The First Great Ancestor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 461 Preparing for the establishment of firearms supervision

At the engagement banquet at the Huaiyang Prince's Mansion, almost all the dignitaries in Kaifeng came to show their respects. The old master Feng Dao arrived as the finale, and Fu Yanqing personally received it, giving him a lot of respect.

Guo Wei also sent his chamberlain to give rewards, which pushed the joyful atmosphere of the banquet to its climax.

The end of the engagement banquet means that the farce of three families competing for a son-in-law has come to an end. Zhu Xiu, this rare treasure, finally belongs to the Fu family.

After a few days of heated discussions among the workshops, the content gradually disappeared. After all, in Kaifeng City, the most indispensable thing is excitement.

Zhu Xiu originally wanted to take a few days off while she was engaged. Unexpectedly, two days after the banquet, officials from the Ministry of Industry came to her door and urged her to go to the Firearms Supervision Bureau.

It has been a month since the Firearms Supervisory Authority was established. Although Zhu Xiu is the supervisor, he has only appeared a few times.

Unable to find a solution, Zhu Xiu could only endure the headache caused by a hangover for days and cope with the illness.

Firearms supervision was an important part of Guo Wei's military reform. The imperial court attached great importance to it, and Zhu Xiu did not dare to take it lightly.

Generally speaking, the Firearms Supervision Bureau, a newly established government agency, has many problems, the most important of which is the complicated and chaotic personnel structure.

Fortunately, Zhu Xiu had not been idle before and had some ideas about the organizational structure of the Firearms Supervision Bureau.

The first point is to separate the two major departments of production and management, strictly define the boundaries of authority and responsibility, and clarify the division of labor processes of the major workshops under the Firearms Supervision. All production positions must strictly follow the assessment standards and be assessed first before being appointed.

Zhu Xiu stayed at the Firearms Supervision Office for five days. Meetings of all sizes were held from morning to night, and he had to jog all the way to the latrine.

Zhu Xiu did not discuss matters such as the layout of the firearms supervisor's workshops, the scope of production management, personnel assessment arrangements, etc. with his subordinate supervisors, chief registrars, or departmental orders. He directly took out the planned blueprint and forcefully demanded that it be implemented accordingly. .

Anyway, he is the first inspector appointed by the officials, and holds the title of Minister of the Ministry of Industry. He is in charge of the two major military equipment departments, Firearms Supervision and Ordnance Supervision, and has the right to report directly to the officials.

In front of Firearms Supervisor Zhu Jianzheng, he had to hold back his huge dissatisfaction.

Facts have proved that Zhu Xiu's plan is indeed an epoch-making and advanced approach. The original empty shelves of the Firearms Monitor were filled with bones and flesh within a few days. Branch offices and workshops were quickly built. Raw materials such as sulfur, charcoal, saltpeter, and phosphorus stone supplied by Guanghe Trading Company were also added. Under preparation in an orderly manner.

Zhu Xiu organized another technical assessment and found that most of the reserved craftsmen for the Firearms Supervision were unqualified.

Firearms are a high-precision technology in this era, and they were born not long ago. Most people do not have a clear understanding of the development, production, and effectiveness of firearms.

The group of preliminary craftsmen Guo Wei recruited for the firearms supervisor were all craftsmen who were transferred from the weapons supervisor to the firearms workshop during the Liu Han Dynasty to specialize in the manufacture of black fire mines.

They have been exposed to black fire mines for several years, but the proportioning of gunpowder and loading of firearms still require trial and error. The production process is chaotic and the workmanship is rough.

Zhu Xiu watched their live demonstration and found that there were many situations. He didn't even have the awareness to prevent open flames, and almost didn't cause an explosion on the spot.

This level of safety technology completely failed to meet the production requirements. Zhu Xiu ordered the closure of the firearms supervisor and all supervisors to conduct assessment and study behind closed doors.

Starting from the production position, all craftsmen undergo closed training for half a month. After half a month, they will be assessed. Those who pass the assessment will be issued a junior gunpowder technician certificate, which will be registered and registered with the Ministry of Industry. Strict management will be carried out for themselves and their family members.

Craftsmen who hold a gunpowder master's qualification certificate will also see a huge improvement in their salary. One of the direct reasons is that there will be no restrictions on the names of future generations.

This alone greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of the craftsmen. During the half-month closed training period, many old craftsmen with gray hair and beards stayed up late at night to read and were busy at the experimental table all day long. The scene was touching.

Zhu Xiu patted his chest and assured the craftsmen that the imperial court would definitely implement their favor and treatment. Instead, he had to write down all the plans in detail and submit them to the officials for approval.

