More than 20,000 commoners had just finished harvesting the rice and started planting again. Originally, this was not the right season, but the seeds themselves were different. Furthermore, the weather here had always been good. Now that it was almost winter, it was actually not cold. This made some of the people who had originally followed here feel a little unaccustomed.
The new seedlings were naturally made by the Zhang family. They had just planted the seedlings, and before they could release water from the river, a moderate rain fell. These seedlings were naturally able to withstand it, and at the same time, they did not lack water.
The commoners did not know that this was a coincidence. They thought that the new good official had moved the heavens, so it rained. Originally, they had nothing else to do and should have continued to build the seawall. However, the cotton here could be picked again.
Zhang Xiaobao also told Wang Juan that he wanted to make a cotton harvester. Wang Juan agreed and gave her moral support. As a result, Zhang Xiaobao changed the direction of his research and continued to develop it underwater.
If the cotton harvester was easy to make, there would not still be so many places that needed people to pick cotton at that time.
According to Zhang Zhong's plan, 3,000 people were assigned to pick the cotton while the others continued to build the road and replant some of the areas where the trees had been washed away. More people went to build the seawall, preparing to take advantage of the winter when there were fewer disasters to finish the seawall here. Next year, it would be useful.
After the first batch of cotton was picked, a big cloth doll was immediately made for Xin'er. Xin'er was very happy, she had never played with such a thing before. Usually, other people would use some things, such as wood, to make small people made of wood to curse others.
However, this doll was different. It was taller than her, and it was very comfortable to hold in her arms. It had a nose and eyes, which made her think of the value of this kind of cloth doll when she was happy. Perhaps many people liked it, especially a little girl like her. If she was in a large family, the maidservants would also have to wait on her in the outer room when she slept at night, and the boudoir would be very cold and cheerless.
If he had these dolls, it would be even better to hold them in his arms at night. These dolls were specially made for the children of the rich.
Therefore, Xin Er went to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan to discuss the purchase of such cloth and cotton. However, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan didn't think that the value of this thing would be greater than what they had originally thought. They wanted to use this cotton to make clothes, especially cotton-padded jackets.
In fact, it was just a vest without sleeves. Real cotton-padded clothes would not be made. Firstly, it was a waste of materials. Secondly, it would look too bulky on the body. Especially cotton-padded trousers. After it was made thick, it would be very difficult to put it on or take it off.
In addition to this cotton vest, it could also be used to make cotton-padded shoes. When the time came, it would be shipped to the north to be sold, and a part of it would be sent out. Li Xun would also have a part of the profits. When Li Xun came over, they had agreed that he would help to keep it a secret for a year. The main thing to keep secret was the flower arranging machine.
Although the structure of this thing was simple and easy to operate, ordinary people would never think that this thing could take out the seeds in the stack of white cotton. After it was taken out, the seeds could be used to extract oil. No one ate it, but it could be used to light up the house.
It wasn't that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan didn't know that cottonseed oil could be eaten, but they didn't have the technology. Without technology, the two of them never dared to try some new food, as it was easy to eat something bad.
Li Xun had been thinking about this for a long time. This year, he was waiting. He was waiting for the people who had also received last year's cotton gifts to hand over the cotton to exchange for the flower arranging machine.
This was the result of the discussion later. Those people had actually already planted the cotton and were waiting for the technology. However, the Zhang family didn't want to give up and handed this matter to Li Xun to handle. The others could only think of a way behind the scenes. In the end, Zhang Zhong ran to such a remote place, so those who were ready to make a move could only wait foolishly.
They were waiting to use a part of the white cotton to exchange for the technology. At most, they wouldn't make money this year. They could still wait for a year. Li Xun had already spread the news that he would tell them after he made some improvements.
In fact, he had indeed made a lot of improvements. Previously, they used to shake the cotton by hand, but now, they had changed it to using wind and water. It was very simple to make a big windmill and a water wheel. The Zhang family had the technology to do so.
Those who wanted to get their hands on such things could only wait for this winter. They would take out a large part of the white cotton and exchange it for something to remove the seeds. It wasn't that they didn't want to use other methods. For example, there were so many princes, but the princes themselves couldn't make a move. Li Xun's father was also a prince.
