Insufficient balance

  Chen Jingyun didn't hide it either, after all, they were going to buy military equipment anyway. He said directly: "Our army is indeed short of ammunition at present and wants to purchase a batch from abroad. I think this is also the main reason why Mr. Hengli can sit here!"

  "Haha! General, you're too humorous!" Henry smiled slightly and said: "This is natural, but I don't know how much the general needs or what his payment ability is like."

  Since the topic has turned serious, Chen Jingyun also put away his idle thoughts and secretly calculated in his heart that even if he worked hard to rectify the machinery bureau, it would not be possible to achieve large-scale self-manufacturing of military supplies in a short period of time. If they were to purchase from outside, there was no way they could afford enough, and too little would not be sufficient.

  After a good half-day's contemplation, Chen Jingyun finally said: "What goods do you have in your hands, and when can they arrive?"

  "Henley immediately replied: 'Our Lihe Trading Company is a German-invested enterprise, and the main products we sell are from German companies. However, if General has needs, we can also purchase military equipment from Italy, Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, or Japan. As for our inventory, we have various types of weapons in stock, and the quantity is not small! If General has needs, I can even sell you the current service weapons of the Imperial Army!'"

  When Henry said this, Chen Jingyun didn't say anything on the surface, but he had already guessed that this guy might be bragging. The current weapons of the German Empire's army aren't that easy to buy! However, doing business is about boasting, and it doesn't require paying taxes. As long as he can see the military equipment, he doesn't care what Henry says.

  Chen Jingyun did not respond immediately, but instead mentally calculated his own military expansion plan. He had already expanded to three divisions, with the fourth division in formation and the fifth division soon to be put on the agenda. This would bring the total to five divisions plus a guard regiment, with each division having 4,600 people, and a mixed enhanced guard regiment of 3,000 people, totaling 26,000 people. This number did not include new and old troops that would be recruited from Fujian Province in the future. If successful, they could also get about one more division. With Fujian's financial resources, it should not be too difficult to support six divisions and one regiment with a total of 30,000 people. As for further expansion, it was estimated that even a poor province like Fujian would not be able to afford it. As for developing industry and increasing fiscal revenue through foreign investment, that was a matter for the future. At least in the short term, Chen Jingyun would not be able to come up with more money to arm his troops. Even with this plan of 30,000 people, Chen Jingyun was uncertain. In any case, he thought like all warlords at that time: as many as you can support is how many you have.

  According to the previous statement, six divisions were equivalent to six brigades and three regiments. According to the unified system at the end of the Qing dynasty, each regiment was equipped with 8,500 long guns, over 900 handguns, 36 75mm field guns, 18 75mm mountain guns, plus 1,000 sabers, 500 officer swords, 1,000 short swords, 500 binoculars, and a large pile of miscellaneous military equipment. However, such luxurious equipment was only available to the Beiyang Army and the Imperial Guard, which were equipped with the best resources in the country. The new armies of other provinces were all lacking in some way, especially in terms of artillery, where not a single southern province met the standard. Even the Eighth Division, which had 54 guns, mostly consisted of 57mm caliber cannons, which couldn't compare to those of the Beiyang Army. It was precisely this huge gap in equipment and training that allowed the Beiyang Army to dominate the country after the Xinhai Revolution, and Yuan Shikai relied on the Beiyang Army to force the south to negotiate and support him as the President.

  If we say that Chen Jingyun's armed forces are now equipped with three full-division towns, it is estimated that even if the entire Fujian is swept away and his pants are used as a collection box, there will not be enough money to raise them. Therefore, Chen Jingyun had no intention of forming an army from the beginning, but rather used a small amount of artillery in conjunction with a considerable number of heavy machine guns and light machine guns, with the idea of mixing and matching troops into regiments.

  According to Chen Jingyun's previous plan, each infantry brigade had about 4,000 rifles, 200 pistols, 6 mountain guns, 12 heavy machine guns, and 18 light machine guns. Compared with the Beiyang Army's division, the number of rifles and pistols was similar, but the six mountain guns gave them a slight advantage in heavy firepower. The two sides were roughly equal in terms of heavy machine guns, while the light machine gun was still relatively rare in China at that time, so they could gain an initial advantage.

