Judging from Cao Lin's identity, his behavior can indeed be called amiable, even a little too amiable. However, considering the stability of his identity and ability, no matter what he does, he cannot damage his authority.
Cheng is indeed regarded as a courtesy corporal to a certain extent.
However, today was just a formality to enter the bureaucratic system, and it was not a real breakthrough. In any case, Zhang Xing, who could not accept any "honor and inferiority", would never be grateful for this.
Or to be more direct, after leaving the house, collecting the money, and getting on the road, this person’s mind will be filled with thoughts about what kind of horse to buy.
A horse, especially a good horse, is worth a lot of money. For ordinary people, if they have a good horse, it is half of the family fortune... It is really half of the family fortune. What is the market price of a good horse?
Thirty bolts of silk, or sixty coins, and now in Zhang Xing's pocket, they were exchanged for thirty-six taels of silver according to the latest market price, for the purpose of portability and value preservation.
And Zhang Xing came to Dongdu in January and collected a lot of wool from Feng Yong and the Qingyu Gang. All in all, it was only thirteen taels of silver and more than ten strings of spare money. In other words, only by eating the unique work benefits of the Jinyi Patrol Cavalry could he get a job.
A good horse of your own.
After all, not everyone is a top noble like Bai Yousi and can be so lavish.
Going east from the island, across three squares, is the famous Dongdu Beishi... Beishi is located in the middle of Luoyang County, complementing Nanshi in Henan County, and each has its own differences.
Nan City covers an area of large, equivalent to four square meters. There are four to five thousand merchants in it, which are daily operations. They sell everything imaginable, while Bei City, which is only one square square, mainly deals with luxury goods and bulk transactions, such as
Spices, colorful silks, etc.
As for cattle and horses, they are actually high-end goods, but because of the special nature of the goods, they are usually kept in the breeding workshop in the northeast of Bei City, and then a special cattle and horse store is set up in the northeast corner of Bei City, where taxes are filed when transactions are required.
"Are the two officials going to buy a horse?"
"Two officials came to my house. Come to my house. My horses are from the northwest. The shamans sent them across the desert. They are all tall horses!"
"You two officials, don't listen to him. The horses in the northwest are all fake. The officials in Jing'an Terrace still like our Beihuang horses. They are durable, easy to feed, and live long..."
As soon as they arrived at Beishi Niu Ma Store, a group of young men and women swarmed up, trying to solicit business while pushing each other, but no one actually came close to Zhang Xing and Qin Bao. They seemed to be familiar with each other and knew that this was Jing'an.
Taiwan's Jinyi patrolmen came to buy horses, just want to earn five cents as a guide.
Zhang Xing turned back to see Qin Bao.
Qin Bao just spread his hands: "Don't worry, they all know the pros and cons, and the cattle and horse business behind them are also long-term businesses. No one will ruin the reputation of a horse and get into trouble with Jing'antai... Just follow what we said on the road.
Yes, just decide which category you like, and I will choose for Brother Zhang."
"Then as I said before...Beidi Ma!" Zhang Xing knew that he was a layman and could only choose a model, so he simply gritted his teeth and made his explanation.
"I guessed that you wanted the horse from your hometown." Qin Bao said with a smile. "Even if you forget something, you must be used to riding it, just like using a crossbow or a broadsword."
Zhang Xing shook his head repeatedly... He was not a hometown at all. Although his body was obviously capable of riding a horse, riding itself was a technical job after all, and it also tested the mentality. Instead of pursuing excitement, it was better to do it safely.
However, even though they had decided on a northern horse that was strong, durable and easy to feed, the selection was not smooth. Qin Bao was a knowledgeable person, but according to this expert, any good horse that appeared on the surface would have been long gone.
The owner of the cattle and horse shop selected them and gave them to the princes and nobles in the city. The remaining horses were not bad, but it could not help but look like Qin Erlang had accompanied his brother on this trip in vain.
In this way, after selecting four or five horses in a row, I still couldn't find a good horse from the north that could compare with Qin Erlang's own yellow gelding. I even watched helplessly as a black gelding horse was taken away by others, which made me even more anxious.
