The Red Mansions

Chapter 790 Jia Heng: According to my Han law, he will be executed...

濠镜
The night fell and everything was still.

Zhou Fang, Governor Haojing’s official residence, was brightly lit and crowded with people. Groups of Guangdong Haihai soldiers in cotton cloth and red armor stood around the white high wall, holding the Yanling Saber on their waists tightly to guard their surroundings.

With the gradual gathering of news from all quarters, Guangdong Marine Corps has taken over the entire Haojing Island, and Jia Heng has also been "invited" to stay in a small brick-and-concrete building southwest of the Governor's Mansion.

In the study room, sitting behind the mahogany bookshelf, he picked up a volume and read it.

At this time, accompanied by the sound of light footsteps, Chen Xiao entered the study room, handed over the book in his hand, Yurong was as cold as frost, and said in a low voice: "This is the information delivered from Jinling. The Jiangbei camp has been full of recruits and training, and the training has begun. The salt ticket method in the Lianghuai area has been a great success. Huaiyan has recently sold well in the salt areas of Liangjiang and Huguang provinces. The Lianghuai salt transportation company has made a lot of money. , In less than one month, 80 taels of profit are being deposited into the warehouse."

During the period when Jia Heng departed from Jinling and arrived in Guangdong, various affairs in Jinling and Yangzhou were carried out in full swing after Jia Heng took the lead, and the salt and military affairs achieved remarkable results.

Both Lin Ruhai and Qi Kun are capable officials. After Jia Heng determined the latitude and longitude, he led the officials of the Lianghuai Salt Transportation Department to conduct an inventory of the Lianghuai Salt Field, mainly to find out the situation of salt cooking by the Yanding stove households, and at the same time The method of drying salt was introduced.

The arrival of Xie Zaiyi, Cai Quan and other young generals of the Jia family, after helping Jia Heng strengthen his control over the soldiers and horses of the Jiangnan camp, also began to enter the training.

Navy, not a single pawn falls.

Hearing this, Jia Heng stretched out his hand to take the book in Chen Xiao's hand, frowning slightly, and lowered his eyes to read it. The book is mainly about the situation of Jiangnan and Jiangbei camps.

The troops of the Sixth Battalion are still relatively lacking in a high-level military academy commanding the first level, but this does not prevent Xie Zaiyi and others from training and rectifying the Jiangnan Camp, which has already started a vigorous rectification a few days ago.

Jia Heng read the text on it, and after a while, he concealed the book and said with emotion: "The law of ticket salt can be used to promote the Hedong and Changlu salt fields, so that profiteers and cunning officials have nowhere to hide. The state overcharged nearly ten million taels of tax money.”

Hearing the young man's emotion, Chen Xiao couldn't help taking out a piece of paper from the armhole, and said in a low voice: "I still have a letter from Fei Ge, saying that the eldest princess arrived at Huai'an Mansion by boat, and she will arrive in a few days." It's Yangzhou."

When Jia Heng heard this, he was slightly happy, and asked in surprise, "Are you almost in Yangzhou?"

After doing the calculations like this, it has indeed been changed. He has been in Guangzhou for quite a while now.

He took the paper from Chen Xiao's hand and read it, frowned, and said softly: "Xianning and Chanyue are here."

As for who came to the Jia family, the paper did not say, but because Jinyi had to prepare for security matters, it secretly reported that Princess Xianning and Princess Qinghe also went south with the boat.

Chen Xiao suddenly said quietly: "This can be regarded as hiding, otherwise there may not be a fight between Xianning and Concubine Zhen's sister-in-law."

Jia Heng put down the paper, looked at the girl with a gentle smile in his eyes, and said in a low voice: "At that time, you don't have to watch the wind anymore, you can help Xianning."

Chen Xiao: "???"

Immediately after reacting, the girl's clear eyebrows and eyes were filled with coldness, and she glared at the boy.

Sure enough, there are those dirty thoughts.

Jia Heng picked up the teacup, took a sip, changed the topic and said: "When Haojing's hands and tails are cleared up, let's take the firecrackers and some craftsmen by boat, and go back earlier, and the Jiangnan side will also take care of it." I'm a little worried."

Duoduo probably won't let it go, since he's been active in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it's been almost a month now, and he doesn't know what kind of moth is brewing.

At this moment, Li Shu's voice came from under the corridor eaves, saying loudly: "Captain, Xu Jiancheng and Zhao Qianhu are here."

Jia Heng said: "Let them in."

As he said that, he left the study room with Chen Xiao and came to the meeting room, only to see Xu Tingye and Zhao Yi walking quickly.