In the Nuan Pavilion of Qingshou Hall, Guo Wei held the memorial handed over by the firearms supervisor and read it carefully.

Prime Ministers Wang Jun, Fan Zhi and Feng Daoduan sat down.

Feng Dao was given the title of Tongpingzhangshi only after the engagement banquet at the Huaiyang Prince's Mansion. The old man once thought that the officials gave him the title of Prime Minister in name only to appease him, so he pretended to be honest and politely declined.

Guo Wei called him into the palace, and after a heart-to-heart talk, Feng Daocai happily accepted the appointment and became the third prime minister awarded in the second year of the Great Zhou Guangshun.

According to the ranking and authority, Feng Dao ranked behind Wang Jun and Fan Zhi.

These three were also the prime ministers who truly enjoyed real power after the founding of the Zhou Dynasty.

After Guo Wei read the memorial, he handed it to Wang Jun and the others.

Wang Jun glanced at it a few times, curled his lips disdainfully, and handed it to Fan Zhi's hand. Feng Dao leaned over to watch it together.

"Before, I had doubts about the operation of the firearms supervisor. After reading this memorial today, it suddenly dawned on me that Zhu Xiu's series of arrangements are very much to my liking." Guo Wei said with a smile.

Wang Jun said: "In the official family, Zhu Xiu wants to improve the status and treatment of the craftsmen's households, arrange unified housing, and allocate fields. Even the families of the craftsmen's households must be supported. I don't agree with this."

Guo Wei looked at Fan Zhi: "What do you think of Wen Su?"

Fan Zhi said with a smile: "'If you want to do your job well, you must first sharpen your tools.' For firearms supervisors, craftsmen are the most fundamental weapon. Zhu Jianzheng's move will help to increase the enthusiasm of the craftsmen, and it will also provide for his family. In order to solve the worries of craftsmen and allow them to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the development of firearms, I agree!"

Feng Dao stroked his beard and said sternly: "In his lifetime as an official and a soldier, he must know that the power of firearms is of great importance on the battlefield.

As Zhu Jianzheng said, the development of firearms does not happen overnight, so the veteran believes that it is necessary to strengthen the training and management of firearms supervisors. "

Wang Jun was dissatisfied and said: "Wouldn't it be a mess if the status of a mere craftsman is promoted to such a high position, if the people follow suit?"

Fan Zhi smiled and said: "Zhu Jianzheng once said that special needs should be treated with special treatment. Firearm manufacturing requires superb skills and a certain degree of danger. Giving corresponding status to qualified gunpowder masters can stabilize people's hearts and recruit talents. need."

Wang Jun snorted coldly: "Don't forget, Mr. Fan, that not only the Firearms Supervisor has craftsmen, but also the Ordnance Supervisor and even the Ministry of Industry, there are also a large number of craftsmen in Jiantai Temple in other provinces. Does the imperial court also want to elevate their status?"

Fan Zhi said calmly: "If any of these craftsmen can pass the firearms inspection examination, are not afraid of the dangers of firearms, and are interested in devoting themselves to the development of firearms, they can of course be promoted appropriately."

Wang Jun still wanted to argue, but Guo Wei waved his hand and said: "This matter will be handled according to Zhu Xiujian's advice. For craftsmen who pass the assessment, they will be issued a gunpowder certificate approved by the Ministry of Industry, registered and registered, special talents, and special management.

The Third Department was ordered to send people to investigate and allocate corresponding money and food every year to resettle the firearms supervisors. "

"Official Shengming!"

Fan Zhi and Feng Dao handed over their hands in unison.

Wang Jun also made gestures, feeling very unhappy.

Guo Wei added: "Zhu Xiu also suggested that the firearms supervisor be equipped with a city-wide guard force, numbering around 200 people."

Wang Jun hurriedly said: "This statement is completely false. Please reject it with strict official orders!"

Guo Wei glanced at him: "Why?"

Wang Jun said: "The Firearms Supervisor is just an office under the Ministry of Industry. How can it be qualified to man [-] soldiers? Zhu Xiu's move is clearly to abuse the superintendent's power and strengthen his own power!"

Fan Zhi and Feng Dao looked at each other, frowned and said: "Ms. Wang's words are serious. What Zhu Jianzheng said in the memorial is reasonable. Firearms are important military weapons. Nowadays, the Liao Kingdom, Dangxiang Li Family, Shu Kingdom, and Southern Tang Dynasty are all spending money on them." We have made great efforts to develop firearms, and for the prevention and protection of firearms surveillance, we must take precautions and equip two hundred guards. It is not an exaggeration."

