Chapter 54. Chapter 54. To bow down for a few bushels of rice...
The central dynasties' actual control over the south began with Emperor Wu of Han.
As for why it wasn't Qin Shi Huang... Zhao Tuo, who established the Nanyue Kingdom and effectively controlled Guangdong and Fujian, was originally a general of Qin, sent by Qin Shi Huang. However, like Xu Fu, he led 200,000 Qin soldiers and never returned, declaring himself emperor. He not only avoided the turmoil at the end of the Qin Dynasty and the beginning of the Han Dynasty, but even lived until the years after Emperor Wu of Han ascended the throne.
Emperor Wu of Han conquered Nanyue and Dian, bringing Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces into China's territory for the first time. By the time Emperor Taizu of Song ascended the throne, numerous small kingdoms existed in the south, including Dali, Jiaozhi, and Champa.
Because the Song Dynasty's defenses were primarily in the north and west, it wasn't particularly interested in annexing these southern regimes. The southern regimes, having probably learned from history, were also quite sensible and had no desire to contend with the behemoth in the north. They continued their tribute missions and private trade as usual, maintaining a relatively peaceful coexistence.
—Oh, right, except for Nong Zhigao, who rebelled eight years later.
The Court of State Ceremonial (Honglu Temple) frequently dealt with these small kingdoms, managing their tribute. Many of these tributes, such as various local products, were damaged en route or were not to the liking of the officials, and were ultimately handed over to the Court of State Ceremonial for disposal. Most of the seeds sown this time came from these defective items.
They eagerly awaited, hoping to cultivate something good. The best outcome would be something like the Champa rice that Emperor Zhenzong ordered to be promoted nationwide. That would be a far greater achievement than grapes or century-old peach trees. At the very least, they hoped it would sprout, proving they had tried, right?
As a result, when a crop that no one had ever seen or recognized before slowly grew and bore fruit in the soil, everyone at the Honglu Temple was dumbfounded. What was this thing with its broad ovate leaves, heart-shaped base, and split fruit revealing snow-white fluff?
Grains? Or fruit? Neither seems right!
They initially suspected it was because they were unfamiliar with the five grains, so they consulted experienced farmers, but they couldn't identify it. They then consulted a traditional Chinese medicine doctor familiar with herbs, but he still couldn't recognize it. In desperation, they submitted a memorial to the emperor, which surprisingly attracted the attention of the emperor and Prince Cheng himself to investigate—but that's another story.
Let's start with Fusu at the Imperial Academy.
As Su Shi said, after His Majesty's visit to the Imperial Academy, Fusu's reputation reached its peak. The reason for this was none other than those two dishes. Not to mention within the Imperial Academy, the students would always verbally praise him whenever they ate fried rice with eggs and boiled cabbage in clear broth.
"Zhao Xiaolang is indeed exceptionally talented."
"Could he be the reincarnation of the Taotie?"
Thank you all for not telling me I'm the reincarnation of Yi Ya.
Up to this point, things were still within Fusu's expectations. But outside the Imperial Academy, his reputation had spread far and wide, and everyone from officials to commoners was talking about him.
"Why?" Fusu was stunned.
Today is a rare day off, and also the day Fusu promised to take Miaowu out to play. The two of them are in the house rented by Su Shi, waiting for Miaowu to come and meet them, while feeding Dongjun a low-salt version of fried cat food with eggs.
Dongjun ate with great relish, burying her fluffy head in the bowl, refusing to lift her head no matter how much people stroked her.
"You still ask why? Look at what's being said outside. Your most famous thing now isn't writing two poems, it's the two dishes that won over the emperor. Do you understand?"
"..." Fusu was speechless.
He truly underestimated the Song people's passion for food.
He even started to question his own existence: "Is it really that delicious?"
Boiled cabbage in clear broth is acceptable, given it's a state banquet dish. But fried rice with egg is just a home-style dish.
"The key point is—even the officials said it's delicious."
