Reading guide: Knowing that Zeng Guofan wanted to hand over Yang Zaifu's camp to Xiao Fusi and Bao Chao to take over, Wang Zhu, who was obsessed with ghosts, was on fire for a while, and in front of Liu, Peng, and Yang, he talked about the shortcomings of Zeng Guofan without any scruples.

Wang Ju, who relied on himself as a veteran of Xiangyong, relied on Luo Zenan's prestige to undoubtedly challenge the authority of the supreme commander of Xiangyong.

Zeng Guofan, who thought he could control everything, also began to be confused.

Peng Yulin went out for a while, and led Wang Zhu in.

It turned out that Liu Changyou saw that Zeng Guofan's personal soldiers were too tired, and after eating, he arranged to go to the camp to rest, and only Liu Changyou's personal soldiers were left on the gate to guard. Because these pro-soldiers were all newly recruited, they were not familiar with Xiangyong's generals.

Wang Ju dismounted at Yuanmen, and the accompanying soldiers took the first step to ask the people on the door to report, saying that Lord Wang, who was stationed in Chenzhou, had come and asked to see Lord Zeng.

The people at the door were a little angry when they saw that the pro-soldier who was talking was rude, and said angrily: "Tell Lord Chenzhou that he is not the right time to be old." Master Zeng has just rested, so come back in the afternoon. Mr. Liu was working inside, and he didn't have time to see guests. ”

As soon as Wang Ju heard this, he immediately had a seizure, and kept saying that he wanted to reason with Liu Changyou. was in a lot of trouble, and Peng Yulin walked out in time.

As soon as the errand officer put the tea on the table to Wang Zhu, Zeng Guofan, accompanied by Liu Changyou, walked into the official hall, followed by the errand officer holding the tea.

Wang Ju and Yang Zaifu hurriedly got up to salute, and Wang Ju saluted Liu Changyou again.

Zeng Guofan smiled slightly, pulled up Yang Zaifu with one hand, and Wang Zhu with the other, and said: "Say Cao Cao, Cao Cao will arrive." We drank saliva first, and then went to see the boat together. The boat built by Xueqin and Zimo, I will be surprised when you see it! ”

Zeng Guofan pulled Wang Zhu and Yang Zaifu to sit on his left and right, took a sip of the tea bowl, and suddenly asked Peng Yulin: "Xueqin, have you talked to Hou'an?" ”

Peng Yulin shook his head and said, "Without saying a few words, Wang Yingguan arrived." ”

Zeng Guofan nodded, thought for a while, and then said to Yang Zaifu: "The sailor has only recruited two battalions now, Xueqin Guan with one battalion, and you with one battalion." The two battalions of Lu Yong you are now in charge of, one battalion is handed over to Xiao Fusi for the pipe belt, and the other battalion is handed over to Bao Chunting for the pipe belt. When I returned to the provincial capital, I went to the commission. ”

Before Yang Zaifu could speak, Wang Ju's eyes widened and said: "My lord, Xiao Jiafusi can't read a single big word, how can he be a battalion officer?" and Bao Chunting, who is also blind. What's more, he came from the green camp again, not our Hunan native. Such a person is in charge of one battalion and is lifting him, how can he lead two battalions? My teacher is full of wealth, and you are old enough to let him lead a battalion! Let him take care of two people, don't talk about others, I, Wang Pushan, will not accept it first! ”

Zeng Guofan was stunned for a moment, glanced at Wang Zhu in disbelief, then turned his face and said to Liu Changyou expressionlessly: "Zimo, you have someone to pass them over." We're going to look at the ship now. ”

Zeng Guofan said to Wang Zhu again: "Pushan, you saddle your horse all the way, so you don't have to go to the riverside." ”

Liu Changyou got up and said, "Pushan must still be hungry, I'll go to the kitchen to get Pushan to eat." ”

Wang Ju hurriedly got up and said, "My lord went to see the boat, how could I be without Wang Pushan!" Lord Liu, you don't need Zhang Luo, I've already eaten. I accompanied the adults to see the boat. ”

Liu Changyou pushed the door and said, "Then I'll send someone to the camp to pass Fusi over." ”

Liu Changyou strode out of the meteor.

Zeng Guofan did not answer Wang Zhu's words, which made Wang Zhu very unhappy. With a sneering face, a person buried his head and drank tea, no longer speaking.

Peng Yulin and Yang Zaifu both knew in their hearts that Wang Ju was talking to Zeng Guofan about the advantages and disadvantages of Xiao Fusi and Bao Chao, but in his heart he actually wanted to take over the two battalions left by Yang Zaifu, but it was not easy to say.

Probably even Wang Zhu himself didn't expect that Zeng Guofan would embarrass himself in front of others.

Zeng Guofan, under the leadership of Liu Changyou and Peng Yulin, came to the shipyard by the river.

