Liu Fan was so happy that he couldn't close his mouth all day, even if he was dreaming, he woke up laughing, which made Zhang Yao complain a little about Liu Fan's nervousness. Early the next morning, Liu Fan couldn't wait to find Bai Laila to ask about the specific situation. Seeing that Liu Fan's interest was so high, Bai Laila was also very happy in his heart, so he simply took Liu Fan directly to the arsenal and the temporary residence of these recruited craftsmen to let him inspect in person.

Liu Fan first came to the arsenal, and since the arsenal was presided over by Sun Yuanhua, a big expert, Liu Fan basically didn't have to worry about the affairs of the arsenal. Yesterday, after these craftsmen and muskets and artillery were unloaded, they were directly sent to the arsenal and handed over to Sun Yuanhua for disposal. found Sun Yuanhua, who was busy, and Liu Fan asked directly: "Senior brother! How's it going? Can these guns and arquebuses be made in our arsenal? ”

When Sun Yuanhua heard Liu Fan's inquiry, he frowned and replied, "The structure of these Western firearms is relatively complex, and with our current level, I am afraid it will be difficult to replicate it in a short time!" ”

Liu Fan anxiously asked, "Even with the help of these Western craftsmen, can't it?" ”

Sun Yuanhua smiled bitterly: "No! I've asked about these people, and their level is actually not much higher than our Ming craftsmen! Even if someone knows how to build an arquebus, they don't understand the mechanics, let alone the more high-tech guns! If you want to understand these techniques, I think it will take at least three or four months! ”

Liu Fan was a little disappointed when he heard this, "What should I do then?" Wouldn't that be an empty rejoicing? ”

Hearing Liu Fan's words, Bai Laila explained with some embarrassment, "My lord! You also know that those who can skillfully cast artillery arquebuses in Europe are also in high demand, and they are well paid! The people who can come to the Far East are some down-and-out guys who can't get along, and the level is very limited, and I can't help it! These people are still what we have worked so hard to get from the Governor of Macao! ”

Liu Fan waved his hand and said, "Priest! I know all your difficulties! You don't have to blame yourself! In fact, it is quite unexpected that you can recruit so many people! Since you can't master these techniques for a while! Then concentrate on the Spanish smoothbore gun and the eight-pounder and twelve-pounder guns, which are the technologies we need most now! Brother! How long does it take to produce these three things in large quantities? ”

Sun Yuanhua pondered for a long time before raising his head and replied, "It will take about two months!" But I'm not too sure, arquebus is okay, this cast cannon also needs to consider the material and heat and many other issues, I'll try my best! ”

"Good! Then I'll leave it all to Senior Brother here! Don't be afraid to spend money, if necessary, you can also mention the treatment of craftsmen appropriately, and reward those craftsmen who have ideas and abilities to stimulate their enthusiasm! Liu Fan instructed

Sun Yuanhua said impatiently: "Okay! I know! Don't worry about these things! Just leave it to me! Can't you trust me? ”

Liu Fan was speechless and said with a wry smile, "Okay!" Then I won't say more! Tomorrow I will send someone to send 300,000 taels of silver for my senior brother's research! ”

Sun Yuanhua said directly: "No need! I'll send someone to let you know if needed! If it's okay, you can go! Don't bother with my research! I still have a lot to do! After speaking, he ignored Liu Fan and turned away.

Seeing the back of Sun Yuanhua leaving, Liu Fan helplessly spread his hands, it seems that his senior brother's anger has not disappeared. Coughing dryly, Liu Fan said to Bai Laila: "Father! Let's go somewhere else! I'm interested in the boats you bought, so let's go there first! ”

Bai Laila also saw Liu Fan's embarrassment, and quickly replied, "Yes! My lord! And lead the way for Liu Fan.

A few people left the arsenal and headed for the dock not far from Shihe City, which was a different from the previous one, when there were only a few fishing boats and the occasional merchant ship. In the far side of the dock were not only a few Portuguese warships, but also a large number of merchant ships. And in order to accommodate these newly recruited sailors, Liu Fan also specially ordered people to build a simple camp not far from the dock, so when Liu Fan arrived, he saw a busy scene at the dock!

While a few people were walking, Bai Laila explained to Liu Fan, "My lord! This time, according to your orders, we have purchased a total of five medium-sized merchant ships, eight small merchant ships, and three light warships. More than 600 sailors were recruited, and it was expected to cost more than 150,000 taels of silver. ”

Liu Fan stopped and wondered, "Expected?" ”

Blaira coughed dryly twice and said embarrassedly, "This! Most of the money we spent on kelp was used to buy artillery, seeds, and other things, as well as to recruit craftsmen, and it was basically spent! There is really no money left to buy these expensive warships and merchant ships! I had to negotiate with these shipowners to let them sail directly to Shandong. With your consent, we will purchase again. So these ships don't belong to us yet, most of these shipowners have some goods, and they also have the meaning of trading in Shandong, even if you don't like these ships, they can also make a lot of money with these tight goods! ”

Liu Fan heard that these ships were not his own, and his face was immediately full of black lines, just now he had been wondering, he only gave Bai Laila and others less than 100,000 taels of silver, originally thought that Bai Laila was shrewd and capable, and saved him a lot of money, it seems that this is not the case, it turns out that these ship owners are Bai Laila "fooled" ah! Liu Fan suddenly lost interest and said directly, "Okay!" I'll leave it to you! I will send someone to take care of the price of the ship, you only need to be responsible for the price reduction and translation! And in recognition of your merits, I have decided to appoint you the captain of this caravan! When the ship is bought, you will take office! Official position! Well! Let's tentatively set it up for inspection! ”

Bella hesitated and said, "But my lord! I'm not good at maritime affairs! You'd better let me do something else! ”

Liu Fan patted Bai Laila's shoulder and said, "No, you can't learn!" You've done a good job this time! It's just a caravan! It's not for you to command the battleship to fight, just let you take care of something, and you have your own special person to do it or something, what are you afraid of! What I need most at this stage is your diplomatic skills and network. Rest assured! I won't treat you badly! If you don't want to do it! I'll send someone to replace you in the future!" Extra snacks! I believe that with your talents, you will become one of my most important right-hand men in the future! ”

Seeing that Liu Fan said this, Bai Laila had no choice but to agree with a bitter face! Just when a few people were about to return to Shihe, they met Jia Xiuli and others, and after hearing about Liu Fan's intention, Jia Xiuli warmly invited Liu Fan to their warship to have a look! It just so happened that Liu Fan also wanted to see these mid-17th century sail battleships with his own eyes, so he didn't refuse! (To be continued.) )