NABC Chapter 193
Chapter 193
Chapter 193
The hall was quiet for a while, and Zhu Di said suddenly: "How many catties of steel can be produced every day?"
"It depends on the amount of pig iron." Zhang Anshi said: "As long as the supply of pig iron is sufficient, I will... at least build more furnaces."
Zhu Di said: "If this is the case, how much charcoal is needed? This charcoal... consumption is amazing."
The price of charcoal is not low. Although there are many mountains and forests near Nanjing City, many of them are royal gardens. If they are mined extensively, there will be too much steel that can be produced, and it may be difficult to supply.
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, the minister's stove does not use charcoal to make steel, but...coal."
"Coal?" Zhu Di knew a thing or two about this, and said, "This thing... can replace charcoal?"
"Not only can it be replaced, but there is a large amount of coal around Nanjing City. It just so happens that the nearest coal mine is in Qixia, next to Zhongshan."
This piece of coal mine is not small.
Of course, if it is changed to the huge output of later generations, it is nothing.
In fact, Zhang Anshi's steelmaking furnace may be regarded as a transcendence in the same era.
But if compared with the later generations, it is simply child's play, any steel factory can instantly kill Qixia a hundred times.
Looking at it now, even for large-scale steelmaking, Qixia's coal mines are enough for 50 years of refining.
At this time, the means of transportation were very backward, and it was very important for the steelmaking workshops to be close to the production areas of coal and pig iron.
Zhang Anshi continued: "As for the iron ore, there is a large area of iron ore in Meishan, Nanjing, which is enough for us."
Zhu Di said: "In this way, the daily production of such billets is five thousand catties?"
"If your Majesty needs it, I can produce 20 catties." Zhang Anshi said confidently, "It's just that... His Majesty needs a business...to be responsible for mining and steelmaking. In addition...for large-scale The production of these requires a large amount of silver borrowed from the bank.”
20 catties... In later generations, it will only be a mere hundred tons, so it can be said that it is not worth mentioning.
But here, it was enough to make Zhu Di gasp.
Doesn't this mean that a day's output can probably directly assemble thousands of military horses?
You know, when Zhu Di was in Beiping, he was a small expert in making iron.
In order to calm Nan, he forged weapons in the palace, and in order to cover up the sound of forging weapons, he also raised many geese in the palace.
He is very good at these things.
"Qixia has set up a production bureau. Besides, the iron mines in Meishan are also managed by Qixia. Whether it is mining minerals, steelmaking, or forging weapons, you are in charge of Annanhou in Qixia Town. It does not belong to the palace, nor does it belong to the Ministry of Industry, but to the commercial firm." Zhu Di made a decisive decision: "If you have any difficulties, you can report to me at any time. By the way, there are also craftsmen, how much do you want?"
"I hope to recruit by myself." Zhang Anshi was not at ease with the craftsmen.
Because this thing is hereditary, the craftsmanship is very unstable.
"Yes." Zhu Di said: "In short, I want to see you forging 20 catties of steel every day. No, I won't make things difficult for you. Even if it's only [-] catties, I will take credit for you."
Zhang Anshi said: "I obey the order."
Zhu Di was in a great mood. He looked at King Ning with a big laugh and said, "Look, I said earlier that Zhang Anshi is my right-hand man! Back then, when we were in Beiping and Daning, it would be great if we could cultivate so many Why should the Tatars in the desert be afraid of steel? It would be easier if they fought."
King Ning was startled when he heard this amount, so he hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, if the subject moves to the feudal domain, the supply of steel..."
Zhu Di said: "It depends on you, how much ability you have, how much steel and gunpowder you have, the business is based on the benefits, just like Annan, how much business tax and agricultural tax the company collected from Annan, and then based on these , will leave half of it to the local garrison, and with this money, the Governor’s Mansion will buy it again, all in all, it won’t let you take advantage of it, but it won’t teach you to suffer.”
After hearing Zhu Di's words, King Ning felt relieved.
