Chapter 107 Iron Camp and the County Guard
"Biejia, Feng heard that Biejia's family is known for smelting iron. There is also a blacksmith shop in the state capital that sells weapons and farm tools. I wonder how much iron Biejia's family can produce in one year?"
The Eastern Han Dynasty inherited the previous dynasty and established a total of 34 iron official camps in the world. Compared with the 48 in the Western Han Dynasty, it seemed that there were many fewer, but in fact they were merged and the total output was not as high as that of the Western Han Dynasty. Less in the Western Han Dynasty.
Except for the two new ones in Yunnan in the Eastern Han Dynasty, there are a total of 32 in other traditional states and counties.
Among them, Xuzhou is a major iron producer, with a total of seven places including Quxian, Juxian, Pengcheng, Xiapi, Guangling, Dongwu and Yandu, all of which are large government-run blacksmith shops.
Moreover, next to Xuzhou, there are eight places including Peiguo, Qiancheng, Dongpingling, Licheng, Ying, Linzi, Dongmou and Changyi, six of which are in the territory south of the Yellow River in Qingzhou.
It can be seen how powerful the benefits of Xu and Qing Salt and Iron are.
It's a pity that, let alone those from other states, within Xuzhou, Pengcheng was completely in ruins, and even the craftsmen were slaughtered by Cao Cao.
Guangling and Yandu do not obey the state government, so they can only put it on hold for the time being.
Donwu is affiliated to Kaiyang. It is in the northernmost part of Langya County. Kaiyang cannot take it, and neither can Towu.
Ju County is located to the north of Kaiyang, and is in the hands of Xiao Jian, the prefect of Langya whom the imperial court worships. It is the next target of Liu Bei's group and is currently out of reach.
In other words, there are only two places within Liu Bei's jurisdiction: Qu County and Xia Pi!
It is also difficult for Liu Bei to reach into these two places.
Because there are people behind these two places.
Behind Xiapi is naturally the Chen family, the number one noble clan in Xuzhou.
As for Qu County, of course it was the Mi family, the most powerful merchant in Xuzhou.
Liu Bei was a powerful shepherd in Xuzhou. There were seven iron official camps in the state, but he could not intervene in any of them.
It can be seen how poor Liu Bei's foundation is.
In addition, all the Xuzhou Army’s old ordnance was given to Cao Army during the great defeats in the past few years. Now there are so many armors that can be cobbled together, even if they are leather armors that lack parts, it will be difficult for Tao Gong, Cao Wenwei, and Xu Zhengshi.
Although Liu Feng was asking about the Mi family's private iron camp, where did the Mi family's private iron camp actually come from?
It’s not just that they dug into the Eastern Han Dynasty’s corner and replaced the pillars of the official camp.
Liu Feng didn't dare to mention it before. Although he knew that Mi Zhu and the Mi family were extremely loyal to his father, he still didn't dare to take the risk.
Without him, the Liu family is too weak.
The Mi family cannot bear the price of falling out.
The Mi family cannot even afford the cost of alienation.
But things are different now. The situation has improved greatly.
Not only did Liu Bei completely conquer the Danyang faction that had been smashed to pieces, and controlled more than half of the military power in Xuzhou, he also defeated the Langya Taishan Army in one battle, and blocked Zang Ba in Kaiyang City to wait for death.
If Liu Bei relied on the loyalty of Chen Deng and Mi Zhu before to secure the position of Xuzhou State Shepherd, now Liu Bei can become a veritable Xuzhou State Shepherd by relying on his own hard power. .
Even if Chen Deng and Mi Zhu are left behind, Liu Bei can still survive, but it will be much more difficult.
Of course, Liu Bei is not really that stupid. If he really does this, who will continue to do it with him?
Chen Deng and Mi Zhu supported you so much a few months ago, and gave you money, effort, money and food, weren't they just asking for something in return?
So Liu Bei is doing a very good job now. He appointed Chen Deng as the commander-in-chief, the commander-in-chief of all military affairs, and Cao Bao as the deputy commander-in-chief. The main factions in Xuzhou were able to share the rain and dew in the Northern Expedition to Langya. Nourish military merit.
Although the Mi family did not get military glory, it does not mean that the Mi family did not gain anything. As an important ally and close subordinate of Liu Bei, how could the Mi family just watch the show on the sidelines and not get any benefits?
This is definitely not conducive to unity.
Liu Feng and Liu Bei had already discussed it and prepared a big cake, waiting for the Mi family to surprise it.
But before the surprise, Liu Feng still hoped that the Mi family could make some more blood... no, buy some more shares, such as Tieguanying, Tieguanying and Tieguanying.