Su Shi scoffed at Fusu's Versailles-like remarks: "Besides, haven't you noticed that recently there have been more officials using the excuse of visiting relatives and friends to come and visit Yang Jijiu and Dr. Mei, and to come to the Imperial Academy's dining hall to taste the new dishes?"
"If they promote it again, won't your reputation be ruined?"
"I hadn't noticed. I've been busy preparing for the Lent exams lately."
No, that's not quite right. Actually, he was busy digesting his father's wise words and figuring out how to recover the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun. But if this got out, it would probably scare people to death, and they would suspect he was out of his mind. Fusu made up his mind that he wouldn't tell anyone until he figured out a solution, not even the Emperor.
However, once the topic of the entrance exam came up, Fusu had a lot to say. He deliberately slowed his speech and asked leisurely, "How are your preparations going?"
If I remember correctly, their progress seems to be even slower than mine?
"..." This time, Su Shi was speechless.
He was furious: "You, you're asking a question you already know the answer to!"
Zhao Xiaolang stays home all day, and nobody knows what he's been up to. When Yang Jijiu and Dr. Mei entertain guests, they always have to show off their student, right? With Zhao Xiaolang gone, who should they show off to? Shouldn't he fill in?
He has to stay by his teachers' side all the time lately, forced to act as a model prodigy, and is constantly being asked and answered questions. He has no time to study properly.
After a brief and even exchange of blows, the two decided to call a truce and simultaneously looked towards the door. A short while later, two figures, one tall and one short, approached, and both Fusu and Su Shi immediately stood up.
The shorter girl initially looked around nervously as she pushed open the door, but upon seeing Fusu, she immediately rushed over, showing none of the demeanor of a princess. Liang Huaiji, who was behind her, had no choice but to jog to catch up, wiping his sweat and calling out, "Princess, Princess, be careful not to trip!"
But Miaowu wasn't happy to hear that. She had been looking forward to this day for a long time. Upon seeing her younger brother, she forgot everything else. Under Fusu's horrified gaze, she grabbed him and cried out, "Su'er!"
Fusu was held tightly in a close embrace, with no room to breathe, and his surroundings were completely dark. He couldn't help but think: Something's not right. Miaowu used to be a quiet and demure princess, not this lively and energetic one.
Could it be because we haven't seen each other for so long and I miss him too much?
But Fusu didn't intend for anyone to change. Rather, things were just right as they were. If someone remained quiet and demure for too long and eventually snapped, people wouldn't appreciate their resilience; they might even think they'd suddenly fallen ill.
...But wasn't that holding him for a little too long?
Fusu tried to push, but couldn't.
I pushed again—but I still couldn't push it open.
The difference in strength brought about by age cannot be ignored. To outsiders, his resistance resembled the struggle of prey. Although Su Shi and he were usually close friends who teased each other, their long-standing revolutionary friendship still prevented him from speaking up for him: "Zhao Xiaolang is about to run out of breath."
"Your Highness, Princess."
Su Shi felt a little uncomfortable after calling out to the person.
After all, he only learned of Zhao Xiaolang's identity after they became acquainted. Zhao Xiaolang was first a like-minded friend, and then the son of an official and a first-rank prince. But this one was different; upon their first meeting, he was revealed to be the eldest daughter of an official, a genuine princess.
Moreover, this princess was not only beautiful and lovely, but also possessed an exceptionally elegant demeanor, unlike any other woman he had ever met. No one else possessed the air of someone surrounded by admirers.
Su Shi scratched his head in embarrassment, unsure how to get along with him.
But the princess's actions quickly shattered Su Shi's illusions. She promptly released Zhao Xiaolang and then berated him for his carefree life outside while she waited alone in the Forbidden City. Even after Zhao Xiaolang retorted that he had kept his promise, she didn't change her mind; in fact, she seemed even more indignant.
“Even my father saw you before I did,” Miaowu accused.
Fusu has become mute.
Fusu remained silent.
He touched his nose: he was in the wrong.
