"Throw … throw … throw the handkerchief. Gently place it behind the little kid. Everyone, don't tell him … Little Bei, why do you always know when it's placed behind you?"
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's team was about to reach Luoyang. The group of children gathered together and played with the handkerchief. It was normal for them to play, but what was abnormal was that every time someone placed the handkerchief behind Little Bei, Little Bei would immediately discover it and chase after them with the handkerchief.
Little Yuan, who was good at calculations, was puzzled. Could it be that his sister also knew how to calculate? Or was it the kind of calculation that was done by hand? When Little Bei noticed it again, she could not help but ask.
Little Bei was still hoping to win a few more times. She pursed her lips and did not say a word. The power of democracy was great. When the other children realized that they were always losing, they had no choice but to join forces to interrogate Little Bei.
"Brother and Sister were right. There's no justice in this world. It's just that some people are more powerful than others. Therefore, many people are dissatisfied and want to deal with one person together."
Little Bei was suddenly isolated as she pouted.
Little Yuan gave a look that said, "Of course. This is what it means by 'the tallest tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind.' When the beach is higher than the shore, it will be swept away by the current. When one's actions are higher than others, they will be trampled on. The rafters that stick out will rot first. Is there a need to ask such simple logic?"
The other children nodded in agreement.
"Alright, you win. I'll tell you, but I'll only tell my Sister Xiaozhu." Little Bei's eyes darted around as she said.
"I object." Little Yuan spoke up again.
"Then I'll tell Big Man and Little Man." Little Bei mentioned another two people.
"Then what should I do?" Little Yuan realized that something was amiss.
"Hmph! You and my brother can forget about knowing. You were the ones who spoke first. Didn't you say that the rafters that stick out will rot first? Even if I lose it, I won't let you get it. "Little Bei blinked her large eyes, looking as though she had succeeded in her scheme.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, who had come to find the children to practice calligraphy, happened to hear the children's words as they looked at each other.
"Xiao Bao, did we teach them this?" Wang Juan was very surprised. Xiao Bei had a secret, but in the end, the others joined forces to force him. Before the leader could take advantage of him, Xiao Bei had divided the other party. Many adults couldn't see clearly, but it appeared in a group of little fellows. It was too hard to understand.
Zhang Xiaobao shook his head blankly. "I didn't teach them. It's not time yet. I'm going to teach them when they're in their freshman year. Could it be that they're self-taught?"
Zhang Xiaobao did not intend to raise Xiao Bei and the others into obedient babies. He wanted to tell them that the sky was blue, the water was blue, the mountains were green, and the human heart was kind. However, he felt that they were still young and could not understand too many calculations. He wanted to wait until they were a little older before he could let them understand that the essence of this world was benefits.
Of course, this benefit was not only material, but also spiritual. For example, doing something good and being in a good mood was also a kind of benefit.
At this moment, he felt that there was no need to go through so much trouble. Xiao Bei and the others had already understood.
The other party was still exchanging benefits. Little Zhu smiled when she learned the secret. Little Yuan leaned over and asked, "Sister, what's the plan?"
"What benefits can you give me? I can't tell you for free, right? "Little Zhu stated her conditions.
"I'll give you two lollipops." Little Yuan compromised regretfully.
"Three." Xiao Zhu stretched out three fingers.
Little Yuan waited for a few breaths before he turned to Big Man and Little Man. "I'll give either of you a lollipop if you tell me."
"Two." Big Man and Little Man said at the same time. Zhang Qiang, Zhang Gang, and Zhang Fang, who had changed their names, were very anxious. Zhang Qiang, who had changed his name, was the oldest. He was recognized by Lu Zhou. Zhang Gang and Zhang Fang were Qiang Hu's children.
In the past, they used their own names. However, ever since they were taken care of, they changed their names as a form of protection. They would change their names back when they were adults.
They felt that they were being isolated. They looked at each other and quickly formed a small group. They were ready to strike at the right time and were waiting for an opportunity.
