This morning, the morning fog in Bianjing City was so thick that I couldn't see my fingers.
Su Song, escorted by the two Yuan followers assigned to him by the court, rode on his horse on his way home.
Although he had not slept all night, his spirit was still strong.
Even a little too excited!
"There are so many truths in studying things to gain knowledge!" Su Song sighed: "This is something I didn't know before..."
He recalled the exchange with Shen Kuo last night, and countless thoughts were racing in his heart.
Now he knows that in order to gain knowledge from the saint's personality, he needs to strictly record, carefully distinguish, and conduct experiments in groups.
Only phenomena and principles that can be repeatedly verified can be regarded as "truths".
Only then can it be applied universally!
Otherwise, there may be errors, mistakes or even fatal flaws.
At the least, it will mislead others' children, at worst, it will harm the country and the people.
After Su Song heard this, he was deeply convinced.
More than just investigating things?
Isn’t it the same with dealing with people and serving as an official?
Therefore, Su Song and Shen Kuo met each other late!
Two people who share common hobbies and interests have even begun to approach each other in academic opinions.
How can we not become friends?
So even though Su Song was older than Shen Kuo - Su Song was born in the second year of Tianxi reign of Zhenzong (AD 1020), while Shen Kuo was born in the ninth year of Tiansheng reign of Renzong (AD 1031).
The two of them had little contact before: Su Song was a lawful member of the old party, while Shen Kuo was a radical member of the new party, and they had a very bad reputation.
After the exchange last night, both of them were a little excited.
At the end of the chat, we talked about our ages and exchanged name cards.
Su Song even planned to come forward in person. After Su Zizhan returned to Beijing, he would choose a date, set up a table, and call Su Zizhan and Shen Cunzhong together to see if the conflict between the two could be resolved.
Although this matter is a bit difficult.
But you have to try, right?
Unknowingly, Su Song rode his horse back to the place where he lives now - the former residence of Duke Xu Guo in Xingguofang.
This place is the most luxurious and golden place in the entire Bianjing city.
The Shangshu Province before Yuanfeng was restructured was located in Xingguofang - it was transformed from the old residence of Zhu Wen, Taizu of Liang after Taizu.
After the Yuanfeng Dynasty, the Shangshu Province was moved to the imperial city. The first emperor ordered Song Yongchen to "abolish the first three divisions of the palace in the west of Da Nei and use the land as the new Shangshu Province."
Therefore, the original Shangshu Province was called the Old Shangshu Province.
The old province of Shangshu has never been abandoned. It was adjacent to the turret of the west tower of the imperial city and connected to the old political hall in the imperial city through a heavily guarded corridor.
Therefore, the new province of Shangshu built by the late emperor in the west of the palace in the abolition of Sanbanyuan, and the old province of Shangshu outside the palace were actually close to the palace wall and connected by a cloister.
Many general affairs are still handled in the old province of Shangshu.
A large number of officials also work in the old province.
Countless documents and files are still stored in the warehouses of the old province.
To the east of Xingguofang is Guanghuafang, where the Secretariat Province is located. The Secretary Province is across the Bianhe River from Dutingyi, and runs through the Imperial Street to the west. Bianjing City now has the largest flow of people and is also an important financial center.
—Jiaoziwu is located in Jingjing, right between the Secretariat and Duting Station across the river.
At the same time, if you continue forward from Xingguofang along the westward Imperial Street, you will see a huge square - Tianjie.
At the end of Tianjie is Xuandemen, the place where the emperor came to the imperial court and the gate where the ministers entered the court.
Therefore, Xingguofang is the closest city from Bianjing City to the Imperial City.
It has never been a place for ordinary people to live.
When Xu Guogong Zhang Qi was given this house, there have been rumors that apart from the fact that Zhang Qi was a latent disciple of the Zhen Temple, the most important reason was that Zhang Qi wanted to raise beauties here for the Zhen Temple.
A large number of beauties from all over the world were kept in Zhang Qi's home by the Zhen Temple using various reasons and excuses.
The most famous among them is naturally the Queen Mother named Liu who came from Sichuan.
However, the once-prominent Xu Guogong family is no longer the king of the past.
Even Xu Guogong's own tomb was robbed by his son Zhang Chengyi.
