Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 154 Ministry of Industry: Feeling like a formidable enemy

Since the birth of the Liubu Guanzheng system, Jia Lian was the first new scholar to observe the government in the study room. I don’t know whether Jia Lian’s treatment was unprecedented, but it must have been unprecedented. For this reason, a temporary position was created [Guanzheng Sheren] 】.

I thought that this man, as a popular person, would choose the household department instead of the official department. No matter how unlucky he was, he could get into the rites department, but he ended up diving into the work department. It really went too far beyond normal people's cognition. The three chief officers were afraid that this man had a mission, so they naturally had to be prepared. It is true that the Ministry of Industry has no future, but it does have its potential.

To put it in layman's terms, the Ministry of Industry is engaged in engineering, and there are too many tricks in engineering. For example, a brick can be sold for 30 cents or 50 cents, depending on the purchasing department's wishes. You are the owner of a brick factory and you are given the suggestion that bricks can be purchased for 50 cents each. What choice will you make?

There is also a saying from the leader that the projects that were originally completed have to be overturned and redone, resulting in countless wastes and other things. As a construction unit, if you just do it again and get another salary, will you worry about the waste?
As the person in charge of the Ministry of Industry, how can we not feel nervous with someone like Jia Lian who takes an unconventional path?

"The number one scholar is your uncle and young prince. Why are you here? Are you really going to work in the Ministry of Industry? Hahaha!" Lan Mou, the right servant, said these words and couldn't help but laugh out loud. Laugh, it’s so incredible. The key point is that this guy mentioned the word uncle in his words, and I felt that the yin and yang was a bit deliberate, so I quickly smiled and softened it, so as not to really offend others.

"Master Lan, you're too polite. Jia Lian has not yet entered his studies. This time I am here to observe the administration." Jia Lian expressed very implicitly, I am here to observe the administration and go through the process. The final orientation is to obey the distribution.

Mr. Liu, the left minister, took over the words: "Since we are observing the government, we should have an overview of the whole situation and cover all aspects. There are official documents and files of various companies left at the headquarters to browse. What do you think, Lord Zhuangyuan?"

Jia Lian had studied engineering before coming here. When the two ministers spoke one after another, they bowed slightly and did not dare to sit still.

Jia Lian naturally expressed respect for Master Liu's speech, then stood up and clasped his hands and said, "I appreciate Master Liu's kindness. Jia Lian is very interested in manufacturing. He wants to go to the Yuhengqing Officials Department. I hope you will agree."

Jia Lian also thinks it's a bit nonsense. I'm just here to observe the government, not to supervise, understand?

It is naturally a good thing that Jia Lian is willing to join such a department. In a place where the water is murky, if he accidentally misses the mark, he will need to spend a lot of energy to get involved. By then, won't he have the energy to look for the problem?
After all, Yu Hengsi still has a large amount of purchasing and warehouse management rights, and the benefits here are unclear.

These two businesses have the shadow of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After one more interested party is involved, the water becomes even more muddy.

The reactions were different, about half and half, and half of the people seemed to be much more relaxed. It was not like something serious had happened. The other half were even more nervous, something big had happened. [Guanzheng Sheren] The first stop for the six departments to watch the government was Yu Heng Division of the Ministry of Industry. Who would believe it if there was no task? Anyway, I don’t believe it. Who are you here for? Or are you coming to the Ministry of Internal Affairs?
After a brief greeting, introductions and self-introductions were completed, Dr. Yu Hengsi arranged an office for Jia Lian, a scribe, and a clerk who was always at call and responsible for hygiene and serving tea and water.

The tone of the word "care" is slightly strengthened. Do you understand the implication?

The minister and two ministers came to Yu Hengsi together. The scene almost scared the officials of Yuhengsi to their pee.

In the Zhou Dynasty, the Yu Heng Division had one doctor, two Yuanwailang, and four principals. They basically followed the system of the previous dynasty.

The officials of the Yu Heng Division lined up in the courtyard, waiting for the fateful judgment with trepidation. Master Lu, the Minister of Finance, coughed and turned around to wave. Jia Lian walked up and down. Only then did Master Lu speak: "Dear colleagues, Jia Lian, the number one scholar in this department, all knows it." , I won’t introduce much, the champion has chosen to come to this department to observe the administration, please take care of me."

This is something big! Otherwise, we couldn't come here so neatly, right?

