Royal road

Before dawn, a rooster crowed loudly from the farm in the distance.With the sound of the cock crowing, everyone in the Liang Mansion woke up from their sleep and got busy.

Liang Rong also got up early, today is an important day, he didn't need anyone to remind him, he got up by himself.Under the service of the maid, the little guy put on brand-new clothes and colorful shoes with embroidered patterns, and went to the main room excitedly after cleaning his face and washing his face.

In the main courtyard, Liang Feng also got up.Today is Zhengdan, also known as Yuanchen and Yuanchun, which is the first year of the year.The beginning of the year was inconsistent in ancient times. The Yin calendar of the Shang Dynasty used the twelfth month (December) as the first month, and the Zhou calendar of the Zhou Dynasty used the winter month (November) as the first month. After the unification of the Qin Dynasty, it used the Yangchun month (October) ) is the first month.It was not until the time of Han Wu that the summer calendar of the Xia Dynasty was followed, and Meng Xiyue (January) was used as the first month.The day of Zhengdan, which is the first day of the Lunar New Year in later generations.

When it comes to the Spring Festival, it is natural to celebrate it.Fortunately, "keeping the year old" has not become a routine at this time, otherwise, if you are a patient and a child, you may not be able to recover after a night of staying up for a few days.Liang Feng didn't act on his own, and obediently waited until the first day of junior high school.

As soon as the packing was done, someone reported that Mr. Xiao Lang had come.Liang Feng smiled, and took his seat in the main hall, when he saw a small dumpling carved in powder and jade walking into the room with short legs, leaning over to check his head: "I wish my father good health and a long life."

To celebrate the New Year to the elders, it is proper to worship.Seeing the serious look of the little guy, Liang Feng smiled and said, "Rong'er also wants to be safe and happy this year. Come, here is the lucky money for you."

Not understanding what the New Year's money meant, Liang Rong blinked, got up and took the things from his father with both hands.It was a small lotus pouch embroidered with a tiger's head, and there was something tinkling inside.Curiously, Liang Rong untied the rope, poured it out to have a look, and couldn't help but let out a soft ah.It turned out that there were five exquisite and unique coins inside, which were small in size and shaped like five bahts, and on them were hollowed out and painted patterns like pressing coins, which looked extremely exquisite and cute.

Liang Feng patted the little guy's head: "The money is lucky, Rong'er keep it well, and add another one in the coming year."

Liang Rong nodded his head vigorously, and carefully tied the purse around his waist.Liang Feng said to Lvzhu again: "Everyone in the mansion is sending out hundreds of articles today, as the money for the New Year's Eve."

Baiwen is not much, but the meaning is very good, Luzhu should be delighted, and asked again: "Lang Jun, can you burn the bamboo?"

Liang Feng nodded: "Go."

After receiving the order, Green Bamboo led several servants to light a fire in the court, and put three long bamboo poles into the fire.Not long after, the bamboo body made a crackling sound.This is also a necessary ceremony in Zhengdan, where bamboo poles are burned to drive away evil spirits.In the era without gunpowder, real bamboo was burned during the Chinese New Year, and the firecrackers of later generations have the common name of "firecrackers".

Hearing the sound, Liang Rong couldn't help but look over, as if children of later generations were interested in watching the firecrackers set off.Liang Feng thought about gunpowder in his heart.Of course he knew the formula of black powder, one nitrate, two sulphur, and three charcoals.However, this kind of earthwork cannot reach the real military level.If you want to use black gunpowder as a weapon instead of listening to a loud firecracker, you must go through professional purification and refine the ratio.This kind of laboratory work is obviously not something that Liang Feng can do by himself.

At the same time, the development of gunpowder is too dangerous. Let those below who don't understand any chemical principles experiment, and nine out of ten will cause trouble.Having developed gunpowder, how to put it into use is also a major problem.These are still too far away for the Liang family, so Liang Feng has no plans to start researching this aspect immediately.At least you have to find the right talent before you can give it a try...

Just as he was thinking, the sound of firecrackers slowed down, apparently burning to the end.

Seeing Liang Rong's little face full of emotions, Liang Feng smiled, took his little hand, and walked towards the family temple.

In the main hall, people gradually gathered together.Today is Zhengdan, the craftsmen of several workshops and all the stewards will also come to celebrate the new year for the head of the family.The first to arrive were Jiang Jiangtou and Jiang Ni and his son.After the pottery workshop started firing white porcelain last year, it earned tens of millions of dollars in profits alone, accounting for [-]% of the dividends. The Jiang family and his son are not what they used to be.

