I engaged in modernization in ancient times

Winter tends to be longer.

The little shopkeepers put on their little gloves again, and every time they came out of the dormitory, their faces were flushed because there was a kang burning in the dormitory.

It's the end of the year, and Liangjing has changed a lot this year.

Imperial examinations, compulsory education, urban civilization construction and so on.

Originally, there were enough festive events, but I didn't expect another happy event in Beiliang before the new year.

Guarding Guo Su, that is, the Guo Su who was almost beheaded because of the loss of Xunzhou, and later because of Mo Shaoheng's pleading, he went to the outer domain to look for cotton seeds as a substitute for the crime.

After more than a year, I actually came back before the turn of the year.

When they came back, they also brought back a cart of cotton seeds.

Cotton, everyone in the court especially still remembered the scene when Mo Shaoheng showed the usefulness of cotton.

One is that it can be used for people's livelihood, wearing warm cotton clothes to help people survive the winter.

The second is that it can be used in military affairs and made into cotton armor that can resist bows, arrows, knives and guns.

Whether it is the first or the second role, it can be said that the importance is too great.

When Mo Shaoheng got the news, he also made an exception and went to court during the small court meeting.

The large cart of cotton seeds was also pulled into the Golden Palace, and Mo Shaoheng was asked to confirm whether it was the right version.

In order to confirm, the garrison Guo Su brought back several carts of compacted cotton in addition to the cotton seeds.

This is what he has gained over the past year, traveling across mountains and ridges, and going to foreign domains.

It was also thanks to the map that Mo Shaoheng gave him, otherwise it would be impossible to find it. Outland...is too big, beyond imagination, even if he has been away for more than a year, it still feels like he has only just started.

Mo Shaoheng said to the saint, "That's right, it's the cotton seeds."

Upwards became lively.

The guard Guo Su also breathed a sigh of relief, because the sage promised that as long as he could bring back the cotton seeds, he would use meritorious service to save him from the death penalty of losing Xunzhouzhi.

Being demoted to common people, but at least the big family doesn't have to live in fear.

The saint is naturally also happy, because according to the recent situation of Nanli reported by the spies, it should not be long before Beiliang sent troops and the army led by Nanli General Situ Jiannan should cooperate with the outside to set things right for the little emperor Sima Keyao It's time, and it's time for Beiliang to take back Nanli.

When the time comes to send troops, if there is cotton armor to help, it will naturally get twice the result with half the effort.

Mo Shaoheng looked at a cart of cotton seeds and several carts of cotton, and said, "Saint, please give me these carts of cotton."

"I'll pop them into cotton, and I can make them into finished products for everyone to see."

Especially the cotton armor. The last time it was displayed at the Golden Palace, it was just a cotton padded jacket stuffed with cotton wool. In fact, the defensive ability did not fully demonstrate the power of the cotton armor.

Because the sewing of cotton armor requires special stitches to achieve the greatest effect.

The saint complied.

Mo Shaoheng directly sent several carts of cotton to Prince Yan's Mansion.

Because it is for the imperial court, it is much more convenient. For example, to make cotton carts for plucking cotton, it is directly used by the masters of the Ministry of Industry of the Sixth Ministry.

If you want any manpower, you can directly dispatch it from the six departments.

Because cotton matters so much, no one dares to shirk, and no one dares to be careless.

Soon, a cotton cart for plucking cotton was produced.

In fact, it is just a lathe, and a "bow-shaped" device for playing cotton, which looks like a stretched bow.

Pull the string by hand, let the string rebound, and play it on the cotton placed on the lathe.

And, the staff each issued a mask, because there are a lot of flying catkins when playing cotton, so the mouth and nose need to be protected.

At first, everyone didn't understand what it was doing.

But according to Mo Shaoheng's request, he kept vibrating the string and playing it on the cotton.

The white cotton was flicked into fluff.

The difference between cotton and batting is enormous.

