The air in the plateau area is thin, and those who are not used to it may suffer from dizziness and difficulty falling asleep. In severe cases, they may suffer from severe headaches, unconsciousness, hallucinations, or even death.
In an era when there was a shortage of medical treatment and medicine, sending a large army rashly would lead to death. Qin Huaidao knew the danger, and after pondering for a moment, he said: "Shibo, not everyone can adapt to the Tubo climate. You can send troops up and find a place close to the Tubo climate."
Try it in high mountains, the higher the better, keep those that have no problems, and withdraw those that have problems immediately, just select around 30,000 to 50,000."
"This is a way, but 30,000 to 50,000 is a bit too much, so it may not be easy to select." Li Jing's eyes lit up, and he let the weather do the selection. Elimination is a way, and those who have no problem can be reorganized into an army.
Qin Huaidao thought for a while and said: "Let the troops approach slowly and adapt slowly. Don't train and stay as still as possible. Once the body adapts, continue walking to higher places until they are completely adapted and then train slowly. If there is no problem, then
If you stay, you must keep it secret. Tubo knows that it will definitely stop it. Even if it takes half a year, it is worth it. It is enough to select 30 to 50 thousand people to come out."
"Xu Xu Tuzhi, it makes sense, Huai Dao, you have solved a big problem for the court and the Holy One. What do you think about the Western Turks?" Li Jing asked.
Qin Huaidao was startled, wasn't he fighting Tubo? Why did he talk about Turks again? Seeing that Li Jing had no intention of explaining, he guessed that there was something secret behind it, and the less he knew, the safer he was. He signaled Luo Zhang to go outside and watch, and no one was allowed to come close to eavesdrop.
He said in a low voice: "Shibo, the Turks are different from the Tubo. We should take care of it carefully. The Tubo will not be destroyed, and the Turks cannot be moved. Otherwise, the Tubo will move eastward at any time, and there will be endless troubles."
"I understand this truth, but we cannot allow the Western Turks to develop smoothly. As time goes by, the threat will be even greater." Li Jing also said in a low voice.
When Qin Huaidao saw that he was not attacking immediately, but was developing slowly, it would be simple. He had an idea and whispered: "Shibo, the Western Turks are composed of many tribes of different sizes. Let the military help select a medium-sized tribe and acquire them.
The wool is worthless on the grassland, how much does it cost to transport it to Chang’an per car?”
"Those things are indeed worthless on the grassland and are thrown around everywhere. However, the military comes to buy them and add transportation, which increases the cost. Special transportation is definitely not possible. Soldiers cannot do things for individuals, but it can be done by the way. A truck can cost several hundred
The article should be able to go to Chang'an, but who wants it shipped over?" Li Jing asked rhetorically.
"How about as many juniors as you want, just charge the same price for a large truck?"
Li Jing's heart moved and he said with a smile: "It's always a lot. In this way, it will give the border army a living. The Holy One must agree. You didn't get a lot back from Goguryeo, but you actually want more. What are you going to use it for? Tell me, I'm good
Report to the Holy One."
"When I make quilts, winter clothes, etc., after the things are processed, the made quilts and winter clothes are very warm. Moreover, I will try my best to sell them at low prices so that more people can afford them and less people will freeze to death." Qin Huaidao
Said solemnly.
"I see, your Majesty must agree with the matter of improving people's livelihood. I'll do it for you. Let's talk about the Western Turks." Li Jing brought the topic back.
"This is the way to solve the problem of the Western Turks." Qin Huaidao said with a smile. Seeing Li Jing's surprised look, he explained seriously: "Shibo, select a medium-sized tribe of the Western Turks to cooperate with, buy their wool in unlimited quantities, and give them money. The price is yours."
It seems certain that after this tribe has tasted the benefits, its own tribe’s wool is gone again, what should I do?”
