The Tang Dynasty immediately led Zhuan Xin and the magistrate of Qufu County to set off for Xiyuan. At this time, Gongsun Li, the governor of Shandong Province, was rushing to Qufu.

Taiyuan is a famous lime producing area. Although people in the Tang Dynasty were not very good at using lime, it had become a habit to use it in construction and papermaking.

Accompanying them were the 300 soldiers required by the Tang Dynasty, each carrying shovels, shovels, hoes, baskets, poles, buckets and other carrying equipment, and of course a lot of food. As for sleeping tents and other items, the Tang Dynasty The county magistrate is also required to prepare it.

Since the Imperial Envoy didn't say what it was used for, these people had no choice but to make random guesses. The hoe and the basket were easy to guess. The Lord must be digging for something, but seeing that the tent cook was hired, it was very confusing. , the imperial envoy will stay here forever.

Anyway, they are full of suspicions, but they don’t know what kind of medicine the imperial envoy is selling in his gourd.

Although the county magistrate complied with everything, he couldn't help but sneer in his heart. This boy only had thirteen days to live, and he was still doing such unimportant things. It seemed that he was looking for these people to build his own tomb, and ignored him. , Pretend to be respectful to him, grandma, you'd better serve him better, don't think about it before he dies, kill a few people to support him, then you will be wronging your great youth, grandma, I still have a beautiful girl at home The first wife and the fifth concubine, don't let them become widows.

The carriages and horses kept going day and night, and it took only one day to reach Xiyuan.

As soon as they arrived, the Tang Dynasty ordered all the soldiers to start working immediately. The purpose of the work was only one. They worked in groups of two to dig quicklime, put it in baskets and handed it over to the temporary command post set up by the Tang Dynasty. The one who arrived first, If the quality is good, you will get a prize, and you will get a tael of silver when you sell it.

Although this tael of silver is not much, it is a month's salary for these soldiers. It seems that they can get it in just a few days.

But if the task is not completed, the consequences are quite terrible, that is, beheading.

The imperial envoy sent a message that if he beheaded, he would beheaded. Here, he is the emperor, or represents the emperor, and what he said is the imperial edict. Looking at the fierce eyes of the people in Sheva behind him, these soldiers knew that, The imperial court has enough power to implement its decision, so no one dares to be lazy, but is more diligent because there is money to be gained.

The Tang Dynasty personally watched the speed of several soldiers digging quicklime. Seeing that Xiyuan was indeed rich in lime production, a big stone fell in his heart. He smiled at the Qufu County Magistrate: "The scenery here is wonderful. Send someone to build a temporary mine for my envoy." This is the house where the imperial envoy lives. I am afraid that I will have to wait until it rains before going back to Kong County Lieutenant’s house.”

Damn it, the county magistrate angrily scolded you. You are a fool when you go back. Looking at you like this, you are just showing off. Just don’t run away when the time comes. But on the face of it, you pretend to be very polite: "Okay, sir, I will do it right away." Go and do it, and you must satisfy the Imperial Envoy,"

Then he said goodbye and left, while Tang Chao chatted with Master Wu Qing and told some Taoist anecdotes, but he was not lonely at all.

Sheva was very tired of these social activities, so he found a quiet place to practice martial arts, and no one dared to disturb him.

Of course, even Zhuan Xin did not ask the Tang Dynasty for the purpose of doing this. However, in the Tang Dynasty where Nanzhao had repeatedly made great achievements, he believed in his ability, so he did not interfere. As for Sheva and the rest of the Zhuan family, The Four Tigers were not meddlesome, and they didn't ask. The whole Xiyuan exuded a mysterious aura.

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It is said that these soldiers took turns to rest and dug quicklime day and night. When Tang Chao went to inspect it the next day, it had piled up into a high hill. He was very satisfied.

At this time, it was suddenly reported that Gongsun Li, Yin of Shandong Province, came to ask for an audience.

The Tang Dynasty ordered him to meet him and received him in the newly established command tent.

