Chapter 60

Horse shoes, as the name suggests, are iron shoes nailed to the bottom of a horse's hooves, also known as horseshoes, used to protect the hooves. A horse's hoof is composed of two layers: the layer in contact with the ground is a few centimeters thick and made of hard keratin, while the upper layer is living keratin. The horse's hooves come into contact with the ground, subject to friction and corrosion from water, leading to rapid wear. This is even more likely to cause breakage and脱落 when the horse is used for riding or pulling carts. Nailing horseshoes is to slow down the wear of the hooves by shaping iron pieces to fit the hooves and nailing them on. The use of horseshoes not only protects the hooves but also allows for the addition of cleats, making the hooves grip the ground more firmly, which is beneficial for both riding and driving. In later generations, when watching historical dramas and movies, the horses are all fitted with horseshoes, so it has become a habit to think that ancient China knew the method of nailing horseshoes to protect hooves very early on. However, it was not expected that ancient China, which led the world in iron smelting technology, did not think of fitting iron shoes to the hooves.

In later generations, there is a story: the loss of a single iron nail led to the loss of a horseshoe; the loss of a horseshoe led to the loss of a warhorse; the loss of a warhorse led to the loss of a king; the loss of a king led to the loss of a battle; the loss of a battle led to the destruction of a dynasty. Although this story conveys the principle that a small flaw can cause a great collapse, it also shows that people at that time already knew the importance of horseshoes in war, especially in ancient wars where cavalry was the main military force and warhorses were the primary strategic equipment. Not only in war, but in daily life, horseshoes also play an important role. After nailing horseshoes, the wear of the hooves can be significantly reduced, whether for pulling carts or riding, making the horses more efficient and saving a lot of money on horse maintenance.

"Brother Jingshi?... Brother Jingshi?" Wang Zike saw Xia Hongsheng standing there in a daze, not knowing what he was thinking, and asked, "Brother Jingshi, what are you thinking about so deeply? Is it related to the horseshoes you mentioned?"

Xia Hongsheng was brought back to reality by Wang Zike's call, and he looked at Wang Zike with a somewhat strange expression, confirming, "Brother Zike, have you really never heard of horseshoes? The iron shoes for horses! Is it because of your noble status that you haven't done these things, so you don't know?"

Wang Zike shook his head firmly and said, "I have never heard of horseshoes or iron shoes for horses, nor have I heard of them from my people. I am very fond of horses, and if such things existed, I would not be unaware. Even the horse breeders in my family have never mentioned them. I can assure you of this."

"Oh..." Xia Hongsheng nodded, realizing that the custom of nailing horseshoes really didn't exist at the time.

"I don't know what horseshoes or iron shoes for horses are, or what they are used for. I am very curious, please enlighten me, Brother Jingshi." Wang Zike politely filled Xia Hongsheng's wine cup and asked with bright eyes.

"Horseshoes are iron tools that can be made by blacksmiths. They are round iron plates shaped like hooves, nailed to the hooves to protect them from wear and damage. With horseshoes, even galloping over rocky terrain or stepping on weapons, the hooves won't be damaged. If the iron plates are damaged, they can be easily replaced. The removed horseshoes can be melted down and reused, which is very beneficial." Xia Hongsheng took a sip of wine, enjoying its grainy aroma and mild taste.

"Clang..." Wang Zike's wine cup fell to the table and then rolled to the ground.

Wang Zike's eyes widened, his mouth agape, staring at Xia Hongsheng in disbelief.

Xia Hongsheng watched him with interest, seeing his expression change from shock and disbelief to a thoughtful one. Hmm? No, why does he look so fierce and menacing now?!

"Ha ha ha... Brother Jingshi, where are these horseshoes...?" Wang Zike looked at Xia Hongsheng, his voice low and eerie, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace.

What's wrong with this kid? Why did he react so strangely to the mention of horseshoes... Xia Hongsheng was a bit scared, wondering if he had shocked him into a stupor.

"This is just an idea of mine. If Brother Zike wants them, you can have a blacksmith make them!" Xia Hongsheng said to Wang Zike.

