Chapter 17-The Merchant Extricates Bashang from Danger
（17）
The group boarded the carriage and left the camp. They circled the hill and headed north. After passing through two valleys, the convoy drove on a steep slope with difficulty. They crossed the mountain and entered a valley. Not far away, they could vaguely see some houses. There was a village here, and it looked quite large. The convoy drove along the main road beside the village at a moderate pace.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in front of them, and the convoy was forced to stop. A vanguard soldier ran over to report to King Wu that there was a funeral procession coming out of the village. It was said that an old man in his nineties had passed away, so the procession stopped to make way. When King Wu heard this, he could only look at the plastic tripod modestly.
When Jiao Li heard this, he was first surprised. Wang Che had made way for a funeral of a dead person he had never met before. This was the first time in his life that he had done this. He turned around and examined the Martial King. He saw the Martial King sitting quietly in deep thought. His expression seemed to be mourning the deceased. Ah, another new thing.
After a while, the funeral procession came in the opposite direction. White flags and black banners led the way. A carriage carrying the coffin slowly moved forward, followed by a long line of people. Everyone was wearing a black belt. Some were wailing, some were crying, some were sobbing, and some were singing. Their sorrowful songs shook the earth, and they were sorrowful.
The glue tripod was stunned. Looking at this long line of sad people, he thought of Shangdu. Every time someone went out to be buried, they would drag the living people along with them. There were hundreds of people at most and a few at least. When they were buried and sacrificed, they also used living people as offerings. Although this method of 'sacrificing humans' and 'burying them with their lives' was extremely cruel, it had become a custom after several generations. He began to grieve for those who followed him. Only when one was past sixty years old did one feel the preciousness of life. Whether it was a slave or a master, they were all living beings. Who didn't cherish their lives? The mournful voice rang in his ears, and the atmosphere was mournful. His mood became heavy. He had been happy and full of fun just now, but now he had been chased away all of a sudden. He could not help but tear up.
King Wu saw Jiao Li's expression and said,""A lifetime only lasts for a few decades. The future generations sent their predecessors away, and the world was forced to advance.”
"These people are all strong and healthy. What a pity.”With tears in her eyes, she sighed and pointed at the funeral procession.
Lu Shang was familiar with the funeral rites of the Shang Dynasty. When he heard this, he calmly said to him,"Shang Shi is sad, so that's why. In the Zhou Country, it was also customary for people to be buried with sacrificial animals. After King Wen's reform, this cruel system was abolished. Now, he only used items as burial objects. As for the offerings, they were replaced by livestock. Human lives were precious. They couldn't kill innocent people and waste manpower.”
"Ah, ah." " Is that really the case?" asked Jiao Li doubtfully. Then what was the use of these people?”
"The deceased has passed away, and they have done many things for the world in their lives. The living use this as a memorial to express their nostalgia for the past and their condolences for the deceased. The cruel system of human sacrifice had been abolished, but this symbol had remained and was still serving mankind.”King Wu had heard the conversation between Jiao Li and Lu Shang clearly, so he interrupted and replied," The state preceptor was in Shang back then, and now he is in Zhou. He is very familiar with the human relations and affairs of the two countries. Back then, Father Shang had to rely on Father Shang's help to get rid of the cruel system and implement benevolent policies. Otherwise, there wouldn't be such a new custom.”
"I've long heard of King Wen's benevolent politics. If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it. This welcoming life to die, benevolence and righteousness sacrifice ceremony are preserved. In this aspect, my Shang Dynasty is inferior to your Zhou Country.”Jiao Li praised and raised a new question."However, if we don't strictly control the slaves and punish them, will they obediently submit? Aren't you afraid that they will rebel?”
"Didn't you see the people living and working in peace and contentment on your way to the west?”Lu Shang asked back. When he received the approval of the plastic tripod, he added,"It took a lot of effort to implement the new system back then. Slaves were also human beings. As long as they were reasoned with and governed by rules, they would be able to obey the rules. This was why the politics of benevolence was popular.”After a pause, Lu Shang continued,""Shang Du's Jun Stage is expanding year by year, and the number of prisoners is increasing. If these Hillman slaves couldn't be cured, they would gather together to fight against their killer. They were doing this to survive. In our country, this kind of phenomenon has never happened again.”
