It's getting colder and colder in Kancheng in November.
It started snowing in late October, and now it is completely white at night, with icebergs everywhere. During the day, although the sun is shining, it is still chilly, and all the passers-by on the road are wrapped up like rice dumplings.
Lu Xuan is also used to the weather here.
Anyway, just wear more clothes and go out as little as possible.
This climate is not suitable for fighting.
The arrangements at this stage are mainly to make unified adjustments and plans for the countries in the Western Region. However, such matters require professional people to be responsible. Therefore, after Guo Jia left last month and the Tianzhu soldiers were disbanded, Lu Xuan had already made arrangements. Someone went to inform Xun Yu to come to the front line.
Today, outside the city of Dedgan, a carriage was driving slowly.
The wheels of the carriage are tied with iron locks to ensure they are non-slip. Even the war horses are covered with a thick layer of animal skin to protect them from the wind and cold.
The weather is really too cold.
In the carriage, Xun Yu was sitting.
In his hand he held a hand warmer, which was filled with hot water and could last for a long time.
When Xun Yu was riding in the carriage, the windows of the carriage were open. Although it was a bit cold, the cold wind blew, but he was very awake, and he could clearly see the surrounding situation and understand the scenery along the way.
Xun Yu knew his mission in coming to Qiancheng this time, but he had already made up his mind.
While in Dunhuang, he found out about the situation of various countries in the Western Regions, understood the entire map of the Western Regions, and made detailed plans.
Next to Xun Yu, there was a middle-aged man in his early thirties sitting.
This man's name is Zhang Meng, a native of Dunhuang County, and a member of a famous family.
Zhang Meng's father was Zhang Huan, one of the Three Ming Dynasties in Liangzhou, and Zhang Huan had a son when he was in his early sixties.
Zhang Meng was just over ten years old when Zhang Huan died of illness. Zhang Huan had not only one son, Zhang Meng, but also his eldest son Zhang Zhi and his second son Zhang Chang. Both Zhang Zhi and Zhang Chang were both outstanding in literary talent. And he is good at calligraphy.
Zhang Zhi was known as the Sage of Grass in later generations, and his calligraphy was unrivaled in the world.
Zhang Chang was known as the Yasheng. This Yasheng was different from Mencius's Yasheng. He was the Yasheng in calligraphy at that time.
No matter what, this is the origin of Zhang's family education.
When it comes to Zhang Meng, the youngest son, although he is also good at calligraphy due to his family background, he is different from Zhang Zhi and Zhang Chang. He is more ambitious for fame. He served as a minor official in Weiwu County early on, just an ordinary assistant official. .
Zhang Huan had served as the prefect of Weiwu in his early years, so it was normal for Zhang Meng to serve in Weiwu County. He served as an assistant in Weiwu County for a period of time, and because of his outstanding ability, he was transferred to Dunhuang County Magistrate.
There is naturally a Zhang family background here.
However, Zhang Meng's abilities are also outstanding.
Historically, Zhang Meng once served as a mighty prefect. Later, he was defeated by Han Sui and committed suicide. In this life, Han Sui had already died. When Xun Yu arrived in Dunhuang County, he discovered Zhang Meng's abilities and sent Zhang Meng to his death. Tune in to do things around you.
Zhang Meng is naturally willing to follow Xun Yu. On the one hand, Xun Yu has outstanding abilities, and he can learn a lot from following Xun Yu. On the other hand, Xun Yu is the person in charge of rear logistics this time, and following Xun Yu is also an opportunity.
Zhang Huan died when Zhang Meng was more than ten years old.
Zhang Meng had not yet come into contact with many officialdom matters and many official career matters. Zhang Huan had already passed away, so no one really gave him guidance. Zhang Huan struggled to understand it on his own, and he could only reach this point. It's up to you.
Now, with Xun Yu, it is naturally different.
Zhang Meng also worked with all his strength. Whatever Xun Yu arranged, he did it meticulously and completed the task very carefully.
It was precisely because of this that he was appreciated by Xun Yu and brought to the Western Regions.
This time when I came to Qiancheng, Zhang Meng came with me.
