The most reckless man in the Ming Dynasty.

Chapter 236 Iron Factory
The craftsman is at peace.

They didn't dare to be restless.

Because this Ming Dynasty Zhongshan Marquis really dared to kill people.

No craftsman would take it to heart about those Lumi bonuses he mentioned.

After all, in all these years, they have never met an official who gave them both rice and money.

However, no matter what, this commotion originating from within the craftsmen was successfully suppressed with blood.

Regardless of anything else, just looking at those two ferocious heads of flesh and blood, no one will not feel scared!
When human life begins to become worthless, the craftsmen can only choose to accept their fate!

After solving this small matter, Tang Hao immediately set his target on the firearm.

Yes, it's a firearm.

He has not forgotten that the last time he went to sea in a hurry, he was suddenly attacked by Japanese pirates. Due to lack of preparation and lack of experience in naval battles, the Ming soldiers suffered heavy losses in that battle. More than 300 soldiers lost their lives. This book It can be directly avoided.

Thirdly, government-run iron smelting was produced by craftsmen forced by the government. The social status of Ming craftsmen was low, and their remuneration was meager, so they were often passive and slow in work, which also led to the stagnation of production technology.

A salvo of artillery can destroy the city wall instantly, but that's all.

The only advantage may be in attacking the city.

"Shandong produces 3.15 million jins of iron, accounting for 17% of the country's iron output, ranking third in the country. Among them, Jinan Laiwu Iron Smelting Institute is the most famous, with an annual output of 720,000 jins of iron!"

However, even so, firearms have long become a joke in the Ming Dynasty today.

Therefore, starting from the pre-Song Dynasty, the imperial court basically used coal to make iron on a large scale, replacing charcoal with coal.

"The largest iron-making factory run by the imperial court is the iron factory in Zunhua under the jurisdiction of Shuntian Prefecture. It has more than 2,500 craftsmen, twenty-five iron-making furnaces, and more than fifty casting furnaces. It is the largest iron smelting base in the Ming Dynasty, and it is also the heyday of the Bai Smelting Factory. It is dedicated to the needs of Jiubian Ordnance! "

Although the performance of copper cannons is much higher than that of previous iron cannons, copper mines in the Ming Dynasty are scarce and the copper shortage is large. This results in copper cannons with excellent performance that can only be manufactured on a small scale and are completely insufficient. To meet the equipment needs of the army.

It is worth noting that iron, like salt, is an important strategic material related to the national economy and people's livelihood. Therefore, officials in successive dynasties implemented a monopoly system on salt and iron, that is, "salt and iron monopoly."

The first is a handgun for individual soldiers, the second is a medium-sized bowl-mouth gun for use on warships and pass guards, and the third is a large-scale gun for city defense fortresses.

Ignoring the laws of the market economy can easily lead to a disconnect between supply and demand, making it difficult to adapt to the needs of social and economic development.

However, in this way, the disadvantages of government-run iron smelting are also obvious.

Exploding the barrel, in a battle, the enemy has not yet been hit, but the gun in his hand explodes first, and he is injured and killed first. This is the real reason why soldiers resist firearms!
They would rather trust the sword in their hands than use the "poisonous" firearm!

The core reason lies in the raw materials and technology of iron smelting.

But after personally experiencing the bitter consequences of exploding the chamber, I had no choice but to resort to casting firearms out of copper.

This is because the uprising army led by Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang used the most firearms and made great contributions to establishing the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, after the founding of the country, Zhu Yuanzhang continued to take various effective measures to develop weapon manufacturing and turn the primary weapons created in the Yuan Dynasty into The fire guns were standardized and unified, and according to the needs of actual combat, they were developed into the Hongwu series of fire guns, including large, medium and small types.

"Yidao, are there any large-scale iron smelting plants in Shandong?"

Tang Hao summoned his confidants such as Tang Mu, Zuo Yidao, and Chang Kuohai, and asked them for their opinions on firearms.

As a result, the Ming government was forced to close down the government-run iron smelting plants due to poor management. With the decline and collapse of the government-run iron smelting plants, the Ming government gradually relaxed restrictions on private iron smelting. The private iron smelting industry only had to ask the government for help. After paying a certain mining fee, you can freely mine and smelt. From this, the iron smelting industry developed rapidly among the people of Zezhou.

Zuo Yidao was startled when he heard the words, and then a lot of information quickly flashed through his mind.

Because of shoddy manufacturing, because of corruption and bribery, because someone is profiting from it!
Of course, in addition to human reasons, there are quality problems in itself.

In fact, since ancient times, most of the dynasties have used charcoal to make iron, and also used high-quality iron ore to create magical weapons.

