Chapter 88
Such a good road, if it is in a prosperous place like Jinling, it makes sense. After all, it is for the sake of the royal family. But this is on the border. Where the two countries meet, fighting continues. Businessmen are walking around, and ordinary people are hiding far away, for fear of being affected by the war. Isn't it a waste of resources to build such a road in such a desolate place?
How did Qianlong know that this is an asphalt road? The asphalt used for road construction is a by-product of industrial oil refining. It does not cost much money to recycle it. But building roads must be done. If you want to develop the economy, you must first build roads. Although this road looks desolate now, when the north and the south are unified, it will definitely become an important channel for economic exchanges.
The tangle in Qianlong's heart was just like that of later generations of netizens who saw the subway being built in the wilderness and wondered whether the funds had been wasted. His heart was full of contradictions and struggles, as if he was full of uncertainty about the future of this road. But who knows what will happen in a few years? The prescient power of this road became apparent as high-rise buildings rose from the ground and wastelands transformed into bustling cities.
It doesn’t matter if it looks desolate now. The right way is to build the roads first while the land is cheap. When this place becomes more prosperous in the future, road construction, land acquisition, demolition and so on will be another unnecessary expense. Qianlong sighed and shook his head, as if to convince himself to accept this fact. He kept the team moving forward, his eyes shining with determination.
The carriage drove steadily on the asphalt road. The road surface was as smooth as a mirror, reflecting light, and had a slight sheen, as smooth as chocolate in later generations. Qianlong had ridden in many carriages in his life, but it had never been as enjoyable as now. He sat on the carriage and felt that the bumps and vibrations on the road were completely absorbed, as if he was in a stable world.
Thinking about it this way, no matter how much money I spent on this road, I still have to build a few of them after I go back! Qianlong secretly decided in his heart, as if he had already seen the prosperous city and smooth traffic in the future.
As the parade moved forward, Qianlong opened the curtains and looked at the scenery outside, feeling particularly comfortable. He admired the scenery along the way and felt the miraculous craftsmanship of nature and the crystallization of human wisdom. This wide asphalt road is not only a passage to the unknown world, but also a broad road to prosperity and strength. Qianlong's heart was full of expectations and longing, as if he had already seen the future of the Great Yan Kingdom.
After walking a few miles, a quiet and peaceful pastoral picture gradually unfolded in front of Li Qingge and Qianlong. Some villages began to appear on the roadside. The simple houses with green tiles and white walls looked particularly warm under the afterglow of the setting sun. The smoke rises in curls and intertwines with the mountains in the distance, as if it is the gentlest brushstroke of nature, adding a bit of life to this picture.
The farmland is like a sea of green, stretching as far as the eye can see. Several farmers are busy on the edge of the field. They carry hoes on their shoulders, which is a trace of time and their deepest connection with this land. The farmers' faces were covered with sweat, but their smiles were as warm and bright as the spring sunshine. They chatted while working, laughing constantly. The laughter was full of love for life and expectations for the future. Their eyes were bright, as if they held a beautiful vision for the future in their hearts. It was a firm belief in life and an endless attachment to this land.
Emperor Qianlong looked at this scene and was deeply touched. He usually held a high position and was used to the feeling of superiority. He always felt that he and his grandfather Emperor Kangxi created the prosperous age of Kangxi and Qianlong. The prosperity was unprecedented, even the Wenjing rule of the Han Dynasty and the Kaiyuan prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Not on. However, seeing these farmers today, he realized that many people still had a hard time under his governance. They always have a sad look on their face, and there is no luster in their eyes, as if they have lost hope and can only live their lives like the monks in the temple. However, among the common people at the bottom, there were also scenes full of vitality and vitality, which made him feel both surprised and ashamed.
Look at the clothes of the farmers. Although they are not gorgeous clothes, they are very clean and the colors are very bright. Some farmers were older than Qianlong's grandfather, but they worked with more energy than young men from the Qing Dynasty. They sweat profusely but never tire of it, as if they are watering hope with their sweat. This sight made Qianlong murmur in his heart, and he began to doubt whether his previous outlook on life was wrong. Perhaps the real prosperity is not those high-rise buildings and magnificent palaces, but the smiles on the faces of these people and the hope in their hearts.
