Crowned the New Han Dynasty

Chapter 587: Those who collect ink again add fire to the furnace
"How has Mr. Ma's self-cultivation been lately?" Upon seeing the visitor, Chen Zhi put down the pen and paper in his hand and asked with a smile.

The ink master then bowed and said, "Thanks to the prefect, I eat well and sleep well, but my old arms and legs cannot be stretched, and my back seems to be in trouble recently."

This person looks really good, and he seems to be in high spirits. He doesn't look like he has been under house arrest for a long time——

Ever since Ma Shou met with Chen Zhi, he, his nephew, and his granddaughter who had previously been suspected of assassinating Chen Zhi have all been placed under house arrest. Even when the city and county were besieged a while ago, news came to Dai County, and when the city was full of storms, Ma Shou The courtyard where the others were located seemed like a paradise, and was not affected at all.

However, this does not mean that they are not in a hurry, on the contrary, these people are uneasy and do not know what Chen Zhi means.

Logically speaking, they could hear the meaning of solicitation from Chen Zhi's words, but considering some of the hostile attitudes of Confucianists and scholars towards the Mohists, it was hard to say. After all, from ancient times to the present, Mohists have relied on their ability to become high officials. , There are only a few people with good prospects.

Ma Jun, the ancestor of Ma Shou and others, was one, but in the end he was in trouble.

What's more, the worries in the hearts of Ma Shou and others are not unfounded, because they have indeed offended Chen Zhi - of course, the real offender is his granddaughter, but family affairs are inherently integrated, not to mention their Mo family. group.

Of course, amidst the anxious waiting, there was still some good news. For example, Gongshu Hua and Meng Li, two Mo scholars who had already made plans to join Chen Zhi, visited Ma Shou and the others during this period. , and had simple communication.

Thinking of this, Ma Shou said casually: "We have talked with Gongshu and the others, and they mentioned that they are helping the prefect build city defense equipment, and they also learned a lot from the prefect."

"Oh? What exactly did they say?" Chen Zhi looked interested, but he couldn't help but shake his head in his heart. He knew that this old man was indeed cunning and cunning, and there were few words in his words that others could believe. Gongshuhua met them and chatted. There's more to it than that.

Ma Shouze had a sudden thought in his heart and changed his words: "The governor has misunderstood. They don't dare to reveal the secret. They just came to reminisce with us. That Gongshu Hua and we are considered blood relatives, and they are both Mohists. How many of them are there?" Some of the techniques for building the equipment have improved over the years, so I informed them.”

Chen Zhi knew that these words were half false and half true, but he still wanted to hide something. He remained calm on the surface, nodded and said: "So that's it. I mean, Gongshuhua originally told me that this construction equipment will cost more." It took a while, but it turned out to be completed ahead of schedule. It was said that it was due to the guidance of others, and I guess it was you, Mr. Ma."

"I asked him not to say it clearly," Ma Shou immediately put on a frank expression, "It's really their fate that these two children are valued by the eunuch. They are also honest people and they only want to serve you. We were doing work, but we offended the prefect and asked them to keep it secret, just to avoid implicating them."

"Why are you involved?" Chen Zhi laughed, "Mr. Ma, we celebrities don't tell secrets. When I kept you, I used the reason that there was a war in Dai County recently. I didn't say this to deceive you. Even many The aristocratic families who came from Luoyang and the south were protected by many guards. They did not dare to leave the city rashly at this time. Once they fell into the wilderness and encountered the Hu cavalry, they would not be able to escape. Recently, there is news about the presence of Huns spies. You also know the news outside the city, right?"

Ma Shou nodded and said yes repeatedly.

Chen Zhi followed up and said: "However, I am retaining a few people because I still want to ask for your help. Gongshu Hua and the others have gone to see you several times in recent times and took out several square and circle maps, saying that they were It is my intention to let you guide and improve the family heirlooms."

Ma Shou was still nodding, but when he heard this, his heart moved. He suddenly raised his head, looked at Chen Zhi, and said uncertainly: "Could it be that..."

"Yes, these square and circle diagrams are not actually a family heirloom passed down to them by the public. I drew them and gave them to them to improve. However, what they learned was limited, and there were many omissions in many places. So after consulting me, they made I decided to let them take it to you and let you give me some advice, but I didn’t explain it clearly because of my special instructions.”

These words were almost the same as Ma Shou's excuse just now, and immediately made the atmosphere strange.

As soon as these words came out, Ma Shou's old face immediately showed a look of shame, and he lowered his head directly and whispered: "It turns out that the prefect knows that the old man's nonsense really made the prefect laugh."

Chen Zhi could see that the old man looked ashamed on the surface, but his eyes were very clear. It was possible that even this statement was an act.

