Chapter 63
Chapter 62 Visit
“After this experience, I’m afraid it’s time to close the shop.” Jiang Ni was riding on horseback, shrinking his arms. These days it is really cold, the northwest wind is starting to blow, and fewer and fewer people are willing to bring food to buy scriptures. If it is not unexpected, it will not be until next year that the wheat harvest and the price of grain drop again before the scriptures can be sold again.
Food prices have also risen too high in recent years. I am afraid that those who are willing to pay 20,000 yuan to buy books are much more than those who are willing to pay 20 shi. Those days when each stone grain was less than two or three hundred dollars, it was almost like a lifetime.
Glancing at Yi Yan, whose face is colder than the northwest wind, Jiang Ni said to himself: “It would be nice if the drought situation can be slightly reduced next year…”
Before he could say anything, the horse next to him suddenly went out.
“The convoy closes! Sword and Shield keep up!”
With the shout, the convoy in front shifted the horse’s head, and ten soldiers armed with swords and shields came out more and more, following the cavalry, rushing towards the forest not far away. Jiang Ni hurriedly dismounted and watched the encounter not far away with a fright. The bandits who were ambushing at the side were unable to resist the soldiers of the Liang Mansion Tribe. The shouts of killing only lasted for a moment before they stopped.
“Move the corpse away and continue on the road.” Yi Yan turned to Jiang Ni after shaking off the blood bead from the knife, “Get on the horse, don’t delay time.”
Jiang Ni’s face was a little pale, and it took a long time to climb on the horse’s back, and hurried the horse to catch up: “Isn’t this road cleared out? Why are there bandits?”
“It’s not a mountain bandit, it’s a gangster.” Yi Yan replied, “It’s cold, and we have to grab food for the winter.”
Jiang Ni closed his mouth immediately. Yes, they can close the shop to rest in the face of the cold, but those gangsters can’t. Lack of food and clothing can starve hundreds of people to death in one winter. Moreover, this year’s cold wind came very early, and I am afraid that there will only be more people taking the risk.
The convoy creaked and continued to move forward, looking at the bloody, scrawny corpses along the road, Jiang Ni looked away a little unbearably. At the same time, he was once again glad that he followed the right person. If it weren’t for the method of the landlord, how could the Liang Mansion change from being green and yellow to what it is now? Now that there is grain in the warehouse and soldiers in the mansion, we should be able to collect some more physically strong refugees into the mansion by the beginning of the spring. After one or two years, Liang’s mansion will only become stronger and stronger.
Moreover, the landlord has such a close relationship with the Wang clan of Taiyuan, if someone recommends him to join the court as an official, that’s when the Liang Mansion will truly take off. The good day is probably still to come.
Gently exhaling, Jiang Ni wrapped his leather jacket around his body, and rode his horse closely behind Yi Yan.
He hurried away for three more days along the way, and finally returned to Liang’s Mansion. Looking at the newly repaired Zhaimen from a distance, Jiang Ni’s eyes widened: “How come it’s been repaired in only half a month?”
He just took a trip to Jinyang, and when he came back, there was an extra gate. It was so stylish, solid and reliable, how could it not surprise people.
Yi Yan ignored him, looked up and down the nearby fence and the corner tower behind the door, and let the convoy slowly drive in. The crops in the fields have been harvested a long time ago, and winter wheat has been planted. The refugees are strengthening their own sheds, striving to live in airtight houses before it snows. Looking at the peaceful scene of this faction that was completely different from the outside, Yi Yan’s expression also eased.
Without following the convoy into the warehouse, he rode his horse to the front yard, slapped the dust on his body, and carefully cleaned his hands and face with water before walking towards the main yard. When seeing the figure sitting behind the case, just as before, Yi Yan only felt relieved all over, and stepped forward to see the courtesy: “Master, the grain team is back.”
“It’s been hard all the way.” Liang Feng smiled, “Is it going well this time?”
“I have encountered robbers four times, but they have all been wiped out.” Yi Yan replied.
“Why so much?” The smile on Liang Feng’s face immediately froze.
“There was light snow a few days ago, and the weather suddenly turned cold, and there were more robbers. Don’t worry, no one in the team was injured.” Yi Yan replied.
Liang Feng couldn’t help being silent for a moment. This rogue, I am afraid that the refugees have changed, right? I don’t know how many people will take the risk after the weather becomes cold, desperately trying to eat and drink. With a secret sigh from the bottom of my heart, Liang Feng said: “If this is the case, come with me to the county town tomorrow, go early and return early, so as not to cause trouble.”
Yi Yan frowned immediately: “The weather is cold. The lord should take a good rest. How can I go to the county town again?”
The green bamboo standing by the side could not help but said: “Yes, Lang Jun, your body is better. What if you catch the wind and cold on your way?!”
Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile, this little girl finally found the allied army, and I don’t know how many times she has been chanting in his ear these days. Shaking his head, he said, “It’s just a trip to the county town. It’s fine. Bring a charcoal basin, change into a carriage, and you will be there in two days. This time someone is invited, so it won’t work if you don’t go.”
In this spooky weather, if you don’t leave as soon as possible, I’m afraid we will have to wait until the beginning of spring next year. Cui’s invitation is a bit weird no matter how it looks, not to mention it is about Liu Yuan, he really can’t let go of it if he doesn’t go there as soon as possible.
