Chapter 981
King Jin suddenly fainted
Chapter 981 King Jin suddenly fainted
In the central account,
The dim light flickered, and was reflected on Zhang Jinyu's face, which actually made him look a little ferocious. All the generals took a deep breath in their hearts. They seemed to have heard of this method, but they had no idea how it would work.
Only the King of Jin's eyes lit up. This method, transporting food and grass during the day and returning troops at night, seemed to have been used by someone at the end of the Han Dynasty. After thinking for a while, he still couldn't figure it out, but he also knew the key, which was to create a time difference.
"My Lord, do those Thunderbolt Chariots really have the power to break through the city?"
Zhou Ding was still a little unconvinced. There were so many siege weapons. The trebuchet was recorded in the "Fan Li Art of War" during the Spring and Autumn Period: "The flying stone weighed twelve pounds, was launched by the machine, and traveled three hundred steps." The power was decent, but without accuracy, how could it ensure the city gate was broken?
"Your Highness asked a good question. Throwing stones alone will not break through the city gate. However, once the kerosene is burned, even gods cannot save us. Today's attack on the city is not without gain. There is a hole in the center of the city gate. If it is burned by kerosene again, and then covered with cold water when the fire is burning, even gold and stone cannot withstand the power of water and fire. Once the city gate is broken, the ambushed soldiers will rush in immediately. Yang Shixiong will be the first."
"Yes, Lord, I will obey your orders!"
Yang Shixiong looked solemn and clasped his fists in response. Zhang Jinyu did not delay any longer and looked at the generals in the tent and began to make arrangements. His eyes searched and first fell on General Yang Shixiong of Dong'an. The first battle would have to tear through the defense line of the soldiers in the inner city, so he could only be the one to break the formation. In addition, the follow-up support would follow up.
"General Po Lu Qi Ping is the second commander, following behind General Yang. The third commander is General Xuan Wei Li Zongbao, and the fourth commander is General Xuan Wu Ling Yuantao. You two have different missions. After leading your troops into the city, attack the walls on both sides of the city gate to expand your victory and allow the troops from the outer city to charge into the city. The city gate will be guarded by General Zhe Chong Yue Linsong, who has only one mission, to guard the west city gate. The rest of the generals, lead your troops to charge in. As for General Hu, General Yin, and General Duan's troops, wait for an opportunity to act."
This was Zhang Jinyu's final arrangement. As long as the West Gate was breached, no matter how well the other gates were guarded, it would be useless.
"Yes, Lord Marquis."
The generals were delighted. After all, the Marquis had made the decision.
"Well, in that case, let's all go back and rest. We can't make any mistakes."
Zhang Jinyu put away the geomancy map and did not keep anyone. The generals bowed and said goodbye, leaving with great joy. It was a world of difference from the low morale when they first arrived, which also opened the eyes of King Jin. After the generals left one by one, Zhang Jinyu asked Xia Yu to boil some tranquilizers and bring them in.
"Your Highness, this is a tranquilizer. I've also put some ginseng in it. After you drink it, take a good rest for the next three days and don't think too much."
Seeing the increasingly thin figure of the Prince of Jin, not to mention Zhang Jinyu's heartache, even Xia Yu and Lan Yue'er who followed him felt that it was not good. If the Marquis had not brought the Marquis's doctor Gu Yunshi to check the pulse of the prince, he might not have been able to hold on.
The King of Jin waved his hand.
"My Lord, please don't say too much. The prince is not ill."
Maybe it was because he spoke too hastily, Zhou Ding suddenly coughed twice, and then he felt his eyes go dark, and his body softened and was about to collapse to the ground. Zhang Jinyu was quick and stepped forward immediately, supporting His Highness, and shouted urgently;
"Quick, help His Highness to the bed first, someone, please ask Doctor Gu to come over."
"Yes, Lord Marquis,"
Ning Bian looked solemn, and did not dare to delay, so he went outside the tent to look for Doctor Gu.
Xia Yu looked anxious and had tears in her eyes. If anything happened to His Highness, how would she survive and she would have failed the Queen's trust.
Sobbing and crying,
Zhang Jinyu and Lan Yue'er helped Prince Jin onto the bed, took off their shoes, and covered him with a quilt. Hearing Xia Yu's sobbing, Zhang Jinyu was upset. The attack on the city was not going well, and His Highness fell ill again. This battle was very bad.
