Chapter 123
Liang Huankun and other team members quickly selected the equipment they needed, and decided to go to the Thermal Weapons Research Institute to obtain more necessary items. Faced with Xiang Xiehong's doubts about the research institute, Liang Huankun explained that although the gunpowder manufacturing work has been suspended, some vital protective equipment is still retained in the research institute. In view of the extreme danger of this mission, they plan to equip Xiang Xiehong with a number of self-defense weapons. The specifics have yet to be revealed, and they can only know by going to the research institute in person. In this way, the group continued their preparation journey full of hope and expectation, determined to face all upcoming challenges and unknowns with firm determination and courage.
After packing up, the group of people, like ghosts emerging quietly from the ground, walked through the bustling streets and headed straight towards the thermal weapons research institute that carried the residual warmth of history and the smell of gunpowder. From the moment Lin Xiaofeng stepped into the door of this place where time was wasted and gunpowder accumulated, the mark of a heavy responsibility was engraved in his heart. At first, it was based on studying blazing explosives, and then gradually turned to creating art that can take human lives. Class firearms.
When everyone finally arrived at the entrance of the research institute, they saw that the door was suddenly open, like a big mouth swallowing up the years. The scene inside was not as busy and noisy as they imagined. There were only a few people leisurely strolling around, either having fun or aimlessly. wandering in it. One of these men caught Xiang Xiehong's attention. This man was Hu Yimo. Liang Huankun's former classmate and good friend had a mediocre academic background. He often passed the time with graffiti. He barely graduated but held an important position here, which made people shocked.
When Hu Yimo saw Xiang Xiehong and others appearing, he was stunned for a moment, and then he was filled with surprise. He quickly stepped forward to ask why they were here. Xiang Xiehong made no secret of it and bluntly stated that the purpose of his trip was to obtain supplies, but Hu Yimo mistakenly thought it was about appropriation issues, and the expectation on his face instantly turned into disappointment, like a burning flame being poured out by cold water.
Liang Huankun intervened at the right time to clear up the confusion, mentioning that his boss Lin Xiaofeng had suspended funding to the research institute after coming to Beijing. Therefore, there was no financial resources to develop new firearms here, and he could only design blueprints based on the drawings, feeling helpless. When Hu Yimo heard this, he was even more miserable. He told in detail the difficulties caused by the shortage of funds and the current situation of the large-scale redeployment of manpower, and sincerely requested Xiang Xiehong to seek help from his master. Faced with Hu Yimo's complaints, Xiang Xiehong felt a little confused. He believed that as long as he had pen, ink, paper, inkstone and wisdom, theoretically it would be enough to carry out research. Once the results were shown, the master would definitely fund subsequent production. However, Hu Yimo sharply pointed out the huge amount of consumables needed to make gun barrels, the difficulty of purchasing exquisite blacksmith skills and high-quality steel, as well as the huge cost of personnel training. He also revealed that the newly opened water conservancy projects diverted a large amount of resources, making the originally stretched The institute was struggling in difficulties, and indignation surged through his words like an undercurrent.
After hearing this, Xiang Xiehong felt deeply powerless and helpless, and was even more confused about the funding issue, but finally agreed to try his best to help secure human resources. Hu Yimo was extremely anxious and strongly emphasized the importance of funding to the institute. He believed that whether it is this institute or other scientific research institutions, they rely on financial support to breed the seeds of innovative inspiration. When Xiang Xiehong heard this, he suddenly realized that he agreed with Hu Yimo's point of view and promised to report the matter to his master.
The three of them walked into the depths of the institute together. Xiang Xiehong's eyes were attracted by the various strange tubular models displayed on the wall. Although he did not understand their precise principles, he could deeply feel the unique charm and heavy history they exuded. weight. Hu Yimo explained that these models were all made based on the revelations in the master's dream, but in fact most of them were just shells with only superficial appearance. Then, Hu Yimo showed off the matchlock gun they developed and proudly claimed that it was powerful. However, Liang Huankun bluntly pointed out that the actual effectiveness of the matchlock gun was far inferior to traditional bows and arrows, and there were many safety hazards. What Liang Huankun urgently needed was a handgun that could fire continuously to perform escort missions. Hu Yimo was embarrassed for a while and tried to recommend the second-generation flintlock gun they were developing, but Liang Huankun also expressed dissatisfaction with this new product.
Xiang Xiehong observed his words and emotions, and gradually became uneasy in his heart. He secretly thought that it might not be appropriate to stay here for a long time, and was worried that firearms, which were originally protective equipment, would become potential hazards. He wondered whether the two were resentful because of the harsh teachings in the past, but he couldn't be sure. However, at this moment, he had no way out, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and continue to delve deeper, hoping to find key clues to solve the complex real-life problems.
Seeing Xiang Xiehong's anxious expression, Hu Yimo hurriedly comforted him: "Sir, there is no need to be anxious. Since you are already here, please relax first! I will get you what you need." After that, he walked as fast as flying. He left the corner where the firearms were displayed and returned quickly holding an exquisite wooden box after just a moment. Everyone gathered around, and when Hu Yimo gently opened the lid of the box, they saw a pile of hay and three strange utensils piled inside. Hu Yimo carefully picked up one of them, showed it to those present one by one, and explained in detail: "This is the repeating handgun that Mr. Liang Huankun once mentioned. Although it can only be fired three times in a row, it is slightly inferior to the flintlock gun. But because it is small, lightweight and easy to carry concealed, it is actually the best weapon for personal protection!”
Hearing this, Liang Huankun's eyes suddenly flashed with blazing light. He carefully looked at the repeating gun in his hand, confirming that it was the weapon he dreamed of, and asked whether it had reached the standard for practical use.
Hu Yimo nodded solemnly and warned frankly: "Actually, this handgun has not fully met the master's demanding standards. It still has shortcomings such as slow reloading speed. The three preloaded bullets can provide a certain degree of autonomy in an emergency. Theoretically, the number of ammunition can be increased, but too much will lead to frequent failures. We have not yet found an ideal solution. However, under the current technical conditions, being able to fire three shots stably is the limit. , and its cost is as high as six hundred taels of silver." When Xiang Xiehong heard the high price, he looked at the short and sturdy gun in his hand. He felt a little relieved and asked about its safety.
Hu Yimo patiently answered: "The instrument itself cannot ensure absolute safety, but this hand gun has a specially thickened barrel, which greatly reduces the risk of explosion. As for the problem of jamming, although it is difficult to completely avoid it, if you carry multiple guns with you, you can always use them." Replacement is enough to deal with emergencies.”
Liang Huankun showed high admiration and expectation for handguns, and even imagined that in the future, he could develop a weapon that could fire thirty times in a row, and then no one would be able to defeat it. So he requested to personally test its power by test firing, and if he was satisfied, he intended to buy them all. Hu Yimo regretted that there were only four hand guns in existence and he was willing to give them all. At the same time, he reminded everyone that the research institute was short of funds and the gunpowder was stored in the ground research institute. During the test firing, it was necessary to avoid densely populated areas of the capital to avoid accidents.
Xiang Xiehong took the gun and carefully stroked its heavy texture. Later, Hu Yimo took out a large wooden box from the wooden box. Facing Liang Huankun's curious eyes, he revealed the secret inside with a proud smile: "This is a landmine with a built-in trigger. Once someone steps on it, it will explode. It is almost impossible for the bomber to escape misfortune. Although it requires manual loading of gunpowder, it is mainly used for defense, but if it is used with a trip wire, it can also be detonated remotely. "I have never seen such a treasure with my own eyes."
After listening to this, Liang Huankun was in high spirits. He repeatedly praised the practicality of landmines and imagined that they might be of great use in tiger hunting or special occasions. Hu Yimo responded with a wry smile. The newly developed mines have a relatively simple structure and low production costs. In addition to flint and gunpowder, the main body is made of wood, and the interior is filled with gravel and iron pieces to enhance the destructive power.
