First Minister of Ming Dynasty

"So we have to send it to Korea, to the soldiers of the Northern Expedition! Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to produce so much cotton!"

Zhang Ximeng pondered again, the suffering of the expedition is indeed not enough to tell outsiders!Just take these sweaters that Zhang Ximeng avoids for fear that even ordinary people would dislike them, and send them to Korea, and Guan Duo and his gang promise to treat them as treasures.

In Goryeo, the winter was bitterly cold, it snowed heavily, the land was barren, and the output was very limited. It was very difficult to survive. It is no wonder that the Central Plains Dynasty did not think highly of it.

"During the war, everything is good, sweaters, felt, as much as you want. But it is not so easy to really develop the wool spinning industry."

Zhang Ximeng took the wool in his hand and squeezed it. It was thick and hard, which was very uncomfortable.

"Your family has done business. How do you make this thing soft and warm without pricking people?"

Jiang Nan frowned, "I think it takes a lot of effort... First of all, the raw materials must be strictly controlled, and all kinds of wool cannot be mixed in. It must be long enough and soft enough. Second, wash the wool, We must find a way to weave it into thread."

Zhang Ximeng asked curiously, "Look at our side, is there any craftsman who can do it?"

Jiang Nan thought for a while, and said: "It shouldn't be difficult, just take the bamboo needles in my hand, which were invented by Xiu Niang from a few quilt factories. Mongolians weave them by hand. After they saw it, they thought of it. I took the needle for weaving flax, improved it, and turned it into this knitting needle. I think that if it is to be like spinning and weaving, I am afraid that it must be started on the loom, and the thin and flexible wool must be spun first. Then you can make good woolen fabrics."

Zhang Ximeng thought about it, nodded vigorously, and agreed.

Technology is something that is naturally accumulated little by little, and it is difficult to achieve it in one step.

So I want to make some achievements in wool textiles... The first step is to find suitable fine-wool sheep, and then breed them on a large scale to obtain enough wool raw materials.

Research new looms, continuously improve the process, and finally come up with popular products.

It seems that preparations can be started for this matter. After all, the prelude to the Northern Expedition has already begun, and after the recovery of Dadu, it will be needed.

Moreover, there are many unowned lands in the Central Plains, so it is not impossible to temporarily develop pastures.At worst, when the population becomes dense, these pastures will be moved northward.

Anyway, there are many ways.

Thinking of Zhang Ximeng here, he was in a good mood, and couldn't help picking up the bamboo needle again.

"I gave this set of bamboo needles and wool to me. I'll treat you to milk tea later!"

"Okay! But let's make it clear that ten cups are enough!" Jiang Nan said triumphantly.

Zhang Ximeng nodded without hesitation, "No problem, they are all Gongfu tea cups."

Jiang Nan's face collapsed in an instant, this man was too stingy.

"Zhang Xiang, haven't you done all the calculations, and you are not poor, so you can't be more generous?"

"Generous? I want to be generous too! But I'm still alone now, and I want to save some money for my marriage!"

"Wife?" Jiang Nan couldn't help laughing, "Master Zhang, if you get married, everyone from your majesty to the empress will be happy, so there's no need for you to worry about it yourself!"

"Really?" Zhang Ximeng was also stunned, "How could it be so easy?"

Jiang Nan rolled his eyes at him, "Master Zhang, if you can trust someone's daughter and want to marry someone else, I'll be a matchmaker for you, and I'll find out about her, do you think it's okay?"

Zhang Ximeng blinked, looked at Jiang Nan, and suddenly said with a smile: "This is the best, just because of your appearance, that is also the first-class beautiful matchmaker! However, I still haven't thought about it, wait, wait for the response day to talk about it !"

Jiang Nan smiled and agreed, "Anytime is fine, but if I want to be the matchmaker, I can't fool around with milk tea, I have to eat a big meal!"

Zhang Ximeng rolled his eyelids and could only agree with a smile.

That's what he and Jiang Nan said, and they didn't take it seriously.After all, he was too busy, the curtain of the Northern Expedition had just kicked off, and he needed to plan the overall situation.