He has been waiting for this big shot in Shandong for a long time. Without his support, it would be difficult for him to complete the emperor's mission.

Gongsun Li was about fifty years old and had a very black beard. As soon as he saw the tent, he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please forgive me for coming a little late. I beg you to punish me."

In fact, as soon as he received the notice from the court, he rushed to Qufu and then rushed here all the way without stopping. He was already very tired. However, he knew the secrets of being an official and would never dare to take credit in front of his superiors. Instead, he would ask his superiors to Condemn.

Tang Chao smiled coldly: "Master Gongsun is tired from the journey. It seems that he has tried his best. Why do you need to pay such a big gift? Get up."

Gongsun Li hurriedly sent the prepared 50,000 taels of silver notes into the hands of the Tang Dynasty: "This is a small thing, just a little thought from a villain. Please accept it, your Majesty the Imperial Envoy."

When the Tang Dynasty saw that the color of the banknotes was vermilion, they were immediately happy. Grandma, I thought that as an imperial envoy this time, I would just accept the 20,000 taels of silver. I didn't expect that Gongsun Li was really interesting. It's only fifty thousand taels, that's enough.

But he didn't know what Gongsun Li was thinking. Gongsun Li had been an official in the imperial court for a long time. When he heard that the emperor had sent Tang Chao to do this, he knew that the emperor had already wanted to kill Tang Chao. It was just because of his reputation as Huangmen's minister. That's why he was sent to do such a decent thing, and at the same time, it was impossible for Nineteen to do it, so it would definitely be a dead end.

Anyone who knows a little bit about officialdom will immediately understand the emperor's intention. How can a high-ranking official like Gongsun Li not understand the etiquette? He knows that the current situation of the Tang Dynasty is actually not as good as the imperial envoy on the surface. In fact, his scenery is full of dangers. It is almost as if he is a dead man. However, he knows that he cannot offend such a person. If he does, he will lose his head. There is nothing he can't do now.

So when he came, he gave him heavy gifts and acted very humble.

The Tang Dynasty happily pulled him up and chatted a lot. Gongsun Li was well versed in official ethics. He did not directly praise the Tang Dynasty when he spoke, but his words were full of charm, which was a secret praise. After a few words of flattery, Tang Chao felt happy and left him to drink in the tent. Gongsun Li readily agreed.

During the chat, Tang Chao suddenly became serious: "Master Gongsun, even if you don't come, I will send someone to look for you. It's just the right time to come. I heard that there are a lot of artillery hidden in the Shandong arsenal. Is there such a thing?" "

How could Gongsun Li dare to conceal: "Returning to the imperial envoy, this is not a real thing. It is just putting gunpowder in the barrel of the cannon, and then putting some rocks, lead, iron and other objects in the barrel, and waiting for the gunpowder fuse to explode. It is tall and heavy. , it seems very powerful, but in fact it has no practical use, because the two sides clashed very quickly in the battle formation, and this kind of artillery fire was not used at all. It is used as a salute during the Lantern Festival every year, which is quite impressive. , the sound is loud, the sparks are bright, the imperial envoy is asking about this kind of artillery fire,"

Tang Chao was overjoyed: "Yes, yes, that's it. How many are there in the warehouse?"

"Not many, only seventy. This is what the emperor thought was quite powerful and ordered the governors of various provinces to carry out experiments. However, none of them succeeded, so the emperor gave up the idea of ​​using firearms."

"Enough, enough," Tang Chao laughed, his heart filled with pride, and he danced unconsciously.

Gongsun Li was very puzzled. He didn't know why the Tang Dynasty was so happy, but he couldn't ask further. He only said: "When will the imperial envoy be used?"

Tang Chao finally controlled his emotions and said: "I originally thought that even if Lord Gongsun had one, it would only be a few. I didn't expect that there were as many as seventy. I don't know why there were so many produced at that time."