Liang Huankun looked at the wooden box carefully and joked that laying such landmines in the city would be a lot of inconvenience. Hu Yimo humorously wrote the words "Do you dare to step on it and try it" on the wooden box, revealing his unique and clever way of joking. use. Finally, Hu Yimo took out a seemingly ordinary dagger and further explained: "This dagger looks ordinary, but it actually hides a secret. It has a built-in micro gun. Just pull the trigger lightly, and it can instantly fire deadly projectiles at close range." In the fight, it is unexpected and has both offensive and defensive capabilities, complementing each other with handguns and mines to ensure safety. "
Xiang Xiehong deeply admired these innovative achievements and was determined to go all out to win the imperial court's financial support for the Thermal Weapons Research Institute. After examining these novel and unique weapons one by one, he nodded with satisfaction, while Hu Yimo waited expectantly for his evaluation. Xiang Xiehong generally recognized these research results, and planned to first master the use of hand guns, and at the same time conduct an in-depth investigation of the actual situation in the southern salt-producing areas, and make full preparations before setting off. When it comes to concealing their identity when walking outside, Xiang Xiehong suggested that they declare themselves "Jinyiwei". Hu Yimo and Liang Huankun didn't know why for a while, but Xiang Xiehong bluntly said that there was no need to go into details, just remember this identity.
The three of them reached an agreement and decided not to rush out for the time being, but to wait until everything was ready before embarking on the unknown journey. During the waiting days, they will continue to improve and perfect the weapons and equipment in their hands, hoping to seize the opportunity in future challenges and calmly deal with various crises.
Lin Xiaofeng, the man who carried the banner of reform, patrolled the textile factory that was at the end of construction with Li Dexian. The Xun Liu case has been handed over to Xiang Xiehong, a talented person in the county who has both business acumen and extraordinary skills. Although Xiang Xiehong is slightly lacking in force, his attainments in theory and practical combat are admirable. At this moment, Lin Xiaofeng was concerned about the important mission of this textile factory. Its birth originated from the princess's initiative, aiming to meet the needs of the people in the capital to resist the cold winter, and to take this opportunity to promote advanced large-scale textile machine technology. After all, the capital is the core hub of Jingjiang and even the national economy. Any new thing that takes root and flourishes here will surely lead the world's fashion trends.
The blueprint for the construction of the textile factory has been drawn up, and the female workers are ready to go. At present, infrastructure needs to be purchased and dormitory decoration work completed. The factory site is open and flat, and the layout is carefully planned according to the principle of assembly line operation. All links from spinning, weaving to sewing are closely linked. The large-size clothes produced fit the folk clothing that advocates looseness and comfort, easy to work and easy to pass on to future generations. Tradition. In order to improve work efficiency, the factory has specially set up a staff dormitory. It is spacious and bright, with eight people per room, and complete living facilities. Compared with ordinary university dormitories, it is more spacious and luxurious. There are also specially planned drying areas and leisure areas around the dormitory. Well water is conveniently supplied. The canteen provides free catering services. There is even a nursery. It is planned to hire teachers to teach young children to solve the problem of the many female workers who get married early and have children and whose husbands go out to work. Practical difficulties.
The transportation of raw material warehouses and finished product warehouses is entrusted to male workers. Lin Xiaofeng inspected the entire camp step by step, examining every detail in detail, making sure that the entire establishment was leak-proof. He then asked Li Dexian about his views on the textile factory construction system. While admiring it, Li Dexian also showed a hint of doubt, bluntly asking whether such a comprehensive and slightly extravagant arrangement was necessary. In this regard, Lin Xiaofeng patiently explained: It is not easy to recruit female workers. Only by providing favorable treatment can we attract them to join this industry. Although the initial investment is large, compared with male workers, female workers are paid a quarter less, but their work efficiency is equivalent or even higher. After hearing this, Li Dexian was deeply shocked and couldn't help but mention why the newspaper did not use female reporters to save money. Lin Xiaofeng responded calmly, pointing out that there were few women working as journalists, and most ladies did not want to appear in the public eye.
During the in-depth conversation between the two, Lin Xiaofeng revealed that the textile factory will not only sell fabrics and clothes in the future, but will also actively promote new textile machines. Faced with Li Dexian's question about why he wants to sell textile machines in the capital, which may affect his own profits, Lin Xiaofeng elaborated on his long-term interests, emphasizing that the promotion of new textile machines is beneficial to the country's people's livelihood and well-being, and will ultimately promote the upgrading and development of the entire industrial chain and achieve multi-party cooperation. A winning situation. Li Dexian recalled that Lin Xiaofeng once told a similar truth in Yangqu County. Although it was questioned by many at the time, it seems that the far-reaching significance contained in it is gradually becoming clear.
Lin Xiaofeng further proposed that before the textile factory is officially put into operation, it is planned to convene a city-wide meeting of cloth merchants to purchase their inventory to prevent the sudden drop in market prices from impacting the market order and causing damage to merchants. At the same time, merchants’ original sales channels are used to jointly lay out goods and build a win-win situation. Li Dexian expressed surprise at the huge amount of funds required. After calculation, Lin Xiaofeng estimated that about 50,000 to 60,000 taels of silver would be enough to cope with the problem. He emphasized that this move was to ensure a smooth transition in the capital city and at the same time protect the competitive advantage of the new factory's products. In the end, Lin Xiaofeng decided to invest with private funds, with the goal of benefiting the people of Jingjiang and ensuring that the clothing on the market is of high quality and low price, truly benefiting the general public. This decision undoubtedly reflects the great spirit of reformer Lin Xiaofeng with great ambition and selfless dedication.
Seven days later, the textile factory that carries the hopes of countless families is about to open, and the directory of all female workers employed and their places of residence are engraved in Beilang Daily in detail like a lifeline. Lin Xiaofeng personally led a team of environmental protection team members. They were like spring breeze blowing across the fields, delivering work notices door to door. Each notice was an invitation to change their destiny.
Among the women who received the notice, one woman named Xin Yajing stood out. A month ago, when the news of the recruitment of female workers in Beilang Textile Factory spread throughout the countryside, although there was a lot of discussion among neighbors, some accused women of going against tradition by showing up in public, some worried that no one would take care of trivial matters at home, and some even speculated that there was a conspiracy hidden in the textile factory. Trying to take advantage of their cheap labor. However, facing the reputable Beilang Daily and her family's difficult living situation, Xin Yajing gritted her teeth and determined to apply for the job in the hope of getting a better life.
After the interview, Xin Yajing never received a reply. The cynicism and doubts from people around her became more and more sharp, hurting her heart like the autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves. Even so, she still chose to suffer in silence. In this oppressive and suffocating day, one unexpected afternoon, a strange man stepped on the path in front of her house, bringing the news that he would go to work in the factory tomorrow and handing it to her in person. The work badge symbolizing her new status requires her to report to work on time. Xin Yajing took the work badge, surprised but also filled with a hint of uncontrollable joy.
In the evening, Xin Yajing's husband returned home after working hard in the fields. When he saw that the smoke had not yet risen, he felt dissatisfied. When he learned that his wife would go to work in a textile factory the next day, he was stunned at first. After carefully examining the work badge, the nervous look on his face gradually relaxed. Deep in his heart, all kinds of rumors about textile factories - such as being cheated without wages, being detained and forced to work, etc. - were like dark clouds in his mind, and he was worried that these sufferings would involve innocent children. However, the real dilemma forced him to face it: life at home was becoming increasingly difficult, and the eyes of his wife and children were full of expectation. In the end, out of concern for the safety of her family, her husband, despite his doubts, could only reluctantly nod and agreed to Xin Yajing's work in the textile factory, and repeatedly told her to go home quickly if she encountered any abnormal situation.
At dawn the next day, Xin Yajing held her infant son in her arms, full of hope and anxiety, and resolutely embarked on a new life trajectory. The couple is well aware of the hardships of the world, but they still hope that this textile factory can bring about a turnaround, hoping that it can solve the problem of medical expenses and allow their children to live a better life. Although her husband is wary of court officials, Xin Yajing deeply remembers Master Lin's teachings: "Only hard work can win the future." She firmly believes that only by moving forward bravely and working hard can the family situation be truly improved. So, with this firm belief in mind, she stepped into the world full of unknown challenges without hesitation and began her own inspirational chapter.