  As for the most important artillery support, Chen Jingyun planned to organize a standard independent artillery division, temporarily assigned to the main front line during wartime! To counter the enemy's main force. The artillery division was organized according to the standard artillery division, with 36 field guns and 18 mountain guns.

  The core of this plan is that a single infantry brigade can counter an equal number of infantry troops from other warlords, deployed on secondary lines. On the main line, if facing an enemy army similar to the Beiyang Six Towns as the main force, then concentrate two to three brigades affiliated with artillery groups to form temporary army corps, thereby gaining an advantage!

  Of course, this plan sounds good, but it's actually a helpless choice without a large number of artillery.

  Six infantry brigades, one reinforced guard regiment, and one artillery brigade would require approximately 26,000 rifles, 2,600 pistols, 42 light mountain guns, 36 medium field guns, 18 medium mountain guns, 84 heavy machine guns, and 126 light machine guns.

  Excluding existing and stockpiled equipment, Chen Jingyun will need approximately 20,000 rifles, 2,000 pistols, 36 light mountain guns, 30 medium field guns, 12 medium mountain guns, 72 heavy machine guns, 126 light machine guns, 10 million rounds of ammunition, 50,000 rounds of various shells and corresponding ammunition, as well as other miscellaneous equipment such as command knives and binoculars.

  The above numbers are the equipment needed for active duty, and a batch must be reserved for replacement, so Chen Jingyun deliberated for a moment before saying: "In the short term, I need 30,000 rifles, 3,000 pistols, 90 various artillery pieces, 80 heavy machine guns, 150 light machine guns, 15 million rounds of ammunition, 60,000 rounds of various shells and other military equipment that can equip three infantry divisions!"

  It's business, so naturally it's exaggerated a bit, and having more quantity is enough to lower the price.

  Henry was originally listening to Chen Jingyun's words while drinking tea, but when he heard the number reported by Chen Jingyun, he almost spit out the tea water. The reason is that Chen Jingyun's appetite is too big! If this batch of military supplies can be traded, the total amount will be at least over 6 million, and it's still cheap goods. If Chen Jingyun wants good goods, even 7 million won't be enough! Henry has been in China for a long time and knows that in previous years, the Qing government only spent tens of millions or hundreds of thousands at most on a single purchase. Purchasing hundreds of millions at once is equivalent to buying equipment for an entire town.

  If this deal is made, my position in the company and my income will be greatly improved. He immediately put down his teacup, regained his composure and said: "Such a large amount of military supplies, although it's difficult to complete in a short period of time, but it's not impossible!"

  Although he said so, it was still a bit troublesome to meet Chen Jingyun's requirements. After all, who would pile up a large amount of ammunition in their own warehouse for no reason? Although during the Wuchang Uprising more than ten days ago, the company had already encountered the fact that this ancient country in the Far East would experience a large-scale conflict and make ammunition sell well. For this reason, the company even urgently transported a batch of ammunition to the Far East without receiving an order.

  "It's just this price, I don't know how General will look at it!" Henry carefully weighed his words: "And the ability to pay!"

  "Mr. Henry, just say it directly, even if the business doesn't work out, we still have our integrity!"

  When Henry heard this, his expression did not relax but became more cautious. He had already figured out that Chen Jingyun's words were polite, but the implicit meaning was very clear. If the price is not satisfactory, then there is definitely no chance.

  "After some thought, Heinrich began to quote prices: 'Rifles, we have the latest product of Mauser Company G98, which is also the current rifle of my German army. The performance is advanced and reliable, each one costs 80 yuan. For artillery, I recommend Krupp company's 1908-style 75mm field gun and mountain gun of the same caliber. They are extremely suitable for the Far East region in terms of weight and size, and your country also has a large number of original 1903-style guns. Each one costs 23,000 yuan. Heavy machine guns have DWM's MG08, each one costs 3,500 yuan. Handguns, I personally recommend Lugers, each one costs 100 yuan. The old models of the above equipment are also widely equipped in your country at present. As far as I know, General's army is also equipped with a considerable number of 1888-style rifles, Krupp 75mm guns and a small number of heavy machine guns. In terms of military quality, I think General has a good idea!"

