When the Tang Exhibition Garden in Baoxin County was still under construction, Wang Maozhong sent someone to deliver a message, saying that he would take out a thousand stallions for the Zhang Family and the Wang Family to receive.
All the civil and military officials in the imperial court who knew about this matter knew that Wang Maozhong had lost the duel. Some people were still rejoicing in his misfortune, they were ready to continue watching the fun, thinking that Wang Maozhong would not give up easily and would fight a big battle with the Zhang and Wang Families.
As for whether it was on the surface or behind the scenes, no one knew. In any case, they were waiting for Wang Maozhong to make a move.
When Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan heard that Wang Maozhong really gave out the stallions, they felt that it was funny when they inspected the construction site.
"Little Wang is really too much. He sent someone to poach, but the person he sent messed up. He even went to Little Li and said that he should give us a thousand stallions."
Zhang Xiaobao had a shovel in his hand. When he saw that the road was uneven, he would go and flatten it. After flattening it, he stopped and looked at the busy construction site and said to Wang Juan.
Wang Juan found a low place and asked Zhang Xiaobao to flatten it. At the same time, she replied, "He said that he would give us a thousand stallions. It would be good enough if 50 of them are still useful. He knows that we can't go to Li Longji to sue him. How can Li Longji not know the reason?
If he goes to the capital to complain, Li Longji will pretend to be stupid and cover up the matter. As for whether he really gave us a thousand stallions, it's not important anymore. If we write a letter, I think Li Longji will continue to pretend to be stupid. It seems that Wang Maozhong has not lost the emperor's favor. Let's wait. "
"Then let's wait. If the game is good, we have to continue. Unless someone wants to stop playing, we will tell him that if he doesn't play this game, he will have to play a new game with new rules. The new game will not be as fun as it is now.
Since he can't give us good stallions, should we also give him some fake information? Let him suffer a big loss? Anyway, with his level, he might not be able to see through it. "
Zhang Xiaobao was like a coolie. He took some sand from the sand pile beside him and filled up the lower area. He wiped the sweat on his forehead and waved to the people waiting for him to work behind him, indicating that they could continue to pass.
Wang Juan waved at He Yiwei, who had just returned from the turtle farm. When He Yiwei came over, she said, "County Magistrate He, I need you to do something for me."
"Good, good, that's good. What is it?" He Yiwei had become very humble and eager to learn. He did not continue to think about how to accept bribes and corruption. He wanted to be a good official. Most importantly, he wanted to keep up with the pace of Zhang Family and Wang Family.
He Yiwei nodded respectfully and looked forward to Wang Juan arranging something good for him. For example, he could learn some knowledge, or gather the people's hearts.
"County Magistrate He, go find Xiao Hong and tell her what I said. Ask her to teach you how to manage the overall management. The construction site is still too messy, and Xiao Bao has no time to talk to you. It's the same to find Xiao Hong. Xiao Hong can manage thousands of domestic animals very well. It's more difficult than managing people directly."
Wang Juan had spared no effort in grooming He Yiwei for two reasons. Firstly, he was smart and knew when to pick a side. Secondly, it was to give Li Longji an explanation. Perhaps he could use this reason to become an important official in the future.
He Yiwei still nodded respectfully and said, "Good, good, that's good. I will go find Xiao Hong immediately. I have been doing a lot of things recently, and my body is getting better."
As he spoke, He Yiwei straightened his chest. His belly was indeed lower, and he was not as fat as before. He meant that he had not been lazy recently and had been very diligent.
Wang Juan nodded with a smile and said, "Good, you are not too busy now. Do more things, and you will know what it's like to be busy in the future."
"Yes, I will do more. I will do more." He Yiwei nodded and trotted to find Xiao Hong. He understood the meaning of Wang Juan's words. It was very easy now. If he wanted to catch up, he had to continue to work hard.
He did not doubt this at all. This was because he saw that when Cherries was arranging the place to raise the tortoise, in order to be able to return to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's side as soon as possible, she was busy but not in chaos. When he asked, Cherries said that this was the real rhythm of Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. If the young master and young lady were busy, it would be very difficult.
Seeing that He Yiwei did not even bother to put on airs and ran away, Wang Juan said to Zhang Xiaobao, "Sometimes, educating a person really gives you a sense of achievement, especially a smart and sensible student like He Yiwei. Cherries and the others are all grown up. Should we ask them if there is anyone in the courtyard that they like? Xiao Hong already has one.
Last time, I heard that when Xiao Hong was in a daze, she said to herself that she was going to get married next year. She wanted that boy to get a better place to live. She said that when a bird finds a companion, it knows to make a nest first. Her new house in the future can't be too bad. What about Cherries and Shitou?
