I studied in modern times

Chapter 542 The Trend of Investigating Things (2)

This morning, the morning fog in Bianjing was so thick that I couldn't see my fingers.

Su Song, escorted by the two Yuan followers assigned to him by the court, rode on his horse on his way home.

Although he had not slept all night, his spirit was still strong.

Even a little too excited!

"Studying things to gain knowledge, there are so many truths!" Su Song sighed: "This is something I didn't know before..."

He recalled the exchange with Shen Kuo last night, and countless thoughts were racing in his heart.

Now he knows that in order to gain knowledge from the saint's personality, he needs to strictly record, carefully distinguish, and conduct experiments in groups.

Only phenomena and principles that can be repeatedly verified can be regarded as "truths".

Only then can it be applied universally!
Otherwise, there may be errors, mistakes and even fatal flaws.

Many miscellaneous affairs are still handled in the old Ministry of Shangshu.

After Su Song heard this, he was deeply convinced.

However, the once-prominent Xu Guogong family is no longer the king of the past.

More than just investigating things?

The two had little contact before: Su Song was a lawful member of the old party, while Shen Kuo was a radical member of the new party, and they had a very bad reputation.

At the end of the chat, we talked about our ages and exchanged name cards.

After the exchange last night, both of them were a little excited.

The Shangshu Province before Yuanfeng was restructured was located in Xingguofang - it was transformed from the old residence of Zhu Wen, Taizu of Liang after Taizu.

It has never been a place for ordinary people to live.

With that said, he led Su Song's horse and walked towards the stable.

Su Song even planned to come forward in person. After Su Zizhan returned to Beijing, he would choose a day to set up a table and call Su Zizhan and Shen Cunzhong together to see if the conflict between the two could be resolved.

How can we not become friends?
So although Su Song was one round older than Shen Kuo - Su Song was born in the second year of Tianxi of Zhenzong (AD 1020), while Shen Kuo was born in the ninth year of Tiansheng of Renzong (AD 1031).

There were already people there, pouring the prepared fodder into the manger.

A large number of beauties from all over the world were kept in Zhang Qi's home by the Zhen Temple using various reasons and excuses.

After Yuanfeng, the Shangshu Province was moved to the imperial city. The first emperor ordered Song Yongchen to "abolish the first three classes of the palace in the west of Da Nei and make the place a new Shangshu Province."

As a result, the gate of Xu Guogong's residence, which once had a halberd in front, has now become a place where hundreds of officials and their families come and go day and night.

Su Song nodded, handed the reins to the man, and said softly: "Thank you!"

Countless documents and files are still stored in the warehouses of the old province.

Two people who share common hobbies and interests have even begun to approach each other in academic viewpoints.

In the stables, there are hundreds of horses of various colors.

At least it can lead to misdirection, but at worst, it can harm the country and the people.

Therefore, Xingguofang is the closest city from Bianjing City to the Imperial City.

At the same time, if you continue forward from Xingguofang along the westward Royal Street, you will see a huge square - Tianjie.

The old province of Shangshu was not abandoned. It was adjacent to the turret of the west tower of the imperial city and connected to the old political hall in the imperial city through a heavily guarded corridor.

At the end of Tianjie is Xuandemen, the place where the emperor comes out of the imperial palace and the gate where the ministers enter the court.

Therefore, the original Shangshu Province was called the Shangshu Old Province.

But you gotta try, right?
Unknowingly, Su Song rode his horse back to the place where he lives now - Xu Guogong's old residence in Xingguofang.

The prime minister-level mansion given by the Zhen Temple back then was taken back by the emperor and rented to the officials in Beijing at a low price as a benefit.

Although this is a bit difficult.

"Don't dare!" The man said with fear and sincerity: "I am willing to serve Duke Su."

Even Xu Guogong's own tomb was robbed by his son Zhang Chengyi.

The most famous among them is naturally the Queen Mother surnamed Liu who came from Sichuan.

Through the thick fog, you can still see a strong woman in the stable holding tools such as shovels and shovels to clean up the feces.

Isn’t it the same with dealing with people and serving as an official?
Therefore, Su Song and Shen Kuo met each other late!