Cotton, in fact, is still the most primitive flower, piled together, that is, in lumps, it looks quite messy, and the cotton is somewhat khaki.

But after the shock bomb, it became extremely white, and became a swollen floc, no longer a lump, but even and smooth. .

The workers who watched the whole process change were extremely surprised.

Such a white and warm thing appeared in their hands so easily.

Mo Shaoheng was not idle either, and asked the embroiderer to weave the plucked cotton into the clothes.

One is to weave it into an ordinary small padded jacket.

His little shopkeeper is still delivering goods in winter, if he wears such a little padded jacket, he will definitely be able to keep him warm.

Certainly not able to satisfy all the small shopkeepers, there are less than a hundred small padded jackets, so they can only be worn in exchange.

The second is cotton armor.

Only a few pieces were woven, mainly for display purposes.

Even if these loads of tightly pressed cotton are completely woven into cotton armor, it is still a drop in the bucket for the army in Beiliang, so it is enough to simply produce a few samples for display.

Mo Shaoheng didn't dare to delay, after making the cotton armor, he brought it directly to the hall.

The unique knitting makes the cotton armor look firmer.

But still light.

It is inevitable to experiment again.

When the sword cuts up, although it can cut through the cotton-padded clothes, it still exposes the cotton wool inside, and will not cut the meat.

When the arrow shoots up, although it can feel pain, it can't penetrate at all.

Of course, this is without using internal energy. If you are a master of martial arts, you will naturally be unable to block the opponent's attack.

But in the army, after all, there are only a small number of people who have internal energy, and most of them are ordinary people.

Undoubtedly surprised a lot of people.

All the ministers in the palace were enthusiastic.

Because as long as they planted a large area of ​​cotton, the strength of their army in Beiliang would be greatly improved.

If you have no strength, you will be beaten. Look at Dongtang, who dares to use any excuse to occupy the other party's territory.

The sage issued a banning order, except in the hall, no one was allowed to talk about cotton armor in private at any time.

The sage is planning to use a small padded jacket to cover up the existence of the padded armor.

Because the small padded jacket is a daily necessities, even if it is a surprise, it will not attract too much attention from the countries, but the padded jacket is different.

If it leaks out, it may cause accidents.

The ministers were naturally frightened to accept the order.

After the court, Mo Shaoheng went to Bird Clothes Lane, and at the same time brought dozens of small padded jackets that had been made.

Come to the dormitory of the little shopkeepers.

The kang in the dormitory was burning warmly.

Dou Zi was sitting on the stool, lying on the table practicing calligraphy, her little face was flushed.

Today is a rest day, and the small shopkeepers go to work for five days and take two days off. This is unbelievable to the people of Liangjing. Originally, the small shopkeepers get off work at five o'clock every day, and the sky is not dark. They already feel too comfortable up.

But for Mo Shaoheng, no matter what, the small shopkeepers cannot be allowed to work all the time, and they must have their own time.

Mo Shaoheng asked someone to take out the little padded jacket.

Because Douzi is the shortest, he specially made an extra small one for him.

Douzi put on the little padded jacket in a dazed manner.

The whole person became chubby.

Douzi: "Huh?"

After a while, Douzi touched the padded jacket, "It's too warm."

If I put it on during delivery, I'm afraid I won't feel cold at all.

Mo Shaoheng smiled, it was good to be warm.

Let other small shopkeepers try it too.

In addition to the extra small size of Douzi, the small padded jacket also has two sizes, which can meet the needs of most people.

The shopkeepers in little padded jackets were all very festive.

"Oh, our dormitory is burning with a kang, and it feels a little hot."

Versailles is no good.

Some people went out and ran around.

When he came back exhaling, his little face was full of excitement, "It's not cold at all, really."

Their winter clothes are actually a bit thin, and it's still a bit cold after staying outside for a long time, but they're just used to it.

