Just like that, the Zhang and Wang Clan's groups continued on their way. They didn't have the slightest delay because of the road in Jiannan Road.
After passing through Jiannan Road, they arrived at Shannan West Road. There wasn't much snow here, only a light snowfall that had long melted. Just as the citizens of Jiannan Road were worrying about the logistics camp, many citizens of Shannan West Road suddenly came out to help repair the road.
There were even people from the army participating in the repair work. They helped to protect the areas that were easy to walk on, and they helped to repair the roads for the areas that were difficult to walk on.
The soldiers who came over were the most respectful towards Wang Juan. They had sent twelve battalions to fight in Tubo, and those who came back alive had all contributed greatly. The families of those who died also received a large amount of compensation. They had come back ahead of time, and had already publicized Cuckoo's capabilities over and over again.
They said that the families of those who died received so much compensation, and a large portion of it came from Between the Clouds and the Water. If not for Cuckoo, all of them would have died in Tubo, not to mention contributing greatly.
Thus, the citizens of Shannan West Road didn't respect the logistics camp as much as the citizens of Jiannan Road, but they were still grateful. The military merits of those who died were also counted, and the money that their families received was enough to build a two-story house. Even if they wanted their families to come back alive, how could there be no casualties in war? Such a generous compensation was much more than what they had received in the past.
As a result, the traveling speed of the caravan wasn't slow either, covering at least a hundred and fifty li in a single day. Many merchants who were traveling from Jiannan to the capital followed behind the caravan of the Zhang and Wang Clans, and the journey was extremely comfortable.
The people who were heading to Jiannan Road from the capital also felt the difference in the road conditions. Although the road conditions would probably end in a few more days, the journey was smooth and smooth.
Everyone calculated the time and realized that they could still spend the new year at Sanshui County when they returned to the capital. It wasn't like other people who took this road, which would take three to four months, or even half a year.
When the mountain road was difficult, there were many people helping to push and pull them, so it didn't take too much time.
This news also spread to the capital.
Gao Lishi couldn't wait to decorate his home. He was waiting for Zhang Xiaobao to arrive, settle down a little, and immediately adopt him.
"Hercules, are you happy? I didn't expect them to come back so quickly. " Li Longji was also very happy. He was finally coming back. He didn't have to worry about anything happening over there. At the same time, he could ask Bi Chou and Yao Chong. He thought that the two of them would learn a lot of useful knowledge.
Gao Lishi did indeed have a smile on his face as he replied, "Your Majesty, I really didn't expect that there would be so many people helping out on such a difficult road. Many people are saying that Your Majesty uses people well."
"You can only use it well if you have the ability. If you don't, how can you use it? Don't worry, I won't be unhappy just because the people are building roads for them. I'll let all the civil and military officials know that those who serve the people wholeheartedly will be loved and respected by the people. Do you think it's okay if I follow them to San Shui County? "
Li Longji had never been to places that were too far away. In the past, when he wasn't the Emperor, he would always wander around. Now that he was in the capital, he was a little bored and wanted to go out. Especially when he heard people praising San Shui County so much, he couldn't see it with his own eyes.
Gao Lishi shook his head vigorously, "Your Majesty, no, definitely not. I won't go out and will accompany Your Majesty. If Your Majesty wants to see the scenery of San Shui County, get someone to draw it. Cuckoo has a new painting method that can make people feel as if they are there when they see the scenery. Many people in Jianjia Academy have also learned it, so let them draw it."
Li Longji also knew that he couldn't casually go out to play. When he heard Gao Lishi's suggestion, he nodded, "Alright, then get someone to draw it. I heard that your son Xiao Bao's counterattack hasn't ended yet. He sent people to Tubo to cause trouble. I wonder how he got the news?"
"Your Majesty, it's true. Xiao Bao and Cuckoo are both like this. As long as others provoke them first, they will definitely not just beat them back. They have to fight back. I don't have any news, and I guess Xiao Bao also doesn't have any news. Your Majesty, they seem to have sent something again."
As Gao Lishi was speaking, he saw his subordinates outside the hall gesturing.
