Qingyun Ladder
The cicadas' chirping in early summer has not yet become noisy.
A promotion document bearing the bright red seal of the Ministry of Personnel caused an uproar in the Qingzhou officialdom, like cold water poured into boiling oil.
Magistrate Chen, now known as Prefect Chen, was promoted to the rank of Assistant Magistrate of the fifth grade, a neighboring wealthy prefecture, due to his "remarkable achievements in promoting agriculture and sericulture," "effective guarantee of military supplies," and, with particular emphasis on the contribution of the Shen family's cotton-padded coats, as well as "maintaining local stability." He was to take up his post immediately.
The news caused a stir in Qingzhou.
Both the prefectural government office and the county government office were filled with congratulatory guests.
The portly manager of Jinhua Manor, carrying generous gifts, grinned from ear to ear, as if a close relative had been promoted.
The manager of the Longchang shipyard in Qingzhou also sent someone to deliver valuable jade artifacts, his words full of obsequiousness.
Even some local bullies who had been dealt with by Shen Yan before were now timidly sending him a "gift" through intermediaries.
Upon hearing the news, the special envoy from the Ministry of Works, who had stayed behind to await an opportunity, immediately prepared an even more lavish list of gifts.
He personally visited to offer his congratulations.
The words were used to subtly hint at something.
The revisiting of the promotion of the "Xuanji New Method" loom implies that Prefect Chen, now in his new post, needs even more "capable assistants" and "merits to be made".
Certain forces in the capital who were keeping an eye on Shen Ji through Special Envoy Qian also became active again, and secret correspondence suddenly became more frequent.
The Longchang's main dispatch sent orders at breakneck speed:
"We must seize the vacuum period between Chen Tongzhi's departure and the arrival of a new official, at any cost, to obtain the core blueprints for the loom or kidnap the key craftsmen!"
After seeing off the last group of guests, Chen Tongzhi summoned Shen Yan to a private room in his study.
“Brother Shen,” Chen Tongzhi said with a smug smile, but his eyes were unusually clear, “Qingzhou is a shallow pool, and you, Shen Ji, are now a hidden dragon in the abyss. When I take up my post, Linzhou Prefecture is thriving in all its industries, with trade routes extending in all directions. It is the perfect place to realize your grand ambitions. Are you… willing to move your entire family to Linzhou Prefecture with me? With me here, I can certainly shelter you from the wind and rain and pave a wider road to success for you!”
Faced with this invitation that seemed like a godsend, Shen Yan's reaction was beyond Chen Tongzhi's expectations.
He was initially beaming, clearly pleased with the praise of being a "hidden dragon in the abyss" and having a "path to success."
But then, a look of hesitation appeared on his face.
Finally, it turned into a reserved sigh: "Your Excellency, the Prefect, is too kind! I am deeply grateful! But... I really cannot leave right now!"
Shen Yan cupped his hands in greeting, his voice loud and clear, carrying a deliberate air of distress.
"Oh? Chenji's various workshops are all on track. Is there anything else holding you back?"
Prefect Chen was puzzled.
Shen Yan immediately straightened his back, his eyebrows dancing with excitement, as if he were announcing something more glorious than earning ten thousand taels of silver: "My lord, you don't know! My son, Douya... Shen Hong, hehe! Daoist Meng Xuanchen didn't take him in and accepted him as a disciple. He's been studying diligently ever since! This year he'll be taking the imperial examination! And my daughters and sons, though not as good as Douya and Shen Hong, have all made great progress under the guidance of renowned teachers! At this crucial moment, moving house and relocating, with all the travel and hardship, what if it disturbs the children's concentration on their studies and exams, affecting their future? How could I, as their father, have a clear conscience!"
His tone was heavy, as if Douya was already a sure thing to become a scholar, and the entire Shen family was counting on this autumn examination to bring glory to their ancestors.
Magistrate Chen was incredibly astute.
In an instant, he saw through Shen Yan's little scheme—this guy couldn't bear to give up the prestige of "half a city" in Qingzhou!
In Qingzhou, he was a wealthy merchant whose every stomp shook the earth.
Upon arriving in the prefectural city, he was merely a "newly rich" under the protection of Prefect Chen. How could that compare to the pleasure of being fawned over and flattered in his hometown? Moreover, using his child's imperial examination as a shield was a grand and respectable act that was difficult to refute.
