Xiao Yi exerted a little force unconsciously, and deep wrinkles appeared on the edge of the tissue paper immediately.
Seeing that there was something wrong with his expression, Old Master Fang hurriedly said: "Ah Yi, if you have something to do in Luoyue City, you should go back first, Ah Yue stay here for a few more days to recuperate."
Xiao Yi smiled slightly, and said casually: "Grandfather, don't worry, it's not a big deal." He stuffed the tissue paper into his sleeve pocket casually, waved to Wang Chaoyuan, and told him to step back.
The car curtain was lowered, Xiao Yi smiled and picked up a piece of carved plum and stuffed it into Nangong Yue's mouth.
Old Master Fang stroked his beard cheerfully and smiled. He knew that Xiao Yi had a sense of proportion. Since he was not in a hurry, it was obviously not a big deal.
With an order, the carriage continued to move forward, heading for the western suburbs with a clear goal.
What they are going to today is the smelting workshop located in the western suburbs of Heyu City.
This is just one of the dozens of smelting workshops in the Fang family, but it is the most important one. Almost half of the best masters in the Fang family are here.
There was unavoidable knocking and noise in the smelting workshop, so the Fang family deliberately set up the smelting workshop in a small village about five or six miles away from Heyu City. The people living in this small village are basically blacksmiths working in the smelting workshop and their relatives.
Along the way, Mrs. Fang gave a general introduction to the smelting workshop.
Nangong Yue had never been to a smelting workshop before, so she was very interested in hearing it.
There were bursts of laughter from inside the carriage, and Mr. Zhao who was accompanying him outside felt a little bit hesitant when he heard Mrs. Fang's hearty laughter.
Anyway, the smelting workshop was not far away, so the coachman simply slowed down the speed of the car and drove steadily along the way.
In the spring, the birds and flowers in the fields, and the flowing water make everyone feel very relaxed. It seems that they are here for spring, not for business.
About half an hour later, Manager Zhao pointed to the front and said, "Master, we're almost there... just ahead."
Thrush opened a corner of the curtain curiously, looked out, and found the location of the smelting workshop at a glance.
It's not because of how good her eyes are, but because it's the right time, logically speaking, the time to leave the fire is still far away, but there are curls of gray smoke rising from a village ahead...
When the carriage got closer, you could vaguely hear the sound of knocking and knocking...
A middle-aged steward of the smelting workshop had already been waiting there with several masters. When the steward saw Xiao Yi and Mrs. Fang coming, he stepped forward to greet them.
After some ceremony, Chief Manager Zhao introduced the middle-aged manager surnamed Zhang to everyone, and then ordered: "Manager Zhang, the old lady and the son want to have a look around here, you should lead the way."
"Yes Yes!"
The steward of that chapter echoed repeatedly, and bowed down to make a petition.
The smelting workshop is at the back of the village, and Zhang Guanshi is leading the way while introducing the village to everyone.
The name of this village is Tiemen Village. At this time, the men are all working in the smelting workshop, so the village is empty, and only one or two women are occasionally seen in their yards, tending the vegetable fields or sitting on the seams. Clothes, they all looked at Xiao Yi and his party curiously.
The closer to the smelting workshop at the back, the louder and noisier the knocking sound, and gradually, even the surrounding air became scorching hot.
Passing through the village, you can see a row of gray and smoky one-story houses in front of you. There are about dozens of them neatly arranged together. At a glance, they occupy an area of at least ten acres.
Zhang Guanshi pointed to the row of bungalows and said, "Old Master, Shizi, the row of houses over there are forging houses."
During the conversation, they came to one of the bungalows. In the huge room, it was steaming like a huge stove. Inside were dozens of shirtless and sweaty men standing one by one with hand bellows. In front of the stove, holding a hammer, beating...
clang! clang! clang!
The sound of hammering continued, as if hitting their hearts one after another, this scene had an inexplicable deterrent force in Nangong Yue's eyes.