After walking a few miles, the scenery on the roadside changed again. A golden rice field came into view. The ears of rice were so heavy that they were so full that they were almost bending the stems. Under the sun, the rice fields seemed to be coated with a layer of golden light, shining with the joy of harvest. The farmers were harvesting rice sweating profusely under the scorching sun. Their waists could not straighten up, but their faces were smiling like flowers. It was a smile of satisfaction and gratitude for life. It turns out that this year is another good harvest year, and Her Majesty the Queen issued a decree at the beginning of the year to reduce taxes, so we can make more money from selling grain. There is too much food to eat, and it can be sold at a good price. Who would not be happy if their livelihood is secure?
Qianlong looked at the heavy fields of rice and was so surprised that he stood still. His eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Yong Qi, Ji Xiaolan, and Fulkang also had their eyes widened and were speechless. oops! There is such a high-yielding rice in this world! If we look at the output, we simply can’t believe our eyes. The heavy ears of rice seem to be a gift from nature and a reward for the hard work of these farmers.
"This is fairy rice! Real fairy rice!" Qianlong exclaimed and couldn't help but get out of the car. Unknowingly, he walked to the wide and flat asphalt road, and then stepped into the rice fields. The asphalt road was so black and shiny that it was in sharp contrast with the surrounding green, as if it was a broad road leading to the future. Qianlong reached out and touched the ears of rice. The heavy feeling was beyond his imagination. The rice grains are full and hard, as if they are the essence of the earth, condensed with the nourishment of countless sunshine, rain and dew. If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes and touched it with his own hands, he wouldn't have believed that there was such high-yielding rice in the world.
Just then, an old farmer came over with a sickle. He was wearing coarse clothes, and his face was covered with traces of time, but his eyes were extremely sharp. He shouted loudly and asked: "What are you doing? Do you want to steal my food?" His voice was full of anger and dissatisfaction, as if it was a strong condemnation of those who got something for nothing. Other farmers also turned their heads to look over, their eyes full of vigilance and hostility. Farmers all know that farming is hard and difficult, so they particularly hate waste and theft. They saw that although Qianlong was well-dressed, he kept staring at the rice ears, so they suspected that he was a thief.
Fulkan became angry when he heard this. He opened his eyes angrily and defended loudly: "What nonsense are you talking about! Who stole your food? Aren't you afraid of death if you dare to be disrespectful to our master? "His voice was full of threats and intimidation, as if he wanted to use his power to overwhelm the other party. However, the old farmer was not afraid. He said coldly: "You broke into my field without authorization and your attitude is so arrogant. I will file a lawsuit with the government!" His voice was firm and powerful, as if he was defending. own dignity and rights. It turns out that Her Majesty the Queen has legislated to advocate equal rights. If the rights and interests of ordinary people are harmed, they can stand up for themselves.
Seeing this, Qianlong quickly explained: "Old man, you misunderstood. We are not here to steal food. We are just attracted by the sight of the harvest and want to come and see it." His voice was full of emotion. Sincerity and apology, as if you are apologizing to the other person. After listening to Qianlong's explanation, the old farmer's expression softened slightly, but he still said with some caution: "Then you can take a look, but don't touch my grain." After that, he turned around and continued to harvest rice.
Qianlong looked at the old farmer's back and was filled with emotion. He realized that although he was an emperor, he did not truly understand the lives and feelings of the people. He needs a deeper understanding of the land and its people in order to govern the country better. So, he decided to move on and explore more unknown worlds and unknown people's hearts.
At first, the villagers happily received the fields allocated by the country. The joy was like the warm sunshine in spring, filling the entire village. On the field ridge, people were laughing and congratulating each other, as if they were seeing the beautiful scenery of the future harvest. However, there are always a few careless guys in the village. They are like a group of restless crows, always making waves on the calm lake. As soon as there is any trouble, they will be ready to take action, clamoring to go to court, trying to get some benefits from it.
The government officials were unequivocal. They were dressed in black, holding long guns, and stood majestically in the courtroom. Whenever a troublemaker is brought to court, the officials will act in accordance with the law, arresting those who should be arrested and punishing those who should be sentenced, and will never tolerate it. After going back and forth like this several times, everyone became more and more in awe of the law. Now, not only those peasants who cannot read a word, but even little children know that they have to stand up to defend their rights and interests when bullied. The law is like a towering mountain, protecting everyone who abides by the law. .
