On May 24, the first year of Hongzhi, Ma Wen was promoted to Beijing.
As soon as he entered the capital, the father-in-law from the palace summoned him to see him.
Ma Wensheng had no choice but to rush to Qianqing Palace to meet the Holy Spirit, dragging his old body with him.
At the same time, Zhu Youtang separated everyone and prepared to summon.
Goldfinger? Come out and sleep. "
Ding dong... [Hearing the call from the host, the host has met the summoning conditions twice and has the opportunity to use it twice. Do you want to use it? 】
"Yes", Zhu Youtang confirmed.
Ding dong...[Reward 1: Strengthen your body +3]
[Reward 2: Equestrian Skills +3]
[Reward 3: One hundred thousand taels of silver] Please choose one of the three rewards. "
"Ding dong... [Friendly reminder, after this summoning, the system has reached the upgrade conditions. Is the host upgraded? 】
Zhu Youtang had previously called his system Bronze Finger, but today it was unexpectedly renamed Gold Finger. That was because he knew in advance that his system was finally going to be upgraded. In order to get good rewards after upgrading, Zhu Youtang deliberately called him "Gold Finger" politely.
"Yes," Zhu Youtang confirmed. If the rewards get better after this thing is upgraded, he can just call it "Gold Finger" from now on.
But before that, he had to finish selecting the rewards this time. After thinking about it, Zhu Youtang decided to get one hundred thousand taels of silver because he had a new plan.
Choose three, get one hundred thousand taels of silver! "
Ding dong... [The host has obtained one hundred thousand taels of silver. Please just check it directly from the internal funds. 】
Ding dong... [This use is over, the system will be shut down and ready to be upgraded, thank you for using it. 】
After a while, the system sound finally sounded again. "Ding dong... [The system has been upgraded, and the reward library has been updated on the original basis. The host has met the summoning conditions once and has the opportunity to use it once. Do you want to use it? 】
"Use. Baby Goldfinger must bring me some treasures!"
Ding dong... [Reward 1: A blueprint of the matchlock gun]
[Reward 2: Quickly browse today’s government affairs]
[Reward 3: 150,000 taels of silver] Please choose one of the three rewards. "
Zhu Youtang's eyes immediately lit up after hearing this. These three rewards were all so exciting. The silver rose directly from one hundred thousand taels to one hundred and fifty thousand taels. As for quickly reading today's government affairs, he thought for a while and decided to forget it. After all, he now had the little eunuch Yan Hai to read to him. The first drawing of a matchlock gun is really tempting. If the Ming Dynasty had this thing, it would probably be more than a hundred years ahead of the world in firearms, and the combat effectiveness of the entire army would be doubled several times.
Choose one and get a copy of the matchlock gun drawings! "
Ding dong... [The host has obtained a copy of the matchlock gun blueprint. 】
Ding dong... [This use is over, the system will be shut down soon, thank you for using it]
As soon as the system finished speaking, Zhu Youtang glanced at the dragon table, and sure enough, there was already a drawing on it.
Zhu Youtang picked up the matchlock gun drawing and looked at it carefully, and murmured with great joy: "If this treasure can be widely used, why can't Ming conquer the world?"
The improvement, manufacture and required materials of the matchlock gun are all clearly introduced in this drawing. As long as you find an expert in making firearms, you can understand it immediately.
The structure of the matchlock gun is that there is a metal hook on the gun. One end of the hook is fixed on the gun and can rotate around the axis. The other end holds a burning matchlock. When the soldier fires, he uses his hand to push the metal hook towards the fire door. Push inside to make the match ignite the gunpowder, and then launch the projectile in the barrel of the gun.
Because the match rope is a hemp rope or a tightly twisted strip of cloth that is soaked in potassium nitrate or other salt solutions and then dried, it can burn slowly with a burning speed of about 80 mm to 120 mm per hour. In this way, soldiers can burn metal After pressing the hook into the fire door, you can hold the gun with one or both hands, keeping your eyes on the target.
