Promotion Letter for the Chief Executive

After appeasing the family members and finalizing the pension matters, Ping An's mood became even more depressed.

These people may really be used to it, so no one made a fuss, he made a decision, and they nodded in agreement.But the more this happened, the more uncomfortable Ping An felt.The dead workers were all middle-aged men, and each one was the pillar of the family. Without them, how would these families live in the future?

I have thought about this question before.Because when the weather warms up in spring next year, he will definitely send someone to pick up the families of the bow and arrow factory craftsmen.At that time, with so many people, it will be impossible to sit at home and wait for food every day, and we must always find something for them to do.

But the family members are almost all women, old and young, and there are limited things to do, so how to arrange it is very difficult.

Ping An originally planned to let them do some handicrafts, but the current market is not standardized, and Qinzhou's commerce is underdeveloped. Even if something is made, how to sell it is still a problem.

Originally, he wasn't in a hurry, just slowly looking for business opportunities.But this matter should be put on the agenda as soon as possible. After the formation of norms, the family members can also follow the same procedures in the future, which can relieve the pressure on the family to some extent.

Putting this matter on the agenda in my mind, Ping An followed the person in charge to discuss how to arrange the next thing.

The iron-smelting furnace is fine. Anyway, I was planning to test the blast furnace, so it happened to be rebuilt.The embarrassing thing is that before the new iron furnace is put into use, the iron production will definitely decrease. This is a troublesome thing, because the bow and arrow factory may also be affected.

Now we are fighting a war, and more production means more guarantees of victory.Being affected, of course, is not a pleasant thing.Fortunately, it is only an iron mine, and there are other places that can be filled, otherwise Ping An will really worry.

Fortunately, the iron-smelting furnace belongs to the bow and arrow factory now, and he only needs to be responsible for his own profit and loss, so he can avoid arguing with the government.

In addition, it is also a top priority to find out who is behind the scenes, and to formulate clearer and stricter management regulations to prevent such things from happening again.Prevention is better than disaster relief, and Ping An has really experienced it personally now.

After setting the regulations, it was getting late when we came out of the mine.Ping An looked up at the sky, and rushed to Qinzhou City with Youtai.Xu Wenmei is still waiting there.

The place where Xu Wenmei lives is a small courtyard under the name of Huangcheng Division.Three houses, a yard of more than ten square meters, nothing else, very inconspicuous.When Ping An and the others arrived, Xu Wenmei was cooking with great interest.

This is what he learned after he left the palace.

When he was in the palace before, Xu Wenmei ate all kinds of delicacies, such as swallows, abalones and ginseng wings, but at that time, he didn't care about his appetite, even the best food tasted nothing more than that.Unexpectedly, after leaving the palace, the conditions are very different from those in the palace, and the food is much rougher, but Xu Wenmei gradually tastes the charm of food.

He stayed here for the past two years, sometimes with Niu He, sometimes with Feng Yutang, but generally speaking, he didn't have any specific business, just came up with an idea.So a lot of free time is just used to practice cooking.Now it can be regarded as "treating each other with admiration for three days".

Ping An took a sip of the dishes he made, and exclaimed, "Master, is there anything else you don't know? Or is there anything you can't learn?"

"I won't have children." Xu Wenmei narrowed her eyes and said.

Whether in the narrow sense or the broad sense, he really can't.Ping An didn't expect him to say that, and was choked.Because—he wouldn't either.

During the meal, I heard Ping An talk about the arrangements in the mine, and Xu Wenmei suddenly said, "In fact, no matter who is behind this matter, the Liu family cannot escape. How do you plan to deal with them?"

"What is Master's plan?" Ping An immediately heard the meaning behind his words.

Xu Wenmei said, "I have a little idea."

He took a mouthful of food slowly, as if he was choosing his words carefully, and when the food was finished, he said, "The Liu family is just a family in Qinzhou, and the property is actually limited." How could a truly capable big family be trapped here ?I have already gone to Jiangnan, the capital city, to do business.

"So?" Ping An was puzzled.

"For a local family like this, the iron mines in a state are probably the vast majority of the family's industry. If you persuade them to take them all at once, it is tantamount to robbing their jobs and cutting off their future. Even if No one pushes you, I am afraid that after a period of time, their dislike for you will become more and more intense." Xu Wenmei said, "I think we should leave a way for others to survive, otherwise they will not be surprised if they are pushed to the limit."

After he finished speaking, he emphasized again, "I'm just saying that, you can decide for yourself. But Ping An, you want to make the world live a better life, why isn't the Liu family among them?"

The last sentence shocked Ping An's heart slightly.

