Iron is one of the most important materials in any dynasty.
Ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign, there is no exception.
Why is Guan Zhong so awesome?
Because he was the first to propose "Guan Shan Hai".
When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty arrived, he also established a salt and iron monopoly.
To put it bluntly, just two words: make money!
Especially in this era, iron is money!
However, if you want to dig iron ore in Dahan, there is still a hurdle, that is, you must first obtain a license from the court.
And if you want to get a license from the court, the fastest way is...
Xu Xun raised his head to look at his brother, climbed up, walked over to him, and asked quietly:
"Brother, does Fourth Sister-in-law know about this?"
Feng Junhou glanced at him sideways and asked:
"What fourth sister-in-law? Who is fourth sister-in-law?"
"That's right, it's Sister-in-law Zhang!" Xu Xun gestured and pointed to the edge of the guide.
Feng Junhou continued to squint: "Do you think I should let her know?"
Shameless!
What I said just now is not what I said. Did I mean to say that Zhang Xiaosi was causing trouble and deceiving the leaders of the Xinghan Society to pay for it?
Now you finally remember that she is your fourth sister-in-law?
Xu Xun showed no shame at all, and even said confidently:
Fourth sister-in-law even gave birth to a child for you, and you still don’t want to admit it? Could it be that you want to be that unlucky person?
If you don't want to admit it, you have to ask the brothers in the association if they agree?
It’s just that the fourth sister-in-law knew about it, so wouldn’t the royal family also know about it?
If the royal family knows, it is equivalent to the court knowing.
Xu Xun became confused again.
Feng Junhou looked at his hopeless look and then said leisurely:
"Don't worry, I have already negotiated with your fourth sister-in-law and asked her to apply to the palace for three or five iron smelting workshops for the Xinghan Association."
"Either in Jiuyuan or Pingcheng. Considering that the Xinghan Society has made great contributions to the country for so many years, there is probably no problem."
When Xu Xun heard this, he was immediately shocked:
"Three or five?!"
He thought it would be good to have one or two, but he didn't expect that his brother's appetite was much greater than he thought.
"That's a border area, not in Guanzhong." Feng Junhou snorted, "The imperial court hopes that Xinghan will invest more money and food there."
In a core area like Guanzhong, even multiple encirclement areas are not feasible.
But in border areas, especially places where Han and Hu people live together, it's completely different.
From the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period to the present, no matter which dynasty or generation, various types of immigrants have never stopped.
Before the "Great Sending", China had always had a very strong sense of expanding its territory.
Not to mention a unified dynasty like the Han Dynasty.
Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty alone packed countless thousands of people into border counties.
Of course, in the past, it would have been impossible to build an iron smelting workshop there.
After all, it is close to the Hu area, where Han and Hu people live together. If iron is smelted in the border area, the iron tools will easily fall into the hands of the Hu people.
During the Pre-Han Dynasty, the imperial court had strict requirements on the height and size of the horses that were usually sent out to the fortress, let alone iron tools.
But now it's very different.
Hu people?
What kind of barbarian?
Isn’t that labor?
I heard that someone in the imperial court had already reported that reviving the Han Dynasty would violate the prime minister's policy.
It was promised that Han and Hu would be integrated, but the Xinghan Association was engaged in the sinister business of buying and selling labor every year...
Fortunately, the emperor was wise and did not listen to those pedantic remarks.
Otherwise, do you think that the royal family’s sugar cane garden in Nanzhong, the horse farm in Longyou, and the workshop in Liangzhou all produced things out of thin air?
Ever since Feng Guiwang used wool to weave wool, the man's desire for pasture has become stronger and stronger.
There is such a good pasture in Jiuyuan and Heping City. It is impossible for a big man to give up. Without the pasture, where would the war horses come from?
Where did the wool come from?
Not only must we not give up, but we must also strengthen management, so it is imperative to implement border reclamation.
Even during the Unification period, transporting supplies from Guanzhong to Jiuyuan was a heavy burden.
Not to mention that the world is not unified yet.
Therefore, if you want your horse to run fast, you must feed it not only fodder but also refined grains.
Since we want the Xinghan Hui to make great efforts to colonize the border areas, and the imperial court cannot provide any supplies, we can always provide some preferential policies, right?
Not to mention the state subsidizing food for a few years and so on like the former Han Dynasty.
Even if we are asked to do it ourselves and be self-reliant, we still have to be given quotas in a few iron smelting workshops.
The iron smelted in these workshops can be used to make agricultural tools.
A big iron lump like the Eight Ox Plow is not something that ordinary people can afford.
But it is most suitable to be used in a vast world like the border.
As long as the eight-oxen plow is used, within a few years, the border areas will have enough food and clothing, and even provide food and fodder for the garrison.
Isn’t it wonderful to achieve many things in one fell swoop?
Although Xu Xun already knew in advance that there was an iron mine there, he was still stunned when he heard Feng Junhou's words.
This statement... sounds very reasonable!
If it were me, I would also wish that the Xinghan Association could have a big fight in the border areas.
