Chapter 332 Zhu Youtang’s Pressure

Outside the city, there is a martial arts theater in Beijing.

Zhang Zhou walked in front, followed by the second batch of Yanwu Hall students, Anyuan Hou Liu Jing and Sui'an Bo Chen Shao. Both of them were old guys who had succeeded to the title during the Yingzong period, and Liu Jing It was only because of the emperor's pardon that he returned to the capital. Because of Liu Jing's relationship with the Queen Mother Zhou, he was given special care by the Queen Mother Zhou and made him a second-term trainee.

Compared with the rigorous selection of students in the first phase, the students in the second phase are more "misguided" and basically all are related households, which also greatly reduces the authority of Yanwu Hall.

"My lord, the people you sent have sent us all the new guns. There are a hundred of them. As for the bullets you got, they have a box full of them."

Zhang Zhouben was still standing on the high platform of the martial arts arena chatting with Liu Jing and Chen Shao.

These old ministers are not as good as others. When it comes to eating, drinking and having fun, none of them are inferior to the young people. They are all the best.

Zhang Zhou said, "Let Sun Qianhu lead the people to practice."

Chen Shao on the side asked, "Dong Lai Guo, dare I ask, is this fire gun any different from the previous ones?"

At this time, a person came up from below. It was Wei Bin, the eunuch and eunuch Bingbi who was responsible for accompanying Zhang Zhou to the martial arts arena today. Wei Bin is likely to take charge of the East Factory next, and what he is doing now The main thing is to succeed Xiao Jing.

Wei Bin smiled and said, "Uncle Sui asked well. We have seen this fire gun before, and it is said that it can go off with just a flick of the finger, and the range can even reach 200 steps. It is very powerful. I just don’t know if I can get through the Tatar armor.”

“Haha, how is that possible?” Liu Jing smiled.

Just as he was talking, Tang Yin also went up to the high platform. The person who was responsible for transporting the fire blunderbuss was none other than Tang Yin.

After Tang Yin, he also brought Lin Ting, the director of the Ministry of Industry, who had just returned from Xuanfu, and Zhang Zhou’s brother-in-law. Both of them will also serve as instructors for the second phase of the Yanwu Hall and follow them up. Yes, there are also several generals at the command level in the Beijing camp. They are also here to observe and learn today.

"Let's begin." Zhang Zhou ordered Tang Yin who was standing aside.

In the past, Wang Qiong was responsible for daily artillery drills and other matters in the Yanwu Hall, but now Zhang Zhou could not count on anyone who was very capable, so Tang Yindu was promoted to the position of daily training officer.

Tang Yin took out the command flag and gave orders to the generals below.

"Bang Bang Bang"

The emphasis in arranging guns is continuity.

Standard bullets were brought in several baskets at a time, and forty guardsmen lined up in two rows. Twenty people in the first row were responsible for simulating firing, and twenty people in the second row were simulating loading.

In the Ming Dynasty, fire muskets often relied on three or even four rows to complete the firing of matchlocks, because the window period for firing when facing cavalry was not long, and two rows of guns were most suitable. There is no need to refill the elixir after it is distributed, and you can basically enter the state of melee combat.

But things are different now.

Twenty people lined up their guns, and one person fired twice, aiming at a target 150 steps away.

Two rows of guns were fired with a very short interval. After the firing, the targets on the opposite side were basically hit. Everyone watching the ceremony on the viewing platform also used telescopes to see the actual situation.

Then the twenty people retreated, and the second row of gunmen stepped forward, followed by two more rounds of firing.

Wait for the second round before withdrawing, and then the first round of reloading was also completed

After six or seven trips back and forth like this, no matter the lords and generals watching the ceremony, or the maintenance personnel nearby, The ordinary soldiers of Order were stunned.

"Finished"

The gun volley below ended. Immediately, Sun Shangqi personally raised the small flag, the Jin Yiwei put away the gun, and then the people who dealt with the aftermath went to clean up the shooting range.

Wei Bin smiled and asked Liu Jing on the side, "What do Marquis Anyuan think?"

"It's really amazing." Not to mention that Liu Jing really thought it was amazing, even if he wasn't, he would Compliments have to go.

Wei Bin said, "If all the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty can be equipped with this flint gun in the future, the great cause of leveling the grassland will be achieved in the future."

Chen Shao asked, "If it doesn't ignite, how can it be fired? Won't the chamber explode when you go out?"

