Although Suizhou in Xiangyang Prefecture, Yunyang Prefecture and De'an Prefecture was successively in the bag, Zhao Ying's military administration was basically still located in Fanhe City. Zhao Dangshi personally led the troops to garrison Xiangyang Fucheng, but in recent times, there have been many government affairs, and he often has to run on both sides, so he simply entrusted the military affairs in the camp to Guo Ruke, Han Gon and Ma Guangchun for the time being, and returned to Fanhe City.

Xiying, Cao Ying and other thieves have fled out of Sichuan to return to Chu and Henan, and the situation in Sichuan has been greatly eased, and it is imminent to re-establish contact with the Confucian family along the border and open up the procurement and transshipment channels of various commercial goods. As the pre-planner of this matter, Lu Qiqing was ordered to continue to be responsible for the advancement, and he has been helping He Kewei deal with the relationship with the Chudi Merchant Guild since the beginning of April, and set off to re-enter Sichuan in early April. But this time he was accompanied by other battalions of Chinese martial arts - Qin Qigong, Sun Weizheng, Deng Longye, Man Ning and Zheng Shiqi.

After more than two years of management, the county's military, government, and people are all arranged in an orderly manner, especially in the friendship with the local gentry, Qin Qigong showed his ability to consolidate and develop his power in the Shizhou Weiti family in the past.

The gentry was most resistant to outsiders infringing on their own interests, so Qin Qigong did not provoke this tiger whisker. Taking agriculture as an example, in order to clear out enough acres of tun land, he focused his main efforts on the gentry who had destroyed their families before and after the Battle of Fanhe City, and carefully measured some ownerless abandoned land in the mountainous areas of the county, and the results were remarkable. In particular, the Chu family, where Chu Xidi is located, occupies most of Zaoyang's plastered fields, and Chu Xidi committed the crime of treason, and the property under the name of the Chu family was collected in the army, and no one dared to say a word. In addition, in order to get the support of the main local gentry in Zaoyang after the Chu family, Qin Qigong also divided part of the industry to them, so that not only Tuntian was not a problem, but Zhao Ying's other decrees were even more unhindered in Zaoyang.

At present, all the prefectures and counties of Xiangyang Prefecture are under control, and there is no need for Zaoyang County, which operates in a step-by-step and orderly manner, to focus on operation. Zhao Dangshi transferred Qin Qigong out in due time and asked him to go to Sichuan to operate for him first.

Whether it is Qin Qigong, Chang Zeyu or Gu Junen, when planning the strategic layout for Zhao Ying, Sichuan is in a position that cannot be ignored. Zhao Dangshi is also well aware of Sichuan's strategic position. If Huguang is an enterprising industry, then Sichuan is the foundation of success. If you want to dominate the world, Huguang and Zhao Ying, the two provinces of Sichuan, are indispensable, just as Gu Junen said when he privately speculated about the strategic goal of the army: "If the king wants to achieve a great cause, it is useless to monopolize Henan, and he must sit in Shaanxi at the same time." ”

Considering the current strategic situation and the identity of Zhao Ying's officers and soldiers, Zhao Dangshi has not yet been able to brazenly get involved in Sichuan, but through the intelligence transmitted by the Sichuan rudder of the Secret Service Division, it can be seen that Sichuan Jingxi and Cao Erying are in trouble, and the situation at the moment is very erosive.

The current governor of Sichuan, Liao Daheng, originally joined the military under the standard of the governor, but took the opportunity to take the position because his predecessor Shao Jiechun was dismissed by Yang Sichang. When the first Sichuan suppressed the Kou, the thieves made up a ballad, "There was Governor Shao in front of him, and he often came to the troupe to dance; Later, Liao joined the army, and he followed me without a fight; Good Yang Cabinet Department, three days away from me", to mock the incompetence of officials, including Liao Daheng. Yang Sichang aside, Shao Jiechun was actually honest and rigorous, virtuous and political, and when he was arrested, hundreds of people cried, ships filled the river and even small-scale riots. In contrast, Liao Daheng, who was considered to have been in the shadow from the beginning of his tenure, was indeed incapable and powerless in his jurisdiction, even if he was in charge of the Sichuan army, most of them did not listen to the dispatch of those who were self-reliant. Therefore, at present, the forces of all parties in Sichuan are staggered, and it is not an exaggeration to say that they are divided.

If Sichuan is ironclad, it is not easy to start, Zhao Dangshi sent Qin Qigong out of the horse, in order to take the opportunity to fish in troubled waters. The task he gave Qin Qigong was two layers: shallow and deep. On a shallow level, cooperate with the Confucian family, gather all forces in Sichuan, and try to muddy the water; At a deeper level, integrate the Sichuan thieves and secretly build an army to lay the foundation for Zhao Ying's future actions. Qin Qigong is very confident, and he has never shirked Zhao Dangshi's appointment, and this time is the same. Sun Weizheng has been partnering with him for a long time as a deputy, and he has a tacit understanding with each other, and he also continues to serve. The two of them represent the Chengxuan Governor's Yuan.

