In Zhou Changfeng's view, being able to regain a new life is undoubtedly worthy of gratitude and luck. It was not his intention to occupy the magpie's nest, so he should at least properly deal with the relatives of the original person who was taken away.
His father, who was originally known as "Zhou Changfeng", died young, and his mother also died of illness when he was just about to become a man. Now the only person with whom he is connected by blood is his sister Zhou Roujia, who is five years older than him.
Looking back on the memories of my childhood, even though the pension was generous, it was not acceptable for people to sit back and have nothing. Her mother had to support the whole family on her own, and Zhou Roujia usually took care of Zhou Changfeng's daily life.
After that, he devoted himself to applying for martial arts and joining the army. Naturally, his mother strongly opposed it, but in the end he was persuaded by Zhou Roujia, and that's how everything happened now.
These deeds made Zhou Changfeng sincerely admire and appreciate such a qualified sister. People say, "A sister is like a mother." He had no experience in his previous life, but he can really understand this sentence in this life.
Children from all walks of life and different family backgrounds must have very different personalities and outlooks as they grow up. Compared with Xia Xiaoshi, Zhou Roujia entered society earlier and shouldered the burden of the family earlier. At the same age, she must be more mature. many.
As far as Zhou Changfeng's experience is concerned, he feels that Zhou Roujia can be regarded as the epitome of a post-2000 young woman from a well-off family in the inland capital of the Ming Dynasty - independent to a certain extent, but still retains the three obediences and four virtues in her bones, the importance of caring for her husband and raising her children. The traditional concept of women’s commandments and disciplines.
In fact, they are more popular with the vast majority of men today. In contrast, middle- and upper-class girls in economically developed areas who resist old rules and advocate new lives are not popular.
Holding the telegram and staring at the short words above, it is not difficult to feel that besides concern, there is also a hint of complaint.
After holding the pen and thinking for a long time, Zhou Changfeng hesitated and wrote a reply.
Today's civilian telegraphs are very expensive. Although it is not as exaggerated as one word, the price is as high as 20 cents per word. Therefore, people will use some minimalist pronouns to express the general meaning, such as "The old man at home is seriously ill. What is the situation?" "It's urgent, go back to your hometown quickly." The three words "Sick, go home soon" are directly sent. This is because civil telegraphs stipulate three words as the starting point, otherwise the core meaning can be simplified to "Sick, go home".
At the same time, there is also the convention of using rhyme to represent the date, that is, the poem and lyrics "Pingshui Yun" that readers must memorize are used to refer to the date, and the earth is used to represent the month. For example, "Yan" refers to the 29th, and "Hai" refers to October. The telegram on October 29th can be simplified to the three words "Hai Yan Dian".
As for the telegram about technical indicators sent by Hengguang Company, because it is a company after all, there is no need to be stingy in this regard, so although the words are as concise as classical Chinese, it cannot be called minimalist.
It is planned to try to prototype the receiver by stamping process, double-row double-feed magazine, independent wooden grip and stock, speed machine, adjustable sight from 100 meters to 600 meters, and a base adapted to the sword-shaped bayonet...
"I've accepted it. The submachine gun retains the bayonet holder. What kind of deep-rooted dregs are there? If there are bullets, I won't throw them away. I'll run forward and fight for the bayonet?"
After reading the first draft of the technical indicators they had drawn up, Zhou Changfeng was speechless.
In the context of total war, the essence of a submachine gun is a bullet spray canister. As long as it can quickly shoot out dozens of pistol bullets, it doesn't matter how simple it is.
However, people today's positioning and concept of it are not accurate enough, and the characteristics of the first-generation submachine gun remain to some extent - a small machine gun that is finely processed and fires pistol bullets.
This can be seen from the fact that people are still accustomed to calling it a portable machine gun.
For example, the "Type 34 Portable Machine Gun" currently equipped by the Ming Army has milling technology, chrome-plated parts, and bluing treatment. It is excellent and the cost is as high as 280 yuan. The Type 21 rifle costs 90 yen, and the Type 33 light machine gun costs 562 yen. Today, one submachine gun is equivalent to three rifles, which shows that its price/performance ratio is indeed not high.
Therefore, the first sentence of Zhou Changfeng's reply letter pointed out this point very seriously. The concept must be completely reversed, otherwise the designed things will be destined to be impractical - if the direction is wrong, it will be the opposite direction.
Wooden grip and stock? It’s expensive and troublesome, just replace it with steel;
Speed machine? It makes little sense to switch the submachine gun to semi-automatic mode and cancel it;
A watch ruler for distances from 100 meters to 600 meters? Do you need to think that far ahead with a water spray gun? Replaced with a flip-up rear sight;
Bayonet mount? Reload the ammunition when you can, and take out the pistol when it's too late. There is no point in reserving the bayonet holder.
Zhou Changfeng repeatedly emphasized the core point in his reply - this is a pistol bullet sprayer, not a small machine gun. It is correct to design it according to this idea.