In fact, he is not worried that Zhu Di's brother will settle the score, the only thing he is worried about is that the other party will renege on his promise and lose weight.If he could settle the account first, he would have nothing to worry about. After all... Ning Wang Zhu Quan is quite confident in his own ability.
"Ning Wangwei...was abolished a lot by His Majesty at the beginning, can I call back some of the old ministers in Daning? Besides... Among the three guards of Duoyan, there are many people who are old with the minister. Someone is willing to follow my brother, can your majesty allow it?"
Zhu Di said boldly: "How much belongings you can bring is your business, and your Ningwangfu, how much can you take away from Ningwangfu, including the stored grain, gold and silver, you just take it away yourself, these belongings, It was originally yours, so why would I want to seize it out of conscience? I only hope that you can follow the imperial examination and lay down a foundation."
Zhu Quan was eager to try. To be honest, it was not easy to make such a determination, but when Zhu Di said this, he had the bottom line in his heart.
Back then in Monan, Daning City was the closest to the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. Didn’t they beat the Tatars and Oirats on the ground?
Now it’s just going to Luzon, so how can the natives of Luzon compare with the Tatars and Oirats?
So Zhu Quan said: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
All of a sudden, it seems that the relationship between Zhu Di and Zhu Quan has become a lot closer in this short period of time.
At this time, Zhu Di actually wished that this guy would bring more soldiers and horses, and hoped that he could make a difference overseas!
And Zhu Quan also knew that once he went to sea, he might have to rely on the emperor's brother.
After exchanging pleasantries with Zhu Di for a while, Zhu Quan said, "Your Majesty, I'm afraid that I want to go back as soon as possible, discuss with the vassals, and make preparations for departure as soon as possible, so I will take my farewell here."
Zhu Di nodded: "Earlier is better, but this time... you are going to set off, and you still need Zheng He's fleet to come back. When they go to the Western Ocean next time, they will pick you up on the way. So you have plenty of time to prepare. "
Wait for Zhu Quan to leave.
Zhu Di glanced at Zhang Anshi and said, "How did you fool him?"
Zhang Anshi said with a smile: "I didn't fool you, I just told His Highness Prince Ning that there is a place where he can display his talents, and he was tempted."
"Hey, he's still not reconciled after all." Zhu Di said with emotion: "But if it were me, I'm afraid I wouldn't be reconciled, Tian Huanggui, who has learned so many skills, who would like to waste time in the palace for the rest of his life? It can be seen that it is right to let him move the domain, and those brothers of mine should move out."
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, not every vassal king has the courage of His Highness Prince Ning."
Zhu Di said: "That's why... let him set an example. The happier he is outside, the more greedy everyone will be. You have to find a way to make him happier."
Zhang Anshi nodded: "I think so too, and there is also the matter of steelmaking..."
Zhu Di stared at Zhang Anshi and said, "What's the matter with steelmaking?"
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty, the more vassal kings who move their vassals, the greater the demand for steel will be in the future. This new steel is tough. I plan to try to use this steel on firearms, but it's just that the horoscope has not yet been released. One stroke..."
Zhu Di said: "You can act on your own, and you don't have to report to me. In short, in Qixia, you can do whatever you want. In Qixia, I give you the power of discretion."
Zhang Anshi said: "Your Majesty is so trustworthy, your minister..."
Zhu Di waved his hands impatiently and said, "Don't say those words, I'll get goosebumps listening to you."
Zhang Anshi was very aggrieved and said: "I just express my feelings."
Zhu Di said: "Go home and feel good, don't let me know."
"Oh." Zhang Anshi was unhappy, always feeling like he had nowhere to display his abilities.
Wait for Zhang Anshi to resign.
Zhu Dirang Yi Shiha's pen, ink, paper and inkstone were set up, and he picked up the pen and wrote a line: "In Qixia, the Marquis of Annan acts arbitrarily in times of crisis, and he is not allowed to ask questions."