"hiss--"
Li Jing was too aware of the virtues of the Western Turks. Once he tasted the benefits, he naturally defended them crazily. His heart trembled inexplicably. He thought of more and said: "Of course, they will rob the small tribes, and then annex and expand. Once the medium-sized tribes grow into large
The tribes will rob more, causing wars, and the Western Turks will not be able to live in peace. A small piece of wool that no one wants has such a wonderful use."
"That's right, this is called wool-eating." Qin Huaidao said with a smile.
"What a wool-eating man." Li Jing sighed with emotion. Although he didn't know much about economics, he knew the virtues of the Western Turks and said with emotion: "This plan is very clever. Why didn't I think of it? But what if this tribe can't hold on?
"
"Simple, the Western Turks are short of iron. The imperial court can secretly support them with a batch of obsolete swords and guns. Bows and crossbows are not good. Of course, they need to exchange them with cattle and sheep, and the price is high. If their combat effectiveness is greatly increased, they will grab more weapons.
Having more cattle and sheep will provoke greater wars, and the court will reap the benefits of the fishermen."
"Hahaha, wonderful, wonderful, it doesn't matter how many weapons you eliminate and give them. It won't threaten the imperial court, but it is very important to them. But what if they expand to a large enough size?" Li Jing asked.
"Of course, it is to support their enemies, keep the strength of the two families in balance, and continue to fight. Shibo, believe it or not, in a few years the Western Turks will be ruined without us fighting. Send another army over and directly recover. If done properly,
, three years is enough." Qin Huaidao said with a smile.
"No, this matter is important. You come with me to the palace immediately to face the saint." Li Jing became excited. It was unbelievable that he could conquer the Western Turks in three years without using a sword or a shot. But if he succeeded, it would be a great achievement. How could he not
Tempting.
Qin Huaidao hesitated: "Uncle Shi, I am worried about building roads here."
"We'll talk about road construction later, let's go quickly." Li Jing couldn't help but said, pulling Qin Huaidao away.
After leaving the gate and seeing Luo Zhang on guard, Qin Huaidao shouted: "Watch the house and wait for me to come back."
"Here!" Luo Zhang quickly agreed.
…
Half an hour later, the Manlu Hall.
The two entered after being admitted. Li Er was dealing with government affairs. When he saw the two coming in, he motioned for a seat. He quickly finished the work at hand and asked curiously: "Pharmacist, Huai Dao, what's wrong with you two?"
"Your Majesty, please step aside." Li Jing said solemnly.
Li Er was stunned for a moment, and suddenly remembered his previous instructions to Li Jing. He came over so quickly to explain that there was a solution. This solution was very important and could not be spread out. He waved his hand knowingly, and the people waiting in the hall quickly left. Li Er was still worried.
He shouted: "Wang De, no one is allowed to come within ten meters of the hall."
"According to the order!" Wang De said quickly.
After a while, Li Er looked at Li Jing with interest: "Can we talk?"
Li Jing quickly explained Qin Huaidao's proposed method for the troops to adapt to the Tubo climate, and added: "Your Majesty, I think this proposal is safe. It is enough to select a large army within half a year, train for another half a year, and send troops to Tibet in a year. The imperial court
You can also use this year to make adequate preparations.”
"This plan is very good. I will ask the Ministry of War to implement it." Li Er also knows the military and understands the benefits of it, so he immediately agreed.
When Qin Huaidao heard that he asked the Ministry of War to handle it, he frowned and stopped talking.
"Huaidao, what's wrong?"
Qin Huaidao no longer hesitated and said bluntly: "The people in the Ministry of War are talkative and easy to leak secrets. Once Tibet knows about it, they only need to send an army over. Our people have not adapted to the climate and are just lambs to be slaughtered."
"Huaidao reminded you promptly. I will handle this matter well." Li Er agreed.
Seeing that the matter was finalized, Li Jing continued: "One more thing, Your Majesty, Huai Dao has a plan to conquer the Western Turks within three years without using a single soldier. After hearing this, I thought it was feasible, so I pulled him over. This matter is too great."
It’s too mysterious. I’m worried that I’ve made a mistake, so I’d better let Huaidao tell the Holy One himself.”
