Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

Chapter 233 No mercy 2
  This time the Jurchens brought ten carts of furs and mountain goods, and exchanged a total of 4 in cash, plus ten carts of silk, cloth, salt, tea, porcelain, grain, etc. Because of the guide price set by Jia Cong, they did not Suffer.

In addition, Feng Zihao was fined 50% more compensation, which made them laugh from ear to ear.

After paying 10% of the income to the tax collector at the market on the spot, Wanyangu wanted to take the clan members away to avoid causing trouble.

Wan Yanshan was pulling Jia Cong aside and chattering non-stop. Suddenly she saw her brother making a gesture. She couldn't help but pouted and said reluctantly: "Brother Jia, I have to leave again. I will come to see you next time."

As he spoke, he seemed to think of something, spread his hands towards Yu Hong, and said, "Give me the arrow back."

Yu Hong hurriedly held up the arrow with both hands.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I'll go back and say hello. When you enter the city from now on, you only need to state your name. This arrow is useless."

Wan Yanshan put the arrow back into her quiver with great care, shook her head and said, "This is what Brother Jia gave me. I won't throw it away."

Jia Cong laughed dumbly and said: "Speaking of what I want to give you, I said last time that I would give you a gift when we meet again, and I happened to have it ready. Double Eagle, go and bring it to me."

Yan Shuangying took the order and left.

"What is it?" Wan Yanshan's big eyes were filled with anticipation.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "We'll find out later."

"Ah."

The two of them walked and talked, and unknowingly exited the east gate. Wan Yangu ordered the tribesmen to drive their vehicles and wait aside. They were also happy to see Wanyanshan take advantage of Lord Guard.

"Brother Jia, will you miss me when I leave?" Wan Yanshan did not dare to look into Jia Cong's eyes and lowered her head.

Jia Cong smiled and said: "You are so cute, of course I will miss you, every day."

Wanyanshan said happily: "I will also miss Brother Jia, every day. Actually, I have one more thing to tell Brother Jia this time."

"what's up?"

Wan Yanshan hesitated and said cautiously: "In half a month, our clan will hold the annual Yai Xi Conference. Can Brother Jia come to participate?"

Jia Cong asked: "What is this drag conference for?"

"This is the custom of our Jurchens, which is for warriors from all tribes to compete together. I think Brother Jia can come to watch the ceremony if he is interested." Wan Yanshan looked at Jia Cong expectantly.

Jia Cong's heart moved slightly and he said with a smile: "Since you are so kind to invite me, how can I refuse it? It's just that I don't know the way..."

"I'll pick you up when the time comes. Brother Jia, you're so kind." Wan Yanshan cheered, jumped over and put her arms around Jia Cong's neck.

Jia Cong's face turned red. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the strange looks on the faces of the real women. He pushed Wan Yanshan away and said, "Look, the gift I gave you is here."

At the end of the long street, a horse as red as charcoal was galloping towards him. When he got close, Yan Shuangying lightly reined the horse, and the horse's hooves as big as a bowl stepped on the ground. It stopped suddenly, moving like a rabbit in flight and as quiet as a rabbit. Virgin.

"What a horse!" All the real women were amazed and looked over.

"This is..." Wan Yanshan looked at Jia Cong in disbelief.

Jia Cong nodded and smiled: "This is for you, do you like it?"

Um! Wanyanshan nodded heavily, stroked the fiery red horse, and looked around. She saw that the horse was completely red, without any stray hairs. Its head was as heavy and tall as a chip, and its eyes were full and shiny, like precious stones in lamps. It is shaped like a dragon with a body and a phoenix neck, with strong muscles and bones, long and powerful limbs, and is agile and free.

Wanyanshan couldn't put it down and stroked the horse's neck, saying, "Brother Jia, this is a thousand-mile horse. Do you really want to give it to me?"

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Coral is precious because of its red color. It is called the Rouge Fire Dragon Beast, and it is a perfect match for you."

