It's a waste of time if the Holy Emperor doesn't come
There was a TV series that dominated multiple TV channels for a while. It featured Zhang Guoli, a character with concubines, eunuchs, maids, and monks, running around everywhere. Shujia disliked it. From the subject matter to the male lead's face, it wasn't her cup of tea. However, the constant reports of new, beautiful actresses joining the cast in the entertainment news led her to form the idea that whenever Kangxi went south, he'd have to fall in love, regardless of whether he was doing work or not. Therefore, she was extremely displeased with Kangxi's arrival.
However, the Emperor Kangxi was approaching, and the bannermen of Hangzhou were enthusiastically welcoming him. A strange murmur drifted above the bannermen's camp. As for the people outside the bannermen's camp, Shujia had no idea what they were like. But one thing was certain: from that moment on, Hangzhou's officials, both high and low, were kept busy.
Most damningly, Kangxi wanted to stir up trouble for Zhejiang. At the end of the previous year, he had transferred the governor of Zhejiang to the governor of Fujian. After Shi Weihan left for the Lunar New Year, he installed the governor, Wang Guoan, as the governor-general of Zhejiang. Zhejiang was left without a governor again. In February, Zhao Shilin was transferred to the position, but within three months, Wang Guoan was transferred again. In May, the position of governor-general of Zhejiang was abolished. Officials, both high and low, were thrown into a tizzy. Without a governor and his subordinates, they had to find a new job. Those unrelated to the governorship had to find someone else, and once again, there was a lot of fuss. Only after the appointments were made and the relationships were straightened out could they get down to business.
According to reliable sources, Emperor Kangxi would not depart from Beijing until September, visiting the scenery, observing the people, and inspecting river works along the way. It would probably be November by the time he reached Hangzhou. Since it was still March, he still had half a year before he set off.
The reason I'm telling you all so early is that an emperor's travels are impossible without a large military presence. Although Kangxi insisted on keeping things simple, with only a few hundred people, preparations must be made along the way. The palace must be built, attendants must be selected, food, clothing, housing, and transportation must be arranged for the hundreds of people accompanying Kangxi, and guards must be posted along the emperor's routes... and so on and so forth. Six months in advance is enough to save you the trouble!
These are just the superficial matters. There are also the more private ones. For example, if the emperor arrives, the troops under his command must prepare to welcome him. If the emperor wants to review the parade, who will perform? Who will provide the commentary? Mahada and Shi Wenbing must accompany him, but it can't be just the two of them. How will the remaining positions be allocated?
These were just the various complications of a banner camp with only a few thousand soldiers stationed there. For a city as large as Hangzhou or even a province as large as Zhejiang, the troubles would be even greater. If the emperor came, he would need a place to stay, right? And you couldn't separate his entourage too much from him.
They've arrived, so they need to eat. Would you dare give them inferior food? Who will he bring with him? What are their ranks, and what kind of treatment do they deserve? They all need gifts, right? Officials of all ranks in Hangzhou must greet them. And then what? How will they be ranked in order of appearance? Who can stand out enough to impress the emperor?
Oh, and by the way, the emperor also had to see Hangzhou's local characteristics, so various local products had to be presented as a show. He also couldn't let the emperor notice Hangzhou's unsightly appearance; beggars and the like had to be dealt with. Fortunately, Hangzhou was prosperous, and its people were quite affluent, so beggars weren't many. The two most pressing issues facing the governor and provincial governors were: how to handle the conflicts between the bannermen and the common people; and the chaotic state of the grain transport system.
Earlier, Mahada's wife had warned the Sirut clan to be cautious about supplementing the household income. She was referring to the Bannermen's lending, saying the interest rates were too high, leaving borrowers unable to repay. This culminated in chaos among the military and civilians, with over two hundred people imprisoned in the government offices. Eventually, the matter reached Emperor Kangxi, who issued a special decree punishing the ringleaders and settling civilian debts at market interest rates between the Bannermen general and the Zhejiang governor.
