Li Jing was sitting in the yamen, with a pot of tea and a book, so comfortable. The setting sun shone in through the window lattice and fell on the ground, swaying in the wind like golden butterflies. It was quiet and warm.
The Imperial College Health Officer was brought back and thrown directly into the sky jail without any trial at all, waiting for the people behind him to come to the door.
"Zi——"
A cup of tea enters the throat, and the bitterness and sweetness reveal it, making people recall it, just like this world.
"This tea-making method has been simplified, which is very interesting." Li Jing couldn't help but sigh. After a bag of tea came back from Qin Huaidao, Li Jing learned how to brew tea from Qin Huaidao. During this time, he became addicted.
"Sir, Kong Jijiu is here to visit." An attendant came in to report.
"Please." Li Jing said with a smile, what was supposed to come finally came.
Not long after, Kong Yingda hurried in with a dark face and was not polite at all. After sitting down, he said bluntly: "Sir Li, the Ministry of Punishment is so prestigious. The members of our Imperial College are petitioning for the people. Why is it wrong? I won't give you an explanation today.
I don’t mind mobilizing all Confucian scholars to denounce it.”
Kong Yingda is a descendant of the Holy Sect, a great Confucian of the generation, and his influence is very great. He only needs to ascend to the top and make a call, and his followers will be like a cloud. Scholars all over the world will respond. No one can afford this consequence, but Li Jing is not afraid and asks indifferently: "Confucius Sacrifice"
Is the wine meant to threaten the imperial officials?"
"Don't tell me this, let me go immediately." Kong Yingda said dissatisfied.
"What if I don't let you go?" Li Jing asked coldly.
"How dare you!" Kong Yingda became even more angry and said coldly: "Aren't you afraid that all the students in the Imperial College will strike out and go to the streets to ask for orders? Aren't you afraid that all the Confucian scholars in the world will strike out and write letters of impeachment?"
"You can try it and see whether you Confucian scholars are quicker with your words or I am quicker with my sword."
"You want to make an enemy of the Confucian scholars in the world? The holy science is in panic, there are so many Confucian scholars, and there is no shortage of defenders. How could you have cut off this good man's head in advance?" Kong Yingda became furious and stood up, trembling with anger.
Li Jing was a military strategist. He didn't care what the Holy Society was like or who was a great scholar in the Holy Science. He said coldly: "The Holy Science is not as great as the Zhenguan Law. It's not up to me to chop off your head or not. The Zhenguan Law will decide.
Now I want to ask you something, did you instigate the Imperial College Supervisor to smash up the shop in the Duke Protector's house?"
"I am a man who respects etiquette and respects benevolence and righteousness. How could he do such a thing?" Kong Yingda angrily rebuked.
Li Jing knew something about the person in front of him. He had an irritable and old-fashioned personality, a bookworm, a self-denial, and respected his reputation more than his life. The possibility of instigating him was not high, so he said: "Even if you didn't instigate me, as a sacrificial wine,
, how do you educate the students?"
"They are petitioning for the people. They are the pride of the Holy Sect. I am very pleased. You don't need to make irresponsible remarks about how to teach. Instead, they are protecting the country and using public grain to make wine. They simply ignore the hunger of the people in the world. They are indifferent and have no thoughts.
With compassion, such a person is worthy of being the protector of the country. It is simply a shame to our Tang Dynasty. Release him immediately, otherwise don’t blame me for being unkind." Kong Yingda said angrily.
"You dare to humiliate the Lord Protector of the imperial court, have you learned your ethics into the dog's belly? This is how the saint teaches you how to behave? This kind of sacred knowledge is worthy of being rampant in the world, it is simply ridiculous."
"You dare to insult my sacred knowledge?" Kong Yingda stared at his old eyes, looking like he was about to go berserk.
Li Jing said unceremoniously: "I'm scolding you lightly. There are so many liquor sellers in Chang'an City, and I don't see anyone's shop being smashed by you. Why are you suddenly causing trouble for the Lord Protector?"
