I served as an admonisher in the Song Dynasty

Chapter 316: Praise! I, Su Jingming, the hidden prime minister of the Song Dynasty?

March 15th.

When Su Liang learned that the ninety-six-year-old Taoist priest Yuyangzi had developed a new type of firearm, he immediately ran with Cao Hu to the weapons inspection and firearms camp outside the city.

Firearms Camp, inside the battlefield.

On a long table, there are five small wooden boxes.

In each small wooden box, there is a throwing firearm about three or four inches thick, about the size of a book, wrapped in layers of thick linen paper, and with a long fuse.

This is the fire thunder in Yuyangzi's mouth.

Throwing firearms have already appeared in the late Tang Dynasty, such as: tribulus fireball, thunderbolt fireball, etc.

However, this type of firearm mainly burns, and its explosive intensity is relatively limited. It is mainly used for fire attacks or to scare enemy horses.

The killing effect is not strong.

Yuyangzi stroked his snow-white beard and said: "I have improved the nitrate and charcoal content in the gunpowder. Even if you are wearing armor, you will be killed within one foot of the fire and thunder, and you will be injured within three feet."

At present, the firearms camp is under the jurisdiction of the Privy Council and is under the charge of Zeng Gongliang, deputy envoy to the Privy Council.

He stopped about 200 meters away from Su Liang and others, and placed the fire mine in a shallow pit dug in advance.

In his eyes, there was no imperial court at all.

It's not Cao Hu, but Cao Guo's uncle Cao Yi.

He also held a wooden board to cover the shallow pit and pressed several sandbags on top of the wooden board.

"You're pretty good, Xiao Su. I trust you!" Yu Yangzi nodded with satisfaction and then left.

Some even splashed onto the shield, making a crackling sound.

Naturally, Su Liang could no longer be as casual as he was at Baijia Academy.

"Old Taoist, I don't care whether I have meritorious service or not. What I care about is that next time I ask you to find alchemy materials, you can do it faster. That little Cao is too boring!"

"Not yet, everyone is used to calling them firearms and fire thunder!"

Yu Yangzi curled his lips.

"boom!"

Immediately, the soldiers lit the fuse and quickly evacuated.

The ground shook suddenly.

A huge explosion sounded, like thunder falling from the sky.

Yu Yangzi did not exaggerate at all. It is indeed true: within one foot, people will be killed, and within three feet, people will be injured.

White smoke erupted from the explosion ahead, leaving a huge crater.

"You report this matter to the Privy Council and ask the officials to name the firearms and fire thunder!"

Several soldiers held shields and squatted in front of Su Liang and others to prevent sand from splashing here.

It seems to be a sharp weapon to improve the combat effectiveness of the Song Dynasty Forbidden Army.

Sand and dust are flying.

About ten breaths later.

Su Liang quickly raised his hands and said: "Old immortal, leave this matter to me, I will definitely finish it for you on time!"

Su Liang looked at Cao Hu and asked, "Do firearms and fire thunder have names?"

Then, leave the fuse outside first.

After saying that, he waved his hand towards a firearms battalion soldier on the side.

He made firearms here solely to obtain the materials for alchemy.

The soldier understood immediately.

If these fire thunders were thrown into the middle of the enemy army, one of them would be enough to kill or injure dozens of people.

Yuyangzi devoted himself to refining elixirs and cultivating immortality.

Su Liang and Cao Hu were both very excited.

at the same time.

All matters should be reported to the court by the Privy Council.

"Understood." Cao Hu nodded.

The Xiao Cao he was referring to.

It is estimated that Cao Yi had too many trivial matters and neglected him, so the old Taoist priest had a little temper.

Cao Hu said excitedly: "Old immortal, you have made great contributions to the court!"

In the court, it is a big taboo to overtake one's servants.

He immediately picked up a fire thunder and ran forward.

Su Liang naturally wanted to satisfy him with all his strength.

Lean a little and the dust disperses.

He added: "In addition, this fire thunder is not only a weapon for fighting, but also a weapon for making money. When you mentioned the word mining when you reported it, Xianggong Zeng would understand."

"Yeah, okay." Cao Hu nodded again.

After the fire and thunder exploded.

Su Liang's first thought was to use this material for mining.

At present, there are not many mineral deposits discovered in the Song Dynasty, including gold mines, silver mines, copper mines, iron mines, etc.

But the mining speed is too slow.

Although gunpowder was also used in the mines during the Shinsong period, the power of that gunpowder was too weak.

Not much faster than manual mining.

The reason why mining in the Song Dynasty adopted two methods: government-owned field supervision and common people's contracting was because the mining speed was too slow.

Now with such powerful fire mines, the mining speed will inevitably increase rapidly.

……

The next day.

Zeng Gongliang, deputy envoy to the Privy Council, reported the fire and thunder situation to Zhao Zhen and asked Zhao Zhen to name him.

Zhao Zhen was very happy.

Because tubular firearms and fire thunder come from the same lineage, they were named wind fire gun and wind fire thunder respectively.

What surprised Su Liang was that he didn't hear any news involving Feng Huolei's mining of ores.