Xu Tingye bowed his hands to Jia Heng, and said: "My subordinate Xu Tingye has seen Mr. Jia."

Zhao Yi looked solemn, clasped his fists and said, "Commander."

This is the first time Jia Heng has seen two people since Jia Heng sent them to the Haojing Army. Son, it’s been almost a year since I saw you.”

After exchanging greetings, the host and guest were seated. Jia Heng looked at Xu Tingye aggressively and asked, "Xu Jiancheng, I've been wandering in Haojing for a day, what do you think of the firecrackers of the Hongyi people?"

Xu Tingye's somewhat tanned face showed complex and emotional expressions, and said: "If he hadn't been sent to Haojing by Mr. Jia, he would not have known that Hongyi's firearms are so powerful."

Jia Heng smiled lightly, and said: "At the beginning of Zhengde and Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty, Hongyi's firearms, such as the Fran cannon, had already shocked the north and the south, but after a hundred years, the Hongyi firearms did not say that they were making rapid progress. After years of intensive research, the skills have gradually matured, and our Han military weapons are still using firearms that have been used for hundreds of years. In the previous battles between the Guangdong Navy and the Hongyi ships, if it weren’t for our ships. I'm afraid the outcome is more obvious."

Xu Tingye nodded, agreed and said: "Master Jia's words are true. I think that if the red barbarian cannons are installed in our court sergeants, it will be even more powerful for our Han royal division. At that time, a thousand cannons will be fired, so why worry about Jurchen's injustice?" ?”

Jia Heng smiled and said: "Xu Jiancheng, firing a thousand cannons is not an easy task. However, if I want to make Hongyi cannons or even improve the manufacturing process, it is best to achieve independent casting. Please ask All the wise men of the Ordnance Superintendent."

"Don't worry, my lord. In fact, the most difficult part of Hongyi's cannon to make paper is the cannon. My lord also knows that some craftsmen are not skilled enough. The barrel of the cannon is so rough that it is easy to explode, or it will be difficult to use after a long time." Xu Tingye explained. Said with a confident look.

Jia Heng nodded slightly and said: "It is better to train more skilled workers to form a set of mature craftsmanship. I plan to introduce craftsmen from Hongyi to teach the skills, and recruit translators from Guangdong to help make guns. Maybe make more cannons."

After negotiating with Bujialu before, the Portuguese installed 38 Hongyi cannons on the Haojing shore and ships, and sold 28 of them to the Han army at a low price. The secret gun is used to offset part of the rent owed to Chen Han for 21 years, up to 120 million taels of silver.

As for the flintlock guns, there are nearly a hundred of them in Haojing. Others need to be made temporarily or transported from China. Jia Heng immediately ordered [-] guns and a large number of bullets to replace the bird guns in the hands of Shenjiying in Guoyong Camp. .

In fact, the flintlock gun was invented by Bi Maokang in the parallel time and space at the end of the Ming Dynasty, which was already 100 years behind the West, but because of Bi Maokang's own official career, it was not popularized like a sweet potato.

From fire door guns to matchlock guns, and then to flintlock guns, in fact, the current equipment of the Dahan Shenji Battalion is matchlock guns.

Xu Tingye said: "There are also craftsmen who forge gun barrels and refine ammunition. These can also be introduced to Shenjing. Firecrackers are all consumables."

Jia Heng said: "These officials will negotiate with the Portuguese in Haojing, and try to introduce these to our country as soon as possible."

With the size and wealth of a big man, as long as he catches up, he will soon be able to establish an advantage in military equipment.

After Jia Heng finished speaking, he looked at Zhao Yi who was not far away, and asked, "Zhao Qianhu has worked hard this time too. When we get to Beijing, Zhao Qianhu can go to Beizhen Fusi as an errand."

"Thank you, Commander." Zhao Yi got up and cupped his hands when he heard the words.

In the sequence of Jinyi Mansion, among the Fusi of the North and South Towns, the Fusi of the North Town is still the most prestigious.

When Xu Tingye left, Jia Heng looked at the autumn night in the courtyard where the bright moon was shining brightly. The autumn wind in early October was blowing head-on, bringing some coolness.

Under Chen Xiao's eyebrows, she stared at the young man with clear eyes, and asked softly, "Hao Jing is almost done, what are your plans next?"

Jia Heng said: "Open the sea to the imperial court and rebuild the Shibo Tiju Division."

Compared with Jiangnan Jiangbei Daying and the complicated personnel affairs in Jiangnan official circles, the trip to Guangdong did not have too many obstacles. None of the local officials dared to confront him. After all, the economic focus of the entire Dahan is not Guangdong Province, but Jiangnan.

