Chapter 270 The sprout of the steel irrigation method! The great iron and steel industry is about to take off!
Although the county magistrate is small, in a sense, it is regarded as a second-level administrative unit for the area currently under Liu Bian's control, which has extraordinary strategic significance.
If something happens to only one county magistrate, just let it go and it will not affect the basic operation. But if a large number of county magistrates have problems and delay farming, it is still unknown whether Nanyang Hanting can survive for a year.
Deng Tong knew this very well.
At this juncture, according to Deng Tong's experience, the court should coax these grassroots officials, at least wait until farming is on track before attacking them. It would be unwise to attack them at this time.
But it seems...
Deng Xun, the old patriarch, doesn’t think so.
Deng Tong did not dare to underestimate him. He thought carefully over and over again and said softly: "Master, in order to revitalize the land resources and reward the people with farm tools, we can also give rewards. Anyway, there is a sufficient inventory in the smelting and casting workshops everywhere."
"kindness?"
Deng Xun, who was picking up flowers and plants, suddenly straightened up and nodded slowly: "This is a good idea. The court's land resources are limited and cannot absorb many people. If we do this, it is more than enough to protect ourselves."
According to Deng Tong's accounting results, the imperial court increased land taxes and reduced oral taxes and calculated taxes. Based on this calculation alone, it was only a slight surplus. The most attractive thing was to reward farm tools.
If the Deng family does the same thing, it will be able to offset the advantage of the court's reward for farm tools, and they can also be invincible with their own land tax of thirty to one tax.
at this point!
This is something that other small noble clans find difficult to achieve.
Even if the small gentry was going to perish, they could still draw nourishment from it and ensure that their own family would not be implicated. In this way, as long as their interests were not lost, Deng Xun would not bother to care anymore.
"As for farm tools..."
Deng Xun took a deep breath and exhaled slowly: "It's not worth a lot of money. As long as we can retain the people, these things can be earned back sooner or later. There's no need to dwell too much on it."
"So be it."
Speaking of this, Deng Xun told Comrade Deng: "Go to each house for me, spread the news, and still let them make their own decisions. If there is a problem, don't come to me again."
call-
Take a long breath.
Deng Xun was a little unmotivated: "I am already old and too lazy to care about these things anymore. As long as the selection of officials in Nanyang Hanting is completed, the rest of the road will be left to each family until the new patriarch is elected."
The Deng family in Nanyang is a very large family. After hundreds of years of development, each family has already had its own clan. Only because they share a common ancestor will the clan leader be elected. The clan leader will be responsible for issues such as annual sacrifices.
Unify and coordinate.
Although Deng Xun is the leader of the clan, it is difficult for him to interfere in the affairs of each family. Some of his words are also on point. As for whether you listen or not, it has nothing to do with him.
Deng Tong bowed his head and said softly: "Don't worry, head of the family, my nephew will inform the families everywhere about this news."
Deng Xun turned his head and glanced at Deng Tong: "My dear nephew, I have asked you to worry about it."
Deng Tong nodded: "My nephew is honored to be able to make some contribution to our Deng family, so why bother to say anything."
Deng Xun nodded slowly: "Okay, then you go."
Deng Tong stood up, cupped his hands and clasped his fists: "The master of the house has a good rest, my nephew is leaving."
Say it.
Deng Tong turned around and left the Bajiao Pavilion, all the way out of the Deng family's old house.
at the same time.
Xinye.
Hongbin Building.
Third floor, elegant room.
The location next to the window.
At this moment, two men were sitting facing each other.
A man in dark trousers filled a cup of tea for the slightly stout man opposite him, and said softly: "County Lord, how could Zhao not know the risks you are facing? But without us doing this, you would have been able to hide."
Come on?"
This man who calls himself "Zhao" is none other than Zhao Yan, the head of the Zhao family in Xinye.
Nowadays, the Zhao family has suffered a serious loss of tenants, and nine out of ten of the land is uncultivated. If this continues, delaying spring plowing, whether the Zhao family can survive this year is another matter.
It is a last resort.
Zhao Yan could only make an appointment with Xin Yeling in private to find a way to solve this matter: "Zhao has heard about your farming production responsibility letter. Except that it is a little easier in the preparation stage, once it is fully launched, it will be impossible."