This method can make quick profits for the court and should be implemented immediately.

……

afternoon.

Just when Su Liang was about to go to the Privy Council to inquire about Feng Huolei's ore mining.

The chamberlain sent an official order: Tang Jie, Ouyang Xiu, and Su Liang were ordered to enter the palace.

Immediately, the three of them rushed towards the forbidden area.

Inside the Chui Gong Hall.

When Su Liang and the others came to the palace, the princes from the two mansions and three departments were already inside.

Fan Zhongyan, Zeng Gongliang, and Wang Yaochen stood on one side.

Wen Yanbo, Xia Song, Zhang Fangping and others stood on the other side.

Su Liang looked at the expressions of the people on both sides and knew that there must have been a heated debate just now.

And this moment.

Officials rest in the side hall.

Su Liang and the others have experienced this situation many times.

When the two governments and three departments find it difficult to resolve matters, the officials will seek advice from Taiwan to provide justice or make suggestions.

Prime Minister Wen Yanbo came to the three people and told the current situation.

The reason for this debate is -

Zeng Gongliang proposed using wind, fire and thunder to mine ore, and the officials summoned the princes of the two governments and three departments to discuss it.

As a result, except for Wang Yaochen, Fan Zhongyan, and Zeng Gongliang, all the other ministers opposed it.

This result also surprised Su Liang.

But after listening to Wen Yanbo's reasons, he couldn't help but understand.

The reason why all the ministers opposed the use of wind, fire and thunder to mine ores was that it would shake the earth's veins and drain the Yang energy, which would easily destroy the foundation of the Song Dynasty.

In Su Liang's eyes.

This reason is somewhat superstitious and is simply what the Feng Shui master on the state bridge said.

But these gentlemen believe it deeply, and they have reasons for their belief.

Since the founding of the Song Dynasty.

Earthquakes occur frequently in ore mining areas.

The most recent one was in the sixth year of the Qingli calendar, when a huge earthquake occurred in Deng and Lai prefectures, which are rich in gold mines, and numerous people were killed and injured.

The final result was determined to be caused by gold mining. In addition, there are also disasters such as mudslides and floods, which are also caused by excessive mining and deforestation.

This made the imperial court have many taboos on mining. If there are too many taboos, efficiency will naturally not be improved.

In addition to these reasons——

Song Xiang believed that wind, fire and thunder were too destructive.

If there is a mining boom, it is easy to dig out the dragon veins of the Song Dynasty. If the dragon vein is broken, the foundation of the country will collapse.

Zhang Fangping believes that the land's production is limited and minerals should not be mined exhaustively. It should be planned for future generations and future generations.

This reason can be described as very noble, and it also makes some sense.

For example, when digging for gold, gunpowder is not used and gold is panned in the sand; if gunpowder is used, gold panning is done in rocks.

There are two levels of destructiveness.

The reason why Fan Zhongyan, Wang Yaochen and Zeng Gongliang agreed was that this move could solve the financial crisis of the Song Dynasty. After the emergency was rescued, it could be implemented slowly.

In addition, these three people did not believe in the dragon vein theory of Feng Shui at all.

soon.

Su Liang and the others understood the ins and outs of the matter and the thoughts of each husband.

Su Liang had to admit.

Mining is indeed prone to earthquakes, deforestation, and soil erosion.

But the fault is not Feng Huo Lei.

He does not believe in the so-called theory of dragon veins, and he does not believe in the need to preserve these mineral wealth for future generations.

After the three of them finished thinking, they nodded towards Zhang Maoze who was not far away.

The latter understood immediately and went to invite the official.

……

Lean slightly.

Zhao Zhen sat on the throne again and asked, "What do you think of the remonstrance?"

Tang Jie took the lead and said: "The official family, I think this strategy is feasible."

"First of all, I don't believe in the theory of digging up the dragon's veins. No country goes downhill when the national treasury gradually becomes abundant. If the theory of dragon's veins really exists, those rebels who hate our Song Dynasty court will not have to rebel and fight at all. Can’t they just go dig the dragon veins?”

"In addition, earthquakes are natural disasters, but they don't happen often. If we give up this mineral deposit that can quickly increase the national power of the Song Dynasty because of infrequent natural disasters, it is really not worth it!"

Immediately, Ouyang Xiu stood up.

After he glanced at Zhang Fangping, he said: "Guan family, Tang Zhongcheng has already told me everything I have in mind. I only have one thing to say, children and grandchildren will have their own blessings!"

Tang Jie and Ouyang Xiu both supported the use of wind, fire and thunder to mine mineral deposits.

At this time, Su Liang slowly stood up.

"Officials and ministers believe that the main cause of earthquakes, floods, mudslides and other disasters is not mining itself, but substandard mining methods. Mining by wind, fire and thunder alone is not enough to aggravate the occurrence of various accidents."

"At present, both our court supervisors and private mining are very vulgar, digging without knowing how to fill in, and cutting down trees and destroying forests without restraint. To solve this crisis, a new mining department should be established to manage the mineral resources in a unified way, and It is forbidden for ordinary people to contract for mining!"