At dawn the next day, Xin Yajing embarked on an unknown journey of life with a child in her arms and a bamboo basket on her shoulders. Since she had not yet learned the specific start time, she followed her husband's habit of getting up at midnight during the busy farming season and left the house early. In this world where people's lives follow natural rhythms rather than mechanical and rigid schedules, there are many people who get up to work before dawn and go home to rest in the dead of night. They all go all out and do their best for the livelihood of their families.
The bamboo basket contained simple meals and children's toys. Xin Yajing's mind was like a boat on a river, fluctuating between longing for the future and worries. Walking on the path filled with morning mist, she came across female workers who also went to work in the textile factory, and they all walked together with their children on their backs. Although everyone was not clear about the direction of travel, they only knew that the destination was located in the north of the city, and they could only explore along the wide official road.
On the way, an eye-catching road sign suddenly appeared on the roadside. Most of the female workers could not decipher its meaning because they were illiterate. Only Xin Yajing relied on the knowledge she had learned to barely identify the image that seemed to depict a loom and handmade symbols. For a while, all the women gathered around and discussed, nodding in agreement, and determined that the road sign was indeed guiding them to the textile factory, so everyone became energetic and accelerated their pace. You can see a similar sign every two hundred steps along the way, as if an invisible hand is pulling them until they arrive at the gate of the North Corridor Textile Factory.
At this moment, although the factory door is closed, many people have gathered outside the door waiting to start work, and the noise is as noisy as a market. Xin Yajing looked up at the word "Lin Mansion" shining brightly on the top of the door, her eyes shining with hope, looking forward to the new life that was about to begin.
At the same time, Lin Xiaofeng was awakened from his deep sleep, and his maid Lin Taohua reminded him that today is the opening day of the textile factory. Lin Xiaofeng was still half asleep and half awake. He stayed up until late at night on research work last night and was still tired at this time. After hurriedly washing up, the two boarded the carriage and sped towards the factory.
While driving, Lin Taohua accidentally mentioned a dream she had last night, and the hint in her words made Lin Xiaofeng feel slightly embarrassed. The carriage bumped along the bumpy road and finally approached the factory. Female workers were waiting patiently at the door, with looks of anticipation and exhaustion on their faces. In the crowd, Xin Yajing stood alone with her child in her arms, and was surprised to find a carriage approaching at a high speed in the distance.
When Lin Xiaofeng arrived at the scene, he smiled and chatted enthusiastically with the female workers, asking their names one by one to get closer to each other. The first batch of 300 female workers have already arrived. Although some people still failed to arrive in time, the number is enough to start production. Lin Xiaofeng personally hosted and led these women into this brand new factory. As the door slowly opened, a new chapter of life slowly opened.
Xin Yajing stared intently at the majestic buildings and the looms operating in an orderly manner in the factory. Her heart was filled with excitement, looking forward to the turn of fate and facing the upcoming changes and challenges. Lin Xiaofeng devoted himself wholeheartedly to this unprecedented innovation. Every subtle move he made was quietly changing the face of this era, silently writing a story about courage, wisdom and tenacity.
Lin Xiaofeng was surrounded by female workers as they walked into this new industrial territory. The first thing they saw was a majestic textile workshop. Xin Yajing stepped in slowly with the flow of people, and the sight in front of her made her heart agitated. In the vast factory building, rows of machines with unique shapes and exquisite craftsmanship were neatly arranged. Although she did not know the specific functions of these machines, she could infer from their precise structure that they must be efficient looms. And the oil lamp holders hanging on the wall are even more eye-catching. Those gorgeous lamps inlaid with crystal shades are actually used for lighting by ordinary female workers. This detail ignites a burst of joy in the hearts of every onlooker. Fire, their faces showed expressions of sincere surprise and joy.
With a warm smile on his face, Lin Xiaofeng announced to the expectant eyes around him: "Sisters, from today on, this is the stage where you can display your talents and sweat. In the next three days, we will arrange for dedicated masters to teach you skills step by step. After you become proficient in it, we will select team leaders of ten people based on their skill level, and in addition to the basic monthly salary, there will also be additional bonus incentives. "The mention of "bonus" is like tugging at the heartstrings. The emotions of the female workers rose instantly. They recalled that when they applied for the job, they had only heard about a fixed income, but had never expected such an unexpected gain. So they whispered to each other and could not suppress the secret joy on their faces.
Later, Lin Xiaofeng emphasized fire safety and seriously warned everyone that fireworks are strictly prohibited in the factory. Fire-extinguishing water tanks are equipped under each oil lamp just in case. Immediately afterwards, he allowed the female workers to visit freely. Everyone discussed with each other around the mysterious looms, and speculations and admirations came one after another. Lin Xiaofeng led everyone through the cutting area and sewing area, showing the functions and layout of each main work area in detail, and then asked everyone if they had any questions or confusion.
At this critical moment, Xin Yajing finally plucked up the courage to raise her hand and ask, after hesitation, she asked Lin Xiaofeng in a shy voice whether she directly managed the factory. Lin Xiaofeng responded with a smile: "The Beilang Textile Factory is actually built and operated by Her Royal Highness the Princess. By joining today, you are not only serving the royal family, but also working hard for your own life. I know that the benefits currently provided may not be generous. There are also many voices of doubt from the outside world, but I urge you to be ambitious. As long as we work together, life will usher in earth-shaking changes in the future, and those who cannot participate together will be envious. "
Lin Xiaofeng's words were so loud that they aroused an uproar among the female workers. They were shocked by the fact that the princess personally took charge of the operation. After everyone calmed down a little, Lin Xiaofeng asked for opinions again, and some people were concerned about the specific work schedule. He explained that female workers are required to live in the factory and are entitled to six days off per month and are free to go out to visit relatives. The factory provides complete food and accommodation facilities. Her Royal Highness has carefully planned to ensure that every female worker has everything she needs. Even young children can be properly taken care of in the dormitory.
Lin Xiaofeng led everyone to the clean and tidy dormitory area, pointed to the orderly rooms one by one, and said: "This is where you will settle down! Here, everything is taken care of, whether it is food or accommodation." , the canteen provides two meals a day for free, and the children can grow up safely in the dormitory. As long as you work hard, not only will the quality of life be greatly improved in the near future, but also a school will be set up for your children to study. , I will also participate in teaching guidance.”
Hearing such a promise, the female workers were all deeply encouraged. Those who were mothers were full of beautiful ideas for the future, while the unmarried or childless female workers also felt deeply regretful and looked forward to having their own children as soon as possible. family. Xin Yajing was particularly excited, secretly glad that her son was expected to receive personal teachings from Master Lin, and foreseeing that his future would be full of infinite possibilities.
At the right time, Lin Xiaofeng chose to retreat behind the scenes and entrusted Lin Taohua to explain the rules and regulations to the female workers in detail: five hours of work every day, with half an hour reserved for rest and meals. The evaluation during the probation period was strict and fair, and two leave due to illness were allowed. opportunities, while encouraging overtime work and establishing a reward mechanism for model workers. In addition, the factory considerately distributes high-quality sanitary products instead of traditional menstrual belts to ensure that female workers can work comfortably even during their menstrual periods; employees enjoy a half-price discount on clothes produced in the factory, and pregnant female workers enjoy a separate discount. Special maternity leave allowance. This series of meticulous and thoughtful welfare measures makes every female worker deeply feel her important position in this big family, and is full of eager expectations and firm hope for the coming days.
Not only that, he also set up a special nursery with experienced caregivers to take good care of the children, ensuring that lactating and pregnant female workers can work with peace of mind and enjoy benefits such as sick leave and pregnancy leave. His long-term vision did not stop there. After the textile factory was on the right track, he even planned to invite teachers to teach female workers reading and writing. This move would not only improve their cultural literacy, but also improve the quality of work in Jingjiang. Practice the concept of equality between men and women, and use the light of civilization to illuminate the dark corners of this era that have not yet been illuminated by the sun.
After Lin Taohua patiently and carefully explained these rules and regulations, Lin Xiaofeng walked up to the crowd again and further emphasized the significance of being the first batch of female workers. Although the current benefits may not be comparable to those in other industries, he eloquently pointed out that the yardstick for measuring value is not just the immediate income, but also the level of spirit that is not afraid of hardships and has the courage to contribute. After speaking, he turned and left, leaving the administrator responsible for dormitory allocation, distribution of daily necessities, etc., and specifically urged everyone to develop good living habits to ensure production safety.