"Go quickly." Li Longji didn't know what was going on after only two days.
Gao Lishi left in a hurry and returned after a while. There were ten people behind him, each carrying a big bag. He held two letters in his hands. One was opened, presumably for him, and the other was still intact.
However, unlike before, Gao Lishi revealed a distressed expression when he returned, but there was also a happy expression at the corner of his eyes. It was very contradictory.
Li Longji looked at Gao Lishi in puzzlement and asked, "Lishi, why are you like this?"
"It's nothing, Your Majesty. This is a letter from Zhang Zhong. From the other letter, I know that this letter states that the Zhang Zhong and Wang Family appeared as a test for the common people. He wants Your Majesty to pay more attention in the future. The specific situation is written in the letter. It's very thick."
Gao Lishi took a deep breath and handed the letter to one of his subordinates. That young eunuch was responsible for opening the letter.
Li Longji didn't look at the letter. Instead, he looked at the ten young eunuchs who followed him in. They were still carrying things. He couldn't help but swallow his saliva, thinking that Xiao Bao gave his adoptive father something delicious again.
Gao Lishi knew that the Emperor would ask, so he replied, "Inside the bag is not food. It's a toy that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo gave to this official for fun. It's a miniature model of the Tubo desert. It's like a sand table. When the two were fighting in Tubo, they ran around the desert. After looking around and drawing a map, they made it on the road and sent it to this official as soon as it was done."
While Gao Lishi was speaking, he asked someone to take out and open the bag. Sure enough, it was a mess of things. Just as he was about to ask someone to put it away, Li Longji spoke.
"What model? Take a look, don't you have to put it together, just like the building blocks that many children have now? "
"Exactly." Gao Lishi originally thought that Li Longji would lose interest when he heard that it was a sand table. Then, he would take it home and secretly look at it himself. He didn't expect that the Emperor would insist on seeing it.
He arranged for people to start assembling the sand table according to the instructions in the manual that was sent. Only after the assembly did they know how big the sand table was. It was actually an irregular object that was about four zhang wide and six zhang long. Then, he asked people to bring sand and water to continue filling it.
A large group of people, including Li Longji, worked for more than two hours. After they were done with the sand table, they had a special feeling just by looking at it. The desolation of the desert, the clarity of the pool, and the plants and animals in the desert were all reflected in their eyes.
It made people feel as if they had come to another place.
"Your Majesty, this is the desert that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo led people into. Once, there were forty thousand Tubo soldiers outside the desert, but they didn't dare to take a step in. At that time, our dynasty only had less than ten thousand cavalrymen."
Gao Lishi said to Li Longji with a hint of pride. He was not proud of Li Longji. He was proud of Cuckoo and the Great Tang.
A large group of maids and eunuchs who were in charge of assembling the sand table saw that no one was driving them away, so they didn't say anything. They quietly looked at the sand table and felt the vastness of the desert. They also thought of how Cuckoo looked when she was covered in blood.
Li Longji looked from one side to the other without blinking. He reached out his hand and wanted to touch it, but he didn't want to. After a while, he said, "Good, good. Quickly fill up my hall. There is also a small person, a pony, and an eagle. Is it called Shuiyun?"
"Yes, Shuiyun has made a lot of contributions. Looking at this model, I seem to see the situation when Cuckoo led the army to war. It's really not easy."
Gao Lishi sighed softly and replied.
"It's not easy. It's really not easy. This thing is well made. How about this? I will put the model in a special place in Xingqing Palace so that you can always look at it. What do you think?"
Li Longji adjusted the position of the small shell by the lake and stopped with satisfaction. He gave Gao Lishi a place to look.
Gao Lishi quickly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Although he said thank you, he felt pain in his heart. When he brought it here, he knew that he couldn't let him take it home. He was right. He couldn't say that it was made by Xiao Bao and Cuckoo, so it couldn't be put in Xingqing Palace.
Li Longji was happy. He could often look at it in the future. If any minister came, he could take it to see it. There were also concubines.
