Five years of county magistrate, 100 million catties of grain shocked Li Shimin

Chapter 91 Robbing My Money Is Killing My Parents

In the afternoon, Zhang San came back.

After investigation, it was found that there were no coal mines in the two mountains Xue Jiaoyan mentioned.

At the same time, he has arranged manpower and will officially start mining tomorrow.

So far, another plan of Fang Yuan has been implemented, coal will soon replace charcoal.

A few days later, in mid-to-late October, the weather turned even colder.

There is no snow in Liaozhou, but there is drizzle, which makes people feel cold.

At this time, some people began to sell charcoal in the market, and the charcoal seller dragged the charcoal on the road and shouted.

In the city of Liaozhou, cement roads from the south to the west of the city, from the south to the east of the city, and from the south to the north of the city have been completed one after another.

The cement road leading from Liaoshan County to Liaozhou City is also under construction, and [-]% of the planned roads have been officially completed.

It is worth mentioning that the planned highways are only Liaozhou City and the road leading to Liaozhou City, and the other three counties are not in the planning.

On this day, the officials from the Ministry of Industry that Li Shimin mentioned before he left finally arrived. Cui Zhengchu, a doctor from the Water Department of the Ministry of Industry, brought four officials with him.

"Meet Mr. Cui!"

Fang Yuan brought the governor's mansion to meet him.

In terms of official position, Fang Yuan is half a level younger than him, so he has to receive him from top to bottom.

"I've seen Governor Fang."

Cui Zhengchu and others also returned the gift to Fang Yuan.

Although he is half a level higher than Fang Yuan, but Fang Yuan is the local governor and has more power than him.

"Please come in."

Fang Yuan said politely.

Enter the governor's mansion with Cui Zhengchu and others.

"Fang Cishi is really a hero out of a boy."

"When I was your age, I was just a master."

Cui Zhengchu said as he walked.

For Fang Yuan who occupies a high position at such a young age, except for members of the royal family, the rest are the sons of those big families.

"Master Cui praised me a lot, please sit down and have some tea."

Fang Yuan smiled.

At the same time, he looked up at Cui Zhengchu in his heart.

It's not because the other party praises himself, but what he means.

Cui Zhengchu now looks only 37 or 40 years old, less than [-] years old.

The main thing he said was a position from the ninth rank, compared with the current position from the fifth rank, there was a huge gap between them.

It took more than ten years to go from the ninth rank to the fifth rank, crossing more than ten small steps, and the promotion speed is comparable to riding a rocket.

Everyone sat down around the fire, and their bodies became much warmer.

The anthracite has not been made yet, Fang Yuan still uses the fire to keep warm.

Occasionally, he would choke to tears because of the heavy smoke, or make the entire Governor's Mansion full of smoke.

"Is this tea from the Royal Trading Company?"

A young official, Xiao Hongcai asked in surprise.

"Yes."

Fang Yuan nodded.

Every time Du Miaoyan stirs up new tea, she will send it to Fang Yuan first.

A few days passed, Fang Yuan could not finish the tea here, and he no longer used his side to prepare it.

“Good tea!”

"Better than the ones I bought!"

Xiao Hongcai sighed.

Cui Zhengchu and the others also sipped tea and nodded.

Now the Royal Commercial Bank's tea has been officially launched, and it is already sold in Chang'an City.

But the supply is still very small, and the supply exceeds the demand, and only some dignitaries can buy it.

And the quality is not as good as what Du Miaoyan personally delivered to Fang Yuan, it is not of the same level.

In Du Miaoyan's business plan, she divided tea into three grades: special grade, high grade, middle grade, and no low grade.

High-end and intermediate-grade tea are sold at two prices. If you want to drink good tea, you can sell it at a high price, and if you don’t have money or don’t mind, you can buy intermediate-grade tea.

Special grade is not for sale, and the quantity is very small, it is only provided to the royal family, Du Ruhui, Fang Yuan and others.

"I still have a small amount of premium tea in my house."

"Before you leave, I asked the people in the house to bring it to you."

Fang Yuan smiled lightly.

Get started on the fine tradition of gift giving.

This is what Zhao Caiying taught Fang Yuan when he was the director of Wuling County.

Zhao Caiying taught Fang Yuan at that time: In the officialdom, one must learn to give gifts, it doesn't matter how expensive they are, the most important thing is to give them.

Don't underestimate a pot of tea, sometimes you can exchange for a big news, so as to avoid a catastrophe and so on.

"Extra?!"

"Well, what's the point of this?"

Xiao Hongcai said in surprise.

He only heard of middle-grade tea and high-grade tea.

Now that Fang Yuan heard the premium tea, he immediately wanted it.

But he quickly came to his senses and looked at Cui Zhengchu, not daring to take it easily.

