big song poppi

Chapter 449 0445 [How dare he? 】

After taking the firearm, Han Zhen tapped it lightly with his finger and asked, "Has it been tested?"

The appearance of the firearm is uneven and resembles a pineapple, which is very close to the hand grenade of later generations. The only difference is that it needs to be ignited with an open flame.

Chu Nan replied: "Second Brother Han, don't worry. The workshop craftsmen have tested it no less than a hundred times, and Dean Yuan has also seen it with his own eyes."

Hearing this, Craftsman Yuan on the side agreed: "It is true. Because there is more gunpowder filled, it is more powerful than before. The key is that it is more convenient to make."

The original firearm was to stuff gunpowder into a bamboo tube, then put the bamboo tube into a clay pot, fill it with iron nails and caltrops around it, seal the mouth of the pot with yellow mud, and wrap a straw rope around the outside.

The workmanship is complex and requires a variety of materials, including clay pots, bamboo pipes, iron nails, caltrops, and straw ropes.

Although the workshop uses assembly line operations, the efficiency is not much higher.

Now it's different. You just need to cast iron shells with pig iron and transport them in. Workers fill the iron shells with gunpowder, plug in the leads, seal them, and a firearm is completed.

Several steps are omitted in the middle, and the efficiency naturally increases.

Craftsman Yuan cupped his hands and responded: "Wei Chen accepts the order!"

Craftsman Yuan nodded: "Wei Chen knows that in the past two months, the workshop under the Military Industry Office has been ordered to start forging. Five hundred field guns will be delivered before the end of the year."

Since the field gun is only one meter long, it is easy to forge and does not require splicing, so there is no problem of poor air tightness.

……

After leaving the warehouse, he inspected various workshops under the leadership of Chu Nan and communicated with the orphans.

Fortunately, green money gradually became popular in Qi State. It was no longer limited to rich businessmen and powerful people. Many ordinary people also began to accept green money, so the demand for copper coins was not that big.

Chu Nan replied: "The craftsman on the assembly line No. 3 of the assembly workshop is named Xu Gong."

Recently, the bank issued a notice proposing to issue green coins in one, two, and three denominations.

Casting and forging each have their own advantages and disadvantages, and they also have problems that cannot be solved for the time being.

Moreover, the cast iron firearm casing is more worry-free during transportation. Clay pots are prone to shattering during bumps.

However, Han Zhen rejected it outright. The cost of green money was too high. Even if the printing quantity increased and the cost was diluted, it was still as high as fifty coins per piece. Printing small green money was too costly, so he had other plans.

Han Zhen asked: "Where is the forging method?"

"it is good."

Han Zhen asked with a smile: "Who developed it."

Han Zhen waved his hand.

A pig-iron cannon costs as much as 500 guan, which is one-tenth of the cost of a copper cannon.

On the way back to the town, Han Zhen asked: "Yuan Qing, how is the development progress of the iron siege cannon?"

But this layer of window paper is not so easy to pierce. No one can predict inspiration. If you are lucky, it will take several years and decades, but if you are not lucky, it will take three to five hundred years.

After a while, Han Zhen said helplessly: "First cast a hundred siege cannons out of brass!"

The bubble problem is just a layer of window paper. Once you pierce it, you will find that it is very simple.

It's not that steel cannons are stronger than copper cannons, but that the cost of copper cannons is too damn high. East and West were forced to have no choice but to constantly change technology, and finally replaced copper cannons with iron cannons.

Han Zhen warned: "Don't let down even the five hundred field guns."

"reward!"

He had followed Han Zhen for such a long time and learned a lot of new vocabulary.

In this era, copper is money.

Cannons in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and even in the early West were all made of copper, and were later gradually replaced by steel.

"As long as you know what's going on."

An hour later, Han Zhen and his party walked out of the gunpowder workshop.

We stayed in the town for one night and hurried back to Licheng the next day.

Chu Nan solemnly said: "Second Brother Han, please be at ease. I will pay attention to the safety of my brothers and sisters."

Craftsman Yuan looked sad and said: "The craftsmen have come up with many methods. The most prominent ones at present are the forging method and the iron mold method. The iron mold method is fast in forming, can form an assembly line production, and has high output. However, there is a problem that cannot be solved. Molten iron The bubble problem during pouring could never be solved. Fifteen barrels were poured in a row, but the effect was not ideal. After cooling, many small honeycomb holes would appear inside the barrel."

A siege cannon made of brass weighs at least five to six thousand kilograms. Including wear and tear and labor costs, the weight is no less than five thousand kilograms.

But the problem was that the war was about to start, and he could not wait for the Military Industrial Research Institute to slowly study it, so he could only cast a hundred emergency doors out of brass first.

Casting cannot solve the honeycomb bubbles in the barrel, and forging cannot ensure the airtightness of the joints.

