Chapter 236 Iron Factory

The craftsman is at peace.

They didn't dare to be restless.

Because this Ming Dynasty Zhongshan Marquis really dared to kill people.

No craftsman would take it to heart about those Lumi bonuses he mentioned.

After all, after so many years, they have never met an official who gave them both rice and money.

However, no matter what, this commotion originating from the craftsmen was successfully suppressed with blood.

Regardless of anything else, just by looking at those two ferocious heads of flesh and blood, no one would not be afraid!

When human life becomes worthless, the craftsmen can only choose to accept their fate!

After solving this small matter, Tang Hao immediately set his target on the firearm.

That's right, firearms.

He has not forgotten that the last time he went to sea in a hurry, he was suddenly attacked by Japanese pirates. Due to lack of preparation and lack of experience in naval battles, the Ming soldiers suffered heavy losses in that battle. More than 300 soldiers lost their lives. This book It can be directly avoided.

So now that he had some spare energy, Tang Hao decided to develop the Daming Firearms.

Anyway, there are many craftsmen in Qinghe Shipyard now, and there are many military craftsmen who have been temporarily transferred to make firearms.

Tang Hao summoned his confidants such as Tang Mu, Zuo Yidao, and Chang Kuohai and asked them for their opinions on firearms.

The unanimous conclusion is, why use those fire sticks?

Wouldn't it be fun to stab the enemy to death with real swords and spears?

This answer was indeed so powerful that Tang Hao couldn't even be fucked.

Their understanding of firearms, or the current Ming Dynasty soldiers' understanding of firearms, is biased.

In their eyes, firearms are actually of little use on the battlefield.

The only advantage may be in attacking the city.

A salvo of artillery can destroy the city wall instantly, but that's all.

The lethality of ordinary firearms and artillery is really limited, and their accuracy is only so, and there is even a risk of the chamber exploding at any time, so soldiers do not like to use firearms.

In fact, the level of Daming firearms is not bad.

This is because the uprising army led by Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang used the most firearms and made great contributions to establishing the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, after the founding of the country, Zhu Yuanzhang continued to take various effective measures to develop weapon manufacturing and turn the primary weapons created in the Yuan Dynasty into The fire guns were standardized and unified, and according to the needs of actual combat, they were developed into the Hongwu series of fire guns, including large, medium and small.

The first is a handgun for individual soldiers, the second is a medium-sized bowl-mouth gun for use on warships and pass guards, and the third is a large-scale gun for city defense fortresses.

This is the standard firearm used by the soldiers of the Hongwu Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty. It can be roughly called the Hongwu series of firecrackers.

Then in the Yongle period, the Ming Dynasty firearms ushered in a rapid development. After Zhang Fu was in peace in the fifth year of Yongle, the Ming Dynasty acquired the Shenji gunnery method and Hu Yuancheng, a firearms expert, and set up a special Shenji camp for training. The Shenji camp had its own Only then did they begin to appear, and the development of firearms also ushered in a wave.

However, even so, firearms have long become a joke in the Ming Dynasty today.

Why are Daming firearms so often boycotted by craftsmen?

Because of shoddy manufacturing, because of corruption and bribery, because someone is profiting from it!

Of course, in addition to human reasons, there are quality problems in itself.

The core reason lies in the raw materials and technology of iron smelting.

Because the iron ore and coal raw ore stored in the Ming Dynasty have relatively high phosphorus and sulfur content, the smelted pig iron is extremely brittle and hard, far less tough than charcoal iron smelting. The firearms made from it are not only very heavy, but also extremely hard. Easy to explode!

Exploding the barrel, in a battle, the enemy has not yet been hit, but the gun in his hand explodes first, and he is injured and killed first. This is the real reason why soldiers resist firearms!

They would rather trust the sword in their hands than use the "poisonous" firearm!

In fact, since ancient times, most of the dynasties have used charcoal to make iron, and also used high-quality iron ore to create magical weapons.

But even if a large amount of forests are cut down, the efficiency is far from keeping up with the army's demand for cold weapons, and it has also greatly damaged the natural ecological environment.

Therefore, starting from the pre-Song Dynasty, the imperial court basically used coal to make iron on a large scale, replacing charcoal with coal.

But after personally experiencing the bitter consequences of exploding the chamber, I had no choice but to resort to casting firearms out of copper.

Although the performance of copper cannons is much higher than that of previous iron cannons, copper mines in the Ming Dynasty are scarce and the copper shortage is large. This results in copper cannons with excellent performance that can only be manufactured on a small scale and are completely insufficient. To meet the equipment needs of the army.

