Jia Lian of the Red Chamber

Jia Lian was very happy when he heard the words, and stretched out his hand and said, "The secret recipe, show me!"

Xue Pan waved his hand: "I can't bring it with me, but the content of the secret recipe is very simple. I remember that every time you go to a place, you first find the special products of this place, such as rice, millet, beans, etc., and then you use it first. Eat this porridge for three to five days to reconcile the stomach, and then you will be fine if you eat other things."

Jia Lian frowned: "Have you tried it?"

Xue Pan shook his head: "I ate this method for ten days when I first came here, and then I ate other things. I don't know whether I was born with a physique that took root, or that secret recipe played a role. But, come with me Among the people who were assigned, some of them were fine, but two of them didn’t make it through, they were sick and tired, and they had no money to see a doctor, so they died!”

Jia Lian stared at Xue Pan: "Did you tell General Wei about this method?"

Xue Pan rubbed his nose: "Why tell him? Let me tell you, when I first came, I paid for my life by myself, and those soldiers secretly let me rest for a few days. Follow the labor. Isn't this later? My sister wrote me a letter, and I went to General Wei, and then General Wei ordered me to do whatever I could, and told them not to force me, and they took care of me as well. That's all."

Jia Lian nodded: "Tell me, what did you eat?"

Xue Pan smiled and said, "Oh, you don't know how hard to swallow the food here. Later, I heard that the beans grow well here, so I thought, the tofu is tender and should be edible, so I will pay for it." Ask someone to grind tofu for me, oh my god, they are really black, a piece of tofu is one tael of silver, I ate it for the first day, and later, I couldn’t stand the smell of bean curd, so I didn’t eat any more, and the result was the same something happened."

Jia Lian nodded: "Well, let me have someone try this method. If it is really effective, it will be considered a crime for you. I will help you. Be an ordinary soldier. You don't have to work in the wind and snow in the future. There is food and housing. However, I still say the same thing, you are in the frontier, and you can’t go back to the capital without the imperial court’s mercy, and you are young, are you going to stay here for the rest of your life?”

Xue Pan jumped up suddenly: "Who wants to stay here forever, I'm not stupid!"

Jia Lian said: "Then behave well. First of all, you have to find a way to keep yourself alive. I'm not talking about paying for your life with money. You have to develop your own skills. You say you are all issued and still eat like this. What do you think? If you want to go back to Beijing, let’s start by losing this body fat. After you lose the fat, I will ensure that you fall in love with marching and running.”

Xue Pan shrank his head: "I thought I could hang out with you."

Jia Lian snorted: "Beautiful you, I'm here on an errand, and I'll go back to Beijing after I finish the errand. I dare not take you with me. There are hundreds of people in my family, and I still want to live."

Xue Pan groaned, "But what do I have to do to go back? Can you tell me a goal? Then General Wei and his son are officials, and they are here to eat the northwest wind!"

Jia Lian suddenly laughed angrily: "They can go to Beijing to report on their work, can you? They can go to the temple to face the saint, can you?"

Xue Pan laughed dryly: "Well, I'll listen to you, and I'll go to work tomorrow. However, I didn't remember what you said yesterday when I went back. You said 'don't know, forget it'. I don't know anything. , Could it be that something happened to my mother and sister? Didn’t your Jia family help them? How are they doing now? My sister is 17 or [-] years old this year. Maybe they don’t? I’m so anxious, they won’t give me Write a letter. In the past, my mother asked every day, how are you, what do you eat and drink?

Looking at this guy, Jia Lian was really heartless. He didn't ask about his own affairs clearly, and went to talk about his sister's mother.Seeing him thinking about his loved ones, Jia Lian changed his mind about him, because he said: "Your mother and sister are all well. Your mother is now my second aunt. Your sister has changed her name to Jia Baochai. Now it is me. Cousin."