"This is called petitioning for the people. We should set an example by protecting the country. How can we do the despicable things of merchants and waste food? Do you know how many people in the world are hungry?" Kong Yingda said angrily.
"Then do you know that Lord Protector did not use grain to make wine?"
Kong Yingda's face froze as he spoke, and he immediately sneered: "Master Li, are you kidding me that I don't know how to make wine? How can you make wine without using grain? It's a joke."
"What to brew is the protector's business secret. I know a thing or two, but I can't reveal it. What I can tell you is that not a grain of grain is used, and your people are not petitioning for the people, but are willing to be
It is a heinous crime to take advantage of others and slander the Lord Protector. Are you sure you want to wade into this muddy water?"
Kong Yingda also understood Li Jing's character and would never deceive himself with nonsense, but he still asked in disbelief: "Is it true that no grain is used to make wine?"
"Do I need to trick you?"
Kong Yingda's face changed drastically. If he didn't use grain to make wine, suing the Duke for wasting grain and petitioning for the people would be a joke. The ones who were wronged were the Imperial College Supervisors. If the problem got bigger, Confucianism would be humiliated. This was something Kong Yingda never wanted to see.
His old face was so hot that he was too embarrassed to stay any longer. He tossed his sleeves and turned around to leave.
Li Jing didn't stop him. He won the first round and it was time for the second step.
Not long after, Li Jing came to the dungeon, walked through the long corridor to a dungeon door, and signaled the jailer to open the cell door. When the prisoner who was locked saw that it was Li Jing, he got excited and wanted to say something. Li Jing didn't want to hear everyone.
Hum, he was the first to speak and scolded: "Who is the instigator?"
"No one takes the lead, we all do it voluntarily."
"Petitions for the people, sacred teachings and righteousness, do not need anyone to take the lead."
One by one, they rushed to speak, with excitement and the posture of a protector.
Li Jing observed everyone, his eyes as sharp as knives, which made everyone feel scared. They gradually became quiet, and Li Jing suddenly raised his voice and shouted: "Listen up, everyone."
One sentence frightened everyone inexplicably and made them nervous.
Li Jing continued to scold: "According to the investigation, the Duke Protector's brewing did not use a grain of grain. There is no such thing as waste. You insulted the Protector and smashed private belongings. You are punished for both crimes. You should be expelled from the Imperial Academy and serve as a third-in-command."
Year."
"What, this is impossible?"
“How can it be possible to make wine without using grain?”
"No, we are petitioning for the people and protecting the world. Your Excellency cannot expel us from school."
"We want to see Kong and offer wine, and we want to see the Holy One."
Suddenly, the crowd was excited and panicked.
Li Jing, a master of the art of war, had considerable experience in interrogation. Seeing that the results were good, he continued to scold: "Shut up, everyone. Now I am giving you a chance to atone for your crimes. Who is the instigator?"
At this moment, everyone no longer fought like before, their faces were full of fear and panic, and they all looked at one of them, who also looked pale, no longer as self-righteous as before.
"Tell me, who asked you to do this?" Li Jing stared at the other party.
The other person's throat was crawling, his eyes were uneasy, and he didn't dare to speak.
Li Jing said coldly: "It doesn't matter if you don't say it. Then it will be treated as if all of you volunteered to serve as border guards. As for your family members, you will also be relegated to slavery. If you dare to frame the imperial protector, you will have to suffer the consequences."
"No, it can't be like this, we were wrong." One person yelled in panic, staring at the leader, his eyes turned red for a moment, and continued: "Tell me, who told you to do this? Do you want to kill all of us?
Thanks to us for trusting you so much and following you, you are simply not a son of a human being."
"You actually took advantage of us..."
"You are so cruel..."
"Tell me, who is it?"
One by one, they glared angrily at the person in charge and started asking questions.
