Arriving at the navy station, Yang Fan saw Xue Rengui coming towards him.
As soon as they met, Xue Rengui saluted and said: "I have met the Grand Governor."
After Xue Rengui was appointed as the deputy commander of the Navy by Yang Fan, his face as sad as an old farmer became more energetic.
Today I originally planned to inspect the condition of the ships at sea. Seeing Xue Rengui, Yang Fan asked: "Without courtesy, how are those ships at sea?"
Xue Rengui replied respectfully: "Grand Governor, according to your request, my subordinates are building sea-going ships at the Fengzhou and Quanzhou shipyards. All the completed ships have arrived now."
Yang Fan was overjoyed: "How many are there in total?"
Xue Rengui felt a little ashamed, and said with a cupped hand: "Thanks to the great trust of the Governor, so far, only four warships and eight cargo ships have been built, a total of twelve ships; the remaining eighteen ships may take about half a year."
"In the past, it was mainly because I was not familiar with the installation of the ship's engine, so I took a lot of detours...but now it is all smooth, and I only need to complete the installation and test the water before I can go on a trial voyage."
Yang Fan did not blame.
After all, the fire engine I redeemed from the system was too advanced. If you are not a professional, you will inevitably make mistakes and omissions.
It is difficult for these craftsmen to overcome one difficulty after another with the blueprints. Now they have built twelve ships, which is no longer easy.
Now that it's straightened out, it's a matter of course.
After looking at the pier, he saw no ship. Yang Fan asked, "Where is the ship? Has it not docked yet?"
Xue Rengui replied: "I have strictly followed the instructions of the Governor. In order not to expose the secrets of the ships, I parked all the ships in the naval dock after arriving, and no one was allowed to watch."
A capable person is very thorough in everything he does, which is very reassuring!
"Well, not bad!" Yang Fan praised a few words.
Then Quan Wanji, Cheng Mingting, Xi Junmai and others were all summoned, and they rushed straight to the Navy dock.
Several subordinates didn't know what Yang Fan was up to.
However, after hearing that it was a new type of seagoing ship, everyone became interested.
It is said that the reason why the governor went to Jiangnan was to open up shipping routes.
When we walked into the Navy Dockyard, we were surrounded by security guards.
A group of people boarded a lookout and looked around, and the entire dock appeared in front of them.
Although the Huating County Navy Station was abandoned for a long time, this abandoned dock is not small.
Even though twelve huge new-style ships are parked quietly inside, it doesn't seem crowded.
Yang Fan only took one look and couldn't suppress the ecstasy in his heart.
This is his weapon to open doors abroad!
The four warships were built according to the drawings of later frigates. Although a lot of modern protective paint is missing from the whole body, the iron bumps that have been treated with anti-rust look even more terrifying.
The eight cargo ships were even bigger, and the four warships were like stunted cubs.
Although these ships look rough, Yang Fan believes that they can definitely sail across the world in this era!
And a group of entourage were stunned by these behemoths.
Especially those huge cargo ships, as if one ship can fit an entire city into it.
Of course, what everyone can't understand is how such a huge iron lump didn't sink into the water.
In addition, if we use human power to paddle, how many people will be needed?
For a moment, everyone was dumbfounded, but no one raised any questions.
Of course, including Xue Rengui, before Yang Fan delivered the engine, he did not believe that such a lump of iron could travel on the sea.
Yang Fan pointed at the cargo ship and asked: "Have you ever tested how much cargo a ship can carry, how far it can sail after being filled with fuel, and what its speed is?"
When he mentioned this, Xue Rengui suddenly became excited, his dark face seemed to light up, and he danced and said: "Of course I have tested it. This sea ship is too big. It can carry about 100,000 stones of cargo in total. In addition, after it is filled with fuel,
During the test, we set off from Quanzhou Port and went straight to Laizhou. The round trip took about ten days and the fuel was used less than 1/4."
One hundred thousand stones?
In the Tang Dynasty, one stone was equal to about 106 catties, and 100,000 stones was equivalent to 1.06 million catties.
How far is it from Laizhou to Quanzhou?
It’s about more than 2,000 miles, and the round trip is more than 4,000 miles. Running for ten days is equivalent to running 400 miles in one day...
Those who understand measurement use their fingers to calculate measurement; those who understand distance calculate speed!
A ship of this era could be considered a large cargo ship if it could carry tens of thousands of kilograms.
Nowadays, these new ships made by Yang Fan can actually pull more than 1 million kilograms, which is simply incredible.
What surprised everyone the most was the sailing speed of these iron lumps.
Ships of this era could travel about 50 miles in an hour with a favorable wind.
If there is a headwind of 10 miles, it is possible, and some may even be blown back.
In this way, even if you make full use of your budget, driving up to 300 miles a day is already the limit.
And these ships can travel more than 400 miles at a fixed speed, so the speed is too fast!
At this time, everyone was a little confused, and Quan Wanji was even more speechless: "Can this boat run so fast?"
As a famous official in the Tang Dynasty, although he had never commanded an army, he still knew some basic knowledge.
Such a fast speed is simply impossible to achieve except when charging with a tailwind.