The prime minister-level mansion given by the Zhenmiao back then was taken back by the emperor and rented to the imperial officials in Beijing at a low price as a benefit.
As a result, the gate of Xu Guogong's residence, which once had a halberd in front, has now become a place where hundreds of officials and their families come and go day and night.
In the stables, there are hundreds of horses of various colors.
As soon as Su Song dismounted in front of the gate, a man wrapped in a green scarf came forward, bowed and asked, "Do you want to feed Mr. Su's horse?"
Su Song nodded, handed the reins to the man, and said softly: "Thank you!"
"I don't dare!" the man said with fear and sincerity: "I am willing to serve Duke Su."
After saying that, he led Su Song's horse and walked towards the stable.
There were already people there, pouring the prepared fodder into the manger.
Through the thick fog, you can still see a strong woman in the stable holding shovels, shovels and other tools to clean up the feces.
These people are all so-called "cleaners", "sanitary workers" and "security guards" hired by the Street Department of Kaifeng Prefecture.
The Street Department refers to them collectively as ‘properties’.
Su Song heard that the Street Department now has a new 'Property Bureau'.
The Property Bureau recruits and trains a large number of workers both inside and outside Bianjing.
Although I don’t know, what exactly is Jia Zhongmin going to do?
However, since the Street Department established the Property Bureau, at least Su Song found that the sanitation and livestock management inside and outside Xu Guogong's former residence where he rented were no longer left unattended.
The scenes of sewage flowing across the river and garbage strewn everywhere are no longer available.
Su Song didn't have the energy to think about what was going on here.
He only knew that with the establishment of the Property Bureau, the environment of the place where he lived had improved, and various facilities had been maintained.
This is enough.
Enter the gate, pass the wall photo in Duke Xu's Mansion, follow the corridor, and walk eastward.
Su Song soon returned to his current home - a courtyard with more than ten wing rooms that was separated from the Kaifeng Mansion.
As soon as he entered the house, his wife Xin and her family were already waiting at the door to greet him.
"The official is back!"
Mrs. Xin was his stepmother, originally the daughter of Xin Youze, who was of the same age as him, and was almost thirty years younger than him.
An old man and a young wife should not be harmonious, but after being married to him for more than ten years, Mrs. Xin and he were like-minded.
After the current official came to the throne, he made a special order to extend his favor and conferred the title of Mrs. Korea on the basis of Xin's virtue.
"Yes!" Seeing his beloved wife, Su Song smiled and said, "I was talking with Shen Cunzhong by candlelight last night, and I forgot my return date. Please forgive me, madam."
Mrs. Xin stepped forward, changed his clothes, and said softly: "Last night, Mrs. Yingchuan County sent someone to announce..."
"Mrs. Yingchuan County?" Su Song was stunned for a moment, then realized that it was Shen Kuo's continuation: "Is Shen Kuo's wife?"
"Um!"
That's a powerful person!
Even though Su Song has been busy with Kaifeng Mansion and Hun Yun Bureau these days, he has no time to pay attention to the gossip of the ministers of the DPRK.
But they also knew that the official Chao San was promoted to Shen Kuo, who specialized in manufacturing weapons.
It is said that this matter was revealed by current officials - last year Shen Kuo once worked tirelessly in the bureau specializing in manufacturing weapons.
Then, an official decree was issued to his wife Zhang.
From then on, it is said that Shen Kuo left earlier than anyone else when he got off work every day, and never dared to work overtime at the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau - because as long as he dared, his wife would lead people into the official office, and then on the spot
In front of the others, he grabbed his ears and dragged him back.
Such a fierce woman left the people of Bianjing stunned.
What is even more shocking is what happened next - in the second month of the first year of Yuanyou, the emperor specially decreed that Shen Kuo's wife, Zhang, was virtuous and virtuous, and she was granted the title of Mrs. Yingchuan County.
And he specially gave it to his wife.
Shen Kuo immediately expressed his gratitude and expressed his sincerity. He was more happy than the official who promoted him to another official.
Therefore, the Zhang family became famous. It is said that even the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager in the palace heard about this incident and even summoned the Zhang family.
