Chapter 13 Chapter Thirteen Qingshui Town

Ships in the south and horses in the north, and the transportation in the north is naturally dominated by chariots and horses.In fact, bullock carts have a larger load, but the speed is too slow, so bullock carts are rarely used for long-distance transportation.There were not many horse-producing areas in the Song Dynasty, and there was a serious shortage of horses for military use, and there were not so many horses for the people, so mules and donkeys were mainly used to transport animal power for long-distance trafficking. The Ding family wanted to gather two hundred carts of rice, two hundred carts, mules and horses, and thousands of escorts in a hurry, but they managed to do it overnight. It can be seen how huge the Ding family's connections and influence in Bazhou are.

However, the hastily scraped together cars of any type and original purpose, as well as mules and horses, Xue Liang, a pig, was unlucky, driving a horned cart pulled by a donkey, But the car had been filled with manure, and even though it was washed clean, it still had a bit of a smell, which made him sit on the shaft, wrap his face in a mask, and pulled his face like a bun. Especially seeing Ding Hao driving a cart pulled by two big, shiny-haired mules, walking in front in a splendid manner, and sometimes Miss Ding got off the horse and sat in his cart for a while, feeling ashamed. Zhu'er couldn't help feeling secretly: Most people in this world judge people by their appearance, and Miss Ding is not exempt.In fact, my handlebar style is older than Dumb, why doesn't the eldest miss get on my car?

Ding Hao is a member of the Ding family. This is an indisputable fact. Many servants of the Ding family know it, even though they keep it secret in front of Master Ding.Ding Yuluo naturally felt that this man who was related to him by blood was much closer than other people, especially when this kind of family was alive and dead, who was just a combination of pure interests, and it was clear at a glance who was far and near. Just like Liu Shishi's distant nephew, because Liu Shishi's relationship is also in the Ding family's errand, usually there are big and small things in the uncle's house, he will spare no effort to help, and the number of visits during the festivals is more than his My son is still attentive.Compared with Liu Shishiliang, he always felt that his lazy son was worthless, and he was not affectionate enough to Lao Tzu, so he couldn't help complaining.

His mother-in-law pointed at his nose with a rolling pin and cursed: You blind old man, your distant nephew respects you because he thinks you are useful to him, and you think he really treats you like a father. ?But your son is different, don't think that since we are married, he is not as diligent as your nephew, but now you are in charge of the outer court, he is your son; if you are not in charge of the outer court, he is still your son; as long as you are his father , he can't leave you alone, will your nephew who can't beat him be successful?So Liu Shiyi stopped farting. The same is true for Ding Yuluo. When she is tired, exhausted, and mentally exhausted, she doesn't want to expose her weakness in front of outsiders, but she has to rest. The only place where she can relax without hiding is Ding Haojia. It's a big cart.

When Ding Yuluo was riding a horse, she was like a heroic man. She rode a steed and circled the entire convoy non-stop, boosting morale, dealing with some problems that were not well prepared due to the hasty start, and arranging scouts to constantly explore the road ahead. , Discuss with Liu Shishi, Chen Feng, and Yang Ye at any time to revise the travel route, as if they can never run out of energy. But when she got off the horse and sat in Ding Hao's carriage, she was so tired that she didn't even want to lift her fingers.Only Ding Hao, who was sitting next to her, could see the anxiety and anxiety deep in her eyes, as well as her exhausted look.Ding Hao moved the stacks of grain when he parked for a rest, and piled up a place half deep for people to lean on, which is both windproof and easy to rest without letting people see the tiredness on the faces of the people leaning there.Although these actions were subtle, Ding Yuluo knew that he was doing it for himself, and he became closer to him psychologically.

At this moment, when she was sitting next to Ding Hao, she was leaning on the grain and rice pile, with her thighs spread apart, lazily slumped on the car floor, like a vulgar man, without any trace of a lady's appearance. appearance.Now, only in front of Ding Hao can she be so relaxed. Miss, don't be too anxious, I heard from Feng Dazhangbian that if we travel at this speed, we will arrive in Guangyuan at most three days late, but fortunately the young master set off so long in advance, he finally gave us some time. Feng Dazhang whip is a handlebar style that the Ye family car dealer lent them when they heard that the Ding family was in trouble.Ye's car dealership is the largest car dealership in Northwest China, transporting people, selling goods, delivering letters, and doing all kinds of work.During the Spring Festival, most of the people in the Ye family car dealership had a big holiday, and they didn’t come back until after the Lantern Festival. Feng Dazhang had no family, so he lived in the car dealership. Ma, so I was invited here.

