You have truly caused me great suffering!

The fact that the Prince of Dai stayed in Zezhou Prefecture was itself a statement.

So the engineering department went crazy.

Even many Taoist priests who used to practice alchemy came to Hedong and joined the trend.

Every day, people are repeatedly refining the coking process, observing the differences, and improving the technique.

Opportunities are rare; Heaven doesn't easily grant craftsmen a chance to defy fate. If they do miss it, their descendants will curse them.

An upward mobility channel and substantial rewards are always the best ways to improve efficiency.

No matter how loudly you shout your slogans, it's useless.

If performance really could lead to promotion, you'd see how many people were working overtime.

How did Chen Shao gain a foothold in the eleven prefectures of Dingnan?
In summary, it boils down to four words: merit must be rewarded.
The Wuding River has such a complex course, yet Yang Cheng led everyone to repair the waterways in just three years. This was because he became the top official in Youzhou after the repairs were completed.

In this atmosphere, the early winter in Zezhou Prefecture became fiery.

As usual, Chen Shao was active on the front lines to boost morale. This kind of personal presence of the commander-in-chief is not only effective on the battlefield, but also works very well in other places.

After a night of autumn rain, the roads were somewhat muddy.

In Gaoping County, Chen Shao stood by the river, watching truckloads of coal being transported to the coal washing pools on the riverbank.

Then, the river flow is used to drive waterwheels, and water-powered coal washing ponds are used to remove impurities (such as sulfur and gangue) from the coal, thereby improving the quality of coke.

This river is called Dan River, formerly known as "Xuan River". Looking at the mottled stone tablet by the river with the two characters "Xuan River" engraved on it, Chen Shao felt that the name was quite grand and majestic, with a unique aesthetic.

Chen Shao thought that if Li Qingzhao saw this, she would probably be very interested.

Since he had nothing better to do here, and a large group of officials had come to join in the fun, Chen Shao pointed to the stone tablet and said, "This stone tablet looks quite old, and the characters on it are very powerful. Do you know how to make rubbings?"

"Your Majesty truly has discerning eyes. We, who were also by the river, did not notice this old stele."

This was far more elegant than washing coal, and many officials immediately stepped forward to claim to be experts.

Chen Shao sat on a tree stump by the river, watching them work.

Some people returned to Gaoping County, bringing some tools. Seven or eight officials bent over, holding palm brushes, and carefully removed the dust, moss, or dirt from the surface of the stone tablet.

Chen Shao looked on with a bitter smile; the ways of officialdom were truly surreal.

And no one should laugh at anyone else; back when they were trying to climb the ranks under Tong Guan, they were even more obsequious and fawning than the others.

Everyone in the victorious army knows this.

Tong Guan is getting old; he's spent his whole life hunting eagles, and now he's been pecked in the eye by one.

He himself rose to power through this means, but he failed to guard against Chen Shao. Once Chen Shao entered You and Yan prefectures, and he went north to attack Liao, he could no longer control the northwest or Chen Shao.

As Chen Shao was thinking, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: Tong Xuanshuai must be three years old this year, right?

Commander Xuan, you're truly blessed in this life. Look at the prosperous era your troops have built, look at your military achievements, aren't they amazing?
Chen Shao stood up, clapped his hands, and walked to the middle of the officials.

"Let me try that one."

He has a strong interest in all the classical culture of his ancestors.

When the officials saw that the Prince of Dai was personally handling the matter, they were even more impressed and crowded around to offer their guidance.

"Your Majesty, for this rubbing, we must use raw Xuan paper from Jing County in Jiangnan so that it can adhere to the surface of the stele."

Together with Chen Shao, they laid the damp paper flat on the surface of the stele, and evenly sprayed it with Bletilla striata water (a glue solution made from the Chinese herb Bletilla striata) or plain water. When the paper was half-dry, they gently brushed it with a palm brush to remove air bubbles and make the paper adhere tightly to the inscription.

Then, use a wooden mallet or bristle brush wrapped in cotton cloth to vertically tap the edges of the paper and the lettering, so that the paper is completely embedded in the engravings.

"Your Majesty, the striking force should be even to avoid damaging the paper or deforming the characters."

When it was almost dry, everyone instructed Chen Shao to carefully peel it off.

