"uncle!"
As soon as Wang Zhong entered the door, he saw Mrs. Li coming up to her with an anxious look on her face, her beautiful eyes full of worry.
"Sister-in-law, don't worry. I was delayed at Sheng's house yesterday, so I didn't come back." Knowing that Li was worried about him, Wang Zhong explained with a smile.
But Li still looked around Wang Zhong up and down, left and right, and made sure there was no problem before he felt relieved.
"It'll be fine if nothing happens, it'll be fine if nothing happens!" Mrs. Li breathed a sigh of relief, and her heart dropped.
"Tongpan Mansion is not a tiger's den. Besides, Sheng Tongpan has a reputation as a virtuous person. My sister-in-law doesn't have to be like this."
"Uncle, forgive me!" Li hurriedly explained that Wang Zhong was not at home last night, and only a stranger came to report the news. If Old Yu hadn't seen that person, he would remember that it was the Shanda master who invited Wang Zhong to the city. With his entourage, Mrs. Li was afraid that she would not be able to sleep all night.
Even in the first few years when Wang Zhong went out to do business, as Wang Erxi ran around, running up and down the country, Li was worried, but she had never been so out of control.
"Sister-in-law is caring about me. It's not too late for me to be happy!" Wang Zhong's eyes, as bright as big stars, stared at Li's beautiful eyes, with a knowing smile on his brave and resolute face.
Looking at her now tall, tall, heroic and majestic brother-in-law, facing the burning gaze, Li felt like a deer bumping around in her heart. Even though she was no longer the inexperienced little girl, she still endured it. Some cheeks couldn't help but feel slightly hot.
Li felt even more ashamed of the thoughts that arose in her heart, and quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at Wang Zhong.
"Now that my uncle is fine, I am relieved!"
······
In the evening, after dinner, Wang Zhong practiced swordsmanship and spearmanship in the courtyard for more than an hour before taking a shower, changing clothes, and getting into the study.
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He raised his head and poured a bowl of mung bean smoothie into his mouth. A cold and refreshing feeling came from the inside out. It was very clear. He handed the bowl to Ms. Li and said, "How about another bowl?"
Mrs. Li took the bowl, walked back to the table, and scooped out another bowl.
This time Wang Zhong no longer ate in large gulps, but slowly tasted spoonful after spoonful. Seeing that Mrs. Li was only looking at him, he asked, "Sister-in-law, don't you want to eat it?"
Li Shi also scooped out a bowl for herself and ate it with Wang Zhong.
"In recent years, my uncle has been traveling here and there, doing business and buying properties, and studying to prepare for exams. Now that he has achieved the reputation of being a scholar, and his family business is quite prosperous, it's time for him to rest for a few days!"
What Li said was sincere and there was no falsehood at all. In the past few years, it was all thanks to Wang Zhong running around alone that the family was in such a good situation today.
"Life is like a journey against the odds. If you don't advance, you will retreat!" Wang Zhong said with emotion: "What people fear most in this life is comfort! I'm afraid that once I enjoy comfort, I won't want to work hard anymore."
Wang Zhong's words were half true and half false, but the fact was exactly what the young man who went to the border alone said to Long Wenwen in "My Captain, My Regiment".
No matter how difficult and dangerous the situation is, people can always come up with various ways to overcome it. For the sake of the righteousness in their hearts, they are willing to risk their lives. However, a single comfort has caused countless people to retreat step by step.
Li Shi couldn't help being stunned when she heard the words. Although she didn't quite understand what she heard, looking at Wang Zhong with a sigh on his face, for some reason, countless sorrows suddenly welled up in his heart.
"Uncle..." Li wanted to persuade her again, but as soon as she opened her mouth, she didn't know what to say. She just looked at Wang Zhong, thinking about Wang Zhong's age, and felt more and more sorry for this brother-in-law. .
Wang Zhong changed his words and said, "In a few days, the uncle from the Sheng family who came yesterday will probably come back. The sugar workshop will speed up the progress."
