Ming Dynasty: Every day, Zhu Yuanzhang is in trouble

Tao Chengdao was full of anticipation.

The conversation just now with Mei Yin.

It has already made him gain a lot and broadened his horizons.

In many ways, it feels like a sudden enlightenment.

He was amazed by much of what Mei Yin said!
I originally thought that this was enough.

But who would have thought that Mr. Mei would say such a thing again!
Moreover, his expression was still so solemn.

This is definitely something more important and unexpected!
Otherwise, Prince Consort Mei would never do this!
This visit to Mr. Mei's place really opened my eyes!
What is a genius? This is a genius!

Tao Chengdao was an expert in firearms and had always been very arrogant and had a high opinion of himself.

However, all of his arrogance is based on his strength.

He does have the capital to be arrogant.

But now, here in Mei Yin, we know what it means that there is always someone better than you!
All the pride in my heart disappeared in an instant.

As he waited with great excitement, Mei Yin did not keep him in suspense and spoke directly:

"What I want to say to Mr. Tao is the standardization of firearms."

standardization?
After hearing what Mei Yin said, Tao Chengdao was stunned for a moment.

Obviously, no one expected that what Mr. Mei would say would be this.

“Firearms standardization, in short, means that strict standards need to be established when manufacturing firearms in the future.

For example, the length of the firearm, all the parts...these must be exactly the same size. "

As a person from the future, Mei Yin knew very well how important weapon standardization was!

In today's Ming Dynasty, firearms have also made great progress.

But what can I say...standardized production never appeared.

The firearms made by different craftsmen will have different sizes and dimensions.

Even if it is the same craftsman, it is impossible for every firearm to be exactly the same.

This is not only inefficient, but also makes it impossible to interchange parts.

This is not a good thing.

It is not conducive to the development of firearms.

Especially large-scale production and equipment.

Therefore, the standardization of firearms must be implemented.

"Prince Consort Mei, if we do this, isn't it... a little too much trouble?
In the future production process, I will definitely spend a lot more effort..."

After understanding what Mei Yin meant, Tao Chengdao couldn't help but look at Mei Yin and started talking.

He has his own opinion on this matter.

“The craftsmen are used to the old way of manufacturing.

Moreover, there are so many craftsmen, and it is impossible for the things made by each person to be the same everywhere.

Originally, the production of firearms was not very fast.

If we continue to pursue exact similarities in everything, then this matter will become even more difficult to handle.

It will be slower to build..."

He organized his words and told Mei Yin some of the bad things about it.

At the same time, I felt very strange in my heart.

I am particularly confused about this matter.

I don't understand why Prince Consort Mei would talk to me about this matter so seriously.

In his opinion, this was simply a thankless task.

There is absolutely no need for that.

This current production method is very good.

He thought about it carefully again and again, and did not see any particularly good benefits from what Prince Consort Mei said, only countless troubles.

But he also knew that based on Prince Consort Mei's previous performance.

Prince Consort Mei is not a man without vision.

Since this choice has been made, there must be a reason for it.

It’s just that I haven’t figured out the deep meaning behind it.

Mei Yin was not surprised by Tao Chengdao's reaction.

After all, the concept of standardization was gradually formed and became a consensus after a long period of development in later generations.

People of this era don’t have this habit.

When you suddenly hear these at this moment, it is indeed easy to have such thoughts.

He immediately said: "Mr. Tao, this is very necessary.

Just give a simple example and Mr. Tao will understand.

Just like the current muskets.

What if something is damaged? "

Tao Chengdao: "If it is damaged, come back and fix it.

If it cannot be repaired, it will have to be discarded.

Some of them that could not be repaired were melted down and recast.”

"Is it easy to repair a musket?"

Tao Chengdao: “It is not difficult for professional repairmen.

However, the only guns that could be repaired were those that were not seriously damaged.

If the damage is more serious, it cannot be repaired.”

“Then according to what Mr. Tao said, repairing a musket is not a particularly simple matter.

At least someone with some relevant experience is needed to do this.”

Tao Chengdao nodded: "That's it."

"That means that most of those who use muskets can't repair them."

Tao Chengdao nodded: "Yes, that's it.

Those people have no relevant experience.

And there are no corresponding tools.

