In the past, Wang Er, who was still a farmer, probably wouldn't care much about things like brushes and charcoal pencils.
After all, at that time he was just like an ordinary farmer, illiterate and had never touched a book. He worked hard in the fields every day and naturally did not care about the affairs of "scholars".
But it’s different now.
Although Wang Er is not among the best students in his studies, he is also hardworking.
Nowadays, whether in ordinary private schools or in schools opened by several factories, the materials used have changed to Fenghe paper and charcoal pencils.
Only those who actually use charcoal pencils every day know the advantages and disadvantages.
The benefits are self-evident. Compared to ordinary pens and ink, charcoal pencils are much cheaper and easier to obtain.
But there are also disadvantages.
It breaks while I'm writing on it, and it gets dirty while I'm using it.
What often happens is that after a class, I have to take a lot of notes and my hands are covered in black.
They even compare with each other to see whose palms are darker, as if that means they work harder.
However, these so-called disadvantages are not worth mentioning compared to the low price.
At least for Wang Er, because this item was cheap, it greatly lowered the threshold for studying, and he could learn things faster, so he could do more important work in the sand and gravel factory and get monthly wages. Therefore, no matter what shortcomings it had, he could forgive them generously.
But who would want to make do when there's a better way?
So at this moment, when Wang Er heard Wang An say that he had made a charcoal pencil, he immediately became interested and reached out to take the pen handed to him.
When I picked it up, I felt it was extra smooth and firm.
Just by looking at the shape, you can tell that this is a new charcoal pencil made by stuffing charcoal into a wooden stick.
It is much more comfortable to hold in your hand than to knead charcoal directly.
Then Wang An said, "I used to think that ordinary charcoal couldn't be strengthened no matter what. Fortunately, I received some advice from an immortal. He told me to try grinding the charcoal into charcoal powder, then processing it to increase its viscosity. Then, I can press it into a grooved wooden pole. When I need it, I can just cut it with a knife."
As he spoke, Wang An took out two more.
Wang Er was curious: "Is this also a charcoal pencil?"
Wang An: "Yes, but these are slightly different. The proportions of charcoal powder mixed in them are different, so the lightness or heaviness of the writing is also different. The lighter ones can be wiped off with a steamed bun, but the heavier ones cannot be wiped off."
Wang Er blinked when he heard that.
Before, he had never thought about being able to erase what was written on paper. Usually, he used charcoal directly, and it was good enough as long as the paper was not smudged. In addition, the charcoal pencils had not been used for a long time, so no one had time to think about erasing and making changes.
As a result, Wang An not only made the charcoal pencil, but also figured out how to erase it.
This made Wang Er feel relieved and a little fresh.
But he didn't ask for details.
After all, no one's family is rich. In the words of the immortals, they have just escaped poverty and still have a long way to go before they can live a well-off life. In this case, using steamed buns as pens is really a luxury.
So Wang Er's brain automatically filtered out this information.
However, the charcoal pencil is actually in my hand and in front of my eyes.
Even though Wang Er knew nothing about the production process and did not have much business acumen, he used charcoal pencils every day, so he naturally understood how much convenience and benefits this long and thin pencil in his hand would bring in the future if it could be completed.
So Wang Er made a quick decision: "This important matter must be reported to the county governor."
Wang An was stunned for a moment: "We, go see the county magistrate?"
Wang Er was instructing his wife, Tang, to take the children home first. When he heard Wang An's words, he turned around and asked, "What's wrong?"
Wang An's face was a little awkward. "I haven't even met the county magistrate before, so how can I go to see the prefect directly..."
He was a little afraid.
Wang Er looked at him for a few seconds, then said seriously, "You're really going to offend the County Magistrate by doing this." He handed him a cloth and said, "Wipe your face and body clean first, or you might be arrested before you even reach the County Magistrate's Mansion."
Wang An obediently took the cloth and began to wipe his face.
It was just because he was too immersed in handmade inventions before, and in order to pursue the quality of charcoal powder, he ground it very finely.
Now, it's fine if I don't wipe it, but this time it's even more evenly spread...
Black and shiny.
Nizi had originally raised her head, but when she saw him, she buried her face in Tang's neck again and refused to come out.
The two younger brothers also looked up and down, but not at him.
Wang Er was quite helpless and could only say, "Go back and change your clothes first. Remember to keep your mouth shut on the way. Also, try to avoid people if you meet them."