  It wasn't until then that Henry remembered the light machine gun and continued, "As for this light machine gun, currently our country doesn't have a suitable product, but we can purchase one from Denmark. The caliber can also be unified with the current 7.9mm caliber used in our country. The price may be slightly more expensive, approximately 700 yuan per unit."

  Henry said these rough numbers, Chen Jingyun listened and calculated in his heart. Before he finished calculating the price, Lin Chengkun's face changed beside him. According to the foreigner's price, it would be 6 or 7 million. The military government could not afford that much money. He had heard from An Hualin before that there were only 3 million left in the Ministry of Finance, and they still had to support so many troops and government expenses.

  Chen Jingyun secretly calculated in his heart and also felt that the price was too expensive, it was simply not feasible. First of all, this rifle, G98 costs 80 yuan per branch, at this price you can buy two other models, to know that Hanyang-made is only around 40 yuan, Japanese-style 38 is no more than 50 or so. As for this, he didn't have the heart to haggle and directly said: "According to Mr. Henry's quotation, I think we can't make a deal!"

  Henry was also somewhat anxious, knowing that based on Chen Jingyun's requested quantity, he hadn't quoted a random price, and had even given Chen Jingyun a small discount within his authority.

  "General, business is always negotiable, I can naturally ask for a quote from headquarters if you open your mouth, and it's also possible to make another discount!" Henry persuaded.

  But Chen Jingyun still shook his head: "Don't laugh, sir, the price of this batch of ammunition has already exceeded my acceptable range, it's not just a matter of a little discount!"

  Henry listened and didn't falter. Chen Jingyun said so himself, he couldn't say he was selling at a loss to him! After thinking for a while, a bright idea struck him, and he asked immediately: "I wonder if the general is interested in retired military equipment?"

  "Retired military equipment?" Chen Jingyun asked upon hearing: "I don't know how good the quality is?"

  Henry listened and immediately said: "The list I reported earlier was all the latest models of active-duty weapons, so the price is naturally more expensive. However, since the general's finances are tight, you can consider purchasing retired second-hand military equipment, such as the 1888 rifle, which has not been in service for a long time in our country. In recent years, after our country replaced it with G98, a large number of 1888 rifles were retired and stored in warehouses, many of which are even brand new, and the quality is absolutely guaranteed, and the price is also guaranteed!"

  Chen Jingyun's mind also became more active after listening, he was not a pedantic person, if it was useful and cheap, let alone retired, even if it was scrapped, he would want it.

  "Still, the key is the price!"

  I talked with Chen Jingyun for almost an hour, and somehow I could tell that Chen Jingyun had no money in his pocket but wanted a large number of weapons and troops. After some deliberation, he said: "Brand new 1888 rifles cost thirty-eight yuan each, used second-hand 1888-style rifles can be reduced to eighteen yuan per gun, heavy machine guns include MG01 and 99 styles, roughly one thousand yuan per barrel. As for artillery, this is a bit difficult, we need to consult with the domestic side, the price may be ten thousand yuan per door, I think the Imperial Army would be very willing to get rid of their old-fashioned military equipment in exchange for new ones!

  At this price, Chen Jingyun was already moved, but still said: "Guns, must guarantee quality, I don't want those with worn-out rifling. Cannons need to be able to fire, best if they're unified to 75mm caliber. Heavy machine guns are the same idea. If you can guarantee quality, I'll take this batch of second-hand goods too!"

  When Chen Jingyun said this, Henry was already overjoyed. This order has a chance! Although he himself didn't know where to find such a large batch of retired second-hand military equipment.

  "But this price, still needs to be negotiated!" Chen Jingyun also didn't look at Henry's face and said directly: "A brand new 88 rifle is suitable for thirty-five yuan, a second-hand one can make do with fifteen yuan, a heavy machine gun eight hundred is not high, artillery I'm not too good at saying, but a seventy-five millimeter field cannon exceeding eight thousand is still hard to accept!"

  Watching Chen Jingyun cut the price in half, Henry didn't show any displeasure. It's business, after all - if you say 10,000 and I knock off 5,000, it's not the final price until the end.