The current Emperor had always emphasized the deep brotherhood. Who didn't have deep connections? The other aristocratic families had too many considerations. For one, Zhang Zhong had run to Lu Zhou, and it was beyond their reach. Therefore, no aristocratic family would be stupid enough to deal with his foundation, which was Sanshui County.
They had investigated Zhang Zhong thoroughly. They had a very detailed understanding of what the Zhang Family and Wang Family were doing. They also knew that there were two experts in the Zhang family who had never shown their faces. Therefore, the Zhang family was always able to come up with new things. Some were profitable, and some were useful for military purposes.
If they really wanted to deal with Sanshui County, the Zhang family only needed to take out a few good things and say that they were looking for others to help them take revenge. Then, the people who did it would be attacked by many forces. The benefits would be given to others for free. The aristocratic families never doubted this. If they were in Sanshui County, they would also do the same.
The only person who could control the Zhang family was the Emperor. However, when the Emperor was with the Zhang family, his attitude was very ambiguous. It was unknown whether it was because he liked the endless things of the Zhang family or because he liked Zhang Zhong as a person. Basically, he would not mention him in the court. When others mentioned him, he would use other topics to change the topic. He just didn't want the court officials to focus on Zhang Zhong.
In this way, it was difficult for others. Li Xun had received many letters recently. Some of them were from the military station, and some were from the official station. All the letters said the same thing, that the white cotton was ready, and it was time to exchange for that technology.
Li Xun couldn't take it all by himself. He could only cooperate with the Zhang family. Otherwise, the Zhang family would avoid him next time. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan would also not play with him.
Under such circumstances, Li Xun, Zhang Xiaobao, Wang Juan, and Xin Er gathered together. The four of them, who were not yet adults, began to discuss the use of the cotton.
Xin Er insisted on joining in the fun. Usually, outsiders were not allowed to join in this kind of thing. However, the old man had been helping them, and the mutual benefits had been mixed together. Xin Er had also obtained the qualification to play the top game. Wang Juan wanted to train her before she agreed.
"I still want to make cloth dolls. I believe that they can be sold at a good price. I thought of a few kinds of cloth dolls. Some are cute, some are ugly, and the ugly kind of eyes should be embroidered to make them look very wronged."
When Xin Er found out that there were many kinds of things that could be used to make cloth dolls, she was very insistent on her idea.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan originally disagreed. However, when they heard Xin Er's last design, they nodded at the same time.
Li Xun, however, did not understand. He asked in confusion, "It's fine to make cloth dolls, but why do you want to make them ugly? Can't they be cute? "
"No, if that's the case, some people won't buy them. Only those who are like little princesses will buy those cute ones. Some people are ugly. They will think that they are the ugly cloth dolls that need other people's care and care. If they have an ugly cloth doll, they will be stronger.
Only by becoming stronger and stronger will they be able to protect the cloth dolls that are uglier than them. I have already thought about this. I will ask someone to draw a picture book with different colors like Cuckoo. Below the picture book will be a short story. It will be specially made for the children to read. First, it will make them more willing to learn to read. Second, it will motivate them.
I think that as long as it is printed well and printed in different colors, not only will the children be willing to buy it, but the elders in the family will also buy it for the younger generation. After all, it is a determined thing. If the picture book and the cloth dolls are combined together, it will sell very well.
When we make a new type of cloth doll, we can design some stories specifically for this type of cloth doll. We can also put several cloth dolls into one story. This is a combination. When the time comes, besides the cloth dolls, we can also sell other things. For example, some toys for playing house. We can engrave various kinds of cloth doll patterns on them. Whoever has a cloth doll will buy the toy with the pattern. "
Xin Er began to explain at the side. The more she spoke, the more ideas she had. In the end, she actually came up with a system.
Li Xun's mouth was wide open and Weiwei couldn't close it. He had never thought that a discussion about cotton would lead to such a big deal.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were also shocked. It wasn't that they didn't know about such a strategy. This kind of thing was not just a tactic in business, but a strategy. If either of them were in Xin Er's shoes, they could also come up with it. It wasn't a big deal. However, it was different when it came to Xin Er.
Xin Er didn't have the same kind of experience as them. She came up with this based on her own ideas. This was definitely not ordinary. Some people succeeded because they worked hard, and some were geniuses. However, if geniuses worked hard, they would definitely be better than ordinary people.