Wang An: “Why?”
Wang Er: "I'm afraid you'll merge with Mahakala and run into someone."
Wang An: ...Oh.
Afterwards, the uncle and nephew of the Wang family returned home first, packed up and dressed neatly.
In order to show his respect to the county magistrate, Wang An took out the only Confucian robe he had saved up money to make and put it on, covering his strong arms and looking quite scholarly.
Then he went to the county magistrate's office overnight.
At this time, County Magistrate Zhuang had just finished talking with Gongcao and Zhubu, and was looking at the reports submitted by various counties. Zhuang Xun was grinding ink for his father on the side.
Then, County Magistrate Zhuang said, "It seems that the implementation of private schools in various places has been very effective."
Zhuang Xun laughed, "I traveled around the counties a while ago and saw quite a few strange things."
County Magistrate Zhuang became interested: "Tell me about it."
Then Zhuang Xun said, "Not only would the common people send their children to private schools, but after their children returned from school, they would also study and learn to read. Some people learned the art of sketching in the county town and would return to their hometowns to spread the word."
County Magistrate Zhuang has been very busy these days. Although he knows that sketching is very useful, he has never studied it in detail.
Now he asked, "You mean, farmers can also paint?"
Zhuang Xun smiled and nodded. "Yes, I even came here to look at some of the paintings. Many people can draw quite well. I guess your teachings are paying off."
But this time, County Magistrate Zhuang didn't nod, nor did he take credit for it. He just sighed and said, "All of this is only possible because of the new paper."
In fact, for local officials like County Magistrate Zhuang, don’t they understand the importance of reading?
Everyone understands.
Not to mention other things, one of the items in Qi's inspection of local officials was to examine the local education and customs of the people, and count how many people were literate, how many people went to school, and how many people could pass the imperial examinations and become officials.
If a top scholar could emerge, that would be even more remarkable. From county magistrates all the way to county governors, they would all be proud of it. It would be highly praised in the year-end examinations, and if they were lucky, they might even be promoted.
But even knowing this, few places could make up their minds to establish private schools on a large scale, and no one dared to do as Fenghe County did today, saying that they would not charge tuition fees.
After all, these are all silver and money. Who would dare to spend it like this without some confidence?
Now, County Magistrate Zhuang’s confidence comes from Fenghe Paper and the Fenghe County City which is under construction.
So he took out the paper from the box.
Obviously, these papers were the cheapest kind produced by Fenghe County Paper Mill, but County Magistrate Zhuang was very gentle, as if he was afraid of tearing them.
And on top, there's a charcoal pencil.
It was wrapped in cloth, but perhaps because it was often taken out and rubbed, it was obviously dirty.
Seeing this, Zhuang Xun wanted to ask if he wanted to change one, but he saw that his father had already picked up the charcoal pencil.
Then, County Magistrate Zhuang was seen writing on paper with a charcoal pencil. As he wrote, he said, "The road construction in the county town is almost complete, and the number of caravans coming and going is gradually increasing. I think that in the future, Fenghe County will not only be a high-yielding county, but also a key transportation hub between these counties."
Zhuang Xun had not yet entered the officialdom and did not quite understand what this meant, so he asked, "What does father mean?"
County Magistrate Zhuang said softly, "What I mean is, we don't have to worry about the money in Fenghe County's account anymore..."
“Bang!”
Before he could finish his words, the charcoal pencil broke.
The wrapped cloth strips were scattered on the table.
County Magistrate Zhuang frowned slightly, but said nothing. He just picked up the cloth towel beside him to wipe his hands. Zhuang Xun was not surprised either. Obviously, this was not the first time.
At this moment, the personal guard Ding Qi came in and announced, "Sir, the second uncle and nephew Wang want to see you."
The name sounded unfamiliar, but County Magistrate Zhuang knew Ding Qi was a man of measure, so he asked first, "What's the matter?"
Ding Qi bowed his head and said respectfully, "They came with a newly developed charcoal pencil." He paused, "It was made under the guidance of an immortal."
As soon as these words were spoken, County Magistrate Zhuang immediately stood up and said, "Pass it on."
"yes."
Wang Er and Wang An quickly entered the county magistrate's mansion. Wang An felt a little restrained along the way, which Wang Er could understand, after all, he was also nervous.
