Huan Rong

Taihe four years, March, Ding Wei

It was supposed to be the season of continuous drizzle, but there was no rain falling in Jiankang City.

The drop in the water level of the canal has not seen any impact in a short period of time, but in the long run, it will definitely affect water transportation.Experienced boatmen and boatmen all looked sad, looking up at the sky without a trace of cloud, giving birth to a bad feeling.

"It's almost April and it hasn't rained yet. I'm afraid there will be a drought this year."

"Don't talk nonsense!"

"What nonsense?" The boatman who was over [-] years old took off his bamboo hat and kept fanning the wind, "It's only late March, and the weather is so hot that there hasn't been a single rain. Look at the water level. If it doesn’t rain again in April, the bigger merchant ships won’t be able to come in.”

"Let's wait and see." A boatman squatted on the bank, his face full of sorrow, "At least we can beg for food on the river. My brother has [-] acres of land on the outskirts of the city. He said it won't rain again. This year's I'm afraid the harvest will be..."

The boatman didn't continue talking, and everyone shook their heads and sighed.

"Okay, don't think too much. I heard that there will be a salt ship coming in these two days. Be diligent. Carry a few more bags of salt, and you can earn a few days of food."

Cargo ships from all over the world enter Jiankang, more or less, they always have to hire some people at the dock.

Hu merchants are the most stingy, and the bead merchants from the south are the most generous. This is the consensus on the wharf.

However, since this year, cargo ships flying the flag of Yandu have broken common sense.

The owner of the ship was generous, and even signed a long-term contract with several boatmen. When the cargo ship from Yandu arrived in Jiankang, they could bring people to transport the cargo, and the wages were calculated on the same day.In case of a large quantity of goods, a meal will be provided.

"While carrying salt down the boat, a boatman accidentally cut a pocket and leaked two handfuls of fine salt. The boat owner didn't want it, and I got a handful, which is better than the ones in the big city."

"Fine salt?"

"Where's the good?"

Everyone was curious and began to ask.

Just as he was about to speak, he saw two big boats coming from downstream.A flag representing Yandu was hung on the bow. Several boatmen stood on both sides of the boat, observing the water level of the river. Two others waved to the shore, signaling to the boatmen and boatmen gathered on the shore to come forward to deliver goods.

"It's Yandu's boat!"

Regardless of continuing to gossip, everyone stepped forward immediately, and the contenders walked to the pier, waiting for the salt ship to dock.

After the cargo ship docked, the healthy servants worked together to lower the ship's plank and set up the long ladder.

Qian Shi was in charge of transporting the goods for the first time, so he dared not be careless.Seeing too many people gathered on the pier, he immediately said loudly: "Ten people are needed for a boat! Those with long-term contracts are the first!"

There was a brief turmoil among the crowd, and then three elderly boatmen came out, pointing out more than a dozen people one after another, although the rest were not convinced, but the captain made it clear, and the three of them were senior and respected by everyone , can only be unwilling to back down, waiting for the next opportunity.

"One ship was unloaded at the pier, and the other was loaded on a truck and transported to Dashi."

Shi Shao didn't come in person, but in order to ensure that there were no mistakes, he listed the things one by one, and tirelessly told Qian Shi that he didn't stop until the latter knew everything by heart and his head was as big as a bucket.

Before leaving, Shi Shao took Qian Shi aside again, handed him a piece of silk cloth, and listed more than ten precautions.

Qian Shi clasped his fists in gratitude, eyes on mosquito coils.

Seeing such a scene, Huan Rong was both moved and a little funny.He really didn't realize that Shi Sheren had the potential to be a Tang monk.

However, thanks to Shi Shao's carefulness, there were not too many mistakes along the way.After arriving in Jiankang, Qian Shi finally breathed a sigh of relief when the two boats of salt were unloaded.

Needless to say, the salt transported to the big city is naturally sold to the city.Some of those left on the wharf were sent to Taicheng, and some were sold at a low price to the salt shop in the hands of the Wang family in Taiyuan.