In the past, the two of them only thought that Xin Er was smarter because she learned more things from the old man. Now it seemed that it wasn't the case at all. The old man definitely wouldn't think of this. Would the old man think of something like a cloth doll?
"Okay, I agree. Then this matter will be managed by Sister Xin Er. Sister Xin Er, after you do this well, you will get 10% of the money earned. We will share the remaining 30% with Young Master Li. After all, we provided the technology and materials."
Wang Juan immediately agreed. She didn't care about losing money or making money. She just wanted to cultivate Xin Er. The most important thing was not the cotton she paid this year, but to get a talent. She was so young and had such a plan. If she grew up, no one dared to think about it.
Li Xun also reacted at this time and said, "Is it just a game? Then starting tomorrow, I will also play. You have to play with me. Don't give in to me. "
"Who will give in to you? You haven't been conferred a territory yet. Do you really think you are a Marquis? Don't think that you can be as good as Sister Xin Er just because you play. Some people need a chance to understand themselves. Sister Xin Er is like that. "
Wang Juan saw that Li Xun was thinking too simply, so she said bluntly. She and Zhang Xiaobao didn't have any respect for Li Xun now. In fact, they didn't have any respect at all. They just thought that Li Xun was a person who would easily cause trouble. Now, they didn't.
Li Xun didn't have any thoughts of being angry. He also knew his identity. Saying that he was a member of the royal family was not the most important thing. Saying that he wasn't, he had to always know that he couldn't lose face for the royal family. It was a very depressing position. He was very lucky to have two friends like Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan.
After hearing Wang Juan's words, he rolled his eyes and asked, "Don't many people lack such an opportunity? Do you think that as long as they are given an opportunity that suits them, they will become powerful? I think Xin Er is very powerful. "
At this time, Zhang Xiaobao spoke, "Yes, that's right. Everyone is actually a genius. Since they were born, they were faced with opportunities again and again. However, many people have lost the opportunity to come in contact with such opportunities. For example, some people who were born blind are usually more powerful in other aspects.
Heaven is always fair. When you lose something, it will always make up for it in other aspects. However, we can't provide everyone with a comprehensive opportunity to test geniuses. We can't find those methods, and we can't judge. My family has a method, but that method is not comprehensive. "
"Fair? Comparing the children of aristocratic families to the children of ordinary families is fair? "Li Xun had become a commoner's Marquis. He refuted Zhang Xiaobao's words.
"How are aristocratic families formed? They can't be aristocratic families from the beginning, right? That's the hard work of their ancestors. When other people's ancestors were working hard, what were other people's ancestors doing? In the same place, other people can grow better crops. If you can't grow well, can you complain that other people shouldn't? "
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan had talked about this topic before. Don't complain about others. If you think that others are good, then work hard to fight for it yourself.
Li Xun didn't say anything. He knew how his family's wealth came about. Indeed, as Zhang Xiaobao said, if his ancestors didn't defeat other people, how could it be the Tang Dynasty?
Li Xun nodded, agreeing with Zhang Xiaobao's words. He changed the topic again. "Now, let's talk about the uses of cotton."
As he spoke, he looked at Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. He felt that the two masters of the Zhang family had taught Xiao Bao and Cuckoo. Although bedding and clothes were taken out last year, that was definitely not all the uses of cotton. For example, Xin Er mentioned a new use today. There should be more.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan couldn't tell him all the uses of cotton. There were too many. It seemed that it could be used in all kinds of aspects and all kinds of industries.
After thinking about it, Zhang Xiaobao said, "In fact, this thing is also good at fireproofing. As long as it is thick and strong enough, it will be more fireproof than silk clothes. It can be used to make clothes specially prepared for people who put out fires. It's also warm. In summer, people who sell ice cream also sell popsicles, especially popsicles.
As long as you make a box, put the popsicles in it and wrap it with a thick quilt, it can be stored for a while. Also, this thing can be used as a big firecracker in a specific environment. It can be so big that it can blow up many people at the same time. "
Only Wang Juan understood the last thing Zhang Xiaobao said, which was dust explosion. Of course, she would look up more books and ask people to find more things. If nitrocellulose could be made in the future, then it could really become a big firecracker.
