Chapter Eleven: The Debate on Moving the Capital
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The host of the debate, Zhou Ping Wang: Since the last time the Quan Rong invaded our city and caused trouble, thanks to the efforts of all the vassals, they were forced to retreat without success. However, this group of bandits has since recognized the strategic location of our city and has not been honest since then, launching a large-scale attack. By now, half of the land in Qi and Feng has already been occupied by the Quan Rong. Moreover, after the invasion of the Quan Rong, countless palaces were burned down, really broken and dilapidated, like the headquarters of the beggar gang.
We have already established our capital in Zhou and also built Luoyi. Now let's discuss whether we should move the capital under these circumstances?
Zheng Fang represents Taizai: I think what the Son of Heaven said makes sense. Look at the current palace, it's been burned to ashes, you say if we rebuild it again, won't it be a waste of manpower and resources? The common people have already suffered enough from the previous invasion by the Quanrong. If we are rebuilding the palace and the Xirong invades again, how can we defend ourselves? It's better to move the capital to Luoyi, those are existing buildings, how convenient!
The representative of the opposition, Si Tu Wei Wu Gong: Actually, as a 90-year-old old minister, there are some things I really don't want to say, but since Your Majesty has looked upon me and let me occupy the position of the six ministers. If I know something and don't speak out, it would be disloyal to you; if my opinion is different from everyone else's, it would be unfriendly. However, this old minister would rather offend friends than be disloyal to Your Majesty.
(The officials: Alas... Indeed, as people age, they talk more. You might as well speak directly, who can still cover your mouth?)
Opponent Shi Wei Wu Gong: Let's analyze the situation in both places. Haojing, to the left is Xishan and Hangu Pass, to the right are Long and Shu, as they say, "mountains and rivers intertwined, fertile plains for thousands of miles!" There isn't a better place under heaven! Luoyi, although it's located in the center of the world, but the terrain is too flat. If there's war, it would be vulnerable to attacks from all sides. This is also why the previous kings built two capitals, but established Haojing as the capital. The eastern capital Luoyi was just a temporary residence for the emperor when he went on tours. Now if you abandon Haojing and establish Luoyi as the capital, I'm afraid our great Zhou dynasty will decline from then on!
Host Zhou Ping Wang: You see what you said, isn't this making me helpless against the Dog Rong's harassment? This palace is in ruins and still plagued by the Dog Rong's disturbances, I can't even live here with peace of mind!
Opposing Minister Situ Wei Wu Gong: To mention the dog barbarians, they are jackals and wolves! They should not have been introduced into the imperial city in the first place. Now you should be frugal and love the people, train soldiers to strengthen the country, and later follow the example of the former kings' southern and northern expeditions, capture their barbarian leaders, and offer them to the seven temples. Only then can we wipe out past shame. If you now only retreat, I retreat one foot, the enemy advances one zhang, at that time it will not be just Qi and Feng in danger! Moreover, during the era of Yao and Shun, the palace was still a thatched hut, but they did not feel ashamed! A country's prosperity cannot be judged solely by its palaces.
Zheng Fang said to Taizai: "Elder Sutu, this is a rather conservative view and doesn't take into account the changing circumstances! Wasn't it the fault of our previous kings that led to the invasion by the Quanrong? Let's not dwell on past mistakes. Although the current emperor has repelled the Quanrong invasion, the national treasury is empty and we can't accomplish anything without money! Moreover, the common people are still afraid of the Quanrong. If they launch a large-scale attack, it will be like breaking through bamboo, who can bear the responsibility for this mistake?"
Fan Wugong said: Since the Marquis of Shen can summon the Quanrong, he must have a way to retreat. It would be better for the Son of Heaven to ask the Marquis of Shen for advice, and he will certainly have a good strategy to bring peace to the country.
King Zhou Ping: (sweating... wasn't my grandfather forced to make this decision because he was anxious about me?) Marquis Shen submitted a memorial a few days ago, saying that the Quan Rong tribe is launching a general attack on his territory of Shen, probably seeking revenge for last time. He can barely take care of himself now, how can he still care about me?
It's settled then. Both sides have their pros and cons. The country needs stability now. It's decided, we'll move the capital to Luoyang!
Fan Wengong: Since you have made up your mind, we cannot let the people suffer and struggle to survive. This is the responsibility of the Minister of Works, and I, an old minister, will not shirk my duty.
Practice part:
Wei Wu Gong posted a notice to inform all citizens that those who are willing to follow the Holy Carriage to move east, should quickly pack their luggage and prepare to set off together.
Zhu Shi, also known as the official in charge of sacrifices and prayers, wrote an article to inform the ancestral temple of the reason for the capital's move.
At the time of the Eastern Expedition, Da Zongbo reported to the seven ancestral temple gods and boarded the vehicle as a vanguard.
Qin Boyu personally led the troops to escort the emperor. The people helped the elderly and carried their children, with countless followers. Follow me to read WEN WEN XUE LOU ?? Remember!
