The sky is hazy and the spring rain is like silk.
Rong Xi carried a bamboo basket and went to Gao Bai's house.
"Master, these are potatoes. They can satisfy your hunger, but they can also be used to cook delicious food." He moved the potatoes in the basket and said with a smile, "I have already written down the cooking method in detail on paper. You can give it to the cook."
Gao Bo was very pleased that he had such filial piety, and gave him a few of his treasured books.
After the potatoes are cooked, they become soft, sticky and sweet, just right for the elderly to eat.
After the two chatted for a while, Rong Xi said goodbye and went home.
Over the past few days, he has taught Madam Jiang all the cooking methods of potatoes, and as a result, Jinshixuan became famous again.
Everyone in Mengshan knows about potatoes.
Previously, some wealthy businessmen followed Hu Yulin's example and bought potatoes and corn, and learned from Rong Xi to plant potatoes in the fields, but they no longer devoted their attention to it.
Potatoes are all the rage nowadays, but due to their limited availability, it’s hard to get a plate of them. The wealthy businessman found a business opportunity and sold potatoes at a high price. After making money, he regretted not planting more potatoes because of his timidity.
However, after potatoes there is corn.
The wealthy businessmen were all ready to try, planning to follow Rong Xi's example after he started growing corn.
Potatoes can be used as food and are relatively durable in storage. After becoming famous in Mount Meng, they became a popular commodity among merchants from all over the Wei State.
After Rong Xi returned home, Rong Mo appeared in front of him.
"Third brother, have you finished reading the new book?"
Rong Sanlang remained silent and turned the page again. There was a piece of manuscript paper sandwiched between the books, on which were all the points that puzzled him.
The two of them went to the study, and after Rong Xi patiently explained the problem, he gave him a math problem.
"It's good to be keen on studying, but you also need to get out of the house to keep fit and have fun with your friends."
There were several old trees behind Rong's house. Children made simple swings with thick ropes and sacks and often played on them.
Rong Sanlang worked on the problem tightly, lowered his head and remained silent.
He still hasn't found the answer to the question Rong Xi asked a few days ago, and he feels extremely uncomfortable as if he is being bitten by ants in his heart.
After a day of "torturing" the horse, Rong Lian and Liang Siwen gave up the pursuit, but Rong Mo did not.
He wanted to know the answer.
Rong Xi knew he wanted to ask, but pretended not to know.
If Rong Mo keeps studying hard, is unwilling to communicate with others, and does not overcome the difficulties in his heart, he will never be able to reach the top even if he is very talented.
The study was silent.
Rong Xi was working at his desk writing teaching materials, while Rong Mo lowered his head and remained silent.
After a while, Rong Mo finally moved.
He slowly raised his head and opened his lips slightly, "Ah..."
His voice was so hoarse that he fell silent after uttering just one syllable.
Rong Xi's face suddenly brightened, and he said with a curved gaze, "Third brother, if you have any questions, please tell me."
Rong Mo moved his lips again, but no sound came out. He stood up suddenly, without bothering to greet others, and ran straight out of the study, with the corner of his clothes disappearing outside the door.
Seeing him fleeing in panic, Rong Xi sighed in his heart.
After a while, Liu He walked slowly to the door and knocked lightly.
"My dear, tomorrow is the Cold Food Festival, so we can't light a fire. We need to prepare more cold food today. What kind of cold food do you like?"
Cold Food Festival?
Rong Xi stood up and went outside, asking, "What cold food did you and Zishi prepare in previous years?"
"Eggs, cold cake."
Rong Xi smiled and said, "Then it will be the same as in previous years."
Liu He was about to leave when he heard Rong Xi say, "Go find Zhang Zhilai. I have something to ask of him."
Soon, Zhang Zhi came to Rong's house, and after seeing Rong Xi, he said happily: "Mr. Rong, the rice seedlings have been planted, and we are just waiting for the autumn harvest."
Rong Xi nodded and smiled, "Thank you for your hard work."
"If you have any instructions, please let me know." Zhang Zhi said respectfully.
Rong Xi led him to the warehouse and handed him a small bag of corn seeds.
"This is grain seed. You can plant it in the remaining idle land. I will explain the planting method to you later."
The current climate in Mengshan is suitable for growing corn.
When Zhang Zhi heard that it was grain seeds, his expression suddenly became serious. He carefully took the bag, held it in his arms, and listened carefully to the planting methods.
Rong Xi explained to him in detail every growth stage, including sowing, emergence, three leaves, seven leaves, and jointing.
Zhang Zhi was familiar with farming. Although he had never planted corn, he understood the principle. After taking note, he said sincerely, "I will plant it well and live up to your trust!"