“During the Hongwu period, there were thirteen iron smelting institutes across the country, namely Nanchangfu Jinjianye in Jiangxi, Xinyuye in Linjiangfu, Fenyiye in Yuanzhoufu, Xingguoye in Huguang, Huangmeiye in Qizhou... There was one in Shandong. It was established in Laiwu in the sixth year of Hongwu. It was first named Laiwu Iron Smelting and Judging Division along the Yuan system, and later it was called Laiwu Iron and Smelting Institute, and it was established as Laiwu Iron and Smelting Division.

The lethality of ordinary firearms and artillery is really limited, and their accuracy is only so, and there is even a risk of the chamber exploding at any time, so soldiers do not like to use firearms.

But even if a large amount of forests are cut down, the efficiency is far from keeping up with the army's demand for cold weapons, and it has also greatly damaged the natural ecological environment.

Because the iron ore and coal raw ore stored in the Ming Dynasty have relatively high phosphorus and sulfur content, the smelted pig iron is extremely brittle and hard, far less tough than charcoal iron smelting. The firearms made from it are not only very heavy, but also extremely hard. Easy to explode!

So now that he had some spare energy, Tang Hao decided to develop the Daming Firearms.

Then in the Yongle period, the Ming Dynasty firearms ushered in a rapid development. After Zhang Fu was in peace in the fifth year of Yongle, the Ming Dynasty acquired the Shenji gunnery method and Hu Yuancheng, a firearms expert, and set up a special Shenji camp for training. The Shenji camp had its own Only then did they begin to appear, and the development of firearms also ushered in a wave.

The unanimous conclusion is, why use those fire sticks?
Wouldn't it be fun to stab the enemy to death with real swords and spears?
This answer was indeed so powerful that Tang Hao couldn't even be fucked.

First of all, government-run iron smelting is a monopoly management policy on iron implemented in order to consolidate national rule and increase fiscal revenue. Its production and sales are led by the government, and most of the products and output are determined to meet the needs of the government.

In fact, the iron smelting industry of the Ming Dynasty exceeded that of any previous dynasty in terms of scale, output, and technology. Since pig iron is widely used in agricultural production, handicraft manufacturing, daily life, and religious beliefs, the iron smelting industry not only contributed to the development of the local economy. It provides an important material foundation and promotes commodity trade between Zezhou and surrounding areas.

If we ignore the ecological environment and devote all our efforts to using charcoal to make iron on a large scale, it should be enough to meet the army's demand for artillery. In this way, the combat effectiveness of the Ming army can be improved by several levels!
However, Tang Hao, who later learned basic chemistry, naturally knew that in order to remove harmful elements such as sulfur and phosphorus from pig iron, coke must be added when making iron instead of using coal to make iron. Today’s level of iron smelting is not impossible!

Secondly, the government-run iron smelting is managed by the government. Due to the lack of competition, low production efficiency and serious waste, the product quality is uneven but the price is high, which is not conducive to social and people's livelihood.

Anyway, there are many craftsmen in the Qinghe Shipyard now, and there are many military craftsmen who have been temporarily transferred to make firearms.

Their understanding of firearms, or the current Ming Dynasty soldiers' understanding of firearms, is biased.

For example, the Laiwu Iron Works mentioned by Zuo Yidao is actually a cooperation model between the government and the private sector.

In fact, the level of Daming firearms is not bad.

In their eyes, firearms are actually of little use on the battlefield.

Why are Daming firearms so often boycotted by craftsmen?

This is the standard firearm used by the Ming Dynasty soldiers in the Hongwu Dynasty. It can be roughly called the Hongwu series of firecrackers.

"Have!"

According to the rules set by Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, "Let the people collect and refine for themselves, and if they lose lessons every year, two of every thirty points will be taken."

This is equivalent to liberalizing the iron trade. As long as the government can collect corresponding taxes, it will no longer care about anything else.

Tang Hao touched his chin and thought for a moment, then issued the order boldly.

"Tang Mu, you lead two thousand soldiers to garrison the Qinghe Shipyard, arrange the craftsmen to put into production as soon as possible, and act in accordance with the rules set by this prince. The money and food that should be given must not be less, and those who should cause trouble will be killed directly!"

Tang Mu accepted the order without a word of nonsense.

Then Tang Hao stood up and stretched his muscles.

"Everyone else, lead the soldiers and follow me to the Laiwu Iron Factory!"

Zuo Yidao was startled when he heard this and asked subconsciously.

"Are the three thousand and four guardsmen going as well?"

You know, although Marquis Tang did not lead any troops on this trip, three thousand and four guardsmen became standard equipment.