Zhang Zhou laughed and said, "The ignition is achieved by flint impact, but it is not very reliable. It will still be improved in the future, but the safety performance has been guaranteed. The effect of the cast steel pipe is still average. If it is modified, the range can be increased to three or four hundred steps, which is much better than the range of ordinary bows and arrows, but it is still incomparable with long-range cannons. "

"They complement each other, they complement each other, haha." Liu Jing said with a complimenting smile.

Wei Bin said, "Mr. Zhang, I heard that this flint is difficult to mine and the cost is also very high. It needs to be mined in the south. It is of a higher standard than the flint used in general ignition sticks. This thing will be used in the future." How to produce energy?"

"It's just a transition." Zhang Zhou pointed to the artillery that was being pushed forward, "In the future, I plan to use flint cannons as well, so that they can be fired at any time. The time it takes to light the match can also improve the airtightness and enhance the firing range. "

That day was just a routine firearms demonstration.

After reading it, each of the ministers and generals present were required to write a "Reflection after Viewing", which Wei Bin took back to Zhu Youtang to read.

Because new students have to be transferred from various places and winter is coming soon, the start of classes may have to be postponed. When Zhang Zhou came down from the martial arts field, he saw Zhang Rui and Zhang Lun, their father and son, accompanying them. Yang Mi, the right minister of the Ministry of War, escorted a batch of yellow gunpowder to the martial arts field.

Because Zhang Zhou had never been to Dianmao of the Ministry of War, he only knew Yang Mi, not any friendship. As the right minister of the Ministry of War, Yang Mi basically did the work of the left minister. .

In terms of etiquette, the two of them still have to be polite.

"Mr. Lai Guo, the Ministry of War has negotiated with the Ministry of Industry. Before the end of the year, a batch of saltpeter will be transferred to Beijing from Huguang, Jiangxi and other places. It is said that it will be shipped directly to your private residence.The workshops under the factory will be purchased by the Ministry of Industry. At present, the mining of mineral deposits in various places has basically stopped, and the saltpeter that can be handed over may not be enough."

Yang Mi seemed businesslike.

It’s not enough, let me tell you in advance, don’t say that we are causing trouble for you.

But in fact, it is the imperial court that is trying every means to create difficulties for Zhang Zhou’s preparations in the northwest.

Intentional, it doesn’t count, because Zhang Zhou’s preparations for war mainly require the use of steel, black gunpowder, and yellow gunpowder. Zhang Zhou has basically been able to produce and sell iron for himself, but the scarce semi-finished products are left. It needs to be recruited from mines in various places, and the procurement costs need to be allocated by the court.

Even if the emperor gives the green light, it only needs to be as simple as "insufficient local output" and "excessive transportation losses". The reason is that it can jam the neck of the firearm manufacturer.

The jam is still so confident.

Zhang Zhou said with a smile, "It doesn't matter, as much as you can, I also plan to drive around Beizhili recently." I hope there will be no shortage of saltpeter mines. "

"Okay. "Yang Mi didn't take it seriously.

From his point of view, you can't let go of your love. Anyway, you have nothing to lose to me. It's best if you don't ask for anything from the court, so that everyone can stay on the same page.

Zhang Rui asked, "Mr. Lai Guo, I heard that there will be a war in Liao Town in the past two days. Your Majesty will often summon the officials to discuss matters. My father has been ill recently, so there will be no delays." It's a big deal."

Zhang Zhou said, "Things on the battlefield are changing rapidly. There are very few people in the capital who can intervene. Let your father take good care of his health. ”

It doesn’t matter whether Old Man Zhang is ill or whether he is really ill or pretending to be ill. Anyway, from the emperor to Zhang Zhou, no one thinks that Zhang Mao can be of any valuable help to the war between Liaodong and Duoyan Sanwei.

Liu Jing and Chen Shao also came over to greet Yang Mi, but Yang Mi took another one out of his arms. The handwriting signed by Ma Wensheng, Minister of the Ministry of War, was handed over to Zhang Zhou.

"Lai Guogong, there is no precedent for the Ministry of War to follow when receiving gunpowder supplies from various places, since you have to use these things on a daily basis. When it comes to dispatching and other matters, it is better for you to hand it over in person. Regarding transportation costs, accounting and other matters involved, you should also communicate with the Ministry of Industry and Taicang in a summary, and you cannot leave it to the Ministry of War. ”

As the right minister of the Ministry of War who has climbed up step by step, Yang Mi will do things in a business-like manner.