For this reason, Shen Chong, Shen Kuo's son, has become a high-quality son-in-law in the eyes of many families in Bianjing City.
He has a good family background and good parents.
If your daughter gets married, she will never be bullied.
Such a good son-in-law has a fatal attraction for the female slaves in Bianjing City.
As soon as he thought of this, Su Song said to Mrs. Xin: "Madam, if you have time in the future, you can have more contact with Mrs. Shen."
Mr. Xin raised his head.
"Sanniang is about to reach the age of discussing marriage..." Su Song said softly: "Madam, it's time to make preparations early."
After Xin married him, the couple only had one daughter. They loved each other very much, so they naturally wanted to choose a good son-in-law for their daughter.
When Mrs. Xin heard this, her eyes flickered for a moment, and then she laughed: "Don't worry, sir, I know it."
If you think about it carefully, Shen Kuo's son is indeed a good choice.
First of all, Shen Kuo's future is limitless - he is a minister of the country who was specially carved and sharpened by the late emperor and left to the young master.
With his kindness, his son could live a wealthy life even if he was useless - not to mention, Shen Kuo only had an only son.
This means that everything in Shen Kuo's future belongs to him.
At the same time, take into account Shen Kuo's characteristic of being afraid of others.
If the son resembles his father, his daughter will not be wronged when she marries him.
that is……
"Why did the official suddenly have such thoughts?" asked Xin in confusion.
Shen Kuo's reputation is not good.
Su Song smiled and said: "Madam, I don't know. My husband and Shen Cunzhong held a candlelight conversation last night. It can be said that we met at a late date, which is quite regrettable!"
Good friends are rare!
It is even rarer to find a confidant whose interests, hobbies and pursuits are almost the same.
In addition, according to what Su Song saw at Shen's house last night.
He found that Shen Kuo's son Shen Chong seemed to have a special interest in technology and machinery just like Nai's father. Su Song tentatively asked him a few questions, and he could answer them fluently.
This is great.
…
In a daze, Zhao Xu felt as if he had returned to modern times.
He looked forward and found that he seemed to be on the sofa in the living room of his home in the imperial capital.
The TV in front of me seemed to be playing the news.
But the people who appeared on the screen were not the elites in suits and ties he was familiar with.
Instead, he looked like a scholar-official wearing a wide robe, long sleeves, and a high crown.
Countless flashes kept pressing the shutter.
The people on the screen seemed to be holding a classic in their hands. Under the leadership of the leader, they bowed collectively in front of a bronze statue of Confucius.
Then, they seemed to start some kind of ritual.
The announcer's voice-over came from the TV: "This station reports that today our city's new governor team, led by the newly elected governor Zhang Wendao, came to the Confucius Temple and swore in the saint to take office as our city's new leader team." !”
Immediately, a powerful male voice came from the TV: "I will abide by my duties, be loyal to morality, govern with benevolence, and act with love. The saints are above me, and the sages have learned from me. If I violate this oath, both humans and gods will be punished!"
Zhao Xu laughed.
At this moment, he knew that he was probably dreaming.
And this weird dream continues.
On TV, a TV series begins to air.
The protagonist seems to be a judge?
Wearing a robe and a Xie Zhi crown, he looked at the witness stand seriously and asked solemnly: "Witness, please swear to the saint under the supervision of Ben Tixing and make no false statements or deliberate concealments in your testimony..."
…”
At this point, Zhao Xu was completely sure that this was a dream.
It was probably a dream born from the legal dramas and political dramas he had watched, mixed with some of his inner desires and thoughts.
As soon as he thought of this, he woke up.
When he opened his eyes, he was sleeping in the inner chamber of Funing Hall.
Wen Xunniang squatted in front of the imperial couch, seemingly looking at him. When she saw him waking up, her face immediately turned red with embarrassment, and even her earlobes turned red.
"Guan, I will help you wash up!" she said quickly.
Zhao Xu groaned and sat up, still immersed in the dream just now.
"Zhizhou...punishment..." Zhao Xu murmured twice: "Unexpectedly, I still have the wild dream of making the Song Dynasty last forever!"
But history has proven that no one can last forever.
Individuals are not good, systems are not good, and dynasties are not good either.
but……
"That dream was really good!"
"If it can really come true...I will have no regrets!"
