Kaifeng is a city with a long history, as early as the Warring States period, it was the capital of the Wei State, known as the "Great Liang". But in the Qin Dynasty, Daliang was reduced to a county and called "Junyi" County, and its status fell to the ground.

It was not until the Northern Zhou Dynasty that it was promoted to a state city and renamed "Zuozhou" because of its status as a waterway hub at the intersection of the Bianhe River and the Yellow River.

In the Tang Dynasty, because Kaifeng was the pivot button of Caoyun, its status was improved and it gradually prospered. Historically, by the time of Kaiyuan, it was already "the boat and the car were circling, and the people and demons were numerous", and it was called the "Xiongjun" of Henan.

Of course, the current Kaifeng is far from reaching the level of a giant city in the Kanto region. However, its development potential is undoubtedly valued by Xu Qilin.

Luoyang is the largest grain transshipment center, and Kaifeng is the real pivot button, with Jianghuai in the south and Youzhou (now Beijing) in the north.

Just as Yangzhou has become one of the most prosperous regions in China by taking advantage of the luck of Caoyun and becoming one of the most prosperous regions in China, Kaifeng also has the same advantages and conditions.

Chang'an, Luoyang, Kaifeng, Yangzhou, Youzhou, plus Guangzhou in the future, Xu Qilin will set up Dayingku branches in these six places to complete the layout of the country.

Now, except for Youzhou and Guangzhou, he has never been to it, and the other four places are personally inspected and arranged by him. Coupled with the establishment of transit warehouses along Cao Road, shipping and commerce have basically taken shape.

Of course, everywhere he went, he had to taste the food and let the chef record and learn. As for Fenghua Xueyue, he is still young, at most he is addicted to it.

Busy all the way, although it is very hard to go out, but the harvest is also great. The people's livelihood and customs in various places can be seen even if you are a leopard in the tube.

After arranging in Kaifeng, Xu Qilin sent officials to Youzhou and returned to Luoyang by boat. It's already winter, and if you don't hurry up, the river won't work, and you'll have to bump on the land.

For several months, his energy has been mainly focused on the reform of the Cao Yun, but other aspects have not been neglected. Mainly relying on the post station, nearly 100 have been built, all of which are contracted out in the form of leasing and operation.

According to Xu Qilin's arrangement, these mansions are mainly built along the three post roads from Chang'an to the southwest, Lingnan, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian.

Obviously, Xu Qilin is putting the connection with the southern trade route in the first place and as the focus. The South has a well-developed economy and a strong business atmosphere, and this will undoubtedly give greater impetus to the economic development of the North.

"Ah Lang, I bought so many things, how happy the little lady should be to see it." On the way back, Wu Xiang was in a good mood, looking at the cage on the ship, with a smile on his face.

"When you go out, you have to bring some souvenirs!" Xu Qilin said with a smile: "You also bought a lot, for Zheng Niangzi and A Ke?" ”

Wu Xiang smiled a little embarrassedly and said, "I haven't seen you for a few months, it's really weird." ”

"Go back and be a matchmaker for you, you're not too young, and it's time to start a family." Xu Qilin kicked Wu Xiang, and scolded with a smile: "I don't have a good look, I can't speak?" ”

Wu Xiang scratched his head and smirked.

Xu Qilin didn't look at this guy, turned his eyes to the scene along the coast, twisted the beads on his wrist in his hand, and felt the trace of strange power flowing into his body.

If it weren't for Daya's explanation, and he kept feeling it with his heart, he really didn't know that this bead had such an effect. To put it simply, this bead provides energy to the Soul Detention card, and the Soul Detention card grows from it.

If it is just a soul detention card, in the hands of Niu Tou Ma Mian, and in Xu Qilin's body, of course, the role it can play will not be the same.

Xu Qilin's qi and blood can only be nourished, so that the soul binding card will not be annihilated, but it cannot be upgraded and exert greater power.

According to Daya, the rosary is similar to a magic weapon, and it should be a talisman given to his son by Pan Shizheng, the sect leader of Maoshan Sect. Anyway, it's not an ordinary object, but it is more compatible with the soul card in Xu Qilin's body.

Xu Qilin feels a little bit now, but he still doesn't know how to use it. He's not in a hurry, it's useless or not, how useful it is, it doesn't help him much now.

"Well, look at the boat—" Someone on the deck pointed to a boat on the river, and let out a sound of surprise.

Xu Qilin turned his eyes to see that it was a ship more than ten meters long sailing. Strangely enough, there were no oars on board, but several wooden wheels were turning. The wheels hit the surface of the water with a rattling sound.