"Oh, can we win it in three years without spending a single soldier?" Li Er became interested and asked someone else to say this and directly entered the prison. However, after seeing Qin Huaidao's ability, Qin Huaidao was inexplicably looking forward to it.
"Your Majesty, this plan is to make sheep eat people."
Qin Huaidao carefully repeated what Li Jing had said, and finally added: "Your Majesty, wool is not valuable on the grassland, but if it is taken back and turned into bedding and winter clothes, it can save countless lives, and it can also provoke war in the Western Turks. It kills two birds with one stone, and the court
The army can still make a small amount of silver, and the minister can also make a profit without losing anything, killing four birds with one stone."
Li Er didn't understand economics, and his eyes were full of disbelief when he heard it. He couldn't keep up, but he also knew that if he really found a tribe to collect wool, and the tribe's wool was gone, and they tasted the benefits, for example, they would prey on small tribes.
If the black hand expands along the trend, there will be chaos within the Western Turks.
As for the eliminated weapons, it is even better. The eliminated weapons are not valuable and cannot be used by the court. However, the Western Turks are short of iron and have few weapons. Giving them away will not affect the safety of the court, but it can improve the combat effectiveness of the tribe and the war will escalate.
Trigger large-scale conflicts.
This is not about harvesting wool. It is obviously using wool to provoke a civil war in the Western Turks.
A sheep eats meat, but it really eats people.
Thinking of this, Li Er felt a little panicked for no reason, and was a little more wary of Qin Huaidao, but then he thought about it, once Qin Huaidao became his son-in-law, he would be his real one, so he might as well let the enemy have a headache, and his mood suddenly improved, and he said happily:
"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful."
Thinking of the humiliation of the Weishui River and the continuation of the war in the Western Turks with just a wave of his hand, Li Er was very excited, as if he saw that the great hatred in his heart was repaid, and he became more and more pleased with Qin Huaidao, and said: "Huaidao, you have relieved my heart.
I hate you, but this matter must be carried out secretly. I can't reward you publicly. Build the road well. How about I give you a reward later?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I have received enough, so forget about the reward. I need a lot of gypsum, also called fine stone, to build the road. I heard that Yangzhou Prefecture in Shannan Road has Xixiang under its jurisdiction. There is a fine stone mine in Yangyuan County. Why not sell it to me?"
That thing can't be repaired here." Qin Huaidao quickly took the opportunity to speak.
"What's so difficult about this? Since it's for road construction, the imperial court can't help but express it. I've decreed that all the fine stone mines in these two places will be rewarded to you." Li Er was in a good mood, and he opened his mouth and asked for the fine stones in these two places.
The mine is not a copper-iron salt mine, it's just fine rocks. It's something of little use, so I don't care about it.
Qin Huaidao was overjoyed. With the gypsum mines in these two places, cement is no longer a problem. Considering the transportation difficulties, it is best to bake the cement on site, which requires coal. He continued: "Your Majesty, if there is one near Yangzhou Prefecture,
It is best to allocate coal mines to me. I use cement to build roads, and cement must be fired with coal. If Qinjiazhuang burns and good luck passes, the road will be far away and is not advisable."
"No problem, I'll deal with it later. What else do you want?"
"The stones and trees on the mountain must be used by ministers. Of course, they can also be used for road construction."
"Okay, is there any more?" Li Er promised, as long as it was for road construction and not for private use, no one would be able to say anything if it got out. It would be easy to deal with.
Qin Huaidao thought about it and added: "Building roads will inevitably involve the expropriation of some land, fruit trees, green crops, and even houses. We need the cooperation and support of local counties and counties. Of course, I will give full compensation and cannot be a loss to the people."
"Having the people in mind, yes, I'm right, and tell me everything else." Li Er became more and more satisfied. If he really wanted to destroy Qin Huaidao directly, no matter what, Li Er would really have to reconsider Qin Huaidao's character and intentions.