Chen Tongzhi chuckled inwardly, thinking, "What a short-sighted man!"
However, he showed an expression of understanding.
"I see! A parent's love is deep, and the imperial examination is a matter of great importance, which cannot be taken lightly! It was my oversight."
He changed the subject, lowering his voice, "However, Brother Shen, the bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow. After I leave office, we don't yet know what the new magistrate's temperament will be. The Ministry of Works, Longchang Company, and even some people in the capital will probably not let this go easily. You and... Lady Ling, you need to make plans early and be cautious."
Shen Yan's smugness faded slightly, and a hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes.
"Thank you for reminding me, sir! I understand."
Back home, Shen Yan relayed Chen Tongzhi's invitation and reminder at the dinner table, emphasizing his "deep understanding of righteousness" in "painfully" giving up a great opportunity in the prefectural city for the sake of his children's future.
Finally, he looked at Ling Zhan with a hint of probing.
"My wife, look... this decision I made... is also for the sake of the children..."
Ling Zhan was serving food to Xiao Shitou when he heard this. Without even looking up, he simply replied with a faint "Mm".
Shen Yan felt a sense of relief, knowing that this meant tacit approval.
As long as his own "pillar of stability" doesn't object, he can continue to be "Chen Bancheng" in Qingzhou with peace of mind.
He's not afraid of anyone!
In the height of summer, the heat is intense.
Ling Zhan decisively shut out the hustle and bustle and undercurrents within Qingzhou County.
She took Little Stone and Daya back to that secluded mountaintop base.
This is a completely different world.
The morning light was cool, and as the first rays of sunlight pierced through, a thin mist, like a milky white veil, flowed among the verdant mountains.
The mountain breeze, carrying a refreshing coolness and the fragrance of grass and trees, instantly cleansed away the heat and dust from the foot of the mountain.
The mountaintop lake was as calm as a mirror, reflecting the azure sky and drifting white clouds. Occasionally, a snowbird with snow-white feathers and a golden ring around its eyes would skim across the water, leaving behind its clear chirping and ripples. Ling Zhan could almost feel the heartbeat of Star Core Zero.
This feeling brought her peace and tranquility.
The spirit seeds in the cloud field swayed.
The large tracts of land that were previously cultivated spread out naturally along the mountainside, forming what appears to be a natural terraced field.
Ling Zhan brought improved grain and medicinal herb varieties, which thrived in the soil rich in special minerals and nourished by pure mountain spring water.
The golden-veined rice ears drooped heavily, rippling in the morning breeze like golden waves; the "Mind-Concentrating Grass," with its leaves shimmering with a strange blue-purple sheen, emitted a refreshing fragrance; rows of "Crimson Flame Flowers" resembled leaping flames, containing astonishingly potent medicinal heat. The air was filled with a refreshing aroma, a blend of earthy scents, plant sap, and a faint medicinal fragrance.
Daya seemed to have jumped into the water like a fish, her little face beaming with pure joy and focus.
Ling Zhan is her best teacher.
Identifying medicinal herbs: "This plant with finely serrated leaves and silver lines on the back is 'Silver Thread Artemisia,' an excellent hemostatic medicine. Harvest the leaves but leave the roots."
Turning over the medicinal herb field: "The soil should be loose but not crumbly, breathable and water-retentive, so that the roots can grow deep."
Processing medicinal materials: "'Ning Shen Cao' should be picked before the morning dew dries and dried in the shade. If the heat is too high, the medicinal properties will become dry."
Daya studied extremely diligently, not caring that her little hands were covered in mud, carefully recording every word Ling Zhan said.
She especially enjoys processing medicinal herbs. Watching fresh herbs transform into medicinal products that can cure diseases and save lives through washing, cutting, steaming, drying, or baking in her hands fills her with a sense of accomplishment.
Little Stone, after spending some time on the mountaintop, displayed his unique talent.
Not only did he sit on that smooth blue stone, holding thick books and reciting texts to the Heavenly Lake, his clear childlike voice echoing through the valley, but he also possessed a peculiar affinity—he could communicate with birds.
Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight fall, tits, thrushes, and even the occasional hawk that flies by will perch near him.