Yes, the official title of magistrate and punishment can be passed down to an era with television.
That is enough to illustrate his success!
As for this dream, is it possible to come true?
Of course!
But it requires his efforts and the efforts of countless people.
…
An hour later.
Zhao Xu sat in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden, breathing slightly.
Wen Xunniang took a towel and gently wiped the sweat on his forehead.
"How long have I been running for?" Zhao Xu asked.
"The official's morning jog lasted more than a quarter of an hour." Wen Xunniang answered softly.
"Good!" Zhao Xu clenched his fist slightly, feeling a little excited.
It took more than a year to exercise and condition.
His body was finally on the road to health.
Today I ran for more than a quarter of an hour before I could catch my breath.
congratulations!
It should be noted that at this time last year, even if he was just jogging for a while in the Imperial Garden, his lungs would be wheezing.
Sometimes, even if I walk for a while, I will be out of breath.
This is the root of the disease that has been brought up since childhood.
Now, after his own training, Qian Yi's conditioning and physical fitness are completely different.
Zhao Xu felt that as long as he could maintain a good routine, stay away from toxic environments, and pay attention to nutrition and exercise.
Then, there is hope that the old diseases in his body will be completely cured before adulthood - the recovery speed and potential of a child's body are far higher than that of an adult.
Seeing Zhao Xu's happy look, Wen Xunniang also became happy: "The official body is getting healthier. If the two palaces know about it, they will definitely be happy."
"Yeah!" Zhao Xu nodded, and then Zhao Xu saw Shi Deyi's figure at the entrance of the corridor of the Imperial Garden.
So, Zhao Xu waved to Feng Jing, who had been waiting outside the pavilion, and ordered: "Feng Jing, go take a look. Is there something wrong with Shi Duzhi?"
Recently, when Zhao Xu and Wen Xunniang were getting along, almost no one dared to disturb them.
It was only after Wen Xunniang left that those people would see her one after another.
This is the will from Baoci Palace.
"No!" Feng Jing followed the order and left. Wen Xunniang also put down her handkerchief very wisely and said softly: "I retire."
"Yes." Zhao Xu nodded, grabbed the handkerchief left by Wen Xunniang, and wiped his neck.
Not to mention, there is a faint fragrance on the handkerchief.
Shi Deyi was quickly approached by Zhao Xu. He bowed and bowed three times. After saying hello, he reported: "Everyone, the Detective Department reported that there were many rumors in the tile houses in Bianjing City last night."
Rumors..."
"Many people are talking nonsense in that tile shop..."
Shi Deyi said while studying Zhao Xu's expression.
Zhao Xu laughed: "What are you talking about?"
Shi Deyi replied: "Everyone agrees that it was Shen Kuo who was promoted to the weapons manufacturing bureau. He used the method of 'investigating things to gain knowledge' and found out an important military weapon for trial use."
Zhao Xu was not surprised by this.
Because even the Great Song Dynasty cannot keep secrets.
Don't even expect outsiders to keep any secrets.
In fact, after the grenadier was publicly demonstrated to the bosses, the fact of the power of the firearm could no longer be kept secret-in fact, there had been rumors in the market before that the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau was producing an extremely powerful weapon.
Large firearms can be destroyed dozens of steps as long as they are thrown.
It’s just that no one took it seriously, thinking that it was the workers who specialized in manufacturing arms who were bragging.
It was displayed publicly yesterday, in full view of everyone, so many people saw and heard it.
It was naturally impossible to hide the fact that the Song Dynasty possessed firearms that could sound as loud as thunder.
Zhao Xu didn't intend to hide it either.
Of course, he had no intention of publicly admitting it, let alone announcing the granular gunpowder preparation technology of the Ordnance Bureau.
As soon as Shi De looked at Zhao Xu's expression, he almost understood, but he still lowered his head and asked: "Everyone, do you want the Detective Department to do this?"
"No need!" Zhao Xu chuckled: "It is better to defend the people than to defend the river! I have always advocated letting the people of the world speak!"
This matter should be carried out with great fanfare, arouse public opinion, and join the discussion.
As for whether this will cause the Liao Kingdom, Xixia, and even Japan, Jiaozhi and other countries to activate the gunpowder technology tree?