Tang He also started to act when the Southwest was reformed and returned to the land. No one knew how many things would happen next.

There are things like the development of wool spinning, the horoscope has not been written yet, it is just a hypothesis, and there is no sure way to implement it... Even if you really want to find a wife, it is probably the same as Li Shanchang and his wife, just giving birth to her husband Raise children and take care of the family.

If there is any common language, it is probably impossible to talk about things and exchange opinions at one time.After all, there are still too few rare women who have read enough, are knowledgeable, and capable.

Zhang Ximeng just thought about it and gave up.

However, in the past few days, his knitting skills have been greatly improved, and he even learned pattern stitches. When he returned to Beijing, he finished knitting two sweaters, and even knitted a pair of knee pads... and these The fabric, like tens of thousands of other sweaters, was loaded on a ship together, crossed the ocean, and was sent to Korea...

Zhang Xiang actually knits sweaters for the Northern Expeditionary Army with his own hands. I don't know who spread the news, and it quickly became a popular headline in Yingtian.

This is already the third time in this period of time that people have discussed it... The first is the final exam for all generals in Yueyang Tower. In the past, Yueyang Tower was famous all over the world for a story about Yueyang Tower. Restoring Huaxia, and the world knows it!

It is a pity that there are no poems and articles that can be handed down, which is really regrettable.

But soon the conversation between Zhang Ximeng and Tang He was sorted out and published in the newspaper.

Immediately, the shortcomings were made up for, such a magnificent atmosphere, so high in the sky, it can't be done without Zhang Xiang!

Then because of the sweater knitting incident, another fire broke out... Such a perfect Mr. Zhang is still alone. The elders of Yingtian can't bear it anymore. We must find a suitable person to help Mr. Zhang solve the lifelong affairs. .

4 Chapter Fifty

Yingtian was the capital of the Ming Dynasty. Since Zhu Yuanzhang established the status of the king of the southern region, envoys from all sides in the city have been in constant contact. Among them are Chen Youding and Zhang Shicheng who are shivering, and there are also many chieftains and even overseas vassal states. They came to Yingtian one after another, wanting to find out.

The confrontation between Daming and Yuan Ting was like two super heavyweight boxing champions fighting to win in the arena, and these people were holding flowers, wearing simple clothes, young women with good faces and slender figures, preparing to fight against each other. Jump up at any time and add icing on the winner.

Hedging bets and embracing the strong is already an instinct engraved in his bones.

They heard that the right minister of Ming Dynasty was young and single, and he was even more enthusiastic than ordinary people. If he could get married with Zhang Xianggong, wouldn't it be a step up to the sky?

We don't have much else over there, the princess has plenty, as long as you nod, it will be delivered immediately.

Under the lively discussion, several scammers appeared. They claimed that they were matchmakers hand-picked by Mr. Zhang, and they wanted to investigate suitable candidates. Then these people went to the rich families, and some went to the embassy posts in various places. .

It can be summed up in one sentence: I am a matchmaker, please pay me!

Whether you want to get married or not, whoever makes more money and who is sincere will have a better chance.

As long as we speak kindly to Zhang Xiang, we will definitely let you enter the Xiangfu, at worst you can be a concubine, and at worst, you can become a red-sleeve and accompany Zhang Xiang to study.

what?

Are you wronged by being a maid?

Don't feel wronged, I don't know how many people can't do this job if they want to!

Who is Zhang Xiang?

Those are the sages and sages of the time, the famous talents in the world, great Confucians, virtuous ministers, and famous scholars!

Look at people, they are young, powerful, high-ranking, honest, erudite, thoughtful, meritorious, and even good-looking. Being able to follow Zhang Xiang is a blessing that has been cultivated for several lifetimes. Let's have fun secretly. !

Needless to say, this group of big scammers actually succeeded in deceiving people, one of them even defrauded three families, and got as much as [-] guan in filial piety.

It's a pity that before he could spend it, he was arrested by the guards.