Xue Rengui had obviously heard of Quan Wanji and knew that Yang Fan thought highly of this Quan Chief Shi, so he respectfully said: "I don't know something about Quan Chief Shi. The greatest advantage of this ship is not its speed, but its speed."
The ability to withstand wind and waves, no matter how big the wind and waves are, there is little chance of capsizing. The most important thing is that it can sail regardless of the wind or headwind!"
Yang Fan smiled and said nothing.
Indeed, with the engine, the ship has stable power and can sail smoothly whether it is downwind or headwind.
Compared with this era, going to sea through the monsoon is simply too convenient, as long as there is sufficient fuel on the boat.
Although the use of coal as a fuel is very primitive, it is very easy to use. After all, it is not easy to refine oil in this era.
Cheng Mingting on the side widened his eyes and said in disbelief: "Xue Dutong, have you made a mistake? In all dynasties, the sea has always been sailed by the monsoon. If the ship goes against the wind, won't it be blown back? How can human power be used?
Isn’t it nonsense to be able to block the power of nature?”
In his opinion, ships mainly rely on sails to sail on the sea.
The wind blows the sails to bring power, and at the same time artificial assistance is provided to push the ship forward.
But if the wind is against the wind, the force is in the opposite direction, making it very difficult to drive. How can it be possible to move forward?
This is also the reason why people who go to sea for business can only come back once a year, because they need to sail according to the direction of the monsoon wind.
He was polite to Quan Wanji because Yang Fan valued him very much.
When facing Cheng Minting, Xue Rengui was not so polite.
Who is this rough guy? He dares to say that he is talking nonsense?
Therefore, Xue Renguiliang said unceremoniously: "I am not a person who speaks arrogantly. General Cheng is ignorant, but it does not mean it is impossible. Why are you so sure that ships cannot sail against the wind?"
"This..." Cheng Mingting smiled brightly. Although he knew that he said something wrong, it would be too shameless for him to admit his mistake.
Of course Yang Fan also knew why Xue Rengui was so aggressive.
After all, these ships were built by him, just like his children, and others were not allowed to question them.
So Yang Fan pointed to the warship in the dock and said: "Since everyone has disputes and doubts, the ship is below, why don't we take it out for a while? However, since General Cheng does not believe it, Xue Dutong swears by it, and both of them disagree.
If you’re convinced, how about making a bet?”
This is a product that is ahead of its time, and I will definitely give it a try today.
Although this guy has been working for him, his mission is to protect Yang Guifei's general, and he does not belong to his subordinates. Now is a good time to recruit him.
Quan Wanji nodded immediately: "This is possible. I also want to see the width of the sea."
This old man looks serious, but he is actually very evil!
Yang Fan chuckled: "In this way, gambling hurts feelings, which is a bit vulgar. If not, whoever loses the bet will be the other person's deputy. At the same time, I have to treat everyone to a meal. I wonder why everyone thinks they are slaves?"
"
Xue Rengui was slightly startled, but he quickly came to his senses and said expressionlessly: "I agree, just because I'm afraid someone won't admit it if they lose."
The rest of the people also asked to join in. Naturally, those who were watching the excitement were not afraid of the trouble.
Besides, no matter what, they all have something to eat.
Seeing everyone's looks, Cheng Mingting stared and said displeasedly: "Why do you predict that someone will lose? You still don't believe it. This boat doesn't even have sails. If it can go against the wind, it's better to say that the river is flowing backwards. Just bet."
I took the bet, Xue Dutong, you will be my deputy."
Hearing this, Yang Fan was slightly startled.
Only then did we know why Cheng Minting was so suspicious.
These ships I own use spinner sails from later generations, which are not sailing ships of this era at all. Obviously this guy has misunderstood.
This is the gap in cognition!
But Yang Fan did not explain. Instead, he looked at Xue Rengui with a smile and said, "How about Xue Du's command?"
Nonsense, how could Xue Rengui refuse something that was clearly a sure win?
However, Xue Rengui was a little confused.
Why would Yang Fan find someone like Cheng Minting to be his deputy?
Of course, what Xue Rengui didn't know was that Cheng Minting was a ruthless person on the battlefield.
Yang Fan has no psychological burden at all when such people come to deal with some barbarians overseas.
Using him as Xue Rengui's deputy is definitely a good match.
Xue Rengui has blind trust in Yang Fan.
Since Yang Fan tried every possible means to send Cheng Mingting to him, he certainly had his reasons.
Therefore, Xue Rengui would not refuse at all.
With a face that was cracked by the sea breeze, Xue Rengui said deliberately: "I only need people who obey orders here. I don't care about those who disobey the rules."
Cheng Mingting was so angry that he shouted: "Boy, don't be arrogant. If you can really sail against the wind, the merchants of the Tang Dynasty will not be able to conduct overseas trade only once a year."
"I have been in Jiangnan for so long, how could I be so ignorant? Let's make a decision. Whoever loses will be the other's deputy for the rest of his life, and he will be willing to do so. Do you dare?"
Hearing this, Xue Rengui smiled, extended his thumb and praised: "The general is indeed a hero in the army, but he is not bad either. As a man, we will make an agreement with each mouthful."
