There was heavy snowfall, and the sky and the earth were covered in silver.
In the small bamboo villa, Wang Zhong and Wang Erxi were sitting and drinking. There was an earth stove on the eucalyptus, and a charcoal fire was burning in the stove. On the stove was a pottery pot filled with more than half a pot of water. On top of the pottery pot with steaming water, there were also There are two white porcelain wine bottles.
"Sanlang, come on, have another drink!" Wang Erxi held the wine glass and invited Wang Zhong to drink again.
"Come on! Do it!" Wang Zhong raised his glass with both hands, clinked it with Wang Erxi, and then raised his head and drank it all.
"Sanlang has a good drinking capacity!"
"Ha ha ha ha!"
Wang Erxi laughed very boldly.
The two of them exchanged cups, ate pickled radish and fried soybeans, and drank until they were full. Looking at the snow-covered scenery through the window, Wang Zhong couldn't help but recite a poem: "Green ants brew new wine, and the small red clay stove , It’s snowing in the evening, I can’t help but drink a cup!”
"What a poem! You deserve to be a scholar!" Wang Erxi immediately gave a thumbs up.
Wang Zhongdao: "The poems written by Bai Juyi, a layman from Xiangshan in the Tang Dynasty, are naturally good poems."
Wang Erxi was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, picked up the wine glass and invited Wang Zhong to have another drink.
"Unexpectedly, in just a few months, Sanlang bought a bank and opened a restaurant, and he actually became a member of the Communist Party of China!"
Wang Zhong said: "Licking blood from the edge of a knife is not a long-term solution. I have to prepare some assets for my sister-in-law and Sister Qian!"
"Yes!" Wang Erxi said with emotion: "It's a pity that I'm not as smart as Sanlang. I'm afraid I'll only be able to hang out in the world with this little strength in my life."
Wang Zhong said: "I heard from my sister-in-law that Sister-in-law Yu is happy again?"
Sister-in-law Yu is Wang Erxi's wife. Wang Erxi's father and Wang Zhong's father are from the same hometown. They were resettled together in Baishui Village. The relationship between the two families has always been good.
Wang Erxi nodded and said, "The doctor checked it out and said it's more than two months old!"
Wang Erxi is nearly thirty years old and has two sons and one daughter. With this, there are four.
Wang Zhong looked at Wang Erxi and asked, "Second brother, have you thought about the future?"
"In the future?" Wang Erxi looked at Wang Zhong with some confusion.
"My uncle has passed his destiny, and Da Lang is also ten years old, right?"
"In two months, I will be ten years old!" Wang Er said happily.
Both of them were talking about one year old.
Wang Zhong asked: "Second brother, have you ever thought about what you will do when Da Lang and Erlang grow up in the future? Should you follow your second brother to join the Cao Gang and join the gang, or should you stay in the village and farm?"
Wang Erxi didn't even think about it, and answered directly: "Of course I will stay in the village and farm the land! Fighting in the rivers and lakes, licking blood at the edge of the knife, that is making money with your life tied to your belt..."
But as he was talking, he suddenly came to his senses, looked at Wang Zhong who was looking at him, and asked, "Why did Sanlang suddenly talk about this?"
Wang Zhong said: "Now that my sister-in-law and sister Qian have been settled, I will take part in the imperial examination this year. If everything goes well, I might go to Tokyo. In the past few years, if it hadn't been for my second brother Fu Zhao, I, Wang Zhong, would not have been there." Today, I am busy studying and preparing for exams, and I cannot do many things myself. If my second brother is willing, how about coming to my side and helping me?"
Wang Zhong suddenly extended his hand and extended an invitation, saying very sincerely.
"This..." Wang Erxi was stunned by Wang Zhong's sudden invitation. He didn't react for a moment, and he didn't know how to make a decision.
"Second brother, don't worry. I'm not telling you to completely break up with the Cao Gang. I guess there will be a lot of things at home in the future, and I'll have to ask the brothers from the Cao Gang to help. It's just that I really don't have anyone who can be trusted and capable around me, and the second brother doesn't want to. Just pretend that I haven’t mentioned this before and let it go!”
"Sanlang, it's not that I don't want to, it's just that this happened too suddenly. For a moment, I..." Wang Erxi really didn't know how to explain to Wang Zhong.
Wang Zhong smiled and said: "Second brother, you don't have to remember to reply. When you go home in the evening, you can discuss it with your uncle and sister-in-law."
"Thank you for your understanding, brother!" Wang Erxi picked up the wine glass and had another drink with Wang Zhong.
After finishing the meal, it was getting dark. Although Wang Erxi felt a little drunk, he was obviously not drunk yet.
Zhong still asked Yu Chuer to send Wang Erxi back home.