Now, when I put on the padded jacket, I feel that my body is warm inside in winter.

Mo Shaoheng thought to himself, just keep warm.

A few days later, the people of Liangjing discovered that the delivery men were all like little balls.

Looking at the clothes on the little peddler, I was so surprised, "What kind of clothes are you, why are they so thick?"

It doesn't look like it's heavy, and the actions of these little shopkeepers have not been affected.

The little peddler smiled happily, "This is called a little padded jacket, it's very warm."

"It's the son of our family who thinks that we are cold, so he made it for us."

"It's very comfortable to wear." People: "..."

It is inevitable to get started.

Clothes that looked heavy, turned out to be soft when grabbed, like... like bulging bubbles.

It's amazing that the cold is completely resisted outside the clothes.

Soft to the touch and firm to the touch.

From time to time, the little peddler would show off.

A group of small shopkeepers, in the eyes of the common people, became strange again.

Next, Mo Shaoheng was mainly concerned with promoting martial arts in the court.

"Cultural and military development is the way for me to develop Beiliang."

Plausible words.

After these few days of precipitation, in the Golden Palace, Wu Xun also began to echo Mo Shaoheng's words.

They don't want to miss this opportunity.

The sage has more considerations. It won't be long before Beiliang will need to send troops to the south. It is true that a lot of military merits will be needed to become an official, and even more military talents will be needed.

After several days of discussion, this matter was finally settled.

Of course, the reason is definitely not to send troops, so it is necessary to use force.

Rather...Liangjing is going to lift the curfew, and it needs a lot of martial arts to maintain order. This is something that the common people can see on the surface.

When the news got out, the Wu Xun family was naturally happy, and they could not be happy that there were more officials in the family.

And the people: "..."

Lift the curfew?

God, that is to say, they can even go out on the street in the middle of the night.

In the past, I had to stay at home as soon as it got dark. Sometimes it was very inconvenient. For example, if I came home late, I could get home within a short distance. But no, you can’t walk outside. You have to find an inn to stay. Go back again, but obviously home is not far away.

Of course, the common people just felt that it was much more convenient, and they were surprised, but there seemed to be no difference in other things.

Until, in Niaoyi Lane and the two adjacent streets, beautiful lanterns were hung outside each shop.

Only then did they really know what is prosperity and what is not in Liangjing.

It took Mo Shaoheng a lot of time to prepare these lanterns. The styles of the lanterns in Beiliang are a bit rare. He drew a few styles himself and had them made.

At the same time, a news spread throughout Liangjing.

"Niaoyi Lane will continue to operate regardless of day or night."

It's just that the Battle of the Three Streets will not be held at night.

After all, the sound of fighting at night was too sensitive, and Mo Shaoheng was also afraid of accidents, so he didn't dare to take this responsibility.

People: "..."

Also open at night?

What kind of game is this?

Moreover, where are the customers coming from at night?

But when they saw the bird clothing alley, which was brightly lit at night and had never been seen before, they fell silent.

On the street, there are many people shopping.

Really, looking at the beautiful lanterns in novelty, and the surrounding shops with their doors still open.

Lanterns are also for sale. Some nobles bought lanterns and walked on the streets with lanterns, enjoying the prosperity of the night that has never appeared before.

The most lively ones are the barbecue stalls, stewed meat shops, and vegetable shops beside the street...

Carrying beautiful lanterns and eating delicacies packed in kraft paper bags, I can't afford to be leisurely.

For a while, after the busy day, more and more people went to the night market and lanterns to take a rest.

Even if the family is poorer, it is extremely happy to just take the whole family for a stroll without shopping.

Before, I never thought that life could be so happy.

Next, the streets that joined us began to light up lanterns one after another at night, so that the people nearby could also have a lively place at night.

But in a few days, the night in Liangjing became completely different.

Looking down at Liangjing from the height of the imperial palace, the lights are dim, and the scene of thousands of lights, even a saint is very excited.