According to historical records, a well-trained shooter can fire 2 to 3 bullets per minute, and the long-barreled gun has a range of about 100 to 200 meters.
Although the matchlock still cannot compare with its advanced version of the flintlock, it is already very good in this era. Chinese matchlocks, also known as Bird Tong, first appeared in the first year of Jiajing when the Ming army obtained Western matchlocks from two captured Portuguese ships in the Battle of Xicaowan, Xinhui, Guangdong.
In 1548, Japanese matchlock guns were seized from the Japanese pirates who invaded Shuangyu along the coast of my country.
"Shi Lv" written by Fan Jingwen of the Ming Dynasty mentioned: "If you don't throw away the handle to light the fire with your back hand, it will not shake, so eighty-nine out of ten shots will hit, that is, it can shoot down any flying bird in the forest, hence its name. "Also known as the bird's beak gun, because its ignition structure is like a bird's beak pecking water when it is ignited.
Zhu Youtang couldn't put it down after reading it, and immediately ordered: "Yan Hai, summon Wang Shu to the palace."
At this moment, Li Guang trotted in and said, "Your Majesty, Ma Wensheng wants to see you."
Zhu Youtang threw down the matchlock gun drawings and said with great joy: "Quickly pass!"
Ma Wensheng, the word is negative and the picture is negative. In the second year of Jingtai, Ma Wen was promoted to the rank of Jinshi. He served as an official for fifty-six years through five dynasties and made remarkable achievements in his life.
Ma Wensheng is well versed in military affairs. With him in charge of the new army in the Beijing camp and equipped with matchlock guns, their combat effectiveness will definitely be even better than that of Mr. Yongle's time. As long as he is allowed to train for a period of time, the Beijing camp will definitely take on a completely new look. Zhu Youtang was gearing up, wishing that he could lead an army to expedition to Mobei and pacify the grassland now.
A moment later, Ma Wensheng, who was already sixty-two years old, was dressed in civilian clothes. He did not raise his head to see himself after entering the door, but he knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, your Majesty, Ma Wensheng!"
"No courtesy, please sit down." As soon as Zhu Youtang finished speaking, Yan Hai and Li Guang hurriedly brought the chairs over and placed them behind Ma Wensheng.
Ma Wensheng had been the governor of Liaodong before and had not yet seen Zhu Youtang's face. Now he was sitting on the chair and looking at the young emperor. Seeing his heroic spirit and tall figure, he couldn't help but praise in his heart: "Your Majesty really has the style of Hongwu and Yongle." !”
When Zhu Youtang saw Ma Wensheng looking at him, he was secretly happy. He relied on the system to improve his physical fitness to level 3. Needless to say, he now has a good figure. After all, to be an emperor, you must first have a good body!
"Aiqing Xiangbi has heard about the disarmament of our capital camp for a long time. Now a new batch of new troops have been recruited from various places, and I want you to preside over their training. Although there are many elite soldiers in the imperial court, there are no talents who are worthy of big posts. Wang Zongguan once proposed to me that the only person who is in charge of the new army in the capital today is his love for you!"
When Ma Wensheng heard this, he stood up in panic and bowed: "I have been the governor of Liaodong for several years, but I can't help but have made no achievements. Moreover, the envoys of the Li Dynasty were killed recently. I am ashamed of myself for such a talented minister!"
Zhu Youtang nodded and said: "The murder of the envoys of the Li Dynasty is not your fault, so you don't have to feel burdened. I am already over sixty years old, so I had no choice but to call you to the capital for training." Jingying.”
When Ma Wensheng heard that Zhu Youtang valued him so much, he quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will do my best to train your Majesty a new army that is invincible and invincible!"
"Okay, here's the decree, Ma Wen is promoted to the right commander of the Central Army Commander's Mansion, and is in charge of the training of the new army in the Beijing camp."
As soon as he finished speaking, Li Guang winked outwardly, and the two young eunuchs quickly walked into Xinuan Pavilion and walked in front of Ma Wensheng, carrying the military seal of the right governor and the first-grade Qilin court uniform.
