Daming: Apocalypse of Longevity

Chapter 31 My emperor is really arrogant
Zhu Tianqi continued: "But these are all things for later. After all, the development of technology does not happen overnight. It still needs to be considered in the long term. The top priority is to deal with the several troubles in front of us first!"

After hearing this, Xu Guangqi and Sun Yuanhua couldn't help but think of the slaves in Liaodong. As for the others, they couldn't guess.

Zhu Tianqi didn't want them to guess or play riddles with them, but said directly: "I want to reform taxes and implement a new tax policy. I need Xu Aiqing to help me complete this matter. This is why I asked you to serve as the Minister of Household Affairs. reason."

"Your minister should do his best to assist the emperor in completing the reform of taxation and service!" Xu Guangqi was also unambiguous, and he agreed with the salute.

Zhu Tianqi nodded with satisfaction, then looked at Sun Yuanhua and said: "Although it is imperative to develop firearms, water from afar cannot quench the thirst for nearness, so Sun Aiqing, the first task I give you is to go on a long trip. Go to Hao Jing Ao, buy more Western artillery, and recruit Thai and Western craftsmen!"

After hearing this, Sun Yuanhua was a little excited, but he did not dare to agree directly. After all, it involved spending money. I am afraid that when it comes time to spend money, the court will not be so happy, and even if it is a matter of spending money. Even if the emperor is happy, can the ministers below be happy?
The purchase of so many dozen Hongyi cannons resulted in a lot of twists and turns, and subsequent purchase proposals were all rejected; and when teacher Xu Guangqi organized and trained the new army, the military pay and ordnance were not allocated on time and in quantity. So that in the end it can only be fruitless.

All in all, other things are easy to talk about, but things involving money are extremely difficult.

Zhu Tianqi seemed to see that Sun Yuanhua was hesitant, so he asked, "Sun Aiqing, do you have any concerns? But it's okay!"

Sun Yuanhua did not hide anything, and said bluntly: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to purchase artillery and recruit talents. However, these two matters require a huge amount of money. I don't know the specific budget of the imperial court. I hope your majesty will give me your instructions. It’s better to make purchase plans in advance!”

Zhu Tianqi didn't answer him right away, but asked, "I don't know how much is a Hongyi cannon at Haojingao?"

Sun Yuanhua thought for a while and replied: "Reporting to the emperor, a Hongyi cannon costs at least 300 taels of silver. If you count the shells, it will be even more!"

Zhu Tianqi nodded and continued: "As far as I know, to purchase the Hongyi cannon, in addition to buying shells, you also need to hire the gunners and gunners of the French artillery. Then the price of a Hongyi cannon is 500 taels. Well, Sun Aiqing, you understand military affairs. In your opinion, how many Hongyi cannons need to be purchased in order to pacify Liaodong?"

Sun Yuanhua was a little stunned when he saw Zhu Tianqi's wealthy appearance. It took him a long time to come back to his senses and hurriedly replied: "In my opinion, there must be at least a hundred or more gates, and they must be transported and used cyclically as the front advances. !”

As if he was worried that his answer might make the emperor feel that he needed too much silver and change his mind about purchasing artillery. Sun Yuanhua quickly added: "It shouldn't be a big problem if you purchase half of the artillery first. At present, I can imitate the red artillery by myself." The cost of the Yi cannon is less than [-]% of the original price, and it will take up to half a year to make up for the missing quantity!"

Zhu Tianqi raised his hand and said: "When purchasing Hongyi cannons, we still need to ensure that the quantity is at least one hundred. As for the manufacture of cannons, we cannot just be satisfied with imitating Hongyi cannons. We must also find ways to develop them." Better artillery will do, which is why I want you to recruit more skilled Taixi craftsmen.

When you go to Hao Jing'ao this time, you can safely purchase artillery and recruit Thai and Western craftsmen. Don't worry about the money. Just ask me how much you need, and I will transfer it to you directly from the internal funds! "

Sun Yuanhua didn't expect that the emperor would use his private money directly this time. This was really arrogant. He immediately knelt down and accepted the order: "I obey the decree, and I will do my best to repay you." Emperor's favor!" Speaking of going to Haojing'ao, Zhu Tianqi suddenly remembered that he had one more important thing to ask Xu Guangqi and Sun Yuanhua. He immediately turned around and took out the soap and soap he had purchased at the Krypton Life store from the cabinet behind the Long Bookcase. The mirror box and glasses were placed on Long's desk.

Then he beckoned Xu Guangqi and Sun Yuanhua to come closer, and said: "You two dear friends are well-informed, come and help me see how much money these items of mine are worth on the current market. ?”

The two had no choice but to pick up the objects on Long's desk and observe them carefully.

Xu Guangqi was holding a soap box in his hand. As soon as he opened the lid, a scent of fragrance hit his nostrils. He couldn't help but be a little surprised: "Is this the rouge and gouache used by women? Such a fragrance is rare!"

Zhu Tianqi smiled, picked up a box of soap, opened the lid, took out the soap, and introduced: "This thing is called soap. It is used to wash hands and face. It can remove dirt and skin care. Whether it is for women, It’s a must-have item for both men and women!”

After hearing this, Xu Guangqi couldn't help but suddenly realized, "It turns out to be soap, but this is the first time I have seen such exquisite soap. There is no trace of medicinal residue mixed in it. Isn't it made with medicinal materials such as soapberry and flower petals?" Is it done?"

This time it was Zhu Tianqi's turn to be surprised. He didn't expect that there would be soap in the Ming Dynasty. It was really a mistake. Thinking of this, Zhu Tianqi was a little disappointed, but he still asked: "How many taels of silver is this soap usually worth?" ?”

Xu Guangqi thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, this soap is considered a rarity among the people. Ordinary people cannot afford it. It is only used by wealthy families. An ordinary piece costs three to five taels of silver. If it is Your Majesty, in my opinion, the one you have in your hands can be sold for more than ten taels at least!"

After hearing this, Zhu Tianqi began to make a calculation in his mind: "A piece of soap sells for ten taels of silver. I am in a hurry for money, so I will definitely have to go wholesale. Then the price will be lowered. I guess I can sell it for five or eight taels." Not bad..." Thinking of this, Zhu Tianqi couldn't help but shake his head, this was far lower than his psychological expectations.

At this time, Xu Guangqi had already focused his attention on the soap box. He frowned and looked carefully at the soap box in his hand, and said, "I see that this soap box is extremely delicate. It is neither porcelain nor wood. I don't know what it is." What material is it made of?”

Zhu Tianqi's eyes lit up after hearing this. It's not strange that people in the Ming Dynasty could make soap, but people in the Ming Dynasty definitely couldn't make plastic!

He immediately picked up the soap box on the table and threw it on the ground. Xu Guangqi was startled by his actions, but he saw that the soap box was not only not broken, but even bounced on the ground a few times without any damage.

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(End of this chapter)