Autumn turns to winter, and although the temperature has already cooled down, according to the calendar, the real cold season is after the winter solstice on the 22nd.
In ancient times, the Winter Solstice was one of the most important days of the year for the Chinese dynasty, and its status was equivalent to Zhengdan. In the Ming Dynasty, major court meetings were held only on the Winter Solstice, Zhengdan, and Wanshou Festivals.
The result of the collision between classical sacrificial tradition and natural science is undoubtedly extremely interesting.
Although theism is not inconsistent with natural science, when many mysterious phenomena can be explained by physical or chemical principles, more and more people inevitably question the theory of ghosts and gods.
In fact, even in the classical era when the idea of "relationship between heaven and man" was deeply influential, many scholar-officials and even emperors did not necessarily really believe in this statement. Instead, they would rely on such arguments to achieve political goals.
For example, when there are strange phenomena such as comets and earthquakes, some officials will take the opportunity to criticize people from opposing factions, and this is often very effective and can force the other party to resign. Even the emperor was easily frustrated by this.
Since the beginning of the Constitution, the complex interweaving of ideology and culture has made the Ming Dynasty monarchs and ministers quite difficult in this regard. No matter the emperor or the old scholars of the Ministry of Rites, no one is sure how to properly treat the sacrificial tradition.
The so-called Son of Heaven refers to the herdsmen who represent Heaven.
Should we completely abandon the concept of the Son of God to confer legitimacy on a dynasty, and instead judge it purely on the support of the people?
The reformists naturally supported the latter, which was directly reflected in the fact that the format at the beginning of the imperial edict was changed from "Blessed by Heaven" to "Destined by all the people."
There is no forced change in offering sacrifices to heaven and earth. If you, the emperor, want to continue to package yourself as the son of God, just continue to toss. Anyway, there are not many people who believe it.
Therefore, after ten years of Zhichang, after gradually adapting to and recognizing the new ruling model, the emperor gradually no longer paid so much attention to it, and even did not bother to go there in person.
Over the past twenty years, the activities of worshiping the heaven and earth during the winter solstice and the summer solstice have become more and more perfunctory. The Consultative Council also felt that worshiping the heaven and earth was a waste of money, so in the 22nd year of Zhichang, it passed an amendment to reduce it to a smaller one. scale and is still in use today.
The congressmen despised the futility of offering sacrifices to heaven and earth, but they did not object to the Winter Solstice gatherings and banquets. People ridiculed that this was a state banquet for free.
In previous years, the Consultative Council's fiscal budget meeting for the second half of the year was held on the first day of September, and the deadline was November 30, but it would not be postponed until the end. Therefore, in addition to summarizing the achievements and shortcomings of the year, the Winter Solstice Meeting will also Publish next year's budget.
But this year, due to the disaster of Ji Mao, the results of the budget meeting may not be available until early December.
"Report, invitation from the Pedestrian Department."
"invitation?"
In the afternoon, Zhou Changfeng was watching the officers and soldiers enthusiastically making dumplings next to the garrison barracks - originally it was just the cooks who were busy working on their own, but he asked the entire regiment of officers and soldiers to work together, euphemistically known as strengthening cohesion.
After receiving the delicate invitation from Xiao Li, Zhou Changfeng opened it with some surprise, "Ah ha? You even invited me?"
In his mind, a state banquet of this kind was extremely prestigious. He thought that only high-ranking officials would have the opportunity, but he never expected that he could also receive it.
Although a lieutenant colonel is considered to be a fourth-grade official, and his rank is indeed not low on a normal basis, but considering that once the army is expanded, there will be easily millions of troops, not to mention lieutenant colonels, even colonels and major generals will be numerous.
It was a tradition of the Ming Dynasty for the emperor to give banquets to ministers on festive occasions, and it was one of the small means of extending favors and winning over people's hearts.
In the first year of Hongwu, Ming Taizu held a banquet for all ministers in Fengtian Hall. Later, as a custom, banquets would be held in Jinshen Hall or Fengtian Hall on Zhengdan, Wanshou Festival and Winter Solstice to entertain civil and military officials.
From Yongle to Xuande, the emperor's banquets became more and more diverse. Banquets were also held on the Beginning of Spring, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Double Ninth Festival, Laba Festival and other days. Meals for various banquets have also been customized and are recorded in the "Da Ming Huidian".
Nowadays, Ming Dynasty's state banquets are completely different in nature. The core is to highlight the rich cultural style and create a harmonious and beautiful atmosphere.
If you can get a meal for free, it's still a serious Ming Dynasty state banquet. Not to mention whether you can refuse or not, if you don't go, wouldn't it be a loss of blood?
"Twelve Yangyue Class B III trucks and ten Ford G917 trucks. The delivery is complete. Please sign and deposit."