Just kidding, do you dare to cheat money with Zhang Xiang?

Isn't this a treasure hunt in a latrine - looking for death!

For you heartbroken maggots, I can't hesitate any longer, I must strike hard!

The Arch Guard Division dispatched and used the Great Memory Restoration Technique to see how peaceful you are?

In fact, Zhang Ximeng was also quite confused, why did he suddenly discuss his marriage, there was no sign at all, and the bamboo shoots sprung up in an instant, what was going on?

No one will calculate yourself, right?

"That...Zhang Xiang, you think too much." Sun Yan, an old subordinate, scratched his head and decided to tell the truth, "Zhang Xiang, why are you knitting sweaters?"

Zhang Ximeng was stunned, feeling that his hands were empty. Subconsciously, he took out the knitting needles from the drawer, and with flying fingers, while knitting, he asked Sun Yan: "Don't you think this thing is very decompressive? There are so many government affairs every day, take time out. What's wrong with knitting sweaters and doing something for the frontline?"

Sun Yan cried, "Master Zhang, that's what you think! I don't believe you can find a second one!"

Zhang Ximeng snorted, "Who said no? Jiang Tiju likes to knit sweaters, and this bamboo needle was bought from her. It took ten cups of milk tea!"

Sun Yan rolled his eyelids and couldn't help but smile wryly, "Master Zhang, you are not a mortal, not to mention Jiang Tiju, you are all gods, no wonder you don't understand the thinking of us ordinary people."

Zhang Ximeng didn't stop his hands, and asked, "What do you think?"

"What else can I think about, that is, Mr. Zhang, who wants to knit sweaters by himself, and do this kind of work for women. Naturally, there is a lack of women around him. It is time to arrange a marriage for Zhang Xiang. Some people say that Zhang Xiang uses this method. It is really elegant to imply everyone... As far as I know, every household in Yingtian has prepared bamboo needles and wool, and is learning to knit sweaters, and is ready to enter Zhang's residence to serve at any time, to help Zhang Xiang solve problems!"

Zhang Ximeng was speechless when he heard this?

Do I mean it?

Why do you think so?

People really have rich imaginations... For example, a certain writer, who is obviously a waste of more than 200 catties, was passed on as a woman, and some people asked specifically, where can he reason?

Zhang Ximeng was stunned for a while, and all the work in his hands stopped, but after a while, he started to move quickly again.

"Forget it, you can spread it as you like! It's a real celebrity who is romantic. When you turn around, you boil a pot of milk tea and send it to Jiang Tiju. Just tell her, don't care about the rumors in the market, and continue knitting sweaters. The best sweater. Sooner or later relying on wool, weave 200 years of peace for Daming!"

Sun Yan was stunned, "Zhang Xiang, I can make milk tea, but, but these 200 years of peace, where do we start?"

Just as Zhang Ximeng was about to say something, he suddenly said, "Ask Jiang Tiju to see if she knows?"

Sun Yan had no choice but to ask Jiang Nan for advice.

"I think what Zhang Xiang meant was the wool spinning industry... In fact, Zhang Xiang really values ​​this industry. If it does, the grassland is the most suitable place to raise sheep. Maybe it can really resolve the threat from the north. At worst, it can make The grassland has become profitable, and it will not be difficult to station troops on it, and the burden on the court and the people will be much smaller... Zhang Xiang is really far-sighted!"

Jiang Nan was drinking milk tea, explaining with a smile, but when she looked up, she found that Sun Yan was dumbfounded and looked at her stupidly.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Jiang Nan asked in surprise.

"No!"

Sun Yan shook his head quickly, and said bitterly: "I, I am ashamed of myself! What Zhang Xiang thinks, I, as a subordinate, don't understand, it's Jiang Tiju, you and Zhang Xiang are really bosom friends!"

"confidant?"

Jiang Nan was slightly taken aback, and then smiled wryly: "It's probably a sympathy! In fact, he is also quite lonely. He hasn't celebrated his birthday for so many years."