So he simply said: "You must have seen those furnace diagrams, old sir, and gave you a lot of suggestions. After Gongshuhua and others came back, they all said that these suggestions were very precious, and they directly gave them to them before they started construction." The stove has been improved to a higher level, and it is said that there are many things in it. I have discussed it with you for a long time, Mr., I believe these pictures of mine have also inspired you, right?"

Ma Shou nodded slowly and said sincerely: "Those furnace diagrams seem to be similar to those in the past, but the slight improvements in site selection and furnace erecting are really eye-opening for me. The seemingly simple changes, it seems that who Everyone can think of it, but it is like a layer of window paper. If no one breaks it, no one will ever think of it." These words were indeed spoken from the bottom of his heart. He has been immersed in the art of creation for almost his entire life. Well, this old man is indeed sincere when it comes to things in this field.

As he spoke, he couldn't help but praise Chen Zhi: "Prefect, you just said that these are all from your pen. Thinking of this, it seems that the prefect has a deep study of Mohism!" Chen Zhihan smiled and said: "In that case, you should also know that no matter where you put this thing, it can be passed down to the family. It is a treasure that can be passed down. Do you think you look at it like this? I will let you go easily?" "

Ma Shou was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly, nodded and said: "I understand, but the prefect has really taken great pains to recruit me and others. Let's not talk about other things, just those few square and circle pictures, for me and other Mohists, That’s priceless!”

"Any drawing is worthless when it is put on paper." Chen Zhi shook his head. "Although I can draw it, it is mostly out of imagination. Whether it can be run in reality is the key. Unfortunately, I I don’t have anyone who is good at this. Only when this kind of thing is made, can be used, and has output can it really have value..."

In fact, it can be said that almost no one under Chen Zhi has real design talent. Although Gongshu Hua and Meng Li are Mohists, they are the type who are good at following the script and blind in innovative design.

Of course, if the blueprint Chen Zhi got from the lottery can be used, he could smooth out the contradictions between logic and actual operation. However, Chen Zhi was not sure how long it would take before he could draw such a lottery again and prepare to use it on more important projects. The place.

After much deliberation, the introduction of new design talents became a problem on the table.

Chen Zhi's eyes were naturally focused on Ma Shou and others, and he arranged for Gongshu Hua and others to go and inquire. In fact, he was also testing Ma Shou's level.

The result is quite satisfactory.

With this in mind, he made a clear condition: "If you are willing to help, I will treat you politely, and I will not be stingy in financial rewards. I will definitely satisfy the old gentleman. If you are not willing, I will wait for you." After the war, as long as you hand over the square map of equal value, Chen will let you go, how about that?"

Ma Shou lowered his head and thought for a while, but when he raised his head again, he asked a question: "Judging from the diagram Gongshuhua took, does the prefect need to build a furnace for smelting first?"

"Not bad." Chen Zhi nodded, "Do you have anything to teach me, old gentleman?"

Ma Meng stroked his beard and said: "My son and nephew have some knowledge of smelting. They also built furnaces in the past. They were also invited to Jiangzuo to build a smelting furnace for the King of Jiangdu."

Chen Zhi heard the other party's plan from these words and said with a smile: "Oh? There is also this matter. With the help of these two people, it will be even more powerful."

Ma Shou also laughed and said modestly: "They still have a lot to learn, and the furnace painted by the prefect will also be of great help to them..." As he said that, he seemed to have thought of something, and changed the subject, "Don't worry, Prefect. I, the Ink Master, know the importance of this matter. Tomorrow at midnight, I will invite the Prefect to hold a banquet. We will go there. During the dinner, we will declare that we will keep this drawing a secret and will never let it out."

Chen Zhi narrowed his eyes and then nodded.

He had seen this habit of Mo Zhe in books, and knew that Mo Zhe had a habit of keeping promises. For example, the Rangers, another branch of the Mo family, often had many promises spread, and there were many good stories.

"In that case, I will ask people to prepare it today, and I will also see the casting craftsmanship praised by Jiangdu King."

After sending Ma Shou away and ordering to reduce the number of people under house arrest, Chen Zhi called Gong Shuhua and others, and gave Chen Zi some instructions.

That Ma Shou is an old drama player, he has seen a lot, his life experience is special, and the way of making friends with others is not known to be superior to others. Of course, Chen Zhi will not believe it just based on these words. the other party, so be prepared.

After everything was done, he returned to the table to handle official duties, but he was distracted. He paid attention to the changes in Murong Jicheng and Wang Jun, but he was suddenly stunned, and then showed a look of surprise.

"I didn't expect that at this juncture, there would be another turmoil in the capital. The emperor and his companions returned to Luoyang. I don't know how much changes they will bring to the city. But the plan about me and the ownership of the position of governor of Youzhou, right? Is it going to surface? But having said that, it depends on what Zhang Ying’s intentions are and how attached to power that King Jiangdu is.”

　Thanks to "Book Friends 201, 706, 291, 105, 514, 9" for the reward!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)