It is true that Duan Zhi's sudden and serious appearance made Cai Ji somewhat unaccustomed to it. But once a person like Duan Zhi made a promise, she would not break it lightly. After all, Cai Ji has a lot of things to deal with now, and it is considered one thing to be subcontracted. Since Duan Zhi was solely responsible for the development of gunpowder, Cai Ji was happy to accept the results of his research. What's more, even if Duan Zhi accidentally leaked the recipe for gunpowder, Cai Ji didn't think it would cause any big trouble. It must be known that even if Cai Ji does not introduce the concept of fighting with gunpowder at this moment. In history, in 228 AD, that is, in the second year of Emperor Taihe of Wei Ming, the Wei army would still use gunpowder weapons in Chencang to repel the Shu army commanded by Zhuge Liang. Therefore, the appearance of firearms was only a matter of time for the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

In fact, Cai Ji's real advantage in the development of firearms is not the formula of black powder, but the knowledge of hot weapons accumulated for hundreds of years in later generations. Just as since the emergence of gunpowder in the Han Dynasty, the perfection of gunpowder in the Tang and Song dynasties, and the maturity of gunpowder in the Ming and Qing dynasties, China's gunpowder culture has a long history, but it is far inferior to the Europeans in military application. So much so that a thousand years later, China, as the inventor of gunpowder, was pried open by a rising star from Europe with spears and cannons. The reason for this is that the application of gunpowder and firearms by the Chinese has always remained at the empirical level, rather than forming a systematic science like the Europeans.

Take artillery, for example. As early as the 12th century AD, the Song Dynasty appeared in the form of a tube-shaped jet firearm with a giant bamboo as a barrel - muskets; In the 13th century, the assault rifle, a bamboo tubular firearm, appeared. By the Yuan Dynasty, China had already made the oldest artillery, the firecracker. In the Ming Dynasty, China not only had two bureaus of "soldiers" and "weapons", but also made dozens of kinds of artillery during the period from Zhengde to Jiajing (1506~1566). "Tiger Squat Cannon", "Attack Cannon", "Invincible General Cannon", "Poisonous Fire Flying Cannon", "Flying Destruction Bombardment", listen to a dazzling array of bluffs. However, a specific study shows that most of these so-called guns are used to fire iron bullets or arson, which is not only debatable but also very expensive. And from the introduction and admiration of European artillery in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it can be seen that the effect of these locally developed firearms with fancy names in actual combat is indeed different.

In contrast, in the first half of the 14th century, artillery fired stone projectiles was made in Europe. In the early 16th century, the Italian mathematician N.F. Tartaglia artillery shell had the largest range when fired at an angle of fire of 45° in a vacuum, which laid the foundation for the theoretical study of artillery. In the middle of the 16th century, bronze long-barreled cannons of smaller caliber and long-barreled cannons forged from wrought iron appeared in Europe, replacing the previous mortars. The front car is also used to facilitate quick movement and access to undulating ground. At the end of the 16th century, shotguns made of bullets or metal fragments in iron cylinders appeared, which were used to kill and injure people. Around 1600, some countries began to use medicated cartridges to increase the speed of launch and the accuracy of shooting. In the 17th century, the Italian physicist Galileo's ballistic parabolic theory and the English physicist I. Newton's study of air resistance promoted the development of artillery. During the reign of King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden (1611~1632), the mobility of artillery was improved by reducing the weight of artillery and standardizing it. In 1697, Europe replaced the bulk gunpowder inside the ignition hole with a tube filled with gunpowder, simplifying the process of aiming and loading. At the end of the 17th century, howitzers were used in most countries of Europe. It can be seen that the development of European artillery has clear ideas, clear goals, and a theoretical system.

Since Cai Ji has the knowledge of more than 1,800 years later, he will naturally not follow the old path of flashiness again. Just as Zeiji may not have known N.F. Tartaglia, but she must have fired best at a 45° angle of artillery. Zeiji may not be very well aware of Gustav II's record, but how much of her artillery should be independent.

In short, the current Cai Ji is only a small, small step towards the long road of hot weapons. Later, the development of hot weapons, as well as the study of melee tactics of hot and cold weapons, also required the joint efforts of Cai Ji and the heroes of this era. If you look ahead and backward just for a small recipe list now, then Cai Ji will be no different from those alchemists who hid smuggling in history.

Therefore, after discussing with Duan Zhi about the method of making gunpowder, Cai Ji got up and said goodbye and went home. Perhaps the consensus reached in Xuzhou played a role, and Duan Kui's surveillance of Cai Ji was relaxed a lot. Of course, it may also be that Duan Kui is busy using the locust plague to annex land and recruit strong men at this time, and he has no time to care about what Cai Ji is doing.

In short, when Cai Ji returned to Taishou Mansion, he no longer had the feeling of being watched in secret. So after returning to the backyard, she immediately asked Lily of the Valley to find Zhang Qing. In other words, it has been more than half a month since the last time Zhang Qing was told that he was staying in Huang County, and Cai Ji is still very interested in what has happened in Huang County in the past half a month.

