Kingdom of Heaven and Han

Chapter 542 Wine and Pigs and Sheep
As the sun set on the western mountain, Tian Sanlang hummed a little tune, waving a branch in his hand, and walked slowly.There are groups of pigs and sheep in front of them, rampaging, not restless for a moment.There is also a group of scalpers, staggering.

Wen Ruyan, the grain and grass officer, was frightened and ran around to chase back the animals that seemed to have strayed away.Wen Ruyan wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve when he saw the shadow of Shi Pibao in front of him.Said to Tian Sanlang: "The animals are running around, Sanlang is still so calm, alas—"

Tian Sanlang said: "Officer, don't think that livestock are stupid. They all have leaders, and they always watch with their eyes. The more you drive, some will play with you, and the more they will run away. You don't care about it, it Naturally follow the leader."

Wen Ruyan just shook his head, how dare he believe it?These livestock were bought with money by the solicitation department. If they are lost, can they be returned?
As he got closer, only the people in the castle saw him, and someone came out to welcome him.Seeing that it was the food and grass officer of the recruitment department, he didn't dare to neglect, and hurriedly reported to the capital and the military envoy.Shu Jiming and Wang Zhongfu got the news and greeted him together.

After saluting, Wen Ruyan said: "Thank God, it was delivered to you safely. It cost a lot of money to buy these cattle and sheep, and I was worried about losing one of them along the way. Wait until spring. The company will also buy some chickens, ducks, geese, etc., and send them together.”

Shu Jiming and Wang Zhongfu just laughed and stepped forward to count.

Forty sheep, mostly ewes.There were two big rams in it, and the rest were gelded.Thirty pigs, just like the sheep, only two big boars.There were only sixteen cows, two bulls, and the rest were cows.

After counting, Wang Zhongfu said: "Excuse me, Shibibao's [-] mu of land has only a dozen or so cows. How can it be plowed? These are all lands that have been abandoned for a long time. How can they be plowed by people?"

Wen Ruyan said: "Military envoys, don't worry, the recruiting department is still in the process, and if you buy them, they will be delivered slowly. In the past two years, the army has been in turmoil, and most of the folk cattle have been eaten. It is really hard to buy. If it is not possible, the commander-in-chief will Sent from Xiangyang."

Wang Zhongfu said: "Spring plowing is only a few months away, so we can't delay this matter! Without cattle, the fields cannot be plowed, and wasteland can't be opened. If we can't open up wasteland, what will we eat then?"

Wen Ruyan repeatedly agreed, saying that there would be no delay.

At this time, Wang Xiaolie should be the richest of all the feudal towns in the world.Although the East Road is difficult, there is no shortage of money.Jiang Min used Xiangyang Huizi to go to the surrounding counties, bought a lot of livestock and sent them to the fortresses.It's just that the East Road has been dilapidated for a long time, even if you have money, the number you can buy is limited.Jiang Min had no choice but to write Wang Xiaolie and ask the rear to send it.

Of course Wang Xiaolie would not send him from Xiangyang, the journey is too far away.To support Shenshan County, Cao Zhilai from Ruzhou can find a way.

After counting and delivery, Wang Zhongfu looked at the sun in the western sky, and said to Wen Ruyan: "The sun is about to set, so I have to stay in Shibibao for one night. A roe deer, use it for drinking tonight!"

"That's the best, the military envoy will take care." Wen Ruyan nodded with a smile. "These days, all the fortresses hunt wild game to eat, and it seems that you are doing the same here. The place is dilapidated, but wild animals are flourishing, and everyone has meat to eat."

Shu Jiming said: "The so-called game tastes only once in a while. How can you eat it every day? No matter how fat the beast is, how can it compare with the pigs and sheep you raise! Do it, you have to remind it often, so that the rear Hurry up and bring the missing livestock."

Wen Ruyan was used to being urged by various forts these days, so he just agreed.

After entering Shibibao, I went around and saw the construction results.Wen Ruyan arrived at the castle hall with Wang Zhongfu and Shu Jiming.

After the guests and hosts were seated, Wang Zhongfu asked the soldiers to prepare fish and meat, and ordered wine to be served.

The wine was poured.Wen Ruyan raised his wine glass and said: "On the road today, those pigs and sheep ran around, I was worried, for fear that I would lose one of them. I counted the quantity just now, so I feel relieved. Come on, let's drink A cup!"

The three drank wine.

Wen Ruyan said: "The meaning of appeasement is that when the grain is harvested next year, wineries will be built in each fortress. One is for the army to use, and the excess can be sold outside for some pocket money. When you plant grain But pay attention, grow some sorghum and use it to make wine. The land in this place is barren, but sorghum grows well. Use sorghum to make wine and save millet for food."

Wang Zhongfu said: "Sorghum can only be used to make strong wine. Who should the rich drink? It is better to use millet."

Wen Ruyan shook his head again and again: "Military envoy, we are the army, and soldiers have to drink strong alcohol. Even Jieshuai mostly drinks strong alcohol when drinking in the army. Not to mention, people with a good capacity for alcohol like strong alcohol .”

Shu Jiming said: "I don't drink well, but I also like to drink strong alcohol. After a tiring day, I drink two glasses of strong alcohol and fall asleep. I don't know how comfortable it is when I wake up until dawn. Military envoys are considered scholars and don't like alcohol. Spirits are also common."

Traditional Chinese rice wine, of course, uses glutinous rice in the south, but millet in the north.At this time, the most abundant wine is of course rice brewing.But here in Hedong, it is customary to use millet.

Millet is an excellent grain, and its taste is much better than corn.It's okay to have abundant living materials. In the current environment, of course they have to be used as rations.Jiang Min wants to make wine in the army, of course it is best to use sorghum, which does not take up grain.

The money from selling wine was a very important source of income for the government of the Song Dynasty.Among the armies, there are generally wine depots, and the income is used as military funds.Wang Xiaolie is different from other armies. Generally, the army is not allowed to have operating assets, and of course it does not make wine.The wine used in the army is bought from outside, and the army pays the money according to the order.The situation here in Hedong is special, and the franchised recruiting department can make wine.

In fact, the forts in Shenshan County are not only military units, but also production units.They not only farm, but also raise cattle and sheep, chickens and ducks, and make wine.There is no limit to alcohol in the army, and it is not good to have no alcohol.

Wang Zhongfu picked up the wine bowl, raised his head and drank it.He smacked his lips and said, "Spirited wine enters the throat like charcoal. What's good to drink? It seems that this kind of wine is sweet and glutinous, which is the ultimate taste! Your preferences are really incomprehensible!"

Shu Jiming said: "Military envoy, brewing your own wine is not for us to drink, but for soldiers to drink. Before going out to battle, after victory, you must drink a bowl of wine to be satisfied. This is called Zhuangxing wine. , celebration wine, famous ones!"

Wen Ruyan said: "You're right! Brewing wine in the army is for the sake of admiration and celebration. Is it used to drink on weekdays? Alcohol is forbidden in the army on weekdays! Marshal Jie has said many times that the army must Alcohol must be banned, otherwise discipline cannot be maintained. There must be no alcohol in the army, otherwise the heroic spirit cannot be displayed, and I always feel that something is missing."

(End of this chapter)