The most powerful patriarch in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 140 Minnan Express
Chapter 138

Yang Xuan was also taken aback by Lu Changle, and quickly pulled him away.

I haven't passed the door yet, so I can't let him take risks.

No way, Lu Changle had to watch Lao Zhou command three apprentices and six handymen to fire cannons.

Before firing the cannon, Lao Zhou personally adjusted the direction and angle of the Franco cannon so that they could aim at the big circle at 500 meters.
While Lao Zhou was making adjustments, the apprentice followed behind to learn, and the handyman was familiar with loading shells into the gun.

After training, put the child gun into the mother gun, and after obtaining Lu Changle's consent, Old Zhou gave an order: "Let it go!"

The three apprentices ignited the fire at the same time, only to hear three loud bangs of "bang", "bang" and "bang", three shells weighing half a catty accurately fell into the predetermined large circle, and the dust was blown up immediately.

As soon as the cannon is fired, a handyman immediately takes away the shells, and another handyman fills the shells with pre-loaded shells into the mother line.
One ignites, one replaces the sub-system, and one loads the shells. The three cooperate seamlessly.

In just half a cup of tea, 45 shells were fired,
Fifteen rounds were fired from each Franc cannon.

After the shooting, Lu Changle immediately went to check the condition of the Flang machine gun. The gun body was fine, and Zitong also withstood the test

The accuracy and power of the shells are also very good. Generally speaking, Lu Changle is very satisfied.

Lao Zhou originally came out of the Ordnance Bureau. He built these and saved the research and development process.

"Old Zhou, you've done a good job. Fifty pieces of this Frang cannon will be made first." Lu Changle quickly made a decision.

Its power is incomparable to the mature cannons of later generations. For now, the Franc cannon is still one of the best field cannons.

After the emperors and ministers of the Ming Dynasty tasted the sweetness of the Hongyi cannon, they preferred the Hongyi cannon that was more powerful and had a longer range. defend the city,
Blindly adopting a defensive posture, the tragic song of Ningyuan City was finally produced.

"As long as the supply of refined iron is available, the small ones will be fine." Old Zhou Zhou said confidently.

One sheep is herding, and a flock of sheep is also herding. The owner's treatment is so good, it doesn't matter if you are a little tired.

Lu Changle touched the Fran cannon that was hot, and suddenly asked, "By the way, what's the progress of the new firecracker I asked you to develop?"

Constrained by gunpowder and iron-making technology, the Franc cannon and the Hongyi cannon are still usable, at least not far behind.

Lu Changle really doesn't like small firearms like ten-eyed blunderbuss and bird blunderbuss.
The shooting frequency is slow and the power is low. Jianlu can defeat the Ming army equipped with firearms, but the firecrackers can only fire two or three shots. Their cavalry has rushed to the front and started killing, so that many Ming Dynasty generals regard small firearms as useless. .

What Lu Changle wanted to develop was a more advanced flintlock gun.

The hammer of the flintlock is clamped with a piece of flint. When the trigger is pulled, the hammer will be driven by the spring to strike the anvil with uneven surface. When the flint contacts the anvil, sparks will burst out. Sparks would fall into the powder pool below the anvil, ignite the primer, and then the primer would ignite the gunpowder in the barrel through a small hole drilled in the barrel, sending the projectile out.

Lu Changle taught Lao Zhou the principles and rough design drawings. When Lao Zhou heard it, his expression was extremely shocked.

After thinking about it for a while, even saying that it is feasible, I don't know how he is progressing.

"If you go back to the owner, the flint problem will be solved, but the spring needs to be improved. It seems that the success rate of firing is not high, and the power is also insufficient. Please allow a little more time for the owner. The small one will definitely be able to do well." Old Zhou Some are embarrassed to say.

"Very well, you must pay close attention to the Franc cannon and the flintlock gun." Lu Changle urged.

If the flintlock is the future, the Franc cannon is the present.

According to intelligence, Zheng Du Zheng Zhibao's uncle and nephew are still mobilizing troops, horses, food and grass, and have been preparing for the recovery of Fujian.
The fully armed Zheng Group is not comparable to the combination of the Flying Tiger and the Hunting Demon King.

"Boss, the little one must do his best"

Lu Changle glanced at him, and said casually: "Make the flintlock gun, not to mention marrying a wife, I will cover all the expenses of taking a concubine."

Lao Zhou's spirit was shaken, and he replied loudly: "My master, don't worry, even if I die, I will make a flintlock gun."

Yang Xuan on the side rolled her eyes wordlessly.

Coming out of the firearms workshop, Lu Changle ran to Shurong Village without stopping.

Not to visit the future father-in-law, but to read the progress of the newspaper.

The veterans of the revolution told us that we should focus on development with one hand and publicity with the other, so that we can get twice the result with half the effort.
As soon as Yang's printing workshop was ready, Lu Changle immediately sent the carefully prepared articles to typesetting.