It's made! A smile appeared on Xu Qilin's face, it was the car and ship he designed, and it was handed over to Luoyang personnel to make before leaving. It seems that it is a four-car boat, although it is going upstream, the speed is okay.

It should be a test product. Xu Qilin concluded that this was a test ship, and from the waterline, there was no doubt that the ship was empty.

Compared with sailboats, "cars and ships" are not limited by wind direction, with uniform speed and free advance and retreat; Compared with manual paddle rocking, using pedal wheel oars to move forward is also much more efficient, and many are the earliest prototypes of steam-propelled boats.

But there is also a disadvantage of vehicles and boats, that is, they cannot drive in shallow water. Therefore, the cars and ships that Xu Qilin asked to build were all small and medium-sized. It can not only hang sails, but also pedal propulsion.

Although this is an improvement for the boat, Xu Qilin also knows that it is not easy to accept for boatmen who are used to hanging sails and rowing and pulling fiber.

Even if there isn't much application, this idea should be shown to people and let them know that there is a way to move forward.

Xu Qilin watched with interest as the car and ship moved forward, and also saw the painted number on the ship. That's right, shipping companies have been set up, and the ships of the subordinate companies will be given numbers and begin to undertake passenger and freight business on the Cao Road.

For the merchants and passengers, the big surplus warehouse is a royal institution, and this company is naturally very formal, and there will be no murder and overhauling. When you go out, safety comes first, and you can feel a lot more at ease by taking a shipping company.

And those shipowners and shipwrights who do not want to be recruited and hired will gradually lose their business. Personally, even if it is a small group, it will not be able to compete with a powerful state-owned company, and sooner or later it will defect to the shipping company.

Xu Qilin doesn't want to monopolize, but wants to grow as soon as possible. The recruitment of ships is enough, and it also saves the cost of additional shipbuilding. Moreover, proper allocation can also maximize operational efficiency.

The oars hit the water, gradually moving away, slowly turning around in the wide area ahead, and on the other side of the riverbank, down the river again.

Even if it is against the current, if there is a tailwind and the power of the oar pushes, there should be no need to pull it with a rope, right? Xu Qilin really wanted to stop and look at it for a while, but quickly dispelled this idea.

Some things may not be good, so let the experimenters figure out how to improve them and let more people master this new boating technique!

In fact, if the technology can meet the requirements, Xu Qilin wants to build a propeller-propelled boat, which is more effective than the propeller.

Seeing the car and ship sailing farther and farther, Xu Qilin retracted his gaze and turned his head to look into the distance, Luoyang is almost here, right?

……………

Luoyang, the mansion of Li Tai, King of Wei.

The flower hall is warm, and it is very comfortable to wear autumn clothes without feeling cold.

Li Sipang was drinking tea and chatting with Li Zhi, the king of Jin.

Li Zhi, the king of the Jin Dynasty, has been in Luoyang for more than a month, during which he went to Zhongyue Songyang Temple to visit Pan Shizheng, the patriarch of Maoshan Sect, to ask for advice on the method of strengthening the body, and asked the Taoist Liu Dao to refine Jiuyang Huandan, and to spend half a month in Songyang Guan.

Returning to Luoyang, Li Zhi was going to leave for Chang'an. Li Sipang warmly retained, saying that he would wait for the first half of the month to return to Beijing for the New Year. Li Zhi felt that this was fine, so he stayed in the palace of King Wei.

Recently, Xu Qilin has sent a message to the Luoyang Dayingku branch and told them the approximate itinerary. Li Sipang was also very concerned about Xu Qilin's behavior, knowing that his return date was approaching, and he was also happy in his heart.

The report on the assigning of road maintenance to the villages and towns along the route was praised by His Majesty Li Er, and he was asked to implement it in Luozhou first, summarize experience, and formulate specific specifications so that it could be promoted to the whole country.

His Majesty Li Er's advice was also appreciated by His Majesty Li Er, and he greatly praised Li Sipang in his letters. And told him that he did not sign his name in this proposal, so as not to make too many enemies.

Li Sipang is not stupid, as soon as he heard his father say this, he immediately felt quite meaningful. Well, this guy wrote another letter, saying that for the country and the people, he did not hesitate to make enemies and reputation. Not surprisingly, this generous statement was greatly praised by His Majesty Li Er.

Sure enough, there is a play! As the saying goes, the fragrance of the distance is the smell, and the smell of the near, Li Sipang feels that it is too right to come to Luoyang. Otherwise, where will the political achievements come from, and where will the experience of governing the government come from.

