Chapter 90: Stealing my money means killing my parents
Chapter 090: Stealing my money means killing my parents
In the afternoon, Zhang San will come back.
After investigation, it was found that there were no coal mines in the two mountains Xue Jiaoyan mentioned.
At the same time, he has arranged manpower and will officially start mining tomorrow.
At this point, another of Fang Yuan's plans has been implemented, and coal will soon replace charcoal.
A few days later, in mid-to-late October, the weather became colder.
It didn't snow in Liaozhou, but it drizzled, making people feel even colder.
At this time, people began to sell charcoal in the market, and the charcoal seller was dragging the charcoal on the road and shouting.
In Liaozhou City, cement roads from the south to the west, from the south to the east, and from the south to the north have been completed one after another.
The cement road leading from Liaoshan County to Liaozhou City is also under construction, and 80% of the planned roads have been officially constructed successfully.
It is worth mentioning that the only roads planned are Liaozhou City and the road leading to Liaozhou City, and the other three counties are not in the plan.
On this day, before Li Shimin left, he mentioned that officials from the Ministry of Industry finally arrived. Cui Zhengchu, a doctor from the Ministry of Industry and Water Department, accompanied by four officials.
"Meet Dr. Cui!"
Fang Yuan led the governor's office to meet him.
In terms of official position, Fang Yuan is half a rank below him, so he has to be interviewed by everyone.
"I've met Governor Fang."
Cui Zhengchu and others also returned gifts to Fang Yuan.
Although he is half a level higher than Fang Yuan, Fang Yuan is the local governor and has more power than him.
"Please come in."
Fang Yuan said politely.
Enter the Governor's Mansion with Cui Zhengchu and others.
"Chief Fang is truly a hero from a young age."
"When I was your age, I was just the boss."
Cui Zhengchu said as he walked.
For people like Fang Yuan who are in high positions at such a young age, excluding members of the royal family, the only ones left are the heirs of big families.
"Mr. Cui is so complimentary. Please sit down and drink tea."
Fang Yuan smiled.
At the same time, I looked up at Cui Zhengchu.
It's not because the other person praises himself, but because of the meaning behind his words.
Cui Zhengchu now looks only thirty-seven or eighteen years old, less than forty years old.
The boss he mentioned was a position at the ninth rank. Compared with the current rank at the fifth rank, there is a huge gap in between.
It took more than ten years to go from the ninth level to the fifth level, crossing more than ten small steps, and the promotion speed was comparable to that of a rocket.
Everyone sat down around the fire and felt a lot warmer.
Anthracite hasn't been made yet, so Fang Yuan still uses fire to keep warm.
Occasionally, I would choke to tears because of the heavy smoke, or the entire governor's office would be filled with smoke.
"Is this tea from the Royal Merchant Company?"
A young official, Xiao Hongcai, asked in surprise.
"Yes."
Fang Yuan nodded.
Every time Du Miaoyan roasts new tea, she will bring it to Fang Yuan first.
After a few days, Fang Yuan couldn't finish the tea here, and he no longer needed to prepare it himself.
“Good tea!”
"Better than the ones I bought!"
Xiao Hongcai sighed.
Cui Zhengchu and others also tasted tea and nodded.
Now the Royal Merchant's tea has been officially launched and is already sold in Chang'an City.
However, the supply is still very small, and demand exceeds supply. Only high-ranking officials can buy it.
And the quality is not as good as what Du Miaoyan personally sent to Fang Yuan, it is not on the same level.
In Du Miaoyan's business plan, she divided tea into three grades: special grade, high grade, intermediate grade, and no low grade.
High-end and mid-level are sold at two prices. If you want to drink good tea, pay a high price. If you don't have money or don't mind, buy the mid-level one.
The special grade is not for sale, and the quantity is very small. It is only provided to the royal family, Du Ruhui, Fang Yuan and others.
"I still have a small amount of special-grade tea in my house."
"Before you set out, I will ask someone from my house to bring it to you."
Fang Yuan chuckled.
Start to develop the fine tradition of gift giving.
This was what Zhao Caiying taught Fang Yuan when he was the chief registrar of Wuling County.
Zhao Caiying taught Fang Yuan at that time: In official circles, you must learn to give gifts. It doesn’t matter how expensive they are, the most important thing is to give them.
Don't underestimate a can of tea, sometimes it can bring you a piece of great news, thereby avoiding a major disaster, etc.
"Special grade?!"
"This, how can this be so embarrassing?"
Xiao Hongcai said in surprise.
He only heard about mid-grade tea and high-grade tea.
Now when I heard about the special tea here in Fang Yuan, I immediately wanted it.
But he quickly woke up and looked at Cui Zhengchu, not daring to accept it easily.
High-end tea is no longer cheap, so special-grade tea will definitely be more expensive, and may involve bribery.