This is because the Minister of War is Yang Yiqing, the smelly stone in the latrine.

If Tang Hao wanted to mobilize the troops of the Beijing army, Sun Tzu would definitely refuse for various reasons. Anyway, he just didn't agree to send troops.

After all, this grandson is now the great Sima in charge of the world's military affairs. If he doesn't agree, even Tang Hao and Zhu Houzhao can't do anything.

So after much deliberation, Tang Hao was too lazy to argue with him and directly asked Zhu Houzhao to mobilize 3,040 guardsmen to travel.

The Imperial Guards of the Four Guards were not soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. They only obeyed the orders of His Majesty the Emperor. Therefore, Yang Yiqing did not dare to say anything. He could only watch as Tang Hao, a thief, took three thousand Imperial Guards to Shandong. Until now, Yang Yiqing, the Minister of War, was still a little worried. Because of the damn Ma Zheng incident, a large number of officials from the Ministry of War were involved. The Metropolitan Procuratorate had once again wielded a butcher knife against the Ministry of War. Even Yang Yiqing was summoned by the little emperor to the Qianqing Palace to scold him. He was called twice and ordered to cooperate with the Metropolitan Procuratorate in purging the Ministry of War.

Now, Yang Yiqing was even more resentful towards Tang Hao.

He even regretted what he had given him last time. He should have given this thief a big mouth!
Tang Hao no longer cares about Yang Yiqing's resentment, because he has already arrived at Laiwu Iron Factory with three thousand forbidden troops.

The person in charge of factory affairs is Wang Xianwen, the director of the Ministry of Industry.

I have to admit that the head of the Laiwu Iron Works is a good job. Especially after the imperial court relaxed the control measures on the iron works, a large number of private businessmen saw the profits and immediately came in droves. This greatly gave Wang Xianwen the opportunity to use power for personal gain. Chance.

After all, salt, iron, salt and iron, iron that can be called salt, the profits can be imagined.

So when Wang Xianwen, the head of the Ministry of Industry, appeared in front of Tang Hao with a big belly and a flattering face, the Marquis of Zhongshan couldn't help but smile, and then whipped him.

The next moment, Chief Wang's shrill screams resounded throughout the audience, shocking all the craftsmen and merchants.

No one expected that the Marquis of Zhongshan would be so ferocious and crazy!
"Take down this pig!"

"In addition, all the iron factory officials were captured!"

"Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy!"

As soon as these words came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

Wang Xianwen covered his bloody wound and roared at Tang Hao: "Marquis of Zhongshan!"

"This iron factory does not belong to my Wang family, but to the interests of all the noble families involved. If you dare..."

Before he finished speaking, Wang Xianwen couldn't continue.

Because he suddenly recalled one thing, and that was the matter of salt policy. It was this ferocious Marquis of Zhongshan who skinned Zong Yue, the transport envoy of Changlu Yunsi, and then single-handedly promoted the reform of salt policy!

Zhongshan Hou Tang Hao, he seems to be really not afraid!

Thinking of this, Wang Xianwen immediately panicked.

"Spare your life!"

"Marquis Zhongshan, please spare my life!"

"We have indeed committed corruption, but this is all tacitly approved by the court!"

"There is a lot of money that should be paid to the court. I ask the Marquis of Zhongshan to show your noble hand and ask the Marquis to spare his life!"

Tang Hao was indifferent to this and rode into Laiwu Iron Works.

"Take this pig down and serve him with water torture!"

Zuo Yidao's eyes were cold, he was never merciless in dealing with these corrupt officials.

As the soldiers of the Four Guards entered the Laiwu Iron Factory, the news swept across Shandong like a hurricane, and then spread to the entire Ming Dynasty at a terrifying speed.

All Shandong officials were trembling and frightened at this moment.

Because, the last time Zhongshan Hou came to Shandong, he wiped out the entire Shandong officialdom with blood. Thousands of Shandong officials were beheaded. Even those Shandong officials who were lucky enough not to be beheaded were also killed because of that heinous case. Carrying political stains, your career may be halted for the rest of your life!
This time, Marquis Zhongshan arrived in Shandong again. He also had the power to "act expeditiously" and to control local troops, and he majestically entered the Qinghe Shipyard.

Originally, all the officials in Shandong had made plans long ago and they would never provoke this damn Marquis Zhongshan of the Ming Dynasty who was like a lunatic. However, no one expected that this guy would suddenly send troops to the Laiwu Iron Works and directly destroy the country's No. 1 iron factory. The three-year-old Ye Tie sang took over!
No, what do you want to do?

Do we have to kill all the Shandong gentry?

Who the hell doesn’t know, huge profits from salt and iron!

