Father Han Gaozu

Chapter 848 Charge with Marquis Ruyin
"I really never thought that people like us would have a day of salary."

Outside a large campus in the western outskirts of the city, people from all over Chang'an gathered here and chatted.

"It's all because of His Majesty's kindness!"

The people who gathered here didn't seem to be rich and powerful people, they were dressed in ordinary clothes, and they didn't have any servants. Most of them had dark complexions and strong bodies, both young and old.

They are all craftsmen inside and outside Chang'an, and the reason why they gathered here is to participate in this assessment.

The craftsman assessment has officially started. No matter what kind of craftsman you are, you can participate in the assessment. After passing the assessment of different levels, you will get a certificate, so you have a level and get special treatment.

This matter has already created an uproar in Dahan.

It's the first time I've heard of a temple raiser who has heard of a temple raiser.

These days, various newspapers are frantically publicizing this matter, and Zhang Buyi has launched a public opinion offensive from almost all aspects, overwhelming publicity, from newspapers, to Taixue, to folk storytellers, and all kinds of people. The popularization of high-level local officials has pushed the idea of ​​temples to the whole world in all aspects, and all places have already known about it.Different people think differently, some are happy and some are worried.

And the craftsmen who gathered here obviously belonged to the happy side.

Chang'an will be the first to conduct the assessment as a demonstration for the whole world.

Miaotang attached great importance to this matter, and Zhang Buyi personally supported this first assessment. Miaotang transferred the top masters in various fields from Shangfang to serve as assessors.

Six or seven craftsmen got together and curiously discussed their thoughts on this assessment.

"I don't know what kind of assessment method this assessment is? We make bricks, so we can't let us build a house?"

"That shouldn't be the case. It's probably just asking some things to pay attention to, and then I'll take a test on tile cutting, foundation, wall building and so on."

"Who is going to do the assessment? If officials are asked to come, will they understand?"

"Don't worry about that. I heard that they are transferred from Shangfang, so it should be no problem."

A few craftsmen were discussing, when a big man came over and grinned, "Everyone, why do you feel that there are so few craftsmen here? These are not the only craftsmen in Chang'an, right?"

Several craftsmen around looked at the big man suspiciously.

This big man was different from other craftsmen. He was dressed in Chu clothes, his face was not dark, and he had a nice beard. It looked like he had just trimmed it. He didn't look like a craftsman no matter what.

Someone replied: "Of course the craftsmen in Chang'an have more than that. Many people are afraid to come because it depends on the situation. This assessment is different from the assessment of Taixue. It is not an examination once a year, but they can come for assessment at any time. Everyone is not clear about the assessment, so I dare not come here rashly for this first assessment."

The craftsman at the side said proudly: "It's only those of us who have the most confidence in ourselves who came to participate in the assessment!"

Several people chatted, looked at the big man curiously again, and asked, "Are you also a craftsman? Why have we never seen you before? What kind of craftsman are you?"

The big man scratched his head in embarrassment, and said loudly, "It's a carpenter."

"What about your tools?"

"Oh, I heard that various tools will be provided in it."

"I don't think your Excellency is a craftsman."

"Can this craftsman see it with his own eyes? I am indeed a craftsman!"

A few people were talking, and saw a few people coming out from the inside. Most of them had smiles on their faces. The first ones who came out were some carpenters. It seemed that the carpenter's assessment would be easier. Immediately, A few carpenters replaced them and went in for the assessment, and the big man was naturally among them.

Craftsmen in different fields were assessed in different regions. The big man looked around curiously, with a smile on his face.

When he went in for the assessment, there were six old people sitting above him. When they saw the big man, they stood up abruptly, their eyes stunned.

As Shangfang's old man, how could they not know the person in front of him.

The leader smiled wryly, "Your Majesty"

The big man cleared his throat, "My name is Lu Chang, and I'm here to participate in the carpenter assessment! I want to get a first-class treatment!"

"okay!"

As the man said, he was about to issue a first-class certificate, but the big man scolded angrily: "What are you doing? Naigong hasn't been assessed yet!"