They tilted their little heads and chirped as if they were talking to him.
Sometimes Little Stone would listen attentively, and sometimes he would chuckle and respond with a few words of "bird language" that no one could understand. Sometimes he would simply open his palm, and bold sparrows would jump up and peck at the grains of rice that he had specially left.
The birds seemed to become his special companions, quietly keeping him company while he read, and flying in flocks over the medicinal herb field when he called out, helping him drive away the pests that were stealing the herbs.
This tacit understanding with nature and its creatures brings him joy every day.
Ling Zhan was not completely relaxed.
Every morning without fail, she would patrol the mountaintop with Jinbao, Shuangren, and Lanying.
Her gaze was sharp as an eagle's, sweeping over the edges of rocks, the traces of soil, and the direction in which the grass and trees had fallen.
Sometimes, she would also observe the interaction between the pebbles and the flock of birds.
And whether the direction from which those birds flew was unusual.
She knew that these tiny creatures were sometimes natural sentinels.
The tranquility of the mountaintop was what she needed.
The vigilance of the Shura Space Marines was ingrained in their very bones.
She taught Daya and Xiaoshitou to identify edible wild fruits and to find clean water sources.
And how to use terrain and simple tools for concealment and defense.
Professor Daya taught how to use honey to communicate effectively with the little black bear, who is now a big black bear.
Little Stone even tried to "communicate" with the big black bear using his "bird language".
Although the effect is unclear.
But her serious demeanor and the birds' curious onlookers always made Daya laugh out loud.
Let this super-powerful "plowing bear" be eager to do the work.
After a busy day, the three of them had a barbecue, ate vegetables and spiritual fruits, soaked in a hot spring, and watched the sunset.
As dusk falls, weary birds return to their nests.
Little Stone would look up at the circling flock of birds and let out a few clear calls, as if saying goodbye.
Sometimes, one or two brightly colored feathers would gently drift down beside him.
Life on the mountaintop is peaceful.
Furthermore, the Space Marines generously imparted their foresight and survival instincts...
The town of Linshan in summer was sweltering and looked rather listless.
Only Old Wang's blacksmith shop at the east end of the town was quite different.
In the past, the clanging of blacksmiths and the crowds of farmers waiting to repair farm tools and buy sickles were the liveliest places in town.
The atmosphere has changed in the last few days.
The shop is still the same shop, and the fire in the stove is still burning brightly, but there are fewer people queuing at the door, and more complaints.
"Brother Li, your hoe is fixed. Thirty coins."
Behind the counter, a middle-aged man, a stranger, spoke in a rough, hoarse voice. He was shirtless, revealing bulging, iron-like muscles. His bronze skin was covered in a mixture of oil, sweat, and coal dust, and a hideous scar ran diagonally from his collarbone to his chest.
His name is Zhao Tiezhu, and he is the new owner of the shop.
It is said that the original Wang Laochui was taken away by his son in the city to enjoy a life of luxury.
Old farmer Li San took the hoe, his brow furrowed as he looked at the rough welding marks and the obviously thinned blade.
"Master Zhao, is this...is the weld strong enough? And this blade, why is it so much thinner than before? It won't hold up! Old Wang's craftsmanship wasn't like this before..."
Zhao Tiezhu didn't even lift his eyelids, wiping his hands with a greasy rag.
"Take it or leave it. This is the price, this is the craftsmanship. If you don't like it, go somewhere else." His tone was curt, like the blacksmith he forged.
Li San was speechless and wanted to argue, but a young man in line behind him couldn't help but shout.
"Master Zhao! Where's the plowshare tip I delivered the day before yesterday? Didn't you say I could pick it up today?"
Zhao Tiezhu pulled a plowshare tip from under the counter and threw it on the counter with a "thud": "Here. Eighty coins."
The young man picked it up and his eyes widened in surprise!
"Eighty coins?! Old Wang can only repair a point for at most fifty coins! What kind of repair did you do? Did you just smear it on with molten iron? The weight is all wrong!"
"Too expensive? Not good enough?"
Zhao Tiezhu sneered, crossed his arms, and leaned against the doorframe, his gaze sweeping over the few people waiting at the door. "My shop is small, but I have too much work to handle. From today onwards, farm tool repair and new equipment will be limited to ten items per day! First come, first served, no exceptions! Price? That's the price!"