To the east of Xingguofang is Guanghuafang, which is where the Secretary Province is located. The Secretary Province faces Dutingyi across the Bianhe River, and faces Yu Street to the west, running through it. Now Bianjing has the largest flow of people and is also an important financial center. —Jiaoziwu is located in Jingjing, right between the Secretariat and Duting Station across the river.

This place is the most luxurious and golden place in the entire Bianjing city.

Therefore, the new province of Shangshu built by the late emperor in the west of the palace and the old province of Shangshu outside the palace were actually close to the palace wall and connected by a corridor.

These people are all so-called "cleaners", "sanitary workers" and "security guards" hired by the Street Department of Kaifeng Prefecture.

It has been rumored that Zhang Qi, the Duke of Xu State, was given this house. In addition to Zhang Qi being a latent official of the Zhen Temple, the most important reason was that Zhang Qi wanted to raise beauties here for the Zhen Temple.

As soon as Su Song dismounted in front of the gate, a man wrapped in a green scarf came forward, bowed and asked, "Do you want to feed Mr. Su's horse?"

A large number of officials also work in the old province.

The Street Department refers to them collectively as 'properties'.

Su Song heard that the Street Department now has a new 'Property Bureau'.

The Property Bureau recruits and trains a large number of workers both inside and outside Bianjing.

Although I don’t know, what exactly is Jia Zhongmin going to do?
However, since the Street Department established the 'Property Bureau', at least Su Song found that the sanitation and livestock management inside and outside Xu Guogong's former residence where he rented were no longer left unattended.

The scenes of sewage flowing across the river and garbage strewn everywhere are no longer available.

This is really comforting.

Therefore, Jia Zhongmin's reputation suddenly improved.

Su Song didn't have the energy to think about what was going on here.

He only knew that with the establishment of the Property Management Bureau, the environment where he lived had improved and various facilities were maintained.

This is enough.

Enter the gate, pass the wall photo in Duke Xu's Mansion, follow the corridor, and walk eastward.

Su Song quickly returned to his current home - a courtyard with more than ten wing rooms that was separated from the Kaifeng Mansion.

As soon as he entered the house, his wife Xin and her family were already waiting at the door to greet him.

"The official is back!"

Xin was his stepmother, originally the daughter of Xin Youze, who was of the same age as him, and was almost thirty years younger than him.

An old husband and a young wife should not be harmonious, but Xin and he have been married for more than ten years, but they are like-minded, and they are in harmony with each other, which makes countless people envious.

After the current official came to the throne, he made a special order to extend his favor and conferred the title of Mrs. Korea on the basis of Xin's virtue.

"Yes!" Seeing his beloved wife, Su Song smiled and said, "I was talking with Shen Cunzhong by candlelight last night, and I forgot my return date. Please forgive me, madam."

Mrs. Xin stepped forward, changed his clothes, and said softly: "Last night, Mrs. Yingchuan County sent someone to announce..."

"Mrs. Yingchuan County?" Su Song was stunned for a moment, then realized that it was Shen Kuo's continuation: "Is Shen Kuo's wife?"

"Ok!"

That's a powerful person!

Even though Su Song has been busy with the matters of Kaifeng Mansion and Hun Yun Bureau these days, he has no time to pay attention to the gossip of the ministers of the DPRK.

But he also knew that Shen Kuo, the official in charge of Chaosan and the arms manufacturing bureau, was afraid of him.

It is said that this matter was revealed by current officials - last year Shen Kuo was working day and night in a bureau specializing in manufacturing weapons.

Then, an official decree was issued to his wife Zhang.

From then on, it is said that Shen Kuo left earlier than anyone else when he got off work every day, and never dared to work overtime at the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau - because as long as he dared, his wife would lead people into the official office, and then on the spot In front of the others, he grabbed his ears and dragged him back.

Such a fierce woman made the people of Bianjing stunned.

What is even more shocking is what happened next - in the second month of the first year of Yuanyou, the emperor specially decreed that Shen Kuo's wife, Zhang, was virtuous and virtuous, and she was granted the title of Lady of Yingchuan County.

And specially gave the wife clothes.

Shen Kuo immediately expressed his gratitude and expressed his sincerity. He was more happy than the official who promoted him to another official.

