Attracting investment may be a good way for Zhu Yongxing, who is financially strapped and wants to develop the Saigon area as soon as possible. Moreover, this is not a modern development path. Historically, more than ten years later, Mo Jiu would adopt this model in the development of Ha Xian and establish a regime - the port state. Therefore, Zhu Yongxing allows not only French, but people from any country to buy land and settle in Saigon, as long as you have a skill, as long as you abide by the law.

After getting rid of the French, Zhu Yongxing listened to a long report from Cai Ming, a waiter of the Ministry of Works, and gave guidance on the relevant work, especially explaining that the manufacture of guns should be stepped up and accelerated.

"That foreign monk said that some machine tools are being shipped from Willalia, and they will be delivered soon, and I hope His Highness will allow him to build a church in Saigon." Cai Ming asked Zhu Yongxing with some doubts: "It is estimated that the Sect Master is not allowed, and this foreign monk has only come to ask His Highness." I don't know what kind of machine Your Highness wants, and what is the use? ”

Willalia? Italian Asia, right? Zhu Yongxing was stunned for a moment, put aside the name question with a smile, and said: "It's a coin machine, in the future, we will not only have copper coins, but also silver coins, the efficiency of this thing is much faster than manual work, and it is just right to transfer all the extra manpower to make guns." ”

At the end of the Renaissance in Europe in the 15th century, artisans began to use machine coinage. Italy was the first to use machinery instead of hammering, followed by Germany, France, Britain and other places, and the 2,000-year-old handmade coinage came to an end. In the early days, there were two main types of spiral presses and roller rollers, which could be driven by manpower, animal power, or hydraulic power.

The production of machine-made coins is not only related to efficiency, but also related to long-term peace and stability in the future. "Fire consumption" originated in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and originally referred to the loss of broken silver when it was melted and recast into silver ingots. Usually, the additional "fire consumption" at the time of taxation is greater than the actual "fire consumption", and the difference goes to the officials. Undoubtedly. This has become a channel for corruption among officials. Some remote prefectures and counties pay less taxes, and the fire consumption is several times higher than the regular tax, which greatly increases the burden on the people.

"I promised Paul to preach in Mekong Province, and as for building a church in Saigon City—" Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment and said, "If the machine is usable, then it will be allowed." This thing. I will inform the Sect of righteousness. ”

Cai Ming knew that the purpose of the machine was explained, and other things were not within the jurisdiction, so he didn't ask more, and instead mentioned the matter of making guns.

"The manufacturing process should be institutionalized, systematic, and theoretical, and it is necessary to know what it is, but also why it is so, and gradually get rid of the teaching mode of word of mouth." Zhu Yongxing knew the energy and time it would take to transform from a small workshop to industrialization, so he could only do his best to transition to industrialization step by step.

"In a month's time, we should be able to produce 50 guns a day. Or more. Cai Ming assured Zhu Yongxing, but also put forward prerequisites, "Of course, this still needs to be invested in order to recruit enough craftsmen." ”

"On the one hand, we need to increase the number of people, and on the other hand, we need to improve production efficiency." Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment and said, "You send someone to the factory to have a look and communicate with those craftsmen." See how you can increase yield and ensure quality. What about wages? It is also best to adopt the piecework system, as well as the quality responsibility system, so that the craftsmen can work more and get more, and try to avoid the decline in product quality. ”

"Your Highness, rest assured, the official will go to the factory in person, and it will definitely make the factory better." Cai Ming thought for a moment. I decided to do it myself.

"As a waiter in the Ministry of Works, you don't have to do everything." Zhu Yongxing pondered for a moment and said, "However, this time it is better for you to go in person and make the rules and regulations clear." Try to solve the problems that arise. Well, seeing is believing, and just looking at the written report, sometimes it can be blinded. ”

"Your Highness, did you hear something?" Cai Ming's heart tightened, thinking that something was wrong, and he was still in the dark.

"Not really." Zhu Yongxing waved his hand and said with a smile: "Don't be so nervous, the arsenal has developed so fast, I am still very satisfied." It's just that it's obviously not enough to be perfect. ”

Cai Ming breathed a sigh of relief and reported on the work of the mirror workshop. Because of the recruitment of foreign glass craftsmen, the source of the material was solved, and the output was greatly improved, and the specifications were not comparable to the rags collected before. However, the research and development of glass and mirrors was carried out in a different way, and was kept secret from foreign craftsmen.

Although Zhu Yongxing does not know how much lead oxide he adds to the glass, whether he adds powder or stirs it with a lead rod, he has this idea, as long as he tries and tests repeatedly, he can explore and make better optical glass.

"I have found some experience, although it is not ideal, but Xia Guan believes that he will soon be able to come up with a product that satisfies His Highness." Cai Ming is still relatively confident in this, and he can be regarded as reporting good news to Zhu Yongxing in advance.

