novelhk Chapter 234 Discovery of Iron Ore
Chapter 234 Discovery of Iron Ore
The next morning.
Da Yan led the two away from the backyard and headed to the frontyard. The gatekeepers saw them and, as if they had been given prior orders, did not stop them. As they passed by, the gatekeepers kept their eyes straight ahead, not sparing a glance.
Seeing this, the man who was slightly behind the Great Yan felt a little more at ease.
He led the two men to the front of the study, knocked on the door to announce that he had brought them, and after receiving permission, he did not go in. Instead, he turned and gave instructions to the two men beside him before leaving.
Turning his gaze away from the receding figure, Zhao Xing pushed open the door and entered, with Wang Yue helping him in.
After walking a dozen steps to the desk, Zhao Xing brushed aside Wang Yue's hand that was supporting him, straightened up, and bowed to the young official behind the desk, saying, "Zhao Xing greets Lord Zheng."
Wang Yue bowed and made a gesture of respect.
Zheng Hao raised his head and swept his deep eyes over the two of them, his cold expression softening slightly: "It's been a long time, Brother Zhao."
Upon hearing the other person's address, Zhao Xing's previously tense body relaxed slightly, but his mind did not completely relax.
He looked up, a smile spreading across his slightly gaunt face: "Long time no see, Brother Zheng."
Not only did Gu Lin and Zhao Xing know each other, but Zheng Hao and Zhao Xing also knew each other. They were both students at Yueming Prefectural School. Zheng Hao was a prodigy in his youth and went to the capital to take the imperial examination in just a few years. Zhao Xing was also a rare outstanding student in the prefectural school. Although the two had never been in the same class, they had a good impression of each other. When they met at the prefectural school, they would nod to each other and would also gather together to discuss academic matters at the poetry gatherings held by the prefectural school.
After putting down the official documents in his hand, Zheng Hao got up, walked around the desk, and led the two to the reception area to sit down.
There was hot tea prepared on the table, but since we were in the study, the servants did not serve any snacks.
Zheng Hao spoke to Zhao Xing, saying, "I never expected to meet Brother Zhao again, not in the capital, nor in my hometown. With your learning, Brother Zhao should have already obtained the title of Juren."
“A drought has struck Yueming Prefecture, and Brother Zhao has lost family members. Uncle Gu and I are deeply saddened. However, Brother Zhao has studied for more than ten years and carries the expectations of his family. He should not be discouraged and should make plans as soon as possible.”
These words melted away the long-standing estrangement between the two. Zhao Xing took a sip of hot tea and said, "My parents have passed away, and I should observe three years of mourning. I cannot take the imperial examination. During these three years, I will not complain or blame others. I will definitely live on with the expectations of my parents, brothers and sisters."
Zheng Hao nodded, his tone supportive: "Your residence is spacious. If Brother Zhao doesn't mind, you can stay here for now and focus on preparing for the imperial examination three years from now. If you need anything during this time, feel free to ask someone to prepare it for you."
After setting down the hot tea, Zhao Xing thanked him, saying, "Thank you for taking me in, Brother Zheng. My purpose in coming to see you is not just to catch up, but because I have made a very important discovery."
Zheng Hao remained calm and said, "Brother Zhao is very perceptive; what you have discovered must be something extraordinary."
He did not ask the other party what they had found.
Zhao Xing was not disappointed. Zheng Hao was no ordinary young man. As a prefect of a region, he was in a high position. If a person in a high position couldn't keep his composure, a single word or action from his subordinates could affect his mind. Such a person's glory would not last long before he fell from grace.
Looking at Zheng Hao, Zhao Xing's expression was solemn as he spoke seriously: "During my escape to Youzhou Prefecture, I discovered an iron mine in the suburbs."
iron ore?
Zheng Hao's fingers twitched slightly, but there was no significant reaction. He looked down at Zhao Xing.
The young prefect remained unmoved and silent, making it impossible to discern his attitude. Staring intently at the young Zheng Hao, Zhao Xing said calmly, "The iron mine is located in a remote area, and there is no one mining it or heavily guarding it. It should not have been discovered yet."
Turning his gaze away, Zheng Hao asked, "Brother Zhao, how did you discover that there was an iron ore mine there?"
Throughout history, the imperial court has strictly controlled iron and copper mines, and there are specialized people who are employed by the government to regularly search for mines in remote areas.
Generally speaking, if there were really iron mines in the suburbs, the government would have discovered them long ago, and ordinary people wouldn't have a chance to find them.
Realizing that his words were hard to believe, Zhao Xing explained, "An elder in my family is an official in the government office. He is in charge of investigating iron and copper mines. Through his exposure, I have also learned some skills and can distinguish whether there are mines in a certain place."
Zheng Hao neither disbelieved nor fully believed it. Zhao Xing came from a scholarly family, with many elders working in the government. It was not surprising that he could identify iron ore. Nowadays, scholars, especially those with good learning, had other expertise besides books and classics.
For example, he has some knowledge of medicine, agriculture, engineering, etc.
