Great Qing Dynasty talker

Chapter 77

The most ridiculous thing is that Qian Qi actually came to ask for the plaque of "Weige Hall".

It doesn't matter that this is his inscription. It turned out to be Gua Shan Tang. Now in Li Yu's fish and meat village, he is willing to return the money for refining the pen, provided that his calligraphy is taken back.

Of course Li Yu didn't want to.

Just kidding, this man named Qian is about to win three yuan in a row.

By then, this plaque will be worth a lot of money.

Don't even think about breaking up with me!

Anyone who takes my money will have to pay it back tenfold in the future, or pay it back with their life.

After a while of yelling and cursing, Qian Ji came back angrily, cursing everywhere.

Because Li Yu put forward a condition.

If you want to ask for a plaque, you can pay me 1 taels for reputational damage.

My reputation in Weigtang is worth more than ten thousand taels of silver.

If you don't accept it, you can use force to sue.

……

"I suddenly recalled a few days ago that there is another way to make saltpeter, which is to set up a saltpeter field." Uncle Wu suddenly spoke.

Li Yu was ecstatic, this was great news.

"Saltpeter field? Could it be that saltpeter can still be grown?"

"I haven't done it myself. It was just an idea that my father had when he was still alive. It sounds a bit ridiculous."

"It doesn't matter, you'll know after you try it."

Above the mountain is a valley.

Because of the mountains and trees, there is almost no sunlight here.

According to Uncle Wu's instructions, we first dug a hole.

It is square and square, and a layer of Sanhe soil-bonded bricks is laid at the bottom and around the pit to isolate it from the soil.

Like a swimming pool.

Then, a layer of fine sand clay, hay, and a layer of plant ash were spread in the pool.

Li Yu is an art student who understands art but not chemistry.

Uncle Wu couldn't explain why, but it was actually creating a weakly alkaline environment.

After that it became more flavorful.

The fish, shrimp, and human and animal urine that were picked up were all sprinkled down.

It happens to be close to Shihu Lake and is close to the water, so it is very convenient to catch fish and shrimps.

After a few days, the smell was nauseating.

Uncle Wu said that his father once emphasized several points: the salt field should not be exposed to sunlight, it should not be dry, it should be ventilated, and it should not be too cold.

Sprinkle a layer of plant ash and water occasionally.

Next, it’s time to give it up!

Blue-white nitrate soil slowly formed on the walls of the pit and on the ashes of vegetation.

[Note: The saltpeter field method actually takes a long time to finally form saltpeter soil.The plot of the novel requires that the time process is downplayed, please understand. 】

After scraping it off and collecting it, further purification is needed.

It becomes saltpeter that can be used to make black gunpowder.

……

Li Yu was ecstatic the moment he saw the finished product.

He felt that another door had opened.

Moreover, he creatively combined nitrate fields and saline-alkali land.

In order not to be thought of as crazy and attract too much attention.

He just conducted an experiment on one or two acres of secluded salted fields.

Chop up the wheat straw and bury it in the soil.

Dig holes on the surface, not too deep, every few dozen centimeters, and pour in lime water.

Sprinkle the soil from the nitrate field and pour human and animal urine into it.

In the final step, cover the soil surface with a layer of straw.

The purpose is to block direct sunlight.

The results of the experiment made him overjoyed.

A thin layer of bluish-white crystal saltpeter was scraped from the pit wall.

In a sense, the nitrate field is actually an artificially upgraded version of scraping nitrate soil from the toilet walls.

Li Yu solemnly wrote down a few lines in his notebook:
Several conditions for the preparation of nitrate fields include avoiding ultraviolet rays, moisture, weak alkali, plant fibers and urine.

Finally, soak the saltpeter and plant ash in water at a ratio of three to one.

Set up a large pot and boil it three times. The crystals formed at the bottom of the pot are pure saltpeter.

……

"Have a taste?"

"What's the taste?"

"It's a bit spicy, it's the top grade of saltpeter. That's what it tastes like."

Uncle Wu smacked his tongue, still wanting to know more, intoxicated in the world of science.

A few people next to me felt a little nauseous, but they held it back.

"Don't just listen to me, try it all."

"The top grade tastes spicy, the middle grade tastes bitter, and if it tastes anything else, it's inferior."