Shi Weihan, who has since departed, was considered a capable official. Upon his arrival, he tried and released over 200 people, and once these cases were concluded, he was transferred. However, the debt of 310,000 taels, including principal and interest, remained. Zhao Shilin, however, had used 20,000 taels of his stepmother's pension to repay the debt on behalf of the people.
Mahada was in a dilemma and had no choice but to agree to the interest rate reduction. He even said that he was moved by Lord Zhao, but he must have been cursing in his heart. Zhao Shilin also asked merchants to donate to settle the account, and at least the matter was settled.
Zhao Shilin was truly a man of action. Since Emperor Kangxi might stay in Hangzhou during his southern tour, he accomplished a great deal. He raised funds to dredge the Hangzhou River and appointed firefighters. Everyone knew the emperor was coming, and no one could object at this juncture, so things progressed smoothly.
Shi Wenbing arrived late, and the loan sharking wasn't his concern; the rest was the purview of the local officials, so he only had to worry about the route and security. Daily, he urged Mahada to quickly decide on a location for the palace so they could make their plans.
Shi Wenbing was only a deputy, not bearing primary responsibility, but merely stating his position. Deep down, he felt the emperor's arrival was a major event. Overall, he felt quite relaxed.
Unexpectedly, a letter arrived from the Shi family's father, who lived far away in the capital, leaving Shi Wenbing flustered. Hua Shan's letter announced that he had arranged a marriage for Shi Wenzhuo, with the wedding to take place this year, and that he would arrange for him to be assigned to a foreign post before Emperor Kangxi traveled south. Finally, Hua Shan boasted to Shi Wenbing, "I'm so relieved to have my sons start families and build careers. I've truly been a responsible father."
Shi Wenbing: ...
The emperor is far away, and the father is crazy. Shi Wenbing was out of reach, so he had to prepare a bunch of congratulatory gifts with Xiluo Te and send Zhang Lu to personally escort them to Beijing, feeling aggrieved.
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Shi Lin was the provincial governor, and the province's finances and grain flowed through his hands. He was indispensable for these matters, and Shi Wenbing and his colleagues were also more informed. By early April, the palace's location had been decided on in Taipingfang. This was well within the spring plowing season, and the surrounding houses were demolished first. Then, craftsmen and laborers were assembled to begin construction on the palace.
After receiving the confirmation, Mahada and Shi Wenbing began preparing for the emperor's arrival. They compiled a list of their officers who would appear before the emperor. They also had to train their soldiers to assist with the security. Mahada was certainly capable, but one day, Shi Wenbing, both annoyed and amused, remarked to Xiluotai, "He's here again. I wonder where he got the job done? He's already selected his men before anything else has been arranged."
Xiluo Te said, "Isn't this a common thing?" Shi Wenbing said, "There is still more than half a year left. Anyone who is not a wooden man can practice well. But the way he did it is a bit..." He stopped talking halfway - his daughters came to pay their respects.
Shujia loved watching Guanyinbao spit out bubbles, and whenever she had time, she'd run over and poke his cheek. Shuxian would just smile softly beside them. Today, the two of them came together again. Shi Wenbing said, "It's hot, it's still early for the emperor's arrival, and we're almost done with our work. We didn't have enough fun last time we went back. Next time we have time, let's take Guanyinbao back and go to West Lake together."
The two sisters' expressions instantly brightened, and they exchanged glances. Shujia asked, "Father, is that true?" Shi Wenbing, for once, smiled broadly in such an occasion. "Of course." Xiluotai said, "Look how happy they are." Shujia whispered, "I've been in Hangzhou for almost two years, and I haven't been to West Lake. No one would believe me if I told them." Shuxian said, "Father, mother, aren't you going to take us there?"
Xiluo Te said, "You two should stop talking nonsense. Your father said so, so of course I agree." Shujia added, "I heard that the West Lake is also very beautiful in the rain. It would be great if it rained." She still remembered the love story of White Snake and Xu Xian.
Shi Wenbing agreed immediately: "Tell them to prepare the boat. We can go twice more."