Ding Yuluo cheered up, slowly curled up her legs, which she felt was somewhat indecent, and sighed softly: "I know that, but what I'm worried about is whether that group of thieves will make a comeback and continue to plot against us." .It was a long journey, and if something happened to delay the trip for a long time, it would be too late for the food to arrive.Besides, I am now encouraging everyone to take turns to rest and drive through the night with a big reward. Although the journey is fast, it is difficult to last. The hard work is affordable, but most of these folk coaches are improvised, and they will not be completed after two days of walking.

Ding Hao knew that Ding Yuluo was telling the truth. Not only people could not bear the rush, but the animals could not bear it. It would not take long, and the speed must be slowed down. Five days, maybe eight days later, or even ten days and a half months, once the frontier army loses the battle against the Tartars due to the food problem, one can imagine the fate of the Nading family. Ding Hao has no feelings for the Ding family at all, whether it is the pious Ding Tingxun, Ding Chengzong who has never met, Ding Chengye who is a playboy, maybe only this half-sister, the relationship between them is quite warm.But his current fate is still closely related to the Ding family. His mother Yang, whom he has gradually accepted in his heart, is in the Ding family. Where should we go?He has no foundation in this world, and he has no social connections at all except Xue Liang, a shameful pig, so what should he do?

Starting from scratch is definitely not something that can be done just by talking about it.Modern society values ​​human relationships, and the ancient world paid more attention to human relationships.Without social connections, without familiarity with the customs and customs of this world, nothing will be accomplished. During the Chinese New Year, the Ding family prepared a large number of gift lists, and the officials, Kong Mu, and even the town's tax officials and servants had a share.Ding Hao's heart was touched when he saw it. Thinking about his body and appearance, he is not bad. Although he can't write traditional Chinese characters very well, he can still recognize most of them. If he counts, he can only be regarded as semi-literate. Probably good enough.

But after inquiring about it, I found out that it was impossible to even think about it.Don't look at characters such as tax officials and servants who appear in dramas, they are all extras and can't be extras, but in real life, they are ancient civil servants.The civil servants of the Great Song Dynasty are treated quite well, and it is definitely more difficult to test than civil servants more than a thousand years later. Even if his ancestors are innocent for eight generations, he may not have the connections and opportunities, let alone his current status. He can't even do a shop boy who is more tricky than a tax official.The waiter in the shop must be able to memorize the twenty-eight dishes ordered by the seven tables of guests in one breath, and report the names of the dishes to the kitchen with various beautiful folk songs. When the dishes are served, there must be no drop of soup.Such a shorthand expert, folk singer and acrobat, can anyone do it?

