Chapter Eighteen: Thunderclap Car

  (PS: Two updates today, the second update will be around 12 o'clock tonight. A new role that everyone has been looking forward to will make its debut, please support the pure and kind newcomer Wolf's new book rush.)

  The ancestral home of the brothers Mi Zhu and Mi Fang was actually in Tancheng, Donghai Commandery, Xuzhou. Most of their property was also concentrated in Tancheng. However, after Mi Zhu was promoted by Tao Qian as a Xu State Assistant from Affairs, he bought a very large mansion inside the city walls of Xuchang for convenience of living and working. Later, when Mi Fang followed his brother into officialdom, he also moved into this mansion. In order to accommodate their family members and servants, the mansion was further expanded and decorated, quickly surpassing the mansion of Chen Gui's father and son, who were the largest landowners in Xuzhou, becoming the undisputed number one manor in Xuzhou.

  There are secret rooms in big mansions, and the mansion of Mi Fu is no exception. Coincidentally, at this moment, Mi Zhu and Mi Fang brothers were discussing something in one of the secret rooms. In front of them was a crude and rough simple drawing. The drawing depicted a huge four-wheeled wooden cart with a low bottom and no carriage. There were two vertical pillars on the cart, but no dimensions or any written explanations. This made it impossible for Mi Zhu brothers to know what kind of cart this was, let alone its purpose.

  Staring at the rough sketch for half a day, Mou Zhun couldn't figure out what was so special about it. He was getting impatient and couldn't help but ask Mou Fang: "Younger brother, have you been cheated? You spent 13,000 yuan on this broken sketch, and the broken wooden cart drawn on it doesn't even serve any purpose, what's the point of it?"

  "When I got this picture, I was also suspicious." Mei Fang furrowed his brow and replied: "But the servant I sent to buy the Dan Yang soldier's family said that the Dan Yang soldier who received our money swore to heaven that he absolutely drew according to the new wooden instrument painting secretly made by Tao Ying Xiao. He said we didn't believe him, it was up to us whether we wanted it or not. The servant I sent could only say that the money would be given 5,000 first, and the remaining 5,000 would be paid after confirming that the sketch was genuine. The Dan Yang soldier refused and even wanted to destroy the sketch. Our servant had no choice but to use 10,000 yuan to buy back this broken sketch."

  "Money is a small matter, anyway the prices of grain and cloth are skyrocketing now, even 10,000 yuan isn't worth much. " Xu Zhou's richest man, Zou Zhuoyi, waved his hand, not taking these expenses to heart at all. Then, Zou Zhuoyi furrowed his brow and said: "The key is, whether this map is real or fake? Is it possible that the soldier from Danyang brought a fake map to deceive us?"

  "Brother, why don't I arrange for a few men to capture that Dan Yang soldier and use torture to interrogate him? I bet he won't be able to keep the truth from coming out!" Mei Fang said viciously.

  "Fool!" Cao Zhen flew into a rage, rebuking him: "Are you even more stupid than Tao Ying's child? The Dan Yang soldiers under Cao Hong's command are all from the same hometown as Tao Qian, they're his relatives! You've already taken a huge risk by trying to bribe them, and now you want to capture them and interrogate them with torture? Do you really think that will force old man Tao Qian to take action against us brothers?"

  Miao Fang was scolded by Miao Zhu until he was only nodding and didn't dare to lift his head. After a while, he tentatively asked: "Then according to brother's opinion, what should we brothers do?"

  "Let's proceed in two steps." Zhou Yu said coldly: "First, send this sketch to Lord Guan and ask him to take a look. As someone who has seen much and is knowledgeable, he might be able to figure out the purpose of this strange vehicle. Second, continue investigating and confirm whether Tao Ying's child is indeed building such a strange vehicle, and whether that Dan Yang soldier was deceiving us!"

  He said, "We can't attack the Dan Yang army again, it's too dangerous! Let's start with the craftsmen in Tao Yingxiao's army. Although they live in Tao Yingxiao's army, their families all live in Xuzhou City. We'll buy off their families and have them spy for us."

  "Brother is wise, younger brother understands." Zou Fang sneered and replied: "Please rest assured, brother, buying those ordinary people..."

  The sudden knock at the door interrupted Miao Zhu's self-praise, and after confirming that it was indeed the secret knock of his trusted family member, Miao Zhu let Miao Fang open the secret room door. Outside the door, Miao Zhu's personal attendant bowed and said: "Reporting to Master, Tao Er Gongzi has come to visit and requests an audience with Master."

  "Second Master Tao?" Both Mei Zhu and Mei Fang were stunned, and Mei Fang couldn't help but ask a redundant question, "Which Second Master Tao?"

