Mao Xiang stood in front of Lao Zhu with his head lowered, his expression somewhat inexplicably excited.
But what disappointed him was that the emperor did not immediately order the arrest of these grain merchants. Instead, he asked him: "What about the grain they purchased? Where is it stored?"
"Back to the emperor, most of them are stored in the capital, and some are stored in the places where grain is purchased."
Stored in the capital? Under his nose, this made Lao Zhu suddenly feel more relieved.
"Aren't they shipped away?" Lao Zhu asked again.
Mao Xiang was stunned, shook his head and said: "No. They probably want to keep it where they are, and it is best to sell it directly at a high price when the time comes. If it is shipped away, wouldn't it increase their costs and waste their money? "
A smile appeared on Lao Zhu's face and he said: "That's good. Then don't worry about them, just let them buy food."
"I obey the decree."
...
Han Du didn't notice the increase in food prices. Now all Han Du's energy was taken up by the Arms Bureau, Jiaofang Department, and Baobao Lifting Department, and he had no time to care about food.
Especially for the Ordnance Bureau, ten thousand revolvers are not that easy to make. Even if there are ready-made and carefully crafted molds, it is not an easy task to ensure that the difference between each revolver and each bullet is as small as possible.
And not only production, but also various tests are required? When Han Du asked Heizi to make the revolver, he had no time to test various data.
Take the thickness of the wall tube of the revolver as an example. In order to be as safe as possible, Handu made the wall tube of the revolver very thick. But this is actually not necessary. As long as the thickness of the wall tube meets the requirements, there is no need to make it thicker at all. Although this is safer, it also increases the weight of the revolver, which is very unfavorable for use.
Therefore, Han Du's first request to the Ordnance Bureau is to test various data. For example, the thickness of the wall tube was directly cut to one-third by Handu. Based on this, the optimal thickness was tested bit by bit. Strive to optimize the various indicators of the revolver.
Therefore, for Han Du, as long as he can still eat a meal, he has no time to care about whether food prices have increased or not.
Although Han Du did not notice the change in food prices, someone did.
Tang He sent out a message and called Han Du to his house.
"Mr. Xinguo, why did you call me here?"
"I called you here. Of course I have something to ask you. Sit down and talk."
Han Du sat down as he was told, "I don't know what's going on?"
Tang He glanced at Han Du and then asked slowly: "I remember you said before that the sea is rich in products. Is it true?"
I thought Tang He was going to ask something, but it turned out to be this?
Han Du nodded and said seriously: "Of course it is true. Does Mr. Xin Guo have any ideas?"
If Tang He is interested, he can get some boats out and set up a marine fishing team. Han Du is guaranteed to make a lot of money. After all, although seafood is not very in line with the eating habits of the Ming Dynasty people, it is still meat, and meat is never cheaper than food.
"What do I think?" Tang He sighed in confusion, "But there is a question. I hope you can help me clear it up."
"Please tell me, Duke Xinguo."
"Are the fish in this sea really as easy to catch as you said? You have to know that there have been fishermen on this seaside since ancient times, but I haven't seen them catch many fish."
After hearing this, Han Du smiled and said: "So this is what Duke Xin Guo was confused about. I can explain it."
"Oh? You said it." Tang He looked at Han Du seriously.
Han Du stretched out his hand and gestured, and said: "Fishing in the sea has the same places as ponds and lakes, but also has different places. The same place is that the sea is the same as the lakes. Some places have good fish conditions, and some places have good fish conditions. The fish are not in good condition. Places with very good fish conditions are also called natural fishing grounds. Well, these places are like fish ponds specially designed by God to raise fish."
A place dedicated to raising fish? Is there such a place in the sea?
Tang He could easily figure out that this kind of place must be a place with extremely abundant fish.
What kind of natural fishing grounds are there? This is a cornucopia.
"Is there such a place in Ming Dynasty?" Tang He asked quickly.
"Yes. Not only does it exist, but it is also one of the top fishing grounds in the world." Han Du nodded with a smile.
"Where?" Tang He was even more excited when he heard it. It was completely ignored that Han Du was talking about one of several major fishing grounds, which shows that this fishing ground in the Ming Dynasty is not the only one.
"Changguo County."
Tang He's eyes suddenly widened and he looked at Han Du in surprise.
When Han Du saw this, the smile on his face quickly disappeared. Why is he looking like this? Judging from Tang He's appearance, something is wrong.
Tang He took a deep breath, stared at Han Du and asked slowly: "Do you know where Changguo County is?"
"Is there any problem?" Han Du replied in surprise.
Seeing that Han Du really knew nothing, Tang He gave a long sigh and explained: "The problem is big. Although Changguo County has been included in the territory of the Ming Dynasty since the founding of the Ming Dynasty in the second year of Hongwu. But in fact, the Ming Dynasty had no control over that The place has always been poorly managed, and you also know that Changguo County is located overseas, and even if the Ming Dynasty wanted to manage it effectively, it would be beyond its reach."
Han Du felt strange when he heard this, but even so, there should be no problem. If it's hanging overseas and out of reach, wouldn't it be better to just sail there? It has been neglected, so it is not too late to formally manage it now.
But what Tang He said next made Han Du instantly understand why he was so shocked just now.
"The most important thing is that there are a lot of Japanese pirates gathering there."
Japanese pirates, this is the reason why Ming Dynasty abandoned Changguo County.
Han Du was silent for a long time, then suddenly raised his head and said: "What about the Japanese pirates? Can't we just wipe them out? Changguo County controls the Japanese country in the east, is connected to Denglai in the north, Ou and Min in the south, and Wuhui in the west. It is really a huge obstacle in the sea. Like this The place must not be occupied by Japanese pirates for a long time, otherwise it will one day become a serious problem for the Ming Dynasty. The father-in-law himself also said that a place with a fishing ground is a cornucopia. The Japanese pirates are already so rampant now, if they are allowed to occupy this fishing ground again, Then they will truly be more powerful than a tiger, and Ming Dynasty will become a troubled one."
After Tang He thought for a long time, he nodded slowly.
"You are right. This place must not be allowed to continue to be occupied by Japanese pirates. Whether it is for the strategic location of Changguo County itself or for the fishing grounds."
