Daqin: A buff of incredible comprehension

"My two guests, what would you like to order?" the proprietress greeted enthusiastically. "We have refreshing and detoxifying strong tea, freshly baked cakes, and stir-fried beans with freshly caught river fish..."

"Do you have white flour pancakes? It would be best if they were made with meat." Li Hua asked and then ordered some fish and shrimp.

The shopkeeper smiled helplessly and said, "You don't know, sir. White flour is eaten by the rich in the city. We are all common people here. How can we eat it?"

Li Hua had no choice but to order some ordinary meals.

His uniqueness attracted everyone's attention. The businessmen at the neighboring table discussed it quietly.

"This man seems to be used to white flour." said a middle-aged businessman.

"The waterwheel operates every day, so the price of flour shouldn't be so high."

"But there are still many nobles," another merchant seconded. "Alas! I wonder when ordinary people will be able to eat it every day."

At this time, a group of craftsmen also started chatting:

"You can think of good things just for a meal!" said the thin and long-faced man with a smile.

"If the whole family could enjoy a meal of white flour every year, it would be a wonderful moment that we could never dream of."

A craftsman mentioned the riverbank project:

"A waterwheel is also being built thirty miles away. When that happens, the amount of rice and flour produced will surely increase, and perhaps there will be a chance to benefit the people."

The craftsmen thought for a while and agreed with this statement.

“How wonderful it would be if every family had white flour!”

The craftsmen were talking about it, finding it hard to imagine such a day.

Another craftsman said jokingly: "Maybe even you can drink and eat meat every now and then!" The people sitting at the same table responded with laughter.

However, the slender craftsman sighed and said, "That's just wishful thinking."

The conversation quickly turned to daily trivialities. Suddenly, a clear voice rang out in the simple teahouse.

"Why not? No matter your social status, you can have delicious food every day, even meat and wine."

The craftsmen turned around and saw that this person was the young man from before.

"Why can't the people enjoy such a life? It's not difficult! The resources of the Great Qin are fully capable of ensuring that everyone can live a stable life."

"From now on, all children can go to school, learn useful knowledge, and become useful talents for the country in the future."

Liu Cheng turned around and said seriously, "All this can be realized in the next generation at the latest."

The teahouse became unusually quiet.

Until the chef at the stove stopped and listened.

"Excuse me, sir. Please don't mind our idle talk."

The young man smiled and responded:

“If people don’t have dreams, what’s the difference?”

"Every word spoken today will become reality."

Then he took out a handful of copper coins and placed them on the table, asking the owner to pack up the food and take it away. After they left, the craftsman and other guests were still discussing in low voices:

"Who is this person? How dare he promise to let the people eat and drink well?"

More people began to wonder about this man's background and intentions, with some believing he was just trying to attract attention. Soon, exclamations rose from the crowd. The lanky craftsman finally recognized him and excitedly exclaimed, "He's our superior—Lord Liu, the Imperial Household Minister!"

When the news spread, everyone understood the reason for the incident. This internal affairs official not only managed the palace's household affairs but was also an important official in the court. Everyone was surprised.

A few days ago, Zhang Xiang and his family were exiled to Lingnan. I heard that they were defeated because of this person!

"This……"

The craftsman's expression suddenly changed, and he secretly regretted whether he had said the wrong thing. He was a powerful figure, and a single word could put his entire family's lives in danger.

"It turns out to be him!"

"Mr. Chen is the emperor's son-in-law, no wonder he's so arrogant."

"Isn't ** just a treacherous minister? He was also a rebel before."

"Shh... Do you still want to live?!"

One person spoke out loud and clear, and before he had finished speaking, the diners around him panicked and fled in all directions. They were afraid that the soldiers would suddenly rush in like wolves and tigers and arrest them indiscriminately.

"Bill, please!"

Everyone paid for their tea in a hurry and left in a hurry.

The merchant who made the mistake was left sitting there dumbfounded.

"Sir, please leave now!"

"We don't want the tea money, we just ask you not to implicate us."

The shopkeeper bowed and begged, his face full of pity.

"I...will only take responsibility for my own actions and will not implicate others."

"To be honest, I'm from Dai County and I know some of **'s background. Even if he's in a high position of power now, he can't be so mean to his fellow countrymen."

"You're from out of town, you don't understand how powerful this place is."

"Mr. Chen may reason with you, but Black Ice Terrace doesn't care about you! The Commander and he are close friends."

"If you spread it out like this..."

The shopkeeper hurriedly persuaded him. After hearing this, the merchant's face changed drastically. He no longer dared to hold on and hurriedly paid the money: "Thank you for reminding me, I will go back home now."

** didn't care about the little episode just now, and continued to tirelessly explain to Zhao Wu the principles of how to behave in the world.

“Whether you’re an official or a commander, the most important thing is to fill your subordinates with hope.”

"As long as everyone has hope, the team will naturally unite and overcome difficulties and obstacles together. On the contrary, if people's morale is low, the team will be finished."

Zhao Wu frowned and thought for a long time, "So this is what my uncle meant. He wanted to instill hope in the hearts of the people, just like..."