Seeing that Li Jing had successfully provoked internal strife among the people, he was not anxious and stared coldly at the instigator without saying a word.
The leader looked at the people around him and knew that the situation was over. If he didn't say anything, he would definitely be beaten to death by everyone. He was completely panicked. He knelt down with a bang, burst into tears, and shouted mournfully: "Sir, please spare your life, it's me, lard."
I took away a thousand taels of silver from Lu Jiansheng, the Lu family of Fan Yang, because he asked me to do it."
"Is there any proof?" Li Jing was overjoyed and asked.
"No...no proof. We only know each other once in Wanhualou."
"Who else was there?"
"nobody else."
Li Jing was greatly disappointed when he heard this, and asked unwillingly: "In other words, there is no human witness or physical evidence. Why should I believe you? What if you frame Fan Yanglu's family?"
"No, I didn't. It was really him who instigated it."
One-sided words are meaningless. Even if it was really Lu Jiansheng's instigation, he would not be able to convict him. Li Jing was so angry that he turned livid and turned to leave. He warned: "Put this man in solitary confinement. Write down a confession and send it to him. Don't die. Record it all to me."
Come on, if one word of this is leaked, you will be done in just a few days."
"Here!" the jailer agreed quickly.
After leaving the prison, Li Jing returned to the government office and began to think deeply. With the influence of the Fan Yang Lu family in the court, Lu Jiansheng could only be arrested for questioning, but there was nothing that could be done. It was of little significance. It was better not to alert the snake first and wait until Qin Huaidao came back.
Decide.
After thinking for a moment, Li Jing headed towards the palace. The matter was of great importance and could not be concealed.
…
Yang County.
In a village surrounded by green trees and rivers.
The breeze blew the dead leaves down and rolled around on the ground. The air was mixed with the fragrance of flowers, which was refreshing. Qin Huaidao stood in the square in the center of Zhuangzi, watching the carriages coming slowly, with piles of people in the carriages.
Gypsum exudes a charming luster in the sun.
Black smoke curled up from the mountains not far away, and the cement firing in the first kiln began.
Stimulated by the high wages, a large number of young people in the two counties rushed to sign up and worked hard for fear of being suspected of being lazy and being fired. The work efficiency was very high, and the progress in a few days was unexpectedly good.
The carriage was approaching. A strong horse shook its head, snorted, and looked impatient. The driver hurried forward and handed over a handful of fodder. The horse was more important to the driver than his life, so he had to be careful.
.
Someone immediately stepped forward to guide and led the convoy to the warehouse that had long been vacated to unload the goods. After unloading the goods, they went directly to the side to make change. They were distributed on the spot without default. People from the patrol department were there to maintain order and everything was in order.
With the experience of Qinjiazhuang, the technicians brought here know exactly what we should do.
Cheng Chumo came from nowhere, stood side by side with Qin Huaidao, and said with emotion: "I didn't expect that so many people are not chaotic at all, the efficiency is extremely high, brother, I am convinced."
"They have done it in Qinjiazhuang. They know it well and there will be no chaos. Things have been rolled out in an orderly manner. Just proceed according to the construction plan. If you have no problem, Baolin, I, and Luo Zhang will go back first."
Cheng Chu thought for a while and said: "As long as they are responsible for the technology, I am sure of other things. You may as well go back first. If that doesn't work, we can exchange letters. It won't delay us for a few days."
"After you go back, a large number of people will be dispatched to build the road. You have to hurry up and prepare small stones, river sand and wood. The quantity must be large, otherwise the supply will not be available and the construction period will be delayed. As for the cement, they will take care of it. As for me,
They will come as soon as they have raised the money, are there any questions?" Qin Huaidao warned.
"No, don't worry, I will keep an eye on it." Cheng Chumo agreed.
After chatting for a few words, Qin Huaidao called Yuchi Baolin and Luo Zhang. When they heard that they wanted to go back, they were ready to go.