After all, Jia Lian had too many identities. He was also the direct disciple of Mr. Zhang Ge. In addition to being in charge of the household department, Mr. Zhang Ge was also in charge of the bank and minting. Not to mention the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs also had to listen to the instructions on the minting issue, and it was worthy of the name of the God of Wealth of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

There are two reasons why Mr. Lu, the Minister of Finance, is so straightforward. One is that Jia Lian’s last evaluation used the emperor’s seal. Another issue is the management of Yu Heng Division. This department is under cross-management. The Ministry of Industry can manage it, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs can also manage it.

If it weren't for his height advantage, Jia Lian would have no sense of presence behind the three adults.

The minting of copper coins was under the jurisdiction of Yu Heng. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also had a mint and tribute beads, which were actually under the control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

That is to say, Jia Lian did not choose to repair the Qing Dynasty, otherwise the three adults would be in a cold sweat. Because the doctor is Jia Zheng, and the uncle and nephew join forces, who knows how much trouble they can cause.

The purpose of this arrangement is that if you want to read documents and files, a scribe can go and get them for you. If you want to bring someone in to serve you, and to inquire about some information that you shouldn't inquire about, then let the errand boy appear and put an end to your thoughts.

Why can the Ministry of Internal Affairs also intervene? It is obviously a subordinate unit of the Ministry of Industry. Of course it's because of the money.

Yu Hengqing officials? OK, good here.

Lord Shang Shu Lu, who had been sitting upright like a clay sculpture, trembled slightly, his squinted eyes brightened, he coughed, and after attracting attention, he said: "If the Number One Scholar has an idea, then just do as he said. Go to Yu Heng Division."

The two ministers saw that the minister had spoken, and naturally they had no objections, so it was settled. In fact, as long as Jia Lian made a choice, no one would speak out against it. At most, they would stumble in actual operations and dare not object openly.

It was really a case of being on guard and solving the case, but the doctor was the more nervous one.

The Ministry of Industry has certain special characteristics, in that many departmental functions overlap with those of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and employees come and go. As long as the person in charge doesn't say anything, naturally no one will meddle in other people's business. All the fussing and fussing is to get the errands done. As time goes by, there are many things that are unclear.

Mr. Langzhong's arrangements are comprehensive. I can't control you, Jia Lian, but I can't cut off your channels for obtaining information?
No matter how awesome a person is, he is still a human being. Without the help of people running errands, asking for information, and doing things, you can't do anything.

No matter how good your idea is, you still need people to implement it, right? It would be better if Jia Lian was the chief official, a Jinshi who came to observe the government, haha!

There is no need for consultation between the doctors and the outside doctors. It is natural to give the new number one scholar to let you know what it means to be as clean as water in the officialdom and as smooth as oil in the officialdom.

As usual, Jia Lian had to visit his colleagues first. He walked into the offices one by one and sat with a stick of incense. The day passed. He didn't get anything done, and he just looked familiar. Colleagues, it seems that the rumors about the temperament of the Number One Scholar are wrong. Isn't it said that he has a cold and arrogant personality? Why was it that on the first day of my administration, I was all visiting colleagues, and I didn’t ask any questions about business matters during this period.

The first day of watching the government was over. Jia Lian now went out and changed into a long-term attendant. He personally ordered Zhang San's youngest son, who was one year younger than Jia Lian. He was born with a tiger-like head and a strong head. His name was Zhang Zhuzhu. What Jia Lian admires most about him is that he talks less, and secondly, he can eat, very well. Zhang Zhuzhu, who has practiced martial arts since childhood, can eat as much as the second master in one meal using Guixiang.

Jia Lian asked him to stay in the concierge and not wander around, so he really stayed there and would never leave except for convenience.

On the way back, Jia Lian asked Zhang Zhuzhu: "Did you gain anything from staying in the concierge today?"

Jia Lian didn't expect him to be able to observe anything. Isn't this still in the training period?

"The old man Li, the concierge, came from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He was a little better in the morning. He went to the toilet six times. After lunch, he went to bed for two hours. I asked him if he was afraid of delaying things. He told me that many officials went out to eat during lunch. Not many people came back in the afternoon. By the way, this old man has three daughters and asked me if I was engaged."

Jia Lian on the horse hummed, turned to look at the pillar, and thought to himself: Your honest and honest look is very deceptive.

"How did you get back to him?" Jia Lian remained calm, Zhu Zhu urged the horse to move forward, and lowered his voice: "The younger one said he was not engaged! Old man Li asked the younger one about his family situation, and the younger one told the truth. There was nothing more."

