The scenery of the north is covered with ice and snow for thousands of miles.
The cold winter in the north is like a harsh king, ruling the earth with ice, snow and cold wind.
However, in Yanzhou, Shuozhou, Yinzhou, Weizhou and even Xiazhou controlled by Zhao Muyun, a different scene was presented.
The cold air was filled with a faint smell of coal smoke, but it was not choking, but instead brought a strange warmth.
This is due to the round-the-clock mining of Yanzhou Qiwushan Coal Mine and the widespread use of "honeycomb coal".
As early as Wang Tiezhu discovered this resource, Zhao Muyun asked Pei Lun's confidant Pei Liao and Du Wei's cousin Du Zhong to participate in the establishment of a complete industrial chain.
Coal miners work in three shifts to ensure the supply of raw coal;
In the huge workshop, the crushing, mixing, molding, drying and shipping are carried out in an orderly manner on the assembly line.
A transport team consisting of four-wheeled horse-drawn carriages, with the "Yanzhou Coal" flag hanging, braved the wind and snow to transport cartloads of honeycomb coal to various places.
In the military camp, honeycomb coal stoves were burning red, replacing the huge amount of charcoal that was previously consumed.
When the soldiers returned from training, they could immediately enjoy the warmth, and the frostbite rate was greatly reduced.
The soldiers of the Shenji Camp even gathered around a sand table and model in the warm barracks, enthusiastically discussing the throwing angle of the new "Thunder Bomb".
The artisan workshop is as warm as spring.
Lu Zhizi and a group of apprentices surrounded the newly-baked iron shell thunder blank, carefully checking the pores and thickness of the casting. The sounds of hammering, chiseling and grinding and the roar of the furnace intertwined into a unique melody.
Among the people, honeycomb coal stoves have become treasures of every household.
The price is low, and a few honeycomb coals can burn for most of the day, making this winter less difficult for many poor families.
There are even shops on the streets that specialize in selling honeycomb coal stoves and matching iron kettles, and business is booming.
This huge income, like a surging undercurrent, continuously flowed into the treasury through the businesses controlled by the Colonel's Office.
Not only did it easily fill the revenue gap caused by the loss of Yinzhou Salt Lake, but it also had a large surplus for purchasing strategic materials such as war horses, iron, saltpeter, and sulfur.
Zhao Muyun stood high on the command post in the Yanzhou Valley, overlooking the base that was thriving in the severe cold, and felt a little relieved.
The winter military training of the Shenji Battalion, the Cavalry Battalion, and the Modao Battalion achieved remarkable results.
He even took the time to observe a coordinated drill of infantry, cavalry, and artillery:
The heavily armored infantry of the Modao Battalion acted like moving city walls, stabilizing the front line; the cavalry roamed on both wings, waiting for an opportunity to attack; and the Shenji Battalion used thunder bombs to provide fire coverage and blocking.
Although it is still in its infancy, it has already demonstrated the prototype of tactics that are ahead of their time.
.....
A heavy snowfall made the whole world quiet.
Zhao Muyun temporarily handed over the affairs of Yanzhou to Fan Nan and Tang Yanhai, and secretly returned to Shuozhou under the protection of Li Si and others.
The rear house of the Colonel's Mansion.
Bai Ruolan was staring at the ice flowers on the window, and she didn't even notice that the small clothes she was sewing for her unborn child had slipped off her knees.
Huan Naxue leaned against the soft couch, holding her bulging belly, humming an unknown ballad softly, but there was a trace of lingering longing between her brows.
When the figure I had been thinking about day and night quietly appeared at the door, time seemed to stand still.
Bai Ruolan suddenly covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes, she couldn't believe it.
Huan Naxue was so excited that she wanted to stand up, but she swayed slightly because her body was heavy.
"Don't move!"
Zhao Muyun took a quick step forward, carefully supported Huan Naxue, then opened his arms and hugged his two wives tightly.
Thousands of words are stuck in my throat, and I can only hug each other tightly and feel each other's true presence.
He carefully looked at Bai Ruolan's thin but resolute face, and carefully stroked Huan's snow-white round belly, feeling the strong fetal movement, his heart filled with guilt and pity.
The house was warm as spring, full of tenderness and affection, temporarily isolating itself from the wind, snow and killing outside.
They were gentle and affectionate for a long time, whispering their feelings after separation.
Zhao Muyun felt relieved when she learned that Han Zhong protected them very well and that although the expenses in the mansion were simple, they were never short of money.
He gave repeated instructions before reluctantly leaving and heading for the study.
Yin Yao was invited.
She was wearing a simple dress and her face looked a little pale.
Seeing Zhao Muyun standing in the study with his hands behind his back, she was so shocked that she took a step back, her beautiful eyes widened, and she almost dropped the heater in her hand.
"Master Zhao..." Her voice trembled slightly, filled with disbelief and shock. "Why are you here?"
"My princess, how are you?"
Zhao Muyun turned around with a calm expression and gestured for him to sit down.
Under the candlelight, the two sat opposite each other in a subtle atmosphere.
From talking about the movements of the Prince of Jin to the defense of Shuozhou, the topic inevitably returned to the starting point that changed everyone's destiny: the marriage granted by the capital.
Yin Yao's fingertips were unconsciously wrapped around the silk handkerchief.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally mustered up the courage, raised his tearful eyes and looked at Zhao Muyun, his voice as light as a feather:
"Master Zhao, the imperial edict granting marriage from that day... has changed so much now. I wonder... does it still hold true in your heart?"
Zhao Muyun was silent for a moment.
He had said before that he would never marry her in this life. If he accepted her now, wouldn’t he be slapping himself in the face?
What's more, he and Prince Jin had just reached a consensus, and Yin Yao was a hostage.
Moreover, Huan Naxue was about to give birth, so it was somewhat inappropriate to take Yin Yao away at this time.
His silence became the clearest rejection in Yin Yao's eyes.
She felt a stab in her heart, as if pierced by an ice cone. Her eyes dimmed instantly and her long eyelashes drooped, covering the watery light and loss in her eyes.
She smiled bitterly to herself, "Yes, now that he has emerged from hiding, he has powerful troops at his disposal and is full of ambition. How could he still care about me, the princess who has lost her support as a hostage?"
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