After a short time, Zhang Qing came to the outside of the study and saluted Cai Ji and said to the little master, find out if there is something wrong? ”

"Brother Zhang, there is no need to be polite. Enter the house. After Cai Ji introduced Zhang Qing into the study and sat down, he asked in a deep voice, "I wonder if in the days when Ji left, there was a case in Huang County like in Changguang County that deducted the rations of the victims?" ”

Zhang Qing listened to Cai Ji's question, lowered his head and thought about it, and then replied to the little lord, the matter of distributing food was handled by the county supervisor, but there was no such thing as deducting rations. However, since the small lord proposed to work for relief, many hungry people have poured into Huang County. Huang Gongcao sent people to trap these hungry people outside the city. Every day, Duan Lao first took the rich into the camp to select the young and strong, and then he brought the yamen officials into the camp to recruit the Dingkou Tun reclamation official field. ”

After listening to Zhang Qing's answer, Cai Ji also remembered the camp he saw outside the city after returning to Huang County that day. At that time, she only thought that this was a refugee camp set up by Guan Tong, Huang Zhen and others to facilitate the management of hungry people. even secretly praised Guan Tong, Huang Zhen and others in his heart for being worthy of being old bureaucrats, compared to Liu Bei's random release of refugees into the city like Liu Bei in Xiaopei, Huang County's approach can be regarded as much more sophisticated. However, at this moment, it seems that Huang Zhen's measures are not so simple to manage.

"Aren't there only the old and weak women and children left in the camp right now?" Cai Ji asked with a frown.

"That's true. I heard the officials of the yamen say in private that even the strong women have been picked up by Duan Kui and others. There were only a few children under the age of 14 and old people who could not work. Although Guan Juncheng also provided some rations to these people. But every day the hungry people were carried out of the camp and buried. When Zhang Qing said this, he smiled reluctantly at Cai Ji and comforted him, the little lord sighed, it is not easy for you to save so many people this time. You must know that the Central Plains is full of cannibalism. ”

Zhang Qing's persuasion made Cai Ji choke in his heart, but also reluctantly accepted the facts. Indeed, this is the chaotic era of the late Han Dynasty when everything is a dog, and the idea of trying to save everyone is unrealistic. All Cai Ji can do is help the people she can help to the best of her ability. Therefore, at this time, Cai Ji immediately put aside his pity for the hungry people for the time being, and only stood on the position of his own interests, and ordered Brother Zhang Qing to go and find out how many hungry children are left in the camp. As long as he is not sick or disabled, no matter how big or small, men and women will bring it to Ji. ”

"Little lord, is this to adopt hungry children?" Zhang Qing raised his head and asked.

"Nope. Ji also wanted to ask Brother Zhang to recruit some craftsmen from the hungry people for Ji. But I don't know if it's too late? After all, you also said that Qingzhuang was picked clean by Duan Kui and others. Cai Ji lowered his head and thought.

Seeing this situation, Zhang Qing patted his chest and said with a smile, the little lord was relieved. Duan Kui and others relied on the locust plague to keep the price very low. Therefore, some hungry people were unwilling to sell themselves into slavery, but only received some rations to build the city wall for the county seat, and then returned to their hometowns after surviving the locust plague. Most of these people were arranged by Guan Juncheng to stay in Xicheng. It is said that many of them are craftsmen. ”

Sure enough. After listening to Zhang Qing's explanation, Cai Ji couldn't help but smile proudly in his heart. Cai Ji doesn't have much spare money in his hands at this time. If she had recruited people at the beginning of the famine, then as the head of a county, she would definitely have to set an example for the gentry who helped the disaster. In this way, Cai Ji can't afford to go out too much, and it's easy to be criticized if he goes out too much. It will even be used by Duan Kui and others as an excuse to lower wages. So this time, Cai Ji could only helplessly villain. Let Duan Kui and his group recruit people first, and after they push the price to a very low level, Cai Ji will add some money on top of this to recruit people. Although this would allow Duan Kui and the others to recruit most of the strong men, Cai Ji's goal from the beginning was children and craftsmen. What's more, she will always have someone who refuses to take advantage of the fire to rob. And according to Zhang Qing's account, this is indeed the case.

"Then there is Brother Lao Zhang. The wages of craftsmen are higher than those of Duan Kui and others. If you don't want to sign a death deed, you can sign a living deed. In short, keep people first. Cai Ji decided. In her opinion, the so-called death contract and life contract are not a problem, as long as she can recruit people, she has a lot of ways to make these craftsmen follow with all their hearts.