Deng Longye and Man Ning were both pro-raised commanders and commanded subordinates. The members of the division are all first-class talents elected by various military departments, and they are close to Zhao Dangshi, and they have the opportunity to be appreciated by Zhao Dangshi and promoted to be sent as officers. Deng and Man performed well in the process of snatching out Zhu Yousong, the king of Dechang, and were able to attract attention. The army was built in Sichuan, and there were few generals, and the two of them represented the Soldiers and Horses Unified Academy.

After the completion of the book "Hengyan of the World", the responsibility of the Unified Power Envoy Department became more and more important, whether it was the army or the Political Division, the personnel under the Unified Power Envoy Division were everywhere, and Sichuan was no exception. He represents the Unified Powers Inspection Institute, which belongs to the Unified Powers Embassy Division.

Sichuan is a virgin land for Zhaoying, and only the three academies of politics, military, and thinking cooperate at the same time, which is called stable.

Lu Qiqing sent Qin Qigong and the others out of the Three Military Mansions, and heard Zhao Dangshi say: "When you and them arrive at Yankou Town, you can part ways." In the past, the relationship between businessmen from all over Sichuan can be investigated again, and the transit stations along the way can also be inspected on the spot. I won't say much about that, you know better than I do. ”

"It's subordinate." Lu Qiqing replied, "When the thieves in Sichuan were in turmoil, their subordinates also maintained correspondence with the Sichuan merchants, and my Zhao Ying needed them. He added, "Kong Qingnian is already a giant in eastern Sichuan, and he is also very attractive to those Sichuan businessmen. ”

"Hmm......" Zhao Dangshi fell into deep thought. Since Kong Qingnian agreed to cooperate with Zhao Ying, he has always been obedient when he asks for people to give people and money. Of course, there is an element of loving his daughter, but Zhao Dangshi believes that Kong Qingnian's doing this must be related to his own character and ability. Speaking of character, Kong Qingnian is a person who attaches great importance to keeping promises and repaying kindness; Speaking of ability, he is afraid that he can see the potential of the thriving Zhao Ying. Using character and ability as a bond is more reliable than simply taking hostages.

"You met Kong Qingnian and told him that Xin'er is all right, and she is about to grow into a slim girl. In less than two years, I will personally visit her with her. ”

Lu Qiqing said yes in a loud voice, thinking that Zhao Dangshi was particular about what he said. On the one hand, he appeased Kong Qingnian, and on the other hand, he showed his ambition. What does "home visit" mean? Leading the army into Sichuan, soft and rigid, soft and hard, is really the true character of the hero.

Kong Qingnian's daughter Kong Xin has a good relationship with Huaqing, she became a godsister in the morning, and not long ago, she moved from Fanhecheng to Xiangwangfu to live with Huaqing, day and night. Thinking of Kong Xin, Zhao Dangshi unconsciously thought of Huaqing. Zhao Dangshi did not forget the promise given to Huaqing, he continued: "Don't forget what I mentioned to you a few days ago. ”

Lu Qiqing was stunned for a moment, recalled it, and hurriedly said: "How dare my subordinates forget, when the matter in Sichuan is decided, my subordinates will go north and go to Ruifan to meet him." ”

Zhao Dangshi sighed and said: "Rui Fan and his party, I'm afraid it's not so easy, no matter how good or bad, wait for your news." ”

Lu Qiqing promised twice, paused, and said: "When the subordinates are leaving, there are also two things to tell the lord. ”

"Say."

"A ...... about firearms"

Zhao Dangshi nodded and said, "I was just about to ask." Arranged for Lu Puyi to make three kinds of cannons, more than half a year has passed, why is there no movement at all? ”

"Lord, it's easy to draw a scoop according to the gourd, but it takes time to build a new standard of cannon. Up to now, the development of the 500-kilogram Da Folang machine gun has been largely completed, and the 2,000-kilogram No. 2 Hongyi cannon used in field battles has also been outlined. It's just that the cannon is still more than eighty percent of the bomb when it is test-fired, and it is difficult to keep it high, so it can only be slowly scheduled and calibrated, and the gun truck required to carry the gun is also a problem. As for the 5,000-pound Hongyi cannon, there is no eyebrow yet. ”

"Can't help the Franc man?" Zhao Dangshi frowned.

"It's a lot of effort, but it's just such a result...... Lu Qiqing sighed again and again, "Those Franc people are exhausted, how can they have some skills, and they are also not perfect." ”

Zhao Dangshi nodded secretly and asked, "Then what does the Franco machine man suggest?" ”

Lu Qiqing replied truthfully: "They said that either the requirements for making artillery should be relaxed, such as changing from 5,000 jin to 8,000 jin, and the explosion control should be around 70 percent......