"Anyone who cuts down trees or destroys forests or digs without filling them will be severely punished. If things go on like this, mining can be done efficiently, and Feng Huo Lei mining only takes one month to complete a year's work. It’s harmless.”

"In addition, I suggest that we send warriors to explore overseas for mineral deposits. After finding the mineral deposits, send warships there and then mine them. This is the fastest way to make profits. Wind, fire and thunder are weapons of murder and powerful weapons. The key to a magical weapon is how to use it!"

……

After Su Liang finished speaking, Wang Yaochen, the envoy of the Third Division, strode out and said loudly: "Officials, I think what Jing Ming said is very reasonable!"

"I second the proposal!" Fan Zhongyan and Zeng Gongliang also handed over their hands at the same time.

A smile appeared on Zhao Zhen's face.

The biggest difference between Su Liang and other officials is that when things happen, officials may know what they can or cannot do, but Su Liang has a way to make the things that cannot be done doable.

Most people simply cannot learn this kind of alertness in temporary reactions.

Su Liang's words.

Immediately caused all the ministers to nod frequently.

Overseas mining is actually a good strategy.

Zhao Zhen thought for a while and then said: "I think, according to Jing Ming, it's all about standards."

After hearing this, none of the ministers raised their voices to object.

Zhao Zhen couldn't help but smile happily and said: "My lords, there is no problem that Su Jingming cannot solve in this court, but what I hope is that I, the Song Dynasty, will not only have one Su Jingming."

Suddenly, all the gentlemen showed a smile with a hint of shame.

The scholar-bureaucrats of the Manchu Dynasty, including Zhao Zhen, had all suffered from Su Liang's dependence syndrome.

……

On March 23, the weather got warmer and warmer.

There are more and more tourists in Bianjing City, and the streets and alleys are becoming more and more lively.

And just then.

An article titled "Su Jingming, the Hidden Prime Minister of the Song Dynasty" in a handwritten folk tabloid attracted a lot of people's attention.

There was a lot of discussion in the streets and alleys.

Su Liang suddenly gained a new nickname - Hidden Phase.

This nickname is enough to kill people.

This article states that although Su Liang has not yet become prime minister, he already has the power of being a prime minister in the court.

The article begins with two quotes from Zhao Zhen.

"The entire Song Dynasty's reform cannot be carried out without Su Jingming!"

"There is no problem that Su Jingming cannot solve in this court!"

Immediately, the article analyzed the role and value of Su Liang since the Reform in the Song Dynasty.

Then, it also made a detailed analysis of Su Liang's position in Yushitai and his relationship with Zhongshu, the Privy Council, and the chief officials of the third department.

He also detailed Su Liang’s good popularity.

For example: driving Uncle Cao Guo to do business, becoming friends with the chamberlain Zhang Maoze, helping Wen Yanbo become prime minister during the Beizhou Rebellion, becoming close friends with Ouyang Xiu, and having an irreversible friendship with Fan Zhongyan...

The whole text seems to be praising Su Liang, but in fact it is harming him.

This article states that no one in the current court has more power than Su Liang, which seems to portray Su Liang as a powerful prime minister.

The word "power and prime minister" was a taboo in the Song Dynasty.

The Song Dynasty divided the power of the prime minister into three parts, which separated the military, government and finance, and also promoted the status of Taiwan admonishers.

The purpose is to avoid the appearance of power.

This article is completely praising Su Liang.

However, many people among the people feel that this article is very true, and that is the fact.

Su Liang has become the trend now and will become the prime minister in the future.

There are even some conspiracy theorists who say that after the death of the official family, Su Liang will become extremely powerful and will most likely be given the imperial robe again.

If it were anyone else.

After reading this article and hearing some news, I will definitely explain myself and prove my innocence.

Some timid ones may have already knelt in the forbidden area to show their innocence.

But after Su Liang read this article, he just smiled lightly.

Just do whatever you need to do.

Su Liang doesn't mind at all what other people say, what matters is what Zhao Zhen thinks.

Su Liang believed that the officials absolutely believed in him.

Soon, the news reached the ears of all the officials in the court.

Many officials believe that the term "hidden phase" is very appropriate when applied to Su Liang.

They wrote memorials one after another to express Su Liang's mistakes and implored the officials to prevent this crisis from happening.

At this moment, no one spoke.

Wen Yanbo, Fan Zhongyan, Fu Bi, Zeng Gongliang and others also remained silent.

If they speak for Su Liang, it will be easier for them to confirm the matter.

They believed that Su Liang could handle the matter well, and they also believed that the official family would give all officials a clear explanation.

at this time.

Another news came from the northern market.

Many businessmen said that after Yelu Hongji, the eldest prince of the Liao Kingdom, returned to Liao, he always praised Su Liang for telling him many ways to reform.

He already respected Su Liang as his teacher.

Some conspiracy theorists are once again getting smart.

They believed that Su Liang was planning a big picture, intending to unite with the Liao Kingdom to seize the imperial power of Zhao and Song after gaining power...

(End of this chapter)