Chapter 228 Hu Dangui and her brother meet
"How to make salt..." Qin Chi felt a little ashamed. When he heard that his wife was going to select the person in charge of the salt field, he immediately stepped forward, eager to take over the task. But he had no idea how to turn seawater into salt.
Jiang Tangtang said, "I'll tell you how to cook salt. Cooking salt and refining coarse salt require some things. Go gather the manpower needed for the salt farm first. Once I've prepared everything, I'll gather everyone together for a class."
In this era, many trades were passed down from generation to generation. Secret recipes were known only to the legitimate sons and grandsons, not even to the collateral branches. This was especially true for an industry like salt production, where the methods were impossible for outsiders to know.
It’s normal that Qin Chi doesn’t know.
It was said that Jiang Tangtang not only knew how to make salt from seawater and boil it, but also how to refine crude salt. Everyone in the staff office was amazed by Jiang Tangtang's knowledge.
This is too much to know!
How did she do it, knowing so much?
Among them, some were originally from the capital and had heard about the absurd behavior of the wife of the Crown Prince of Dingbei Marquis's Mansion.
People couldn't help but think that the rumors were all lies. Their wife was extremely talented, so how could she be such a ridiculous person? It must be that her talent aroused jealousy, so people deliberately spread such rumors to ruin her reputation.
Jiang Tangtang had no idea that someone had made up an explanation for her knowledge that was clearly beyond her scope. After arranging the salt field, she began to arrange the sugar factory.
She wanted to develop the towns and villages in Lingnan into modern metropolises, so she made plans early on when she built and sold houses.
In addition to building modern-style sewers and public toilets on the streets to prevent public urination and defecation, drinking water pollution, and plagues caused by overpopulation, commercial streets and workshops were also planned separately.
A large piece of land was set aside in the suburbs specifically for building a workshop.
Just like last time, Jiang Tangtang first drew a preliminary blueprint for Tangfang. She also drew on some modern experience, then had construction professionals revise it. Finally, after discussion and confirmation, the blueprint was finalized.
Wan Gui is Fu Jingchu's apprentice.
He was originally just a small bricklayer.
When Baodao was building military fortresses and city walls, they were short of manpower, so they picked him to help Fu Jingchu. Fu Jingchu saw that he was smart, hardworking and studious, so he accepted him as his apprentice.
A few days ago, Jiang Tangtang was building a house to sell and was in urgent need of staff, so he asked him to come over. The monthly salary he offered was slightly lower than that of the staff in the Staff Office, but it was also a rare high-paying job nowadays.
The last time, the house drawings in Qiongzhou and other places were mainly completed by him.
Jiang Tangtang was very satisfied with his performance last time, so she increased his monthly salary and put him in charge of Tangfang this time.
Jiang Tangtang was busy making arrangements before leaving for the capital, while Lu Shiyan was also making preparations.
The two of them must not let too many people know that they are going to the capital, and the people they take with them must be carefully selected, and it would be best if they can hold multiple positions.
During the time he is away, not only must the news not be leaked, but someone must also take charge to avoid causing panic or allowing the enemy to take advantage of the situation.
While the two were busy with their own things, Hu Yan was assigned a new task and finally had the opportunity to return to Zhounanzhuang to visit his family.
"Brother Yan has grown taller. This dress looks really good on you. If your parents knew how successful you are, they would wake up laughing even if they were asleep. It's a pity that your parents are not around and can't see how successful you are."
As Hu Dangui spoke, she began to wipe away her tears.
Hu Yan's eyes were also a little moist. "Sister, I will definitely work hard and follow the general to do my job well. I will be filial to you in the future and win honor for the Hu family."
Hu Dangui sniffed, looked at him expectantly, and said, "Brother Yan, you've made a name for yourself now. Can you find a way to find your parents?"
Hu Yan frowned immediately, "Sister, I'm afraid that Mom and Dad are... in great danger."
If they hadn't met the lady's kindness, they wouldn't have survived. His parents were already in poor health, and they encountered such a disaster...
Although the brother and sister did not erect a tombstone, they both knew in their hearts that their parents were probably gone.
Why did her sister suddenly mention that she wanted to go find her parents?
"What if my parents also met a kind-hearted person like Madam and were saved? As their children, are we supposed to just abandon them like this? Even if my parents really passed away, we, as their children, should take care of their remains. How come you don't care at all? Have you forgotten about my parents now that you've made it big, and look down on me, their worthless elder sister?"
Hu Dangui became angrier and angrier as he spoke, and finally his face was filled with resentment.
"Sister, I'm not saying that we should just abandon our parents." Hu Yan said anxiously, "But now... I have no other choice!"
"How come you can't do anything?" Hu Dangui asked, "You work for the general, can't you even handle something as trivial as this?"
Hu Yan felt bitter.
This is no small matter.
To prevent the outflow of grain from Lingnan, border control was extremely strict. Not only was outgoing property strictly inspected, but the individuals leaving were also subject to scrutiny. Without a legitimate reason, no one could leave without permission.
He was just a small errand boy beside the general and had no right to go out.
Besides, the world is so vast and there are so many people out there, how can he look for it?
Instead of running around like a headless fly, it is better to climb to a higher place. If his parents were still alive, they would naturally come to look for him after hearing about him.
He explained the truth to Hu Dangui, but Hu Dangui refused to listen. "We are old people who have followed the general and his wife. When the general and his wife were still in exile, we shared hardships. Our friendship is extraordinary. For such a small matter, you can ask the general for a favor. The general may agree to it!"
"Discipline is paramount in the military, and the general never shows favoritism. Big sister, please don't ever mention this again."
Hu Yan didn't understand what was wrong with his sister, why she suddenly started to act so unreasonable, but he still said seriously: "Besides, we were saved by Madam at that time. It was a life-saving grace, and we will remember it forever. It's not a relationship of sharing hardships. We are just servants. You must not say such words. If people know, they will definitely laugh at us for being ungrateful and repaying kindness with hatred."
Hu Dangui did think so at first, but since she followed Yi Run, Yi Run has been telling her that Lu Shiyan and Jiang Tangtang were also exiled criminals.
Although he saved their lives, it was not in vain. They were servants of the Lu family and he helped them a lot.
Gradually, she started to think so.
Seeing Hu Dangui's expression changing several times and as if she was struggling, Hu Yan felt more and more that something was wrong with her. He planned to find someone to find out what had happened during the time he was away.
He stood up and said, "I brought back some snacks from the west. I'll give one to Aunt He."
He had stirred up a hornet's nest. Hu Dangui was immediately furious, "In the final analysis, it's just that you think your sister is incompetent, looks down on me, and doesn't want to bother your parents. Why bother making up so many excuses? You say the general doesn't show favoritism, but you're not free. How did you get the chance to buy a gift?"
Hu Yan was a little stunned by her words, which were like firecrackers. After a long pause, he said, "How can it be the same? I didn't leave the border, I just bought some in the town over there. If you don't like me giving it to you, I won't give it to you."
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