Li Xun didn't know much about it, but he had a general idea. He said, "In other words, cotton can only be used to keep warm and cold, right? Another thing is to make cloth dolls. Okay, then we will start with these two aspects. When there are other uses in the future, we will slowly take it out. "
Li Xun was not stupid. He knew that once these things were taken out, others would learn to make them. Those who said that they would use cotton to exchange for technology would not take out the most cotton. It was nothing more than a lie. So, what they could do was to not let them know about the many uses of cotton and let them make the quilt.
How much cotton did a quilt need? How much did a cloth doll need? It was very simple. The most important thing was to make the most money with the least things.
The four of them discussed for a while. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were responsible for making gloves, hats, waistcoats, and other things at home. Li Xun took the job of making cotton shoes. Xin Er was naturally in charge of the cloth doll. 10% of the profit was already a lot for her. Otherwise, other people would not work with her. She did not have cotton anyway.
As for the quilt, mattress, and other things, only a small part was made. They were not to be sold, but to be given away. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were also preparing to compress the cotton and finally make a thick blanket. This thing was not to make money. It was too humid here, especially when it often rained.
The two of them were going to put this thing in the mezzanine of the house to absorb the moisture. After absorbing enough, they would put it in the sun or wash it. When it was soft, they would continue to put it in the mezzanine. Even if it was used too many times, they could still use it for other purposes. It was not to make black cotton, but to make paper.
No matter how bad the cotton was, the paper made was better than the usual paper. With a little bit of lime, perhaps the paper made could be written with a pencil.
It was not that the two of them did not know how to use a writing brush, but a writing brush had its own limitations. It was very inconvenient to carry around. It was easier to use a pencil. They only had to carry a small notebook with them. When they encountered something to write down, they could take out the pencil at any time and write it down.
If they were to use a writing brush, they would at least need ink and water. They could use saliva to write a few words, but not enough saliva to write a few hundred words.
The two of them used the cotton as much as possible, especially in terms of enjoyment at home. Other than blankets, there were also cotton blankets. The main thing was that the cotton could be used to make fishing nets. It should be good to mix it with hemp, and it should be stronger than the current nets.
The four of them had a small meeting, and then they went to do their own things. Li Xun and Xin Er were busy with simple things. Xin Er was mainly painting. She had ideas, but the painting was not very good. The main thing was that the painting method was different. She was learning Wang Juan's painting method.
If she had not met Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, she would have felt very lonely. She was not yet ten years old, and none of the children around her age could understand her. Other people could not understand what she said, and the adults who could understand would not play with her.
After she returned to the place arranged for her family, she called some of the people in her family over, mainly the servants. She told them about this matter and asked them to help think of ideas on what kind of cloth dolls to make that would be liked by other children.
But a day had passed, and the servants did not have any suggestions at all. If they had to say that they had suggestions, they would advise her not to do it.
Xin Er suddenly felt that everyone was very far away from her. Just like the lyrics of the song Wang Juan usually sang, she saw the distance. She stood in the clouds, but she found that there was no one around her. She was alone.
Fortunately, Wang Juan and Zhang Xiaobao were still there. The two of them came up with some ideas. Wang Juan drew several kinds of cartoon perspective figures from cartoons and sent them over.
When Xin Er saw those cute little animals, she was happy. She felt that she was not so lonely anymore. There were people like her.
In fact, she did not know that this was the suggestion of Zhang Xiaobao. Zhang Xiaobao was very familiar with this aspect. He knew that no one could help her after she came back, because those people were not good enough. So he discussed with Wang Juan and sent some drawings. He believed that those drawings would soon become real objects.
In fact, this was the most vulnerable part of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's hearts. If one came here alone, no one could understand, and they could not tell everything to others, that kind of loneliness was the most terrible. It was like at night, there were many people around, but one person had to carry a lantern and walk alone.
Xin Er began to think according to the drawings drawn by Wang Juan. She also drew the things that she thought of. She was very busy.
Li Xun was not relaxed. On one hand, he had to provide some technology to those people. On the other hand, he had to keep the good technology. Through improvement, the efficiency of the flower stringing machine could be improved. Naturally, this could not be handed over to others.
In addition to these two things, he had to try his best to get those who wanted to take advantage of the situation to hand over the benefits. For example, they wanted more cotton. If they could not get this, then he had to let those people compensate in other ways.
There were many ways to compensate. Giving money was one way. Li Xun did not want this. He was not short of money. Now that he was doing business with the Zhang family, it could be said that he now had the most money among his peers. Even the Crown Prince could not compare. Fortunately, his status was clear. If others dared to scheme against him, as long as he did not get involved in politics, there would be no danger.