Finish."
"Not to mention you, no one in Nanyang can complete such a production responsibility letter. The node rewards given above are just teasing you."
"Let me tell you..."
Zhao Yan brought the cup of tea to Cheng Wei, the new leader of the field: "The imperial court is simply trying to scare you and put some pressure on you. Your Majesty is young and always wants to achieve some political achievements so that Chang'an can see. This is understandable.
"
Cheng Wei took a sip and put down the tea cup: "Master Zhao is right, but although your Majesty is young, he is very ruthless, so there is no guarantee that he will not come true. I don't want to lose big at the expense of small things."
In official circles, I always like to play riddles.
Since Cheng Wei dared to come out to drink tea with him at this juncture, it proved that he was ready. Now he is looking for all kinds of unsolvable reasons. In fact, he is basically raising the price.
at this point.
Zhao Yan knew it very well.
Of course, Zhao Yan is not as wealthy as the Deng family, so even if he knows what Cheng Wei means, he still has to find a way to bargain and minimize his losses.
"County Honor."
Zhao Yanshi smiled and said softly: "Your Majesty's methods are indeed ruthless, but after all, the Kong family has committed a major crime of rebellion. How can it be the same as this time? At best, our actions are unfavorable, and the consequences are not as serious as you think."
"What's more, the Deng family, the Yin family, and Lai Furniture are big businesses. The court's measures can't hurt them at all. If we, the Zhao family, can't support it, how can we honor you?"
The implication is that you, Cheng Wei, cannot benefit from the Deng family, the Yin family, the Lai family, and other aristocratic families. You can only benefit from us low-ranking nobles. If we die, who will you eat?
Cheng Wei nodded with interest and looked at the man opposite him: "Does the Zhao family really think that the county cannot meet the key tasks in the farming production responsibility document?"
"certainly!"
Zhao Yan immediately echoed: "If the county minister goes all out, he can certainly complete it, and he can naturally get those rewards, but to the county minister, what does that little money mean?"
"Zhao cannot guarantee anything else."
Zhao Yan immediately stretched out two fingers and said softly: "Zhao can give me twice the reward from the imperial court at once. I wonder what the county magistrate thinks?"
"snort!"
Cheng Wei smiled solemnly, stood up and left: "That little money is yours alone..."
Before he finished speaking, Zhao Yan hurriedly interrupted and changed his words without hesitation: "Your Majesty, this is just the first payment. As long as our Zhao family can survive, we will give you money and silk. I guarantee your satisfaction."
"and!"
Zhao Yan emphasized: "You don't need to do anything else from the county. Just delay it a little. These tenants know very well that once the farming season is missed, the whole family will starve to death, and they will come back by themselves."
Cheng Wei tentatively said: "Then this money..."
Zhao Yan hurriedly handed over his hand: "Don't worry, Lord County, I will deliver it to your house tonight."
Cheng Wei twisted his beard and smiled: "That's very good."
*****
Pheasant County.
Smelting workshop.
"Due to the creation of the stir-fried steel method, Bailian steelmaking technology has developed to a mature level. During the Eastern Han, Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, the most sophisticated steel was called Bailian refined steel, or Bailian steel."
"Judging from the ancient steel products that have been discovered so far, my country has already maturely mastered the hundred-refining technology during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The refining techniques at that time were divided into thirty-refining, fifty-refining, and one-hundred-refining."
"Master Ben."
The Alliance of Military Advisors interpreted the craftsmanship of the late Han Dynasty based on on-the-spot conditions: "The Huanshou sword popular in the Eastern Han Dynasty is also called a 'book knife' because it often has horse-shaped patterns inlaid with gold on one side.
'Golden Horse Book Knife'."
"Li Yuan, a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty, recorded in the "Inscription on the Golden Horse Sword": Skillfully smelting steel, in the shape of a gold horse, with yellow patterns and staggered carvings, and also the name of the craftsman. This steelmaking was steelmaking, indicating that steel products were already available at this time.
"
"In addition, the same is true from the data unearthed from various places. I won't list them all here. Master Bian only needs to know that during the late Han Dynasty, steelmaking technology was already very mature."
