For Zhu Youxiao, having a peaceful year was not a luxury.

Although the Later Jin launched the attack, the news just received did not reveal its true purpose or the real target of the attack.

But the preparations had been done thoroughly enough, with sufficient money, food, ammunition and supplies. The military towns were also highly alert and had made arrangements to meet the enemy.

If this still didn't work, Zhu Youxiao would have no other options. Besides, even if he was anxious, he couldn't give random orders in the palace.

Ningyuan was so fortified, with Xiong Tingbi personally stationed there and armed with red-haired cannons, that even if the Jiannu came with hundreds of thousands of troops, they would not be able to capture it.

Juehua's defense facilities were also very complete. With the command of He Kegang and others, and the navy to assist, and the sea surface not necessarily frozen, it would be extremely difficult for the Jiannu to break through.

The two corps of Zhang Pan and Kong Youde from Luda, as well as the reinforcements from Dengzhen, with their perfect deep defense line and the artillery and muskets they had deployed, should have a good chance of holding on and would not fall.

Mao Wenlong's headquarters in Dongjiang has the largest number of troops and is well-equipped. Add to that the agility of the great guerrilla leader Mao, and even if they can't hold the land, retreating to the island shouldn't be a problem, right?

Damn Jiannu, why don’t you fight them after the New Year? There are only a few days left.

Zhu Youxiao cursed in his heart, then came to the sand table and analyzed it carefully again, which made him feel relieved. It's useless to worry about it, so he waited for the news later!

Although Zhu Youxiao was somewhat displeased with the Jiannu's attack, it was not unexpected. Their eagerness to attack only strengthened Zhu Youxiao's determination to continue the blockade and siege.

Although in his memory, the first major famine in the history of the Later Jin seemed to occur a few years later, and it seemed that Yuan Chonghuan opened the market to sell grain to the pro-Jin Mongolian tribes, which indirectly alleviated the famine in the Later Jin.

But the situation now is very different from that in history. The plight of the Later Jin Dynasty has become apparent, and it is very likely that the economic crisis will occur ahead of schedule.

If you can’t grab it this time, you’ll be in big trouble next year!

Zhu Youxiao sneered, his heart full of malice, and gained some more confidence in the small goal of "pacifying Liaoning in five years".

"Your Majesty," Wang Tigan came in to report, "The fireworks display outside the Meridian Gate has been arranged, and the greenhouse has been set up. Should we notify the nobles in the harem now?"

Although there was a custom of setting off fireworks in the Qianqing Palace during the New Year, Zhu Youxiao felt that it was a bit wasteful for only the people in the palace to watch, so he made changes.

First, it did not start from the 24th day of the 12th lunar month, but from the 28th day until the first day of the new year; second, it was moved to the open space outside the Meridian Gate, and the people of the capital were allowed to come and watch.

In addition to setting off fireworks, the palace's Aoshan Lanterns and fireworks were also moved to the outside of the Meridian Gate for display, highlighting the atmosphere of celebrating with the people.

Zhu Youxiao thought for a moment and said, "We need to be more careful with Concubine Yu and send more palace maids to look after her. If she doesn't want to see him, don't force her."

"Yes, I will send someone to convey the emperor's oral instructions." Wang Ti Gan knew that it was because Concubine Yu was pregnant that the emperor attached great importance to her, so he agreed respectfully.

Unfortunately, fireworks were not allowed in the harem for fear of causing a fire. Zhu Youxiao felt a little regretful, but he knew what was more important and did not change the rule.

"Let's set off some fireworks in the Palace of Heavenly Purity on New Year's Eve!" Zhu Youxiao then ordered, "Call all the concubines in the harem to come and have a New Year's Eve dinner with me."

Although there is no such rule, it is not a big deal in the imperial palace. This is also the emperor's way of taking care of the concubines, so they don't have to go to the Meridian Gate to watch.

