Chapter 5: The Seasonal Monthly Orders

On this day, July 19, it has been delivered to Xuanquan Zhi

Do not allow the Fi bird to grow. It is said that the Fi bird must not be allowed to mature, and it is prohibited throughout the twelve months

Every measurement has its shortcomings, and every inch has its strengths. Even with a thousand years of knowledge, Ren Hong still has his areas of incompetence: for instance, drawing a bow and shooting arrows, riding horses and driving carriages, determining the number of people by footprints and hoofprints, identifying wild plants, and even the simplest task of making fire

Dunhuang County is a frontier region of the empire, with a total of four regional commanders: the Commander of Yumen, the Commander of Yangguan, the Commander of Zhongbu, and the Commander of Yihe

In this day and age, there are only two methods of igniting fire: the bright spark and the flint spark, which respectively require the use of a bronze mirror and flint, both of which demand considerable skill

The other two are the Chief Executive of the Xuanquan Zhi, Xu Fengde, and the appointed official sent by the county to supervise the operation of the post station.

Stir-frying was introduced a thousand years earlier, and during the entire Han Dynasty, it was unique in its kind! However, due to the high cost of oil, the iron pots would only make a sound when used by officials. Yet, this was enough to earn praise from the visiting officials and envoys, and Xu Fengde also received much acclaim, no longer fearing to attend meetings in the prefecture.

As for the content of the edict, it is actually quite straightforward and clear

Under the command of the Marquis, there are the watchmen of each beacon, with one beacon being guarded by ten men

Su Yanniang exposed him: "Chen Weishi, when speaking, one must rely on their conscience. That plate of sand onion chicken was almost entirely consumed by you, and you praised it endlessly. I only managed to grab one piece!"

At present, being praised by others, he speaks humbly, yet his face is glowing with pride, showing a hint of satisfaction.

On the road, Ren Hong pretended to casually inquire: "May I ask, Mr. Su and Mr. Chen, when will Mr. Fu arrive at Xuanquan?"

There is no way, as only 3 people in Xuanquan Zhi can read

Although Ren Hong's wrist felt somewhat sore, he still agreed without hesitation

Ren Hong laughed after reading it: "Isn't this just the Environmental Protection Law!"

Lü Duoshu prepared the wooden tablet himself: "My brother Lü Guangsuo, he is serving in the army under the command of General Buguang, engaged in the campaign against the enemy."

This is the lookout system of Dunhuang County, which is precisely how they keep watch over the borders of the empire, transmitting any signs of disturbance to the garrison troops through beacon fires

Ren Hongchao glanced at the hall and smiled, saying: "Just make sure he doesn't hear it"

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, Confucianism was already esteemed, and a doctorate in the Five Classics was established. The edicts issued by the court placed great emphasis on the inheritance of the "Rites of Zhou"

At that moment, Su Yanniang and Chen Pengzu, who had just finished their meal in the lodging, happened to walk out accompanied by the steward Xu Fengde

Regardless of whether anyone understands it or whether it will be strictly followed, I have still copied it well, so that the officials in charge and the passersby may be informed

Chen Pengzu suddenly felt embarrassed, disregarding his dignity, and hurriedly wiped the grease from his mouth with his sleeve

"Just ordinary." Chen Pengzu still had the expression of someone who felt that others owed him money

In the third year of the Yuanfeng era, on the day of Jiazi in June

Xu Fengde, having passed his fifties, walked with a limp. He was formerly a beacon commander stationed at the frontier, where he was injured while defending against the incursions of the Xiongnu. This led to his assignment as a steward at the Hanging Spring, a position he held for over ten years

Registering talismans, transcribing edicts, categorizing the expense ledgers of travelers, and writing letters for the soldiers stationed within the garrison... This is the daily work of Ren Hong, seemingly trivial and ordinary tasks, yet they also represent a microcosm of the administration of the Han Empire

A chick is essentially an egg, priced at 3 qian each, which is not inexpensive. Shalong is a common wild vegetable found in the sandy soil of Dunhuang.

He pointed at Chen Pengzu's lips and laughed, "Look, you still have grease on your mouth!"

... ...

These fifty items are extracted from the "Monthly Ordinances" of the Book of Rites. Additionally, the rulers are somewhat superstitious about the concept of "the correspondence between Heaven and humanity," believing that performing appropriate actions in different seasons is essential to ensure favorable weather. If the natural order is violated, such as executing criminals in spring or summer, it will lead to adverse calamities.