The interaction between the siblings reminded Su Shi of his own elder sister. She was praised by outsiders as "a fine daughter of the Su family," yet she showed no mercy to her younger brother, displaying none of the admirable virtues she was lauded for. He wondered how she was doing now? And what about their father, mother, and Zhe'er—were they all alright…?
What brought Su Shi back to his senses was a soft meow from a cat.
"Meow—"
It turned out that Dongjun had finished her cat food and was lazily licking her paws when she suddenly smelled the scent of an outsider. Bold as she was, she sniffed herself closer, then pounced on Miaowu like a tiger descending a mountain.
Su Shi exclaimed in surprise, "The Lord of the East!"
That's a princess, you'd be dead if you hurt her... Wait, how did you just slip into the princess's arms so smoothly and meow for a pat? Lord Dong, I am your master, how have you ever treated me like this!
"Wow!" Miaowu exclaimed, giving the kitten a warm welcome. She pinched Dongjun's little paw pads and even touched its fluffy, warm tail.
Even when the action was offensive, Dongjun only meowed twice in a symbolic protest, without making the slightest move.
Seeing this, Fusu revealed a cool smile: "Dongjun seems to really like us siblings."
He was referring to the time Dongjun jumped into his arms and treated him like a cat climbing frame.
"On the other hand, has she ever treated you like that?"
Su Shi: "..."
Su Shi: "…………"
He's the one who works hard and buys dried fish every day!
To kill someone is to destroy their spirit; there is no better way.
Su Shi cried out in grief and indignation, "Zhao Xiaolang, I'll fight you to the death!"
"what happened?"
Miaowu, engrossed in petting the cat, looked up to find her younger brother and his friend wrestling (or what?). She wanted to help Su'er, but Dongjun was just too adorable, and she couldn't bear to let go. Besides, if she offended the cat's owner, would he stop letting her hold him?
In just one second, Miaowu decided to pretend he hadn't seen it.
"Could we take it to the market with us?"
While dealing with Su Shi's overwhelming words, Fu Su replied, "There are timid cats among the cats. They might fall ill from fright at the sight of a large crowd. I wonder if Dong Jun is like that."
"Besides, Dongjun seems to have never traveled far from home. If she gets lost, she might not be able to find her way home."
"Then forget it."
“By the way,” Fusu suddenly noticed something important: “Where are the guards? Did the Emperor only send you and Huaiji out?”
Fusu didn't believe it. He couldn't believe the emperor could be so magnanimous after knowing he had once encountered thugs and hooligans.
Miaowu reluctantly put Dongjun down: "I brought the Imperial Guards as protection and had them wait at the entrance of the alley. Huaiji also said that most of the people in this area are from powerful families, and ordinary people wouldn't dare to cause trouble."
"Besides, before I left, my father specifically told me that he was worried about you and asked me to keep an eye on you."
Fusu pointed to himself: "Me?"
"But I didn't..."
Miaowu raised a delicate eyebrow: "Su'er, Father summoned many ministers and specially cleaned up the atmosphere in Bianjing City. I have even heard about this in the palace."
Who are you doing this for?
Fusu: "..."
How did you know?
"Of course, Huaiji told me."
Fusu immediately glared at Huaiji: "You actually betrayed our revolutionary friendship."
Huaiji shrank back: Your Highness, have you forgotten that I was originally a eunuch serving the princess?
Su Shi let out a strange "Eek," and was immediately glared at by Fu Su.
"You were there too."
"What does this have to do with me!"
"Shall we head out first?" Miaowu couldn't stand the two elementary school kids' bickering and gently interrupted, "I've saved up enough money to go see the streets of Bianjing. If you have anything you like, feel free to tell me."
She called out, "Huaiji."
Immediately, Liang Huaiji, who had been silent all along, pulled out a large amount of silver coins from various parts of his body. After taking them off, he looked much more refined.
"Wow……"
Compared to Miaowu, Fusu immediately became poor.
"Sister!"
He immediately and firmly shouted out this name that he would never use.
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The author's note: So this is how I bow down for a few bushels of rice. [Starry-eyed]
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