The sun was shining brightly outside the window, and the cries of vendors could be heard endlessly. The breeze swayed the branches, and a few shadows fell down to dance around the room, walking around like a kitten chasing its own tail, quiet and peaceful.
Qin Huaidao woke up and looked at the blue sky and white clouds outside the window. He felt particularly comfortable. He stretched out and got up to get familiar with it. He drank a little too much bad wine at the end and had no appetite now. He took out the manuscript and started studying it.
Two to three hundred kilometers, but can be divided into three sections.
The first section is from Chang'an to the Heihe River, passing through Huxian in the middle. The terrain of this section is flat, and it only needs to be expanded on the existing official road. The magistrate of Huxian is a disciple of Mr. Fang, so it is not a big problem. The amount of work is the largest and the construction is the longest.
The difficulty is along the Heihe River, which requires clearing mountains and cutting down trees, followed by Luogu Pass and Huayangguang. This section is not a big problem.
Huayang Pass is Zhenfu County, and the county magistrate, Sun Mei, seems to have no problem so far. Finally, it is Yang County. As long as Magistrate Wu is sincere and has the talent to do things, Qin Huaidao doesn't mind giving him a hand.
Based on this calculation, there are no obstacles in the entire road. As for the construction, we have to build it from Yangxian to Chang'an, because the gypsum is in Yangxian, and it is too troublesome to transport it there. Anyway, there are coal mines and limestone in Yangxian, and they can be burned on the spot.
Making materials makes it much faster to repair.
As for Xixiang, there is also gypsum. There is no need to build roads. It only needs to be mined and transported.
After some review and analysis, Qin Huaidao had something to worry about. Not long after, a guard knocked on the door: "Master Qin, Magistrate Wu is visiting, and Magistrate Cui of Xixiang County is accompanying him."
"Come right over." Qin Huaidao responded casually, put all the manuscripts away close to his body, opened the door, and followed the guards to a guest room in the inn. Cheng Chumo, Yuchi Baolin and Luo Zhang were accompanying them. They were chatting about something.
When Qin Huaidao came over, they all stood up and saluted.
Qin Huaidao sat down in the first place and looked at Magistrate Cui of Xixiang County. He was tall and tall, with a Chinese character face and thick eyebrows and big eyes. He gave people a righteous impression. He asked calmly: "Magistrate Cui came very quickly.
, Thank you for your hard work all the way, where is Mr. Cui from?"
"I don't dare, I don't dare. It's Xiaguan's blessing to be able to come and see Mr. Qin. I received the news last night and came here early this morning. I'm still late. Please forgive me, Mr. Qin. The people from the east road of Xiaguan River are poor and all blame.
Only with the support of the clan can you be lucky enough to take the imperial examination." Magistrate Cui said quickly, implying that he was not from a wealthy family and had no background.
Qin Huaidao understood. He could use it without any background and was not afraid of the other party lying. He would know after checking it later. He smiled and said, "Master Cui is humble. Have you received the imperial edict?"
"I got it, these are fine stone mining documents." Magistrate Cui said and took out a land deed.
Qin Huaidao took a look and saw that the area was actually quite large. He was delighted and put the document aside and continued: "I need Mr. Cui's help with something."
"Excuse me, sir!" Magistrate Cui said solemnly, as if he was listening.
Qin Huaidao was not polite and said bluntly: "Thank you, Mr. Cui, for making an announcement. I need to recruit young people to mine fine stones in Xixiang County. I will start working at midnight every day and take an hour's break at noon. This will make it easier for everyone to go home for dinner and continue working at the end of the day."
"Is it okay to finish work at the same time and pay five cents a day regardless of food and accommodation?"
"Give me five cents as wages?" Magistrate Cui said incredulously. Since ancient times, people who worked for the court had to do corvee labor and had to bring their own dry food. How could they have money?
"Less?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"No, no, there are too many. Xixiang County has not had such high wages since ancient times, nor has it been available in the entire Yangzhou Prefecture. Sir, there is no need for so many. When necessary, I can also apply for some corvee work, as long as it avoids the busy farming period.
." Mr. Cui quickly explained.
"Remember, no corvee is allowed. The wage is only this. As long as you are young and strong, it must be voluntary. No compulsion is allowed. The wage is paid once a day. In addition, the notice states that the fine stones should be hauled to Yang County for a large cart.