Mi Zhu has a very clear understanding of his family's industry. He just pondered for a moment before replying: "My family has a blast furnace in Qu County. If there are sufficient raw materials, it can produce 500 kilograms of iron per day. One year old About 180,000 jins”
The annual output is close to 200,000 jins, which is not a small amount.
But this number has to be folded in half.
Because a pound in the Han Dynasty did not weigh 500 grams, but only 248 grams. Even the modern half pound is 2 grams less.
By modern standards, a pair of ancient armor weighed at least 30 to 40 kilograms, which required about 30 to 40 kilograms of pig iron.
This value is the modern Jinliang. If converted into the Han Dynasty Jinliang, a pair of armor would weigh 60 to 80 Jin, which is more reasonable.
Calculated based on this data, if one thousand sets of armor are needed, at least 60,000 kilograms of pig iron will be needed, which is about one-third of the production of one-year-old pig iron.
If we also calculate the output of Shangxiapi, and if we calculate it based on the output of Tongqu County, then Xuzhou's annual iron production can produce 6,000 sets of armor.
But of course things can’t be done this way. After all, pig iron has many uses, the main ones being various farm tools.
If there were no iron farm tools, food production would drop significantly. By then, people would not have enough to eat, and even if they had iron armor, they would not be able to wear it.
Besides, there is another very important issue, which is the production process of armor.
It is useless just to have enough raw materials, it also depends on the production efficiency.
Liu Feng silently calculated in his heart and came to such a result.
At this time, Mi Zhu continued: "Although my family produces nearly 200,000 kilograms of pig iron every year, pig iron is also widely used and used in huge amounts. There is hardly much left every year. Just making weapons is already extremely laborious. , there is really no room left to increase armor production.”
Mi Zhu could also guess what Liu Feng was thinking.
The spear phalanx, with all members wearing armor, will naturally have stronger defense. If they can wear iron armor and an iron helmet, they will not be too afraid of even ordinary strong bows and crossbows, and their power will naturally be greatly increased.
Unfortunately, Mi Zhu then introduced the uses of pig iron in detail.
For example, a hoe requires 2 to 4 kilograms of Chinese pig iron, and a curved shaft plow also requires 6 to 12 kilograms of pig iron, which is used to make iron plow blades and other parts that require pig iron.
Ten thousand hoes require 30,000 jins of pig iron, and one thousand curved shaft plows require 10,000 jins of pig iron.
These are all consumables and need to be replenished at any time. A large amount of pig iron needs to be consumed every year.
This does not include iron money, weapons, iron tripods, iron cauldrons, iron furnaces, carriage and horse equipment, sewing equipment, beauty and repair equipment, and many other uses.
This amount of iron alone has even exceeded the iron production currently controlled by Liu Bei in Xuzhou. Where is the remaining production capacity to make the expensive armor?
Regarding Mi Zhu's reply, Liu Bei and his son also fell silent.
It’s just that they both think about completely different things.
Liu Bei lamented the hardship of the world, while Liu Feng was thinking about how to increase production and establish a military industry.
Mi Zhu suddenly spoke again: "Zhu, I would like to hand over Tieying to the state capital, and I ask Uncle Fang to agree."
Liu Bei and Liu Feng looked up in surprise.
Liu Bei was in disbelief, and Liu Feng sighed secretly.
This Mi Zizhong really valued Liu Bei too much. He just asked about the situation and actually wanted to send him away directly.
However, Liu Feng guessed wrong this time. Mi Zizhong's generosity this time was not only because of Liu Bei, but even more because of him, Liu Feng.
After seeing Cao Bao's Qianbubu transferred to Liu Feng's command for more than a month, he was completely transformed and could easily defeat the Taishan Army. This stirred up waves in Mi Zhu's heart that outsiders could not imagine. of.
In the eyes of local scholars in Xuzhou, the combat effectiveness of the Taishan Army is stronger than that of the Danyang Army.
When Tao Qian was able to defeat the Qingzhou Yellow Turbans, the main force in the battle was the Taishan Army, and the Danyang Army only played a supporting role.
After all, the Danyang Army is Tao Qian’s favorite, and he is not willing to use it easily.
But Tao Qian forgot that no matter how sharp the sword is, if it is kept hidden and not used for a long time, and if it is not properly maintained, it will become dull sooner or later.
The Battle of Langya had a great impact on the scholars of Xuzhou.
Mi Zhu originally thought that Liu Bei was already very good at fighting, kind-hearted, valued the nobles, and was a very good collaborator.