Moxiang Printing Workshop is located in the back hill of Shurong Village, covering an area of ​​over a thousand square meters. Lu Changle is still half a mile away from it, and already smells the special fragrance of ink.

"Uncle Quan, I'm here. Is the newspaper ready?" Yang Xuan yelled loudly before he even got through the door.

Returning to Shurong Village, that is, returning to the home court, Yang Xuan was obviously much more relaxed.

"It turns out that our little Xuan'er is back, yo, my uncle is here too, rare guest," an old man with gray hair and a little hunchback came out and said with a smile.

Seeing the old man, Lu Changle quickly saluted and said, "I've met Uncle Yuan."

Yang Zhengyuan, the head of Moxiang Printing Workshop, is also the person in charge. He has been in the printing industry for more than 30 years. He has an amazing depiction technique. No matter how large or complex the illustrations are, he can easily handle them.

Seeing that Lu Changle attached so much importance to that newspaper, Yang Zhengbao asked the most experienced Yang Zhengyuan to take charge.

"The whole family doesn't talk about each other, get up quickly." Yang Zhengyuan said happily: "The sample has been printed out, and I was about to have someone send it to you. I didn't expect you to come. What a coincidence."

Lu Changle said a few words politely, then anxiously looked at the samples.

The newspaper is similar to the newspapers of later generations, 47CMX70CM, open in four quarters, and the masthead is full of four big characters of Minnan Express.

These four characters were written by Yang Zhengbao. It is said that because of these four characters, Yang Zhengbao stayed up all night and wrote dozens of pictures in various styles. .

Below the masthead are important national events, such as the appointment of Zhou Yanru, the court sent people to negotiate with Jianlu, and the news of Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong and other rebels. Including sources from Cheng's firm.

When the big event is over, it is the local news in Fujian.

Where there are bandits, where roads are blocked, where bandits are ransacked, etc.

Of course, the matter of Lu Changle organizing militias to defend the country was also written in the newspapers.

The newspaper you run must sing praises for yourself.

Then the imperial court issued a decree to reprimand Zheng Zhilong, the Fujian general, for not taking responsibility, for abandoning the people, and fleeing to Jilong Mountain regardless of the people's life or death.
An unnamed squire shouted that the responsibility for the disaster caused by bandits in Fujian should be borne by Zheng Zhilong,

The newspaper also listed what Zheng Du and Zheng Zhibao did during the epidemic, not judging right or wrong, but just listing how many houses were copied and how many people were executed on that day.

In addition to major events and important events, Lu Changle also set up a life page and a story page, introducing some local customs, food and life tips in various places,
The protagonist of the food is Zheng Du, in the name of a guest, recalling the food of Zheng's mansion, how to write extravagantly.

I have already torn my face, so I don't need to be polite to him anymore.

In order to make this newspaper more attractive, Lu Changle also serialized novels on it,

After much deliberation, Lu Changle finally chose the book "The Legend of Double Dragons of the Tang Dynasty" written by Master Huang. This book combines the historical background and the world of martial arts very well, making people feel grand in scale and immersive. It is said that it is suitable for all ages, and it will definitely attract a large number of people.

The typesetting is very good. Yang Zhengyuan has many years of printing experience and knows how to typesetting and how to make people read comfortably.
Some illustrations are also added appropriately to make the newspaper look more lively and interesting.

"Guye, how about it? If you have any dissatisfaction, you can bring it up at any time, and you must change it until you are satisfied." Yang Zhengyuan said nervously.

This is the first time I printed this, and I have no experience.
It doesn't matter if you make more troubles, I'm afraid of losing face in front of my little niece. Back then, I patted my heart and said that I would definitely give her face.

"Satisfied, very satisfied, Uncle Quan, you are really amazing, better than I imagined." Lu Changle said without hesitation.

Hearing Lu Changle's two words of satisfaction, Yang Zhengyuan was satisfied now, the wrinkles on his old face unfolded like chrysanthemums in full bloom, and he said happily: "Hehe, as long as my uncle is satisfied."

After a pause, Yang Zhengyuan quickly asked: "Grandpa, there is no problem with the samples, so let's start printing. How much is suitable for the first batch of printing?"

"Print two thousand copies first."

Lu Changle had already made plans to promote it vigorously in Fuzhou and Tingping Mansions, and then use Moxiang Study to try to promote it in other places.

"Two thousand copies, no problem, I'll get someone to start working immediately." Yang Zhengyuan agreed.

With Yang Zhengyuan's full efforts to rush to work, the newspaper was published the next day.

In Laojiu Steamed Bun Shop, many people sit and eat breakfast early in the morning.
The buns here are big and cheap. You can buy a big bun with meat filling for five renminbi, two big buns and a pot of tea, which can satisfy half a day's hunger without even lighting a fire.

Ordinary people are forgetful. After two days of careful observation, life has to go on, and they can do whatever they want.
It’s not okay to hide at home every day and eat the mountain,
You don't have to be afraid of Chief Lian Lu protecting the county, besides, the yamen servants have become more talkative now.

