SFS Chapter 576 Han Xin Arrives in Xianyang
Chapter 576 Han Xin Arrives in Xianyang
Han Xin spoke eloquently, analyzing everything from strategy and tactics to army building and diplomatic tactics with penetrating insight. Lin Xi listened with admiration, becoming even more convinced that the princess had a keen eye and that this young man was indeed a great general, even possessing the potential of a strategist.
The rest of the journey took place in such in-depth exchanges. Lin Xi intentionally steered the conversation, expanding the topic to include the various new policies implemented by Ying Wuyou, such as how the imperial examination system could break the hereditary system and select talented individuals from humble backgrounds; how the profits from fine salt could enrich the national treasury and support military preparedness; how academies could cultivate various professional talents; and the strategies for appeasement and assimilation of the former territories of the six states, etc.
Han Xin listened intently, discovering that the governing philosophy of this princess of Jiayang, whom he had never met before, coincided with many of his own ideas, and was even more systematic and daring. He was particularly impressed by her spirit of breaking with convention, appointing people based solely on merit, and focusing on long-term development. His anticipation for the trip to Xianyang grew even stronger.
The journey was long and arduous, and the travelers were weary. They traversed mountains and rivers, witnessing the order under the Qin officials' rule and sensing the complex emotions of the remnants of the six former states. Han Xin carefully observed the local customs and geography along the way, silently devising possible offensive and defensive strategies. Lin Xi provided guidance and explanations of the various locations, giving Han Xin a more direct understanding of the core region of the Qin Empire they were about to reach.
Sometimes, they would talk about rumors from overseas. Based on the knowledge of "extraterrestrial" things that Ying Wuyou occasionally revealed, Lin Xi subtly mentioned that beyond the vast East China Sea, there were huge islands, beyond the Baiyue region to the south, there was an even more expansive unknown continent, and in the far west, there were powerful kingdoms.
Today, on the Guanzhong Plain, Han Xin gazed through the carriage window at the magnificent capital city, its dark gleaming in the sunlight, and his heart pounded involuntarily. There lay the heart of Qin, the center of power, and the place where he could realize his dreams.
"Xianyang..." he murmured to himself, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light. All the forbearance, all the waiting, all the hard study seemed to have been for the purpose of reaching this place.
“Brother Han,” Lin Xi couldn’t help but remind him, “Xianyang is not like Pei County. There are many powerful and influential people there, and the interpersonal relationships are complicated. You should think twice before you speak.” He knew Han Xin’s personality and couldn’t help but feel worried.
Han Xin, however, said calmly, with his characteristic stubbornness: "A true man acts only to have a clear conscience." He clearly did not take Lin Xi's reminder to heart.
Knowing his personality, Lin Xi said no more, but secretly thought: With a personality like that, he'll probably suffer a lot in Xianyang. Fortunately, with Her Highness the Princess's protection, he should be alright.
The carriages crossed the magnificent stone bridge spanning the Wei River. The bridge was wide enough to accommodate eight carriages side by side, and the piers were made of huge stone blocks and cement, making them exceptionally sturdy.
From afar, Han Xin saw three large and distinct architectural complexes.
As the carriage moved forward, the first thing that came into view was the "Great Qin Academy." Its gate towered high, displaying a magnificent presence. Inside the academy, several grand pavilions with flying eaves and bracket sets, reaching several stories high, were visible. The academy walls stretched far and wide, and one could faintly hear the sounds of students reading aloud or engaging in heated debates emanating from within.
Adjacent to it is the "Daqin Medical College." The building layout places greater emphasis on lighting and ventilation, with an overall clean and simple color scheme. A faint herbal fragrance wafts through the air.
Lin Xi began to explain: "This Daqin Medical College not only studies traditional medical classics, but also has established disciplines such as 'Anatomy,' 'Pathology,' 'Obstetrics and Gynecology,' and 'Medical and Nursing,' and has built dedicated wards and a medicinal herb garden."
Han Xin listened attentively, deeply moved. The carriage traveled a little further and came to see the "Great Qin Women's Academy." An exquisite wall enclosed an elegant garden, through which one could vaguely see artificial hills and flowing water, a serene and beautiful scene.
Han Xin knew about the Great Qin Women's Academy and had heard that the young lady from the Lü family in Pei County had devoted a lot of effort to it.
Looking at these three magnificent academies, Han Xin's heart was filled with turmoil. He suddenly understood Princess Jiayang's ambition: she not only wanted to strengthen the military and enrich the country, but also to fundamentally change the knowledge structure and talent pool of this era!
Passing by three colleges, the city gate of Xianyang came into view. The magnificent city walls and tall gate gave people an immense sense of oppression.
This also surprised Lin Xi, who hadn't been back to Xianyang for more than two years. The last time he came back, Xianyang was undergoing expansion. He never expected that Xianyang would undergo such a dramatic change in such a short time.
The city walls still stood tall, but their surfaces were now entirely covered in cement, smooth and glossy. The Qin soldiers guarding the gate wore improved leather armor that fit their bodies better, and the long halberds they held gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Their eyes were sharp as eagles, scrutinizing the endless stream of carriages and pedestrians.
Lin Xi's carriage had special markings and was allowed to pass after a brief but efficient inspection process.
Upon entering the city, the first thing that catches the eye is the straight and wide main road. The road surface is entirely smooth cement, and the carriage travels on it with an exceptionally smooth ride, almost without feeling any bumps. Drainage ditches have been dug on both sides of the road to ensure that there is no standing water on the road surface in rainy or snowy weather.
The buildings lining the streets shattered Han Xin's preconceived notions about cities. No longer just low-rise bungalows or courtyards, a large number of two- or even three-story buildings with a mix of brick, stone, and wood structures appeared.
These buildings are arranged neatly, with simple facades and larger windows than traditional buildings, allowing for better lighting. The ground floors facing the street are mostly shops, with uniform signs and banners, giving them an orderly appearance. Some buildings in prominent locations even have white plaster applied to their exterior walls, making them particularly eye-catching in the winter sun.
The market area has been carefully planned. It is no longer a chaotic collection of vendors, but is divided into different functional areas: the East Market mainly deals in bulk goods such as ironware, pottery, and livestock, while the West Market is concentrated with silk, lacquerware, treasures, and all kinds of novelties from all over the world.
Each area had designated stalls, with dedicated staff responsible for cleaning and maintenance. The area was orderly, and despite the large flow of people, there was no chaos. Han Xin even noticed wooden signs at some major intersections, displaying street names and area directions.
"This is the new Xianyang after Your Highness's expansion." Lin Xi's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible pride as she introduced the city to Han Xin, who was clearly shocked. "Those tall buildings use new technology, making them more sturdy and durable. The market is divided into sections, which facilitates management and makes it convenient for the people to shop."
Han Xin nodded silently, the impact on him far surpassing his initial glimpse of the Guanzhong Plain. This was not merely order; it was a constructive force that transcended its time, almost a creation of nature! He could hardly imagine how Princess Jiayang had accomplished all of this.
The carriage traveled through the bustling city center, heading towards a relatively quiet area in the west. It stopped in front of a heavily guarded, secluded villa in the west of the city. The atmosphere here differed from the hustle and bustle of the city center, possessing a more scholarly and tranquil quality.