Jiao Li blushed at Lu Shang's words. He couldn't help but think of the rule of King Zhou of Shang. It was not as stable as it had been year after year. Over the years, Juntai Prison had been expanding and filled with tens of thousands of people. They even used tens of thousands of soldiers to guard the place. They were really full of prisoners. The country also forced these prisoners to wear shackles, work during the day, and gather them in prison at night. They ate less than cattle and horses, and were often whipped and tortured by the guards. The cruel punishment had reached a terrifying level. There were so many types of punishment that people could not remember clearly. There were new tricks, and each punishment was more brutal than the last."Indeed. As a minister, I lament that I can't rule the world and let the people live in peace. However, the western border of the Zhou Country was able to implement the benevolent politics and even obtain such gratifying achievements.”He nodded repeatedly at King Wu and Lu Shang, and immediately turned his sad expression into a smile. Then, he pointed at the flock of sheep that was rushing over and said,"This must be the livestock used for sacrifice.”
"Yes, using sheep as a sacrifice is much more humane than using humans. Moreover, after the sacrifice, the mutton can be dried and stored for consumption.”As the Martial King spoke, the funeral procession had already finished, and the carriage continued to move forward.
The small convoy entered a large gully. From afar, they could see that a large earth dam had been built between the mountain pass where the two mountain ranges connected. From afar, it looked as majestic as a city wall. There were many small black spots squirming on the dam head. These were the people who were busy working on the elevation and expansion. Before long, the motorcade ran up to the dam and bumped on the bumpy surface of the dam toward the crowd.
As soon as the car drove up to the dam, a painting of green water and mountains appeared in front of the plastic tripod that had just arrived. There was already a lot of water in the dam. The surface of the water was quite wide. Under the sunlight, the ripples of the water rippled and rippled. It was beautiful. Jiao Li sighed again. As he got out of the car, he said,"Another magnificent feat." He stepped on the dam and walked to the edge of the dam where the water was stored. He looked at the surface of the water and estimated the distance. This was a man-made lake, and it was quite large. Boats danced and danced on the surface of the lake, surrounded by green mountains and clear water. The scenery was very attractive. One could only imagine the current situation. Jiao Li sighed again.
King Wu stood beside the plastic tripod happily, looking around and pointing.
Uncle Guan summoned the Water Servant Official and Lu Shang whispered a few words into their ears. The two of them walked behind the Martial King.
Uncle Guan said,"Big brother, we're going to see that place today."”
"I'm just taking a look. The Shang envoy just wants to take a look at the dam. You should go and take care of the laborers. Just ask the water servant to stay.”King Wu turned around and asked Jiao Li," How is the scenery here?”
"A good place, facing the green mountains and rivers, singing and dancing. It's even more beautiful than the Celestial Capital, mesmerizing. Unfortunately, it hasn't been completed yet." The plastic Li answered and asked King Wu,"To accumulate water, it may have to wait until after autumn."”
"More or less." King Wu pointed at a man beside him whose hair was turning white and said,""This is our country's water servant. He was in charge of water conservancy projects. If you have any questions, just ask him.”
The water servant received the permission of King Wu and bowed to him.
Jiao Li asked,"When will the dam be built? How much labor will be needed for such a large project?"”
"The dam was only closed last winter. It took an entire spring of rain to produce this amount of water. Now, they would continue to expand and strengthen the dam. Fifty thousand laborers were used. The water level could reach that point by accumulating summer and autumn rainwater.”The water servant pointed at a big tree not far away and said,""The surface of the water will be three times larger than it is now.”
Uncle Guan came to King Wu's side and reported,""Big brother, two thousand people came yesterday. This morning, another 500 people arrived. The laborers from all over the place arrived one after another. At this rate, the construction of the dam would soon reach the original standard.”
"Alright, oh, Shang shi, go to the center of the dam and take a look.”King Wu led the tripod to the center of the dam. The people who were working made way for them. There were people moving soil and stones, and people were shuttling back and forth.
As he walked, he turned around and asked the water servant,""After spending so much effort and labor to build this lake, what benefits do you have?”
The water servant official said," Our country's King Wu can go on a boat to have fun. He can also look for scenery and enjoy the scenery. Compared to the singing and dancing banquets in the palace, it's much more fun.”
