"Sister, please get in the car." On the dock, Fujino Hide diligently supported Axiu and invited her to the carriage. He also asked her with concern and gave her a bottle, "Is there any discomfort on the boat? This is my concubine.
Please take a few sips of the specially brewed honey tea."
Axiu didn't expect that Hide Fujino was waiting to greet him at the port. Since there was no advance notice of arrival time, he must have been waiting for a long time, maybe starting yesterday.
"Thank you for your hard work, sister." Axiu was a little embarrassed. After all, she was not as generous and free and easy as Fujino Hide. She didn't know how to get along with the housewife and her concubine, so she could only think of her as a sister.
Fujino Hide took Ah Qiao and several of Guo Dajing's soldiers to carry things to the car, and then he and A Xiu got into the same car and got on the road, the wheels churning forward.
"My husband went to the workshop early in the morning. He still has a lot of work to do, but he still has to come back for dinner in the evening."
Fujino Ying held Axiu's arm affectionately and said with a smile: "As soon as the house was built, my husband rushed to send someone to pick up my sister, but he was very thoughtful!"
Axiu's face turned red and she said, "My husband is working hard outside. Thank you for taking care of me. It's really hard. I want to thank you."
Fujino Hide smiled and said: "Sister is so polite."
After a pause, she added: "My husband is busy with military affairs. If he hadn't waited for the house to be built and brought you here, he would have gone to the army long ago. It can be seen that my husband values my sister."
Axiu pursed her lips, feeling beautiful and sweet in her heart. She lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then said: "In the future, we will all be a family, so don't be so polite. You still call me Sister Xiu, and I will call you...
…”
"Just call me Yingmei." Fujino Hide smiled and answered: "Sister Xiu will be the one to decide everything in the house in the future. If there is anything my sister can't do, feel free to say or scold me."
"I——" Axiu was a bit stuck in her words. She didn't seem to know how to curse!
Fujino Hide is a little too enthusiastic. Obviously, she doesn't understand Axiu very well. It can be said that she is cowardly or kind. Anyway, Axiu does not easily get into disputes with others.
Lifting the car curtain, Fujino Hide pointed out the scenery to Axiu. The houses in that area were very close to the port and contained both a post office and a store. Fujino Hide usually took care of business there.
"The Lin family has also built a business store there. Miss Lin will be based in Jinzhou and will not be able to return to Jiangnan in the short term." Fujino Hide said: "When Lin Tiansheng comes back from doing business with the Japanese, he will go to the island to pick her up."
Axiu nodded slightly and said, "It will be really hard for me to show my face in the future."
"Business matters are actually simple." Fujino Hide felt proud, but he said: "Housework matters are complicated, which makes people worry!"
"That's right." Fujino Hide thought of something, took out some military tickets and showed them to Axiu, and explained: "The new rules set by Jinzhou are that this is money, which can be used as silver. Look, the amount of money is written on it...
…”
A Xiu also knew some words, pointed to a military ticket and said: "This says 'one tael', is it used as one tael of silver?"
"Yes!" Fujino Hide laughed and said, "Sister, you are so smart. This is how you spend your military stamps. There are shops or supply and marketing stations everywhere, whether you are buying grain, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, or other things.
, you can use this to buy it.”
Axiu expressed surprise, but she didn't care much. Although there were shops on the island, there were no places to spend money. Anyway, as long as there was food, everything else could be done.
"My husband's salary is also the same." Fujino Hide continued to explain: "In the future, my sister will take care of the expenses of the house."
"I'm afraid that I won't be able to manage the money accounts." Axiu was a little scared. Although Guo Dajing often gave her some money on the island, she spent very little.
"It doesn't cost much, it's not difficult." Fujino Hide comforted with a smile, and gave A Xiu the military ticket in his hand. "If you need anything, just go to the store and check it out. There is no need to save money."
Axiu couldn't resist, so she carefully put the military coupons away and asked, "Where's the money? Can it still be spent?"
Fujino Hide nodded and said: "It can be used, it is the same as military tickets."
Yes, silver and military stamps are interchangeable and can even be used to recycle silver.
First, large shops and then small supply and marketing stations will gradually improve this function. The money collected is transferred to the newly established Finance Department of Dongjiang Town as hard currency for external procurement of materials.