In other words, the old concierge didn't ask much about Jia Lian, and he was probably still in the observation and testing period.

"Well, it's pretty good. Watch more and don't talk if you can." Jia Lian thought Zhang Zhuzhu was really good, much better than Xiao An.

On the second day of observing the government, Jia Lian arrived on time as before. He left his horse to Zhu Zhu to wait on him and walked in unhurriedly. Secretary Zhang is already in place, and the petty official named He has done the hygiene and is waiting at the door.

Jia Lian came in, and they greeted each other one after another. He Xiaoli took Jia Lian's robe skillfully, took out the teapot and tea leaves, and naturally went to fetch water for tea. Secretary Zhang stood aside and bowed slightly to ask for instructions: "Master Jia, if you have anything to do, just give me your instructions!"

"Yes!" Jia Lian responded, taking out a drawing from his pocket and spreading it out. Although the work for a period of time was related to machinery, and there was also a memory problem, doesn't this mean that he does not understand the current basic level of handicrafts? Therefore, drawings drawn based on personal experience may not be achievable. Only knowledgeable people must read them to know how to improve them.

Unfolding the drawing, Jia Lian smiled and said: "I have a private job. Please help me see if I can do it. The cost is not a problem."

Secretary Zhang's mind suddenly became empty and his eyes were dull. On his first day in office, he had to do private work? How do you know that many of the craftsmen in Yu Heng Division are doing private work?
Seeing that he didn't respond, Jia Lian asked a little strangely: "Why, can't you understand the drawing? Oh, I didn't mark the units, it was just a schematic diagram. It's like this, I don't understand the dimensions and the like, it's just an idea ”

In fact, Jia Lian also wanted to see if this scribe knew anything about it.

Secretary Zhang quickly came back to his senses and concentrated on the drawings for a while. He shook his head with a blank look in his eyes: "I don't understand!"

Seeing Jia Lian's face stiffen, Secretary Zhang quickly made up his mind: "Master Zhang is quite proficient in making a job. I'll ask him."

Taking the drawings, Secretary Zhang ran out. Jia Lian looked at his back [Master Zhang? 】, is it a family?
After a while, a sixth-grade official came in excitedly, holding a blueprint in his hand and asked: "Brother Jia, what is this thing? I don't understand it, but I think it is quite exquisite. It takes a lot of effort to make it." . Castings are easy to make, but individual workpieces need to be put on a lathe.”

Jia Lian was dumbfounded and couldn't help but ask: "Lathe? Does Yu Hengsi still have a lathe?"

"Hey, that thing doesn't work well. It's stepped on. If you don't pay attention, it will become useless."

Jia Lian understood that it was not the same thing as the lathe he understood. Not only did it not have an electric motor, it didn't even have a steam engine.

Thinking of this, Jia Lian took out the box of cigarettes, opened it and took out one, took out the fire sticks and lit it, puffed out smoke and said: "I feel that smoking a cigarette is too inconvenient, why don't I get a cigarette myself? I didn’t expect it to be quite popular, so I thought it would be too slow to roll it by hand. It’s just a personal idea. It doesn’t matter whether it works or not.”

Director Zhang picked up a cigarette and looked at it. After thinking for a while, he went to look at the drawings again. After a while, he said: "Well, if this machine can be completed, two people can operate it, and the efficiency will be as high as one One person can hold up to ten people. Take the blueprint below and go back and ask the craftsmen for you. They should be able to figure it out."

Jia Lian quickly stood up and thanked him. When Mr. Zhang was about to leave, Jia Lian walked to the door, slipped a banknote over and said, "It costs a lot to do things. Craftsmen have a hard time, so they can't use others in vain."

Can I still receive a cash check? Although it was only a twenty-tael piece, it severely subverted the stereotype of Mr. Zhang.

Last night everyone had a meeting to discuss Jia Lian's affairs. There were dozens of Jinshis from the Ministry of Industry who were watching the administration, and they all chose to stay at the headquarters to read the documents and files. This one arrived late and went directly to the Yu Heng Department. Did you think that the person coming was evil? That's it?
How could Mr. Zhang dare to ask him for money when he was doing some private work? I didn’t expect him to actually give him money. This...

It was picked so cleanly that something was going to happen. Chief Zhang had a premonition that something was about to happen.

In Director Zhang's office, the other three directors were waiting. When they saw him coming back, they all stood up to ask.

After explaining the situation, Director Zhang added: "Let's take a look first and finish the matter for him. As long as you don't go to the warehouse or check the account books, there is nothing to worry about. You guys should take care of all the people. To avoid accidents.”