Ten articles." Qin Huaidao warned solemnly that hired workers are hired workers, and it would be bad if someone takes the opportunity to use their hands to cause resentment among the people.
"Your Majesty, please remember." Seeing that he didn't want to make a joke, County Magistrate Cui quickly responded, feeling inexplicably grateful in his heart. If the corvee showdown was really to be forced, the county magistrate would be the most difficult to do. It would be a good idea to pay such a high salary now. As soon as the notice came out
, I will definitely rush to do it.
Thinking of the people rushing to sign up, County Magistrate Cui bowed solemnly and said: "Master Qin is kind. With this job, the people of Xixiang will have an extra income and their lives will be much easier. I will thank you on behalf of the people of Xixiang!"
"I will leave a team of people to be responsible for maintaining safety, and I also asked Mr. Cui to send a few government servants to assist. After all, the locals know each other well, so it will be more convenient if anything happens."
"I obey your orders," Mr. Cui solemnly replied.
After Qin Huaidao finished talking about Xixiang, he looked at Magistrate Wu and continued: "Magistrate Wu is also helping recruit young people to mine stones. Those who have large trucks at home can go to Xixiang County to help transport. The quantity needed is too large, and
We are in a hurry and need a large number of carriages. Is it okay for Mr. Cui?"
"No problem. Xixiang is poor, and there are not many families with carriages. It will be much faster if we have help from Yang County. Road construction is a major matter for the court, and I must give my full support." Mr. Cui said quickly.
Magistrate Wu also quickly expressed his position: "The people must be enthusiastic about Mr. Qin's way of making money for the people. This is helping the official to manage the area under his jurisdiction. The official is grateful."
"You two understand the general situation, I am very pleased. There is another thing. I will leave some people to take charge of the overall situation in Yang County. Food and accommodation are indispensable. I need a larger yard and purchase a large amount of grain and grass. Of course,
, I won’t make it difficult for you two, just follow the market price.”
The two exchanged glances, and Mr. Cui said first: "Mr. Qin, there is surplus grain in Xixiang. When I go back, I will collect one and arrange for it to be transported. Is ten thousand dan enough?"
"If it's not enough, we'll raise one hundred thousand dan first. If the two counties don't have enough, we'll notify the other counties and pay them when they arrive. We will never default on the payment." Qin Huaidao said solemnly that food is fundamental and must be prepared before some aristocratic families can react. One hundred thousand dan
There is a lot of stone, so I will probably buy up all the surrounding counties. After a few months, new grain should be on the market, and I will buy it when the supply is low.
When the two heard that they wanted 100,000 stones, they calculated it carefully and nodded. Magistrate Wu said: "Two counties are definitely not enough. We need to find other counties. Soon the officials spread the word, and the grain merchants' associations in each county started to move. Within ten days,
This matter can be solved, I wonder if there is time?"
"Slower, five days is best." Qin Huaidao said, as time goes by, it is difficult to guarantee that someone will intervene, so the sooner, the better.
"The official is scheduled to do it in five days. As for the residence, I don't know how big it will be. There are not many big houses in the city, but there is a village outside the city that can accommodate many people. It was left behind by the traitors of the previous dynasty. After all the houses were raided, the village was empty.
It has been a few years and can still be lived in after tidying up. If there are dozens of people living there, there will be more options." Magistrate Wu said quickly.
"How many people can live in Zhuangzi?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"It's not a big problem if there are about a thousand people."
"Then let's go here, complete the procedures, and rent it until the road is repaired. It will cost you whatever it is." Qin Huaidao was overjoyed. Such a big place is enough, and it is outside the city, so many things are much more convenient.
Magistrate Wu quickly agreed: "The deserted Zhuangzi is an ownerless land. It was confiscated by the court and handed over to the county. It does not require rent. I will arrange for someone to clean it soon."
"Give me some, so that no one will gossip in the future. All the grain and fine stones will be transported to Zhuangzi. No problem, you two go first." Qin Huaidao stood up and gave the order to evict the guests.
The two nodded understandingly and left.
After the two left, Qin Huaidao asked Luo Zhang to call the accompanying technical staff from the house. After everyone arrived, Qin Huaidao continued: "Brother Cheng, you have to stay for a while and be responsible for all matters. Is that okay?"