Sure enough, the inscription was very clear, and there were also traces of time erosion on the stele.

Chen Shao happily told Da Hu to keep it.

“Our Hedong region is known as the land between heaven and earth, and indeed, it is full of historical sites.”

Zezhou Prefecture, a little further south is Luoyang; it would be strange if it didn't have some culture.

Chen Shao actually underestimated Luoyang, because the era he traveled to before was when Luoyang was at its most impoverished.

Therefore, his tacit approval of Pang Ge's cutting off of the Tongji Canal stirred up trouble among the literati in Luoyang, which had a significant impact.

Fortunately, the Dingnan Army had enough strength to keep the situation under control.
-
Luoyang, Xiyuan Poetry Gathering.

The Dong Family West Garden was renowned for its song and dance performances. The "Hanbi Hall" in the garden featured a giant pool, and musicians would play music during banquets, creating a magnificent scene of "lying drunk among the flowers listening to music".

The most famous courtesans in Luoyang considered it an honor to perform here, and Su Shi once praised it as "the place where the most exquisite craftsmanship in the world is found".

However, the group of refined scholars and celebrities here had no interest in displaying their elegant verses. Although Lü Benzhong of the Lü family of Donglai tried to appear relaxed and composed, his face was slightly pale.

Lu Haowen, who had been driven out of Bianliang, frowned deeply, holding a jade belt in one hand and tapping it lightly with his fingers.

The most important figures in the pavilion were either pacing or standing with their arms crossed, all remaining silent.

“He stayed in Zezhou Prefecture. What do you think he’s going to do?” Liu Ji, a member of a prominent family of officials who had served five dynasties, sighed and said, “He came to Zezhou under the guise of mining. Who would believe that? I think he’s definitely after Luoyang.”

Their worry stemmed from the fact that Chen Shao had settled in Zezhou Prefecture.

They stayed for half a month. In their eyes, it was definitely a conspiracy that such a high-ranking and powerful person would make such a big fuss over such a trivial matter as coal and iron.

Moreover, Zezhou Prefecture is right next to Luoyang, so his conspiracy must be aimed at Luoyang.

Lu Benzhong listened to the beautiful woman playing music not far away, the sound of which was as gentle and clear as a slowly flowing stream.

His unease subsided somewhat, and he said, "That general, Pang Ge, is rude, impetuous, and hot-tempered, and loves to cause trouble for no reason. Chen Shao placed him in Henan Prefecture, and his intentions are obvious. This time, his interception of the river to collect taxes is tantamount to treason, but with the court's constant leniency and indulgence, he will surely take an even bigger step."

Upon hearing this, everyone else sighed.

Given the situation, they had no choice; Chen Shao's 100,000 iron cavalry were simply too terrifying.

If it were any other military leader, they could threaten or coerce him by cutting off his supplies, but Chen Shao had a vast territory of his own.

In addition to the current situation in Hedong, to be honest, he could support twice as many troops.

And if pushed too far, he could even steal...
The Song Dynasty today is like the Han Dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period. Although Cao Cao has not yet usurped the Han throne, no one in the north can threaten him anymore.

Zhai Jin suddenly stood up and said, “Don’t be afraid, everyone. After last time, I recruited young men from the village and they are training quite well in the manor. Luoyang has always been a formidable city, unlike Bianliang, which has no natural defenses on all sides.”

"If Chen Shaoruo dares to act recklessly, we will defend the city. As long as there is resistance, loyal and brave men from all over the country will surely respond!"

Zhai Xing tugged at his brother, telling him to sit down and not to say anything out of line.

Unfortunately, they were too late. Seeing his bravery, the others began to flatter and praise him.

It's a close call that Zhai Jin was described as the number one warrior in the Central Plains.

For them, as long as someone dares to raise an army, that's all that matters.

Even if you lose, you can still hold on.

"What else has he been doing in Zezhou Prefecture lately, besides seeking fame and fortune and inciting people at mines and coal yards?"

Lu Haowen sneered, "I heard that you have recently learned how to make rubbings of stone tablets and are obsessed with it. In my opinion, you are just pretending."

"That's right, he's just a lowly soldier in the Northwest, how could he possibly know anything about such refined matters?"
-
Chen Shao stayed in Zezhou for half a month, and it was finally time to leave.

In the past two weeks, he has brought about tremendous changes to Zezhou.