  "Which Tao Er Gongzi?" Zou Zhu's personal attendant was also stunned, and asked back in confusion: "Master, apart from Xu Zhou Mu Tao Gong's Tao Er Gongzi, is there another Tao Er Gongzi in Xu Zhou City?"

  Miao Zhu and Miao Fang looked at each other, both of them puzzled, and simultaneously thought to themselves, "Why did Tao Ying bring the child to visit us brothers? Could it be that he discovered our plan to spy on his military strategy?"

  Doubts beget doubts, Tao Ying still had the identity of Xu Zhou's second son, and Mi Zhuang and Mi Fang didn't want to give Tao Ying a cold shoulder. They confirmed that Tao Ying wasn't bringing troops to catch thieves - in short, to catch thieves. The Mi brothers quickly left the secret room, changed into their official robes, and went out to welcome Tao Ying. When they arrived at the gate of the Mi residence, they saw Tao Ying, dressed in casual clothes, leading a few followers waiting at the door. The Mi brothers didn't dare to be slow, so they hurried forward together to pay their respects and apologize, "Mi Zhuang, Mi Fang didn't know that the young master had arrived, and we lost our chance to welcome you from afar. We hope the young master will forgive us."

  "Please get up, both of you." Tao Ying still couldn't get used to the silly look on the faces of the two Mou brothers, and he smiled foolishly: "It was Tao Ying's own idea to come visit you two suddenly, so it's only natural that you didn't go far to welcome him - but rather, Tao Ying has been waiting here for a long time. You two Mou gentlemen, just how deep is this mansion of yours?"

  "Zou Zhu learned that the young master had arrived at his humble abode, and he went to change into more formal attire to welcome him. He didn't expect to keep the young master waiting for so long, please forgive me." Zou Zhu was also very dissatisfied with Tao Ying's strictness and lack of human touch. After apologizing, he turned to scold the gatekeeper: "Are you all wooden chickens and clay dogs? The young master has arrived, why didn't you invite him to the guest hall for tea, instead making him wait here?"

  The servants of the Mei family all nodded and apologized, one after another, confessing their guilt. But Mei Fang was dissatisfied with Tao Yingyi and took the opportunity to scold him: "You dare to be so presumptuous! The Second Master is who? He is not only the son of our master but also a benefactor of Xuzhou. You are just a gatekeeper's slave, how dare you be lazy in front of him?! Come on, take this wicked slave away and give him twenty heavy slaps!"

  The servants of the Mu family were so frightened that their souls flew away, and they quickly knelt down to beg for mercy. Tao Ying smiled foolishly and said: "Director Mu, forget it, no need to get angry over such a small matter! Besides, I came to visit you this time because I have something to ask of the two directors. Director Mu has already scolded his servants severely because of me, how can I have the face to make my request?"

  "The young master has spoken too much, if there's anything that needs to be done, just send someone to instruct me and I'll do my best to serve like a dog or horse. I really don't dare accept your two words of kindness." Hearing Tao Ying's words, Zhan Zhu became even more puzzled and curious, and hastily made an inviting gesture towards Tao Ying, saying: "Young master, please come in quickly, my humble abode is simple, but I hope you can forgive me."

  Tao Ying readily agreed, and with a silly smile, he lifted his leg and entered the door without any courtesy. He walked all the way to the front of Miao Zhu and Miao Fang brothers, constantly looking around in surprise and admiration for the luxurious decorations of the Miao Mansion. He was a typical country bumpkin. Miao Zhu and Miao Fang brothers were careful to invite Tao Ying to the main hall for tea, and also ordered the preparation of a banquet to entertain him. Tao Ying thanked them and sat down with Miao Zhu brothers as host and guest.

  The tea was brought up, and the beautiful maid servant presented the teacup to Tao Ying in front of him. Intentionally wanting to make the Mo brothers look down on themselves, Tao Ying took the opportunity to show off his charm, deliberately reaching out to grab the maid's small hand. The maid cleverly dodged and retreated with a bow. Seeing this scene, the Mo brothers' faces suddenly turned unpleasant as they looked at Tao Ying with even more disdain. However, Tao Ying seemed oblivious, gazing at the maid's slender back as she walked away with an expression of admiration, saying: "Mo Bie Jia is indeed rich and powerful, even the maids in his household are so beautiful and charming. Compared to the ugly servants in my own household, they are countless times more lovely."

