nycdaug Chapter 180 The Day of Early Summer
Chapter 180 The Day of Early Summer
Zong Yanli was waiting outside. When he saw Han coming out, he went forward to greet her and asked, "Aunt, are you still unwilling to return home?"
Han shook her head, was silent for a moment, and then smiled: "Alright, let's find this quiet place to settle down."
Zong Yanli lowered her eyes and asked no more questions. Everyone can choose their own way of living. She didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Sitting by the ancient Buddha with green lamps does not necessarily mean misery, and being surrounded by children and grandchildren does not necessarily mean enjoyment.
Zong Yanli escorted Han home in a carriage, and after the Lantern Festival, Zong Yanyin took the children back to the Wei family.
Although Zong Yanyin didn't want to go back, she was a married daughter after all, and it would not be good to let Wei Songhe live in his mother-in-law's house every day. If they were separated, people would think that they were not getting along.
Zong Yanyin was not an ignorant person. After the Lantern Festival, she took her children back to her husband's home.
When Zong Yanli was sending Han back to the mansion, he saw Zhan Haoyue waiting in front of the mansion gate. He got off his horse and approached with some surprise: "Why is Mr. Wujiu here?"
"Greetings, General." Zhan Haoyue bowed to Zong Yanli, then turned sideways and said to Han: "Greetings, Madam."
"The strategist the general mentioned a few days ago sent a reply today." Zhan Haoyue raised his eyes slightly and looked at Zong Yanli.
Zong Yanli raised his eyebrows, raised his hand and said, "Sir, please come in and talk."
Zhan Haoyue bowed in response, then followed Zong Yanli into the mansion and went to the study to talk.
At first, Zong Yanli intended to bring advisers into Jin State in order to balance the war situation between Gao State and Jin State. After Zhan Haoyue and Gongsun Pu came back, Zong Yanli mentioned this matter to them. Zhan Haoyue made many friends while traveling around.
After learning of Zong Yanli's intention, he began to make arrangements.
"My friend is a Taoist priest from Nankang." Zhan Haoyue paused for a moment and said, "Because of his status, he has never been well received and is still traveling around."
"Alchemist?" Zong Yanli raised his eyebrows slightly. It was indeed rare.
Some people think that "fang" means "Tao", so fangshi is also a Taoist priest or a Taoist priest; others think that fangshi is a scholar. "Fang" means "fangce" or "fangce", which means "classic books". So the so-called fangshu is some methods of solving problems recorded in books.
Some people call those who they believe can communicate with ghosts and gods, mobilize the power of ghosts and gods to eliminate disasters and bring wealth to people, and perform tasks such as summoning gods, predicting events, and curing diseases as "witches" or "wizards."
The origins of alchemists are so ancient and mysterious that people in today's world stay away from those who come from alchemy backgrounds.
"I hadn't thought of him at first, but I just received a letter from him a few days ago, saying that he went to Jin State." Zhan Haoyue continued, "If the general can trust me, I am willing to recommend this person."
Zong Yanli pondered for a moment, and then asked the man in detail about his family background.
This man's name is Zhuang Chengbi. He is thirty-five years old. He has had two wives who both died of illness. His brothers are estranged from him. He takes care of his old father by farming and living in retirement. He has one son, who is now adopted by his younger brother.
Zhuang Chengbi had a very bad reputation in Nankang and had nowhere to turn to. Some said he was unlucky because he had learned from alchemists how to be unlucky in marriage, and some said he was an unfilial descendant.
In general, Zhuang Chengbi had a rough journey. Zhan Haoyue whispered, "I don't know his knowledge and ability completely, so I came to recommend him to the general to test him through the hands of Jin State."
"If he can demonstrate his outstanding talents in the battle between Jin and Gao, the general can recruit him in the future if he wishes."
"Talented people are hard to come by. Whether to use them or not is entirely up to the general."
The reasons Zhan Haoyue gave for the recommendation were very simple. One of them was because Zhuang Chengbi was born into a Taoist family and was once a native of Nankang. He had a bad relationship with his family and was burdened with a lot of infamy.
If such a person were to directly join Zong Yanli's camp, it would inevitably lead to a lot of criticism and would also bring disgrace to Zong Yanli's name.
But if he went to the State of Jin, returned with fame and joined Zong Yanli's camp, it would be completely different.
To put it more clearly, Zhan Haoyue also wanted to give this person a bit of gilding. If it succeeds, he can be used. If not, it won't cause any loss to the general.
For Zhuang Chengbi, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand out.
Zong Yanli did not agree immediately, but brought the matter up for discussion in the army the next day and asked for everyone's opinions. After several discussions, he felt that the feasibility was very high, so he decided to do it.