The maids and eunuchs were also happy. As long as it was in Xingqing Palace, they would have a chance to see it. If it was outside, they could see it at any time. Even if it was afraid of wind and rain, it could be put in the room and they could clean it.
Li Longji admired the model and suddenly thought of what he just said. He waved his hand and let the others leave. He said to Gao Lishi, "Since the desert can be made into a model, can you also make a model of Sanshui County and other places? I can't go there personally, but it's good to see the model. "
"That's right. Now that there is a map, it won't cost much to make a model according to the map. However, there is no place to put it."
Gao Lishi thought for a while and felt that it wouldn't be a waste of money.
"If you don't have a place, then find a place. Give up that useless garden and use it to store the models. When the time comes, all of the Great Tang will be in Our palace. Even in war, it can be used. It's much more useful than a sand table. I'll leave this matter to Lishi."
Li Longji imagined that he could see things from all over the country as long as he was in the palace. He was very happy and let Gao Lishi arrange it. As for the money, of course, he wouldn't pay. At most, when Gao Lishi recognized his son, he would personally go and congratulate him.
What Gao Lishi was worried about was not who would fork out the money. He was worried that Xiao Bao would earn money from such a thing again. There was a model in the game, but it was not detailed enough. Furthermore, it was not done well. If Xiao Bao really did it this time, how much money would he earn?
Gao Lishi didn't doubt his son's ability. During the economic war, he caused Tubo to be in such a state. If he were to pay to make a model, it would be strange if he didn't make money.
Thinking of this, Gao Lishi said awkwardly, "Your Majesty, if we let Xiaobao pay for it, what should we do when he earns money from it?"
"It can't be, right?" Li Longji asked without confidence. He just remembered the Zhang family's ability to make money. Almost everything that other people see as a loss of money can be done by the Zhang family. When he gave the order to build roads, he thought that the Zhang family would lose a lot of money.
Who would have thought that not only did the Zhang family not lose money, they even made a lot of money? If this matter made money again, what should he do? There must be some officials in the court who are not willing. They will think that he is biased towards the Zhang family and give all the benefits to the Zhang family.
Gao Lishi gave an idea. "Your Majesty, why don't we ask all the officials first and see which one of them is willing to do the work of making the model. They are not allowed to disturb the people and are not allowed to ask the local government for money. They can only fork out the money themselves. If no one agrees, we can then give the money to the Zhang family. At that time, when they make money, no one can say anything."
"Okay, we will do as An Lishi said." Li Longji agreed.
During the morning assembly the next day, Li Longji wanted all the ministers to take a look at the model of the desert. After that, he raised the question of who would be willing to make a model of the entire country and not be able to ask for money from others?
After all the officials looked at it, they estimated that this model would cost close to 1,000 strings of coins. This model didn't cost much. It was mainly used to explore the specific situation. This was different from playing with models. There were a lot of mountains and rivers in playing with models. It wasn't that detailed.
In the end, no one was willing to do this work. Li Longji had no choice but to write a decree and let the Zhang family complete it. At that time, the Zhang family would be credited as having done a meritorious deed.
At first, all the officials thought that the Zhang family would have to pay a lot of money this time. After they finished discussing other matters and retreated from the court, they felt that something was wrong. How could the Zhang family possibly pay? Unless the Zhang family was willing to take out money and give it to the court directly for the court to fix the irrigation works and roads, they definitely wouldn't pay.
They understood now. The Emperor must have already planned to let the Zhang family earn money from this project. In order to shut their mouths, the Emperor must have asked them first.
If they had known earlier, they would have taken over the project and cooperated with the Zhang family. The Zhang family must have a way to make money from the model. Unfortunately, they didn't think of this.
Zhang Xiaobao was still on the road when he received a letter sent by a fast horse. Gao Lishi mentioned that the gift was placed in Xingqing Palace. He would be able to see it in the future. He expressed his gratification. In fact, the meaning behind his words was, "Son, the good things you and your wife gave me were snatched away by the Emperor. I can't do anything about it."
Then, he mentioned that he wanted Xiao Bao to make a model for the entire country.