So in order for him to have a shelter for the time being, or even use the Ding family to start his own life, now as long as possible, he has to do his part for the Ding family. After being silent for a long time, Ding Hao said softly: Miss, don't think so much. Too many thoughts in your heart will not help the matter, but will make you mentally exhausted. Let's do our best. I think that group of robbers won't keep staring at you. With the Ding family.Besides, we have recruited more people this time than last time. According to Feng Dazhangbian, the world has been peaceful for more than ten years, and there are not many cottages and strong beams with a large number of people in this northwest region. They are really coming. I can't ask for a good time.The eldest lady should think more about the delay if there are too many days, so as to clear the joints with Guangyuan, as long as Guangyuan's surplus food is still enough to eat, as long as the Guangyuan army does not suffer defeat, the Ding family should be fine. Ding Yuluo smiled wryly and said: I hope so, I just think now that Dad shouldn't monopolize the Guangyuan grain and rice supply business in the first place. Although the profit is huge, the risk is too great, otherwise the burden on our shoulders would not be so great Heavy. She breathed a sigh of relief, crossed her legs, glanced at Ding Hao, and suddenly said in surprise: Everyone in the house says you are stupid, but I don't think you seem like you when you talk and act.You and I remember that you have never left the Ding Mansion since you were young, but you seem to be quite knowledgeable. Ding Hao's heart skipped a beat, he was silent for a moment, and then suddenly grinned: Hehe, I was just in a daze because I didn't want to talk.My identity, what should I say, and who should I say it to?I have never left the Ding family, but many people have sophistication, and it is not necessary to travel all over the world to understand it.You see, this is a big world, and the Ding family is a small world. In the Ding family compound, you can also taste the sophistication of the world. Ding Yuluo became silent, and after a long while, she said softly: Actually, many people in the Ding family know about your affairs, but Dad is still deceiving himself. It's still doable.If the Ding family can escape this catastrophe, after returning to Bazhou, I will find a way to help you find a job, and it will be much better than now. Ding Hao turned his head and glanced at her, a strand of blue hair was protruding from under the brim of her hat, flying up gently in the wind, revealing her fair forehead, her eyes were clear and very pure. Ding Hao felt a little touched: Miss, there is one thing that I have never figured out. Is there such a big profit in growing grain? The Ding family has become the leading family in Bazhou in thirty years only by farming, but Selling military rations is too risky, why not switch to other businesses, such as opening a few more rice oil, silk and satin shops, or opening a restaurant? Ding Yuluo said: "Of course, there are big and well-to-do families in the Northwest who don't focus on land.In the Central Plains, there may be more sources of income from doing business, but in the Northwest, farming is definitely the most profitable business.The Tartars in the north invade our borders every year, and the nomads in the northwest often harass our borders whenever natural disasters occur.The imperial court stationed a large number of troops in the border area, and the biggest consumption of the troops stationed here is food Ding Yuluo probably wanted to use the chat to relieve his nervousness, so he patiently explained to Ding Hao. As a person living in modern transportation conditions, Ding Hao really didn't quite understand the difficulties of ancient long-distance transportation.Food may not be too expensive in the Central Plains, but it is astronomical to transport it from the Central Plains to the border. For example, if a 100,000 army is to be mobilized, one-third of the luggage will be taken up, and only 70,000 soldiers can go to battle, and 300,000 civilians will be used to transport food.How much is this food worth to transport to the front line?If you use livestock to transport, you can transport more, but once the animal dies, even the grain it carried will have to be discarded.What's more, many places simply do not allow livestock, carriages and horses to enter and exit. However, requisitioning nearby is different. If we open up wasteland and cultivate grain in the northwest, plant it locally, and then supply the grain produced to the military, then the imperial court’s expenses will be greatly reduced. Therefore, the imperial court strongly encourages land reclamation and grain cultivation in the northwest. , They pay low taxes and high prices for these large farmers who cultivate wasteland and grow grain, so as to encourage them to plant.Farming in the northwest is definitely a huge source of income for the big landlords with thousands of hectares of land. Ding Yuluo was explaining to Ding Hao, and Liu Shishi rode a mule to the front of the car: "Miss, I have been driving for two days in a row, and Qingshui Town is ahead, I have to let the guys go in for a rest, or else Everyone will be overwhelmed. Ding Yuluo nodded. Although she was good at riding, her body was about to fall apart, not to mention many folks riding bad horses or coachmen driving carts.Even though she wished she could spread her wings and fly to Guangyuan, she knew that no matter what, everyone had to rest. She nodded and ordered: Guanshi Liu, go ahead and book all the restaurants and vacant rooms in the inn in Qingshui Town. With so many people and so many cars, I’m afraid the inn alone won’t be able to accommodate you. It’s too cold to let everyone sleep outside. Take some people to visit. No matter who is willing to borrow a house, they will pay double the price of the inn, so that everyone can live as comfortably as possible. After hearing this, Liu Shiyi said happily: "Missy is really sympathetic to the big guys, and I will do it for the little ones. I will make everyone eat happily and live comfortably."After speaking, he