Overlord's Road to Ancient Emperors

It was almost May when Li Xu received the letter. The two main roads in the city had already been repaired. On the day of the access, the whole city people came to watch. The road is level and smooth.

"It's incredible, how did this happen?"

"My family lives by the side of the road and guards the road day and night. It hardens when it dries out. My kid still left footprints on it before. It's amazing."

"Then your kid didn't have his leg broken? I heard that the crazy son of the Zhang family ran around and was picked up by Deputy General Guo and broke his leg. The old Zhang and his wife wanted to lose this son, so the prince will see you." When we arrived, we asked the doctor to treat him for free, but he was cured of his years of insanity, do you think the prince came down to earth from a god to endure calamity?"

"No, what I heard is that Zhang's son went crazy because he ate something wrong a few years ago. He was poisoned. The doctor detoxified him and he will be fine."

"It must be an official statement. Otherwise, why wouldn't other medical craftsmen see that it was poisoning? It must have been cured by the prince. Look, can ordinary people repair this road?"

"You're right."

The people began to spread wildly that King Shun was a god descending from the earth, or a dragon reincarnated, or a Bodhisattva manifesting himself. In short, from this day on, Li Xu became a god in South Vietnam. Every day, countless people came to worship at his door. Some of them will also put incense sticks, making the entrance of Xiyuan a mess, of course, this is a later story.

After experiencing the new road with both feet, someone drove an ox-drawn cart back and forth on the road, feeling the pleasure brought by the concrete road, and was stopped by Kou Jiajun and sent to the prison not long after, wearing prison clothes the next day Contribute to the great cause of road construction.

"From today, there is one more law in South Vietnam. Anyone who disturbs traffic and public safety in public places will be fined to build roads for a period of one month. For serious cases, it will be between one year and three years. I hope the people will supervise each other."

Those common people who knelt down at the gate of Xiyuan every day were also punished for this crime after dissuasion was ineffective.

But instead of taking it as an insult, the people are proud of it. Some people even offered to help build the road in their spare time. They understand that they are not building roads, but building merit.

When this statement reached Li Xu's ears, his face twitched from laughing, but he felt a little sad after laughing. It's not easy to be a god, and the common people think he is a god because of their ignorance. In the future, if someone uses this to attack He, or he is using the ignorance of the people to manipulate them, and the consequences will be disastrous.

But Li Xu didn't have any extra thoughts to worry about these things. He was busy building a blast furnace in the western suburbs these days. He wanted to make iron. The iron ore that Lei Yang brought back was just raw ore, and he had to remove impurities to get refined iron, but now he made iron The technology is too backward, the temperature of the iron-smelting furnace is not high enough, and the iron produced is too soft, and then a weapon can only be produced by repeated forging by manpower.

Li Xu found a section of the river where the impact of the river water is relatively strong, and built a blast furnace by the river, and then used a water truck to drive the bellows to increase the temperature inside the furnace with water power. Tool can be formed.

The first batch of farm tools he made were sickles, plows, and hoes, and he made tens of thousands of them.

When the workers in the factory saw the handfuls of farm tools that were formed, their eyes were almost red. They were all nearby farmers, and their main business was farming. It was only because of the high wages paid by Shun Wang’s factory that they came out to make a fortune during the slack. , when they knew that these agricultural tools would be delivered to them, they worked even harder. They even took the initiative to work overtime in order to save money for King Shun. Get these farm tools in one day.

After Li Xu found out, he let them go. The iron ore on this ship was only enough to make this batch of farm tools. It would take too long for the next furnace to be fired, so he just distributed the farm tools and encouraged them to open up wasteland.

The decree of the census of the county government was quickly issued to all counties, villages and towns. Those who had already registered their household registration felt that the government was troublesome. The family registered immediately. The new household registration policy takes the family as the unit. A household registration book will be made for each household, which records the head of each person in the family. If there is a new addition or death, it must be reported to the government. , otherwise the government will have preferential policies in the future, and people who do not have registered permanent residence will not be able to enjoy them when counted on a per capita basis.

Some people asked: "My lord, what are the so-called preferential policies?"

The officials at the household registration office have all been instructed by their superiors, so they will release their lies now. "Hey, that's a lot. You know that a Shun king has come to Nanyue! That's the former prince. Now he is committed to improving the lives of the people. This salt is made by the prince. Not only can each person get three taels, but the price of salt in the future It will fall.

As for the others, I heard that the prince is building farm tools, and they will be distributed to each household at that time. If it is a large family with a large population, more will be distributed as appropriate.Furthermore, the county government issued a decree to allow the people to open up wasteland, and the open up wasteland will be owned by the family, and there will be free seeds at that time. These must be enjoyed by the people of South Vietnam, and those black households who have not registered household registration are naturally excluded. . "

Someone said not so optimistically: "No matter how much wasteland is opened up, it's useless. Isn't it a waste of effort if it can't be cultivated?"

