Chapter 8: The Survival Plan of the Song Dynasty

Regarding the arrangement of personnel, the recruitment of craftsmen, the purchase of land, and the expansion of the workshop space, Xiao Ming discussed everything thoroughly with Gu Shouzheng. Xiao Ming was full of energy and did not feel tired at all, while Gu Shouzheng was surprisingly in an excited state as well. The two continued their conversation until the sun was high in the sky, close to noon, when they finally heard the thunderous rumbling of their stomachs, realizing they were hungry

Xiao Ming carefully examined a long half-inch iron plate in his hand, which consisted of four layers of composite iron plates reinforced with iron nails, a wooden slot, a crossbeam support, and a handheld grip. It was clearly a crossbow, except that it lacked a bowstring

The two exchanged a glance and couldn't help but burst into laughter

Gu Shouzheng turned around and bowed, saying: "Brother Xiao, this wealth should rightfully belong to you in large part! How could I, as your elder brother, dare to covet it"

Xiao Ming did not decline and proposed that a composite method is suitable for the recurve bow. Although it has great power, the fatigue of the metal will increase, which requires further improvement in craftsmanship. The body of the crossbow is made of wood, and if the handle is too short, it will result in a top-heavy design that is difficult to control. Should it be lengthened? Xiao Ming described a style of shoulder support to Ge Shouzheng, which could enhance the stability of the crossbow. Furthermore, since the body of the crossbow is made of wood, to improve the stability of the arrow's flight, it would be best to carve a groove that allows the arrow to be shot out from the front arrow hole. This would not only increase the stability and range of the arrow but also make it very convenient to load the arrow. Such a design has essentially transformed into a modern sniper crossbow, resembling the toy that Xiao Ming saw at his military enthusiast classmate's home.

Seeing that Xiao and Gu were still hesitant, the old man urged, "I apologize, esteemed sirs, but it is a matter of utmost urgency, a matter of life and death. Please, if you would, get in the car first, and I will explain everything to you on the way.

Xiao Ming scratched his scalp and took off his hat; he has now become somewhat accustomed to the charming personality of the people from the Song Dynasty

Brother Gu, it is like this, I would like to invest all the gold and silver here, of course, there is a condition, I wonder if you would agree

Brother Xiao, we are fully capable of mass production, but how can we persuade the government to place orders?

Seeing Xiao Ming's astonishment, Gu Shouzheng couldn't help but feel a bit proud and insisted that Xiao Ming offer some suggestions

Brother, wait a moment, https://m.hetushu.com. I will be right back to show you something

"Is what my brother mentioned about war referring to a conflict with the Western Xia Kingdom?" Gu Shouzheng inquired

The carriage had not traveled far behind when suddenly a loud "Whoa!" was heard, the sound of the bells abruptly ceased, and the vehicle came to a stop. Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng exchanged a glance, looking very puzzled at the person descending from the carriage.

Gu Shouzheng suddenly realized, "Oh, oh! You mean forging weapons"

In the following days, Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng became deeply engaged in a flurry of activity. Although Gu Shouzheng's initial blacksmith shop had a decent workshop, the accounts had always been problematic. He was eager to find an accountant, and now the responsibility for the accounts had fallen to Xiao Ming. As a university graduate majoring in economics and finance, with accounting as a required course, Xiao Ming found it quite manageable. He simply employed a double-entry bookkeeping method to resolve all the issues, leaving Gu Shouzheng utterly impressed with Xiao Ming's capabilities.

Hehe, Brother Gu, my conditions are actually quite simple. Technically, the blacksmith's workshop will still follow your lead, but in terms of management and development, you will follow my guidance. I aim to develop your workshop into the largest workshop in the Song Dynasty within just a few years, making it the iron factory of the Song Dynasty.

Gu Shouzheng nodded and said: "Indeed, it is us. May I ask, old sir, what matters do you have for the two of us?"

Brother, you see, Gu Shouzheng handed that item to Xiao Ming

Regarding his expression, Xiao Ming was very pleased. After taking a sip of tea, he said to Gu Shouzheng: "Brother Gu, you can take all of this. Now you can truly showcase your talents, right? Haha!"

Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng went out together, heading north towards the city

Thus, he thought of Gu Shouzheng. It can be said that Gu Shouzheng's blacksmith workshop is essentially a prototype of a steel manufacturing enterprise. During the Song Dynasty, the output of iron and coal was equivalent to that of the late 18th century during the Industrial Revolution in Britain. For this emerging industry, investing in steel manufacturing can be considered the best high-return method at present. However, due to some deeply rooted traditional concepts among the Song people, Xiao Ming decided to adopt a different approach to achieve his goals, and he felt very confident about this.

May I ask if the two of you are the manager Gu and Mr. Xiao from the forge in the west of the city?