Another way was to help put in a good word for Zhang Zhong. This was very important. If everyone agreed, even if someone wanted to scheme against Zhang Zhong, they would have to think twice. Another way was that some people had other businesses in their family and did not allow others to join them.
This time, he could join them. If he joined, it would mean that the Zhang Family and the Wang Family would join as well. As long as there was a little gap, Li Xun did not have to worry. He believed that with the experts of the Zhang family, the gap would soon become bigger.
Xin Er and Li Xun were indeed busy. However, the people who were really busy were Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. They had too many things to do. First was the matter of the sea. The two of them would not only focus on Lu Zhou. The reason they came to this place was so that Zhang Zhong could get more political achievements.
Another reason was that the bay here was really useful. The two of them were preparing to build a bigger boat and go to further places to get some things that they didn't have here. As long as it was good stuff from Southeast Asia, the two of them wanted it all, especially coconuts. When they came here, they actually didn't have them.
It looked like a species, but it had many uses. It could be used for many things. There was also a kind of honey. That kind of honey was different from other places. It could be used as a very good medicine.
In other words, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan wanted to get everything that was not available here. In this way, the construction of the dock had to be put on the agenda. The most important thing was the technology. The two of them knew how the sea breeze blew, and they were not unfamiliar with the flow of the tide.
However, without an iron ship, it would be very risky to go to sea. It was easy to talk about a wooden ship, but when it was really made, they had to choose good wood from the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
Especially the mast, it was a big piece of wood. It could not be pieced together. If they encountered a dangerous storm, they would have to cut the mast. Why were many captains reluctant to do so? It was because this piece of wood was too difficult to find.
In addition to the matter of the dock, there was also the matter of the local infrastructure. It seemed that the construction was almost done, but in fact, it was far from enough. The two of them planned to build roads in Lu Zhou that extended in all directions. There could be fields or villages on both sides of the roads, but the roads had to be divided into sections.
The surrounding trees could not be less to prevent soil erosion. As for the future, it would depend on what the new Provincial Governor thought. However, as long as they built the necessary infrastructure, the next Provincial Governor would not change, especially when the Chamber of Commerce was still here.
This infrastructure required planning. Fortunately, the land here was big and the population was small. Every family could live in the bamboo buildings above the ground. They could also build a big courtyard for each family. Zhang Xiaobao wanted to gather all the homework together. They could plant rice, vegetables, and cotton together.
Wang Juan had the same idea. The two of them already knew too many things. They did not want to let this place suffer while they were still in control. This was the planning of a province. The two of them had never come into contact with such things. To be precise, Wang Juan did not know anything.
Planning was not her field. Zhang Xiaobao knew a little about it. Even though he had never really planned a city properly, he had cheated before. When a liar did not want to continue lying, he would still know the pros and cons.
This was one thing. There was also the conspiracy that they would face. Even though Zhang Xiaobao was used to conspiracies, he had to think about it. He hoped very much that there were no conspiracies in this world. That way, he would not have to waste his energy. However, this was definitely a dream.
Where there were living things, there would be benefits. When there were benefits, there would be competition. In the process of competition, all kinds of methods would be used. Just like what was said before, without darkness, there would be no light.
Zhang Xiaobao was planning for any possible situation and divided it into several steps. There were defenses, roping in, counterattacks, and deterrence. All of them had to be considered in advance. Otherwise, he would be flustered when the time came.
Wang Juan could not help much with these plans. She could only focus on organizing people. In fact, the provincial government did not have any military forces. All the people who could fight were the guards of the two families and Li Xun's people. This was very unreasonable.
Without soldiers, how could they go out to explore in the future? When Wang Juan saw that there were more people now, three times the original number, she wanted to recruit soldiers. This money had to be paid by the provincial government and not by the Zhang family or the Wang family. The Tang Dynasty had not reached that stage yet and could not openly raise private soldiers.
The current military system was good and could be directly recruited. However, the strength of the recruited soldiers was hard to say. Wang Juan wanted to use the provincial government's name to recruit people. Then, she and Zhang Xiaobao would pay for the welfare. When it was time to leave, she would take these people away, just like the previous provincial governor.