Beneath the four commanders, there are also the watch officers, each responsible for the beacon towers along the borders spanning a hundred li. For instance, the central commander has five watch officers: Pingwang, Pohu, Buguang, Tunhu, and Wansui.

Ren Hong then asked someone for assistance to draw an ink line frame on the wall, and he held a thick brush to transcribe the main text in the style of "ink inscription".

Zhi Cheng is also responsible for communication with Dunhuang County and Xiaogu County, often disappearing for the entire day. As for the lazy old man Xu Fengde, he claims that he only handles major matters and does not concern himself with minor issues, thus leaving all the clerical work to Ren Hong.

Su Yanniang said to the miser Xu Fengde: "It is said among past officials and merchants that the food provided at Xuanquan is the best in Dunhuang; I believe this statement is not without merit"

"Sui Chang will read to him."

However, this is not the maximum speed of the postal service. In the event of urgent military matters, the couriers can travel hundreds of miles day and night, reaching Chang'an in just half a month

This is the speed of the Han Empire's administrative orders, from the central government to the grassroots level

Xu Fengde said: "Once the two gentlemen welcome Master Fu back, I will certainly prepare a grand feast at Xuanquan. By that time, there will not only be eggs, but also chicken, pork, and lamb, ensuring that it will be a meal unlike any other you have had elsewhere"

The speed of communication from the central government to the grassroots during the Han Dynasty can be referenced from the "Lost Communication Register" of the 5th year of Yongguang, discovered at the site of Xuanquan.

Young man, Master Fu most admires the young and daring heroes. When he arrives at Xuanquan Zhi and sees you, he will surely be delighted

The days without a lighter and matches are truly difficult

Ren Hongke is not a pretentious pedant; he is more inclined to leverage this seemingly insignificant advantage to cultivate friendships, and in return, he can also learn something from them

Ren Hong took two steps back to admire his achievements and, upon hearing the words, smiled and said, "How do you know whether it is good or not?"

Like the other 36 individuals in Xuanquan, he is but a small screw in the vast body of the empire

The matter concluded, Lu Duoshu expressed his heartfelt gratitude and took his leave, while Ren Hong's wrist ached considerably.

Lü Duoshu whispered, "It's even better than what the miser wrote..."

The edict states: "In the past, the balance of yin and yang was disrupted, and the winds and rains were untimely, resulting in numerous disasters and unrest among the people. Only the Emperor, a wise ruler, diligently observes the heavenly cycles, reverently aligns with the forces of yin and yang, and respectfully grants the people their seasons, leading to abundant years."

Generally speaking, important figures traveling through relay stations are often accompanied by a large entourage. The county must send people one to two days in advance to communicate with each post along the way, ensuring that they are prepared for the reception.

Ren Hongqi stood up and clasped his hands in salute

Currently, during the warm season, the vegetation in Dunhuang is far superior to that of later generations, yet it still has fewer oasis forests and more desert and Gobi. With the influx of immigrants and the cultivation of farmland, the population of Dunhuang has surged to over 30,000. If they were to recklessly clear land and fell trees as in the south, the consequences would be quite dire

"Logging is prohibited, meaning that both large and small trees are not to be cut down until the end of August. Once the grass and trees have fallen, only then may those that are meant to be cut be felled."

It turns out that the steward urgently called Ren Hong back to have him do a task: to transcribe an imperial edict on the wall

"Xu Seifu, how do you find the food, gentlemen? Is it to your taste?"

A moment later, Ren Hong was already standing under the northern wall of the courtyard at Xuanquan Zhi, smiling broadly on the outside, but cursing inwardly.

Ren Hongqian had studied calligraphy in his previous life. After arriving in this era, he diligently practiced and honed his skills. His handwriting is simple yet steady, broad and generous. Beside him, his assistant, Lu Duoshu, who held the inkstone, could not help but praise him.

Generally, Ren Hong would not refuse such requests. During the Han Dynasty, the population exceeded 40 million, with 99% of the people being illiterate. The literate scholars were respected, but at times, they took themselves too seriously and could also face exclusion from others

Ren Hong calculated that on the third day of the sixth month, this edict was issued from Chang'an, and by the eighteenth day of the seventh month, it had reached Dunhuang Prefecture, which promptly conveyed the message to the lower-level institutions overnight

The official has overpraised me; it is merely simple and humble fare

Although I cannot read, I find the square and neat appearance quite pleasing

For example, going to the county town to find a blacksmith to forge an "iron pot," Ren Hong also taught Xia Dingmao the method of cooking food, which has a unique flavor. For instance, the dish of scrambled eggs with shallots is exceptional: adding a bit of hot oil, the eggs become infused with the flavor of shallots, and stir-frying over high heat brings out a fragrant aroma

Chen Pengzu said: "As for the specific itinerary of Master Fu, we do not know either. You all should just wait for the county to issue a notice!"

