"One thousand four hundred and sixty-two spears, one hundred and eighteen waist knives, one thousand four hundred and twenty-six shields, one hundred and eight foot bows and several arrows!"

Zheng Chenggong was dumbfounded as he read the data on the document sent from the arsenal. He recalled carefully that this time he sent troops, there were several battles, and there was an encirclement and annihilation battle that resulted in thousands of gains. He also destroyed a stronghold, but only gained seven or eight.

There were hundreds of weapons, some of which were old and defective. According to his memory, when he went on the expedition, the arsenal was already empty. Unexpectedly, when he came back, there were so many more weapons. It was estimated that even the expansion of the army would be insufficient.

It's almost enough, the only difference is to adjust the structure of the troops.

"Yes, Guo Xing, the inventory and account books of the arsenal were inspected by the general himself yesterday, and there are absolutely no errors. Moreover, it is not just these, the seven hundred new soldiers in Nan'ao Town are also fully armed. If that

Counting batches, it’s hard to say whether the arsenal can be released.”

When Hong Xu said this, Chen Bao nodded solemnly under Zheng Chenggong's gaze. Weapons did not appear out of thin air. As far as Zheng Chenggong knew, Chen Bao was just training hard during his expedition.

The recruits in Nan'ao Town have not participated in any military operations, and in terms of trade, no matter where they are, the external circulation of weapons is subject to great control, not to mention there are so many.

It seems now that the only possibility of the source of these weapons is the output of the weapons workshop, and Zheng Chenggong also clearly remembers that the person in charge of the weapons workshop under the general's camp is a man who can perform miracles.

!

"Chen Shenjun seems to have been busy these past few months."

Thinking of Chen Kai, Zheng Chenggong rarely laughed. This scholar claimed that he came to Fujian only after serving Emperor Longwu. Now under his command, he also showed extraordinary talents, which always gave him a mysterious feeling.

There is a sense of providence in it.

Before the expedition, he had thought more than once that the fact that Chen Kai traveled thousands of miles south and was able to reach Nan'ao Island safely might be because the ancestors of the Ming Dynasty were protecting him openly and secretly. But now, in just a short period of time,

In three or four months, Chen Kai has prepared the weapons for his upcoming new round of military expansion, which are completely different from those before. And the bigger problem is that he really only has so many weapons in his hands.

There are not many craftsmen who can achieve such achievements on such a basis, which is even more valuable.

"Chen Shenjun supervises the craftsmen to build weapons every day, and he always comes up with fantastic ideas. The general thought that this man was talented and could be of great use. But there was also a bad thing, that is, a month ago, all the iron materials in the warehouse were destroyed

The weapons workshop was completely exhausted, but it had to stop work for two days, waiting for the arrival of the sea ship before it could restart."

Nan'ao Island is not South Australia, which is rich in mineral reserves. Iron ore is not without it, but it is only scattered and the reserves are pitifully low. Since Zheng Chenggong started his army, as long as South Australia cannot satisfy the raw materials, he has to rely on sea trade. Originally, he had to rely on sea trade to obtain raw materials.

Fujian's iron smelting industry was extremely developed during the Ming Dynasty, and the quality of Fujian iron was well-known at home and abroad. However, now that the war is in chaos, output has inevitably dropped sharply, and even other regions have been affected to a greater or lesser extent.

However, even in this situation, with just a dozen blacksmiths, Chen Kai was able to turn all the iron materials stored in the warehouse into weapons, and there was also overcapacity due to insufficient raw materials, which is unimaginable.

of.

Hong Xu said these words with a smile, and Zheng Chenggong's expression became even more different. It was not only a re-evaluation of Chen Kai's ability, but also the surprise that Hong Xu praised Chen Kai so highly.

"Well, it seems that we have to invite Chen Canjun. Maybe he will have other ideas."