But when he met County Magistrate Zhuang and County Magistrate Zhuang asked him about the charcoal pencils, Wang An seemed to suddenly gain confidence and spoke much more calmly.
He first explained the process of making the brush, and then added, "Currently, we've only made three types. In the future, we can adjust the ratio and make many different types. The hardness can also be adjusted. This way, we can find the most suitable one for writing, and it will also give people who are currently learning sketching more choices."
Although County Magistrate Zhuang knew nothing about charcoal production, he immediately understood the importance of this when he heard it.
If charcoal pencils can be used, then anyone who uses Fenghe paper will use charcoal pencils.
These two could almost be sold as a bundle.
By then, there will be a huge market and demand!
Then, a smile immediately appeared on County Magistrate Zhuang's face.
He stood up and bowed from a distance in the direction of Lang Yun, then looked at Wang An and said, "You, young man, may not look very old, but you are indeed a talent."
Wang An was stunned when he heard this and didn't know how to react for a moment.
This was the first time he was praised by an official...
County Magistrate Zhuang quickly added, "In that case, come back tomorrow. I'll find a good craftsman in the county to work with you on making charcoal pencils. If the charcoal pencil factory is successful, you'll have to work hard." He paused, glanced at Wang An's long gown, and said, "Of course, whether you want to work in the factory is up to you."
Wang An responded, handed the finished charcoal pencil to County Magistrate Zhuang, and left with his second uncle.
Wang Er remained silent the entire time, until they left the County Magistrate's Mansion. He then asked softly, "Have you made up your mind?"
Wang An's mind was full of how to get more kinds of charcoal pencils. Hearing this, he casually replied, "What?"
Wang Er looked at him and said, "If you go to the factory, you will have to work. I'm afraid it will affect your studies."
Wang An couldn't help but blink: "Second Uncle, do you think this is bad?"
Wang Er naturally wouldn't say it was bad.
Because he could tell, even though it was just a few words, that County Magistrate Zhuang obviously admired his nephew very much.
If a charcoal pencil factory is really built in the future, my nephew won't have to start from the bottom and work hard, but can directly get a job that pays monthly wages, or even higher.
But Wang Er had always remembered the message his eldest brother had sent him, so he said, "Your father told me before that you had a very hard life."
This one sentence made Wang An pause and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Wang Er continued, "Your father said that because you're the eldest son, you have to do a lot of things, which is actually unfair to you. Before, your family was poor and had no choice. Now your father wants you to fulfill your wish and study for the imperial examination." He paused, "Second Uncle was not thoughtful just now. He brought you here directly, but this actually blocked your path to study."
When Wang An heard this, he pursed his lips and a glint of tears flashed in his eyes.
But he did not regret the opportunity to study, but thought that his father actually understood everything and was concerned about him.
She just refused to mention it, preferring to talk to her second uncle rather than tell him.
But it's not too late to know now. Wang An smiled, but did not mention the matter. Instead, he said, "Don't worry, Second Uncle. I am happy to go to the charcoal pencil factory."
Wang Er was stunned: "Why?"
Wang An said softly, "I want to study for the imperial examinations and a career in government, but my real goal is to do some practical work after becoming an official, so that people like me who come from poor backgrounds can have a good future. Although the method is slightly different now, if we can make good charcoal pencils, won't the result be the same?"
Wang Er: "But in Qi, scholars are still the most precious."
Wang An knew his uncle didn't yet understand what "cultivating oneself and managing one's family" meant, so he put it another way: "Working doesn't interfere with studying. I used to work part-time while studying. Back then, I helped with math in the square or moved bricks. Now I'm studying charcoal pencils, which is actually easier."
Sure enough, Wang Er was easily persuaded, and then he happily wrote a letter to his brother to report the good news.
Wang An went to ask his teacher for leave, but when his teacher found out that the young man was going to get charcoal, he immediately told Master Mo.
So Master Mo invited him over for a chat, and although Wang An was nervous, he still went.
As a result, after a few days, he became Mr. Mo's student.
He is also the only student accepted by Master Mo at this stage, besides Shi Mo.
When Wang Er heard this, his pupils shook on the spot.
He already knew that the person who had led him before was the famous Master Mo in the county town. Now he didn't dare to go over and disturb him even if he had the courage.
As a result, now, my nephew, who was originally a carpenter, has become someone else's student??!
