The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After hearing what Chen Qi said, Chen Heng immediately went back to the house to get the drawings.

Although Chen Heng is not a good painter, the control he has developed through years of practicing brushwork is enough for him to draw some simple and intuitive lines on paper. He himself does not pursue beauty, but only wants to restore the original object as much as possible. The moment the drawing was completed, Chen Heng's thoughts followed.

When Chen Qi held two paintings and looked at each other in front of the oil lamp. He was also secretly amazed by what Chen Heng wrote on the paper. Chen Qi was an old carpenter, and he found out at a glance that the method was not complicated. Chen Qi said somewhat strangely: Heng'er, is this the business you mentioned?

As a father, Chen Qi really didn't realize that this thing could make a lot of money every day in the future.

Yes. Chen Heng nodded and asked, Dad, can you make this thing?

What can't be done with this? It's still two wheels. Chen Qixian held up a drawing and asked halfway through, Are you asking people to sit directly in the shed? What's the pull in the front and the one in the middle? This bar can’t trap a horse, can it?”

When Chen Qi said it was okay, Chen Heng immediately introduced: Dad, this is called a rickshaw.

Next, Chen Heng elaborated on the benefits of rickshaws. Nowadays, there are not many ways for people to travel in Yangzhou city. Large families own their own cars and sedans. These people are definitely not the target customers. Common people only choose horse-drawn carriages and ox-carts when traveling far away. On weekdays, they still mostly walk. .

It is not that there are no carriage shops in the city, but each carriage costs a lot of money. Horses, mules, donkeys, etc. are all rare items, let alone carriages whose prices are higher than them. As long as a poor family has some money, they will buy a cow for themselves to make ends meet. When farming is busy, it can also be used to cultivate land and transport goods.

Chen Heng thought that if he said this, his father would be able to discover this vast market.

As a result, Chen Qi asked: Then what?

Seeing that my father still didn’t understand, he couldn’t figure out the relationship between the two.

Chen Heng thought for a while, and since it didn't make sense in a big way, he changed to a simpler explanation, Dad, look, when we went to see off my second brother in the morning, it took me two-quarters of an hour to walk from the mountain chief's house to the outside of the city. What if It will cost you half a tael to find a carriage. If you ask for a sedan bearer in the city...it will only cost one or two taels for just two people to carry it.

Dad, if it were you, would you walk or spend money?

Hearing his son's question, Chen Qi immediately shook his head, Why spend this unjust money? If you have hands and feet, walking more will be good for your health.

Then if a rickshaw can take us to the city gate for only three or five pennies, and the time is about the same as that of a sedan bearer, will you take it?

Half of Chen Qi's face, illuminated by the oil lamp, was full of surprise and astonishment. Before he could speak, Mrs. Gu became interested. Two years ago, he opened a shop on Qiupu Street. After many trials and hospitality, Gu's consumption concept has been greatly changed. If you spend three to five cents, you can save a while of walking. That's it. What a great thing, business will definitely be great.”

Hearing his mother say this, Chen Heng looked at Chen Qi slightly with interest, as if to say: Dad, you see, my mother is more discerning than you.

By this time, Chen Qi also understood. After thinking about it in his mind, it seemed that there was indeed no problem. He asked again: Heng'er, what can dad do? I don't know how to do business.

You don't have to worry about external matters. The children will be arranged, and you only need to be a supervisor in the workshop. Naturally, it is not Chen Qi's turn to plan the overall situation. All Chen Heng wants is the attitude of the other party.

Okay. Chen Qi didn't hesitate and nodded directly in agreement. My son has taken this into consideration, so a father can't waste Heng'er's thoughts.

He took another drawing and while Chen Heng was chatting with Gu, he looked at the oil lamp for a long time before saying, Hengre, what do you call these two wheels?

This. Chen Heng was chatting enthusiastically with Mrs. Gu, and tilted his head when he heard this, This is called a bicycle.

This is what Chen Heng prepared for the people in Yangzhou City. Now every household has more spare money on hand. Yangzhou City continues to expand, and more convenient travel methods are something that the people have not yet realized, but are imminent.

As long as Chen Qi is willing to nod, Chen Heng will take these two things and go to Uncle Lin to have a good talk tomorrow.