The official "hehe" laughed, "You don't know that, the prince has improved the farming method, and the rice can be planted twice a year. Now the rice in the field is just earing. The fields the prince planted are almost ready to be harvested." Well, when you open up the wasteland, you will be able to plant another season of rice this year, and there will be new farm tools, and the government will also start buying cattle, and then you can lend them to the villages for free. In this way, no matter how much land you have, you will not be afraid .”

But the people did not believe it. "How is it possible to plant two crops of rice a year? And the fertility of the field can't keep up. Besides, how could such a good thing happen. Is this King Shun a Bodhisattva descending from the earth?"

The official snorted angrily, "I'm only in charge of household administration, I don't know about farming, but believe it or not, anyway, I'm telling my relatives to open up wasteland, and the prince is a Bodhisattva, otherwise can I give you salt for free?"

The people spread the word ten to ten, and although most people didn't believe it, it didn't prevent the villages from being as lively as the Chinese New Year, and they were all imagining about a bright future.

There are also people whose relatives live on the mountain. They have not been naturalized in order to avoid taxation and corvee, so they quietly go to inform them and advise them to move to the village. Living on the mountain can avoid a lot of trouble, but there are many wild animals on the mountain. Danger.The common people live in poverty, and they just want to eat. Now I heard that the government is giving away this and that. The wasteland opened up this year is also tax-free, which naturally attracts many people to go down the mountain, and even a whole tribe moved down the mountain.

Not all the tribes living in the mountains are villains. Some of them have lived in the mountains since their ancestors, escaped the wars and tribal struggles, but there is a better way out in front of them, and they are willing to be ordinary people.

The decree issued by the government stated that no matter what nationality or status you are, as long as you register this time, you will be regarded as a citizen of South Vietnam, and you will be protected by the government, and you will have all the benefits you should have.

The registration of population in various places is in full swing, and people who have completed the registration go to the government office every day and ask, "When will the agreed salt be distributed?" Especially the people who have no salt at home are reluctant to spend money on salt. Just wait for the government to send salt.

Li Xu had already calculated that tens of thousands of catties of salt would not be enough to distribute. He reckoned that it would take a whole year's output to be enough. Fortunately, salt was continuously supplied. Those who register will get it later. Even if they can't get salt for a while, the government will issue a salt ticket. Those who have stamped it can exchange it at the store with this ticket. If there is no salt in the store, wait a few days. There is always salt.

The government revealed to the people very early on that King Shun opened up a new salt field with an annual output of hundreds of thousands. There is no need to worry about the government's refusal for a few ounces of salt, but the transportation takes time, so don't be impatient.

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In the county guard's mansion, Lei Ming and a few confidantes talked in a low voice, with sorrow in their words, "The prince's move is too radical. Each person will give three taels of salt. It seems not much, but the population of Nanyue is more than tens of thousands, no matter how many Not enough salt."

"My lord, we have also received new salt. The quality is really high. Yesterday my wife cooked the dishes, and the taste was much better than before. If this salt can be sold to the Central Plains and the North, our Nanyue will definitely be rich."

Lei Ming also saw the new salt, and he had to admire, "The prince's ability is nothing to question. I heard that in just two months, tens of thousands of catties of salt have been produced. I don't know how to do it."

A confidant gave Lei Ming a wink, and said excitedly: "My lord, didn't the prince say that he wanted to use the Lei family's children? Why don't you choose a few and send them over, maybe someone will win the prince's favor and become the chief steward of the palace in the future." , Isn’t this news at your fingertips?”

Lei Ming had already thought of this, but Li Xu didn't mention it and he was embarrassed to push people towards him, it seemed that their Lei family was down and out.

Another confidant also echoed: "The salt has to be measured and transported, and the tens of thousands of agricultural tools have to be taken care of. There must be insufficient manpower around the prince. This is the best time for the Lei family's children to pledge their allegiance. "

Lei Ming nodded, "You're right, I'll make arrangements right now."

On the same day, Li Xu saw a room full of men surnamed Lei. The Lei family was prosperous and had a population of over a hundred. The people standing in front of him were all carefully selected young people. Spirit, just looking at it makes people like it.

Lei Ming cupped his hands and said: "The prince said before that he wanted Lei's family to help with business, and the officials selected these people. They are all aged between fifteen and forty. You can choose whatever you like. Those who don't like it will be taken back."

Li Xu casually pointed out some individuals, and asked a few questions. After all, they were from big families. These people were all literate, and their character could not be seen for a while, but they would definitely be able to do simple jobs.

