the south gate. The man who was guarding the city at that time was none other than Wang Er. No wonder he could recognize him as soon as he saw him.
Hearing Yang Fan's scolding, Wang Er was so frightened that he trembled and did not dare to say a word.
Don’t all the nobles and young men in general like this trick? How come it doesn’t work for this young master? It’s really flattering to the horse’s leg!
Seeing the uneasy Wang Er, Yang Fan had no choice but to jump off the horse, help the soldiers up one by one, and said: "We are all brothers and equal. There is no need to kneel. As an official of the imperial court, it is important to protect His Majesty's safety."
We should fulfill our responsibilities, you don’t have to do this, please get up quickly!”
This unpretentious behavior made the soldiers admire Yang Fan even more as a person.
Although Yang Fan's usual reputation is not very good, he just doesn't have a good look on those nobles who show off their power.
They really have no airs about low-class people like them, but are so close to them. No wonder they are in a high position at such a young age and are married to two beautiful princesses.
The common people and merchants who had just been driven aside by the city guards were a little unhappy at first, but when they heard it was Yang Fan, they all fell to their knees.
"We sincerely welcome County Duke Wannian back to the city..."
Not to mention Yang Fan’s prescription for preventing smallpox virus to save the Guanzhong area from crisis, let’s talk about the cargo transshipment center established by Yang Mansion that allowed people’s goods to be sold at a higher price, which greatly improved their living standards. All of this is a miracle.
A great kindness.
Don’t forget the well-digger when you are in the water. Without Yang Fan’s unimaginable design, merchants from all walks of life would not be able to thrive, and people’s lives would not be able to be so greatly improved.
The common people are such people. They don't care who becomes the emperor. They only know that they will support whoever allows them to live a good life.
Although Yang Fan's reputation was not very good among the nobles, among the common people he was like a living Bodhisattva.
Yang Fan was completely dizzy, so he helped the soldiers up, but a large group of them knelt down again, and they couldn't help them even if they tried to help them!
What is wrong with these people that they like to kneel down so much?
Uh... welcome...
These words sounded like the emperor returning to the palace from inspection. These guys must have opinions about themselves, otherwise how could they harm themselves so much.
If His Majesty Li Er knew, he would definitely get a slap on his ass.
So Yang Fan persuaded with a wry smile: "Everyone, get up quickly. It's freezing cold today, so don't catch the wind and cold."
However, these common people and merchants were unmoved. Instead, they shouted again: "My lord Wannian has worked hard and made great achievements. Please enter the city first."
"Prince Wannian County, please come to the city first!"
Waves of loud shouts shook the night sky.
Probably infected by his emotions, Wang Er led a group of soldiers to kneel down and shouted: "Please come back to the city... Oops, who kicked me..."
Wang Er looked up and saw that it was Yang Fan who kicked him over. He could only get up quickly and looked at Yang Fan resentfully, as if to say: Why did you just kick me?
I just saw that Yang Fan had a bad look on his face, but he still didn't dare to say anything.
Staring at Wang Er fiercely, Yang Fan said angrily: "Are you out of your mind and crazy? There is no need to guard the city gate, why don't you get up and check it quickly?"
Just when Yang Fan was speechless, a carriage following behind him approached, and Princess Gao Yang raised the window and said with admiration: "My husband is so majestic. My father usually doesn't have such a large formation when traveling!"
Seeing this heartless woman actually saying this, Yang Fan was so angry that he was itching his teeth. He was competing with the emperor for the limelight. Wasn't this looking for death?
So he had to give a stern warning: "If you dare to talk nonsense again, you will be treated according to the law when you return home!"
Princess Gao Yang was so frightened when she heard about the family law that she no longer dared to tease Yang Fan. She blocked her mouth and did not dare to speak anymore.
The look in Yang Fan's eyes was a little timid and a little happy. It was actually Yang Fan's family style that made her love and hate him at the same time.
The Chinese New Year was coming soon, and she didn't want to be unable to get out of bed for a few days, so she quickly begged for mercy: "Well... I don't dare to talk nonsense anymore!"
After saying that, his little head quickly retracted from the car window, like a mouse seeing a cat.
