In the twelfth year of Zhengtong, it is the eleventh day of the first lunar month.
Aunt Xue got up early in the morning and rushed to Prince Xiang's Mansion, but she was not the first to come today.
Almost every day, Baochai would meet with his visiting wife, which was also a normal interaction between top dignitaries.
Because Baochai had something to discuss, Aunt Xue waited in the wing for half an hour before seeing her daughter alone.
At the moment they are in the palace garden, and this is the place to talk.
"Mom came here today, but I have something to do."
Although Baochai's tone was kind, Aunt Xue still did not dare to neglect her. She followed her daughter and said very humbly, "Before this time. "I came here not for anything else but for your brother's marriage."
"Brother's marriage" Baochai stopped.
"I have been to various houses these days, and I have met many ladies from famous families. The one that satisfies me the most is the daughter of the Zhang family, a member of the household department."
Received Baochai threw the fish food into the pond a few times, and then said "Yeah"
Seeing that Baochai's reaction was mediocre, Aunt Xue, although a little uncomfortable, continued, "I'll ask you to get married." I went to talk to the Zhang family, but they said that their daughter is stupid and needs education."
"Yeah"
"Her daughter has a first-class appearance and temperament. , these words are obviously prevaricating us."
After hearing what his mother said, Baochai immediately turned around and asked, "So what does mother mean?"
"I thought about Princess Ruo If they can come forward to make peace, I think they will agree to the marriage," Aunt Xue said carefully.
"What mother means is that she wants me to use my power to overwhelm others," Baochai asked rhetorically.
As a small member of the Household Department, Baochai was nothing to Prince Xiang's Mansion, but Baochai had no intention of helping directly.
"Baochai, I'm just asking you to come forward to make peace, not"
"Mother, do you know the truth about family harmony and everything is going well? Marriage is about mutual consent, and people don't want to get married. Why force others to make things difficult?"
For five thousand years, the most indispensable thing in China is truth, so the key lies in the strength of the speaker.
If Baochai was still the daughter of the Xue family, she would have turned her elbows outward when she said these words, and she would definitely be scolded by Aunt Xue.
And now that she is the princess, her reasoning is correct, making Aunt Xue irrefutable.
"People must have inquired about my brother's character. It is normal for him not to want to get married."
With these words, Baochai just clearly said that Xue Pan is not a thing. However, Aunt Xue could only listen quietly.
"So my mother has to strictly restrain my brother and let him run the emperor's job and do his duty as a minister. As long as he is willing to make progress, there is still a shortage of good girls."
"Princess What you said makes sense." Aunt Xue could only respond.
In fact, regarding Xue Pan's marriage, the Xue family and the Xia family had already reached an agreement before, and they were just short of formalizing the employment and removal process.
However, Baochai was chosen as the kingThe concubine made the Xue family's horizons high, and the marriage fell through after returning to Beijing.
"Recently, the prince has arranged errands for my brother. Mother should supervise him more."
So Baochai continued to talk, and Aunt Xue could only listen attentively.
But the Zhu Jinghong she was talking about had already arrived at Qianqing Palace and was accompanying the emperor to the palace gate.
"Dad, please slow down"
"Dad, look ahead"
At this time, Zhu Jinghong was overflowing with flattery, which was not normal. There will be princes like this.
After getting on the carriage, Zhu Xianming looked at his youngest son beside him and asked casually, "Boy, I think you have a guilty conscience, otherwise why would you be so cautious?"
"Dad "What are you talking about? How can your son feel guilty?"
Following the sedan chair, Zhu Jinghong continued, "Even if the guns and cannons in Shanglinyuan don't catch your eye, my son will only receive a beating from the imperial staff. It’s not a big deal.”
“Oh, so in your eyes, the imperial staff is no big deal.”
“Ah, what this son means”
I don’t want to After talking nonsense to Zhu Jinghong, Zhu Xianming asked again, "I heard that my wife borrowed 10,000 taels of silver from Lao Liu's family two days ago."
"Dad, tell the truth, son, Brother Liu" Sister-in-law Six is so kind-hearted. Knowing that our lives are tight, she lent us 10,000 silver without blinking an eye."
Looking at Zhu Jinghong, Zhu Xianming said calmly, "Your life is as tight as I expected." If you’re right, you already have one hundred thousand silver in your house.”
“That little silver is enough?”
“One hundred thousand silver is not enough for what you want to do”
p>
“My son wants to do business”
“It’s ridiculous, a royal place, it’s too expensive to do business”
Who knows that Zhu Jinghong said, “My son is not here for you.” "
"For me"
"Business is just a pretense. We use the name of business to inquire about the situation, so that our government can know ourselves and our enemies, and in the future, the navy can maintain peace in the world."
Hearing this, Zhu Xianming smiled and replied, "If that's the case, why do you need to send people personally? If the imperial court issues an edict, those maritime merchants can handle it."
Now that the imperial court has banned the sea, only maritime merchants who have obtained approval from the Shipping Department can do business on the sea. There are now more than a hundred such merchants.