Ma Wensheng took it carefully, kowtowed and said, "I thank the Lord for your kindness!"
At this moment, Wang Shu also arrived. He walked into the Nuan Pavilion and looked at the first-grade Qilin court clothes on the table and Ma Wensheng next to him, and he immediately understood.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!"
"No courtesy, please sit down." Li Guang and Yan Hai brought the chairs to Ma Wensheng and gently put them down.
Ma Wensheng had already heard of Wang Shu's name, and now he said with a smile: "Brother Zong Guan, you're welcome and safe!"
Wang Shu returned the gift with a smile and said, "Congratulations on your promotion!"
Zhu Youtang watched the two of them finish their greetings before he said, "Wang Aiqing, I have made Ma Aiqing fully responsible for the training of the new army in the Beijing camp based on your proposal."
"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"
"Do you two dear friends know about the new firearms? I had a dream yesterday. I dreamed that my Ming army was equipped with new firearms and completely pacified the grassland. After I woke up, I thought about it repeatedly and drew the appearance of this new firearm. I’ve got the drawings, my dear friends, let’s see what happens.”
Zhu Youtang handed the blueprint of the matchlock gun to Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng. At first, they did not take it seriously. The things in the dream were all illusory, and they were made by the emperor.
But when the two took it and took a closer look, their mouths gradually became O-shaped. Wang Shu was surprised and said: "Your Majesty is really a god! These new firearms are much more powerful than what we use now!"
Ma Wensheng also praised: "If this new type of firearm is promoted throughout the army, the combat effectiveness of our Ming army will definitely be different! Your Majesty is so talented and bold, I really admire you!"
"You have also heard recently that the Tatars attacked our Lanzhou Guard and killed 645 of our people. Now they are harassing our Datong in the name of paying tribute. The commander of Shanxi Province Zheng Yu led five people to protect the people. Thousands of officers and soldiers fought fiercely against the Tatars. After the war, Zheng Yu died fighting hard. The Tatars used the corpses of 5,000 Ming officers and soldiers to build a palace in the capital. This is really a provocation to the Ming Dynasty. I am heartbroken!"
After listening to Zhu Youtang's words, Wang Shu felt indignant and said: "The Mongolian cavalry came and went without a trace. They are fast and skilled with bows and horses. However, in the past, Emperor Taizong defeated the Mongols in all five expeditions to Mobei. Damn it." It is our powerful firearm. If this new type of firearm can be developed now, our Ming Dynasty will definitely be able to conquer the chaos and pacify the grassland!"
"My dear friends, let's see how long it will take to build this new type of firearm, and how much will it cost?"
Zhu Youtang's words are very realistic. Just take a look and see how much it costs. This kind of thing has never been done before. If you are the first to create it, you have to keep experimenting. It will definitely cost a lot of money to see if the country can support this military expenditure!
Ma Wensheng is in charge of the training of new troops in the Beijing camp, so he definitely doesn't have to worry about developing firearms. Wang Shu also understood that the reason why Zhu Youtang summoned him to the palace today to look at this drawing was very clear. He intended to make this new type of firearm for himself.
Wang Shu thought hard for a while and said: "According to the drawings, this new type of firearm must be made of fine iron and must be continuously polished, so that it can be strong and durable and will not explode when fired. I estimate that it will take one shot to make this new type of firearm." It will take at least three months, and the price will be around four taels of silver..."
At the end of the sentence, Wang Shu's voice had become much softer. It is true that this new type of firearm costs a lot of money. He also told the truth. Whether he wants to build it or not depends on whether Zhu Youtang has the courage to risk everything.
Wang Shu originally thought that Zhu Youtang had to hesitate for a while, but he didn't expect that Zhu Youtang said straightforwardly: "I'm sure!"