The soldiers and civilians in Dongjiang Town will have some silver in their hands, but not a lot. However, if foreign merchants spend money in shops, they must use silver.
Internal military bills and external silver coins are actually two consumption and financial cycles that do not affect each other too much. Foreign merchants are concentrated in Lushun Port and Dalian Port, and they can spend money in shops or inns to find silver coins.
Let's talk and talk, and we will soon arrive after more than ten miles. At this time, the sun is setting in the west and it is approaching dusk.
Under the shining of the setting sun, Guo Dajing and Fujino Masaya were walking on their way home, also chatting.
"Dajing, you are really a strange person." Fujino was talking about the tactical changes after the new muskets were equipped with the troops. Suddenly he couldn't help praising Guo Dajing, "How did you come up with the new muskets? You can already predict it before they are equipped with the troops."
to changes in tactics.”
Guo Dajing was stunned for a moment and said with a nonchalant smile: "My father-in-law is ridiculous. Flintlock muskets already exist in Xiyi, but the opposition is very strong. This is normal. New things are often doubted when they are first born.
"
After a pause, he added: "When it comes to tactics, it's also very simple. Just imagine the musketeers without the cumbersome match rope, and you can draw a rough conclusion."
Fujinozheng glanced at Guo Dajing and shook his head slightly. He didn't really believe these words, but there was no point in doubting them.
It is true that some people have extremely smart minds, and their fantastic ideas are often shocking and even more unexpected. It would make sense to say that Guo Dajing is one of them.
"After the new musket is reloaded, I guess you will start it again and practice it in battle, right?" Fujino changed the topic, already having some understanding of Guo Dajing's thinking habits.
Guo Dajing pondered for a moment and said: "Whether Jianlu launches or not, I have this idea. Of course, this also depends on the specific situation."
Fujino lowered his eyes and suggested: "In my opinion, it is best to do it after the autumn harvest. Not only are there sufficient supplies of food and grass, but the quantity of weapons and ammunition stockpiled can also meet the requirements for launching."
Regarding Fujino Masa's suggestion, Guo Dajing thought about it for a moment and nodded in agreement.
The improvement of the Dongjiang Army's combat effectiveness relies on various light and heavy firearms, which also means greater consumption and higher cost than cold weapons.
Let’s not talk about food and supplies, just talk about the bombs, mines, muskets, and ammunition needed for artillery. After a war, the amount is quite astonishing.
If it is a cold weapon, the logistics burden will be much less, and the main consumption is food, grass and arrows.
"The most lacking thing is sulfur. If we can buy it from the Japanese country, we can alleviate the difficulty." Guo Dajing shook his head helplessly, "Purchasing from the mainland is too expensive."
With the method of collecting and boiling soil saltpeter, the problem of the source of saltpeter has indeed been solved to a large extent. However, sulfur is difficult to obtain. There are neither volcanoes nor pyrite on the site of Dongjiang Town, so it can only be purchased from outside.
.
In China, there is not much sulfur production, and the price remains high. If you can get the support of the court, this is not a problem, but the key is that there is not, and you can only rely on yourself to find ways to solve it.
Denglai did have some stocks, but there was no other way but to rob. To completely break up with the court, just like Mao Wenlong refused to stop his pay and invaded Denglai, Guo Dajing would not do it unless he had to.
Fujino rolled his eyes and said, "I told you a long time ago that I was asked to go do business with Japan, but you had to wait for the Lin family."
"The waves are unpredictable and very dangerous." Guo Dajing smiled and said, "Aying will blame me."
In fact, this was only one reason. More importantly, Guo Dajing wanted to prevent the Lin family from competing with them for business.
After all, the Lin family did their best in domestic procurement. Guo Dajing only gained some share through the trade between the Lin family and the Japanese country.
When Fujino mentioned his baby daughter, he smiled bitterly, but there was nothing he could do.
When the sun was about to completely set, Guo Dajing and others also arrived in front of the house.
"Sir, Madam has arrived and is setting up in the backyard." A soldier came out after hearing the sound and bowed to report.
Guo Dajing smiled and nodded. Within these two days, his estimated time was quite accurate.
After getting off his horse, Guo Dajing walked into the door. Sun Liuyan and Wang Gui, who were settling in the room in the front yard, rushed out to pay homage to him.