Xue Pan suddenly jumped three feet high: "What, my mother remarried? Impossible, my mother said, my father treats her well, and she will stay with her forever? How did it change? It must be your second uncle, you The second uncle is shameless, forcing her into prostitution..."

Xue Pan cursed and felt that he seemed to be wrong, and immediately kicked his head on the ground: "My mother too, why are you getting old and sprained when you are old? What will you do after calling me? Oh, no wonder you are old. Leave me alone, I was tricked by that bastard Jia Zheng..."

The more Jia Lian listened, the more he couldn't listen anymore: "You find a quiet place to scold people, and scold my Jia family in front of me, are you looking for smoke?"

Xue Pan was sobbing, angry with a straight face: "Hmph, you Jia people are not good people, that Jia Baoyu in your family seduced my sister, that's fine, men are unmarried and women are unmarried, what does Jia Zheng mean?" , he has a wife, why did he seduce my mother again?"

Jia Lian smiled wryly, too lazy to argue with him, and poked him with his foot: "Go back, I'll try that prescription, so I can redeem your sins in advance, as for what you said, you go back and ask them yourself, I can't answer Come up."

Xue Pan put his hands on his sleeves and walked away with his head hooked.

Jia Lian shouted: "The wine jar on the table is yours, don't you want it?"

Xue Pan snorted angrily and turned around, picked up the wine jar viciously: "Why don't you want what my sister gave me!"

Jia Lian went back to arrange the kitchen to grind tofu in large quantities, and also stipulated that, in view of the current special situation, each battalion must send ten people to the kitchen to help every day for ten days.

Not to mention, since the Royal Forest Army ate tofu and took away the dry food brought by Kyoto itself, three days later, those who had symptoms disappeared and began to resume training.Jia Lian asked everyone to eat for ten days before stopping.

Since then, only a very small number of people have relapsed, and after half a month of conditioning, all of them have adapted to the water and soil of the border.

Therefore, Jia Lian reported Xue Pan's credit to General Wei, and also told General Wei Xue Pan's secret recipe, so that the recruits behind could prepare it in time.

Xue Pan's contribution is neither too big nor too small, and General Wei agreed that he should pay off his merits.Xue Pan's identity became an ordinary soldier of the Krupp army.From now on, I can live with dignity.

After that, Xue Pan broke up with Jia Lian. Jia Lian was too busy to pay attention to him.On the 24th of the twelfth lunar month, when the people in the frontier fortress opened a market, Jia Lian decided to let the troops take a rest for a few days and let them go shopping.He found Wei Kun himself and proposed to visit the small ranch.

Wei Kun smiled immediately: "I just want to see how long you can endure! Don't worry, your three hundred horses can't escape."

Jia Lian saluted: "Dare to ask the general, besides this small ranch where you can buy horses, is there any other place where you can buy and sell horses?"

Wei Kun smiled when he heard the words: "Why, three hundred horses can arm a battalion, are you still not satisfied?"

Jia Lian smiled back at him: "Nephew wants to give the imperial guards a mount."

Wei Kun's face twitched suddenly when he heard this: "Is your appetite too big? Although Mongolia is rich in horses, the price in the frontier is twice as low as that in Kyoto, but the official price is ten taels of silver, and the Tatars don't agree with this price. , They have repeatedly raised prices, but the court is of course unwilling. In their anger, they would rather take the risk of opening a black market than negotiating a fair deal.

Jia Lian knew that Wei Kun was saying that it was impossible for him to buy a horse at a cheap price.Yin asked: "I've heard people say that every year, the two sides of the frontier fortress will secretly trade, and the Tatars there will exchange various animals for food for the winter. Is there such a thing?"

In the previous life, Jia Lian carried food and spirits for the border generals to the black market in exchange for horse jewelry and furs.

Wei Kun stared at Jia Lian thoughtfully: "It seems that my nephew has a lot of research on frontier fortresses?"

Jia Lian laughed and said, "After taking orders, it's just a temporary hug."