So Wang Er quickly pulled him aside and asked, "What did you say to Master Mo?"
Wang An was actually a little confused: "I just repeated to the teacher exactly what I said to my second uncle before..."
This made Wang Er fall into deep thought, but he still couldn't figure out the reason.
In the end, I could only mention this in a message to my eldest brother: "Anlang, I'm afraid you will have a great future!"
This incident caused quite a stir in Fenghe County, but it was soon surpassed by another incident.
That means that all the factories in Fenghe County are bustling again, and are fully committed to building a new charcoal pencil factory!
This time, the charcoal pencil factory is no longer as unknown as it was when the paper mill was built.
Not only were the people in the county watching, but even the merchants who heard about it went over to inquire about the news.
This made Peng Lang quite curious: "What's so interesting about the charcoal pencil factory?"
Shao Zhu, standing by, replied, "The charcoal pencil factory is nothing special. What they really care about is how much the charcoal pencils produced here can sell for in the future. No matter what time it is, businessmen are always looking for profit."
As soon as he finished speaking, Shao Zhu felt that it was not a good thing to say.
So I subconsciously looked at Gong Qiao.
Then he found that Teacher Gong smiled at him and said, "Thank you. If the charcoal pencil factory can make money in the future, it will be a blessing from you."
Shao Zhu: ...
oh.
Just then, Fang Qing from the Fine Arts Department and Kun Jingming from the School of Literature walked into the room.
Shao Zhu looked at her and said, "Hey, didn't you say you were going to the square to lead people to draw pictures today?"
Fang Qing took off his gloves and said, "Everything has been arranged. Someone is painting it."
Shao Zhu: "Who is it? Are you a professional?"
Fang Qing: "They are the indigenous people who are preparing to learn sketching. They have been learning sketching for a while, and it is boring to always draw still lifes. I am giving them an opportunity to practice."
Shao Zhu tilted his head slightly, suddenly thinking that this person was so enthusiastic about teaching sketching, in fact, he was just teaching a bunch of interns...
But it doesn't seem to be a bad thing.
Shao Zhu wondered if he could follow their example and ask the indigenous people to help him draw the pictures.
Kun Jingming put the paper on the table and spread it out.
Shao Zhu glanced over and saw a lot of words neatly written on it, so he asked, "What is this?"
Kun Jingming said calmly, "The preparations for the Xian Temple Square were made by me and several other professionals through researching books from Qi and visiting the people of Fenghe County. We compiled... well, integrated them, and plan to engrave them in the Xian Temple later."
Shao Zhu blinked and leaned over to take a look.
Then I saw that what was above were actually short mythological stories.
This is understandable.
No matter whether it is before or after the time travel, if you want to construct a background, you have to start by making up a story.
And what Kun Jingming and others wrote were all familiar to Shao Zhu.
For example, Nuwa created human beings, and Kuafu chased the sun.
This is the simplest explanation that Chinese people have for their origins, and it is not considered a lie to bring it up now.
But the subsequent trend took off a bit.
Shao Zhu watched and muttered, "Chang'e flew to the sky, and then built the Tiangong space station on the moon. Jiaolong entered the sea, and then became a submersible that dives deep into the seabed..." He paused, and looked up at Kun, "What are you doing?"
Kun Jingming said seriously, "Our school advocates science. Even if it is a myth, it must plant the seeds of science in the people here."
Shao Zhu: "Then why did you choose these two?"
Kun Jingming: "Because our goal is the stars and the sea."
Shao Zhu:...Okay, I believe it. If you say it is, then it is.
As more and more people learn sketching, its reputation spreads wider and wider.
The common people, in particular, were particularly enthusiastic about this new thing.
In Qi, there might be ordinary children who could read, but those who could learn to paint could only be afforded by families with considerable wealth.
Things that were previously unattainable are now available for everyone to try.
If nothing else, it can be drawn with just charcoal and paper.
This is the technique taught by the immortal!
As a result, the entire Fenghe County was swept by a wave of learning sketching, which was used to kill spare time.
With the initial completion of the charcoal pencil factory and the start of sales of the charcoal pencils inside, people's enthusiasm became even greater. Many people gave up traditional charcoal pencils and switched to using the new products of the charcoal pencil factory.
This also indirectly stimulated people's enthusiasm for learning.