Little Yuan pondered for a moment before he looked at Little Hai and said, "Brother Little Hai, why don't you give me a lollipop? I'll tell you when the time comes."
"You guys play. The three of us are not playing," Zhang Qiang said on behalf of the siblings.
As a result, a group in a game was facing disbandment under such circumstances.
"Then let's change to another one. Actually, it's not a big deal. The windows of the cabin next to us are glass. What are we going to play?" Little Bei said helplessly.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan also felt helpless. This group of little fellows had become smart. Zhang Xiaobao stepped out from the corner and said to his younger siblings, "Let's go. I'll bring you guys to play something more interesting. Let's see who can rinse the thickest ink brush today."
The so-called rinsing brush was to write. After writing a word, one was allowed to rinse the brush in the ink basin next to them. If one did not write well, one was not allowed to rinse the brush. Whoever had the thickest ink in the basin in the end would win.
Not only was this a waste of ink, but the brush was also very worn out. However, the effect was good. It was more acceptable to the little fellows than simply practicing writing. When they saw others rinsing their brush, they would feel anxious. However, the more anxious they were, the worse the words they wrote would be. It was very effective in developing their temperament.
When the little fellows saw their brother and sister coming over, they all gathered around them. They all talked about what others had said and went to practice writing with their brother and sister.
The big table was placed there, and the little fellows each found their own position. If they felt uncomfortable, they would adjust. Today, they were still writing small regular script. There was no requirement for the words to show any strength of character. As long as they could write, they would pass. They could not write large characters because their wrists were not strong enough.
When writing, they used their right hand. If they were eating, they would need to switch between their left and right hands. Today, it was the left hand. Tomorrow, it would be the right hand. They could train both sides of the brain at the same time.
The little fellows never felt that learning and writing were boring. Games were always accompanied by them. There was no need to tell them that there was a path to the mountain of books, and there was no need to draw a plum blossom to let them understand that if it was not for the bone-chilling cold, how could the plum blossom smell so fragrant?
All the efforts were borne by Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. The two had done everything for the education of their younger siblings.
After the little fellows wrote, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan did not make any movements. They communicated with their lips.
"Can we teach them to play the piano? They are three years old. "Wang Juan asked.
"Wait a little longer. After the New Year, we will make a flute for them to play. Two tigers are good enough." Zhang Xiaobao replied.
"Two tigers won't work. There is the sound FA in the flute. In our national music, this is called Clear Horn. Now the music only has the name of the sound, but there is no melody mark. What is used is the mutual generation of the five octaves. The sound FA is not easy to play. Not only do you need to loosen the hole, but you also need to control the strength of the exhalation."
Wang Juan hummed according to the tune of Who Else Do You Want? Johnson in her heart and found the problem.
"Then let's play Spring River Moonlight Night." Zhang Xiaobao did not understand, so he thought of a national song and said.
"Can you play Spring River Moonlight Night with the flute? Just the little bit in front needs two octaves. If you can play it, you can play Three Ways of Plum Blossom. "
Wang Juan rolled her eyes at Zhang Xiaobao.
Zhang Xiaobao still refused to admit defeat, "Play Rosy Clouds Chasing the Moon."
"There is the sound of changing palaces in Rosy Clouds Chasing the Moon. What's the difference between that and Clear Horn? Don't you know that all the sounds can be converted to each other according to different modes? Whether it is the law of five octaves or the law of twelve octaves, it is not accurate to set the tone, even if it is pure law. If you want to set the tone, use a tuning device. The amplitude is the same. "
Wang Juan could bully Zhang Xiaobao in this respect. Zhang Xiaobao did not learn it.
"When I rule the world, I will do whatever I say. Whoever disagrees with me will be burned in the Flower Square like Bruno. Then what do you think we should learn first?"
Zhang Xiaobao gnashed his teeth.