Unexpectedly, Liu Bei's son Liu Fengqing was better than his master and was even better than Liu Bei. In terms of economy, rock sugar and snow salt have brought a lot of income to the Mi family, and the relationship between the two parties can be described as sweet and sweet.
In terms of politics, Mi Zhu saw with his own eyes how Liu Feng helped Liu Bei turn around bit by bit after coming to Xuzhou, dismantling the Danyang faction and annexing it.
In terms of military affairs, after just over a month of training, they have already developed a powerful force that can defeat more troops with fewer troops and annihilate Chang Xi's troops.
Mi Zhu is a local and has been in charge for a long time, so he knows very well about the military force in the state.
Although Danyang is said to produce elite troops, the Xuzhou Danyang Army is Tao Qian's favorite, and is naturally the number one military force in Xuzhou.
But in fact, everyone in Xuzhou knows that the Taishan Army is the most powerful army in Xuzhou.
The invasion battle of Qingzhou Yellow Turban Army was won with the Taishan Army as the main force. The Danyang Army only took credit from the rear and did not exert much effort from beginning to end.
It’s just that Zang Ba is a low-key man and is willing to bow down to Tao Qian after gaining territory. Therefore, the Taishan Army has never been as famous as the Danyang Army.
But now?
Liu Feng has only been training for a month and a half, but he has already made such a huge change.
Then if Cao Jun comes again in the future, will we still have to rely on the Liu family and his sons to protect the country and the people?
Mi Zhu's vision is one of the top few in Xuzhou, as is his courage and heroism.
He has figured out that instead of being burned to the ground by Cao Cao like Pengcheng's Tieguan Camp, it would be better to give it directly to Uncle Fang, and still get some affection.
Liu Bei declined politely: "Why did Zizhong say this? Is Bei the one who took away people's property?"
Seeing Mi Zhu, he wanted to explain, but Liu Bei flatly refused. : "This matter is absolutely unacceptable. If something happens to you, Feng'er, you can naturally ask for help. Don't take away your family property. You must not take it."
Liu Bei's refusal was extremely firm and he was obviously very serious.
Mi Zhu could only temporarily put aside his desire to serve.
Qianzhao, who was watching from the sidelines, once again refreshed his knowledge. He didn’t expect that there are still people crying and begging for property these days?
Qianzhao knows about Tieguanying. There is one in Zhuozhou, his and Liu Bei's hometown.
It's just that the scale is not as big as that in Qu County, but it is still very big. It can be regarded as the largest industry in Zhuozhou. Although it is still government-run, all the powerful local nobles do not want to reach in. It is really inside The benefits are too great.
But for such a big piece of property, Mi Zhu actually gave it away at his request. How rich is the Mi family?
Qianzhao actually knew in his heart that this was not simply a matter of having money or not. Even if he had money, who would be willing to give it away.
I can only say that my thinking is too simple.
Before coming, he thought that Liu Bei must be in trouble at every step in Xuzhou. He was a weak state pastor and needed his help to open up the situation.
I really didn’t expect that the other party was not only not weak, but also a big boss with such a status was crying and shouting that he wanted to give away his property. It simply shattered the three views of Lianzhao.
On the other hand, Liu Feng smiled and changed the subject: "Father, you still have something to ask about Bie Jia's attitude."
Liu Bei suddenly realized it, thought about it, and said to Mi Zhu: "Zizhong, there is something that requires your consent. But I have made up my mind about this matter, and you can't object."
Say it. , Liu Bei burst out laughing, looking very happy.
Mi Zhu was a little surprised. Liu Bei respected him very much. This was the first time he heard such a domineering request.
He was not worried at all. After all, it was a good thing written all over Liu Bei's face, and he was so proud that he couldn't help but notice it.
What could that be?
Fortunately, Liu Bei didn't let Mizizhong guess more, and directly revealed the answer: "Zizhong, let's take a look at Langya. Bei wants to split his county into three counties. Among them, the post of prefect of Langya County is still vacant. I want to be your disciple." Governor Langya, you can't refuse this, you must share my worries."
Mi Zhu's pupils dilated, Langya wants to split into three?
Your younger brother will be the county governor?
What about the other two counties?
Mi Zhu suddenly felt that the amount of information was a bit large and she didn’t know where to start.
Mi Zhu was like this, and Qianzhao on the side was even more confused.
Liu Bei explained seriously: "Langya has a complex environment and complicated situations, and non-magi and famous officials cannot guard it. Bei wants to divide it into three parts, with Dongguan County and Jucheng County in the north and east and west, and Dongguan County and Jucheng County in the south. With Kaiyang as the county government, it governs Linyi, Zeng County, and Qiu County, and it is still Langya County. The position of Langya County Governor belongs to Yi Zifang. What does Mi Zhu think of this? Understand, this prefect is a reduced version, with only four counties, but even so, it is quite important. Especially the Kaiyang area, which is the essence of Langya County. Surrounded by Yishui River and Shu River, it forms the most fertile plain in Langya County.