"There is also the problem of manpower. The project is huge. In addition to workers, it also requires a large number of management personnel, but I don't have them at hand." Qin Huaidao spread his hands and said with a wry smile.
"This..." Li Er looked embarrassed. After regaining Goguryeo, Khitan and the Xi tribe, the imperial court dispatched a large number of officials to fill the vacancies, but there were still no one left.
Li Jing also knew that there was no one available in the court, so he helped to smooth things over and said: "Huai Dao, there is no one available in the court. What solution do you have?"
Qin Huaidao had no good solution for a while. He suddenly thought of what happened in Wenqu Pavilion before. Those talented people were not all bad people. There were still many passionate young people who had ideals and revenge in their hearts, but their talents were not recognized. He was moved in his heart and said: "Your Majesty, I am.
I have an idea, but I don’t know if it’s feasible or not.”
"Let's talk about it." Li Er was also worried about the lack of talents, and he became energetic when he heard that there was a solution.
Li Jing also became interested and looked at Qin Huaidao with eyes full of expectation.
Qin Huaidao organized his speech and said: "First of all, before becoming an official in the imperial court, those who have been honored by the imperial court must go to the private sector for some experience. Those who are judged to be excellent can be promoted, and those who are unqualified can continue to practice, or return to their hometowns and no longer have permanent residence.
Let everyone feel the sufferings of the people, secondly, temper their dandy air, and thirdly, gain experience, so that when they enter the court and serve as officials, they will not know everything and make jokes."
There are three official selection systems in the Tang Dynasty. The first is the imperial examination. The second is the imperial examination recommendation, which means that the high officials in the court recommend others. The third is the conscription system, which is the privilege of the emperor. Princes and nobles can receive honors and be recruited into the court.
Officials, such as Qin Huaidao, were recruited into the dynasty and given the rank of Qianniu Guards, starting from the sixth rank.
However, many of the Duke's noble sons were arrogant, had high aspirations, and had little talent and knowledge. After being recruited, they were not qualified for the job. They also made many jokes and damaged the court's face. Li Er was helpless about this, but he had to recruit him.
It chilled the hearts of a bunch of princes and nobles.
After hearing the benefits listed by Qin Huaidao, Li Er was tempted. He would train the people below once or twice and then return. If it doesn't work, he would continue to practice. If the princes and nobles can explain it, they can also improve everyone's ability, so as to avoid the court being embarrassed again. Killing two birds with one stone is completely feasible.
He asked happily: "You mean, after dispatching a group of nobles to help?"
"Yes, they may not be very capable, but they are better than ordinary people because they are literate and digitized, and they are immersed in ink. As long as they use the right methods, they can still do a lot of things. Of course, these alone are not enough. The court can set up another
The system, I call it the internship system, allows students who have completed their studies at the Imperial College to have private experience. Only top students can take part in the imperial examination. The imperial examination can also add more questions about civil affairs." Qin Huaidao continued.
"Internship system?" Li Er's thoughts became vivid.
Li Jing also quickly thought about the benefits.
They are both dragons among men, with quick thinking and quick answers. In an instant, the two of them thought of the subtleties and nodded tacitly. Li Er praised: "This discussion is a great good and will benefit the future. The Imperial College students do not understand the sufferings of the world and set up an internship system."
This problem can be solved just right, Huai Dao, please write a memorandum as soon as possible."
"According to the decree!" Qin Huaidao agreed. Whether he is a noble or a student of the Imperial College, they are all young people with good vision, but they have no official status and are easy to manage. Anyone who dares to jump around or make trouble will be punished for life.
Don't even think about becoming an official in the court, you can handle it to the letter.
As for offending a large number of people, Qin Huaidao didn't care at all. He was going through life and death, struggling, so why should they sit in the office and boss around and be pampered?
Li Jing thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, I should write this memorial."
Li Er looked at Li Jing in surprise, and suddenly realized that Li Jing was protecting Qin Huaidao, lest he become the target of public criticism and delay the important event. He smiled and said: "That's fine, I'll leave it to the pharmacist."