Sun Yan was taken aback, he really didn't think about it, it seems true, Zhang Ximeng has never had a birthday, even as a subordinate, he doesn't even know when Zhang Ximeng's birthday is...

He became more and more ashamed.

"Jiang Tiju, you, do you know Zhang Xiang's birthday?"

Jiang Nan shook his head, "I don't know either, but it's definitely true for Zhang Xiang to celebrate in a few days."

"why?"

"That was the day when His Majesty and the Empress rescued Zhang Xiang. Since then, Zhang Xiang has followed His Majesty for so many years. He has nothing to do with the former Zhang family. Today's Daming has devoted too much effort to him. He You only want to make Daming better, but there are not many times when you can think of yourself. If it is convenient for you, you can contact a few subordinates and hold a birthday party for Zhang Xiang!"

Sun Yan took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Nan with a completely different gaze.

"Jiang Tiju has a heart, I will contact you now."

Jiang Nan said again: "I don't need too many people, just Zhang Xiang's subordinates, and there are a few people around him. If there are too many movements, it will not be beautiful."

Sun Yan nodded again, and he really went to arrange it.

In another three days, at Zhang Ximeng's mansion, a group of subordinates came to Zhang Ximeng's mansion with food boxes and smiling.

The leader was Jiang Nan. She took out a steamed shad and a roast leg of lamb from the food box.

Sun Yan followed closely, and there were crab powder lion head and Wensi tofu in the food box.

Then there is Liu Bowen, whose food box contains Dongpo meat and Longjing shrimp.

Song Lian's food box contains honey sauce and soft-shelled soft-shelled turtle.

Behind them, there were several old subordinates who prepared more than 20 dishes in total.

Their arrival stunned Zhang Ximeng.

"What do you mean by that?"

Jiang Nan said with a smile: "No other meaning, just to have dinner with Mr. Zhang...Don't worry, we bought these dishes with our own salary, and Mr. Zhang doesn't need to spend money."

Zhang Ximeng couldn't help laughing and said: "I just don't have that much money, and I'm not really poor! Recently, I have collected thousands of guan in the manuscript fee alone, and I don't know how to spend it!"

Everyone flamboyantly ignored Zhang Ximeng's words, we can't put money and Zhang Xiang together, tacky!

Liu Bowen took the lead in laughing and said: "Zhang Xiang, money can't buy excitement, it's rare to get together, and the food is currently available, so it's a good time to chat and taste all kinds of flavors."

Zhang Ximeng was slightly startled, but also laughed.

"That's right, please sit down!"

He said please sit down, but so many people had never come to Zhang Ximeng's mansion, and there were not enough chairs for a while.Sun Yan wanted to search for it, but Zhang Ximeng looked at the bookshelf next to him, and said to the big guy, "Don't bother, wouldn't it be nice to use a book as a chair?"

Everyone hesitated a little, Liu Bowen laughed and said: "Sitting on books with others is naturally rude and disrespectful to saints and sages. But with Zhang Xiang, pearls and jade are in front, and some books are indeed only suitable to be placed under the buttocks. Being able to serve as a chair is all luck! Hahaha!"

After Liu Bowen finished speaking, he actually hugged a stack of books and placed them underneath.

The others followed suit, brought books and placed them on the bottom. In front of them was a low bamboo bed, which Zhang Ximeng had rested on. Since it was wide and long, it was not too high, which was just convenient for everyone. sit around.

Dozens of dishes are set up, although there is no wine, the color, fragrance and taste are good, enough to make people drunk.

Everyone looked around, and it was Liu Bowen who spoke first.

"Zhang Xiang, I'm ashamed to say that back then you advocated the equalization of the land, advocated the suppression of the powerful, and the attack on the gentry... I was still confused and didn't think clearly. The trip to the Southwest in the past few years finally made me wake up. As a scholar Liu Ji is dead, now Liu Ji is a courtier of Daming and a student of Zhang Xiang...whether Zhang Xiang recognizes it or not, this cup of tea...students respect Zhang Xiang!"