While everyone was eating and chatting, an eight-year-old little tiger came over with a big backpack on his back and shouted loudly: "Sell newspapers, sell newspapers, the Minnan Express is newly published, and the rebel Li Zicheng attacked Xiangcheng Luo!"

"Sell newspapers, sell newspapers, the second son of the Zheng family spends 2000 taels of silver for a meal, do you want to know what kind of food he eats?"

"Hua Dilong led the remnant troops to attack Huangchong Town, causing heavy casualties. For details, please read Minnan Express."

Xiao Huzi is from the Lu family in Fuzhou. Early in the morning, the clan elders were assigned a task to go to the city to sell the newly sold Hokkien Express.

Hearing the child's cries, a well-dressed young man couldn't help but stop him: "Little brother, how much is a copy of your Hokkien Express?"

Finally someone was interested, and the little tiger's eyes lit up, and he quickly responded: "If you go back to the son, you only need three pennies."

An ordinary mansion newspaper costs at least [-] cents, but this new Hokkien Express only costs [-] cents, not even the money of a meat bun, it’s too cheap.

The young master casually threw out three Wen coins: "Here's a copy."

Anyway, I'm idle, listening to the children, there are still quite a lot of news from the Hokkien Express, so buy a copy and have a look.

The child's eyes lit up, he took the three Wen coins and carefully put them into the cloth bag, and handed a newspaper to the young man with both hands.

The clan elder said that every time a newspaper is sold, one penny is needed as pocket money. I didn't expect this penny to come so easily.

Sitting at another table, a round-faced businessman turned his head and saw that the newspaper was beautifully printed, and quickly bought a copy.

After a while, the little tiger had already earned ten pocket money.

In the Moxiang Study Room in Lianjiang County, a scholar dressed as a scholar walked into the store: "Master Yang, are there any new books in the store?"

"So it's Young Master Jin. I'm sorry, but there are no new books on the shelves at the moment." Shopkeeper Yang said with an apologetic smile.

Mr. Jin said with some disappointment: "I have nothing to do. I want to buy a new book to pass the time. It's a pity."

Seeing that Mr. Jin was about to turn around and leave, shopkeeper Yang quickly said, "Mr. Jin, please wait a moment. Here is a new Hokkien Express. It's very interesting. It's only three pennies a piece. You can buy one to relieve your boredom."

"Southern Hokkien Express? I haven't heard of it, shopkeeper Yang, you are trying to coax me to buy it, aren't you?"

"Mr. Jin is a regular customer of our shop. I can trust you. Why don't you take a look at it first? If you think it's good, you can buy it with money. How about it?"

Hearing this, Mr. Jin felt that he was not at a disadvantage, so he quickly picked up the newspaper and read,
It was only half a cup of tea, and Mr. Jin readily bought it, and ordered five more, saying that he would share it with his classmates.

This kind of situation happens from time to time in shops, studies, wharves, and tea stalls on the roadside in Fuzhou Prefecture.

In the streets and lanes, in schools and private schools, and even in the fields, there are more and more people discussing Minnan Express:

"The newspaper is too right, the Zheng family doesn't have a good person"

"I never think they are good people, and I don't think about what they rely on to make a fortune. Pirates, they have done a lot of outrageous things."

"Some people say that Zuo Liangyu is the God of War. Let's see how Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong have harmed Daming."

"Yesterday I cooked a pot of porridge with three taels of rice. The five members of my family ate for a day. Look at the second son of the Zheng family. A meal costs 2000 taels of silver. I dare not even dream about it."

"Each chicken has chicken feet and a small amount of meat. Two hundred chickens have to be killed for one dish. It's really rich in wine and meat, and there are frozen bones on the road."

"The epidemic is just quarantine. The Zheng uncles and nephews killed people directly, at most 270 people a day. Hehe, isn't this an act of piracy? It's just a dog who can't change it and eats shit. They just took the opportunity to get rich and kill themselves."

"Have you read, The Legend of Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty, Kou Zhong and Ling Shao are really good, but unfortunately there is only one chapter, and I don't know when it will be released, I am so anxious to death."

"After reading the newspapers, I realized that plant ash has so many wonderful uses. Now I have learned a lot."

There are more and more people talking about it. Some people feel itchy when they hear other people talking about it, and they take the initiative to buy it from the newspaper boy.
I feel like I'm falling behind if I don't buy another copy.
Some merchants passing by the pier saw the interesting newspapers, and some people bought more than ten copies at once.

At night, Lu Changle got a message that out of the [-] printed copies, except for keeping ten copies for archiving, the rest were all sold out.

The feedback from Chen Qi is also very good. The common people's dissatisfaction with the Zheng family is increasing.

The feedback from Yang's Moxiang Study is also very positive. Many readers have a high opinion of Minnan Express, and they also ask when the next issue will be released.

Mainly because there are too many people asking.

　In the new week, share encouragement with book friends!Xiaopao's mentality is not bad, I hope everyone is also in a good mood.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)