On this day, the sun was just right and the breeze was gentle. Qianlong and his entourage were dressed in gorgeous costumes, riding tall horses, and walked slowly into the village. Their elegant clothes are in sharp contrast to the coarse linen clothes of the villagers. What's even more striking is that they still have the awkward-looking money rat tail braids on the back of their heads that were eliminated by the Great Yan Kingdom long ago. The appearance of this group of people immediately attracted the attention of the villagers.
An old farmer was walking from the field carrying a hoe. He has dark skin and wrinkles, but his eyes are extremely sharp. When he saw Qianlong and his party, he thought: These people probably sneaked over from the north. Hey, what's so great about the nobles in the north? In our territory of Great Yan, the dragon has to be coiled up and the tiger has to lie down. Thinking of this, the old farmer stood up straight and faced him without any fear.
"You...you..." Er Kang blushed with anger and his neck was thick, his fingers trembled and he cursed, "Tricky people! A group of unruly people!" As a royal family, when had he ever been so angry? However, the old farmer didn't even raise his eyebrows, and secretly smiled in his heart: This year's harvest is good, I'm in a good mood, and I don't bother to argue with you. If it were the time of transplanting rice seedlings, I would have to let you have a taste of the muddy water in the field. snort! What the hell! I spit on you!
The old farmer's attitude made Yongqi and Xiaoyanzi frown and shake their heads. Yong Qi sighed: "It's true that poor people come out of poor mountains and rivers!" Xiao Yanzi also echoed: "You're right, a farmer dares to be so arrogant, it is simply contrary to heaven." As the royal family, when Have you ever seen such rude people?
However, Qianlong did not notice this scene. He was so immersed in the amazing yield of super rice that he didn't notice the old farmer's "disrespect" at all. He stared at the heavy ears of rice. The golden rice grains shone dazzlingly in the sun, as if to show him the joy of harvest. He murmured to himself: "Did you grow this rice?" His voice was full of wonder and curiosity.
When the old farmer heard this, he was unhappy. He glared at Qianlong and said angrily: "Of course I planted it. This land belongs to my family. If it wasn't planted by me, how could it be planted by someone else?" His words were full of pride and pride, as if they were grown by others. Showing the fruits of his labor to Qianlong.
Qianlong did not mind the attitude of the old farmer. He continued to ask: "How can this rice grow so well? How do you control the depth when transplanting rice seedlings? What is the secret of breeding? How much fertilizer was used?" His The questions kept coming, and it was obvious that he was very interested in this high-yielding rice.
The old farmer replied: "This rice seed was given by Her Majesty the Queen. After I got it, I planted it according to the usual method. I didn't expect it to grow like this. It's not that I am good at farming. It's really Her Majesty's rice is good, and every household has high yields." His words were full of gratitude and respect for Her Majesty, as if he was telling a magical story to Qianlong.
"What? Queen Dayan..." Qianlong was so shocked that his jaw almost dropped. He originally thought that Li Qingge only knew how to fight, but he didn't expect that he was also a good hand in agriculture and could cultivate such high-yielding rice. His heart was filled with shock and wonder, as if he was witnessing the birth of a miracle.
Seeing Qianlong so surprised, the old farmer felt even more proud. His gratitude was beyond words, and he said with reverence: "Yes, Her Majesty the Queen is simply the reincarnation of a goddess, and she can do everything. She is the only one who can cultivate such good seeds. In the past, I worked hard to farm, and every acre of land was only harvested. Two or three hundred catties are planted now. The yield of this super hybrid rice can reach 1,600 to 700 kilograms per mu. This high yield means that we people in Dayan no longer have to worry about going hungry." His voice was full of excitement and joy, as if to express his gratitude. Qianlong showed a bright future.
Qianlong asked again: "How much can this kind of rice be harvested per acre?" His words were full of expectation and curiosity, as if he was asking the old farmer to prove an incredible fact.
The old farmer said proudly: "The poor land can harvest 1,500 catties, and the good land can harvest 1,800 catties. There is another family in my neighboring village who harvested more than two hectares of land. As for Qianjin, the news spread to all the neighboring villages. I have become a model for everyone to learn from. Although I am not as powerful as them, I can still earn 1,600 to 700 jin per acre." His voice was full of pride and bragging, as if he was showing off his power to Qianlong. The joy of the fruits of labor and harvest.
