On the Wang Gong Factory, the development of the flintlock rifle has made progress.

Nowadays, the Folang machine guns built based on the principle of the Folang machine cannon introduced by Chenxi are popular in the Ming army. However, this kind of musket is mainly ignited by fuse rope, which does not have any advantage in shooting efficiency, accuracy and range compared with bows and arrows, and it is even more cumbersome when using cavalry.

A few years ago in Wuchang Prefecture, Chen Xi conducted systematic research on flintlock rifles, but steel smelting, flint ignition and barrel drilling technology were not up to standard. This new musket has many problems and cannot meet the comprehensive suppression of cavalry and bows by muskets in this era.

Chen Xi did not give up. He needed to improve the combat effectiveness of the Ming army through improving the guns.

After several years of technical accumulation and the efforts of craftsmen, the research on flintlock rifles has made major breakthroughs recently, and has successfully developed reliable and complete firing launching mechanisms and insurance institutions, which are suitable for large-scale industrial production. Chenxi conducted tests and comparisons of sample guns, and finally confirmed that they had basically reached the level of muskets in the 18th century.

Unfortunately, after Chen Xi determined the reliability and stability of this new flintlock rifle, he found that the funds were insufficient at hand. This new musket must rely on the grants of the court to be mass-produced. However, the grants must be approved by Zhu Hou. With Liu Jin's full obstruction, it is very difficult for the Ministry of War to get the money.

Now Xie Qian wants to meet the saint, and Chen Xi also plans to meet Zhu Houzhao, but since the teacher and student were unhappy about Mrs. Zhong, Chen Xi has never seen Zhu Houzhao again. Three or four months have passed, and Chen Xi still has a small emotion in his heart... I am loyal and worked hard for the revival of the Ming Dynasty. Who is it for you, a dissatisfied student?!

How did you give back to me?

Treat your willfulness to those who really want to help you?

Chen Xi didn't have to be angry with the emperor, but as long as Zhu Houzhao's personality does not change for a day, it would be difficult for a treacherous person like Liu Jin to be banned.

After large-scale manufacturing of flintlock guns, and even developing standard projectiles wrapped in linen or deer-skinned slices soaked in grease, Chen Xi was still very cautious. Even if he had a relatively mature idea, he would only create a batch in private and conduct continuous test firing, just to make up for excellence, discover and make up for all the shortcomings of the new muskets, and let craftsmen work hard to become familiar with the gun making process and create conditions for future large-scale production.

During the beginning of the year, Chen Xi devoted himself to the development of muskets, and he tried not to get involved in court disputes.

In this way, even if Liu Jin tried every means to investigate and dig out Chen Xi's weaknesses so as to attack Zhu Houzhao, he found nothing.

Chen Xi and Zhu Houzhao had some unhappiness, but at least Zhu Houzhao was quite clear-headed. The only person who knew that he could help him realize his dream of pacifying the grassland was Chen Xi, and others were not able to do all this.

...

...

On the 26th day of the first lunar month, Chen Xi was drinking tea leisurely in his office in the Ministry of War.

Hu Lian came back from outside and brought the news he had heard... Liu Jin and Zhu Houzhao proposed that the land transfer ceremony be held at the end of the first lunar month.

"…The spring sowing was earlier this year. As far as I know, there are people who have already cultivated near the suburbs of Beijing. It is probably a bit too late to go to the fields at this time?"

Chen Xi frowned and said, "He was unable to understand Zhu Houzhao's actions. The emperor wanted to do it one by one, and was not afraid of causing trouble for others... But what surprised him even more was that Liu Jin actually offered to let Zhu Houzhao get through the field, which was equivalent to giving the emperor the opportunity to meet the court officials for no reason.

What exactly is Liu Jin selling in the gourd is worth pondering.

Hu Lian said: "Everyone in the court wants to see Your Majesty and accept advice in person. Isn't this a great opportunity?"

Chen Xi shook his head and smiled bitterly, but did not answer Hu Lian's question.

Many things are only seen on the surface. It seems that as long as there is a channel for communication with the emperor, all problems can be solved. But in fact, even if you see them, Zhu Houzhao will not give them a chance. Just like when Liu Jin was in power, the court officials could see the emperor. As a result, Liu Jin grew bigger step by step and took over the power. It was not until Chen Xi returned to the court to counter Liu Jin and even designed to distribute him from the capital that his power was restricted.

Chen Xidao: "Where did you hear about this?"

"Ministry of Revenue." Hu Lian said, "The beginning of the year was the time when the Ministry of Revenue was clearing redundant grains. The officials had just met with people from the Ministry of Revenue. I heard that the Silijian sent someone to the Ministry of Revenue to inform the Ministry of Revenue this morning, and asked the Ministry of Revenue to arrange for officials to attend the ceremony... As for the specific day, it seems that it needs to be agreed upon again."