Zhao Xu didn't care too much.
Because first of all, no matter whether the Khitan people or the Dangxiang people, until they have seen the power of the grenadiers with their own eyes, most likely they will not pay attention to this matter.
Don't be surprised!
Whether it is an individual or a country, it is easy to be immersed in past experiences and pay little attention to new weapons and tactics.
For example, World War I, World War II and the many subsequent wars recorded in modern history are typical examples.
This is still the case in countries with mature systems in modern times.
What about these countries today?
The ruling groups of these countries, even if they get reports from the people below - the Song Dynasty has developed a super firearm, which is very powerful, so they must be careful!
But most of the time, carnivores will sneer at it - what kind of firearm? The kind that makes smoke and can run around?
This kind of rubbish, no matter how powerful it is, is still rubbish!
Our Daliao Pishi Army (Dabai Gaoguo Tieyaozi) is invincible in the world!
You guys, if you don’t have any information, you don’t have to report it. Don’t bother me!
Only on the battlefield, after you have suffered a loss and been hurt, will you pay attention to it.
This is something that has been proven by history.
Throughout the ages, countless people have fallen into this kind of inertial thinking and stereotypes again and again.
Secondly, the Song-Xia War is approaching.
Grenadiers will definitely be on the battlefield!
Therefore, it doesn't matter whether you hide it or not.
Even if Zhao Xu now holds a loudspeaker and shouts all over the world - I have already created a practical firearm.
Whether it is the Khitan, Dang Xiang, or anyone else, it will take time to prepare suitable black powder.
As for the preparation technology and mass production technology of granular gunpowder, it is still far away - if Zhao Xu had not studied abroad in modern times, he would have clearly understood this technical route.
It was impossible for the Song Dynasty to reach this point in a short period of time.
What's more, the Song Dynasty would not stop at throwing firearms forever.
Shen Kuo organized a group of skilled craftsmen in the Ordnance Manufacturing Bureau to make firecrackers similar to those used in the late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty!
Although the yield rate is impressive, it is expensive, labor-intensive and time-consuming.
However, these firecrackers can already shoot explosives.
This means that as long as technology and materials continue to develop, it won't be long before Zhao Xu can start building the Song Dynasty's Shenji Camp.
Therefore, Zhao Xu is not worried at all.
As long as the Song Dynasty's own technological progress moves forward steadily.
Everyone can only follow behind and eat ashes!
I'm afraid, when the Liao and Dangxiang people finally figure out what the scientific ratio of black powder is.
The Song army had already pushed the Tiger Crouching Cannon, the Folang Machine Cannon, and held the matchlock guns. Under the leadership of the grenadiers, they began to push horizontally.
"This..." Shi Deyi was a little hesitant: "Over there at the two palaces..."
After returning to the palace yesterday, Zhao Xu went to the Qingshou Palace and the Baoci Palace to report on the school grounds. He also vividly described to the two palaces the scene of the explosion of grenades thrown by the Yulongzhi.
When the two palaces found out, they were very happy.
Empress Dowager Xiang was so happy that she even sent Da Zongzheng to Jinling Palace to report to the ancestors, especially the late emperor, that the firearms were ready and the Song Dynasty was safe.
From the standpoint of the two palaces, of course they wanted to keep this secret secret and firmly control it in the hands of the royal family.
"I will go to the Cisheng of the Two Palaces and tell you." Zhao Xu waved his hand: "You all know that there is no need to worry."
"Besides...it's already now, the news has already spread all over the sky, and no one can control it!"
This is a fact.
If we really wanted to control things, Zhao Xu shouldn't have brought so many people with him.
You shouldn't even go outside the city.
We should go to the valley of the barren mountain behind Kaibao Temple to separate people.
Therefore, Zhao Xu did it on purpose.
The purpose of deliberately highlighting the importance of a bureau dedicated to manufacturing weapons is also to deliberately stir up public opinion, create hot spots, and allow everyone to formally "investigate things to gain knowledge" and allow smart people to participate.
Shi Deyi bowed his head respectfully: "No."
"Everyone knows..." Zhao Xu suddenly stopped him.
"Tell Tong Guan that the Bianjing Newspaper can spot the right opportunity and publish a popular report related to the study of things and knowledge..."