It's almost the New Year, so I'll first come up with the prelude to the Spring Festival. The main melody is easy to remember, but the harmony is troublesome. I can't remember it, and I didn't take it to heart when I first listened to it. When children listen to songs, don't let them listen to sad songs. Although sad music is the best way to cultivate the feeling of music, like Yan Nanfei, they're still young. "
Wang Juan could not count on Zhang Xiaobao. Even if Zhang Xiaobao had listened to a lot of music before, he only knew how it was done and did not know why it was done.
Zhang Xiaobao did not blush at all. He was not afraid of anything, but he could pretend, so he said, "Okay, you do it. If you can't do it well, ask me. The sad Horse Head Zither is better. It is bleak and distant. A camel can be forced to feed its child even if it doesn't want to. With such an unpleasant sound, the camel must not be able to stand it, so it compromised and fed the child. For example, the most famous song, Two Springs Reflecting the Moon played by the Horse Head Zither … Hey! Where are you going? "
Wang Juan did not know if the camel could stand it, but she could not stand it. She turned her head away. Out of sight, out of mind. She went to see how her brother and sister were doing.
*****
When the firecrackers of the New Year sounded, when countless families were making dumplings for a reunion, there was still a group of people who were looking at the crescent moon in the sky.
Tubo also celebrated the New Year at this time, just like the countries around the Tang Empire. At the same time as the Tang Empire, even Xinluo, Tujue, and Japan celebrated the New Year. However, many years later, the fickle Japan was not as persistent as Xinluo. They did not even have their own New Year to celebrate. It was not easy to survive in the cracks.
Han Xuanfeng, Jiu Meileng, Mi Fan, and Sonri Nigan sat in the house. They roasted the charcoal stove and ate the steaming dumplings. They listened to the sounds of firecrackers outside and were prepared to keep watch for the night.
"It's the New Year. We can't go back this year. Let's celebrate here. Come, let me drink first." Han Xuanfeng raised the wine cup in front of him and said loudly to the three of them. He raised his head and drank.
The other three drank the wine and picked up a cooked dumpling. They dipped it in garlic sauce or vinegar and ate it.
"It's so lively. If you guys don't come, there won't be any firecrackers in Tubo. Now, the slaves can enjoy themselves. For today, I took out a lot of noodles and meat. I even made a set of clothes for the children."
The dumplings that Sonri Nigan ate were not stuffed with three delicacies. Instead, they were stuffed with pork, beef, and onion. He even cracked two eggs inside to prevent them from being too hard. The main reason was that there was not much oil. Meat was often eaten, but he was afraid that it would be too greasy. The beef here was not worth much.
Jiu Meileng did not agree with Sonri Nigan's words. He retorted, "You call this lively? You haven't been to Sanshui County during the New Year. You'll know what it means when you get there. Everyone doesn't sleep or keep watch at home. Instead, they come out to dance the dragon. The dragon can even breathe fire."
"Yes, yes. Now, all the villages near Sanshui County have people building stages. They sing, dance, do crosstalk, and do skits. It's a pity that I don't know how to do it. The slaves can't learn it either. Otherwise, I would build a stage too."
Han Xuanfeng also recalled how he spent the New Year in the past few years.
Mi Fan drank a cup and said, "Listening to the cheers outside, it's not bad. How can it be compared to Sanshui County? There's no place in the world that can be compared to it. I guess even the capital can't."
Sonri Nigan did not have any direct impression of this. He could only guess the situation in Sanshui County during the New Year. He drank a mouthful of dumpling soup and ate half of Laba garlic. He squinted his eyes and pursed his lips because of the sourness. He also said, "Of course Sanshui County can do that. It's rich. Every family doesn't care. However, it's not easy to build a stage. I guess it was only after the Tang Empire's emperor built the Pear Garden. There's no better place in the world than Sanshui County during the New Year. "
"It's not like that. Before the Pear Garden, Sanshui County started to have a New Year's Gala during the New Year. It was opened by Zhang Family and Wang Family. Sanshui County is powerful, but their power lies in Zhang Family and Wang Family. At this moment, the young master and his wife should be in Luoyang. It seems more lively than Sanshui County.
