Golden Branch

Wang Mian is very cautious.

She has been here for a year, but she has not rashly "showed off her power".

She is like a snail, observing, exploring, and gradually extending her tentacles. While understanding and integrating into this world, she carefully makes some changes.

I have known Wang Heng for several months, and she has also gradually become like this.

She didn't show off her magical powers as a time-traveling woman right away, nor did she come up with any killer weapon to show off herself.

In fact, if the supplies in the Great Zhou Dynasty had not been so scarce, which seriously affected Wang Mian's survival and quality of life, she would have been more low-key.

Unfortunately, traveling through time is a technical job, and she couldn't wear a good identity. For a bite of delicious food, for a better life, she could only "take risks" -

It is a crime to possess a treasure.

Wang Mian knew this principle very well.

She knew that once she revealed the four magical weapons of the time traveler: soap, cement, glass, and gunpowder, she would be able to shock the world and change it.

She also knew that with her status and age, she could not keep it at all.

If the world doesn't change by then, her life and the lives of her family will be in danger.

Even if after testing and understanding, she is sure that Wang Heng is a good person and Wang Heng's mother has some power and can help her realize her wish, Wang Mian will not directly take out the big killer.

"Nine Lady, this may seem insignificant, but if it is accomplished, it will be a great achievement."

"If this is accomplished, perhaps Madam Jiang will have a higher status in the General's Mansion!"

Pampering a concubine is ultimately just serving someone with her beauty.

As a stunning beauty, with more value, Jiang was truly valued and even respected by Yang Chong.

Only when Jiang Shi gained status could Wang Heng have a better life.

And her little follower Wang Mian can also "rise to heaven".

Wang Mian spoke to Wang Heng very cautiously.

Wang Heng blinked her big eyes. She didn’t quite understand, but she could read people’s expressions.

Wang Mian's caution made Wang Heng cautious as well.

She waved everyone away, leaving only Wang Mian and her in the yard.

"A Mian, tell me!"

"Jiu Niang, have you ever ridden a horse?"

"...ridden by!" It was just that he was taken along by his father or Lou Yu.

"Have you ever noticed this thing when you were riding?"

Wang Mian said as he pulled out a piece of paper from the side.

She picked up Wang Mian's calligraphy brush, dipped it in ink, and began to paint.

In fact, not long after Wang Mian came here, he discovered this problem when he ran on the official road for the first time:

The horses of the Zhou Dynasty had saddles, but the saddles were not connected to stirrups.

There is a buckle-like device under the saddle to help people get on the horse, but it is not the stirrup commonly seen in later generations.

The stirrup is small and inconspicuous, but it can play a huge role.

Wang Mian remembered that in the historical dramas he had watched, some scenes of large armies fighting featured military generals performing many difficult moves on horseback.

For example, letting go of the reins with both hands and slashing and killing indiscriminately with weapons.

For example, you can just stand up and chop down the enemy.

To perform these difficult movements, one needs the assistance of horse harness - stirrups.

Stirrups not only help people get on the horse, but also allow people to better control the horse with their feet.

Especially when standing, the feet are directly placed on the stirrups.

There were no stirrups in the Zhou Dynasty.

In other words, without the very convenient standard stirrups of later generations, there was only a leather belt, which could not completely free people's hands, let alone allow people to stand on the horse.

What Wang Mian needs to do is to add a stirrup to effectively improve the knight's ability to fight on horseback.

This may not seem very impressive, nor is it a disruptive innovation.

After all, belt buckles already existed, and stirrups were just an improvement on the belt buckles.

It just so happens that such an inconspicuous "improvement" can produce miraculous effects.

Whether it is Yang Chong or Lou Jin, they are both brave generals who gallop on the battlefield.

They themselves are tough and experienced Northern cavalry, absolute professionals.

Professionals can tell at a glance whether a piece of improved horse harness is usable and easy to use.

Therefore, as long as Jiang finds a way to tell Yang Chong the principle and style of the stirrup, Yang Chong will know its value!

"Jiu Niang, do you understand?"

Wang Mian used a brush to draw one decomposition diagram after another, and gave a detailed explanation of each diagram.

“…I think I understand!”

Wang Heng still looked a little dazed.

She is not stupid, but she is young and has limited knowledge.

She couldn't even ride a horse herself, so how could she care about saddles and stirrups?

Wang Heng lowered her head and carefully looked at each decomposition diagram drawn by Wang Mian.

She could feel Wang Mian's intentions and how much he valued the drawing.

"You mean to give this to my mother? And have her present it to the general?"

Wang Heng asked in a low voice.