"Xia Yu, stop crying. Bring the medicine over first, and then bring in a basin of hot water."
He touched the forehead of the King of Jin, and it was not hot. It was okay if he did not have a fever. After waiting for a while, Xia Yu left in a hurry. Not long after, Doctor Gu came in with a medicine box. When he saw the Marquis, he wanted to salute, but was stopped by Zhang Jinyu.
"No need to be so polite, Yunshi. Come and show your Highness."
"Yes, Lord Marquis."
Gu Yunshi quickly stepped forward, opened the medicine box, spread out a row of silver needles, then took out a few bottles and placed them on the bedside. He first stretched out his hand to feel the pulse, then touched the mouth, nose, eyes, etc. of the prince of Jin. Afterwards, he took out a gray medicine bottle, opened it, put it under the tip of the prince's nose and let him smell it for a while, then put it back, took out the silver needles, and inserted them into the prince of Jin's Ren Zhong, Guan Nei, and several other major acupuncture points. After a while,
Prince Jin coughed a few times and slowly woke up. Xia Yu cried with joy and was so excited that she couldn't speak. Even Zhang Jinyu felt a heavy weight on his heart. Fortunately, he brought the direct descendant of Gu Yuyi, otherwise he would be in trouble today.
"Yunshi, how is His Highness?"
He took the silver needle, left the grey medicine bottle, and then replied calmly;
"My Lord, your Highness is suffering from acclimatization problems. In addition, he has not rested well after traveling by boat, and his body is weak. This has led to excessive liver fire, weak qi and mental fatigue. Continue to drink the medicine prescribed before, rest more in the next few days, and eat some light food. In addition, take this Yunzhong Powder, which has a refreshing effect. If you feel unwell, you can put it on the tip of your nose and smell it."
The explanation was just right, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. So that's how it was.
"Okay, thank you for your help, Yunshi. In the next few days, Ningbian, arrange a tent nearby for Yunshi to live in. Xia Yu, help King Jin get up and drink the medicine."
Since it can be cured, drink the medicine, twice a day, pour it directly into your mouth. Zhou Ding wanted to speak, but his body was lifted up. Without saying anything, Xia Yu almost pressed his head and fed the medicine bowl to his mouth. He drank it in one gulp, and felt the bitter taste rushing straight to his chest and abdomen.
Zhang Jinyu was also a little stunned by this look. What a guy, this female historian is really good. Thinking of the Queen in the palace, she should have given a secret order, so she simply winked at Lan Yue'er, and the three of them filed out.
"My Lord, do you need to report this matter to the capital?"
Ning Bian escorted Doctor Gu out of the tent, and then asked with concern, saying that the prince was already sick from exhaustion, and it would be inappropriate if he did not send a message to the palace in the capital.
"Of course I have to write. There are so many spies in the army. How can I not write about this matter that concerns the prince? Grind the ink and send the memorial to the capital tonight."
"Yes, my lord!"
Jiangnan,
In Jinling City,
As the government gradually started to provide disaster relief and appeased the victims, the price of grain in Jinling was also forcibly priced by the government. Gradually, the city became busy because of the flood, especially the Jinling dock, which had a large backlog of goods and a shortage of people. Therefore, the refugees around Jinling also found a place to use their skills.
Counties outside the city,
With the precedent of Chunyang County, the county was opened up, and the number of casualties gradually decreased. Xu Changwen's reputation of loving the people like his own children spread more and more, and he gradually earned the name "Xu Qingtian".
After arranging the affairs of the county government, Xu Changwen hurried out of the government office, got on the carriage, and headed for Jinling City.
"Master, please sit tight. The government is urging us to go fast. I have no choice but to drive faster." The driver was none other than Li Zhen, the county police chief. He was the one who followed them when they went to the grain bureau to ask for silver last time. He was very brave and loyal.
"Well, it doesn't hurt to walk faster. Is there any movement at the government office in the city?"
These days, Xu Changwen was busy with the disaster relief work of the county government. After the water outside the city receded, the sky cleared up, and some muddy fields became excellent fertilizers. However, due to the large number of refugees, in order to prevent the plague, he used the 20,000 taels of silver he asked from Lord Zuo to buy medicinal herbs and boil them to distribute to the people to prevent the plague. Fortunately, most of the roads were dried up quickly, and the floods in the city receded, revealing dry land, so there was no need to worry about the plague coming back.