Could these four principals not know if Yu Hengsi had any problems? Everyone knows clearly what they are responsible for, and they also know a lot about what others are responsible for. We all work together to make money.

Other Guanzheng Jinshi are easy to deal with. Just leave them to a pile of documents to read. If you are willing to follow the office and learn the work process, that is naturally the best. During the period of observing the administration, it’s okay if you want to take leave but can’t come. Anyway, whenever the Ministry of Industry observes the administration, it’s not an exception to directly ask for a month’s leave. Jia Lian is a special case!

Jia Lian really didn't think much about it. There were four major difficulties in making cigarettes. One was the quality of the tobacco leaves, the other was baking and storage, and the rest was cutting into shreds and rolling cigarettes. What Jia Lian faces is the latter two difficulties, which determine production efficiency.

The reality is destined to be semi-manual production, and it is basically impossible to achieve higher efficiency. From the perspective of future generations, the first industrial revolution was not very difficult. The real difficulty lay in the natural disciplines that were born and grew up with the first industrial revolution, from theory to practice.

Watt built and improved steam engines, but he may not have understood the relevant theories. How else to say Newton is great? Craftsmen built machines, and natural scientists led by Newton compiled relevant theories in a way that facilitated learning.

Everyone has learned physics in middle school, so I won’t talk nonsense here. Even illiterate craftsmen can make gears and pulleys. What is difficult is standard weights and measures, what is difficult is the basic theory, and what is even more difficult is to further develop a higher level theory based on the summarized basic theory and practice it.

The word industrialization is easy to say, and it is not difficult to make many things. It is easy to know how to do it, but difficult to know why.

The environment of the Great Zhou Dynasty was like this, and Jia Lian no longer expected to lead the industrial revolution. Jia Lian would be content to see the Great Zhou Dynasty move towards the ocean in his lifetime. Doing it bit by bit, gaining huge benefits from it, and attracting more people to join in, this is what Jia Lian thinks can be done.

Without profit motivation, everyone is afraid of trouble.

Everything you want to do must be implemented on specific individuals. People who talk are always more relaxed than people who actually do it.

Or do you want to be a leader anyway?

On the third day of the Ministry of Industry's visit to the government, Jia Lian brought several newspapers. He sat with a pot of tea for a day, drank tea and read newspapers, and did nothing.

Everyone was astonished and specially arranged for Secretary Zhang to ask Jia Lian if there were any documents he wanted to see.

Jia Lian seemed to have just remembered that I was here to observe the government, so he made a small request to understand the work procedures of the Ministry of Industry.

These were all official matters, so Secretary Zhang was not embarrassed. He found a bunch of official documents and handwritten work procedures, from the warehouse to the office, how to form an event, how to follow the process, how to implement it, and finally the entry and exit of the warehouse. .

Jia Lian asked Shuli Zhang while reading the official documents. After spending a day, he finally understood the basic process.

On the fourth day, Yu Hengsi seemed to be facing a formidable enemy. Is it time to take action today? Whether it is correct to go to the grassroots level or not depends on whether the account books are correct. I have prepared them for you. Humph, I don’t believe you can find out the problem!
Unexpectedly, Jia Lian asked for leave, once again contrary to the expectations of the Ministry of Works!
No one came, so Chang Sui came and sent a note asking for leave, saying that he had personal matters to deal with and asked for five days' leave.

Why do you need to take leave? Isn't there a little problem with Jia Rong?
This is the season when tobacco leaves come out. The flue-cured tobacco that Jia Lian requested has a very mature plan. The details include how to build a curing house, how to control the heat, etc. The problem is that the people who can work are illiterate, and the literate people are looking at this. It's like reading a book from heaven.

Jia Lian had no choice but to take two days off, and took Xue Pan and Jia Lian together to go out of the city to find a tobacco farmer and provide on-site guidance in person.

How to build a roasting house, whether to burn firewood or coal, the process and temperature of curing tobacco, etc. Jia Lian spent five days in the village outside the city, from building the roasting house to the roasting process and then to storage. Don't underestimate storage. The storage of tobacco leaves is decisive for the quality.

Five days later, Jia Lian returned to the Ministry of Industry to cancel his leave. The doctor looked at Jia Lian and couldn't help but ask: "Is the Number One Scholar sick? Why is he so dark?" Jia Lian thought to himself, "What do you think I think?" Can I work without tanning? 】

(End of this chapter)