The situation in Dafu Mountain and its surroundings was investigated in great detail, not only pinpointing out exactly the location where the silver vein is located, but also making a rough estimate of the expected output and the cost of manpower and material resources required for mining. However, when it comes to silver mine production, Chang Zeyu feels that something is wrong.

At the moment, He Ke was afraid of being like a river, and he was suddenly interrupted proudly, which was very unhappy, but because of Chang Zeyu's identity, he was annoyed, rolled his eyes and said: "What is Mr. Strategist's opinion?" ”

Chang Zeyu said: "Gao Jian didn't dare to be, but he heard Mr. He say the amount of silver taels per month in Dafu Mountain, and he was a little puzzled. ”

He Kewei was confused, and repeated what he had said in a low voice: "If the silver veins of Dafu Mountain are properly mined, twenty taels of silver ingots can be produced every month, seventy or eighty, that is, one thousand five hundred taels, and nearly twenty thousand ......taels a year," He pondered for a moment and said, "Now that the government is lax, the government and laws are lax, and the government and business in various places are in a recession, and the same is true for the mining industry. If measured at nearly 20,000 taels a year, the mineral deposits of this Dafu Mountain are rich enough. "Anyway, hold your head high, and you don't want to go through the value of this hard work.

Zhao Dangshi heard Chang Zeyu's voice and asked, "Mr. Chang does he mean something else?" ”

Chang Zeyu replied: "My lord, if Dafushan can indeed produce 1,500 taels of silver in a single month, it is really a lot. But this is only for ordinary people, if it is combined with the army, it is not enough. "As I said earlier, Zhao Ying's monthly expenses are tens of thousands, and it is only 1,500 taels of water.

He Kewei flicked his sleeves when he heard this: "Mr. Chang's words are light, don't you know that our battalion has tens of thousands of mouths waiting to be fed, and if we don't open up channels and fight for every minute, how can we raise enough money and food!" ”

Chang Zeyu shook his head and said, "Mr. He, don't be angry, that's not what you mean. Speaking of turning to Zhao Dangshi, "Zuo Liangyu has countless industries in Chu and Henan, and his wealth is rolling, but he is obsessed with this vein of silver mines, which seems to be a little unreasonable. ”

He Kewei snorted coldly: "Only people have never been afraid of less money, and no one has been afraid of more money." If you can have an extra income, why not. ”

He didn't know about Zuo Liangyu's relationship with Zhao Dangshi, and Chang Zeyu didn't want to explain too much to him, so he raised his eyebrows slightly and said: "Zuo Liangyu means to share the silver mines of Dafushan with my camp, and in addition to my camp, Su Patrol will also have a piece of the pie." In this way, there are fewer benefits that can fall into Zuo Liangyu's hands in the end. For the sake of this small profit, it is necessary to make a big move, and it is really not like the choice that Zuo Liangyu will make. ”

He Kewei heard that he was "Zuo Liangyu" in front of and behind his mouth, and it was involved in the Dafushan silver mine, and he thought to himself that the lord had already learned the news in advance. I was so puzzled in my heart, I was about to ask, seeing Zhao Dangshi's face was deep, and I knew that there must be other ways in my heart, according to many years of experience in observing words and colors, he thought that it was not appropriate to speak at present, so he simply closed his mouth and stopped talking.

Zhao Dangshi also had the same doubts as Chang Zeyu, recalling that Zuo Sili described the various conspiracy methods of Chu Xi last night, if he was Zuo Liangyu and weighed the pros and cons a little, he would definitely not wade into the muddy waters of Zaoyang again. He was quick-witted, and after a little reminder, he understood a little, and said, "Could it be that Zuo Liangyu has other plans?" ”

Chang Zeyu pondered for a moment and said, "I'm afraid so." Zuo Liangyu probably wanted to use this incident as an introduction to establish a relationship with our battalion. ”

"Hook up?" Zhao Dangshi was suspicious, "With his status and status, I can't stammer, so why should he bother." ”

Chang Zeyu said: "Zuo Liangyu is not a roundworm in the belly of the lord, and his thoughts are different. He was able to run a huge industry in just a few years, and it is conceivable that he must be a cautious and step-by-step person. From now on, it seems that he wants to start with the silver mine and tie our battalion to him through interests. ”

The troubled times are unrighteous, and the four words looking at the world may not be true, but on the head of a soldier like Zuo Liangyu, Zhao Dangshi will not feel half inappropriate. Whether it is the memories left in the past life or the news collected in the present life, it shows that Zuo Liangyu is by no means a good person. Judging by the pattern of his people and his current strength, it is difficult to call the reason for a simple silver mine sufficient, and his plan is still to come.

Zhao Dangshi thought about it and had no clue, but said: "Although I used to be a rogue, I have nothing to do with Zuo Liangyu, not to mention that now I am a formal general of the imperial court, and this Zaoyang County is far away from him, he wants to seek me, it is difficult to think of any motive." After speaking, he shook his head again and again.