Being angry with his woman, Yang Fan could only smile and curse at Wang Er: "If you don't get up quickly and check, when will you wait?"
Wang Erzhi checked it carefully and randomly, and naturally ignored the carriage with the female family members on it.
This guy is still very discerning and knows how to behave!
Yang Fan gave this Wang Er a thumbs up, and of course it couldn't just be a verbal compliment.
He immediately took out a few ingots of silver from his arms and threw them to Wang Er: "Brothers, thank you for your hard work. It's freezing cold. I'll use them to drink after my shift!"
Wang Ershou hurriedly took the money and said happily: "Brothers, thank you for the reward!"
My heart was almost filled with joy. People said that this young man was the most bastard in Chang'an City. He was not easy to take care of. He was just bullshitting!
The reason why it has a bad reputation is that for those children of high-ranking officials and nobles, but for soldiers like them, they have never seen others bully others!
I never show off my abilities in front of these little ant-like people.
Yang Fan glanced at the grateful crowd and didn't dare to stay any longer. He jumped on his horse and ran away immediately.
If we don't leave, we don't know how long these people will remain on their knees.
Sure enough, after Yang Fan and his entourage entered the city, everyone stood up cheering.
If Yang Fan saw it, he would definitely sigh at the simplicity of the Chinese people.
These people are the most down-to-earth people. As long as you treat them well, they will give you the greatest respect.
Chang'an, Yang Mansion.
After hearing the report from the servant that the father-in-law was returning home today, Wu Meiniang prepared everything and chatted with her mother and sister in the room.
Whenever she mentioned Yang Fan, the corners of Wu Meiniang's lips could not help but curl up slightly, looking extremely proud.
After all, the man in my family is very capable, and he saved someone just by going out for fun. As long as His Majesty Li Er is in power, who dares to touch the Yang Mansion?
Wu Shun, who was holding Helan Minyue on one side, also pursed his rosy mouth and was obviously very proud.
Seeing the happiness of her two daughters, Mrs. Yang felt happy but also sad at the same time.
She was comforted by the fact that her daughter had finally found a good home, but she was also saddened by the misery and misfortune she had suffered.
The Yang family was a descendant of the former Sui royal family, and her status was not low. However, she had been with the warrior Xun for more than ten years, and she had not gained any status as a royal wife.
However, my daughter has been with Yang Fan for just two or three years, but she has become the wife of Gaoming. Thinking about it now is like a dream.
Especially after the death of the warrior Xun, the Wu family has fallen into decline. The Wu family has been completely in decline. As a widow of the Wu family, it seems impossible to get a royal decree in this life!
Thinking of the days when she had just been kicked out of the Duke's Mansion and had to rely on picking vegetables and leaves to eat, Mrs. Yang couldn't help but sigh.
Now that her life is so different, who could have imagined that she had lived such a difficult life.
Of course, she knew that the person who changed the fate of their mother and daughter was Yang Fan.
Raising her eyes slightly, she caught a glimpse of the pride and pride on the corners of her two daughters' mouths. Yang was satisfied but also a little bitter at the same time.
My daughter has a good home, but she can't go back even if she has a home.
Who is Wu Meiniang?
Although because of his age, he has not yet reached the peak period when he can control the world at his fingertips.
However, after experience in places such as Junyangfang and the transfer center, coupled with his exquisite and clear mind, he has a way of figuring out people's hearts.
Seeing the subtle change in my mother's expression, I couldn't help but feel a thump in my heart.
It must be because the demeanor that my sister inadvertently showed just now aroused my mother's sadness.
For this mother who took great care of them, Wu Meiniang lost a trace of generational separation and gained a sense of pity among women.
As soon as her mind moved, Wu Meiniang changed the subject and asked softly: "My mother hasn't been home for a long time. I heard that my two brothers sent people over many times to take my mother back to her home. I wonder if this is the case?"
Yang said slightly angrily: "It's not like your two brothers found a marriage for your sister..."
The Yang family gave birth to three daughters, including Wu Shun and Wu Meiniang, and a younger sister.
This year is fourteenth, which is the prime year of cardamom. It is about to reach the age of hairpin, and it is time to be in the boudoir.