After explaining some more matters, Han Zhen led his guards back to Jieshou Town.

Craftsman Yuan replied: "The forging method uses wrought iron, so its strength is higher than that of the cast cannon. However, because the siege cannon is too large, it cannot be forged in one piece. It can only be made in sections, and then the two barrels are It is reheated and spliced, and finally the splicing area is reinforced with iron hoops, but even so, the air tightness cannot be guaranteed, and the risk of the chamber exploding is no lower than that of a cast cannon."

Chu Nan nodded.

Han Zhen turned around and warned, "The sun is strong outside, so there's no need to send her away."

Patting him on the shoulder, Han Zhen said sternly: "While the workshop ensures efficiency, safety must be taken seriously. Once this thing explodes, you know the consequences better than I do."

After Han Zhen said that, he strode out of the cave.

Hearing this, Han Zhen fell into silence.

On top of the incense cart, Zhao Fujin opened the curtains and looked at the cement road with interest, exclaiming in surprise: "Husband, the road at the end is smooth, and the carriage can go faster than the flying road."

Today, a cement road has been built from Jimo to Licheng, forming a main road.

After the cement road was installed, it greatly facilitated the coming and going of merchants.

In the past, the fastest time for selling goods from Licheng to Yidu was five or six days, but now it only takes three days, which is twice as fast.

In order to facilitate Zhao Fujin's return to the palace, Zhao Ji built a flying path between the imperial city and the princess's palace.

Feidao, just by hearing the name, you can tell how well this road is built.

But at this moment, Zhao Fujin felt that Feidao was nothing more than that.

Zhao Fujin explained: "Sister, the expressway is built with cement, so it is naturally not comparable to other roads."

"cement?"

Zhao Fujin was stunned.

"I heard that it was invented by a master craftsman under my husband's command, but I don't know much about it. In short, it is a good thing that benefits the country and the people." Zhao Fujin actually didn't understand much, and only heard a few words from Han Zhen.

"Dad, my aunt said that there are singing mermaids in the sea. Is it true?"

Sheng Nu snuggled into Han Zhen's arms, blinked her big eyes and asked in a sweet voice.

The little guy has lacked father's love since he was a child, and has become very clingy since entering the womb.

Han Zhen said warmly: "Maybe there is, but dad has never seen it."

"Auntie also said that there are many beautiful shells on the beach."

"Correct."

"Wow, I want to pick up some more and take them back to Sister Heyue."

As he spoke, the carriage turned around and drove towards the roadside.

"Husband, are we here?"

Zhao Fujin was obviously out of the capital for the first time. Everything he saw was strange. When he saw the carriage leaving the highway, he couldn't help but ask.

Han Zhen hugged Sheng Nu and said with a smile: "We haven't left Jinan Prefecture yet. We still have two days to get to Yidu."

Zhao Fujin asked curiously: "Then where are you going?"

"Sister, this is a service station."

Before Han Zhen could answer, Zhao Fujin on the side spoke first.

When she came to Beijing from Yidu, she had already experienced the service station.

"Service station?"

Zhao Fujin's beautiful little face was full of doubts.

After arriving in Shandong, she felt like a country bumpkin.

"The service station is..."

Zhao Fujin was speechless for a moment and didn't know how to explain.

Seeing this, Han Zhen chuckled and said: "It is similar to a large inn, providing food, accommodation and other services to passing merchants."

"I see."

Zhao Fujin nodded as if he understood.

The highway does not pass through the town, because when the masters of the Academy of Engineering plan the route, the first thing they consider is distance. Taking Yidu and Licheng as two points, how to plan as close as possible.

After all, highways are all about speed.

Therefore, service stations are particularly important, responsible for providing all services to passing merchants.

They have everything from small things like fodder for cattle and horses to large things like foot shops and inns.

Every fifty miles, a service station is set up. In addition to generating income, it can also provide employment for people in nearby villages.

The service station is equipped with supervisors, tax collectors and police officers, who are responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining public order.

The momentum of the three hundred Xuanjia troops was so great that the merchants at the service station gathered their heads to watch.

The supervisor led the tax collectors and police officers and rushed to pick him up.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty!"

Lao Jiu opened the door curtain, and Han Zhen walked out of the carriage with Sheng Nu in his arms.

Official!

At this time, the service station completely exploded.

It is not common to see the official saint's face. If you miss it, you may never have the chance to see it again in this life.

All of a sudden, the merchants who were still sitting in various teahouses and footwear shops came out one after another, bowed to the ceremony, and shouted: "Hail your Majesty!"

Han Zhen said loudly: "I'm going out on patrol incognito. No need to be polite. You can leave now."

Hearing this, the merchants got up and dispersed.

However, they still gathered together in twos and threes, whispering to each other with excited faces.

Han Zhen looked at Jianzhen condescendingly and asked, "What's your name?"