It has been half a year since he came to the copy world, and this body is almost eighteen years old. Wang Zhong has not been idle. He has read through the Four Books and Five Classics, and the meanings of various scriptures, and also read the "History of the Song Dynasty" and "The Code of the Song Dynasty". I have read them several times, and I have found and read all the previous Jinshi articles that have been circulated on the market. Coupled with the profound knowledge accumulated over hundreds of years, the imperial examination is not too difficult for Wang Zhong.
It was night at Wang Erxi's home. Wang Erxi hugged his mother-in-law Yu Shi and told her Wang Zhong's suggestions during the day. It was still in the first month of the month and the weather was cold. The couple huddled under the quilt and hugged each other closely. , but also warm.
Ms. Yu suddenly stood up and took all the quilts with her. The cold air hit, making Wang Erxi tremble with cold: "What are you doing? I'm freezing to death!"
Wang Erxi hurriedly hugged Mrs. Yu back, tucked the quilt in, and then breathed a sigh of relief.
"Master, I think what Saburo said makes sense. Saburo is a scholar and a smart man. If his eldest brother hadn't done what happened, he would have taken the imperial examination long ago. Look at Saburo, but he has been following you for a few years. , I saved so much money, bought a village, and opened a restaurant. If it were you, would you be able to do it?"
"Uh..." Wang Erxi was a little embarrassed by what his mother-in-law said, but then he thought about it, he had worked hard in the Caogang for so many years, and now he was just a little guy. He had saved some money. But compared to Wang Zhong, he was still far behind.
"Sanlang is a scholar. If you run errands for him by his side, our son might be able to study with Sanlang in the future! If Sanlang really gets fame and becomes an official, our family will also be able to enjoy Saburo's blessings!
If you do your job well, are you worried about your future? "
Compared to her husband working in the Caogang gang and making money with his head in his belt all day long, Mrs. Yu is obviously more inclined to let her husband follow Wang Zhong. Even being a guard is better than licking blood with a knife.
The couple discussed the matter word by word for half a night.
Early the next morning, after reporting his father's death, Wang Erxi made a decision and went directly to Wang Zhong to express his feelings.
"In that case, second brother, please be a steward by my side first! How about a monthly allowance?"
"Okay! Okay!" A smile suddenly appeared on Wang Erxi's face.
One month is enough, and one year is twelve times. Although it is not as much as earning in Caobang, it is still a lot.
Wang Zhong said: "I have an errand right now that I need my second brother to do!"
"Just follow Sanlang's orders!" Wang Erxi said, patting his chest.
Wang Zhong said: "Second brother, have you been to the oil shop next to Zhuangzi?"
Wang Erxi shook his head and said, "I haven't been there yet."
Wang Zhongdao: "It has been more than a month since the oil mill was built, but we are suffering from the lack of soybeans and rapeseeds. My second brother has worked in Caobang for many years. I wonder if he has any acquaintances in Runzhou, Jinling and other places?"
Wang Er said happily: "Both Jinling and Runzhou have Caobang branches!"
"I wonder if it would be possible if I bother my second brother to make a connection and entrust the Caobang to purchase soybeans?"
"Of course you can!" Wang Erxi patted his chest and said, "I, Wang Erxi, are not boasting. I have been in Caobang for many years. Although I don't have much ability, I have met many brothers who are very sincere. It's just a matter of buying some soybeans."
"Don't worry, second brother, I won't ask my brothers to work in vain. Nowadays, a pound of soybeans in grain stores only costs three cents. No matter what price the Caobang brothers charge for the soybeans, I will buy them at four cents a pound." , but it’s not easy to store, and the scale of the oil mill is limited. It’s our first time doing business, so we’ll limit it to five hundred stones. How about that?”
"There should be no problem." Wang Er said happily. The Chinese New Year has just passed and the weather is cold. Even the brothers of Caogang have to spend the New Year with their family and friends.
Wang Zhong took out five ingots of silver from the back room, placed them in front of Wang Erxi, and said: "Twelve taels and one ingot, totaling fifty taels, can be used as a deposit. The remaining money will be settled together after the five hundred stones of soybeans arrive. !」
Five gleaming silver ingots were placed in front of him. Even Wang Erxi, who had been traveling around for many years, couldn't help but be stunned by Wang Zhong's handwriting.
It's not that Wang Erxi has never seen so much money, but Wang Zhong's belief in him
Ren, now that Caobang has not even been seen, he took out the fifty-tael deposit without even frowning.
The thinking of the ancients is different from the thinking of everyone in reality. The ancients believed that scholars would die for their confidants, especially the reckless people like Wang Erxi, who put righteousness first and could entrust their wives, children, and young children when life and death were at stake.