"So, with so much water accumulated, there's no other use for it besides the boat?”Jiao Li asked again.
"Yes, when it doesn't rain, we'll use this water to water the dry land crops. With this lake, the nearby farmland would become fertile farmland that could withstand drought and flood. There was a dam to block the mountain torrents and protect the land from the impact of the flood. Overall, the benefits were many.”
It had only been two days since he arrived in Zhou Country, but in fact, it had only been a little more than a day. He had seen so many new things. At this moment, after listening to the water servant minister's analysis, he praised,"It's indeed killing two birds with one stone. The emperor was happy to get the favor of the Wang family, and the people were happy to do their best to serve the country. However, will your method of blocking the water with a dam work? Back then, Yu the Great used the method of dredging to control the flood, eliminate the harm, and benefit the people of the world. Now you are using the method of blocking the water, afraid that you will repeat Gun's mistakes.”The glue pot had drawn out the ancestor's story and raised questions about the dam to get rid of the unconvinced thoughts caused by envy in his heart and look for it.
Lu Shang continued,"This is called using it against its will. If it is handled appropriately, it will turn the disadvantage into an advantage.”
"Look, the dam has been raised so high and expanded to this wide. It can store the flood from the nearby mountains. If the flood was too strong and the water level rose, a channel would be dug on both sides of the dam to lead the overflow water out of the ravine. In this way, the rising water level would not overflow the dam and damage the dam.”The water servant minister explained.
"You guys are really knowledgeable about water.”Jiao Li couldn't help but praise the water servant's explanation.
"Agriculture is the foundation of the people, and water is the benefit of agriculture. If water is used well, it will become a condition for agricultural development.”The water servant said again.
King Wu turned around and laughed,""Haven't you been praising the crops all the way from the west? This was all because of the cooperation between the farmers and the navy. Our country is located in the west and has limited rainfall, so we can only make full use of the water on the ground. Come, this way." He guided the plastic tripod up a steep slope and said,"The big ship is still under construction. It's a pity that I can't let you enjoy the lake in time, sightsee, listen to songs and dances, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and elegance.”
"I'll come again next time. I hope I can do it next time.”When Jiao Li heard the song and dance, he couldn't help but think of Shuhua. He wished he could end this trip to the pool as soon as possible and go back as soon as possible. It had been more than half a day since he came out early in the morning. Looking at the shadow of the sun, he knew that the sun was hanging above his head and was about to set in the west. He said to King Wu,"This old man can't take it anymore. I've already seen the swimming pool and enjoyed the scenery of the western border. I also understand Martial King's way of singing and entertaining. Please turn back."
Lu Shang immediately agreed." The envoy doctor is indeed tired. He rushed to see the barracks early in the morning and then came to see the swimming pool. How can a person of such age not be tired from running around like this? Even I am tired to the point that my waist and legs are aching. Martial King, let's go back."
"Alright, let's go back. I wanted to take the merchant envoy to the Wei River to see how the ships were built. Everyone was tired. They should go back and rest first.”King Wu agreed and led the tripod back.
Jiao Li returned anxiously and unconsciously increased his speed. He walked quickly in front, leaving King Wu and Lu Shang behind. When he was walking down a small slope, he was not paying attention. He slipped and hit a stone. He rolled and rolled along with the stone to the lower part of the slope.
The Martial King and Lu Shang reached out to grab it, but it was already too late. Everyone was shocked and shouted loudly. Their eyes were fixed on the rubber lid that was rolling down.
At the critical moment, a few people rushed over from the side, blocked the plastic lid, and then pulled him up. The rubber Li's tired face was already covered in bruises and bruises, and there were even a few swollen places. He calmed himself down a little and looked up at the few people who were injured by the stones in time. He unconsciously rubbed the bruises on his face and shoulders. He felt a wave of shame for the accident that he had caused because of his carelessness. When he turned around and looked at the place where he was about to roll down, he was really stunned. He was only a few steps away from the edge of the dam. Falling from such a high dam, and below was the bottom of the valley that was full of stones, the consequences could be imagined. He would definitely be smashed into pieces and become a meat patty. It was really dangerous. He couldn't help but tremble. He repeatedly kowtowed to the people around him who had saved him from danger and bowed to thank them.