Not long after, a man and two horses rushed out of Zhuangzi and ran away into the sunshine.
Different from the stop-and-go when I came here, I rode hard all the way and drove under the moon at night. I didn't find a way station until I felt sleepy late at night and continued on my way the next day.
Three days later at dusk, the three of them returned to Chang'an after a long journey. They were very tired. After entering the city, they went back to their homes. We would talk about anything tomorrow.
When he arrived at the mansion, the people of the mansion came out in surprise and took the horse to feed. Qin Huaidao went straight to the backyard and saw He'er who was arranging flowers and leaves. She was wearing a light yellow skirt and looked like a flower in the sun among the flowers.
A light yellow butterfly is flying, which is particularly eye-catching.
"Ah, the young master is back?" He'er shouted in surprise and came to greet him.
"Prepare hot water and clothes, and let the kitchen make something to eat."
"Go this way, young master, wait a moment." He'er left happily, like a butterfly flying away, elegant and peaceful.
Qin Huaidao looked at He'er Miaoman's back and felt inexplicably hot in his heart. However, when he thought that this body was only sixteen years old, some things would be harmful if done too early. He suppressed his thoughts, hurried back to the house, and washed his face with cold water.
After resting for a while, I went to the bathroom and saw that the hot water was almost ready.
Lying in the big wooden barrel, feeling the temperature of the hot water and He'er's pressure, he relaxed. He closed his eyes and enjoyed He'er's deft and strong hands, while asking: "He'er, what happened during this time?"
?”
"Young master, there are quite a few. It's a good thing you're back, otherwise I wouldn't know what to do." He'er said quickly, while helping to rub his back, he organized his words and continued: "Princess Jinyang and Yu some time ago
Princess Zhang came over, visited the workshop, and bought more than a dozen finished quilts. He'er didn't dare to accept any money from them. They originally planned to price each quilt at two guan, but they sent three guans over. Later,
Many people came to ask, but I didn't dare to sell it at the three-string price, and because it was out of stock, I delayed it on the grounds that it wasn't ready."
"It doesn't matter, Sanguan is Sanguan, just keep it. The styles that the princess took away will be sold as Sanguan at the same price. If you want to make more other styles, they will be sold in three grades: high, medium and low. You can set the price according to the cost.
, It’s all trivial, what else?” Qin Huaidao asked nonchalantly.
"Also, a few days ago, a man from Prince Wei's residence came to buy wine. He refused to line up according to the rules, kicked over the table, smashed three jars of wine, and was about to beat him up. More than a dozen Imperial College Health Supervisors rushed over and destroyed the shop.
Smash it, all the wine jars are smashed, and they’re all gone.”
"What?" Qin Huaidao suddenly opened his eyes, and a ray of light burst out. King Wei was very scheming. There was no reason for his subordinates to openly provoke him. There must be a conspiracy behind it, so he asked: "Tell me about the situation."
He'er nodded and replied: "I heard that the servant was killed by the King of Wei. The King of Wei claimed that he had no knowledge and that the servant was acting recklessly. He also sent someone to send a hundred gu compensation, saying that it was to compensate for the three jars of wine.
Yes, in my opinion, it means killing people and silencing them, so as to clear away the relationship."
Three jars of wine sold for nine guan, and I lost 100 guan. There was sincerity, but what was the point of doing this? To beat yourself up? Or did you have a deeper meaning? Qin Huaidao thought for a moment, but couldn't figure it out, so he simply put it aside and asked: "
What’s the matter with the Imperial College Health Officer destroying the shop?”
"Those people are so abominable. They said that our government did not care about the hunger of the people in the world and wasted food to make wine. They wanted to petition for the people and denounce us. They showed a righteous attitude and even went to beat the drums and complain to the emperor. Little did they know that they were easily investigated by Duke Wei.
To find out the truth, it was Lu Jiansheng of the Lu family of Fan Yang who bribed one of them and instigated a group of students to destroy the shop. Fortunately, they were disciples of a saint, so bad." He'er said angrily.
