The book continues from the previous chapter.
Speaking of Emperor Li Liangji of the Dafeng Dynasty, after he noticed the importance of firearms in naval battles, he came up with the long-term idea of building a Kunpeng navy.
This type of navy is mainly divided into two parts: battleships and firearms.
Let’s talk about the battleship first.
Regarding the construction in this area, the imperial court has never fallen behind. However, in the early years, it focused on the large treasure ships used for voyages to the West. It was not until later that the emperor stopped this matter that the focus of shipbuilding was shifted to the military. .
Generally speaking, in terms of shipbuilding, Dafeng needs personnel and technology. As long as financial allocations are in place, newly commissioned warships can make dumplings in the East China Sea.
And then there's the firearms thing.
The firearms here do not refer to the old bronze muskets of the Song Dynasty, but actual combat artillery made of fine steel. Regarding this aspect, Dafeng is still in a blank period and must be filled.
There are two options: independent research and development and manufacturing, or purchasing from other countries.
pick one of two.
But, how to choose?
The emperor was not sure about this for a while, so he decided to listen to the opinions and suggestions of the ministers and brainstorm their opinions to make a clear decision.
Previously, Qi Yu, the prefect of Qiongzhou, wrote a letter saying that important weapons of the country, such as artillery, must be independently developed and produced, and must not rely on supplies from other countries. Otherwise, they will be controlled by others and will be easily attacked by the enemy. 'Find out your true strength.
It sounds reasonable.
However, Qi Yu's view was jointly opposed by the three major ministers of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Industry.
The ministers all believed that importing foreign firearms was the most timely and reliable solution. If we rely on our own step-by-step research and development and manufacturing, then we have to wait until the Year of the Monkey to put it into production?
Don't you know that stones from other mountains can be used to attack jade? What others do is my teacher.
In other words, the advanced technologies of other countries can be used or learned from by our country.
However, the ministers also recognized that independent research and development cannot be ignored. However, this matter cannot be rushed and needs to be explored and realized step by step.
At this time, Wu Wanrong advised: It is better to purchase a few batches from abroad first. After we get them, we can secretly learn to imitate them, and we will be successful in the long run.
Well, that makes sense!
This is a very advisable way to take advantage of others and make up for your own shortcomings.
However, the emperor and ministers who were wandering around ignored the most important point, that is, it is impossible for others to sell you the most advanced things at home. What you can eventually imitate are the outdated ones that others have eliminated. things.
Although independent research and development is time-consuming and laborious, it is a long-term solution. Although plagiarism and imitation are fast for a while, they are always subject to others, and you will eventually pay the corresponding price for it.
Except for Qi Dalang, who was well aware of its shortcomings, no one could see this kind of foresight, because the current Dafeng Dynasty had not suffered any losses in this regard.
In the end, the emperor accepted Wu Wanrong's advice and decided to purchase three batches of so-called "Red Yi Cannons" from the overseas Flemish people, laying the foundation for the Kunpeng Navy's take-off...
"Damn it!"
Hearing this, Qi Yu was so angry that his insides were on fire and his orifices were filled with smoke, and he uttered foul language.
After a pause, he gritted his teeth and said: "This Wu Wanrong is really a stinking piece of shit that has brought disaster to the country and the people. He has not done many good things, and he has only given some bad ideas to our emperor. Death will not be enough to shield him! Alas... Your Majesty also Really, why don’t you accept my advice?”
Yin Jun smiled and said, "Otherwise, this is a decision made by the Ming Gongs after a public discussion, not Wu Wanrong's words alone."
Qi Yujie
He said: "Ming Gong? Haha, they are just a group of extremely stupid slanderers. They claim to be knowledgeable and rich on weekdays, but at critical times, they are short-sighted and see only one hole. People like this dare to claim that they are Ming Gong?"
"Haha, how could a smart person like you say such stupid things?" Yin Jun clicked his tongue, hinting at him with a hint of irony and a smile.
Qi Yu was startled and wondered: "Where did I get confused?"
"Don't be impatient. Just calm down and think about it carefully. See what kind of tricks are hidden here?" Seeing him nodding, Yin Jun added: "If you purchase military supplies from foreigners, what kind of tricks are there inside and outside?" But everything is full of oil and water, but in-house research and development is different. Not only does this process take a long time, but it will also be overseen by a hand-picked censor. If it is not developed by then, he may be held accountable and weigh the pros and cons. Who would be willing to choose to make it at home? It was based on this consideration that the wise ministers tacitly formed a unified stance, then jointly advised His Majesty, and finally promoted this matter."
"Understood……"
"Alas, although I tried my best to advise and stand up for you, I couldn't refute the opinions of others, and in the end I couldn't change anything." After Yin Jun finished explaining these reasons, he shook his head and sighed, with a look of regret on his face. color.
This is a major national policy, and it is indeed beyond the control of a third-rank official like him.
As for Zhong Shoufu, he probably turned a blind eye and acted like a good guy for once. Even if he doesn't think about himself, he still has to leave some way out for his son-in-law to gain a foothold after he leaves office, right?
Qi Yu sighed and said with emotion: "The water you said is very deep. Is that what you meant specifically?"
"That's right!" Yin Jun nodded and added: "Once officials form an interest group, even the chief minister of the cabinet will not dare to openly quarrel with each other, otherwise, there will be some cause-and-effect relationships in the future. . Alas, this water is really deep..."
"Um……"
This incident changed Qi Yu's impression of the central officials in the capital. It is not difficult to see that these people are all for themselves and have no feelings for their family and country at all. It is really disappointing. .