  If it were Liu Bei who said this, the Mi brothers would have already presented the maid with both hands, but for Tao Ying, the Mi brothers didn't have any such intention - not even a little bit. So Mi also pretended not to understand the underlying meaning of Tao Ying's words and only bowed his hands to Tao Ying, saying: "Young master, just now you said that coming to visit is to ask for something, I dare not presume, young master has what instructions, can speak directly, Mi brothers will be able to do it, will definitely do their best."

  "Good, it seems that these two brothers only have hostility towards me and don't take me too seriously." Tao Ying was secretly delighted. Earlier, Pig Brother's actions were actually a test of the Mu Zhai brothers. If the Mu Zhai brothers had taken the opportunity to send the beautiful maid to Tao Ying, then without a doubt, they would have considered Tao Ying a dangerous enemy and planted a female spy on him. But the Mu Zhai brothers were so stingy that they missed this great opportunity, which proved one thing - the Mu Zhai brothers didn't take Tao Ying as an opponent seriously enough, at least not to the point of planting a mole in his household.

  Having roughly understood the attitude of the Mo brothers towards him, Tao Ying's mind was greatly settled. He turned to Mo Jie and replied: "Mo Jie doesn't have to be so humble. Tao Ying came to your doorstep today indeed with a request, and among the five counties of Xuzhou, only you two brothers can help me with this matter."

  "Oh, then please speak, young master." Zou Zhu was even more curious.

  Tao Ying didn't mince words and said, "I'm being presumptuous, but I'd like to ask for your help. Can you get me twenty three-zhang-long sandalwood logs, two thousand catties of top-grade steel, and one thousand catties of top-grade raw silk?"

  "Gongzi forgive the crime, dare to ask Gongzi, what do you want these things for?" Zou Zhuo was puzzled again. Cao Hong had replaced Tao Ying in purchasing raw silk, which Zou Zhuo knew about, but the two materials, Bian Tie and Tan Mu, did not appear on Cao Hong's procurement list - Cao Hong had only purchased a batch of ordinary wrought iron for making weapons on behalf of Tao Ying.

  "It's a must for the army." Tao Hua replied vaguely, "The second in command also knows that Tao Ying was allowed by his father to form an independent army with the identity of Junjun Sima, named Junzi. These woods, iron and silk are all necessary things for the establishment of Junzi Army."

  Mi Zong and Mi Fang exchanged a glance, both curious in their hearts. They thought that wood and iron were indeed necessary for the military, but what did the army need silk for? To weave silk flags? Moreover, why would the army need sandalwood at such an exorbitant price - to whittle wooden stakes or set up camps? Out of curiosity, Mi Fang couldn't help but ask: "Young master, it's not strange that the military needs iron, but what do they need sandalwood and silk for? These aren't necessities for the troops!"

  "Heaven's secret cannot be revealed." Tao Ying sold a suspenseful tone, foolishly smiled and said: "In short, as long as the other driver helps Tao Ying with this matter, then Tao Ying will definitely give the other driver a big surprise later on."

  "Sir, I, Mou Zhu, dare to ask another question. Ebony, raw silk and rhino iron are expensive but not rare. I heard that General Cao Hong was appointed by your lordship to provide everything needed for the army. Why didn't you ask General Cao Hong for these things instead of asking me?"

  "This...". This time, Tao Ying hesitated and said with a twisted expression: "Tao Ying dare not deceive Bie Jia, in fact, Tao Ying has already spoken to General Cao Hong about it. However, Father thinks that the weapons made from these materials may not be useful, and also finds the price of the things Tao Ying needs too expensive... so he doesn't allow General Cao Hong to provide them for Tao Ying. Tao Ying had no choice, which is why he came to ask Bie Jia."

  Speaking of this, Tao Ying hurriedly added a sentence. "Originally, Tao Ying wanted to ask Chen Yuanlong and his son for help, but Chen Yuanlong had not been in business, even if he agreed to help, it would be difficult to gather all the things Tao Ying needed at once. So Tao Ying came to Bian Jia with a thick face. The Bian family has been in business for five generations, and their home is filled with goods, everything they need is available. It's hard to think that these items are not available to Bian Jia, I don't know if Bian Jia can help, and get these things for Tao Ying?"

  Meng Zong's eyes sparkled, and he secretly gave his brother a signal. Meng Fang understood, and with a smile, asked Tao Ying: "Sir, twenty three-zhang sandalwood, two thousand catties of top-grade steel, and one thousand catties of top-grade raw silk are not insignificant in number. Since you have approached my brother, we should do our best to prepare them for you. However, as for the funds needed to purchase these goods, how do you plan to pay?"

  Tao Ying was stunned for a moment, as if he had just thought of this important question. Then Tao Ying hesitated for a moment, and finally asked with a red face: "Zi Fang brothers, can I temporarily borrow some money from you? I will return it later."