Therefore, the Zhang family became famous. It is said that even the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager in the palace heard about this incident and even summoned the Zhang family.

For this reason, Shen Chong, Shen Kuo's son, has become a high-quality son-in-law in the eyes of many families in Bianjing.

A good family background and good parents.

If your daughter gets married, she will never be bullied.

Such a good son-in-law has a fatal attraction for the female slaves in Bianjing City.

As soon as she thought of this, Su Song said to Mrs. Xin: "If Madam is free in the future, you can have more contact with Madam Shen."

Xin raised her head.

"Sanniang is about to reach the age of marriage proposal..." Su Song said softly, "Madam, it's time to make preparations."

After Xin married him, the couple only had one daughter. The couple loved each other very much, so they naturally wanted to choose a good son-in-law for their daughter.

When Mrs. Xin heard this, her eyes flickered for a moment, and then she laughed: "Don't worry, sir, I know it."

If you think about it carefully, Shen Kuo's son is indeed a good choice.

First of all, Shen Kuo's future is limitless - he is a minister of the country who was specially carved and sharpened by the late emperor and left to the young master.

With his kindness, his son could live a prosperous life even if he was useless - not to mention, Shen Kuo only had an only son.

This means that everything in Shen Kuo's future belongs to him.

At the same time, take into account Shen Kuo's characteristic of being afraid of guilt.

If the son resembles his father, his daughter will not be wronged when she marries him.

Just ...

"Why did the official suddenly have such thoughts?" asked Xin in confusion.

Shen Kuo's reputation is not good.

Su Song smiled and said: "Madam, I don't know something. My husband and Shen Cunzhong held a candlelight conversation last night. It can be said that we met at a late date, which is quite regrettable!"

Good friends are rare!

It is even rarer to find a confidant whose interests, hobbies and pursuits are almost the same.

In addition, according to what Su Song saw at Shen's house last night.

He found that Shen Chong, Shen Kuo's son, seemed to have a special interest in technology and machinery like Nai's father. Su Song tentatively asked him a few questions, and he could answer them fluently.

That would be great.

……

In a daze, Zhao Xu felt as if he had returned to modern times.

He looked forward and found that he seemed to be on the sofa in the living room of his home in the Imperial Capital.

The TV in front of me seemed to be playing the news.

But the people who appeared on the screen were not the elites in suits and ties he was familiar with.

Instead, he looks like a scholar-official wearing a wide robe, long sleeves, and a high crown.

Countless flashes kept pressing the shutter.

The people on the screen seemed to be holding a classic in their hands. Under the leadership of the leader, they bowed collectively towards a bronze statue of Confucius.

Then, they seemed to begin some sort of ritual.

The announcer's voice-over came from the TV: "This station reports that today our city's new governor team, led by the newly elected governor Zhang Wendao, came to the Confucius Temple and swore in the saint to take office as our city's new leader team." !”

A manly voice came from the TV: "I will abide by my duties, be loyal to morality, govern with benevolence, and act with love. The saints are above me, and the sages have learned from me. If I violate this oath, both humans and gods will be punished!"

Zhao Xu laughed.

At this moment, he knew that he was probably dreaming.

And this weird dream continues.

On TV, a TV series begins to air.

The protagonist seems to be a judge?
Wearing a long robe and a Xie Zhi crown, he looked at the witness stand seriously and asked solemnly: "Witness, please swear to the saint under the supervision of Ben Tixing that your testimony will not make any false statements or deliberate concealments..." …”

At this point, Zhao Xu was completely sure that this was a dream.

It was probably a dream born from the legal dramas and political dramas he had watched, mixed with some of his inner desires and thoughts.

As soon as he thought about this, he woke up.

When he opened his eyes, he was sleeping in the inner chamber of Funing Palace.

Wen Xunniang squatted in front of the imperial couch, seemingly sizing him up. When she saw him waking up, her face immediately turned red with embarrassment, and even her earlobes turned red.

"Guan family, I will help you wash up!" She said quickly.

Zhao Xu groaned and sat up, still immersed in the dream just now.

"Zhizhou...punishment..." Zhao Xu murmured twice: "Unexpectedly, I still have wild dreams of making the Song Dynasty last forever!"

But history has proven that nothing lasts forever.

