Chapter Fifty-Three: Preparations for Establishment

  Xu Guangqi seemed to be unaware of what this department was doing, and he furrowed his brow, asking slowly: "I don't know what responsibilities the emperor has given me? What should I do?"

  Looking at Xu Guangqi, Emperor Tianqi slowly expressed his thoughts, saying: "This firearms factory is a temporary department that I have prepared to establish. It will not be made public for the time being and needs to be carried out privately. The main work of this department is research, whether it's military or civilian use, as long as there are useful things to study. Of course, the current main research direction is military firearms. Your responsibility, Xu Guangqi, is to recruit talent, regardless of whether they are Han people or Westerners, as long as they can be used. For these people, I will issue generous salaries every month, and once someone successfully researches something, I will give them a heavy reward. Of course, the most important thing at present is casting cannons and firearms. Your first task, Xu Guangqi, is to understand the current situation of firearms development in the Ming dynasty." Emperor Tianqi briefly explained his plan to Xu Guangqi, then looked at him with hopeful eyes, as if thinking deeply.

  Xu Guangqi's heart was already racing with excitement. Since this department reported directly to the Emperor, he would not be subject to anyone else's interference. However, manufacturing cannons and reforming firearms were major undertakings that required a large amount of gold and silver. Xu Guangqi hesitated for a moment before expressing his concerns, saying: "Your Majesty, manufacturing cannons and improving firearms are enormous expenses. If we spread ourselves too thin, I fear the national treasury will be depleted. But if we just make small changes, there won't be much effect."

  Looking at Xu Guangqi's embarrassed expression, Emperor Tianqi smiled and said: "Now it's almost October, I'll give you two months to set this up. Tomorrow I'll take you to see the place. This year doesn't count, next year I'll give you one million taels of silver, don't know if that's enough? This money will be directly allocated from my inner treasury, and if it's not enough for the place, you can speak up at any time." As for things related to settling down in the future, Emperor Tianqi would absolutely not be stingy with spending money. What's the use of having money when people are gone?

  Upon hearing the promise of the Tianqi Emperor, Xu Guangqi's heart was filled with great joy. With the support of the emperor, he believed that he could definitely produce even better firearms and that his many years of research would be able to play a greater role.

  "Your Majesty is wise and I will definitely not disappoint Your Majesty's expectations." At this time, Xu Guangqi really didn't know what to say, and could only express his excitement in this way.

  The next morning, the Tianqi Emperor did not attend court but instead came to the imperial villa in the east of the city. The imperial villa can be said to be the emperor's private land, with a vast area and perfect defense, not far from the capital, it is the best location for the Imperial Academy of Sciences.

  To avoid leakage of the news, Tianqi Emperor and his entourage all wore casual clothes. In addition to Xu Guangqi, there were also Wei Chao, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Depot, and Luo Si-gong, the commander-in-chief of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

  "Xu Ai Qing, I plan to build the Imperial Academy of Sciences here. What do you think?" Tianqi Emperor looked at the vast imperial villa in front of him and turned to ask Xu Guangqi.

  Xu Guangqi's mood at this time was indescribable, apart from excitement. This had always been his dream, and now that it had come true, he didn't know what to say anymore.

  "Lu Ai Qing." Tianqi Emperor turned his head and looked at Lu Xiang who was following behind him, smiling.

  "I'm here." Although he didn't know what Tianqi Emperor was going to do, Luosigong knew that as long as he did his job, it was enough. As for other things, it's better not to ask if you shouldn't ask.

  "I entrust you with a task, to dispatch a thousand Jin Yiwei guards here, and have five hundred Jin Yiwei guards stationed here. Remember that this is highly confidential and no one should be informed, if the news leaks out, I will hold you responsible." As for this place, not only must it be constructed but also confidentiality work must be done well, Emperor Tianqi did not entrust this matter to the Ministry of Works precisely because of confidentiality.

  "Your Majesty can rest assured, I know." Ruo Si Gong was delighted at this moment. The Brocade Guard could only gain more power with the Emperor's trust. Being able to participate in the Emperor's secret affairs was a testament to the Emperor's trust in him.

  "Your Majesty, I think it's better to let the Eastern Depot handle this matter. The Imperial Guards are the Emperor's personal troops, and openly mobilizing them would be too conspicuous, making it difficult to keep the news from leaking out." Wei Chao had not been idle during this time either, and he knew a thing or two about the emperor repeatedly summoning Luo Si-kong. As for handing over this matter to Luo Si-kong, he was naturally unwilling. Although both the Eastern Depot and the Imperial Guards served only one person, the Emperor, the struggle between these two government agencies had never stopped since their establishment.

  Luo Si Gong felt stifled in his heart at this time, Wei Chao's words were nice to hear, but this was clearly a grab for credit and favor.

  Watching the two of them fighting, Emperor Tianqi smiled slightly and said to Wei Chao, "What you said, Lord Wei, is not unreasonable."

  When the Tianqi Emperor said this, Ruo Si Gong's heart sank. Unexpectedly, the Tianqi Emperor continued: "In this way, all 500 Jin Yiwei will change into plain clothes and patrol nearby. In addition, the East Factory will mobilize 100 people to guard the Imperial Villa and ensure safety." After finishing speaking, the Tianqi Emperor turned his gaze to Wei Chao and said: "These 100 people, you must carefully select them, not only must they have excellent martial arts skills but also be reliable. If there is any leak of information, I will hold you responsible."

  As soon as the Tianqi Emperor finished speaking, Ruo Si Kong and Wei Chao's eyes met instantly. Wei Chao smiled deeply, while Ruo Si Kong let out a cold hum.

  "Xu Ai Qing, I recommend someone to you. His name is Bi Mao Kang, a jinshi of the 26th year of Wanli, who has a deep understanding of firearms manufacturing. I will assign him as your deputy, and I hope you can work together harmoniously." At this time, Emperor Tianqi suddenly remembered another person. This Bi Mao Kang was very famous in history, although he was a jinshi, but because he did not form cliques, his official career was not smooth. He should be idle at home now, and the reason why he became famous is that he invented an advanced firearm, the flintlock gun.

  "Your Majesty, I have heard of this Bi Maokang. It is said that he is well-versed in Western learning and enjoys inventing and creating things. However, I have not met him personally." Xu Guangqi was familiar with the talents of the Ming dynasty, and Bi Maokang was also someone from their circle, so naturally, he had heard of him.

  "In that case, it's better. By the way, have you heard of the flintlock gun?" At this time, the Ming army used fire lance guns, which can also be said to be improved fire lance guns called bird guns. However, compared to fire lance guns, flintlock guns are undoubtedly more advanced, and at this time European troops had already begun to equip themselves with flintlock guns, only with the production of such guns did it become possible to build a modern army.