Anyway, it only requires a few workshop quotas, which will not only make the border peaceful, but also provide access to vast pastures, and at the same time reduce the central government's supply burden on the border troops.
Only a fool would not do such a good thing.
The governor of Jiuyuan Dudufu appointed Huo Yi, and the governor of Bingzhou appointed Deng Zhi.
One is a person from the imperial palace, and the other is a veteran of the two dynasties who followed the late emperor. They are both loyal and reliable people.
As long as they are here, there won't be any big problems in these two places.
Xu Xun figured this out and said sincerely:
"Brother, what a coincidence... ahem, it really is a thorough understanding, a to the point, a long-term plan, and a foresighted plan."
As my brother said, how much contribution has the Xinghan Society made to the Han Dynasty over the years?
In addition, the expansion of border areas this time can be regarded as sharing the country's worries.
After these remarks were reported to the court, Sister-in-law Zhang Si also interceded with the palace.
Unless the imperial court wants to abolish martial arts and deliberately targets the Xinghan Hui, otherwise, it will basically agree to this request of the Xinghan Hui.
However, Xu Xun still had a doubt in his mind:
"If our iron smelting workshop is only used to make farm tools, will the imperial court believe it?"
Feng Junhou laughed: "The main thing is to make farm tools, but there will definitely be some other things made. The court also knows that there is no need to be suspicious."
There is a saying in later generations: the location of the third steel output of the Shijia is called Tangshan, which does not include the output it concealed.
Even if they sent people in to check the accounts, even if they sent people to check the accounts, Feng Junhou was sure that they would not find anything wrong with them in the Han Dynasty.
Do you know where the most proficient math students in the world come from?
Do you know who their mountain chief is?
"Create anything else?"
When Xu Xun heard this, he became even more confused.
What did the elder brother say to Hanzhong?
Why did the imperial court give the Xinghan Hui such great rights in the border areas?
"Build farm tools, repair farm tools, and build coal stoves for local people and herdsmen. We definitely can't make military-style weapons, but we can still make some arrow clusters."
The people of the Han Dynasty did not prohibit bows and arrows, so naturally they also prohibited arrow feathers.
With the relationship between the Xinghan Society and the creation of arrow feathers for the local garrison, if you want to find a way, you can definitely find it.
After all, the cost for the imperial court to build it in Guanzhong and then transport it to the border areas would definitely be much higher than building it locally.
If Xinghanhui's workshop can reduce costs to a lower level than those of the imperial court, then this business will be considered stable.
Outsourcing of parts is nothing new.
Even in later generations, there is no reason why state-owned enterprises and central enterprises will be responsible for everything.
"Which of these things does not require the use of iron? No matter how much money the court has, there is no reason to waste it on these trivial things."
After all, he is a boss-level figure, and this matter will not affect the overall situation of the border army. Feng Junhou believes that he is still capable of pushing forward this resolution.
Besides, do you really think the imperial court has endless money to spend?
At the critical moment of reviving the Han Dynasty, we did not want to give up the border areas, but we also did not want to spend more money.
Again, if the imperial court does not have enough materials to support the reclamation in the border areas, then preferential policies must be provided, right?
Otherwise, who will work for you in vain?
Let the local government provide part of the arrow feathers to the border troops, which can be regarded as saving a lot of money.
For this job, the Xinghan Hui who was willing to settle in the border areas was naturally the best choice.
If you can’t even trust the Xinghan Society, who else can you trust?
Do you believe those aristocratic families?
Between a biological son and a bastard, the court still doesn’t know which one to choose?
Besides, the border area is so messy, so just using iron to make some weapons is normal.
As long as it's not making banned weapons.
It cannot be said that weapons should not be banned in the mainland, but should be banned in the border areas, right?
Doesn’t that leave the people in the border areas at their mercy?
This has never been something that a strong man with a strong sense of martial arts would do.
Xu Xun is not yet qualified to participate in the formulation of the national policy of the Han Dynasty.
He was originally worried about how to obtain the iron smelting license from the court.
Now that I heard words from Feng Junhou that might become a subject of imperial discussion, I suddenly came to my senses.
At the same time, I secretly felt ashamed.
My brother has already considered the issue from the perspective of the Han Dynasty's national policy, but he is still just thinking about how to make camp, so ashamed!
With his brother's words, Xu Xun couldn't help but feel confident:
"Brother, what should we do next? Do we want to inform everyone first?"
Feng Junhou smiled, lay back in the chair, and said slowly:
"There's no rush. Don't tell anyone about this matter yet. I want to wait for news from Erlang."
The Erlang mentioned by Feng Junhou is naturally his most loyal younger brother Zhao Erlang.
At the same time, he is also the second person in the Xinghan Association. This person can be said to be very good at handling the word "two".
"Zhao Erlang? He's not in Hanzhong..."
General Zhao passed away half a year ago. At this time, Zhao Erlang has not returned to Guanzhong, indicating that he is most likely observing filial piety.