"Isn't this just asking us to spend money? Godfather has already acknowledged this. Why don't we help? " When Wang Juan saw the content, she muttered unhappily. There was a map, and it was a military map. When the time came, they could just add in some snack models of special places. However, that would cost a lot of money. It would probably cost less than 100,000 strings of coins.
"Look at the essence of things. Don't look at the surface. How is it asking my family to spend money? It is clearly asking me to make money. Look at this. It has already been said that no one in the imperial court will take over. This is to seal the mouths of others. We are rich. We were worried about not having enough money. Now, we don't have to worry anymore.
At least we can earn at least 300,000 strings of coins. "Zhang Xiaobao held the letter and said happily to Wang Juan.
When Wang Juan heard Zhang Xiaobao say that they could make money, she was no longer angry. Since Zhang Xiaobao said that they could make money, they definitely could make money. She came over to read the letter carefully and asked, "How do we make money?"
"We will know when it is done. As long as we make a set of this model, we can make another set according to the same model. Where should we put it? We can't throw it away. Aiya, Li Longji is really generous. He actually gave us such a big deal. No, 300,000 strings of coins is too little.
Moreover, it won't be of much benefit to what we are doing. It's just that money is not enough. I have to add in something else. We have to change the pure earning of money to other things that have a positive effect on society. "
Zhang Xiaobao looked at the road in front of him. They had already passed the Shannan West Road and entered the territory of the capital. There were still 11 days before the New Year. If they rushed, they could make it back to Sanshui County before the New Year. If they really couldn't make it back in time, they would just spend the New Year in the capital.
After getting on the carriage, he began to perfect his plan. In order to make money, he had to promote the development of the entire society, at least in a certain aspect.
Once they passed the place, no one would help to repair the road, and no one would help to move things. Fortunately, the road here was not that difficult to walk on. The team rushed with all their might. Most of them only rested for three hours a day and moved the rest of the time.
*****
There were still four days before the New Year, and the team was still two days away from the capital. Zhang Zhong finally gave up on the idea of returning to Sanshui County. It was too late.
Zhang Xiaobao also gave up, but his plan was completed. First, he wrote a letter to the capital, and then asked the team to slow down and rest. He also sent someone to the capital in advance to inform his family's business. Many people were going to spend the New Year in the capital, and he had to arrange a good place.
Other than arranging a place, he also had to prepare all kinds of gifts. When the time came, there would definitely be many people giving gifts. He had to return.
At this moment, the Imperial Court was no longer in session. Other than those on duty, all the officials had returned home to prepare for the New Year. Li Longji settled some matters and also had some free time. Every day, he would take time to look at the model of the desert, fantasizing that one day, he would be able to see the entire Great Tang in the palace.
Occasionally, he would go to the Pear Garden to take a look, and ask if the Savant's Restaurant had any new dishes for the imperial kitchen to learn.
Gao Lishi, on the other hand, was very busy. It was almost the New Year, and he was in charge of many things. He ordered his subordinates around, and he was also very busy. When he finally finished some things and was about to rest and ask the Emperor if there was anything else he needed, Xiao Bao's letter arrived.
Gao Lishi had no choice but to take the letter to Li Longji. When they met, Li Longji was playing the guqin. The guqin, in other words, was a guitar. The Zhang family gave it to him. Who asked him to like everything?
He also saw Gao Lishi and asked, "Lishi, are you too busy?"
"It's okay, but things are a little complicated. This is the only time a year, so naturally, I have to spend it well." Gao Lishi wiped the sweat on his forehead and replied.
"I heard that Xiao Bao was the one who arranged everything along the way. Not only was he in charge of the things on the other side, but he also had to consider the news from Yizhou from time to time, and arrange the reception in the capital as well as the rescue of the snow disaster. This time, his family took out 100,000 strings of cash and arranged it in the name of the Imperial Court. How did he do it? Isn't he busy? "
Li Longji knew that this was a master training Xiao Bao, but so many things were taken care of by Xiao Bao, and there seemed to be no loopholes in his management. This was not easy. Could it be that there were more things in the palace than that?