Zheng Chenggong said this, but he focused his attention on Chen Bao. Chen Bao was dissatisfied with Chen Kai. This was known to everyone in the camp before going out to recruit the general. Now that Chen Kai has been praised by Hong Xu, Zheng Chenggong

Chen Bao also expressed his affirmation, but Chen Bao not only did not express any objection, but also seemed to have a faint approval on his face, but he did not put it into words.

The nearly four months of the expedition were neither long nor short, but changes had begun to appear before Zheng Chenggong's eyes. His curiosity about Chen Kai had also increased.

"The general thinks that the country should go to the weapons workshop in person to see the situation there. It can no longer be explained clearly by describing it."

"oh?"

………………

In the morning of October 21, the third year of Longwu, Zheng Chenggong's army returned in triumph. Chen Kai came to duty less than two hours later than usual. However, the impact of the army's triumphant return on the weapons workshop was limited.

So far, everything is still in order and according to the usual work flow. The only exception is that when the roll call was taken early, Chen Kai was not in charge this time.

The morning's work was completed step by step. When it was time to eat, the craftsmen came out of the new factory area and returned to the newly built canteen in the old factory area. First, they washed their hands in the pool at the door, and then lined up with the workers.

I received my meals at the window of the kitchen connected to the canteen, and ate at the long tables in the canteen.

Today’s menu is about tofu again, probably because the cooperative relationship with that tofu shop has not ended yet. Fortunately, the three responsible cooks in the kitchen are not as overbearing as You Hong, even if there are

It’s been tofu for seven or eight days, and at least they know how to change the dishes. Today they’ll braise it, and tomorrow they’ll stir-fry dried tofu. They can always come up with something new. The craftsmen are not willing to offend the three supervisors for such trivial matters, let alone

If Chen Kai is upset over some trivial matter, he can live with it as long as he is full. At least, refilling the bowl is a matter of course, but this is a rule that does not exist elsewhere.

After lunch, they can rest for a while in the canteen, or even lie down on the long table for a while. When it is time to start work, the supervisor will sound the gong to remind them, and then they will leave the canteen and return to the newly built work sheds in the new factory area.

, inside the shop, started working again.

In the arms workshop, the sounds of hammers hitting iron felts, axes and saws splitting wood could be heard one after another, and occasionally there were shouts from supervisors, but it was nothing like the first time Chen Kai and Zheng Chenggong came here to inspect. That inspection,

As far as Zheng Chenggong is concerned, it was the last time he came to the weapons workshop. Counting the time, it has been almost half a year. However, this time he came here again, let alone anything else, it was just the first sight of this place.

It already made him feel as if he hadn't been here for decades.

Due to the need to save money, the outer wall of the new weapons workshop is still a rammed earth structure, which is no different from the previous one. While still far away, Zheng Chenggong had already seen the Juma propped up in front of the gate. The weapons workshop

The military atmosphere still made him nod his head. When he got closer, the gatekeepers stood up straight and scanned the people passing by with bright eyes.

"It's my brother who refuses to let Ke Chenmei lead the troops."

The soldiers were in good spirits, and their vigilance and might made Zheng Chenggong very satisfied. When they came closer, the soldiers stepped forward and showed their waist badges. The soldiers guarding the gate quickly saluted Zheng Chenggong, and then there was another one at the door.

The military officer came to guide Zheng Chenggong.

"You keep your door and don't worry about me."

The officer took the order and left, but he still ordered a soldier to rush to the official room to notify Chen Kai. When he heard that Zheng Chenggong was coming, Chen Kai also straightened his clothes and hurriedly came out to greet him.

"Your Majesty, Chen Kai, has seen the country's surname."

"Chen joins the army without any courtesy. I, Lord Chen, and Uncle Hong are just here to observe."

After paying homage to Zheng Chenggong and greeting Chen Bao and Hong Xu, Chen Kai led the way. The weapons workshop was no longer what it used to be. Chen Kai led Zheng Chenggong and others to follow the gate. On the left were the kitchen, canteen and bathhouse.