Qin Huaidao also saw Li Jing's good intentions, and was full of gratitude in his heart, but did not argue anymore, and continued: "Your Majesty, the total cost of the road from Hanzhong to Chang'an is estimated to be two million yuan. Of course, I may not be accurate in calculating it, so I ask your Majesty to give it.
The Ministry of Household Affairs also calculated it to avoid mistakes. In addition, I plan to attract some people to invest. The return of 5% per year is simply an investment of 100 guan, and a rebate of 5 guan a year, for a total of ten years, that is
Fifty guan, and the principal will be returned after ten years.”
Although it is estimated to be 1.5 million yuan, the prediction is good.
"Wouldn't I give you one hundred guan, and you can get 150 guan back in ten years? Aren't you going to die by then?" Li Er asked in surprise.
"Going back to the Holy Spirit, I have calculated that I won't lose money, but I won't make a profit either. Just keep it even. Many wealthy people from the Chang'an family have piles of silver in their homes that is moldy, rusty, and will wear out over time. I asked him to take it out.
Returning the rebate is not a big problem, but please ask the Holy Spirit to make it clear as to whose money you should choose."
"Just make sure you're not at a loss. I'll send someone to send you a list later. The Ministry of Transportation will list it tomorrow. It's Cui Renshi's house. I've made arrangements. You can go directly to receive it tomorrow. The Supervision Office will change it to inspection.
Si, there is still a shortage of 700 guards, what do you think?"
"It all depends on the arrangement of the Holy One." Qin Huaidao is not stupid and will never interfere in personnel matters to avoid Li Er's suspicion.
"I will dispatch a team of Yulin Guards to gather a thousand people. The Inspection Department will be appointed as Sima, starting from the fourth rank, and Luo Zhang will be the leader. The Ministry of Communications will be appointed as the left and right minister, with Cheng Yaojin as the left, in charge of the Construction Department, and Yuchi Baolin as the reason.
, in charge of the branch office, other inspectors, chiefs, etc., you can fill them according to your needs and make recommendations after recommendation."
Qin Huaidao was a little surprised when he heard that Cheng Chumo and Yuchi Baolin were both generals and should be in the army. Are they planning to take the path of civil servants? He suddenly realized that this was a signal that Li Er was ready to reuse them. He felt happy and agreed.
: "Thank you, Your Majesty, the Ministry of Communications has been established for the first time. There is no urgent need to fill the vacancies. We will reserve them for those who have merit and can also inspire everyone."
"I read you right about Lao Cheng's move to seek the country. Road construction is different from the previous corvee work. There are no rules to follow. It's better to keep it as an incentive." Li Er praised.
After chatting for a while, the two left the Manna Hall.
Along the way, Li Jing asked about the details of the internship system so that he could write a memorial later. Qin Huai told him everything he knew and described it in detail. Unknowingly, the two of them walked out of the palace and left separately.
When he returned to the Inspection Department, he saw that Luo Zhang was still waiting and asked with a smile: "Luo Zhang, how are you doing at home?" As for the matter of being in charge of the Inspection Department, you can't talk about it until the imperial edict is issued. This is a rule.
"Everything is fine. My family asked me to thank you for taking care of me and allowing you to come over for a meal when you are free."
"I've been too busy recently. Let's wait until later. By the way, the sales of honeycomb briquettes have been suspended and the profits are quite good. Come with me back to your hometown later to reconcile the accounts and then transport your part away." Qin Huaidao said with a smile.
"Thank you, uncle."
"Why are you so polite? Since I am taking you to make money, of course I have to give it to you if I make it. Ten thousand guan. By the way, my uncle is going to open a restaurant. He will definitely make money. You can discuss it with your family and invest if you want, but it cannot exceed 10,000 yuan.
Wan Guan." Qin Huaidao said with a smile.
"That's good, no need to split the money, just invest directly." Luo Zhang said quickly.
"Oh, why don't you tell your family?"