After writing it down, Zhu Di sat down and said, "Yeah."
Yi Shiha said, "The servant is here."
Zhu Di said: "After mounting my calligraphy tomorrow, send it to Qixia, and let Zhang Anshi hang it up."
"This..." Yi Shiha said cautiously: "Your Majesty, whether this Enlong is too much, it may not be a good thing for Marquis Annan."
Zhu Di shook his head and said: "Teach others to do things for you, you must always trust them. This kid has one idea a day, if he is timid when he does things, wouldn't it be a pity? This is not the grace I bestowed on him, but my whip. Urging him to give me the favor quickly Earn more money and do things well for me."
Yi Shiha understood, and immediately smiled and said: "I know, I will send it to you tomorrow."
Zhu Di looked down at the handwriting he wrote, and couldn't help but said: "My running script has improved. At the time, the emperor said that among all the princes, my handwriting was not good. You see, I have become the emperor, and every day After reviewing the memorial, does this word look more pleasing to the eye?"
Yi Shiha smiled and said, "Your Majesty's running script is unique and full of spirit."
After Zhu Di heard this, he couldn't help sighing: "It's like a dragon and a tiger. Doesn't that mean that my running script is not good? If you can pick out something good, you don't have to say something unique and dragons and tigers. "
Yi Shiha: "..."
Does this count as flattering on the ass?
He said he was very helpless!
Zhu Di suddenly remembered something at this moment, and said, "How is Ji Gang doing now?"
Yishiha became cautious, he glanced at Zhu Di quietly, and said: "Commander Ji, cut off his hand...he is recuperating now."
There was a trace of murderous look on Zhu Diben's face.
But after hearing Yi Shiha's words, he was quite surprised.
"How's the injury?"
"not too good."
Zhu Di said lightly: "Give me the medicine."
Yi Shiha sighed in his heart, he had to admit that Ji Gang did have his advantages, this person...was too cruel to himself.
In the matter of King Ning, Ji Gang has already committed the crime, and it can be said that he will surely die.
Who would have thought that he would save His Majesty's heart by self-mutilation?
Originally, the matter of King Ning seemed reckless, but after all, Ji Gang also showed his loyalty, and now through self-mutilation, His Majesty, who was originally disgusted with him, felt a little sympathy.
Yi Shiha suppressed his emotions, and said respectfully: "Your maid obeys the order."
…………
A boat slowly passed the pier and arrived at the pier of Confucius Temple.
In this boat, there was a piercing coughing sound.
A servant tiptoed into the Wupeng boat and said in a low voice, "We have arrived in Nanjing, and the master is going to pay a visit..."
"No need to visit..." The scholar coughed, smiled wryly and shook his head. He covered his heart and coughed a few more times before he said: "It's enough for them to know that I'm in Nanjing City. I heard that Qixia is a good place, although I'm not here In the city of Nanjing, there are still a lot of merchants now, so it’s very lively. Why don’t you find a place to stay there.”
The servant frowned and said, "Master...there is Zhang Anshi..."
The scholar smiled and said: "I'm just a sick scholar, it's not worth mentioning, that Zhang An Shi is a noble person, how can he pay attention to me? Don't worry too much, just follow my orders."
Although the scholar's tone was easy-going, the servant didn't dare to refute, and said: "Yes."
"Monan, is there any news?"
"The Tatar side... originally planned to attack Daning while the iron was hot, but after hearing that Zhu Di didn't have the right to punish Zhu, he was disappointed and finally gave up his plan."
"Hey... Khan is too anxious." The scholar sighed: "Anyone who achieves a big event must plan slowly and win with one move. But it's good if he can give up the plan."
As he said that, the boat fell into a deathly silence, except for the occasional coughing sound, but the coughing sound was heart-piercing.
………………
to the end of the year.
The fleet of treasure ships finally returned.