Individuals are not good, systems are not good, and dynasties are not good either.

but……

"That dream was really good!"

"If it can really come true...I will have no regrets!"

Yes, the official titles of governor and punishment can be passed down to an era with television.

That is enough to illustrate his success! As for this dream, is it possible to realize it?

Of course!
But it requires his efforts and the efforts of countless people.

……

An hour later.

Zhao Xu sat in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden, breathing slightly.

Wen Xunniang took a towel and gently wiped the sweat on his forehead.

"How long have I been running for?" Zhao Xu asked.

"The official's morning jog lasted more than a quarter of an hour." Wen Xunniang answered softly.

"Good!" Zhao Xu clenched his fist slightly, feeling a little excited.

It took more than a year to exercise and condition.

His body was finally on the road to health.

Today I ran for more than a quarter of an hour before I could catch my breath.

congratulations!

It should be noted that at this time last year, even if he was just jogging for a while in the Imperial Garden, his lungs would gasp.

Sometimes, even walking for a while makes me gasp.

This is a disease that has been brought up since childhood.

Now, after his own training and Qian Yi's conditioning, his physical fitness is completely different.

Zhao Xu feels that as long as he can maintain a good routine, stay away from toxic environments, and pay attention to nutrition and exercise.

Then, there is hope that the old diseases in his body will be completely cured before adulthood - the recovery speed and potential of a child's body are far higher than that of an adult.

Seeing Zhao Xu's happy look, Wen Xunniang also became happy: "The official body is getting healthier. If the two palaces know about it, they will definitely be happy."

"Yeah!" Zhao Xu nodded, and then Zhao Xu saw Shi Deyi's figure at the entrance of the corridor of the Imperial Garden.

So, Zhao Xu waved to Feng Jing, who had been waiting outside the pavilion, and ordered: "Feng Jing, go and have a look. Is there something wrong with Shi Duzhi?"

When Zhao Xu and Wen Xunniang were getting along recently, almost no one dared to disturb them.

It was only after Wen Xunniang left that those people would come in one after another.

This is the will from Baoci Palace.

"No!" Feng Jing followed the order and left. Wen Xunniang also put down her handkerchief very wisely and said softly: "I leave."

"Yes." Zhao Xu nodded, grabbed the handkerchief left by Wen Xunniang, and wiped his neck.

Not to mention, the handkerchief has a faint fragrance.

Shi Deyi was soon approached by Zhao Xu. He bowed and bowed three times. After saying hello, he reported: "Everyone, the Detective Department reported that there were many rumors in the tile houses in Bianjing City last night." Rumors..."

"Many people are talking nonsense in that tile shop..."

Shi Deyi said while studying Zhao Xu's expression.

Zhao Xu laughed: "What are you talking about?"

Shi Deyi replied: "Everyone agrees that it was Shen Kuo who was promoted to the weapons manufacturing bureau. He used the method of 'investigating things to gain knowledge' and found out an important military weapon for trial use."

Zhao Xu was not surprised by this.

Because even the Great Song Dynasty cannot keep secrets.

Don't even expect outsiders to keep any secrets.

In fact, after the grenadiers were publicly demonstrated to the rulers, the fact of the power of the firearm could no longer be kept secret-in fact, there had been rumors in the market before that the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau was producing an extremely powerful weapon. Large firearms can be eroded dozens of steps as long as they are thrown.

But no one took it seriously, thinking that it was the workers who specialized in manufacturing weapons bureaus who were bragging.

It was displayed publicly yesterday, in full view of the public, so many people saw and heard it.

It was naturally impossible to hide the fact that Da Song possessed firearms that could sound as loud as thunder.

Zhao Xu didn't intend to hide it either.

Of course, he had no intention of publicly admitting it, let alone announcing the granular gunpowder preparation technology of the Ordnance Bureau.

As soon as Shi De looked at Zhao Xu's expression, he almost understood, but he still lowered his head and asked: "Everyone, do you want the Detective Department to do this?"

"No need!" Zhao Xu chuckled: "It is better to defend the people than to defend the river! I have always advocated letting the people of the world speak!"

This matter should be discussed with great fanfare, arouse public opinion, and join the discussion.