"Tea can refresh the mind and strengthen the heart. It is an important aid for us to repair the Yellow River dam."
"Prefect Fang also wants to do his part in restoring the Yellow River. How can we refuse? Thank you all, Prefect Fang."
Cui Zhengchu said righteously.
Express gratitude to Fang Yuan.
He has heard of special grade tea.
I heard that only the Imperial Palace and Prime Minister Du can taste it.
Now that I heard that Fang Yuan has it here, he also wants to try it.
"Thank you, Governor Fang."
Xiao Hongcai immediately thanked Fang Yuan.
Other officials also thanked Fang Yuan.
"You're welcome, we are all serving the imperial court."
Fang Yuan smiled politely.
My understanding of Cui Zhengchu has deepened.
It’s not easy to advance from the ninth grade to the fifth grade in more than ten years.
"Prefect Fang, there is a message from above that you have something called cement that can repair the Yellow River dams."
"Is this the new official way now, the gray and white kind."
Cui Zhengchu said righteously.
Start to officially enter the topic.
He came here with important things this time.
"It's cement."
"But it may not be possible to repair the dike."
Fang Yuan emphasized.
Being able and not necessarily being able are two properties.
The imperial court's definition is capable. If Cement cannot be repaired, Fang Yuan may be implicated.
"Let me explain this issue to the court."
Cui Zhengchu took a deep look at Fang Yuan and said seriously.
"Thank you, Mr. Cui."
Thanks Fang Yuan.
Pour him a cup of tea yourself.
Here there are state officials pouring tea.
But Fang Yuan poured it for him as a kind of gratitude.
I guess the gift of tea just now had an effect, otherwise the other party might not have paid attention to it.
"May I ask who Governor Fang wants to go with me?"
Cui Zhengchu picked up the tea cup and drank the tea before asking.
Although tea culture has not yet appeared, the meaning is similar, and he accepted Fang Yuan’s thanks.
"Zhang San, send someone to call Liao Fengmao."
"Go back home and bring five cans of my special tea."
Fang Yuan ordered.
Fang Yuan had already made a choice as to who would go to manage the Yellow River dams.
I also asked Liao Fengmao for his opinion, but he had no opinion.
"Yes."
Zhang San responded yes and left.
Next, Fang Yuan chatted with Cui Zhengchu and others.
Not long after, the tea from Fang Mansion arrived first, and Liao Fengmao from the south of the city did not arrive so quickly.
"Xie Fang, the governor."
Cui Zhengchu took the tea can and said.
Feeling the weight of the tea can, he was very satisfied.
After several other officials took the tea can, they thanked Fang Yuan again.
"You're welcome."
Fang Yuan chuckled.
Looking at Cui Zhengchu's smile, Fang Yuan also knew the importance of it.
The reason why I asked Zhang San to go back was because I was afraid that the red catkins would just be delivered with half a can filled.
With Zhang San's cleverness, he must have delivered the biggest tea can filled with the most tea leaves.
Although tea is special grade, to Fang Yuan, it is also worthless and very plentiful.
Just now I told Cui Zhengchu and the others that there was only a small amount, but it only made them feel the weight of the gift even more.
Soon, Liao Fengmao finally arrived.
He came here on horseback, and the cold wind blew him into a red nose.
"Master, are you looking for me?"
Liao Fengmao held back the chill and saluted Fang Yuan.
"Next time it's not an emergency, don't run so fast, just stay close to the ignition."
Fang Yuan frowned slightly and said in a deep voice.
While I was moved, I was also a little reluctant.
This guard who has been following him for many years is leaving today.
"Thank you, Master."
Liao Fengmao shivered and moved closer to the fire to keep warm.
"This is Cui Zhengchu, a doctor in the Ministry of Industry and Water."
Fang Yuan pointed at Cui Zhengchu and introduced.
"Meet Dr. Cui."
Liao Fengmao was stunned for a moment, then saluted Cui Zhengchu.
"You're welcome."
"Sit down and warm yourself."
Cui Zhengchu cordially pulled Liao Fengmao and asked him to sit down.
This time we went to repair the dams on the Yellow River. Although he was the chief official, it was Liao Fengmao who actually did the work. It was very necessary to have a good relationship with Liao Fengmao.
"Thank you, Dr. Cui."
Liao Fengmao thanks for sitting down.
"Does Mr. Liao have anything to prepare?"
"I can leave at any time."
Cui Zhengchu asked.
"I, I want an hour."
"I also need to pack my luggage and related tools."
Liao Fengmao looked at Fang Yuan and saw Fang Yuan nodded slightly before speaking.
"In that case, let's meet at the city gate in an hour."
Cui Zhengchu pondered for a moment and nodded.
"Thank you."
Liao Fengmao thanked him and prepared to get up and leave.
"Let's warm up first."