Everyone first accompanied Zeng Guofan to look around, and then, Liu Changyou and Peng Yulin called hundreds of water warriors to come over, and used ropes, ropes, and people to push the two painted large tows, which were transported from the shipyard to the river embankment, and then dragged into the water little by little by the river embankment. In order to prevent the sand and gravel from grinding through the bottom of the ship, experienced craftsmen laid round bamboo poles on the ground in advance. Hauling is not only labor-saving, but also has no damage to the bottom of the boat.

After the two moulders, the round bamboo poles all become bamboo splits, and the weight of the moulders can be imagined.

Zeng Guofan was amazed by the wisdom of the craftsmen, and he didn't expect that the drag would be so heavy.

The normal towing in Hunan originally required 28 captains to operate the oars. However, because the tow designed by Peng Yulin was super large, 40 oars were installed. In other words, forty captains were required to paddle.

The captain and sailor have been selected a long time ago, one must be strong, and the other must be excellent in the water.

As the two tows were launched, the captain and the sailor jumped out of the boat and took their places.

For the sake of safety, Liu Changyou and Peng Yulin invited Zeng Guofan to sit on the shore and watch, while the two of them accompanied the ship for sea trial.

Yang Zaifu followed Liu and Peng to the boat, and Wang Ju also followed the three to the boat in order to see the strangeness.

Xiao Fusi saw that the ship was about to start, and hurriedly begged Zeng Guofan: "My lord, I will stay with your old side, and I also want to go up and have a look." ”

Zeng Guofan whispered: "Fu Si, you can't go up, I have something to say to you in a while." ”

Xiao Fusi didn't dare to say anything more.

Liu Changyou said loudly at this time: "My lord, everything is ready, you can always give orders." ”

Zeng Guofan stood up, pointed at Jiang Xin with his hand, and said to Xiao Fusi: "Tell them, start the boat!" ”

Xiao Fusi shouted loudly: "Your Excellency has an order, start the boat!" ”

With an order, Tu Gu slowly left the river bank and drove towards the center of the river very smoothly. The people of the shipyard stopped to watch, and as the ship started, there was soon a cheer. The pro-soldiers on the shore also jumped up and down, and they were very happy.

Zeng Guofan squinted his eyes and observed carefully, but saw that the draught was very deep, and it was very difficult for the captain to paddle.

Zeng Guofan whispered to himself: "If the speed is faster, it will probably be better." ”

Xiao Fusi said: "It's good to be able to row away such a big thing, how can you get up quickly?" ”

Zeng Guofan looked at the boat for a while, and suddenly asked Xiao Fusi in a low voice: "Fusi, if one day you go to be a battalion officer, you must do three things. ”

Xiao Fusi was stunned: "My lord, you have no head and no brain, how do you always talk about this?" Fu Si left your old side, how to rest assured? If my mother asks me, how is your uncle's body and bones, and how many bowls of rice can you eat in one meal, how can you let me answer? I am not a battalion officer, and I will guard you all my life! ”

After listening to Xiao Fusi's words, Zeng Guofan only felt that his heart was hot, and his eyes immediately turned a little red.

He stabilized his emotions and said slowly: "Fu Si, you have to take my words to heart. If you become a battalion officer, you must find a way to read and write. If you recognize the words, you will be able to read the military book. Only when you understand the book of war can you fight wars and build great achievements. Second, dare to rush forward when fighting. You are not afraid of death, so that the brothers in the camp will obey you. As for the third thing, it is that you can never love money. If you don't love money, you won't deduct military salaries, and the helpers and sentinels below will naturally not dare to mess around. If the top is not right, the bottom is crooked. From ancient times to the present day, this has been the case. This is an eternal law. Fu Si, you repeat my words. ”

Xiao Fusi's eyes widened and said, "My lord, do you really want me to be a battalion officer?" I'm afraid that I won't do a good job, and I'll be embarrassed for you, and my mother won't spare me! Your Excellency, you might as well send out the courtiers. He's going to be a battalion officer! ”

Zeng Guofan said: "Fu Si, you are talking nonsense again!" You go to be a battalion officer, and the ministers will take over the pro-barracks. ”

When Li Chendian heard this, he jumped high with joy, but he still asked in disbelief: "My lord, did I really take the upgrade tube?" How do I doubt it's not true? Master, slap me in the face. If it's a dream, you slap it down and the dream will wake up! ”

Zeng Guofan smiled: "You two don't make trouble. After seeing the ship, Fu Si first handed over to the minister's office, and then went to the big camp office with Hou'an. I will make up for it when I return to the province. ”

After the ship docked, Zeng Guofan, with the support of Xiao Fusi and Li Chendian, also came to the ship.

As soon as the people on the boat saw Zeng Guofan on the boat, they hurriedly gathered over.