Huan Rong does not yet have the strength to challenge the opponent head-on. If he wants to open the "salt road" in the short term and not be squeezed out of Jiankang overtly and secretly, he must compromise to a certain extent.

Similarly, with the Huan family and Princess Nankang as their backers, and the "salt offering" sent to Taicheng, the Taiyuan Wang family always had to give some face.

Both parties took a step back, Huan Rong could build salt in the market, but the quantity was limited, and the top fine salt had to be distributed to the Wang family, whose price was almost less than the cost.

Looking at it now, Huan Rong is at a disadvantage.But in the long run, as long as they don't get squeezed out of Jiankang, one day sooner or later, the Wang family will find that they have fallen for the opponent's scheme, and what Huan Rong wants is not some benefits, but the entire Jiankang salt market.

After completing the task of transporting salt, Qian Shi ordered the boat to stop on the river, and personally led several healthy servants to Huanfu.

"There are letters from Mr. Lang and two boxes of utensils, all of which are presented to His Highness for Mr. Lang."

Qian Shi did not enter the guest room, but only bowed in the corridor, took out the letter and handed it to Ah Mai, and sent two wooden boxes.After Princess Nankang finished writing the letter, she took her leave immediately.

Princess Nankang ordered the screen to be removed, and after reading the letter, she couldn't help laughing and said, "The Xun family of Yingchuan? Gua'er is really lucky!"

Two wooden boxes were carried into the inner room. The lids of the boxes were opened. One was filled with gold and jade ornaments, and the other was tanned wolf and deerskins.

"It's hard for Gua'er to have such thoughts."

Jiankang has no shortage of silk and silk cloth, but animal skins are rare, especially wolf skins that are completely black and have no variegated colors. It is a generous gift to give to others.

This is the son's wish. Princess Nankang was not willing to give it away at all, so she ordered the servants to keep it properly and take out the bedding in winter.

Yandu's boat came and went quickly, as if a stone was dropped on the calm water surface, and a ball of water splashed out, causing people to exclaim, and then dissipated at a fast speed without leaving any traces.

Qin Jing's fleet encountered a little trouble when passing Qiao County, and Qin Jing arrived in Yandu City a few days later than expected.

At that time, Huan Rong was watching Gongshu Chang set up the pulley in Beicheng.

More and more wood is needed to build a city, and the stones are getting bigger and bigger.In order to level the stone surface and chisel out stone bricks that meet the requirements, the chief of the public transportation department used local materials, selected two rivers, and erected three waterwheels in one go.

After the waterwheel was erected, he took the carpenter to make tools and pulled up the rope. It took half a month to build a stone hammer that relied on water power and a wooden cart that could transport boulders.

The operation of the water wheel drives the stone hammer up and down. The craftsmen only need to stand on the edge of the stone plate, polish the corners, put the lock on the stone bricks, and then transport them to the construction site by wooden carts.The whole process not only saves manpower, but also shortens the delivery time.

Seeing the stone bricks and logs being sent out one after another, Huan Rong couldn't help sighing, as a descendant, Gong Shu is so powerful, as the founder of the mountain, what kind of a god is Gong Shu Pan?

Qin Jing's carriage arrived in the west city, and he couldn't help being a little surprised when he saw the city wall that looked like a Wubao.After entering the city and passing the newly built houses and courtyards along the way, the group of people all showed surprise, thinking that they had returned to Xihe.

"Lang Jun, this..." A healthy servant grabbed the reins and turned to look at Qin Jing in the car.

Qin's Wubao was built by Xianglimo, and its defense capability is top-notch in the north.The Di people and the Xianbei people spent several years and adopted various methods, but they were unable to break through the defense of Wubao.

The most critical time, the Xianbei people sacrificed thousands of lives, and finally broke through the outer wall and rushed into the Wengcheng.

However, after success, he was dumbfounded.

The passage between the inner and outer city walls is narrow and long, like a maze.

