The County Magistrate of Taihu County had just found someone to clean up the water in the lake and half of the mine. Just as he was about to start production again, a letter arrived on a fast horse, causing him to stand on the mountaintop in a daze.
"Grandmother, what were you doing earlier? Who's paying for this? Who's paying for this? Stop draining the water. Block it up. Once you're done, bring the water back. Hurry up, it's going to be too late. "
The County Magistrate of Taihu County held the letter in his trembling hands and roared loudly.
Aggrieved, it was really too aggrieved. Others just came over and he had to spend a lot of money. Who could he blame? Whoever sent people to slack off should be held responsible. Why did he have to do all the hard work?
The commoners were obedient and did as they were told. After all, they were paid and were not afraid of working for nothing. They understood that if they were paid more, it wasn't just their wages. There was also money to keep their mouths shut.
When they heard the new order, they started to work hard to block the entrance of the mine. They also brought buckets of water over. This time, they were more familiar with it and were faster than the previous time.
After the County Magistrate of Taihu County was aggrieved for a while, he endured the depression in his heart. He still had to find people to attend to the Provincial Governor. At the very least, he had to make a few decent scenic spots for people to compose poems about.
It was another sum of money. He could not expect the Provincial Governor to give him this money. There was never such a rule. If he had to rely on his salary, his family would have starved to death.
"Zhang Zhong, oh Zhang Zhong, how can you let people live? You're here to clean people up. You can't be greedy. If you're not greedy, you won't have the money to attend to the Provincial Governor. Then why do you have to come here? Your family is rich, but you have to think about other people's lives. "
The County Magistrate of Taihu County mumbled and took out money from his family to decorate. Other than the scenic spots, he also had to take care of the food and wine. He also had to repair the roads and find people to attend to the Provincial Governor. Which of these did not cost money?
He wanted to leave the yamen but did not dare to do so. Zhang Zhong was here to collect taxes. He could not touch the books. He could not afford to live anymore.
*****
Zhang Zhong didn't care about what others thought. Normally, as long as he increased the rental tax, he would be able to earn more than 150,000 strings of cash this year and next year. Even if he completed the mission, he wouldn't think about leaving.
However, Li Xun's fief was here. If he didn't help him deal with the local officials, it would be difficult for him to do things in the future. Today, this official delayed the government affairs. Tomorrow, another official came looking for trouble. Li Xun really couldn't handle it.
Furthermore, if he still allowed others to secretly mine the two mines, Li Xun would become a laughingstock. Outsiders were allowed to meddle in his own territory. It was no longer a matter of money.
It was also because of this that Zhang Zhong decided to deal with all the people who needed to be dealt with. Those who had connections would be moved to another place, and those who had no connections would either have to obediently compromise or be removed from office.
Early the next morning, in order to make this matter seem grand, Zhang Zhong and Wang Family's people moved. Only the yamen runners from the prefectural government were left to patrol outside the courtyard. They did not allow others to enter. Not a single person from the Zhang Family and Wang Family was left. Zhang Zhong did not believe that the yamen runners would dare to have any bad ideas.
When the seven people from the military registrar brought the other officials and attendants to prepare, the Zhang Family and Wang Family's group appeared.
Just like when they arrived, they were majestic. The entire group stretched out for two li from the beginning to the end. It was not an ordinary style. In particular, the aura that the people from the inner courtyard exuded made people not dare to look directly at them. In addition, there were men and women wearing clothes of the same color. Even if no one was sounding the gong to clear the street, the street still appeared very quiet.
The commoners were curious, but they were not disgusted. One reason was because they were used to the style of officials. Another reason was that they understood whose family this was. Since they were Governor Zhang's family, they had to be treated differently. Governor Zhang was a good person. He had found new ways to make money for them. Furthermore, such a group was very eye-catching.
As soon as the group left the city, the bodyguards unsheathed their sabers and readied their bows and urged their horses to gallop back and forth. In the group, there were also a few lookouts supported by carriages. The four people on the lookouts each held a clairvoyance and looked into the distance.
The lookouts were more eye-catching, but the most eye-catching thing was a house in the middle of the group. It had a total of three floors. Each floor was not tall, but when all three floors were added together, it was not short. There were beautiful decorations on the roof and transparent glass windows.
From time to time, a child's curious head would appear near the glass windows. He looked around and occasionally said a few words from his mouth.
The military registrar and the others had already seen it once. At that time, the house was still on the ground. At this moment, there were several large wheels underneath.
It was not a big deal that there were wheels. What was most surprising was that when other carriages passed by a large ditch, they would shake and make clanging sounds. When they passed by this house, it was as if they were passing by a small pit. They did not even shake much, let alone hear any sounds.