That's right, he's not here to eradicate rape and evil, let alone determine who is good and who is bad, who is right and who is wrong, his goal is not this.Or to put it another way, what is the difference between him and the Liu family who monopolize Qinzhou's steel?It's just that there are no private transactions.

But this kind is everywhere in Dachu. If he doesn't come to Qinzhou, then the Liu family will continue to operate the iron mine.It cannot be said that the Liu family suffered an innocent disaster because of him, but it is true that he took away the property from the other party.Qinzhou's commerce is underdeveloped, and iron ore is the main business of Liu's family.Now that he has taken it away, how will the Liu family manage their lives?

Although there is still a prince behind them, Ping An understands that the superiors seldom care about the life and death of the subordinates, use them if they are useful, and throw them away if they are not. It is impossible to expect Zhao Wen to settle the Liu family properly.If he had such a heart, he would not care about the gains and losses of this state with Ping An.

"Master's lesson is right." Ping An said with a heartfelt convincing.

Xu Wenmei smiled and said, "You have done well enough, don't be too anxious, things will be smooth when things are slow."

Ping An did not explain that he was not in a hurry.In fact, he just hasn't experienced many things and is only at the theoretical stage, so he can't handle them properly for the time being.Just point it out and it can be corrected.

He thought for a while, and said, "Master said so, I have some ideas, but it's not comprehensive."

"Let's listen." Xu Wenmei knew that Ping'an had many ideas, but she didn't expect him to come up with a solution so quickly.

"Most of the craftsmen in the bow and arrow factory today are refugees recruited on the road when they came to Qinzhou. I promised them that when they settle down, I will send people to pick up their families. And the iron furnace explosion caused casualties. The craftsmen and their families also need to be relocated. I was thinking about how to relocate them. Now that Master mentioned this, I have an idea. Why not build a separate factory to make handmade products that are not so difficult, and let Liu The home is responsible for sales."

"It's just that I haven't figured out what to do." Ping An said.

Xu Wenmei pondered for a moment, and said, "This idea is good, but unless it is shipped to the south of the Yangtze River for sale, I am afraid there will be no market for those exquisite gadgets."

Although Qinzhou is not on the border, it can barely be regarded as a "bitter and cold place". People's lives are hard, and naturally they have no money left to buy those inappropriate food and clothing.

The people in the Jiangnan area are rich and prosperous, and the commerce is relatively developed.In places like Qinzhou, the city is better. In the countryside, every household is basically self-sufficient. Apart from buying necessities such as salt, they grow their own food, raise their own livestock, grow mulberry, raise silkworms, spin yarn and weave cloth.Occasionally, I have something that I don’t have at home, and I also barter with others. Even paying taxes can be mortgaged with grain, which basically costs less than a few dollars throughout the year.

"I've thought about this. The Hui River passes through Qinzhou, and as long as you go down the river, you can reach Jiangnan. You don't have to worry about transportation. It's just that the customs duties are more difficult. However," Ping An grinned, "it can't do anything I have arranged everything, and let the Liu family handle it by themselves."

There is basically no sea transportation in Dachu, but the river transportation is well developed. I don’t know how many people along the river rely on this for food.It stands to reason that the transportation is convenient, and the circulation of products from east to west, from north to south, should be relatively easy, but in fact, this is not the case.The real reason is probably because of heavy tariffs.To transport things from Qinzhou to Jiangnan, you have to pass through five or six states and dozens of counties along the way. Every time you pass through a place, you have to pay a tariff, which is simply unaffordable for ordinary merchants.

This is also the reason why foreign products are often extremely expensive. With so much cost, the only way to make money is to raise the price.In this way, ordinary people can't afford it, and business can't develop naturally.

However, for a family like the Liu family, as long as they have a good relationship with the government along the road, the tax they need to pay will be greatly reduced.It really doesn't work, there is still a fifth prince.As for what to do with Zhao Min, that's not Ping An's concern.

But for the Liu family to agree to sell them, the products must at least be unique enough that they can be sold at a high price when they are shipped to the south of the Yangtze River.What to do Ping An has not yet figured out.

Generally speaking, the goods are nothing more than food, clothing and entertainment. Needless to say, there are more food and clothing in Jiangnan than in Qinzhou, which is not attractive at all.The remaining two items can only be enjoyed by rich people.

Pingan thought about it, women's money is the best to earn, but these days, the ladies are not like later generations who will go out to purchase by themselves, and need to sell door-to-door.If it is a local, of course there is no problem, but if it is shipped from Qinzhou, the sales cycle will be too long.Besides, Ping An doesn't know any recipes for cosmetic maintenance.