The most important thing is that it is only thirty or fifty miles from Tancheng. In the past, Zang Bahu was here, and Liu Bei was like a thorn on his back, unable to move.
Now that the state capital has taken back Langya, the person who can take over as the prefect here must be one of Liu Bei's most trusted people.
Mi Zhu's usually unwavering expression was finally a little broken, and she felt that she had read Liu Bei correctly.
Although Mi Zhu has money and people in Xuzhou, he can call the shots.
But in fact, the Mi family has been in panic since the world was in chaos.
From Mi Zeng to Mi Zhu, they were all smart people with long-term vision. They had long seen that the Han Dynasty was in a declining situation.
Especially when Tao Qian did not hesitate to recruit Mi Zhu as his companion for the sake of money and food, Mi Zhu was not happy that he could hold such a high position, but was afraid and worried.
What businessmen fear most is the violation of rules.
Whether there are good rules or bad rules, as long as there are rules, businessmen will have standards to rely on, and they can find ways to solve problems around them.
But if the rules are broken, so that there are no rules anymore, then businessmen will have nothing to follow, and by then, they will not even be able to guarantee their own safety, so how can they develop and grow?
This is the fundamental reason why the Mi family invests in Liu Bei at all costs. They want to support a warlord who is best able to get close to them and who has a personality that treats relatives favorably.
Mi Zhu never expected that Liu Bei would develop so quickly, and that the capital he had just invested would already start to make a profit.
Mi Zhu was a little lucky. Every time he invested before, he took the initiative to increase the investment. Liu Bei should be very satisfied with the Mi family's performance.
"Your Majesty, Zifang is still young, has no experience, and has not shown any filial piety or integrity. I am afraid that others will be dissatisfied if he rashly serves as the county governor."
Mi Zhu thought about it. After thinking about it, I decided to refuse, and the reasons were very good.
The big tree attracts the wind. Mi Fang was not born as a filial piety and incorruptible person. She just wanted to be a county magistrate. If she jumped to the county magistrate in one breath, even if she was just a county magistrate in charge of four counties, it would be worth two thousand stones. Opposition I'm afraid it will be quite intense.
After all, once this step is achieved, Mi Fang can easily be transferred to the post of governor of a large county in the future. By then, it will be impossible for others to stop him.
"Don't worry too much, even if there are some mediocre comments, it's harmless."
Liu Feng interjected: "Since my father and son entered Xuzhou, Don't give them their full support, and all the money and food they need will be granted. This time. We were able to go north to conquer the bandits in Mount Tai, and we also relied on Biejia to collect rations for our army. Isn’t this a great achievement?” Sheriff, why bother listening to mediocre words?"
Liu Bei and Qianzhao nodded at the same time. It is indeed as Liu Feng said, without military supplies, there would be no Northern Conquest, and without Northern Expedition, there would be no Northern Conquest. If you can't take back Langya, this is just a reward for several counties. The powerful ones with bigger appetites will even feel that they have been mistreated.
After hearing this, Mi Zhu finally stopped objecting and was very happy in her heart.
Like Chen Deng, although Biejia's status is high, how can he be compared with the prefect?
If the county magistrate is a Bailihou, then the county governor is a veritable prince. Officials in the county, big and small, even regard the county governor as their king. You can imagine how high this power status is.
So Mi Zhu stood up and saluted Liu Bei, apparently to express gratitude on behalf of his younger brother.
Liu Bei smiled and helped Mi Zhu up. There is nothing better than this for a monarch and his ministers to enjoy each other.
That night, Liu Bei held a banquet to entertain all the ministers, especially Mi Zhu, Qianzhao, Xu Sheng, and Pan Zhang.
The next day, Chen Dao led fifty cavalry to escort Chang Xi to Tancheng.
Liu Bei did not have much friendship with Chang Xi at this time, and he did not know that the relationship between the two would be very good in the future.
However, this did not prevent Liu Bei from caring about Chang Xi, which made the latter's hanging heart calm down a little.
Early on the morning of the third day, Liu Feng took Chang Xi and Sun Qian and set off north to the Kaiyang battlefield. Sun Qian will serve as Liu Bei's plenipotentiary envoy and will enter Kaiyang with Chang Xi to see if he can persuade Zang Ba to surrender.
(End of this chapter)