In addition to causing you Zhang Bingkuan trouble in the mining of raw materials, in terms of transportation and handover, , and don’t expect us to help you complete a series of complex processes such as freight calculations and handovers. Leave it to you to handle it yourself. Isn’t Yanwutang awesome? You can do it yourself

As a result, your mining will not be complete, your transportation will not be complete, and you will have a lot of trouble when you receive it.

We are legitimately causing trouble for you. We cannot just because you are a close associate of the emperor. I have been giving you special approvals. Could it be that the personnel and other resources of the Ministry of War and other six departments are yours to use whenever you want?

Liu Jing and Chen Shao originally thought that when the two ministers of the Ministry of War met, it would be a "friendly exchange".

After listening for a few words, I realized that this was a traditional civil servant who was causing trouble for Zhang Zhou, an upstart.

At this time, they are not suitable for listening.

Zhang Zhou greeted with a smile, "Mr. Lin, Mr. Tang, you two come here."

Lin Ting and Tang Yin probably knew it was not a good thing, but they still walked forward as instructed. Come.

Zhang Zhou said, "Shilang Yang said that in the future, when it comes to the handover of gunpowder and other materials, Yanwutang will need to send someone personally. I am usually busy with affairs, so I have to let you two do it for me."

This is a reminder to Zhang Zhou , The two heads of the Sixth Department are soft-spoken and have no ability to deal with the big bosses of the Ministry of Household Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Taicang. Let alone the superiors, even some officials at the same level and lower levels, this kind of official handover will be very difficult. trouble.

Zhang Zhou leaned over and reminded Lin Ting in his ear.

Tang Yin stared with wide eyes. Even Liu Jing and Chen Shao on the side were curious about what this was about. Only Yang Mi himself was not interested in Zhang Zhou's arrangement at all.

"It's settled." Zhang Zhou said, "The affairs of running the army are inherently complicated. Sometimes I can't do it, and it will cause a lot of trouble to the Ministry of War and other yamen."

Yang Mi cupped his hands and said, "Gong Lai Guo is also a member of the Sixth Department, so there is no need to say so. Weiwutian Gunpowder has already handed over the handover. Please transfer the official letter and return to the Yamen office as soon as possible."

Zhang Zhou and Wei Bin returned to the city and headed towards the palace.

Tang Yinze followed Lin Ting to Wang Gong Factory to pick up a new batch of black powder, which was used to make flares on the battlefield.

"It's just making some fireworks. It can be left to the Ministry of Industry. Why do we have to hand it over?" Tang Yin asked Lin Ting on the horse.

The two are similar in age. Originally, Tang Yin and Zhang Zhou were still nominal brothers, and their status was not lower than that of Lin Ting, who had no achievements in officialdom.

But just because Lin Ting and Zhang Zhou are related by marriage, and because Lin Ting is a son of an official, Tang Yin feels that he still has a lot to learn from Lin Ting, and he usually respects Lin Ting. .

Lin Ting said, "This batch of gunpowder was shipped to Liaodong."

"For combat use," Tang Yin asked.

"I don't know." Lin Ting would not study it in such detail.

Tang Yin asked again, "What did Duke Lai Guo tell you before? All the yamen in the Ming Dynasty are causing trouble with Yanwutang and hindering Duke Lai's actions. I'm afraid there is no good countermeasure now." It’s you and me who will be in trouble in the future.”

Lin Ting shook his head and looked puzzled and said, “Bingkuan said, we don’t need to pay too much attention to these things in the future, because we will be independent from the six departments of the imperial court. I understand. It means that others want to set barriers forThere is no way. "

"Is it possible?"

Tang Yin frowned.

In his opinion, his senior brother seemed too idealistic.

People drift with the tide in the court, and many times they have no choice but to leave. If you want to leave, leave.

Lin Ting said, "You should probably open your own mines. If all these outputs come from newly opened mines, then Probably no need to use others. ”

Tang Yin said, “You don’t need manpower for mining and transportation, right? And if you are in the court, you will naturally be under the control of the court.” ”

“Bohu, you and I are just doing things, so we don’t have to worry about so much. Do you and I want to go to Xuanfu to guard the iron mines or to Datong to guard the coal mines? Now most of your and my classmates are still in the Sixth Department.” Observing the government, I don’t know what to say when I meet them. We are on duty in the government, and sometimes we are caught in the cracks, but why do we care so much about insignificant roles like you and me?"

Lin Ting is quite open-minded.

When working with Zhang Zhou, it seems that his current official position is not beyond the scope of an official position for a new scholar.

