Chapter 45
Xiangli Gu worked hard and took the craftsmen and officials from the other four counties to the fields to demonstrate the use of the curved plow and the barrel cart.
An official from Guangdu County exclaimed: "I just noticed that the curved plow seems to plow the land faster than the ordinary plow."
Another official watched the farmer plow to the end of the field, and then turned the curved plow to continue plowing the next ridge. "Not only that, the field is wider than usual. Did you notice just now that this new plow can turn around?"
The other officials nodded, "Indeed, this way we don't have to carry it around."
Xiang Li Gu coughed lightly, "You should have seen that this is a curved plow. The plow body is smaller and the cultivated land area is wider. Farmers can turn the plow around at will, which is more convenient than the previous plow."
The oxen were mooing in front, and everyone was looking at a farmer in the distance operating a curved plow. Behind him was a plowed field with light red soil exposed.
A minor official from Xinfeng County walked into the field, picked up a piece of broken soil, and found that the plowed land was flat and even, the soil was dense and moist, and the small plow body did not cause the soil to be dug shallowly, affecting sowing.
The crowd surrounded Xiangli Gu and asked him many questions. Xiangli Gu answered them one by one. Only then were the officials satisfied. They urged Xiangli Gu to take them to see the drum cart.
Xiang Li Gu stuffed the paper and pen in his hand into his sleeve, looked at the interested officials from various counties, and sighed slightly.
He brought the officials to the southern township. The fields that had been sown and cultivated last time were already full of lush green millet seedlings. The leaves were green and the plants were strong. It was obvious that the crops were well cultivated.
There were some farmers weeding in the fields. When they heard the noise, they put down their hoes and looked over here.
The officials looked at the millet seedlings in the fields and nodded. When they arrived, the millet in their own counties had just been planted and sprouted, and it was indeed not growing as fast or vigorously as that in Ganzhou.
I want to see what the drum cart looks like.
Xiangli Gu saw the urgency in their eyes and took them to the edge of the field. Everyone saw a huge waterwheel standing in the water. The river was gurgling and the waterwheel was turning, transporting water to the fields through the wooden barrels on the cart.
There was a farmer nearby who was looking at this side with a wary look in his eyes, and he only relaxed when he saw Xiangli Gu.
"Xiangli, why are you here? Who are these people?"
Xiangli Gu looked back and saw that it was Zhang Dasheng.
He introduced: "These are officials from other counties in Dingyuan County who came to Ganzhou to study."
Zhang Dasheng was frightened and exclaimed, "Oh my God, there are so many people here, and they are all officials." He quickly leaned forward to pay his respects, but was stopped by one of the officials, "Little brother, please don't make any noise. We are wearing private clothes because we don't want to disturb the people."
Zhang Dasheng wiped the sweat off his forehead and nodded repeatedly.
He glanced at Xiangli Gu and saw that he looked calm. He admired him in his heart. No wonder he could work in the county government.
The official asked, "Young man, do you find this wheelbarrow convenient and useful?"
During this trip, I saw a lot and asked a lot of questions, but I haven't heard what the farmers think.
"Of course it's convenient. Although millet doesn't like too much rain, it still needs watering and irrigation. It doesn't rain much here. If it doesn't rain in the spring, we have to divert water for irrigation, otherwise the whole family will have to starve."
He licked his lips and continued, "Have you seen this water tanker? It doesn't require any effort. It can put water into the fields by itself, so we can save energy for other work."
An official from a county asked anxiously, "Do you think there is anything wrong with this?"
Zhang Dasheng blurted out, "Yes."
The official was delighted when he heard this and asked, "What is it?"
Zhang Dasheng glanced at Xiangli Valley and said loudly, "Of course there are too few drum carts. There used to be only one in each township, but now there seem to be a few more, but it's still not enough, Xiangli."
Xiang Ligu's face darkened. Although no one could tell anything from his dark face, they all laughed when they heard what he said.
Xiang Li Gu said seriously: "If you have finished reading, we will go back."
An official said, "Okay, let's go back and see how the curved plow and barrel cart are built. Our county magistrate only showed me the blueprints, and I don't know how to make them."
Another official replied, "What a coincidence, me too. Let's go take a look. Do you think Ganzhou County is going to be prosperous? It's obviously not as good as ours."
"Who says it's not true? In the past, the tax collection and population education were nowhere near our county's. Now, we have to come here to visit and learn."
Xiang Li Gu listened to their conversation, snorted coldly, and said nothing more.
Ganzhou County Government at this moment.
Lin Shuge looked at Wei Huan, who was sitting in the first seat and sipping tea elegantly, and the corner of his mouth twitched. It seemed that this son of the county magistrate was really free.
Wei Huan looked up at Lin Shuge's expression, "Lin County Magistrate looks like he doesn't welcome me."
Lin Shuge's mouth curled up into a perfect arc, "Sir, your presence here brings honor to Ganzhou County."
Wei Huan pursed his lips slightly and said jokingly, "It seems that I am really not welcome. I brought news about the head of the Wei Tunnel for someone."
He straightened his sleeves and pretended not to look at Lin Shuge.
Zhongxuan?
"Sir, Zhongxuan..."
Seeing the obvious anxiety on his face, Wei Huan put down the teacup in his hand and said, "I was in a hurry to come to Ganzhou last time and didn't have time to see the local customs and people of Ganzhou. I wonder if County Magistrate Lin is free to walk with me."
Lin Shuge looked at him and said through gritted teeth, "Sir, you are too polite. I am willing to do my best to be a good host."
Wei Huan stood up from his chair, brushed off his outer robe, and said calmly, "Let's go. Lead the way."