Jia Heng said: "Tomorrow, wait for the news from Carlos, let's walk around Haojing Island."

The Hongyi of this era is not only far superior to the big man in the skill of firecrackers, but also has uniqueness in other skills, let's see if he can find something useful.

Chen Xiao let out a "hmm".

Jia Heng smiled and said: "If you are sleepy, you can go and rest first, I will write memorials later."

Chen Ling pursed her pink lips, and said softly, "I'm not sleepy right now."

Jia Heng heard the words, looked up at the girl, and said softly: "Well, it seems that it's not too late at this time, then wait until I finish writing the memorial."

Xiaoxiao must have been alone for too long, and seemed to want to find someone to talk to.

As he spoke, he picked up the brush and began to write the notebook.

Chen Xiao sat down, picked up the teacup, took a sip, and looked at the young man who was sitting upright and writing in handwriting, his eyes under the two sword eyebrows were concentrated, and his expression was extremely focused.

Chen Xiaoqing's eyes flickered, and an unspeakable peace filled her heart.

About two quarters of an hour later, Jia Heng put the brush on the pen holder, waited for the handwriting in the notebook to dry, and rubbed his sore wrist.

Except for the importance of Haojing and the benefits of Hongyi firearms, it also records what he saw and heard in Guangdong during this period.

Hao Jing is only suffering from scabies, and it is even hard to say what great contribution he made this time.

Jia Heng picked up the teacup, took a sip, left the desk, and said, "Let's go for a walk? Or play a game of chess? There happens to be chess here."

"Let's play chess." Chen Ling pursed her lips and said softly.

I always feel a little weird, but it can be regarded as playing a lot of chess with me.

Jia Heng took the chess board, arranged the pieces together, and said softly: "Among so many people, you are the strongest in chess."

Chen Xiao paused slightly, and said, "If one day the Jurchens in Liaodong are wiped out, what will you do?"

Jia Heng was stunned, and said softly: "At that time, I might walk around the big man, or I might go overseas to see it. Didn't Baoqin go to many places by boat, looking up at the vastness of the universe, and observing the prosperity of categories? , put your love on the mountains and rivers, and bring Xianning, Chanyue and the others with you at that time."

At the end, he looked at the girl opposite and asked, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"

Chen Xiaoxiu frowned, moved her clear and jade-like eyes, and said, "It's good that you can think so, retreat bravely, and protect yourself wisely."

Jia Heng said: "It's also possible..."

Chen Xiao's eyes sparkled, her heart beat slightly, and she asked softly, "What could it be?"

Although he knew that with the situation of the young man in front of him, it was impossible to give birth to such ambitions, but he couldn't help but have some expectations in his heart.

"Nothing." Jia Heng shook his head and said.

Falling into infamy, so that future generations will no longer be invaded by Western barbarians, is a sin for the present and benefits for the future, but it should be a very distant thing.

"Xiaoxiao, what about you?" Jia Heng casually asked the thoughtful girl.

Chen Xiao was thinking nonstop, her eyes flickered, she stared at the young man, and said, "What am I?"

"You can't go on like this forever, after all, you want to..." Jia Heng said.

Jia Heng swallowed the married woman who had come to his mouth, changed his words, and said softly: "After all, we have to settle down, and we can't just float in the rivers and lakes forever."

As he said that, he ate Chen Xiao as a pawn.

Chen Xiao didn't speak, but just played chess pieces.

When will she be floating in the rivers and lakes?

Seeing the girl's silence, Jia Heng stopped talking and asked instead, "Is there any news from Carlos?"

Chen Xiaoqing said in a clear voice: "In the afternoon, the Guangdong Navy had already gone after them. They don't have much fresh water and supplies, so they shouldn't be able to escape far. I think there will be news soon."

This is not a warship with a speed of tens of knots. The sailing ship needs supplies at sea, and Carlos will have to go ashore to replenish after a short run.

Jia Heng nodded and didn't say anything else, continuing to play chess with Chen Xiao.

The next day, the sky was bright, and seagulls flew across the sky above the sky.

Governor's Mansion
Witnessed by a group of Guangdong officials, Jia Heng signed a contract with Bujialu, exchanged the contract texts, and then followed Bujialu to visit the factory of Portuguese man-made guns and bullets.

It was also the place where Xu Tingye and Zhao Yi went to bribe the craftsmen, pretended to be workers and sneaked in, and were discovered by Bujialu.

Haojing has been occupied by Portuguese people for a long time, and sometimes they fought with invading pirates. It was necessary to replenish firearms and ammunition. It was impossible to transport and replace them from China every time, so the Portuguese built a small arsenal.