"In the current national crisis, General Zhao is dedicated to serving the country. How can he make people observe filial piety for too long?"
Feng Junhou sighed first, and then said:
"Erlang sent a letter a month ago, saying that he was going to return to the army, but I asked him to go to Liangzhou first."
"Liangzhou?"
"Yes, Liangzhou."
Feng Junhou nodded:
"Last year we led the army to fight against the Wei thieves at the front, and someone caused some trouble in Liangzhou."
Listening to Feng Junhou's calm tone, Xu Xun's heart suddenly beat a beat faster for no apparent reason.
Feng Junhou sighed:
"This battle has been going on for too long, and you and Hong Lang (Liu Liang) have also left. There are no important figures in the meeting in Liangzhou."
"So the people below did something outrageous."
Xu Xun swallowed a mouthful of saliva.
Now his brother can't live without him in Guanzhong. As the second person in the association, Zhao Erlang went to Liangzhou to deal with this matter in person.
As you can imagine, the so-called "some outrageous things" are by no means simple.
Xu Xun didn't ask any more questions and nodded:
"Little brother understands, everything will be subject to brother's arrangements."
He paused and asked again:
"My little brother will be escorting supplies to Jiuyuan soon. I wonder if your brother has any orders?"
"Instructions don't count. I told you about the iron mine and iron smelting workshop in advance, just to let you go back and make some preparations."
Feng Junhou sat up straight, and the smile returned to his face:
"After returning to Jiuyuan, when Huo Shaoxian (i.e. Huo Yi) goes to Jiuyuan to take up a post, don't embarrass others, and hand over what should be handed over."
"Of course, he may also let you serve in the Governor's Mansion. Chang Shi or the Governor's Mansion Guards probably won't be able to escape."
"When the time comes, you can see what your wishes are. If you want to stay, you can stay. If you want to go back to Guanzhong, you can come back."
When Xu Xun heard this, he was overjoyed and said:
"What's the point of returning to Guanzhong when a man has made great achievements?"
Although he was the staff officer of Liangzhou Army in the past, there are so many staff officers of Liangzhou Army?
Now that you have become a Changshi or a Protector of the Governor's Palace, you have officially entered the ranks of the local governors of the Han Dynasty.
If you are transferred to another place in the future, you will already be qualified to compete for the position of county governor.
If there are people in the court, then the prefect is basically stable.
Someone from the DPRK...
Xu Xun looked at Feng Junhou, his lips almost grinning to his ears:
With the power of his brother, who is an ordinary minister, how many people in the court can be greater than him?
If he is transferred back to the central court instead of being transferred to another place, he will not be able to enter the main hall to hold court meetings.
But at least you can stand on the corridor instead of standing outside in the wind and sun.
Feng Junhou yawned.
Xu Xun understood:
"Brother, please rest first, little brother, please leave."
Compared to Xu Xun who was overjoyed, Zhao Guang, who was far away in Liangzhou, had a gloomy face.
There are a few scars on his face, but although they don't affect his handsome appearance, they add a bit of masculinity to him.
But when his face turned gloomy, these scars seemed to become more ferocious.
"Lang Jun, Lang Jun, spare your life! The villain was temporarily blinded by lard, so he agreed to them. It was really not intentional..."
The person kneeling below is a man with scars on his face.
However, this man's scar was much deeper, and the new flesh that had been turned up was in stark contrast to the old flesh, which looked a bit scary.
At this time, this man who looked like a tough man was bursting into tears with a look of regret on his face.
Behind him, there were many people, some of whom had collapsed on the ground, their bodies shaking like chaff.
On both sides of these people were two rows of veterans standing with swords in hand.
Most of the middle and senior management of the Liangzhou Xinghan Hui branch were present.
Zhao Erlang stared at the man below, and after a long time, he said:
"Brother has told me before that some of us may not be afraid of the thieves' swords and arrows made of fine iron, but they may not be able to block the sugar-coated swords and arrows."
"I originally couldn't figure out what this meant, but now that I see your appearance, I finally understand your brother's good intentions."
"Captain You, in the battle at Xiaoguan, when you retreated to cover your comrades, you were hit by seven arrows. All seven arrows were in your chest, none of them were behind your back, but you never took a step back."
"I remember that stab in your face very clearly. It was the thieves who stabbed you in the face with a halberd."
Having said this, Zhao Guang stood up and kicked him bitterly, knocking him to the ground:
"In recognition of your past achievements, we have specially arranged a good position for you in the association. You will get dividends in one year that others may not be able to get in ten years."
"My mother-in-law, is your family short of food or clothing?"
The more Zhao Guang talked, the more excited he became, "If you don't tell me straight away, which brother will bleed and shed tears in this meeting?"
"It's only been a few years? It's only been a few years! You've become like this!"
"Do you know how difficult it is for you to make it difficult for your brother this time? Do you know how many thoughts the court has about the meeting because of this matter?"
Captain You huddled on the ground, not sure whether it was because he was in pain or because he was afraid to move.