But at least the future is better. Being good to others, plus being qualified to serve the court, can be regarded as realizing the ideal. Although there are so many intrigues and intrigues, the two new scholars are also entangled in the issue of the court faction.

Lin Tingdao, "I recently saw those who were in the same year. They are all asking if there is a chance to enter the Yanwu Hall. There are a lot of people who want to do what you and I don't want to do. Whether you can gain a foothold in the court depends not only on your ability, but also on your attitude. Bingkuan is also working for the court, and he has done nothing wrong in the end. "

"Oh. " Tang Yin nodded.

I still feel that Lin Ting is trying to find psychological comfort.

It is difficult to convince Lin Ting, and Tang Yin has to accept the reality of his fate.

"Bingkuan, I just learned that the little Tatar prince has withdrawn from Ningxia West Road. There seems to be signs of heading eastward. Qin Hong told me that there might be signs that Batu Mengke would invade the border again through Pianguan and other places, and he also said that he might enter the Hetao."

Zhang Zhou and Wei Bin entered the palace to meet Zhu Youtang , Zhu Youtang hurriedly brought the battle report he had just received to Zhang Zhou.

Zhang Zhou said, "Your Majesty, winter is coming soon, and Tatar activities should also slow down. Now we should pay more attention to matters in Liaodong. "

"Alas," Zhu Youtang sighed, "Everywhere in Beiguan, whenever there is some news, I tend to overthink it. Sometimes I want to connect everything together, but I can’t figure it out. "

As he spoke, Zhu Youtang looked restless like a bride about to be married.

Xiao Jing, who was standing beside him, smiled and said, "Little Tatar. The prince's withdrawal of troops should be a good thing for Ming Dynasty. "

Zhu Youtang said, "But they still robbed six people and hundreds of livestock. There were people in the court who were participating in the impeachment of Cheng Guogong. Zhu Fu failed to fulfill his duty to defend against the enemy. To engage in impeachment matters. Even Bingkuan you were criticized by them. ”

That’s itIt's called borrowing the topic to play.

The Dayan tribe sent 30,000 cavalry and robbed six people and hundreds of livestock. It sounds like a lot, but compared with the losses incurred by the Tatars this time, the losses were actually within a reasonable range. .

After all, in such an open area, even if you hunted rabbits in the past, it was impossible to capture only six people of the Ming Dynasty.

And strictly speaking, whether these six people are considered border residents of the Ming Dynasty is another matter.

After all, there are many small tribes in Ningxia and other places that have taken refuge in the Ming Dynasty. This time, Batu Mengq wanted to establish prestige for these small tribes.

"Your Majesty, according to my analysis, the Tatars' withdrawal may also be because the Huoshan Division has entered Hetao and shows signs of continuing to advance westward." Zhang Zhou said, "At present, it seems that the little Tatar prince There was a fight with the Fire Screen Society outside Ningxia, Yansui and other places, and they did not care about Liaodong affairs. This would be helpful to the advancement of the Liaodong war."

"But there is still no news. . In the court this morning, Mr. Li Ge also mentioned to me that if the Ming Dynasty cannot find the main force of Duoyan's three guards to fight after entering the grassland, it would be better for them to withdraw their troops early and wait for the warmer spring next year to fight again. I was a little angry and told them in a harsh tone that if there was no result in preparing for the war, it would greatly damage the morale of the soldiers, so they must achieve something. The ministers in the DPRK will definitely think that I am too extreme."

Zhang Zhou felt the pressure on Zhu Youtang.

The decision to send troops was not within the scope of the court's recommendation. It was a decision made by Zhu Youtang and him. If the troops were sent smoothly, the ministers would have nothing to complain about.

But as time went by, the war did not come, and there were no results. In the eyes of the ministers, it was a waste of people and money. The emperor said that he did not care, and turned around to teach those ministers who were the opposite, But how could the emperor not feel the pressure exerted by those ministers?

Xiao Jing asked eagerly, "Sir, when things come to a close, you should forget about it. Didn't you say whether the war happened or not? What is the outcome?" "The closer things are, the more accurate your calculations will be."

When things don't work out, you just want to obey fate.

Zhang Zhou smiled and said, "According to time calculation, the three guards of Duoyan should move westward in the next few days, and ambush operations will also occur within these few days. It can take as short as four or five days, as long as ten days. There will be The results of the battle are coming. Please be safe, Your Majesty. "Please remember to bookmark the website and read it for free without theft.