"No problem." Cheng Chumo agreed. As the person in charge of the construction department, Cheng Chumo was mentally prepared. Thinking that he didn't understand the next work, he reminded: "But I don't know how to build this road."
"Leave the technical issues to them. You only need to make overall plans, control them, and be responsible for communicating with the officials." Qin Huaidao said, looking at everyone in the house, and added: "Uncles, you will have to work hard next. Press
The original Qinjiazhuang method was to quarry, build kilns, and bake, each performing their own duties. Was there any problem?"
"No problem." Everyone said one after another, having done one round, they all knew it well.
Qin Huaidao pondered for a moment and then added: "The excavation of limestone, fine stone and coal can be carried out simultaneously. There are two counties helping to recruit laborers. The manpower problem is not big, but the firing technology must not be leaked. The fine stone grinding problem is somewhat difficult to handle.
, there is no waterwheel, so we can only grind more stones and find someone to grind them finely."
"Understood, Qinjiazhuang has also found someone to grind it, so there will be no problem." said the man in charge of burning the cement floor.
"That's good. It will be fired in the mountains, and the fine stones will be polished and placed on the farm. Doing them separately can also prevent leaks. Just mix them together in proportion and bag them. The village needs to build a road leading to the mountain. Remember, use it first.
The fine stone transported from Xixiang will be excavated from the Yangxian fine stone mine last," Qin Huaidao warned.
"Understood." Everyone agreed quickly.
Qin Huaidao thought for a while and added: "Luo Zhang, the Hundred Patrol Division is divided into two, half each from Xixiang Fine Stone Mine and Zhuangzi, and they are put under the control of Brother Cheng. Lime and cement must be fired within a month. In addition,
Brother Cheng went to negotiate with Magistrate Wu of Yang County. He also needed river sand. The more the better, and he could organize people to dig. The river sand must be cleaned and exposed to the sun before it can be used. People also need to dig out rocks and smash them.
Into small particles.”
"River sand is simple, what kind of stones are needed?" Cheng Chumo asked.
"Hard green granite or riverside gravel will do, as long as it's hard enough."
"That's no problem." Cheng Chumo agreed.
"You go and take over Zhuangzi first and organize the manpower to clean it up. Once the people arrive, we will start work tomorrow. Baolin, you are responsible for buying some grains, oils and vegetables for everyone to prepare. Then find some cooks to take care of the meals. Let's take action."
"Obey the order!" Everyone stood up and left.
Qin Huaidao also returned to the guest room. While looking at the hand-drawn manuscript, he was thinking about the road construction plan. He wrote it down one by one, especially the precautions and technical points of laying the cement floor, how to lay it, how to sprinkle water to ensure it does not crack, and how to paint the surface with a layer of water.
To ensure that there is no water leakage, no slipping, etc., I cannot stay at the scene every day and keep an eye on it. I can only write it down and leave it to others to handle.
…
Manna Hall.
Li Er was also reading the memorial. The Tang Dynasty was a vast country with many things to do. There were endless government affairs to deal with every day. Li Er was a diligent person. He felt uneasy until he finished reading it, so he took another book and opened it a few times.
, his face instantly darkened, he looked at the signature, a cold light flashed in his eyes, and shouted: "Here comes someone!"
"Your Majesty, this servant is here." Wang De hurriedly came in.
"Pass on Fang Xuanling!"
"According to the order!"
After Wang De left in a hurry, Li Er endured the anger in his heart and read the memorial. However, the more he read, the angrier he became, and his hands were shaking. After reading the last word, he patted the memorial on the table and began to think with a straight face.
His eyes were filled with murderous intent.
Not long after, Fang Xuanling came in a hurry, bowed and said: "See you, Your Majesty!"
"Xuan Ling is here, take a look too." Li Er controlled his anger and handed over the memorial.
Fang Xuanling didn't think much. He took it and opened it. His pupils shrank suddenly. He endured his anger and read it. He returned the memorial, took a few steps back, bowed and said: "Your Majesty, this trend cannot last long. Once you compromise, you will be punished."
There will be more people jumping out. Today is Zhou Zhi, but tomorrow we don’t know who it is, and this road will not be built."