Just a small hammer can forge all kinds of ironware for daily use, and even all kinds of weapons. It's really incredible to think about it.
Zhang Guanshi said respectfully from the side: "The batch of iron arrows newly ordered by the son of the world has been completed by about 180,000 yesterday, and the last 20,000 yuan is still short. The blacksmiths are rushing to make it. Don't go and see first?"
Zhang Guanshi felt a little lucky. He only learned yesterday that the old man would come to the smelting workshop with the old man. Fortunately, the old man explained earlier that the military supplies in southern Xinjiang are the most important, and he must not miss the big event of the old man. Therefore, all the blacksmiths these days They are all giving priority to catching up with these iron arrows.
Xiao Yi beamed with joy, and said with a smile: "Grandfather, what a coincidence, Zhu Xing said that he will ship one hundred thousand taels of silver here tomorrow. It happens to pay the money with one hand and deliver the goods with the other." As he spoke, he glanced at Nangong Yue with a smile At a glance, it is also thanks to his stinky girl who found him a silver mine, which gave him a cornucopia of treasures, so there is no need to worry about military resources for the time being.
Old Master Fang laughed and said, "Ayi, is my grandfather still afraid that you will run away?... And these iron arrows are iron ore produced by you. My grandfather will charge you some processing money at most. How can I need 50,000 taels."
"Grandfather, I only produced 250 shi of iron ore, which is far from enough for 200,000 iron arrows." The 250 shi of iron stone was tricked by Nangong Yue from Baiyue. But these iron mines can only produce less than 100,000 iron arrows, and the rest are all thanks to Mr. Fang's credit.
Old Master Fang said helplessly: "Even so, Ah Yi, one hundred thousand taels of silver is too much!"
Zhang Guanshi was a little surprised when he heard it. He thought that this batch of Tiesiya princes produced a lot of iron ore, and the Fang family would rush to make it for him for free. This means that the prince is the grandson of the old man; If the Xinjiang army is strong, then the southern border is strong. In the past three years, the southern border has been fighting for years. Although it has won, the southern border has also lost a lot. As a native of southern border, it is also necessary to contribute to the southern border army.
It turns out that this son of the world is such a person who distinguishes between public and private!
With such an open mind, it is no wonder that the people in southern Xinjiang are now saying that the son is not like a prince, but more like the old prince who passed away.
"Grandfather, do you think I'm someone who will suffer?" Xiao Yi smiled and joked to Mrs. Fang, "Next, I will make a new batch of iron arrows..." As he said, he raised his right hand After making a gesture, the bamboo behind immediately opened the bamboo tube in his hand, opened the lid, took out a rolled parchment, and handed it to Xiao Yi.
"Grandfather, this is the new iron arrow..."
New Tetsuya? Could it be...
Mrs. Fang glanced at Xiao Yi, saw him blinking at him with a smile, and immediately realized that the design of these new iron arrows must have come from the hand of An Yihou!
The old man Fang immediately became interested. Whether it was the design drawing of the Liannu at the beginning, or the new alloy he developed for the arrows used in the Liannu, they all proved how amazing Guan Yubai is. talent!
I don't know what kind of unbelievable surprise he will give this time? !
This is not the place to talk.
Mrs. Fang raised his eyes and asked the manager Zhang, "Guard Zhang, please find a place for us to talk. Also, call Zhang Zhu!"
"Yes, old man." Guanshi Zhang hurriedly responded, and ordered a servant to call for someone, and then led the crowd to a hall, where he ordered his servants to serve hot tea and snacks for everyone.
After a while, the servant who had called for someone before brought Zhang Zhu into the hall.
Zhang Zhu was wearing a gray bunt. The weather in early spring was obviously a little cold, but Zhang Zhu's dark forehead was covered with sweat, and his cheeks were flushed. It was obvious that he had just rushed over from the forging room. .