There's no need for anyone else. As long as the young master and his wife are there, they can support a New Year's Gala. If you don't believe me, you can ask them when you go back. "
Han Xuanfeng was quite familiar with Sanshui County. When the Zhang Family and Wang Family held a New Year's Gala the next year, he already knew about it. He could still perform many crosstalk jokes, but he could not organize a New Year's Gala. Firstly, he had never organized one before and lacked experience. Secondly, the slaves could not be compared to the servants of the Zhang Family and Wang Family.
Although the inner court of the Zhang Family and Wang Family was not as good as it was now, they were still better than the slaves. The Zhang Family and Wang Family were quite good at managing them.
As the four of them talked, they looked at the west side of Jinchuan. They wondered how the people there would spend this year. They did not expect to eat dumplings. Most of the food this year was exchanged with slaves.
*****
Compared to the desolation of Tubo and the liveliness of Sanshui County, there was another place that was not inferior to Sanshui County. The roads in Lu Zhou were second only to the Vermillion Bird Avenue in Chang 'an. If all the streets were counted, they were more beautiful than Chang' an.
The people of Lu Zhou welcomed a new Provincial Governor. The new Provincial Governor was also very honest. He was not as arrogant as he was in the first month. When he first arrived, he was happy for a few days when he saw that there was running water in the beautiful courtyard. Then, he was ready to present his political ideas.
In the end, he found a very serious problem. The local counties did not listen to him, and the army was not under his command. He met with the new Military Secretary and wrote an urgent letter. He sent it to the capital with a local carrier pigeon at a high price. Not only did the people in the capital not help him, but they also reprimanded the two of them.
One of them was Zhang Shuo's man, and the other was the Crown Prince's man. It was not easy for them to cooperate. They did not expect that not only Zhang Shuo and the Crown Prince received the letter, but even Gao Lishi and the Emperor also knew the content.
Gao Lishi did not say much, but Li Longji saw the letter from the two of them. It said that the places controlled by the Zhang Family and the Wang Family were going to rebel. Li Longji was so angry that he was amused. If they wanted to rebel, why didn't they stay where they were? The adults were in Luoyang, but the children were in the capital? If they really wanted to rebel, would Lu Zhou give them the pigeons?
Therefore, the new Provincial Governor and the Military Secretary became obedient.
When the new year arrived and they found that all the people in Lu Zhou had set up the Longevity Altar to worship Zhang Zhong, the two of them finally understood who was in charge here.
*****
Some people were comfortable during the new year, but others were not.
The Four Seas Academy also organized an event. It was organized by the students of Xinluo. The current students of Xinluo were more powerful than those of Japan. Although they lost in Ci Zhou's Changning, it did not hurt their foundation. If they continued to operate, there would still be a little profit.
Unlike here in Japan, where they directly faced Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, they lost again and again.
As a result, the mood of Yamamoto and the other Japanese students was not so good. Six days ago, a fast ship came from Japan. As soon as the people on the ship arrived at the Four Seas Academy, they could not stop crying. This was because this time, three big ships and more than ten fast ships came over, but only one ship arrived at the destination. The others were silent on the way.
In fact, there were four fast ships on each of the three big ships. When they encountered danger, only one fast ship came out. The other ships probably could not come over.
It was impossible not to die on a voyage. Although Yamamoto was sad, he was not too sad. The main problem was that he had spent so much money to grow ginseng, but other than the bitter and astringent radishes, he did not even see a single ginseng whisker. This meant that he had failed.
If he failed, he could start all over again, but how many hundred thousand strings were there to lose? The Japanese side had already said that they would not send any money to him in the next two years, so he had to think of a way himself.
At this time, Yamamoto remembered what Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan said to him the moment he saw them.