Hearing the Emperor mention Xiao Bao, Gao Lishi presented the letter and said, "Your Majesty, he is not only busy with those things. He also wrote a plan for the things I asked him to do a few days ago and sent it to me. I can't compare to him. How can Xiao Bao's logistical organization be surpassed by ordinary people? He is a person who specializes in economic warfare. "
"Oh? The plan came out so soon? Isn't Xiao Bao's ability because you, as his godfather, are proud of him? Tell me, what is written in the letter? "
Li Longji was now more and more satisfied with the two children. They were very filial and reassured. Before any ceremony, they had already sent something to Gao Lishi. Fortunately, he let them take a look. Otherwise, they would have been taken home by Gao Lishi.
Gao Lishi indeed felt proud of himself. He decided to wait for Xiao Bao to come back and ask Xiao Bao if there was any good way to make things easier when doing things. He believed that Xiao Bao would not be too tired.
He looked at Li Longji and replied, "Your Majesty, Xiao Bao said in the letter that the model can be made bigger and can be made all over the country. However, he has a request. First, he wants to make a set after it is done and put it in another place. He will send people to protect it. Second, he needs to find powerful hunters and fishermen all over the Tang Empire."
"The first request is feasible. If he makes the model secretly, no one will know about it. It will be fine as long as he protects it well and doesn't let anyone steal it. What does the second request mean?"
Li Longji did not understand.
"Replying to Your Majesty, Xiao Bao said that the model alone is not enough. He needs to catch all kinds of animals from all over the country and rear them. There is no one who specializes in rearing animals. Most hunters are the most familiar with animals. When the time comes, we will build a huge zoo in the capital. Some of the animals can be used to make medicine, and some of the animals can be used to help people.
He wanted people to learn how to raise animals. When the time came, they would try their best to have more cubs. Otherwise, if there was a need for medicinal herbs one day and there were not enough animals, it would also have an impact on medicine. Some animals might even become extinct in the end, never to be found again. They had to leave some wealth for their descendants.
"Another point is that after the zoo is set up, people will be able to research why animals have such thick fur and why some animals are afraid of water. We will be able to figure out what is useful to humans. If one year is not enough, we will do it for ten years. If ten years is not enough, we will do it for a hundred years. With generations of research, we will be stronger than other countries."
Gao Lishi had already memorized everything written in the letter and explained it to Li Longji one by one.
Hearing Gao Lishi's words, Li Longji was also moved. "You are indeed a great talent. Good, I agree to find animals and good hunters and fishermen from all over the country. I will also arrange for a place to build a zoo and send people to learn. Even if we don't do it for ourselves, we have to think for the future generations.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to use extra money to feed the animals. There is also the need to prepare things like ice and heating. The money that the zoo earns is enough. Anyone who wants to go in to see the animals will have to spend money. The animals that live in different environments will be placed together according to their area.
It will cost one copper coin to see the animals that live in different environments. Some animals eat meat and fruits. The zoo can prepare them. When the time comes, people who want to watch the animals will have to pay for them. I believe that many rich people will be willing to do this.
If we find talented people, it will be like the place where the animals are raised in the imperial family. We will train the animals and perform for people. Watching the performances will also cost money. Of course, not all places will have to be opened. Some people are unwilling to spend the money, so they will specially open a part of the zoo for people to watch for free.
In addition, after visiting so many places in the zoo, they will also need to rest and eat. This part of the zoo can also be used to earn money to feed the animals. As for the remaining money, Your Majesty can use it to repair other things. "
Gao Lishi did not know what Xiao Bao was thinking. He even thought about this. The imperial family originally had many animals, but they were few in number and did not have enough species. The main reason was that the cost of raising them was too high. If there were too many animals, they could not afford to raise them. Furthermore, they would not casually open them to others.
Li Longji really did not think about collecting money. After thinking about it, he felt that it was feasible. When the animals had money, the remaining money could be used for other things. He said, "This is good. What other ideas can make money and bring other benefits to people?"