"Lu Jiansheng, are you sure?" A figure flashed in Qin Huaidao's mind.
"I don't know, anyway, that's what Duke Wei Guo said. The Imperial College also posted an apology notice and a disposal notice. All those who participated in the smashing of the shop had their student status canceled and will never be used again. They will also serve as sidemen for three years. The notice did not mention Lu.
Jiansheng and Lu Jiansheng also publicly publicized it as a slander and framed the blame, and even said that they did not know those Imperial College Students, but what Lu Guogong told me personally is definitely not wrong."
Upon hearing this, Qin Huaidao's face turned gloomy and he was silent in thought.
He'er didn't say anything more, and carefully helped wash her body, and then signaled: "Young master, you've finished washing, do you want to soak for a while?"
"No, let's get dressed." Qin Huaidao stood up, stepped out of the barrel, and let He'er help wipe it clean. He was used to this kind of decadent life, and his mind was filled with Lu Jiansheng's instigation to smash the shop. Wei Guogong would not lie.
Of course, even if Lu Jiansheng did it, he would not admit it. Without evidence, this matter cannot be handled openly.
But this matter must be dealt with. Qin Huaidao asked after getting dressed: "How is Brother Xue doing?"
"I don't know, Brother Xue didn't say anything to me."
"The confidentiality work is very good. Even you kept it secret. I asked the government to personally notify Brother Xue and ask Brother Xue to come back. Where is Uncle Jia?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"Uncle Jia has been in Dongshi these days, focusing on the renovation. I went to see it and the progress is pretty good. Also, the house in Qinjiazhuang is being built very smoothly. I heard that it is about to be topped out."
"That's good." Qin Huaidao said and walked out.
After the meal, Qin Huaidao returned to the study and copied the finished manuscript for later use while waiting for Xue Rengui.
Not long after, Xue Rengui came in a hurry, holding a black bag in his hand. When he entered the door, he shouted: "Young master, you are back. It's great. I was looking for you."
"Has the paper been made?" Qin Huaidao asked, his eyes falling on the bag.
"That's right, I've found some. Take a look." Xue Rengui opened the bag excitedly and took out a large stack of paper.
The paper was a little yellow and rough, and looked like burnt paper, but it was paper after all, and it was not easy to make. Qin Huaidao took it over and took a look. This kind of paper was too rough and could barely be wiped, so it would definitely not be sold. After thinking about it,
He said bluntly: "Brother Xue, you can make some improvements."
"Young Master, we are already organizing people to conduct research. Zhao Shuwen is taking the lead. We have no clue at the moment. Please give me some tips," Xue Rengui said quickly.
Qin Huaidao was not sure how to do it. After thinking for a moment, he suggested: "It may have something to do with the materials. You can try using wood, bamboo, straw, wheat straw, reeds, etc., cut the materials, break them into pulp, and make them according to the previous process.
Another step is to add another step, which is to try bleaching with lime. Try more and it will become whiter, softer and smoother. Don’t rush, take your time.”
"Write it down and try again tomorrow." Xue Rengui agreed with excitement on his face.
"Is there nothing wrong with the village?" Qin Huaidao asked.
"They are all building houses, walls and roads. They are very busy. No one comes to make trouble. Everything is going smoothly. The first batch of houses can be built in five days at most. How to distribute them by then, the young master must make plans in advance.
, to avoid trouble." Xue Rengui reminded.
The house is very important to the people of Qinjiazhuang. They all want to get it in advance and move in. They really need an allocation charter. Qin Huaidao thought about it and said: "Tell Mr. Huang that after the house is built, it will not be allocated for the time being. It will be empty for now."
Breathable to prevent the smell from hurting the body, we will draw lots after all the houses are built."
"This is good, so that conflicts will be avoided if someone moves in first. Lots will be drawn in a unified manner. It is fair and impartial. No one knows which apartment is theirs. They will be careful when building." Xue Rengui praised.