Zhang Meng looked at Xun Yu on the side, with a hint of respect in his expression, and said: "Mr. Many oases are, in fact, far inferior to Liangzhou and far inferior to the Central Plains. In such a region, why not follow the example of the previous Han Dynasty and set up a Protectorate?"
Xun Yu smiled slightly, stroked his beard and said: "The Han Dynasty established the Protectorate Palace because it did not have sufficient materials and manpower. It is the most appropriate arrangement to set up the Protectorate Palace on the spot. To manage the needs, let alone materials, money, and soldiers. These, alone, are the biggest drain on the talents needed for governance. During the Han Dynasty, there was a shortage of scholars, not to mention the bitter and cold places in the Western Regions where many people were unwilling to come, so there was nothing we could do."
"Now, it's different."
"In the entire Ming Dynasty, the cabinet has issued His Majesty's latest order. The government has established state schools in each state and established universities to cultivate scholars."
"The original Five Classics Hall was transformed into numerous local universities, which led to an increase in the number of scholars."
"These scholars are also enterprising because of His Majesty's efforts to expand the territory."
"So, many people are willing to come to the Western Regions."
"Just like many people are willing to go to Japan to establish their achievements."
Xun Yu talked eloquently and said with a smile: "As long as there are enough scholars in the Western Regions, we can educate and govern the local areas, change the situation in the Western Regions, and make the Western Regions also want the Ming Dynasty."
"No emperor, no dynasty, would dislike the smallness of their territory."
"Although the Western Regions are barren, they have unique advantages. This Silk Road runs through the west and can enter Tianzhu and even further west, which is of infinite value."
Zhang Meng was thoughtful, as if his horizons had been opened, and he said sincerely: "I understand."
It is great to follow Xun Yu and be trained by Xun Yu.
If you don’t understand, Zhang Meng can ask directly.
Xun Yu said in a deep voice: "Shuwei (cousin), you are a descendant of the Zhang family. Although your father-in-law was well-known in the world and had both civil and military skills, in the end, he was just too ordinary and could not really show his ambition. The Zhang family passed down to you. You are the only one of this generation who has the ability. Do your job well, and you must work even more conscientiously in the Western Region. Although the Western Region is bitter and cold, it is a place where achievements can be made."
Zhang Meng was grateful to Xun Yu for his advice and said quickly: "Please rest assured, sir, I will do my best to live up to your cultivation."
He changed the topic and said: "Sir, I have a question. I don't know whether to ask it or not."
Xun Yu said: "But it doesn't matter."
Zhang Meng said: "What kind of person is our Majesty?"
There was a curious look in Zhang Meng's eyes.
He had heard about it before in Dunhuang, but had never seen it. Moreover, Zhang Meng also heard a lot of things about Lu Xuan, and each one of them was amazing.
A trace of thought appeared on Xun Yu's face, and he said slowly: "Hearing is not as good as seeing. You will know when you see it. However, Your Majesty has the ability to recognize people, the ability to plan, the skills to govern the country, and the means to run the army. He is also more foresighted and able to see into everything. In short, Your Majesty is a very human being."
Zhang Meng sounded a little confused.
Xun Yu said too much.
The emperor is so powerful.
Xun Yu glanced at Zhang Meng and smiled softly. No matter how much he described the emperor, he couldn't actually describe it fully, because the emperor's thoughts and vision were something that none of them had.
Xun Yu said no more.
The reason why he mentioned Zhang Meng was that, on the one hand, Zhang Meng did have some understanding, and on the other hand, Zhang Meng was also a member of the Zhang family, a descendant of an old friend. In addition, a big family like the Zhang family was closer to the Western Regions and easier to cultivate.
The carriage drove along and soon approached the city gate.
Call!!
Suddenly, the driver stopped.
The groom hurriedly said: "Master Xun, someone is coming to greet you at the city gate. It seems to be Your Majesty."
The moment Xun Yu heard this, he raised the curtain of the carriage and saw Lu Xuan and his people standing at the city gate under the cold wind. From a close distance, Xun Yu seemed to see the smile and expectation on Lu Xuan's face.