Zhang Qing heard that Cai Ji had the intention of recruiting people regardless of the cost, and couldn't help but remind her, "Little lord, it costs a lot of money to adopt hungry children and recruit craftsmen. The little lord has been in office for less than a year, and he has not yet withdrawn his money. I'm afraid I can't afford it for a while. ”

"I didn't have enough money, so I sold Ji's jewelry. Anyway, women don't need to dress up as men. Cai Ji said nonchalantly. In her opinion, money is something outside the body, and if she doesn't invest, she still holds her chicks. What's more, once Guan Cheng and others succeed in robbing at sea, they are afraid that they will have no jewelry at that time.

But where is Zhang Qing, Cai Ji has a little calculation in his heart. At this moment, when he heard that Cai Ji was going to sell jewelry, he was so anxious that he kowtowed. That's the little lord's dowry. ”

Seeing this, Cai Ji hurriedly stretched out his hand to help Zhang Qing up, and persuaded him sternly, "Brother Zhang, Ji's jewelry can neither be eaten nor worn. But the hungry children outside the city are struggling between life and death. These hungry children are the future of the Han, the blood and bones of the Han. And the craftsmen all have a skill, and Ji can't let these people waste their crafts because of famine. In Ji's view, people are far more precious than gold, silver and jewelry. As for Ji's dowry. As the so-called daughter disperses and returns, there will always be a dowry in the future. ”

Zhang Qing saw Cai Ji so persistent, and while sighing, he was also deeply moved by his love for the people. So he immediately hugged his fists and led the order, the little lord was righteous, and he was ashamed of himself. The lord can rest assured that this matter is wrapped up in Qing. ”

Cai Ji was praised by Zhang Qing like this, and he was a little embarrassed. However, Cai Ji, who was afraid that Zhang Qing would save money, then said semi-frankly that Brother Zhang didn't have to worry too much about money. Isn't Ji and General Taishi already having countermeasures? ”

Zhang Qing, as Cai Ji's henchman, naturally knew about the robbery of the Sanhan tribute ship. At this time, hearing Cai Ji mention this matter, he couldn't help but remind the little lord with a solemn expression. Qing always believed that this move was too biased and not a long-term solution. ”

Brother Zhang also understood what he meant. Indeed, that kind of trading can only solve a temporary dilemma. However, it is precisely because of this that Ji Cai wants to take advantage of this opportunity to recruit craftsmen and prosper Donglai with industry and commerce. Cai Ji nodded happily. In fact, even if Cai Ji is short of money, he will not be naïve enough to think that he can rely on pirates in the Eastern Han Dynasty to fight the sun never sets. After all, the ships that trade at sea nowadays are either Han Chinese ships or ships that trade with the Han Dynasty. The pirates ultimately attacked the maritime trade of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Therefore, Cai Ji only planned to rob a few votes and earn a start-up capital.

"To prosper Donglai with industry and commerce. Isn't the little lord going to be in business? Zhang Qing asked in astonishment. To be honest, this little lord has already done too much, too many amazing things. If she were to go into business again, she would be an all-rounder.

"Nope. Ji Zheng has this intention. Cai Ji nodded happily and said that Donglai is more mountainous and less land, and it is not suitable for Tuntian. However, with the benefits of fishing and salt, and the proximity to the sea, it is the most suitable for the development of trade. ”

But when Zhang Qing heard Cai Ji say this, his brows wrinkled tighter. I saw him groan for a while, and asked Cai Jitan, "Does the little lord know who the biggest merchant in Donglai is?" ”

"It should be the Duan family." Cai Ji replied without thinking.

"Then the little lord, do you know how the Duan family made their fortune?" Zhang Qing asked again.

"This ......," Cai Ji hesitated.

But Zhang Qing, who was sitting opposite, replied solemnly for her, "It's salt." ”

"You mean that the Duan family sells smuggled salt?" Cai Ji asked quietly. In fact, after knowing the relationship between Duan Kui and Duan Xian, she vaguely guessed this. Yes, Qucheng County has a special salt official, which is a salt production base designated by the imperial court. If the Duan family has no connection with salt, it makes people feel a little abnormal.

Zhang Qing nodded and replied Not only that, Qing has also found out that Duan Rong, the son of the Duan family, seems to be selling salt to Liaodong County these days. ”

"Oh? The Duan family also has sea vessels. Ji has never seen it? What's more, the Longkou Port outside the city has been abandoned for many years. Where did his ship depart from? Cai Ji asked with a frown.

"I heard that Mr. Duan has never touched the private salt trade since he took office. This may be a deal made by Duan Rong himself. As for where the Duan family's sea ship is, and where it sets sail. I don't know. Zhang Qing explained honestly.

After listening to Zhang Qing's account, Cai Ji knew that he was worried that doing business would lead to conflicts with the Duan family. It's just that Cai Ji, who hacked more than five million in the previous life, would not give up lightly in the face of the temptation of huge profits. At this time, she raised her head and asked Zhang Qing, Brother Zhang, do you know what is the focus on doing business? ”

Zhang Qing didn't understand why Cai Ji suddenly asked about doing business. Having never been through business, he shook his head honestly and said no. At this time, Cai Ji smiled and slowly said four words.

"Harmony is precious."

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