"Aniang, are you looking for me?" Xiao Qingxue put away the oil-paper umbrella and entered the house, but found that her father was not there: "Where is my father?"
"General Lu Cong invited him to be a guest." Xiao Luolan said, beckoning his daughter to come over: "Come and take a look at the things I prepared for going to Lingnan. Is there anything missing?"
Xiao Qingxue took the guide to Lingnan written by A Niang and blushed a little: "A Niang, you are so well prepared. I have nothing to add." She obviously said that going to Lingnan is difficult, but she just doesn't have A Niang's skills. Motivation, I still slept in this morning, Xiao Qingxue despised her procrastination in her heart.
She read it over and had the impression that the miasma in Lingnan was mostly due to insufficient development, but development was not easy. In her opinion, we should follow the methods of City Lord Liu Ren and vigorously promote cultural education, set up schools, and start education from childhood. Slowly integrating with the culture of the Central Plains, vigorously developing agriculture, and relying on the convenience of seaports for maritime trade. Anyway, this is how ancient Lingnan was slowly revitalized.
However, the initial cultural promotion seemed to be due to some officials being demoted to Lingnan, where they slowly took root and sprouted. Xiao Qingxue rubbed her little head, finished her thoughts, and finally said: "Actually, I think the real reason for the arrogance of Guangyi in Lingnan is because the Chu Dynasty is in its final years. The royal family is declining and unable to control the land. In addition, all the heroes are vying for the throne. Everyone is focusing on the Central Plains. Lingnan is also famous for being a remote and miasmatic place. This allowed Guangyi to occupy Lingnan."
"If we can achieve great unity in the future." Xiao Qingxue said vaguely: "When the national power is strong, the Lingnan issue will be solved sooner or later."
"So that's it." Xiao Luolan praised: "My dear, you are so smart."
"No way." Xiao Qingxue happily sat next to her mother-in-law and found that the white snow tower given to her on Saturday was inserted into her temples. There was no trace of the petals fading. She couldn't help but be surprised that her mother-in-law was wearing this strange peony flower. good-looking.
"Auntie, we have been here in Luzhou for two or three days, how long do we have to stay?" Xiao Qingxue asked, peeling a loquat by the way. Luzhou loquat is quite delicious.
"Just wait a few more days. Your father wants Li Xun to lead the army and station it here." Xiao Luolan said.
"By the way, grandma, have you written to Luo Jinhu?" Xiao Qingxue ate a loquat and peeled another one for grandma.
Xiao Luolan put down her work and patted her forehead: "Oh, I forgot about this."
She said that she always felt she had forgotten something. It turned out that she was writing a letter to tell Luo Jinhu, who was far away in Taiyang. If Luo Jinhu didn't want to go by then, then she might as well find someone else. It was still necessary to write a letter in advance.
"Auntie, I'm going to find Shiliu." Xiao Qingxue stuck her head out the door: "By the way, I want to ask where he got the water-spouting snake he gave me last time in Lingnan."
"Okay, it's raining heavily outside, so be careful and don't fall." Xiao Luolan said, feeling that this was also a good breakthrough point. Since the water-spouting snake was an imported product, maybe the situation in Lingnan was better than he thought. Some.
"I know." Xiao Qingxue replied.
After Xiao Luolan finished writing the letter, he looked at the rain outside and asked Dongxue to prepare an oil-paper umbrella and a carriage and go out.
Xiao Luolan found Yi Fan, the left deputy of the Ghost Slaughter Cavalry, and asked if there was a messenger in the team.
"Of course there is. Mistress, do you want to send a message? Where do you want to send it?" Yi Fan said respectfully.
"I have a letter that I want to send to the Luo Mansion in Nan City, Taiyang County." Xiao Luolan put away the oil-paper umbrella and the two of them stood in the corridor.
"Taiyang County?" Yi Fan cupped his hands and said, "My lord has sent an official document to Taiyang County this morning. Mistress, do you want to rush this letter? If it is urgent, you can give the letter to the messenger and let him catch up. Give it to Taiyang County Sheriff together."
Has Sect Master Zhou informed you in advance? Xiao Luolan really didn't expect this. The key was that Sect Master Zhou didn't tell her about it.