Gao Lishi raised his head and looked at the letter in the Emperor's hand. He continued, "Your Majesty, there is also the money earned from the models. The money given to Your Majesty cannot be used to do business, but the money left by Xiao Bao himself can be used to let people watch. Each time, he will charge a fee and sell the local specialties and souvenirs of various places.
Xiao Bao means that if he and Cuckoo want to go to a poor county to do something, they don't have to be the county magistrate. However, the local county magistrate is absolutely not allowed to make trouble for them. Otherwise, don't blame him for being merciless. If he and Cuckoo are allowed to make models in the poor county, they can turn the poor county into a rich county. "
"Oh? He has such plans? He even threatened me. Either I give them a county magistrate, or I arrange for an obedient person to go over. Then, I'll randomly arrange for a county magistrate to go over and see if he can cause trouble for them and wait for them to deal with him. Their family has no lack of people to deal with, so it can help me test the officials. Let's see which county magistrate did poorly this year and send them over. In the future, whoever doesn't work hard will be sent to them.
When Li Longji heard Gao Lishi say that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo wanted to be officials, he had a plan in mind. When Zhang Zhong arrived in Luoyang, he would find a poor county near Luoyang for the two of them to cause trouble. He believed that if they did not understand what was going on, the experts in their families would take action and casually help to deal with the officials who did not do their jobs properly.
Thinking of turning a poor county into a rich county, Li Longji asked again, "Did they mention how they can improve the lives of the locals through a model?"
"No, they only said that no matter what they do over there, as long as the people do not flee, starve, or freeze to death, no one can find trouble for them. They will probably be suppressed, or they will go home."
When Gao Lishi said this, the corners of Weiwei's mouth curled up.
"Hahaha, they are indeed children. They can even say such things. If they can't do it, they will go home. Haha, I agree. Let's see what will happen in the end."
Li Longji laughed out loud. These two children were really fun to play with. However, it was such interesting children. One of them led troops into battle, causing the Tibetans to call him a demon. The other was a remote commander, causing the Tibetans to be unable to retaliate when they launched an economic war. He really did not know how to describe it.
*****
Zhang Xiaobao did not know that Li Longji would agree so readily. As he waited for news, he got the team to advance slowly. As long as they reached the capital before 30, there was no rush. At the same time, he was busy with his own plans.
A poor county, in his heart, referred to a place that had no natural economy, no minerals, and inconvenient transportation. It was really poor. Under normal circumstances, no one would be willing to stay in such a place, let alone invest. Unless it was a polluting industry, they would hide in such a place to harm the people. In order to eat better and wear better, the people had no choice but to give up their health.
Only such a place would have challenges. Otherwise, if a county was randomly arranged for him and Cuckoo, what was there to manage? It was enough as long as they invested money, and the money they invested could be earned back very quickly.
Wang Juan also knew that the location arranged for the two of them would not be too far away from the capital or Luoyang. She was looking for a poor county on the map to see where was suitable. Xiao Bao wanted to train his father, so he could only leave. Of course, he also had to bring Xiaobei and the rest with him. He had to stay by their side.
At that time, he would bring his parents over to take a look every once in a while. After all, there was not much to do when he became an official in Luoyang. After searching for a while, he did not find the kind of place that Zhang Xiaobao had requested. He nudged Zhang Xiaobao and asked,
"Why do you insist on being an official? You still have to find a truly poor county. There is no one nearby. You can't be far away from home. Don't tell me you want to be a demonstration and tell other officials how to govern a place? "
"I'm not going to be a demonstration. I want to slowly stand in front with you and weaken the existence of experts. At the same time, I want to build a foundation for the future. We are young, so we can only get Xiao Li to arrange a lower position for us. We can't be too high. We need to interact with the grassroots more. In the future, when Xiao Li gives us a higher position, we will have an excuse.
At the same time, I want Xiaobei and the rest to watch from the side. In case someone wants to be an official in the future, we can't be ignorant and suffer losses first, right? Also, a small place has its benefits. My father is not busy. How much energy can we spend on governing a small county? I'll find some time to make other arrangements. "
Zhang Xiaobao was analyzing human nature and consumer psychology. Since there were no resources, he had to think of ways to create resources. In this world, there was no place that could not develop. It only depended on how much one was willing to invest, even if it was a desert.