First, there are six coal washing pools, plus two coking kilns;

Furthermore, mining operations have also made significant progress thanks to Chen Shao.

Bamboo ventilation ducts were installed in all the mine shafts to remove mine gas, and water pulleys were installed to remove accumulated water from the mine shafts.

Together with the Construction Bureau of the Institute of Technology, he established an integrated system of "coal mining-washing-coking-ironmaking", turning Zezhou into the second coal and iron integrated city in Hedong.

Although most of the power still comes from water, the engineering institute has reached the pinnacle of water power development.

It is believed that they will soon begin to explore better and faster power sources.

After returning home, Chen Shao planned to give them a brief reminder: everything is difficult at the beginning, and he hoped that his "foresight" would help them avoid some detours.

Outside the Zezhou government office, civil and military officials, as well as local gentry, almost all came to see him off.

Regardless of how the people in neighboring Luoyang viewed the Prince of Dai, in the eyes of the people of Hedong, the Prince of Dai was the ruler of Hedong, the true dragon who brought them back to their former glory.

The Prince of Dai must ascend to the throne and change the dynasty, otherwise they will be finished.

The merit of following the emperor and the crime of treason may seem worlds apart, but they are actually very similar.

Chen Shao gave a few more instructions, and finally said earnestly, "You all must take good care of these workshops and mines for me."

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

Chen Shao nodded before boarding the carriage; this time, he did not choose to ride a horse.

When I came, it was just occasional autumn rain, but now that I'm going back, it's already snowing lightly.

Like the previous winters, this year is destined to be another cold winter.

Chen Shao had already instructed the coal yard workers to try mixing coal powder with clay to make temperature-controlled fuel blocks, also known as honeycomb briquettes.

Don't underestimate this thing; in critical moments, it can save the lives of many people in the dead of winter.

People freezing to death and starving to death were not uncommon at that time.

They traveled in silence. The return journey was a bit slower than the way there, and Chen Shao stayed overnight in Fenzhou.

We set off again the next day, and by the time we returned to Taiyuan, it was just past noon.

He did not send anyone to inform the king, so only the royal guards were there to greet him outside the city.

Upon arriving at the residence, Chen Shao happened to see Madam Zhe and several of her relatives entering together. He greeted them with a smile.

Madam Zhe stepped forward with a smile and said, "I was talking to them yesterday, and they all said you wouldn't be back until before the New Year. Only I guessed you would be back today."

Chen Shao looked at her pretty face. Zhe Shi was a very bright and beautiful woman. Her facial features were well-defined, her cheeks were as smooth as jade, and her naturally charming eyes, eyebrows and fan-shaped eyelashes showed a beautiful curve.

The Zhe family of Fugu is known for producing many beauties, and the girls around her are all exceptionally pretty.

"Have you had lunch yet?" Chen Shao shook his head and said, "I was too lazy to eat on the way."

"Then you're in luck. My family sent some venison and pheasant. I had them made into venison tongue skewers and goose gizzard and foot soup. If you say something nice, I'll reward you."

Chen Shao was about to raise his hand to hit her in annoyance, but then he remembered that there were several girls from her maternal family standing in front of him, so he glared at her and said, "Quickly tell someone to prepare."

Zhe laughed heartily, completely unconcerned about her image in front of the younger generation. Chen Shao, who had been living with a group of personal guards in Zezhou for half a month, saw her slender waist and the beautiful curve of her chest suddenly revealed as her clothes were lifted and tightened, and couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart.

Now Lady Zhe was even more excited, her eyes sparkling as she winked at Chen Shao. The afternoon sunlight was bright and soft, casting a soft glow on her fair skin, making her even more beautiful than the flowers.

Upon arriving at the Zhe family's courtyard, a little girl was standing there. The little one was rosy and delicate. Her hair was styled in a doll-like bun, tied with red tassels, and she wore a pink brocade blouse and a pair of velvet-trimmed tiger-head children's shoes.

She also had two little braids hanging down, which made her look very cute.

Standing in front of her was a slightly older girl, who was also fair-skinned and very pretty.

These are his eldest daughter, Asuo, and his wet nurse's daughter, Ruier.

"Father."

Chen Shao bent down and picked her up, asking, "Little Asuo, did you miss your father?"