"Starting from tomorrow, you will secretly purchase saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal powder from time to time. You must purchase them separately and do not let anyone know about them. The more the better, after receiving them, store them separately in different warehouses in the house. They must be moisture-proof and fire-proof.
Store it carefully and ask He'er to get the money."
"No problem, how long will it take to complete it?" Xue Rengui agreed without thinking too much.
"Long-term acquisitions must be controlled well. Don't let anyone notice the price increase. You can even go to other counties to purchase without selling to us. You must do it secretly. It's getting late. Go back and rest." Qin Huaidao said, waiting for Xue Rengui to agree.
After leaving, I continued to draw until I finished copying and put them away, then I went back to rest.
Early the next morning, Qin Huaidao came to the official office of the Ministry of Communications.
The people in charge of the guards saluted Qin Huaidao one after another with wild eyes. Qin Huaidao returned the salute and strode to the government office. As soon as he sat down, he saw Yuchi Baolin and Luo Zhang coming hand in hand. He said with a smile: "You're just in time, Luo Zhang, you
Go to the Inspection Department to see if the other 700 people have come to report? Complete the relevant procedures."
"Here!" Luo Zhang agreed and hurried away.
"Baolin, go find some sand, clay and water. We also need wooden boards, and find some craftsmen to help. I need to make a sand table." Qin Huaidao warned.
“What is a sandbox?”
"You will know when the time comes." Qin Huaidao warned. After Yuchi Baolin left, he looked at the government office. The front hall was large enough to clean up other debris and put a sand table. He immediately called for help.
Not long after, a sharp voice came from outside - "The Holy One is here!"
Qin Huaidao clapped his hands quickly, washed himself, and walked out the door quickly. He saw that before Li Erlong walked away, he was followed by several important ministers. He bowed and said, "I have seen your Majesty! I have seen some of your lords."
"No need to be polite, you have worked hard all the way." Li Er waved his hands and smiled. Seeing many people cleaning the front hall, he asked curiously: "What are you doing?"
"Go back to the Holy Land, make room, and prepare to make a sand table."
"Sand table?" Li Er was a little confused. He didn't know what it was, but he couldn't ask directly. He looked at the important ministers around him. Everyone looked confused and looked at Qin Huaidao.
Qin Huaidao had no choice but to explain: "It mainly uses sand, supplemented by clay and water, to restore the mountainous landforms. Because it is mainly sand and placed in a fixed wooden frame, I named it a sand table. What are the details?
Your Majesty will know when it's done."
"Oh, there is also this thing. Wouldn't it be possible to understand the mountains and landforms of other places at home? If it is used in the military, wouldn't it be... do it quickly. I am not going anywhere today, just watching here." Li Er's eyes
As soon as I lit up, I saw the wonderful use of the sand table and became excited.
Li Jing and other military generals also realized the benefits of this thing and were full of expectations.
Qin Huaidao did not expect that Li Er would immediately see the benefits of the sand table. He was worthy of being an emperor who was killed on the battlefield. He had unique vision and said with a smile: "Please wait a moment, Your Majesty. I will organize the manpower to make it here. It may take some time."
"It doesn't matter, I can wait."
"Do it quickly, I will help you."
"I, Old Cheng, am also here to help."
"Don't cause trouble." Li Er understood the eagerness of the generals. He didn't want to see it right away, but he quickly stopped him and shouted to Wang De beside him: "Go to the Ministry of Works to call some carpenters."
"I obey the order!" Wang De hurried over.
Qin Huaidao saw that Li Er wanted the people from the Ministry of Industry to master the production technology and do more in the future, so he did not stop him. He took out the sand table and thought of this. He picked up the charcoal and white paper, spread it out, and drew a drawing of the base of the sand table.
.
Everyone gathered around to watch and marveled at Qin Huaidao's painting skills.