Seeing that the lord was so determined, Yi Yan was silent for a moment, but after all he gave in: “Then I will drive the car and all the cavalry in the house will take care of him on the road.”
“As it should be.” Liang Feng smiled and agreed.
Seeing the lord’s face smiling, Yi Yan’s heart was also relieved. No matter when, he would never let go of the opportunity to accompany the lord. He was wandering outside for too long during this period. After this trip, he should be able to stay in the house safely.
※
On the second day, the team was on the road. Because they were all replaced by cavalry, this time only one large cart was equipped with two horses, and the driving speed was indeed extraordinary. Fortunately, Yi Yan was in charge of the car. Although there were some bumps, it was not unbearable. However, when he really went out, Liang Feng realized that the weather this year was unusually cold.
This is only November in the Gregorian calendar, right? How do I feel that the temperature during the day is almost below zero. Thanks to the green bamboo preparations, he not only hung a thick brocade curtain on the car, but also prepared a fox fur cloak for Liang Feng, insisting on wrapping him in a ball shape. Together with the temperature provided by the charcoal basin, the cold current outside the car was suppressed.
Sitting in the stable and warm frame, Liang Feng frowned slightly, looking at the ground covered with hoarfrost, only feeling a little frightened. Two consecutive years of severe drought, and encountering such low temperature weather, I am afraid that the people’s life will become more difficult. Those self-cultivating farmers who have no ability to resist risks are not like the tenant farmers who rely on high-ranking families. If there is no court relief, they will almost certainly have to flee from famine on a large scale. But Luoyang is still fighting, and there are frequent natural disasters in the nearby states. Where can these people escape?
Maybe the village outside can accommodate another two to three hundred people. If there is snow this winter, as long as it survives the cold winter, there is hope for planting in spring next year. There is also Huai’en Temple, can you give alms to porridge and water on time in winter? If Jinyang had more major disaster relief workers, it would be better than letting the refugees freeze and starve to death on the way to fleeing famine.
A weak voice came from the side: “Langjun, are you worrying about your trip to the county?”
Liang Feng was stunned for a moment, then smiled and asked, “What is worth worrying about?”
Lu Zhu bit his lip and whispered, “When you arrive at the county town, don’t you go to visit Li Mansion?”
Liang Feng then remembered that there was still an aunt in the county who wished he would die early. There are so many things to worry about these days, and I really forget this femme fatale. With a cold smile, Liang Feng said: “The trip to the county city is very hurried, so let’s not bother.”
Luzhu’s expression brightened immediately, and he hesitated: “But in case it gets worse…”
Liang Feng smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t go to the door now. Not only won’t people blame me, but they will be suspicious of others.”
This is the benefit of prestige, not to mention the vaccinations that were given before. If someone mentions this, I am afraid that Li Lang was driven out of Yaji by Wang Wen at the Sushui Pavilion, which would be even more curious. As long as Liang Shu has a bit of brain, he dare not easily ruin his reputation.
Lv Zhu breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Liang Feng’s words. For this matter, she has been worried for a long time. For some reason, she always felt that the people in the Li Mansion were not good to Lang Jun, and being able to stay away from them would make people feel at ease.
With complete preparations, day and night, two days later, the convoy finally drove into the county town. Cui Mansion had received the news, and Cui Liang was very happy and greeted him personally: “I didn’t expect to wait until Zixi so soon. It is really hard for you to travel all the way.”
After sitting in the car for such a long time, Liang Feng’s face was a little pale as usual, but his expression was still gentle, and he smiled slightly and said: “The elder entrusted him, how dare to neglect? In addition to the engraving and ten-volume printing, I also brought some small notes. I hope Brother Cui will not give up.”
Liangfu’s paper is never sold, it will only be delivered with Tibetan scripture paper. Unexpectedly, Liang Summit attaches so much importance to his grandfather’s entrustment and his manners are so thoughtful. He immediately moved Cui Liang and said: “Zixi is too polite! Come in and rest!”
Liang Feng smiled and followed Cui Liang into the mansion. Cui Mansion occupies a small area and is not a master, but with the golden sign of Cui You, it is quite scholarly. After meeting the elders in the family and chatting for a while with tea, Cui Liang brought Liang Feng to the backyard study together, and saw the respected Confucian scholar.
When Liang Feng saw Cui You, he was really taken aback. Although he knew that this great scholar was quite old, he did not expect that this man would be so old! I am afraid that after the old age, the old man no longer sees the Qing Qu, only the twilight, the scary stature, the eyes are also dizzy, and Chen An seems to shut his breath at any time.
With just a glance, Liang Feng found that he had made some mistakes in his judgment. Such an old man, I am afraid that no matter what, he will no longer participate in the Xiongnu’s plan for the country.
Then why does he not hesitate to spend money and insist on going to the door himself?
With full of doubts, Liang Feng respectfully knelt down in front of the case and saluted: “Chen Junzhe Liangfeng, pay tribute to Mr. Cui.”
“…You are Liang Zixi?” It seemed that after a long time, the old man spoke slowly.
“The kid is exactly.”
The old man’s turbid gaze swept across his face, as if he was examining something. After a while, he said, “You know, why is there no sentence in the book of the saint?”