The imperial court imposed heavy taxes on these maritime merchants, so these people tried every means to evade taxes, so this group of people also engaged in smuggling.
Of course, the Japanese pirates who disturbed the peace of the sea also had the handiwork of this group of people behind them.
The interests involved are complicated and involve officials and citizens of several coastal provinces. It is basically impossible to find out clearly.
"Dad, my son just wants to make money and share your worries." Zhu Jinghong suppressed this sentence.
"Shit" Zhu Xianming sneered, but felt warm in his heart.
Hearing this, Zhu Jinghong knew that the old man had acquiesced, and then he couldJust say hello to the Shipping Department and they will get the approval and start working.
When the father and son left the Qianqing Gate, there were dozens of high-ranking military attachés waiting outside. They came from the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion and the bodyguards.
Obviously, Zhu Xianming attached great importance to this observation, so he called these people here.
Everyone went all the way to Shanglinyuan. Today’s observation was at one of the school grounds, which had been decorated.
Jia Yun and a group of twenty craftsmen were placed on the west side of the school grounds. At this moment, each of them was very nervous.
Especially these craftsmen, they couldn't imagine that the emperor would come to see the things they made in person.
That is the emperor, the emperor who rules the world like a god
No matter what their mood is, they are standing extremely respectful at this moment, otherwise they will definitely be reprimanded by the guards.
Everyone waited for nearly half an hour, and their legs became weak before they heard some movement outside. Then they saw the ceremonial register appear. It was obvious that the emperor was coming.
No need to be reminded, Jia Yun and others all knelt down and worshiped. At this moment, they were nearly fifty feet away from the emperor's team.
Yes, these insignificant people are not qualified to get close to the emperor at all.
As for Zhu Jinghong, he accompanied the emperor out of the sedan chair, and then walked into the school grounds accompanied by a group of generals.
They first looked at the arranged guns, and then walked to the test site in person.
On the test field, there are human-shaped targets made of paper, which will be used to test the actual combat effectiveness of the muskets.
At a further distance, pigs and sheep are used to simulate enemy troops. After a while, these pigs and sheep will be bombarded.
These things were naturally Zhu Jinghong’s idea, so he was the one introducing them during the visit.
Just to see the venue, it took half an hour to walk down, and then Zhu Xianming came to the high platform dedicated to observation.
This high platform was built specifically for this day to provide a better observation perspective.
Sitting on the dragon chair, Zhu Xianming drank tea to moisten his throat, and then said, "Let's start."
The emperor said to start, of course he had to start.
As Zhu Jinghong gave the order, the soldiers in charge of the demonstration moved, and they started firing new muskets.
The scene was filled with gunshots, and ten soldiers fired three rounds in total before the eunuch took the target paper back.
First Zhu Xianming looked at the target paper, and then a group of generals came to look at it.
Facts have proved that the performance of these guns has been greatly improved, and all the generals have praised them.
The things were made by oneself rather than purchased from foreigners, so everyone was very happy at the moment.
A few more rounds of gunfire followed, and the results showed that the new gun had excellent performance, and then the emperor ordered a formal test of the gun.
After several rounds of shelling, the killing effect was equally good. This time Zhu Xianming laughed out loud.
ArrivedAt this point, the matter has basically nothing to do with Zhu Jinghong. At this moment, Zhu Xianming is observing on the spot with other generals.
Looking at the pigs and sheep that were blown to pieces, Zhu Xianming showed a child-like smile, and it was obvious that he was really happy.
With the new rifle in hand, the generals also took the opportunity to shoot a few rounds. Although Zhu Xianming wanted to experience it, he was still dissuaded.
Although these muskets have performed very well so far, no one can guarantee that the next shot will not explode.
For Zhu Xianming’s safety, he could only watch others play today.
After another ten minutes passed and everyone had finished experiencing it, Zhu Xianming called everyone back and asked them about their experience.
This is a crucial step. Only with the approval of these generals can Zhu Xianming truly approve the new gun.
Although he knew he would pass, Zhu Jinghong was still a little nervous at this time. Of course, the final result was a near miss.
After some discussion and everyone was full of praise, Zhu Xianming asked, "How much does this gun cost and how much does the artillery cost?"
"Reporting to my father, the current cost is about At fifteen taels, the expanded production capacity may be reduced to ten to fifteen taels, and the artillery cost is five hundred." To be honest, this price is a bit expensive, even more expensive than buying from foreigners.
After listening to the introduction, Zhu Xianming said very cheerfully, "There are 20,000 troops in the Northern Four Guards, including nearly 15,000 firecrackers. Let's build 20,000 troops first, and eight artillery troops first." "Ten Doors"
Whether the Fire Gun will work or not must be tested in actual combat. It is obvious that the Northern Four Guards will be the guinea pig again.
"As for the existing fire cannons of the North Four Guards, they will be handed over to the Ministry of War after the new fire cannons are distributed, and then the Ministry of War will be transferred to the Beijing Camp."
Although the Beijing Camp is also large-scale now They are equipped with firearms, but there are not many flintlock guns, so the ones eliminated by the North Four Guards are still good ones.