“…Blueprints, I guess you can’t bring them in!”

After spending half a year with Wang Heng, Wang Mian already knew how powerful the aristocratic families were.

Such a large family that has lasted for one or two hundred years, has deep roots and thriving power, is really not something that a time-traveling girl like her, who is just an ordinary person in the later world, can "manage".

Wang Mian even suspected that he might have been exposed.

Not to mention Zheng Ai who was beside Wang Heng, even the naughty kid Lou Yu had a strange look in his eyes when he looked at her.

Wang Mian is fine now, not because she concealed it well, but because she found the right person to support her.

Zheng Ai and Lou Yu are being cautious.

Wang Mian didn't dare to be superstitious about her identity as a time-traveling woman. She felt that with her IQ and level, she was no match for these ancestors.

To use a joke from later generations, people like her would not survive the first episode if they went to the palace.

So, she would not show off in front of Zheng Ai, Jiang Shi and other bigwigs who had been immersed in the inner house or even the harem for many years.

She only needs to provide an "inspiration", and the specific operations still depend on the big guys!

Wang Heng nodded blankly, "I understand. I'll go find Aunt Zheng!"

Zheng Ai was originally sent by Jiang.

In the past few months, all the letters from Jiang were delivered to Wang Heng through Zheng Ai's hands.

In addition to the obvious messenger, there should be a more secret and secure communication channel between Zheng Ai and Jiang.

"..." Upon hearing that Wang Heng was looking for Zheng Ai, Wang Mian nodded and said nothing more. At most, he reminded her, "You must keep it a secret!"

She didn't want to be exposed.

This is not an honor, but a bomb that could endanger lives and endanger the entire family.

She was too young and of too humble a status, just a weed by the roadside. Those powerful people didn't even have to do anything themselves; the people around them could crush her with just a flick of their fingers!

"Don't worry, I understand!"

Amian reminded Wang Heng again and again with such a serious expression, so Wang Heng naturally knew the importance of the matter.

"Mrs. Zheng! Mrs. Zheng!"

Turning around, Wang Heng shouted a few times towards the house not far away.

Soon, Zheng Yi came before Wang Heng.

Wang Heng raised her little head, and there was a gleam in her big round eyes.

She looked at Zheng Yi intently and suddenly asked, "Zheng Yi, can I trust you?"

Her voice still had a babyish tone, but her tone carried an inexplicable aura.

Wang Mian, who was standing aside, was stunned. Is this Jiu Niang?

He is six years old in age, oh no, he is seven years old this year.

A seven-year-old child, with an innocent face, said such words.

This person is not a child at all, he is clearly a superior!

Wang Mian wailed in his heart once again: Ahhhh, as expected, compared to these ancient people, I am just a child!

When Zheng Yi saw Wang Heng like this, a hint of joy flashed across his eyes.

When Zheng Yi came to the Wang family, he had not really made up his mind to stay here.

She needed to observe, consider, and determine whether Wang Heng was worthy of her service.

Zheng Yi also knew that she and Wang Heng had chosen each other.

She assessed Wang Heng, and Wang Heng was also assessing her value.

Originally, Zheng Yi thought that Wang Heng was too young and this "observation period" would take at least two or three years.

Unexpectedly, Wang Jia Jiuniang was more intelligent and perceptive than she had imagined.

Is it too wise to be foolish?

No, Wang Jiuniang has always been a smart person, she is just hiding her incompetence!

The strange color in Zheng Yi's eyes quickly disappeared, and she looked almost normal.

Therefore, Wang Heng did not know that in just a few breaths, her Zheng Ai's thoughts had already turned nine twists and eighteen twists in her heart.

She continued to look calm.

My mother said that even if you don’t understand or are not sure, you must not show any signs.

As for the phrase "I can trust you", Wang Heng simply copied the way her mother treated her confidant.

Wang Heng didn’t understand, but she knew that her mother was the most powerful, and she just needed to imitate her.

“Nine Lady, please give me your orders!”

Zheng Yi did not say anything to express her loyalty. She bowed respectfully and asked for orders solemnly.

Zheng Yi had a "beautiful misunderstanding" of Wang Heng, and only regarded Wang Heng as a smart person who knew how to hide her shortcomings.

She knew that this was an "assessment" that Jiu Niang had decided to give her after several months of observation.

If she can complete this task perfectly, Jiu Niang will truly regard her as her confidant.

Zheng Yi, on the other hand, could also take advantage of this "mission" to see if Jiu Niang was worthy of his allegiance.

"...Amian, tell Aunt Zheng!"

Wang Heng turned around and gave instructions to Wang Mian.