"Some people wish that this road could not be built. What are they going to do? Building the road will benefit the country and the people. What's wrong with it? Is it worth them spending so much effort and racking their brains?" Li Er cursed.
Fang Xuanling did not expect that someone would jump out to stop the road construction at the beginning. The reason for the stoppage was justifiable and difficult to refute. He also got angry and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, they are not stopping the road construction in essence. It will be no problem if someone else does it.
, what they stopped was Qin Huaidao."
"What do you mean?" Li Er's eyes narrowed.
Fang Xuanling climbed to where he is today step by step. Of course he is not a fool. He has rich experience in struggle. He solemnly said: "Your Majesty, someone wants to force Huaidao to withdraw so that he can take over the road construction, and then take the opportunity to force Huaidao to hand over his road construction technology.
If you don't give it, Huai Dao will be a criminal who obstructs road construction regardless of the interests of the people in the world. If you give it, it will chill Huai Dao's heart, and even chill the hearts of the generals in the world, but they can take advantage of the opportunity to earn fame. It's so big
A game of chess."
Fang Xuanling is an expert at analyzing and planning, and he can see the essence behind it through the memorial.
Li Er has always believed in Fang Xuanling's analysis, but he couldn't help but feel his heart skip a beat when he heard this, and couldn't help but ask: "What are they going to do? Can they rebel by earning fame? I really think my sword is not sharp.
?”
This topic was too sensitive, so Fang Xuanling didn't answer it, but his cold expression said it all.
The hall suddenly became depressing.
It's so quiet that it makes your heart tremble.
After a while, Li Er controlled his emotions and asked: "How do you think Aiqing should handle this matter?"
Fang Xuanling hurriedly said: "Go back to the Holy Spirit and petition in the name of caring for hundreds of people. It is reasonable and reasonable. It cannot be dismissed, and it cannot be dismissed for the time being. Otherwise, it will fall into the trap of some people and cause bigger problems. I think we should shelve it and wait for suspicion."
When Dao comes back, ask him what he means and decide, maybe Huai Dao has a solution."
"Is there any solution, unless we don't go through the official channels in Zhouzhi, which is impossible." Li Er said coldly.
Fang Xuanling also knew that it was impossible to bypass the official roads in Zhouzhi, and he could not think of any other way. After thinking for a moment, he said: "Your Majesty, I still think that I will wait until Huai Dao comes back before deciding. That kid has many clever strategies, and maybe there is a solution.
The solution is to calculate the time and go to Yang County. I will be back in more than ten days, so I can afford to wait."
"You can wait, but this man can't be kept any longer. Find a reason to capture him and throw him into a prison. If he dares to stop the road construction, he will not be spared lightly." Li Er said murderously.
"According to the order!"
Fang Xuanling promised with all his heart, and his majestic power was untouchable. This person dared to jump out and cause trouble, and he must not be treated lightly. He would kill the chicken to scare the monkey, otherwise more people would jump out and the road would not be built. Who is secretly causing trouble?
The next moment, several candidates flashed through Fang Xuanling's mind. There were not many people in need of fame, and the country's foundation was involved, so he could not speak nonsense. However, Fang Xuanling thought of Qin Huaidao's care for his son, and his heart sank, so he decided to add more.
Huo, after bowing solemnly, said: "Your Majesty, this matter should be investigated clearly. No matter who is causing trouble behind the scenes, you should not be lenient, otherwise it will chill Huai Dao's heart. Huai Dao spent his own money and borrowed money at usury to build roads, but he is serving the country and the people.
, the merit lies in the present time, and the benefit lies in the future, as the road is really as Huai Dao said, it will definitely be recorded in the annals of history. This kind of thing cannot stop, let alone be blocked by others."
"Don't worry, Huaidao is the son-in-law he really chose. How can he be bullied?" Li Er agreed coldly, and suddenly shouted in a loud voice: "Come here!"
"Old slave is here!" Wang De hurriedly came in from outside.
"Investigate this matter carefully and make sure there are no mistakes. I must know who is behind it before Huai Dao returns."
"I obey!" Wang De quickly agreed and hurried away.
"Ai Qing, do you have anything to add?" Li Er looked at Fang Xuanling.
Fang Xuanling shook his head and said: "I will go back and arrange a thorough investigation of Zhouzhi County Magistrate's affairs. I will retire."
