Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 250

Chapter 250 Accidental Collision
Before Li Ke returned from his stay in the capital, Qin Mubai had no choice but to shoulder the important military and political affairs of Xiang Prefecture alone. Qin Mubai complained to himself that the emperor paid so much attention to the sacrifice ceremony in Xiangzhou, and even sent Xiao Yu, the Prime Minister who knew how to pick a bone from a chicken and advocated perfectionism, to be the supervisor.

For two consecutive days, Qin Mubai had gathered all the officials under Xiang Zhou together to discuss and arrange various tasks. Overall, there are three major events:

First, arrange the movements of the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia in advance. Since it was a grand ceremony of the Imperial Court, it was likely that there would be a large number of officials. At the very least, there would be many people from the Eastern Palace and the Jiang Xia Palace. Therefore, Xingyuan Prefecture couldn’t be too small. According to Xiao Yu, it was “new”, but how could two large mansions be built temporarily in a short period of three months? Moreover, they only stopped for a moment before leaving. This was a life-and-death and money-wasting endeavor. Qin Mubai was a local father and mother official, and the manpower and material resources that would be crippled at that time were all “his own.” Therefore, he thought of a way to expropriate the mansions of the two rich men from Xiangzhou, Ouyang Jun and Duan Rongji, who had been arrested earlier, and repair them. There was absolutely no problem using them as the mansions of the Crown Prince and King of Jiangxia.

Actually, Qin Mubai wasn’t worried about the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia. The only thing that worried him was whether Xiao Yu, a picky old man, would agree. Therefore, he had to be convinced beforehand.

The second major event was the major civil engineering project at Emperor Yang’s mausoleum. Qin Mubai had already asked Xiao Yu for his opinion. Xiao Yu said that he wanted to transform the West River Cao, a swamp and harbor, into a royal garden suitable for carriages and horses. Yang Guang’s coffin can be placed in the underground palace, but the corpse must be preserved with other spices, dressed in golden clothes, and placed in jade coffins …

These requests made Qin Mubai’s head stand on end. Wasn’t it moving mountains and filling seas just to transform the West River Channel, a puddle several dozen kilometers in radius, into land? If he didn’t use tens of thousands of civilian labor, how could he do it?

To put it bluntly, the so-called sacrifice to Yang Guang was only a political show by the Emperor, and there was no need for him to waste his life and wealth. However, there was nothing he could do. Xiao Yu was such a genuine person, and he especially liked to use chicken feathers as an arrow. After being demoted several times, he had never been reused, so he must be depressed in his heart. This time, he was entrusted with a “heavy responsibility” with great difficulty. He definitely wanted to do a better job in order to show off his “ability”.

However, Qin Mubai really wanted to scold this old man because he didn’t feel his back hurt when he stood there and spoke. First, wasting one’s life and money was not the style of the Great Tang. Second, how could he meet his requirements in a short period of three months? Not to mention three months, even three years might not be enough!

There was nothing he could do. Qin Mubai had to go and bargain with Xiao Yu. There is no way to do the job unless the standards are lowered.

The third important thing that remained was to properly arrange Xiao Yu and his entourage. When Xiao Yu went down south, he brought along more than a thousand soldiers of the Imperial Guards to defend Emperor Yang’s tomb. There were also hundreds of craftsmen, as well as tens of thousands of stones worth of building materials, grain, silver, and other materials. There was no shortage of precious items like gold, mercury, and so on. This matter could only be settled by the military. Therefore, Qin Mubai had Pang Fei take charge and let the soldiers of the Xiang Province Military Manor temporarily build a large military barracks to accommodate the people, animals, and supplies that Xiao Yu had brought with him.

Easy said, but it’s really tedious and complicated to run. Ten days passed in a flash. Xiao Yu saw that the entire Xiangzhou Prefecture was in a mess, but he didn’t see the manor he wanted. The construction of the West River Cauldron hadn’t started, so the boss was unhappy. He repeatedly sent people to urge him. In the end, he couldn’t calm down and wanted Qin Mubai to go to the post to meet him.