High-grade tea is not cheap anymore, so special-grade tea must be more expensive, which may involve bribery.

"Tea can refresh the mind and strengthen the heart. It is an important aid for us to repair the Yellow River dams."

"Prefect Fang also wants to do his part to restore the Yellow River. How can we refuse? Thank you Prefect Fang."

Cui Zhengchu said seriously.

Thanks to Fang Yuan.

He had heard of premium tea.

I heard that only the Imperial Palace and Du Xiang can taste it.

Now hearing that Fang Yuan also has it here, he also wants to taste it.

"Thank you, Governor Fang."

Xiao Hongcai immediately thanked Fang Yuan.

Other officials also thanked Fang Yuan.

"You're welcome, they are all working for the court."

Fang Yuan smiled politely.

The understanding of Cui Zhengchu has deepened.

It is not easy to upgrade from rank nine to rank five in more than ten years.

"Inspector Fang, there is a word from above that you have something called cement that can repair the Yellow River dam."

"Is it the new official way now, the gray and gray kind?"

Cui Zhengchu said seriously.

Start to formally enter the topic.

He came here with something important this time.

"It's cement."

"But not necessarily repairing the levee."

Fang Yuan emphasized.

Possibility and impossibility are two properties.

The court's definition is that it can, if the cement cannot be repaired, Fang Yuan may be implicated.

"I will explain this issue to the court."

Cui Zhengchu took a deep look at Fang Yuan, and said seriously.

"Thank you, Cui Langzhong."

Fang Yuan thanks.

Pour him a cup of tea yourself.

There are state officials pouring tea by the side.

But Fang Yuan poured it back for him, it was a kind of thanks.

It is estimated that the gift of tea just now played a role, otherwise the other party might not have paid attention to this.

"May I ask who Fang Fang asked to go with me?"

Cui Zhengchu picked up the teacup and drank the tea before asking.

Although the tea culture has not yet appeared, but the meaning is similar, he accepted Fang Yuan's thanks.

"Zhang San, send someone to call Liao Fengmao."

"You go back to the mansion and bring five cans of my premium tea."

Fang Yuan ordered.

As for Sui Quo's candidate to control the Yellow River dam, Fang Yuan had already made a choice.

I also asked Liao Fengmao for his opinion, but he had no opinion.

"Yes."

Zhang San should be, and then leave.

Next, Fang Yuan chatted with Cui Zhengchu and others.

Not long after, the tea from Fangfu arrived first, and Liao Fengmao did not arrive so soon in the south of the city.

"Thank you, Inspector Fang."

Cui Zhengchu took the tea pot and said.

Feeling the weight of the tea pot, he was very satisfied.

After several other officials took the tea pot, they also thanked Fang Yuan again.

"You're welcome."

Fang Yuan smiled lightly.

Looking at Cui Zhengchu's smile, Fang Yuan also knew the importance of it.

The reason why Zhang San was asked to go back was because he was afraid that Hong Xu would just send it in half a can.

With Zhang San's cleverness, it must be the biggest tea pot, filled with the most tea leaves.

Although the tea leaves are premium grade, but to Fang Yuan, they are also worthless and very much.

Telling Cui Zhengchu and the others just now that there is only a small amount is just to make them feel the weight of the gift even more in their hearts.

Soon, Liao Fengmao finally arrived.

He came on horseback, and the cold wind blew him into a red nose.

"Master, are you looking for me?"

Liao Fengmao held back the chill, and saluted Fang Yuan.

"Next time it's not urgent, don't run so fast, stay close to the ignition."

Fang Yuan frowned slightly, said in a deep voice.

While being moved in my heart, I was also a little bit reluctant.

This guard who has followed him for many years is leaving today.

"Thank you sir."

Liao Fengmao shivered and approached the fire to keep warm.

"This is Cui Zhengchu, a doctor from the Ministry of Industry and Water."

Fang Yuan pointed to Cui Zhengchu and introduced.

"Meet Mr. Cui."

Liao Fengmao was taken aback for a moment, then saluted Cui Zhengchu.

"You're welcome."

"Sit down and keep warm."

Cui Zhengchu kindly pulled Liao Fengmao to sit down.

Although he was the chief official when he went to the Yellow River to repair the dam, it was Liao Fengmao who actually did the work, and it was very necessary to have a good relationship with Liao Fengmao.

"Thank you, Mr. Cui."

Liao Fengmao thanks for sitting down.

"Is Liao Zhuangshi ready for anything?"

"I can leave here anytime."

Cui Zhengchu asked.

"I, I need an hour."

"Also pack your luggage and related tools."

Liao Fengmao looked at Fang Yuan, saw Fang Yuan nodded slightly before speaking.