He nodded and said with a smile: "Lord Lei has really solved my urgent need. Now there is a shortage of people, and they came at the right time. Don't worry, they won't let them work for nothing."

Everyone came here with trepidation, feeling that the rest of their lives would be sold to King Shun as a coolie. Seeing that he had neither sarcasm nor sarcasm, and that he actually accepted all of them, he felt a little more comfortable.If they are sent back face to face, their face will really be lost.

Li Xu’s factories are all short of managers. They were originally taken care of by craftsmen, but these people are still doing their jobs. It’s not satisfactory to let them manage people and affairs. The thirty or so people from Lei’s family can just fill in this part of the vacancies.

Moreover, when these people heard that they were in charge of affairs instead of work, all of them were in high spirits, feeling that they were valued, and they worked extra hard without mentioning it.

Li Xu's affairs were on the right track, so he planned to arrange for someone to take the tea to the north to open up the market. This matter was not easy to do, and he didn't know who to send.

Although Lei Yang has rich experience in business, he lacks the ability to be flexible, and the rest of the young people are not good enough. He actually wants to go by himself, but if his identity is discovered, he will die if he leaves South Vietnam.

After filtering the people around him, Li Xu couldn't find any suitable ones, so he planned to train a group of tea masters first.

"Let's go to Xifenglou." Li Xu waved his hand, and led two subordinates straight to the brothel.

Wu Jin looked surprised, but he didn't dare to raise objections, even if the prince wanted to go whoring, he couldn't stop him.

He glanced sideways at Mu's guard wearing a mask, and saw that he was calmer, his eyes didn't fluctuate at all, and he secretly thought that he had seen the world, and this concentration was good.

This is the first time for Li Xu to step into the gate of a brothel. It's not that he can't come to this place, but he thinks it's unnecessary. In his previous life, he went to many romantic places to discuss business, but now he doesn't need to curry favor with others, and he doesn't need to pass The sex media came to negotiate the contract, so this place was nothing more than a cash den for him.

Although the old bustard of Xifeng Tower had never met Li Xu, she could deduce his identity from his demeanor and the attendants around him. She let out an "ouch", not knowing whether it was joy or sadness, but she was afraid that the prince was looking for trouble. of.

"My lord, you look at your face, ha ha." The old bustard stopped him in fear.

Li Xu smiled, took out a piece of silver from his pocket, at least ten taels, and handed it to her, "My surname is Li, and it is indeed my first time here. Are you starting to do business now?"

They came early, the sun was shining brightly outside, the Xifeng Tower was quiet, probably it hadn't opened yet.

But when the business came, would the bustard refuse?Even if she didn't have the ten taels of silver, she wouldn't dare to refuse King Shun. She filtered the girls in the building in her mind, and found that none of them were suitable to serve. eclipsed.

"Do you have a favorite girl?"

"No, if it's convenient, I hope to meet all the girls in this building." Li Xu thought for a while before adding: "If there is a young master, let's call them out together."

The bustard covered her mouth and smiled softly, expressing her understanding, "Don't worry, I'll call someone here, and you can choose carefully." She called a girl to take Li Xu to the most luxurious private room upstairs, and sent Serve tea.

Li Xu walked into the private room calmly, picked a low couch and sat down, then signaled He Zun and Wu Jin to find a place to sit by themselves.

"This place is nice, it's quiet during the day, and the view from the window is nice."

Wu Jin seemed to be calm, but in fact he was in a state of confusion. He raised his head and asked Li Xu, "My lord, can I wait outside?"

"No need, it's probably over soon."

Wu Jin is still a boy, he really doesn't know if he is fast or not, but this kind of topic is really embarrassing.

Soon, Huaniang came to report one after another. They looked like they had just woken up, but they had obviously been well-dressed, and they were all beautiful and charming.

The old bustard had explained before that it was King Shun who came, and he needed to be careful in serving him. If he was lucky, he might fly up a branch and become a phoenix. This was a great temptation, so everyone had to dress up to treat him.

Entering the room, I saw the handsome young man sitting on the side. He was suave and handsome, and even attracted the hearts of the girls. Even if he was not redeemed, it would be worthwhile to have a dewy marriage.

The young men who came in afterwards also had the same thoughts, and some even turned their attention to He Zun, who was taller and taller. Even Wu Jin, a young boy, was winking at him.

Wu Jin hid behind Li Xu, stood with his head down, trying to ignore his presence.

Li Xu asked them to line up and look over one by one as if they were reviewing soldiers. Everyone straightened their backs subconsciously when they were seen. It was very strange. If it was other clients who came, they would definitely show their heads and flatter them. But in this In front of Grandpa, it's always hard to relax.