Qin Mubai was so busy that he was holding back his anger that he couldn’t wait to go to the post to meet him for a while.

It was midsummer, hot and humid, full of mosquitoes. Xiao Yu, who had come to the wet land of Jingxiang from the northern pass, was extremely unaccustomed to the incongruity of water and soil. His temper became even stranger and more violent as his heart rose and his business became unpleasant. When Qin Mubai arrived at the inn, he could almost smell the smell of gunpowder coming from his body.

“Qin Mubai, you came at the right time!” Without waiting for Qin Mubai to enter and sit down, Xiao Yu rushed forward and exploded with rage, “Why didn’t you do as I instructed? Where is the official that you built? Why hasn’t the construction of the West River Channel started yet?”

“Elder Xiao Ge!!!” Qin Mubai’s anger was ignited by him and he shouted loudly, causing Xiao Yu’s entire body to sprinkle with horror, and his eyes almost rolled to the point where his soul flew out of the sky.

Seeing Xiao Yu’s stunned expression, Qin Mubai was both angry and funny.

“Please listen to this lowly remark!” Qin Mubai said, “Your request is simply out of the reach of others.”

Xiao Yu originally wanted to release his official might when his heart was filled with rage, but he was extinguished by Qin Mubai’s tyrannical voice. But seeing that Qin Mubai’s rage was even stronger than his, he swallowed his saliva and whispered, “Is it really that serious?”

“Elder Xiao Ge, I don’t think you’re in charge. I don’t know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are.” Qin Mubai said bluntly, “In three months’ time, you want me to drain the water within a few dozen kilometers and fill up the bog to build the Bright Palace. Is that possible?” Not to mention three months, even three years wouldn’t do! Why don’t you board the ship tomorrow and come with me to the West Channel? That place is connected to the Han River. Didn’t you make me move mountains and seas? As for the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia, I have already chosen them. The two mansions were decorated and renovated to the satisfaction of the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia. “If there’s anything wrong, Duan Duan won’t let your Xiao Pavilion elder take the blame. Someone from the Qin Empire will naturally raise his head to see them!”

‘”Eh!” Xiao Yu was shocked and hurriedly said, “There’s no need to be like this. There’s no need to be like this. General Qin, if you have something to say, why are you angry?”

Qin Mubai let out a long sigh to calm his anger and said, “This lowly position has nothing to say. Please forgive me, Old Hai.” However, a small land in Xiangzhou was unable to achieve perfection in a short period of time and meet the requirements of the Xiao Pavilion Elder. The West River Cao project could be discussed after the pavilion elder had seen the terrain. However, I insist on renovating the old houses instead of building new ones. ”

“But … the Crown Prince is the king of the country. If he leaves the capital and goes south, he won’t be able to live in other people’s old houses. If this is spread, wouldn’t it be detrimental to the imperial prestige?” Xiao Yu said unyieldingly.

“Of course not.” Qin Mubai said, “Not only will it not undermine the imperial prestige, it will also let the world know that my Great Tang Crown Prince’s diligence and frugality are exemplary under the heavens. Didn’t His Majesty the Emperor always advocate frugality? Isn’t this the right thing to do?”

“Uh … Alright, alright, I’ll leave it to you.” Xiao Yu waved his hand repeatedly, and he felt like he was losing step by step.

“Thank you, Elder Pavilion. In that case, this lowly one will leave first. Tomorrow morning, this lowly one will send people to pick up Elder Pavilion and head to the West River Cao together.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and strode away, not wanting to talk nonsense with Xiao Yu.

“Uh” Xiao Yu looked at Qin Mubai’s figure and was stunned for a long time. He murmured, “Brat, you’re actually this fierce? You’re simply unreasonable, bullying the old man!”

After walking out of the post office, Qin Mubai was both happy and funny. He thought to himself, “There’s no reason to talk to an old man like Xiao Yu.” If you give him three points of color, he will definitely open a chain of dyeing shops. It was obvious that he was just a supervisor and a symbolic figure. I was the one who did all the work, so there was no need to listen to him. After that, I will do whatever I like, and do whatever is expedient. I have no need to be afraid that he will go to the Emperor to sue me for these things, let alone offend him.