Xiao Luolan took back the letter and said: "Since the general has sent a messenger to deliver it, my letter is not necessary."
Zhou Xu, who was far away in Gaoxia Mountain, was standing with his hands behind his back. He climbed up and looked into the distance. Lu Cong was half a step behind him to the left, serving as his uncle. Jin Ben stood tenaciously behind his lord in a strong suit. When he was silent, Just the appearance alone can give people a feeling of depression and stagnation.
At least that's how Fang Yuhuo felt.
Zhou Xu looked at the scenery for a while and said with a smile: "The scenery in Luzhou is indeed unique in the world. From here, you can see Chaohu Lake, surrounded by the river, hundreds of miles of Chaohu Lake, and thousands of miles of the Yangtze River. You can have an unobstructed view. The mountainous terrain is like a crouching dragon with a dragon head." With its pillow on the misty waves and its long tail lifting the blue waves, it is such a geomantic treasure. It is no wonder that so many great poets are fascinated by it."
"Even I can't bear to leave." Zhou Xu put his hand on the railing of the pavilion with a look of admiration.
Lu Cong's heart skipped a beat and he said with a smile: "If Uncle Shi likes to stay in Luzhou for a few more days, Luzhou has many scenic spots besides Chao Lake. I will not let Uncle Shi and Auntie down."
"Your aunt doesn't like to go out on rainy days. If the wind is clear and the sun is bright, she can enjoy such a beautiful scenery today." Zhou Xu returned to the pavilion, sat down at the four-corner table, poured himself a cup of tea, and then Pour a glass for Lu Cong.
"My dear nephew, sit down."
Lu Cong looked shocked and said quickly: "I don't dare bother Uncle Shi. My nephew can do it himself."
Lu Cong, who was known as the Jade-faced General, looked at Zhou Youzhou's calm expression, and then thought about Zhou Youzhou's praise of the scenery of Chao Lake just now. He still hesitated a little in his heart. Luzhou was his base camp, and he had finally snatched it with 30,000 troops. It’s not too small. If Zhou Youzhou’s troops are directly allowed to move in, what if he seizes the magpie’s nest and refuses to return it? This is what Lu Cong is most worried about.
Lu Cong, who had been thinking about it since last night, said, "Uncle Shi, it's raining heavily here. Why don't we go to Laoshan Island in the middle of the lake to take shelter from the rain."
"I just saw a lot of boats and people on the other side of Laoshan Mountain. There were shouts from time to time. I wonder what they are doing?" Zhou Xudao.
Lu Cong smiled and said: "It's just daily naval training. Our Chaohu Navy in Luzhou is also very famous. Captain Fang is the commander of the Chaohu Navy and a famous water general." Lu Cong introduced it emphatically. Fang Yuhuo.
"I don't dare to accept such a great honor. I grew up by the water since I was a child. I only have a little knowledge of water. Thanks to the general for not giving up, he was given the important task." Fang Yuhuo cupped his hands and said.
"I can't believe that Lieutenant Fang is so young and promising. I want to see it." Zhou Xu said with a smile.
Everyone set off to Laoshan Island.
Zhou Xu looked at the Chaohu Navy at the water village. He also had large ships and mongooses in Youzhou, but the types of ships needed for water warfare were still inferior.
"Is that a winch crossbow?" Zhou Xuyao asked, pointing to the ship.
Lu Cong replied: "Yes, this is also our biggest weapon in building and ship warfare. One shot of the winch crossbow can shoot seven arrows. If the range is as high as a thousand meters with the wind, all the fortresses hit will be destroyed, and the towers and oars will also fall. Uncle Shishi, such a sharp weapon can also be used on the sea."
Zhou Xu nodded. He also had some knowledge of water warfare and knew the importance of this thing. However, the equipment of Lu Cong's navy was still a bit crude. The appearance of the ship was somewhat damaged. The bows/crossbows and javelins used in the attack were also weak. Showing shabby appearance, Zhou Xu also saw that the bow/crossbow he had previously received from the Wei family cub was also on the boat, which proved that Lu Cong had barely managed to make up a whole collection of words.
However, it is not ruled out that Lu Cong deliberately revealed these things. Zhou Xu estimated this possibility.
Still looking at the navy below with a smile on his face, Fang Yuhuo was responsible for explaining the combat methods of the Chaohu Navy, and Jin Ben listened with fascination.