As for whether this will cause Liao, Xixia, and even Japan, Jiaozhi and other countries to activate the gunpowder technology tree?
Zhao Xu didn't care too much.

Because first of all, whether the Khitan people or the Dangxiang people, before they see the power of the grenadiers with their own eyes, most likely they will not take this matter seriously.

Don't be surprised!
Whether it is an individual or a country, it is easy to be immersed in past experiences and pay little attention to new weapons and tactics.

For example, World War I, World War II and the many subsequent wars recorded in modern history are typical examples.

This is still the case in modern countries with mature systems.

What about these countries today?

The ruling groups of these countries, even if they get reports from the people below - the Song Dynasty has developed a super firearm, which is extremely powerful, so they must be careful!
But in all likelihood, carnivores will scoff—what kind of firearm? The kind of thing that smokes and runs around?
This kind of garbage is still garbage even if it is ten or a hundred times more powerful!
Our Daliao Pishi Army (Dabai Gaoguo Tieyaozi) is invincible in the world!
You guys, if you don’t have any information, you don’t have to report it. Don’t bother me!

Only on the battlefield, after suffering a loss and getting hurt from being beaten, will you pay attention to it.

This is something that has been proven by history.

Throughout the ages, countless people have fallen into this kind of inertial thinking and stereotypes again and again.

Secondly, the Song-Xia War is approaching.

Grenadiers will definitely be on the battlefield!

Therefore, it doesn't matter whether you hide it or not.

Even if Zhao Xu holds a big loudspeaker and shouts all over the world - I have already created a practical firearm.

Whether the Khitan, Dang Xiang, or anyone else wants to prepare suitable black powder, it will take time.

As for the preparation technology and mass production technology of granular gunpowder, it is still far away - if Zhao Xu had not studied abroad in modern times, he would have clearly understood this technical route.

It is impossible for the Song Dynasty to reach this point in a short period of time.

What's more, the Song Dynasty will not stop at throwing firearms forever.

Shen Kuo has organized a group of skilled craftsmen in the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau to make firecrackers similar to those used in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty!
Although, the yield rate is impressive, although it is expensive, labor-consuming and time-consuming.

However, these firecrackers can already fire explosives.

This means that as long as technology and materials continue to develop, it won't be long before Zhao Xu can start building the Great Song Dynasty's Shenji Camp.

Therefore, Zhao Xu was not worried at all.

As long as the Song Dynasty's own technological progress moves forward steadily.

Everyone can only follow behind and eat ashes!
I'm afraid, when the Liao people and the Dangxiang people finally figure out what the scientific ratio of black gunpowder is.

The Song army had already pushed the Tiger Crouching Cannon, Folang Machine Cannon, and holding matchlock guns. Under the leadership of the grenadiers, they began to push horizontally.

"This..." Shi Deyi was a little hesitant: "Over there at the two palaces..."

After returning to the palace yesterday, Zhao Xu went to Qingshou Palace and Baoci Palace to report on the school grounds. He also vividly described to the two palaces the scene of the explosion of grenades thrown by Yulongzhi.

When the two palaces found out, they were very happy.

Empress Dowager Xiang was so happy that she sent Da Zongzheng to Jinling Palace to report to the ancestors, especially the late emperor - the firearms were ready, and the Song Dynasty was safe.

From the standpoint of the two palaces, of course they wanted to keep this secret secret and firmly control it in the hands of the royal family.

"I will tell the Cisheng of the Two Palaces." Zhao Xu waved his hand: "You all know there is no need to worry."

"Besides...it's already now, the news has already spread all over the sky, and no one can control it!"

This is a fact.

If we really wanted to control things, Zhao Xu shouldn't have brought so many people with him.

Shouldn't even go outside the city.

We should go to the valley of the barren mountain behind Kaibao Temple to separate people.

Therefore, Zhao Xu did it on purpose.

The purpose of deliberately highlighting the importance of a bureau dedicated to manufacturing weapons is also to deliberately stir up public opinion, create hot spots, and allow everyone to formally "investigate things to gain knowledge" and allow smart people to participate.

Shi Deyi bowed his head respectfully: "No."

"Everyone knows..." Zhao Xu suddenly stopped him.

"Tell Tong Guan that the Bianjing Newspaper can spot the right opportunity and publish a popular report related to the study of things and knowledge..."