"Don't worry, uncle, this matter has been discussed with the clan elders today. Work will start in the afternoon and it will be completed in a few days."
Wang Zhong warned: "Although we are working together with the village to run the sugar workshop, the most critical steps can only be controlled by you and me for the time being. My sister-in-law needs to keep this in mind."
"Over at Wangjiang Tower, my sister-in-law has to keep an eye on it and try to get started as soon as possible." Wang Zhong originally didn't want to open such a big stall, just raise pigs, build a restaurant, build an ecological chain of agricultural products, and by the way, bring Baishui Village's economy to the As for the Shangdai area, we can wait until we are admitted to Jinshi.
But who would have thought that Sheng Wei would suddenly visit. Although the plan could not keep up with the changes, it would not be impossible with a little adjustment, but Li's ability was still not enough.
Mrs. Li also felt a lot of pressure. Originally, Mrs. Li couldn't take care of the property in the village. Now there is another Wangjiang Tower, which makes Mrs. Li very anxious. Fortunately, Mrs. Li also knows that Wang Zhong is doing this for She and her daughter thought about it and have been studying hard. However, this thing cannot be mastered in a short time. It has been half a year since the opening of Wangjiang Tower, and Li Shi has not yet met Wang Zhong's requirements.
In fact, Mr. Li is not particularly slow in learning management, but due to his temperament, he is not decisive enough. However, it is enough to only run Wangjiang Tower and Zhuangzi, but if the business is to become bigger, it is still a little bit behind.
Moreover, Li's educational level is a bit low. Recently, she took her daughter to follow Wang Zhong every morning to make up for her misfortunes, but she was still far behind Wang Zhong's requirements.
Early the next morning, Mrs. Li took her daughter and followed Wang Zhong in the study to read and learn arithmetic.
"One to one makes one, one to two makes two, one to three makes three..." Although Wang Qian'er is only over four years old, she is quite smart. Although she has not memorized "Hundred Family Surnames" in its entirety, she has learned nine of them. The nine multiplication tables are already memorized by heart.
After checking the mother and daughter's homework, Wang Gong, who was holding a ruler, nodded and said, "Yes, Sister Qian memorized very well. You can have an extra bowl of ice cream today!"
"Thank you, Third Uncle!" Although she was extremely happy, the little girl still resisted the urge to jump up and dance, and thanked Wang Zhong first.
"Remember, don't be proud!"
"yes!"
"Today we will talk about "The Thousand Character Essay"..."
The little girl likes to listen to Wang Zhong's lectures very much, because in addition to reading, she can also listen to Wang Zhong's lectures.
Telling stories, now Li doesn't have to ask the girl to get up every morning. The little girl gets up spontaneously and drags Li to the study to study with Wang Zhong. She is very proactive.
Two days later, someone from the Sheng family came, not only bringing gifts, but also a post from Sheng Hong. In the post, Sheng Hong invited Wang Zhong to a banquet and a boat trip on the lake. Many scholars and scholars would also attend. Everyone gathered. We went to the lake to enjoy the scenery and discuss knowledge. It was considered a small cultural gathering.
Two days later, Wang Zhong happily went to the banquet by car. When he arrived, he discovered that in addition to Sheng Hong, the initiator, Sheng Hong's two sons were also there, as well as seven or eight other sons, two of whom were Wang Zhong's age. A similar scholar.
The cultural gatherings initiated by Mr. Sheng himself were naturally different from those that tried to sell dogs on their own. In addition to eating wine and listening to music, most of the remaining activities were related to the discussion of knowledge. First, the scholars were allowed to discuss and debate with each other, and then Sheng Hong commented, then personally set the questions to test the talents and learning of the students, and finally gave evaluation and careful guidance.
Although Sheng Hong is a man who has both sides, he still has real qualities. As a second-ranked Jinshi, although Sheng Hong's ranking is only in the upper middle of the second class, and he is not as talented as his short-lived father, but It is more than enough to guide a group of people to develop talents.
As for this group of scholars, they are all supported by the Sheng family. If anyone successfully passes the exam and enters the official career in the future, it will naturally be from the Sheng family.