Wang Erxi was not an ignorant person, so he put the five silver ingots into his arms one by one, and solemnly said to Wang Zhong: "Don't worry, Sanlang, I will go to the city to find Brother Shi. Brother Shi is the co-helm of the branch." Lord, as long as Brother Shi agrees, this matter will be half done."
"This will trouble my second brother!"
"What are you talking about? Okay, I'm going now!" Wang Erxi has never been the kind of person who is procrastinating. He just does what he says. He immediately bid farewell to Wang Zhong and went straight to find the deputy helmsman Shi from Caogang. .
The task given by the system is to survive. Although Wang Zhong has never lived in such a feudal autocratic society, Wang Zhong also understands that the Song Dynasty can barely be said to be a peaceful country and the people live and work in peace and contentment. Under this situation, if you want Overthrowing the rule of the Song Dynasty was so difficult that even Wang Zhong would not be able to accomplish it in his lifetime.
Since the difficulty is too great, naturally we can only take shortcuts. Anyway, there is no penalty for failing the task. In this case, it is better to go through the imperial examination road and experience firsthand the ancient scholars, from studying for the imperial examination to becoming an official. The life of an official.
Wang Zhong also knew very well that it was difficult to move without money. This saying was a wise saying no matter in modern times or in ancient times. If you want to be an official through the imperial examination, there is no need to talk about ups and downs. The expenditure on studying alone is not a small amount.
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There was no time to explain the funeral affairs, so the skills were lost.
After walking around the entire pig pen, it was indeed as Yu Chuyi said, the 120 piglets were growing quite well, and there were no cases of illness so far.
"That's right! You must remember to keep it clean. The pig pen must be cleaned every day. Water must be supplied in time. Make sure it is clean water..." Before leaving, Wang Zhong looked at Yu Chuyi again. Admonished.
Whether you are raising pigs, chickens or ducks, the most feared thing is disease. Once it reaches a large scale, you will lose all your money. However, as long as you take good protection and maintain hygiene, it can still play a preventive role to a certain extent.
"Don't worry, Young Master, everything will be done in accordance with Young Master's request." Yu Chu said.
"If these piglets grow up successfully and are ready for slaughter, your reward will be indispensable!"
"Thank you, sir, I will do my best!"
Although Yu Chuyi is not as clever as his younger brother Yu Chuer, he is not a fool either, he is just a bit dull at ordinary times.
Now that the pig pen has become large-scale, Wang Zhong plans to raise chickens in Xiaozhu Mountain and some ducks in the small lake after spring. The water system in the south of the Yangtze River is developed, and many Huaiyang dishes in later generations are related to ducks.
Like Jinling's famous duck blood vermicelli soup, roast duck and so on.
It's not that Wang Zhong doesn't know how to make soap, make wine, purify coarse salt, and refine sugar, but the profits of these things are too high and the things involved are too sensitive. Wang Zhong is just a white man now, with no status at all. If you launch these things rashly, you will not make money, but you will die.
Although Wang Zhong is not afraid, there is no need to get himself into trouble.
It develops steadily and gradually grows stronger step by step. It is similar to the saying of building walls high, accumulating food widely, and becoming king slowly.
Time passed day by day, and just a few days into February, the first batch of 500 shi of soybeans from Caobang was delivered to Baishui Village.
Wang Zhongdang led a group of farmers into the oil mill and personally instructed the farmers to extract oil from soybeans.
Oil extraction is a technical job, whether it is stir-frying or making dough, there are certain things to pay attention to. Fortunately, with Wang Zhong as the owner, who is almost omniscient and omnipotent, the farmers can get started very quickly under the guidance of words and deeds.
Wang Erxi, on the other hand, temporarily took on the job of being the manager of the oil mill.
The oil mill had already started construction, but Wang Zhong was not idle. Instead, he found several elders from the Yu and Li families in Baishui Village.
"Junior Wang Zhong, I have met three elders!"
"Brother Zhong, did you come to us?" Old Mrs. Li among the three was the first to speak.
In terms of seniority, Mrs. Li is the grandpa of Wang Chong’s sister-in-law Li’s family. Although they are separated by a house, this time is different from that of later generations. The concept of clan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and respecting elders and virtuous people is a fine tradition that existed in ancient times.
"I take the liberty to invite you today. There is indeed a reason. Elders, let me tell you slowly!" Wang Zhong bowed to the three of them again and then said slowly: "In the early years, my brother brought troubles. If it weren't for the elders who led him, If the villagers protect the junior’s family, how can the junior be where he is today.”
"Although my Wang family is a foreigner, the Yu and Li clans in the village have been kind to my Wang family. They are one of the helping hands and have been kind and rebuilt. The younger generation is not a ungrateful person. Now he has little family resources and wants to repair the village. The middle school has a banquet for the teachers to teach the village children how to read and calligraphy. All the expenses are borne by my Wang family. I wonder what the three elders think?"