When treasure ships appeared at the port of Songjiang, under the order of Emperor Yongle, Xie Jin, a scholar of the Wenyuan Pavilion of Zheng He, was ordered to welcome Zheng He, and led the officials of the Ministry of Rites to stand on the pier and watch the countless ships return to the port. .
Full of Western spices and exotic goods, they began to move off the treasure ship.
Countless feet are like ants, unloading a lot of goods and transporting them to the dock.
Many common people came to the port one after another to look forward to it. All of a sudden, merchants and common people gathered together.
Xie Jin felt a little uncomfortable.
A few ministers from the Ministry of Rites said in a low voice: "It's a waste of money for the people. These ships are full of people's fat and people's anointing. It's chilling to see."
"Yeah, it really makes people feel like a light on their backs. The grease of countless people has become the merits of one family..."
Xie Jin turned around and glared at them.
The two officials quickly fell silent.
Only then did Xie Jin gently say: "You must be cautious in your words, and you must have the body of a minister."
"Yes, Mr. Xie, the next official knows his mistake."
Xie Jin didn't say anything else. Seeing someone disembarking surrounded by a group of people on the flagship, he went up to greet him and greeted him.
Zheng He lost a lot of weight, and his face was exhausted. Although he was wearing new clothes at this time, even if he wore new clothes, he looked downcast.
Licking his salty lips, Zheng He returned the salute after Xie Jin saluted, and then exchanged greetings with Xie Jin.
The next day, Zheng He entered Beijing by order.
In the court, Zhu Di talked with Zheng He all night.
That night, with the lights on, Zheng He talked about the dangers at sea, the customs and customs of various countries, the skills of sailing, the interesting stories of the soldiers and civilians who accompanied him, the loss of ships, and the treasures collected from all over the world.
"Your Majesty, Eunuch Deng does not know how to go west this time." Zheng He said with emotion: "Even slaves admire his courage. When people are overseas, life is like a year. Everyone is eager... even if it is an hour earlier to return to the voyage. However, this Deng Jian still insists on sailing Yang Fan, even if he does not die in the vast ocean, the hardships and pains involved are unimaginable."
Zhu Di also couldn't help sighing: "Yes, that kid Zhang Anshi... can make people suffer. If Deng Jian can't sail back and forth in the future, I will build a shrine for him."
Zheng He nodded and said: "There is one more thing, that is, the minister has brought back a large amount of treasure... still needs to be counted."
Zhu Di thought for a while and said, "I won't bother you. You have to work hard on the return trip, teach Wenyuan Pavilion, and let them work with the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Household... to sell these treasures."
Zheng He said: "Yes."
Most of these treasures are Western spices, ivory, and other specialties.
It is impossible to store them all in the palace, and it is useless to keep them. They can only be processed and replaced with gold and silver.
So in the early morning of the next day, Xie Jin and others had just entered the palace and sat down.
Then there was a decree to ask Wenyuan Pavilion to come up with a regulation for dealing with treasures.
Xie Jin didn't dare to neglect, and first checked the accounts of the treasure ship fleet.
Then, Xie Jin looked at Hu Guang and Yang Rong and said, "Going to the West wasted a lot of manpower and material resources, and what I got was just some so-called treasures. My Ming Dynasty is rich all over the world, so how can I care about these scraps of Westerners?" It's just... the size of a mosquito is a piece of meat, and it can make up for some of the shortage of the national treasury. Let's make up some. In my opinion, let Liu Wenjun, the head of the warehouse department of the household department, handle these treasures. He is good at economics. These little things are enough Capable."
Hu Guangdao: "Mr. Xie made up his mind."
On the contrary, Yang Rong frowned and said, "There are so many treasures, but only let the head of the household and warehouse department handle them. Isn't it...too frivolous?"
Xie Jin showed displeasure, and said: "The imperial court is not Qixia, and every penny must be weighed, and it is always said to be profitable? Do you still let the Ministry of Households and the servants handle these matters? Liu Wenjun is a man with a clean hand and integrity. , the writing of the article is also very good, but it is a rare official, let him do it, and the people inside and outside the court will feel at ease."