Upon closer inspection, they realized that this' car 'house was different from the other carriages. The wheels at the bottom were different from other wheels. In the middle, there was a thick iron bar connecting the outer ring. The outer ring was not made of wood or iron, and there were no rivets.
It was not clear what it was exactly. They only saw that when they encountered a pit, the wheels of other carriages would directly crash into it. However, the moment the wheels of this house hit a stone or pit, they seemed to be able to change their shape a little with Weiwei.
All the force of the collision was eliminated because of Weiwei's change of shape. At least, it was not as obvious as other carriages.
What was even more surprising was that when they encountered a small slope, other carriages would lean back, but this house would slowly adjust itself to the slope. When they leaned back, the back of the house would tilt up. The more they leaned back, the greater the tilt would be.
When they leaned back, the front of the house would tilt up again. It kept the house flat all the time. It was really amazing. It was definitely the most comfortable to stay inside.
There were so many carriages in the group, but only this house with wheels had such a shape. Even Zhang Zhong's car could not enjoy this.
This was what Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan had specially done for their younger siblings. The tires were made of various kinds of gum, and the inner tube was also made of several layers of shark foam glue. It was naturally better than other carriages when it was inflated.
As for why the house would change during the process of climbing and descending, it was because of dynamic balance. When the center of gravity of the entire house changed, there would immediately be mercury flowing in it, which would drive the force of the lever, causing the house to change its center of gravity in the opposite direction. Finally, it would achieve balance.
If it was placed on a fast carriage, such a simple equipment would not have any effect at all. However, the moving speed of the house was not fast. It could not reach the level of dozens of kilometers per hour. The simple equipment was enough to support the balance adjustment.
At the place where the wheels and the house were connected, there were steel shock absorbers. The four children in the house received the least vibration.
Of course, they did not know what they were enjoying. All of them were very excited to be able to come out and see the scenery, and they laughed cheerfully from time to time.
The adults of the Zhang Family and the Wang Family did not have any intention of stopping Xiao Bao and Wang Juan from doing what they were doing. They left the best for their children.
Moreover, the carriage they were in could not achieve dynamic balance. The consequence of being too simple was that the equipment was relatively large. Unless the carriage was made as big as the house, it would be fine.
Outsiders did not know the principle of the house's shock absorber, nor did they know why it could be adjusted back and forth, but this did not prevent them from being shocked.
If a country's cutting-edge military strength showed the country's comprehensive strength, then the house of the four children told everyone how powerful the Zhang family was.
Therefore, when they were on the road, all the people near the house could not help but look at the house. One was because they were amazed, and the other was because the four children were very cute. As long as you made a face or something to them, they would smile back at you.
If someone could enter the house, they would find that it was very comfortable to stay in the house. No matter how cold or hot the outside changed, the inside of the house was almost the same.
Only Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan knew that the temperature in the house was basically between 23 and 27 degrees. When it was hot, there would be a cool breeze in the interlayer, and when it was cold, there would be a hot breeze in the interlayer. The cool breeze was produced by blowing ice, and the hot breeze was produced by putting lime in water.
This required people to personally adjust it, and it was far from being automated. The measuring tool was a mercury thermometer, which was not very accurate. The boiling point was easy to grasp, but the freezing point was not. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan could only try to mix water and ice equally.
Then, they used this temperature as zero degrees. It was impossible to make it so accurate, but it was still within the general range.
Because it was not accurate, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan let people set the temperature in the house between 23 and 27 degrees, and the average was 25 degrees.
As long as the thermometer was out, it was fine. As for how much glass was damaged and how many times it was tested, it was not a problem for the two of them to consider. This was the work of a craftsman, to achieve a certain success in a failed experiment.
During the day, the house of the little ones had become the focus of the group. However, at night, the light bulbs in the house were no longer the focus, but the fear.
All along, there had only been torches, bonfires, oil lamps, and wax. Since when had there been such a beautiful thing that didn't emit fire?
In the house of the children, there was a light bulb in the hall of the third floor. Outside the house, there were people who were stepping on something. If they stepped faster, the light bulb would be brighter. If they stepped slower, the light bulb would be dimmer. If they did not step on it, it would be extinguished.
Five or six people were found in the inner courtyard, and each of them took turns to step on it for half an hour. Slowly, they got used to the speed, so that the light bulb was always at a relatively stable brightness.
This was the 'invention' of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan in the first two days. The light bulb was made of bamboo charcoal wire, and the outside was blown out glass. The air inside was extracted as much as possible, and then it was sealed.
The two of them were not ready to reach Edison's level at once, and they did not expect to burn for thousands of hours. It was enough to burn for a day. They could improve slowly. This was the advantage of standing on the shoulders of giants.