Xin Yajing walked into the dormitory she was assigned to and looked around at the spacious and clean space. The bed was large enough for two people to sleep together. The newly put on bedding was as white as snow and exuded a light cotton fragrance. When I opened the locker, I saw that it was already equipped with soap bars, towels, a basin, sanitary napkins that replaced traditional menstrual belts, brand-new work clothes, time cards and other daily necessities. The sanitary napkin is cleverly designed to be convenient for female workers to use while working and to keep them clean; and the attendance card is an important document that records everyone's attendance and is related to the payment of wages. The new work uniform is a unique design of overalls, which not only ensures convenience during work, but does not hinder physical activities. The female workers tried on the new clothes one after another, feeling their comfortable texture while discussing the subtleties of the production process with great interest.
As night fell, the female workers began to choose beds, pack their bags, and put on new work clothes to experience the close-fitting and comfortable feeling. The dormitory was filled with laughter and laughter, and everyone shared their beautiful vision for the future. Xin Yajing had mixed feelings in her heart. Those brand-new beddings and clothes brought not only material warmth, but also her deep desire to improve her living situation and change her destiny. The roommates sat around and talked to each other. They all came with similar wishes, and the topics were full of resonance. Until late at night, some people hurried home due to trivial matters at home, and the remaining female workers gradually fell asleep, full of expectations. , to welcome the new chapter of life that is about to begin. This chapter will be woven with their hard work and wisdom and become a shining memory in the long history of Jingjiang.
The textile factory has been running for nearly a month, and the running-in process experienced during this period is like a long and undulating river, full of challenges and changes. At the beginning, it was not easy to unite the scattered manpower. Lin Xiaofeng made the decision to eliminate those female workers with low academic ability and difficulty in collaboration the day after the factory opened. Although it has been able to maintain a stable production rhythm, the production capacity has not yet reached its peak. The warehouse is filled with a large number of newly made clothes and fabrics, like flowers waiting to bloom, looking forward to the best time to be put into the market. Fortunately, thanks to Li Dexian's careful calculation, warehousing costs have been effectively controlled. During this busy month, he was like a magic needle in the sea, ensuring the effective use of resources.
Lin Xiaofeng, on the other hand, had no time to spare. The factory was in good order, but it was difficult to hide the bustling scene outside the factory. After the female workers who had been furloughed or laid off returned home, word of mouth spread that the textile factory's generous treatment ignited the fire of longing in the hearts of countless women and even men. As a result, the recruitment process went smoothly, and the applicants gathered.
However, behind the seemingly peaceful and harmonious scene, there is a shocking scene. Some women enter the factory through informal dental intermediaries, which is intriguing. These dental shops were not within the scope of recruitment authorized by Lin Xiaofeng, but some unscrupulous intermediaries took the opportunity to cause trouble. They targeted the ignorant and poor rural women, and promised with eloquent words: as long as they pay half a penny a month as intermediary fees, they will buy designated The high-priced bedding guarantees that they can work in the factory. Many women believe his words and sign contracts. Even if they pass the interview successfully, they still have to pay an extra sum of money before they can officially join the job. This matter soon reached the ears of Li Dexian and Lin Xiaofeng. After hearing this, the two became furious and personally led a group of environmental protection team members to take to the streets to punish the illegal intermediaries with fists and kicks, demonstrating the power of justice. After an investigation, it was discovered that the dental shop not only operated illegally, but was even involved in human trafficking. In anger, Lin Xiaofeng further practiced his boxing skills. In half a month, his boxing skills became sharper and more exquisite, as if every time he punched, he was determined to do justice for heaven. Faced with the iron-fist attack by Lin Xiaofeng and others, although the black intermediaries were fierce, they were ultimately unable to resist in the face of justice and power. After being beaten into a state of embarrassment, they threatened to sue the government. However, before they could reveal their identity and background, the Sanshen Gang, the largest underground force in the capital, quietly intervened, took over the dental shop, and quickly established a dental committee to begin standardizing and supervising the operations of the entire industry.
While rectifying illegal intermediaries, Lin Xiaofeng not only exercised every day, but also had to report the work progress of the textile factory to the princess in the palace. His words revealed his deep warmth and respect for the princess. On the business side, although the textile factory has been put into full production, how to open sales channels has become an urgent matter. The first priority is to win the support of major cloth merchants in the capital and quickly distribute goods across the country before winter comes. The fabric merchants in the capital all have profound backgrounds and their influence radiates in all directions. Only with their cooperation can low-price, high-quality fabrics produced by new textile machines be truly available to thousands of households. One day, Lin Xiaofeng carefully planned a grand meeting and invited many well-known cloth merchants in the capital to visit and exchange ideas in Beilang Textile Factory. After receiving the invitation, everyone talked a lot and had doubts about whether this new textile factory could succeed. Until Lin Xiaofeng arrived in a horse-drawn carriage dressed in fine clothes, all the businessmen stood up and saluted respectfully, and followed him into the factory for on-the-spot inspection. At this moment, Li Dexian was too obsessed with cracking down on black intermediaries and immersed in martial arts training all day long, and was unable to accompany him to participate in this important event related to the future destiny of the textile factory.
Lin Xiaofeng spoke loudly as he moved, as if every word carried a huge weight: "You may not have understood the profound meaning of today's invitation. What I want is to explore the road of cooperation with you. Beilang Textile Factory Although it has begun to show its scale, the goods have not yet been widely circulated in the market. At this moment, it is necessary to rely on your efforts to clothe the world." At this point, an astute businessman immediately responded with a sincere and determined expression. : "Sir, if you have what you need, I will go through fire and water, no matter what, no matter what!" Other businessmen also echoed, but they all complained in their hearts: This person is just a guy who is good at flattering, so why is the so-called assisted sales so grand? ! At the same time, an uneasy mood quietly grew among the crowd. They were worried that the products of the Beilang Textile Factory might not be of the highest quality, or that they would be forced to sell them at high prices. As a result, some people even began to regret their trip.
Lin Xiaofeng heard the voices of the audience and laughed loudly. There was wisdom in the laughter that could see everything. His eyes as deep as the abyss revealed a subtle hint of approval for the "flattery", and he was already thinking about a little bit in his heart. In return, the purchase price may be moderately increased. He keenly caught the doubts and fears of the other businessmen, and understood that they were worried about being forced to trade, so he loudly reassured everyone: "Everyone, please do not be afraid. The so-called cooperation, success or failure, should be in accordance with the will of God and the people. We will never There will be no burden imposed on our partners." After saying this, the merchants nodded in agreement. After all, Lin Xiaofeng has always been known for being fair and fair, and has never had a bad record of bullying merchants.
A group of people walked into the textile factory and saw hundreds of five-spindle anti-stacking machines like flying dragons. The deafening roar revealed an orderly rhythm. When the businessmen witnessed such a spectacular scene, they were all stunned. Such a large and standardized factory was indeed rare at that time. Lin Xiaofeng indicated that everyone could visit freely, while he stepped aside and waited for what would happen.
The businessmen came forward to take a closer look at the magical textile machinery. During this period, a female worker named Xin Yajing was asked about the names and functions of these machines. Xin Yajing was taken aback for a moment, then calmly explained that because her life was becoming increasingly affluent, her working environment was harmonious and comfortable, and she had the chance to win the title of model worker, she answered these questions fluently: "This is a five-spindle spinning machine. One machine can spin five yarns at the same time, and its working efficiency is twenty times higher than that of traditional looms.”