Feng Dao nodded: "I mean the same thing."

Wang Jun sneered and said: "It is the responsibility of the imperial army to protect the firearms supervisor. How can we let him lead a single soldier in the capital? Moreover, Zhu Xiu bluntly stated in the memorial that these two hundred soldiers are only under the supervision of the supervisor. This move is clearly an opportunity to seek military power. Conspiring against the law!"

Fan Zhi shook his head: "Wang Xianggong's remarks are biased, and I'm afraid it's more out of personal likes and dislikes."

There was also some dissatisfaction flashing deep in Guo Wei's eyes. Wang Jun would always criticize others with words such as having different ambitions and evil intentions, as if he, Wang Jun, was the only loyal minister in the civil and military dynasties.

After thinking for a moment, Guo Wei said: "There is no doubt that Zhu Xiu is loyal. What he said was also for the sake of the overall situation. After all, firearms are weapons of war, and they are of no small importance. We must ensure that firearm monitoring is foolproof. I have decided to fully adopt Zhu Xiu's advice. Wen Su , Feng Gong, you two will cooperate." "I obey the order!" The two men accepted the order.

Wang Jun gritted his teeth secretly, feeling a little annoyed.

In today's discussion on the firearms supervision matter, he, the chief prime minister, was completely at a disadvantage.

The officials were really partial to Zhu Xiu. They would give him whatever he wanted and let him do whatever he wanted.

Wang Jun felt jealous and angry.

In his opinion, Zhu Xiu was Chai Rongtian's number one minion. If he wanted to prevent Chai Rong from succeeding to the throne, the first key was to get rid of Zhu Xiu.

But Zhu Xiu is cautious and popular, and even became the son-in-law of the Fu family. It's really hard to mess with him~
Guo Wei glanced at Wang Jun and saw that his face was not good-looking, so he changed the subject and said: "Ms. Wang, it's a pity that I couldn't hear Aiqing show off her singing voice during the Mid-Autumn Festival this year. Aiqing should take good care of yourself and try to celebrate the New Year's Day. At that time, I and all the ministers will have the honor to appreciate Xianggong Wang's singing voice."

Wang Jun cupped his hands and said with a dry smile: "My voice has become hoarse recently, which has disappointed the officials."

Wang Jun was born as an actor. He won recognition for his beautiful singing and rose to his current position.

But now he really hates whoever makes excuses for his beautiful singing voice. For him, his previous experience as an actor was a humiliating past that he could not bear to look back on.

Only when Guo Wei mentioned it did he dare not get angry.

In Wang Jun's heart, now that he is the prime minister, no one in the world is qualified to let him sing except Guo Wei.

Sometimes he even felt that Guo Wei, a rude martial artist with no rhythm, didn't deserve to listen to his singing.
"I plan to build a new palace in the back garden. This is the drawing submitted by the supervisor. Please refer to it for details."

Guo Wei excitedly pulled out a few drawings.

Before Fan Zhi and Feng Dao could take over, Wang Jun admonished him righteously: "There are already countless palaces in the palace. Why do officials need to build new palaces? It will inevitably be suspected of wasting the people and hurting the money."

Guo Weihu stared at him and said angrily: "There are many houses in the Privy Council, but last month Wang Xianggong asked the Third Division for [-] yuan in the name of building a new house. How can this be explained?"

Wang Jun was stunned and argued: "There are many officials in the Privy Council, and the existing buildings are not divided enough."

"Hmph!" Guo Wei gathered up the drawings and threw them to the imperial case without interest.

Being disturbed by Wang Jun, he suddenly lost interest in building a new house.

Fan Zhi and Feng Dao stood up and left, and Wang Jun also ran away in despair.

After a while, Wude Envoy Wang Lingwen appeared in the pavilion like a wandering soul.

"To inform the officials, this is the list of military officials above that Mr. Wang invited to the banquet five days ago."

Guo Wei took a few glances, his tiger eyes narrowed, and he sneered sarcastically: "This old muddy loach is really not on the stage, and he showed his true colors so quickly."

Wang Lingwen lowered his head and clasped his fists and said: "Some people are not trustworthy in the first place, and the officials don't need to care."

After a pause, Wang Lingwen whispered: "Do you want me to take advantage of the situation and take it down?"