The leader hurriedly came to his senses and sat down again, "Then I invite you to take the assessment."

"First of all, process, material analysis, selection of auxiliary materials, connection parts production, and inspection of your cutting technology, assembly technology, and simulated construction"

I don't know how long it has passed, but when the big man walked out of the courtyard, his face didn't look very happy, and the craftsmen who were still waiting hurried forward and asked about the situation.

The big man took out the certificate in displeasure, "I only gave the worst fourth-level certificate, Tongsheng, a carpenter, and I didn't even get a scholar."

"It can be regarded as getting started. You don't have to be depressed. After a few more years of hard work, maybe you will be able to get a scholar?"

Several people comforted each other.

They thought this was someone from a big family who came to join in the fun, but they didn't expect to get a certificate. Although it was the lowest level, it also showed that the other party was skilled, and not everyone could get it.

The big man shook his head, bid farewell to everyone, and then walked into the distance.

Soon, he got into a carriage.

Lu Lu asked with a smile: "Your Majesty, how is it? Did you get a first-class certificate?"

"Well, when I went to the assessment, of course I got a first grade, but I was afraid that if I got a first grade, I would be criticized for not being strict in the assessment, so I deliberately asked them to give it to the lowest grade."

Liu Chang had a serious face, and he said it firmly.

Lu Lu didn't believe it at all, he laughed, "Your Majesty doesn't need to explain, I understand."

Liu Chang glared at him and cursed: "Drive! Go back to the palace!!"

These two people disappeared here quickly, but craftsmen from all over the place are still coming here.

Sitting in the car, Liu Chang frowned, thinking about something.

When Liu Chang came to the gate of the palace, Lu Lu saw Luan Bu waiting here.

Liu Chang stretched out his hand, grabbed Prime Minister Guo directly into the carriage, and then drove into the palace.

Sitting in the Hall of Houde, Liu Chang hurriedly changed his clothes, and then complained to Luan Bu: "It's so naive to change as soon as I say it, and I won't be able to wear this clothes for long, it's too thin."

Luan Bu said seriously: "I came here today for this matter. This late autumn is the beginning of winter. The cotton clothes prepared by the temple in various places should also be sent to various places, as well as the coal from the Dai Kingdom. Snow has already begun to fall in the Northwestern Three Kingdoms." Yes, the Hexi country has been frozen to death, some people in Wuwei have been frozen to death, and two county magistrates have been investigated and questioned because of this, and their salaries have been fined."

Liu Chang's mood sank, and he lost the relaxation he had just had.

Luan Bu noticed the change in the emperor's mood, paused, and said just now: "Your Majesty, don't worry, this is just a coincidence, and the snow fell a little earlier this year. I have already ordered the counties and counties in various places to pay attention to the cold, Lead the people to check around, and we can't let such a thing happen again. Beiting Kingdom's cotton production was very high last year, and the merchants brought in a lot from the poison. Enough, I dare not say one piece per person, one piece per household can still be done. It just so happens that a large amount of coal has also been discovered in this country, which can be enjoyed by the entire northern region. Various places have also made reserves in advance.”

"Ah."

Liu Chang nodded, "You are solely responsible for these matters, and you don't have to ask me any more."

"only!!"

Luan Bu continued: "There is one more thing that the naval army discovered during the inspection that merchants occupied undiscovered deserted islands and did not report them to the temple."

"punish!"

"only!!"

Luan Bu informed Liu Chang of his recent work and future arrangements. After completing these, he saluted Liu Chang again and left Houde Hall.

Liu Chang stood at the door of Houde Hall, looked at the pale sky, and let out a long sigh.

Heavy snow arrived as expected.

The whole world is buried by this white snow, a vast expanse of whiteness.

The goose-feather-like snow was flying in the strong wind, spinning and falling on the ground.

If it was in the past, at such a season, Xiahou Zao would have rushed to the palace first, and hit the emperor hard on the forehead with a snowball.

But at this moment, he has no idea of ​​going out to play.