At that time, Wang Juan basically agreed, and Zhang Xiaobao did all the talking. Zhang Xiaobao said that if Japan was unable to send money directly, they could cooperate.
They could use the extra silver ore sent this time to exchange for forty sets of glass products. In the future, they could continue to use the glass products to exchange for gold and silver in Japan, as well as good wood.
In the end, he did not agree at that time, thinking that this price was too low. At that time, Zhang Xiaobao said that if they wanted to exchange next time, it would probably not be at this price. He even thought that Zhang Xiaobao was lying to him.
Now, the country already knew about glass products. Rich people wanted to buy them at all costs, but where could he find Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan during the new year? He also didn't know what kind of new price they would offer.
Yamamoto lowered his head and didn't have any thoughts as he listened to the people on the school's stage imitating the messy party that Sanshui City had created. The dumplings in front of him had long turned cold.
Yamamoto wasn't in the mood to eat by the side. When he waited for someone on the stage to sing an unpleasant tune, he said to Yamamoto, "Yamamoto, why don't we meet Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan tomorrow morning and bring gifts?"
"By the time we arrive, the new year will be over. Who knows if they are still in Luoyang? Besides, what kind of gift do you think will make Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan willing to continue cooperating with us? "
It wasn't that Yamamoto hadn't thought of such a thing. If it were another opponent, he could casually make a decision and was confident that he could control the other party.
But now, he was facing Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. Although these two people weren't adults, they weren't simple at all. In their calculations, who dared to say that they were stronger than the two of them?
Especially after the failure to replant the ginseng, no matter how he thought about it, he felt that it was too coincidental to be able to see how the ginseng grew.
When the Tang Dynasty's Agriculture Temple was losing money, when no one ate the newly cultivated radishes, when he went to look for them, why was Wang Juan, who was usually as close to Zhang Xiaobao as a person, angry? Why was Wang Juan, who could lead troops to war, so delicate after spraining her ankle?
Zhang Xiaobao and the Wang family were the most strict about technology, so how could a maidservant sit at the door where there was ginseng? She even ran out to see Wang Juan.
If these coincidences weren't enough, after he arrived in the capital, he encountered many things that were also very coincidental. At first, he didn't think much of it, but now that he thought about it, he realized that things were definitely not that simple.
"I was fooled, deceived, sigh! If, I'm saying if, if I hadn't gone to Baoxin County back then, would today's matter not have happened? "
As he thought about it, Yamamoto closed his eyes and said to Yamamoto in pain.
Yamamoto wasn't stupid, so he naturally understood what was going on. It was just like the rumors. Oh, it was no longer a rumor, but a fact. Just as others had admitted to him, no matter how capable they thought they were, they must not scheme against Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. Whoever touched them would be finished. There was no luck at all.
It was one thing to understand in his heart, but he couldn't say it out loud. Now, he had to rely on himself and Yamamoto.
With a sigh, Yamamoto said to Yamamoto, "If you put yourself in the same position as Zhang Xiaobao, you will naturally be sad if you fail. However, Zhang Xiaobao is not someone that anyone can stand shoulder to shoulder with. Xinluo has already invested 150,000 strings of cash in Changning this time, but they have been losing money all the time. Even if they make money in the future, it will only be a small amount of money. For example, in terms of investment, the gains are too little.
Zhang Xiaobao didn't go there personally. He only wrote a plan for Li Yu. If it were up to me, I would set off immediately and go to Luoyang. I believe they won't leave before the 15th of the first lunar month. Catch up with them and ask them how much they sell their glass. When the time comes, we can transport some of them back.
Maybe he really thought it through after being persuaded by Yamamoto, or maybe he just found a way out for himself. After hearing Yamamoto's words, Yamamoto opened his eyes, looked at Yamamoto, and asked, "Can you make it in time?"
"Yes, it's the 30th tonight. Fifteen days will be over by a fast horse. Why don't we give the silver ore that we didn't agree on last time as a gift to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan?"
The words were said by Yamamoto, and the idea was also said by him.
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