He took the opportunity to ask Fang Yuhuo a few words, and Fang Yuhuo answered them one by one.
"Fire attacks on water are also common. Fire ships loaded with flammable materials rush toward the enemy..."
"...Ordinary slapping poles cannot be used. They need to be made like a large mast, with huge rocks on top and a reel underneath. Ropes are passed through the top of the mast and used on large ships. Whenever an enemy ship is engaged, hit it with the slapping pole and the one that hits it will be broken into pieces... "
"Trebuchets and rockets can also be placed on the ship, which is similar to the siege method on land..."
Zhou Xu went around the building and found that Jin Ben was still listening to Fang Yuhuo's explanation. He smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work, Lieutenant Fang. I, a general, rarely leave Youzhou. I usually fight on land." , I haven’t come into contact with the navy yet.”
"Your Majesty is joking, General Jin is brave and brave. Everyone knows that my trivial tricks are all because I grew up by the water." Fang Yuhuo said.
"Captain Fang doesn't have to be so humble." Jin Ben said, "I have benefited a lot from talking with you."
Zhou Xu pondered for a moment and said to Lu Cong: "I see that the items on my nephew's ship are no longer in line with Captain Fang's plan. In this case, it's time to replace them with new ones. When Li Xun comes, I will ask him to send more bows/crossbows." It’s a gift to your virtuous nephew, since you and I are uncles and nephews, don’t refuse.”
Lu Cong's heart trembled. Judging from Zhou Youzhou's manner and tone, he should not take him for granted. With the equipment, he can bring out a full team of navy. Luzhou has been squeezed out by Cheng Quanhai for a long time. Even if it can hold on, it will be stretched. This will make it even more difficult. good!
"Thank you, Uncle Shi." Lu Cong bowed.
Zhou Xu turned around and looked at the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers in the rain, and took some Chaohu whitebait with him when he went back.
Five days later, the sky finally cleared up, the sun was shining brightly, and the heat of summer was beginning to show.
Xiao Luolan was doing the final touches on the palace ribbon in the sun, and her body was warmed by the sun.
"Auntie." Xiao Qingxue ran over with her skirt in hand and hid something behind her hands.
"You're obviously afraid of the heat, but you still ran." Xiao Luolan picked up the fan and fanned her daughter, then smiled and said, "What are you hiding?"
Xiao Qingxue put the food box on the table and opened it.
Xiao Luolan took a look and saw that it was fresh lychee on ice.
"Luo Jinhu is here?" Xiao Luolan asked guessingly. I don't know if Sect Leader Zhou made it clear to Luo Jinhu in the letter that going to Lingnan to buy lychees was just a pretense, and the main purpose was to obtain the pass ultimatum for the Lingnan Economic Envoy.
"It's not from him." Xiao Qingxue moved her body to the left, revealing Lian Shiqing, whom she had not seen for almost half a year.
Xiao Luolan was really surprised now.
"I pay my respects to the princess." Lian Shiqing bowed and paid homage with an excellent manner.
"Lord Lian, why are you here?" Xiao Luolan asked Lian Shiqing to take a seat.
"When I learned that the princess wanted to eat lychees, of course I sent them over non-stop." Lian Shiqing said with a smile.
"Is Luo Jinhu here?" Xiao Luolan didn't expect a high official like Lian Shiqing to run away to Lingnan.
"Of course he came, but he didn't bring lychees." Lian Shiqing said.
"The prince asked you to come?" Xiao Luolan said. In her heart, she felt that Lian Shiqing did not have the guts to leave Youzhou without permission.
"Yes, this lychee is a tribute from the lower official to the princess. I hope the princess will accept it." Lian Shiqing said.
When Xiao Luolan saw that Lian Shiqing mentioned lychees once and three times in one sentence, she had already remembered them. She was amused and said helplessly: "I know, you gave lychees as a gift."
Lian Shiqing's slender eyes smiled like a fox.
Chapter 204
Xiao Qingxue sat next to her mother, took out the lychees, and found that there were two layers, three layers in total, one layer for each plate, with crushed ice covering the surface of the plate, and eight large lychees with hard skins, cracked red and brown stripes. Exudes the unique aroma of lychee.