Zheng Hao twitched his fingers slightly and looked at Zhao Xing: "Iron ore is a rare resource in the Great Qian Dynasty. If Brother Zhao has found it, is there a reward you would like? I would like to take credit for Brother Zhao."
For such merit, the government would likely reward the person with money or hire them to help the government explore the mines.
Zhao Xing shook his head slightly and looked at the young official with a serious expression: "I will leave the iron mine to Brother Zheng to handle; I will not interfere."
The words were spoken subtly, and Wang Yue, who was standing to the side, couldn't understand them, but Zheng Hao understood the meaning behind them.
He said calmly, "The iron mine belongs to the imperial court. I will report to the court to commend Brother Zhao for his merits."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing looked up and saw that the young man's expression remained unchanged. His hand tightened slightly: "Iron mines are the foundation for strengthening the army of Youzhou Prefecture. The world is about to be in chaos. Are you really willing to continue serving the court?"
Upon hearing this, the young official of the Great Qian Dynasty remained expressionless, but Wang Yue reacted violently, suddenly reaching out to grab Zhao Xing's wrist, and then turning to Zheng Hao: "He has been on the run for many days and is somewhat delirious. Your Excellency, do not listen to his nonsense."
Zheng Hao's gaze swept over him and landed back on Zhao Xing.
The other party did not shake off Wang Yue's hand and continued: "Sir, you may know about the situation in other prefectures. From Yueming Prefecture to Youzhou Prefecture, I have seen that the prefects and generals in various places have already shown disrespect to the imperial court and openly conscripted soldiers in their own prefectures. Soon, war will surely break out."
Zheng Hao said calmly, "These are traitors and rebels. The emperor sits firmly in the ancestral temple. Anyone who dares to plot rebellion will be punished by the whole world."
The young official spoke with such conviction that, in Wang Yue's eyes, he was a loyal subject of the Great Qian Dynasty. Upon closer reflection, he realized that Lord Zheng's calligraphy had been personally bestowed by the late emperor, indicating a deeper affection for the Great Qian emperor than others. Recalling Zhao Xing's treasonous words, Wang Yue nearly fainted.
Unexpectedly, the person in question was not afraid at all. Zhao Xing said, "It is true that you are a loyal minister, but the officials in the court and the prefects and generals in various places are not like that. If you continue to be content with your position, I'm afraid that if someone rebels in the future, you will be too late to urge them on and will be unable to come to the aid of the emperor."
Zhao Xing stared intently at the person before him, who appeared serene and unassuming, and he couldn't believe that the other person had no ambition whatsoever.
Under his gaze, Zheng Hao raised his hand to stop him from continuing: "Brother Zhao, please don't say such things in the future. It's getting late today, and I have to go to the government office for my shift. Brother Zhao, please go back and rest."
After saying that, Zheng Hao stood up.
Zhao Xing paused, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes, unwilling to believe that he had misjudged the person.
Then, he heard a voice not far ahead: "It's inconvenient for Brother Zhao and his brother to live in the backyard. From now on, they should live in the frontyard."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing's eyes lit up. Before Wang Yue could react, he stood up and bowed to Zheng Hao, saying, "Thank you, sir."
The young official left his residence to go on duty, and Zhao Xing and Wang Yue returned to their temporary residence under the guidance of their servants.
Upon entering the room and closing the door, seeing that the servants were all outside and not approaching the house, Wang Yue helped Zhao Xing to sit down at the table: "How dare you say those things in the study just now?"
Wang Yue felt a chill run down his spine when he recalled what Zhao Xing had said in the study. Any one of those words, if even a single one were to get out, would be considered extremely disrespectful and could cost someone their head.
In the past, when Wang Yue was in Yueming Prefecture, he was protected by his parents, so he was mostly fearless when he went out, except for not being able to offend certain people.
But after a drought struck Yueming Prefecture, the greenhouse where he had lived for many years was destroyed. He fled all the way to Youzhou Prefecture. In the past six months, he has witnessed many of the dangers of the world. He never imagined that the world he once thought was beautiful was so dangerous and terrifying.
If it weren't for Zhao Xing's advice and constant guidance, Wang Yue would have known that he wouldn't have been able to leave Yueming Mansion alive on his own.
Therefore, he valued Zhao Xing highly, not only because Zhao Xing had saved his life multiple times, but also...
All of his family members were gone, and for Wang Yue, Zhao Xing was the only friend he had grown up with.
They carry many memories of each other's families.
Zhao Xing looked at Wang Yue, who was no longer the arrogant and unrestrained person he had been before. His face was filled with fear and his eyes with timidity. Zhao Xing thought to himself, Wang Yue shouldn't be like this.
He could be cynical and be called a spoiled brat by others; he could dislike reading and martial arts, and be idle, wandering the streets and alleys. But he could never be like a frightened bird, worrying every day about the danger to his life.
"Prince Cheng".
When asked to use his courtesy name, Wang Yue looked at Zhao Xing in confusion. Although they had been through thick and thin together, they had been adversaries for many years and were used to calling each other by their full names. Only in rare circumstances, such as in front of elders, would they address each other by their courtesy names.
