Chapter 10: The Government's Large Orders

When Xiao Ming guessed An Daoquan's intentions, he was secretly astonished, "This divine physician's thoughts are truly unfathomable!" He had initially thought that people in ancient times were simple and endearing, but after seeing the Su family's carriage, he no longer held that view. He felt that the intelligence and cunning of ancient people were by no means inferior to those of modern individuals.

Once Xiao Ming presented the structural diagram and the effect diagram of the crossbow, all doubts among the crowd were completely dispelled. The diagram not only included three views of the crossbow but also detailed exploded views of each component, with annotations provided alongside.

"All at five taels of silver each, shall I first order one thousand five hundred units?" Yang Zhen said with a smile, as he had originally thought that each divine crossbow would cost at least ten taels of silver, but he did not expect Xiao Ming to be so conservative

Indeed, Yang Zhen directly spoke about the events of last night

The crowd rose to see Yang Zhen off, and at this point, the banquet came to an end. The several doctors and elder physicians also stood up to take their leave, and Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng followed suit in bidding farewell. Su Bi, seeing that it was getting late, no longer insisted on keeping them and ordered someone to bring over a tray.

Yang Zhen's expression appeared to be filled with worry as he cupped his fists towards Xiao Ming and said: "I have persuaded the defense lord to utilize the funds allocated by the court within five years for the rearmament of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions to first purchase five hundred Hei Shen crossbows. Moreover, Defense Minister Chen has already gone to find the governor, and the two drawings created by my brother are being urgently sent to the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works. I hope the higher authorities will consider this matter. If all goes well, we will need to custom-make at least twenty thousand crossbows, but I am uncertain about the price"

Brother Xiao! Such generosity, come, let us drink three more bowls together

Brother Yang, please take a look at the structural diagram that Xiao Ming has prepared. This is a backup.

The lights are bright, and the sounds of laughter and joy fill the air. The servants and maids, as well as the lower-ranking attendants, all wear smiles on their faces, as the household is hosting a banquet for guests, creating a lively atmosphere

Yang Zhen nodded, "If we equip this item, the combat strength of our Song army will be unstoppable"

Xiao Ming furrowed his brow, secretly lamenting that he still could not keep his composure, and after a moment of thought, he spoke.

"Brother Yang, please do not rush; this price is negotiable," Xiao Ming said, using a glance to suppress Gu Shouzheng's already excited expression.

Yang Zhen's eyes widened at that moment. During his time in the Western Army, he had fought against the Western Xia army multiple times and was very familiar with weapons such as bows and crossbows. The bows and crossbows used by the Song Dynasty army were either large crossbows designed for long-range shooting or the Zhuge crossbow used for close combat. However, due to the complex manufacturing process and limited range of the Zhuge crossbow, it was seldom used. Therefore, Yang Zhen himself also relied on a hard bow for long-range shooting.

In terms of overall structure, the most valuable part of the crossbow is the limbs. These are made from the refined弹钢 produced by Brother Gu's forge. The rest of the crossbow body is wooden, and the bowstring is made from cow tendons. Along with other small components, the materials are not worth much, but the value lies in the craftsmanship. Each crossbow is paired with five crossbow bolts, the tips of which are also made from high-quality steel, making them extremely sharp. The total price is no less than six taels of silver

"You flatter me," Xiao Mingchong said to Su Bi with a cupped fist salute, then turned to Yang Zhen and asked, "Brother Yang, do you think this thing could be of great use to you?"

Is this true?

Due to having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, feeling bloated, Xiao Ming went to the restroom, and he found it quite strange that his tolerance for alcohol was so good today

Therefore, at the beginning, only small cups were used, and the senior doctor Su Bi and the others who came forward to toast could still manage. However, today there is another person, Yang Zhen, also known as Yang Zi Fa! This person only drinks from large bowls, a habit he developed during his time stationed at the western front.

When Luo Wen saw Xiao Ming, he immediately wanted to kneel and express his gratitude for the life-saving grace, but Xiao Ming quickly helped him up

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Yang. I actually have something to discuss with you today. I kindly ask you to hold on for a moment, as I would like you to take a look at something and also request your assistance with it," Xiao Ming quickly interrupted, then gestured for Gu Shouzheng to take out the crossbow.

"Brother Xiao, where did you obtain such a divine crossbow?" Yang Zhen could hardly conceal the excitement on his face

When Su Bi saw Xiao Ming start to draw, his eyes clearly brightened, and he couldn't help but lean in with Yang Zhen to take a closer look

"Brother Xiao, giving fifty taels of gold at once, this Master Su is truly a wealthy man!" Gu Shouzheng said to Xiao Ming on the road.

The governor has issued a strict order to the county offices in the two Zhejiang provinces to thoroughly investigate the matter of the demonic cult's treasonous conspirators. At the same time, an urgent report has been sent to the court over a distance of eight hundred li, requesting the dispatch of troops for assistance, as it has been alarmingly reported that a disciple of the demonic faction is about to initiate an uprising soon

During the gathering, it was learned from Su Bi that his daughter, Su Cai'er, has suffered from epilepsy since childhood. At that time, her friend An Daoquan was treating her, but she had not fully recovered. An Daoquan believed that since the girl was young, he could not use strong needles, so he opted for herbal remedies. Over the years, her condition had not relapsed much. A few days ago, An Daoquan predicted that she might have an episode, but he had important matters to attend to and was not in Hangzhou. Therefore, he wrote a letter asking the Su family to seek out Xiao Ming when the girl had a seizure.