Well, Amian said too much just now, and she couldn’t remember anything about the loose reins.

However, as the boss, you cannot say that you "don't understand", so let the "people who understand" speak.

Wang Mian mistakenly thought that this was the behavior of a noble lady from a wealthy family.

That’s right, a real rich lady would never do things by herself.

Sometimes, you don’t even need to move your mouth, just a glance and the people around you will understand and then charge forward for your master.

Wang Mian sighed inwardly, but did not hesitate.

He took the blueprint he had just drawn and repeated to Zheng Yi what he had said to Wang Heng.

Zheng Yi's eyes fell on the piece of paper with several exploded diagrams drawn on it.

As a former noble lady from an aristocratic family, Zheng Yi was proficient in the six arts of a gentleman.

She spent many years in the harem, winning the favor of nobles by playing games such as pitching pots and polo.

Therefore, Zheng Yi was an excellent rider and had a good understanding of horses.

At just one glance, Zheng Yi saw the beauty of the stirrup saddle.

In his mind, Zheng Yi had already sketched out some pictures.

If you have stirrups, you can better control the horse with your feet when riding, completely freeing your hands.

When playing polo... oh no, when fighting, you can also perform many necessary actions.

If your riding skills are good enough, not only your hands will be freed, but even a leg can be freed.

With one foot in the stirrup, the whole person can fly off the horse's back...

Zheng Yi thought a lot and she incorporated some of her "fantasies" when riding a horse.

And now, with an extra stirrup, those fantasized movements of hers might become reality.

Once successful, it is not only the polo skills that are improved, but also the cavalry combat capabilities.

"Nine Lady, this is very good!"

Zheng Yi controlled his emotions perfectly and did not show his inner excitement - being able to improve the combat effectiveness of the cavalry was a military achievement!

Anyone who presents this item to Yang Chong will become a hero.

Jiang will no longer be a concubine who serves men with her beauty.

If Jiang becomes rich, Jiu Niang will also benefit.

Zheng Yi will naturally not have a bad life with Jiu Niang!

Wang Heng remained calm.

My mother once said that when she didn't know what to say or do, she should just be calm. As long as she didn't show any embarrassment, she would be calm and composed, and those under her would naturally not look down on her.

After Zheng Yi finished praising, he turned his gaze to Wang Mian: This girl is indeed weird.

In addition to tinkering with delicious food, he can even improve horse harnesses!

So... does she have more "secrets"?

A dark glint flashed in Zheng Yi's eyes.

Wang Mian felt a palpitation in his heart, as if he was being targeted by something.

That feeling of being coveted and plotted against... so scary!

Wang Mian hurriedly looked at Wang Heng: "Sponsor daddy, help me ...

Wang Heng doesn't understand too many complicated things, but her pure heart makes her have the most acute perception of people's emotions.

Feeling Wang Mian's uneasiness, Wang Heng thought of Wang Mian's seriousness just now.

She knew that Amian didn't want to be in the spotlight.

She also knew that Zheng Ai seemed to pay special attention to Amian.

Well, Amian is her little friend. She makes delicious food for her, tells her stories, and is willing to help her do good deeds for her mother.

Wang Heng felt that she had a responsibility to protect Amian.

"Mrs. Zheng, although the secret recipe belongs to Amian, I hope this matter has nothing to do with Amian!"

Wang Heng said this not to erase Wang Mian's contribution, but to protect Wang Mian.

Don't push her to the front, don't let her be exposed too much, hide her in the corner, maybe she can't be glorious, but she can live in peace.

"Yes! It has nothing to do with me!" Wang Mian nodded repeatedly.

Zheng Yi: ...He's quite clever! He's not greedy for success, nor does he rush for quick gains. He certainly doesn't rely on his talent to become arrogant and court his own destruction!

"Don't worry, Jiuniang, it's from the Ministry!"

Zheng Yi agreed and went back to work.

During the Lantern Festival, Zheng Yi sent someone to Yizhou to deliver a gift in the name of Wang Heng.

Zheng Yi also gave gifts during the following Flower Festival and Shangsi Festival.

It was not until around the Dragon Boat Festival that news came back from Yizhou: Jiang was no longer a concubine without a title, but a concubine recognized by both Yang Chong and Li.

Not to mention how secretly ecstatic Wang Lin was when he got the news.

Speaking of Wang Mian, he sighed again: As expected, these big guys are really patient.

Knowing clearly that it was a good thing to do meritorious service, in order to "make it happen naturally" and avoid suspicion, they managed to drag on the planning for several months.

Great!

PS: The second update will be before noon!