Tiger Guards

Chapter 58: Empress Liu is Unkind
Hou’s smelting plant, there is only one smelting furnace.

Jia Kui arrived with three carts of bronze. Although the bronze horseshoes that had been melted and cast could not be used for the time being, he believed that Zhao Ji could defeat the Baibo generals.

Even if the expedition failed, there was no point in him keeping these bronzes.

Living a frugal life and not being greedy or possessive is the tradition of the Jia family.

Since Zhao Ji was willing to use copper to make horseshoes, what was there for him to regret?
As long as he devoted himself to expelling the Huns, Jia Kui would not care even if he had to use gold to make horseshoes.

Outside the smelting plant, before Jia Kui even got close, he heard the clanging noise of the blacksmith forging iron under the wooden shed, and he felt a little pain in his ears.

Liu Fu also came out to greet him, and there was also a simple courtyard next to it.

After Jia Kui entered, he found that although the outside of the courtyard looked simple, the interior was made of fine wood.

Several maids were weaving plain silk under the awning in the courtyard. They had good skills, and their looms and silk materials were also good.

The pure white silk was as white and tender as their palms and forearms, and they were obviously excellent female weavers trained by the Hou brothers.

Jia Kui couldn't help but look at his brother-in-law a few more times. Fortunately, he was his brother-in-law, and he was not the other person's brother-in-law.

Liu Fu seemed unaware of it, and was very much like his ancestor Liu Xia Hui.

The three maids seemed to have a relatively high status on weekdays. They concentrated on weaving and did not stand up to greet or serve.

Liu Fu led Jia Kui into the house and asked, "Why did Liang Dao bring so many bronze vessels?"

Liu Fu would not put on airs towards his brother-in-law when they were alone.

Therefore, Liu Fu looked anxious and obviously misunderstood.

Jia Kui asked in return, "What do you think, brother?"

"Could it be that the bronze vessels are too bulky to transport? Do you want to melt them down so they can be hidden?"

Liu Fu made a reasonable analysis and asked directly, "How much gold is left in the warehouse?"

"About 30%. Zhao Aji proposed to donate 70% of the gold to the court, and an additional 2,000 pieces of silk."

Jia Kui felt a little tired and continued, "These bronzes must also be melted down and used to cast horseshoes."

Liu Fu was speechless and stared at Jia Kui: "Do you agree?"

Jia Kui knew he was asking about the tribute of gold and silk, and nodded. "Perhaps this was something Lord Zhao had instructed, even though it would offend Wei Gu. But Zhao Aji has put forward a condition. He wants Lord Zhao to intervene and recruit me as a Shangshu Lang."

This is a Shangshulang. The Jia family hasn't had an official in the past thirty years.

He started out as a Shangshu Lang, and unless Jia Kui died suddenly, his future would be secure.

Liu Fu was also envious. "Recommended by Lord Zhao, he started his career as a Shangshu Lang... The court is in crisis, and Liang Dao has made great achievements, so I think it won't be difficult. But this is like putting the Wei family to death, and the villagers will inevitably slander and criticize him."

"So I said no."

Jia Kui then said, "My original intention in enlisting as a Tiger Guard was to drive out the Xiongnu, and Zhao Aji also swore to help me. Now is the time to use my military power, so how can I serve as an official in the court?"

"Liang Dao is foolish. The Xiongnu can be driven out at any time. This opportunity to enter the government is rare."

Liu Fu stood up anxiously and said, "After suppressing the Baibo bandits, it's only natural that the court would prioritize us. Punishing the Wei family isn't surprising either. Why ruin long-term plans for lies?"

Seeing his anxiety, Jia Kui smiled and said, "That's why I recommended you to Zhao Aji. As long as you agree, Zhao Aji will recommend you to Lord Zhao."

"I?"

Liu Fu was about to sit down, but upon hearing this, he froze with his butt half-raised. He then slowly sat down: "How can I be a Shangshu Lang? My achievements are not as good as Liang Dao or Pei Xiu, and my family background is not as good. I'm also a county official. If I were to be selected as a filial and honest official, I might have some chance."

"So, do you accept it, brother, or not?"

Jia Kui pressed the issue, and seeing Liu Fu refuse, he knew the matter was settled. "Since you have no objection, it is settled. Melting bronze to make horseshoes is a matter of great importance to Zhao Aji, so please take care of it. The imperial edict and envoys will probably arrive when he returns with his troops after defeating the Baibo bandits."

"Since Lord Zhao thinks highly of me, I will accept the offer."