This is what Mo Shaoheng said, the city that never sleeps.

The only thing is, as more and more streets are lit with lanterns, and more and more people go shopping at night, the parade of Liangjingwei and Yamen is not enough.

To maintain the safety of a city, it needs a lot of manpower to operate it day and night.

Martial arts were also promoted by the court officials working overtime.

Surprisingly, the way of martial arts has changed.

In addition to the personal competition, he actually has to participate in the battle of the three streets.

The imperial court specially opened up a battlefield for the Battle of the Three Streets in the place where the martial arts was held.

Mo Shaoheng: "..."

Also... quite weird.

He really just came up with a real game.

However, in the court's martial arts, in addition to selecting people with high martial arts skills, the most important thing is people with military capabilities.

After all, no matter how powerful an individual is, he cannot lead an army to victory.

In the perception of court officials, the Battle of the Three Streets was a small military exercise in disguise with little investment, and some talented military talents could indeed be found there.

Mo Shaoheng touched his nose, "..."

It seems to be playing big.

However, the imperial court has considerations from the imperial court, and it depends on how they reasonably select the talents they need.

The martial arts was held in a hurry because the time was a bit tight.

Although hurried, the momentum was astonishing.

Mo Shaoheng also went to see it.

All meritorious families, young people of the right age, and those who may not be eligible for election basically came to participate.

This is actually a rare opportunity for them.

Therefore, it is conceivable that there are so many people and fierce competition.

Hasty, but it is a major event in Beiliang.

Through martial arts, many dark horses have also emerged.

Many nobles, who already had no chance of becoming an official, also showed their talents through martial arts.

Mo Shaoheng thought to himself, the martial arts selected in this way must have more real skills than the recommended ones.

In Mo Shaoheng's view, the essence of the noble nomination system is actually relying on relationships.

It cannot be said that they are all incompetent people who rely on connections to get into the imperial court, but Mo Shaoheng would not believe it if he said that there is not even a single idiot.

The imperial court seems to have become a little different.

Because of taking office by force, the order in Liangjing was stabilized again.

It seems that everything is proceeding according to the law. Obviously, many changes have taken place, but there is no chaos.

Although it is chilly in winter, this winter in Liangjing is not ordinary.

Even at night, it is filled with the warmth of lights.

It's just that the lamp oil is consumed really fast.

However, the value they bring is not comparable to a few lamp oils.

What's more, Mo Shaoheng is planning to expand the planting of soybeans, and the consumption of lamp oil is not a problem.

Mo Shaoheng, Zhao Di, and Nan Yi also often visit the night market.

It's just that every time they visit, the momentum becomes bigger.

Because Zhao Jingcheng and other students had to come to join in the fun.

The small shopkeepers don’t go to work at night, and they will follow behind. They are so happy that they live in a dormitory on the street, and the scene of dim lights can be seen every night.

Mo Shaoheng also shook his head, and asked someone to copy some beans, each of them put a handful in his pocket, and ate beans while walking around.

Time flies, east goes and spring comes.

Mo Shaoheng began to pay attention to spring plowing again, because this year was the first year of large-scale expansion of planting.

The imperial court also paid great attention to spring plowing, because they had to grow cotton.

Of course, apart from this, the thing that most excited the court, the common people, and Mo Shaoheng the most, was that the canal... was built.

Standing on the city wall of Liangjing City, you can see tents built one by one.

The tents are continuous and very regular, just like an army.

It is the people of Xunzhou who built the canal.

The whole Liangjing was shocked.

Although they knew that they were building a canal in Beiliang, they still looked in disbelief when they reached their doorstep.

Someone watched the construction site from a distance.

Some people simply ran to watch.

In addition to the continuous tent, there is a very spacious ditch behind it.

is a canal.

Excitement, indescribable excitement.

Once the water is diverted, the cultivated land around them will not have to worry about the water source for irrigation.