This has a lot to do with the customs of the Great Qi Dynasty.
The State of Qi was founded on culture, and the whole nation was proud of being literate. The poorer the family, the more they knew the value of reading.
Now, with this new charcoal pencil, not only sketching but also writing is much smoother.
As for the posture of holding a pen, the method of sharpening a pen, etc., they don't need to be taught at all, they can figure it out on their own.
So what you often see is that children go to private schools to learn characters and then go home to teach them to their parents.
Charcoal pencils became an instant hit.
However, since this is a new thing after all, it is currently only circulated within Fenghe County, and the caravans have not had time to take them out for trade.
Among the people in the county, Ding Jiu was the first to buy all kinds of charcoal pencils produced by the charcoal pencil factory early on. He picked out a few that he liked and carried them with him every day, wherever he went.
He even did not forget to bring it with him when he went to the mountains with Wang Er to look at the ore.
There were several other people going up the mountain together.
They were originally ordinary people, some were farmers in the countryside, some were disaster victims in the city, and now they all work in the sand and gravel factory.
Because they were going to build a charcoal factory and expand the paper mill these days, they needed mortar, so they found a day to go up the mountain to find out where else there was limestone that could be mined.
In order to make their work more convenient and avoid scratches, they carefully put away the uniforms issued by the factory, changed into coarse linen clothes, and then went up the mountain.
They were all old employees of the sand and gravel factory and were quite familiar with the mountain. They soon found a place where they could see exposed rocks.
Wang Er took a look and said to the people behind him, "Go and take a look at the surrounding environment. Then knock down some stones and burn them to see the effect."
"Okay, Brother Wang."
After saying that, they went over and got busy.
Wang Er, the leader, was holding a map and making marks on it.
Ding Jiu took out his drawing board and began to draw carefully.
Wang Er couldn't help but ask, "What are you drawing?"
Ding Jiu didn't even look up. "Draw the scenery here. It will be easier to find when you come back." He paused. "This way I can have more opportunities to practice."
This puzzled Wang Er: "Your paintings are already very good. Master Mo praised your sketching talent before. Why do you still need to practice every day?"
Ding Jiu thought that since they had a good relationship, there was nothing to hide, so he said, "In a few days, I might not be working at the gravel factory anymore."
Wang Er looked anxious: "Why? But what happened?"
Ding Jiu quickly said, "It's nothing. I just found another job and was going to the government office to look for my relative. He said I'm a good sketcher and the government office is short of people."
Wang Er was stunned at first, then he laughed: "Congratulations, Brother Jiu. The yamen is full of civil servants, with stable jobs. Of course I have to go, I must go."
Ding Jiu also laughed and was about to speak.
As a result, I discovered that there was movement coming from the woods not far away.
Ding Jiu was very alert.
Although this mountain is in Fenghe County, people from their sand and gravel factory often come here to dig stones and get wood, and nothing serious has happened. But it is in the wilderness after all, and no one can guarantee whether there will be any ferocious beasts or birds of prey. Even if a bandit comes, they will not be able to withstand it.
So Ding Jiu immediately said, "Come back!"
The people who were hammering stones stopped what they were doing and trotted over to gather around Ding Jiu and Wang Er.
At this time, several bandits were walking in the woods.
But they looked a little embarrassed, almost everyone was injured, and the leader was even limping when he walked.
He couldn't help but grit his teeth: "Today is really a ghost!"
After hearing this, the others didn't dare to say a word, but they also felt that they were unlucky.
They were originally bandits from another hilltop, with their village also over there. They usually made a living by hijacking passing caravans.
The reason why they are successful every time is that their hijacking methods are extremely unique.
Because the provincial and metropolitan examinations would be held next year, and it was near the end of the year, many scholars returned home from their respective academies.
So they first found a thin person in the village and disguised him as a scholar returning home. They would hitchhike with a caravan under the pretext of being on the way. After getting in, they would send a signal to the brothers nearby and look for an opportunity to rob the caravan.
This method usually works well. Today, just like usual, they gathered more than 20 people and prepared to rob a caravan.
But I didn't expect to meet such a tough guy.
Not only did he not get any profit, but he was beaten up instead.
They were the only ones who escaped.
However, they were very clear about the moral character of their own people. Those who were caught would definitely reveal the location of the stronghold, so they did not dare to return to the stronghold. They could only find another place to take shelter temporarily. That's why they came to this mountain, thinking of taking it one step at a time.