The gate of the inner city is hidden in the wall, and Xianbei people are not good at observing, so they can't find the entrance anyway.After finally finding it, I found that the door opening was blocked, and I wanted to rush in unless I had a body of copper and iron.

I really can't rush in, so I can only retreat temporarily.Not wanting to be ambushed again, arrows rained down all over the sky, and ghosts and wolves howled in the lane.

After the Xianbei people retreated, they learned from the painful experience and never did the stupid thing of attacking Qin's Wubao again.

After this battle, Qin's Wubao became more famous than ever.Behind the prestige, what was paid was the tragic price of the death of the patriarch and the death of four of the five sons.

After the war, Wubao was rebuilt, and Xiang Lishi was still in charge of the project.

Qin Jing grew up in Wubao, so he is very familiar with this layout.Seeing Yandu West City for the first time, the first reaction is surprise, and the second is contemplation.

A few months ago, the Xiangli brothers left Wupu without a trace.Father did not dare to send people to search with great fanfare, for fear of attracting the attention of barbarians.

At that time, Qin Jing was in Jiankang and didn't know the details.After returning to Xihe County, he was told by his elder brother that Xianglimo had lost to a public loser, and he had a knot in his heart, and died in depression.His descendants will remember the lessons of their ancestors and never forget to avenge their shame.

Knowing the whereabouts of Gongshu's descendants, Brother Xiangli can't sit still.

It's just that everyone in the castle didn't expect that the six brothers would never return, so they lost their whereabouts.

"Mr. Lang, I see that the layout of this city is similar to Wubao, but it is different." The accompanying counselor interrupted Qin Jing's thinking, and said seriously, "There are two more archery towers on the city wall, and the stone houses surround the county government. The horns are intertwined, and the layout is similar to Richter's handwriting, but the architecture is more exquisite, and it seems to be Gongshu's handicraft."

Qin Jing nodded and didn't say much.

When the motorcade arrived at the county government office, everyone couldn't help being curious again when they saw the line of refugees lined up in front of the gate.

Shi Shao was rewarded by the scattered officials, hurriedly got up and greeted him outside the mansion, and at the same time he did not forget to order: "Go to the north of the city and tell the mansion that an old friend is coming."

"promise!"

Jian Pu rushed to the north of the city, when Huan Rong heard the news, he immediately put down what he was doing, boarded the car and returned to the west of the city.

The ox cart passed the newly built stone bridge, and was stopped by more than a dozen young ladies. Huan Rong was thrown several squares of silk handkerchiefs and several flower hairpins, and walked across the street wearing a scent.

The powder smell on the silk handkerchief was a bit too strong, mixed with the fragrance of flowers, it made Huan Rong sneezed three times in a row, the tip of his nose turned red, and some tears flickered in the corners of his eyes.

When the ox cart stopped in front of the county government gate, Huan Rong got out of the cart in a little haste and accidentally bumped his head. In order to preserve his image, he had to grit his teeth to keep his breath from the pain, which made the corners of his eyes redder and tears flashed.

It fell into the eyes of others, but Mr. Chengfu was so excited that he burst into tears when he saw his old friend.

"Brother Qin." Unaware that he was misunderstood, Huan Rong bowed his hands in salute, and said with tears in his smile, "I haven't seen you for a few days, how is Brother Qin?"

"I'm sorry for Brother Rong's concern. Jing is very kind." Qin Jing couldn't help being touched, and took two steps forward, holding Huan Rong's elbow.The shadow of Huan Rong was reflected in the dark eyes, and the smile became more and more gentle.

After some pleasantries, Qin Jing was welcomed into the county government office.

While the other party was sitting, the maid served tea soup, Huan Rong finally had a chance to wipe the corners of his eyes.

There is no onion and ginger added to the tea soup, which is much lighter than usual.

After Qin Jing returned to Beidi, she never drank this kind of tea soup again, even if her servants cooked it, they couldn't make the same taste.

The little boy brought sanzi and grain cakes, Huan Rong picked up a piece, and while eating, he thought about how to speak.