Chen Xi smiled and said, "It's just a mess! Jitian is so important, and the final time needs to be decided... Alas! Don't spread this matter for now. I believe someone will come to the Ministry of War to notify you soon. We don't need to prepare too much for this matter, just treat it with a normal heart."

"Um."

Hu Lian himself did not take Jitian seriously.

Whether the emperor was willing to use the land was a matter between Zhu Houzhao and Liu Jin. The minister wanted to take the opportunity to talk to Zhu Houzhao, which was something that top civil officials such as Xie Qian needed to pay attention to. As a middle-level official in the court, Hu Lian was promoted in a short period of time and could not participate in such a major event.

Just like Chen Xi's situation at the beginning, even though Hu Lian relied on shortcuts to obtain an official position, he was late for Jinshi and had a short time to enter the court, so his colleagues in the court would basically not look for him if they had anything to do.

...

...

The next day, on the morning of the 27th day of the first lunar month, the palace sent someone to inform him that the land would be held on the 29th day. Zhu Houzhao met to lead all civil and military officials out of the capital to hold a ceremony. He returned to the court on the same day, asking Chen Xi to lead the officials of the Ministry of War to accompany him.

After this incident came out, He Jian, the Minister of War, came to Chen Xi to ask whether he would accept advice from Zhu Houzhao when he was visiting Tianmeng.

"Let it go."

Chen Xi's tone was relaxed, as if this matter had nothing to do with him. "Ji Tian had little to do with the Ministry of War. As for the matter of accepting advice, some people were worried. Our Ministry of War only went out of the city with the team, and completed the errand and returned home on the same day. Even if something happened, it had nothing to do with us."

He Jian nodded slightly and immediately understood that Chen Xi would not follow Xie Qian's advice or report this time.

Even if the ministers such as Xie Qian did anything, Chen Xi would be just a bystander.

Another day passed, that is, one day after the first day of the field, Zhu Houzhao returned to the palace.

After learning the lessons of the Shangyuan Festival, Zhu Houzhao did not prepare to go to the Leopard Room that night, but planned to spend the night in the palace. He had not visited the palace for a long time and was about to experience it again, so he repeatedly asked Liu Jin to arrange things and make the best of his life.

Zhu Houzhao returned to the Ganqing Palace, and Liu Jin explained some precautions during the process of refining the fields to him in detail.

"... Don't be so verbose." Zhu Houzhao seemed very impatient. "I have participated in the Zhitian with my father before and know the process. Then you can arrange it for me and let the ritual officer do everything. You don't need to say more nonsense... Has the palace arranged tonight?"

Liu Jin smiled and said, "Your Majesty is rarely staying in the palace today. I have arranged everything for you. Your Majesty, I have another thing to tell you."

"Okay, OK."

Zhu Houzhao waved his hand and said, "I entrusted you with these things, don't bother me!"

Liu Jin said: "Your Majesty, if it is an ordinary thing, I will do it for you, but this matter is probably not possible. The 15th generation grandson of Genghis Khan in the Grassland... is the leader of the Dayan tribe who was defeated by Your Majesty before. He has sent an envoy to Xuanfu, saying that he wants to discuss peace talks with Your Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao frowned: "I am preparing for war and am about to go out to attack them, but they came to negotiate. What does this mean? Are you afraid of being beaten by me?"

Liu Jin deliberately pretended to be confused and said with a bitter face: "The old slave's qualifications are too mediocre. How can we understand the military and national affairs? The Mongolian national guru Yi Sima had sent someone to contact him and hoped to come to Beijing to meet His Majesty, but he was rejected by the court. Will the people from the Dayan tribe allow them to come to the capital?"

"this……"

Zhu Houzhao frowned and thoughtful, and couldn't make up her mind for a long time. Finally, he asked, "Have you talked about this to the Ministry of War?"

Liu Jin was stunned. What he hated the most was the words "Ministry of War" and "Shangshu Chen".

"Reply to Your Majesty, the news has just reached the capital and has not greeted any government offices in the court. However, I think the Ministry of War should be aware of this."

Zhu Houzhao stood up, as if he was very cautious. He paced back and forth for a while before looking at Liu Jin: "Let me think about it carefully and take the Tatars to the capital rashly. It is too dangerous, but if you don't care about it, it's too deliberate, and it's even suspected of showing weakness. It's better to ask the ministers in the court when I go to the field tomorrow."

Seeing that Zhu Houzhao was inclined to rely on important ministers, Liu Jin quickly said, "Your Majesty, this is a small matter, you can decide it in just one word."

"It was because I was hesitant that I wanted to ask the ministers about their opinions. Why... do you want to obstruct?" Zhu Houzhao immediately raised her face and asked angrily.