In addition, there is the cabinet, which is not as objective and fair as imagined. Driven by big interests, it can also make concessions.
However, there is no way to be disappointed. At present, I am only a small local official of the fourth rank, and I do not have the qualifications and rights to participate in the internal decision-making of the central government. Unless one day, I can grow into a high official like a governor or even a governor. Only then do you have a certain right to speak.
I don't know how much time passed, but Shi Yuan's sudden greeting directly interrupted Qi Yu's deep thoughts: "Master Qi, all the dishes you ordered have been served, please use them slowly."
"Oh, you go down first. I'll call you if anything happens."
"yes!"
Yin Jun lowered his head to look and couldn't help but be startled. He silently counted the number of dishes and murmured: "When you treat me to dinner, it's always four small dishes and a pot of wine, but today it's more than twenty dishes." . Among these dishes, you not only ordered big fish and meat, but also seafood and mountain delicacies, which is a bit abnormal..." After saying that, he flashed his eyes and asked with a vigilant look on his face: "Village man, you are uncharacteristically asking. I'm eating, maybe I need something from you?"
What? Will I beg you?
Uh...you guessed it right.
However, I am asking for it because of your sister's request.
Of course, there is still a little bit of caution.
In any case, Yin Tao stayed in Qiongzhou for his own reasons. From this point of view, he was indeed a bit sorry for Bai Mianshou. He regarded himself as a brother, but he was involved with his sister. It seemed that Not loyal?
However, if you think about it, think about it and talk about it.
After thinking about it carefully, Qi Yu still felt that this matter was a bit difficult to talk about.
When I go out, I always feel guilty about missing my sister.
Forget it, let's keep this matter secret for now. After the brother and sister have met and communicated, it won't be too late for him to express his position. And by then, it won't be too embarrassing.
good!
Thinking of this, Qi Yu laughed dryly and gave another explanation for his warm hospitality: "Bai Mianshou, our relationship is not only that of classmates and fellow villagers, but also of the same department and colleagues. Now it has become a rare thing. A close friend, how precious is this kind of friendship? Now that our old friends are reunited in a foreign country, how can I not entertain you warmly? Furthermore, how can I not entertain you with a promotion through promotion? Can we not hold a banquet to congratulate you?"
Like This!
Yin Jun was stunned when he heard this, and thought to himself at the same time: Huh? When did he become so generous?
Seeing his expression of deep thought, Qi Yu hurriedly found a new topic to introduce him to: "We have been chatting for so long and you haven't explained yet, what are you doing in Qiongzhou?"
I remember that when we met, he once said to himself that he came to Qiongzhou to do something big, but he didn't know what his big thing was.
Sure enough, Yin Jun was interrupted by his question: "That's it, I came to Qiongzhou for two purposes. One is to complete the affairs entrusted by His Majesty to rectify the official administration of Qiongzhou, and the other is to visit me by the way. My little sister Yin Tao."
The second point is human nature, so let’s put it aside for the moment and just talk about the first point of what he said. What does it mean specifically?
Why rectify the official administration of Qiongzhou?
Could it be that the emperor thinks that I am not doing a good job in governing the officials in Qiongzhou?
Seeing his dazed and confused look, Yin Jun teased: "Look at you, you are really a forgetful person. Don't you have any memory of what you did in the first place?"
After hearing this, Qi Yu became even more confused: "I didn't do anything!"
"Haha!" Yin Jun smiled and then reminded him: "Last year, you wrote to the emperor that Qiongzhou has a population of more than 300,000. After excluding women, children, the elderly and the weak, the number of prime-age laborers is less than 60,000. However, in comparison, the number of people in the official organization is as high as three to four thousand, accounting for one-twentieth of the number of young people. From this, it is not difficult to see that Qiongzhou’s bureaucracy is indeed too It’s too bloated and it’s time to lose weight.”
So that’s what happened!
I almost forgot if I didn't mention it. This was indeed the letter I wrote last year. I still remember that Governor Lu Boxuan expressed his support at that time.
Don't underestimate this. Without the full support of the feudal officials, such a simple policy would not be able to reach the central government. Even if it did, it would not attract the attention of the top officials. Therefore, Governor Lu's support is the biggest focus of this ring.
This matter has passed for a long time, and there has been no news before. I thought it was suppressed by His Majesty's veto, but I never thought that it was actually a belated announcement of good news.
In this regard, Yin Jun explained: "According to the idea in your letter, the original one prefecture, three states and ten counties in Qiongzhou are directly merged into three large administrative regions. You know, this is a complete cut. Eighty percent of the organization was involved, and thousands of people were involved. Even His Majesty, a wise majesty, did not dare to allow such a big move. Later, it was my father-in-law who took the lead in promoting this matter, despite all opinions. That’s why it’s been delayed for so long.”
Hearing this, Qi Yu hurriedly bowed his hands towards Beigong and said, "On behalf of the people of Qiongzhou, I would like to thank Zhong Shoufu for his kindness." After saying that, he asked again: "I said that rectifying the administration of officials is not just for the sake of all of you. Why would His Majesty appoint you to do internal affairs?"
Yes, for official affairs, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to use people from the bureaucracy?
Yin Jun smiled awkwardly and said: "Originally, I really didn't want to get involved in this matter, but my little sister stayed in Qiongzhou, and I couldn't stand my mother's begging, so I had to do it privately. After looking for His Majesty, I took the initiative to take up this post."
Oh, so that’s it!