If the damage to weapons like muskets is not serious, they may be able to tinker with them through some simple methods and continue using them.

But once there is some serious damage, they can’t repair it.”

Mei Yin nodded, then looked at Tao Chengdao and said, "What if the muskets have a unified model and all the parts are the same?

Produced according to the same standards.

Wouldn’t that make it much simpler to repair?
If there is any damage, just remove the part and replace it with an identical new part.

Does this greatly increase the speed?
It is also much easier to repair and very convenient to use?

As long as the situation is not particularly serious, the soldiers using guns can replace it themselves if they have the corresponding parts.

Even in critical moments on the battlefield, or when military supplies were not delivered in time, there were not enough substitute muskets.

In this case, is it possible to dismantle a few damaged muskets?

Removed some of the parts from the rest of the gun that were not broken.

And then assembled it onto a gun to repair it?"

Following Mei Yin's guidance, Tao Chengdao's thoughts began to shift.

The more I think about it, the more I feel that what Mei Yin said makes sense.

His expression became more and more excited.

It can be seen that through Mei Yin's guidance, he gradually discovered the great benefits of standardization.

After Mei Yin said this, he didn't say anything more.

Standing here, looking at Tao Chengdao quietly, waiting for Tao Chengdao to think.

He believed that Tao Chengdao would definitely listen to what he said.

After all, what I said is not something difficult to understand.

As long as you are not a stubborn person and are willing to think about it.

It is easy to imagine the benefits and huge advantages of doing so.

And standardization has another biggest advantage, which is scalability.

With the corresponding standards in place, many things will become particularly easy to do when we expand our scale in the future.

It is much easier to expand the scale of production.

Of course, even if Tao Chengdao cannot understand or agree with what I said, it doesn’t matter.

Mei Yin was already prepared to have a good talk with Crown Prince Zhu Biao when he saw him again.

Make corresponding suggestions.

I believe that Big Brother can definitely see the huge benefits here.

Also willing to do so.

As long as the eldest brother can be convinced, then everything will be solved.

There is no need to think too much about this.

After a while, Tao Chengdao, who was becoming more and more excited, suddenly raised his head, looked at Mei Yin and said, "My Lord, what you said is indeed a very good idea!

If this can really be achieved, all parts will be exactly the same, without any difference, and can be interchangeable with each other.

If there are problems with firearms in the future, we will need to repair them.

It really takes a lot less effort.

Anyone with a little knowledge of guns can replace it, as long as the right parts are available.

It doesn’t have to be that complicated!
When Tao Chengdao spoke to Mei Yin, he used honorifics directly.

Call Mei Yin by your name.

From this, we can see how much respect Tao Chengdao has for Mei Yin.

After being inspired by Mei Yin, he also understood the benefits of doing so.

Really benefited a lot.

This is especially true as more and more muskets are manufactured.

The more muskets there are, the greater the possibility of damage during future use.

The amount of damage is greater.

Repairing it is extremely troublesome, time-consuming and laborious.

If all the guns were identical, the parts would be interchangeable.

That would make things a lot easier!

I don’t know how much time I can save and how much less effort I can spend in the future!
Prince Consort Mei’s idea is truly brilliant!
Prince Consort Mei is truly a god!

He could even think of these!
What's going on in the Prince Consort's head?
It always makes people amazed!
He had accomplished a lot of things that didn't seem too difficult to imagine, but he and others just didn't think of them.

Is this the huge gap between me and the genius?

Tao Chengdao was completely convinced.

"But... Mr. Mei, if we really do this, then the production of muskets and other things will definitely be very slow and troublesome."

Tao Chengdao expressed his concerns.

Mei Yin’s idea is good, but it will definitely be very troublesome when it is actually implemented.

In his opinion, the cost would be even greater and more troublesome than carrying out large-scale repairs of unusable muskets in the future.

Mei Yin smiled and said, “Trouble?
I don't think it's too much trouble.

Solving this problem is actually quite simple.”

Simple?
Tao Chengdao was stunned when he heard this. Is this a simple matter?

In his opinion, this musket was made by many people.

It is extremely difficult to ask everyone to make things exactly the same so that they can be replaced!
It seems impossible just thinking about it!

In his opinion, it was simply unimaginable to find a way to make sure that everyone could make exactly the same firearms.