Zhao Xing looked at him: "This is no longer a peaceful and prosperous era. You've seen many things along the way. Do you still think things will be stable in the future?"
Wang Yue's lips moved, but he couldn't refute it.
Zhao Xing shattered his last hope: "Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, he was weak-willed even when he was the crown prince, the court officials are rigid, the local areas are turbulent, and the world will be in chaos sooner or later. In a chaotic world, the common people are like pigs and dogs, and their lives are worth less than grass. If they cannot find a wise ruler to rely on, they will surely die in the chaos."
After holding back his thoughts for months, Zhao Xing finally revealed them all to Wang Yue in the study.
"Zheng Hao is so intelligent that he is almost supernatural. He has already risen to a high position at the age of nineteen. His mind and shrewdness are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Judging from his character and methods, he is no ordinary person. When the world is in chaos, Zheng Hao will surely become one of the heroes and will have the power to suppress others."
“I have already sought an audience with him based on our past relationship and the iron ore. If I cannot seize this opportunity to gain his favor, I will only become an ordinary old friend who is staying at the Zheng residence. This is not what I want.”
Listening to Zhao Xing's words, Wang Yue gradually understood that everything the other party did was for their own good. Wang Yue found it difficult to comprehend the general trend of the times, but thinking of his parents' evaluation of Zhao Xing and how the other party helped him to make it to Youzhou Prefecture alive, he understood.
Wang Yue said, "I believe you."
Zhao Xingqing's handsome face froze for a moment. Meeting Wang Yue's gaze, he said in a hoarse voice, "I won't joke with our lives."
When Zhao Xing decided to come to Youzhou Prefecture to seek refuge with Zheng Hao and Gu Lin, he carefully considered how to establish himself in Youzhou Prefecture.
Gu Lin's business ventures are helpful to Zhao Dagen, Chen Xiaoliu, and others. Since he is a graduate of the imperial examinations, he cannot go into business, so the only path he can take is Zheng Hao.
When Zheng Hao was at Yueming Prefectural School, he seemed approachable, but once you got to know him, you would find that he was polite but cold, and it was very difficult to become a true friend with him.
Such a cold-hearted person, hoping to gain favor with someone based solely on past relationships, is nothing short of a pipe dream. Zhao Xing had no way out; his family was ruined and he had no money. He might not even be able to afford the travel expenses for the imperial examinations three years later. Therefore, he had to offer tangible benefits to demonstrate his value to Zheng Hao so that he would be accepted as an advisor.
Reflecting on his conversation with the young official in the study, he realized that the official would allow him to stay temporarily until the iron ore deposit was confirmed, at which point he would be able to stay permanently.
But to gain a foothold among young officials, iron ore alone is not enough; they need to demonstrate other strengths as well.
A few days later, Sister Zhao and Brother Yu came to Gu Lin's courtyard.
After they finished speaking, Gu Lin frowned and his expression darkened slightly: "But who in your household said something they shouldn't have said that made you decide to move out? If that's really the case, I'll have Da Yan bring the person here and severely punish the one who spread the gossip."
Seeing Gu Lin's genuine anger and suspicion that someone in the mansion was bullying them, Sister Zhao and Brother Yu felt a warmth in their hearts.
Yu Ge'er shook his head first: "No one is talking nonsense, it's our own decision."
Meeting Yu Ge'er's eyes, Gu Lin's heart stirred, and he made a guess.
Sure enough, the next moment Yu Ge'er said, "We stayed at your mansion before because it wasn't safe for my son and me to live outside. Now that Xiao Liu has come, how can we continue to live at your mansion? What will happen when Mingzhang gets married in the future? We can't keep living in Mingzhang's backyard forever."
Gu Lin couldn't refute this point; he couldn't very well say that Zheng Hao wouldn't get married in the future.
Zhao's sister-in-law was staring intently at him, as if afraid he would say something inappropriate.
Gu Lin asked Zhao's sister-in-law, "It's understandable that Brother Yu decided to move out, but what about you, sister-in-law? You promised to live with me and take care of us in our old age."
Seeing that Gu Lin did not reveal his relationship with Zheng Hao, Zhao's wife breathed a sigh of relief. She had not even told her own husband about this, and now was not the right time to make it public.
Give him a reassuring look, and Sister-in-law Zhao says, "How could your Uncle Zhao and I be without you? Just like Brother Yu and the others, Da Gen and his wife came to Youzhou Prefecture, but they can't stay here forever. They need to find another place to stay."
Upon hearing this, Gu Lin understood. Thinking of the grief of Zhao Dagen and his wife over the loss of their son, he took out more money and said to Zhao's sister-in-law, "Sister-in-law, don't be so polite with me. Take this money to buy a burial place for Mu'er first, and then find someone to perform the rituals."
Upon hearing this, Sister Zhao's eyes welled up with tears. In the past, when young children died, no elders would hold a funeral for them; they would usually just bury them directly in the ground.