In the future, in the officialdom of the Song Dynasty, the Sheng family will be the backbone, and these scholars and scholars will be the side branches. If there is someone who is extremely talented and rises all the way to the top, surpassing the Sheng family, the Sheng family can also rely on the support of the past. Well, be blessed.
Not just the Sheng family, but most of the wealthy families in the world are like this, especially those like the Sheng family who have only been able to rise for two or three generations and have a weak foundation.
Sheng Hong can be considered conscientious and worked hard.
It's just that today's Wang Zhong's performance is completely different from what Sheng Hong expected.
With Wang Zhong's talent and learning, Sheng Hong originally thought that Wang Zhong would shine at the literary conference and become a blockbuster, but he didn't expect that Wang Zhong would mostly watch the whole process and rarely speak. Even if he did speak occasionally, he would usually speak concisely and concisely, and cherish his words like gold. .
Seeing Wang Zhong's performance, Sheng Hong couldn't help but think of his old Taishan, who had been deceased for many years, and his eyes couldn't help but fall on the eldest son who looked exactly like Old Taishan.
After the cultural meeting, Sheng Hong sent someone to stop Wang Zhong.
"I've seen Tong San!" Wang Zhong bowed his hands in greeting, but there was no surprise on his face.
Sheng Hong said loudly: "I was above the literary level just now, but my nephew's performance is not consistent with his talent and learning!"
Just looking at Wang Zhong's eyes was somewhat meaningful.
Wang Zhong said neither humble nor arrogantly: "If the trees are beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy them!"
"Oh?" Sheng Hong pretended to be surprised.
Wang Zhong continued to explain: "The student comes from a poor family, with no parents to protect him, no brothers to help him, he is alone, powerless, and he is inevitably a little worried about what he does. Besides, he should take the exam. "Tongpan has already taken the exam a few days ago. Tongpan already knows how many pounds the students have. Why should the students compete for those false names in the literary conference? It's better to live in peace and harmony."
"Hahaha!" Sheng Hong couldn't help laughing after hearing this: "My nephew is really interesting!"
"Why didn't my wise nephew hide his clumsiness when he took the school exam that day?"
When asking this question, Sheng Hong looked at Wang Zhong's eyes. Obviously, Sheng Hong was more interested in Wang Zhong.
Wang Zhong said calmly: "The student's family is poor and he has no one to rely on. He is lucky enough to meet such a bole as Tongfan. Naturally, he will do his best to gain access to Tongfan's eyes and be supported by Tongfan."
"How does your wise nephew know that I am Bole?" Sheng Hong asked again.
"If it weren't for Bole, why would Tongpan have to talk to a little scholar like his student at night, holding a candle and reluctant to leave?" Wang Zhong asked in reply, which directly touched Sheng Hong's heart.
"The good nephew is really interesting. No wonder the eldest brother admires the good nephew so much." Sheng Hong was not talking about Wang Zhong's talents. Sheng Wei himself had not read many books. How could the school test reveal Wang Zhong's real talents? However, Wei brought Wang Zhong to Sheng Hong, which showed that Sheng Wei valued Wang Zhong.
"It is a student's blessing to be valued by Tongjian and his uncle!"
"My nephew doesn't have a name for me yet!" Sheng Hong suddenly changed his voice.
"The student has been alone since he was a child, and the trace of his ancestor is elusive. There has been no news for several years, so he has not yet chosen his first name!"
Sheng Hong said, "How about I give my nephew a nickname?"
"It's what I asked for!" Wang Zhong immediately bowed and saluted. In ancient times, it was not just anyone who could pick a person's name. The person who first picked the name was either his biological father, his teacher, or a respected elder with good connections. Not bad.
Sheng Hong presented Wang Zhong with a pseudonym, which was not only recognition of Wang Zhong, but also an attempt to win over Wang Zhong.