If you ask him to think about it, he will never be able to come up with a solution no matter how hard he tries.

But now, Prince Consort Mei said that this matter is easy to solve.

This matter... is so confusing no matter how you listen to it.

All I can say is that there is a huge gap between me and Mr. Mei!
He immediately perked up and waited for Mei Yin to speak.

I want to see what solution Mr. Mei can come up with and whether it is feasible.

But I heard Mei Yin say: "The reason why you find this matter difficult.

This is because before, most muskets were made by one person.

What I am thinking of is to divide the production of this musket into many steps.

For example, early processing of materials is one step.

The later casting of firearms, etc.

The production of a gun can be broken down into several, even dozens of steps.

Let the same group of people only do that one step.

After it is done, it is sent to the next production line, and the people behind it will use it to do what they are responsible for...

Each group of people only needs to be responsible for the steps they take.

We have also formulated the corresponding standards in advance.

Make them strictly enforce it.

And arrange corresponding personnel to conduct quality inspection on the things they produce.

Products with good quality will be approved, while those with poor quality and not meeting the standards will be sent back for rework.

Those who do well are rewarded, those who do poorly are punished...

Mei Yin told him his solution.

The method he thought of was actually the assembly line operation method that was particularly common in later generations.

Is the assembly line useful?

It must be useful!

Not only is it easy to use, but it is also highly efficient.

Otherwise, it would not have become so common in later generations.

At this time, he felt it was necessary for him to bring this advanced production method to the Ming Dynasty.

Let it come out early.

In this way, the production level and quality of Ming Dynasty will definitely be greatly improved.

When Tao Chengdao heard what Mei Yin said, he was stunned.

Lost in deep thought.

The words that Mei Yin said were like thunder, constantly exploding in his mind.

He felt that he had heard a very extraordinary method!
Restraining the shock in his heart, he thought quickly here.

He had figured out some things, but not so much others.

He immediately asked Mei Yin for advice.

He didn't feel embarrassed at all about asking Mei Yin for advice.

Or rather, he didn't think about it at all. He just thought that if he came across something good, he should figure it out as soon as possible.

It's not just when facing Mei Yin, someone whose status and position is higher than his.

Even on ordinary days, when he was interacting with his disciples.

What if his apprentice made some breakthrough that he didn't understand?

Tao Chengdao would also ask his apprentice for advice.

However, such situations are almost rare.

It’s not that Tao Chengdao is too embarrassed to do so, but that there are basically very few disciples who can surpass him in this regard.

To the extent that he was asked to seek advice.

After careful explanation and examples, Tao Chengdao understood more about what Mei Yin said.

And his expression became more and more excited.

This is simply a brilliant strategy!
This idea is truly genius!

This method of division of labor and cooperation can not only solve the huge problem of standardization.

At the same time, it can greatly improve the efficiency of manufacturing firearms such as muskets and save a lot of time.

One person mastered all the steps of making a musket and did it from start to finish.

This is a difficult task and requires specialized talent to do it.

Under such circumstances, it is naturally impossible to make everything the same.

However, if the process of making a musket is divided into many steps, and each group of people is responsible for one of the steps, the situation will be completely different.

A person only does one job and repeats it every day.

No matter how dumb a person is, as long as he practices more, he will become extremely skilled in the future.

The speed will be greatly improved!
Originally, there were many restrictions on making things like muskets.

The requirements for personnel are also very high.

Because many firearms are relatively sophisticated.

It is not easy for ordinary people to do.

But now, with the method that the prince consort mentioned, it will be much more convenient to produce it.

We don't need that many at all. We can give the entire musket to the person who makes the complete set.

It is enough to just recruit some random people and let them learn how to do one of the steps.

In this way, when making muskets in the future, the speed will be extremely fast.

Just find some people to train and you can make a musket.

Doing so will indeed make it easier to carry out the standardization that Mr. Mei mentioned.

After all, these people are only responsible for one step from beginning to end.

Most of them don't understand at all.

They don't need to have too many ideas, they just need to follow the issued standards.

Compared to those who can make muskets independently, these people are more obedient.

In addition to these, there is another greater benefit.

That's confidentiality!
Tao Chengdao has made in-depth research on firearms.

Because I understand, I also know how important this firearm is.