Jian Zhen replied respectfully: "Report to Your Majesty, I am a humble minister Qiu Yu."

"Follow me and take a look around."

Han Zhen got off the carriage and ordered.

"Wei Chen obeys your orders."

Qiu Yu felt happy and stepped to Han Zhen's side.

This is an opportunity for performance. Not only can you reach the sky in one step, but at least leave a good impression in the minds of the officials. Maybe the officials will think of you in the future?

You know, there are over ten thousand officials under the rule of Qi State. How many of them do you know?

One step first, every step first!

The service station was larger than Han Zhen had imagined. There were five or six foot shops and inns alone.

Han Zhen asked: "How many merchants pass by every day?"

Qiu Yu replied: "Your Majesty, no less than a hundred."

"So many?"

Han Zhen was a little surprised.

Qiu Yu flattered a little: "Thanks to your majesty, since the highway was built, the number of businessmen from other places coming to Shandong has increased several times, and most of them are engaged in various overseas businesses."

Han Zhen asked again: "How much revenue does the service station earn?"

"I don't know the exact number, but I'll do it no less than a hundred times a day."

One hundred guan, after deducting various costs, the net income is almost 20 guan.

It doesn't seem like much, but this is just one of the service stations.

The journey from Licheng to Yidu is more than 300 miles, with a total of seven service stations and a monthly income of nearly 5,000 guan.

One year is 60,000 yuan, and it will take about twenty years. The service station can earn back all the investment in highway construction, and then it will be pure profit.

This does not include the industrial chain driven by highways.

To be rich, build roads first!

While walking, Han Zhen suddenly stopped and asked, "Why is there still a gambling house?"

Hearing the dissatisfaction in His Majesty's tone, Qiu Yu hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty doesn't know something. There is a mixed bag of passing merchants and merchants. There are all kinds of people. They often gather in tea shops and inns to gamble. Some people are jealous of losing. Trouble will arise."

"So, Wei Chen simply built a gambling house. If businessmen passing by want to gamble, they can get rid of it, and it will also make management easier."

Hearing this, a trace of satisfaction flashed in Han Zhen's eyes: "You did a good job."

There is simply no way to eliminate gambling.

It will not be possible in future generations, let alone now.

We can only tighten control and impose heavy taxes.

Once casinos are completely banned, countless underground casinos will pop up, causing evil forces to re-emerge.

The period when the underworld's power expanded the fastest in the United States was when alcohol was banned.

Qiu Yu was overjoyed and said humbly: "Your Majesty is overly complimentary. This is the responsibility of a humble minister."

Han Zhen waved his hand: "Let's go back to the public house. I'll take a rest and leave."

"Wei Chen retire."

Qiu Yu bowed, turned and left.

The goal has been perfectly achieved this time, leaving a good impression on the officials. In the future, as long as they make political achievements, they will not worry about being promoted.

After having dinner in the foot shop, Han Zhen and his party set out again.

Three days later, they successfully arrived in Yidu.

After exchanging pleasantries with the officials who picked him up, Han Zhen checked into Shaoyang Palace.

Shengnu was exhausted from the hard work of traveling and traveling these past few days. After dinner, he felt sleepy.

Zhao Fujin carried the little girl into the bedroom to rest.

Han Zhen sat in the courtyard, sipping tea, and said: "We will rest in Yidu for two days, and Fu Jin will take your sister around."

"I understand."

Zhao Fujin knew that Han Zhen was busy with government affairs, so he obediently agreed.

At this moment, a female officer hurriedly came over and saluted: "Your Majesty, General Luo wants to see you."

Han Zhen said: "Let him wait for me in the study."

……

When he came to the study, Lao Jiu and the shopkeeper of Zhuolou were already waiting there.

The shopkeeper's surname was Wang, and he was one of the earliest spies in Xiaochong's development.

Now, he works in the Secret Service Qianhu.

He came to ask for a meeting, indicating that the matter was not trivial.

"I have met His Majesty."

Shopkeeper Wang bowed in greeting.

Han Zhen sat behind the desk and asked, "What happened?"

Shopkeeper Wang said with excitement: "Your Majesty, we have found traces of the pseudo-Song Emperor."

"Zhao Huan?"

Han Zhen's face was calm and his tone was casual.

Shopkeeper Wang replied: "Exactly."

"Where is he?"

"Right in Yidu County!"

"Ok?"

Han Zhen raised his eyebrows, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Good guy!

Zhao Huan was so courageous that he actually played a game of darkness under the lamp.

Ke Yidu is his own base camp and has been managed to perfection for a long time. How dare he?

Shopkeeper Wang suggested: "After the humble minister found out, he did not act rashly. He only sent his spies to monitor day and night. Does your Majesty order the arrest?"

"No need."

Han Zhen waved his hand and suddenly smiled and said, "I'll go see you tomorrow."

(End of this chapter)