BSI Chapter 13 Marriage
Chapter 13 Marriage
"Nowadays, most people use double-plows to cultivate the land, but my plow is called a curved-shaft plow."
"To cultivate the land with a double plow, it takes three strong men and two oxen, and a whole day's work, to plow just one acre of dry land. The efficiency is ridiculously low."
"My curved plow is quite different. It can plow three acres of land in a day, and it only requires one strong man and one ox."
Gu Cheng sipped the warm wine in his cup and slowly explained the ingenuity of the curved plow.
Cao Cao's body tensed suddenly, and a chilling glint flashed in his eyes.
Even Dian Wei, who was standing behind him, couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise.
He can cultivate three acres in a single day!
And it only takes one person and one ox to do it!
Cao Cao secretly calculated that Gu Cheng's plow was five times more efficient than an ordinary plow.
"If this plow truly possesses such miraculous effects, then conscripting 10,000 farmers is equivalent to conscripting 50,000!"
Cao Cao was calculating rapidly in his mind, and the excitement in his eyes grew stronger.
He forcibly suppressed his overwhelming joy and asked with a hint of doubt, "Nephew, is your curved plow really that powerful?"
Gu Cheng pointed to the plow sample next to him: "If you don't believe me, Uncle, just take this plow back and try it out on your Yang family's fields, and you'll see."
Cao Cao's eyes darted around, but he still couldn't grasp the key to the matter.
As the commander of an army, even when he occasionally went to the fields, it was just for show; in reality, he was completely unfamiliar with how to use farm tools.
Dian Wei, standing behind him, was a completely different story.
Dian Wei came from a poor family and made a living by farming in the countryside from a young age. In addition to his extraordinary martial arts skills, he was also an expert in farming.
He circled the curved plow several times, examining it carefully from top to bottom, and finally understood its intricacies.
"Master, the plows we usually use are straight-shafted, but this plow has been modified to have a curved shaft."
"Look at the shaft head. It has a rotating plowshare, which not only makes the plow lighter but also allows for flexible steering, making it easier and less strenuous to use."
"In my humble opinion, this curved-shaft plow is truly a divine plow that can be used for a great deal!"
Dian Wei's eyes were filled with excitement as he recounted the ingenious design hidden within the curved plow, detailing each and every aspect of it.
"It seems this brother used to be a proper farmer; he's finally met someone who knows what he's doing."
Gu Cheng gave a thumbs up and exclaimed in sincere admiration.
After hearing Dian Wei's words, Cao Cao was completely convinced.
He reached out and gently stroked the curved plow, as if he had acquired some rare treasure.
"With this curved plow, I can shorten the time for farming by five times, and thus be able to stockpile all the grain and fodder needed for the decisive battle with Yuan Shao's army before he marches south!"
"This Gu Cheng is not only exceptionally intelligent, far surpassing ordinary people, but he can also create such a miraculous plow. He is truly a gift from heaven to Cao Cao, a son-in-law sent from heaven!"
Cao Cao sighed inwardly, his eyes, filled with ecstatic joy, secretly glancing at Gu Cheng.
"So, Uncle, are you going to do this deal or not?"
Gu Cheng asked with a smile.
Cao Cao immediately replied with delight, "Of course we should make it. Such a miraculous plow is of immense use to the large-scale land reclamation plan. How could the government not buy it?"
"good!"
Gu Cheng raised his hand and slapped the table in front of him: "Then our deal is done. I will be responsible for making the curved plow, and you, Uncle, will be responsible for using your connections to promote and sell the plow to the government offices of various states. We will split the profits 30/70."
"So, is the division 70% for me and 30% for you, or 30% for me and 70% for you?" Cao Cao asked, feigning seriousness.
Gu Cheng coughed a few times as if to make a sound, and said with a smile, "In business, we only talk about business. Naturally, the junior will take 70%, and you, Uncle, will take 30%."
"You're quite shrewd, kid. You won't even give me, your future father-in-law, the slightest advantage."
Cao Cao couldn't help but smile bitterly to himself.
He then asked tentatively, "Such a wondrous plow, I wonder what price you intend to set for it when you sell it to the government?"
After thinking for a moment, Gu Cheng said, "Let's sell it for twice the price of ordinary plows on the market."
A look of surprise suddenly flashed in Cao Cao's eyes.
He originally thought that Gu Cheng would definitely ask for an exorbitant price for such a magical plow and make a huge profit.
But to his utter surprise, the price set by Gu Cheng was only twice as expensive as that of ordinary plows.
"Nephew, even if you set the price at four or five times higher, the government will still buy this divine plow. Are you really only planning to sell it for one time the price?"
Cao Cao asked with a face full of curiosity.
Gu Cheng spoke calmly, "The government's purchase of these curved plows is ultimately for the purpose of promoting the land reclamation policy. Although the ultimate goal is to collect grain and fodder in the future, it is still a way to provide food for the displaced people. It is only right and proper for us to make double the profit. If we sell them at a higher price, then we are making money in a heartless and unethical way."