Li Hu was now clutching his injured arm, muttering as he walked, "Damn it! Why would the Xu family's caravan come this way? Aren't they in the south?"
He couldn't figure out this problem, and neither could the other minions.
Although I know that Fenghe County has a road now and caravans like to take a detour there, I have never heard of the Xu family.
The bandits are not completely ignorant of what is happening outside. In order to avoid getting into trouble, they will try their best to understand the composition of those caravans.
The Xu family is undoubtedly the type that should never be touched.
Not only are they rich, but they are also related by marriage to the Pei family in the capital. Who dares to touch them?
But the Xu family is obviously related to Pei Zhongwen, so if they want to go, they should go to Jiangyi County. Who would have thought that they would come to Fenghe County.
Then one of the minions shrank his head and whispered back, "I don't know. Who knows why we're going this way?"
Li Hu glared: "Then why didn't you recognize them?"
The henchmen were grieving, saying, "They looked ordinary, without any flags, and were carrying worthless scraps of paper. I felt like I'd been let down. I just wanted to rob them of some silver and be done with it. Who could have guessed it was the Xu family?"
Li Hu gritted his teeth and wanted to curse again.
But soon they saw Wang Erdingjiu and his group not far away.
Li Hu immediately swallowed his words and subconsciously looked at the minions behind him.
Under normal circumstances, Li Hu would have silenced the witness in order to hide his whereabouts.
But now, many of our men are injured and lame, and we have no weapons. A head-on confrontation is probably not going to work.
The henchman who had just spoken came over and whispered, "Brother, I think those people are dressed like ordinary villagers."
Li Hu looked over and saw that these people were indeed wearing coarse linen clothes, and some of them were covered in dust and dirt. They didn't look like they were knowledgeable.
So he said, "You mean..."
The thug whispered, "Let's just trick them. Maybe we can even stay at their house. Then, won't theirs become ours?"
Li Hulue thought about it and laughed: "You are right, we brothers should have a good meal."
Soon, everyone spoke with one voice.
Originally, they relied on deception to sneak into the caravan, and now they are even more adept at it.
So, when the group walked out of the woods, they had lost their usual ferocity and instead looked extremely miserable.
A thug in a long gown walked straight towards Wang Er and the others, crying out, "Uncles, please save me!"
Ding Jiu looked them up and down without saying a word.
Instead, Wang Er felt a little depressed and touched his face.
Is he really old? Is he an uncle?
But now is obviously not the time to worry about age.
Wang Er looked at the man and asked, "Where are you from?"
The lackey sighed as he spoke, "I was originally a student at a nearby academy. I was planning to return home to take part in the imperial examination next year, but unexpectedly encountered bandits on the way. They not only robbed me of all my belongings, but also injured my followers. Now I have nowhere else to go..."
He didn't say anything else.
Obviously, this minion is quite smart and knows when to stop.
Considering the injuries on several people, it seems quite realistic.
But the people they met were from Fenghe County.
Even though these guys were dressed like old farmers, they had learned more than just digging stones in the county town.
So Wang Er first grasped the key point: "Are you a student at the nearby academy?"
The minion replied, "Exactly."
Wang Er: "Then do you know Master Mo?"
Min Luo nodded without hesitation: "Of course I know, I was taking his class a few days ago."
Just one sentence made Wang Er raise his eyebrows.
Ding Jiu also looked over.
After all, no one knows Mr. Mo's recent movements better than them.
This teacher was so happy in Fenghe County that he never wanted to leave.
It's not difficult to tell that there's something wrong with these people.
So, Ding Jiu winked at the people around him, Wang Er nodded, and then quietly retreated from the crowd.
Ding Jiu, on the other hand, remained calm. He first glanced around at the people, then said gently, "My dear, you have suffered so much. I wonder how we, ordinary people, can help you?"
When the lackey heard that there was a good opportunity, he hurriedly said, "Can you take us in for a night? Also, my follower has injured his leg, and I'd like to ask a doctor to take a look."
Ding Jiu smiled and said, "Of course. How about this? My home is not far away. Please follow me."
The minion smiled and thanked him, then turned around and exchanged glances with Li Hu.
Seeing Li Hu nod, he stood up and walked down the mountain with Ding Jiu and his group.
