Lao Zhu took the document from the old eunuch's hand and looked at it. He suddenly frowned and looked up at Han Du.
"Two million stones of grain and grass arrived in full, and they didn't disappear. Didn't you lie to me?"
With eyes as wide as bells, Lao Zhu looked at Han Du in disbelief.
Han Du leaned forward slightly and said with a smile: "Thanks to the Emperor Hongfu, it was smooth sailing this time. Although there were some thunderstorms, there were no strong winds and waves. The food and grass were transported smoothly all the way."
Lao Zhu held the document and seemed to be asking Han Du and himself, "Didn't many officials at the last court meeting say that a lot of it would be lost by sea? How come it didn't disappear at all when it came to you?" "
It is not only Lao Zhu who is confused, but it is a well-known fact that the sea drifts. Moreover, among people's influence, the impact of shipping is still great.
For example, in the former Song Dynasty, it was at least 30%, and even 50% was excessive. But these are actually excuses made by corrupt officials for their own corruption. If the maritime trade was really so bad, then the maritime trade of the former Song Dynasty would not have developed at all.
With the current shipbuilding technology, ships are built using the scale armor method. The hull is strong and has a large load capacity, so it is not afraid of ordinary wind and waves. And the fleet is in the offshore, along the coastline. If it encounters rough waves, it can reach the shore in advance to avoid it, and there is no need to worry about drifting.
But Han Du would not tell Lao Zhu such a thing. It's not that he's afraid of offending others, but he's afraid that Lao Zhu will discuss matters strictly and strictly.
If Lao Zhu knew that almost nothing floated in shipping now, he might have to make this an iron rule, which would be extremely inconvenient for the development of shipping.
"Back to the emperor, the stability of the sea transportation mainly depends on luck. If the sailing is smooth, there will naturally be no drift at all, but if there are strong winds and huge waves, there will be a lot of drift."
As Han Du spoke, he raised his eyes and looked at Lao Zhu carefully. Seeing that Lao Zhu showed no signs of anger, he continued: "The weather at sea can come at any time. One moment, the sea will be clear and the sky will be clear, and the next moment there will be lightning and thunder. No one knows what will happen.”
After hearing this, Lao Zhu nodded subconsciously, and then asked: "What do you mean, if there is no floating this time, it may happen in the future?"
"Yes." Han Du replied confidently.
When Lao Zhu heard Han Du's words, he nodded believingly, paused for a few breaths, and said with a smile: "Well, it didn't float this time. Even if it floats 30% less next time, I can accept it."
The implication is that if the float does not exceed 30%, then is it unacceptable to Lao Zhu?
Sure enough, this is Lao Zhu's usual style, buckle, buckle, suo, suo!
A line must be drawn rigidly even if the float is not exceeded. If it is not exceeded, then everyone will naturally be happy; if it is exceeded, then I'm sorry, the lightest punishment will be a fine and a downgrade in salary, and the most severe punishment will be dismissal and resignation. It's not impossible even if someone's head falls to the ground.
Lao Zhu slowly opened the document again, read it from beginning to end, and then threw it on the imperial desk. He raised his eyes, looked at Han Du, and said, "Tell me about how you transported food and grass this time. I want to hear it."
"Yes." Han Du bowed his hands and recounted the experience of going to sea.
Speaking of Han Du taking advantage of the cover of night to quietly go to sea and come back without anyone noticing, he got Lao Zhu's approval...
Lao Zhu was still not finished listening. Seeing the anxiety on Han Du's face, he knew that he wanted to go home.
Then he smiled and waved, "Back off, go back early, don't forget there are people waiting for you at home."
Han Du's face turned red, he lowered his head in embarrassment, and whispered, "Yes, I will leave."
After leaving the palace city, Han Du rode quickly on his horse and soon returned to Zhenhaihou Mansion.
Instead of going to see my parents, I came to my yard immediately.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he saw An Qing stroking his bulging belly with one hand and supporting Liu's waist with the other. Behind him were two maids, sitting under a tree to rest.
Seeing Han Du coming back, An Qing was stunned for a moment, then his face seemed to bloom like a peony, and he quickly stood up and shouted to Han Du: "Husband, are you back?"
Han Du hurriedly stepped forward, supported An Qing, and said worriedly: "What are you doing standing up? Just sit down. Now you have to be gentle in every move. Come on, sit down slowly."
Holding back the maid who wanted to help, Han Du held An Qing in his hands and sat down slowly.
"Husband, are you back so soon?" After An Qing sat down slowly, he let out the breath he was holding in his chest and looked at Han Du happily.
Han Du smiled and nodded in response, "Didn't I tell you, it won't take much time. This time I will come back halfway, and after sending another batch, it will be done."
"Ah? You still want to leave?" An Qing muttered, with a look of displeasure on his face.
After she became pregnant, her temper was no longer as dignified and generous as before, but she suddenly became more like a woman. Maybe she didn't even realize that she was acting like a spoiled child in Korea.
But Han Du liked her current appearance even more and didn't criticize her.
"Yes, but don't worry, it won't take long this time." Han Du comforted her, patting her hand.
With Han Du's promise in front of him, although An Qing was reluctant, he knew that the emperor's order was hard to break, so he could only nod his head obediently and replied: "Okay, but you must remember to come back early. During the days you left this time, I miss you."
Han Du gently hugged her head, leaned on his shoulder, and whispered in her ear, "Promise you, I will come back soon."
Han Du stayed at home for a few days, and when the food and grass were loaded onto the ship again, he was about to set off again.
But just when Han Du was about to set off, a eunuch came to Zhenhaihou Mansion.
"The Emperor has a decree to summon the Marquis of Zhenhai to the palace." The eunuch's sharp voice made Han Du hear every word clearly.
But because of this, Han Du was confused about Lao Zhu's will. He raised his head and looked at the sun that was about to set, and couldn't help but wonder: "Why did you call me into the palace at this time?"
Seeing the eunuch waiting for him without saying a word, Han Du had no choice but to go to the palace and talk about it no matter how doubtful he was.
He looked back at An Qing, smiled, and comforted him: "It's a good idea to stay at home. I'll be back soon."
"Yeah~" An Qing nodded slightly and sent Han Du out with a smile.
Han Du walked in front and deliberately slowed down his pace and lined up with the eunuch. He flipped his palm under his sleeve and thrust a roll of treasure money into the eunuch's hand without leaving any trace.
The eunuch was startled at first, and then looked at the people behind who had their heads lowered. No one noticed the flash of lightning just now. A smile appeared on his face, and he held the treasure in his hand with peace of mind.
Han Du came a little closer and replied in a voice that could only be heard clearly between the two of them: "Thank you, Lord Marquis, for the reward."