Shujia glanced at him suspiciously. This was so strange. He was either a traitor or a thief if he showed such kindness for no reason. Although Shi Wenbing had never been a father who would abuse his daughter, it was strange for him to be so approachable. Shi Wenbing, however, kept his calm face, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
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West Lake is truly stunning. Its vast expanse of water, even outside peak tourist season, is often filled with more people than fish. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and a city wall on one, the lake never feels cramped, resembling a beautiful painting. There are numerous attractions to explore, including the lake's island, Su Bai Causeway, the winding lotus garden, and the Leifeng Pagoda at sunset.
Xiluo Te and Shuxian were mesmerized by the sight. Shujia, who had long heard of the beauty of West Lake, was also stunned by its beauty. Shi Wenbing had been there for a social event, and seeing his wife and daughter's surprise, he felt very proud—see, I chose the right place—but his expression remained calm.
"Let's go! Standing here is pointless. Let's take a look around while it's still warm. When the sun comes out, we can go to the lake to cool off." Shi Wenbing made the arrangements immediately. The servants dispersed, and as before, they cleared out the outsiders and set up a barrier, and the family walked inside.
Shujia: "Ama, you can only see what's under your feet."
Shi Wenbing: "Look up."
Shujia: "The sky is so blue~"
Shi Wenbing: “…”
Shujia: "Ama, I'm not tall enough!"
Girl with short legs, you are in trouble.
Shi Wenbing couldn't help laughing, and bent down to pick her up.
The surroundings were also lush and green. Shi Wenbing asked, "How is it?" Shujia nodded, "Even if this place wasn't called West Lake, it's still worth seeing." Shi Wenbing said, "That's quite interesting."
Shujia lowered her head and asked, "Big sister, can you see it?" Shuxian was taller than her, but still a little girl. Shuxian smiled and said, "It's okay, I'll go to the boat and see." Xiluo Te took Shuxian's hand and said to Shujia, "Look at how quiet your sister is. You've spoiled your father."
Shujia said, "If my father is happy, I am happy too. Right?" Shi Wenbing: "Uh."
Shujia turned her head and looked: "Ama, what's that over there?! It's such a huge temple."
There's actually another famous attraction near West Lake called the Temple of Loyal Martyrs, though the general public prefers to call it the Yuewang Temple. Congratulations, you guessed it right: it houses the renowned anti-Jin hero Yue Fei, a role model known for his loyalty, filial piety, integrity, and righteousness.
Shi Wenbing's face twisted a little. Comrade Yue Fei was a man worthy of recognition, a man who always remained loyal to his country.
As a reminder, this was the Qing Dynasty. "Manchu" is a colloquial term; the full name is "Manchuria"—a name changed by Huang Taiji. The original name was "Jurchen." The current name of the country is Qing. Before that, it was called "Jin," and to distinguish it from the Jin dynasty of the Wanyan clan, it was historically known as the "Later Jin."
No wonder Shi Wenbing's face was distorted; he hadn't intended to look. Unsure how to explain, he was about to say, "I'm not looking at that," when Fu Hai outside said, "Master, from a distance, that man looks like Mr. Jiang."
The host family was outing, and the teacher was on holiday, so Mr. Jiang also came to visit the lake. Upon seeing each other, Mr. Jiang came over to greet them. Through the barrier, Shujia asked Mr. Jiang the same question. Mr. Jiang was stunned, and could only answer simply, "That's the Ewang Temple."
"Huh?" Shujia didn't react for a moment, until Mr. Jiang said goodbye as if fleeing for his life, and Shi Wenbing put her down on the ground with an expressionless face, picked her up, and took the whole family aboard. Then she remembered that Yue Fei, whose courtesy name was Pengju, was posthumously named King of E by the Southern Song Dynasty court.
Knowing she was in the wrong, Shujia remained silent. I knew that this place had something against me.
Other than that, everything was fine. Shujia stopped asking random questions. She thought it would be better to ask Mr. Jiang later than Shi Wenbing now—she was less intimidated by the teacher. Xiluo Te remarked to Shuxian about the beautiful scenery: "It's more beautiful than a painting." Shuxian then recited some famous quotes from the past and explained them one by one.