At this time, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang family members were worried. They did not want to let their children leave their side. Even though they knew Xiao Bao and Cuckoo's abilities, they still wanted to watch over and protect them.
However, they also knew that it was not good to not let the two children go out. It was not good for the children to always be cooped up at home. They could only think of ways to arrange for the two children to go out and visit them every two or three days.
Old Man Pi and the other two were also in a dilemma. They also knew that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo were going to a county to do something. They were hesitating whether to follow Xiao Bao and Cuckoo or follow Zhang Zhong.
"You two, tell me. Do you want to go to a county or to Luoyang? Zhang Zhong's position can be considered fixed. We can't go to Beijing, so we have to go to Luoyang to train. If we follow Zhang Zhong, we can always know what new things come out of his house and how the experts can help Zhang Zhong.
In this way, we won't be able to see the little ones again. It's strange. Besides, Xiao Bao and Cuckoo are not bad now. I reckon that when the two of them become local officials, many interesting things will happen. "
Old Man Chang sat in the carriage. When he was in a dilemma, he asked Old Man Pi and Old Man Yao.
Old Man Pi scratched his head worriedly. "Actually, I want to follow Xiao Bao and Cuckoo to see how far the two of them can go. However, I'm afraid that because of my identity, people from other places will go there because of my identity. That way, the two of them won't be able to show off their abilities. If I leave them, I reckon that it will be difficult to eat their cooking in the future."
"I also considered this, but after thinking about it, I decided to follow Xiao Bao and Cuckoo. I'll follow them secretly when they arrive. That way, no one will know." Old Man Yao also voiced his thoughts.
When this idea came out, Old Man Pi and Old Man Chang suddenly felt that it was a good idea and nodded in agreement.
*****
On the morning of the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the group finally arrived outside the capital. They could already see the city walls and the city gates. All the flags that represented their identities were raised, and everyone began to change their clothes.
Li Xun put on his Duke's clothes and raised the flag, showing off his prestige. Old Man Pi and Old Man Yao also wore purple clothes, showing off their splendor.
The adults of the Zhang Family and Wang Family, except for Zhang Zhong, were all scattered officials or titled ladies. However, even so, they still had their own clothes and backing. Even Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan also changed into purple clothes and hung a goldfish bag. Seeing this, Xiao Bei and the little ones were envious.
"Xiao Bei also wants to wear it. Xiao Bei also has one." Xiao Bei pulled on her brother's robe and pouted as she requested.
"Okay, then wear it. I believe that no one will impeach our family's Xiao Bei." When Zhang Xiaobao saw that his sister was unhappy, he immediately agreed. His family had indeed made clothes for the little ones like his and Cuckoo's for them to wear and play. Old Man Pi, Old Man Yao, and Li Xun didn't care at all. It was fine as long as they were happy. Who would care about them? They even told them the rules and told them what grade of clothes to wear.
However, they didn't have the corresponding backing. The only thing they could rely on was the big house. Of course, this house was more impressive than other people's backing. When they came back, they were exhausted. When they went up the mountain, dozens of people had to work together.
When they were approaching just now, the people on the road only felt that it was a little bigger. However, when they took out all of their backing, it didn't feel that it was that big anymore.
Those who knew the rules of the officials all stopped and looked at the group. Who exactly were these people that entered the capital? There were too many officials, and each of them had a high grade?
Especially the servants, whose clothes were also very impressive. The men and women were dressed in the same color, and they were lined up in groups with fluttering banners. As they got closer and closer to the city gate, they adjusted their pace and could feel the vibrations of the ground.
Just when everyone was puzzled, the gate of the capital finally opened. A group of people suddenly came out from inside. When they looked carefully, they were also dressed in both men and women's clothes, and they carried a banner with a picture of a rice sprout.
Now everyone knew who they were. They were from the Zhang Family and Wang Family of Sanshui. No wonder they were so impressive. This was the victorious return of the logistics camp in Yizhou.