Qianlong and the others were dumbfounded when these words came out, with a slight hint of showing off. Oh my god! A yield of more than 1,500 kilograms per mu is simply unheard of! Although I saw the rice harvest with my own eyes, it was still shocking to hear the exact figures. Qianlong's heart was filled with excitement and joy. He seemed to have seen a brand new world, a world full of hope and possibility. He thought that if this kind of rice could be widely grown in the north, wouldn't the tax revenue from the national treasury be going up? You know, agricultural taxes are the lifeblood of the feudal dynasty's finances! Such high-yield rice is undoubtedly good news for the Great Yan Kingdom and the whole world.
In that vast field, the golden ears of rice swayed in the wind, like pieces of golden ocean, sparkling and beautiful. The farmers ushered in an unprecedented bumper harvest, and their faces were filled with joy and satisfaction, which was a kind of happiness radiating from the bottom of their hearts. The country's tax revenue has also followed the wave of this bumper harvest, rising sharply, the national treasury is full, and the people are happy. From now on, they no longer have to worry about not having enough money in their pockets, and their lives have more hope and hope.
Among the jubilant crowd, there was an old gardener. He was wearing coarse clothes and a bamboo hat. His face was covered with traces of time, but his eyes were shining with a strange light. He said with emotion: "Our Majesty the Queen, she really loves our people as her own children, which is why we have today's bumper harvest and good life. Look at these golden rice fields, every grain of rice carries your Majesty's love." Such kindness!"
He paused and looked into the distance, as if he had traveled through time and space and returned to those difficult days." It's a pity that there is no train here, otherwise I would have to go to Jinling City to see Your Majesty with my own eyes, kowtow to her, and thank her for her kindness. Even if I die, I will be satisfied."
"Her Majesty the Queen of Dayan...is she really that good?" Someone next to her asked curiously, with a hint of doubt and yearning in her tone.
Hearing this, the old gardener had a look of admiration on his face. He waved the hoe in his hand excitedly, "Of course! Her Majesty the Queen is a rare good person in the world. When other emperors are in power, they always Allowing those corrupt officials to oppress the people has made us miserable, but our Majesty is different, she is not only. Give us fields, keep us fed and clothed, and legislate to protect our rights, letting us know that people live with dignity and are not slaves at the mercy of others..."
Speaking of this, the old man The gardener's eyes were moist. He seemed to see Her Majesty the Queen's kind face, and his heart was filled with gratitude.
Several nearby farmers who had just harvested rice and were drinking water and resting after hearing this, also joined in the praise of Queen Li Qingge. They were all full of praise, their faces filled with respect and gratitude to the Queen.
"Speaking of Her Majesty the Queen's kindness, I couldn't finish it for three days and three nights. Although we farmers don't understand any big principles, we know how to be grateful." A dark-skinned and burly farmer said, His voice was husky and powerful, full of sincerity. "Yes! Whoever treats us well is like a mirror in our hearts. Her Majesty the Queen's kindness is heavier than Mount Tai and deeper than the sea!" Another farmer echoed, the water glass in his hand trembled slightly, obviously affected by this deep affection. Impressed.
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to repay Your Majesty’s kindness in this life. I can only set up a longevity tablet for her at home, burn a stick of incense morning and night, and pray to God to bless her with longevity, safety and health.” An elderly man The farmer said with emotion, his eyes full of piety and awe.
“I want to laugh when I think of what those ignorant officials said in the past, such as ‘It is a virtue for a woman to have no talent’ and ‘It is unnatural for a woman to do politics’. They are all nonsense!” A young farmer said angrily. His face was filled with admiration and admiration for Her Majesty the Queen.
"You're absolutely right! When Her Majesty the Queen becomes emperor, she is much better than the previous emperors!" Another farmer echoed, his voice full of pride and pride.
"Stop talking about those profound principles, just know that you love the people and treat them as your own family, that is the real wise king!" A middle-aged farmer concluded. As soon as he finished speaking, there was warm applause around him. and cheers.
The farmers spoke to each other and praised Queen Li Qingge one after another. Their laughter and laughter echoed throughout the field. This feeling of respect, love and gratitude for the Queen was like a spring breeze, blowing throughout the Great Yan Kingdom and spreading her good reputation.