The situation slowly turned around. Shujia thought for a moment: "Mother, can you come next time?" Xiluo asked curiously: "Didn't your father allow it?"
"I think Ama looks angry. He was the one who was supposed to carry me, and I'm not heavy, so why is he angry?"
How could Xiluo not feel the strangeness just now? That's why she was talking back and forth with Shuxian. At this time, she chuckled: "I think you are chubby, look at how delicate your sister is."
Shi Wenbing could no longer hold back and said, "It's nothing. That temple is Yue Fei. I'm telling you this, it's better than you asking around and breaking taboos without knowing it. You may not know yet, this Yue Fei..." He briefly explained, "He was a real man, but it's a pity that we broke taboos. The country was originally ruled by the Jurchens..."
Shujia: "Then I won't ask random questions anymore. If you have anything to ask, just go home and ask quietly." Shi Wenbing said: "Okay."
West Lake is vast. After a meal on the boat, I still haven't seen enough. Xiluo promised to come back in a couple of days. Shujia said, "It would be great if we could have a manor here, just like the ones in Beijing. I haven't been to the ones in Beijing, but I hear they're fun."
Xiluo Te thought she was just a child looking for something new and said, "The emperor is coming soon, so don't make any rash decisions." Shi Wenbing agreed with his wife, saying, "Governor Zhao just smoothed over the previous incident. Now we should do less and make fewer mistakes." Xiluo Te said, "That's right. There are so many things that can't be done in the future, but now is the time."
Shujia stuck out her tongue.
That evening, Shujia finally understood why Shi Wenbing had been acting so strangely. The Vice-Governor had said that their Banner Battalion bore a certain responsibility for the Emperor's safety, and that his inner study was currently handling a number of security matters that needed to be kept secret. Therefore, Shujia had to avoid suspicion.
Shujia: ...
Ah Ma! You are so insidious!
What else could she do? She couldn't roll over yet, and it was obviously inappropriate to show her father a displeasure. Shujia thought for a moment and said, "Then I want to read the two books in my father's study."
When Shi Wenbing heard that the requested works were "Drinking Water" and "Side Hat," two volumes of Nalan Xingde's poems, he thought for a moment and said, "That's all right. Even my master praises Nalan's poems. I'll just take a look at them, take a look at the rhymes and allusions, but don't dwell on them too much; it's exhausting. I'll send someone to buy them tomorrow."
Shujia nodded.
Well-behaved children are popular in this family, and within a few days, Shujia was allowed to go on another trip. This time, she started from the side she had never visited before, and saw a small part of West Lake. Fortunately, it rained. Seeing the misty West Lake, Shujia finally believed that sometimes photoshopped images have a basis.
Seeing his daughter had calmed down, Shi Wenbing allowed her to visit the rice fields at Mahada's farm in Hangzhou. The rice had already formed ears, but they were extremely small. There was no hybrid rice back then! So what if...
After a brief moment of fantasizing, Shujia quickly dismissed the idea. She'd seen a talk show where Yuan Longping described the discovery as the product of nearly forty years of research, the breakthrough supposedly a natural mutation discovered by chance in a field of several mu. She decided to give up on the idea; now wasn't the time to get it.
When she went back to read Mingzhu's son's composition, she couldn't help but pick up her pen and write in the book: "A person who is hurt by love will not live long, and a person who is too wise will suffer harm." She knew this person. It was said that he was very infatuated. There was a classmate who was fascinated by him back then and often talked about him. Even if she was not interested, she still remembered a little about his life and knew that he died early. Doesn't it make people fantasize endlessly about talented people dying early?
She was reading Nalan's poems simply to keep up with the trend. Mr. Jiang had said in class that Nalan's poems were very popular. Looking at them now, there was a reason for their popularity. It was a pity the author was dying. No wonder Shi Wenbing wouldn't let her read them carefully; the sentimentality was too strong.
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Girl, don't feel other people's sadness yet, you are almost sad yourself. You know, Kangxi Lai Le has a lot of troubles.