Wei Kun thought about it, probably so.Sui said: "Well, not all grassland herdsmen are thieves. Most of them live as nomads. In recent years, because the imperial court has repeatedly reduced the trading volume with them, the prices of various animals have become lower and lower. Those who are unwilling to sell their animals at a low price The herdsmen took the risk, and there are many black market transactions on the grassland, but you have to bring out something they are interested in."

Jia Lian was secretly delighted to hear this.Wei Kun was able to accurately sit with his pockets open and wait for the bandits to attack Caogu, so it was impossible that he had no connection with the interior of the grassland.According to Jia Lian's memory in his previous life, the people on both sides of the frontier fortress had never broken off private transactions.

Jia Lian was dispatched to Northern Xinjiang in his previous life. After five years, he stayed for five years before gaining the trust of the border guards and getting involved in black market transactions. At that time, the price of a horse ranged from [-] to [-] catties of grain.One thousand catties for a horse, nine hundred for a middle horse, eight hundred for a dismounted horse, and sometimes seven hundred and six hundred can also be sold.

The army likes gelding horses the most. They are tall and strong, strong and fast.Jia Lian is preparing for the battle, so he is going to buy a gelding.

However, you have to be introduced by someone to trade in the black market, otherwise, you don't even want to get started.

Wei Kun thought for a while, and said: "To tell you the truth, my nephew, generally Mongolians are not willing to ask for gold and silver in black market transactions. They like to barter."

Jia Lian said: "I am going to ask my uncle for advice. I wonder what things they like the most?"

Wei Kun said: "It's mainly daily necessities for food, clothing, housing and transportation. Also, some Mongolians can stop eating, but they can't stop drinking. If you tell him not to drink, it will undoubtedly kill him."

Jia Lian bowed and said, "I ask my uncle to introduce my nephew. I will never forget it."

Wei Kun stroked his beard: "I heard that my nephew is good at reading military books, I don't know if I have been here for half a month, and my defense in northern Xinjiang may be eye-catching?"

Jia Lian stared at Wei Kun, trying to see his intentions.Wei Kun is a good defensive general, but Emperor Qianyuan had too high expectations of him, and finally took his life.

Wei Kun smiled and said, "Nephew, don't doubt my sincerity."

Jia Lian waved his hand: "To be honest, my nephew admires the general's ability to govern the army. You have only been at the border for four years. Whether you dig trenches or build watchtowers at the border, you have already guarded the northern territory. It is as strong as gold. If you have been defending in the north, you will be safe. You insist on telling me what is lacking in your army management. My nephew boldly said that your vision is a little narrow."

Anger flashed across Wei Kun's eyes, but he couldn't bear it: "Small vision?"

Jia Lian said: "Uncle thinks that the Imperial Forest Army is His Majesty's imperial guards. Could it be that the whole life is guarding the imperial city? Could it be that the Fengsheng Army has been stationed in the West Mountain all its life, and it is impossible to defend the capital? You are an old general. You should know that when you served the Holy Army, you followed His Majesty. Participated in quelling the rebellion of the vassal kings. Therefore, once there is a war in the country, the imperial court will mobilize troops everywhere to reinforce it. It is no problem for you to guard the northern border, but have you ever thought that once you are ordered to cross thousands of miles to provide assistance like the Holy Army What about Haijiang? So, don't underestimate Xue Pan's folk prescription, and don't think that the Sancai Formation is just a small trick."

Wei Kun's face flushed, but he had to admit that Jia Lian's words made sense.The Fengsheng army also wants to participate in the battle. He is the Krupp army, so why doesn't he obey the imperial court's orders?

Although Wei Kun was a little awkward in his heart, he bowed his hands with full sincerity: "Please also ask my nephew to elaborate!"

Jia Lian hurriedly replied: "If uncle does not take responsibility, my nephew would like to make two points for you. First, you must immediately ask the imperial court for at least one battalion of military equipment. It is best that every captain has a firearms team , When you get it, start training immediately, and try to be proficient in shooting for three to five months. This nephew has experience, and if you need it, my nephew can give reinforcements."