Not only does Yang Zhen find it hard to believe, but even Su Bi, who is beside him, is somewhat skeptical. Looking at Xiao Mingwen, who appears rather frail, he seems at most like a physician; could he really be a skilled craftsman?

Brother Xiao! Last time you saved me, and this time you have saved the beloved daughter of the venerable Shou. Truly, what a fateful connection we have! Come! I toast to you with three bowls!

Where do the Xiao brothers currently reside? I will definitely pay a visit another day, and then we brothers can have a hearty drink together!

The illness of Miss Su from the Su family has actually been cured; what remains is the adjustment of medicine and treatment. This will be evident once Doctor An returns to examine her. Su Bi wishes to establish a good relationship with me, partly for the sake of his daughter, but I believe there is another reason behind it

After interrogation, it was learned that the Ming Sect had been planning for many years in the surrounding counties of Hangzhou Prefecture, with a clear intention to rebel. However, due to the sect members often choosing desolate and secluded places for their gatherings, there was not much activity in the densely populated areas of Hangzhou Prefecture.

Yang Zhen looked at the object in his hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy. Although it appeared unremarkable and dark, Yang Zhen could fully sense its dominance

Why is this? Does he want you to treat his daughter for a long time?" Gu Shouzheng was puzzled

However, Xiao Ming is not very concerned about this matter, as he knows that Yang Zhen has come to discuss other issues, which is what he is most concerned about

"Esteemed Yang, this crossbow was invented and crafted by Brother Xiao," Gu Shouzheng said from the side

Early the next morning, Yang Zhen came to pay a visit, accompanied by another person, who was also an acquaintance. It was Luo Wen, also known as Luo Dingbang, the head of the county constables from Qiantang County, who had been rescued from the Mingjiao dungeon along with Xiao Ming last time. He has now been promoted to the county lieutenant of Hangzhou Prefecture

Brother Xiao, there is no need to be so polite. We are like old friends upon our first meeting, and besides, you have saved my life. Given that I am a few years older than you, you may simply call me elder brother from now on. May I ask what matter I can assist you with?

These gold and silver are trivial matters; I see that Su Bi is intentionally seeking to befriend me, which is something I have long desired.

What a great deal this is! Haha, haha!

Of course, Brother Yang, feel free to take it. Xiao Ming felt that conversing with intelligent people was simply enjoyable

Luo Wen spoke about recent developments, and his tone was quite anxious. However, this guy's voice really resembles that of Zhu Jun, and Xiao Ming quite enjoys listening to him speak

Mr. Yang has taken his leave. Brother Xiao, please wait for my reply in a few days. Elder Shou, farewell

It is settled with a word

The brighter Xiao Ming's eyes became as he drank, the more he felt at ease despite his inner caution, and he decided not to take it too seriously

Xiao Ming replaced his cup with hot tea and gestured for him to speak slowly

Seeing Gu Shouzheng's puzzled expression, Xiao Ming reached out and patted the seat beneath him

The most important thing is that from now on, the refinery can take advantage of the opportunity to serve as an OEM for the government, while also mastering core technology. As for others wanting to copy or imitate? Not to mention anything else, the spring steel used for the crossbow arms cannot be produced by anyone else.

Xiao Ming glanced at Yang Zhen and noticed his expressionless face. After a moment of thought, he continued, "The shaft of the crossbow bolt is made of bamboo feathers, which can be used universally. We can also provide just the arrowheads. As for the other materials, they can be considered cheaper, but it will still cost at least 5 taels and 4 qian of silver"

Xiao Ming's eyes lit up, "Ha, a gold ingot, how extravagant!"

Xiao Ming smiled as he took out two arrows from the cloth bag. Yang Zhen reached out, and in a single stride, dashed out of the living room and into the yard. He skillfully loaded the crossbow with the arrows and aimed at the wooden flagpole used for hanging lanterns, which was a hundred steps away on the wall

Rizhanglong, Su Mansion

One thousand five hundred crossbows may not seem like a large quantity according to his perspective, but given that Gu Shouzheng's foundry has not yet scaled up, this is considered a significant order at this stage. Previously, the foundry rarely received orders from the garrison that amounted to more than a few thousand coins or a dozen vehicles. This time, however, the order totals seven thousand five hundred taels, which explains why Gu Shouzheng is already beaming with joy.

Brother Xiao! I, as a worldly nephew of the venerable Shou, would like to offer you three bowls in his honor today

With a whoosh, two arrows were released; the first arrow missed its target, but after a slight adjustment, the second arrow struck fiercely into the flagpole. His stance and movements were executed with an almost instinctive mastery.

Xiao Ming nodded and said, "Moreover, this crossbow can be produced at Brother Gu's workshop at a rate of about three hundred units per month, so I would like to ask Brother Yang..."