Eh- Chen Qi made a strange sound, and looked at the drawing closer before saying, Heng'er, I've seen this thing before. What kind of bicycle is it called? This is not Huang Xiaodi's two-wheeled vehicle. Well.

Chen Heng was still thinking, and couldn't help but be stunned when he heard this, and said with a bit of disbelief: Dad, what did you say?

A two-wheeled vehicle! Brother Huang also made one of yours. Chen Qi pointed with his hand, It looks similar to the one you drew. It's the front end of the car, which is turned. When he made it, We carpenters all went to his house to see it.”

The more Chen Heng listened, the more shocked he became. He hurriedly asked: Dad, who is this little brother Huang you are talking about? Where does he live?

He, his name is Huang Luzhuang, and he lives in Yazi Hutong in the north of the city.

…………

…………

Originally, Yazi Hutong was not called this name because it was close to the government office. The small businessmen and hawkers in the city did not like to come, and the girls did not dare to come. This made the residents laugh at themselves that they lived in a dumb alley.

The housing prices here are also very cheap, only a little more expensive than the noisy east part of the city. When Chen Heng arrived with Xinda, the morning light shone diagonally into the street. There are only a few scattered shops on the streets and alleys. Compared with other places in Yangzhou, it is indeed much deserted.

I asked the residents in the neighborhood about the houses in Huangluzhuang. Soon some enthusiastic people led them to an old dilapidated house.

This is Huang Sheng's home.

After thanking the guide, Chen Heng took Xinda and walked around the house. The houses in the north of the city were built earlier, but the appearance of this house still looks older than that of its neighbors.

A simple fence encloses a small vegetable plot in the courtyard. The season was bad and nothing grew in the ground. Chen Heng and Xinda knocked on the courtyard door and shouted twice, but saw no response from the room.

He didn't know if he was not at home. Chen Heng waited all night, how could he be willing to go back so easily. He directly pulled Xinda open the courtyard door, walked outside the bungalow, and looked around.

Second brother, this Huang Sheng is at home. I think he is still sleeping in the room. Xinda was not shy. He stared at the window for a while and then waved to Chen Heng.

Chen Heng came up to take a look, and saw that the other person was still sleeping soundly, so he simply said: Don't wake him up yet, let's wait until he wakes up.

Eh?! Xinda was surprised. He had met many people with his brother in the past two years. It was the first time I saw him treat a stranger with such patience and courtesy.

Seeing that there was no place to sit in the yard, Chen Heng took Xinda and sat on the doorstep. With nothing to do at the moment, he couldn't help but think of Huang Luzhuang's life introduced by Chen Qi last night.

The ancestors of Huangluzhuang still had some money and had studied for several years when they were young. I heard he was a child prodigy with a photographic memory. The age of the children who passed the exam was almost the same as Chen Heng.

But later Huang's father went into business with someone and was defrauded of all his family wealth by a friend. After the other party got the money, he turned around and ran all over the world. The Huang family suffered a big change, and their family situation plummeted.

The family could not continue to support Huang Lvzhuang's education, so he was sent to a carpenter's shop to be an apprentice, which could be regarded as learning some skills to make a living.

Unfortunately, Huang Luzhuang is still an idiot for reading. After I finished my studies, I often used the money I earned to buy books, and occasionally borrowed money to buy some foreign gadgets.

In Chen Qi's narration, Huang Luzhuang is an unconventional and taciturn bookworm. In addition to being very good at arithmetic, I mostly just hide at home and make things. Now in my twenties, I have not even gotten married.

He's a nice guy. But he's just a weirdo.

Recalling Chen Qi's expression when he said this, Chen Heng became even more curious about Huang Luzhuang sleeping in the room. Fortunately, he had nothing to do today and still had time and patience to wait.

After waiting until the sun was shining and lunch was approaching, there was the sound of the owner getting up in the room. Chen Heng quickly pulled Xinda to his feet. After packing his robes a few times, he met Huang Luzhuang who was carrying a bucket and was about to fetch water.

Huang Luzhuang was about twenty-seven or eighty-years-old. He didn't even wear a Confucian scarf on his head. He only fixed it with a wooden hairpin scrawledly in his hair. Wearing a green shirt that has been washed until it turns white, there are many patches on it.

He looked very bad and showed signs of staying up late for a long time. The complexion is sallow and there are rich black bags under the eyes. This appearance is coupled with Huang Luzhuang's thin figure. Anyone who sees it would probably call Huang Luzhuang a down-and-out scholar.