Zhu Youtang traveled from later generations, but he knew that the power of cold weapons was incomparable to hot weapons, otherwise the Eight Banners Army who built slaves behind them would not have been beaten to a pulp by the Westerners. Reluctant to let go of children, there is no way to trap the wolf. If Ming Dynasty wants to become stronger, it must continue to develop and improve science and technology! "
"I plan to build a new Arms Department outside the War Bureau. Skilled craftsmen will be selected from the War Bureau to join the Arms Department. Afterwards, the War Bureau will be responsible for collecting and transporting materials. The Arms Department will be responsible for the research, development and production of weapons. The department has an admiral, and the subordinate officials include associates, secretaries, chiefs, and supervisors. I will leave it to you to appoint these personnel, right?"
After Wang Shu heard this, he hurriedly said: "Old minister, thank you for your trust. I will do my best to develop new firearms and live up to your majesty's trust. I didn't know that this Arms Department belongs to..."
Zhu Youtang heard the meaning behind the words. Wang Shu was afraid that the development of firearms would be hampered by constraints like the previous disarmament of the Beijing camp and would not be able to be used.
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Don't worry, my dear, this Arms Department is not affiliated with any department, it belongs directly to me. I will grant you one hundred thousand taels of silver first, and you will first be responsible for the location selection, personnel selection and construction of the blacksmith house for the Arms Department. There’s no need for time, so I’m in a rush for three months. What I want is high-quality products, not scrap metal!”
Wang Shu was overjoyed after hearing this. The emperor had given himself a Shangfang sword and sufficient funds, so that he could concentrate on developing new firearms without fear of anyone constraining him!
"Come here, serve some tea!"
Upon hearing this, Li Guang gently pushed Yan Hai, who was in a daze, and the latter came to his senses and hurriedly ran to cut the tea. Because Yan Hai became the head of the Qianqing Palace, it was indispensable for Li Guang's recommendation, so he usually listened to Li Guang in everything. As for small chores such as cutting tea, Li Guang mostly left it to Yan Hai. He was also willing to do so without any complaints.
Before the tea was served, Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng were discussing firearms and new army policies. Zhu Youtang casually picked up a memorial on the table, and the more he looked at it, the more he frowned.
While Yan Hai served the tea, he cut a cup for Zhu Youtang, Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng.
"This censor is so brave! How dare he question my decision!" Zhu Youtang said, slamming the table.
Li Guang next to him saw Zhu Youtang's expression and said impatiently: "These Qingliu civil servants are really full of food every day. They have to get up every day to contradict the emperor if they do anything bad. And it is the most irritating. The only thing is, the angrier the emperor is, the more glorious they feel, what kind of bullshit logic is this!"
Ma Wensheng and Wang Shu saw that Zhu You's face was getting ugly, and they knew that the censor might have offended Long Yan again.
Zhu Youtang said angrily: "This Pan Gu not only cannot ennoble Zheng Yu, the commander of the Shanxi capital who has died for the country, but also punishes him. It is said that Zheng Yu did not attack early, causing thousands of people to die in vain along the border of Datong. ! This kind of bastard only looks at the bad sides of others and doesn't look at their merits and contributions!"
When they heard it was Pan Gu, the two understood instantly. Pan Gu was known as a quick talker in the court. He regarded Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty as his idol. He was not afraid of heaven or earth. He often impeached all officials in the court, ranging from the chief minister of the cabinet to the lowest official rank.
"What does Daming want from such a bastard?"
Before Zhu Youtang finished speaking, the tea bowl that Ma Wensheng had just picked up fell to the ground and shattered. However, Zhu Youtang did not notice it, and tears suddenly appeared in his eyes. "Who in the Ming Dynasty can still fight bloody battles and die to serve the country? Only Zheng Yes! Maybe his martial arts is not the best, but he is the least afraid of death. Today, General Zheng died for his country. When will our Ming Dynasty have such an iron-blooded general again? What a pain, Zheng Yu? What a pity, Zheng Yu! Alas, Zheng Yu!"
Seeing what Zhu Youtang said was so emotional, Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng were also moved by Zhu Youtang's true feelings. They didn't expect that Zheng Yu, who was loyal to his country and died on the battlefield, could actually make today's young emperor feel emotional. Such an emperor Who wouldn’t be loyal to him wholeheartedly?
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