"Right!" ** continued, "It's like offering a carrot to a mule or horse. That's how they'll run as fast as they can. It's the same when you lead troops. If morale is low, even gods can't save them. If you want to achieve great things, the most important thing is to learn how to paint a rosy picture. Otherwise, relying solely on your own strength, no matter how hard you try, you'll only be able to kill a few enemies."

Zhao Wu looked at him puzzledly, "Just a pie in the sky?"

"Yes, it's just a dream." ** nodded heavily. "Look at my mount, it's a truly divine horse. It was a tribute from the Western Regions, it can travel 800 miles a day, and it's worth a million gold. Do you know where it came from?"

"Was it given to you by His Majesty?" Zhao Wu asked curiously.

"wrong."

He smiled smugly and began to tell the story. "This is what my subordinate Li He won in a bet with the Crown Princess. If it weren't for Old Li's diligence and ambition, I wouldn't be able to ride this rare horse. He should have been given the position of Minister of the Imperial Household long ago. We've delayed it until today just to make him more excited."

"If Lao Li keeps up the good work, maybe he can get a faster horse in the future. And I'll give this one to you." ** said affectionately.

Zhao Wu was shocked and bowed solemnly to express his gratitude: "I appreciate your teaching."

While they were chatting, they had already circled back to Han's house. "Han Xin, run!" Several children saw them coming from afar and quickly ran away.

** frowned slightly, "Xin'er, are you bullying these kids?"

How can this be?

Had Han Xin learned to bully others through my intervention? Would he have achieved his later reputation for invincibility?

** thought with a little worry.

"That's not the case." Han Xin had something to hide and lowered his head.

When the family was in trouble, the neighbors were generally sympathetic and compassionate, but as the situation improved, people's alienation and contempt gradually emerged.

"I see."

** I immediately understood the reason. A well-off family naturally arouses envy and jealousy; it's inevitable.

"Don't worry about them."

** Continue to comfort: "You are the eldest son in the family, you can tell me whatever you think. If relocation is beneficial to you, I will help you find a better place to live."

Han Xin agreed, thinking: Moving soon would also free his mother and brother from discrimination. After the spring plowing, when the army was about to march out, he would suggest that His Majesty hold a grand ceremony to intimidate those who refused to give up their resolve in the old six kingdoms. Do you enjoy plotting and scheming? Then let them learn the true meaning of a bold sword and a resounding cannon.

The group arrived at the gate of Han's residence. "My son is back," Zhao Wu knocked gently on the door. Hurried footsteps echoed in the courtyard, and the lady glanced at him in surprise when she opened the door.

"Why are you back so early?"

Meeting guests

** This is really too much

"Madam, are you being distant with me?"

** said jokingly.

"That……"

Madam Song hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "According to old customs, I should follow Xin'er's generational level and call you uncle."

** was stunned.

What's so particular about this?

Song Xin stepped forward and whispered a few words of explanation. It turned out that after a woman married into her husband's family, she would often address her husband's relatives according to their children's generational status, as a mother's status was elevated by her sons. Therefore, ** became Mrs. Song's uncle.

"Then should I also call you sister-in-law?"

** smiled and bowed. Mrs. Song nodded shyly, "I don't deserve it. If you don't mind, just call me Zhen Niang."

"Well, Zhenniang is Zhenniang." ** agreed. Song Xin reminded: "Mom, didn't you say to let uncle try on the new clothes?"

"Yes, yes!" Mrs. Song wiped the apron on her hands and invited ** in.

As the three of them entered the courtyard, a child peeked in. Seeing his mother, he whispered, "Mom, have you finished writing the calligraphy?"

Mrs. Song said seriously, "What are you still dawdling about? Come in quickly."

** said jokingly: "It seems that Zhe'er is a hardworking and good child. The Han family has hope."

Mrs. Song laughed and said, "No, no, I just know a few words. Uncle, there's no need to spend money on writing brushes, inkstones, and paper."

** His tone was serious, "Papermaking is the responsibility of the Imperial Household Department, and it doesn't cost a penny."

Soon, loud crying was heard in the main hall.

** said jokingly: "Look, Zhe'er is crying with excitement. He will become a great man in the future."

Mrs. Han smiled helplessly and told her son to fill the water jar. Then she invited ** to go to the study to try on new clothes.

A moment later, Mrs. Song came out with folded new clothes and urged her to try them on. "Thank you, Zhenniang."

The two went to the next room to change clothes. The study was filled with old bamboo bookshelves, which looked a bit ancient and desolate.

** Fortunately, he came back to praise her: "Mrs. Zhen's craftsmanship is really flawless. The clothes fit her perfectly."

** He swung his sleeves and praised her endlessly. Mrs. Song looked it over carefully and found that she had cut it a little too small.

** I know that my physique is taller and stronger than that of ancient people, but that's all I am. To comfort myself, "It's fine, no need to change it."

Mrs. Song insisted on sewing and busied herself with needle and thread.

** Turn around and look away, fearing that you will be misunderstood.

Suddenly, shouting from inside the door reached Han Xin's ears, and he immediately rushed into the main hall.

"How are you doing?"

** asked hurriedly, "Zhen Niang, are you okay?" with a blood-stained needle in his hand.

Madam Song said calmly, "It's okay, it's just an ordinary thing."