He was holding hot soup and standing on the edge of the bed.

Xia Houying was lying on the bed, looking at the falling snow outside through the newly made glazed window.

"Father, drink some to warm up your body. The imperial doctor said that you should keep warm all the time, not cold."

Xia Houying was as thin as a stick, with a thin face, and could clearly see the shape of the bones of the face, but this stubborn old man refused to drink that mouthful of hot soup, just stared at the situation outside the window, without saying a word.

The room was very hot, the kang was on fire, and Xia Houying's forehead was covered with sweat.

"Stove. Have you ever looked after those horses? With such heavy snow, the horses will inevitably get frostbite."

"Father, don't think about those horses anymore. Don't worry, it's not your time now. Even the horses live in mansions, and they will never be frozen. Besides, the horses are covered in hair. , how could it be possible to be frostbitten?"

Xia Houying couldn't help but said: "Why not? At the beginning, Emperor Gao managed to gather four horses of the same color, and I drove him. As a result, two horses were frostbitten and had to be replaced by horses of other colors. Emperor Gao complained for a long, long time. At the end of the enthronement ceremony, he couldn't get six horses of the same color. Originally, he wanted to use chariot troops to cover his entrance, but we couldn't find enough horses, so we secretly use mules to drive”

Xia Houying couldn't help laughing while talking.

Xia Houzao said disdainfully: "Nowadays the big man raises horses in the Northland and other places, and there are more than 20 war horses raised in the temple alone, so don't worry about it."

"More than 20 horses."

Xia Houying was obviously a little surprised, shaking his head in amazement.

"The chariots are also less used. After the saddles are made, everyone will fight on horseback. The chariots can no longer keep up and can no longer be regarded as the main force. Instead, the cavalry has become the main force."

Xia Houying was very unconvinced, "How can cavalry compare to chariots? In a frontal encounter, you still have to use chariots to break the formation. Cavalry is used for chasing and reconnaissance. How can it be used to charge and kill the enemy's formation?"

Xia Houzao was also unconvinced, "Now is the era of cavalry. With those harnesses and enough iron, equip the horses with armor and charge together. The impact is not weaker than that of chariots, and they are faster and more flexible. , suitable for a variety of terrains, can a chariot fight all the way from Chang'an to the body? Those mountain roads on the road make it impossible for the chariot to pass. At present, the big man wants to crusade against the enemies in the distance. It’s convenient, and it’s even more inconvenient to go by water. Can cavalry be on board, but can chariots do it?? It takes up too much land!”

Listening to his son's words, Xia Houying was silent for a long time before saying, "Maybe so."

"You don't want to be so complacent. If there were no chariot troops back then, there would be no big men now, and there would be no charging cavalry as you talk about."

Xia Houzao muttered in a low voice, but he didn't know what he said.

Xia Houying moved her body weakly, trying to turn sideways, but struggled for a while, but failed, her heart beat faster and faster, like a charging chariot, but the chariot seemed to have mentioned At the highest speed, the reins could no longer be pulled, and the horse pulling the cart was almost exhausted and almost fell down.

Xia Houying suddenly realized something.

He let out a long sigh, a trace of loneliness flashed in his eyes, and looked at Xia Houzao who was beside him.

"kitchen"

"I said the chariot is the most powerful!"

Xia Houying laughed lightly, and then coughed several times.

"Stove. I'm getting warm here, why don't you drive me around for a few laps."

Xia Houzao looked at the heavy snow outside the house, and murmured: "It is difficult to drive in normal seasons, let alone in such heavy snow. If you fall off, wouldn't you be beheaded for disobedience?"

Xia Houying said confidently: "With me here, the car won't overturn."

"it's too cold."

Xia Houzao shook his head and refused, but Xia Houying looked into his eyes seriously.

"Just a few laps."

Xia Houzao fell silent, even this careless guy seemed to realize something.

This frightened him.

Xia Houying looked at him expectantly, and there seemed to be some pleading in his eyes.

"Young Master! Young Master!! What are you doing?! Come in! It's snowing!!"