"No, my family is very happy to come back after making great achievements this time, and they will listen to you in everything from now on."
"Okay, we still need to look at the account books and write a partnership document to confirm it. Business is business, and friendship is friendship. You go and wait outside for a while, I have something to take care of." Qin Huaidao looked at Wang De who came in and knew that it was
He sent the list of names to the Holy Lord and waved his hand to signal Luo Zhang to go out.
Wang De came in with a smile on his face.
Qin Huaidao stood up to greet me and said with a smile: "My lord, please come and run for me."
"I don't dare to say that. Mr. Qin is sharing the worries of His Majesty. The old slave looks happy. What's the point of a trip? This is the list. Keep it. In addition, Your Majesty has invested 10,000 yuan of savings from the inner treasury to build roads. Your Majesty.
You don't have much money to be considerate, so you can't lose money, and also, this matter should be kept secret." Wang De laughed softly.
Qin Huaidao understood. Li Er valued the 5% rebate and agreed: "Please send me a message to make up for the loss."
"With Master Qin's words, the old slave will feel at ease. The money will be delivered to the house overnight?" Wang De asked.
It is most suitable to send money at night so that no one can easily see it. Qin Huaidao nodded and took the list. Wang De continued: "The Holy One said that the people on the list are willing to vote no matter how much they are willing to give, and they will not force it. If it is not enough, Mr. Qin will
It’s your choice, but there’s one thing, Five Surnames and Seven Hopes won’t work.”
"I obey the decree!"
Qin Huaidao agreed. The five surnames and Qiwang were already rich enough, and they were very powerful. Of course, they could not give him another chance to make money. After sending Wang De away, Qin Huaidao looked at the list. Those in the front were all Dukes, and there were some Marquises and ministers in the back.
, are all trusted ministers of Li Er.
Looking at the list, Qin Huaidao felt a little emotional. Li Er was still nostalgic and felt really good about the people who fought together.
After writing down the list and keeping it close to him, Qin Huaidao planned to go back and visit them one by one. This kind of thing could not be made public, otherwise it would cause trouble. Seeing that it was getting late, he took Luo Zhang back home to look at the account books and confirm the investment documents.
We had a meal together and sent Luo Zhang to the door, where he saw He'er coming in a carriage.
He'er also saw Qin Huaidao, jumped off the carriage and hurried over to salute: "Young Master, you are waiting for me."
"How is the matter handled? Is there any trouble?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"Everything went well. I rented a house. It's big enough to accommodate two hundred people. It's enough to be used as a workshop. I'll ask the sisters from Qinjiazhuang to come over and clean it tomorrow."
"That's good. Let Brother Xue draw a team of ten people from the village protection team to protect the village. Each team will rotate every three days, and then hire a few people from Qinjiazhuang to help with the cooking. The purchase will be arranged by the government. You can control it.
Okay, so they can concentrate on their work, clean it up tomorrow, and I will arrange to send the wool and cowhide over the day after tomorrow." Qin Huaidao warned.
"Remember." He'er felt extremely happy when she saw that Qin Huaidao had really left all the big and small affairs to her, and trained him as half the mistress of the house, and all the hard work was gone.
"How's the wine?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"We have already negotiated with two wineries. They will provide long-term supply and the price will be cheaper. We will bring them here tonight. Everyone will work overtime at night and it will be on the market tomorrow. Young Master, do we really limit the purchase to one jar per person and ten guans per jar?
What should I do if it can't be sold?" He'er confirmed.
"It doesn't matter how much it can sell. It doesn't matter whether it sells or not. The main thing is to build a reputation and let more people know about it, so as to prepare for the future." Qin Huaidao explained.
He'er still had a vague idea, but she didn't ask any more questions and nodded in agreement.
"I'll leave it to you. If you have anything to decide on your own, come to me if you can't decide." Qin Huaidao felt relieved when he saw that He'er was doing things in an orderly manner, so he left in a hurry.
He'er's eyes turned into crescent moons when he heard that it was up to him to decide the affairs of the house.