Although Gongsun Li was puzzled by his question, he still replied respectfully: "Returning to the imperial envoy, the emperor asked all the governors to handle this matter. He was very confident. My subordinates thought that since the emperor has such confidence, we can do it." I, my ministers, should naturally go out with all their strength and live up to the emperor’s orders.”

"Hey, very good, it's really good. You can go back in person now and transport the seventy pieces of artillery fire here. They must arrive within ten days. Once you are successful, I will not forget your benefits. Remember, bring more gunpowder," Tang Chao patted his shoulder and said enthusiastically.

Although Gongsun Li felt that the young imperial envoy was a little too happy, but seeing that his expression did not look like he was waiting for the emperor to behead, he was very surprised. What was he doing with these useless artillery fire? It's just a flower display in a peaceful and prosperous age, what's the use of it.

But thinking that he must not pry into the secret of the imperial envoy, he immediately put away his thoughts of asking questions and said respectfully: "I will go and do it immediately." I thought to myself, grandma, it only takes two or three days to get here from the Jinan provincial capital. Road, he actually asked me to transport it within ten days. Isn’t that a huge grace? Anyway, I will transport it slowly. Otherwise, if I stay next to this kid, I may lose my head at any time. It’s better to leave. Far better.

Gongsun Li naturally left quickly. It was not like the magistrate of Qufu who gave away cattle and wine. But in the heart of the Tang Dynasty, this Shandong governor was really good. With fifty thousand taels of silver, he would just take action. He took action. He was really a wealthy man. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made such a big move. Moreover, it was really refreshing to see him do things.

Immediately, the Tang Dynasty transferred 50,000 kilograms of vinegar in the name of the imperial court, sent it to the Shandong branch in the form of official documents, and ordered the governor Gongsun Li to transport it to Qufu together with the artillery fire.

Gongsun Li received such a strange order on the way. He was very surprised and a little scared. This guy must be crazy. He knew that he was bound to die, so he made some tricks before he died to squander the country's property. He spent a lot of money, and since he wanted these things, which had nothing to do with asking for rain and wind, he naturally wanted to enrich his own pockets and wanted to get more money to communicate with the important officials in the court and reduce his crime.

Yes, that must be the case.

Once Gongsun Li made this conclusion in his mind, he felt a little regretful that he only gave Tang Dynasty 50,000 taels of silver. Hum, if I had given him 100,000 taels of snowflake silver, this guy might not have troubled me. Humph, it's better now. It's hard to say anything in front of me after taking my money, but as soon as you turn around, you come to ask for jealousy. I don't know what you want next time.

Moreover, the current situation is drought everywhere. Fifty thousand kilograms of vinegar is worth ten thousand taels of silver, and it is difficult to transport. I don’t know what other tricks the imperial envoy has up his sleeve. I am troubled, but I have no choice but to leave in frustration.

He knew that if he did not complete the mission of the Imperial Envoy, his head would fall off first, so he had to follow his orders in everything.

Damn it, he suddenly made up his mind. In short, I will do everything. When the time comes, the emperor will kill his head. It has nothing to do with me. I am just following orders and extorting money. I can blame this unlucky imperial envoy in the future. On the body.

After thinking this way, his heart suddenly became bright. I didn't just give away fifty thousand taels of silver, but I wanted to get back double the money for this matter. Instead, I was full of gratitude for this instruction from the Tang Dynasty.

The Tang Dynasty naturally did not know what Gongsun Li had in mind. He was now very ambitious and working on his next plan. He wanted to collect 50,000 airtight sacks. This almost stumped Gongsun Li who received the order again, but he His depression was quickly relieved. The Tang Dynasty sent his most trusted steward, Zhan Xin, to deliver an airtight sack sample to his horse, and ordered Zhan Xin to act as a supervisory envoy to monitor Gongsun Li. In every move, he held a Shang Fang sword in his hand. I don’t know if it was real or fake. Anyway, looking at Zhuan Xin and the four tigers behind him, who looked like they wanted to eat people, I knew that if he didn’t obey the orders of the Tang Dynasty, he would be killed. This head may fall off.