"Childish slave, you asked Liu Daohe to refine Jiuyang Huandan, I think it's inappropriate." Li Sipang persuaded Li Zhi with great concern, "This elixir uses more mercury and lead, and it may be harmful to eat, so it is better to be cautious." ”

Li Zhi said: "Thank you for your concern. I also know that the pill may not be beneficial, but let's give it a try. When refined, it will not be eaten casually. ”

"If you want to say something, you still ask Xu Cheng to ask Immortal Lu Yu to ask for a way to strengthen your body." Li Sipang said: "Don't talk about others, this health tea that I drank is Lu Yuxian's recipe, which is quite beneficial." ”

Li Zhi nodded and said, "If it is a recipe for health tea, there is also a certain one." I've been drinking it for a few months and I feel good. But wouldn't it be better if there was a better way? ”

Li Sipang smiled and stopped talking about the matter.

Li Zhi also diverted the topic and talked about the recent street and house number planning in Luoyang City, and he didn't know what Li Tai meant.

After listening to this, Li Sipang explained with a smile: "I feel that the communication of ordinary people is very inconvenient, not only can it be forwarded through the post station, but it is also very convenient to ask someone to carry it, if you know the street number!" ”

Actually, Li Sipang didn't say it all. This idea also came from Xu Qilin, imitating the postal system of later generations, first planning accurate addresses, and then using Didian and Cao Lu to achieve long-distance communication.

You must know that in ancient times, the communication of ordinary people could only be sent by themselves, or they could be brought by the way, and the time was very long, and it often could not be delivered to the hands of the person who received the letter.

The postal system for the common people, with the help of more and more mansions and ready-made roads, did not require much investment to start operating.

Of course, every city, as well as towns, should have clear street names and house numbers like Luoyang. If the preparation of this address had been ordered by the imperial court, it would have been completed in about a year. At the very least, large and medium-sized cities should be able to cover.

Moreover, this is not only for the convenience of the people, but also for the benefit of the project.

Li Sipang had already written a report, and unceremoniously took Xu Qilin's credit for himself. In this regard, he is used to it, and Xu Qilin is also happy to help him get more praise and praise from His Majesty Li Er.

Li Zhi listened to the fourth brother's explanation, thought about it for a while, and nodded in praise, "The fourth brother's idea is really good." If nothing else, even those who are away from home, if they know the address and number of their home, it is also good to ask someone to seal a letter of peace. ”

"yes, it's like those who rush to take the exam." Li Sipang said: "As soon as I go out, it will be a few months, and my family should be worried about it. ”

Li Zhi said: "A certain person lives here with the fourth brother, and the father still has a letter for two or three days, not to mention those who are in a foreign land and have no relatives? ”

Li Sipang sighed and said, "I miss my father and the emperor very much, as well as the eldest brother and sister. Well, after arranging the affairs of Luozhou, he will leave for Chang'an. ”

Li Zhi said with a smile: "This time I went back, just to go to the newly built Royal Theater to watch a play." I heard that the effect is very good, and my son is full of praise in the letter! ”

The emperor wants to build a theater, and that's not fast. Not to mention that kind of building, it is the unfinished project of Daming Palace, and when it was really rebuilt, it only took three months to complete.

Hearing about watching the play, Li Sipang also came to his senses and said: "I just heard that the theater was built chicly, and the play was performed well, and it was very novel, but I have never seen it." This time I must take a good look, please go to the master, and build a school in Luoyang. ”

Li Zhi shook his head and said: "It's not a master, the theater is Xu Qilin's first design, and it was taught to Li Chunfeng." If you want to please, just invite the two of them. ”

After a pause, Li Zhi continued: "There is also that play, which is also the first performance of the Xu family's team, the most authentic. Although it is also imitated by others now, the level is not good, and it is more than a step worse. ”

"I see." Li Si bowed his head and said in his heart: This is easy, Qi Lin has a good relationship with me, so I begged him.

Li Zhi didn't know what Li Sipang was thinking, and thought that he only knew, after all, he was in Luoyang, and he didn't know much about Chang'an's affairs, which was normal.

"In order to watch the play, my son and Xincheng went to live at Sister Lizhi's house under the pretext of the past." Li Zhi said with some amusement: "The Royal Theater has not been built there, and the Xu family opera troupe is still the first performance!" ”

Li Sipang also laughed and said, "My son and Xincheng are still playing tricks with my father, and I also pulled Sister A. ”

Li Zhi didn't know what he thought, sighed lightly, and said: "I think it's reasonable to be suffocated in the palace and go out to play and relax." The son often complained in front of a certain person, saying that he was not as happy as Xiao Zhao, and he had not even visited Chang'an City. ”

Li Sipang blinked his eyes, shook his head helplessly, and said: "There is no way, who let the son be a royal princess, how can he go to the market casually." ”