I was still thinking about the people's land. I didn't know what the salt merchant, President Su, would think. Would the letter I sent have any effect? If it didn't, what would happen to the people of Chunyang County?
"Don't worry, sir. I heard today that many wealthy merchants in the city have received invitations. Even the nobles have gone. The matter that was originally to be discussed in the government office has been changed to tonight to entertain the gentry of Jinling at Jiangnanchun. It can be seen that those sirs are very concerned about it."
Li Zhen waved the whip and drove the carriage towards the city. Maybe he could get a meal in the city. Although it was a banquet for the masters, the servants could also get some naan and stewed meat.
"Oh, that's true."
Xu Changwen pondered secretly. Since Shangguan was able to invite these people to a banquet, it meant that several adults had already discussed it. He wondered if the land to be sold this time would be what he had imagined. After all, the memorial he submitted had already been delivered to Magistrate Jia.
Almost running all the way, the gate of Jinling City is in front of us.
inside the city,
Shops everywhere have lit candles and put up lanterns. At the south street corner, on a high slope overlooking Mirror Lake, it is even more lively and decorated with lights. This is the famous Jiangnan restaurant, Jiangnanchun Restaurant.
At the restaurant's door,
There was a clamor of people and horses, official sedan chairs, horse-drawn carriages, and many merchants, who were invited to come on foot. Everyone brought gifts and visiting cards, and filled out the posters in front of the courtyard gate before being allowed to enter.
At the entrance of the restaurant lobby,
Shen Wanhe, the Lord Shen from the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau, personally wore an official robe and greeted people at the door. No matter who came, he would shake hands to greet them and give them enough face. The original garden-like lobby has now changed its appearance. Unused things around it have long been moved away. On the wall at the east end, there is a geomancy map of the four counties of Jinling. The map is almost all tax fields drawn by the four counties, and also includes those cultivated fields that have not been registered with the government, which are all shown on the map.
Upon seeing this, many gentry discovered that the land they had hidden was among them. How could they look unhappy? However, although people had gone to the government office, several officials kept avoiding them. It was obvious that they had made up their minds. Thinking of the undercurrents in the officialdom in Jiangnan, many people had accepted this loss and were just waiting for today to see if they could take advantage of it.
In addition,
There was also a table set up on the platform, and on both sides of the platform, there were other tables outside. Many gentry and wealthy merchants had already taken their seats here. Those who knew each other clasped their fists and nodded, and gathered together to talk in low voices.
"Brother Wen, why are you here too?"
A thin middle-aged man wearing a gorgeous robe, who looked very capable, turned around and asked Mr. Li, who was fat and had a kind face. The two were classmates and friends, and they were from the same hometown. They were considered to be well-known figures in Jinling to meet here. The rest of the people at the table were not strangers, but they were not as familiar with them.
"Oh, how can you not come? Several officials in the government office have sent invitations to all the people who are popular in Jinling. Didn't you see how many tables are set up in the hall?"
The speaker was interested, and the listener was attentive. Everyone at the table looked around secretly. Sure enough, there were quite a lot of banquets. Most of the people had arrived in a short while, and the seats were almost full. Even the prefectural officials had taken seats on the high platform, and no one knew what they were talking about.
"Brother Wen, tell me the truth, what is the story behind this so-called land purchase?"
However, this question was met with laughter but no response. This Wen brother spoke mysteriously:
"Everyone, please be careful when buying land today. Besides, money may not be very useful."
He left a few words and said no more. The people sitting around the table were confused as to what the money was not working for. They wanted to ask again, but they saw several Jinling officials outside and the four county magistrates below also sat down at the table on the stage, as if they were sitting there with him.
Just wait until everyone arrives and then we can talk.
Xu Changwen hurried over to the lobby stage and found Xu Dong already seated. He took two steps at a time and went to his seat. He met Anning County Magistrate Tang Qingwen, Shangyu County Magistrate Li Zhengchuan, and Jinling Prefect Jiang Xiyu and others. They clasped their fists and bowed before sitting down.
"Brother Xu, does the prefect have anything to say?"