Chen Heng thought about it in his mind and already took the initiative to salute and say hello: Brother Huang, this is Chen Heng, who belongs to Chen Ji Carpenter Shop.

Seeing the visitor announcing his door, Huang Luzhuang, who had just woken up, turned his head and thought about it before he recalled the family of Chen Ji's carpenter shop. He whispered: Oh, it's Brother Chen's child. Huang Luzhuang put down the barrel, returned the gift, and then asked, But is there something difficult at home?

Huang Lvzhuang's face showed some anxiety, and his eyebrows wrinkled unconsciously, revealing deep 'Chuan'-shaped stripes. This made him look much older despite his young age.

No, no. Chen Heng waved his hands repeatedly, fearing that the other party would be worried, and added, I just heard about Brother Huang last night, so I came here to pay a visit today.

Hear me? See you? Huang Luzhuang was very surprised by such wording. He glanced at Chen Heng up and down, then moved the barrel to the corner of the door, nodded and said, Come in.

The three of them walked into the house, only two of them were sitting. The room was indeed a little messy, so Huang Luzhuang tried his best to clear away the things next to the seats to create a comfortable environment for the guests.

Chen Heng took advantage of a moment of free time to secretly look at the place that integrated the lobby, study room, and dining table. There is a dining table behind him and a bookshelf in front of him with various books on it. Chen Hengduo took a second look and found that they were all related to arithmetic.

Huang Luzhuang took out a tea set from the drawer under the bookshelf. When I left and came back, I had brought a pot of tea with me. After completing these trivial matters, he sat across from the two guests and asked about their opinions.

While pouring tea for Xinda, Chen Heng gave the former a look, while holding the tea cup with a smile, he said, I heard from my family that Brother Huang built a two-wheeled vehicle? If it is convenient, he can Please let me take a look.

When Huang Luzhuang heard this, a smile appeared on his face. He didn't expect that the other party came here because of this, and said a little embarrassedly: It's just a weird thing. I made it myself for fun.

Many carpenters in the city knew about this, and they also knew that Huang Luzhuang had skillful hands and a good mind, and could often do things that were different from ordinary people.

It doesn't matter, I just like strange things. Chen Heng smiled and raised his hand to make a gesture of invitation. He really couldn't wait.

Huang Luzhuang didn't refuse either. Although he spoke little, he treated others with grace and restraint. Chen Heng didn't feel out of place because of his young age and sudden visit. Instead, on the way to the warehouse, he took the initiative to talk about the two-wheeler he had built.

When Chen Heng saw the real thing, he was honestly shocked. This car is naturally far inferior to the bicycles of later generations. But in terms of architecture and design concepts, it is already very outstanding and advanced.

It's still a two-wheeled body, three feet long, and looks like it can only seat one person. Chen Heng walked around the front of the car and found that the handlebar was a hand-crank type. Huang Luzhuang installed a transmission gear on the right side of the front of the car to complete the transmission of force.

It's... it's really amazing. Chen Heng praised him sincerely, but couldn't help but ask, Brother Huang, can I ride for a while?

He will fall down. Huang Luzhuang frowned, a little confused as to why the senior's children were so fond of a car.

Chen Heng immediately patted his chest and said, Brother Huang, don't worry, I'm very good at riding this. He was indeed very good at it. When he was in high school in his previous life, he relied on it to get to and from school.

Seeing that the other party was so committed, Huang Luzhuang had no choice but to nod in agreement. The two pushed the cart into the yard. Chen Heng tested the hardness of the wooden wheels and found that they easily got stuck in the soil. He suggested pushing the cart onto the street to try.

After the short ride was over, Chen Heng shook his aching hands and said, Okay, it's fun to ride, but it's too troublesome. He stood in front of Huang Luzhuang excitedly, Brother Huang, can you tell me about the process when you built this car? Any ideas?”

Unexpectedly, Chen Heng was still willing to listen to this, and Huangluzhuang's conversation suddenly became more interesting. He talked about his design ideas. Chen Heng mostly listened and only occasionally expressed his own opinions. After the other party finished speaking, Chen Heng added: Brother Huang, have you ever thought about it. This hand-cranked thing... Chen Heng made a shaking thing, Put it on your feet. Wouldn't it save a lot of effort?