Lin Shuge's forehead twitched slightly, and he could only hurry to catch up.
In the warm spring sun, the willow trees on the roadside are sprouting green buds, and a row of peach trees are in full bloom.
On the busy street, Lin Shuge stared at Wei Huan who was strolling leisurely and asked, "Sir, is there any place you want to go?" I can take you there directly.
Wei Huan strolled along the way, seeming to be interested in everything, and even visited some roadside stalls.
At this moment, he was standing next to a small stall on the roadside, holding a knitted hat in his hand. Seeing the disdain in Lin Shuge's eyes, he smiled and said, "Let me think about it. Well, let's buy some clothes. I heard that everyone in Xiye Country now likes clothes produced in Ganzhou. Although Dingyuan City also has vendors selling them, since I'm in Ganzhou, how can I not go and have a look?"
He paid for the gadget in his hand. It seemed that Ganzhou was very different from before.
"Sir, please come this way. I'll take you to Zhouji Clothing."
Lin Shuge walked in front to lead the way for him, but by now the Zhou Ji should be full. After all, since the start of trade with the Xiye Kingdom, the Zhou family's business has been booming, and it seems that they are on the verge of becoming the leader among merchants in this county.
"Zhou Ji? No, there are too many people and it's too noisy." Wei Huan had of course heard of the name of Zhou Ji Clothing. He pointed casually and said, "Let's go to that store."
Lin Shuge looked in the direction he pointed and saw a clothing store called "Caiyun Pavilion". Since he wanted to go, he decided to go.
He followed Wei Huan into the store, and a woman came over to greet them, "What do you need? We have ready-made clothes, but if you don't like them, you can order them to order."
Lin Shuge pointed at Wei Huan and said to the woman, "Help this gentleman choose a set of clothes. As long as he is satisfied, the price is negotiable."
Wei Huan curled the corners of his lips slightly, still not suffering any loss.
The woman nodded. "This gentleman is tall and looks very noble. There is a piece of clothing in the store that will definitely suit him. I'm also going to boast that this piece of clothing was made by my wife with all her heart and soul. It took a whole month from design to finished product."
Lin Shuge glanced at Wei Huan and saw that he had a half-smile on his face, which seemed to indicate that he had no objection. "Then let's go with this one."
"I'll take it out right away. Hey, ma'am, why are you in the store today?"
Lin Shuge looked back and before he could react he heard a woman's scream.
"Lin County Magistrate, why are you here?"
"Madam Li?"
This time, Lin Shuge recognized that it was Li Wan.
Li Wan's eyes widened and her lips slightly opened, showing an expression of surprise, which then turned into joy in an instant.
"Lin County Magistrate, I haven't seen you for a long time. I didn't expect to run into you here."
"Is this Madam Li's shop?" Lin Shuge saw that she was wearing a different kind of cloth than the one he had seen at Zhou's village. She was wearing a very fashionable cloth, with lots of jewels on her head.
Li Wan slightly adjusted the gold hairpin on her temples, a little embarrassed, "The master asked me to save money to open a store that day, and I was afraid that I didn't have the ability. Later, the Zhou family's business was getting better and better. I was rewarded for my outstanding performance, so I opened this store with my good friend, and I didn't expect that the business was so good."
Seeing her rosy complexion and clear eyes, Lin Shuge guessed that she should be living well.
"My wife is a capable person." He admired sincerely.
Wei Huan saw the two of them interacting with each other, completely forgetting about the existence of a living person like him, and coughed slightly.
Lin Shuge then remembered the purpose of his visit, "Madam Li, the lady just now said that there are clothes suitable for this gentleman, please help him to take a look."
"Mr. Lin, you are too polite. This one is indeed suitable for you. Please try it first. If the size is not right, we will help you to change it immediately."
Wei Huan appeared in a changed suit. It was a black straight-hem gown with cloud patterns embroidered with gold thread on the cuffs. The lining was made of fine cashmere, which was warmer to wear in spring.
Wei Huan was very satisfied. He took out the money from his sleeve and handed it over. "No need for change."
Madam Li did not take it, "Since you are County Magistrate Lin's friend, you can take back the money, young master."
Lin Shuge took the purse and stuffed it into her hand, "No need to save money for him. Do you think he is someone who is short of money?"
Li Wan actually noticed this young man when she first entered the house. He was definitely not an ordinary person, but the money...
Seeing her embarrassment, Wei Huan said, "Yes, I don't lack this little money." He took the opportunity to put on a complete dandy look.
Only then did Li Wan put the money away.
The two came out of the store. Wei Huan saw Li Wan still looking at him and sneered, "Lin County Magistrate is really likable. This lady looks at you with such tenderness..."
"Sir, be careful with your words. How can you make fun of a woman's reputation? It won't hurt me if this gets out, but it will be bad for Madam Li." Lin Shuge said with a serious and unhappy look on his face.
"Okay, okay, you are really kind and considerate to women. I don't know which lady you are getting."
Seeing that he had already bought the clothes, Lin Shuge said, "Sir, the clothes you want have been bought. Please let me know the news about Zhongxuan."
Wei Huan sighed, "I was just joking, look at how serious you are." He reached out to pick the peach blossom on Lin Shuge's hair, which must have fallen off when he just came out.
Lin Shuge mistakenly thought he was going to play a joke again and dodged Wei Huan's outstretched hand.
Wei Huan froze for a moment, and he put down his hand. "Lin County Magistrate, congratulations. I'm afraid that Wei Suizhang will be back to reunite with you soon."
"What did you say?"
Lin Shuge's face instantly lit up with joy in his eyes, but he suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from behind him.
"elder brother."
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