"Dad, this new fire gun must have a name," Zhu Jinghong suggested at the right time.
The new artillery already has a name, and was previously named "Weiyuan Cannon" by Zhu Xianming.
After nodding, Zhu Xianming asked, "What do you think?"
"That's right, such a good thing should have a prestigious name"
< p>All the generals nodded in agreement, while thinking about what to call it.Since it was Zhu Jinghong who suggested it, Zhu Xianming looked at him and asked, "Old Thirteen, what do you think it should be called?"
"Dad, why not call it Type 12 Rifle?"
Everyone was stunned when they heard this, and then they laughed, thinking that Zhu Jinghong was just talking casually.
Only Zhu Xianming asked "Why is it named like this?"
"It is the twelfth year of Orthodoxy, so it is named Twelve Styles, and this is a weapon used by infantry, so it is directly Call it a rifle"
"Uh" Obviously Zhu Xianming still has doubts.
But after Zhu Jinghong said these words, some of the generals present objected and gave such comments as "divine power" and "heavenly punishment".Dangdang's name.
"Type 12 rifle, Type 12 rifle"
After pondering for several times, Zhu Xianming finally decided, "Just what you said, let's call it a Type 12 rifle."
This kind of silent flattery that moisturizes things is very popular with Zhu Xianming.
The person who objected to this name just now changed his face faster than flipping through a book, and immediately called "Your Majesty the Holy Ming" like everyone else.
When we get here, today’s observation is over, and it’s time to return.
Zhu Jinghong was following his father, and he seemed to be hesitant to speak, which attracted Zhu Xianming's attention.
"If you fart, let it go"
"Dad, should you reward the craftsmen who participated in the casting of guns?"
After nodding, Zhu Xianming Said "How many craftsmen are there?"
"There are more than seventy people in total, including thirty-five foreigners"
Sitting on the chariot sedan, Zhu Xianming said lightly, "All craftsmen are rewarded with five silver coins." Ten, plus ten bolts of brocade cloth, two stones of grain"
"Yes" Zhu Jinghong replied.
In fact, Zhu Jinghong could make up his mind on such a trivial matter. The reason why he asked more questions was to pave the way for what he would say next.
"Dad, do you still remember Jia Yun who was in charge of the workshop?"
Hearing what Zhu Jinghong said, Zhu Xianming remembered that there was such a person, and then nodded slightly.
"This man is quite capable in doing things, but he is still a white man, which is really inconvenient, so my son means that you can always give him an official status"
"Yeah"
After nodding, Zhu Xianming said, "Just give me the title of Director of the Ministry of Industry"
"Yes"
Since it is just a title, Jia Yun does not need to go to the Ministry of Works to work. The nature is similar to that of Xue Pan's head of the household department. It is mainly to facilitate docking with various government offices.
Being the head of the Ministry of Industry was a trivial matter to his father and son, so Zhu Jinghong talked about the military parade again.
While their father and son were chatting, news about the emperor's reward had also reached the waiting craftsmen.
When they learned that the emperor had rewarded them with silver, cloth and food, everyone cheered with joy and then kowtowed in the direction where the emperor left.
"Master Jia, the Lord knows that you are diligent in your work, so I will give you the title of director of the Ministry of Works."
Jia Yun was a little disappointed at first, but when she heard this, she felt more confident than the craftsman. The households were even more excited and kowtowed a few more times in the direction the emperor was leaving.
But he knew in his heart that if he could get an official title, he must be supported by Zhu Jinghong, otherwise His Majesty the Emperor would not know that he was a nobody.
"Thank you, father-in-law, for informing me in advance. I hope your father-in-law doesn't mind your little care."
After standing up, Jia Yun took out a piece of silver from her arms and stuffed it without showing a trace. It fell into the hands of the messenger eunuch.
After staying in Shanglin Garden for so long, Jia Yun has interacted with these eunuchs a lot, so he naturally understands the rules.
"ThisHow can I be embarrassed?"
"If you don't accept it, then I will be embarrassed"
"You are a nice person, so I won't be polite"
After seeing off the young eunuch, Jia Yun led a group of craftsmen away. He still had many things to arrange when he returned to the workshop.
By the time he finished his work, the sun had already set. , so Jia Yun went home full of excitement.
The head of the Ministry of Industry was the sixth grade. After receiving such a great grace, Jia Yun naturally wanted to tell her mother the good news.
When I returned to the mansion, I found that my mother, Bu, was not at home. After asking, I found out that she had gone to Ningguo Mansion to help.
Now that Jia Zhen is dead, Ningguo Mansion has to hold a large funeral, and all aspects of manpower are tight. , so Mr. Bu was called over.
"There are so many girls in the house, why do you need my mother to go and help?" Jia Yun suddenly became unhappy.
So he went straight to Ningguo. I went to the Ningguo Mansion to see what was going on.
Jia Yun lived not far from the Ningguo Mansion. Coincidentally, he met Xiaohong as soon as he entered the Ningguo Mansion.
"Master Yun"
There were three girls in Xiaohong's party, but the other two pretended not to see him and left Xiaohong alone.
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