After Qingming, Gao State obtained the help of troops from Wu State and declared war on Jin State without reservation.
At the same time, Zhuang Chengbi entered Jin.
The State of Wu watched from the sidelines while busy recruiting soldiers and horses, expanding the territory of the State of Qing and opening up trade routes. The treasures collected by the State of Qing were eventually exchanged for food and seeds, as there were simply too many refugees in the State of Qing.
If it is not controlled, civil unrest will eventually break out.
Zong Yanli reported this matter many times. Although Qing State was conquered, the treasury of Wu State was not replenished at all, and even showed signs of continuing to decline.
Gao Jiayue complained about Zong Yanli many times, but every time she heard Zong Yanli's serious eyes and made plans for the country and the people, she was convinced again and again.
Population is the most valuable asset.
It seems that the Wu Kingdom is indeed living in poverty now, but we must take a long-term view.
Zong Yanli was good at leading troops, but he was a novice when it came to governing a country. Most of the time he would just walk, look, and ask questions. Several advisers under his command would also help Zong Yanli solve his problems.
Then Zong Yanli turned around and taught the prince what he knew and understood.
Life in the capital is still busy and fulfilling. If there is anything that gives people a headache, it is probably the unavoidable social engagements, the endless stream of matchmakers who come to propose marriage, or the endless invitations.
Zong Yanli is not good at handling such matters, but Han has become accustomed to it.
"General, Lord Cai, the Minister of Works, requests to see you." Zong Yanli never cared about family matters and turned down as many invitations as possible. Most of the time, Zong Yanli was in the army.
"Hmm?" Zong Yanli raised his head from the table, thought for a moment and said, "Maybe there is a result for the crossbow chariot supervision. Please come in."
"Yes." Gao Feilin responded quickly.
Cai Kangyu entered the tent and bowed to Zong Yanli, saying, "I pay my respects to the general."
Zong Yanli stood up to greet him: "You are welcome, sir. Please take a seat."
Cai Kangyu took a quick look at the tent, then looked at Zong Yanli, smiled and said, "I came here today to supervise the construction of chariots and crossbow carts."
"Since the general brought back the blueprints from Qing, I ordered people to analyze and produce them overnight. We have encountered some minor problems in recent days." Cai Kangyu said as he took out the blueprints in his hand. These were found in the Qing Palace after Zong Yanli invaded Qing.
"Most of the structures are completely consistent, but after several experiments, I found that the stability and power are still greatly reduced."
"I'm not sure if it's a problem with the wood materials." Cai Kangyu said a little bitterly. Continuing the construction in this way would consume too much wood and manpower.
"I would like to ask the general, when I first entered Qing Kingdom, did you see any carpenters in Qing Kingdom?"
"If we can find the craftsman who supervised the construction of this chariot, it would be much easier."
Zong Yanli frowned when he listened. It was only after he entered the imperial city that he learned that Zhuo Kangshun had already executed the craftsmen who supervised the construction of the chariots. Those who were left were only responsible for building the chariots but had no idea about the core assembly.
Even the blueprint only showed the battering ram and the crossbow cart, and the rest were all destroyed.
It is obvious that Zhuo Kangshun knew that Wu State would definitely supervise the construction of the crossbow cart to prevent Qing State's achievements from falling into Wu State's hands, so he killed the craftsmen.
"I'm afraid it's hard to find, but I'll try my best." Zong Yanli looked at Cai Kangyu and said, "I'll have to trouble you to dismantle the chariots that have been shipped back and have the craftsmen compare them carefully to see if there are any problems that can be found and improved."
"Of course." Cai Kangyu nodded repeatedly and continued, "There is one more thing. Once the chariot is built, it will require a lot of wood. I don't have enough people under my command..."
"That's easy." Zong Yanli said with a slightly relaxed expression, "There are many prisoners of war who can be used as laborers, and we can also import manpower from Qing Country. I will send some people to you when the time comes."
"It's great that the general is so considerate of me." Cai Kangyu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed to Zong Yanli.
Whether it is a carpenter or a blacksmith, they are extremely valuable human resources for the current Qing Kingdom.
The thirst for talents applies to both Zong Yanli personally and the State of Wu.
In the first month of summer, heaven and earth begin to interact, and all things flourish.
It's the beginning of summer again.
Zong Yanli had been busy with military affairs and had not returned home for two days. Only when Han sent someone to invite him did Zong Yanli take the time to go home for dinner. He saw Zong Yanyin was also there with her child. What she didn't expect was that there was a young and beautiful girl in the house.
"Brother, this is the third lady of the Cheng'an Marquis's Mansion, and she is my good friend." Zong Yanyin introduced with a smile.