Chang Zeyu took over and said: "Has the lord ever thought that the reason why this Zuo Liangyu came to look for my Zhao Ying is that his final focus is elsewhere?" And he said, "Like his old enemy......

Zhao Dangshi's body leaned forward suddenly: "Could it be that what he wants to deal with is the Eight Great Kings?" ”

Chang Zeyu said calmly: "The lord is smart, as soon as this line is raised, Zuo Liangyu's heart can be glimpsed one or two." ”

Zhao Dangshi calmed down after being surprised, and shook his head again after thinking about it: "No, no." The Eight Kings, like me, returned to the court. And by the close attention of the imperial court, no matter how bold Zuo Liangyu was, he didn't dare to fight him openly. ”

Chang Zeyu said: "No, although Zhang Xianzhong is an official soldier, the situation is very different from that of our battalion. Speaking of this, he reminded He Kewei who had been standing silently on the side for a long time, "Mr. He, what kind of magic power does this Zhang Xianzhong have that can raise the twenty or thirty thousand soldiers in his camp, you should know better than me, why don't you say it for reference?" ”

Without the support of the sharp energy at the beginning, He Kewei stood depressed and felt a little sore and uncomfortable in his legs until now, and when he was absent-minded, he suddenly heard Chang Zeyu's words, and then came to the spirit, and rubbed his feet and moved to the middle position with his feet, and hurriedly said: "Okay, good!" ”

In order to better plan the future development route of the Zhao Battalion, He Kejing did not hesitate to explore the ideas and methods of the surrounding enemy and our forces to solve the logistical problems, and He Tengjiao, who set up the 24th Battalion and repeatedly created rogues, and Zhang Xianzhong, who had a large number of troops but did not show fatigue, were the key objects of his research.

At the moment, He Kewei only briefly described what he knew, and Zhao Dangshi had a sense of sudden enlightenment. It turned out that Gucheng, where Xiying was stationed, was closer to Henan than Zaoyang, Zhang Xianzhong was obedient and strong, and his official position was just a dead letter for him.

The nearest to the north of Taiping Town, where Xiying is stationed, is Nanyang Mansion, Henan, and because of He Tengjiao's care, Zuo Liangyu was able to make a living in Xinye, Dengzhou, Neixiang and other places in Nanyang Mansion, which can be described as an area he focuses on. Zhang Xianzhong may have heard of Zuo Liangyu's industry in Nanyang Mansion, so he is particularly fond of this place, and nine times out of ten plunders are for the Zuo family's business, which directly damages Zuo Liangyu's interests, and the new hatred adds to the old grudge, and Zuo Liangyu is not allowed to respond.

"Xiying is stationed in Xiangyang Mansion, the decree belongs to the Huguang Political Envoy Division, Zuo Liangyu is stationed in Henan, if Zhang Xianzhong is dealt with by proper means, he must first pass through Henan and then to Huguang. Yu Fu Chang Daoli, patrolling Xu Yifan and hating Zuo Liangyu, whether he is willing to help him return two words. Chang Zeyu said with a smile, "Besides, if Zuo Liangyu sues Zhang Xianzhong, and he can't get his head and is bitten by Zhang Xianzhong, wouldn't it be a big loss if he uprooted all his unsightly deeds?" ”

Zhao Dangshi nodded and said, "Mr. continue." ”

"Zhang Xianzhong's capricious temperament, Zuo Liangyu is not unaware, how can he live next to such a murderer? Therefore, for him, Zhang Xianzhong is not only a bone spur in the throat, but also an explosive that will explode at any time, and he has to plan early. Chang Zeyu looked forward to Shenfei as he spoke, and his face was radiant, "If you can't do it clearly, you can only stumble secretly." But around Zuo Liangyu, the governor and Taoist ministers will not help him, and he will not be able to climb; Such as county magistrates and battalion generals, and they have no ability and value to help, so they are useless to him. Thinking about it, maybe the lord is more reliable. ”

Zhao Dangshi smiled bitterly and said: "I don't have a stable foothold myself, how can I have the spare strength to help him?" ”

Chang Zeyu said: "Otherwise, Zuo Liangyu's fancy is not anything else, I am afraid it lies in the special identity of the lord." After a pause, he continued, "The lord is a great emperor who is on a par with King Chuang and the Eight Great Kings, and he was introduced by the Eight Great Kings to return to the imperial court that day. What does this mean to outsiders such as Zuo Liangyu? It must be thought that Zhao and the second camp of the West are very close. Pulling the lord to his side, Zuo Liangyu is like inserting a wedge into Zhang Xianzhong's side, isn't it a clever trick? ”

Zhao Dangshi thought for a while and said abruptly: "If it is really as Mr. said, then what does Zuo Liangyu want me to help him next?" ”

"This is not something that can be foreseen by subordinates for the time being. This is only the most likely speculation. Chang Zeyu shook his sleeves, "As for the future, we can make a plan according to the preface, let's wait and see what happens, and act with the camera." ”

Zhao Dangshi was silent for a long time, sighed and said, "It can only be like this." However, after analyzing the matter, we will be prepared, and whether we come and go with Zuo Liangyu or Zhang Xianzhong, Chu Xidi and others in the future, we can avoid being led by the other party. ”

Zuo Liangyu's matter is now over for the time being.