Wang Tigan bowed and agreed, but did not do it immediately. He continued to wait for the emperor's instructions.

Zhu Youxiao thought for a while and then asked, "Wang Ban, you put lucky charms in dumplings, right? Tell me about it."

In the Ming Dynasty, the New Year celebrations in the palace usually started at the fifth watch on the first day of the lunar month. People would burn incense, set off fireworks, drink pepper and cypress wine, and eat dim sum, which were dumplings.

There were also dumplings with coins hidden inside, and eating them was a sign of good luck for the coming year. Of course, the emperor was not so vulgar and placed small bamboo plaques with prizes written on them inside the dumplings.

For example, if the bamboo plaque says "jade pendant", if you eat it, you can take it to claim the prize, and the emperor will reward you with a jade pendant.

Hey, this is interesting.

Zhu Youxiao laughed and said, "In that case, let's summon the three imperial sisters to come. As for the prizes, give them more. It's the New Year, so let's have a festive and lively time."

Okay, whatever the emperor says is what it is!

Wang Tigan accepted the order with a flattering smile, and did not forget to compliment the emperor for his consideration of family affection.

Zhu Youxiao never hesitated to save what should be saved and what should not be saved.

The crackdown on corrupt officials and students also made a fortune. Before the New Year, the official pension system was officially launched, and year-end bonuses were also issued to hardworking and loyal officials. Among them were eunuchs such as Wang Tigan and Lao Wei.

In fact, the emperor’s reward does not depend on the amount of money. It shows that the emperor has you in his heart, which is more important than anything else.

Old Wei and Old Wang had seen the fate of corrupt eunuchs like Wang Shi. And those corrupt officials whose homes were confiscated had truly revealed Wansui's likes and dislikes.

How much can you spend even if you are greedy for mountains of gold and silver? Once you are convicted, you will lose your head. What’s the point of having money?

There is a nursing home on the outskirts of the city, and there is a pension for retirees. There is enough money to spend, and there are young eunuchs to serve you.

As long as you do your job honestly, you don't have to worry about your life when you're old. This is much better than spending money to support a godson, and not knowing whether he is an ungrateful person.

This is all thanks to Your Excellency. All you have to do is to repay Your Excellency with all your heart and soul.

Well, I also have to pray for longevity and health, and that he will always protect me. If I change my master, not to mention changing the rules, how can I still trust him so much and value his grace?

Wang Tigan accepted the order and was about to leave, but Zhu Youxiao held out his hand to stop him, saying, "I want to go out of the palace for a walk. Wang Ban will be arranged immediately."

"Your Majesty..." Wang Tigan hesitated for a moment, but still did not dissuade him. He bowed and said, "I will go and make the arrangements."

It had been a long time since he had made a secret visit. Zhu Youxiao felt a little suffocated staying in the palace every day and looking at those faces.

………………

Lu Jianxing became a centurion, but he gradually deviated from his original job as a guard of the Imperial Guard and was about to become the emperor's personal bodyguard.

Every day around the time when the morning court session ended, Lu Jianxing would rush to the Qianqing Gate with a few of his brothers and wait in the designated gatehouse.

Regardless of whether the emperor goes out or not, you must be prepared and be available at any time.

Therefore, Wang Tigan made arrangements quickly. Soon, the emperor and Li Chengcheng, dressed in plain clothes, left the Palace of Heavenly Purity, got into their carriage, and, protected by several plainclothes guards, quietly entered the streets of the capital.

Since the great victory in Guangning, there had been no alarm in Liaodong for a long time, but there were several times when messengers reporting victory shouted and galloped through the streets on horseback.

Although Liaodong is far away, victory or defeat does not affect life much, but the peace of mind can still be seen in many places.

As the New Year is approaching, no matter whether you are rich or ordinary people, you will have to hang new couplets and lanterns on your door.

The shops are decorated with lights and the owners and clerks are all smiling as they welcome the customers.