If we ignore the ecological environment and devote all our efforts to using charcoal to make iron on a large scale, it should be enough to meet the army's demand for artillery. In this way, the combat effectiveness of the Ming army can be improved by several levels!

However, Tang Hao, who later learned basic chemistry, naturally knew that in order to remove harmful elements such as sulfur and phosphorus from pig iron, coke must be added during iron-making instead of using coal entirely to make iron. This was noted in the Ming Dynasty. Today’s level of iron smelting is not impossible!

"Yidao, are there any large-scale iron smelting plants in Shandong?"

Zuo Yidao was startled when he heard the words, and then a lot of information quickly flashed through his mind.

"have!"

"The largest iron-making factory run by the imperial court is the iron factory in Zunhua under the jurisdiction of Shuntian Prefecture. It has more than 2,500 craftsmen, twenty-five iron-making furnaces, and more than fifty casting furnaces. It is the largest iron smelting base in the Ming Dynasty, and it is also the heyday of the Bai Smelting Factory. It is dedicated to the needs of Jiubian Ordnance! "

“During the Hongwu period, there were thirteen iron smelting institutes across the country, namely Nanchangfu Jinjianye in Jiangxi, Xinyuye in Linjiangfu, Fenyiye in Yuanzhoufu, Xingguoye in Huguang, Huangmeiye in Qizhou... There was one in Shandong. It was established in Laiwu in the sixth year of Hongwu. It was first named Laiwu Iron Smelting and Judging Division along the Yuan system, and later it was called Laiwu Iron and Smelting Institute, and it was established as Laiwu Iron and Steel Co., Ltd.

"Shandong produces 3.15 million jins of iron, accounting for 17% of the country's iron output, ranking third in the country. Among them, Jinan Laiwu Iron Smelting Institute is the most famous, with an annual output of 720,000 jins of iron!"

In fact, the iron smelting industry of the Ming Dynasty exceeded that of any previous dynasty in terms of scale, output, and technology. Since pig iron is widely used in agricultural production, handicraft manufacturing, daily life, religious beliefs, etc., the iron smelting industry not only contributed to the development of the local economy It provides an important material foundation and promotes commodity trade between Zezhou and surrounding areas.

It is worth noting that iron, like salt, is an important strategic material related to the national economy and people's livelihood. Therefore, officials in successive dynasties implemented a monopoly system on salt and iron, that is, "salt and iron monopoly."

However, in this way, the disadvantages of government-run iron smelting are also obvious.

First of all, government-run iron smelting is a monopoly on iron management policy implemented in order to consolidate national rule and increase fiscal revenue. Its production and sales are led by the government, and most of the products and output are determined to meet the needs of the government.

Ignoring the laws of the market economy can easily lead to a disconnect between supply and demand, making it difficult to adapt to the needs of social and economic development.

Secondly, the government-run iron smelting is managed by the government. Due to the lack of competition, low production efficiency and serious waste, the product quality is uneven but the price is high, which is not conducive to social and people's livelihood.

Thirdly, government-run iron smelting was produced by craftsmen forced by the government. The social status of Ming craftsmen was low and their remuneration was meager, so they were often passive and slow in work, which also led to stagnant production technology.

As a result, the Ming government was forced to close down the government-run iron smelting plants due to poor management. With the decline and collapse of the government-run iron smelting plants, the Ming government gradually relaxed restrictions on private iron smelting. The private iron smelting industry only had to ask the government for help. After paying a certain mining fee, you can freely mine and smelt. From this, the iron smelting industry developed rapidly among the people of Zezhou.

For example, the Laiwu Iron Works mentioned by Zuo Yidao is actually a cooperation model between the government and the private sector.

According to the rules set by Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, "Let the people collect and refine by themselves, and if they lose lessons every year, two of every thirty points will be taken."

It is equivalent to liberalizing the iron trade. As long as the government can collect the corresponding taxes, it will no longer care about anything else.

Tang Hao touched his chin and thought for a moment, then issued the order boldly.

"Tang Mu, you lead two thousand soldiers to garrison the Qinghe Shipyard. Arrange the craftsmen to put into production as soon as possible. Act according to the rules set by this prince. The money and food that should be given must not be less. Those who should cause trouble will be killed directly!"

Tang Mu accepted the order without a word of nonsense.

Then Tang Hao stood up and stretched his muscles.

"Everyone else, lead the soldiers and follow me to the Laiwu Iron Factory!"

Zuo Yidao was startled when he heard this and asked subconsciously.

"Are the three thousand and four Imperial Guards going as well?"