In the past, they only knew that the Savant's Restaurant and other businesses in the capital belonged to the Zhang Family and Wang Family. Very few people had actually seen the Zhang Family and Wang Family. They only knew that the two families were extraordinary. As for how extraordinary they were, they didn't know. Now, they had learned something new. Just the banners they carried showed that the Zhang Family and Wang Family had ten high-ranking officials.
Was every single one of them an official? Four of them had the title of nobility. Could it be that the women of the two families were all nobility? All of them were of such high ranks.
The group couldn't stop just because of the attention of others. They continued to move forward and met up with their families who had come out of the city to welcome them. Behind the group of Zhang Family and Wang Family members were merchants who had also received the news and came to welcome them.
These merchants were partners with the Zhang Family and Wang Family, as well as Li Xun. Since they were back, how could they not welcome them? No matter how important the matter was, they had to put it aside first. Otherwise, how could they continue to cooperate in the future?
In addition to this group of people, there were also people behind them. They were the people from Jianjia Academy and Zhang Family and Wang Family who had passed the imperial examination. Some were not official yet, while some were already wearing official robes, including those who had passed the imperial examination sponsored by the Zhang Family and Wang Family. There were also those who hadn't passed the imperial examination. They were arranged according to their ranks. They didn't dare to take a carriage and walked here.
With such a welcoming group, there was no need for others to enter or leave. If they wanted to enter, they had to go through another door. This door was not open.
Zhang Zhong walked forward and said to the person in charge of welcoming them, "I'm back."
"Welcome, Master." After the people from Zhang Family and Wang Family who were doing business in the front greeted him in unison, the merchants behind also shouted in unison, "Brother Zhang, please."
After that, it was the officials and students. They bowed together and saluted, "Greetings, students."
The people who were watching the show had a great time. In the future, they could brag about it to those who had never seen such a scene. These were the people from Zhang Family and Wang Family. The one who received the salutes in succession was the head of the Zhang Family, Zhang Zhong.
Zhang Zhong returned the salute and prepared to enter the city. The people guarding the city didn't dare to come over and ask Zhang Zhong and the others for something that represented their identity. They obediently hid at the side.
Just as everyone was preparing to enter the city, another group of people came out of the city. One person sat on a horse and hurried over with the others. When they saw this person and recognized him, they were so shocked that their jaws dropped. It was actually Gao Lishi who personally came out to welcome them. It was General Gao. How much face did he have to have General Gao personally come out to welcome him?
Everyone greeted Gao Lishi one after another. Even Zhang Zhong stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting. Before he could finish his greeting, Gao Lishi hurriedly stopped him, "Governor Zhang, there's no need to be so polite. Where are Xiao Bao and Cuckoo? Quickly follow me into the palace."
Gao Lishi had been waiting and waiting. Finally, the people he had been waiting for had returned. Without waiting for him to ask for leave from Li Longji, Li Longji had sent him out to bring Xiao Bao and Cuckoo into the palace.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan walked forward from behind. Behind them were Xiao Bei and the others.
As soon as they met, Zhang Xiaobao didn't know how to address him. He sized up Gao Lishi and felt that he was indeed as described. In fact, he was even better than described. He was good-looking and had a face full of righteousness. When he stood there, he didn't look like a eunuch at all. He was clearly a handsome man.
"Xiao Bao? Cuckoo, call me Uncle Gao first. Come back with me. Yo! This is Xiao Bei, right? So good-looking. Do you want to be an official like brother and sister? "
Gao Lishi told Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan how to address him. When he looked behind the two, he saw Xiao Bei's eyes widen. He looked over with a curious expression. He immediately said to Xiao Bei.
"Hello, Uncle Gao. Xiao Bei will treat Uncle Gao to some candy." Xiao Bei wasn't afraid of people. He stepped forward and took out a piece of candy from his bag and handed it over.
Gao Lishi hurriedly opened his mouth and held the candy. He then kissed Xiao Bei. Only then did he stand up straight and signal for Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan to follow. As for what Xiao Bei and the others were wearing, he didn't see them.
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