He was very curious about Qin Jing's purpose in going south, no matter whether it was transporting salt or giving it away, Qin Jing didn't need to come forward.Coupled with the unknown movements of the Di people and the Xianbei people, it seemed a little inappropriate for him to leave Wupu at this time.

What is the reason for him to choose to go south at this time?

Huan Rong had some doubts in his heart, and there was something on his expression unavoidably.

Qin Jing put down the teacup and said, "Brother Rong, Jing is really asking for something when he is going south this time."

"What's the matter?" Huan Rong put down the half-eaten noodles and said, "If you can help elder brother, it is my duty."

After translating, if he can't help, there's nothing he can do.

"Brother Rong sent a letter a few days ago, saying that the spies sent by Murong Xianbei were captured?"

"true."

"Where is the unknown person now?"

"In the salt field." Huan Rong didn't intend to hide anything, and there was no need to hide it.

Only with Qin Jing around can he know the movement in the north at the first time.Otherwise, with his eyes darkened, Murong Chui won't know when he will get out of trouble and lead his troops to kill him.

"Brother Rong, can you hand over a few people to me?"

"Brother Qin, why do you want these people?"

"To tell you the truth, Brother Rong, I accidentally learned that Murong Chui once set up a batch of trilogy as a merchant. He has traveled north and south for many years, is familiar with the terrain of various places, and has people under his command who can draw maps."

"Brother Qin wants these people for map?"

"Exactly." Qin Jing nodded and said, "The situation in the north is difficult to distinguish, Lord Yan is indecisive, Murong Ping is pressing every step of the way, whether Murong Chui defected or fled, it is temporarily unknown. His troops are stationed in Yuzhou, which is adjacent to Luozhou If he refuses to obey Lord Yan, no matter whether he stands on his own or leads his people to defect to the Di people, the Qin family will have to guard against it."

Murong Chui didn't want to be deprived of his military power, so he would be killed immediately. There were only two ways to go, he joined the Di people, or occupied several states and counties to support himself.

From the current point of view, the risk of defecting to the Di people is too great.Wang Meng regards him as an enemy, and he has a rebel general from the Di people like Fu Liu under him, so it is hard to guarantee what will happen if he goes to the past.

If he raised his troops to stand on his own, Murongchui had to secure Yuzhou, and at the same time expand his territory to the west, at least bordering the Di people, so as not to be encircled and suppressed by the Yan army, and there was no way out.

In this way, Qin's Wubao, who is in the middle of the two, must grasp Murong Chui's movements, and it is best to be able to judge which way he is going, and take precautions in advance.

However, Huan Rong wasn't sure, what Qin Jing wanted was just defense?

"Brother Qin, I have a map of Beidi in my hand, especially the one from Yingchuan to Pengcheng. If I can help you, I am willing to give it to you. But there is one thing," Huan Rong said seriously, "Brother Qin, please be honest. treat."

Qin Jing looked at Huan Rong, the gentleness on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by Huan Rong's coldness when he first saw him.

Huan Rong gritted his teeth and clenched his fingers tightly, telling himself not to waver, not to back down!

Success or failure is here!

If you don't want to be a vassal of the Qin family, if you want to stand in the same position as the other party and form an alliance of equal status, you must pass this test!

Yes, he did establish a business relationship with the Qin family, which can be regarded as mutual benefit, but they are not considered an alliance, and they are not even as strong as the relationship with Xi Yin.

Xi Chao's cheating behavior forced Xi Yin to move closer to Huan Rong and throw out an olive branch.After the previous cooperation, as long as there is no accident, Xi Yin will definitely save Huan Rong's life.

Shi Shao once suggested to Huan Rong that he could take advantage of Qin's "power", and he also persuaded Princess Nankang in the same way.

However, there was always a shadow in Huan Rong's heart.

There are advantages and disadvantages of taking advantage of the situation. Needless to say the advantages, the disadvantages are also obvious, that is, the issue of each other's "status".

Qin Jing was face to face twice, and asked for someone twice, Huan Rong felt more and more that this was not going to work.He hadn't thought of revealing it so quickly, but the opportunity must not be missed. Instead of leaving hidden dangers for the future, it is better to gamble this time.