"Just let someone prepare what you need."
Fang Yuan called him to stop.
Before leaving, Fang Yuan wanted to remind him of something.
Although Liao Fengmao has been following him for many years, he has behaved quite smartly.
But there are some things in the officialdom that he may not understand yet, and it is necessary to remind him.
"Thank you, Master."
Liao Fengmao smiled and said.
Then call the state official and explain to him what is needed.
Cement, clothes, etc. all need to be packed and taken with you.
"President Fang, we won't bother you."
Cui Zhengchu said suddenly.
"Don't Dr. Cui rest here?"
Fang Yuan asked curiously.
It's freezing outside, so it's hard to rent an inn at that hour.
"No."
"I heard that Liaozhou City is booming. I want to take a walk and have a look."
Cui Zhengchu shook his head and smiled.
Now Liaozhou City has become famous, and he has heard about it in Chang'an City.
First, the Taiyuan bandits, who the imperial court failed to exterminate several times, tried to attack Liaozhou City, but the governor of Bingzhou took the opportunity to eliminate them.
Later, the magistrates of three counties in Liaozhou jointly framed Fang Yuan, but Fang Yuan took the opportunity to counterattack, confiscating his house and sending him to the border.
Surprisingly, members of those families were all killed by bandits on their way to the border.
Some people think it was Fang Yuan who said it, but there is nothing they can do without evidence.
Finally, there was the emergence of cement roads, which were respected as the No. 1 Road in the Tang Dynasty.
So they all came to Liaozhou City, and Cui Zhengchu wanted to see what Liaozhou City was like.
"That's it."
"Then I won't accompany Mr. Cui. I'm about to talk to Liao Fengmao about some precautions."
Fang Yuan nodded.
It's cold outside and he doesn't want to go out.
"No need, Governor Fang is busy."
Cui Zhengchu chuckled.
He never thought about Fang Yuan accompanying him.
Although he is half a level older than Fang Yuan, he is not qualified to be accompanied by Fang Yuan.
There is a big difference between a doctor in the Ministry of Industry and a local governor.
With that said, Cui Zhengchu stood up, and the officials who came with him also stood up one after another.
"I'll see you off."
Fang Yuan stood up and chuckled.
Went to the door with Liao Fengmao and others and returned.
As soon as they left the Governor's Mansion, Cui Zhengchu and others felt the cold wind coming and shivered.
There are not many pedestrians on the road, probably because of the weather, so people rarely go out.
"Go this way."
Cui Zhengchu walked in one direction.
It just so happens that this direction is the direction of the Royal Trading Company.
Just at this time, Princess Xiangcheng and Du Miaoyan walked out of the mansion and bumped into Cui Zhengchu and others.
"Princess?!"
Cui Zhengchu was shocked and unsure.
As a fifth-rank official, he was qualified to attend court meetings and palace banquets. He had met Princess Xiangcheng.
When he saw Princess Xiangcheng in Liaozhou City, he was extremely shocked and felt unbelievable.
Because Princess Xiangcheng will marry Xiao Rui of the Xiao family next year.
But now he is not in the palace but in Liaozhou City.
Does the Xiao family know this?
......
An hour later.
Liao Fengmao bid farewell to Fang Yuan and left.
With Liao Fengmao leaving, Fang Yuan officially decided to recruit more guards from the Fang Mansion.
After making the decision, Fang Yuan asked Hongxu and Qinggao to handle it, strictly controlling it, focusing on quality rather than quantity.
A few days later, Hongxu and Qinggao recruited ten people in one city and three counties in Liaozhou, one of whom Fang Yuan knew.
At this time, the time has officially entered the end of October, and the weather has become even colder, with temperatures reaching six to seven degrees during the day and sometimes reaching three or four degrees at night.
Occasionally it still drizzles, and the people who go out feel even colder. Even Fang Yuan doesn't bother to go to the Governor's Mansion if he has nothing to do. He will let someone inform him before going.
They are all warming up by the fire in Fang Mansion.
Because the smoke brought by the firewood was too heavy on rainy days, Fang Yuan changed the charcoal.
It's just that the price of charcoal is very expensive, even though Fang Yuan is not short of money, he feels very distressed.
Ten pounds costs five cents!
You know, the price of rice in Liaozhou City is only three cents per dou, which is three cents per ten kilograms.
It’s more expensive than rice!
Ordinary people simply can’t afford it!
This is the reason why Fang Yuan wants to engage in anthracite coal.
It's a pity that the coal mine has been mined for more than half a month and the anthracite has not been produced yet.
"Confused!"
"Why didn't I think of making briquettes?"
Fang Yuan, who was warming himself by the fire, suddenly had an idea.
In fact, he doesn’t know very well how to make anthracite.
I just asked Juzi and the others to study it, that’s all.