Cao Cao's heart skipped a beat, and he looked the young man up and down again, a sense of awe and respect unconsciously creeping into his eyes.
"A gentleman loves wealth, but he acquires it in a proper way."
"Good, I knew I hadn't misjudged this son-in-law!"
Cao Cao inwardly praised him, then stood up and said, "I understand. The matter of selling and promoting plows will be entirely entrusted to me. My dear nephew, you can rest assured and prepare. In seven days, I will send my daughter to your home for the wedding!"
Gu Cheng also rose to see him off, bowing respectfully and saying, "Then this junior will await good news here!"
Cao Cao immediately took the curved plow and left Gu Family Village, heading straight back to the Sikong Mansion in Xuchang.
Inside the main hall of the Sikong Mansion.
Xun Yu had been waiting here for a long time, his face showing a hint of barely concealed anxiety.
Upon seeing Cao Cao enter, Xun Yu immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Minister Cao, Yuan Shao has already begun leading his army to attack Yijing. I fear that he will defeat Gongsun Zan and unify Hebei within the next year or two. Our decisive battle with Yuan Shao is drawing ever closer, and implementing the land reclamation policy is now of utmost urgency!"
"Everything Wenruo said makes sense."
Cao Cao nodded heavily, waved his hand, and said, "Follow your previous plan, immediately gather the displaced people and implement the military-agricultural settlement policy in Yingchuan."
Xun Yu's eyes flickered slightly, clearly not expecting Cao Cao to agree so readily, without the slightest hesitation he had shown during their previous discussions.
"Even if we start implementing land reclamation immediately, it will take at least three to five months to gather enough displaced people and purchase sufficient oxen and plows..."
"It won't take that long."
Cao Cao interrupted Xun Yu, holding up one finger and saying, "In my opinion, one month is more than enough."
"A month?"
Xun Yu shook his head repeatedly and said, "A military agricultural settlement will require at least 50,000 able-bodied men. According to the system of three men and two oxen, at least 20,000 oxen will be needed. I'm afraid it's impossible to complete it within a month."
Cao Cao smiled upon hearing this: "We don't need that many at all. Ten thousand able-bodied men and ten thousand oxen are more than enough for one military settlement."
"Lord Sikong, isn't the amount of land that 10,000 people can cultivate far too little?"
Xun Yu's eyes were full of suspicion.
Cao Cao didn't reply. Instead, he shouted, "Dian Wei, bring that curved plow up here so our Lord Xun can have a good look at it!"
Dian Wei received the order and immediately commanded the Tiger Guards beside him to steadily carry the sample of the curved plow to the main hall.
"Sikong, this is..."
Xun Yu pointed at the curved plow, his eyes filled with confusion and astonishment.
Cao Cao pointed to the plow and said, "This plow is called the curved plow. It only requires one person and one ox, and it can cultivate three acres of land in a day. If this plow is used for military farming, then naturally there will be no need for so many strong men and oxen."
Xun Yu's expression suddenly changed drastically. He paced back and forth around the curved plow, examining it with disbelief and astonishment on his face.
"Master, does this plow truly possess the miraculous effects you describe?"
Xun Yu raised his head and looked at Cao Cao, his face full of disbelief.
Cao Cao smiled and pointed at Dian Wei: "Dian Wei was a proper farmer before he joined the army. You can ask him and you'll know."
Xun Yu immediately turned to look at Dian Wei, who was standing to the side.
Dian Wei stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Minister Xun, I have carefully studied this curved plow, and it is indeed exactly as you described, Minister Xun."
Xun Yu gasped in shock, frozen in place, speechless for a long time.
After a long time.
Xun Yu's face instantly lit up with joy, and he immediately said happily, "If that's really the case, then having this plow for farming will surely make things twice as efficient, and we'll have even more confidence when we fight Yuan Shao in the future!"
Cao Cao immediately burst into laughter.
After Xun Yu's initial surprise subsided, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Minister, who was the most accomplished person to present this wondrous new plow to you?"
"A peerless genius!" Cao Cao said with a smile.
"A genius beyond compare? I wonder what this genius's name is?" Xun Yu quickly asked.
Cao Cao said with a mysterious smile, "I can't tell you now, but you'll know who he is soon enough."
Seeing that Cao Cao refused to reveal anything, Xun Yu knew he shouldn't press the matter further.
After finalizing the plan for military colonies, Xun Yu bowed and took his leave.
"What kind of extraordinary genius could have created such a miraculous plow..."
On the way back, Xun Yu kept muttering to himself, trying to guess the identity of this person.
...
Seven days later.
As evening approached, the entire Gujiazhuang village was already brightly lit and decorated, filled with a joyous and lively atmosphere.
An unassuming wedding carriage quietly drove out of Xudu, carrying Cao Jie, who was using the alias Yang Jia's daughter, and slowly arrived at the gate of the Gu residence.
The Gu family had declined for many years, and Gu Cheng had lived in seclusion for many years, so he had almost no relatives or friends in Xudu City.
This extremely low-key wedding was witnessed only by a few close confidants, including Zhou Tai and Diao Chan.