Feeling ashamed and happy, Wan Yanshan rushed over, hugged Jia Cong and kissed him on the face. She immediately turned over and jumped onto the back of the fire dragon beast, and fled quickly.

Everyone laughed.

Jia Cong was also a little surprised that he was scorned by a girl today.

Wan Yangu and others greeted Jia Cong and drove away.

Jia Cong led his troops back home and met Jia Lian, Xue Pan and his party on the street.

"Brother Cong, it's me, Meng Lang, today, please forgive me." Xue Pan stuck his head out of the carriage and said apologetically.

Jia Cong laughed and scolded: "You said you are also a noble man, why do you always like to rob people's girls? If you like beautiful girls, you can go to Jiangnan to buy them, but you can't buy many? You are really worthless."

"Yes, yes, I didn't say it casually, but I didn't know she was so unreasonable. Besides, I want to know that this girl is yours, and even if I had ten more courages, I wouldn't dare to have any ideas about her. "Xue Pan said.

"You deserve it! If you don't restrain your temper in the future, not only will you be unlucky, but you may also bring trouble to your family." Jia Cong thought for a while and then said: "I've dealt with your shopkeeper today. Go back and apologize to Aunt Xue for me. Just say that the law is ruthless, and I can’t help you.”

"Hey, brother Cong, you are out of touch when you say this. This bastard Han Ping is doing all kinds of things in the name of my family. You have cleaned up the family for me. I can't thank you enough. What are you talking about?" Xue Pan said hurriedly.

Jia Cong smiled slightly and said, "Is your injury okay?"

"It's okay, it's okay. The doctor said that no muscles or bones were injured, just flesh and blood injuries. The younger brother and sister were very measured in their approach." Xue Pan said with a smile, pulling on the wound, and took another breath of cold air.

"What younger brother and sister are you talking nonsense? Don't talk nonsense in front of Sister Bao when you go back." Jia Cong glared at him.

Xue Pan smiled obscenely, showing a "don't worry" expression, and said: "Don't worry, who among our brothers will follow whom? Besides, Baochai is not a jealous person, how can he not tolerate a barbarian girl? Don't worry, there is me. Brother is here, I promise everything will be fine."

Seeing that the description was getting darker and darker, Jia Cong couldn't help frowning and said: "My friendship with the Jurchens is for national affairs. What can you say? It's all nonsense."

"Understand and understand, isn't it just a handsome man trick to win over these barbarians? Brother, although I haven't read many books, I have read a lot of plays. What don't you understand?

Brother, you are willing to devote yourself to serve the barbarians for national affairs. You have the legacy of Zhaojun and Wencheng. Brother Yu's admiration for you is like the endless river. Next time you have such a thing to serve the court, don't forget to take me with you. "Xue Pan said humbly.

"Third brother, don't forget about me either." Jia Lian had just seen Jia Cong's power of responding to a hundred calls, killing people with laughter and laughter, and was completely subdued, and hurriedly said in amusement. Jia Cong was stunned, damn, am I so despicable in their eyes? Damn it!

"Stop talking nonsense, recover from your injuries and go back early. I think you will make a lot of money from this trip." Jia Cong was too lazy to pay attention to him and waved his hand.

"Thank you for taking care of me, hehe." Xue Pan was a little happy. It was a trivial matter to make tens of thousands of silver in this trip. The key was that it was his first time doing business. Seeing that his mother still refused to talk about me, he would not let go of the shopkeeper. In the heart.
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  As soon as Jia Cong returned to the Yamen, You Jiaxi, Yu Hong, Rongliu, Kongxing and others came to discuss matters.

Sitting down in the public room, Jia Cong took a sip of tea and said, "Let's talk about it one by one."

"Yes." You Jiaxi said: "Your Majesty, the new law has been advanced very quickly in the past two months, and it has now been implemented throughout the whole country. According to the yellow list that has been reorganized and inventoried, the total population of this country is more than 78, and the land is more than 260 million acres. .