, but Zhang Xing couldn't persuade him, so he had to wink at the seller.
The shopkeeper of the cattle and horse shop is not one of those young men in Beijing who sells customers. He may not be too interested in the business of this single horse, but he just doesn’t want to offend the Jinyi patrol. At this time, when he saw the owner winking behind his back, he understood it, but he was a little surprised.
He hesitated, then raised his hands to Qin Erlang:
"This officer...it's getting late. If the officer really wants to find something, I can boldly point out a place and two people. If there is nothing there, come back tomorrow, or come back and choose a good-looking and aged Northland horse."
I just give the two officials a set of saddles as a gift...it doesn't matter."
Qin Bao was surprised for a moment: "Is there any other place where cattle and horses can travel?"
"That's not true." The shopkeeper shook his head and said. "It's a ghost market. The ghost market is open during the day. It's in the wild alley in Shiyifang, southwest of Beishi City. The place Boss Jiang was looking at was someone else. I wouldn't dare point it out.
But you two are the uncles of Jing'antai, and you, an official, are knowledgeable, so you dare to take the risk... If you two are willing to go, I will ask my boy to guide you. Although you two are in Jinyi,
, but if you just do business honestly during the day, it’s okay if you think about it.”
Qin Bao hesitated for a moment and nodded immediately.
The shopkeeper immediately turned around and called his son.
"What is a ghost market?" Zhang Xing, on the other hand, became interested at this time... He really didn't know. "Does it have anything to do with spiritual practice? They are all just people pretending to be gods and ghosts, but do they have any treasures?"
"It's just a private market, where are the people from the world?"
Qin Bao frowned slightly and responded in a low voice. "The country's laws are strict... You live in the square and trade in the market. However, the streets outside the square and the three cities in Dongdu must also be closed according to the times. It seems that the taxes are quite heavy, but you can do it inside the square."
With a little tax avoidance, you can trade at any time, but if you are surrounded by a wall, you are bound to not have all the goods... Therefore, in Nancheng, where Jinwu Wei Shao lived, people often did business in the sewers at night. Even so, for fear of being reported, they often had to
Wearing a mask or smearing ashes on the face, everyone is covered in the sewer at night, and it is inevitable to sell goods with inferior goods, buy and sell by force, and even fight and kill at every turn. It is appropriate to call it a ghost market...
There is one in Beicheng too, but it has given me a lot of experience."
Zhang Xing immediately realized that this was, to put it mildly, ‘the system cannot keep up with the people’s ever-increasing demands for economic life’; to put it crudely, it was ‘tyranny is as fierce as ghosts’.
In any case, it is considered a thing within the scope of one's own cognition.
Unexpectedly, the son of the owner of the cattle and horse shop was only 18 or 19 years old. He was actually studying. He was yelled at and came out from behind his stable. He was scolded by his father and threatened to tear up the book. He could only lower his head and smile.
, stuffed the book into his arms, then quickly came to the two of them, and then bowed politely: "Xiao Ke, Yan Qing, I have seen these two officials... Xiao Ke will take you two over now."
Zhang Xing's sharp eyes saw that it was a simplified version of "The Spring and Autumn Period of the White Emperor". He couldn't help but feel good about it and immediately gave some advice:
"You are so young, don't read these official history books all the time. If you have time, read some famous novels. That is how you can cultivate your literary temperament."
While leading the way, Yan Qing lowered his voice and replied awkwardly: "I'm not afraid of your jokes. I come from a cattle and horse industry. When I was young, my family only had four or five horses. I could only feed others to make ends meet. I had to get up early and stay up late at night."
Yes, I really missed the best opportunity to get started in spiritual practice. Now that my family is better, I am not looking for any culture when I read books, but I want to use my spare time to read some classics and history, and then see if I can take the imperial examination.
Spend some more money and find another official..."
Zhang Xing was immediately stunned.
Let us also say that in this world, writing has been passed down since the Qing Emperor taught various tribes and laid out civilization, which has been eight thousand years ago. Although the development of civilization in the early stage was extremely slow, there were also melee battles among various tribes, until the sky was dark and the earth was dark, and everything was forced.