This was very simple. She just had to dismiss the recruited people and let them join the fleet. Then, she would find a few new people. Anyway, this was how it was here. If the new provincial governor was willing to find people himself, then he could find them. The original people could not be given to him.
Then, Wang Juan would make some training plans. At the same time, she would wait for Zhang Xiaobao's side to get more money. The provincial government still had some money now. The four people did things flawlessly and matched the money in the treasury. It was indeed very impressive.
Wang Juan was busy with the recruitment and training plans. This training plan was different from the one for protecting the seedlings zero team. This was to train a special force. Quality was more important than quantity.
In addition to these matters, there was also the selection of cotton seeds and rice seeds. The selection of rice seeds was not just about the same, but had many people look for them one by one. Although it took a lot of time, the probability of finding a good rice seed increased.
Although the rice had been planted, these rice seeds were not the special seeds that had been selected. The special seeds naturally had their own characteristics. One was that they matured first, and the other was that they did not have a high yield. These selected seeds would be planted later.
There was also the selection of cotton seeds. This kind of seed could not be pierced with a flower piercing machine. That would cause damage.
While the four of them were busy, the Ning Clan's fleet arrived. There were only two ships, and no one knew what they had encountered on the way. In any case, the masts had been lowered, and they were completely relying on manpower to row. There was not a single sail to be seen.
Zhang Xiaobao was not a good person. Especially after the other party bullied him first, he would not let them go easily. The two ships were planning to enter this bay and then return to Qinzhou through Qinjiang.
Unfortunately, when the two ships appeared outside the bay, the other side was ready. Li Xun sent 100 of his guards and the Zhang family's team of protecting the seedlings also went over. When the two ships were about to reach the dock, they were about to pass by the side. There were already four large ships waiting to load and leave, blocking the road. Before they left, they could still make a contribution.
"Young Master, Young Master, it's not good. They won't let us pass. They used four ships to block the road." When the steward saw the situation, he quickly ran to the cabin and reported to his young master.
Young Master Ning was calculating how much money he could make this time. When the steward rushed in, he forgot the numbers. He looked at the steward unhappily and said, "How big are four ships? How could they block the road? The road over there should be very wide, right?
Can't we just go around it? You can't even do this well. When we came over, you said that we were following that special ship. Look at it now. They are fine, but we encountered a storm. If we had known this would happen, we would have stopped more. Who knows how much money it would cost to repair these two ships.
Did you see clearly that the Zhang family's ship is blocking the road? Their courage is not small, they actually dare to block my Ning Family's ship. Did they see the people on the dock? Is Zhang Zhong here? "
The steward was a little confused by Young Master's words. He shook his head and said, "Young Master, there are only people working at the dock. Zhang Zhong isn't here. If Zhang Zhong is here, he will definitely bring a carriage. It seems that Zhang Zhong doesn't take us seriously. Young Master, don't think of using the Ning family's power to pressure him.
As for that ship, under normal circumstances, four ships wouldn't be able to block it. However, the four ships aren't close to each other. They're separated and connected to each other by iron chains. If our ship wants to go over, we'll have to fly or dive into the water. By doing this, it's obvious that they know we're coming. "
The steward was very depressed. Why couldn't Young Master see the situation clearly at a time like this? The other party was taking revenge. Who asked Lu Zhou to accept so much money from Qin Province when he shipped goods out? Do you think that if you accept money from others, they won't accept yours?
Young Master Ning was stunned. He didn't expect to be stopped this time. Needless to say, he knew that the other party was going to collect a toll, just like what they did to him in the past. However, he didn't want to pay. The Ning family was a big family. It was normal for them to collect tolls from others. In his eyes, Zhang Zhong was nothing. Why should he pay Lu Zhou?
With this thought in mind, Young Master Ning ordered, "Stop the ship, turn around, and go back to the shore at Lianzhou. I'd rather spend more money on land transportation than give Zhang Zhong a single copper coin. You should learn more in the future. Don't panic when you encounter a problem."
At this time, the steward didn't know what to say. When he came here, he said that when he was in Lianzhou, he suggested to dock at the shore nearby and send the things on the ship there. Then, he would find someone to repair the ship. However, Young Master Ning said that he didn't know how to do it and that he didn't think it through thoroughly enough. He said that he should learn more in the future.