After the simple wedding ceremony, Cao Jie was escorted to the bridal chamber.
Gu Cheng drank with Zhou Tai until they were both thoroughly satisfied, and then, with Diao Chan's support, slowly made his way to the bridal chamber.
Inside the new house, Cao Jie had been sitting quietly for a long time.
She gently twirled the hem of her skirt with her fingertips, a blush appearing and disappearing on her beautiful face, her heart full of longing yet also harboring a hint of unease.
The door was gently pushed open.
With Diao Chan's support, Gu Cheng slowly stepped into the bridal chamber.
Cao Jie's heart pounded wildly, and her face, hidden behind the bridal veil, was already flushed with a deep blush.
Gu Cheng stepped forward and sat down next to Cao Jie, raising his hand to lift the red veil from her head.
"Young master, you can't just lift the bridal veil with your hands!"
Diao Chan quickly reminded her and handed over a bamboo scale used for lifting veils.
"Are there so many rules?"
Gu Cheng muttered something under his breath, reached out and took the bamboo stick, and gently flicked at a corner of the bridal veil.
Just as he was about to lift the veil, he suddenly hesitated.
What if the bride is really ugly and unsightly, just as Diao Chan said before?
As a man, who wouldn't want his wife to be as beautiful as a flower?
"Fine, whether she's beautiful or ugly, it's a marriage I arranged myself, and I accept it!"
Taking a deep breath, Gu Cheng slowly lifted the bridal veil. Under the flickering red candlelight.
A stunningly beautiful face, like a red rose quietly blooming in the night, caught Gu Cheng's eye.
Cao Jie had a light dusting of powder on her face, with red lips and delicate eyebrows, and her charm was captivating.
Perhaps it was the hazy effect of alcohol, but that face made Gu Cheng momentarily lose his focus.
She was an absolute beauty!
Although she couldn't compare to Diao Chan's unparalleled beauty, she was still exceptionally beautiful and charming.
This is truly a wonderful surprise!
Gu Cheng couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Cao Jie lowered her eyes, her face flushed with shyness, and the blush on her cheeks was as bright as a sunset. He became even more nervous under her gaze.
After gently biting her lips, she slowly raised her head, her watery eyes glancing quietly at Gu Cheng.
Their eyes met.
That gaze made Cao Jie's heart flutter, and he hurriedly lowered his head again.
"Cough cough."
Diao Chan coughed lightly a few times and softly reminded, "Young master, madam, it's time to hold the hair-tying ceremony."
As soon as she finished speaking, she presented a gilded jade plate to the two of them.
A small pair of scissors wrapped with red string was placed in the jade plate.
Gu Cheng composed himself and picked up the small pair of scissors, cutting off a lock of his hair.
Cao Jie followed his example and gently cut off an inch of her own black hair.
Diao Chan then tied two strands of her hair into a love knot and carefully placed them into a red pouch embroidered with mandarin ducks.
This ritual symbolizes that the two have become husband and wife from this day forward.
"Next, it's time for the nuptial ceremony, young master and madam, please."
Diao Chan then respectfully presented the two nuptial cups, each filled with wine, to the couple.
Gu Cheng reached out and picked up the jade cup, moving slightly closer to Cao Jie beside him.
Cao Jie also picked up the wine glass in front of her, leaned gently towards Gu Cheng, and the two intertwined their arms and drank the wine together.
"The ceremony is complete!"
"This servant wishes the young master and his wife a long and happy life together, and many children!"
After Diao Chan curtsied and offered her congratulations, she left the bridal chamber with a gentle smile on her face.
The door was gently closed.
Inside the spacious new house, only the two of them remained.
Gu Cheng looked at his new wife and saw that Cao Jie's face was even more radiant and beautiful under the flickering candlelight.
He couldn't help but raise his hand and gently lift her pointed chin, his gaze sweeping over her with unrestrained admiration.
"What are you looking at~"
Cao Jie looked embarrassed by his gaze and asked in a soft, delicate voice.
Gu Cheng said with a smile, "I was originally worried that I would marry a woman like Zhong Wuyan, but I didn't expect that God would be so kind to me and give me such a big surprise."
His words were clearly a compliment to her stunning beauty.
Which young girl in the throes of first love doesn't like to be praised for her beauty?
What's more, the one praising her was her newlywed husband.
Cao Jie was very pleased to hear this, and secretly delighted. He couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Gu Cheng gently embraced her slender waist, and Cao Jie leaned slightly to the side, softly resting in his arms.
Outside the door of the new house.
Diao Chan remained quietly standing outside the door.
Looking at the two figures reflected in the window paper, nestled tightly together, she felt a mix of emotions.
"Alas, I am of lowly birth and humble origins. I should be content to receive even a little pity from you, young master. How dare I be jealous of you, madam?"
"From now on, I will serve this new lady as well as I served the young master."
Diao Chan suppressed the slight jealousy in her heart and silently warned herself.
The red candles in the room flickered quietly.
Outside the window, the moonlight was intense.
...