Saltpeter accounts for more than 7% of black gunpowder, so Li Yu cannot attach too much importance to it.

This thing consumes too much.

Being able to control yourself saves you a lot of trouble.

After many experiments, he found that one acre of land could produce about one thousand kilograms of nitrate soil.

This yield is actually higher than that of grain.

Back in the fort, Li Yu held a meeting of key members.

Participants included Du Ren, Fan Jing, Lin Huaisheng, Liu Qian, Zhang Tiejiang and his son, Lai Er, Xiao Wu, and Yang Yunjiao.

Everyone glanced at Yang Yunjiao strangely, feeling that it was a bit strange for a woman to appear here.

However, since she was in charge of hundreds of people in the labor team, she had considerable power.

What's more, she is also responsible for the preparation of Sanhe soil.

"Brothers, Uncle Wu's saltpeter field experiment was successful."

"I am ready to promote it, but this matter needs to be kept secret, and no idlers are allowed to get close to our salt fields."

"Military advisor, how many acres of saltpeter fields are we planning to build?"

"Let's go to 50 acres first. If it's less, it won't be enough. If it's too much, I might not be able to keep the secret."

……

Everyone was talking and doing some mental calculations.

One acre of real estate contains 1000 kilograms of saltpeter soil. After purification, only 50 kilograms of saltpeter crystals remain.

But fortunately, it can be produced repeatedly, just like cutting leeks, one crop after another.

"Commander, this is a good method. We have land and people, so we can continuously obtain saltpeter."

"Yes, we can also save a lot of money." Fan Jing is in charge of purchasing and is very sensitive to cost-cutting.

"The slave family thinks that it can actually be sold. Saltpeter is a pretty commodity." Yang Yunjiao said.

Li Yu was stunned for a moment, feeling that this was a bit risky.

Self-produced saltpeter must still be kept secret.

"Next, let's discuss how to keep it secret?"

After half an hour of intense discussion, a decision was finally made.

Choose the saltpeter field in the west, away from official roads.

It is not close to the river to prevent it from being discovered by passing ships.

Li Jiabao's reputation as a bully was once again carried forward.

Let the people around you stay away and be frightened when they hear about Li.

The people of the Qing Dynasty were timid and fearful. As long as their reputation was known, they would take a detour.

Preparing saltpeter fields requires a lot of manpower.

This manpower can only be drawn from the labor team, and Lijiabao's armed forces cannot be used.

However, the loyalty of the labor team is still a problem.

Yang Yunjiao said she couldn't tell whether these people would be tempted to snitch.

"Military advisor, I have an idea." Xiao Wu, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke.

……

"Those 21 kids, let them be responsible."

Li Yu thought for a while and felt that this was really a solution.

Preparing saltpeter fields is not a strenuous job and these teenagers can handle it.

Moreover, Lijiabao is their only support, so there is no reason to cause trouble.

but,

"Why 21? I obviously brought back 23 people."

"Two of them died. They were so hungry."

"Oh."

Li Yu remained silent. Although it was unexpected, it was also reasonable.

"It's okay, don't be sad, military advisor."

"Ah."

"The kitchen saw that they couldn't hold it any longer, so they made a bowl of fat meat for each of them before they died."

"ate?"

"They've all been eaten, and there's not a morsel of soup left. Even if you're so full that you're down there, you'll be superior to others."

"Oh, by the way, they also said they were sorry, sir, for wasting your money and meat. I will make cows and horses for you in the next life."

Xiao Wu spoke very calmly, and Li Yu almost burst into tears.

I thought my heart was hard enough, but it turned out that it wasn't.

The wind and sand in Jiangnan are a bit big.

……

After the discussion is over, just follow the instructions.

Laiji hurriedly went to Fucheng to purchase a dozen large pots for cooking saltpeter.

Everyone was busy.

Liu Akun took a few tattooed men and started the performance on horseback.

Shirtless, holding a stick.

Looking for people and causing trouble in the villages closest to Lijiabao.

Seeing the eldest girl and the young daughter-in-law, she went over to invite them to drink.

When you see a young man, blow your beard and stare, what do you mean?
Seeing the aunt chatting, she walked over and asked if the girl was married and if the son-in-law was dead.

