I am not Song Qinzong

Nowadays, the price of salt in saltworks in various places is [-] cents a catty, and the military and civilians can sell it at will after buying it, without any hindrance.

At this time, people would not say that less salt and less oil is a healthy life, and they all wish to eat salt as a meal.

Calculated, each person in the country eats an average of three catties of salt every year, plus the salt used for animal husbandry and industry, and the imperial court sells salt for [-] yuan.

340 Four Kidnapping Cases

At the end of the year, the wind is cold and the snow is fluttering, which can freeze a person to death.

On Biankou, Cai Fu couldn't help shivering, and wrapped his cotton coat tightly again.

Even so, he still kept his eyes firmly on the official path, not daring to slack off.

Xie Ping, the local inspector, came over and said, "It's going to be dark in prison, and there is no one on the road, why don't you go back and rest, the villain is here to wait."

The tone is quite polite.

According to the principle, a patrol from the ninth grade does not need to be so polite to a prisoner.

However, Cai Fu came to take over here under the order of the governor of Kaifeng.

Not only Cai Fu, but also a whole army of imperial guards.

In this battle, all fools know that something big has happened.

"A certain family was transferred here from the Daming Mansion, not to enjoy the blessings, don't mention what you have." Xu Shi felt that his tone was irritated, Cai Fu slowed down, and said: "Go back and rest first, and come to pick me up in the middle of the night." I must keep an eye on this road."

Xie Ping said: "Prisoner, but a mere craftsman, why is it so laborious?"

"Just a craftsman?" Cai Fu sneered, "Do you know how much this craftsman's monthly salary is?"

"This..." Xie Ping was dumbfounded.

"Let me tell you, the monthly salary of this craftsman is [-] guan, which is more than that of the cabinet boss and the minister of the political affairs hall! Based on this alone, do you think it is still a mere one?" Cai Fu asked rhetorically.

Xie Ping was shocked and said, "How can there be many?"

"Hmph, he is the chief craftsman of the arsenal under the Ministry of War, here~" Cai Funu nodded at the left and right soldiers, and said, "The things on their backs are all designed by that craftsman. Do you think it is important or not?"

Xie Ping was dumbfounded.

A month ago, Cai Fu led people here, immediately posted notices of missing persons everywhere, and promised a reward of five thousand guan.

Usually a man and woman in Kaifeng Mansion can earn three or four guan. Although this Biankou is stuck with canals and official roads, ordinary men and women can only earn one or two guan.

Five thousand guan is no different from an astronomical figure.

Therefore, all the towns and villages went crazy, and they all went out to find people, and all the passengers and carriages passing by here were closely watched.

However, nothing has been achieved for more than a month.

"I'm in prison, it's not that the villain said those depressing words, it's been more than a month, I'm afraid he's gone out early." Xie Ping said.

"Until there is no more definite news, even if it's New Year's Eve, we will stand here!" Cai Fu was noncommittal.

He also didn't want to suffer here, but the Kaifeng Mansion strictly ordered that as long as no one was found, everyone was not allowed to leave their posts without authorization, otherwise they would be severely punished.

The Kaifeng Mansion's strict order is fine, and the rangers from the Ministry of Punishment, Dali Temple, and Huangcheng Division come to investigate at any time, who dares to neglect?

While chatting, Yiqi slowly came over.

The soldiers on duty each clenched their knives and guns, ready to explode at any time.

Cai Fu took a look. The knight was alone, and he only carried a package in the back-up. There was absolutely no way he could bring a living person with him, so he gave orders to let him go.

The soldiers moved away and rejected the horse, the knight thanked him again and again, beat the horse and left.

This is only common, as this is a kidnapping, and single travelers shouldn't be concerned.

The craftsman who offered the reward was known as Old Man Ma, a leading engineer in the Ministry of War.

Guochao firearms have only been in use for three years, and only 30 troops have been equipped so far. However, the real musket has already taken shape.

The prototype of the final form of the musket is the prototype of the thunderbolt and the firing pin.

This gun was made by old man Ma.

Of course, it's not because old man Ma is so evil, but in the final analysis it's because of the emperor's textbook.

Indeed, as long as there is a prototype, old man Ma is not irreplaceable, however, he must not disappear for no reason.

It is not accurate to say that it was for no reason, but was kidnapped.

At the beginning, old man Ma went home for vacation, but he didn't want to pass overnight. All ten soldiers accompanying him were killed, and old man Ma disappeared.

The news was immediately reported to the palace, Zhao Huan was furious, and ordered a strict investigation, and it was necessary to "see people when alive, and corpses when dead".

Even if such an important person is torn apart, he cannot be taken out of the country.

Otherwise, when we fight Xixia, Jin Guo, and Dali in the future, we may start shooting in the trenches.

Although it is not difficult to overthrow the Three Kingdoms with the national power of the Song Dynasty, the casualties will be very serious.

So, of course Zhao Huan was very angry.

Therefore, Kaifeng Mansion mobilized miscellaneous servants from all over the place to blockade the three hundred miles around Kaifeng Mansion.

Anyway, the whereabouts of old man Ma were not found, and officials from all over the country were not safe.

"Hey, a team of people is here!"

Cai Fu looked and saw hundreds of people approaching slowly.

Judging by its banner, it is the envoys of Xixia returning home.

After being rubbed by Song Guo and frightened by Jin Guo's tragedy, Li Qianshun was really respectful.

On Zhao Huan's birthday and New Year's Eve, Xixia will send envoys to escort tribute to honor His Majesty.

In order to subsidize the country's use, the missions will not leave empty-handed when they return, but purchase a large number of goods on the spot and sell them back.

In this regard, as long as there are no contraband and taxes are paid according to the law, the court will not prohibit it.

With so many horses and chariots, Cai Fu walked up to the horse and said: "Be careful, check carefully, and don't let go of any suspicious things."

The soldiers got the order, not only clenched their knives and guns, but the musketeers also took out their muskets and stood ready.

After a while, a party member rode up to the front.