First, in September, Shi Lin seemed to have been promoted to the governor of Huguang because he had assisted the governor in tidying up Hangzhou and his previous officials had also done a good job. It happened that Emperor Kangxi was transferring people everywhere.
Excellent, a provincial governor, a frontier official. In official parlance, this was a feudal lord. Originally, such a promotion required returning to Beijing to report on one's work, then listening to a leader's speech, and only then could one go through the paperwork. This time, it was much easier; Kangxi came himself, and Shi Lin greeted him while he presented him with the official's position.
——This is just in theory.
In fact, all the officials in Zhejiang were busy as hell. The palace was already built, but Kangxi did not come.
Are you playing with everyone?
The Emperor is just trying to tease you, what's wrong with that?! He just said he might come and asked you to prepare, but he didn't sign a travel contract with you, right? What if the Emperor suddenly decides to come, and you're not prepared, where would he stay?
Everyone had no choice but to accept their fate, and then the governors and provincial governors of the surrounding provinces, generals and commanders-in-chief of the Eight Banners garrison areas all submitted memorials to pay their respects and request an audience.
Shi Lin then eagerly followed the governor to Jiangsu to meet the emperor. Emperor Kangxi seemed pleased with him and, with a wave of his hand, allowed him to take up his post. Shi Lin had no choice but to return to Hangzhou, packing his luggage, his staff, and his family. He still had some property in Zhejiang, which he packed up again, giving some to Shi Wenbing and selling some on the spot. He then said goodbye to everyone.
Shujia didn't miss Shi Lin; she had only met this great-uncle a few times. But she missed Mrs. Shi Lin. Although they didn't live together, she was the person she saw the most since arriving in Hangzhou. The old lady was also very kind to her family, having helped a lot over the past year without putting on airs as if she were her elder.
Shujia and Shuxian each gave the old lady some needlework as a token of their filial piety. She was quite sad to be moving again. At her age, nostalgia sets in, and without her children, she feels especially lonely. Xiluotai said, "Madam, your father has been promoted, which is a joyous occasion. Next up, he'll be either governor or a high-ranking official in Beijing. We'll have plenty of opportunities to meet again." The old lady's joy returned.
Shi Lin was still trying to warn his nephew, "The master has also asked about the situation in Zhejiang. The people in their camp have caused a lot of trouble in the past two years, but it has nothing to do with you. But the master may summon you to ask questions, so you should be aware of it. What do you mean? I don't need to tell you."
Shi Wenbing said, "My nephew has also seen His Majesty. The current emperor is extremely wise. Don't let your little thoughts fool you." Shi Lin said, "It seems you understand. I don't need to say more.
After Shi Lin's departure, the governor of Zhejiang was the only one who could see the emperor. However, Mahada and Shi Wenbing's memorials also arrived, and they were summoned for questioning along with the generals of several nearby bannermen stationed there. After all, they were stationed in banners. They never returned, so there was no bad news.
As November arrived, everyone began to get busy preparing for the Lunar New Year. Most of the bannermen in the camp had relatives in Beijing, and those with a little status and larger families all had to prepare New Year gifts to send to the capital. While the Shi family was busy, Emperor Kangxi spoke: "The two Manchu generals of Jiangning and Hangzhou, Deputy Governor-General Shi Wenbing, and Assistant Commander of Jingkou Dong Yuanqing, as there is no trouble in the local area, the four of you will escort the emperor to Beijing. The rest of the governors, generals, and deputy governors-general will return to their posts and do not need to accompany him far away."
The original words, not a single word changed.
So Shi Wenbing didn't even have time to say goodbye to his wife and children before he was packed up and taken back to Beijing.
Mrs. Sirut, who had been worried, finally felt relieved after hearing the news. She wrote a note to visit Mrs. Mahada. The two of them discussed and quickly packed a few more clothes and some simple daily necessities and sent them over together. Just as they finished packing, the two adults also sent people to pick up the clothes.
After finishing this matter, Shujia realized that she would have to spend another New Year without her family.
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