"Secondly, I found out that only the cavalry battalion of your army can march on horseback. In an army of 5000 people, only more than 1000 people can travel thousands of miles a day. The combat effectiveness of your army will be greatly reduced.

"Although you don't have [-] horses at present, you can use the [-] horses to train your soldiers in turns. Five people share one horse. Each person can train for six days in one month. That's enough. Everyone in China is good at riding and shooting, so no matter where you are transferred in the future, you will be invincible."

Wei Kunxu squinted his eyes and stared at Jia Lian's eyes, then slowly smiled, stretched out his hand and patted Jia Lian's shoulder vigorously: "The younger generation is awesome, he is so open-minded, so courageous, Lan'er has you to take care of him, I feel at ease.

"Speaking of Lan'er, I really have something to ask my nephew about Lan'er's marriage. To be honest with my nephew, I was interested in Xiangyun's niece, because she is the daughter of an old friend, and because she has a straightforward temper since she was young, so If I intend to marry her, I will take care of one or two. Who would have thought that Shi Nai was confused and assigned to Lingnan. Although I intend to continue the marriage, I am afraid that the Holy Majesty will have to think more about it. The two candidates are the niece of the Xue family. If you can form a marriage, you won't feel sorry for others. I don't know what my nephew wants?"

Jia Lian laughed and said: "If you say that the cousin of the Shi family is similar in talent and appearance to the third brother, it's a pity that time is fate. If you marry the daughter of the Xue family, she should have no problem with husband and child. The problem lies with Xue Pan. He is With a criminal record of murder, if the third brother's heir wants to take the imperial examination, regardless of the military and literary examinations, his father's family and mother's family will have to count for three generations, and Xue Pan can't get around it by murdering."

Wei Kun spread his hands when he heard the words: "This is really a trick of God!"

Jia Lian said: "Now this problem has been solved. The girl from the Xue family married into Jia's mansion with her mother, and has already entered the Jia family tree. However, in this way, you and I are family members. Your Majesty can rest assured that you and my two families Get married?"

Wei Kun was relieved and brought it up again, sighing: "Heaven fails to fulfill people's wishes!"

Jia Lian said again: "Instead of this, it's better to let the third brother marry the historian's cousin. The historian is now down and down. Apart from misunderstood that you are complaining for the historian, your majesty thinks you are a person of faith. You can just say that you were with the historian at the beginning. The uncle made a verbal decision, although the man is dead now, but the man's promise cannot die, maybe there will be unexpected joy!"

Wei Kun clapped his hands when he heard the words: "It suits me very well."

But Jia Lian said, "I'm afraid your wife and grandma are unhappy."

Wei Kun raised his forehead and waved his hand: "Speaking of which, I have been away from home for many years. I thought it would be difficult for her to guard the house, so it would be a bit indulgent. I don't want to be like this. It's too late to regret."

But Jia Lian said: "The younger sister of the historian is proficient in everything from piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, and has many contacts with several princes and dukes in the capital. From now on, I will ask my wife to take care of her more, and it should be more than enough to manage the middle income of the Wei family."

Wei Kun clapped his hands when he heard the words: "As expected, I have nothing to worry about!"

Jia Lian smiled and threw another problem: "In the current situation of historians, the issue of dowry is probably also a big problem."

Wei Kun waved his hand: "That's not a problem, the big deal is that I'll give you an extra dowry."

Jia Lian cupped his hands: "In this case, I would like to thank the general for taking care of me."

Wei Kun replied: "I am in northern Xinjiang, I hope my nephew will take care of this matter."

Jia Lian hurriedly said, "What about my nephew's business?"

Wei Kun took out a token and handed it to Jia Lian: "This is a trading card for the private market. You go to the grass market tomorrow and take out this card. Naturally, someone will come to lure you into the private market. The price will be up to you at that time." the ability."