Li Er waved his hand, looked at the memorial and began to think deeply. He also had a few candidates in mind, but he couldn't believe it. After thinking for a moment, he shouted loudly: "Here comes someone."
A chamberlain hurriedly came in: "Your Majesty!"
"Go and find out what the Crown Prince and King Wei are doing?"
"According to the order!"
The chamberlain left in a hurry, and soon came back sweating profusely, panting and saying: "Your Majesty, according to the investigation, King Wei is studying and writing at home. He has not gone out today. The prince, the prince... went to Wanhua Tower."
"You bastard, you traitor, pass on Xu Shiji." Li Er stood up and cursed loudly.
"According to the order!"
The chamberlain hurriedly ran out to deliver the message. A moment later, Xu Shiji hurried in, clasping his fists and saying, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"
"Go, take the prince back to the East Palace and ground him!"
"According to the order!" Xu Shiji was full of curiosity, but he hurried away without asking any more questions.
Li Er looked at Xu Shiji's leaving figure and murmured in a cold voice: "Treason, it's best not to be you..."
…
An hour later, the news spread like wildfire that the prince was taken out of Wanhua Tower by Qian Niuwei and grounded.
The harem, in a simple and elegant courtyard.
Princess Jinyang and Princess Yuzhang were tending the flowers in the courtyard and chasing butterflies. The girl's heart was beyond words, and her silver-like laughter spread far away. Several palace maids looked at this scene with smiles, very relaxed. If they had been there last year, they would never have Dare you let Princess Jinyang play like this.
After taking Luo Han Guo for about half a year, Jinyang's symptoms have improved a lot. He can run in the sun and play for a while without being out of breath, coughing or exhausted. After playing for a while, Jinyang was a little tired, so he came to the pavilion to rest. The maids brought him Various fruit pastries.
After the two sisters ate some, Yuzhang's personal maid hurried over, her pretty face covered with sweat, and signaled the maids to leave before quickly saying: "I've seen the two princesses."
"Xiao'e, there's no one else here, so there's no need to be so polite. Is something okay?" Yu Zhang asked.
"Going back to the princess, someone is spreading a rumor outside that the magistrate of Zhouzhi County wrote a letter to compensate the local people for road construction. The Holy Emperor was furious and sent General Xu Shiji to go to Wanhua Tower to arrest the prince and banned him from the East Palace."
"What? I'm going to find my father." Yuzhang became anxious upon hearing this.
"Don't worry, this is weird. A county magistrate has written a letter, and he is asking for compensation for building roads on behalf of the people. The Holy Lord loves the people like a son, so there is no reason to be angry, let alone arrest and ground the prince. There must be a deep meaning in it." Jin Yang hurriedly pulled him away. Yu Zhang said slowly, at a young age, he has extraordinary calmness and command.
Perhaps it was due to his long illness that he could see through the nature of worldly affairs.
Yuzhang also calmed down, thought for a while, and said: "Are you saying that asking for compensation for the people is just an excuse, and the real purpose is to prevent road construction? It will embarrass Brother Qin and prevent him from stepping down?"
"If this were the case, my father would not arrest the crown prince's brother."
"This matter has something to do with the prince brother? No way?" Yuzhang was a little surprised. Seeing Jinyang's thoughtful expression, he thought for a while and added: "Sister Sizi, I don't think it was done by the prince brother. If it is really Brother Prince, it is impossible for him to go to Wanhua Tower, he should act like a good person at home."
"This is also what I don't understand. My wise father must have thought that grounding the prince brother might be for protection, and there will definitely be a thorough investigation in secret. Let's not add to the trouble. However, there are people who are unfavorable to Brother Qin, and we can't just sit back and watch. No matter what, Xiao'e, get ready, I, the princess, will take charge of the Duke Protector's Mansion."
"Brother Qin is not here, why are you going to the Duke Protector's Mansion?" Yu Zhang asked.
"Make your stance clear, shake the mountain and shake the tiger, and let those old foxes in the secret weigh it up. Didn't you say that the Duke Protector's Mansion brewed Zhenguan Drunk? I haven't tasted it yet, and I just happened to go and have a look. There are also their workshops making quilts and leather. Boots, let's go and have a look together. You can buy some and give them away. You are the future mistress of the Protector's Mansion. If you don't want to help me with this, do you still need me to remind you?" Jin Yang asked with a smile.