"No need to be polite." Guo Dajing returned the courtesy and said with a smile: "Hurry up and get settled. I'll take care of you later."
Sun Liuyan quickly declined and said, "Sir, don't worry about us. There is firewood and rice here. We can just make a fire and cook by ourselves."
"Yes, yes." Sister-in-law Sun said with a smile: "Sir, hurry to the backyard. We haven't seen you for several months. Madam misses me very much!"
Guo Dajing smiled, handed over his hand again, and walked directly to the backyard.
As soon as he turned the small door, a figure rushed up to him, giggling from his mouth.
Guo Dajing laughed, reached out and picked up Ronger, who wanted to surprise him, and spun her around twice on the ground.
"Brother Jing, Brother Jing." Ronger shouted happily, her feet landed on the ground, her eyes widened and she looked up and down carefully, and after a long while she nodded maturely.
Guo Dajing smiled and touched the girl's head and said, "We are blessed with great fortune. We have nothing missing, not even a little injury."
Ronger grinned, took Guo Dajing's hand and walked in, complaining: "Brother Jing doesn't write to me either. He knows many, many words and can understand them!"
Oh, Guo Dajing deliberately made a sound of surprise and praised: "Rong'er is so awesome, why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Rong'er puffed up her chest and raised her chin. There was nothing more satisfying than brother Jing's praise.
"My husband is back." Axiu and Fujino Hide walked out of the house, gathered their clothes and saluted.
Guo Dajing smiled, waved his hand, and said, "I don't have to be so polite at home."
Looking his wife up and down, Guo Dajing nodded and said, "Everything is settled?"
Axiu replied: "Yingmei has tidied up neatly. All she needs to do is put the bedding in."
"Are you ready to eat then?" Guo Dajing turned to Fujino Hide with a questioning tone.
Fujino Hide hurriedly said: "It's being cooked in the kitchen, it'll be ready soon. I'll go take a look and give you a quick reminder."
Watching Fujinoying leave, Guo Dajing turned around and greeted Axiu, "We are taking a boat and a car. Let's sit in the house and rest for a while."
"Husbands work hard." A Xiuqian gave in and walked into the house with Guo Dajing.
A big hand naturally wrapped around her waist. Axiu's body stiffened for a moment, but then she relaxed and bit her lower lip gently.
Feeling his wife's body relaxing and leaning against her, Guo Dajing changed his embrace into a hug, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed Axiu's ear and cheek.
Axiu let out a sigh, her body seemed to have lost weight, and she was completely leaning on the man's body.
Without too many words, actions speak for themselves. You miss me and I miss you, which is expressed in this close physical contact.
……………..
The moon is bright and the stars are sparse. Looking up at it gives you a feeling of unpredictability and remoteness.
Mao Wenlong stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the scenery outside and the deep night sky, frowning slightly, and fell into long thoughts.
Today, the eunuch Fang Zhenghua came to Lushun, and Mao Wenlong gave him a warm welcome and hospitality. But in his heart, he was really doubtful and it was difficult to guess the court's intentions.
There was a gentle knock on the door, and Chen Jisheng stepped in and bowed to salute.
"Sit down!" Mao Wenlong turned around slowly, smiled slightly, and extended his hand to signal.
After Chen Jisheng sat down, he pondered for a moment and said, "I can finally breathe a sigh of relief after this month's wages have arrived."
Mao Wenlong hummed softly, sat in the chair, tapped the armrest with his fingers, and said slowly: "I will leave one hundred thousand in reward silver, and I will take the rest away. Here in Jinzhou, you should worry more.
Already."
"Don't worry, Commander." Chen Jisheng bowed and said: "The supply and marketing stations in each village have been set up, food has been transported, and the issuance and use of military coupons have gradually begun. In addition, the imperial court has restored food and salary, and the most difficult period has passed.
Already."
After a pause, Chen Jisheng continued: "As for the eunuchs who supervise the army, just like the Pidao headquarters, the commander-in-chief does not need to worry too much."
Mao Wenlong lowered his eyes and said slowly: "Although they are all eunuchs overseeing the army, this Fang Zhenghua is the emperor's confidant and cannot be compared with those from Pidao headquarters. If there are excessive orders or actions in the future, you must not obey easily.
.”
