Chapter 914: Nothing is lost

The next morning, Yun Zheng and the others parted ways with Shen Luoyan and Ye Zi.

As for those attendants who were settled in other places, except for the accompanying imperial physician, they were all arranged by Ye Zi and Shen Luoyan.

That’s two or three thousand people!

Those people are under house arrest all day long and do nothing, and also waste food.

We still have to find something for them to do!

They had to rush to Yufeng City via Tianqiong Pass, then turn back from Yufeng City to Wolf God Mountain in Beihuan, and finally return to Dingbei from Wolf God Mountain.

Yun Zheng didn't know how long it would take to complete this circle.

But a rough estimate is that it will take at least three months.

Actually, the distance was not too far, and they knew that Emperor Wen was coming, so they set up temporary supply points along the way.

If the cavalry's raiding speed were followed, it would take a month to complete this large circle.

But since Emperor Wen was on a tour, it was impossible for them to march rapidly all day long!

"We'll have to send people to build a highway from Shuofang to Yufeng City or even Lingzhou!"

During the rest period on the way, Emperor Wen took the map and instructed Yun Zheng.

"I have the same idea."

Yun Zheng nodded and said, "On the one hand, it is to facilitate the transportation of troops and supplies, and on the other hand, it is also to facilitate the merchants coming and going and promote the development of trade..."

He had told Ye Zi last night that the cement workshop must be expanded as soon as possible.

According to his plan, even if the output of the cement workshop increased tenfold, there would definitely not be enough cement.

"How wide do you plan to make it?"

Emperor Wen asked.

Yun Zheng replied: "Under the current circumstances, it's probably two feet at most!"

He wanted to build a four-meter-wide bridge, but he needed the money to do so!

"Well, two feet is about right."

Emperor Wen nodded and smiled, "This is a huge project! How many years do you plan to complete it?"

Yun Zheng: "Within two years!"

"Within two years...?"

Emperor Wen and Qin Liugan widened their eyes at the same time.

After coming to his senses, Emperor Wen stared at Yun Zheng in disbelief: "You will die if you don't brag? From Shuofang to Yufeng City, there must be at least 1,200 miles, right? You can build such a long road in two years?"

"I want it to be completed within two years."

Yun Zheng smiled awkwardly, "Whether it will succeed or not depends mainly on the output of cement..."

He has no shortage of people now.

In addition to a large number of captives, there were also many starving people from Dayue in Qiuchi.

As long as he provides work-for-relief services, many people will rush to do this.

What he lacks is materials!

If there were enough materials, it would take only half a year to repair it, let alone two years.

Is that so?

Emperor Wen thought for a moment and said, "Then get more people to make your cement!"

Yun Zheng smiled helplessly, "I have already arranged to expand the cement workshop, but it doesn't mean that the output can be doubled just because there are more people..."

Father, do you think that if the cement workshop now has 100 people and the number is increased to 500, the output can be increased fivefold?

It’s not that easy!

If it is really that easy, he can now guarantee that the road can be repaired within half a year.

"Anyway, let's hurry up! Once this highway is built, it will be easier to control the Northwest Protectorate."

Emperor Wen said, and then looked down at the map, "Shuofang is a very good location! Later you can gradually use Shuofang to replace Dingbei!"

Whether it is to Northwest Protectorate or Beihuan, Shuofang is much closer than Dingbei.

Moreover, Shuofang is located at a strategic location, so it is actually very easy to develop.

In addition, Shuofang is not much farther from Beilu Pass than Dingbei, so Shuofang is very suitable as an administrative center.

"I will consider it!"

Yunzheng nodded seriously.

This is indeed something worth considering.

Moving the administrative center to Shuofang will help strengthen control over the Northwest Protectorate and Beihuan and other tribes.

Emperor Wen nodded and smiled, patted his butt and stood up, "Okay, it's enough rest, let's get ready to go!"

……

After more than twenty days of long journey, Yun Zheng and his companions finally arrived at Yufeng City.

This speed was much slower than Yun Zheng had imagined.

In fact, they were moving quite fast on the road. Although it was not as fast as a forced march, Emperor Wen had given up the carriage and rode on horseback, so the speed was naturally not slow.

The reason why it was slow was that Emperor Wen had turned into a curious baby since he arrived at Tianqiong Pass.

Sometimes, Emperor Wen had to climb up even an ordinary little hill to take a look.

They walked and stopped along the way, and naturally slowed down.

However, along the way, Emperor Wen taught Yun Zheng a lot about how to govern the country.

If Emperor Wen discovered any problems in the Northwest Protectorate, he would raise them in a timely manner.

Along the way, Yun Zheng gained a lot.

As they were heading towards Yufeng City, the scouts ahead came back to report: "Your Majesty, Dugu Ce led the officials of all levels of the Northwest Protectorate to go out of the city 20 miles to welcome you!"

"I understand. Retreat!" Emperor Wen waved his hand lightly and asked Yun Zheng to order the army to speed up.

About a quarter of an hour later, they finally saw Dugu Ce and his group standing in the scorching sun waiting.

When Emperor Wen rode forward, Dugu Ce immediately knelt down respectfully and said loudly: "Your Highness Dugu Ce leads the officials of the Northwest Protectorate to welcome the emperor!"

"Your Highness is here to welcome you!"

Behind Dugu Ce, a group of officials and guards knelt down to greet him.

Emperor Wen dismounted with the help of Zhou Dai and slowly walked to Dugu Ce, "Everyone, get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone shouted in unison and slowly stood up.

Dugu Ce bowed and said, "Your Majesty has been exhausted from the journey. I have ordered a carriage to be prepared. Please get on the carriage and rest for a while."

"no need."

Emperor Wen waved his hand and said, "We rode here all the way, and now I am not used to riding in a carriage. Let's rest when we get to Yufeng City! Let them lead the way, and you can chat with me."

"Yes!"

Duguce took the lead.

Soon, the group set off again.

Dugu Ce also followed Emperor Wen and Yun Zheng.

"Isn't it difficult to be the Grand Protector of the Northwest Protectorate?"

Emperor Wen turned his head and looked at Dugu Ce, "It's only been a year, and you've aged a lot!"

The last time he saw Dugu Ce was last year at Weibian.

Compared to last year, Dugu Ce does look a bit older.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Dugu Ce smiled apologetically, "There are indeed many things going on in the Northwest Protectorate, but Your Majesty's visit to the Northwest Protectorate will surely reassure the people of the Northwest Protectorate. From now on..."

"Okay, stop saying that."

Emperor Wen raised his hand to interrupt Dugu Ce, "It is up to you to calm the people. I don't have such great ability! I came here this time just to see what the newly added territory of Daqian will look like in my lifetime."

Dugu Ce laughed, "When the majesty's majesty is there, the people will surely submit."

"Stop it!"

Emperor Wen smiled and glared at Dugu Ce, "What I fear most now is that you will talk to me about the majesty of heaven and the grace of heaven! I have nothing. If you need money and food, go to him!"

As he spoke, Emperor Wen pointed at Yun Zheng who was standing beside him.

Dugu Ce laughed dryly and stopped talking.

It seems that I really won’t be able to get money and food this time…