On the right side is the original small courtyard and a warehouse.

The old factory area has now been transformed into a living area and administrative area by Chen Kai. No longer out of the official office, you can still see the blacksmith working in the courtyard. All the work functions of the weapons workshop have been placed in the small courtyard.

New factory area.

Zheng Chenggong walked into it, and the two rows of houses on the left and right were lined up on both sides of the flat and clean avenue. At this moment, the craftsmen were working in the new factory area. In the old factory area, there were only a few cooks, cooks, and handymen coming and going.

Some are busy moving raw materials, some are transporting finished weapons from the new factory area to the warehouse, and some are fetching water and rice under the command of the cook. But let’s not mention the others, only those who serve.

Every one of the laborers in the corvee was very motivated, not as lazy as he had seen elsewhere.

Corvee service is a forced assignment by the government. It is a luxury for those who serve in corvee to have food and clothing. Naturally, it is natural for them to seek opportunities to be lazy. Even if they work hard, they must have the whip of the supervisor at their side. A scene like this is not to be said.

Elsewhere, even in the Ming Dynasty for more than two hundred years, it was extremely rare, and the probability was even lower than that of an upright official like Chu Hai Rui.

Seeing this, Zheng Chenggong was about to ask Chen Kai how he trained these handymen. Unexpectedly, when he turned around, he was immediately attracted by the white calligraphy written on both sides of the small courtyard door of the official office.

Attention.

"Come to work happily and go home safely."

Zheng Chenggong recited these words silently, but there was nothing impassioned or passionate about them, and some were just plain and straightforward. But put yourself in the shoes of the craftsmen, and in the eyes of the craftsmen, weren't these fourteen characters a reflection of their inner desires?

"The word Chen Canjun is written, well, it's very innovative."

Smiling slightly, Zheng Chenggong didn't say anything. Whether he was satisfied or disdainful, at least it didn't show it. Chen Kai was not interested in speculating about this. In his opinion, these fourteen words were nothing compared to saving the country and the people.

Big slogans are more effective in improving the work enthusiasm of craftsmen. Even if Zheng Chenggong didn't like it, he had no intention of changing it, let alone Zheng Chenggong didn't say anything else.

When big names like Zheng Chenggong, Chen Bao, and Hong Xu came to inspect, Chen Kai had to lead the way. Even if they didn't know him, seeing Chen Kai like this, those cooks, Kudin, soldiers, and handymen from the weapons workshop

They all bowed politely and watched Chen Kai lead these big shots into the new factory area.

A wall was specially used to divide the old and new factory areas. There were gates on the wall so that inventory and personnel could come and go freely. While Chen Kai explained the functional differences between the old and new factory areas, he led them into the new factory area. However, after entering

In the new factory area, he took the lead in signaling to everyone that they could continue working without going through the red tape. Zheng Chenggong and others also expressed their acquiescence in this regard.

The area of ​​the new factory is much larger than that of the old factory, but like the current old factory, the functions of the internal zones are very clear.

Chen Kai led Zheng Chenggong and others through the gate, and first turned left. Two rows of blacksmith shops faced each other across a gravel road, and the sound of hammering iron could be heard one after another. When they entered the trail, there were large water tanks placed at intervals.

, is used to prevent water from leaking. The blacksmiths are divided into their own shops according to groups. The layout of each shop is the same - iron felt, wind direction, stove, long tongs on the case, short tongs, large tongs

Hammers, small hammers, edge hammers, wrenches, files, and shovels are also neatly arranged, making it very convenient for craftsmen to grab them when they need them.

"Even in the army, it is very orderly. Chen Shenjun is very careful."

"Being a lower official is just a fool's errand."

As a rule, craftsmen can rest for a while after completing a piece of ironware. But during the inspection by the superior, they were not too shy to rest in front of them. Even after they finished building a piece, they only had to drink water.