You know, although Marquis Tang did not lead any troops during this trip, three thousand and four guardsmen became standard equipment.

This is because the Minister of War is Yang Yiqing, the smelly stone in the latrine.

If Tang Hao wanted to mobilize the Beijing army's soldiers, Sun Tzu would definitely refuse for various reasons. Anyway, he just didn't agree to send troops.

After all, this grandson is now the great Sima in charge of the world's military affairs. If he doesn't agree, even Tang Hao and Zhu Houzhao can't do anything.

So after much deliberation, Tang Hao was too lazy to argue with him and directly asked Zhu Houzhao to mobilize 3,040 guardsmen to travel.

The Imperial Guards of the Four Guards were not soldiers of the Ming Dynasty. They only obeyed the orders of His Majesty the Emperor. Therefore, Yang Yiqing did not dare to say anything. He could only watch as Tang Hao, a thief, took three thousand Imperial Guards to Shandong.

Until now, Yang Yiqing, the Minister of War, was still a little worried. Because of the damn Ma Zheng incident, a large number of officials from the Ministry of War were involved. The Metropolitan Procuratorate had once again wielded a butcher knife against the Ministry of War. Even Yang Yiqing was summoned by the little emperor to the Qianqing Palace to scold him. He was called twice and ordered to cooperate with the Metropolitan Procuratorate in purging the Ministry of War.

Now, Yang Yiqing was even more resentful towards Tang Hao.

He even regretted what he had given him last time. He should have given this thief a big mouth!

Tang Hao no longer cares about Yang Yiqing's resentment, because he has already arrived at Laiwu Iron Factory with three thousand forbidden troops.

The person in charge of factory affairs is Wang Xianwen, the director of the Ministry of Industry.

I have to admit that the head of the Laiwu Iron Works is a good job. Especially after the imperial court relaxed the control measures on the iron works, a large number of private businessmen saw the profits and immediately swarmed in. This greatly gave Wang Xianwen the opportunity to use power for personal gain. Chance.

After all, salt, iron, salt and iron, iron that can be called salt, the profits can be imagined.

So when Wang Xianwen, the head of the Ministry of Industry, appeared in front of Tang Hao with a big belly and a flattering face, the Marquis of Zhongshan couldn't help but smile, and then whipped him.

The next moment, Chief Wang's shrill screams resounded throughout the audience, shocking all the craftsmen and merchants.

No one expected that the Marquis of Zhongshan would be so ferocious and crazy!

"Take down this pig!"

"In addition, all the iron factory officials were captured!"

"Anyone who dares to resist will be killed without mercy!"

The whole audience was shocked when these words came out.

Wang Xianwen covered his bloody wound and roared at Tang Hao: "Zhongshan Hou!"

"This iron factory is not owned by my Wang family, but by all the nobles involved in it. If you dare..."

Before he finished speaking, Wang Xianwen could not continue.

Because he suddenly recalled one thing, that is, the salt administration. It was this fierce Zhongshan Hou who skinned and stuffed the Changlu Transport Bureau's transport envoy Zong Yue, and then single-handedly promoted the salt administration reform!

Zhongshan Hou Tang Hao, he really doesn't seem to be afraid!

Thinking of this, Wang Xianwen immediately panicked.

"Spare my life!"

"Zhongshan Hou, spare my life!"

"We are indeed corrupt, but this is all condoned by the court!"

"The silver that should be paid to the court is not less, please Zhongshan Hou, please spare my life!"

Tang Hao was indifferent to this and rode into the Laiwu Iron Factory.

"Take this pig away and give it water torture!"

Zuo Yidao's eyes were cold. He never showed mercy to these corrupt officials.

As the four guards entered the Laiwu Iron Factory, the news swept across Shandong like a hurricane, and then spread to the entire Ming Dynasty at a terrifying speed.

All Shandong officials were trembling and panicking at this moment.

Because, the last time Zhongshan Hou came to Shandong, he bloodbathed the entire Shandong officialdom in one breath, and as many as thousands of Shandong officials were beheaded. Even those Shandong officials who were lucky enough not to be beheaded were saddled with political stains because of that heinous case, and their careers might end in this life!

This time, the Marquis of Zhongshan arrived in Shandong again, and he also had the power to "act at his own convenience" and the power to control local troops and horses, and he entered the Qinghe Shipyard openly.

Originally, a group of officials in Shandong had made plans early on, and they must not provoke this damned madman-like Marquis of Zhongshan in the Ming Dynasty. However, no one expected that this guy would suddenly send troops to Laiwu Ironworks and directly take over the third-largest iron smelting plant in the country!