"Youyun, hello, general." Feng Youyun was a little nervous, and knelt down obediently to greet Zong Yanli.
"No need to be so polite." Zong Yanli raised his hand slightly in return.
Zong Yanyin shook the handkerchief in her hand and said, "We had an appointment to go out today, so I thought I'd come to your house to sit down when I have nothing to do. It's almost dinner time and my brother hasn't come back yet."
Zong Yanli sat down on the side and said with an apologetic look on his face: "There are many things to do in the army. I have not been free for the past two days. It's my fault."
"It's fine that she wasn't in the capital before, but now she seems to be gone..." Zong Yanyin glared at Zong Yanli, snorted twice and said, "By the way, doesn't Sister Youyun want to see my mother's embroidered face?"
"I'll go find it right away." Zong Yanyin turned to look at Zong Yanli and said, "Brother, please say hello to Sister Youyun for me. I don't know where mother put the embroidery picture. I'll go look for it."
Zong Yanyin stood up and left after saying this. Zong Yanli was stunned and turned to look at Feng Youyun with some embarrassment.
Feng Youyun lowered his head slightly, grasping his sleeves and hesitating for a while before asking softly, "I heard that life in the army is very hard. What does the general eat when he is on the march?"
Zong Yanli paused with her hand holding the teacup, and it was obvious that she was really trying hard to find some topics to talk about.
Zong Yanli smiled helplessly, put down the teacup and said, "It's a bit hard, we eat whatever we can."
"Ayin may not be able to come back for a while, so I'll take you around?" Zong Yanli said as he stood up. Feng Youyun was stunned for a moment, nodded, and then stood up: "Thank you very much, General."
"I'm not at home often, and Ah Yin has friends like you taking care of her. Thank you so much." Zong Yanli took the initiative to talk about the topic. Beside the lush vegetation in the yard, Zong Yanli slightly raised his hand to push aside some of the protruding leaves to avoid snagging the pearl hairpin on her temples.
"General, what are you talking about? It's Sister Ayin who takes care of us." Feng Youyun's face blushed at Zong Yanli's considerate behavior. She lowered her eyes and walked over carefully.
"Friends help each other. I'm afraid I won't have much time to stay in Beijing in the future, so I'll have to trouble you to accompany Ah Yin for me." Zong Yanli stood by the Mirror Lake with his hands behind his back, lowered his eyebrows slightly, looked at the woman in front of him and said softly, "The current war situation is uncertain, and I don't know when I will have to return to the battlefield."
Feng Youyun paused for a moment: "General, don't you plan to stay in the capital?"
Zong Yanli laughed, probably because she understood that Feng Youyun had no idea about the situation in the world. She said patiently, "As a general, it is my duty to lead the troops to fight."
"I am very touched by the general's dedication to his country, but..." Feng Youyun said strangely, "Has the general never thought about himself? What will happen if he gets married and has a family in the future?"
"I have never thought about starting a family." Zong Yanli turned his head to look at the lake, his face full of coldness, and said in a calm and resolute tone: "My ambition is to live in the world, not here."
The expression on Feng Youyun's face changed, as if he had understood the meaning of Zong Yanli's words.
He then took a half step back, lowered his eyes and said with a smile: "A man with great ambitions is also a heroic act. I think Sister Ayin should have found the mask. Shall we go back?"
Zong Yanli nodded and agreed: "Okay, let's go back."
When the two returned to the main hall, they saw Zong Yanyin waiting there with a big smile on her face. When she saw them approaching, her smile widened even more. She took the initiative to greet them and said, "Mother just came over and said that she wanted to invite Sister Youyun to have dinner with her."
"No need." Feng Youyun smiled apologetically at Zong Yanyin and said, "I have something else to do at home so I can't stay for long. I'll come and visit you next time when I have time."
The smile on Zong Yanyin's face froze and she quickly raised her eyes to look at Zong Yanli.
The latter sat aside and touched the tip of his nose, looking a little guilty. Since Feng Youyun was leaving, there was no reason for Zong Yanyin to keep her. He personally handed the embroidered mask to her and sent her out of the mansion before turning back to settle the score with Zong Yanli.
"Brother! What did you say to Sister Youyun?" Looking at the angry Zong Yanyin, Zong Yanli felt a headache and said, "We just chatted for a while."
"You..." Zong Yanyin stamped her feet and glared at Zong Yanli, "Sister Youyun, in what way is not to your liking, whether in her background or her looks?"
"Sister." Zong Yanli sighed with a headache, then pulled her to sit down, frowned and said, "It's not that I'm dissatisfied with her. Such a good girl deserves a better man. You have seen the suffering of your mother with your own eyes. I can't be with you like your husband every day."