Under the shade of a tree not far away, Emperor Qianlong and his party listened quietly to the farmers' discussions, with expressions of surprise and shock on their faces. Emperor Qianlong's heart was full of mixed feelings, as if he had been soaked in lemons, sour and with an indescribable taste. As an emperor, he was so majestic that the whole world had to submit to him. But at this moment, he envied Queen Li Qingge's respect and love that came from the hearts of the people.
Yong Qi, Falkang, and Xiao Yanzi were also stunned on the spot like statues, their eyes full of admiration and yearning for Queen Li Qingge. Ji Xiaolan and other accompanying ministers were even more surprised and speechless. They secretly wondered in their hearts, what is the charm of this Queen of Dayan that can make the people love and support her so much?
It is very rare in history for common people to spontaneously set up immortality tablets for their kings. Ji Xiaolan thought to herself that the literati thought they were noble, and would be extremely happy if they could get a Wanmin Umbrella or something like that. Queen Dayan not only won the hearts of the people, but also made the people willingly pray for her blessings and longevity. This honor made even the emperor envious.
As an emperor, it is enough to govern the country and manage officials from a high position. There is no need to get too close to the common people. But this Queen of Great Yan can be so loved and supported by the people. This is really an unprecedented miracle! The emperor already claims to be long live, so why do he want immortality? This longevity tablet thing is simply an unprecedented curiosity!
Emperor Qianlong thought secretly in his heart, maybe this is the real Mingjun! He looked at the golden rice fields and the jubilant crowds, and felt an inexplicable feeling in his heart. He seemed to see the future of the Great Yan Kingdom. Under the leadership of Queen Li Qingge, the country would be more prosperous and peaceful.
On that vast land shrouded in the joy of harvest, the sun shines gently, as if even the clouds in the sky are dyed with a bit of golden color. Is this a privilege that only officials can enjoy? At this moment, Emperor Qianlong was sitting in a luxuriously decorated carriage. Outside the window was the pastoral scenery passing by, but his state of mind was as if he had been thrown into a basket of rotten lemons. It was so sour that the taste was bubbling in his chest. Bubble. Beside him, Ji Xiaolan and other ministers were sitting or standing with different expressions, but they could not hide their sour emotions. But even if they had mixed feelings in their hearts, they had to admit that Li Qingge's actions were indeed extraordinary, like bright stars, and they were admirable.
Let’s not mention for the moment how the farmers spread word of mouth and praised Li Qingge’s benevolent policies like the sound of nature. The feat of super hybrid rice alone is enough to leave her mark in history. A stroke of rich ink and color that will become a legend that will be remembered forever by future generations. You must know that under the shackles of the feudal monarchy, the small-scale peasant economy is like the blood of the country, nourishing every living thing on this land. The livelihood of the common people is a very important matter. The prosperity of the country must ultimately rely on agriculture to lay the foundation. Now, once this super hybrid rice is promoted, it is like spring breeze and rain, nourishing thousands of farmlands. People no longer have to worry about hungry days. This contribution not only benefits the current generation, but also plants a field of hope for future generations. In Qianqiu.
In his heart, Emperor Qianlong always admired his grandfather, Emperor Kangxi. Kangxi's achievements in pacifying the Three Feuds, taking over Taiwan, and resisting Tsarist Russia were as glorious as the sun and the moon. Qianlong often boasted that he was "one emperor through the ages", and his admiration was beyond words. However, at this moment, facing Li Qingge's super rice, Kangxi's great achievements seemed to be a little dim. Qianlong couldn't help but sigh. It was a complex emotion, including nostalgia for his ancestors and shock to reality. Then, he gently waved his hand and urged the convoy: "Let's go quickly, it's important to hurry up!" Although his words were soft, he revealed an indescribable determination.
As the carriage moved forward slowly, Qianlong and his party went deeper into the south, and the scene in front of them became more and more prosperous. On the fertile land, golden rice waves roll, like a golden ocean, with magnificent waves. The public security situation is even more amazing. There are almost no signs of bandits. The people live and work in peace and contentment. The faces of the common people were filled with satisfied smiles, and they wore clean and tidy clothes without patches or holes. This is enough to show that under Dayan's governance, the people not only had enough to eat, but also wore warm clothes and lived a contented life. A qualitative leap.