No, what do you want to do?

Do you have to kill all the gentry in Shandong?

Who doesn't know that salt and iron are making huge profits!

Who wouldn't be tempted by the huge profits at hand?

In addition, the court relaxed its control over ironware, which made a large number of merchants flock to it. In fact, the iron smelting plants in the country have long become places for interest competition. For example, Wang Xianwen is the spokesperson of the Wang family of Langya in the Laiwu Ironworks!

The Wang family of Langya, a medieval aristocratic family!

The founders of this clan were Wang Ji of the Western Han Dynasty and Gao Yu of Langya. It developed in the Western Jin Dynasty of Cao Wei, was established in the early years of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and reached its peak. It was known in history as "Wang and Ma, sharing the world", and continued until the Southern Dynasties, the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties before it began to weaken.

But a lean camel is bigger than a horse. In all dynasties, there were descendants of the Wang family of Langya who served as officials. For example, in the Ming Dynasty, there were quite a few descendants of the Wang family who served as officials. This is the real reason why Wang Xianwen was able to represent the Wang family of Langya and sit in the Laiwu Iron Factory.

All forces naturally would not be afraid of Wang Xianwen, the fat man, but they were afraid of the Wang family of Langya behind Wang Xianwen and the officials of the Wang family in the court!

However, they were afraid, but Zhongshan Hou Tang Hao was not afraid. It can even be said that there was no one in the world that Zhongshan Hou was afraid of.

Three days later, when Tang Hao saw Wang Xianwen again, the latter had been tortured to the point of collapse.

It's not that there are any injuries on his body. In fact, except for the whip that Tang Hao gave him, Wang Xianwen's round body basically has no scars.

However, the torture he suffered during these three days was terrifying and outrageous!

So when Wang Xianwen saw Tang Hao again, he immediately knelt on the ground and cried bitterly, asking the Marquis of Zhongshan to spare his life!

Tang Hao glanced at this guy coldly, and then looked at the list handed over by Zuo Yidao.

"Marquis, these are the lists given by Wang Xianwen. Merchants and nobles are all here."

Tang Hao stared at the list one by one, and then gave an order directly.

"According to the list, arrest only the person in charge, that is, the so-called head of the family, and leave the others alone for the time being. Do you understand?"

Zuo Yidao was stunned when he heard this. This is not in line with your style, Marquis!

But he didn't dare to ask more, and immediately took the four guards to act.

After Zuo Yidao left, Tang Hao looked at Wang Xianwen with a smile.

"Wang Xianwen, born in the Wang family of Langya, a son of a famous family!"

When Wang Xianwen heard this, he was almost scared to tears and kowtowed continuously.

"My Lord, spare me!"

"My Lord, spare me!"

"That's enough!" Tang Hao waved his hand impatiently, "Don't talk so much nonsense, I'll ask you once, do you want to live or die?"

Nonsense, only fools want to die!

Wang Xianwen immediately cheered up and wiped the blood off his forehead.

"My Lord, just tell me what you want, I'll do it right away, no matter what happens!"

Well, no wonder this fat guy can be in charge of Laiwu factory affairs, he's not stupid!

"Simple, go find something called graphite. If you find it, you can keep your life. If you can't find it, prepare to die!"

"Not only will you die, but I will also make the Wang family of Langya spit out all the national benefits they have embezzled over the years. By then, Wang Xianwen will be the sinner of the Wang family of Langya. He may even be expelled from the clan and not even be allowed to enter the ancestral tomb!"

Vicious!

It's so vicious!

Wang Xianwen was so scared that his face turned pale!

To be expelled from the clan, this is simply the most vicious curse for a son of a noble family!

But the key is, what on earth is this "stone mill" that this damn thief just mentioned?

"Graphite is soft, black-gray, greasy, and can leave marks on paper. There are many in Jiaozhou and Jimo counties in Laizhou Prefecture. Go find it now!"

"You and the Wang family of Langya behind you have half a month. Don't challenge my patience. If I can't see the graphite after half a month, you know the consequences."

As soon as the voice fell, Wang Xianwen rushed out immediately. He was racing against time.

Didn't you hear that this damn lunatic had just ordered the arrest of the heads of the noble families?

That naturally includes the head of the Wang family of Langya!

In other words, the only chance of survival now is to find that damn "stone mill"!

Not only the Wang family of Langya, but also all the nobles who suffered because of this, this is clearly the signal released by the Marquis of Zhongshan!

If he wanted to massacre these nobles, he would have ordered the imperial guards to do it directly, and would not have waited until now!

Then, Shimo, where are you?