Zhang Guanshi's face twitched, and Zhang Zhu didn't tidy up before coming back. Doesn't this look neglect the distinguished guest? !
Xiao Yi didn't take it seriously, he was a casual person and impatient with red tape.
Furthermore, he came to this casting to study Tie Ya's blueprint, not to be arty, and the other party's attire was not important.
After Zhang Zhu saluted Mrs. Fang, Xiao Yi and others, Xiao Yi greeted, "Zhang Zhu, come over and take a look at this blueprint." Xiao Yi said and spread the blueprint on the round table.
Zhang Zhu strode forward, bowed his head and glanced at the drawing, and saw the doorway, and blurted out: "Blood groove!"
The blood groove is a groove located on the spine or blade surface, which is mainly used for bloodletting after piercing the human body or animal body, which can increase the lethality of the weapon; on the other hand, the blood groove can also reduce the damage of the knife and the blade. Weight, for the user, is a burden reduction, and for the caster, it can save a lot of iron.
However, of course, the blood tank also has its disadvantages, that is, it will weaken the strength of the weapon itself.
This shortcoming is more obvious on smaller weapons. Compared with swords, the iron arrows used in Liannu are much lighter, so this shortcoming is naturally more obvious.
However, the design drawing in front of him was different. The blood groove drawn on it was not a conventional one, but a very special curved structure. Although Zhang Zhu has never created such an iron arrow, doesn't that mean he won't watch it? ! Once the arc-shaped blood tank like the design diagram is used on the iron arrow, the adverse effect of the blood tank on the iron arrow will be minimized, and its power to kill the enemy will be maximized.
"It's wonderful, it's really wonderful." Zhang Zhu stared at the drawing without blinking, his eyes were burning, as if he wanted to burn two holes in the parchment.
The corner of Xiao Yi's mouth twitched, this person really is an expert.
"Zhang Zhu," Xiao Yi said again, "Can you make this kind of arrow?"
Zhang Zhu didn't reply immediately, but stared at the blueprint for a long time, his mouth moved slightly, and Zhang Guanshi, who was watching, was a little anxious, so he called out remindingly: "Master Zhang..."
Only then did Zhang Zhu come back to his senses dully, and respectfully clasped his fists and said, "My lord, the younger ones can have a try, but the younger ones need at least one or two hours..."
Zhang Zhu looked at the blueprint reluctantly. The handwriting was obviously different. For some reason, this blueprint gave him a familiar feeling. He almost wanted to blurt out whether the new alloy was also conceived by the same person.
If there is an opportunity, I can learn from this person, and it must be of great benefit to my forging technique!
Although he thought so in his heart, he didn't dare to ask rashly.
Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows, but it was faster than he expected, so he said, "Zhang Zhu, take this drawing with you, and make a sample for me to see!" The implication is to wait here for Zhang Zhu. Forge the sample.
Zhang Zhu responded casually, and his mind turned to the blueprint again.
This is Zhang Zhu! Guanshi Zhang wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, and quickly asked the boy to take Zhang Zhu down.
It was past noon.
After Zhang Guanshi asked Mrs. Fang, he set up a table of sumptuous meals in the side hall next door. Although the craftsmanship was not as good as that of the chefs in the Fang Mansion and the restaurant, the ingredients were fresh and the vegetables were from the vegetable fields around the village. Yes, the chicken, duck and fish are also raised by the villagers themselves, and they are delicious.
After they had their lunch and drank hot tea to digest their food, an hour had passed. Zhang Guanshi was a little anxious, and was wondering if he should order his servants to take a look. At this moment, he heard a rush of footsteps outside...
Following the sound, I saw Zhang Zhu, who was sweating profusely, and the boy walking towards this side quickly. Zhang Zhu was holding a tray in his hand, and a black arrow was placed on it.
When the arrow was delivered to Xiao Yi's hands, Zhang Guanshi became even more nervous, observing Xiao Yi's expression without blinking.