"Those who are heavy (g: two tones) are called Zhongzhong (zhong: four tones), so how about they are called Zihou!" Sheng Hong twirled his beard with his right thumb and index finger, making a thoughtful gesture, remembering what Wang Zhong said at the literary meeting just now It showed that when I saw myself in front of me and all my actions just now, my eyes immediately lit up.
"Thank you uncle for the calligraphy!" Wang Zhong immediately raised his hand in greeting, his face full of joy, and he changed his title of uncle to Sheng Hong from Tong San.
Sheng Hong was quite happy: "Then I laughed at the word "uncle"! "
"It should be like this!" Wang Zhong said again.
"Since Zihou called me "uncle", there are some words that I, as an uncle, should also say to Zihou. "Sheng Hong's expression suddenly changed and he said with some emotion.
Wang Zhong immediately said with a serious face: "Uncle, please give me some advice!"
Sheng Hong said, "I heard from elder brother that Zihou is busy running the family business now?"
Wang Zhong knew what Sheng Hong wanted to say as soon as he heard it, and had no intention of hiding it. He just said helplessly: "There is only one widow in Zhong's family now. She is a farmer and is not good at management. Most of the things in the family can only be done by herself." Already."
Sheng Hong naturally knew the situation in Wang Zhong's family, but he still reminded him: "Everything has a root and a bottom, and the family business naturally needs to be managed, but study cannot be left behind. If you become a Jinshi, your money and property will continue to flow. Zihou still needs to sort it out. That’s right, don’t put the cart before the horse.”
"Thank you uncle for your advice!" Wang Zhong said very cautiously: "Keep it in mind."
Sheng Hong stopped talking and said, "My father, Bai, is a few years younger than Zihou, but his temperament is quite similar to Zihou. If Zihou is free, can you come to the house to teach the dog?"
Wang Zhong said humbly: "I don't take advice seriously, but I can discuss knowledge with Brother Changbai in order to make progress together!"
"Zihou is too modest!" Sheng Hong said: "Zihou is rich in learning and is no less generous than a Jinshi. Quanzi now doesn't even have any fame, so he should ask Zihou for advice."
"Then the junior will come to your door more often to bother you?"
"That's how it should be!"
「······」
Sheng Hong also wanted to invite Wang Zhong to his home for dinner, but Wang Zhong declined.
After returning home, Wang Zhong concentrated on the frosting workshop. Occasionally, he would go out in person to give on-site teaching to the villagers of Baishui Village.
After another seven or eight days, Sheng Wei returned to Yangzhou again, bringing with him the first batch of purchases, a whole shipload of syrup.
More than fifty carts were pulled, but fortunately the warehouse prepared by Wang Zhong in advance was large enough, so there was room to store it.
In the afternoon, Wang Zhong cooked himself and made a hot pot. The soup was made from pork bones, old hens, and old ducks, and the ingredients fried in mutton oil were added. Sesame lake, chopped celery, coriander, green onions, The dipping sauce made from minced garlic and the chilled rice wine made Sheng Wei, a veteran of the wine industry, drunk.
The next morning, Sheng Wei opened his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar room. The intermittent images in his mind gradually became coherent and clear. He couldn't help but laugh at himself and shook his head.
Unexpectedly, after hunting geese all day long, he was pecked by this little goose again, and was actually made drunk by that boy Wang Zhong.
As soon as Sheng Wei made some movement, his personal entourage came up to him, "Sir, the prince ordered someone to prepare hot water. Do you want to take a shower and change clothes before going to see the prince?"
Sheng Wei said: "Let's take a shower and change clothes first!"
After washing away the smell of alcohol and fatigue, Sheng Wei's mind was already very clear: "Where is Zihou now?"
The attendant replied: "The prince is practicing martial arts behind Zhuangzi at the moment!"
"Practice martial arts?" Sheng Wei was a little surprised: "Come on, let's go over and have a look!"
The front yard of the third-level village was not big, and the middle yard was not too noisy and remote. Wang Zhong simply changed the backyard, which was originally a firewood shed and livestock shed, into a martial arts arena. The ground is paved with a thick layer of blue bricks, and after exiting the back door, you can practice archery, which is very convenient.