Huang Luzhuang frowned subconsciously. At the thought, ecstasy appeared on his face, This is good, this method is good. The strength of the feet is indeed stronger than the hands. He rubbed his hands excitedly, as if he wanted to take action immediately , but there are still guests in front of me, so I can only stay with him awkwardly.

Chen Heng saw this and wanted to laugh in his heart. The two continued to discuss, and the subsequent topic couldn't help but turn to arithmetic.

Maybe it's asking for advice, maybe it's testing. Chen Heng asked several difficult questions. Huang Luzhuang closed his eyes and thought, and in a flash, the answer came out of his mouth. Discovering that Chen Heng also loved mathematics, Huang Luzhuang showed him his collection.

On the rows of bookshelves, there are mostly arithmetic books collected by Huang Luzhuang from all over the world. From easy to difficult, the variety is complete. It seemed to also hint at Huang Luzhuang's learning path. Chen Heng read several books. When he got to the advanced level, even he had to stop and think for a long time, and there were still some things he couldn't answer.

Huang Lvzhuang is really a genius in mathematics. No matter what kind of problem it is, he can write the solution process and answer next to it. Chen Heng flipped through a book and by the end he was convinced: Brother Huang, since you have this ability, why do you settle here?!

Chen Heng really has a love for talents. If he doesn't find a place to provide for such a person well. Let him concentrate on learning arithmetic, it is really a waste of money! ! !

Ah?! Huang Luzhuang tilted his head, squinted his eyes slightly, and showed a serious expression on his face before saying, I think it's pretty good now.

Chen Heng had no choice but to write this down in his mind. The two of them discussed arithmetic for a long time, without noticing the passage of time. It wasn't until Xinda came back with the food box that they realized half an hour had passed.

He is afraid that his own arbitrary decisions will affect his master's mood. Chen Heng said half-jokingly: Let the younger brother treat the older brother to a meal first. I have something to ask of Brother Huang later. I have made my own decision, so please forgive me. Next time, I will be a polite and peaceful visitor. Then I will have to eat a meal from Brother Huang.

Huang Luzhuang was a little shy when it came to secular matters. He knew that Chen Heng had good intentions and was afraid of spending money on himself. I could only say, Sorry to trouble you.

At the table, Chen Heng actually mentioned something. Although it was a temporary reason, it sounded like it was for this reason.

I think Brother Huang has the talent to invent objects. I have a few looms in my hands and would like to ask Brother Huang to help me.

There are so many looms on Qiupu Street. If Brother Huang can really make improvements, he will be a living person and have countless merits.

Okay. Huang Luzhuang nodded, this is a small matter. He felt that the good relationship he had with Chen Heng today, so being a favor was really nothing.

While eating, Chen Heng pointed at various things placed in the room and asked Huang Luzhuang about the uses of these inventions. Mechanical objects such as dragon-tail cars and waterfalls even include Dayong's original thermometer.

See this thing, it can really change due to the temperature change of the outside world. Chen Heng almost regarded the poor scholar in front of him as a god. How could he be a carpenter? He was a great inventor whose reputation had not yet spread!

I can’t figure it out, it’s really hard to figure it out. Why have I never heard of such a person in Yangzhou?

Chen Heng felt very helpless. But considering each other's friendship, after all, they just formed it. The friendship between gentlemen is as light as water. I think there will be time to interact with each other in the future. After Chen Heng had eaten, he took Xinda back to Qiupu Street to find someone to arrange the invitation to Huang Luzhuang.

But it was okay if he didn't show up. As soon as he showed up, Bao Qin caught him. Chen Heng was still looking for Director Zhao everywhere, but Bao Qin had already led Chun Yan and blocked him in the middle of the road.

Brother, what have you been doing these days? Baoqin's face was filled with anger. Since this little girl learned to dress like a man, she has become more and more careless in her actions. He was actually able to stop a man on the street.

Chen Heng didn't know why he had offended the young lady, and he felt even more curious: Second brother, what did the eldest brother do wrong?

Bao Qin curled up his lips and said, Brother, please forget about me.

Ah?! Oh oh. Chen Heng laughed, and he finally remembered.

There have been a lot of things at home in the past two days. I slept for five hours yesterday, and my brain can't bear it anymore. I'll have a meal and go make up my payment first.