Now there is another large kiln in the pottery workshop, and the number of potters has increased to more than [-], and many of them are carving and painting craftsmen hired by Jiang Ni.The production of pottery workshops is not limited to simple bowls and dishes. Boshan stoves, lotus statues, chicken head pots and other complex items have also begun to be trial-produced.

With confidence, the waist is naturally stiff.Carrying new items for New Year's Eve, Jiang Jiangtou mustered up his energy, wanting to show off in front of everyone.But as soon as he stood still, Liu Jiangtou also walked into the main courtyard with his son.

"Ah, brother Jiang is here first." Liu Jiangtou chuckled, "I wish you a happy new year and happy seasons."

Seeing Liu Mutou and his dull son, Jiang Jiangtou immediately felt a little suffocated.The profit of the pottery workshop is not bad, but the paper workshop is even more astonishing.Just selling paper and books is the same, and I don’t know how much money I have earned back.Fortunately, a lot of business has passed through Jiang Ni's hands, which made him more or less face-saving.

Hmph, let's see if the pottery workshop has produced new items this year, can your paper workshop be able to match it!Carpenter Jiang muttered to himself, but his face was full of smiles: "According to brother's auspicious words, let's make a fortune together!"

The two chatted and laughed, and the later Ding Jiangtou didn't mean to join in at all. He just said hello and went to think about things alone.The bookstore was originally in charge of Zhao Yu, but she accompanied Xiao Langjun to the family temple in the morning. She never came to the courtyard, and was replaced by the great craftsman Wei Fonu.This person is cautious in nature, he stands aside and smiles honestly, and doesn't talk too much.Even when Manager A Liang came, he didn't dare to strike up a conversation.

The few people in the trilogy were the last to come, but because of their status, even A Liang had to come forward to greet him.Yiyan glanced at the courtyard, and found that the lord was not there, he immediately lost his mind, and handed over all the supporting work to Zhang He.He walked to the family temple alone.

In this room, Liang Feng had already finished worshiping, and bumped into Yiyan head-on.Seeing the person he was looking for, Yiyan immediately took two steps forward: "My lord, my subordinates are here to celebrate the New Year! I wish my lord a speedy recovery and a long life! This is the evil spirit jade carved by my subordinates, I hope my lord will accept it!"

What he held in his hand turned out to be a jade pendant, with many patterns carved on it, it seemed that he had put a lot of thought into it.

Liang Feng couldn't help but smile, took the jade pendant, untied a pouch from his waist and handed it over: "You have a heart. This is lucky money, keep it."

Yiyan took the bag and immediately opened it, only to see a round silver coin lying in it.With his heart pounding, he quickly pulled out the rope and hung the pouch on his chest.

Liang Rong, who followed behind, opened his eyes wide.How can the pouch be hung on the neck!And why did Father give him New Year's money?Shouldn't it only be for yourself?

Secretly raising his own seniority, Liang Feng was in a good mood, and asked with a smile, "Have everyone in the courtyard arrived?"

"The craftsmen and the battalion squadron are all here, as well as A Liang and Zhou Kan." Yi Yan replied sharply.

"Well, let's go." Liang Feng stepped into the main courtyard.

Seeing the Patriarch's return, all the craftsmen and stewards immediately congratulated in unison.Liang Feng smiled and nodded: "Today is Zhengdan, we should have fun together. Come and prepare the table."

Unexpectedly, they would be left to eat, and many people blushed.They are just eunuchs and craftsmen with low status, why have they ever sat with noble people?But apart from being excited, everyone was also filled with deep gratitude.The lord treats them very kindly. If there is no lord, how can they have the glory they are today? !This life was given by the Lord Lang, and he should die for it!

The following servants quickly placed tables, and everyone sat down according to their status.Seeing that Lord Lang was also sitting at the head seat, Carpenter Jiang hurriedly got up and said, "At the beginning of this year, the pottery workshop made a set of tea cups to celebrate the new year for Lord Lang!"

With that said, he got up and presented a wooden box.

I didn't expect to bring a congratulatory gift.Liang Feng smiled and took the box from Lv Zhu, and took out the porcelain inside.It was a set of thin white porcelain cups, with five cups in one pot.The body of the pot is round, and the belly is painted with lotus patterns, just like buds in bud.The cups are like lotus petals, the same size, clean and pleasant.Together, it looks like a blooming lotus, graceful and elegant, and can be called a boutique.