The group of people had been running around all day. The sun was setting and the sky was covered with a gorgeous sunset. They felt a little tired. They saw a county town in the distance and decided to stay overnight. Although this county is small, with the vigorous promotion of Li Qingge, the large-scale infrastructure policy is in full swing, the economic strength has also been significantly improved, and the entire county has become completely new. Those low and dilapidated houses were demolished and replaced by new buildings rising from the ground. The spacious and bright streets were lined with street lamps towering into the clouds, illuminating every corner in the night. The green belt in the middle is even more ingenious, with flowers, plants and trees scattered in an orderly manner, the scenery is novel and unique, and it is beautiful.
After night falls, the lights in the county are brightly lit, just like daytime. The lights of high-rise buildings are flashing, and rickshaws, bicycles and the latest electric donkeys are constantly shuttling on the streets. Although these modern means of transportation have not yet been fully popularized, they are enough to show how prosperous this place is. There is a constant flow of people coming and going on the street, and the shops are located next to each other, making it very lively. The food stalls were crowded with people, and there was constant laughter and laughter. Men, women, old and young were immersed in the joy and enjoying the beauty of life.
Emperor Qianlong and his party walked on the street, feeling the rare tranquility and prosperity. In their hearts, they not only admired Li Qingge's ability to govern the country, but also had infinite longing for the future. Li Qingge used her wisdom and courage to create a new era for Dayan Kingdom, an era where people lived and worked in peace and contentment and the country prospered. And all of this will become the most dazzling chapter in the long history.
Oh, the hot plum and vegetable pancakes have just come out of the oven. The golden pancakes are still stained with a little oil, as if they are winking at the passers-by, tempting the stomachs of every passerby. "Come and buy it, if you're late, it'll be gone!" The vendor's shout was a little urgent, but still enthusiastic, like a cool breeze in summer, blowing through my heart.
Not far away, "Look here, the marshmallows are sweet and beautiful. If you miss it, you will suffer a big loss!" A vendor in colorful clothes was skillfully turning the wooden stick in his hand, and the strands of sugar were gradually growing like silk. Tangled into a fluffy cloud, tender pink and blue, it is really beautiful. The children gathered around, their eyes shining with anticipation, as if the marshmallows were not just food, but also their childhood dreams.
“The fruit is harvested, freshly cut and sold, it tastes great, it’s not sweet and free of charge!” An aunt’s voice was loud and clear, her stall was filled with all kinds of fruits , red apples, yellow bananas, green watermelons...the colors are colorful, just like the paint on the palette, which is dizzying. The knife in her hand rose and fell rapidly, pieces of fruit fell into the bowl, and then poured with special sauce. The freshness and sweetness seemed to instantly dispel all fatigue.
“There are also steamed buns, which are cheap and affordable. Each one only costs a penny!” An old man sat in front of a simple stall. His voice was gentle and steady. The golden steamed buns in his hand were attractive and exuded. Light grain aroma. It was some simple but warm food, reminiscent of the taste of home, simple but satisfying.
The shouts of hawkers are coming and going in the streets and alleys, and it is very lively. The air is filled with thick smoke of fireworks, and everyone's face is filled with smiles. It is a kind of love for life and a love for ordinary days. cherish.
This scene made Qianlong and Xiao Yanzi stunned, as if they had traveled back to ancient times, and seemed to have stepped into a brand new world. Their eyes were full of surprise and curiosity, and the shock in their hearts was beyond words. Qianlong frowned slightly. He had never seen such a prosperous small county town. The bustle and bustle even exceeded some markets in the capital.
"This...is this really just a small county?" Qianlong was so surprised that his face changed. He really couldn't believe that a small place could be so prosperous, it was even more lively than the capital city. His eyes traveled among the crowd, trying to find the source of this prosperity, but he only saw smiling faces, busy figures, and endless laughter.
Ji Xiaolan couldn't help but sigh: "This scene is just like the prosperous Tang Dynasty!" He thought of Du Fu's poem describing the prosperous age of Kaiyuan, and felt an inexplicable excitement in his heart. He looked at Qianlong, his eyes full of expectation, as if to say: "Look, this is the prosperous scene you have always longed for."
Little Yanzi was even more excited to jump up and down, she took Ziwei's hand, Move through the crowd like a child. "Wow! This place is like a fairyland, so prosperous that it feels like a dream!" Her voice was clear and sweet, full of curiosity and love for this world. Ziwei also repeatedly exclaimed: "It's so beautiful! It's so grand! Isn't this prosperity really not a dream? Erkang, tell me quickly, is this not a dream?" She held Erkang's hand tightly, as if she was afraid of this. Everything will suddenly disappear.