But now, didn't he still have to do as he said? Again, he was told that all the wise decisions were Young Master Ning's, and he had to take the blame for the bad things. The steward was very depressed, but he didn't dare to refute. He could only agree and said, "Young Master, then I'll arrange it this way. But I don't think the Zhang family will let us go easily."
"Not let us go? What does Zhang Zhong want to do? Does he dare? Don't you think more when you do things? Does Zhang Zhong dare? Can't we just go? Can't we leave? You should learn more in the future. Why are you so stupid? "
Young Master Ning's face darkened and continued to scold the steward. The steward quickly nodded and said, "You're right, Young Master. I will learn more in the future. I won't lose face for Young Master."
After saying that, the steward left to arrange the docking of the ship. However, after a while, the steward came back and once again changed Young Master Ning's plan.
"Young Master, they sent a lot of small boats to block the road behind us. Moreover, those boats also threw out a lot of fishing nets. If we want to force our way through, our oars will be entangled. Young Master, what should we do?"
The steward wanted to mention what he said just now to prove that he wasn't wrong, but he didn't dare. He could only repeat what he encountered.
"Ah? The road back is also blocked. Let's go there and see what they want. "Young Master Ning finally couldn't sit still. He didn't think about how much money he could make.
When they reached the deck, Young Master Ning stood at the bow and looked down. Sure enough, as the steward said, there were a lot of small boats with fishing nets. The people on the boats also stood there and looked at them. He turned his head and looked to the other side. There were indeed four big boats anchored there, connected to each other by iron chains.
"Which one of you is in charge of this? Stand up and answer this Young Master. Do you know what two boats are? They belong to the Ning family. They belong to the Ning family of Qinzhou. What are you doing here? Are you rebelling? "
Young Master Ning still had the bearing of an aristocratic family. He stood at the bow and questioned the people below.
In the past, not to mention stopping them, the people here would have respectfully escorted the two boats to the estuary of Qinzhou River. However, things were different now. On one of the boats below, a person said loudly, "I am a Five Star Steward of the Zhang family. I don't know anything about the Ning family. I only know that this is Lu Zhou. All boats and vehicles that don't belong to Lu Zhou must be inspected.
If there is nothing on the boat that can be used as goods, you just need to pay a toll fee. If there is something that can be used as goods, you must pay a toll fee. Put down the rope ladder. We will go up and take a look. "
"How dare you! You dare to check the Ning family's boat? I will make you die without a burial place. Do you believe it or not? Where is your Zhang Zhong? Tell him to come and see me. Let's see if he has the guts to check the Ning family's boat. "
Young Master Ning had never been bullied like this before. If he wanted money, he might have given a few strings of coins. However, the people below actually wanted to check the boat. If they really came up, where would the Ning family's face go?
In fact, he wanted to see Zhang Zhong. When the time came, it would be easier to talk. After all, both sides were Provincial Governors. He had to give them some face. That was why he said that. At the same time, he also wanted to scare the people below. He was afraid that those people would directly rush up. Even if he didn't put down the rope ladder, they would still have a way. They could just throw a rope up.
If they dared to cut the rope, the person with the crossbow next to them would very likely attack. This was not something he wanted to see. What if the other party was cornered and fired a fire arrow? He just wanted to see Zhang Zhong.
Who knew that the people below wouldn't give him the chance. It was the same person who spoke just now. He said to him, "Do you think you can see the Master just because you want to? Are you going to put down the rope ladder or not? If not, we will go up ourselves. If there is resistance, kill! Come on, let's go up. "
The person said to Young Master Ning and ordered the others to get on the boat. As soon as he finished speaking, ropes with hooks were thrown up and hung on the side of the boat. Immediately, people climbed up along the ropes.
"What should we do, Young Master? Should we cut the ropes? Otherwise, if they come up, we may not be able to keep the things here." Seeing this situation, the steward hurriedly asked for Young Master Ning's opinion.
Young Master Ning felt that this trip had not been easy. Previously, they met the former Minister, but the boat was damaged. After they repaired it, they encountered a storm. Now that they finally came here, they were stopped again. He was angry. Hearing the steward's question, he said with dissatisfaction,
"Are you an idiot? There are so many ropes. Can you cut them all? What if the people below attack? At first, we said to stop at Lianzhou, but you insisted on coming here. Now that we are here, I said that someone is stopping us, but you didn't believe me and insisted on turning around. What about now? I'll punish you when we get back. "
Hearing this, the steward understood everything. Young Master Ning had prepared for the worst. When the time came, he would have to take the blame. Since that was the case, he could only take the blame. If he helped Young Master Ning take the blame, Young Master Ning might help him. If he didn't, Young Master Ning would be punished and he would be punished more severely.