The younger sister Wu Ling'er is lively and smart, and is most loved by Mr. Yang.
However, when she mentioned her third daughter, Yang looked worried. When they were kicked out of the Yingguo Palace, they didn't know why the Wu brothers left their third daughter alone in the Duke's Palace.
Wu Shun looked surprised and asked: "Third sister is getting married?"
A smile appeared on Wu Meiniang's lips and she replied: "It's true. It is said that the husband her brother chose for her is Guo Xiaoshen. This son is sixteen years old and is very famous in the local area. His brother is Guo Xiaoke, the general of Zuo Xiaowei.
."
She knew about the person her sister was about to be engaged to. After all, she held the Plum Blossom Guard in her hands, and few things could escape her eyes.
Originally, when it came to family matters, I just wanted to divert my mother's thoughts away from thinking about those sad things all the time.
But this was the first time Wu Shun heard that his younger sister was about to get engaged, and she was from the Guo family in Xuzhou.
Now that she is in charge of the guest building, she has naturally heard about some of the situation in the capital, and she has heard a little bit about Guo Xiaoke.
The younger sister's husband is Guo Xiaoke's younger brother, and he has many connections with Guo Xiaoke, which makes Wu Shun a little unhappy.
Although Guo Xiaoke is regarded as General Zuo Xiaowei, it can be said that he has a high position and authority.
It is said that he was extravagant by nature, had many wives and concubines, lived an extremely extravagant life, and acted very eccentrically.
It is said that His Majesty Li Er had been dissatisfied with him for a long time and was impeached by the imperial censor many times. However, His Majesty remembered his past achievements and could not bear to deal with such a minister who followed the dragon.
But with such a character, I am afraid that sooner or later it will end well. If Guo Xiaoke falls, will his sister be affected?
Of course Wu Meiniang also noticed Wu Shun's worries. Although she was also a little worried, she did not show the slightest worry. Instead, she said with a smile: "Haha, what does mother think of this marriage?"
Yang said without anger: "It is said that Guo Xiaoshen heard about the good reputation of your sisters, so he sent a large amount of gifts to ask for marriage. Your two brothers agreed because they were greedy for the gifts from your sister. Alas! My son's life is miserable!"
Hearing this, Wu Shun's pretty face was filled with frost, and he gritted his silver teeth with hatred and cursed: "They are all a group of guys who only care about their skin. The two brothers don't act like brothers at all. They only care about each other's betrothal gifts and not about each other."
character!"
"Needless to say, these two brothers must have misappropriated these gifts. When my little sister gets married, she may not have any dowry at all. Mother, don't worry, Mei Niang and I will tell him when he comes home.
Bring my sister here."
No wonder Wu Shun was so angry. The two of them were kicked out of the Duke's mansion, while the third sister was left behind.
I thought that the two brothers would be nicer to their sister, but they didn't know that the Wu brothers actually kept their sister at home just for the gift. It was too much!
As for the younger sister's marriage, maybe the Wu brothers took the initiative to marry Guo Xiaoke in order to obtain a betrothal gift. It could be said that they sold the younger sister, and the two of them only collected the money.
Wu Meiniang remained silent. She, as a sister, was too simple-minded.
His mother deliberately talked about her sister's marriage, obviously because she wanted them to take her over.
And the meaning is very obvious, he just wants to send his sister to the house. Why can't this sister notice it at all?
As long as you are a woman, no one wants to share more with her husband, even if she is a biological sister.
Seeing that Wu Meiniang didn't reply, Wu Shun asked strangely: "Meiniang, the two brothers have gone too far, shouldn't we sisters save her from the fire?"
Wu Meiniang's phoenix eyes were filled with evil, and she gave her sister a fierce look, but she was very angry in her heart.
This sister is simply a bad person, she never knows how to say no, she is too soft-tempered!
There are many ways to save your sister from the fire. Just choose a good marriage for her. Why must she be brought into the house?
It turned out that just because he took his sister Wu Shun over to live with him, Yang Fan had eaten them all.
For some reason, an idea suddenly flashed into Wu Meiniang's mind.
During this period, my mother mentioned Yang Fan frequently, but she also...