"I didn't think so."

The maids around her burst out laughing. Chen Shao rubbed her head and put her down with a smile.

His daughter wasn't very close to him because Chen Shao was indeed too busy; he would only return to the inner quarters at dusk each time.

Moreover, the wives and concubines in the courtyard did not come to the Zhe family's place very often, and even when they did come, they often did not see their daughter.

Just then, Zhe Shi came over, and Asuo stretched out his arms, trying to rush into her arms.

Lady Zhe chuckled and patted her little bottom, then said to the maid, "Take A-Suo to Huanhuan Courtyard and tell her that the King has returned."

Having eaten and drunk her fill, Lady Zhe dismissed the maids and personally served Chen Shao his meal.

A short while later, some embarrassing sounds were heard.

With difficulty, Zhe Shi got up from the table and lay back on his bed. He let out a long sigh of relief. Although he was very tired, he felt very comfortable and peaceful, with an indescribable sense of calm and comfort.

Chen Shao also lay down and let the maids wipe his body. He fell asleep in no time.

By this time, Madam Zhe had recovered. Together with her maid, she straightened his body and removed his clothes.

Leaning against the headboard, gazing at Chen Shao's features, she was still somewhat dazed, her face flushed. After a while, she exhaled, twisted her body, and pulled his head into her arms.

"Good boy, go to sleep. Even little Ah Suo doesn't get to enjoy this much. You're the only one who gets to enjoy it."

Chen Shao instinctively felt very comfortable, turned over in his sleep to face the inside, and fell fast asleep.
-
Chen Shao woke up once during the night and tossed and turned for a long time.

It wasn't until the next day that he left the Zhe family's courtyard, took a stroll around the council hall, and indicated that he had returned.

His advisors quickly presented him with the battle report from Qing Tang, and Chen Shao sat down and began to read it carefully.

At this time, Wu Jie had already reached Hezhou. In just three days, he broke through the city and slaughtered all the resisting soldiers.

After reading it, Chen Shao nodded in satisfaction. So far, Wu Jie had perfectly executed the strategy he had set.

The Hehuang region is the confluence of the Yellow River and the Huangshui River basins. After the collapse of the Tubo Dynasty at the end of the Tang Dynasty, the Tubo tribes in the Hehuang region remained independent and formed several separatist regimes.

After the largest former Qusiluo regime was destroyed by Tong Guan, this area became a disorganized mess.

It would not be difficult for Wu Jie to defeat them one by one with his troops.

None of the surrounding major powers could provide them with reinforcements.

Although surrender meant certain death, many people still chose to fight to the bitter end.

They were truly tough, and Wu Jie was truly ruthless.

Wu Jie knew all too well that if you didn't clean up such a place, you would have to pay many times the price in the future.

Although the Tibetans would leave behind a large number of corpses when they raided grain every year, the damage they caused to the Hexi Corridor was also considerable.

If the current situation continues, the agricultural protection teams that Liangzhou began to organize even before the establishment of the Western Xia dynasty will be completely disbanded next year.

Chen Shao nodded in satisfaction and said to the person beside him, "Wu Jie is calm and capable. He is the general in the Dingnan Army who understands me best. If he succeeds in the future, I will appoint him as the Marquis of Zhixin."

Everyone in the council chamber burst into laughter.

After laughing, I felt a little envious and couldn't help but sigh in my heart.

Regardless of whether the king is joking or not, Wu Jie is definitely going to be granted a marquisate.

At this moment, Wang Yin stepped in. Upon seeing Chen Shao, he did not bow but instead whispered a few words in Chen Shao's ear.

Chen Shao frowned slightly. "Is this really true?"

"Your subordinate would not dare to deceive Your Majesty."

Chen Shao clicked his tongue, unable to tell whether he was happy or sad, or whether the matter was good or bad.
It seems too late to stop it.

He said to Wang Yin, "Then let's just leave it alone and let nature take its course."
-
The afterglow of the setting sun fell on the undulating waves of the Wei River, making them shimmer.

At this time, Yao Jia and Qin Feng's army had already set up camp in various places. In accordance with the military order issued two days ago, the generals of each unit came to the central headquarters to discuss matters.

The scout officer standing to one side of the desk was unaware of the recent changes in the military situation. He was explaining the terrain ahead to the generals around him.