Guo Wei shook his head and said: "I'm not busy, just wait and see what other tricks this old loach wants to play!"
Why can't this guy understand? I raise him and pamper him not because of how capable he is and how inseparable the Great Zhou Dynasty is from him, but because I need him to create some sense of crisis for Prince Rong and comfort him. The hearts of the old ministers of the former dynasty! "

Guo Wei sneered and was disappointed. His patience with Wang Jun was running out.

Originally, more than two years ago, Wang Jun took the initiative to join the army in Yedu. Guo Wei felt that Wang Jun was still somewhat loyal to him, and for the sake of his old acquaintance, he also gave him special treatment.

Wang Jun and Chai Rong didn't get along, so Guo Wei took advantage of the situation, praised Wang Jun, and deliberately ignored Chai Rong, causing Wang Jun's ambition to rapidly expand.

But now, Guo Wei has clearly known that he will not have any other heirs, and the choice of heir has been decided, but Wang Jun still does not know how to restrain himself. He is still not satisfied with his position and shows too much greed for power.

This caused Guo Wei to be extremely disgusted.

As prime minister and privy councillor, and now he wants to win over the generals of the Forbidden Army, this has crossed Guo Wei's bottom line.

Wang Lingwen glanced at the emperor's face and said with a smile: "Does the official want to take this opportunity to see clearly the factions of the Forbidden Army so as to prepare for subsequent reforms?"

Guo Wei pointed at him: "You old fox is quite smart."

The monarchs and ministers looked at each other and smiled, everything was silent.

"Since that's the case, I will continue to send people to monitor closely." Wang Lingwen cupped his hands.

"Well, there is also Xiang Xun lurking in Yedu, so he must be careful not to expose his whereabouts." Guo Wei ordered in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, officials. Deputy Ambassador Xiang is highly skilled in martial arts and meticulous. He will definitely fulfill his mission." Wang Lingwen said with a smile.

Guo Wei nodded. There was Wang Jun in Kaifeng and Wang Yin in Yedu. These two kings were his biggest contributors to the country, but now, they were also his biggest worry.

If Dazhou Jiangshan wants to be stable and transition, these two people have to get rid of them!

Guo Wei suddenly thought of something, and asked, "By the way, I remember reading a secret report from Wu Desi, saying that Zhu Xiu also had several private soldiers with unknown numbers? Is there such a thing?"

Wang Lingwen's eyes narrowed, he pretended to be thinking, and said with a smile: "Guan Mingjian, before Zhu Xiu was in Jingzhou, he did train several elite troops, and they were named Leihu, Tashan and Zhenhai. They were all Zhangyi troops. Under the jurisdiction of the team.

When Li Duxian was in Jingzhou, he also served as the commander of the Tiger Camp.

When Puzhou was pacified, Zhu Xiu led the Tiger Battalion to assist in the battle. Officials even praised him personally, saying that Zhu Xiu's military training was as smooth as that of the Three Kingdoms."

Guo Wei recalled it for a moment, patted his forehead and said, "It's true. If you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten about it. Haha, all the members of the Beihu Camp were indeed warriors. I still remember a giant man who was as tall as an iron tower, Zhu. Xiu also nicknamed him the Giant Spirit God, he is quite powerful and terrifying!"

"Haha, that's Shi Xiangwen, Shi Kuangwei's only son. He suffered a head injury when he was young and is confused, but he is born with great strength and is unstoppable!

Even General Shi Yanchao, the most powerful general in our dynasty praised by the official Jinkou, is not Shi Xiangwen's three-in-one enemy! "

Wang Lingwen smiled.

Guo Wei touched his palm and said, "Yes, that's the person! I remember that only Zhu Xiu can command this giant spirit god. This brat has taken all the good things."

"Where are these elite soldiers trained by Zhu Xiu?" Guo Wei asked with concern.

Wang Lingwen said: "Some of them stayed in Jingzhou and returned to the Zhangyi Army, while some of them went to the military and worked in several trading houses under Zhu Xiu's name."

"It's a pity." Guo Wei smiled, with a hint of relief in his tone.

"Zhu Xiu has trained his troops well and is good at handling government affairs. Once the Firearms Supervision is running smoothly, it would be better for him to go to the place and lead troops and govern the people for me."

Guo Wei murmured something, as if speaking to Wang Lingwen, but more like talking to himself.

Wang Lingwen lowered his eyes and said nothing.

He thought of the elite guards who were hidden around Zhu Xiu in Jiangning. They were no better than the elite Chazi of Wude Division, or even the elite Wangyundu soldiers trained by the officials.

"Zhu Xiu, Zhu Xiu, I have fulfilled everything I promised you. In the future, you must not disappoint me in the court."

(End of this chapter)