He talked about inside and outside the government and the public, but Yang Rong had nothing to say.
In fact, Yang Rong knew very well that if he continued to argue, the other party might give him a big hat.
A scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion like Yang Rong still values reputation very much.
So he had no choice but to keep silent.
……
As a result, more than 100 ships of treasures began to be sold.
On the other side, Zhang Anshi was also sharpening his sword.
This time, although Deng Jian did not come back, the fleet formed by Qixia also brought back more than 30 ships full of treasures.
Although it is far inferior to the fleet of the imperial court, the number of treasures is only [-]-[-]% of that of the imperial court.
But Zhang Anshi was beaming, extremely happy.
"Get rich." Zhang Anshi was in a great mood, he found Zhu Jin, and said casually.
Zhu Jin was also happy, and said with a smile: "Yes, I personally went to Songjiang yesterday. These goods will be loaded on the ship soon, along the mouth of the river, through Taicang and Zhenjiang, into Nanjing, and then directly shipped to Come to Qixia Ferry, the warehouse... the small ones can also be moved..."
Zhang Anshi said: "It's a pity...there are still too few. If I knew this, I should have sent more ships..."
Zhang Anshi was not without regrets, and immediately said: "Anyway, we can't lose money on this trip. I have already told the Dibao to release the news on the last page and sell the treasures. Three days later, I will invite merchants from inside and outside the city of Nanjing." Come to us, Qixia. By the way, you have to cheer up and arrange a venue for me these few days."
"The venue?" Zhu Jin looked at Zhang An Shidao in puzzlement.
Zhang Anshi said directly: "I want to auction."
"What is an auction?"
Zhang Anshi was delighted: "This is an auction... I can't tell you right now, I will write out a regulation later, and when the time comes, you can do it with the regulation."
Zhu Jin nodded quickly, he knew better than anyone else that Lord Hou always had many strange methods, and these methods were often very effective.
Anyway, he was only sure of one thing, and that was, as long as he followed Lord Hou's orders, he would be right!
So Zhu Jin didn't say much anymore, he just said cheerfully: "I understand."
…………
Zhu Di has been in a good mood for the past few days. The fleet has returned, and after taking a rest, it is time to start the second voyage plan.
This time the fleet has achieved very fruitful results. It has passed through 27 countries, and has found out the situation in the West, and brought back a lot of treasures. It can be said that it has completed the task extraordinary.
Next...you can go further afield.
A few days later, Zhu Di called all the great scholars of Wenyuan Pavilion to see him.
Zhu Di said: "The new year is coming soon. After the new year, after the spring, I want to order Zheng He to go to the Western Seas twice. Gentlemen, the manufacturing of ships in various places must be accelerated, so that the Ministry of Industry will go to various places. Go to patrol, don't delay the big event."
"Yes." The three replied.
"Your Majesty..." Xie Jin thought for a while, and then said, "Is it safer for the fleet to continue to maintain the current size?"
Zhu Di said indifferently: "The second voyage to the West will go farther. If there are insufficient ships and manpower, it will be unpredictable if you encounter danger on the way."
Xie Jin said quickly: "Your Majesty said, oh, yes, I have... one more thing to play."
Zhu Di said, "But it's okay to say."
"Liu Wenjun, the head of the warehouse department of the household department, was ordered to sell treasures. These treasures are also very popular. Your Majesty... now calculated, the sale is a full 14 taels of silver."
14 taels...
Zhu Di felt that at least he had earned a little profit. If it had been a few years earlier, he would have been surprised.
But now, I don't feel anything anymore.
"This Liu Wenjun, the sale is so fast, I thought it would be delayed for several months."
Xie Jindao: "Liu Wenjun was recommended by the minister to be in charge of sales. This person has a clean sleeve, is upright, and acts meticulously. The affairs of the warehouse department fall into his hands, and he arranges them in an orderly manner... The minister returned I heard something."
