Although all preparations have been made, the sea is still a place that demands awe no matter what era it is.
"Your Highness, please don't move. It was the people on the back boat who fell overboard, not us."
When Su Dingfang saw Li Xiang coming out of the house, he rushed over immediately. This guy had a long rope tied to his body, and the other end was tied to a beam on the boat. If the boat really shook too violently, this rope could save his life.
Of course, he was not tied up for himself. The most important thing was to be able to stay by Li Xiang's side. There were no life-saving equipment in that era, so this was the only life-saving equipment available.
The ship is now being shaken quite violently, and the wind around has reached level eight. In this situation, if someone falls into the water, it is unlikely to be rescued.
The captain of the boat behind naturally understood this, so he didn't slow down at all.
Human life is so unfair. If Li Xiang or other generals fell down, they had to give it a try no matter how dangerous it was. If they just went back like this, I'm afraid all their families would be executed.
At that time, what they saved was not Li Xiang's life, but their own lives. Thinking about Li Shimin's anger, they probably didn't care about their own life or death at that time. One life could be exchanged for the lives of the whole family, which was already worth it.
But the person who just fell over was just an ordinary sailor, so they couldn't stop the boat now. If they stopped now, they might encounter even stronger turbulence.
Just when Li Xiang and the other crew members were about to vomit all their bile, they finally got out of the storm area. Li Xiang was speechless. Although these warships had been equipped with various devices to prevent bumps, those things were useless when the wind and waves became strong.
"We really encountered this kind of thing. They say that this kind of thing only happens once in a long time. I didn't expect our luck to be so bad."
Looking at the sun rising in the sky, Su Dingfang also realized the power of the sea. The last time he went to Fuso, this guy did not encounter such a thing. He thought that the sea was always very calm. Now he knows how powerful the sea is.
"Although there are various dangers on this sea, once we have passed through them, we will be able to gain great benefits. Take the transportation of rice from the south to the north, for example. If we spend 2 million strings of cash every year to maintain the Grand Canal, it would be too much for us."
What Li Xiang feared most was that these people would retreat when faced with difficulties, so whenever he heard similar words, Li Xiang would encourage them and let them have the courage to challenge the sea.
Su Dingfang thought about it and it made sense. Although it was Emperor Yang of Sui who dug the Grand Canal, the people of the Tang Dynasty were constantly improving it, and a lot of money was spent on it every year. Although it improved domestic transportation conditions, compared with the money spent, it was indeed a case of large investment and small returns.
If sea transportation is opened now, it will be different from before. First of all, sea transportation does not require maintenance, and there are many ships sailing on the vast ocean.
Of course, sea transportation still requires horse-drawn carriages for transshipment, but no matter what, it is much more efficient than the Grand Canal. Moreover, there is a dry season in the north of the Grand Canal, which does not exist on the sea.
Because of the wind and waves at sea, they arrived one day later than originally planned, which scared the people of Hangzhou Governor. If something happened to Li Xiang, they would be in big trouble. It was estimated that they would not have a good time on the way from Fusang to Hangzhou.
"Your humble servant, Wen Yuandao, the Governor of Hangzhou, greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
When Li Xiang came out of his room, officials of all ranks in Jiangnan were already waiting there. Although Jiangnan was also prosperous in that era, the main reason why Emperor Yang of Sui dug a canal was to transport grain to the north, but it was also to allow him to visit Jiangnan.
According to the rules of the Tang Dynasty, although Li Xiang had already arrived in Hangzhou, he still had to wait for these people to board the ship to pay him a visit.
"Everyone, get up! There's no need to mobilize so many troops. I'm only stopping here temporarily. My schedule is quite tight this time, so I won't be going ashore with you. I'll make a special trip to Jiangnan in the future."
After hearing what Li Xiang said, these people panicked instantly. They had learned earlier that His Highness was coming from Fuso. Although it was only a short stay, he would definitely take a walk around the land. Now he didn't even get off the boat, so wouldn't all the preparations be in vain?
"Your Highness, the people of Jiangnan are all ready and waiting along the Qiantang River. If Your Highness..."
Wen Yuandao was on the verge of tears. If Li Xiang passed by his home without entering, the people would surely say he was incompetent. Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had never been to Jiangnan, many people knew him as the gentlest of men. Why didn't he come to us? It was your fault.
Li Xiang thought about it and realized that this made sense. Lord Wen was a very good official, otherwise he wouldn't have been placed in such an important position as the Governor of Hangzhou. You have to know that in such a place, a large amount of grain is contributed to the court every year. If a corrupt official was placed there...
"Your Highness, please come ashore..."
The accompanying officials knelt down one by one. They had made sufficient preparations for Li Xiang's coming. Although they were all face-saving projects, they had been prepared for two months. If Li Xiang didn't even look at them, then these people's work enthusiasm would be hit.
Li Xiang looked back at the people on the boat. They also wanted to see the prosperity of Jiangnan. In the past, they had only heard about it but had no chance to set foot in Jiangnan. Now they finally have a chance. If His Highness does not go up, then what reason do we have to go up?
"Even so, stay here for two days and arrange all your schedule first."
Li Xiang said this to Su Dingfang. Su Dingfang had followed Li Xiang for a long time, so such things were naturally easy for him to handle.
No matter whether it is two days or three days, as long as they can go up and stand for a while, then their efforts will not be in vain. All the local officials felt relieved when they heard what Li Xiang said. His Highness is indeed easy to talk to.