However, the generals listened with a distracted mind.

At this moment, Yao Gu lifted the curtain of the large tent and came in. He threw down his riding whip, sat down at the head of the table with an air of grandeur, and glanced around the tent.

This has always been his style in the military.

Yao Gu had strict rules and clear military regulations, and he always kept his word.

"Wu Jie took Hezhou in three days. How many hours do you plan to take Lanzhou?"

The silence in the tent displeased Yao Gu. He snorted coldly, stood up, and cursed, "Useless trash! Not a single one dares to speak?"

When Yao Gu himself voiced the idea of ​​going to attack Lanzhou, even he felt a surge of excitement.

This is definitely an adventure.

However, if Lanzhou is not captured, our borders will be wide open, and sooner or later we will become a dish in the pot of the Dingnan army.

Moreover, since you, Chen Shao, are attacking the Qinghai-Tibet and Hehuang regions, and we are all Song subjects, what's wrong with me sending troops to help you?
Suddenly, Yao Gu felt a chill run down his spine; the atmosphere in the tent was not right.

In the past, if I had spoken like this, they would have confessed their crimes long ago, or someone would have stood up to express their support, or even volunteered to fight in Lanzhou.

But they all remained silent.

Yao Gu stood up, and with a swift movement, the group of generals drew their swords.

"Are you rebelling?!"

“You are not my sovereign, and I am not your subject, so how dare you rebel!” Commander Jiao Anjie suddenly said.

As soon as he finished speaking, a large group of military officers behind him drew their weapons.

Yao Gu reached for the sword at his waist, and all the soldiers stared nervously at his hand, the atmosphere suddenly becoming tense.

"Guards! Tie up these traitors!"

Yao Gu shouted loudly, but it was unusually quiet outside the tent.

Jiao Anjie took a step forward, and the military officers in the tent followed suit. Some of those loyal to Yao Gu also drew their swords to protect him.

When Yao Gu saw that his personal guards did not respond, he began to panic. It seemed that these people had been planning this for a long time.

Most of their own people are being controlled.

Yao Guqiang tried to remain calm, breathing slowly, attempting to regulate his emotions and calm himself down.

Especially at times like these, we must not lose our composure.

Yao Gu coldly swept his gaze around and said, "You have all been coerced and misled by Jiao Anjie. Today, those who obey my orders and fight back against Jiao Anjie will not only be spared punishment, but will also be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than someone rushed forward with a weapon, only to be cut down by Yao Gu with a single stroke.

As the stench of blood filled the tent, everyone's gazes gradually turned strange.

Yao Gu's personal guards cut open the tent's canvas and shouted, "General, let's go this way!"

Upon seeing this, Jiao Anjie personally drew his sword and charged forward.

In an instant, everyone inside the tent rushed toward Yao Gu and his Yao family guards.

The soldiers in the central army were completely dumbfounded when they saw their commander and a group of generals rushing out of the main tent.

"We will follow the King of Dai and kill Yao Gu. Brothers, the time has come for us to reap riches and glory together!"

Yao Gu gritted his teeth in hatred, "Men! Kill all these traitors!"

A group of military officers stepped forward, and some soldiers from the camp also came forward with weapons.

A flicker of uncertainty shone in everyone's eyes.

At this moment, Yao Gu was seen as having made a tremendous contribution.

At this point, Yao Gu was truly terrified. He looked tremblingly at his loyal guards, seemingly powerless to resist.

With a soft "whoosh," someone had already fired an arrow from a distance.

Seeing that Yao Gu might be killed by others, a group of generals rushed up and killed Yao Gu and his personal guards in no time.

Jiao Anjie stepped forward, cut off Yao Gu's head with a single stroke, found a pile of sandbags, and held up Yao Gu's head in the camp: "Yao Gu is dead!"

A cheer erupted from the crowd.

Qin Fengjun mutinied, and the military officers killed Yao Gu, Yao Qi, and Yao Pingzhong, who had accompanied the army on the expedition.

Soon, those who had not participated in the capture of the camp also chose to join.

Of the 30,000 Qin Feng soldiers, 2,000 escaped, and the rest joined the rebels.

The following day, the rebel army captured Lanzhou and sent someone to present Yao Gu's military tally and seal to Wu Jie. (End of Chapter)