Gongsun Li was well versed in official circles, so he naturally didn't want to lose his head, so he was very respectful to Zhuoxin.

At this time, Gongsun Li understood that ten days were not enough for him to prepare these three things. The young imperial envoy seemed to have everything in mind.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't imagine what the Tang Dynasty would do with these things, so he had no choice but to do it.

However, he was very surprised when he took the sack that was given to him as a sample in the special letter: "General, this sack is thick and seems to have a layer of something stuck inside. It is really airtight. I think it just contains water." It won’t be leaked. I really can’t even think of how it was done.”

Zhuan Xin smiled slightly: "This is made by the Imperial Envoy himself. After I saw it with my own eyes, I was amazed. Do you want to know?"

"I respectfully ask the general to tell you how to make this, so that you can make it in the same way. Otherwise, I'm afraid it will be too late and the imperial envoy will be missed."

Zhuan Xin said: "Actually, this is very simple. Just take out the big sacks containing grain from the warehouses in various places, wash them, and then cut off a piece of cloth as big as the sack and order a person to stand aside and wait. Waiting to burn the charred goose feathers, duck feathers, chicken feathers, dog hair, pig skins, dog skins, cowhide, unwanted offal clothing, etc., and burn them in the pot. Once burned, there will be something black and sticky left in the pot. , what is called asphalt in the folk saying, is then evenly dipped into the sack and stuck tightly. In this way, the sack is naturally airtight and will not leak when filled with water. This is how it is now, the Imperial Envoy said, Qufu is a small place and it is difficult to collect more furs to make asphalt. I taught Gongsun to collect them quickly in Shandong."

"Your Majesty is really a god. I can't think of such a method. I just don't know what it is used for." As long as he was not facing the Tang Dynasty, Gongsun Li still wanted to ask the confidant who trusted this imperial envoy what these things were. use.

Until now, he suddenly had a feeling that this young imperial envoy might really be able to pray for rain. Looking at the things he did, although they were somewhat whimsical, it seemed that there was some unpredictable purpose in them. If He really felt that he was going to be executed by the emperor, so why not spend a lot of money to do this thankless job? Even if he made these sacks airtight, he would just be a poor inventor, and to him What are the benefits of completing the emperor's mission?

The imperial envoy is either crazy or a genius.

He is doing something genius, and the secret must not be revealed. Although mortals like us can't imagine the mystery, it may make sense.

Zhuan Xin smiled slightly: "The Imperial Envoy is extremely wise and wise. People like me cannot guess his thoughts."

Indeed, that's what he was thinking now. When Gongsun Li heard this, he thought with horror that even his closest confidants didn't know about it. This shows that this matter is very secretive. I'd better not ask any more questions as I was told. I didn't dare to ask any more questions immediately.

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In a hurry, seven days have passed. During these days, Tang Chao had nothing to do. He spent the whole day talking about mysteries with Master Wu Qing. He actually knew something about Laozi, Zhuangzi, and true scriptures. He also caught ghosts among the people, hit the wall, helped him, and revealed himself. , possessing people, cultivating immortals and other matters, I am very concerned about it. Of course, I practice some internal skills when I have free time, and I also practice in front of Master Wu Qing. I can see white smoke curling up from my head in a moment. It is obvious that my internal skills have reached a certain level. Performance, of course, in addition to that, the Tang Dynasty also learned many Taoist methods. It is better to step on the Gang, such as practicing Dharma. Once put on the black and loose Taoist robe, the high hair is combed, a whisk is behind the back, thick soles The black cotton shoes set him off, and he moves with a carefree attitude, making him look like a virtuous man.

The Qing Gong of the Tang Dynasty was already good, but now that I have been given clear instructions on the key points of Taoist footwork, I suddenly understand another realm of Qinggong, which is the famous Taoist Taoist footwork.

What Tang Chao wanted to learn was to become a Taoist, a decent Taoist. But now, with his natural martial arts foundation and Wu Qing's guidance, Tang Chao looked like a Taoist.