He Kewei squinted at Chang Zeyu and pursed his lips silently, and put on a posture of closing his eyes and recuperating, calm and relaxed, very unpleasant, and after a few words, he seized the opportunity to put on the battle again, and together with Wang Laixing, he made the remaining affairs of the battalion clear, and finally said: "Lord, the plan to open up sources and reduce expenditure has been communicated to all the officers above the general in the battalion. At present, the two matters of reorganizing the army and tuntian are the top priorities, and they need to be carried out in the next few days. ”

Wang Laixing echoed: "Yes, there is not much money and food left in the camp, and it will be supported for another month and a half at most." Considering that the seeds will be sown in March and April with a view to harvesting the season in July and August, but at present, the wasteland needs to be recultivated several times, and secondly, the seeds must be found elsewhere, and now at the end of March, the time is imminent. ”

Zhao Dangshi tightened his heart and said: "So, by the end of May, our battalion's military rations will run out?" ”

Wang Laixing's expression was very serious: "Yes." In these few days, the battalion needs to solve two dilemmas in terms of food and grass, one is difficult for military food, and the other is difficult for seeds. He has experienced the tempering of the war, and has also experienced the exercise of logistics management, and now his temperament and demeanor are like mud compared to two years ago, and I don't know when it started, Zhao Dangshi saw him, and the past pity and worry were less, replaced by more steadfastness and peace of mind.

Zhao Dangshi muttered: "Seeds are easy to manage, but these two difficulties are actually one difficulty, just raise a sufficient amount of grain and grass, and be able to sow seeds and support my camp until August and September at the same time." So he asked, "How much?" ”

Wang Laixing's throat twitched, and he said with a calm face: "At least 30,000 stones." ”

He Kewei interjected: "There are less than six thousand money left in the camp. His subordinates inquired from the foot merchants in the past, even in places such as Jiangling and even Yuezhou, where there were fewer soldiers, the price of a stone of corn was one or two or five yuan or even higher...... Six thousand dollars is really useless. ”

Wang Laixing said: "The price of rice in Huguang has risen in recent years, and if our battalion is at such a high point of purchase, it is undoubtedly not cost-effective, and my subordinates think that it is more appropriate to use this money to buy ordnance." ”

Zhao Dangshi agreed with Wang Laixing's opinion, although the camp is facing all kinds of difficulties now, he is not desperate. Because things are dead, people are alive, and what is more gratifying than seeing young people such as Wang Laixing and Yang Zhaofeng gradually grow up? As long as these people are around, Zhao Dangshi's future will never fall into darkness.

"Do you have a solution to my camp's lack of food?" Zhao Dangshi asked.

"Not yet." Wang Laixing lowered his head and bit his lower lip, and it could be seen that he was both ashamed and unwilling when he said these two words.

Of course, Zhao Dangshi will not blame him, his growth is visible and gratifying. This little brother of his own finally has a certain way in logistics, and in time he will definitely become an indispensable member of the humerus of Zhao Ying.

"I don't think so." Zhao Dangshi moved his neck that was about to stiffen, "Part of the grain stored in the camp needs to be taken out as seeds, and the sowing matter will be solved first." There is still at least a month to go, and there is no endless road, so let's slowly think about ways to raise food. How is it? ”

Wang Laixing and He Kewei looked at each other, hesitated again and again, but still responded: "I respect the lord's orders." ”

As soon as he thought of money and food, Zhao Dangshi's pressure increased sharply. Accepting Zhao'an is a double-edged sword, good has benefits, bad has disadvantages. But no matter whether the road ahead is good or bad, Zhao Dangshi will never regret the decision he made. It is his consistent style to stride forward on a smooth road and face difficulties head-on.

"What's the matter with the two of you? If there is nothing else, call General Hou and them tomorrow, and we will discuss it carefully. Several things were mixed together, Zhao Dangshi had a headache, and wanted to send others back first, and find a place to meditate by himself.

But Chang Zeyu didn't seem to plan to give him this opportunity, so he opened his eyes and said first: "There is something about my subordinates." ”

Zhao Dangshi sighed secretly, knowing that this Chang Zeyu didn't speak, and when he spoke, there must be something important, and he couldn't help but feel a kind of depression that was unsettled and unsettled, and a thousand things were entangled, and he still said after all: "But it doesn't hurt to say it." ”

Chang Zeyu said: "What He and Wang said, whipping into the inside, is the essence of my camp. But now, there are other things to do outside our camp, and there is no time to delay, and the important thing is not under the internal affairs. ”

"Outside the camp?"

Chang Zeyu nodded, and then reported seven names: "Xiong Wencan, Zuo Liangyu, Chen Hongfan, Long Zaitian, Liu Guoneng, Chu Xidi, Zhu Yuncheng." ”