Liu Changyou asked proudly: "My lord, how do you always look at the drag of this Xueqin design?" It's okay to put on the cannon and shoot the long hair, right? ”

Zeng Guofan didn't say anything, and first took Liu, Peng, Yang, and Wang to look around in the cabin.

Zeng Guofan looked at it for a long time before saying: "This is quite similar to the big official ship transporting grain in the countryside, I don't know what kind of love it is when it is used in battle?" If the cannon is fired, will it be able to shatter the ship's planks? You have to think of all of this! Where's the Sentry Chief? Where's the driver? ”

Peng Yulin said: "Back to the adults, the sentry commanders are all on the deck, with Shui Yong; The steward is in the cabin, and at the top is the place where the battalion officer gives orders. The back was filled with grain, marbles, gunpowder, etc. During the battle, the water warriors lie on the deck around, fire muskets or bow and arrows, and if they are close to the thief ship, they use hook guns to hook the enemy ship and jump over to fight, which is relatively close to the land route. ”

Zeng Guofan strolled to the deck again, and saw that around the deck, a high iron barrier was erected. There are countless square holes in the retaining wall, which is supposed to be the place where Shui Yong opened his cane and shot his musket. The captain and sailor were on the lower deck.

Zeng Guofan looked at it for a long time, and suddenly asked: "I forgot a big thing, where is this place to set off artillery?" The long-haired warships all have artillery. To fight on the river, you can't rely on bows and arrows alone, and you can't have guns without artillery. The tactics in the Battle of Chibi are no longer available! ”

Yang Zaifu pointed to a high platform on the bow of the boat and said, "My lord, you always look there." That high platform is the one that prepares the artillery mount. If you install a gun mount, it's a fort! A cannon is placed in the front and rear. Fire the front cannon when chasing the enemy, and fire the rear cannon when retreating. The only drawback is that it can't turn. If the hairy turret can turn, we will be passive. ”

Peng Yulin said: "I am discussing with the craftsmen and trying to find a way to come out. ”

Zeng Guofan listened to Peng Yulin's speech while looking up. On the top of the bow of the ship, an iron platform was welded with iron sheets. On the four sides of the high platform, there is a layer of iron wall, and a large gap is opened in front, which is supposed to be used for artillery. The surrounding iron walls were apparently used to conceal musketeers and gunners.

Zeng Guofan saw that the ship was docked, so he asked Xiao Fusi to help him get off the boat, and said: "This kind of ship can probably fight, but it's a little slow!" Yingyi's fire wheel is much faster than that! I don't know how much silver taels it costs to buy a Yingyi steamer? If you have the chance, find a way to inquire. ”

Yang Zaifu said: "It's probably going to be a million taels, right?" I heard that Yingyi's steamer relied on burning coal, and he didn't know why it went so fast? And black smoke! ”

Zeng Guofan said: "Fortunately, the long-haired sailors only have a few such coal-burning steamers!" Yingyi is half-baked, but the utensils are clever! When Yingyi came here by boat, you have to find a way to go up and take a look, Zimo, I estimate that there will be more than forty days, ten tugs, ten long crabs, it should be complete, right? ”

Liu Changyou said with a smile: "The lower official only supervises the work for Xueqin. You always have to ask Xueqin about these things. Xueqin, you are an expert in this area, you talk to adults. ”

Peng Yulin said: "If there is nothing else, I think it will be completed in more than 30 days, my lord, we can't just have a tow and a long crab, right?" ”

Zeng Guofan said: "The sailor only has a drag and a long crab!" Large and small ships, not too many, have to reach 200 to become a shape. There should also be some civilian ships. ”

Peng Yulin said: "According to this, if it is sorted out, I'm afraid it will take a year!" ”

Zeng Guofan frowned and said, "If you wait for a year, the long-haired climate will be big." If you want to compete with him, it's even harder! ”

Yang Zaifu said at this time: "My lord, I have an idea. We only build 10 towboats and 10 long crabs, and for the rest of the boats, we might as well buy civilian boats and transform them into gunboats. ”

Zeng Guofan hesitated and said, "This is a feasible solution. It's just that we probably won't be able to come up with that much money at one time. Silver is needed for the training of sailors, silver for food, and silver for buying guns and hired workers. I also have to buy gunpowder, marbles, and forced codes. You need silver for everything! ”

Liu Changyou said: "We can discuss with the boat owner and repay the ship payment in a few steps." ”

Zeng Guofan said: "I'll think of a way to do this after I go back to the province." I'm going to talk to Pushan on the boat, and you can arrange for the people who guard the boat. Fu Si, if you have anything to explain, you can explain it to the ministers. Xueqin, you can also talk to Houan about the exercises. Pushan, you come with me on the boat, I have something to say to you. ”

After Zeng Guofan finished speaking, he walked towards the big ship. When the two soldiers saw it, they hurried over to help.

Wang Ju hesitated, but he had to bite the bullet, followed behind Zeng Guofan, and walked towards the boat step by step. (End of chapter)