Children's money is also easy to earn. Although it can't be sold at a high price, it can be sold in large quantities.After all, who doesn't have a child?The craftsmen in the south of the Yangtze River are the best at making delicate gadgets that require organs, and what Ping An thinks about is dolls.Then there's the problem: there's no cotton at all.

Ping An had told Zhang Dongyuan to send people to look for the seeds of various crops, but they haven't harvested yet.

Since he couldn't figure it out, Ping An naturally "wouldn't be ashamed to ask", mentioned his idea to Xu Wenmei, and then asked him, "Who does Master think makes the best money?"

"Of course those literati." Xu Wenmei replied without hesitation.

Ping An was slightly taken aback.

However, he quickly realized that this was not a future generation. Although women were housekeepers, they mostly lived in the house and seldom went out.No matter how good your stuff is, it's useless for them not to see it.Even if you do door-to-door sales, you will often be kicked out.Moreover, at this time, the fashion of the noble ladies' dressing and dressing followed that of the palace.People still look down on folk things.

If it is in the capital, this business can be done.Let Zhao Can think of a way to give it to Concubine Zheng for trial use. As long as she says a good word, it will be a gold-lettered signboard.

For now, it's better to think about how to spend the money of those scholars.

Whether it is books, pens, inks, papers and inkstones, the cost is very high.Therefore, most of the scholars have money, and... the literati are less favored, and the comparison is more serious. As long as the things sold are "elegant", then these people will naturally scramble to buy them.

Pingan felt that Xu Wenmei's words opened a window for her eyes.

One idea after another came to mind.

Ping'an has been to Jiangnan, and has communicated with scholars there.Although it was a few years ago, this is a very slow-paced era. Four years is actually very short. Even in Jiangnan, the development is very slow, so a lot of experience can still be used for reference.

In addition to reading, the scholars spend more time communicating with each other on weekdays, going out to visit friends and outings in all kinds of poetry, literature and literature... There is nothing impossible to do.At the essay meeting, in addition to writing poems and essays, of course, we should also exchange with each other new articles and things we have seen recently.Especially those famous Confucianists, what they do and what they say will become the objects of everyone to emulate.

For example, the old man Wen Ning that Ping An once met, the well-deserved literary leader of the world, heard that when he was young, when he went out with everyone, his shoes did not fit, so he took off the shoes and carried them. He was praised as "free and easy" "Close to nature", other people rushed to follow suit, and it became a good story for a while.

When Ping An heard about it for the first time, the expression on his face was embarrassing.

But this also shows that scholars are very serious against following suit.Ping An could imagine that if he came up with something, he just had to find a way to send it to Wen's house - let Wen Chengbi pass it on to Mr. Wen, I don't know if it will be possible - it would definitely become a new trend in minutes, and it would not be a dream to cause looting.

When it comes to coquettishness, Ping An almost immediately thought of an artifact—folding fan.

In ancient China, there were only round fans, which were used by women to cover their faces.There is also Zhuge Liang's lupine fan, but the scope of application is still not wide, probably because it is inconvenient to hold.And the temperament is not enough, the feeling of holding a feather fan is probably similar to holding a feather duster.

The folding fan is said to have been invented in Japan, and it became popular quickly after it was introduced to the Central Plains.Even in the literary works of later generations, its traces are often seen, and it is really the best choice for pretending.The most important thing is that Ping An has not seen everyone using it before.

So although it is a bit vulgar, Ping An finally decided to let everyone do this.

"It seems that you have made a decision?" Xu Wenmei saw the change of expression on Ping An's face, and finally turned into a smile, and she knew the result.He asked curiously, "What are you going to do?"

"It's hard to say, you'll know when I make it." Ping An said, and asked people to prepare tools, and at the same time sent Kaiyang to find out where there are more bamboos in Qinzhou.

He considered either building the factory there, or transplanting the bamboo near the bow and arrow factory, so that it would be more convenient for family members to come and go.This thing grows fast, a piece of bamboo can be produced in one spring, and the bamboo matures quickly, so it should be enough to cultivate it well.

However, the bow and arrow factory has a confidential nature after all, and it is not suitable if it is too close.

Bamboo was sliced ​​into pieces, paste and rice paper were all ready-made, and Ping An soon made the first folding fan.Of course, limited to the craftsmanship, it is not so exquisite.Even so, Xu Wenmei was very interested after seeing what he made, "Is this a fan?"

"Folding fan." Ping An said, "Landscapes, flowers and birds can also be painted on this fan, and poems and articles can also be written on it."