King Wu, Lu Shang, and the others rushed over and asked with concern. When they were sure that the plastic tripod was not dangerous, they closely accompanied him and left the crowd, carefully continuing to walk back. King Wu expressed his apology and asked for the Shang envoy's forgiveness for not being able to save him in time.
When they arrived at a relatively flat and safe place, Jiao Li let out a sigh of relief. He calmed down a little and asked King Wu,"Are all these laborers slaves?”
"There are slaves, commoners, and slave masters.”
"Ah, then the one who saved me was Master Li, right? Or civilians." Jiao Li looked at King Wu.
The Martial King walked silently while taking care of him.
"Those who saved you were all slaves," Lu Shang said.”
"Ah!" When Jiao Li heard this, he was shocked. He stopped in his tracks and looked back. Those people had already dispersed and went to work. There were only one or two people carrying soil passing by the place where he had fallen and was rescued. "Unimaginable," he said emotionally. In Shangdu, slaves hated their masters to the core and would always find an opportunity to take revenge. They could not wait to see their masters die or escape, let alone sacrifice themselves to save their masters. It seems that my old life was saved by a slave. It's really fate. At that time, I had to roll all the way to the dam and fall to the bottom of the ditch, so I had no choice but to bring the bones back.”He was surprised and happy, but he felt both frightened and happy just thinking about it.
"Although our country is located at the western border, everyone can still support each other. When it came to matters of life and death, he would try his best to save her. In my country, you can act boldly. Slaves were just like other people, except that they had to do some heavy physical labor. As for other things, they were treated the same.”The Martial King comforted him.
"Your Zhou Country is peaceful. The country is really prosperous and the people are at peace.”
"Thanks to the great blessing of King Zhou of Shang, I have given power to the King of Zhou.”Lu Shang smiled. The group of them came to the car.
King Wu asked Jiao Li,"How does the entertainment of our country compare with that of King Zhou of Shang?”
"In this aspect, it's about the same. It's just that you, Deren, have good political achievements and can be called the leader of the Western Regions.”
"Then please put in a good word for me in front of King Zhou.”King Wu said seriously to the Shang envoy, Jiao Li," King Zhou of Shang is always worried about my actions. His father had passed away, and his son had left behind his inheritance. What else could he ask for? I can settle down in the Western Region and make the people live and work in peace and contentment. Go back and report to King Zhou of Shang that our country will be presenting new rare treasures as tribute this year. After this swimming pool was built and the boat was built, he would invite King Zhou of Shang to travel to the west to have some fun.”
"I'll definitely report this. It's rare for Martial King to be so loyal. I've seen a lot on this trip to the west. How can I not report it?”Jiao Li replied. He sat up straight and rubbed his bruised thigh with his hand. He said to King Wu who was boarding the carriage,"What this old man has seen and heard in the past two days is unforgettable. The next time I come to the west, the date is unpredictable. I have long returned to the fields and prepared to enjoy my old age, but I can't find a quiet and secluded residence. Today, I see that all parts of your country are like immortal capitals, which makes me envious and fascinated. It was just that the journey from the west was too far.”
"There is no need to be afraid of the distance. As long as the envoy doctor has a wish to come to the west in the future, I will definitely arrange a satisfactory place for you to live.”King Wu of Zhou was very happy.
"As a subject, you can't help it.”Jiao Li sighed," King Wu, I'm glad that I've met you twice.”He had already forgotten the secret mission he had come to the west this time. For the hospitality of King Wu and the kindness of the people of Zhou, he praised them in his heart for a long time. He was excited to experience what he had encountered in Zhou Country. As the carriage moved, he turned back to look at the surface of the lake. The surface of the lake was sparkling, reflecting a calm glimmer. The carriage drove down the dam and began to speed along the road they came from.
Jiao Li looked back at the dam construction site and saw that the dam was crowded with people. People were busy working, and there was no noticeable reaction to his departure. He felt a little sad. Looking at the tall dam, he tried his best to imprint this place in his heart. He would never forget this dangerous scene. The car jolted and woke him up. He was still in a daze. Scenes of what had happened in the past two days surfaced in his mind.
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