"What a clever idea, what a beautiful mood." Liang Feng couldn't help sighing.In just half a year, the aesthetic taste and carving skills of the pottery workshop have made great progress.It seems that the newly recruited craftsmen are of a good standard.

Filled with joy from being praised by the landlord, Jiang Jiang sat back with his head held high and his chest held high.Now who else can overshadow Taofang's limelight?

Unexpectedly, before he could sit still, Liu Jiangtou stood up: "There is also something in the wooden workshop, to celebrate the new year for Lord Lang."

As he spoke, Liu Lin behind him took out something from his bosom and offered it respectfully.Liang Feng just glanced at it, and said happily: "The waterwheel has been made?"

"I'd like to report to Lord Lang, the villain and several other craftsmen trial-produced it for two months, and finally succeeded!" Carpenter Liu replied with a blushing face.

I saw a wooden waterwheel in front of Liang Feng, which was very similar to the shape of later generations. It was in the shape of a wheel, with a wooden trough for drawing water on it. As long as it was placed in the river to create a water level drop, the wheel could be driven by water power. , draw water ashore.The original keel rollover was driven by people stepping on it. With this water wheel, water can be easily drawn from the river without manual labor. It is definitely a sharp weapon!

Liang Feng had told Mufang about this idea long ago, but due to the limited technical level, the finished product has never been successfully trial-produced.Unexpectedly, it would appear on his case now.It seems that the few carpenters who followed the refugees into the house were of good quality.Technology is still more advanced as it communicates. If there are more craftsmen, I am afraid that things like improving textile machines will not be a dream.

"You all have worked so hard! With this product, this year's house will surely have a bumper harvest!" Liang Feng praised with satisfaction.

Taofang was immediately suppressed, but looking at the extremely complicated windmill, even Jiang Jiangtou couldn't say no.Afterwards, the paper workshop offered new dyed paper, the iron workshop presented a hundred refined short knives, and the book workshop offered exquisite Buddha statues.Everything is carefully prepared.

Ah Liang chuckled and said, "There are new things in every workshop, all thanks to the master's guidance. Last month, 260 people were added to the mansion, all of them are young and strong, and they are all young and strong. When the spring comes, there must be more people available. , Join the Liang Mansion!"

Yi Yan also said: "The auxiliary soldiers have been recruited to [-], and the original number will be replenished. The training can be completed before the spring plowing."

Zhou Kan coughed: "I also picked out twelve children here, and started to teach counting. If it goes well, there should be a small success in half a year..."

All the same, all happy events.Liang Feng looked around at everyone's excited expressions, and secretly sighed in his heart, how could he have imagined such a scene a few months ago?Picking up the wine glass in his hand, he said to everyone: "The changes in the mansion are all caused by the lords. I only hope that in the coming year, I can climb the stairs again!"

This is the wine toasted by the lord, and everyone in the room was very excited, and they raised their glasses and drank it.

Steaming dishes were also served.There are meat, eggs, vegetables and a bowl full of dumplings in front of everyone.However, in this era, dumplings are different from the northern way of eating dumplings dipped in seasonings. They are all served with soup, called "wontons".Use mutton as filling, mix with chopped radish, bite off, it is full of oily soup, sweet and delicious.With a bowl of full-flavored soup, people who can eat feel comfortable.

Big bowl of soup, big pieces of meat, not fancy at all, but delicious and appropriate, just like an ordinary family feast.Faced with such a banquet, how could everyone be restrained, and the room was filled with joy after feasting on it!

■

With a bang, Bai Yuruyi fell to the ground and split into several pieces.Sima Teng scolded angrily: "That thief dares to walk on the same level as His Majesty!"

Luoyang sent back the news that on the day of Zhengdan, Sima Ying walked on the same stage as the emperor, walked on the sword to the hall, and was worshiped by all the officials.As the prime minister, with such behavior, it is obvious that he wants to do Wei Wu's affairs.How could those cunning officials fail to sense the meaning? Many people wrote a letter, asking Sima Ying to be the emperor's younger brother.If that person really becomes the emperor's younger brother, how many more days can the emperor live?

I hate that thief's hands and feet are too fast!The generals in the palace were cleaned up before Sima Ying entered the city, and then replaced with troops from Yecheng.The plan for the uprising was cut off before it was ready.Now brother doesn't dare to act rashly in the city, he can only act perfunctorily.However, Luoyang has been ruined by the war and looting by the rebels. Sima Ying, who is fond of extravagance, will not stay in this empty city for too long.