Knowing the process and direction of development of things, there was no need to take detours. Although there were many aspects of electricity that could not be controlled, after all, when the light was on, it was progress. With a direction, it could be left to others to study.
The little ones were the first to enjoy this treatment. Except for the light bulbs used by Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, they were the first to shine in front of outsiders.
When the others were drooling, Zhang Zhong was the first to react. He shouted to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, who were sitting outside the house reading books with the help of the light from their younger brother and sister, "Xiao Bao, Cuckoo, come here. The adults have something to ask."
"Dad, what's the matter?" Zhang Xiaobao closed the book, and came to the two adults with Wang Juan. He asked knowingly.
"What's that?" Zhang Zhong pointed at the light bulb and asked.
"Light, it's on," Zhang Xiaobao answered honestly.
"What's it for?" Zhang Zhong asked again.
"It's for the younger brother and sister. Otherwise, what can we do? Candles? That won't do. Although there are certain things in the house that can set fire, once the candles burn, it will be difficult to breathe. Don't worry about this, it won't easily catch fire, and it won't affect breathing. "
Zhang Xiaobao's reason was very good, and it was also the case. The reason why he and Wang Juan took it out early was for their younger brother and sister to use. If they always looked at the candles, the children would not be able to adjust themselves, and it was easy for them to be nearsighted. The sooner they made the light, the sooner they could solve this hidden danger.
When Zhang Zhong heard his son's answer, he turned to look at the other seven people of the two families, meaning that it was indeed the case. If there was a need, Xiao Bao and Cuckoo would immediately make the corresponding thing. Every thing was the kind of existence that defied the natural order. If they did not see it with their own eyes, who would believe it?
When they made the cement, it was to strengthen the sea wall. When they made the glass, it was to reduce the damage to the eyes of the people who burned the cement. When they made the tires and dynamic balance, it was to make the little ones less bumpy. Now, they once again made such a dazzling thing for their younger brother and sister.
It seemed that their younger brother and sister held a considerable weight in their hearts. Many things, including this house, were made for the four little ones. For example, the marble floor was made for the convenience of the little ones when they slid back and forth on it.
"Too much, too much. For the four of them, how could the two of you … How could the two of you … Why didn't you say anything in advance? It was so scary. "
Zhang Zhong pointed at Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, wanting to say something, but found that he could not organize his words.
Zhang Xiaobao snickered in his heart, but said, "Dad, why didn't you say anything? Didn't you say a few days ago that Cuckoo and I were going to make something bright for Xiaobei and the others? You still said so, then hurry up and do it."
"Ah? You said this last time? The bright thing is some kind of a lamp? " Zhang Zhong recalled. He did say that before, but who would have thought that the bright thing was something that should not appear in the mortal world?
There was also that thing called a thermometer, which could be used by Pomegranate and Xiao Hong. It could also be used in the little ones' house, so that the temperature inside would always be within a certain range. When one put their head in to feel, it would be very comfortable. No wonder the little ones were not willing to come out. It was so good to be in 'home'. It was not cold, not hot.
Zhang Zhong really did not know what to say to his son and daughter-in-law. Good things should be given to the younger brother and sister first. The third-pin officer's car did not say that it would not be so bumpy when crossing ditches, and it would not lean back when going uphill. The little ones only went to enjoy it. How could they know that the thing they were using did not belong to this mortal world?
"Okay, okay, what else is there to say? In the future, make more of these lights and put them in the house to brighten it up." Jang Wong Clan saw that Zhang Zhong wanted to find an excuse to talk about Xiao Bao and Cuckoo, so she was immediately dissatisfied. She helped him and said to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, "Go read your books.
Don't worry about your dad. Your dad is envious of the good things that Xiaobei and the others have. He's already an adult, but he's still competing with the children. "
"I'm not …"
"Okay, don't say anymore. Go, this light is really beautiful." Before Zhang Zhong could explain, Jang Wong Clan interrupted him and waved her hand. Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan went back to reading. In fact, the two of them wanted to see how the light was like.
"Xiao Bao and Cuckoo don't have it easy either. Their children are born in rich families, but our Xiao Bao and Cuckoo have to help their families at such a young age. When they grow up, we have to talk to them about the current situation. Without their older brothers and sisters, they wouldn't be able to live such good lives."
Seeing that her son and daughter-in-law had left, Jang Wong Clan complained to Zhang Zhong.
Zhang Zhong sighed, "I'm not talking about them. I'm just worried that they will make too many heaven-defying things and shorten their lifespan. Look at that light, is it something that should appear in the mortal world? Do you think that I don't know? Now that people are kicking it, it means that in the future, we can use wind and water to make that thing turn.
I've also learned quite a bit now. Anything that requires manpower and animals to do can be replaced by wind and water. If I'm not wrong, a river will be specially drawn from the backyard of the manor to light up this lantern.