Liu Bian had to admit it.
Combined with the specific physical interpretation, it is indeed very vivid.
This was especially true for the Golden Horse Book Knife, which left a very deep impression and understanding on Liu Bian's mind.
At the same time, Liu Bian also had a doubt: "Teacher, I saw that most of the weapons in the smelting workshop are Huanshou swords, and there are very few swords. Doesn't it mean that sword and shield soldiers are the mainstream?"
The Alliance of Military Advisors immediately explained: "Sword and shield soldiers are indeed the mainstream of the Han Dynasty, but by the end of the Han Dynasty, there were faint signs of being replaced by the Huanshou sword."
"As for the reason..."
Regarding this, the Military Advisor Alliance gave a direct answer: "According to historians' interpretations and inferences, there are many reasons, but the main reasons should be two points."
"First, it's because of the development of cavalry and the needs of combat!"
"The characteristic of a sword is that it has a sharp edge in front and sharp edges on both sides, which is convenient for piercing forward, swinging left and right, and slashing. However, because of the fast horse speed of cavalry, it is not conducive to swinging and piercing movements, and is more suitable for slashing.
For cutting, I prefer the Huanshou Sword."
"The second is the convenience of production and the advancement of steel-making technology."
"The tip of a long sword needs sharp edges on both sides, and the middle ridge needs to be thick and tough. The manufacturing process is relatively complicated and is not convenient for mass production."
"But the Huanshou sword is different. It only needs a sharp edge on one side. It is simple to manufacture and convenient for mass production. Especially the advancement of steel-making technology has greatly developed the manufacturing of the Huanshou sword."
Thinking about it carefully, it seems that this is really the case.
The cavalry under Liu Bian's command were equipped with war spears and Huanshou swords.
From a long distance, you can fight with spears, and from close range, you can chop with a sword.
As for the infantry under his command, most of them use Huanshou swords to fight, and are rarely equipped with long swords. Now in the smelting workshop, this is further confirmed. Almost all of the ordnance parts use Huanshou swords, but only
There is no trace of the sword.
At this moment, Han Ji on the side held the record on the bamboo slip and asked softly: "Master Qin, what's going on with this guy named Ji Kai? His production these days is zero?"
"this......"
Qin Fen had no way to hide it, so he could only explain honestly: "It's like this, Han Yezhe, this guy named Ji Kai is the most powerful steelmaking master here."
"He has always looked down on ordinary farm tools, and he especially likes to make steel and forge weapons. For some unknown reason, this guy seems to be researching a new forging method recently, and he is almost going crazy."
"I..."
Qin Fen chuckled and said with a slight embarrassment: "I really can't do anything with him, but don't worry, I will let others help with his small output, and it will definitely not affect our mission."
Han Ji frowned: "Oh? A brand new forging method?"
Qin Fen nodded, not hiding anything: "That's right! We don't understand what he did. Anyway, he just poured molten iron on it and then forged it over and over again."
"Is this happening? How about the weapons you created?"
"It's a lot of waste, so it probably won't succeed."
"..."
The speaker has no intention, the listener has intention.
Liu Bian didn't think there was anything wrong, but when the military advisor alliance heard this, he immediately became excited: "Master Bian, please ask about this person's specific situation. It's best to go to his place of work and have a look. Experts suspect that this is a steel pipe."
The germ of Dharma.”
"Steel filling method?"
Liu Bian was stunned for a moment.
"That's right."
The Military Advisor Alliance said with great certainty: "Although the steel filling method is generally believed to have started in the Southern and Northern Dynasties, its development has a certain process. It has sprouted since the Eastern Han Dynasty, which is absolutely normal."
"Moreover, experts have also obtained evidence from historical materials. Zhang Xie of the Western Jin Dynasty recorded the germination of Guangang in his "Seven Lives", which is similar to the situation described by the person in front of me."
"The word "guan" in the steel filling method refers to pouring molten pig iron into the wrought iron, which still needs to be forged repeatedly, and has the characteristics of hundreds of steelmaking!"
Damn it!
Liu Bian was astonished.
Unexpectedly, this trip to the smelting and foundry workshop would bring unexpected surprises?