Zhao Dangshi sneered: "If that's the case, what's the point of me putting so much effort into making a new cannon by myself?" ”

Lu Qiqing hurriedly said: "Those Francophone people also said that if they don't change their requirements, unless they find someone who is proficient in mathematical geometry to help, they will not be able to build the cannon that the lord wants." ”

Zhao Dangshi said unhappily: "If there were masters of this level in our battalion, I would have driven all these Franc machine people home." These Francophiles are clearly poor in donkey skills and want to play scoundrels. ”

"My subordinates thought the same thing, but when I passed through Xiangyang Mansion some time ago, Yang Senjun told me about personal ......"

"Yang joins the army?" Zhao Dangshi was suspicious, "He is looking for you?" "Zhao Ying's surname Yang is only Yang Zhaofeng in the army, the army of Xiangyang Fucheng is separated from the political secretary of Fan Hecheng, and Yang Zhaofeng can't fight with Lu Qiqing, why did he take the initiative to find him?

Lu Qiqing said: "Yes, Yang joined the army. He told me that Xiang Ri was at the Jiulian Lantern Pass in the west of Gucheng County, and he had seen a man who might be beneficial to the firearms workshop. At that time, his subordinates were having a headache about the Buddha Machine, so they sent a few people to visit privately with the mentality of a dead horse being a live horse doctor, and found out that the person was the presiding officer of the local Catholic Temple in Shenya, who was quite familiar with the calendar and was very famous in the local area. The subordinates talked to that person again, and learned that he was actually a classmate of Tang Ruowang, the official of the imperial court, so they thought that maybe they could invite him to work for the firearms workshop. ”

Qin Tianjian is in charge of observing celestial phenomena, pushing solar terms, and setting the calendar, and has high requirements for the mathematical and geometric aspects of the officials in the interior. Since then, there have been many figures in the Qin Heavenly Prison, and John Tang is the most famous among them. Tang Ruowang not only translated almanacs, pushed astronomy, and made instruments, but later was ordered by the imperial court to supervise the construction of war cannons, and dictated many principles and techniques such as cannon smelting, maintenance, transportation, operation, gunpowder preparation, and projectile production. Lu Puyi has expressed his admiration for Tang Ruowang in front of Zhao Dangshi more than once, if the "Shen Yafan people" in Lu Qiqing's mouth are indeed Tang Ruowang's classmates, and he is good at recruiting, he may really be able to help Zhao Ying overcome the difficulties in artillery development.

It's just that Zhao Dangshi still has concerns: "That person presides over the temple, if he takes the opportunity to spread God among our army, what can he do?" ”

Lu Qiqing responded: "Don't worry, I don't think that the Lord will spread in my Heavenly Dynasty for a day or two, and I haven't seen Sheng Shi and Taoism." Besides, Shen Ya's Catholic Temple is very large, and those people preside over it and spare no effort to promote God, so I can't accept it, but he can still spread over. It's been many years now, and just looking at one place in northern Chu doesn't have much effect, and the same must be true in other places. It can be seen that the people of our Celestial Empire have their own beliefs, and it is not the turn of God to teach. He cleared his throat and said in a slightly confident tone, "Besides, even if the Lord really has a miraculous effect, there are still passages in the Red Book of our camp where the Lord and God talk and laugh, and there is no conflict, and the two may not be incompatible. ”

Zhao Dangshi pondered for a long time, and said: "Okay, let's try it first, and be sure to monitor closely after inviting those people." If there is a difference, it is necessary to take decisive measures. ”

Lu Qiqing said: "Obey the orders of the lord." ”

Zhao Dangshi continued: "One more thing?" ”

"Yes." The more Lu Qiqing spoke, the more energetic he became, and this mental state was what Zhao Dangshi admired the most, "My subordinates have been working with He Nei Envoy in the past few months to discuss various matters in Chu Di, and they have had a lot of contact with Lin Wuzhang of the Zheng family. Recently, I heard him complain that the thieves in Wuchang and Huangzhou have been rampant, which has seriously affected the trade routes...... The 5,000 bird guns transported from Hangzhou are now all stranded in Anqing Mansion, and it is difficult to trace the river into Chu, hoping that the lord can deal with it. ”

Five thousand bird guns are the materials used by the Zheng family to offset the money in the early stage, Zhao Dangshi has heard of it for a long time, but it was the news a few months ago, and he has not asked about it for many months, and he didn't think that these bird guns are still backlogged on the road and cannot be moved. Ordinary small fights, the internal affairs department itself has the ability to solve them, but it can involve large-scale military affairs, and Lu Qiqing wants to seek help from the army.

"Okay, I got it." Zhao Dangshi said, thinking secretly. Lu Qiqing's words came neither early nor too late, just at the right moment, in fact, just yesterday, Zhao Dangshi and Gu Junen discussed the situation in Huguang. One of the most important is to drive all the thieves near the chaotic Wuchang Mansion away from Chudi.