On the way, Ding Jiu kept chatting with him.
What they talked about was nothing but trivial matters of family life.
The more he did this, the more relaxed his minions became.
Then Ding Jiu suddenly asked, "Since you are a scholar, I have something I don't understand. I hope you can enlighten me."
The minion was stunned: "You want to ask me? What?"
Ding Jiu: "Words."
Minion: "...Have you ever been to school?"
Ding Jiu smiled innocently: "I am just a rough guy, unlike you who read the books of sages."
The lackey thought it was right, and he felt relieved. He thought that this person was probably illiterate and encountered a word he didn't know. Although he didn't know much, he could still fool him. So he replied, "Ask me, I will tell you everything I know."
Then Ding Jiu asked, "My dear, do you know which character in the Three Character Classic has the most strokes?"
Minion:...What?
No, if you want to save us, then save us. If you don’t want to save us, forget it. Why do we need an on-site exam???
Li Hu looked at the man who was stuck and couldn't help but feel anxious. He whispered to the people around him: "Why isn't he talking?"
The minions beside him lowered their voices: "He won't!"
Li Hu: "Didn't they say the Three Character Classic is very simple? How come you don't know it?"
The henchmen said: "Brother, if we brothers had been educated, we wouldn't have followed you to become bandits!"
Li Hu: ...That’s true.
When Ding Jiu saw that he didn't say anything, he felt more certain.
However, he did not expose the truth immediately. Instead, he smiled and said, "I'm afraid it would be a bit embarrassing for you to suddenly ask you to endorse the book."
The minion nodded hurriedly, but then quickly stopped, not knowing how to respond.
Then Ding Jiu said, "I wonder how your husband calculates it?"
The lackey wanted to shake his head, but he didn't know whether the academy he was lying about taught arithmetic, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "It's... it's okay."
Ding Jiu smiled and asked, "Then, sir, do you know what three sevens equal?"
Li Hu felt relieved when he heard this. It has become a common saying, who can not know it?
Then he heard this person say, "Thirty-seven...nineteen?"
Li Hu: ...
Damn.
At this moment, footsteps were suddenly heard in the distance.
Li Hu subconsciously stopped walking, because he could hear that the footsteps were very orderly and it was definitely not the footsteps of a random passerby.
More like, a messenger from the yamen!
When he thought of this, Li Hu turned around and ran without hesitation!
Before the remaining minions could figure out what was happening, they were frightened by the sudden appearance of the Fenghe County officials.
The messengers were sent by Wang Er.
Because there is limestone on this mountain, there are always guards stationed at the foot of the mountain. When they hear any unusual movement, they immediately rush up to help.
Compared with the workers in the sand and gravel factory, these officials from the yamen were obviously well-trained. They rushed forward and surrounded the people without even saying a word.
Ding Jiu and several others quickly stepped aside, leaving the officers with ample space to move around and avoid accidental injuries.
However, the whole process was much simpler and more efficient than expected.
The confused minions were still pondering the possibility of all sorts of things when they were confronted head-on.
The bandits were injured and had no weapons, so they had no room to resist.
He was soon captured.
Wang Er went to talk to the leading officer and explained in detail how he had just discovered them on the mountain and how he had gone down the mountain.
After hearing this, the messenger said, "These people are probably related to the robbery of the Xu family caravan."
Although Wang Er spent most of his time at the gravel factory, since he was in Fenghe County, he had naturally heard of the reputation of the Xu family caravan. He couldn't help but wonder, "Someone dared to rob them?"
He is the second largest businessman in the South, yet he has such courage.
Wang Er couldn't help but look back at the cowering guys, a puzzled look on his face, wondering if he had misunderstood something? Were they actually hidden heroes?
So, Wang Er, out of admiration for their courage, suggested to the officer, "Tie them up a few more times to prevent them from escaping."
The Xian Temple Square is about to be completed, and we can’t let these people interfere.
The police thought what he said made sense, so they ordered people to tie them up like dumplings.
The thug pretending to be a scholar kept staring at Ding Jiu, gnashing his teeth uncontrollably: "Who the hell are you?"
Even though he is dressed like a farmer, what he does has nothing to do with being a farmer!
Could it be someone from the government office?
Are we still doing fishing enforcement these days?
Ding Jiu replied seriously, "I am just an ordinary person in Fenghe County.
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