Who wouldn’t be tempted by the huge profits at hand?

In addition, the imperial court relaxed the control of ironware, which caused a large number of merchants to flock to the iron smelting plants in the country. In fact, the iron smelting plants in the country have long become a place of competition for interests. For example, Wang Xianwen is the Langya Wang family in Laiwu. Spokesperson of the iron factory!
Langya Wang family, a medieval family!
The founders of this family were Wang Ji and Langya Gao Yu of the Western Han Dynasty. It developed in the Cao Wei Dynasty and the Western Jin Dynasty. It was established in the early years of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and reached its peak period. It was known in history as "the king and the horse share the world" and continued to the Southern Dynasty, the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties. weak.

But a skinny camel is bigger than a horse. In all dynasties, the descendants of the Langya Wang family entered the court as officials. For example, in the Ming Dynasty, there were not a few children of the Wang family who entered the court as officials. This is why Wang Xianwen can represent the Langya Wang family. The real reason for being located in Laiwu Iron Works.

Naturally, all parties are not afraid of Wang Xianwen, a fat man, but they are afraid of the Langya Wang family behind Wang Xianwen and the Wang family's officials in the court!

However, they were afraid of him, but Tang Hao, the Marquis of Zhongshan, was not afraid. It could even be said that there was no one in the world that the Marquis of Zhongshan was afraid of.

Three days later, when Tang Hao saw Wang Xianwen again, the latter had been tortured to the point of collapse.

It wasn't that there were any physical injuries. In fact, except for the whip that Tang Hao rewarded him with, there were basically no scars visible on Wang Xianwen's round body.

However, the torture he suffered during these three days was frightening and heinous!

So when Wang Xianwen saw Tang Hao again, he immediately fell to his knees on the ground and cried bitterly, begging the Marquis of Zhongshan to spare his life!
Tang Hao glanced at this guy coldly, and then looked at the list handed over by Zuo Yidao.

"Master Marquis, these are the lists given by Wang Xianwen. All the merchants and nobles are here."

Tang Hao stared at the list one by one, and then gave the order directly.

"According to the list, we will only arrest the person in charge, the so-called head of the family. The others will not be affected for the time being. Do you understand?"

Zuo Yidao was stunned when he heard this. This is not in line with your style, Mr. Hou!

However, he did not dare to ask any more questions and immediately took action with the four guards.

After Zuo Yidao left, Tang Hao looked at Wang Xianwen with a smile.

"Wang Xianwen is from the Langya Wang family, a son of a famous family!"

As soon as he heard this, Wang Xianwen almost burst into tears and kept kowtowing.

"Master Hou, spare your life!"

"Master Hou, please spare my life!"

"Okay!" Tang Hao waved his hand impatiently, "Stop talking so much nonsense, I will ask you once, do you want to die or live?"

Nonsense, only a fool wants to die!
Wang Xianwen immediately cheered up and wiped away the blood on his forehead.

"If you have anything to say, Lord Marquis, just give me your orders. I will go and do it now. I will go up to the mountain of knives and go down to the sea of ​​​​fire without any hesitation!"

Well, no wonder this damn fat man can be in charge of Laiwu factory affairs, he is not stupid!
"Simple, go look for something called graphite. If you find it, you can stay alive. If you can't find it, prepare to die!"

"Not only are you going to die, I will also let the Langya Wang family vomit out all the national interests they have embezzled over the years. By then, without Wang Xianwen, the Langya Wang family will be the sinner. It is impossible to say that they will be expelled from the clan, and even the ancestral graves will be included. No more!”

vicious!

How vicious!
Wang Xianwen was so frightened that his face turned pale!

For a member of the noble clan to be expelled from the clan, this is simply the most vicious curse!
But the key point is, what the hell is that "stone mill" that this damned thief just mentioned?
"Graphite is soft, dark-grey, and greasy. It can leave traces on paper. There are more graphite in Jiaozhou and Jimo counties in Laizhou Prefecture, so go find it immediately!"

"You and the Langya Wang family behind you have half a month. Don't challenge my patience. If I don't see Shi Mo in half a month, you know the consequences."

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Xianwen rushed out immediately. He was grabbing time.

Didn't you hear that this damn madman just ordered the arrest of the heads of the noble clans?
Naturally, that includes the head of the Langya Wang family!

In other words, the only chance of survival now is to find that "stone mill"!

Not only the Wang family of Langya, but also all the noble clans who suffered because of this, this is clearly a signal released by the Marquis of Zhongshan!

If he wanted to bloodbath these nobles, he would have directly ordered the Imperial Army to take action, and he would not wait until now!
So, Shimo, where are you?
(End of this chapter)