Zhu Di said, "What's the matter?"
Xie Jin said: "Although Liu Wenjun is in charge of a very lucrative warehouse department, he is so poor that he doesn't even have a sedan chair, and he can't afford to hire a sedan chair bearer. He walks to the department hall every day to be on duty. I'm about to get up, and I have to walk for more than an hour...just arrived at the hall..."
After hearing this, Zhu Di couldn't help being moved, so he said: "It's really rare, let's call him to have an audience tomorrow... There are not many ministers like this."
Xie Jin smiled and said: "Yes, I feel ashamed of myself in front of him, and everyone in the court and field praises him."
"Really?" Zhu Di turned his eyes, looked at Hu Guang and said, "Hu Qing's family thinks so too?"
Hu Guangdao: "I have indeed heard of his reputation for incorruptibility."
Zhu Di nodded: "Such a person needs praise."
Wait for the three of Xie Jin to leave.
Zhu Di thought for a while, looked at Yi Shiha and said, "Yi Shiha, ask the Ministry of Officials to send Liu Wenjun's merit test book to me."
Yi Shiha knew in his heart that once His Majesty cared about a certain person's merit test, then this person would not be far away from reaching the top.
So he nodded and said: "Your maidservant will go and explain."
"That's right." Zhu Di said: "How is Zhang Anshi's steel training? And...there is no clue about the rebellious party?"
"This..." Yi Shiha said: "These few days... Marquis Annan is in Qixia..."
Zhu Di felt that there was something in Ye Shiha's words.
He asked, "If you have something to say, speak up."
Yi Shiha said: "Your Majesty, Marquis Annan is everywhere making arrangements for the auction of his treasures."
"Auction?" Zhu Di was at a loss: "What is an auction?"
Yi Shiha was stunned for a long time: "Maybe it's to take a photo before selling it, or it may be..."
Zhu Di immediately blew his beard and stared, "Don't talk nonsense if you don't understand."
"Yes, yes, I really don't understand." Yi Shiha said: "But... now it's Qixia's place that's annoying, and merchants are gathering here. I heard that many merchants have gathered there today."
Zhu Di said sharply: "This guy... definitely won't do useless work. Nine out of ten, he has some kind of evil idea."
Hearing this, Zhu Di's heart became hot, Yinzi, he loves Yinzi, Zhang Anshi hasn't found a new source of income for a long time.
Zhu Di paced back and forth with his hands behind his back: "There is nothing left and right, so instead of guessing here, why don't you go and have a look."
Yi Shiha smiled wryly, His Majesty's temperament is not like that of an emperor, in this palace, he couldn't sit still for a moment.
Even if they don't leave the palace to go to Qixia, they will probably go to Yulin and other guards' camp.
And every day, he was thinking about going to Beiping, going to the desert, and personally leading troops to sweep the Tatars and Oirats in the desert.
Yi Shiha: Practice makes perfect: "Slaves, go prepare."
…………
The three of Xie Jin returned to Wenyuan Pavilion.
Xie Jin was in a good mood at this time, but when he arrived at the public house, a clerk came and said, "Xie Gong, Liu Wenjun, the head of the warehouse department, has arrived."
Xie Jin nodded with a smile and said, "Come here."
Soon, Liu Wenjun entered Xie Jin's room on duty, and first saluted: "I have met Xie Gong."
Xie Jin said gently, "I mentioned you to His Majesty just now."
After a pause, Xie Jin smiled again and said, "Your Majesty is also full of praise for you. This time you have made a contribution by selling treasures. It seems that the court will have a favor soon."
Liu Wenjun said: "Mr. Xie attaches so much importance to... the next official..."
Said, showing tears of gratitude.
Xie Jin smiled: "It's just a matter of raising your hand. You are a gentleman. In our Ming Dynasty, there are many villains. What is lacking in this court class is a gentleman like you. Only a gentleman like you can be in the court class. Only when the country prospers can the people live and work in peace and contentment.”
(End of this chapter)