Xiao Yi looked at the arrow carefully, caressing the surface of the arrow carefully, observing the blood groove on the tip of the arrow, and then the corners of Xiao Yi's mouth turned up, showing a look of satisfaction.
Zhang Guanshi finally heaved a sigh of relief, and thought: Although this Zhang Zhu is dull in his speech and actions, he is indeed a man of real ability...
Xiao Yi handed this new type of arrow to Zhuzi, and then ordered: "Zhuzi, you order people to hurry up and send this iron arrow to Qingyunwu."
"Yes, Shizi." Zhuzi took it respectfully.
Standing beside him, Zhang Zhu saw that the iron arrow he forged had been approved by the Shizi, with a simple and honest smile on his face.
Xiao Yi directly placed an order for a batch of 200,000 arrows. The 100,000 silver taels delivered tomorrow will be regarded as a deposit after the payment for the previous batch has been settled. This is the return journey to leave.
It was just after Shenshi when I returned to Heyu City.
Seeing that it was still early, Xiao Yi and Mrs. Fang decided to continue shopping after discussing it.
Although Nangong Yue was dumbfounded by their shopping posture, it was rare for Mrs. Fang to be in such a good mood, so she readily agreed.
The three of them wandered from the street to the end of the street, and Fang left an incense shop. After buying a bunch of spices, they turned into a painting and calligraphy shop.
Nangong Yue and Mrs. Fang each picked out a few calligraphy and paintings and a few rare books, and the shopkeeper smiled from ear to ear. In the morning, the God of Wealth did not come to his shop, and he still felt embarrassed. He didn't expect that if the fortune came, he would not be able to escape. No, the God of Wealth came anyway. calligraphy and painting.
The shopkeeper greeted him graciously: "Old Master Fang, Mr. Fang, Mrs. Fang, I recently got a chess board here. I heard it was left by the chess master Qiao Yuanqing from the previous dynasty. I don't know..." He rubbed his hands with a face Looking at the crowd expectantly.
The chessboard... If Nangong Yue is moved, she originally planned to pick some seal stones for Xiao Fei in Heyu City, but she hasn't seen He Yanyuan so far. If she can bring a good chessboard back for Xiao Fei, Xiao Fei will be very happy. Be happy.
She was about to make a sound, but was overtaken by Mrs. Fang: "Then take it out, let me see!"
Nangong Yue looked at Mrs. Fang who was in the wheelchair, and immediately understood that Mrs. Fang also wanted to give the chessboard to Xiao Fei.
The shopkeeper repeatedly responded and ordered the staff to fetch the chessboard.
At this moment, a deep male voice shouted from behind: "Uncle, isn't this uncle?"
Everyone followed the sound and saw the three of them walking into the shop led by the assistant.
The three of them were two men and one woman. The leader was a middle-aged man wearing a stone blue brocade robe and a short beard. Behind him was a young couple in their early twenties. The men are four or five points similar, obviously father and son.
Old Master Fang looked at the middle-aged man, narrowed his eyes slightly, and said hesitantly, "Are you... Zi Ang?"
"Uncle, I am Ziang." The middle-aged man quickened his pace and walked to Mrs. Fang's wheelchair, sighing, "Uncle, my nephew has also heard about your matter, that Fang Chengling is really hateful!... But didn't you go there?" Is it Luoyue City?"
Nangong Yue and Xiao Yi glanced at each other. If someone would call Mrs. Fang uncle, wouldn't she be from the mother's concubine's uncle's family
As far as Nangong Yue knew, the former princess' uncle's family was also well-known in southern Xinjiang, and it was one of the four great families in southern Xinjiang - Anjia.
"I just returned to Heyu City yesterday." The old master Fang looked at An Ziang in front of him and felt a little bit emotional. Since he "had a stroke" more than ten years ago, he may not have seen An's nephew for a long time.