After a while, Gu Shouzheng returned, holding a dark and mysterious object in his hand

Gu Shouzheng felt a great sense of enlightenment upon hearing this. He immediately began to sketch out Xiao Ming's description and design with pen and paper, declaring that the reform would be implemented today

The plan designated for the conversation between the two individuals is privately referred to by Xiao Ming as the "Great Song Survival Plan," while he tells Gu Shouzheng that it is the "Great Refinery Development Plan." Gu Shouzheng is deeply impressed by Xiao Ming's plan and follows it completely.

Rest assured, Brother Gu, I have a solution; you just need to arrange for the personnel to manufacture it.

"Hurry up, Brother Gu, what are you doing?"

In fact, Xiao Ming thought of someone, he thought of Yang Zhen. Since their last parting, Xiao Ming had not seen this person, but he knew that he was currently working at the Hangzhou Garrison, seemingly as a judge of the capital. Last time, he had saved both him and the yamen officer Luo Dingbang, and had shown them kindness. This time, it would be possible to ask him for help.

This statement was quite enlightening for Gu Shouzheng, and he slapped his forehead

Although he has made a considerable fortune, the total weight of the gold and silver amounts to over one hundred kilograms, and how much can he carry on his person? He studied economics and finance, and according to his professional mindset, wealth is only truly realized through investment and circulation; this is an ingrained way of thinking developed over many years

Xiao Ming nodded and said, "Do you still remember the desulfurized iron you refined using my method? That material is the best for making crossbows. We need to perfect it and then produce it in large quantities. Listen to me, Brother Gu, the Song Dynasty is sure to face great turmoil in the coming years, and there will be significant conflicts. The crossbows we produce will definitely receive a large number of orders"

The old steward said: "My master’s surname is Su, and you two have come here upon the recommendation of others."

What if our coal and iron are essential for the military? Don't understand? It means that what we produce is necessary for the soldiers in combat

Xiao Ming thought to himself: "How would you know that I want you to cast cannons at that time!"

Brother, feel free to speak; I will agree to anything you say.

The person who got off the vehicle was an elderly man, dressed like a steward of a wealthy household. He hurried a few steps forward and scrutinized Xiao Gu and the other person.

This made Xiao Ming regard Gu Shouzheng with newfound respect. Although Gu Shouzheng was a craftsman from the lower strata of society with little education, he was quick-witted and eager to explore many things. He often demonstrated the ability to draw inferences from one instance to another, showcasing remarkable creativity.

One day, Gu Shouzheng found Xiao Ming and invited him to observe the launch test of the newly designed crossbow. This crossbow is quite remarkable, entirely painted black, and its overall shape is not much different from the design by Xiao Ming. The bowstring is made from cow tendons, and an aiming device, also known as "Wangshan," has been added to the top of the crossbow. The launching mechanism for the crossbow bolts employs a trigger device, referred to as "Xuandao," featuring a curved design that is suitable for finger operation

With such a powerful crossbow, two samples were made, and Xiao Ming decided to begin mass production. The first step is to disassemble the crossbow and determine the specifications and dimensions of all the main components. Then, based on the established dimensions, the components will be produced in bulk, followed by assembly. This represents the prototype of modern assembly line production, allowing for the manufacture of a large number of finished products in a short period of time

The bulk of the investment is undoubtedly in the construction of the blast furnace, and it is necessary to find some specialized talents in this area. However, the framework must be established in advance.

After everything was tidied up, Xiao Ming took the crossbow and a detailed illustration, which was specially commissioned. According to Xiao Ming's request, a three-dimensional drawing method was employed, providing a detailed description of the overall structure of the crossbow from three intuitive perspectives, similar to the mechanical drafting methods of later generations. There was also a diagram showing the correct firing style of the crossbow, which Xiao Ming referred to as the "effect diagram"

Gu Shouzheng had many questions regarding the construction of the blast furnace, and Xiao Ming was also unclear about it. However, he proposed an idea to start with the casting of large bronze items and to incorporate the experience from folk pottery kilns. The porcelain of the Song Dynasty represents the pinnacle of porcelain development, with the five famous kilns known throughout the world. The kilns used for firing porcelain can achieve internal temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees, demonstrating a remarkably high level of technology

We aim to construct the largest blast furnace of the Song Dynasty, refine the finest steel, and produce the best ironware, with plans to establish branches in places such as Yanzhou, Jingxiang, and Sichuan

Not long after the two had left, they suddenly saw a luxurious horse-drawn carriage rushing down the street behind them. The driver was elegantly dressed, and the carriage was lavishly decorated, with the horses galloping wildly and the bells ringing chaotically, quickly approaching right behind Xiao Ming and the others

Xiao Ming thought for a moment, and it seemed he understood a bit, nodding in agreement. Gu Shouzheng held him back and whispered, "You must not act rashly, it is better to be cautious."