The Black Emperor, the Red Emperor, and the White Emperor, these ruthless characters, came out to prove the Supreme, but the population base is here, and there are knowledgeable gods in charge, so the spread of culture is still taken seriously.
At present, there are classics handed down personally by several supreme lords and divine monarchs; when dynasties change, there are also cases of official history books being compiled; and later on, as the writing style accumulates, it is inevitable that literary masters will appear by chance.
Produce some good articles and books... In the past few hundred years, a novel trend represented by "The Biography of the Heroine Li Yue" was formed, which is where the literary splendor lies.
At least in Zhang Xing's opinion, the literary level of this world has reached a certain level of feudal culture.
But how can I put it, the gods and dragons are there, the clans and military aristocrats exist objectively, and in addition, it is difficult to develop culture and education in the bordering wilderness areas, so the 'right path' of zhenqi cultivation is unavoidable... Therefore, although the late emperor pioneered
The imperial examination system was established, but on the one hand it was not recognized by the society, and on the other hand it was not sound. At present, it is basically up to the nobles to appreciate the way after reading the papers. Otherwise, if you barely pass, you can only become a grassroots official.
member.
That is to say, people like Yan Qing, who come from a humble background and have no way to practice, but are unwilling to be lonely, would think of taking this path.
Of course, Zhang Xing knows it well, elder brother, don’t laugh at the second brother. Even though he and Qin Bao have reached the fifth line of cultivation, everyone calls them officials, but at this moment, Jinyi Xingtian Street is still essentially whitewashed by the big nobles.
Yousi was favored and promoted.
that is it.
Thinking of this, Zhang Xing felt a little awe-struck again, and then instinctively reflected, feeling that he had been a little complacent these days.
However, when I thought about it again, I realized that the reason why I was proud was not that I had been promoted or transferred to another position, or that my salary was better. It was that, under the entanglement that day, I gritted my teeth and took the risk and chose to hoe the strong and help the weak.
With thoughtful approval, he changed into the brocade clothes he currently wears; then he gained the respect of sensible and honest people, including Fangzhu Liu and Qin Bao; in the middle, he was also happy with his grudge, avenging the grudge of the couple who plotted against him.
Qiu, then I feel a little arrogant and wanton.
Thinking about it this way, Zhang Xing calmed down a little, but then became calm again - he has done good things and behaved in a way that he admired, so why can't he be confident?
All kinds of thoughts are just passing thoughts.
Yan Qing, the son of an expert on cattle and horses who led the way, was a proper character. He was joking along the way, neither humble nor overbearing. He had both the cunningness of a businessman and the airs of a scholar. It was really endearing to people, but he had no idea that he was studying and wanted to take the imperial examination.
It had already caused a knight in brocade clothes behind him to spin his mind for an unknown number of times along the way.
"Two officials, this is where you are."
Not long after turning into Shiyifang in the southeast of Beishi City, Yan Qing suddenly stopped walking and pointed to an alley in front of him. "My house is a serious cattle and horse business. It's not easy to go in in front of Boss Jiang's people... Two officials
If you can't buy something suitable, you can go back to my house and talk."
Qin Bao nodded first.
But Zhang Xing suddenly solemnly handed over his hand and said something shocking, as if he had changed his style on his own: "You are a good man, and a good man who loves to learn. You will definitely achieve success in the future."
Qin Bao was stunned.
Yan Qing was also shocked for a moment and waved his hands hurriedly: "You can't be worthy of the courtesy of an official, let alone a good man."
At this point, Yan Qing paused and said seriously: "I'm not being polite. I read in a book that a person standing in the world is like a dragon coiled next to a snake. I can see it at a glance.
I am eighteen or nineteen years old, I have read books for several years, and I am still just a helper in the cattle and horse industry. I have neither the courage nor the elegance of the two officials, so how can I be considered a hero?"
Zhang Xing waved his hands quickly and said seriously: "That's not the case. You were not recognized by others because no one looked at you seriously before. But today my brother and I took a serious look at you and felt that you are easy to learn and know etiquette.