Isn't this heaven-defying? How much does it cost to light candles? With this light, it's just a little bit of glass. It's not like you don't know what glass is made of. It's much cheaper than wax. The cost of this light is basically the cost of a stick of wax, or even less. Just put it in the water and it will save a lot of money.
I'm worried about such a heaven-defying thing. We can't let anything happen to Xiao Bao and Cuckoo because of these four little guys. If we don't have to do it in the future, then we shouldn't do it. Don't other children live well without this thing? "
Jang Wong Clan and the other family members finally understood that Zhang Zhong was worried about Xiao Bao and Cuckoo. That's right, if this family suddenly lost two sensible children, or little immortals, one day, they didn't dare to imagine what would happen.
Even if the days were tough, they couldn't let the two children be struck by lightning. Yes, the two children weren't afraid of lightning and had lightning rods. Even the house was equipped with lightning rods. What if the heavens thought of another way?
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan did as Zhang Zhong said. They sat outside the house and thought about how to use water to replace manpower. The best way was to specially draw a river in the manor.
The two of them were very troubled about how to change the voltage. Although it was easy to generate electricity, it was difficult to make a transformer. Wang Juan couldn't make that thing. Moreover, electricity could only be generated and used at the same time. It couldn't be stored. Wang Juan only knew that the battery seemed to have sulfuric acid and lead plates. As for the specifics, she didn't know and didn't know how to use them.
In this regard, the two of them couldn't even compare to a person who repaired cars all year round. With that kind of experienced person, he could make the battery, voltage regulator, and transformer himself.
"Look, they're not sleepy. They like to stay in bright places." Zhang Xiaobao looked at the place on the second floor. The four little guys were crowded in the hall, snatching and throwing the toys in front of them.
Especially Xiaobei, she was like a little tyrant. She snatched whatever others played with. After she got it, she threw it in her hand and continued to snatch it when she saw others playing with something else. She repeated it endlessly. No one knew what she wanted to play. Or rather, she just wanted to snatch other people's things to play with.
"When they're tired, they can sleep. We'll see when the time comes. If they really can't, we'll carry them out. Actually, it's better to sleep in the house. There are so many people now and it's lively, so they don't want to sleep. How fortunate. If only we had a house like this when we were one year old."
Wang Juan waved her hand at her younger brother who was lying on the window. The little guy chuckled and called out "sister". His saliva flowed out.
"If we let you live in such a house when we were one year old, you wouldn't live in it. You're not a real child." Zhang Xiaobao opened the window and wiped the little guy's mouth. He stuffed him back to play with the other three.
"I'm talking about the past."
"Then you've forgotten when you grew up. Who could let you live in such a house in the past? Just the cashmere carpet inside is enough to buy a small villa. This is genuine and pure cashmere, not fake cashmere with soft leather and coarse hair. Coupled with this kind of agarwood frame, even a seaside villa has come out. "
"Keep your voice down. Don't let our family hear you. Only you can do such a thing. After wandering in the Shiwan Mountains for so long, you cut down a lot of big agarwood. Then you tell our family that it's mahogany. It's not much. It's not much. You didn't use money to buy it at all.
Other people take a small piece, either to make medicinal herbs or as incense. It's already precious enough. You're good. You used it to build a house. It's fine if others don't know. Didn't you see the look in your mother's eyes every time she saw this house? She even helped you hide it. I don't dare to say that it's expensive. "
Wang Juan really didn't know what to do with Zhang Xiaobao. She did whatever she wanted. Big agarwood was hard to find. Usually, a small piece was very expensive. She didn't go to the Shiwan Mountains in vain. She found it and came back to build a house for her younger siblings. Fortunately, she pasted a layer of colored paper on the outermost surface.
Otherwise, how could others not see it? Especially Zhang Xiaobao's mother. She had seen everything. When it was just built, she found something wrong at first sight. She followed the lie and said that it was mahogany.
"Even if I cut it down, I'll still plant it. This is the wealth left for the little guys. If they need it one day, I'll let them break down the house they played in when they were young. Selling the wood can guarantee a lifetime of wealth. It smells really good. It's time to put other spices on the outside. In the future, try not to take it out and let more people see it."
Zhang Xiaobao didn't feel that there was anything wrong with what he did. It was not a waste to give it to his younger siblings. It was better than burning it.
While the two of them were chatting, a sensible official who accompanied them outside roasted some hoof tendons and brought them over. Accompanied by the guards, he handed the hoof tendons to the Zhang and Zhong families with a smile on his face and said, "Brother Zhang, this is the Zhang and Zhong families.
"I just roasted the hoof tendons. It's chewy and not stuffed. It's just right for the young master and his wife. The children in my family eat this."
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
