Although there are many things, the capital as a whole is quite peaceful. In winter, the whole pace of life has slowed down, but things in the court are getting more and more intense.

Regarding the matter of Li Gao, Marquis of Wuqing, there are also gradually results.

After fermenting for a period of time, the ministers also had a consistent opinion on Li Gao's treatment, that is, it should be dealt with seriously, and this kind of person with a family and no country must be dealt with seriously. What's more, if you make Your Majesty angry and make Your Majesty sick, this kind of person should be dealt with.

Looking at the question book handed over, Zhu Youxiao sighed softly.

The Marquis of Wuqing cleared all the fields that violated the law and confiscated them, and as for the Qinghua Garden in the west of the city, it was directly confiscated. Don't mention anything of your family, it's not there now. As for the title, it was demoted from the original marquis to the earl.

Chen Hong and Wei Chao stood by Zhu Youxiao's side so quietly, no one dared to speak, waiting for their emperor to speak.

Chen Hong and the two of them know better than the people outside, there is nothing wrong with the emperor's body, and the so-called qi illness is just a legend, but the emperor's anger is true.

The emperor was so angry this time that no one dared to provoke him at this time. Chen Hong and the two stood respectfully on the side, waiting for Zhu Youxiao to do this matter, and then the rain passed.

Zhu Youxiao handed the question book to Chen Hong, and said in a light tone: "The earl is a little tall, let's be demoted to a baron." ”

Gonghou Bozinan, this is the current title of the Ming Dynasty. There were no viscounts and barons before, and the lowest was the earl, and the cabinet also took care of this matter, and demoted Li Gao to the earl, and did not descend more.

But Zhu Youxiao was not satisfied, he just wanted to tell everyone that your title was given to you by the royal family, and the royal family could take it back at any time; Don't think that the earl is the bottom line, and the baron and viscount are not impossible; If you go too far, you will be pushed to the end and directly degraded to civilians.

Doing so may make a lot of people scared, and it can also turn a lot of people away from morality. But sometimes there are things that you have to do, and there is no way to do them if you are afraid of offending people. Especially since he is an emperor, he must have such determination.

How to guarantee the power of the emperor?

Holding the military power in their hands, supporting the new magnates, let these people go to war, open up territories, and replace the old with the new.

Although one day the new ones will become the old ones, but the new promotion of these people is different from the old way of training. Avoid it as much as possible, and although it may not be avoided, it will be better in the end.

After listening to Zhu Youxiao's words, Chen Hong hurriedly said, "Yes, Emperor." Then the slave and the maid went to give the decree. ”

The decree was issued very quickly, and it can be said that the speed is very fast.

Everyone saw Zhu Youxiao's determination, and also understood that this matter was non-negotiable, and instantly quieted down.

Originally, there were a lot of inscriptions on the impeachment of Chen Sihai a few days ago, and I was very dissatisfied with what they did. Since then, such scripts seem to have disappeared overnight.

Having to support the people who do things for you will never change. Zhu Youxiao thought so and did so.

After the Marquis of Wu Qing was demoted to a baron, everything went smoothly.

Take back the fields, level the land, and start building when the weather warms up.

Everything is on the right track, which is enough for Zhu Youxiao to make a fortune. It's just not enough, it's not enough for Zhu Youxiao.

The days passed day by day, and after the winter, except for the demotion of Marquis Wuqing, nothing else happened in the court.

For Zhu Youxiao, he didn't want to do anything again a year ago.

As the winter gets colder and colder, and there are fewer and fewer things, Zhu Youxiao basically doesn't go to the early court.

Fortunately, this winter was quite peaceful, and nothing else happened in the court, and finally ushered in a period of peace and tranquility, and Zhu Youxiao was also preparing for the New Year in the palace.

Soon, the time entered the wax moon, and the capital was lively.

All merchants are busy with the marketing of the New Year, ready to make a good profit in the New Year; People's families also began to prepare for the New Year.

All of a sudden, the capital became prosperous and lively.

It's just that there is one place that is still far from this kind of liveliness, and this place is Baigongyuan.

Compared with other yamen in the capital, the Baigong Institute has always been busy. Although the Chinese New Year is coming soon, there is no New Year's flavor in the Baigong Academy, and everyone is busy all day long.