Villagers who were walking to cut pig grass in the direction of Lijiabao were chased and beaten by Liu Akun on horseback.I have to say that they are stealing things.

You must prove yourself. If you cannot prove it, you will be taken to see the official.

Several villagers were frightened and became seriously ill after returning home.

Soon, Lijiabao smelled three miles in the wind.

People from nearby villages did not dare to take another step toward Lijiabao.

Lijiabao is like the Palace of Hell, and Liu Akun is the kid.

Li Yu is naturally the King of Hell.

The name "Li Yanwang" has spread throughout the city.

The sister-in-law frowned after hearing this.

I wanted to come to persuade people to be kind, but Crow tried to stop him.

……

However, Li Yu's reputation among officials in the first government and three counties is getting better and better.

The reputation of high-ranking officials for being generous and generous is astonishing.

When he went to Fucheng for business, the government officials immediately cleared the road in front of him.

His style is as good as that of a county magistrate.

A matter that has been on my mind has finally come to light.

The Madam of Mianyue Tower sent someone to deliver the letter, and she had already contacted an intermediary and a professor.

Li Yu read the letter and called Fan Jing:

"Let's go and buy you some fame."

The two rushed to Mianyue Tower and set up a banquet.

At noon, the guests arrived late.

A man with fat head and big ears, who looks like Maitreya Buddha, is actually a master of physiognomy, followed by a little book boy.

The other one is skinny and wearing a scholar's uniform. He is the professor.

The madam, like a butterfly, introduced us.

"This is Mr. Li, a well-known good man in this house. He likes to use money as dirt and flowers."

"This is the Immortal Wang. He can pinch and calculate, and has great magical powers."

"You two, let's have a nice chat."

The madam left with great discernment and closed the door.

The bosses discuss confidential matters, and outsiders are not allowed to be present.

Even the girls have to wait until the serious business is done before they can go in and provide emotional value.

……

"Wang Shenxian, I don't know how many hexagram resources there are?"

"In my fortune-telling, I only count those who are sincere. For each person counted, I will get 10 taels of gold." Fatty Wang turned the ring in his hand and said very plainly.

"So that the guests will know that it is ten taels of gold!" the book boy introduced from the side.

Li Yu took out an ingot of gold, placed it on the table, and pushed it over gently.

"Of course I'm sincere. Wang Shenxian, can you help me tell my fortune?"

Professor Fu’s eyes lit up.

However, Wang Shenxian's eyes were dull and he regarded gold as nothing.This is probably the difference between gods and humans.

He nodded, and the boy behind him immediately took away the gold.

Li Yu couldn't help but take a few more glances at the little book boy carrying the hexagram flag.

She has a delicate appearance and immature facial features, but she does not distinguish between male and female.

Little book boy is more than just a literal meaning.

It also belongs to a category of stationery that calms the mind and calms the mind.

The ancients were quite creative in this regard.

Li Yu looked up and down unscrupulously, but received a blank look from the book boy.

Looking at the words on the hexagram flag again, he said loudly:
Corporal Xiangtian!

The handwriting is vigorous and the pen is as sharp as a knife. A knowledgeable person will know it is a good calligraphy at a glance.

Wang Shenxian is fishing with a straight hook, and only hooks fish that climb up on their own.

After a dance of dragons and phoenixes,

"Put this piece of hexagram paper away, and you can open it after you leave."

Wang Shenxian smiled and handed over a piece of neatly folded pink paper.

Li Yu didn't take it seriously and kept it in his sleeve.

Just treat it as an appetizer.

"In front of real people, don't tell lies. I want to buy this brother a ninth-grade inspection of my house. You can give me the price?"

"The official title is a famous weapon of the imperial court, how can we bargain openly?" Professor Fu suddenly said.

Seeing the angry look on his face, Li Yu didn't know whether he was really pedantic or fake?

However, there should be no such upright officials in our Qing Dynasty.

"Since it is a famous instrument, it must have a price. Wang Shenxian, what do you think?"

"I think that as long as you are dedicated to serving the people, it is not a bad idea to buy an official position. However, Mr. Li is a little too eager."

Cao, I was almost blinded by you two.

……

Li Yu felt that it was a waste of time to deal with the Qing people.

All of them are Tai Chi masters. If they don’t whip three times in a row, they might not be able to control the situation.

He nodded towards Fan Jing.