"I will ask Shen Kuo to help polish it..."
Shi De bowed and accepted the order: "I sincerely obey De's message."
Zhao Xu waved his hand and said: "Then I'll take care of the hard work."
"Don't dare!"
Watching Shi Deyi's retreating figure, Zhao Xu also sighed.
"It's really difficult for me!"
"We still have to find ways to help the scholar-bureaucrats transform..."
As for whether the scholar-bureaucrats will follow him obediently?
Isn't this simple?
Sieve it!
With so many civil servants in the world, there will always be a group of ministers willing to follow Zhao Xu's baton.
Wang Anshi could always find a large group of supporters for his reforms.
How can anyone not like something that he, the emperor, likes?
hehe!
Besides, the most important task of Confucianism, starting from Dong Zhongshu, is to explain social phenomena to the people of the world, especially the rulers, and to provide a set of moral and ethical order to solve social problems.
And history has proven that once Confucian scholars are unable to explain social phenomena and solve social problems to society and the ruling class.
Then what awaits Confucianism must be collapse!
The clear discussion of metaphysics in the Wei and Jin Dynasties and the martial arts in power in the late Tang and Five Dynasties are evidence.
Therefore, Zhao Xu only needs to force Confucians to the point where they must explain social phenomena.
Then, they will transform themselves.
In modern terms, after I became successful, I had great scholars endorse me and argue for me.
With this thought, Zhao Xu stood up and waved to Wen Xunniang: "Let's go!"
"Go to the Qingshou Palace and give my mother-in-law and Queen Mother my regards."
"Oh..." Wen Xunniang immediately followed obediently.
After arriving at the Qingshou Palace, Zhao Xu didn't put in much effort to get the two palaces to give up interfering in public opinion - because Zhao Xu had convinced them and it was too late to intervene now.
The news has already spread all over the place!
Of course, Zhao Xu promised that he would strictly enforce the manufacturing of weapons and strictly abide by the formula of granular gunpowder.
At the same time, the Imperial Army will be deployed to strengthen the supervision and protection of the Gunpowder Department.
After hearing this, the two palaces felt relieved.
After appeasing the two palaces, Zhao Xu said to the Empress Dowager: "To be honest, Shen Kuo also used gunpowder to create a special object for celebrations and festivals... Sun Chen has seen it, and it is indeed festive and auspicious.
things..."
"Sun Chen has ordered Shen Kuo to prepare several items and send them to the palace. They will be set off in the back garden to celebrate the Holy Mother's Day..."
The Empress Dowager paused for a moment, then hesitated: "Isn't that great..."
"The official family is still observing filial piety, how can I bear to celebrate my birthday in the palace?"
But her look had given her away.
As the old lady gets older, she just wants to have a lively and comfortable birthday.
Especially as her birthday approaches, she wants to be lively and celebrates more and more.
This was noticed by everyone in the palace and even the ministers in the court.
It's just that no one dared to risk offending Zhao Xu and Empress Dowager Xiang by flattering her.
Empress Dowager Xiang was nearby. When she saw the expression on the Empress Dowager's face, she immediately said: "My dear, it's just that my family is in the palace. It should be okay for me to have fun and have some fun."
Zhao Xu also said: "Yes, my mother-in-law, it's okay, not to mention she's still in the backyard..."
"That's it..." The Empress Dowager pretended to evade a few words, and then said: "Then let Shen Kuo be sent to the palace."
"No!" Zhao Xu smiled, with the corners of his mouth raised.
This is a living advertisement!
When the Empress Dowager celebrated her birthday, fireworks were set off and it was a lively event.
Can the people in the private sector, those who are extravagant and generous, bear to not follow this trend?
And fireworks and firecrackers are huge profits.
It is the best choice for increasing production and capacity.
This is also the reason why Zhao Xu doesn't care much about keeping the existence of gunpowder a secret - because there is such a huge sea of fireworks!
Of course, gunpowder is not kept secret.
However, the preparation technology and purification methods must be kept confidential.
Nowadays, in the bureau that specializes in manufacturing arms, there is division of labor and cooperation.
Officials below a certain level have no idea which step of the granular gunpowder technology they are responsible for.