Perhaps it is because they are single that Wang Maozhong has this idea. He really thinks that our family members are the same as his servants. He doesn't treat us as human beings and can be casually traded. Do you think that he will play dirty tricks behind our backs? "
This was a problem. Zhang Xiaobao had occasionally thought about it recently. The people in his family were getting older and older. In the outside world, people at this age would usually not be able to get married or get married. If a girl from an ordinary family was still not married at this age, she would be laughed at by others.
Pomegranate and Cherries were in their own home, so no one would say anything to them. However, it was not a good idea to keep dragging it out. They had to find a good home. After thinking about it, he said,
"At night, ask them who they like and arrange them to do things together. It is good to cultivate feelings. We can't just randomly choose one of our family members. We don't have to be afraid of older people. Others may not have the ability, but with their age, as long as they say that they want to find a husband, many people will rush to marry them."
"Of course, they are rich. Whoever marries them will not have to worry about the future. Just wait to enjoy life. Moreover, they are not bad looking and know a lot of things. However, the more they are interested in their money, the more I will not agree."
Wang Juan and Zhang Xiaobao had always been in charge of Cherries's money. They did not keep much money for themselves, so they knew how much money they had now. For example, Pomegranate had also written a book about how to grow wood ears and mushrooms, as well as the exploration of fungi. However, it could not be published because the technology was confidential.
However, every time she sold wood ears and mushrooms, she had to be given some money. In total, it was a lot. If it was not 3,000 strings of coins, it was at least 2,000 strings of coins. As for her real value, it was not enough even if it was 100 times more. It was not good to give her compensation directly, but when she had children in the future, she could use the compensation on her children.
Zhang Xiaobao also agreed with Wang Juan's idea. "Then ask around at night. You go and ask around. As for Song Jinggong, I don't know who he likes now. If he is really going to get married, he should be able to tell us. After all, they can't be together secretly. Erniu is not young anymore. All of them are going to leave. "
"Why would they leave? It's not like they are not in the inner courtyard. Do you think that in a few years, we will really have to return Wang Maozhong 5,000 horses? When that time comes, I reckon that it will be impossible to use bad horses to deal with him. "
Wang Juan was prepared to continue leading a group of people around her. Soldiers made of iron could not be kept as small soldiers just because they were useful. They had to be released.
"It's still early. We'll talk about it when the time comes. I reckon that Wang Maozhong will not cause trouble for a period of time. The five people in his family who have been asked silly will remind him of many things. For example, when he asks, the five of them will follow the script we made up and say all kinds of bad things about him. How can he not know that we will have something to use against him?"
Zhang Xiaobao believed that as long as Wang Maozhong was not stupid, he would know how to choose. He continued, "In a few days, send a letter to Luoyang. Ask my father to find an excuse to bring more officials from Luoyang to visit and learn. As for the people from Jixian Courtyard, use our identities as Jixian Courtyard members to invite them together."
"Will they be able to come?" Wang Juan was a little uncertain.
"Listen to me carefully. I'm not asking them to come over to play, I'm asking them to learn. Even the emperor knows about the situation in Gyeonggi Province. Do you think they dare not cooperate? It's good to go. This is called political learning. Whoever doesn't come is not politically correct. You can't put too much burden on them. Don't some people often do this? "
Zhang Xiaobao was not worried that people would use this excuse to refuse.
"This move of yours is too bad. Fine, I agree. Our hot air balloon should have reached the capital by now, right? I wonder how Li Longji will react when he sees it. I'm really worried that he will personally go up and the hot air balloon will suddenly malfunction. At that time, even if we have already written a letter to tell him that it is easy for something to go wrong, he will still blame us. "
As Wang Juan spoke, she took out a handkerchief and wiped Zhang Xiaobao's sweat.
Zhang Xiaobao enjoyed it and did not move. "Then let's see what the result is. The hot air balloon has indeed been tested several times. It's fine."
*****
In the capital, Li Longji finally finished all the things he had to deal with today. He came to the courtyard where the models were located and carefully compared them to each other. The more he looked, the happier he became. He said to Gao Lishi, "Lishi, did Lil 'Bao send a letter saying when the next model will be sent over?"
"Your Majesty, this subject estimates that it is not easy to make the model, especially the one in front of us. It is very detailed and costs a lot. I estimate that we will have to wait for a while. Your Majesty, this subject found that the model of the capital seems to be different from the one now."
Gao Lishi was now very partial to Xiao Bao. Seeing that the emperor was chasing after him, he could only say something good and tell the difficulties. He also changed the topic slightly.
Sure enough, Li Longji no longer continued to be anxious about the new model. He picked up the magnifying glass next to him and carefully looked at the floor tiles. Although they were called tiles, they were actually cubes made of cement. For stability, some stones were mixed in.