The young dragon has a majestic head and horns, and is not the same as the ordinary snake next to it... You don't have to be so modest!"
Qin Bao was even more stunned when he heard this, but Yan Qing's eyes were red and he almost cried. It was obvious that he was rarely recognized by others in his life and he was excited.
"I'm on patrol in Jingantai, Zhang Xing from the north. I'm really lucky to meet you today." Seeing that the other party was about to lose his temper, Zhang Xing quickly gave his name and solemnly handed him away.
"I am Dengzhou Qin Bao." Qin Bao also cupped his hands in confusion, then turned around and chased the person in a panic.
Yan Qing, who was left alone with the expert on cattle and horses for a while, wiped away his tears and cupped his hands, then hid his face and left.
Not to mention Yan Qing, Qin Bao caught up with Zhang Xing and entered the private market amidst the hesitation and anticipation of some thugs. He couldn't help but ask first:
"Brother Zhang, who were you just now? How did you..."
"How do you make people's blood boil, like a scene in an ancient book?" Zhang Xing had no expression on his face and turned to ask. "Then how do you decide that he is a good man? And then you want to learn the same?"
"Not bad." Qin Erlang admitted through gritted teeth.
"To put it bluntly, you know how to read horses, and I know how to read people." Zhang Xing continued to speak expressionlessly. "I can tell at a glance that that kid is not a creature of the pond... You can't learn from that."
.”
"How about sincerely speaking?" Qin Bao couldn't wait.
"To be honest, if he doesn't become a hero in the future, will someone remember this? On the other hand, if he does become a hero, isn't it the fate of me and him?" Zhang Xing stopped, raised his eyebrows, and asked with his hands spread out.
"Besides, not to mention the future, but to take a step back, such a studious child ended up being despised in the market. After reading a book, even his own father obviously didn't understand him, but he still persisted.
, it can be seen that there is something to say about character, so what’s wrong with me doing the opposite and giving serious encouragement? Does it take more effort than the bucket of sour plum soup at noon?
Children who are eager to learn should be encouraged!"
Qin Bao, who seemed to have learned something again, was speechless.
At this moment, Qin Bao suddenly froze, and then immediately turned around, his eyes stopping at the entrance of an alley in the distance. Zhang Xing followed his gaze and saw a white and brown Northland horse riding.
Hooves, look up at yourself.
Immediately, the two of them were overjoyed at the same time and walked over together.
And when Zhang Xing reached out to hold the Northland pinto horse that he fell in love with at first sight, Qin Bao reached out and grabbed a half-grown foal behind the pinto horse. The foal was lean and had yellow spots on a white background mixed with black spots. It looked
It looks like a leopard pattern, and there is a tumor under the jaw. It looks ugly.
But no need for Qin Bao to say, Zhang Xing also instantly realized that this ugly horse was the real steed, because when Qin Bao went to pull the horse, the horse's hair exploded before Qin Bao could even touch it.
Bao also shrank his hands in shock, but the horse didn't crow at all. He just shook his hair and stood still again.
Zhang Xing had already guessed what was going on. This ugly horse actually drew out Qin Bao's Ding Lei Qi.
"Private market is cheap, no bargaining..." At this moment, in the alley behind the two horses, a man wearing a bamboo hat suddenly said. "Two horses together, one hundred and forty essays."
The flower horse has good teeth and a strong body. According to the rules, the standard market price is 60 guan. It is cheaper in the private market, probably 50 guan or even less.
In other words, the person who sells the horse is not a fool. He knows that the other ugly horse with half-sized spots has a theory, so even though it is so ugly, he is still a half-grown man, and the price is nearly twice that of the piebald horse.
When Qin Bao heard this, he felt sad for a moment. He had already bought a yellow gelding with his war horse subsidy. Even if he noticed something strange, how could he have the money to buy another horse? It was obviously so much more expensive than an ordinary healthy horse.
"I have no choice but to sell this horse." The man in the hat was a little impatient when he saw this. "I am probably a dragon. I wanted to take a gamble... but it eats meat and drinks. If I don't give it, I will tear down the stable and raise it."