The butler of Xiahou's house looked at Xiahou Zao who was helping his father to come out, and was immediately frightened. He hurried forward to stop him, but Xia Houying said with a straight face, "What about the snowy day? Back then, I braved the wind and snow Tens of thousands of troops that can kill Xiang Yu! What is this little snow?!"

The old butler's eyes were red and he was speechless.

"Stove! Drive!!"

Xia Houzao quickly got into the driver's seat, picked up the reins, and the old housekeeper supported Xia Houying, and slowly got into the car.

Xia Houying's body was covered with very thick felt. He looked at the old butler beside him, "You have been on the right side of the car for me for a long time. Let's take a look around together."

The old housekeeper stood where he was when he was young, and looked forward resolutely.

The gate of the Marquis of Ruyin Mansion was opened.

Xia Houying pointed to the distance and shouted, "Kill!!!"

Xiahouzao waved his whip angrily, the horse neighed, and the chariot roared out. Xiahouzao lowered his body, letting the snowflakes hit him continuously, his eyes fixed on the front, and he kept waving the reins, The horse galloped on the road, faster and faster, the soldiers at the city gate opened the city gate in a panic, looked at the speeding chariot in horror, and let them fly out from the city gate.

"Pay attention to the road ahead! Hold on to the reins!"

"To the left!!"

"Lower your body!!"

"To the left!"

"Close your left hand tightly, and pull hard with your right hand!"

Xia Houying yelled loudly, and under Grandpa's reminder, Xia Houzao charged all the way away, and unexpectedly drove very steadily, speeding all the way, although there was shaking, there was no sign of overturning.

Xia Houying dropped the blanket on her body and looked at the road in the distance resolutely.

"Speed ​​up!! Kill!!!"

Xia Houzao used his strength again.

At this moment, there are quite a few cavalrymen following them. These are the soldiers of the captain of the city gate. They don't understand what happened. It is common for General Xiahou to go crazy, but why did he drag his father to go crazy with him? Woolen cloth?In this snowy day, actually zigging all the way? ?Can't you stop for two days? ?
Along the way, pedestrians avoided and shouted.

There were also merchants who looked at the chariot in surprise and clapped their hands in applause. The driving skills of this car are really nothing to say!
In a short while, the chariot had already made a full circle around Chang'an.

Zhang Yan rode a fast horse, caught up with Xia Houzao, and asked anxiously: "General!! What happened?!"

Xia Houzao ignored him, and only heard Xia Houying continue to shout: "Kill!!!"

Xia Houying's voice was like thunder. At that moment, he seemed to have changed back to the brave general who led countless chariots to attack the enemy's heart.

The unrivaled fierce general who rushed all the way, even if he wanted to retreat, he would grind a bloody path from the enemy.

Xia Houzao waved the reins in his hand again, and the chariot sped away, leaving Zhang Yan directly behind.

Zhang Yan was stunned, so he had to continue to follow with the cavalry again.

Xia Houying laughed loudly. He looked at the road in the distance with an incomparably happy mood.

He stared ahead, leaned quietly on his seat, breathed lightly, and slowly closed his eyes.

The old butler supported his general with his hands, tears welling up in his eyes.

It was quiet in the rear, and no one yelled to kill anymore.

Xia Houzao may have realized it.

But he didn't rein in his horse, he used up the loudest voice and roared: "Kill!!!"

Immediately, he increased his speed again, charging away towards the distance.

Zhang Yan and the others could no longer chase them. They reined in their horses panting, and stood in the distance, watching the chariot charge crazily, galloping around Chang'an continuously.

With the sound of shouting and killing, the speed of the chariot did not slow down in the slightest.

When the chariot passed by again, Zhang Yan finally saw clearly.

General Xiahou lowered his body, his eyes were red, and he looked forward.

When he charged past him, he felt something cold mixed with snowflakes splashing on his body.

Zhang Yan's face gradually became serious.

He drew out his sword, "The whole army and I will follow Marquis Ruyin to charge!!!"

"kill!!!"

(End of this chapter)