Since His Majesty's last visit, the entire Academy has been motivated, and they are also working hard to study what His Majesty expects to see.

Bi Maokang looked at the results in front of him, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face. Breathing a sigh of relief, he knew he could enter the palace.

Ouchi of the Imperial Palace.

Zhu Youxiao is basking in the sun.

Since the beginning of winter, the weather has been cold, and the snow on the ground has never melted.

There is knee-deep snow in this part of the capital, so you can see how much snow has fallen this year. Like the warm winter of the later generations, it is unimaginable in this era.

Today's rare weather is good, and the sun is out, which makes Zhu Youxiao feel very satisfied.

Zhu Youxiao moved a chair to bask in the sun outside, and the warm sunlight shone on his body, making people feel very good, and even a little sleepy.

Zhu Youxiao enjoyed this feeling very much, emptying his brain, not thinking about anything, not doing anything, this was his rare rest.

At this time, Wei Chao walked over cautiously. He came to Zhu Youxiao's side and said, "Emperor, Lord Bi Mao Kangbi asks to see you." ”

If it was an ordinary matter, the Wei Dynasty would not dare to disturb Zhu Youxiao.

But here in the emperor, there are some people who must be seen, and Bi Maokang is among them. No matter when he comes, no matter what the emperor is doing, the emperor will summon him, and there will be no delay.

"Let him in." Zhu Youxiao opened his eyes and said slowly.

It didn't take long for Bi Maokang to walk in from outside.

After seeing Zhu Youxiao, Bi Maokang hurriedly saluted and said, "Minister Bi Maokang, see Your Majesty." ”

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "Okay, let's be exempt." ”

When Bi Maokang stood up, Zhu Youxiao moved his muscles and bones, and then stood up and said, "Aiqing entered the palace in such a hurry, is there anything wrong?" ”

"Back to Your Majesty, the Hundred Crafts Academy has a result!" Bi Maokang hurriedly said, with a heavy smile on his face.

After hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's face also showed joy, and he said, "Then let's hear it." ”

"Yes, Your Majesty." Nodding, Bi Maokang hurriedly said: "Since Your Majesty went to the Baigong Academy last time, the Baigong Academy has not dared to slack off, and has done its best to do things, wanting to make things before the New Year." ”

"Fortunately, thanks to His Majesty's holy grace, the Baigong Academy finally made things a year ago. The rocket car has been built, and a total of three levels have been set, which are fifteen catties, twenty-five catties and forty-five catties. The rocket cart can be horse-drawn and can be loaded into the rocket cart before it is launched, and then launched. Each rocket vehicle has nine rocket holes and can be loaded with nine rockets. After lighting a fuse, nine rockets can be fired directly. ”

"In addition, the hand-cranked machine gun that His Majesty said, we also made it. It's just that because of the problem of firing pins, the cost is too high, and the cost of each piece has reached eighty taels, which is really too high for scrap rate. ”

"It costs only thirty taels to build a flintlock pistol. The cost of a hand-cranked machine gun is too high! It may be very difficult to reduce costs in a short period of time. ”

"Just make it." With a smile on his face, Zhu Youxiao looked at Bi Maokang and said, "If you can make things, my heart will be much more stable." As for the cost of eighty taels, I admit it. I will give you 800,000 taels from the inner library, and you will make me 10,000 taels first. ”

Hearing this, Bi Maokang almost didn't pee.

10,000?

It's not about money anymore.

Bi Maokang hurriedly said: "Your Majesty, with the current conditions, we will produce twenty units every month. If you want to cast 10,000, it's impossible. If you want to scale up production, you need more money. ”

Zhu Youxiao understands this truth, that is, it is necessary to establish a new unified and perfect production line from ironmaking to casting.

It costs money to build a production line. After thinking about it, Zhu Youxiao said: "How much does it cost to build a production line that can build two hundred machine guns per month?" ”

"The minister has to go back and do the math." Bi Maokang almost didn't hold back, and said with some hesitation.

He really didn't think about it, after all, the production of such guns still requires a supporting bullet production line. From gunpowder to bullets, there is still a process in between.

The exploitation of raw materials is still a problem, which requires a lot of manpower and material resources, which requires a lot of money.

What kind of supporting facilities are needed and how much money they need need need to be recalculated; The production line of rockets will also be built, and this is all money.

