In May of the second year of Zhengde, Wu Wending, the general magistrate of Changzhou recommended by Wang Shouren, went to Beijing to see the emperor.
It was basically impossible for an official like him to meet the emperor. But who told Zhu Houzhao to attach great importance to Wang Shouren's opinions, and Wang Shouren recommended him.
However, after getting to know him a little later, Zhu Houzhao found out that Wu Wending had indeed done some major things when he was serving as the general judge of Changzhou. For example, when Wei Guogong, who was guarding Yingtian Mansion, competed with the common people for land, Wu Wending refused to give up and insisted on not allocating the land to Wei Guogong when judging the case. .
In this battle, he became famous in Yingtian Mansion. Therefore, people gave him the title of "strong official", and it is said that Wu Wen had great concentration, especially his arm strength, and he liked horse riding and archery.
In actual history, Wu Wending followed Wang Shouren to quell the rebellion of King Ning Zhu Chenhao. He was highly used and ranked first in terms of merit. Later, he became the Minister of the Ministry of War.
However, Zhu Houzhao actually couldn't remember such detailed history. Wang Shouren mentioned this person, and looking at his official resume, he was actually called a shrewd and powerful junior official, so he no longer had any doubts about the ownership of the naval commander.
In fact, everyone in the court said it was the navy, but Zhu Houzhao felt somewhat guilty: With eight ships and so many people, where is the navy? I'm afraid some of the Yangtze River water bandits are more powerful than this.
But what can be done? He, a future generation, will never allow Ming Dynasty to miss the Age of Discovery.
Jingli's decree was that March had passed, giving Wu Wending half a month to complete the handover, pack his luggage, and then set off north. On the way, he saw many 'field division teams' going to the countryside.
For a small official who had fought with the Duke of Wei for the common people's land, this scene still shocked him deeply.
In my heart, I was even more looking forward to the trip to the capital.
Unfortunately, when he arrived in the capital, Wang Shouren had already been ordered to inspect Shaanxi. Military and state affairs could not be delayed, so naturally he would not wait for him here specially.
Wu Wending walked around the capital, thinking that if he couldn't see Wang Shouren, he might go and pay homage to Wang Hao. He and Wang Shouren were both Jinshi in the 12th year of Hongzhi. The examiner at that time was Wang Hao. Speaking of which, he can also be called Wang Hao's disciple.
But the two trips came to nothing. The cabinet was busy with the matter of dividing the fields, and Wang Hao had no time.
So I had to give up.
In this way, Wu Wending could only wander around the city that never sleeps. He didn't know anyone well in the capital. As long as he had some connections, he wouldn't be given the small position of Changzhou's promotion official as a Jinshi.
The position of promotion official is poor even among local officials.
In May, the city that never sleeps is already quite prosperous, with raised corridors and eaves, low buildings and tall buildings scattered in an orderly manner, red lanterns hanging in the sky, lanterns and colorful decorations, and the world is prosperous. This is generally the case.
The hottest thing happening at the emperor's feet at this time was that Bao Guo Gong Zhu Hui was arrested for offending His Majesty. Not only was the occupied land given away, but Bao Guo Gong's title was not retained and he was demoted two levels. Later, his son Zhu Qi took the title of Funing Bo.
Duke Baoguo himself was imprisoned, and no one has yet asked for help.
Wu Wending felt very happy after hearing these things.
He sat like this for a while, and then a tall, thin middle-aged man with a goatee came in, glanced at him from downstairs, and then walked up quickly.
This person was still dressed in silk and satin, and he looked a little frail, as if he was ill. He was very polite in his words and deeds, "Your Majesty, are you Song Zi Wu Shi Tai?"
Wu Wending didn't know him, but he knew him, so he still returned the greeting, "Exactly."
"Oh, I am Gongsun Bei, whose courtesy name is Xingwen. He is the head of the Qing Li Department of Yu Heng, Ministry of Industry."
Yu Hengqing officials? Although Wu Wending did not work in Beijing, he still had some experience in various yamen of the imperial court. Yu Heng, the Qing Li Division of the Ministry of Industry, was responsible for "manufacturing military uniforms and weapons, firing ceramics, and smelting and casting utensils."
When such a person finds himself at this time, he must be well prepared.
"I've met Master Gongsun. Master Gongsun seems to recognize me?"
"I recognize it." The man with the goatee bent his eyes and smiled, "Right now, the newest thing in the capital is the Ming Nanyang Company, and the next newest thing is the Ming Navy, which only has eight ships. The Prime Minister of the Nanyang Company advised the court to buy more Warships to prevent pirates. Brother Shitai, when you enter Beijing this time, many people will recognize you."
Wu Wending was still a little surprised by this.
"A lot of people recognize me?"
"A general magistrate from Changzhou was suddenly promoted to the commander of the navy. You are also concerned about how much money Nanyang Company will get next year. Of course it attracts attention."