Old Master Fang collected himself, and said to Xiao Yi: "A Yi, this is your mother's uncle, after all, you should call him uncle."
An Ziang's eyes fell on Xiao Yi, with a flash of joy in his eyes, he said with a smile: "This is the prince, he is really similar to his niece!" As he spoke, his eyes turned red, revealing a look of sadness.
Both Xiao Yi and Nangong Yue took a step forward and greeted each other: "I have seen Uncle."
An Ziang hurriedly avoided, and returned the half-respect.
Then, An Ziang introduced his son An Minzhong and his daughter-in-law Feng Shi.
A group of juniors exchanged their teeth with each other and greeted each other.
An Minzhong is two years older than Xiao Yixu, so Xiao Yi and Nangong Yue still call each other cousin cousin.
Afterwards, An Ziang warmly said to the old man, "Uncle, Min Zhonglai and Yu Cheng and I came to discuss a silk business this time. I didn't expect to meet Uncle and A Yi here by such a coincidence."
Xiao Yi smiled without saying a word, he is not a fool, he is well aware of this "coincidence".
Perhaps An Ziang learned about the fact that he and Ah Yue accompanied their grandfather back to Heyu City, so he deliberately brought his son and daughter-in-law here to "coincidence" with them, right
Otherwise, it would be enough for An Ziang to discuss business with Yu Cheng and bring his son, why bother to bring his daughter-in-law.
Xiao Yi didn't care about it, and said bluntly, in this southern border, with his identity, no matter where he went, there would naturally be fawning people around him.
At Mrs. Fang's age, he naturally has a clear heart, but how can the An's family is indeed his wife's natal family, and his daughter's uncle's family, so there are always relatives.
Old Master Fang smiled openly: "Zi'ang, we haven't seen each other for more than ten years, it's rare to meet here, why don't you and Min Zhong come with me to sit in the mansion?"
Of course, An Ziang couldn't wish for it, and hurriedly said: "The nephew is rude to bother uncle." As he spoke, he had a look of nostalgia on his face, "Speaking of which, my nephew hasn't been to my uncle's house for more than ten years, remember? In the past, my aunt and cousin liked camellias the most. There are all kinds of camellias planted in the garden, and they bloom together. It’s really dizzying to watch... "
Mrs. Fang seemed to be recalling the past, his eyes were a little dazed for a moment, and what was about to overflow from the bottom of his eyes was the deep yearning...
At this time, the guy who just went in to get the chessboard came out holding a torreya chessboard.
The shopkeeper looked at the people who were busy recognizing relatives, and was worried that the business of the chessboard might not be done. Unexpectedly, Mrs. Fang looked at the chessboard, and immediately decided to buy the chessboard boldly, and ordered the shopkeeper to send the calligraphy and paintings, the orphan copy and the chessboard to Fang's mansion.
The shopkeeper echoed again and again, and sent everyone into the carriage with a smile.
The two carriages left the calligraphy and painting shop and galloped all the way to Fangfu.
When they returned to Fang Mansion, the sky was already half-dark, and a gloomy silver moon was faintly visible in the dark sky.
Because she sent someone back to the mansion in advance to tell her about the visitor, Madam Gao quickly ordered the kitchen to get ready, and set up a small flower hall to receive the guests.
The dinner was enjoyed by both the host and the guests, and Mrs. Fang and An Ziang even recalled many things from the past.
Seeing that it was getting late, Mrs. Fang asked An's father and son to stay in the mansion for a while, and ordered Mother Gao to clean up two guest houses for An's family.
After Nangong Yue and Xiao Yi returned to Qiwu Courtyard, Xiao Yi looked at her tired little face and said softly: "Stinky girl, you should wash up and rest quickly." No matter how tight the itinerary is, it is also a coincidence.
But Nangong Yue grabbed Xiao Yi's sleeve. She just remembered an old event from her previous life, and said with a complicated expression: "A Yi, how much do you know about the An family?"