The next day, the convenience store was open.

Jia Lian ordered more than [-] children of the family to get up early to dress up, ink calligraphy and ink painting with wonderful brushwork, turning them into rough men.Jia Lian put on a beard and put on a silver fox fur cap. The silver fox fur scarf was covered, leaving only a pair of eyes.Sister Feng couldn't recognize her in such a disguise.Jia Lian led the children to escort ten carts of spirits to Caoji.

Jia Lian stood in the grass market, hanging the name tag on his waist, but after a while, someone came up to strike up a conversation, and the other party took out the same token, which was exactly a pair with the token in Jia Lian's hand.

The man verified his identity and said: "Guest officer, please follow me."

Jia Lian got into the carriage again, drove the carriage leisurely and fell behind the man, and slowly left the market. Finally, the man stopped in front of a forest, turned around and bowed: "Here we are, guests please come in."

Jia Lian spread his spiritual sense, and immediately found that the forest was hollow. Jia Lian visually estimated that the forest covered about ten feet on this side, which just cut off the eyes of ordinary people. People live in it, and animals are tied downstairs.Look at the fresh doorposts, except for the thatch on the roof, most of them are made from local materials.

Because of this, there is a business selling thatch next to it.

This is a market that is cruder than Caoji.

Jia Lian wandered into the so-called market along the open space among the forests.The man waved his hands and said goodbye: "You will find an open space to build a store, and the small one will have to meet other customers."

Jia Lian took out a piece of silver and threw it at about five taels: "Brother, take it and have a glass of water and wine to warm up!"

At this time, the leader changed his face, and suddenly became enthusiastic: "Thank you, I forgot to say a few words, you have set up a place, you can wait for the guests to come to your door, or you can go to another house to discuss the goods you fancy, over there There is a tavern on the corner, where you can drink, eat and discuss business, so please leave!"

Jia Lian waved his hand, and his children went to build the wooden building by themselves. Jia Lian spread his consciousness again and stared at a wooden building with horses tied to it. There were more than a dozen horses, some of which were short and less than three years old, and some with dull fur. Over 14 years old, old and difficult to fight, can only be used for farming and pulling goods, but dismounted.

Jia Lian suddenly lost interest.

Looking at the second house in a blink of an eye, this house has horses and sheep downstairs, the sheep are so fat, and the horses are medium horses.Jia Lian skipped over again, but the next one sold green salt.Jia Lian paused here, skipped to look at the next house again, and looked at more than 12 houses in one go, but there were less than [-] high-quality horses between the ages of three and [-].

Jia Lian couldn't help wondering, remembering that the generals who guarded the frontier used to trade no less than a hundred horses in each transaction, why are there so few this time?

This is impossible, there must be something tricky!

Over the years, the emperor has gradually reduced business transactions, causing famines in neighboring countries, and each of them screamed like a weaned child.How could private market transactions be so bleak?

Half an hour later, Jia Lian had already set up a store here.Jia Lian brought his own wine jar and went to the simple restaurant. Jia Lian slapped the lid off the wine, and the aroma of the wine immediately overflowed.

Jia Lian took a few deep breaths of the aroma of the wine, then opened his eyes and ordered: "Boss, cut some dishes!"

The restaurants here do not sell dishes, either mutton jerky, beef jerky, or yak jerky.

"Good!"

While Xiao Er agreed, she was busy inhaling a few mouthfuls of alcohol.

The guest next to him was alarmed by the smell of wine, and came over to strike up a conversation: "The guest officer invited me, but I dare to ask the objective, but you specialize in wine?"

Jia Lian stretched out his hand, "Please sit down and talk."

"You salt dealer, do you know the drinks for bird balls?" The visitor was about to sit down, but he was pushed away roughly, and he sat down opposite Jia Lian.

The former white-faced man had no choice but to sit sideways, raising his eyebrows in disdain: "Without me, a salt dealer, you still eat those rotten porridge with faded birds."