The current silver warehouse contains more than 196 million taels, and the grain warehouse contains more than 25 shi. This year's tax is expected to be about 260 million taels. Please tell me how much it is. "

Jia Cong pondered for a moment and said: "Let's pay 50%. These days, I think Chief Yang has also taken on a lot of pressure for us. We must let the superior officers of the Chief Soldier's Yamen see some rewards."

"My lord is wise." You Jiaxi said with a smile while cupping his hands.

Yu Hong also reported on some repairs to the forts, city defenses, public security and the arrest of thieves, and finally concluded: "After these two months of rectification, the gangsters in this small area of ​​​​weixiao have escaped, caught, and killed. The atmosphere is pure, and the people all praise you for being wise."

Jia Cong nodded and said: "If the common people want to live and work in peace and contentment, firstly, taxation cannot be too heavy, and secondly, there must not be harassment by evil officials and green-skinned hooligans. These two points are fundamental.

Rong Zhubu and Yu Xieshou, you have a great responsibility. You must not take it lightly. You must take heavy action to stir up the turmoil and clear it up, so that the people can have a bright future. "

"The lower official (junior general) will obey your instructions."

"In addition, Yu Xieshou, Yu Xieshou, prepare for the army-wide competition in half a year. Tell the garrison generals at the forts and Guancheng that the results of the competition will determine the amount of money, food, equipment, and horses in the next six months. Let them speak based on their ability."

"Yes! The general has drafted the charter, please take a look at it." Yu Hong said, taking out a folded paper abbreviation from his arms and presenting it to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong browsed through it, made a few comments, and returned it to Yu Hong, saying, "Let's handle it as it is."

"Yes."

When Rong Liu saw Yu Hong finished speaking, he hurriedly reported on the civil affairs of the Guard, such as official instructions from superiors, inspections and evaluations of officials, filial piety, integrity and chastity, building water conservancy facilities, reporting prisoners for execution, asking for instructions on money and food expenses, etc. Daily government affairs, listen to Jia Cong has a big head.

Jia Cong waved his hand and said: "Master Secretary, you, You and Yu can decide how to deal with these daily affairs. If you can't decide, come back and ask me. Well, just now you said that a woman sacrificed her husband, and she wanted to declare herself a martyr. , build a chastity arch?"

"It is indeed true. This woman is only twenty-three years old, and she has left an orphan who is four or five years old. She is now adopted by her tribe," Rong Liu said.

Jia Cong asked: "Did she sacrifice her husband voluntarily?"

Rong Liu said: "This... I don't know what the lower official knows. This matter was reported by his clan members at all levels. Mr. Lei, you have investigated the scene of mortal murder cases. Do you know the inside story?"

Lei Tai said: "My lord, I have inquired about this because of my humble duty. This woman indeed hanged herself to death, but according to the villagers, her death of her husband may not have been entirely voluntary.

One is that she is an orphan and a widowed mother, and her livelihood is difficult. The other is that she is being persecuted by rumors and rumors in the clan. The third is that this woman also has the idea of ​​sacrificing her husband to keep her husband's integrity, gain a reputation, and leave a legacy to future generations.

Because of the imperial court's system, those who were chaste and virtuous women who were orphaned and helpless were supported and raised by the Yamen. "

Jia Cong sighed and said: "I heard that Cai Wenji, a talented woman in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, died of a man, was captured by the Huns, gave birth to a child, and got married again, but she did not commit suicide. Why are women in this dynasty so stupid? "

Rongliu was a little embarrassed and said: "My lord, it is just because of the great rise of Neo-Confucianism since the previous dynasty that scholars and people all over the world have paid more and more attention to women's chastity. The court also complied with public opinion and commended chaste and virtuous deeds. As a result, many women are proud to sacrifice themselves for their husbands."

Jia Cong smiled bitterly, he could do nothing about the world's conditions, people's customs, and the imperial government's affairs. If a woman is forced not to sacrifice her husband, she may be criticized by others. Even the court would not dare to change such customs.