"I will ask Shen Kuo to help polish it..."

Shi De bowed and accepted the order: "I sincerely obey De's instructions."

Zhao Xu waved his hand and said, "Then you'll know all the hard work."

"Don't dare!"

Watching Shi Deyi's retreating figure, Zhao Xu also sighed.

"It's really difficult for me!"

"We still have to find ways to help the scholar-bureaucrats transform..."

As for whether the scholar-bureaucrats will follow him obediently?
Is this not easy?
Sieve it!

With so many civil servants in the world, there will always be a group of ministers who are willing to follow Zhao Xu's baton.

Wang Anshi could always find a large group of supporters for his reforms.

How could anyone not like something that he, the emperor, likes?

Ha ha!

Besides, the most important task of Confucianism, starting from Dong Zhongshu, is to explain social phenomena to the people of the world, especially the rulers, and to provide a set of moral and ethical order to solve social problems.

And history has proven that once Confucian scholars are unable to explain social phenomena to society and the ruling class, they cannot solve social problems.

Then what awaits Confucianism must be collapse!

The clear discussion of metaphysics in the Wei and Jin Dynasties and the martial arts in power in the late Tang and Five Dynasties are evidence.

Therefore, Zhao Xu only needs to force Confucians to the point where they must explain social phenomena.

Then, they will transform themselves.

In modern terms, after I became successful, there were great scholars who endorsed and argued for me.

With this thought, Zhao Xu stood up and waved to Wen Xunniang: "Let's go!"

"Go to the Qingshou Palace and say hello to your mother-in-law and queen mother."

"Oh..." Wen Xunniang immediately followed obediently.

After arriving at the Qingshou Palace, Zhao Xu didn't put in much effort to get the two palaces to give up interfering in public opinion - because Zhao Xu had convinced them and it was too late to intervene now.

The news has already spread all over the place!

Of course, Zhao Xu promised that he would strictly order the weapons bureau to focus on manufacturing and strictly abide by the formula of granular gunpowder.

At the same time, the Imperial Army will be deployed to strengthen the supervision and protection of the Gunpowder Department.

After hearing this, the two palaces felt relieved.

After appeasing the two palaces, Zhao Xu said to the Empress Dowager: "To be honest, Shen Kuo also used gunpowder to create a special object for celebrations and festivals... Sun Chen has seen it, and it is indeed festive and auspicious. things..."

"Sun Chen has ordered Shen Kuo to prepare several items and send them to the palace to be set off and celebrated in the back garden for the Holy Mother's Day..."

The Queen Mother paused for a moment, then hesitated: "Isn't that great..."

"The official family is still observing filial piety, how can I bear to celebrate my birthday in the palace?"

But her look gave her away.

As the old lady gets older, she just wants to have a lively and comfortable birthday.

Especially as her birthday approaches, she wants to have fun and celebrate more and more.

This was noticed by everyone in the palace and even the ministers in the court.

It's just that no one dared to risk offending Zhao Xu and Queen Mother Xiang by flattering her.

Empress Dowager Xiang was nearby. When she saw the expression on the Empress Dowager's face, she immediately said: "My dear, it's just that my family is in the palace. It should be okay to have some fun and have some fun."

Zhao Xu also said: "Yes, Taimu, it's okay, not to mention it's still in the backyard..."

"That's it..." The Empress Dowager pretended to evade, and said: "Then let Shen Kuo be sent to the palace."

"No!" Zhao Xu smiled, with the corners of his mouth raised.

This is a living advertisement!
When the Empress Dowager celebrated her birthday, fireworks were set off to make it lively.

Can the people in the private sector and those with extravagant lifestyles resist following this trend?

And fireworks are huge profits.

It is the best choice for increasing production and capacity.

This is also the reason why Zhao Xu doesn't care much about keeping the existence of gunpowder secret - because there is a huge sea of ​​fireworks!

Of course, gunpowder is not kept secret.

However, the preparation technology and purification methods must be kept confidential.

Now, in the bureau that specializes in manufacturing weapons, there is division of labor and cooperation.

Officials below a certain level have no idea which step of the granular gunpowder technology they are responsible for.
(End of this chapter)