"In that case, let's gather at the gate of the city in an hour's time."

Cui Zhengchu pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"Thank you."

Liao Fengmao thanked him and was about to get up and leave.

"Warm up first."

"Just let someone prepare for you what you need."

Fang Yuan called him to stop.

Before leaving, Fang Yuan wanted to remind him of something.

Although Liao Fengmao has been with him for these years, he is quite smart.

But there are some things in the officialdom that he may not understand yet, so it is necessary to remind him.

"Thank you sir."

Liao Fengmao said with a smile.

Then call the state official and explain to him what is needed.

Cement, clothes, etc., all need to be packed and taken away.

"Inspector Fang, we won't disturb you."

Cui Zhengchu said suddenly.

"Cui Langzhong isn't resting here?"

Fang Yuan asked curiously.

It's freezing cold outside, so it's not easy to rent an inn at that hour.

"No."

"I heard that Liaozhou City is booming, so I want to take a look around."

Cui Zhengchu shook his head and smiled.

Now the reputation of Liaozhou City has risen, and he has heard it in Chang'an City.

First, the bandits from Taiyuan, which the court could not wipe out several times, tried to attack Liaozhou City, but were wiped out by the governor of Bingzhou.

Later, the county magistrates of the three counties in Liaozhou jointly framed Fang Yuan, Fang Yuan took the opportunity to fight back, ransacked his home and sent him to the border.

Surprisingly, the members of those families were all killed by bandits on the way to the border.

Some people think that Fang Yuan said it, but there is no evidence.

Finally, there is the appearance of the cement road, which is honored as the first road in the Tang Dynasty.

So they all came to Liaozhou City, and Cui Zhengchu wanted to see what Liaozhou City was like.

"I see."

"Then I won't be with Cui Langzhong anymore, I'm about to talk to Liao Fengmao about some precautions."

Fang Yuan nodded.

It's cold outside and he doesn't want to go out.

"No need, Governor Fang is busy."

Cui Zhengchu smiled lightly.

He also didn't think about Fang Yuan's company.

Although he is half a level older than Fang Yuan, he is not qualified to be accompanied by Fang Yuan.

There is a big difference between a doctor of the Ministry of Industry and a local governor.

After speaking, Cui Zhengchu stood up, and the officials who came with him also stood up one after another.

"I send you off."

Fang Yuan got up, smiled lightly.

After sending it to the door with Liao Fengmao and others, they returned.

As soon as they left the Governor's Mansion, Cui Zhengchu and the others felt the cold wind blowing and shivered.

There are not many pedestrians on the road, probably because of the weather, they seldom go out.

"Go this way."

Cui Zhengchu walked in one direction.

It just so happens that this direction is the direction of the royal firm.

Just at this time, Princess Xiangcheng and Du Miaoyan came out of the mansion, and happened to bump into Cui Zhengchu and others.

"Princess?!"

Cui Zhengchu was startled, not sure.

As a member of the fifth rank, he is qualified to participate in court meetings and palace banquets, and he has met Princess Xiangcheng.

Seeing that Princess Xiangcheng was in Liaozhou City, he was extremely shocked and felt unbelievable.

Because Princess Xiangcheng will marry the Xiao family Xiao Rui next year.

But now he is not in the palace but in Liaozhou city.

Does the Xiao family know this?
An hour later.

Liao Fengmao bid farewell to Fang Yuan and left.

With Liao Fengmao's departure, Fang Yuan officially decided to recruit Fangfu guards again.

After making the decision, Fang Yuan asked Hong Xu and Qing Yan to make arrangements, strictly checking the quality, not the quantity.

A few days later, Hong Xu and Qing Yan recruited a total of ten people in one city and three counties in Liaozhou, and one of them Fang Yuan still knew.

At this time, the time has officially entered the end of October, and the weather is getting colder, with six or seven degrees during the day and sometimes three or four degrees at night.

Occasionally it was still drizzling, and the people who went out were even colder, even if Fang Yuan had nothing to do, he didn't bother to go to the Governor's Mansion, he had to be notified before going.

They all warmed up by the fire in Fangfu.

Because firewood brought too much smoke in rainy days, Fang Yuan changed charcoal.

It's just that the price of charcoal is very expensive, even if Fang Yuan is not short of money, he still feels very distressed.

Ten catties cost five cents!
You know, the price of rice in Liaozhou City is only three Wen a bucket, that is, three Wen and ten catties.

It's more expensive than rice!

Ordinary people simply can't afford it!

This is why Fang Yuan wants to engage in anthracite.

It's a pity that the coal mine has been mined for more than half a month, and the anthracite has not yet been produced.

"Confused!"

"Why didn't I think of making briquettes?"

Fang Yuan who was warming up the fire suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

In fact, he is not very clear about how to make anthracite.