"Introduce, learn, transcend. We must adhere to this development idea in order to avoid detours. Zhu Yongxing expressed his satisfaction at this, and did not forget to continue to admonish, "One word, fast." Now is not the time to slowly explore and research, but to make other people's science and technology available to me as soon as possible. It is not shameful to be able to put down one's body and learn from others, and it is foolish to be arrogant. ”

"Your Highness's admonition, and your majesty will take it to heart."

Cai Ming has a respectful attitude, a showman, who was simply promoted by Zhu Yongxing all the way, and is already a chief official, becoming the core figure around Zhu Yongxing, which is something that he never dared to think of before. Shi died for his confidant, in order to repay Zhu Yongxing's kindness, he did his best and did not dare to slack off.

Zhu Yongxing was also very happy in his heart, first, he saw the achievements of development, and second, the small government has begun to take shape. finally had his own team, grabbed the money and food in his hands, and controlled the army in disguise. As more and more officers were indoctrinated with new ideas and regarded themselves as kings, so did his control over the army.

Although it was a little unpleasant, those officials could not set off a big storm. Playing tricks, hehe, relying on strength to speak hard.

After testing the flintlock pistol and listening to Cai Ming's report, Zhu Yongxing went to the military academy again and gave a lecture, mainly about the gains and losses of the counteroffensive operation and the latest situation at present. After that, I had lunch with the officers who were studying here, and I showed my attention in a friendly manner.

In the afternoon, Zhu Yongxing returned to the Jade Emperor Pavilion and saw that there was no official business, so he walked out and turned back to the mansion. I went straight into the inner room and wanted to take a nap.

waved off the maid, Zhu Yongxing returned to the couch lightly, opened the mosquito net, and looked at the dream beads in the nap. Long, dark eyelashes, a delicate nose bridge, and rosy and plump lips. The curved eyebrows, the white and greasy skin like mutton fat that was not covered by the brocade mattress on the chest of the neck and the towering chest, fell together with the gentle breathing.

Swallowing his saliva, Zhu Yongxing slowly lay on Mengzhu's side, and didn't dare to move his hands and feet, but just got close to Mengzhu's face, smelling the faint fragrance, and only felt calm. Slowly fell asleep.

This sleep was sweet, and when Zhu Yongxing woke up, he was facing a pair of tender eyes.

"Well, what time is it?" Zhu Yongxing blinked, smiled and reached out to hug Mengzhu.

Mengzhu giggled, pecked her moist lips on Zhu Yongxing's face, and buried her head in Zhu Yongxing's arms, "It doesn't matter what time he is." If there is nothing to do left and right, let's lie down with the concubine for a while! ”

Zhu Yongxing smiled happily. Hold Wen Yu Nuan Xiang in his arms and rub it gently.

The big one is the country, and the small one is the home. Now Zhu Yongxing and Mengzhu are a family, and only when they are close to each other can they relax their minds and not think about those complicated things. Enjoy that tranquility and happiness wholeheartedly.

*******************************************************************

Chu Xiong.

Li Dingguo, the king of Jin, held the city wall in his hand and looked at the Ming army that opened the north gate in a steady stream, with a complicated expression.

Zhu Yongxing's edict has been issued, Zhenshuo Bo Wu three provinces, deputy commander-in-chief Wu Yingju, Yu general Gao Mingyu led 5,000 men and horses to march to Jianchang first, and waited for Liu Zhen, the king of Qingyang, to rush to Chuxiong. Then he led the rear army of 3,000 to the rendezvous. Liu Zhen was accompanied by the newly appointed governor of Sichuan, Chen Hongfan, and a number of civilian officials who were to govern the region, while Li Weizuo, who was in the Thirteen Army, was promoted to the governor of Sichuan.

This is a balanced civil service assignment, and improving Li Weizuo's official position will make him more influential, which will also make the thirteen families more contributed. After all, the estrangement between the Great Western Army and the Great Shun Army will not disappear because of Zhu Yongxing's existence, and the thirteen families are far away, and it is difficult to receive help in terms of material and financial resources, so they need to be taken care of in other aspects so as not to feel discriminated against.

Although Zhu Yongxing wrote a letter explaining the purpose of such a troop transfer, there was no better way to say that Li Dingguo would not be allowed to enter Sichuan. It can't be said that he is worried that he will make the same old mistake again, or that he is not liked by the old generals of the Shu Dynasty, right? It is also because the reason is not very convincing that Li Dingguo, the king of Jin, has doubts and dissatisfaction, which is understandable.

Gao Wengui, the prince of Changguo who entered Shu in the early stage, was regarded as the general of Zhao Wang Bai Wenxuan, and this time he entered Sichuan, including Li Dingguo's generals Wu Yingju and Gao Mingyu, which was Zhu Yongxing's helpless move. You can't always transfer all the troops of a certain department and let Bai Wenxuan or Li Dingguo become the commander of the light pole!