Wu Wending smiled heartily, "Wu has been an official for several years, and it is the first time that so many people care about him. It feels good."
Gongsun Bei was a little surprised. They all said that this man had a reputation as a strong official and seemed to be a bit brave.
"Master Gongsun, I wonder why you are looking for me?"
"Oh, I'm here to help Brother Shitai."
Wu Wending drank tea and remained unmoved.
Gongsun Bei stopped beating around the bush and took out a piece of yellowed paper from his sleeve. There was an image outlined with black ink lines on the paper.
After taking a closer look, I saw that it was a four-wheeled vehicle with a barrel at the bottom and a tapering neck...
"Artillery?! Is this an artillery?" Wu Wending recognized it at a glance.
"That's right. And it's a heavier artillery that is different from the Baizi gun. In the first year of Zhengde, His Majesty ordered the production of more sophisticated firearms. The Baizi gun was made of fine copper and was about four feet long. The Zhongzang magic medicine was one liter and five pieces. Equipped with a hundred bullets, it would be extremely powerful if it were defending a city on land. But when it comes to the sea, it will inevitably seem a bit light."
The Baizi gun is a kind of light artillery. It cannot be said to be useless at sea, but it is not close enough to hit it. But in this day and age, this kind of firearm is still equipped on the navy, so it is better than nothing.
So Gongsun Bei took out a new thing, pointed his index finger and said: "For this artillery, I specially asked people who went to sea for advice. The people of Folangji used this thing. It is called a copper-haired cannon. It weighs five hundred Jin, it can fire a lead weighing four kilograms, which is extremely powerful and will kill anyone who touches it!"
Only this kind of thing looks like a regular navy when placed on a ship. The fleet currently equipped with several muskets can only fight water bandits who lack lighters...
Wu Wending looked at this thing with some confusion,
The navy is different from the army on land. How to fight a naval battle is a science, but in any case, even a layman can realize the importance of artillery.
After all, you have to hit someone else first.
However, such an important matter was suddenly mentioned to him by a person who rushed past the self-reporter's door, which made him a little doubtful.
So he asked: "Now that we have this treasure, Mr. Gongsun can present it to your majesty, and your majesty will come down with his decree."
Gongsun Bei chuckled, but he was sincere, "To be honest, Brother Shitai, this thing... I haven't built it yet. The Arms Bureau is under the jurisdiction of Yu Heng's Qing Li Department, but there is a shortage of new things and craftsmen. Despite several efforts, But nothing came of it.”
Wu Wending even wanted to give him a look.
I haven't made it yet. If you tell me so much, aren't you just wasting your time?
Gongsun Bei hurriedly said: "But I can guarantee that this kind of artillery exists in the world, and it is on the ship of the Folangji people! As for... I asked you to tell your Majesty how to use it. Brother Shitai, please take a look and listen. I'm already anxious before it's finished, so wouldn't Your Majesty be even more anxious?"
No matter how eager you are to make meritorious deeds,
Then you can’t fool His Majesty the Emperor with pictures on paper!
Wu Wen must have understood, "So I am afraid that Master Gongsun will ask me to go to the sea to grab such an artillery piece for you."
"Robbing will hurt the harmony. It's not pretty if someone is killed or injured. You can buy it. As long as you buy one, the Ordnance Bureau can give Brother Shitai ten or a hundred. This is also for the Navy. Shitai Brother, I have seen people, so I must know that besides people and ships, the most important thing for a navy is firearms."
"I'll consider it next time."
After Wu Wending finished speaking, he stood up and left the place.
He probably figured it out. This person wanted to come up with a new trick to claim credit from the emperor, but he couldn't make it, so he thought of letting him do it. Just kidding, if labor and management really get such a cannon, we won’t go to His Majesty ourselves, right?
Gongsun Bei hasn't finished telling the truth yet. He wants to persuade Wu Wending and let Wu Wending tell His Majesty that he wants such a thing and that the imperial edict must be made. This way, it is more likely that it will be done. He is the only one who is in charge here to push it. This matter cannot be said to be difficult.
There was no other way, Gongsun Bei sighed, folded the picture and put it away.
After Wu Wending left, another person came to the table and sat opposite Gongsun Bei.
"How was it? What did you say?"
"It's hard to win people's trust if you are empty-handed. We have to think of ways to introduce it ourselves. Simply, let's talk to someone from Franji."
The atmosphere in the court was clear. If he, Yu Heng, the head of the Qing Dynasty Officials Department, wanted to advance further in the officialdom, he had to make contributions in areas that the emperor cared about. That's why he was so concerned when the emperor mentioned firearms more than a year ago.
"Hurry up!" Gongsun Bei felt a little nervous, "Let's do our best to get this done!"
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Bronze-haired rice dumplings were introduced by the Portuguese roughly during the late Zhengde and early Jiajing years of the Ming Dynasty. It was one of the most important artillery pieces before the red cannon was installed. It was usually installed on the bow of large ships.
(End of chapter)