As he looked at them, he read the words on the floor tiles and said happily, "Did the Zhang family send a lot of cement the day before yesterday? They probably want us to learn from the model when we are on the road in the capital. The road in the model is indeed better than the one now. What do you think, Lishi? "
"This subject thinks so too. If only we could see the entire capital from a high place like we are looking at the model now. The building built by Your Majesty still doesn't allow us to see much."
How could Gao Lishi say anything against it? The model was made by his son, and the cement was also sent over. Of course, it was for the construction of the capital. This batch of cement was also given for free. Ever since the other houses in the palace used cement, many people who wanted to curry favor with the Emperor bought cement at a high price.
When more cement was used in the construction of the capital, he believed that his son's cement would sell even better.
Li Longji was originally very satisfied with the model and felt that he could directly see the full picture of every place. However, after hearing Gao Lishi's words, he really wanted to see the entire capital from a higher place one day. When he thought of this, he praised Gao Lishi.
"Xiao Bao of the Lishi family is indeed good. There's also Cuckoo. Why don't we let them think of a way? Maybe they can really do it. In the past, it was good on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Ever since there were ice lanterns and so many Kong Ming lanterns, it's even better now. Don't you think so?"
"Your Majesty is right. That's exactly the case." As Gao Lishi spoke, he looked in the direction of the door. The matter he brought up today was not just for fun. He had first obtained Xiao Bao and Cuckoo's letters and estimated the time. He knew that something called a hot air balloon would arrive soon.
He had even sent someone to ask on horseback. He estimated that it would arrive today. Although his son's letter said that he could not let the Emperor go up first, it was still possible to let someone else go up first. There was still hope.
How could Li Longji know about this matter? He was still regretting that he could not see the entire capital. He could only continue to focus on the model. He took the documents and compared them as he read them. At the same time, he silently noted them down. When needed, he would show his understanding of Gyeonggi Province to the officials.
Half an hour passed. Just as Li Longji was preparing to rest and Gao Lishi was inwardly anxious, the person Gao Lishi had been waiting for finally appeared at the door. It was a young eunuch.
"Your Majesty, Lord Gao, something has been sent from Luoyang. Someone has already checked it and said that it was just made. They want Your Majesty to evaluate it."
The young eunuch respectfully reported.
"Oh? There's a new plaything? Quickly, bring it in for Us to see. " When Li Longji heard this, his mood became even better. He did not want to rest and wanted to see the thing sent by the Zhang Family and Wang Family. Although the young eunuch did not say who sent it, when Luoyang said it, Li Longji knew that it must be the Zhang Family and Wang Family. Only they would send all kinds of things to the palace for no reason.
Other people usually did not dare to send things like this for fear of causing trouble. However, the Zhang Family and Wang Family did not care so much. As long as there was something useful, they would have people send it over. Chairs, sofas, and all kinds of furniture. Even that very interesting washing machine was sent over. Currently, many things used in the palace were from the Zhang Family and Wang Family.
As Li Longji gave his orders, he looked at the door with an expectant gaze. He asked Gao Lishi, "Lishi, what do you think the Zhang Family and Wang Family will send this time?"
Gao Lishi paused for a moment before saying, "This subject can't think of anything, but this subject hopes that it will be something that will make Your Majesty happy. A few days ago, Xiao Bao and Cuckoo wrote a letter to this subject saying that this subject had just mentioned to Your Majesty about being able to see the capital from a higher place. However, at that time, they said that they were still researching it."
Gao Lishi did not treat Li Longji as a fool. He had just mentioned it, so even if he did not say it, Li Longji would be able to understand what was going on. It was better to say it first. That would make things easier.
As expected, Li Longji did not think too much and truly believed that this was the case. He said with satisfaction, "If they can really do it, how do you think they should be rewarded?"
"This subject reckons that there won't be any rewards. The Zhang Family and Wang Family are always sending things to the palace. Recently, they even had Savant's Restaurant send food. There is no need to reward them for this kind of thing. Besides, if Your Majesty uses it well, others will also feel that it is good. The Zhang Family and Wang Family will sell more goods. If we really want to calculate, we should ask the Zhang Family and Wang Family to give Your Majesty advertising fees."
Gao Lishi did not want his son and daughter-in-law to be promoted so quickly. Perhaps in another two years, there would be a suitable adjustment. Sometimes, it was not good to be promoted as quickly as possible. It was easy to attract trouble.
Hearing Gao Lishi's words, Li Longji laughed, "Yes, advertising fees. However, I am afraid that if I ask for advertising fees, Xiao Bao and Cuckoo will not send me anything in a fit of pique. That bicycle is not bad. I can ride it to and from the palace and save a lot of effort. It is just that the official is too talkative and said that he is afraid of falling. How can other people not fall when riding it? I can ride a horse, but can't I ride a short bicycle?"
Li Longji was good at playing polo, so his horsemanship was naturally not bad. Otherwise, he would fall before he hit the ball. Therefore, after the Zhang Family and Wang Family sent him the best bicycle, he always rode it everywhere in the palace. After all, it was not convenient to ride a horse in the palace.