I can't afford to raise him when he's half-grown. I don't have the money or strength to wait for him to grow up. I bet he's a real dragon... If you don't buy it, I'll have to take the risk and take him to Tianjie Street to see if there are any dignitaries who know the goods.
.”
"Be careful not to meet a noble person. There are middle-level officials first. The army took a fancy to them and took them away without giving them any money." Zhang Xing revealed the awkward situation of the other party in one sentence. "Both of us are paupers from other places, with a hundred dollars."
There is really no such thing as a 40-year-old horse... You don’t have to worry about selling the spotted horse. You just want to say how much does this spotted and ugly horse cost?"
"Eighty-five dollars!" The man in the hat paused for a moment before replying in a muffled voice. "There is no more counter-offering."
"Eighty taels, I use all silver. Silver is in short supply now. Total 48 taels of silver. I'll give you forty-nine taels in a lump. You can hide it wherever you want... What do you think? This is all the silver I have. How much is left?
I have to save some copper coins for myself to eat." Zhang Xing tried his best to persuade him while calculating the accounts.
The man in the bamboo hat pressed his hat and looked at the brocade clothes and cuff knives on the two of them, and said angrily: "You guys are not easy to get along with, I won't go with you to withdraw money... Forty-nine taels, I have to bring the cash here!"
"
"Erlang, ride fast. Go to the cattle and horse store to borrow a horse. Go to my residence and get the thirteen taels of silver that are in the sack beside the bed. I will wait for you here." Zhang Xing did not hesitate and turned around and lowered his head.
He shouted, "Go and come back quickly."
Qin Bao glanced at the horse with some reluctance, nodded, and then immediately turned around and left.
After Qin Bao left, Zhang Xing stayed in the distance and held the horse still, chatting with the seller. However, since the seller had received the letter, he remained silent... With no choice but to wait, the two of them could only wait.
Sure enough, Qin Erlang was reliable after all. He rushed back to Shiyifang with the silver before he could clear the street. Immediately, Zhang Xing did not hesitate and counted thirty-six plus thirteen in person, which totaled forty-nine taels of silver.
In fact, most of his net worth was handed over directly to the other party, and then the local boss inspected the silver. After receiving a commission of one or two, the transaction was considered successful and he led the horse out of the alley.
"Congratulations to Brother Zhang for winning a dragon colt." As soon as he walked out, Qin Bao held up his hands to congratulate him, but the envy in his eyes could not be concealed at all.
Zhang Xing had no expression on his face. He just wrapped the reins around the opponent's raised hand, and then held his hand in his hand: "Congratulations to Qin Erlang for his keen eye for horses and winning a dragon colt. Don't forget to return my yellow gelding to me on time."
Qin Bao instantly realized what the other party meant, and instinctively wanted to refuse because the value of the two horses was so different... But with the reins in hand, he, a horse lover, was reluctant to part with it for a moment.
After a long while, he managed to formulate a few words: "Does Brother Zhang think that I am also a good man?"
Zhang Xing laughed loudly when he heard this, and countless appropriate replies had already flashed through his mind... Some of them were more straightforward:
Qin Erlang is naturally a good man, and BMW is worthy of a hero!
There are also those who rely on the central idea:
The world is people-oriented. A mere horse, what does it mean in front of Qin Erlang?
In the previous world, he, who was always involved in political affairs and history, could come up with dozens of similar rhetoric, and it was still not the same.
But after thinking about it, Zhang Xing found it boring, so he just nodded his chin, then reached out and patted the other person's shoulder, and said with a smile:
“I don’t mean anything else, I just think you are a good person, Erlang, and you can handle it!”
Qin Erlang was a good person, so he naturally knew that the other party was joking, so he smiled accordingly so as not to overburden himself with the matter. But for some reason, when the other party turned around, even though he understood what was going on, he still
He still had red circles in his eyes like half-grown boy Yan Qing.
ps: I was shocked! I found out that Mr. Tongtang rewarded an alliance leader.