Liu Bian did not hesitate at all, and hurriedly interrupted: "Master Qin, I wonder where the weirdo you mentioned is now. Can you introduce him to me so that we can open our eyes?"
Although Qin Fen didn't know Liu Bian's identity, Xun Yu and Han Ji were more respectful to him, so he knew that the young man in front of him must be either rich or noble, and his status was extraordinary.
Qin Fen didn't dare to neglect, he frowned: "This... can be recommended, but the environment of his workshop is relatively poor, and the villain is really afraid of staining the eyes of all nobles."
"It doesn't matter."
Liu Bian waved his hand and said loudly: "You can bear it, how can we not bear it? Just lead the way."
Qin Fen frowned: "This..."
His eyes tried to scan Xun Yu and Han Ji.
Xun You nodded and said softly: "Let's go and have a look."
Qin Fen then agreed: "In that case, all distinguished ladies, come with me."
Everyone walked all the way and reached almost the innermost part of the workshop.
really.
A broad-shouldered man with a round waist and a shirtless body was holding a hammer and constantly beating the iron tool between him. Judging from the shape, it looked like a war spear or an iron gun.
"Dear gentlemen, he is Ji Kai."
Even though he was a hundred steps away, Qin Fen introduced him: "This man has worked in this workshop for twelve years, longer than me. He is the most powerful master in the Kong family's workshop. Most of the weapons of the Kong family are made."
It’s all by his own hand.”
"oh?"
Liu Bian couldn't help but be surprised.
Because Liu Bian had carefully looked at the battle armor and weapons that once drove Liu Chong crazy, and he had to admit that the workmanship was very exquisite, and its level far exceeded that of ordinary equipment.
Today, some of the weapons of the Imperial Palace Tiger Army were taken from the Kong family's raiding team. They are not only sharp, but also of very good quality, as if they are made of fine steel.
"Is it one of them?"
Liu Bian asked tentatively.
"no."
Qin Fen shook his head hurriedly and said softly: "It was forged by him and his apprentices. Over the years, the Kong family's business in weapons has been almost entirely maintained by them."
"Wait a minute!"
When everyone was walking forward.
Qin Fen suddenly waved his hand to stop everyone and stared ahead.
But see...
The young master next to Ji Kai scooped up a small bowl of hot water and slowly poured it on the weapon in his hand. Suddenly, a chirping sound sounded and a thin mist rose.
At the same time, Ji Kai picked up the hammer and began to hammer on the weapon. Sparks kept flying, scaring the little masters around him to run away one by one. Only he was not afraid at all, and remained the same.
Keep forging.
"this......"
Liu Bian couldn't help but be stunned: "Isn't this person afraid of getting hurt?"
Qin Fen shrugged: "I don't know, he is just like this. He has always been like this. Maybe he is used to it. I heard that he used to be a Taoist priest in a Taoist temple, but then he couldn't survive, so he went to rob people, and was eventually sent here.
"
"I never thought that when I arrived at this smelting workshop, this boy became a spirit. He relied on the skill of forging swords he learned from the master before, and he became very prosperous here."
Liu Bian was stunned: "Taoist?"
Qin Fen nodded: "That's right!"
hehe.
Have to admit it.
Taoist priest is really a magical profession.
In Taoist alchemy, what is emphasized is the word "refining".
For example, they practice qigong, elixirs, gold and silver, swords, etc. Because they pay attention to "refining", they have indeed "refined" a lot of new science and technology.
Practicing Qigong created the Qigong healing method;
Refining elixirs, gold and silver, and creating primitive chemistry;
Refining swords improves steel-making technology.
The steel-filling smelting method was first recommended by Qi (qí) mother (wú) Huaiwen, who smelted Su iron swords in the Northern Dynasties. This person was a real Taoist sorcerer.
Although Liu Bian was slightly shocked, the Alliance of Military Advisors was even more convinced that this person, who also had experience in refining swords as a Taoist priest, might really be able to popularize the steel filling method.
For the Military Advisor Alliance, this is simply a treasure!
"Master Ben."
The voice of the Military Advisor Alliance was very excited: "Experts are very convinced that this is the germination of the steel-filling method, and it is in the transitional period between hundreds of steel-making in the Eastern Han Dynasty and the steel-filling method in the Northern and Southern Dynasties."