In the eyes of the seventeen court officials who came with him, the Tang Dynasty's "reverse behavior" was simply pushing people like themselves to death. They all cursed him in their hearts, "Damn it, you died happily like this" You are free and happy, but those of us who followed you and were killed were so unjust that our intestines turned blue. Every time he persuaded Tang Chao to go to the Dragon King Temple to offer incense, this guy would roll his eyes angrily, and he actually said this. It is treasonous and disrespectful to say: "I am the Dragon King. I would rather beg those clay puppets than I am the imperial envoy."

Humph, this kid is really crazy. Even if the emperor convicts you, as long as you try your best, the emperor might be lenient. At least we people will not be implicated. I didn’t expect this guy to be so arrogant and claim to be Dragon King, if this delay continues, we will all be killed by him.

But it was no use. This kid's martial arts were said to be very powerful. Otherwise, he could have been assassinated.

When the accompanying court officials were as anxious as ants on a hot pot, they received a piece of news that shocked everyone: the emperor visited Qufu in person.

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Before Tang Dynasty left, he privately begged Yang Guozhong to save his life, for no other reason than because he had helped him with the incident involving Zhangchou Jian Qiong. He felt that Yang Guozhong had just shown his face in the court, and he probably needed the support of someone like him. , so I begged him to try to inform Yang Yuhuan of such a major matter.

Tang Chao naturally knew that the one who could really save him was this sister in the deep palace.

The emperor suddenly asked me to go out to pray for rain this time. It was obvious that he wanted to look good and wanted to kill me.

It was also my fault that I was confused for a moment and followed Li Linfu to do bad things and helped him frame Zhangchou Jianqiong. Unexpectedly, the emperor not only refused to listen to me, but also said that Zhangchou Jianqiong had made great contributions to the country, and instead sent me, the "slanderer", to do it. This is a very dangerous job.

Li Longji, who we have been with in the Tang Dynasty for a long time, is really ulterior. You don’t know when he will punish you, and you don’t know when he will appreciate you, just like this time, about praying for rain. , has nothing to do with himself as the Huangmen Shilang, but he just wants to fall on the Tang Dynasty.

Does the emperor really want to kill me or is he pretending?

For a long time, although Tang Chao looked relaxed on the outside, he was still arguing about this issue in his heart.

If the emperor really wanted to kill me, Li Longji could have killed him immediately without saying a word for any of my crimes in the past, such as the Nanzhao official matter, but he didn't. This shows that the emperor may not be serious. He wants to kill me, so why go to such trouble.

So, it seems that the emperor wants to promote me. Entrusting me with such a difficult matter can show a person's ability to face big things. Maybe, he will not really kill me, but just... To investigate me, no matter what, Yang Yuhuan must be notified. Thinking of a little brother like herself who is in trouble, she won't just die without saving him.

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The emperor is here.

When he first heard the news, the Tang Dynasty was also surprised. Why did the emperor come to this arid land in Shandong in such hot weather when he was not bathing with Yang Yuhuan in Huaqing Pool?

But he couldn't help thinking about this anymore, so he had to go out to drive home in a panic.

He immediately saw the emperor's chariot, with a golden chariot. There was a person in the car who was tall and broad-shouldered, with a majestic appearance. He was wearing clothes inlaid with dragon shapes, with colorful sleeves, and was very majestic. It was Li Longji, the emperor of the day, who was Not far behind him, Li Linfu, Wei Jian and other high officials of the imperial court followed closely behind him, and behind him came Gao Lishi leading Ma Zhengzhang and a group of vigorous and high-spirited Shence troops. The team was so large that it stretched for more than ten miles.

The Tang Dynasty had never seen such a large battle. They thought something big had happened and kowtowed as if they were pounding garlic: "I have seen the emperor, long live my emperor. Long live the emperor. I am not aware that the emperor is coming. If I miss the emperor's arrival, I will be punished by death." capital offense,"
To be continued...