Seeing Jia Cong frowning and saying nothing, Fan Ming guessed what he was thinking and hurriedly whispered a few words into his ear.

Jia Cong raised his eyebrows and smiled and said: "My foolish husband has finally learned to be smart, okay. The chief registrar has issued an announcement that all women who have children in our country are not allowed to die. If Mencius's mother died for her husband, how could there be Mencius?" ?
  If a childless person dies and marries his husband, there will be no honor. This is because it is easy to die, but it is difficult to keep a chastity memorial. The chastity arch is not easy to obtain.

If you want a chastity arch, you must observe chastity for at least thirty years. Those who instigate and seduce others into martyrdom are disciples; those who force others into martyrdom are hanged! "

Hearing this, Rongliu smiled and said, "My lord, with your heart of benevolence, you follow the ancient saints and use Mencius' mother's deeds to educate the people, and the people's customs will change."

Jia Cong said: "It is a pity that he died in confusion at such a young age. We have ordered that for orphans and widowers in this country who are unable to make a living, the garrison yamen will come forward to establish weaving and breeding workshops to help them make a living.

In addition, funds were allocated to establish enlightenment schools in various forts, passes, and villages in Benwei, hire teachers, teach subjects for free, and provide students with a free lunch, so that farm children can also read and write. "

Rong Liu bowed and sighed: "Your Excellency, you really love the people as your own children. I will definitely handle this matter well."

Jia Cong said: "Tell Jiaoyu that education is the foundation of the country. No matter how hard it is, we can't hurt the children. No matter how poor we are, we can't deprive ourselves of education. I want all the children in our country to be able to read and write."

"Yes, the subordinate understands."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "Is there anything else?"

"Your Excellency, the new Spark Camp, Trap Camp, and Death Battalion have been formed. Based on the old camp, we will select the elite of our guards to fill them. Each battalion has a thousand people." Lei Tai, Kongxing, and Jie Hui said in unison. road.

Jia Cong smiled and said: "Okay. Let's talk about Spark Camp first."

Xie Hui cupped his fists and said: "Sir, according to your instructions, all Xinghuo Camps are light cavalry. Therefore, we will select those who are good at riding and shooting and have courage to serve. In addition to war horses, leather armor, bows and arrows, and ox-tail knives, we will also equip them with gods." There are three hundred arm bows for those with strong strength to use.”

Kongxing said: "Your Majesty, the death camp is based on the prisoners killed in the prison camp and the soldiers who have fought hundreds of battles in the frontier army. It is the heavy cavalry. Therefore, at the end of the day, warriors who are good at charging into battle will be selected. Each of them will be equipped with two horses. , a pair of iron armor, a pair of vests, a spear, and a saber.”

Lei Tai said: "Your Majesty, the trapped camp is designed according to your wishes, imitating the swords and weapons of Mo in the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The purpose is to defeat the cavalry with foot and slow down the disease.

Therefore, at the end of the war, we will select elite soldiers from the frontier army who are more than 8 feet in length, tall and strong, and are familiar with martial arts. Each of them will be equipped with a pair of heavy armor and a sword, so as to have the effect of advancing like a wall and crushing both men and horses. "

Jia Cong's eyes lit up. The Mo Dao soldiers were his feelings. They could be called the pinnacle of infantry in the cold weapon era. He hurriedly asked: "I heard that the Mo Dao is very difficult to craft. Has it been made yet?"

Lei Tai said with a smile: "There are many skilled craftsmen in the army. According to ancient records, and by groping on our own, we have figured it out. In fact, it is not very difficult. It is nothing more than using the method of pouring steel, burning raw iron essence, and making the collar soft and soft. It takes a few nights to become steel, and then it is hammered and hammered hundreds of times to make a sword. It takes a skilled craftsman several days to cast a sword, so one sword costs nearly 8 taels of silver."

(End of this chapter)