The crowd erupted in uproar!
"Limited quantity? The busy farming season is almost here, and we need to get our tools ready to go to the fields!"
"The price has almost doubled! Isn't this a rip-off?"
"When Old Wang was around, it never happened like this!"
"Exactly! This new blacksmith is way too arrogant!"
Despite the complaints, there were only a few legitimate blacksmith shops in Linshan Town, and farm tools always needed to be repaired when they broke.
Some people left directly and went to a blacksmith shop further away.
But most people could only swallow their anger, stand in line, and curse the unreasonable new blacksmith countless times in their hearts.
Two days later, a junior manager from Chenji Workshop arrived, pushing a wheelbarrow with several broken iron connecting rods on it—the very same batch of parts that had caused the problem with the new loom. The workshop's own blacksmith was too busy, so these kinds of small jobs were routinely sent to Old Man Wang in town for repairs.
"Master Zhao, could you please take a look at these? The workshop urgently needs them," the junior manager said with a smile.
Zhao Tiezhu, who had been dozing against the doorframe, opened his eyes upon hearing this. His gaze swept over the broken connecting rods, lingering for a moment, especially on the smooth fracture surfaces. A fleeting light flashed in his eyes before he resumed his lazy demeanor.
"What the hell? A piece of junk?"
He casually kicked it with his toe. "Can't fix it. Can't fix it on its own. I don't deal with this junk. Take it away!"
The foreman was taken aback: "Master Zhao, Old Wang used to take these jobs, right? The price is negotiable..."
"The past is the past! Now I'm the one in charge!"
Zhao Tiezhu waved his hand impatiently, as if shooing away flies, "I said I won't fix it! If you insist on fixing it, you have to come to your workshop and fix it on the machine. Otherwise, there's nothing I can do. Get out of here and stop blocking my business!"
His loud voice drew the attention of several waiting farmers nearby.
The junior manager, having been rebuffed, could only push the cart away dejectedly, muttering to himself, "Strange...they won't even make money..."
This scene was witnessed by Liu Quan, the manager of Chenji Workshop, who happened to be passing by.
Liu Quan was a mature and steady man who had been working with Shen Yan for many years. He had originally come to town to buy some things, but when he saw that the workshop's car had been refused entry and heard the surrounding farmers talking about things like "limited quantity," "price increase," "poor craftsmanship," and "bad temper," and "still wanting to enter someone else's workshop," he frowned.
He calmly walked across the street to a herbal tea stall and sat down.
I ordered a bowl of tea and slowly sipped it while observing the blacksmith shop.
He discovered that although Zhao Tiezhu claimed to be "limited" and "only accepting farm tools," he was actually a fraud.
But when farmers actually brought him broken sickles and hoes, he repaired them very perfunctorily, and the price was ridiculously high.
However, towards the end of the afternoon, two men dressed more like city guards than local farmers furtively carried a long, thin object wrapped in burlap into the backyard of the shop.
What startled Liu Quan was that when one of the men turned to close the back gate, a corner of a bronze plaque seemed to inadvertently peek out from his waist, with a complex beast head pattern faintly engraved on it—Liu Quan had seen a similar plaque on the body of a close attendant of the head manager of the Longchang Company in the prefecture!
Liu Quan's teacup stopped at his lips, and his heart sank.
The new blacksmith's strange behavior, his refusal to repair small parts in the workshop, his secret meeting with people suspected to be from the Longchang Company, and the dull, unusual hammering sounds coming from the backyard that Old Liu, the night watchman, mentioned... all these fragments piece together point to an ominous conclusion: this new blacksmith, Zhao Tiezhu, is probably not in it to open a shop and make money at all!
He came here because of Chen Ji!
He limited the quantity of farm tools he accepted, raised prices, and had a rude attitude in order to drive away most customers and reduce attention.
It's probably so that he can do some shady things in the backyard!
Liu Quan dared not delay. He put down the tea money, immediately got up, and took a shortcut to hurry to Qingzhou City.
He had to immediately report the strange occurrences at the blacksmith shop in Linshan Town to his boss, Shen Yan, who was in the prefectural city negotiating business.
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