drove the mule and ran away quickly. Qingshui Town is not very big, but because it is located in the northwest transportation hub, it is quite prosperous.Just after the Chinese New Year, as soon as I entered the town, there were still pieces of red all over the ground, which were all burnt firecracker debris.During the Chinese New Year, there were very few travelers away from home, so most of the inns and restaurants in the town were empty, and some people had rented out spare houses. After a lot of busy work, the food transporters had settled down. Feng Dazhang is about fifty years old, his face is full of sharp wrinkles, his eyes are bright, and his big beard and cheeks are slightly graying, but his body is always straight, and his body is very strong.He is used to running long distances, and he often comes to Qingshui Town.After entering the town, he hurriedly helped Miss Ding, who had never commanded so many people, and Deacon Liu and others to settle everyone, and then went to the Changfeng Tavern where he was arranged to stay for dinner. When Ding Hao arrived in this era, he realized that he had learned more formulas and theorems than the ancients, and knew more about social politics and economic trends. It was useless when he was in such a humble situation, and he had to endure hardships if he wanted to succeed. Consciously follow Feng Dazhangbian, and learn some real skills to settle down.So he took the initiative to help Feng Dazhangbian. Feng Dazhangbian liked this hardworking young man very much. At this time, Ding Hao and Xue Liang were hungry, and the three of them went into the tavern talking and laughing like old friends. When the three of them walked into the tavern, most of the convoy had already eaten in a hurry and went back to their rooms to rest.As soon as he entered the tavern, Ding Hao noticed that there were still a few people eating in the restaurant, and they were not members of his own team.It’s not yet the first lunar month, and there are not many people going out, so Ding Hao took a few glances.These people were divided into three groups. A young man wearing a green cotton robe, neither shabby nor rich, with a dusty face, was sitting in the corner of the left wall just now.Another handsome young man, with a sheepskin jacket half open, revealing the brocade clothes inside, was sitting in the corner on the right, pouring himself a drink. The dishes on his table were all ordinary country dishes, but in such a small place It is also rich. The other two, a middle-aged man and a young man, were sitting at a table in the middle of the hotel. The middle-aged man had broad eyes, his brows were like ink, and his eyes were piercing.When Feng Dazhangbian, Ding Hao, and Xue Liang walked into the tavern, he raised his eyes and scanned them up and down. His eyes were scrutinizing, and there was a sense of calm and prestige. After the three sat down, he looked away.The young man sitting next to him just buried his head in eating and drinking, no matter who came in or out, he didn't look up. The three of Feng Dazhang and Whip found a table and sat down next to the young man in cotton robes who had just entered the store. The young man held the table with his hands and complained to Xiaoer: You have dozens of dishes hanging here. Son, but my order is different, how can there be such a business? Because the business is booming today, the little second said with a smile on his face: I'm really sorry, guest officer, there are not many guests coming and going during the New Year's Eve, and the dishes prepared in the tavern are limited. You can see that, and there is another motorcade passing by today. This dish is not complete. That's all right, all right, I won't order these dishes, just bring me a bowl of hot soup, four steamed buns, and half a catty of mutton. Hehe, hot soup and steamed buns are available, mutton is gone, there is still half a pork knuckle in the kitchen, look The man smiled wryly and shook his head: Cheng Chengcheng, you can eat whatever you want, as long as you fill your stomach.By the way, you said that there are not many guests coming and going during the New Year's Eve. Someone must have passed by. Do you still remember? Hehe, our Changfeng Tavern is not the only one in the town. If they don't come to our tavern, they don't necessarily remember it.I don't know who the guest officer wants to ask? The young man said: If they have been to the town, you should have seen them even if they did not stay in your shop.They should have three or four big cars, all relatively luxurious.There are twenty or thirty guards accompanying him, the host is a man and a woman, the man is around forty, surnamed Li, the woman is only fifteen or sixteen years old, surnamed Tang, have you seen it? After Feng Dazhangbian, Ding Hao, and Xue Liang sat down, he didn't listen to what others had to say, he just smiled and said: "Looking at the situation, we have almost eaten everything we can eat, and we don't need to order anything, Xiaoer, do you have any food?" Serve us men with something to eat. After Feng Dazhangbian finished speaking, he took out a purple-red gourd from under his robe, and said: "Pour me another gourd with wine, it's better, if it's sour or mixed with water, I won't let you go." At this time, the handsome man in brocade clothes and sheepskin jacket stood up, tightened the leather jacket tightly, took out a bunch of copper coins from his sleeve, and piled them on the table clangingly, as if he just threw them away, but The golden copper coins were piled up into a pillar, which looked very chic: shopkeeper, thirty-five yuan of food, all piled up here for you.After eating and drinking, I have to rest. After a while, I asked Xiaoer to bring a basin of hot water to my room. Understood, guest officer, please go back to your room and rest. The water is boiling in the kitchen, and the pot will be brought to you soon. The man chuckled, left his seat and walked past Ding Hao and the others calmly.Ding Hao looked up at him, and thought to himself: This man has delicate features, just a pair of natural peach blossom eyes, which grow on a man's face, which are watery and always make people feel awkward