In previous production, great importance was attached to the confidentiality of firearms.

Now I have seen the Hongwu cannon and the flintlock rifle.

He became more and more concerned about the confidentiality of the firearm.

He knew that this kind of firearm was extremely powerful.

For the Ming Dynasty, firearms played a huge role.

Once some of it is leaked out, it will definitely cause an uproar in the future!
If it were obtained by some hostile forces, it would pose a great threat to the Ming Dynasty.

When he thought about the hostile forces using the firearms made by the Ming Dynasty to deal with the Ming Dynasty, he felt extremely unhappy!

However, maintaining confidentiality is not so easy.

After all, we want to produce firearms on a large scale.

We cannot rely on just a few people; we need a lot of people to participate.

It is easier to keep confidentiality when there are fewer people.

But once there are too many people, it will be difficult to do this.

If you don't handle it properly, it can easily lead to big trouble.

This has always been a headache for him.

He thought a lot about it, but couldn't come up with a particularly effective way to keep it secret.

But now, after hearing what Prince Consort Mei said, he felt suddenly enlightened.

I thought of a lot at once!
The method that Prince Consort Mei is giving now is the best and most effective way to keep secrets!
Because the manufacture of firearms is divided into many steps.

Some people are only responsible for one of them.

This means that these people only know the facts but not the reasons behind them.

It won’t be so easy to leak the secret again.

Asking those who participated in making firearms did not reveal anything.

They themselves are confused.

The real secrets are only in the hands of a few people.

wonderful!
It's so wonderful!

Prince Consort Mei is truly a man of great talent!

One method has so many functions!
It really kills several birds with one stone!
It's amazing.

God!

It’s really amazing!

Originally, he had special respect for Mei Yin.

Now, after understanding this, I respect him even more.

How can a person be so smart and know everything?
Not only can it make firearms of such powerful force.

He can even come up with such a brilliant idea!
The more I think about it, the more wonderful it seems.

The more I think about it, the more excited I get!
I just feel that this trip is really worth it!
Mei Yin stood here, watching Tao Chengdao's ever-changing expression, and a smile appeared on his face.

I think Tao Chengdao’s current reaction is pretty good.

Looking at people like Tao Chengdao, he was shocked by some of the things in the future that he described.

This feeling is indescribable!

It's just like some times when he made a death-defying remonstrance to Zhu Yuanzhang, and saw that Zhu was furious because of his death-defying remonstrance, but he still didn't kill him because his death-defying remonstrance was so reasonable, which made people feel satisfied.

Mei Yin thought it was normal for Tao Chengdao to have such a reaction.

After all, this assembly line operation method has been proven by countless people in later generations and is extremely valuable.

Now that he has crossed such a long time and space and will reach the Ming Dynasty, it would be really unfair if he could not cause an extreme shock to Tao Chengdao and others.

According to some information he learned later, the method of assembly line operation had existed as early as the Qin Dynasty.

But later on, due to various reasons, a gap appeared and it was buried in the long river of history.

It became a regret...

At this time, Li Jinglong also looked extremely excited and encouraged.

I was also shocked by Mei Yin’s assembly line!
Even during this period of time, he had already seen many of his second uncle's methods.

Many things have long been nothing new.

But today, I was completely shocked again by the assembly line method that my second uncle talked about!

My second uncle is really amazing!

He actually understands so many things?

Although he and his second uncle were farming and raising pigs here together, he had a particularly clear understanding of some things.

There are always many amazing ideas.

Not to mention other merits, just for this alone, I should be rewarded by my uncle and others.

"Pfft!"

When Li Jinglong was thinking so excitedly, he heard a strange noise.

It turned out that Tao Chengdao, with an excited expression, suddenly knelt down in front of Mei Yin without any warning.

And bowed respectfully on the ground.

His sudden reaction surprised Mei Yin.

He really didn't expect that Tao Chengdao would suddenly do this.

"Mr. Tao, what are you doing? Get up!"

Although Mei Yin wanted to see Tao Chengdao being extremely shocked by his actions.

But I really didn't think of asking him to kneel down.

Tao Chengdao did not stand up, but kowtowed to Mei Yin even faster.

"Mr. Mei is so talented!

After listening to your words, Mr. Mei, I have benefited a lot and my eyes have been opened!