The gains this time can truly be described as "immense"! There are over 6,000 taels of gold, in addition to 2,000 taels of silver and more than 500 strings of copper coins! Just as Xiao Ming said: a tremendous fortune!

"Indeed, the teacher was right in the political class! The masses of the people are the primary driving force behind social development and the creation of social wealth!" Xiao Ming couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration in his heart

This matter has become somewhat suspicious, Xiao Ming spoke up: "May I ask your esteemed family name, and what urgent matter brings you to us?"

After making up his mind, Xiao Ming decided to seek out Yang Zhen

Gu Shouzheng and Xiao Ming each shot several arrows, feeling very satisfied. The penetrating power of this crossbow is exceptionally strong, with a maximum range of four to five hundred steps. Within one hundred and fifty steps, it can pierce through two layers of several inches thick raw cowhide, and within eighty steps, it can penetrate a one-inch thick iron plate. This is truly unparalleled in power

This is? '' Xiao Ming looked at Gu Shouzheng in confusion

Gu Shouzheng nodded in agreement, noting that the casting technology of bronze vessels has become very mature, and it is now possible to refine high-purity brass. However, how to approach this still requires careful study

As the workshop has already mastered the preliminary technology of carbon ratio casting, the next step should be to first produce a batch of high-quality bladed weapons to establish a reputation at the Hangzhou Garrison, while reducing the production of some daily ironware. Once the model for the first-class crossbows is determined, it is necessary to manufacture a larger quantity within a short period of time

Gu Shouzheng looked at the gold and silver, feeling so excited that he was at a loss for words

Gu Shouzheng chuckled and said: "Last time, I was grateful to my brother for telling me the method of desulfurizing iron. During this period, I made some improvements, and later found that the iron plates I forged have excellent elasticity, making them suitable for use in bows and crossbows. So, I took some time to make one, but it is not yet finished, and I do not know how powerful it will be"

Xiao Ming smiled and pointed to the fluttering flags hanging down on both sides of the carriage, which bore three large characters: "Ri Chang Long"

Great, gentlemen, our master has an urgent matter to discuss. I just went to your esteemed place www.hetushucomcom to look for both of you, and the staff informed me that you had just left, so I hurried after you

Hearing a noise behind them, Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng turned around to take a glance, stepping aside to wait for the carriage to pass. They wondered which official or wealthy family was in such a hurry, disregarding the pedestrians on the road, as they recklessly drove through the street.

Transforming the refinery into a military-industrial enterprise swiftly is, in fact, Xiao Ming's fundamental idea. In modern society, only military-industrial enterprises are the most thriving businesses, never lacking in orders; this is true both domestically and internationally.

Gu Shouzheng still had not figured it out, but at this moment, he had already been pulled into the car by Xiao Ming

The old steward was overjoyed and immediately called for the coachman, who promptly drove off, speeding towards the northern direction of the city

Next, Xiao Ming will discuss with his team the key direction for the next steps in the blacksmith workshop. First, they will allocate funds and send personnel to Yanzhou to purchase high-quality iron ore and coal. Currently, the iron and coal mines within Shandong cannot compare to those in Henan, as the amount explored and mined is still very limited. However, the reserves are abundant and of high quality. Shandong belongs to the Jingdong routes, while Henan and Hebei regions fall under the Hebei and Hedong routes, respectively. This area is the core of the Central Plains, where the coal and iron industries have always been well-developed. From a long-term perspective, Xiao Ming suggests gradually establishing bases and refining branch offices in Yanzhou and Denglai regions, which would facilitate local sourcing of materials. At present, relying on the Grand Canal could indeed allow for the rapid acquisition of raw materials needed for the refining workshops.

This pie is quite large, Gu Shouzheng heard that it was filled with little stars, and this is not the end; immediately after, he continued to hear Xiao Ming's tirade.

Xiao Ming pondered for a moment and felt that this was an unavoidable situation. On one hand, he still hoped to return to modern society, but deep down, he felt that the chances were slim. If he had to stay in the Song Dynasty, he would need to secure his livelihood. Moreover, it was the late Northern Song period, and chaos was about to ensue. Xiao Ming did not want to lose his life in the turmoil without understanding what was happening.

Otherwise, it is evident that a conflict is imminent. The demonic sect is rampant and is bound to instigate trouble in the near future, leading to chaos in the southeast. We must seize this opportunity.

However, the court has always imposed heavy taxes on coal and iron! Gu Shouzheng still has some concerns

"Haha, such a powerful crossbow cannot be sold for less than five taels of silver!" Xiao Ming said