When Sima Ying returns to Yecheng, brother will be free to come to Qing Jun's side, right?Thinking about it this way, the more arrogant and domineering Sima Ying was, the more convenient it would be for them to do things.Hmph, he wanted to see how the people in Ye City would deal with all the troops!

The anger in his heart finally subsided a little, Sima Teng said coldly: "I heard that there was a disturbance on the left side of the Xiongnu?"

Immediately someone reported below: "There is a group of rebels, but they have been wiped out by Gaodu's defense, and they are sent together with their heads. There are more than 400 records!"

"Is there another matter?" Sima Teng's face eased slightly.The group of Huns has always been a serious concern for him, and the five tribes surround Taiyuan, which is so sharp that he, the governor of Bingzhou, always remembers it.Nowadays, four or five hundred rebels can be wiped out in one checkpoint defense, how can it not make him feel good?

"Where is that person from? Submit the success report." Sima Teng is not a diligent person, but now he urgently needs to find something to calm his anger.

The confidant below didn't know, so he quickly found out the victory report of Wu Ling that day, and submitted it up.After reading the battle report with one eye and three lines, Sima Teng laughed: "This guy is available! Make him a Polu General, and you will be rewarded with [-] coins!"

Wu Ling's original errand was the captain of a thousand people, the sixth grade.General Polu is the fifth rank, and he was directly promoted to one level, which is also considered preferential treatment.But [-] yuan is not a big sum, Sima Teng has always been stingy with his subordinates, it is already a good mood to be able to give this much money.

After thinking about it again, Sima Teng added: "He is guarding Taihangxing now, and it happens that Zhiguanxing is also near Gaodu, so let him guard it together."

These two Xing roads are the main roads leading to Sizhou, and they are very close to the left of the Xiongnu.Since Wu Ling can fight, let him do some more work.It is really hard to find a general, and his confidants still have to stay in Baixing and Fukouxing, which is the best way to march from Bingzhou to Yecheng.

After arranging the errands casually, Sima Teng was about to put down the paperwork when he suddenly gasped: "The Liang mansion mentioned in the good news is Liang Feng's mansion?!"

"It's Liang Zixi..."

"This guy!" Seeing Liang Feng's name, Sima Teng became furious again.This trip to Luoyang was all caused by this bastard.If he didn't want to present a way to prevent the epidemic, why would he be trapped for several months without getting out?

"Send an order to get Liang Zixi to Jinyang as soon as possible. I have to ask why the anti-epidemic method doesn't work..." Sima Teng gritted his teeth and said bitterly.

"I'm afraid this is inappropriate." The chief secretary standing on the side finally said, "Now that the general wants to achieve great things, how can he treat famous people slowly? Then Liang Zixi cured the great epidemic in Bingzhou and gave porridge in the city. He saved countless lives in one winter. His life. He also has a close relationship with Taiyuan Wang and Wenxi Pei, if he is easily accused, wouldn't it hurt the face of the two families?"

Unexpectedly, in just a few months, that person would find so many connections.Sima Teng frowned: "Is there no way to punish him?"

"It's so easy for such a gentry to punish a crime without the power to restrain a chicken. However, the King of Chengdu killed Lu Pingyuan, causing countless gentry to renounce, and the government and the opposition are full of reputation. If you want to achieve great things, I'm afraid you have to invite famous people." , with the help of my master..." the master persuaded patiently.

"Is it like brother who reuses Wang Yan?" Sima Teng frowned.

He has always been displeased with Wang Yan, who speaks nonsense and mostly without words.However, this person has a very high reputation and has attracted many talents for my brother.It is precisely because of this that brother's reputation among the gentry is getting better and better.

"That's right. If there is no horse bone, how can there be a thousand-mile horse?" The master laughed.

"Forget it. Let's recruit him to the General's Mansion as a subordinate." Sima Teng snorted coldly, but it was easier for him.

"The general is gracious!" The chief secretary secretly heaved a sigh of relief.Sima Teng was not in Bingzhou before, so he did not know the secret relationship between Liang Feng and Wang Wen.To be able to recruit Liang Feng into the General's Mansion, wouldn't it be a favor of the Taiyuan Wang family?

As for Liang Zixi, after becoming an official in the General's Mansion, isn't he at the mercy of others?As long as Sima Teng can vent his anger, everything will be fine...