Upon hearing the astonishing efficiency figure of "twenty times", the merchants were all dumbfounded. Their eyes were all focused on the continuous output of cloth, and it was difficult to accept this fact for a while. They secretly calculated the huge-scale productivity represented by hundreds of such high-efficiency machines in the factory, which was equivalent to the total number of tens of thousands of craftsmen. They could not help but have a premonition that the pattern of the capital's cloth industry might face earth-shaking changes. Merchants who were eager to verify the quality of their products rushed to the finished fabric stacking area and scrutinized the quality of each piece of fabric one by one. Everyone they saw praised and talked about it, and they quickly began to calculate the purchase cost. During this period, someone mentioned that such efficient textile machines already appeared on the southern market. Lin Xiaofeng personally presided over the auction. The average price of each machine was as high as 3,000 taels of silver. Due to its complex craftsmanship, it is extremely difficult to imitate, and the quantity flowing into the market is very high. Extremely limited. After hearing the news, everyone fell into deep thinking, knowing that mastering such an efficient device means having an absolute advantage in the market competition. As for the long-term layout behind Lin Xiaofeng's move, everyone had their own speculations and could not figure it out for the moment. Understand the secrets. The businessmen gathered in a corner of the textile factory and discussed in whispers for a long time, but failed to reach a consensus. They finally dispersed and turned their attention to the huge array of busy textile machines. They tried to figure out the internal structure of the machine in the hope of finding a craftsman to imitate it in the future. Soon after, after everyone carefully observed the operation of the machinery, they moved to the cutting area together.
There are endless long tables here, and female workers shuttle between them, passing pieces of fabric one piece after another. Those who pick up the cloth have quick eyes and quick hands. As soon as they take it, they quickly unfold it and cut it accurately, finishing it cleanly according to the preset size and shape. Cutting pieces are then folded and set aside. As the pile of cloth gradually increases, female workers take over to send the cut pieces to the next process.
The onlookers looked confused: "Brother Wang, what kind of operation is this? Only cutting but no sewing?" One of them replied: "This is an unprecedented sight. It must be sewing in the subsequent steps. "Everyone was amazed by the fast and accurate cutting skills, and then followed the flow of people to the sewing area.
In the sewing area, large tables are lined up in rows, and each table is divided into different functional areas, like delicate maps. The female workers are as busy as weaving tapestry. Those who transport the pieces place them precisely according to the drawings, while the sewing workers work hard with their heads down and their hands flying like butterflies. In an instant, the new clothes are formed and neatly stacked in the frame at their feet. Inside. When all the merchants saw this, they were all dumbfounded. Some people realized: "It turns out that the garment-making process has been refined to the point where each person is specialized in one process, so practice makes perfect, efficient operation, and stable quality guaranteed!" Everyone praised this method of division of labor as worth learning from. , although not as significant as the innovation of textile machinery, it was undoubtedly a rare and efficient process at the time.
However, what the businessmen have not noticed is that the sewing area is precisely the bottleneck link in the entire production chain. Manual sewing is the most time-consuming and requires a lot of manpower investment. Lin Xiaofeng had already considered this. Although he had seen the appearance of a pedal sewing machine, he could not successfully copy it because he did not know its principles. Compared with the textile machine, which has a complex structure but still has rules to follow, the structure of the sewing machine is more complicated. There is no ready precedent to refer to, and the road of exploration has reached a deadlock. Although female workers currently sew very quickly, due to the rush of work, the stitches of some clothes are slightly rough, and the threads occasionally collapse and crack. Regarding this issue, Lin Xiaofeng weighed and chose to maintain the status quo for the time being. After all, although the finished clothes are not exquisite, they are enough to keep warm and keep out the cold. People can repair them on their own, which is much better than lacking clothes and wearing less in winter. He also considered selling only cut pieces for people to sew on their own, but he soon felt that this was too cumbersome and might not meet actual needs.
After the visit, the businessmen walked out of the textile factory door, and dozens of seats had been prepared outside the door. Lin Xiaofeng stood in front, straightening his back and looking back at the spectacular scene inside the factory. Everyone gathered together, some were full of expectations, some were discussing enthusiastically, or some were deep in thought. Lin Xiaofeng waited for everyone to gather and asked: "You have visited in detail, what do you think?" The businessmen responded in unison: "Today is indeed a valuable learning opportunity. Thank you Mr. Lin for taking the trouble to arrange it!"
Lin Xiaofeng smiled broadly and invited everyone to sit down and rest. Although everyone was physically exhausted, they were emotionally excited. Today’s group, regardless of whether the textile machines are sold in the end, the division of labor and cooperation demonstrated by Lin Xiaofeng undoubtedly opened up new horizons for everyone. If it can be widely imitated and promoted, significant results will be achieved in improving efficiency and reducing costs. It seems to be a godsend. Business. The merchants' eyes were burning, focusing on Lin Xiaofeng as if they were the God of Wealth.
Lin Xiaofeng looked around and felt the rising enthusiasm of everyone. At this moment, a businessman couldn't restrain his curiosity and asked Lin Xiaofeng: "Mr. Lin, today I have gained a lot of knowledge. Dare I ask if these advanced looms can be sold to outsiders?" After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng just smiled slightly and did not immediately He didn't answer, but wandered slowly, seeming to be hesitating. This move made everyone present feel anxious.
Lin Xiaofeng did not answer directly, but instead asked everyone a question: "Let me ask you, if all the cloth and garments produced by Beilang Textile Factory flood into the market, who in the capital can compete with them?" This sentence is like a huge stone entering water, stirring up excitement. It caused quite a ripple. Lin Xiaofeng seems to mean that in cost control, in addition to raw material procurement, labor efficiency is the decisive key factor. With its astonishing efficiency, Beiling Textile Factory has almost achieved the effect of one person being as good as ten, and it may be difficult for others to compete with it. The businessmen looked at each other, sweating quietly, and they couldn't help but wonder: What kind of far-reaching plan is hidden behind Lin Xiaofeng's carefully laid out chess game?
When all the merchants heard Lin Xiaofeng's blunt words, they all looked nervous, sweat dripping from their foreheads, and all their eyes focused on Lin Xiaofeng. Lin Xiaofeng's lips traced an indifferent smile: "You all have a clear mirror in your mind at this moment." He then explained in a calm voice: "If the cloth and garments from Beiling Textile Factory are put into the market, I am afraid that all the merchants here will be seriously affected. Within five years, many cloth shops in the capital may not be able to maintain their livelihoods and gain a foothold in this industry." The expressions of those smaller cloth merchants who relied on the strategy of small profits but quick turnover changed from nervousness to panic. , they knew that their business would be unable to withstand such an efficient textile factory, and that it might be completely destroyed in just two years.
Upon seeing this, Lin Xiaofeng gently waved his hands to calm everyone down: "You don't need to panic too much." "I am not in charge of this textile factory personally. It is actually run by the Sixth Princess of this Dynasty." There was deep respect in his tone. , "The princess was compassionate and worried that other businessmen would be frustrated by this, so although the goods in the factory were piled up, they were never sold to the outside world." He further explained: "The purpose of establishing this textile factory is not to make money, but to make the capital The people can survive the harsh winter safely. "I hope you will spread the word about the princess's kindness when you return to your hometown, do you understand?"
Everyone nodded in agreement, each trying to figure out the deeper meaning. There have long been rumors about the relationship between the princess and the textile factory. Although the court and various departments have issued clarification announcements, they have not explicitly denied it. In fact, they are deliberately downplaying the matter. There were constant discussions about this matter in the palace, but no one pursued it in depth. After all, from a secular perspective, it is not easy for a royal lady to get involved in business, but the royal family did not obstruct it, and things gradually calmed down. After being confirmed by Master Lin today, everyone was more in awe of the princess and stood up to express their gratitude to her.
Lin Xiaofeng accepted everyone's gratitude with a smile, then looked serious and proposed a solution that took into account the interests of all parties: "In this case, we should find a way to protect everyone while promoting social progress." He elaborated: "After repeated attempts, After consideration, I have decided to use Bei Langfang's treasury silver and His Royal Highness's personal funds to purchase the existing cloth in your hands, with an estimated value of about sixty thousand taels of silver." "You can first calculate the quantity and price that each family wants to sell. price."
When the merchants heard this proposal, they were all shocked, as if they had grasped a life-saving straw. If textile factories really start selling products, the backlog of inventory this winter is expected to be released. I am surprised and grateful to the government for this move. Lin Xiaofeng added: "If you are not satisfied with the selling price and do not want to sell it, you can naturally keep it, but the purchased cloth will enter the market at a low price. It is up to you to make your own decision."