Liu Fu's expression was composed, and he said, "Lord Zhao's family is full of loyal and brave men. It is my great honor to be his disciple!"

Jia Kui said nothing. Liu Fu sighed for a moment and then asked, "Can the matter of gold and silk be put on hold?"

"I have already loaded the memorial tablets, gold and silk onto the car and asked Zhao Aji to take them away."

Jia Kui's tone also became louder: "When we fight against the bandits, we rely on the service of officials and soldiers. But if we have these gold and silk, Lord Zhao can also incite some of the bandits to rebel, making it easier to defeat the enemy. As for the survival of the Wei family, what does it have to do with you and me?" Only by bringing down the Hedong surname Wei, they will have better room for development.

Liu Fu didn't insist on anything more after hearing this, but simply said, "Zhao Aji is brave and resolute, so Liang Dao must also act with caution."

"Thank you for your concern, brother. Zhao Aji has made arrangements. From now on, he will lead the troops in the front to defeat the enemy, and I will manage the miscellaneous matters in the rear for him."

"Well, that puts my mind at ease."

Liu Fu was really afraid that Jia Kui would go to the front line to fight. If the army was defeated, Zhao Ji was so brave that he would naturally be able to fight his way out.

It’s hard to say about Jia Kui. Liu Fu doesn’t want his sister to be a widow.

Just thinking about his upcoming official position as a Shangshu Lang, Liu Fu couldn't help but laugh at the air while sitting there.

It seemed as if the news had already reached the clan, and the elders, fathers, brothers and seniors had expressions of surprise and relief.

Starting as a Shangshulang is almost the highest starting point for an official career.

Of course, there are also some weird people who started out as county magistrates, and these people are incomparable.

Seeing Liu Fu sitting there with his mouth curled up from time to time, Jia Kui simply stopped talking and got up to leave.

The Hou family has three important industries: one is the manor for storing property and grain; the other two are the smelter and the ranch. As for farms and the like, they are easier to manage. They can be completely taken over by sending two or three Tiger Guards and a dozen auxiliary soldiers.

Therefore, the manor is very important. Only by holding on to food can we stabilize the morale of the army and the people's hearts everywhere.

During the lean period, the food in the manor can save everyone's lives.

Jia Kui did not dare to be negligent. After going out and seeing that the truck was unloaded, he immediately returned with the empty truck.

He only feels at ease when he stays in the manor.

The profits brought by the Hou family from smuggling horses were too lucrative. If they neglected to guard against the main force of the Tiger Guards when they went out to fight, it would naturally irritate the good neighbors nearby.

After Jia Kui left, Liu Fu walked out of the courtyard with a dizzy head. He felt that the scenery near and far was extremely bright and beautiful.

Even the smell wafting from the iron furnace is so refreshing and uplifting.

Now, if anyone dares to steal his position as Shangshulang, he will chop him into pieces.

Not to mention Wei Gu, even if Wei Gu's father came, he would dare to chop!
As for Liu's family background, it is not as good as Jia Kui's.

Although Jia Kui's father died early, he had a grandfather who had a good reputation before the Party Persecution.

During the period of the Party Persecution, the Liu family continued to serve in the government.

After the eunuch party was eliminated, one of the criteria for evaluating scholars was the official career of their fathers, grandfathers, and close relatives during the period of the party imprisonment.

Those who are able to serve as officials but refuse to do so are naturally the best choice.

In terms of integrity, Jia Kui is far ahead, an advantage that Liu Fu cannot match.

Although the upright Jia Kui came to visit Liu's family two months ago, slept in the same bed with him at night to discuss national affairs, and accidentally took away his good pants when he left...but this did not affect Jia Kui's upright family style.

On the way back to the manor, Jia Kui looked at the locusts lurking in the grass on the mountain path, and his mood quickly became depressed.

In a few days, you will see that the growth of shrubs and grass is suppressed.

Based on his knowledge and understanding, in another month, dense swarms of small locusts will appear, eat up all edible vegetation within sight, and then migrate to other places with grass and trees.

As locusts grow larger, their ability to eat grass and trees will increase dramatically.

After that, you can eat wherever you go.

By then, the Huns' herds will also be short of grass, and starting in late April, the Huns' mobility will be severely reduced.

Whether they were crossing the Fen River to plunder or migrating their tribes... the Huns couldn't escape even if they wanted to when their beasts were hungry and had no grass to eat.

In late April, excellent opportunities for war will appear.

Now we can only hope that there will be some surprises in the Hedong arsenal, so that the Huben can obtain the complete armament of the Han army and gain some advantages in equipment.

(End of this chapter)