After telling the story of corn, Rong Xi said, "Now that the seedlings have been planted, they need to be fertilized to strengthen their growth. I will send someone to bring new fertilizer to your home later. You can apply the fertilizer to the seedlings according to the fertilization method."
Crops absorb phosphorus fastest during the seedling stage. If there is a lack of phosphorus in the seedling stage, it will inevitably affect later growth. It is best to apply fertilizer now.
Although Zhang Zhi didn't know what new fertilizer was, Rong Xi was a god-like figure in his eyes, so naturally what he said was what he meant.
There are certain requirements for applying fertilizer. After Rong Xi explained it to him in detail, Zhang Zhi took the order and left.
In fact, Rong Xi was not supposed to know about farming, but he had participated in a breeding research in his previous life and learned relevant farming theories, which were clearly imprinted in his mind and now happened to be useful.
With nothing to do at home, he took out Xue Ni and went straight to the workshop.
Outside the workshop, there are heavy guards.
When the guards saw Rong Xi, they all stood up with their spears in salute, then opened the door and let him pass. After he passed, the gate was closed again, making it extremely difficult for ordinary people to enter.
When he arrived at the prison, he changed into a long gown with narrow sleeves, covered it with a linen shirt, and went to the secret room in the basement.
Qin Ke was polishing a stone bullet inside, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His forearms had distinct textures and very beautiful lines.
Hearing the footsteps, he looked up. Under the candlelight in the room, he looked even more handsome.
"Lanzhi, the ironworks has already made the gun body." His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes were brighter than the candlelight. "The fire gun you mentioned may be realized."
The workshop is fully equipped with various skilled workers such as blacksmiths and carpenters, and has built various kilns. The craftsmen and kiln workers are all highly skilled, and the things they make are precise and detailed.
"Let me see."
Rong Xi walked closer and saw Qin Ke taking something from the shelf.
The object was cylindrical and extremely long and thin. It is divided into three sections: the barrel, the powder chamber and the butt plug.
This is a hand cannon used by a single soldier. It has a small caliber and is relatively light. Gunpowder is stored in the chamber. When the gunpowder is ignited, it can fire stone or iron bullets. According to later standards, the range should be between 100 and 200 meters.
Although it seems simple, it is quite difficult for craftsmen to try it for the first time. This finished product is nothing more than the product of many failures.
"Try it?" Rong Xi asked with a smile.
Before the basement was built, Rong Xi specially marked an area on the drawing to be used as a shooting room.
Qin Ke readily agreed.
The two men walked side by side to the shooting room, where a straw target was set up a hundred meters away.
After the gunpowder and stone bullets were loaded into the gun barrel, Rong Xi raised his arm to aim at the center of the bull's eye and give it a test.
Qin Ke put his hand on his shoulder, his eyes gentle, "Let me try first."
It was the first time that Qin Ke used a musket. He was afraid that the craftsmanship was not good enough and that accidental injuries might occur, so he snatched the musket from Rong Xi.
Rong Xi knew that he could not defeat him, so he took a few steps back.
Qin Ke lit the fuse, and the fire entered the powder chamber, causing the powder to burn rapidly, pushing the stone bullet to be launched quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it pierced the straw target.
Although its usage is rather complicated, if a musket battalion can be formed, it will definitely play a crucial role on the battlefield.
"Nice accuracy." Rong Xi praised with a smile.
Although Qin Ke was a good archer, the fire gun was a new device after all. He was able to shoot through the straw target when he first used it, which showed his talent.
Qin Ke's expression softened when he received his praise. He handed the musket to Rong Xi and said, "You come."
Rong Xi had never touched a gun before, and it was his first time trying a firearm, so he was quite excited.
He reloaded the powder, lit the fuse, and the stone bullet flew out with a whoosh. There was only a sound of impact, but the straw target was not damaged at all.
The aim is so bad, Rong Xi laughed at himself.
However, this type of simple musket is really inconvenient to use, which made Rong Xi a little disappointed. But given the craftsmanship of the craftsmen, he can only make do with it and use it as a strategic tool on the battlefield.
As for more sophisticated firearms, it will not be too late to make them once the craftsmen have become more skilled.
The two tried several times before they stopped.
After returning home, Liu Zishi came to lead the horse and handed Rong Xi a letter.
"My dear, Mr. Hu asked me to give it to you."
Rong Xi took it, walked to the study, and was about to open the letter when he saw someone following him. His hand paused.
"You want to watch it together?"
Although Qin Ke wanted to do that in his heart, he couldn't do anything rude on the surface, so he found a chair to sit down and closed his eyes to rest.