The group of merchants discussed in low voices and had different opinions. Some people worry that no matter how efficient the textile factory is, it will not be able to meet the city's demand this winter. If it hands over its inventory now, it may be difficult to compete with the government in the future. However, there are also voices that argue that it is wise to follow the trend of the times.
When Lin Xiaofeng heard these discussions, he smiled bitterly and told him frankly: "If you don't want to sell, there are other ways." "You can provide the purchase account book and sell the cloth to the public at the purchase price. Beilangfang will subsidize half of the difference. If there is any false report, Fraud will be severely punished according to law. "There is one more thing I want to tell you: you have the opportunity to buy the textile machines you see today!"
As soon as this statement came out, the merchants were immediately in an uproar. Lin Xiaofeng confirmed that the news was true and quoted ancient wisdom: "It is better to teach a man to fish than to teach him to fish." He reminded everyone that it is unnecessary to worry about losing their jobs. The textile factory is only responsible for production and has no intention of self-sales. "Any shop that wants to sell cloth from the factory can purchase a loom. The pricing of cloth from the factory will follow the rules set by this official. Do you have any questions?"
After hearing this, the merchants all nodded in agreement. One of them stood up and asked: "What is the purpose of Mr. Lin's move?" "Why do textile factories give up their own profits and are willing to become the ladder of success for others? If the textile factory sells its own cloth, wouldn't it be unrivaled in the market?" After hearing this, Lin Xiaofeng smiled silently and stood upright with his hands behind his back. He knew in his heart that people's livelihood issues should not compete with the people. Research and development and promotion of textile technology cost a lot. Personal wealth is enough, and the promotion of advanced technology is related to long-term development. At the same time, the princess and the general public must take into account the clothing. This is an unshirkable responsibility.
The popularization and promotion of textile machines may take more than ten years or even half a century to truly realize the ideal state of worry-free clothing for everyone. Although the road is long, ideals still illuminate the future. Lin Xiaofeng fully understands that the essence of business is to maximize the benefit to society, and competition can promote progress. However, his personal energy is limited and he cannot go deep into the daily operations of the textile factory, so this decision is actually a long-term consideration. By giving merchants the opportunity to own looms and participate in market competition, it can not only maintain market vitality, but also ensure that the goals of the textile factory founded by the princess are achieved, and at the same time benefit the people. It can be said that it kills three birds with one stone.
Lin Xiaofeng thought deeply for a moment under the blazing gazes of the merchants, then smiled slightly and responded calmly: "Don't worry too much, I have no other intentions. Textile and sales are actually two independent systems. Although the production efficiency of our factory is outstanding, How to get goods to all parts of the country quickly and accurately requires the help of your rich connections and shrewd business wisdom. The emperor once said: Scholars, farmers, and merchants all perform their own duties and are interdependent! The business we are engaged in is related to the foundation of the country and the well-being of the people. The prosperity of Jingjiang today is also inseparable from your hard work. This is just a matter of adhering to His Majesty's will and sharing the country's worries."
Hearing this, the merchants looked excited. They had never expected that they would be given such a lofty status and responsibility, and their hearts were full of emotions. Everyone expressed their sincere gratitude to Lin Xiaofeng, and their admiration arose spontaneously. When Lin Xiaofeng saw this, he had mixed feelings in his heart, and emphasized again: "Whether the people of the capital can successfully survive the cold winter this year, and whether they can even achieve the ideal goal of selling cloth to all over the world and everyone in the world being able to have food and clothing without worries, all depends on your efforts. . At that time, not only will you be able to reap huge profits, but you will also gain a good reputation. It will truly be a feat of shared prosperity for the country, businesses and people. Therefore, you are shouldering the important mission of enriching the country and the people, and it is in your blood. It is the spiritual strength that attaches equal importance to morality and business. In the future, business people can also become models of righteous businessmen respected by the world.”
When it comes to the price of textile machines, Lin Xiaofeng recalled an auction in the Yangtze River Basin. At that time, due to the urgent need for disaster relief, the price was as high as several thousand taels of silver. Now that the situation is stable, the price is set at one thousand taels of silver. Merchants were whispering privately, and some people questioned whether the textile loom made of wooden frames and iron parts was worth the high price. One of the merchants plucked up the courage and asked for a price reduction. Lin Xiaofeng greatly appreciated this man's courage, and finally decided to adjust the selling price to 700 taels, and encouraged everyone to actively place orders, prepare land to build factories, recruit female workers, and allow imitation and improvement.
When the merchants heard about this preferential plan, they all burst into laughter and were extremely grateful to Lin Xiaofeng for his generosity. Lin Xiaofeng signaled that everyone could disperse. Starting from tomorrow, sales can be carried out at the new price, and those with the largest price reductions will receive additional benefits of free promotion. When the crowd gradually dispersed, Lin Xiaofeng was tired, but deep down in his heart, he was curious and excited about the buds of capitalism quietly bred in the handicraft and textile industry of the Ming Dynasty. A deep smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, as if he had foreseen the big things that might happen in the future. The figure of the capitalist.
After returning home, Lin Xiaofeng learned that Prince Li Dexian was recounting his recent heroic deeds in cracking down on black intermediaries. At the same time, he also learned that the Mongolian envoy was about to leave for his return home, so he decided to go there in person to see him off, in order to show his mastery. In his view, whether it is supporting the development of merchants, maintaining social order, or receiving foreign missions, it is all to promote Jingjiang to become more prosperous and prosperous, thereby affecting the destiny of the entire empire. In this process, he is not only a participant, but also a witness and a leader. He always adheres to his beliefs and ideals and is committed to realizing a harmonious and dynamic social picture.
The Mongolian mission was about to return home. Because of his deep respect and friendship for Urig, Lin Xiaofeng spent two days carefully selecting gifts and went to the Dali Guesthouse in person to honor him. At that time, there were many high-ranking officials gathered in the guest house, and all the greetings were just formalities to cope with the situation. There were only a few people who were really willing to stay and accompany him to see him off. Hongcheng, the minister of Dali Temple, and Lu Yinsheng, the minister of household affairs, looked gloomy. They resented Lin Xiaofeng's impartial enforcement of the law in the imperial examination, which resulted in his son Lu Shenshen's articles being severely judged, his ranking plummeting, and his face lost.
Wu Rige caught a glimpse of Lin Xiaofeng coming with reporters and Prince Li Dexian. He immediately interrupted the conversation with other officials and walked forward to greet them with a smile on his face. Lin Xiaofeng offered high-quality tea, a specialty of Yangqu, as a gift in return, and proposed to send accompanying reporters to conduct interviews and reports, aiming to strengthen the friendly exchanges between the two cultures. Urig agreed with this and nodded slightly. Later, he gave Urig a clear and unique glass bead and a pair of exquisite chessboards, which symbolized the inheritance of wisdom and the continuity of the story. He also took this opportunity to hint at the possible future cooperation between the Beilang Textile Factory and the wool trade. Intention, Wurige happily accepted this symbolic gift, with a wise light shining in his eyes.
When leaving, Buhasihe showed obvious dissatisfaction because he failed to avenge Xie Hongxin, but Urige seemed calm and unhurried. He believed that promoting the great cause of trade is the top priority at present, and there is no need to rush for temporary revenge. At the same time, he sharply pointed out that Lin Xiaofeng was actually an indispensable pillar of the Jingjiang Kingdom. The intricate power struggle within the imperial court often caused people to ignore his personal talents and outstanding contributions, and attributed his achievements more to the imperial court. protection rather than one's own strength. In addition, Uzhige also keenly reminded Buhasi to pay attention to the items left in the guest house that may cause unnecessary trouble, and asked in detail about the specific content of Toulguz's interview. After learning that Tuleguz's words were inappropriate during the interview, Uzhige suddenly changed his color and sternly scolded Tuleguz.
In the process of Lin Xiaofeng's practice for Urige, the interaction between the two parties not only reflected the deep friendship and mutual respect, but also intertwined political wisdom and strategic deployment; Urige had insight into the complex relationships in Jingjiang officialdom and was extremely impressed by Lin Xiaofeng's talent. At the same time, he also used his own strategies to try to influence and even shape the development pattern of Jingjiang and even the two countries. The fact that Toulguri accidentally angered Uzhige due to his remarks in the interview may become one of the important trigger points for the next series of changes, indicating that deeper political waves are quietly brewing.