If Mr. Mei does not give up, I am willing to take you as my teacher."

That’s what it’s for!
Mei Yin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry when he heard this.

"Mr. Tao, this is not a big deal for me, and I have never thought about taking anyone in as a disciple.

Besides, I am much younger than Mr. Tao..."

Tao Chengdao shook his head and said, "There is no order of precedence in learning, the one who is more accomplished is the teacher.

This matter cannot be measured by age.

The student is much older than the teacher, but the teacher also taught me a lot.

Then I should take you as my teacher."

Mei Yin seemed somewhat helpless when he heard this.

"Mr. Tao, there is really no need to do this.

If we encounter problems again in the future, we can verify with each other and learn from each other.

There is no need to perform such a grand ceremony, let alone become a disciple. "

But Tao Chengdao was determined to stick to this point.

“The master is unwilling to accept a disciple, and the disciple does not dare to force the master.

But sir, you have taught me, so from now on you are my sir.

I should treat you with respect as a disciple."

When Mei Yin heard Tao Chengdao say this, he was at a loss whether to laugh or cry for a moment.

No...how did things suddenly become like this?
"Well... since you insist on doing this, Mr. Tao, then let's do this.

However, we don’t need to perform the master-disciple ceremony, we can just be friends as equals.”

"Disciple understands!"

Tao Chengdao was filled with joy when he heard this.

When Mei Yin saw this, he felt a little strange.

Who would have thought that in such a short period of time, he would have so many disciples.

Tao Chengdao is not just one person, he has accepted many disciples over the years.

Now that Tao Chengdao has become his student, wouldn't his disciples also become his disciples?

The seniority suddenly rose!

But after thinking about it, Mei Yin felt that it was not impossible to do so.

In this way, Tao Chengdao became one of us.

If I have some other things to do in the future, such as making some new firearms, or have some new ideas that need to be verified.

It will be much more convenient if Tao Chengdao and others do it.

And it's justified.

Be confident.

Li Jinglong, who was standing by, saw all this and couldn't help but look at Tao Chengdao with admiration.

I feel that Tao Chengdao seems to be very honest, yet a little naive.

But when it comes to big things, there is really no ambiguity at all!
I could tell at a glance that my second uncle was extraordinary.

She was still begging and accusing him of recognizing her second uncle as her master.

This... is really a meteoric rise to the top!

It was not until noon that Mei Yin and the others went back to eat...

For two consecutive days, Tao Chengdao stayed here to ask Mei Yin for advice.

Two days later, Tao Chengdao seemed somewhat reluctant to leave Shuangshui Village.

I was filled with excitement and felt that my horizons had been broadened.

In the past, I felt that the development of firearms had basically reached its limit.

If we continue to develop like this, it will be difficult to make a major breakthrough.

But now, after a conversation with the teacher, I found that things are far from being like this.

There is still much room for development in firearms.

After listening to some of Mr. Mei’s ideas, I was really inspired.

Let yourself see the direction to move forward.

Knowing firearms is not the end, it is just the beginning!

There is a very broad space for development!
Tao Chengdao felt that this visit to Shuangshui Village was like a new life.

If I could have met you earlier, the firearms of the Ming Dynasty would definitely be different from what they are now!
There will be a huge development!

However, it's not too late.

At this time, Tao Chengdao was really full of energy.

This is true for most people who see hope and light.

What he didn't know was that he was extremely shocked and amazed by many of the future ideas about firearms.

Mei Yin simply told him what he knew about future generations in the simplest way.

It's not that Mei Yin wanted to keep something to himself, but he was worried that if he said something too advanced at once, it would easily lead to misunderstanding and incomprehension.

……

"Your Majesty, this is my teacher, Mr. Mei, who asked me to present it to you, Your Majesty."

In the Wuying Hall, Tao Chengdao saluted Zhu Yuanzhang respectfully.

Holding a box in both hands, he said these words to Zhu Yuanzhang.
When Zhu Yuanzhang heard what Tao Chengdao said, he was stunned.

It's very strange that Mei Yin would get something for himself.

At the same time, he was even more confused about the way Tao Chengdao addressed Mei Yinshi.

What's going on?
I just went to Shuangshui Village, but the chief firearms expert here was kidnapped by Mei Yin?! (End of this chapter)