"Brother Zhong, are you serious about what you said?" The three elders were all shocked when they heard this.
"Of course it's true!" Wang Zhong said loudly.
Mrs. Yu said with emotion: "Since Mr. Lu passed away and Hou Ting's family moved, the village school has been idle for many years. It is easy to repair the school, but it is not easy to find a teacher!"
Wang Zhong said: "Let's repair the school properly first, and then we can slowly find the teacher."
"It's just that the juniors have to prepare for the end of this semester and prepare for the exam. The repair of the school requires the three seniors to put a lot of effort into it."
Hearing this, the three elders all froze, and all three pairs of eyes looked at Wang Zhong intently, with a bit of shock in their eyes. Mrs. Li hurriedly asked: "Will you end this year?"
"Due to trivial matters at home, I have been delayed
After nearly four years, the provincial examination will be held next fall. This year, I will take the test first. Even if I fail, it’s time to gain experience! "
"Hey!" The three elders sighed in unison when they heard this. They all knew about Wang Zhong's family. When the people from the gambling house came to Baishui Village to collect debts, they protected Wang Zhong and Li's mother and daughter.
"That's good!" Old Mrs. Yu said, "One more test, one more chance."
Mr. Li Er said: "In that case, brother Zhong can rest at home to study and prepare for the exam. The repairs of the school can be left to us old guys."
Wang Zhong bowed his hands again and said in salute: "When I get back, I will make it clear to my sister-in-law that all expenses should be paid by my sister-in-law."
"That's great!" the three old men said with smiles while stroking their beards.
Wang Zhong changed his voice and said, "There is one more thing. We need the three elders to come up with an idea."
Mrs. Yu asked, "What else can I do?"
Wang Zhongdao: "The soybeans that I entrusted Caobang to purchase have been delivered a few days ago. Have the three seniors tasted the first batch of soybean oil?"
The three elders nodded.
Wang Zhong asked again: "How does it taste?"
Mrs. Li said: "Although the taste is slightly inferior to that of meat and oil, it is not bad at all!"
Mrs. Yu stroked his beard and said, "Very good!"
Mr. Li Er: "······"
"Now there is a lot of oil stored in the oil mill's warehouse. The younger generation wants to sell this oil to the people at a low price. However, the oil mill is not well-known and there are not many people available. I would like to ask three elders to help!"
"Selling oil?" When the three elders heard this, their eyes lit up.
The three of them immediately discussed with Wang Zhong, and finally decided that the oil price would be determined by the Wang Family Oil Shop, but for every pot of oil sold, the oil seller would make a penny in profit. The oil pot, oil drum, and oil spoon were all controlled by Provided by oil mill.
The people recruited by the three elders only need to be responsible for selling.
The reason why Wang Zhong came to find the three elders was because he lacked sales talents who could speak well. Yu Chuer could barely count as one, but Yu Chuer alone was definitely not enough. Most of the bankers were honest and dull people. , few can speak well.
After all, selling oil is considered a business, and people who are articulate and thick-skinned do have an advantage over dull people.
Within a few days, three elders brought people to Wang Zhong. In addition to a few people from the village, there were also several in-laws who were all from the same village, and they were all eloquent people.
After signing contracts with everyone and undergoing simple training, these ten people pushed carts and pulled the soybean oil produced by Wang's Oil Mill, selling oil in all directions.
As the oil mill and pig farm gradually got back on track, Wang Zhong slowly handed over these matters to his sister-in-law, Li.
In Yangzhou City, the father and son Wu, who had been selling braised pork and various kinds of meat for several months, finally made a dish that Wang Zhong approved of, and the restaurant that had been preparing for many days finally reopened. .
They had already laid the foundation by selling braised pork for several months. As soon as the restaurant opened, business boomed. Wu and his son were already good at cooking, and with Wang Zhong's advice for several months, they also added cooking skills. It was novel, and Wang Zhong was willing to spend money and asked people to help spread the word. However, in just a few days, the restaurant was full every day, and the old man Wu and his son were extremely busy every day.
Wang Erxi also held a banquet in a restaurant and invited his friends from Caobang to have dinner several times. With everyone in Caobang helping to promote the business, it was inevitable that some of the businessmen who stayed in Yangzhou would want to Have a taste.
This taste gave the restaurant its name.
In the second year of Jiayou's reign, a restaurant called Wangjianglou established its foothold at Yangzhou Pier.
At this time, Wang Zhong also came to Yangzhou City, living in the courtyard he originally rented, preparing to take the exam in a few days, and officially embarked on the road to the imperial examination.