Bi Maokang was poured cold water in his heart, not to mention the rest, just this money, I'm afraid it won't be able to solve it for a while.

His Majesty's support for the Hundred Gongyuan for such a long time is not insignificant, and the amount of money invested is not small, but if it continues to burn like this, I am afraid that His Majesty will not be able to accept it.

Zhu Youxiao looked at Bi Maokang and nodded.

It makes sense for Bi Maokang to be so cautious, he naturally can't blow nonsense in front of the emperor, what is said is very important, and if he hasn't counted it, he hasn't counted it.

Don't talk big, only do practical things, this kind of attitude, Zhu Youxiao appreciates it very much.

Zhu Youxiao said: "Then you can go back and do the math." I needed a production line of 500 flintlock pistols a month, and at the same time I needed to match the bullets; A production line with a monthly output of a hundred hand-cranked machine guns was also needed. In addition to this, a hundred rockets are produced every month. You can go back and calculate how much money you need, and then report what you need to me. ”

"You have to pay attention to the confidentiality of this matter, and you can't let anyone outside know, understand?"

Listening to Zhu Youxiao's words, Bi Maokang hurriedly agreed: "Yes, Your Majesty." ”

Although he didn't calculate it, Bi Maokang still knew it in his heart. According to His Majesty's needs, I am afraid that even steel and gunpowder will have to be expanded. There will be more money needed, and at that time, I am afraid it will not be easy to do.

He also knows why this matter should be kept secret. If the news gets out, it will be even more troublesome, and there will definitely be opposition from outside.

In fact, His Majesty has invested so much money in the Hundred Crafts Academy, and some people have already begun to oppose it. This is not a good sign.

In this regard, Bi Maokang can't help it, he is also very complicated in his heart. He knew that the court had no money, but some money should really be spent.

Zhu Youxiao didn't go to see Bi Maokang, he also understood Bi Maokang's worries, waved his hand and said, "Okay, you can step down." Go back and do your job, there are some things you shouldn't worry about. You just need to manage the Baigong Institute well and do what needs to be done, and that's enough. Do you understand? ”

"Yes, Your Majesty." Bi Maokang hurriedly agreed: "The minister understands. ”

After Bi Maokang left, Zhu Youxiao sighed, his mood was instantly depressed, and he no longer had the heart to bask in the sun.

Turning his head to look at Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao asked, "How much money is still in my inner library?" ”

Zhu Youxiao has always spent money like water, but there is still a balance of silver in the inner treasury, which is to prepare for emergencies.

Once something happens, it's bad if you can't come up with the money. So there has always been a sum of money left in Nekuri.

This time, Zhu Youxiao is ready to take out this emergency fund.

As for the problem of lack of money, Zhu Youxiao has already thought of a way to solve it.

"Back to the emperor, there are seven million eight hundred and sixty-three thousand two hundred taels of silver, and one hundred and twenty-six thousand eight hundred taels of gold." Chen Hong hurriedly said.

Chen Hong had already kept these gold and silver money in his heart and calculated a general account.

Gold can't be touched for the time being, and silver can be taken out and spent. It's just that these more than 7 million taels don't know if it's enough for Bi Maokang.

Speaking of which, it's not necessarily enough. Now with this technical condition, the cost of construction is too high. Zhu Youxiao, who came from later generations, knows very well in his heart that when the technology is rolled out and the supply chain is mature, the cost can be suppressed.

When the world was opened, the cost was not low, and the yield rate was not high, which caused the scrap rate to be particularly high. That's all at a cost. Moreover, the production of weapons must also ensure quality, and this price will go up.

Zhu Youxiao may not be enough to take out all these emergency funds, and it seems that the plan is about to be put on the agenda.

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said, "Okay, I know." Go back and dial one million taels to Bi Maokang first. ”

Although the production line has not yet been expanded, and the cost budget report has not yet arrived, to produce these new things, the Baigong Institute will definitely need money. Even according to the current production capacity, it will cost an additional cost, so this money must be paid.

Give him a million taels first, let him burn it for a while, it's too expensive to engage in scientific research!

Zhu Youxiao knew in his heart that the money had to be spent, but he was still a little distressed.

"Yes, Emperor." Chen Hong respectfully agreed.

Looking at the sun in the sky, Zhu Youxiao muttered: "I can't spend this money, I have to let people pay for it!" ”

n.