"Master Lian, you gave me a lot of lychees." Xiao Qingxue counted them. There were eight lychees on one plate and twenty-four on three plates.
"If you like it, little lady, eat more." Lian Shiqing said with a smile.
Xiao Luolan pushed the two plates to her daughter: "You can eat with Qinghe and Shiliu."
"Then I'll take it." Xiao Qingxue put the two plates back into the food box, and happily took the food box to find her cousin. The weather is very hot now, so eating a lychee will help relieve the heat.
"Why did the prince ask you to come here?" Xiao Luolan asked, feeling that Sect Leader Zhou would not let a county guard go elsewhere for no reason.
"I wonder if the princess has heard a word." Lian Shiqing took out a square-sized dark red mother-of-pearl lacquer box with a branch pattern from his sleeve, and opened the box while talking: "Eastern beads are not as good as west beads, and west beads are not as good as south beads." .”
What does this have to do with pearls? Xiao Luolan looked at the pearls in the brocade box.
The box was opened wide, revealing the crystal clear, round and translucent pearls inside, which shone with dazzling brilliance in the sunlight. Looking at it vaguely, the halo color of the pearls actually contained brilliant seven colors.
"This kind of pearl is called Qiling Pearl. It is produced from a kind of seabed shell called pearl oyster in the South China Sea. It is known as the crown of southern pearls and has always been a royal tribute." Lian Shiqing introduced with a smile: "Like this kind of pearl It is huge and flawless, far exceeding the ordinary Seven Spirit Orbs and is extremely rare. In order to find this kind of Seven Spirit Orbs, I spent a lot of manpower, material resources and money. I stayed in that barren land for four or five years before I collected ten of them. Eight.”
"He also sent it to Concubine Xi through connections. After winning her favor, he was transferred back to the center of the imperial court step by step from Zhuya County, which is far away in the world."
Lian Shiqing spoke in an extremely free and easy manner, not shying away from his opportunistic ambitions at all, and even had a bit of energy in the end.
Xiao Luolan only noticed the words "South China Sea, Barren Land, and Zhuya County" in his words.
"Lord Lian once served as an official in Lingnan." Xiao Luolan seemed to understand something and didn't care about the noble pearl varieties he mentioned. What surprised her was Lord Lian's resume in Lingnan.
Lian Shiqing said modestly: "I just served as a small county magistrate in Zhuya County."
"If the princess wants to find any treasures in Lingnan, please tell me, and I will do my best." Lian Shiqing said with a smile: "Although Lingnan is very miasmatic, there are still some good things, spices, pearls, etc. There are also many rare things such as tortoiseshell and rhinoceros horns.”
"You are the governor of Taiyang County, how can you go to Lingnan at will?" Xiao Luolan vaguely guessed the purpose of Lord Zhou's coming and said with a smile.
"I brought some servants with me when I went to Lingnan. They have lived with me in Lingnan for a few years and they know the Lingnan area well. My servants can also be driven by the princess." Lian Shiqing said respectfully.
After hearing this, Xiao Luolan curled his eyes and said, "Since you listen to me, is it feasible for me to ask your servants to listen to Luo Jinhu's caravan and his group?"
Seeing that the princess had no intention of entrusting him with important matters, Lian Shiqing sighed secretly, then smiled and said: "Luo Jinhu can do things for the princess. It is his fate. Since the princess appreciates him so much, if he really has the ability, he can I will share your worries, and of course I will give you my full assistance."
This was so beautifully said that no one could fault it. Xiao Luolan was very curious about Lingnan and said, "Lord Lian has been to Lingnan. Can you tell me how to get there?"
In the courtyard of the small building, under the shade of the trees, the light and shadow slanted. The tall tree crown blocked the dazzling sunlight and the heat. Dongxue quietly stepped forward, served tea to his master, and then retreated.
"When I went to Lingnan, my family was crying loudly. My parents were crying as if I had died on the spot. My brother had the idea of spending most of his family property to bribe important officials in the court in order to change the decree. My wife, concubines, and children were also crying. There was no peace all day long, and the whole family was noisy like hawkers in the market. You were arguing with me, and they kept coming and going." It was obviously a tragic incident, but when Lian Shiqing narrated it, there was a hint of humor.