"Let's go help Brother Qin open up sales?" Yuzhang reacted and said with a smile: "Sister Sizi is still smart. Why didn't I think of it? Xiao'e, hurry up and make preparations."
"Here!" the maid hurried away.
An hour later, the princess's carriage slowly arrived at the Protector's Mansion.
The housekeeper Jia Youcai hurriedly opened the middle door to greet him. He was full of doubts in his heart. The young master was not here, so what was the princess doing here? They were female relatives. Jia Youcai was not convenient to receive them. When he saw the two princesses getting off the carriage, he hurriedly threw them to He'er.
With a glance, He'er mustered up the courage to step forward and salute: "My slave He'er has met Princess Jinyang and Princess Yuzhang."
Yuzhang and He'er had gotten along in Qinjiazhuang, and he knew He'er's status in Qin Huaidao's heart. He stepped forward with a smile, took He'er's hand and said: "He'er, don't be surprised if you come to visit rashly. Sister Jinyang said she wanted to try it.
I'm drunk in Zhenguan at home, and I'd like to see the workshop, is that convenient?"
"For convenience, why not go to the workshop first and then come back to the house for a simple meal?" Facing the future mistress of the house, He'er didn't dare to refuse, so he quickly suggested.
Yuzhang did not express his position immediately and looked at Jinyang. Jinyang saw that it was still early and it was not suitable to eat, so he agreed: "Then let's make arrangements with He'er, let's go."
The group got back on the road and soon arrived at the workshop.
More than two hundred sisters in the workshop were working. When they saw the princess coming, they all stood up to greet her with uneasy faces. They all came from poor families. They were said to be princesses. Even the county magistrate had never seen them. They were at a loss. Yuzhang and Jinyang also
Understanding everyone's mood, he said a few words of comfort, looked at the finished products, and found that they were made of high-quality silk, which was soft to the touch and very comfortable. Jinyang couldn't help but ask: "Is it warm under the cover?"
?”
He'er quickly explained: "The cover is very warm and not heavy. It's not as uncomfortable as other beddings. If the princess doesn't mind, take some back and try them out."
"Let me try." How old is Jinyang? She still has a playful temperament, so she asks the guards to avoid her. She finds a place to lie down and covers herself with a quilt. She feels soft and soft. She turns over and lies directly on the quilt.
It felt like lying in the clouds, very comfortable. I fell in love instantly and said, "How much will it cost to pack all the things you have made?"
"Ah... I don't need money." He'er said quickly, how dare the princess ask for something?
"It's okay if I don't need money. Brother Qin will definitely ignore me when he comes back and knows that I got it for nothing. You must have money. Tell me, how much?" Jin Yang said quickly.
"It doesn't matter, just take it as much as you want." Yu Zhang also advised.
He'er hesitated for a moment: "Then just two pieces of silver."
"It's only two guan, is it too cheap? Just because we are princesses, we can't pay less. In this way, it will be counted as three guan, and we will have people deliver it later, and take away the things first." Jin Yang said.
He'er didn't know what to say. The two prices were the calculated selling prices and had not been lowered. However, Princess Jinyang had already spoken. She didn't know how to refute, so she simply stayed silent and waited for the young master to come back.
More than twenty sets of finished quilts were packed into the carriage, and the group left and went back to the Protector's Mansion for a meal. The two princesses hurried back to the backyard of the palace. Jin Yang jumped off the carriage and ordered: "Come on, will you?"
The quilts were given to several noble concubines in the palace, as a token of my filial piety. If you think they are good, you can go to the Duke Protector's Mansion to buy them."
"Here!" The maids took the quilts one by one and left with their arms in their hands.
Yuzhang was stunned by this operation. Only Jinyang dared to do this in the entire harem. He was moved in his heart and said with a smile: "Tomorrow I will take the sisters from various houses to Brother Qin's shop in Dongshi. Do you want to come together?"
"You react very quickly? You know your elbows are turned outward." Jin Yang teased.
"You dare to make fun of me." Yu Zhang went up and took out the tickle flesh.
Jinyang was not to be outdone, and the two sisters fought together.
The laughter like silver bells spread throughout the small courtyard, and the two smiling faces were like flowers blooming in the sunshine.