Fan Jing took out a wooden box from under the table.

Take out a banknote from it.

1000 two!
Professor Wang Shenxian Hefu is as immovable as a mountain.

Add 1 more.

Still unmoved, Professor Fu even snorted (do you use this to test the leader?).

Add 1 more.

Wang Shenxian remained calm and calm, and Professor Fu glanced at him uneasily (I admit, this may be a weakness of mine).

Add 1 more.

Wang Shenxian sighed and shook his head.

Add 1 more.

Wang Shenxian couldn't help but frown. Professor Fu's eyes were already shining, as if there were thorns on the stool (just put it down when you feel like it).

Add 1 more.

Wang Shenxian took a long breath and asked:
"Donor, what kind of official position do you want to have?"

"Shihu Inspection Department, Ninth Grade Inspection, urgent. Immediately, immediately, take office immediately."

"The imperial court has laws and regulations, and there are always rules for doing things. Don't be impatient." Professor Fu quickly encouraged him.

Li Yu glanced at Fan Jing, and he took out another one.

Place it gently on the stack of banknotes.

"Hey, that's all. I admit that I made a mistake. I will take office next month."

"I think this dear friend is also a man who has read a lot of poetry and books. It's just that he didn't have the chance to get into the academic field for a while. He is different from those wealthy businessmen who buy official positions." Professor Fu immediately justified himself.

"Oh, how can we, the scholars of our generation, call it buying an official position?" Fan Jing also stepped down.

That's it!

Next, it’s entertainment time.

……

Li Yu opened the door and clapped his hands.

A group of warblers rushed in.

"The seven fairies have all descended to earth today."

"Professor, just now you said I was in too much of a hurry. Let me ask you, are you not in a hurry now?"

Professor Fu hugged the flower branches and smiled happily.

A series of echoes:
"Urgent, urgent, I only know today what it means to be impatient."

[Note: The idiom "impatient" comes from Chapter 14 of the late Qing Dynasty novel "The Appearance of Officialdom": "The six people had just sat down, Commander Hu was already impatient, and the first person to speak said: 'We are not like usual today. , everyone must have fun." Please ignore the time line gap. 】

After a lot of hard work, it was boring as usual.

Smoking and drinking tea,

However, Professor Li Yu and Professor Fu found a common language.

The irons of friendship between men certainly make sense.

Li Yu introduced many classics to him:

For example, "The Biography of Ruyi Jun", "The Biography of the Madman", "Su'e Pian", "Gu Wangyan", "Heaven and Earth Yin and Yang XX Great Music Fu".

Although it is not as good as the Four Books and Five Classics, it was still written by a scholar.

They are all serious critical literature, so you must not search them.

Most people don’t understand the happiness of scholars.

Li Yu sent the two of them outside the city. It was already evening.

Wang Shenxian was half drunk and still asked:

"You're different from everyone else."

"is it?"

"Others call me Immortal Wang, but they don't believe it in their hearts. They inquired in many ways, tried their best to trick me into telling me which immortal is behind me. But you are never curious and regard me as a real immortal. Why?"

Li Yu smiled, pointed to the pagoda in the distance and said:
"When people go to temples to burn incense, are they worshiping the Buddha or the monks?"

"Of course it's Buddha."

"No, I am worshiping a monk."

"Why?"

"Buddha is far away in the sky, how could he see whether the person lying on the ground is a human or a dog? I didn't just listen to the monk's report."

"Wonderful, wonderful solution."

Wang Shenxian changed his arrogant attitude and couldn't help stroking his hands and laughing.

Watching the boat leave, Fan Jing couldn't help but ask:

"Military advisor, is it too much of a loss to buy a patrol inspection for 7000 taels?"

"From an economic perspective, it's a huge loss. From a political perspective, it's a huge loss."

Li Yu was in a good mood, watching the boat in the distance.

Turning to stare at Fan Jing and asked:

"Follow me and do a big business. Let alone leaving the dragon, it is not difficult to become a prince in a separate country. Brother Fan, what do you think?"

Fan Jing knelt down with a plop:
"Fan Jing has lived in poverty for half his life, and only then met the Lord of the Ming Dynasty. From now on, I would like to call you Lord."

"Keep it in your heart and don't make it public."

……

(End of this chapter)