The wing room where Sheng Wei was located was originally in front of the study room in the side courtyard. After passing through the corridor of the study room, you reached the backyard.
Sheng Wei stood in the corridor, looking at the tall and burly figure in the courtyard. He was holding a five-foot long ring-headed sword in both hands. As he moved around, the waterfall-like light of the sword was very frightening.
There are not many fancy movements, but some basic knife skills such as slashing and picking. However, the speed of the knife, the bright light of the knife brings up the afterimages, and the continuous light of the knife is like Sheng Wei, who is not skilled in martial arts. People can also see how powerful this sword technique is.
After Wang Zhong sheathed his sword, it was not over. He raised his toes and took the one-foot-four-foot-long spear on the weapons rack into his hand. Wang Zhong stepped forward on horseback, holding the gun sideways and shaking it. Got a big gun.
A four-foot-long spear seemed to turn into a swimming dragon. The entire spear body was constantly shaking, advancing or retreating with Wang Zhong's movements, like a long snake spitting out messages to attack.
Sheng Wei was stunned!
It wasn't until Wang Zhong finished practicing the spear that he applauded and strode up to Wang Zhong: "I didn't expect that Zi Hou was not only a good scholar, but also a master of martial arts."
Wang Zhong took the towel handed over by Wang Erxi, wiped the fine sweat on his forehead, and humbly said: "It's just some banker's tricks, making uncle laugh!"
After calling Sheng Hong uncle, Wang Zhong changed his name to Sheng Wei from uncle to uncle in order to distinguish him.
"Zi Hou is so humble. If my incompetent son was as capable as you, I wouldn't have to worry so much." Sheng Wei sighed with emotion.
Wang Zhong smiled slightly, did not answer the question, and asked instead: "Uncle, can you have breakfast?"
Sheng Wei said, "I was about to take a bath and change clothes. I heard Zhu Gui say that Zihou was practicing martial arts here. I was curious, so I came right over without having time to eat!"
"At this time, my sister-in-law should have prepared the meal. Uncle, please move to the side hall first and we will arrive later."
······
After having breakfast with Sheng Wei, Wang Zhong led Sheng Wei to the sugar workshop.
Yesterday, all the syrup brought by Sheng Wei was put into storage. This morning, the newly built sugar workshop was officially in operation.
Different from some workshops that Sheng Wei had seen, which were messy and disorderly, Wang Zhong's sugar-making workshop divided the various steps into different areas, and assigned different tasks to everyone, from boiling to boiling to lighting the fire. , everything seemed in order, and the ground was paved with blue bricks, so it was not messy.
Wang Zhong led Sheng Hong on a tour. Sheng Wei looked at the busy scene of the villagers in Baishui Village in the workshop and couldn't help but nodded, looking forward to the cooperation with Wang Zhong.
"I wonder how much icing sugar can be refined in my nephew's workshop in one day?" Sheng Wei curiously asked Wang Zhong next to him.
Wang Zhong said: "The refining method is quite repetitive. According to the current scale, about two hundred kilograms of icing sugar can be produced in one day."
"I wonder how much syrup is needed for one pound of icing?"
"It's hard to say. The main reason is that the concentration of the syrup is different. If it's sugar cane, about ten pounds of sugar cane can produce one pound of frosting!" Wang Zhong also gave a rough figure.
The so-called syrup is a high-concentration fluid extracted from sugarcane juice. Due to various differences such as the heat of the process, the sugar content of the syrup will naturally vary.
"So, when syrup is made into icing, there isn't a lot of waste?" Since he was going to be in the sugar business, Sheng Wei naturally knew about it and conducted in-depth investigations into the making of syrup.
Wang Zhong smiled and said: "It's really not much."
Ten days later, Sheng Hong took the first batch of refined sugar and boarded a ship heading north to Bianliang, Tokyo.
It was already late autumn, not long before winter began. This was the first and last chance to go north this year. After Sheng Wei returned from Bianliang, it was estimated that the canal would be unavailable for navigation.