In the Dali Guest House, the crowd gradually dispersed after the Gu-Mongol mission left Beijing. Lin Xiaofeng did not talk much with the officials present. He knew in his heart that he and Lu Yinsheng had always been incompatible, and Hong Cheng was not a like-minded person, so he took Prince Li Dexian and the reporters back to compile the interview transcripts, expecting to report in the newspapers tomorrow that Jingjiang was a hot seller due to the admiration from foreign countries.
In the courtyard, the officials were still busy shuttling back and forth. Hong Cheng and Lu Yinsheng stood in a corner and talked quietly. Hong Cheng couldn't help but sigh: "The trade between the two countries this time is indeed a wise strategy. I didn't expect that the Cuban and Mongolian missions would stay in Beijing for a long time and be able to reach many agreements so smoothly." Lu Yinsheng smiled lightly and responded: "Your Majesty's It is evident that the state treasury is increasingly empty, wars are still frequent, and the financial resources of the Ministry of Revenue are almost exhausted. "
The conversation between the two naturally turned to Lin Xiaofeng, and they both unanimously mentioned Lin Xiaofeng's remarkable achievements in the rich Yangqu County, as well as the huge number of top-quality Yangqu tea and precious diamonds he gave to the Mongolian mission. Lu Yinsheng even crossed the line and hinted that these gifts were actually given by Lin Xiaofeng on behalf of His Majesty. As soon as he said this, Hong Cheng was frightened after hearing this and tried to prevent this topic from spreading further. At this moment, a hurried clerk ran up to the two of them and reported: "The mission left goods in a room!" Hong Cheng was shocked when he heard the news and immediately ordered his men to follow the clerk to check.
The group of people came to a remote corner of the guest house where the goods were hidden, and found six boxes abandoned in a dark place, apparently forgotten. Hong Cheng made a quick decision and immediately ordered someone to notify the mission to come and retrieve the lost items. However, Lu Yinsheng stopped him and suggested: "Why don't we take a look at what is in the box first." Hong Cheng hesitated for a moment and finally nodded. Promise: "In the face of enemy foreign aggression, there is nothing wrong with careful inspection."
The clerk temporarily stepped aside, and Hong Cheng and Lu Yinsheng carefully opened the boxes one by one to inspect them. The first box was filled with all kinds of books, showing Urig's strong interest in in-depth research on Jingjiang's knowledge and culture; the second box contained specialties from various places, and there were no rare treasures in it. When I opened the clothing box on the bottom floor, I was surprised to find some personal belongings such as account books. Hong Cheng pulled out a book that recorded the purchase details and price comparison list of the Mongolian mission in Beijing, and couldn't help but admire Urige's thoroughness and meticulousness.
Later, they discovered an edict written by Khan King Bater and several volumes detailing prices, customs, and even official lists. Shockingly, they actually included the content of private talks between Urige and Lin Xiaofeng. According to records, if the two countries achieve trade, Yangqu County will supply a large amount of ironware. For this reason, Urige donated 60,000 taels of silver in advance as a benefit. When Hong Cheng read this, his face instantly turned as pale as paper, and he couldn't believe the facts in front of him. Lu Yinsheng eagerly asked for details. Hong Cheng raised his head stiffly and spoke with difficulty: "According to the brochure, Lin Xiaofeng promised Urige that when the two countries were doing business, Yangqu County would trade ironware, and Urige paid for it in advance. The favor fee was as high as 60,000 taels, and more than five pages of confidential conversations were recorded in detail. "At this moment, this unexpected secret was like a bombshell, filling the entire guest house with a depressing and tense atmosphere, as if it was about to explode. An unknown storm.
When Lu Yinsheng heard what Hong Cheng said, a trace of unnoticeable joy flashed in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down his expression and said sternly to Hong Cheng: "This matter is not trivial. The iron ore trade between the two countries has always been controlled by the imperial court. If Lin Xiaofeng Colluding with Gu Meng in private is a serious crime of liaising with foreign countries. Can you confirm the authenticity of these records?" Hong Cheng carefully read through the detailed records several times, with a complex expression on his face. Color, and finally nodded firmly to confirm that the content was correct.
Lu Yinsheng lowered his head slightly and began to pace slowly in the room, deep in thought: "This person is so greedy. Fortunately, we discovered it in time, otherwise once the situation escalates, it may cause serious trouble." However, Hong Cheng was even more worried. In order to carefully organize the items in the box, he responded solemnly: "Master Lu, it is too early to draw a conclusion on this matter. Uzhige has always been shrewd and alert, how could he lose such an important item so easily? Besides, there are also There are edicts and personal belongings given by Khan King Bater. This may be a well-planned alienation plan. "
At this moment, there was a hurried report from a clerk outside the door, informing him that the Gumeng delegation had arrived and wanted to retrieve the leftover goods. Hong Cheng and Lu Yinsheng immediately went out to greet the envoy. Seeing the anxious and confused eyes of the envoy, they guided him to the guest house to check for the lost items. After the envoy's inspection was completed, Hong Cheng politely arranged for the carriage and horses to send the envoy off in person. However, the two of them still had doubts about the authenticity of the matter and unanimously decided to report it to His Majesty as soon as possible.
Hong Cheng was determined not to let Lu Yinsheng get involved in this matter, and insisted on personally reporting to the court to reveal the truth. Although Lu Yinsheng was dissatisfied, he did not strongly object. In turn, Lu Yinsheng, citing the poor layout of the guest house in Dali Temple, promised that the Ministry of Household Affairs would allocate 100,000 taels of silver for repairs next year, and emphasized the importance of receiving foreign guests in the future. Hong Cheng knew in his heart that Lu Yinsheng's move was intended to secretly retaliate against Lin Xiaofeng, so he declined his request to participate in the report, claiming that his official duties were heavy and he could not handle other affairs.
At the same time, in the palace of Hanjiang Prince, Lu Yinsheng reported this series of events to King Hanjiang in detail. After hearing this, the King of Hanjiang thought that there might be a trick hidden in this. After all, sixty thousand taels of silver was not enough for Lin Xiaofeng to take such a big risk. He speculated that it might be a alienation trap deliberately set by Wu Rige. When talking about the relationship between the Beilang Textile Factory and the princess, the King of Hanjiang revealed that Lin Xiaofeng may have an unknown emotional entanglement with the princess, and the emperor's brother even intended to grant a marriage. When Lu Yinsheng heard the news, he couldn't help being surprised. At the same time, he also learned that King Hanjiang had already set up spies in the palace.
The King of Hanjiang stated that he would not directly intervene in the matter at present. To suppress Lin Xiaofeng, more conclusive evidence is needed. Impeaching him based on this record alone may not be able to shake his solid position. Faced with Lu Yinsheng's question about the next action plan, King Hanjiang told him to handle it properly on his own and reminded him to pay close attention to the verification of the salt account book. In the end, the King of Hanjiang decided not to intervene in Lin Xiaofeng's affairs for the time being, but let Lu Yinsheng make his own judgment. If he had any questions, he could consult Mr. Li, who was wily and well versed in officialdom. As night falls, this battle surrounding power, interests and emotional entanglements is like a silent drama, quietly staged in the officialdom of Jingjiang Kingdom. Every character is secretly planning how to survive in this invisible smoke. Gain the upper hand in the war.
When Lu Yinsheng heard the name of Mr. Li, he couldn't help but recall that the father of Li Yihao, a former important minister in the imperial court and a powerful figure today, had not visited him for many years. After bidding farewell to King Hanjiang, he prepared heavy gifts and went straight to Li Mansion to visit him. Arriving in front of the Li Mansion, the gatekeeper recognized Lu Yinsheng's identity at a glance and respectfully welcomed him into the manor. While waiting in the spacious and quiet hall, Lu Yinsheng's thoughts rippled back to ten years ago. At that time, Mr. Li was at the peak of his power and his son Li Yihao was even more famous. However, since Li Yihao encountered a change in his life, the Li Mansion has become like a star. The fallen stars gradually faded out of people's sight and began to decline.