"You can also leave it blank and let the scholars write and draw after they buy it!" Xu Wenmei said immediately.Because he really wants to pick up a pen and draw something on this fan right now.And holding a folding fan with your own calligraphy to go out to communicate with friends, even showing off is very elegant, which is the kind of sentiment that literati like most.After all, it seems very deliberate to take out the calligraphy and paintings I brought from my pocket every time.It would be better if it could be displayed by unfolding the fan.

Ping An nodded, "Master, do you think this thing can be sold?"

"Of course." Xu Wenmei held the folding fan open and closed for a moment, then exclaimed, "Such an ingenious idea, it's really hard for you to think of it."

Ping An scratched his head, expressing a guilty conscience.

After this matter was settled, Ping An didn't think about it any more. After all, these were trivial details, and the current situation that he had to face was the most important thing.On the contrary, Xu Wenmei is very interested and has been researching.After a while, he said again, "It's not difficult to make, I'm afraid others will learn it."

"It doesn't matter, as long as word of mouth is spread, there are still people who would rather spend money to buy it." Ping An said.

After a while, Kaiyang came back and brought back a whole bamboo.Together with the branches and leaves, it occupies a large area in the yard.The green bamboo has a fresh aroma. Xu Wenmei smiled when she saw it, "I heard that there is a kind of rice in bamboo tubes in the south. The rice is put in bamboo tubes and roasted over fire. After it is cooked, it is very fragrant. It is not as good as ours. Do it again?"

Pingan: "..." This association ability is really too powerful.But he liked the suggestion!

My master's love for food now is not just talking about it casually.Ping An inexplicably felt that he had lost.

Yao remembered that he was also a person who would work hard to eat better food.

When putting rice into the bamboo tube, Ping An always felt that some idea flashed in his mind, but he couldn't grasp it, and he frowned and thought for a long time but couldn't find a solution, so he had to give up.

When the aroma came out of the bamboo tube and the sound of gurgling and gurgling when the water in it was boiling, the idea suddenly became clear. Ping An jumped up almost immediately, and blurted out loudly, "Firecrackers!"

"What?" Xu Wenmei and Kai Yang were startled, and looked up at him in unison.

Ping An sat down again, "I just thought of something."

As the production of iron decreases, the production of arrows will naturally decrease.So Ping An has been thinking about what to do.It was this idea that flashed through his mind just now, and he finally caught it.

Firecrackers → Gunpowder!

There are many reasons why thermal weapons have not been developed.After Ping An came to Bingzhanju, he didn't plan to do this for the time being, mainly because this is not something that can be effective in a day or two.The requirements for iron smelting technology and gunpowder formula are very high.However, if it is not required to make a standard, and the standard is simple to use-in simple terms, it is not required to invent a musket but only to use gunpowder, then things will be much simpler.

Even if it is a bamboo tube, as long as it is airtight, it can explode.If the power of gunpowder is not enough, it is enough to mix it with iron flakes, sand, or even poison, which is enough for emergency.

If it doesn't work, then the next best thing is to make a smoke screen or something, at least it can cover the retreat of our own people!Furthermore, most of the prairie people are cavalry. Even if the bombing does not hurt people, it is good to scare the horses. Once the formation is disordered, the cavalry will not be so scary.

Anyway, if it is not used to equip the army, Pingan thinks these methods are feasible.

And firearms always need to be researched, sooner rather than later.Besides, the smelting process was not enough in the past, isn't there a blast furnace soon?As for muskets and quantification, standards can also be formulated.The most important thing is that in the Gunpowder Bureau in the capital, Ping'an is still subject to various restrictions, but here it is up to him to do whatever research he wants.

Thinking of this, Ping An immediately became excited, and thoughts came to his mind one after another, wishing he could try it now.

"What are you thinking about?" Xu Wenmei reached out and tapped Ping An's forehead to bring him back to his senses.It turned out that the rice in bamboo tubes was already cooked.

Pingan grabbed Xu Wenmei's hand with his backhand, with an excited expression on his face, "Master, you are really my lucky star!"

As soon as Xu Wenmei came today, I solved two problems in a row under his prompt. What is it if it is not a lucky star?No wonder people say that having an old family is like having a treasure, it really makes sense.

"What nonsense?" Xu Wenmei said, "Did you think of something again?"

"I have a little idea, hehe!" Ping An originally planned to say it, but when the words came to his lips, he planned to leave a "surprise" for Xu Wenmei. When the time comes, he will fix it by himself and invite him to try it, and then...hehe!

Rubbing your hands in peace, the picture will definitely look good when the time comes!