Rong Xi smiled secretly, and after reading the letter, he leaned close to Qin Ke's ear and said, "Brother Xuanshi invited me to go outing on Qingming Festival."
"Outing?" Qin Ke had no expression on his face. "Are you going?"
It's just an outing. Just let Liu Zishi pass on a message. Why bother sending a letter?
Rong Xi smiled and replied: "How can I refuse the kindness of my dear friend?"
The room suddenly became quiet.
After a while, Qin Ke raised his head and asked, "You are with your friends, what should I do?"
His expression actually showed aggrieved.
If an ordinary man deliberately acted like this, it would definitely make people feel uncomfortable, but the Great Wei God of War had an extraordinary appearance, and although he pretended to be pitiful, Rong Xi could not bear to tease him anymore.
He immediately bowed his head and kissed Qin Ke on the left cheek. Seeing that he was dissatisfied, he kissed him on the right cheek again and comforted him, "It's my fault. Brother Xuanshi invited you and me to go together. I was just lying to you."
After saying that, he handed the letter to him.
Qin Ke took a casual glance and saw that the letter indeed invited himself and Rong Xi. He felt relieved and a smile suddenly appeared on his face.
"I would be worried if you went to an appointment alone."
He was explaining what he had just done.
Rong Xi laughed and fell on him, "Qin Sizhi, don't worry, I won't drink anymore."
"You drank alcohol twice, both times with Hu Yulin."
He couldn't help but suspect that Hu Yulin would lead Rong Lanzhi astray again. Moreover, why did Hu Yulin send a message to Rong Xi, inviting the two of them to go together? This is not in accordance with etiquette.
Qingming Festival is here in a blink of an eye.
Rong Xi, along with Rong Lian and Rong Mo, got up early to sweep the tombs, and then rode with Qin Ke to the bank of the Yishui River outside Mengshan City.
This river flows through Yizhou, Qingzhou and other places. As to why it is called "Yishui", few people know.
The flowers are so numerous that they dazzle the eyes; the grass is so shallow that horse hooves cannot be seen.
When the two arrived, there were already three people on the shore, namely Hu Yulin, Jiang Weiping and Duan Changjin.
The few of them greeted each other. Due to Qin Ke's noble status, Hu, Jiang and Duan were a little reserved.
After a moment, a burst of laughter and joy was heard, like the chirping of birds, extremely pleasant to hear.
The pretty ladies, wearing veils on their heads, were gathered together, stealing glances at Rong Xi and the other four from time to time.
To be precise, he was spying on Qin Ke.
Qin Ke had a blank expression on his face and walked side by side with Rong Xi.
"Prince, Dalang," Hu Yulin narrowed his eyes and smiled, "The kettle has been spread outside Qingzhou, and it will soon make a profit. How do we hand over the profit to the prison?"
Rong Xi looked at Qin Ke.
Qin Ke replied: "I will send someone to supervise this matter, Hu Shaodong, just rest assured."
The five people were walking leisurely along the river bank and chatting for a while, when they suddenly heard a child crying not far away.
Rong Xi's eyes showed curiosity and worry. Qin Ke glanced at him and said decisively: "Go and take a look."
When he got closer, he saw several boys sitting on the ground wiping their tears. Rong Xi asked softly, "What happened? Why are you crying?"
A boy sobbed and replied, "The kite, the kite fell on the tree."
A few people looked up and saw a brightly colored kite stuck between the branches, difficult to pull down.
Although the tree is not tall, it is difficult for ordinary people to reach it, let alone a short boy?
Before Rong Xi could say anything, he saw Qin Ke come under the tree, stretch out his hand to grab a branch, and somehow he used all his strength to fly up lightly and easily pick up the kite.
He had a graceful figure and a handsome appearance, and he took the kite very neatly and skillfully, which made everyone admire him. The boy even forgot to cry and stood there in a daze.
Rong Xi raised his lips and smiled slightly, his eyes were both gentle and proud.
Hu Yulin saw this from the side, his brows twitched slightly, and he suddenly leaned close to Rong Xi's ear and asked in a low voice.
"Da Lang, are you interested in the Prince of Qin?"
The author has something to say:
Interview Hu Shaodong.
Microphone: Why did you invite two people but only write to Rong Xiaoxi?
Hu Shaodong: (as if it were a matter of course) When inviting friends to an appointment, isn’t it a matter of course to invite family members as well? Need to send out separate invitations?
Mr. Qin: (laughs) This is very polite.
PS: I had a headache today and was not in good condition, so I only wrote 3,000 words. I’m sorry.
Huochong (chòng): a type of firearm, the ancestor of the gun.
Qióng: the handle of a gun.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