Due to his difficulty in walking, Xu Fengde had Ren Hong take Su and Chen to the stable on his behalf

Ren Hongsan wrote down the calculations, then looked up at Lü Duoshu: "Do you know how to read, younger brother?"

Generally speaking, the garrison soldiers are typically composed of troops from the interior, while the lookout soldiers are mostly from the local area of Dunhuang

Your handwriting is truly excellent

The edict stipulates various prohibitions for the four seasons, such as the prohibition of logging, hunting of young animals, capturing of birds, and large-scale construction in spring. In summer, it prohibits the burning of forests, among other restrictions

However, in Ren Hong's view, these regulations do indeed hold positive significance for Dunhuang Prefecture

After finishing his compliments, Lü Duoshu hesitated for a moment and said, "If you have the time, could you help me write a letter?"

Su Yanniang felt unsatisfied with the meal just now and stroked his beard: "It's a pity I have to leave; otherwise, I would really like to have a few more servings."

For instance, the document "The Four Seasonal Monthly Orders and Fifty Articles of the Inspector's Edict" in Ren Hong's hands contains several hundred characters. It would likely take about half an hour to transcribe it completely

As the two mounted their horses, Su Yanniang, before departing, did not forget to look back at Ren Hongdao

Thanks to relay stations like Xuanquan Zhi, which are spread across the country, they constantly provide sustenance to the couriers, transmitting urgent military orders and warm letters from home to the frontier, or bringing them back from the frontier to the interior

In his delight, he promoted Xia Dingmao to the position of chief cook and appointed Hong Ze as the assistant clerk

Su Yanniann patted his slightly protruding abdomen wrapped in armor and said, "Very well, I will definitely come with an empty stomach"

Although this Lu Duoshu is merely a small servant who serves as a mouthpiece for the steward, he is quite versatile. Not only can he drive oxen and horse-drawn carts, but he is also often tasked by the steward to go to Xiaogu County to purchase goods, and occasionally he can also benefit himself.

From Chang'an to Dunhuang, it is nearly 2,000 kilometers, and the courier riders completed the journey in 45 days, averaging 50 kilometers per day. Considering the road conditions during the Han Dynasty, this is relatively acceptable

Until six months ago, Ren Hong returned from studying in Xiaogu County and offered him many novel suggestions

Lü Duoshu's letter is brief, merely stating that the weather is turning cooler and requesting someone to send two winter garments to his younger brother. Additionally, he informs his brother that everything at home is well, and that he visits their mother whenever he has a day off, urging his brother to serve diligently and not to worry.

... ...

Lü Duoshu himself was somewhat uncertain: "It should be fine, right?"

A trivial matter!

Do not laugh, in the Northwest, sustainable development truly needs to begin from ancient times

Upon returning to the lodging and taking a seat, Ren Hong asked Lu Duoshu whom he should write a letter to

The common method of preparing sand onion is to pickle it in salt for use in cold dishes or to serve it with plain rice, but Xuanquan Zhi is quite different.

Ren Hong knows that Old Xu is just someone who values his pride

The seasonal lunar calendar is inscribed on the northern wall of the Hanging Spring, a remnant from the Wang Mang period, as seen in the book friends' circle

The first steward of the Xuanquan site, known as "Fengde," served during the first year of the reign of Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty (73 BC)

He did not speak, but Ren Hong also guessed it, at most ten days

Beneath the official residence, there is a department, and within the department, there is a chief.

"One rider passes another, the courier riders flow like stars. Departing from Xianyang at dawn, arriving at the peak of the Longshan Mountains by dusk..." Such a scene emerged before Ren Hong's eyes

The miser Xu Fengde is an old curmudgeon; he is not a bad person, but he is somewhat petty in nature

Originally, they placed the suspended spring in nine locations within Dunhuang County, often falling short due to inadequate hospitality for distinguished guests, resulting in a high mortality rate among the horses. They frequently faced criticism from the supervising postal officials, and each time they reported to the county, it was the most embarrassing moment for Xu Fengde.