He started working on the next piece of fabrication, and what's more, he didn't even put down his tools when he was drinking water. He was completely ready to hit the iron material at any time.

Chen Kai took Zheng Chenggong and others around the Tiejia Shop. There were actually quite a few empty shops here, and no blacksmiths had occupied them yet. However, Zheng Chenggong did bring some back this time, just waiting for them to set up a urinal.

came to start work, and Chen Kai had also estimated these beforehand, so he left so many empty houses at the beginning of construction.

After the blacksmith shop, turn the corner and you’ll find the carpenters’ sheds. At this moment, most of the carpenters were installing spears, and some were making scabbards. With Chen Kai’s instructions, they just nodded and continued to work.

In their hands, Zheng Chenggong took a spear that had just been installed, and motioned for everyone to retreat. The spear stabbed and stabbed in Zheng Chenggong's hands, vigorously, all of which were military techniques, especially between advance and retreat.

There are rules and regulations, and even a "martial arts blind" like Chen Kai can see the high level of his martial arts skills.

"The country's surname is highly skilled in martial arts, and the lower officials admire it very much."

Zheng Chenggong put away his gun and stood still. His face did not turn red or he was out of breath. However, despite Chen Kai's flattery, he was a little embarrassed: "Chen Canjun is too praised. My marksmanship is better than that of Uncle Dingguo."

Mr. Chen Hou is not worth mentioning."

Uncle Dingguo is Zheng Hongkui, and Chen Kai knows this. Zheng Hongkui passed the martial arts examination in his early years. He had a different background from Zheng Zhilong and other maritime merchants, so he must be good at martial arts. Chen Kai has never seen Zheng Hongkui in this regard.

I don’t know if this is really the case, but Chen Bao is right in front of me, and he has been doing a lot of things in the past few months. According to Chen Kai’s thinking, judging from Chen Bao’s “three feet and six” body shape, he has a big waist and

He has a low base and is a pirate, so he should stand barefoot on the deck and chop with a broken blade to fit the image. But according to what Zheng Chenggong said, a person really cannot be judged by his appearance.

"The country's surname is too modest. Duke Ding's martial arts skills are superb and he has passed the martial arts examination. The methods of the last general are all wild, which is really not worth mentioning."

Chen Bao was angrily humble. Chen Kai didn't know which one to convert, but one thing is certain, that is, among this group of people, his martial arts skills are the least, because he doesn't know any martial arts skills at all, and at most he has more skills than them.

I just watched martial arts movies and novels for a few years.

"This gun still needs to be painted, right?"

"If you go back to your country, that's true. There were no painters in the early days, so we had to do this when we went on an expedition. Previous time, Uncle Hong hired a painter, and the weapons that needed to be painted had to be sent there. After the paint was dried, they were put into storage and sealed.

.”

"Well, Chen Canjun is attentive, and Uncle Hong is also, um, very good." Zheng Chenggong nodded, and it seemed that he didn't intend to continue reading. He simply said to everyone: "The army will go out in April, Nan'ao General

I am very happy that the officials are fulfilling their duties and doing everything out of public interest."

After making a summary, Zheng Chenggong looked very happy. The great changes in the arms workshop were not only Chen Kai's efforts, but also Hong Xu's strong support. He saw these.

When he was in Nanjing, Zheng Chenggong witnessed the chaos of the Hongguang Dynasty and lamented, "There is really no one in our dynasty, and civil servants are wielding power." Now Hong Xu is in charge of Nan'ao's government affairs, and Chen Kai is in charge of the weapons workshop.

There are suspicions about the case, and even Chen Bao, Chen Hui and others secretly tried to stumbling upon Chen Kai. But now it seems that not only did the two never engage in power abuse during this period, but they were also able to get along harmoniously and bring everything together.

It is really commendable to devote all your energy to major development issues.
Chapter completed!