"Good!" Wang Zike suddenly slammed the table and stood up, startling Xia Hongsheng, who spilled his wine. Wang Zike grabbed Xia Hongsheng and said, "Ha ha ha, I am very curious about these horseshoes and can't wait a moment longer! Let's go and make them, and see if they are as amazing as Brother Jingshi says! Ha ha ha..."

With that, he pulled Xia Hongsheng out.

"Hey, we haven't eaten yet..." Xia Hongsheng said.

"No problem, if the horseshoes are made, I will be happy to treat Brother Jingshi to meals every day!" Wang Zike was very excited, and Xia Hongsheng rolled his eyes and was dragged out of Yixiangju. They headed east, and the further they went, the more Xia Hongsheng felt something was off. There were fewer people around.

Xia Hongsheng stopped. "Brother Zike, this isn't the way to a blacksmith's shop, is it?!"

Wang Zike, who was almost running, stopped and explained, "Oh, we are going to the residence of the Grand General to borrow some things from Uncle Qutu. He has blacksmiths under him who are better than those in the shops."

Xia Hongsheng narrowed his eyes. This guy is indeed from a high-ranking family. Uncle Qutu must be the Duke of Jiang he mentioned earlier! The general who had his men flog the Turks in the market, Li Shimin's general sent to garrison Luoyang and protect Chang'an, Qutu Tong. It seems his family is on good terms with Qutu Tong's family.

They walked quickly and soon arrived at the general's residence. There were soldiers standing outside, but Wang Zike didn't announce their arrival and just pulled Xia Hongsheng in. The soldiers didn't stop them, showing that Wang Zike was indeed on very good terms with Qutu Tong.

"Uncle Qutu, Uncle Qutu!" Wang Zike shouted in the courtyard, "Your nephew has come to visit!"

"Cough, cough, cough..." A burst of coughing came, and Xia Hongsheng turned to see an old man with white hair and a beard, wearing armor, walking over, smiling as he said, "What's the noise for? I'm not dead yet, why so loud!"

Wang Zike ran over and bowed respectfully to the old man, and Xia Hongsheng followed suit. Qutu Tong looked at Xia Hongsheng and then at Wang Zike.

Wang Zike looked around and leaned in to whisper in the old man's ear. The old general's expression changed, first in shock, then darkening, and finally becoming stern and menacing.

The sound of armor clinking, the old general strode over to Xia Hongsheng, his imposing figure casting a shadow, his face fierce and menacing, and his voice stern, "Young master, I greet you. Where are the horseshoes?"

Old man, you look like you're about to rob and kill, not greet someone!

"Brother Jingshi, this is the Duke of Jiang, please speak quickly!" Wang Zike appeared beside Xia Hongsheng, his eyes shining brightly.

Xia Hongsheng took a step back and said, "There are no ready-made ones. If the old general has blacksmiths, I can direct them to make them."

"If you can do it, I will thank you on behalf of all the soldiers!" Qutu Tong looked sternly at Xia Hongsheng and then turned and shouted, "Men, prepare the carriage, go to the military workshop!"

In no time, a group of fierce, silent, and menacing soldiers galloped to the military workshop, surrounding it. The craftsmen inside hurried out and saw a carriage arrive, from which two young men jumped down, followed by the old general.

The craftsmen had never seen the old general personally visit the workshop before, so they quickly bowed. Qutu Tong waved his hand to dismiss the formalities and then looked at Xia Hongsheng.

Xia Hongsheng shrugged and walked over to the old blacksmith, who was almost trembling, and smiled kindly, "Old man, do you know how to make horseshoes?"

At this, everyone around them had a black line on their faces, and the old blacksmith looked bewildered, not knowing how to respond. Horseshoes? What's that? Xia Hongsheng realized his opening was a bit silly and quickly smiled and said, "Ahem, old man, could you make four iron strips and shape them? Here, I'll draw a diagram for you, and you can make them according to it..."

Xia Hongsheng ran into the workshop, found a piece of charcoal, and squatted down to draw and explain to the old blacksmith. Qutu Tong and Wang Zike, old and young, watched closely, afraid to miss a word. Hmm? Why is someone taking notes too!