Mao Wenlong knew better than anyone else that Chen Jisheng's temperament was a bit weak. What he was worried about was that he would not be able to withstand the pressure of the eunuchs in charge of the military and would do something harmful to Dongjiang Town.
In response to Mao Wenlong's reminder, Chen Jisheng was silent for a long time and then said: "The general knows the importance. In everything, the commander's order shall prevail, and Dongjiang Town is the most important."
Mao Wenlong smiled, stroking his beard and said: "I am the most at ease with you. As for you, you also need to be careful not to let Guo Dajing conflict with Fang Zhenghua. He is a general, no more important to the court than you and me.
Don’t dare to deal with it easily.”
Chen Jisheng showed a surprised expression and asked: "Why did the commander say this? Is there any grudge between Dajing and Fang Zhenghua?"
Mao Wenlong shook his head slightly and said: "Dajing's temperament is to accept softness rather than toughness. When eunuchs were stationed on each island to oversee the army, he was extremely dissatisfied with the bossy orders of Eunuch Zhao, and even used strong methods to threaten..."
Chen Jisheng's eyes widened. He really didn't know that Guo Dajing had done this before. He was so brave.
"Fortunately, the new emperor came to the throne and recalled the eunuchs from all over the country." Mao Wenlong smiled half-heartedly, shaking his head and said: "Just like that, Dajing squeezed Eunuch Zhao of thousands of taels of silver. This boy is really brave.
, but luck is also really good.”
Chen Jisheng was a little dumbfounded. Eunuchs had always accepted bribes, and he had never heard of anyone being blackmailed.
But such a bold and reckless act was eliminated because of the new emperor's accession to the throne and the fall of Wei Zhongxian. It can really be said that he was lucky.
Some things were reported by Guo Dajing to Mao Wenlong, and some were reported by Mao Wenlong's eyes and ears. It was precisely because of this incident that his trust in Guo Dajing was raised to a higher level.
Just imagine, Mao Wenlong wouldn't worry about Guo Dajing trying to reach a higher position even if he didn't even fawn over those sent by the imperial court.
"Dajing is mostly in the army, so he doesn't have many opportunities to deal with Fang Zhenghua." Chen Jisheng said with a little helplessness: "It would be better if the commander reminds him in a letter."
Mao Wenlong nodded and said: "I will write to him soon. He has just sent someone to report that the transformation of the muskets has been successful and the power has been greatly increased. The muskets for Pidao headquarters and the musketeer coach will have to wait for a while.
It will take many months to send it."
"I don't know how it was transformed. The general is really looking forward to it and is very curious." Chen Jisheng said with a smile: "He has a close relationship with the Xiyi people, and he has learned a lot."
Mao Wenlong smiled and said: "Young man, he is smart and courageous. Now that he is rich, let's pay back some of the debts he borrowed before! For long-term considerations, don't let him shamelessly move east all the time.
Borrow from the West."
Chen Jisheng hesitated for a moment, but although he was a little reluctant, he still agreed.
Guo Dajing has never been stingy. He has paid too much for Dongjiang Town, but it is not good to always owe the money he borrowed. He should pay back some first and borrow again later.
Well, the maximum is 20,000. Jinzhou was first built and there were too many places where money needed to be spent. Military invoices could only be purchased internally, and gold and silver were required for external purchases.
"Dajing is still doing business. If it doesn't affect his job, just turn a blind eye." Mao Wenlong stroked his beard and said with confidence: "If Dongjiang Town encounters difficulties in the future, I believe he will still donate generously.
You will be a short-sighted miser."
"This is certain." Chen Jisheng said with a smile: "At the beginning of spring plowing, he purchased a group of cattle and sheep from Shandong. He spent more than 10,000 silver and solved many problems."
Purchasing cheap cattle, horses and sheep from Jianlu was of course what Guo Dajing hoped for most, but it would take time and there was no guarantee of success.
Therefore, we first purchased a batch from nearby Shandong, which only cost more than 10,000 taels of silver. For Guo Dajing, who already had hundreds of thousands of silver coins, it was nothing.
Chen Jisheng also made calculations and planned to return the money for buying livestock and the money for muskets and artillery to Guo Dajing first.
And more than 20,000 silver is exactly the monthly salary of Dongjiang Town. Even if the Jinzhou garrison can only get half, he can still keep most of the 100,000 silver left by Mao Wenlong.