The factory covers an area of ​​more than ten acres, and there are Portuguese craftsmen and Han people in it, but they are only engaged in some low-end physical labor.

Bujialu introduced: "Count, this is the place where guns are made. Our gun barrels have been repeatedly polished by three shifts of workers, and there are more good products."

Jia Heng looked at Xu Tingye at the side, and asked, "Xu Jiancheng."

Xu Tingye was observing the factory intently at the moment, taking into account the proficient skills of the Portuguese craftsmen, with a look of amazement on his face.

He said how the gun barrel is so smooth, so it is!

Previously, he and Zhao Yi wanted to pretend to be workers and sneak in here, but they couldn't get close to the core area. Looking at it like this now, they finally got a glimpse of the construction details of the Western firecracker.

There is a saying that experts look at the doorway, and laymen watch the excitement. At a glance, these barbarian craftsmen are flexible and skilled, and there are various unknown setbacks, polishing the barrel.

Looking at this scene, Jia Heng nodded secretly. Now that he introduces the flintlock gun to make the line, and then vigorously promotes it in the future, he will have a great chance of winning against Donglu.

As for whether Donglu will also use flintlock guns, in fact, there is no need to worry about it. It is still a good thing, because the resource reserves and population of the two countries are much worse. Once they fall into an arms race, the Jurchen must be the first to be dragged down. .

If you don't practice riding and shooting well, you have to fight firecrackers for big guys. This is to use your own shortcomings to attack others' strengths.

The only thing I am worried about is the Hongyi Cannon, which still needs to be kept secret.

Jia Heng and Bujialu walked around the arsenal, and at noon, Jia Heng and Bujialu came to the Governor's Mansion again and had a meal.

The wife of Bujialu cooks, and cooks some uniquely Portuguese style meals and some desserts. After the meal, Jia Heng and Bujialu talk about business at afternoon tea.

Bujialu said softly: "Count, your country has purchased so many cannons, it is indeed necessary to introduce a manufacturing line, but why do you need so many cannons?
Jia Heng pondered: "Our army is about 200 million, but there is a small country in the north, where a group of barbarians live. They often go south to harass and invade our country."

Even if Bujialu served as the governor of Australia in Haojing for seven or eight years, due to the underdeveloped information and information at this time, the governor's understanding of Dahan is limited to Guangdong, such as other provinces of Dahan. Just heard the name.

On the far northeastern border, there is a small country that harasses the Han land from time to time, looting goods and people.

Jia Heng smiled and said: "Sir, don't worry, the distance between our two countries, even if we got the guns, we wouldn't travel thousands of miles overseas to conquer a country we didn't know. Traveling thousands of miles to conquer other countries."

Bujialu said: "I'm not worried about this, from the earl's point of view, even if I don't sell you guns, you will buy them from other people, but I feel that so many guns may not be produced in a short time. "

My heart is a little relieved. With 200 million troops, what is the population of their country?

At this moment, Haili greeted her with a smile, put down her coffee, and said, "You guys take it easy."

On the side, Nona looked at Jia Heng who was talking about things with her father, and she was a little curious, how could such a Han official speak foreign languages?

Jia Heng took a sip of his coffee and nodded to Nona, the little girl is not afraid of life.

At this moment, a guard from outside came running not far away and said, "Commander, General Wu stopped Carlos in Wanshan Town."

Jia Heng paused when he heard the words, put down the teacup in his hand, and asked, "How did you catch it?"

Bujialu on the side also put down his coffee, and stared in shock at the guard in Jinyi Fu who was wearing a flying fish suit.

"When the crew on the ship heard about Hao Jing, they didn't want to escape with Carlos, so they tied up a few of them." Jin Yifu's guard said loudly.

It turned out that the crew did not want to flee with Carlos after hearing that the governor of the mirror, Bujialu, had not been harmed. After floating in the sea for a long time, under the leadership of a captain, the brother-in-law Carlos and Alam He tied up with his brother-in-law and surrendered to the pursuing Guangdong Navy.

At this point, the turmoil of the Haojing conflict has come to an end.

Jia Heng looked at Bujia Road not far away, and said: "Sir, in the war you launched against our country this time, this Carlos is very suspicious and needs to be handed over to our side."

Bujialu frowned, observed the expression on Jia Heng's face, and asked, "How does the Earl plan to deal with him?"

"Breaking the diplomatic relations between the two countries and launching a war, according to the law of the Han Dynasty, you will be executed." Jia Heng said in a deep voice with a stern expression on his face.

(End of this chapter)