"Brother Changwen, don't worry. I just got here and haven't heard anything strange about the government office. But I think the land in the county has been settled. We are here just to go through the motions. I am responsible for stamping and filling out the contract. I wonder if your hands are tired today."
Xu Dong laughed. If the adults didn't have a definite method, they would never act rashly. Xu Changwen knew in his heart that his memorial seemed to have played some role. He didn't know whether President Su would take action. Most of the relief food for the people had been consumed. If it was not replenished, they would not be able to support it by the end of the month.
"I only want food, not silver."
He said in a low voice, but Xu Changwen's words were heard by the other county magistrates, and they were moved.
I don't know how many cups of tea I changed.
suddenly,
A duck-like voice shouted from the hall.
"Eunuch Yang is here."
With a shout of thanks, Eunuch Yang, wearing a bright red inner court robe, came down from upstairs, walked up to the main seat on the high platform with a smile, sat down, and seeing that most people around had arrived, he spoke;
"Prefect Jia, today's matter is your government office's, so you should speak for it."
"Yes, Eunuch Yang, I have overstepped my bounds,"
Jia Yucun did not refuse. Today's arrangements were all arranged in advance. In the name of the Jinling government, the gentry and merchants were arranged to gather here. However, the invitation was signed with the seal of the government of Lord Jing and Lord Su. Who dared not to come?
After answering, he stood up and saluted Jia Yucun, then walked to the shadow of the east wall and said loudly:
"Everyone, all of you who can come here today are the best in Jinling. I would like to thank you for coming here today."
Then he bowed, showing all the etiquette. How could the people below dare to accept it? They all stood up to return the greeting. Only the people at the front tables did not move. Upon closer inspection, the heads of the noble families in Jinling City had also come here, as well as the salt merchants, tea merchants, and others, who were also sitting quietly. This scene was seen by the adults at the main table. Eunuch Yang narrowed his eyes slightly, as if smiling.
"Okay, everyone, please take a seat. There is no need for so much formality today. Please listen carefully. I am here today to sell tax land, but the way to sell the tax land is a little different. Now that the four counties have suffered a disaster, we should provide disaster relief. With the government as a guarantor, each acre of tax land will be priced at ten stone of grain, and half of it will be planted with mulberry trees and the other half with grain. We will also hire local people to farm the land."
Jia Yucun pointed to the blank areas on the geomancy map. These were the fields that had been thoroughly checked. However, before he finished speaking, the whole hall suddenly became noisy. Many gentry and wealthy merchants stared at Magistrate Jia with wide eyes in disbelief. One mu of land with ten dan of grain, according to the current rice price in Jinling, is almost one hundred taels of silver.
"Brother Wen, what's going on? One mu of tax land is worth ten shi of grain. The court must be crazy for money."
"That's right, who would be the one to take the blame?"
These few people were the ones who arrived earlier. They were whispering in disbelief. The one called Brother Wen just smiled and whispered;
"Don't worry, just keep listening."
Jia Yucun smiled, but did not stop the discussion. After a while, he stretched out his hand and pressed down, and the discussion in the hall gradually stopped.
"Please don't worry, everyone. Listen to me. This time, the government is the guarantor. The prefectural and county governments will re-fill out the land deed on the spot. Because it is a tax land, it cannot be changed. So after you buy the land, it will still be a tax land. According to the contract, the government will get 40% of the profit, and the buyer and the servants will each get the remaining 60%, which means 30% of the profit. There are three copies of the contract, which will be verified on the spot."
Jia Yucun was speaking slowly and the gentry below were almost stunned. Many people thought that Magistrate Jia had gone mad. Since it was still tax land, it was not his own, and the income was almost fixed. It was not like the current land owned by the owner. The rent of land in Jiangnan was 60%. It had never been heard that the purchased land only had a 30% income. One hundred taels of silver per acre of land, it was a dream, right?
The crowd below was in an uproar. Even Jia, Wang, Shi, Xue, Liu, Lin, Zhao, and the people from the Zhen family were a little confused. What was the purpose of Magistrate Jia's introduction?
Some people couldn't help but ask loudly,
"Prefect Jia, if that's the case, why don't the government just take over this high-value farmland?"
"Yes, Magistrate Jia, since the government is guaranteeing it, why not collect it yourself? You can directly take 70% of the harvest next year, which is a guaranteed profit!"
(End of this chapter)