It is undeniable that Xue Rengui's use of this technique is superb.
Looking at Cheng Ming's burly figure, he is at least a capable general who charges into battle.
Previously, Xue Rengui felt that the other party was a bit ignorant, but when he saw that the other party dared to act, his senses immediately changed a lot.
Cheng Mingting was stunned for a moment, feeling as if he had been tricked. He coughed suddenly and blushed: "Well, the Governor is here. Isn't it unethical for us to gamble? How about we just bet over a meal of wine?"
"
cut!
Everyone expressed their contempt for Cheng Minting's shamelessness and raised their middle fingers.
Cheng Mingting blushed and said angrily: "Why are you looking at me with such strange eyes? We all serve the Governor. What does it do to the Governor to form a gang to discuss the deputy's problem?"
In fact, even if he really loses, Cheng Minting doesn't care, but will be a little happy.
After all, it is obvious to all that Yang Fan attaches great importance to the navy.
Being able to serve as Xue Rengui's deputy is definitely a good way out.
In the entire navy, except for Yang Fan, the commander-in-chief, only Xue Rengui could surpass him. He had a far better future than being a small captain in the imperial court.
However, he is still unwilling!
Xue Rengui is still young now. If you serve as Xue Rengui's deputy, you will never have a chance to surpass him in the future.
Yang Fan would not care so much. He waved his hand and said: "A man can bend and stretch, so my mother-in-law and mother-in-law are just like women. Hurry up, this bet is settled."
"In addition, put some of the Navy's old weapons and products brought here onto the ship."
After saying that, he took the lead and walked straight to the dock.
The four warships are all of the same model, about eighty meters long and about sixteen or seventeen meters wide.
Everyone boarded the deck and looked around. The sailors on the ship were all trained by Xue Rengui in the past two years.
Seeing Xue Rengui leading a group of people onto the boat, everyone came out to see him.
At this time, the two people sneaked out of the cabin. When they saw Yang Fan, they immediately said "Hey, you", bowed slightly and saluted, and said with a smile: "Brother Yishan... cough, look at my mouth.
Now I have to call you the Grand Governor. The common people have met the Grand Governor. I haven’t seen you for many days. The Grand Governor’s demeanor remains the same. The common people are very lucky!”
It turned out to be Fang Yiai and Du He who had been assisting Xue Rengui in Quanzhou...
Why did these two people appear here? Xue Rengui didn't say anything when he came!
Yang Fan took two steps forward, quickly helped the two of them up and said, "You two are so stupid... Didn't you say that you are preparing goods for overseas shipment in Quanzhou? Why are you here too?"
Du He chuckled and said: "Of course the steward of the family is responsible for those little things. Let's just explain it. We haven't seen the Governor for a long time, and we can't wait. When I think of the good wine in your hand, tsk tsk tsk, that's really cool.
Drool!"
Yang Fan was speechless: "In that case, let us brothers drink and swim in this vast ocean."
"The Governor has an order, how dare we refuse, haha..." Fang Yiai and Du He looked at each other and smiled.
The two of them were secretly relieved that Yang Fan was in a high position and did not put on airs.
From this point of view, at least Yang Fan is not a heartless person.
Soon, Xue Rengui came back and asked: "Grand Governor, everything has been prepared. Where are we going this time?"
Yang Fan waved his hand and pointed in the direction of Fuso Country and said: "Our destination this time - Ezo Land (later Hokkaido)."
Everyone was extremely surprised when they heard this.
The so-called Ezo land actually falls under the jurisdiction of the Blackwater Governor's Mansion to the north of Bohai County, a subsidiary state of the Tang Empire.
Although it nominally belonged to the Tang Empire, because it was so remote and poor, the Tang Dynasty had long forgotten this place.
Today's Ezo Land has long been invaded and occupied by the Fuso Kingdom, and most of the people living there are Fuso people except the aborigines.
Everyone was a little confused as to why Yang Fan would go to such a place where no one can shit.
What's more, this place is too far away.
Even a one-way trip is more than 4,000 miles, which is definitely a test for ancient times when transportation was inconvenient.
Of course, Yang Fan also had reasons why he chose to go to Hokkaido.
On the one hand, Yang Fan wanted to use it as an outpost to rule and enslave Fusang.
On the other hand, he also wanted to take a look at the agent he trained.
At the beginning, Yang Fan did not kill Maoliannu, an Ayinnu man sent by the Cui family to assassinate him.
Instead, Wu Meiniang asked him to return him to Ezo, and at the same time secretly helped him establish a foothold there.
This time, Yang Fan just wanted to open the door to Fusang Country so that this country would never have the chance to bite back.
Of course, Yang Fan did not speak out about his feelings for China.
After all, these people have never experienced being invaded by Fuso, and they will never be able to understand their actions.
Besides, now that I am the Grand Governor, I don’t have to explain my motives to my subordinates in everything.
From Yang Fan's point of view, it's okay as long as he has a clear conscience.
Following Yang Fan's order, the four warships slowly left the port, opening a new chapter in human exploration of the ocean.