The room fell into silence, and after an unknown amount of time, Qin Jing suddenly smiled, as if the ice and snow had just melted and spring had returned to the earth.Huan Rong's heart beat faster, staring at the other party, still not daring to relax at all.

"Brother Rong gave you a map twice, Jing is really grateful for such kindness. If you can't accept what your brother asks, what's the point of being a husband?"

"So, brother Qin agreed?"

"Naturally." Qin Jing leaned closer and held Huan Rong's wrist. He was as handsome as jade, and smiled heart-poundingly, "How can Jing live up to Brother Rong's heart. Like Kong Huai."

Huan Rong looked at Qin Jing, then lowered his head to look at the grasped wrist. Although he achieved his goal, why did he always feel that something was wrong?

The goshawk flew into the courtyard, dropped an elk in the air, and landed on the wooden frame to comb its feathers. No one came out to welcome it for a long time.

"Hey——"

With a cry, it was not Huan Rong who came out, but the servants who followed Qin Jing to the south.

"Ahei?"

Seeing the goshawk, the servant smiled and stepped forward, but was swept off his wings, and couldn't help but take half a step back.Looking up again, the goshawk fluttered its wings and flew up, long gone.

Touching his flushed cheek, the servant gritted his teeth.

With such strength, it's no wonder he can grab a full-grown deer.

Goshawk was very angry, and the consequences were serious.

The herd of deer that had been stared at by it before became a punching bag, and the stag who stood up and resisted was scratched in the head, and the members of the herd fled in all directions, and more or less got a few paws.

In addition, a group of waterfowl were accidentally killed.When the goshawk grabbed the booty and left, there was only a feather left by the river.

Yuzhou

In Xianbei's commander's tent, the eunuch read out the will of the king and left in arrogance.

Murong Chui stood where he was, expressionless all the time.

Murong Chong gritted his teeth angrily, and said angrily: "Uncle, that old thief is too bullying, you must not go back!"

"Fenghuang'er speak carefully." Murong Chui scolded, not very harshly.After turning around and sitting on the table, looking at the decree spread on the table, he waved his hands tiredly, "You pay the bill."

"uncle!"

"go with!"

"promise."

Murong Chong walked out of the tent, the more he thought about it, the more furious he became, regardless of Bu Qu's obstruction, he rode his horse to catch up with the eunuch who hadn't gone far, grabbed him from the car, and waved him like a whip.

The eunuch rolled on the ground in pain, covered in wet mud.

After fighting enough, Murong Chong grabbed the eunuch by the collar and said with a sneer, "Go back and ask Murong Ping, what benefits did Wang Meng give him to make him willing to betray Yan Kingdom!"

The eunuch shivered, forgetting the pain in his body, and looked at Murong Chong in disbelief.

Taifu treason?

"If not, why did you call uncle back to Beijing at this time?" Murong Chong continued to sneer, "It wasn't that uncle was in Yuzhou, Wang Meng had brought people to Pengcheng long ago! What is Murong Ping's plan for calling uncle back at this time? If you don’t believe me, all civil and military officials in the court are blind!”

When the words fell, Murong Chong left the eunuch, took the reins from Bu Qu, got on his horse and rode away.

The eunuch sat blankly for a while, thinking about Murong Chong's words, suddenly got up, and shouted: "Return to Beijing, return to Beijing quickly!"

Murong Chong traveled a hundred meters, pulled the reins abruptly, turned the horse's head, and looked back at the convoy going away, he couldn't help laughing.

"Murong Ping, you think you have great power, and you dare to frame your uncle, but you don't know that after Guang Xingong's death, there will be another struggle for power in the court, middle and harem, and some people have already disliked you."

Murong Chong smiled and flicked his horsewhip, his handsome face lost a little childishness and became a little more fierce.

I'd like to see how you will defend yourself when the hat of treason is off, and the blame is brought to the stage, and the crowd mobs up to attack you!