The 1st Marine Regiment received a new batch of trucks, and Luo Fu, who had nothing to do, came to deliver the goods in person. In fact, he came to visit for a visit. After all, there was no need to bother him, the "mobile equipment officer of the Capital Navy Department," with this matter.
Zhou Changfeng signed and said with a slight showoff smile: "I just received the invitation to the Winter Solstice Great Court and Banquet. Have you been there?"
"I've been there. I also received it this morning. There's nothing to go to." Luo Fu replied casually with a look of disdain.
Hiss...can I still refuse this kind of invitation?
"Can we go now?" Zhou Changfeng asked with a puzzled expression.
"It's not mandatory. Just say you're sick and you'll be fine. You're good at calling people sick."
"..."
It’s over, this joke will probably last a lifetime.
"Ahem," Zhou Changfeng coughed twice and said seriously: "This is a state banquet, how can you not go?"
"No." Luo Fu laughed, and said meaningfully: "You will know it once you have been there, and you will not want to go there again."
No, is it really that hard to persuade you to quit?
It was still dark on the 22nd, so Zhou Changfeng got up early due to curiosity.
After washing up, it took a while to get dressed.
Sacrifice clothes and court clothes are almost the only two types of clothing that basically follow the classical form. Anyway, the occasions for use of the two are not in daily life.
The process of putting on court attire is so complicated that it can be overwhelming - first put on the Taoist robe as the bottom, then the midriff, then the lower garment, then the top, knee covering, ribbon, leather belt, and beam crown.
With this outfit on his body, it was impossible to move freely. Before the court meeting began, Zhou Changfeng felt the inconvenience for the first time.
When we arrived at the Forbidden City, it was getting brighter. Hundreds of officials had gathered outside Chengtian Gate, chatting and waiting.
Compared with them, Zhou Changfeng, who came alone, was much more boring. He could only wait boredly, unlike later generations who still had mobile phones to pass the time.
At midnight, after the sound of the quiet whip, everyone was led by the officials of Honglu Temple through the Chengtian Gate and entered the Forbidden City.
Zhou Changfeng, who had visited the Forbidden City in his previous life, initially thought there might be no difference, but he soon discovered that he was completely wrong - for an industrial country that has been developing steadily for decades, how could the Imperial Palace remain completely antique?
After passing through Duanmen, Meridian Gate, and Fengtianmen one after another, about 700 officials at all levels reorganized their teams and stood in the Fengtian Temple Square against the biting cold wind.
The big Han generals in golden armor stood tall and straight, holding axes and axes, and the armor on their bodies shone in the morning light.
Such a scene seems to make people feel like they are in ancient times, but the microphone on Danbi and the several Jinyi guards holding Type 34 submachine guns and K31 sniper rifles not far away suddenly broke this feeling.
Next, the prime minister and several cabinet ministers gave speeches on the throne of Fengtian Palace. What they said was just empty official articles.
After being exposed to the early winter outdoors for more than an hour, the humid and cold air from the south turned the peripheral wind, which prides itself on being unafraid of severe cold, from freezing its cheeks to blue.
No wonder that guy Luo Fu said he would never go again after going there once!
In fact, he had already regretted it at this point, but for the sake of the Ming Dynasty state banquet, he could only continue to grit his teeth and persevere.
He glanced at the other officials around him and found that they were not much better than him.
Now he finally understood why there were only tens of thousands of officials in the huge capital, but only about 700 people were present.
Fortunately, the subsequent banquet did not disappoint Zhou Changfeng. After the great meeting came to an end, everyone entered the Fengtian Hall, which was only opened on important days.
This large palace with double eaves and verandah roof is now filled with tables and chairs, and hundreds of Eight Immortal tables are neatly arranged in the main hall.
After everyone was seated, the dignified palace maids came in one after another carrying dinner plates, and melodious music came from the Jiaofangsi band diagonally in front, quickly filling the entire main hall.
As far as the ancient system is concerned, the banquet included nine music and three dances, but during the Jiajing period only one dance was left. Nowadays, the dance has been canceled directly and only six pieces of music are played during the banquet.
The dishes are being served now, and the song played according to customization is "Water Dragon Song", followed by "Song of Taiqing", "Drunk Taiping", "Deer Ming" and so on.
Although the dishes I finally tasted were more down-to-earth, the ingredients and cooking skills were excellent, but the portions were not large.
Each Eight Immortals table contains five plates of various fruits, four large bowls of mandarin duck rice, four small bowls of honey sweet rice, four small bowls of beef rice, four cups and a pot of fine Shaoxing rice wine, five large steamed buns, and a plate of roast mutton. Four bowls of vermicelli soup.
The three officials at the same table with Zhou Changfeng watched in stunned silence as the young officer swept away his portion of food like a storm, and then looked at themselves, but they had just started eating.
When a palace maid passed by, Zhou Changfeng, who was still unfinished, called out to her, "Um... I'd like to ask, can I add some food?"
(End of chapter)