"Your Majesty is right. If you can ride a horse, why can't you ride a bicycle? Your Majesty, you are here." Just as Gao Lishi was about to say a few more words of flattery, a group of people came in from the entrance. They were carrying something, and three people were carrying a large basket.
When Li Longji saw the things, he did not say anything. He walked closer to take a closer look. After looking for a while, he did not understand. Could it be that this thing could really be like what Gao Lishi said? Or was it not the thing that was sent?
A young eunuch came over with a sealed letter in his hand. He held it in front of Gao Lishi with both hands. Gao Lishi carefully examined it and confirmed that no one had opened it. Only then did he carefully open the letter and touch it with his hand. After that, he handed it to Li Longji.
When he opened the letter, Li Longji immediately saw the biggest words in the letter, 'Hot Air Balloon Instruction Manual.' He happily said, "Lishi, it's a hot air balloon. It was indeed correct. Good, the instruction manual has been sent. Quickly, let's think about how to run to high places."
Currently, Li Longji liked to receive gifts from the Zhang Family and Wang Family the most. This was because many things could not be used immediately. They needed to be assembled according to the instructions in the instruction manual. Being able to personally assemble a novel thing gave him a great sense of accomplishment.
Gao Lishi already knew how to use it. He had even let him operate a small hot air balloon before. He was afraid that something would happen when the big one was sent over.
However, he could not say that he knew how to do it. He had to stand on the same starting line as the Emperor. Moreover, there were many times when he had to appear a little stupid. He clearly knew how to assemble the hot air balloon, but he still had to show a puzzled expression and wait for the Emperor to teach him.
Therefore, the two of them gathered together to study it while the others stood in place and waited. Although they could not read it together with the Emperor and could not compare to Gao Lishi, they were also very happy. Every time the Zhang Family and Wang Family sent something, they would compete internally to see who would be the one to send it over.
This was because the person who sent the hot air balloon would have the opportunity to assemble it together with the others. After they succeeded, they could boast about it to others. For example, the person who assembled the model with them boasted about it for half a month, causing others to be envious.
With the instruction manual and Gao Lishi's dozens of experiments, the method to use the hot air balloon was not difficult. Under Li Longji's command, everyone started to get busy. They first connected the very delicate looking basket, then had someone use a bracket to prop it up. They poured a barrel of very high concentration alcohol, which was the purest alcohol that could be extracted with current technology, into a special box and ignited it.
The fire rushed up in an instant, almost burning the cloth of the hot air balloon.
"I asked you to adjust the place that can control the fire, why didn't you listen?" At this time, Li Longji spoke. In fact, he did not understand just now. He asked someone to open that thing up very big, which resulted in the current situation. However, he pushed the blame to others.
The people who were working hurriedly apologized and took the blame. At this time, there was no reason to talk about. They adjusted the switch bit by bit, and the hot air balloon gradually expanded.
After about fifteen minutes, the hot air balloon was already full, but it still could not fly. It had to be heated up, but now it looked very different from its previous deflated appearance.
"It's not done yet?" Li Longji, who was looking forward to it, was a little anxious.
"Your Majesty, it will probably be done in a while. This subject just does not understand, how can this thing fly to a high place?" Gao Lishi asked sincerely.
"What's so difficult about that? The Kongming Lantern is so big that it can fly. We think that this hot air balloon is a bigger and better Kongming Lantern. "Li Longji said complacently.
"After hearing Your Majesty's words, this subject suddenly understood. Your Majesty, why don't you let someone go up and try it first?" Gao Lishi hurriedly flattered. These words were said with a certain level of skill, giving people the feeling that he was not stupid. If he was not stupid, then wouldn't Li Longji be smarter?
Li Longji really wanted to be the first to go up, but he was also afraid that it would be dangerous. The manual said that it was absolutely not allowed to let someone go up before the experiment was successful. This meant that the emperor could not go up.
Seeing that Li Longji agreed not to go up first, Gao Lishi immediately found two eunuchs and taught them how to operate the hot air balloon. When adjusting the fire, they should not be too fast. There was also the problem of the sandbag, so as to avoid accidents caused by their operation and falling from the sky.
The two eunuchs were both looking forward to it and worried. If it flew high in the sky, wouldn't it fall to their death? However, when the first person went up, they would have something to say to others.
After waiting for a while, the hot air balloon was finally able to lift off the ground with the basket below. There were three ropes tied to the top, and the other end was pulled by people on the ground. This hot air balloon could not adjust its direction, and there was no moving equipment. Without a rope, it would be blown away by the wind.
When the lift was enough, the two eunuchs climbed into the basket under the expectant gaze of everyone. They took deep breaths with all their strength. From the trembling of the Weiwei on their bodies, one could see how scared they were.
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