But you probably know that honeycomb briquettes are made by mixing pulverized coal, water and mud in a certain proportion, making a honeycomb and then drying it.
In fact, honeycomb briquettes are also a type of anthracite, but Fang Yuan, who lived in the south before traveling through time, rarely came into contact with them clearly.
With Fang Yuan's idea, the first batch of briquettes appeared soon.
On this day, Fang Yuan, Juzi and others passed the test and officially used honeycomb briquettes for heating.
“It’s easy to use and free of charge, but the taste is a bit strong.”
The giants sighed while surrounding the red briquettes.
"Where is Huang Shancong?"
"Let him make briquettes on a large scale and sell them."
Fang Yuan shouted.
Huang Shancong is the bodyguard of the mansion.
Currently responsible for coal mining.
For some important developments, Fang Yuan puts his guards in charge.
People in this era don’t know the current importance of coal mines, but Fang Yuan knows its importance.
"Okay, I'll do it right away."
An echo came from not far away.
Fang Yuan didn't see where he was replying, so he left.
At this time, Hongxu came from other places and sat next to Fang Yuan to warm himself by the fire.
"Hongxu, have you sent the tea to Mr. Zhao?"
Fang Yuan asked.
"It was delivered two days ago."
"I gave away several kilograms, all of which are special grade tea."
Hongxu answered while rubbing her hands while warming herself over the fire.
"You can have the briquettes delivered later."
Fang Yuan nodded with satisfaction.
......
A few days later, the time has entered November, and briquettes have been on the market for several days.
Because the price is much lower than charcoal, it is instantly loved by aristocratic families and common people.
The commercial street in the north of the city has been planned and the opening hours have not been suspended due to weather conditions.
On this day, Fang Yuan sent a notice to all shop owners, including Xue Bowu's brother and sister.
Although Xue Bowu made a big fuss at the development meeting that day, he had already chosen an address before and no one was snatching it. The housekeeper of the Xue Mansion paid the money afterwards.
At this time, in an ordinary mansion in Liaozhou City, the Xue Bowu siblings wore seven or eight pieces of clothing, wrapped them like rice dumplings, and sat in front of the fire kang to warm themselves.
They used firewood, which was difficult to light because of the rain. The lobby was filled with smoke, and it was almost difficult to see each other.
"Miss, Master, the governor's office invites us to attend the opening ceremony of the commercial street tomorrow."
The butler walked in, holding an invitation letter in one hand and a few pieces of briquettes in the other.
As soon as he entered the lobby, he was choked by the smoke and coughed and shed tears.
"It's so cold, don't go...Lin Bo, what is that in your other hand? It can't be charcoal, right?"
"You're a prodigal, that's a waste of money, cough cough cough..."
Xue Jiaoyan opened her eyes wide and said.
Because of the heavy smoke, she couldn't see clearly what the housekeeper was holding.
Also because of the strong smoke, she would inhale a lot of smoke and choke when she spoke quickly.
"Miss, this is unfair."
"This is briquettes, which are twenty times cheaper than charcoal."
"Each one weighs a pound, and one can burn for most of the day. It's very cost-effective."
The housekeeper said while coughing.
"It's so much cheaper than charcoal...it's also very expensive!"
"Uncle Lin, you are a prodigal...where did you come from?"
Xue Jiaoyan fanned the smoke in front of her eyes and coughed.
"I heard that Governor Fang developed it specially because of his concern for the people."
"It seems that the raw materials come from our Wudongshan matchmaker. I'm not sure. That's how it is spread outside."
The steward said.
Enduring the thick smoke, I have to replace the firewood.
"What?"
"Our coal raw material from Wudongshan?"
Xue Jiaoyan's eyes widened, tears streaming down her face.
She instantly understood that Wu Dongshan was worth a fortune, far more than ten copper coins, and her heart ached terribly.
"Damn Fang Yuan, you robbed me of my money."
Xue Jiaoyan cried so hard that the more she cried, the sadder she became. The more she cried, the more tears she shed.
"No, if you rob me of my money, you'll kill my parents, my little brother, and those who copy you."
Xue Jiaoyan shouted.
The body like a rice dumpling struggled.
Seeing that Xue Bowu didn't move, he yelled again and kicked him as usual.
But this time something unexpected happened. Instead of standing up before, Xue Bowu fell down.
"Brother, brother, are you like this?"
Xue Jiaoyan was shocked and rushed towards Xue Bowu.
What's funny is that she wore seven or eight pieces of clothes, and Xue Bowu also wore seven or eight pieces of clothes. They were both like rice dumplings. After she rushed over, she couldn't reach out to touch Xue Bowu's face, which was separated by the clothes. p>
Seeing this, the housekeeper on the side quickly ran over to check on Xue Bowu, and was shocked and said:
"Miss, the young master may have suffocated from inhaling too much smoke."