The steward, who thought things through in an instant, immediately said, "Young Master Ning is right. It's my fault. I should have listened to you. Young Master Ning, why don't you have a rest in the cabin first? I'll deal with the things here. Even if they want to investigate, they can't investigate you, right?"
Seeing that the steward was so understanding, Young Master Ning nodded with satisfaction and turned back to the cabin. In this way, even if something was taken away, it could be said that the steward was weak. Such a steward should be protected. Who knew if he would encounter something difficult to deal with in the future? With such a steward, Young Master Ning was less worried.
After Young Master Ning went back, the steward found a few people to stand on the deck and wait. After a few seconds, people all around the boat climbed up. The steward greeted them and said,
"This is the Ning family's boat. You have to think about it carefully. What will happen after you really investigate? Zhang Zhong can protect himself and his family, but do you think he can protect you too? When the time comes, don't blame the Ning family for turning against you. "
The manager deliberately emphasized the severity of the consequences in hopes of scaring these people. His reason was indeed correct. No one would protect a real soldier. As such, he believed that these people would casually say that there was no goods when they checked. There were only people, and they could be let go after paying a small sum of money.
In this way, although they would lose face, they would get the money and it would be easy to go back. As for the matter of face, it would naturally be taken care of by the Ning family.
Who would have thought that as soon as he finished speaking, the person opposite him burst out laughing. The other people who came up also laughed. After a while, the person stopped laughing and said, "We are the guards of the Prince's Mansion. When did we need Governor Zhang to protect us? Hurry up and open all the cabin doors. "
As the person spoke, he grabbed the steward's arm. With just a little force, the steward felt that his bones were about to break. He endured the pain and said, "Which mansion are you guards from? This is Lu Zhou. No matter which mansion you are from, you can't interfere with our business. "
"We are guards from the Prince Ning's Mansion. We brought the Little Prince here to recuperate. Governor Zhang has rented this place to our young master. Do you think we can't interfere with your business? Men, search this place for me. Take out everything and drag out everyone. If anyone dares to resist, kill them. "
The guards of the Prince's Mansion weren't afraid of the Ning Family at all. The Ning Family wanted to retaliate against them and retaliate against the people here were two different things. They just obeyed the orders of the guards. Following the orders of the guards, the surrounding people quickly started to search. This time, their harvest was huge.
There were two ships. One of them was filled with food and a small portion of goods. The other ship was filled with goods. Naturally, these things could not be left behind for the Ning family.
According to the situation where the Ning family intercepted the goods in Qin Province, they should leave some things for them so that they would not suffer a loss. However, Zhang Xiaobao did not think so. They were the ones who made the first move. Why should he follow the rules of others?
Since the people in Qin Province dared to withhold the money, he would leave all the goods behind. Even the food was only left behind for the other party so that they could return alive.
Zhang Xiaobao had always been like this. If you scolded me, I would give you a stab. I would never wait for you to slap me and only return the favor. If you felt that you couldn't take the stab, then you'd just have to be scolded.
Zhang Xiaobao's character had already infected the people of the Zhang Family and the Wang Family. In fact, Wang Juan's character was also like this. She was originally from a family that appeared later on. If there were no benefits, she would never take the initiative to provoke others. However, once someone provoked her, she would never give the opponent a chance to turn the tables.
Li Xun was even more so. As a result, the guards of the Prince's Mansion had been in contact with the Zhang Family and the Wang Family for a long time. Their characters were not very good either. They were all like fierce gods. They dragged everyone onto the deck, including Young Master Ning. They also took away the goods. They did not even let go of the sails that had fallen during the storm.
After searching for a while, the people on the two ships disembarked one after another. They greeted the four ships in front of them, and the iron chains on those ships were released.
"You're from the Ning family, right? You can leave now. Remember to consider the consequences before you do anything in the future. "The Prince's Mansion's guard warned them again before they disembarked.
"This is too much. This is too much. Do they really think that I'm that easy to bully? Do they think that the Ning family can be bullied just because they want to? Let's go back quickly. When we reach home, I'll see what they can do. "
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