Yang Zhen was skilled in archery and horsemanship from a young age, and he achieved numerous military accomplishments while serving in the Western Army. However, due to his stubborn personality and conflicts with his superiors, he was reassigned from the position of Inspector to the post of Judge of the Military Defense Department in Hangzhou, a demotion in disguise. In essence, the Judge of the Military Defense Department was responsible for the management of weapons, so he was extremely familiar with the armaments in the Song Army's arsenal.

Xiao Ming opened it and saw a row of small gold ingots

Xiao Ming bent the steel plate used as the bow arm of the crossbow to form a right angle with the bow body, secured it with a retaining ring, and handed it to Yang Zhen, who took it and examined it carefully

"I never expected that Mr. Xiao is also knowledgeable in the art of mechanism crafting. The design of this crossbow is truly exquisite, a rare find indeed!" Su Bi remarked while stroking his beard.

In a moment of reflection, he ultimately took only one ingot, "One ingot is sufficient, Shou Weng, we will visit another day." Su Bi smiled and nodded, and had someone send the two of them off in a horse-drawn carriage

Brother Xiao, the Lord Guard has decided to directly order five hundred of those crossbows from last night. I wonder if Manager Gu has any in stock here

Upon returning, a servant happened to report that the Hangzhou Garrison had matters to discuss with Yang Zhen, and thus Yang Zhen rose to take his leave

You can probably guess from this carriage that the Su residence must have remarkable individuals. Su Bi certainly has other matters to attend to, but for us, this Old Master Su is of great use

Yang Zhen was greatly astonished: "Is this statement true?"

The two returned home, and there was no conversation throughout the night

Yang Zhen clasped his fists and said, "I understand, Brother Xiao. I will go to see the Lord Guard now. By the way, should I take these two maps with me?"

"Haha, well then, Brother Yang, take a look at this item." As he spoke, Xiao Ming took out the crossbow he had brought from the cloth bag.

Hehe, good, this crossbow will be given to Brother Yang.

A modest consultation fee, not meant as a token of respect, I hope Mr. Xiao will accept it

Regarding the events of that day, Xiao Ming learned that, in addition to the local Mingjiao branch being destroyed, the government troops were divided into several routes to capture Mingjiao rebels in Lin'an, Pingjiang, Jiande, and Jiaxing. Except for the county magistrate of Lin'an, Guo Huai, who managed to escape, all other Mingjiao rebels in the aforementioned areas were captured, and a large number of weapons and armor were confiscated.

What is being served today is Huangjiu—Longshan Huadiao, along with a large jar of rice wine—Nü'ér Hóng! The wines presented by the Su family today are all aged five to ten years! The flavor of the wine is rich and beautiful, with a strong aroma, but it has a significant aftereffect! Xiao Ming is still a bit afraid, afraid of what? Afraid of embarrassing himself

Can we conduct a test launch, Brother Xiao

Seeing that Yang Zhen remained noncommittal, Xiao Ming continued: "Aside from the one from yesterday, the workshop currently has two hundred finished products. How about we sell them at half price, five taels of silver each, to help Brother Yang with his urgent needs?"

The protagonist of tonight is undoubtedly Xiao Ming

Xiao Ming merely smiled upon hearing this. This time, treating Su Cai'er was actually his first time personally using acupuncture in a clinical setting. Achieving such results made him feel somewhat proud, but upon hearing An Daoquan's arrangements, he suddenly felt a chill run down his back

Xiao Ming and Gu Shouzheng exchanged a glance, both feeling very pleased, as it seemed that this first objective had already been achieved

To be honest, my brother, this time I came with County Lieutenant Luo not only to reminisce but also to discuss the matter of purchasing the Black Divine Crossbow. As Brother Luo just mentioned, the demonic faction's uprising is imminent. They have been preparing for many years, and their military strength is certainly sufficient. Meanwhile, the court has neglected military preparedness over the years, and the weapons and armor are outdated. Once chaos erupts, I fear that

Yang Zhen and Su Bi exchanged a glance at Xiao Ming, nodded slightly, and Yang Zhen cupped his hands again

Originally, Xiao Ming was not good at drinking. When he was in school, he would drink and boast with his six roommates in the dormitory. He could only manage to drink two bottles of beer at most before he would vomit uncontrollably, earning him the nickname "Old Rabbit (Two)." It was only when he stared with bloodshot eyes, holding a beer bottle as a threat, that others would beg for mercy and stop calling him that.

From the very beginning, when Andaoquan taught him the Golden Needle Technique, he had already foreseen this moment. During an epileptic seizure, the patient's body becomes tense, and only a novice like Xiao Ming, who possesses "extraordinary skills," can administer the needles. It relies on his clumsy strength. The power of the muscles and bones within Xiao Ming, caused by the transformation of his body, can strongly regulate the yin and yang sequence of the patient's meridians through the Golden Needle. In fact, after Xiao Ming's needle application, Su Cai'er has already completed the regulation of the yin and yang within her meridians. With further rest and adjustment, the root of the illness has been eliminated, but Xiao Ming is simply unaware of this.