Li Dingguo retracted his gaze and sighed abruptly, "The previous discussion was exhausted, but Liu Zhen was temporarily appointed as the coach of Shu." His Royal Highness Min is suspicious? ”

Gao Yinglei, the director of the Department of Etiquette and Etiquette, was a native of Kunming, and when the Great Western Army ran Yunnan Province, he was promoted in the examination and was in Li Dingguo's army. Since Jin Weixin left office, he gradually became Li Dingguo's confidant civil official. Hearing Li Dingguo say this, Gao Yinglei pondered for a moment, and then Wen Yan comforted: "The prince's prestige is far and wide, and His Royal Highness Min leans on his arm, and it is understandable to stay in Yunnan as an enemy of Wu thieves." ”

"The Wu thief has no heart to fight, and His Royal Highness Min must be able to guess it." Li Dingguo shook his head lightly and said: "With King Zhao sitting in Chuxiong, it is enough to resist the enemy, otherwise how can he draw troops into Sichuan at this time?" ”

Gao Yinglei opened his mouth, but he stopped talking. In fact, he could guess Zhu Yongxing's original intention to some extent, and he also felt that it was better to send Liu Zhen into Sichuan first, but he couldn't say it explicitly.

"The prince can write a letter to His Royal Highness Min, Chen said that it is great, please enter Sichuan, presumably His Royal Highness Min will reconsider, right?" Gao Yinglei was silent for a long time, and put forward a suggestion that was not very in line with Li Dingguo's wishes.

Li Dingguo thought for a while, shook his head and said: "There are some things that cannot be understood in the letter, how long does it take to come and go?" With a wry smile, Li Dingguo continued: "Your Highness is so dispatched, you may be suspicious of me at first; Second, it was also very perverse what I did before, and His Royal Highness was worried, so I had to do it as a last resort in order to make a plan for the early decision. ”

The view of the portal is very deep, and the Dian soldiers and Qin soldiers are divided, and the sergeants are separated; Out of suspicion, the front-line general was transferred back to Kunming, Liu Wenxiu died of depression and illness, and his subordinates were dissatisfied with Li Dingguo; When the Qing army was not gathered, it took half a year to wait and see before it came out, and the opportunity was lost; After abandoning Kunming, the command was at a loss and failed to retreat in an organized manner, resulting in the defeat of the army; Listening to the slander, he changed from entering Sichuan to retreating westward, causing Yongli to enter Burma, disappointed at home and abroad, and almost wanted to fall into a catastrophe of annihilation......

After learning from the pain, Li Dingguo, the king of Jin, has felt that today is not yesterday. Thinking of the retreat to the west in the past, the people along the way knew that a catastrophe was coming, and they cried loudly, helping the old and the young to flee westward with the army, but most of them died on the way; Seeing the tragic scene after Yunnan Province was poisoned by the Qing army, which has not yet fully recovered, Li Dingguo was always depressed and ashamed.

Gao Yinglei sighed softly and comforted: "The prince doesn't have to dwell on the past, now the image of Zhongxing has been revealed, and the prince will make a great difference as a famous general, and it is just around the corner to regain his glory." ”

Li Dingguo let out a sullen breath, a look of determination appeared on his face, and said: "I want to go to Mengzi, and I will explain my heart to His Royal Highness Min, and return Huang Cheng." ”

Gao Yinglei was taken aback, and hurriedly persuaded: "The prince can't." Leaving the army without an edict is one of them; The army loses its master, fears that it will fall apart, and this is the second; Third—"

Gao Yinglei wanted to speak and stopped, but Li Dingguo knew what he meant, smiled calmly, and said: "His Royal Highness Min shows people with justice everywhere, how can he live with a young person?" The army lost its master, fell apart, and the public statement was heavy. You can see that Wu Yingju and Gao Mingyu are happy, it can be seen that His Royal Highness has won the heart of the army, and all the generals are looking forward to making meritorious contributions and fighting for a lifetime of wealth, how can they - hehe, hehe. I have made up my mind, send the messenger first, and then set out. ”

Gao Yinglei saw that Li Dingguo had made up his mind, bowed his head and was silent, speculating in his heart about the various results of Li Dingguo's trip to Mengzi.

………………

"I hereby swear to the nationality of the Ming Empire: I completely and utterly renounce allegiance and allegiance to any foreign prince, authority, state, or sovereign to which I have hitherto attached, or to which I am a citizen; I will support and defend the laws of the Ming Empire and oppose all enemies at home and abroad; I will be firm in my faith and unswerving; I will take up arms for the Ming Empire as required by law; I will work in a work that is important to the country under the leadership of the government, as required by law. I voluntarily undertake this obligation, without reservation, and without evasion. ”

The Governor of Mekong Province, Zong Shouyi, later revised the oath of naturalization, picked up the draft of the Property Law, and carefully reviewed it.

In the early stages of development, it is always difficult for a remote area, and the same is true for Mekong Province. Although there was food to support the city, Zhu Yongxing raised it in every possible way, and finally the first batch of immigrants did not suffer from hunger. However, the lack of development funds has always plagued officials such as Zong Shouyi, and has also constrained the construction and development of Saigon. (To be continued......)