"It's all pretty good." Li Xu looked around, and first ordered five young people from Xiaoguan. These five young people were all in their twenties, tall and tall, not the soft and charming type, but With a bit bookish.

Those who were selected secretly rejoiced, while those who were not selected secretly regretted it. If they had known earlier, they would not dress up beautifully. The prince obviously liked the clean and mature type.

The most popular age for Xiaoguan is thirteen or fourteen. When they are young, their bodies are soft and their facial features are indistinguishable. When they are adults, their bones are stiff. No matter how much they take care of themselves and take medicine, it is difficult to prevent their bodies from growing, so they are not so affected. welcome.

Li Xu selected more than a dozen flower girls to come out, "The ones selected by the master will stay, and the rest will leave first after receiving the reward." Li Xu winked at Wu Jin, and the other party hurriedly took out his purse and gave the men and women who were not selected. After rewarding the money, he thought to himself: Is the lord going to build a harem back home? Why do you want so many at once?

And the lord is really masculine, then what Li Maosheng said at the beginning was true, and he was speaking for the lord at that time, so he was really mistaken.

Li Xu asked someone to close the door, then sat aside and looked at the dozens of people who were left behind, "I believe you already know the identity of this king?"

As soon as everyone heard him reveal his identity, they all knelt down and saluted. They heard the other party say with a smile: "Be flat, my king is here for some serious business, not to chat and laugh with you."

Then, Li Xu explained the purpose of looking for them. He wants to train a group of tea art masters. These tea art masters need to show their faces and go to other places to cooperate with tea sellers, so it is impossible to select people from good women, and they need to find a group in a short time. For beautiful women, the brothel is the most suitable place.

"If you agree, the king will tell the old bustard to redeem you. You only need to work for the king in the future. You can get a fixed monthly salary and a commission based on the sales volume. You can also ask for anything else. carry."

Everyone was stunned by the news, they couldn't react at all, they were just the lowest prostitutes, they could only serve people with their bodies, how could they be tea masters.

A young man boldly asked: "My lord, do you think we can do it?"

"Of course you can't do it now. This king will teach you the tea ceremony and find someone to train your manners. Even if you are not as good as everyone's ladies and masters, at least you should go out like an elegant person."

The young man laughed at himself, "My lord overestimates me, I'm as low as mud, how can I be an elegant person?"

Li Xu will choose people here, partly because the men and women here are good at acting, they make up for it with a smile, even when facing the oldest and ugliest men, they can smile naturally and decently, if they use this spirit to do sales, it is estimated that the performance will not be good. Low.

"Elegant people are just a way of saying, superficially elegant is enough. I believe you have played innocent young girls before, right? It's easy to learn by putting away the dust and restraining your smile." Li Xu didn't have to look for these people. No, I just think they are the best to teach, and they are all people who have no worries, and they have no burden to go anywhere, and what he did is to save them from the sea of ​​suffering. life is not easy.

A female prostitute stood up, pulled up the clothes hanging down to her chest, tied up her loose hair, bowed to Li Xu Yingying, and said softly: "My lord, my family name is Cuiying. Ten, I wonder how many more years I can be a tea artist?"

"Young and beautiful are naturally more attractive, but temperament and craftsmanship are more important for tea artisans. How old you can be depends on your ability."

Cuiying got up and looked around this elegant room. This is the most prestigious room in Xifeng Tower, and only the distinguished or richest businessmen can receive guests here. Naturally, the best flowers are arranged. Mother, Cuiying started receiving guests at the age of 14 and became famous at the age of 15. She spent two years accompanying guests in this elegant room, but flowers tend to grow old, and she was replaced by someone in just two years. It's getting colder and colder, and now at the age of 20, she can only entertain some traffickers and pawns. In two years, if no one redeems herself, one can imagine her fate.

She couldn't wait to agree, "The prince can give this slave a way out, and this slave will follow him to the death. Even if the guest dies in a foreign land, he will never complain."

"It's not that exaggerated. I won't let you die in a foreign land. When the foundation is solid, you can accept disciples and preach. As long as you have a successor, you can come back anytime you want. You can marry as you like, and the king will pay an extra sum." I will marry you with money, if you don’t want to get married, it’s okay, as long as you can continue to work for this king, the palace will take care of you in the future.”

Everyone couldn't help but exclaimed. After King Shun said so much, the last sentence was the one that touched their hearts the most. People like them are wandering, and they may never get married in their lifetime, let alone have offspring. Knowing how desolate the evening scene is, now that they have to obey the king's words, they have to fight for a way out for themselves even if they are fighting.

Everyone knelt on the ground in unison, kowtowed and thanked, "Thank you, my lord."