With so many things, Qin Mubai didn’t want to stay any longer. Just as he was about to mount his horse, he suddenly heard a voice behind him calling him, “Hey, isn’t this General Qin?”

Qin Mubai turned around and saw that a middle-aged man looked extremely familiar, but he couldn’t remember where he had seen him for a while.

“Your Excellency looks familiar. Is it an old acquaintance of mine?” Qin Mubai stopped beside the horse and asked.

“Haha, General Qin is so forgetful.” The man came forward and cupped his hands, smiling, “Is the tiger-headed golden spear of the General and Lord Linghun still usable?”

“Oh, I remember!” Qin Mubai patted his forehead and smiled, “So it’s the Tu Sign that will serve as the Supervisory Left Colleges Department. Look at my memory, it’s really terrible.”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s normal for a big shot like the general not to remember a small character like a villain.” Tu Su Ling chuckled.

“If you say that, then you’re an outsider. Why, did you also follow Xiao Yu down south and come to Xiangzhou?” Qin Mubai asked.

“Yes! Half of the craftsmen from our Left Campus are here.” After saying that, Tu Su Ling sighed and whispered, “When we arrived here, the water and soil did not conform. Living in the temporary military garrison, the tea was unpleasant, and the mosquitoes could not fall asleep at night. However, it was bitter to the point that we were unable to fall asleep.” It was all Xiao Yu’s fault. Actually, His Majesty had casually asked him to take charge of the sacrifice ceremony. It was good that he had not arranged the sacrifice ceremony of the former Sui Emperor to be even more solemn than the sacrifice to the previous emperor. After receiving the divine decree, he took the initiative to ask the Emperor to tell him that the Imperial Court had to send out nobles to express its sincerity at such a great sacrifice ceremony. Emperor Jinkou had already opened his mouth, so he could only bravely agree to Xiao Yu’s many rude requests and sent the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia to Xiang Zhou and King Wu to preside over the sacrifice ceremony. This is good. Even the Crown Prince has been moved by him, Xiao Yu, how can he not move the crowd? As a result, we, the thousands of people, all followed him down south. “Ah, what bad luck!”

Qin Mubai laughed heartily. He led the horse and called for him to go forward together. As he walked, he said, “You guys are fine. This place in Xiangzhou is considered bitter. Forget it, let’s not talk about this. Did you come to the inn to look for Xiao Yu?”

“Yes!” Tu Shu Ling said, “The officials of our department are not used to living in the military village. Many people spit out their stomachs and lose an inch of their skin from being bitten by mosquitoes. So they want to move back to the inn together. They came here to ask for Jun Ling from Xiao Yu.”

“Forget it, you don’t have to look for him. He’s full of resentment now. He’ll definitely catch whoever scolds him. Since you’re an old acquaintance of mine, I’ll give you a hand.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Bring those Left Colonel officials who are familiar with you and live in Xiangyang County. I will rent a comfortable inn for you. But remember, don’t alarm too many people.”

“Thank you very much, General Qin!” Hearing this, Tu Shu was overjoyed, and he hurriedly bowed and bowed in salute. This was like sleeping in the open, living in a simple tent, eating army food cooked in a big pot, and suddenly staying in a free five-star hotel. How could he be unhappy?

“It’s just a matter of raising your hand. There’s no need to thank me.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Perhaps in the future, I’ll have to trouble Su Ding to help me forge weapons and armor. At that time, don’t refuse.”

‘”Haha, that’s definitely not the case. General Qin has orders, just say it. In any case, I’m also getting a salary from the Imperial Court. I’m not going to do anything for anyone. Why not help General Qin?” Tu Su Ling was also straightforward as he laughed loudly.

Qin Mubai’s heart couldn’t help but brighten up, and he said, “Don’t tell me, right now, I really have a tricky job to do. I need the help of an expert craftsman. I don’t know if I can make you …”

“But I have orders. I will not reject them!” Tu Su Ling cupped his hands and said seriously.