Erkang sniffed the fragrance in the air vigorously. It was a unique smell mixed with various snacks, which was both familiar and unfamiliar. "It's not a dream, it's real. The prosperity here is even more powerful than the capital city." There was a sense of certainty and pride in his words, as if he had a share of the credit for this prosperity.
Yong Qi also sighed: "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that there could be such a prosperous place in the world. They say, 'There is heaven above, and there are Suzhou and Hangzhou below.' I think there is no connection here. Even Suzhou and Hangzhou can't compare." His eyes swept across the streets, and the exquisite stalls, busy vendors, and the smiling people all made him feel an unprecedented shock.
Qianlong shook his head. He had been to Suzhou and Hangzhou. Although it was also very prosperous there, it was still a bit inferior compared to here. Especially those street lights, they hang high on both sides of the street, lighting up the night as brightly as during the day. Those lights are soft and warm, seeming to illuminate every corner of people's hearts. There is no such scene in Suzhou and Hangzhou. Although the night there is beautiful, it is more of a kind of silence and tranquility, but here it is very lively and full of vitality and vitality.
"It smells so good! It smells so good!..." Xiao Yanzi was drooled by the aroma of the food stall. She pulled Yongqi and ran to the nearest stall. It was a stall selling barbecue, and the meat was so fragrant that it made people salivate. Yong Qi smiled and followed him. He knew that Xiao Yanzi was a foodie and had an irresistible attraction to delicious food.
Erkang and Ziwei also quickly followed. They didn't want to miss any opportunity to taste delicious food. In this prosperous small county, they seemed to have found the long-lost happiness and freedom. The relaxation and joy were something they could hardly feel in the palace.
In the end, even Qianlong could not resist the temptation. He ate all the way, from the street to the end of the street. The snacks were novel and varied, and each one made his eyes shine, and each one made him full of praise. His belly gradually swelled, but the feeling of satisfaction prevented him from stopping. well! This folk snack is really delicious, even more surprising than the delicacies in the palace.
But what shocked Qianlong the most was not the novelty and variety of these snacks, but the cups of colorful iced drinks. They are placed in transparent glass bottles, red, green, yellow... colorful, like a summer rainbow, making people fall in love at first sight. Qianlong picked up a cup and tasted it. The cold feeling swept through his body instantly, as if his heart had been chilled. The drink not only looked tempting, but also tasted refreshing and thirst-quenching, making him admire the wisdom and innovation of the people with admiration. He secretly thought: "Such prosperity and wisdom may be the hope for the future of this country."
In this corner of the small town, the summer sun is as hot as molten gold. The shadows of trees on both sides of the street are dancing, but it is difficult to resist the rolling heat wave. However, in this hot summer, there was a small stall selling cold drinks, which seemed like a refreshing spring in the scorching heat, attracting pedestrians around to stop.
The owner of the stall is an aunt with a kind face and a pleasant smile. She is wearing a simple blue cloth dress, a bamboo hat on her head, and a few strands of sweat-wet towels hanging on her forehead. Broken hair, but still full of energy. On her stall, there are several exquisite wooden barrels filled with various juices, and the most surprising thing is that these juices are all iced.
You know, in this hot summer season, using ice is a luxury among luxuries. Even in the palace, people have to go to great lengths and spend a lot of money to enjoy cold drinks in summer. In the Forbidden City, every winter, a large pond must be dug in the Imperial River, filled with clean water, and allowed to freeze naturally. This ice has to be frozen for three days and three nights before it can be made into large ice cubes, which are then carefully stored in the cellar for use in the summer. When it comes to the ice cubes used to make ice drinks, they are even more particular. They have to be specially made with spring water from Yuquan Mountain, and the price is prohibitively high.
The cellar for storing ice is also specially built. It is dug deep into the ground, with thick and solid walls. It is also wrapped with several layers of cotton wool and chaff to prevent a trace of heat from getting in and melting the ice. From ice harvesting, ice extraction, ice transportation to ice storage, this entire process costs an astronomical amount of money. Moreover, even if it is made so carefully, the remaining ice cubes in the end are not even one-third of the original ones. Therefore, except for the royal aristocrats and those super-rich families, ordinary people cannot afford this treatment.