"Although this person's method is incorrect, the basic principles are correct. He has unique advantages in the steel filling method, Su steel, and pig iron pouring techniques that we will popularize next."
Since the beginning of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the steel filling method has achieved considerable development, which has greatly increased steel production, gradually developed into civilian use, and has been more widely promoted.
As for Suzhou Iron and Steel Co., Ltd., pig iron pouring is further developed on the basis of the steel pouring method. The root cause lies in the popularization of the steel pouring method in order to continue to advance.
hiss-!
Liu Bian really couldn't believe that experts rated this person so highly.
For a moment, even Liu Bian himself couldn't help but be a little stunned: "Teacher, should I call you over and win you over?"
But the Military Advisor Alliance said: "No need, leave this kind of matter to Han Ji. When you come out later, you can tell him specifically about this matter and ask him to pay more attention to this person."
"Experts say..."
The Military Advisor Alliance said softly: "The plan we prepared can be centered around this person. We will first popularize the steel filling method and increase steel production, and then refine and improve it."
"Experts will conduct a comprehensive review of the specific plan. It will take at least three days to make final improvements and supplements, so that it can be arranged in one go."
Liu Bian took a long breath and softened his expression: "Okay, I'll note it down."
Qin Fen waved his hand: "Come here, call Ji Kai."
The servant beside him nodded: "Here."
Not long after.
Ji Kai, who was smelting iron, raised his head and looked here.
But......
But the other party just glanced at him lightly, and then continued to lower his head, as if he didn't take Liu Bian and others seriously at all.
Qin Fen looked embarrassed and hurriedly nodded and apologized: "I'm really sorry. This guy has a weird temper. He only sees iron and doesn't understand etiquette. Please forgive me, noble lords."
call-
Liu Bian took a long breath and said softly: "It doesn't matter, let him continue forging iron, let's go back."
Qin Fen was stunned: "Ah? Is this... are you going back now?"
Liu Bidan smiled: "You have already introduced a lot. I have understood everything that I need to know. Naturally, I want to go back."
Qin Fen had no choice but to hold up his hands and said: "In that case, the villain will send the noble man out."
Walking all the way, we exited the smelting workshop.
Liu Bian got on the bus first.
Xun Yue and Han Ji followed closely behind.
As soon as the carriage left, Xun You bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, do you have anything to say?"
Liu Bidan smiled and nodded affirmatively: "My lord, you should pay special attention to that man named Ji Kai. I have seen the new iron forging method he is studying in a book in the palace."
"Although his methods may be wrong, his principles are correct, which will play a vital role in my future reform of the smelting and casting industry."
Han Ji took a deep breath: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will keep this in mind."
Liu Bian said softly: "Next, you will officially take up your post. If you don't understand anything, come to the palace and see me. I will naturally help you solve your problems and confusion, and strive to upgrade the smelting and casting workshop as soon as possible."
After all, the parts required for the high-tube turntable also require the support of the smelting and casting industry. It is extremely necessary and urgent to upgrade the smelting and casting workshop in a short period of time.
Han Ji nodded: "Here."
Squeaky.
The carriage moved slowly along.
The three people had extensive communication regarding today's visit and helped Han Ji straighten out the next development direction.
After an unknown amount of time, the carriage returned and went straight to the palace.
Liu Bian returned to Wende Hall and asked, "Is there anything you can do today?"
He Yun was responsible for staying behind, cupping his hands and clasping his fists: "Your Majesty, Xipushe sent someone to send the results of the first test and the roster. He said that as soon as your Majesty decides, the roster can be announced."
"oh?"
Liu Bian couldn't help but be surprised: "Has it been sent over already?"
He Yun nodded: "Yes, it's delivered."
"Send it up and let me see it."
"Here."
He Yun responded and sent someone to bring the bamboo slips in: "Your Majesty, they are all here."
Immediately.
He picked up the silk book and offered it with both hands: "This is the roster, as well as the test results. Your Majesty, please take a look."
Liu Bian took it, started browsing, and smiled calmly: "Wang Jing, Yuan Huan, Sima Lang, Zhong Yao? Not bad, they really exploded a lot of big fish. This time we have something to play with."