Liu Jin quickly knelt down and expressed his loyalty, saying repeatedly: "How dare I stop Your Majesty? Why not... Your Majesty summoned Shangshu Chen from the Ministry of War to the palace and asked in person. I think it would be enough to have his opinions."

Zhu Houzhao frowned first, then looked at Liu Jin with his head turned around, as if he couldn't quite understand Liu Jin's intention, and finally nodded vigorously: "Then you can do this matter and arrange it to meet before dark. I don't have that time after dark."

"Yes, your Majesty!"

After Liu Jin stood up, he bowed respectfully and then left the hall.

...

...

At the Ministry of War, Chen Xi arranged the matter of participating in the field in the future and prepared to return home.

He didn't have much work that day, but he would be busy after the spring in February. After all, the military school was about to start.

Just as he packed up his things, Liu Jin sent someone to pass on the message, Xuan Chenxi entered the palace to see the saint.

He Jian and Cao Yuan came out to listen to the order. After learning that Chen Xi was about to enter the palace to meet the saint, the two were very confused and wondered why Zhu Houzhao suddenly summoned him.

Only Chen Xi thought that the matter should have nothing to do with the future of Jitian. He had already inquired about the envoys sent by Da Yan's ministry to Xuanfu, but he didn't know the specific details and speculated that it might be related to it.

"Go back and report to Your Majesty, and I will say that I will enter the palace soon."

Chen Xi gave a piece of silver to the eunuch who came to convey the order and sent it away. Then he explained to He Jian and Cao Yuan that they would not worry and do the work at hand.

Chen Xi had just walked out of the military office and had not yet arrived at the left gate of Chang'an, but was blocked by Xie Qian who was rushing to go.

Xie Qian got off the carriage and arrived in front of Chen Xi in two or three steps. He wiped the sweat from his forehead first, and then asked, "I heard that Your Majesty summoned you into the palace?"

Chen Xi thought to himself, thank you for your information, I am very informed, and I don’t know how many eyeliners I put in my Ministry of War!

He did not hide it and nodded, "Your Majesty did call students into the palace, but I don't know what the matter is."

Xie Qian seemed very hesitant. Chen Xi judged from his court service that the Prime Minister in front of him had plans to enter the palace with him, but Chen Xi would not give the other party a chance. Originally, Zhu Houzhao was summoning him temporarily and didn't even know what was going on. As a result, he brought Xie Qian with him. Isn't this asking for trouble?

On the contrary, Xie Qian appeared outside Dong Gongsheng's Gate, which surprised Chen Xi. Logically speaking, Xie Qian was not at home, but should have stayed in Wenyuan Pavilion, but he was in a hurry in a carriage. Where have he been?

Xie Qian said, "If Your Majesty tells you something, do you know how to answer, right?"

Chen Xi frowned and asked, "I wonder what the Ge Lao is talking about?"

Xie Qian asked in anger: "Didn't you ask this knowingly? You can't talk casually whenever something involves the cabinet. You should have a proper position in many things and must not overestimate them. In addition, it involves Liu Jin, and tomorrow's land, or a banquet for Shangyuan..."

Xie Qian said it endlessly. Chen Xi thought to himself, "You old man Xie is not sure about this or that, so just sew my mouth with needle and thread."

"Gei Master, if you say too much, the student can't remember it, so it's better not to say it." Chen Xi interrupted Xie Qian and said, "I have my own plans for some things and will not make mistakes."

Xie Qian glared at Chen Xi: "Why, are you impatient? You don't think about how dangerous it is in the court now? I am helping you... It's been almost half a year since you said that you are the first person to face the saint... It seems that the person who face the saint is also you?"

Chen Xi was stunned by the question.

I haven't seen Zhu Houzhao for a long time, but when I think about these ministers in the court, one or two are worse than him.

The last one who faced the saint was Chen Xi.

During these days when Shen Xi had a conflict with the emperor, Zhu Houzhao had never received a minister, which shows the absurdity.

Seeing Chen Xi in a daze, Xie Qian waved his hand: "Okay, go into the palace quickly. I am waiting for you here. No matter how late you leave the palace, or even if you come out tomorrow morning, I will wait patiently. Don't expect to avoid me! Let's go!"

Chen Xi was speechless to Xie Qian's reaction, but after thinking about it, he felt relieved.

Xie Qian was the most powerful minister in Zhengde Dynasty. After Liu Jian and Li Dongyang retreated, he successfully became the chief minister of the cabinet, but he had no chance to meet the saint. This assistant was too boring... Thinking of the clear and clear administration of the late emperor, the monarch and ministers were in harmony, Xie Qian complained. Now that he knew that he had the chance to meet the saint, he naturally put all his hopes on himself.
To be continued...