Qin Mubai pondered for a moment before patting his shoulder and smiling, “How about we make a deal?”

“What business?”

“If you help me make this artifact, not only will I give you 100,000 yuan privately, I will also guarantee that you will come to the Xiangzhou Governor’s Mansion to be a Cao official. How about it?” Qin Mubai said.

“Ah?” Upon hearing this, Tu Sign Token was stunned!

A hundred thousand dollars was not a small sum, so it was fine. The most tempting thing was Cao Zheng, an official from the Xiangzhou Prefecture Governor’s Mansion. Although he was also a rank 6 or 7 official, he was only a craftsman and artist. The four social strata of agriculture, industry and commerce, although he had a rank, he had no social or political status.

However, the officials of the Xiangzhou Prefecture Governor General Cao Zheng were different. They were “ministers” who had real power in their hands. If he were to change his official position, then what he was surnamed Tu was actually completing the class transition from “work” to “official”. This was a “pioneering feat” that he would never be able to accomplish in his entire life.

“General Qin, are you serious?!” Of course, he couldn’t believe it.

“Do you think I’m a joker?” Qin Mubai said seriously.

“Alright! This lowly position will accept this job! 100,000 yuan is definitely not acceptable. As long as General Qin fulfills his promise and transfers this lowly position to the Prefecture Governor’s Manor to pay for this job, this lowly position Tu Youhai’s life will be considered as being sold to the general!” Tu Shi Ling swore in confidence.

“Excellent. Now, you can come with me. Get on the horse!”

The two of them rode on the same horse and arrived at the “Research Institute” outside Xiangyang City. Ever since Qin Mubai had brought Niu Wuzhi and his disciples here, he had repaired this place many times. Now, it was a quiet and quiet place. All kinds of tools, materials, and instruments were complete. The three old men, Da Lei, Er Lei, and San Lei, were busy studying Fan Zhu’s cannon day and night. There were people serving them, so they would definitely not treat them unfairly anyway.

Qin Mubai took Tu Youhai in and introduced him to the three old men. When the old men heard that Qin Mubai had invited an “expert Fan Zhu Shi” from Chang’an, they all respected Tu Youhai.

Qin Mubai showed Tu Youhai the blueprints of the cannons and asked him if he was confident.

“General Qin, this is much easier to make than the piano!” Tu Youhai smiled relaxedly. “It’s just that Fan Zhu has a little difficulty polishing it, but it’s just a hard work. The key is to control the temperature of the molten iron when it comes out of the furnace. In this way, the barrel wall can withstand the high temperature and heavy pressure.”

“An expert is an expert!” Qin Mubai raised her thumb and praised him, “Then I’ll leave it to you!”

“Wait a minute! I can’t do this alone. Please forgive my rudeness, three old masters. Everyone in my Fan Zhu group will definitely have a few people to cooperate with me. It won’t be good for strangers. I have a few disciples and handymen who have also come to Xiangzhou. They are my deputies.” Tu Youhai said to Qin Mubai, “When I call them over, I can immediately start casting cannons for General Qin!”

“Good, great!” Qin Mubai laughed heartily and said to the three old men, “Master Tu, don’t be idle. Master Tu, forge cannons. You can make five-fingered divine lightning, and each of you can divide the work. One of you can’t be missing!”

“This old man and the others will obey!”

Qin Mubai was secretly delighted and thought, If Tu Youhai really succeeded in casting the cannon, then it would be great. What could be more powerful than this thing that could destroy the city and uproot the stronghold? Moreover, if such a cannon were loaded onto a warship like the Divine Fish Flying Ship, no matter if it was a naval or naval battle, who in the world could defeat the Great Tang Navy?

After thinking for a moment, Qin Mubai wanted to laugh again. It seemed that this old man Xiao Yu had done something good by mistake! If he hadn’t used chicken feathers as an arrow, how could Tu Youhai and the others have appeared in Xiang Prefecture? !

Haha!