  "Ptoo!" Mei Fang and Mei Zhu almost spat a mouthful of thick phlegm onto Tao Ying's face, thinking to themselves: You're still the second son of the Xu state governor, but you dare to utter words like "debt" with a straight face?

  "Gentlemen, you're making it difficult for me." Having basically understood Tao Ying's intentions, Mei Fang didn't mince words and immediately declined: "Although the Mei brothers' family has some wealth, after experiencing the chaos of Cao Ze, our household, like all the merchants in Xuzhou, has been severely damaged and is struggling to recover. The goods you need are also quite valuable, and my family really can't afford to pay for them on your behalf. I hope you'll forgive me."

  Tao Ying's silly smile solidified on his face, and his words became even more hesitant. "Brother Bie, is this really true? I heard that Brother Bie presented two thousand servants to Lord Xuan De, as well as a large batch of military supplies and grain. Compared to what I need, it's probably just a drop in the bucket, right?"

  "That's already the best I can do." Mi Zhu spread his hands and said with a sigh, "Mi Zhu has presented a batch of money, grain, and horses to Lord Guan, but that was also Mi Zhu representing the people of Xuzhou expressing gratitude for Lord Guan's great kindness in saving them. Later, Mi Zhu also promised to present 200 fine warhorses to the young master, but his meager savings have already been depleted, and he really can't stretch out a helping hand to the young master again."

  "What did the Big Ears Bandit use to buy off these two scoundrels? They're actually willing to be so utterly obedient and fawn all over him?" Tao thought to himself, "Well, it's for the best. You people didn't want the last chance at redemption that I offered you, so when I take revenge on your families in the future, I won't have any psychological burdens."

  In his heart, Tao Ying was secretly resentful, but on his face, there was not a hint of anger or resentment. Instead, he still wore an expression of sincere and earnest entreaty, his words laced with a pleading tone as he asked: "Your Excellency, can't you think of a way to help me?"

  "It's beyond my power, and it's really helpless." Zou Jian shook his head resolutely, and his expression also began to show impatience.

  Tao Ying's face changed, as if there was a battle between heaven and man in his heart. After a long time, Tao Ying's facial muscles twitched several times, and he said in a low voice: "Bie Jia, can you temporarily withdraw from the left and right? Tao Ying has an object that he would like to ask Bie Jia to take a look at?"

  "Taoying Xiaoer might be about to reveal the truth." A glint of sharp light flashed in Zou's eyes, and he immediately waved his hand for the servants on either side to withdraw.

  Only when the hall was left with only Tao Ying and the two brothers, Mi Zhong and Mi Heng, did Tao Ying pull out a large map from his sleeve and say in a mysterious low voice: "Mi Gong, you must have heard of Mozi's Thunderclap Chariot during the Spring and Autumn Period? This chariot is a siege engine that has been lost for many years. I, Tao Ying, have read countless ancient books and finally found the method to build this Thunderclap Chariot."

  "Thunderbolt car?" Mei Zhu and Mei Fang exchanged a glance, hastily got up from their seats and walked to Tao Ying's front. When Tao Ying unfolded the map, Mei Zhu and Mei Fang immediately discovered an important situation - the rough sketch they bought with a large sum of money from the Dan Yang army was not fake goods.

  It turned out that the sketch drawn by Tao Ying was exactly the detailed appearance of that strange vehicle, and it also marked very detailed dimensions. Compared to the unfinished rough sketch, this sketch had an additional giant throwing arm on the strange vehicle, with a scoop at the top and a horizontal wooden beam and rope at the bottom. Tao Ying pointed to the sketch and explained: "General, please take a look, this Thunderbolt Car is used in this way. First, put the round stone into the scoop, then let dozens of soldiers pull the rope below the throwing arm, and you can shoot out stones weighing dozens of kilograms over a hundred steps away, which can be used to destroy the enemy's city wall, it's the sharpest! If the enemy soldier is hit by this stone bullet, it will be a fatal injury with broken bones and tendons.

  "After all the fuss, it turned out that Tao Ying was secretly building this thunderbolt chariot for attacking cities!" Zou Jing and Zou Fang suddenly realized together, and also burst into laughter at the same time. They deeply regretted being too vigilant against Tao Ying - although the Zou brothers were only mediocre in military affairs, they could still see at a glance that Tao Ying's thunderbolt chariot was only useful for attacking cities, and had no use whatsoever in field battles. For Liu Bei's army, which excelled in field battles, it posed almost no threat."

  What's more, Zou Jing and Zou Fang brothers also seriously doubted that the Thunderbolt car made by a bookworm like Tao Ying could actually throw stones out. It was still a big question!