Not long after, Mr. Li staggered out of the inner room holding a cane. Although his beard and hair were all white and his stature was stooped, his sharp eyes and shrewd and capable temperament remained the same as before. Seeing this, Lu Yinsheng wanted to stand up and help him, but Mr. Li declined with a smile. He only saw him sitting alone on the Taishi chair. After the greetings, Lu Yinsheng was concerned about Mr. Li's recent living conditions, but Mr. Li just sighed lightly and said that he was getting older and his health was not as good as before. Later, Lu Yinsheng quickly got to the point and mentioned to Mr. Li that Lin Xiaofeng had received 60,000 taels of silver from the Mongolian mission and intended to sell iron ore privately. When Mr. Li heard this, his expression did not change much. Instead, he calmly asked where the evidence was.
Lu Yinsheng truthfully reported that these records were found among the materials lost by the Mongolian mission, and were witnessed by Hongcheng, the minister of Dali Temple. However, Mr. Li showed unusual calmness and vigilance about this matter, thinking that this might be a divorce plan designed by others. Lu Yinsheng tried to arouse Mr. Li's inner feelings of revenge against Lin Xiaofeng by mentioning Li Yihao's misfortune. However, despite the mixture of sorrow and anger in Mr. Li's heart, he still analyzed the current situation rationally and made it clear that he had retired from the world and was unwilling to be involved in any vortex of right and wrong.
Lu Yinsheng originally hoped to use Mr. Li's power to bring down Lin Xiaofeng, but he did not expect Mr. Li to be so thoughtful and resolutely draw a clear line. The reason is that the family needs to maintain stability and cannot easily get involved in complex political struggles. Mr. Li further analyzed the complicated background behind Lin Xiaofeng and pointed out that a mere 60,000 taels of silver could hardly sway a far-sighted person like Lin Xiaofeng. He also reminded Lu Yinsheng that Lin Xiaofeng was good at using the name of the prince to run Beiling Newspaper Company to win over people and recruit talents. Eight people had even stood out in the imperial examination, including many Jieyuan who came from the newspaper company, and the newspaper company made no secret of its cultivation. The determination and ambition of future bureaucrats. Li Lao's words hinted that Lin Xiaofeng was very scheming. If he was not stopped early, he might control the prince and become the real helmsman behind the court.
After Lu Yinsheng heard this incisive analysis, he was horrified in his heart. He deeply realized the insidiousness of Lin Xiaofeng's methods, and worried that the future court might be overshadowed by Lin Xiaofeng. Faced with such a predicament, Lu Yinsheng was speechless for a moment and could only silently fall into deep thought and re-examine how to effectively fight against this step-by-step and far-reaching opponent. At this moment, the air in the hall seemed to have solidified, and only the two of them were left silently competing and thinking about each other. As time went by, a huge storm was brewing.
Mr. Li paused briefly, staring at Lu Yinsheng's expression with his deep eyes, and continued: "As for the turmoil in the Beiling Textile Factory, Lin Xiaofeng, because he was dissatisfied with Buddhism, actually incited the people to destroy the White Horse Temple, and destroyed the White Horse Temple overnight. The temple was in ruins, and I heard that the abbot lived in seclusion in the mountains angrily because of this incident. It shows that he is narrow-minded and will take revenge. Although you have no direct grudges with him, judging from his character, once he is in power, he probably will not. Easily let go of anyone who criticizes him.”
After hearing this, Lu Yinsheng picked up the tea cup and took a sip, trying to use this action to hide the tension and worry in his heart. He knew very well that although Lin Xiaofeng behaved politely on weekdays, he actually harbored a strong desire for revenge deep down in his heart. After pondering for a moment, Lu Yinsheng responded to Mr. Li: "What you said is absolutely true. If this person is not contained, he will definitely become a major hidden danger to the court." Mr. Li deeply agreed with this and said that only the two of them can work together. It is possible to bring down Lin Xiaofeng.
Upon seeing this, Lu Yinsheng stood up and wanted to leave, but Mr. Li called him urgently and emphasized that the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue must work with him to deal with Lin Xiaofeng. Facing Mr. Li's plea, Lu Yinsheng smiled, but did not agree immediately and insisted on leaving. Mr. Li failed to persuade him to stay, so he could only sigh helplessly and asked Lu Yinsheng, as a minister, whether he could tolerate being manipulated by a young man?
Seeing how determined Mr. Li was, Lu Yinsheng finally sat down again and patiently listened to the teachings of this scheming man. Mr. Li said frankly: "As long as Lin Xiaofeng is not eliminated, my old bones will find it difficult to rest in peace! But for the safety of my family, only if we work together can we ensure that we can eradicate the disaster and ensure safety." Then asked Lu Yinsheng if he wanted to see Lin Xiaofeng was completely expelled from the court, and Lu Yinsheng nodded in agreement.
Mr. Li further analyzed the current situation and pointed out that the evidence currently in hand was not enough to shake Lin Xiaofeng's position, and he must start with the bribery of the Mongolian mission to find a breakthrough. He speculated that the Gu-Mongolian mission might have used banknotes as a means of bribery and secretly led the way through the Dali Temple translator. This suspicion could then be used to accuse Lin Xiaofeng of accepting bribes. Even if no conclusive evidence is found in the search of Lin's house, it will be difficult to quickly prove his innocence because Lin Xiaofeng is known as a wealthy man.
Regarding the question raised by Lu Yinsheng on how to prove the crime, Mr. Li calmly replied that there is no need to witness the physical evidence with his own eyes. He only needs to create public opinion and make people doubt his motives. With the help of Hongcheng's witness, the pressure of public opinion will naturally make people suspicious of his motives. Lin Xiaofeng had to defend himself. They need to wait for the opportunity, and when Lin Xiaofeng makes another mistake, they can break through his defense line in one fell swoop to prevent the prince's protection from allowing him to regain his power.
Regarding the issue of when to initiate action, Mr. Li believed that it would be more appropriate for Lu Yinsheng to take action first. At the same time, he secretly arranged for his subordinates to take action frequently and gradually attacked Lin Xiaofeng's image through side attacks, gradually changing Emperor Jingjiang's view of him. When the time was right, Mr. Li personally came forward to cooperate with the action and defeated them in one go.
･････････
In the early morning of the next day, when Emperor Jingjiang was reviewing the memorial, Wang Jingwen presented the front page news of that day's newspaper, reporting on the farewell to the Mongolian mission. The article mentions that Tule Guri, the Mongolian envoy, highly praised Jingjiang's food and living environment, and even expressed his wish to be a Jingjiang native in the next life. This made Emperor Jingjiang feel embarrassed and angrily accused Lin Xiaofeng and others of being too close to foreign exchanges and losing their reputation. National dignity. Subsequently, Emperor Jingjiang casually discarded the memorial in his hand involving the accusation that Lin Xiaofeng had too close a relationship with Gu Meng. In his opinion, these accusations no longer seemed important. However, it is these seemingly innocuous accusations and speculations, like a carefully woven net, that are quietly laying the groundwork for Lin Xiaofeng, waiting for the critical moment that finally breaks out.
Li Dexian held the newspaper tightly in his hand and walked into the newspaper office with confusion on his face. He whispered to himself: "What Mr. Lin said is indeed true. The sales of this newspaper have surged today. How can those sensational words in it make everyone so intoxicated? Even Attracting many readers to rush to read it?" He had scoffed at Lin Xiaofeng's compilation of such news a few days ago, but he never expected that it would be so popular among readers now.
Lin Xiaofeng chewed an apple leisurely and responded: "People like this! You might as well try to publish these contents regularly, such as interviewing foreign guests in front of Dali Temple, and even give them some meager remuneration." Opposite Li Dexian frowned and sat down. His face was full of disdain: "Isn't this fake? Such news has no real value."
Lin Xiaofeng shook his head and denied: "It's not false. Our living conditions in Jingjiang are better than many small countries. This is nothing more than speaking out for the people. This kind of news is not without value. It can not only drive sales, but also boost people's hearts and enhance national confidence. Inspire patriotic sentiments.”
(End of this chapter)
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