In the past, in order to irrigate the land, there were many disputes with people.

The workers on the construction site are also lamenting that when they came here two years ago, they were still refugees with no clothes on.

Now they are here again, this time as the contributors to the construction of the only canal in Beiliang.

This canal was built by the people of Xunzhou.

King Yan said that the court named the canal Xunhe to commemorate the efforts of the people of Xunzhou to build the canal.

Not only that, after the construction of the Xunhe River is completed, a monument will be erected, which will record the contributions of the people of Xunzhou, which will be passed down forever.

When the news came, I don't know how many people cried.

The court still remembers them.

Is it hard to build a canal?

Although I no longer have to worry about food and clothing, I have a small amount of remuneration, and there is a tax-free policy, but it is still hard. I have been exposed to the wind and the sun every day for two full years.

But, it's worth it.

Moreover, they passed Liangjing again, and they raised their heads proudly in front of the people who came out to watch them.

They supported themselves by themselves, not begging and excessive demands.

The people in Liangjing looked at them, and they no longer looked at refugees, but respected them more.

When the canal was built to the gate of Liangjing, even the court ministers and saints came in person.

The whole construction site was extremely excited.

Mo Shaoheng also went.

Looking at the workers on the construction site, although their skin is much darker, they look very healthy and strong.

Although the clothes on his body were plain, they were neither worn nor worn out.

Zhao Di did not treat them badly.

Zhao Di is in charge of the lives of so many people, but it is not as simple as Mo Shaoheng being in charge of two hundred small shopkeepers.

From the looks of it now, Zhao Di is doing pretty well.

The arrival of the saint gave the workers a day off.

The saint also gave a "speech of condolence".

Mo Shaoheng: "..."

Sure enough, whether it is ancient or modern, leaders are good at this.

Mo Shaoheng looked at the canal, and then said, "Saint, spring plowing is just around the corner."

"Why not open this half of the canal first?"

Divide it into two parts and repair it, you only need to add a section in the middle, but you can pass the water first, and then open it when it is finished.

Mo Shaoheng looked at Zhao Di again, "Do you have the conditions to pass through the water?"

Everyone couldn't help looking at Zhao Di.

In fact, who doesn't want to see the river fill the canal as soon as possible.

Zhao Di thought for a while, "We need to deal with this end, and then we can pass the water."

Whoa!

Mo Shaoheng didn't even know how to describe the expressions of the people present.

The saint nodded, "That's good, if there is a canal, more land can be reclaimed, and this year it happens to be more planted."

In fact, there are still a lot of land around Liangjing that can be reclaimed. In the past, because there was no water source, it was useless to reclaim it, but the situation is different now.

Besides, the imperial court also needed land to grow cotton.

In the following time, the imperial court began to organize the people to reclaim new land.

Zhao Di is busy finishing this section of the canal again.

Mo Shaoheng was busy watching how the old craftsman's merchant ship was being repaired.

Isn't the water coming soon, and his merchant ship can also be used.

He spent a lot of money to build it.

At the same time, Mo Shaoheng also turned around diligently beside Zhao Di.

Zhao Di, "What?"

Mo Shaoheng smiled, "Can you just help repair a pier with your finishing work?"

If Mo Shaoheng were to repair it by himself, he would have to hire workers, and it would take a lot of trouble and expense.

But if it is repaired by the current workers, it will be much simpler.

"Anyway, you have to finish it. It's just another way. Having a pier can also benefit my Liangjing's development."

In fact, it was a bit of private use, but Mo Shaoheng didn't talk nonsense, and the pier was not built for him alone, it was built for Liangjing.

A wharf is just a docking place, which is convenient for cargo transportation, and the project is not big, otherwise Mo Shaoheng would not dare to make such a request.

Zhao Di asked, "It's not impossible, but you have to give the court enough reasons."

Mo Shaoheng nodded quickly, "There are plenty of reasons."