Just ask the giants to study, that's all.

But honeycomb probably knows that it is made by mixing coal powder, water and mud in a certain proportion, making a honeycomb and then drying it.

In fact, briquette is also a kind of anthracite, but Fang Yuan, who lived in the south before crossing, rarely knew it clearly.

With Fang Yuan's idea, the first batch of briquettes appeared soon.

On this day, Fang Yuan, Ju Zi and others passed the test and formally used briquettes for heating.

"It's easy to use, and it doesn't cost money, but the taste is a bit strong."

The giant sighed around the fiery red briquettes.

"Where is Huang Shancong?"

"Let him make honeycomb coal on a large scale and sell it."

Fang Yuan shouted.

Huang Shancong is the guard in the mansion.

Currently in charge of coal mining.

For some important developments, Fang Yuan asked the guards in the mansion to be responsible.

People in this era don't know the importance of coal mines now, but Fang Yuan knows his importance.

"Okay, I'll do it right now."

There was an echo not far away.

Fang Yuan didn't see where he was replying, so he left.

At this time, Hong Xu came from other places, and sat next to Fang Yuan to warm himself up by the fire.

"Hong Xu, have you delivered the tea to Mr. Zhao?"

Fang Yuan asked.

"It was delivered two days ago."

"I sent several catties, all of which are premium tea."

Hongxu answered while warming herself by the fire while rubbing her hands.

"Later you send the briquettes too."

Fang Yuan nodded in satisfaction.

A few days later, time entered November, and briquettes had entered the market for several days.

Because the price is much lower than charcoal, it is instantly loved by the family and the common people.

Chengbei Commercial Street has been planned, and the opening time has not been stopped due to the weather.

On this day, Fang Yuan sent a notice to all shop owners, including Xue Bowu's siblings.

Although Xue Bowu made a big fuss at the development meeting that day, he had already selected an address before that, and no one robbed it. Afterwards, the housekeeper of Xue's house paid for it.

At this time, in an ordinary mansion in Liaozhou City, Xue Bowu and his brother were dressed in seven or eight pieces of clothes, wrapped up like rice dumplings, and sat in front of the kang to warm up the fire.

They used firewood. Because of the rainy weather, it was difficult to light firewood. The lobby was full of smoke, and it was almost impossible to see each other clearly.

"Miss, Master, the Governor's Mansion invited us to attend the opening ceremony of the commercial street tomorrow."

The butler walked in, holding the invitation letter in one hand and a few briquettes in the other.

As soon as he walked into the lobby, he coughed and shed tears from the smoke.

"It's so cold, don't go. Lin Bo, what is your other hand holding? It can't be charcoal, right?"

"You prodigal, it's a waste of money like that, cough cough cough"

Xue Jiaoyan widened her eyes and said.

Because of the heavy smoke, she couldn't see what the housekeeper was holding.

Also because of the heavy smoke, she would inhale a lot of smoke and choke when she spoke quickly.

"Miss, I am wronged."

"This is briquette, twenty times cheaper than charcoal."

"One weighs a catty, and the other can burn for half a day. It's very cost-effective."

The butler coughed and said.

"So much cheaper than charcoal. That's expensive too!"

"Lin Bo, you prodigal. Where did you come from?"

Xue Jiaoyan fanned the smoke in front of her eyes with her small hands, and coughed.

"I heard that Governor Fang sympathized with the common people and specially developed it."

"It seems that the raw materials come from the media in our Wudong Mountain. I'm not sure, but it's spread like this outside."

said the butler.

Enduring the thick smoke to replace the firewood.

"what?"

"The coal raw material of our Wudong Mountain?"

Xue Jiaoyan's eyes widened, tears streaming down her face.

She instantly understood that Wudong Mountain was worth a lot, far more than ten copper coins, and her heart ached terribly.

"Heavenly Fang Yuan, you robbed me of money."

Xue Jiaoyan cried like pear blossoms and rain, the more she cried, the sadder she became, and the more she cried, the more she cried.

"No, stealing my money is killing my parents, brother, copying guys."

Xue Jiaoyan yelled.

The zongzi-like body struggled.

Seeing that Xue Bowu didn't move, he yelled again and kicked him as usual.

But this time there was an accident, Xue Bowu didn't stand up like before, but fell down.

"Brother, brother, what's wrong with you?"

Xue Jiaoyan was shocked and rushed towards Xue Bowu.

What's funny is that she was wearing seven or eight pieces of clothes, and Xue Bowu was also wearing seven or eight pieces of clothes.

Seeing this, the steward at the side quickly trotted over to check on Xue Bowu, and said in shock:

"Miss, the young master may be suffocated by inhaling too much smoke."

(End of this chapter)