flstandardbreds Chapter 170
Chapter 170
The steel production capacity of the Ming Dynasty was the closest to that of modern times among all dynasties. Leaving aside the various somewhat exaggerated speculations of later generations, the year with the highest steel production in the Ming Dynasty was the first year of Hongwu, with 9,000 tons.
While other years may not produce as much as this one, they still generate several thousand tons of steel each year; these are just the most basic estimates.
It was precisely because of the great explosion in iron smelting technology in the Ming Dynasty that firearms were able to develop sufficiently. Not only firearms, but steel smelting technology even exceeded the expectations of later generations.
According to later research, the Ming Dynasty did not have refined iron or steel, but Zhou Chu looked at the Embroidered Spring Blade in his hand and fell silent.
It can only be said that the quality of most steel is not that high, but the quality of steel used in the Embroidered Spring Blade exceeded Zhou Chu's expectations.
It was precisely because of the output and quality of Ming Dynasty steel that the Red Coat Cannon could even overwhelm the Franco Cannon of the same period.
Xia Yan finally got his wish and was appointed as an imperial censor, to inspect the southern Zhili and Jiangnan provinces on behalf of the emperor. However, in addition to him, Jiajing also appointed another person as Xia Yan's deputy. This person was none other than Zhang Cong.
At this time, Zhang Cong was eager to stand out, and Jiajing naturally saw this as an opportunity. So he let him follow Xia Yan. With Zhang Cong around, Xia Yan's every word and action would be restricted.
A few days ago, Yang Tinghe had repeatedly asked to resign and return to his hometown. Jiajing Emperor symbolically tried to persuade him to stay twice, and finally granted Yang Tinghe's request with a reluctant expression. Anyone who didn't know the situation would think that the relationship between the emperor and his subject was very deep.
As a result, Yang Yiqing naturally entered the cabinet and became the Grand Secretary, seemingly dominating the court. But who was Jiajing? He was a born master of political maneuvering. After Yang Tinghe retired, in order to balance the situation in the court, Jiajing directly promoted Yang Shen to the cabinet.
After Yang Yiqing entered the cabinet, the position of Minister of Personnel became vacant. Jiajing then promoted Han Jie, who had always performed well, to the position of Minister of Personnel. This made Han Jie extremely happy, thinking that all his efforts over the years had finally paid off.
Zhang Cong then filled the vacancy of Vice Minister of Revenue and was appointed as Xia Yan's deputy. Zhang Cong was very shrewd, and when he received the appointment, he immediately understood what the emperor wanted him to do.
In short, he wants to get rid of Xia Yan, oppose what Xia Yan wants to do, support what Xia Yan opposes, and at the same time, stand on Zhou Chu's side without any principles.
At this moment, Zhang Cong finally understood who the real power behind this trip to Jiangnan was. The emperor and Zhou Chu had been playing a double act all along. Zhang Cong knew very well that as long as he firmly sided with these two, he would definitely rise rapidly in rank.
After Yang Tinghe retired, he seemed to have aged more than ten years, and within a few days, his hair turned completely white.
Inside the Yang residence, Yang Tinghe looked at his son, wanting to say something, but in the end he sighed and said nothing.
No one understands his son better than him. Yang Tinghe knew that Yang Shen had suffered because of his father for so many years, but there were many things he had to do. Once he reached that position, he never represented just himself.
At this moment, Yang Tinghe felt relieved and liberated, free from official duties.
"Father, please forgive your unfilial son."
Seeing the helplessness in his father's eyes, Yang Shen knelt down and kowtowed three times.
“Yongxiu, I have never blamed you. You have suffered all these years. The current situation is actually quite good. I am getting old and will have to retire sooner or later. Before I retire, I can pave the way for you and promote you to the cabinet. It is a great blessing.”
Yang Tinghe sighed.
In fact, before Yang Shen refuted Yang Tinghe, Yang Tinghe gradually sensed that the tide had turned and his downfall was only a matter of time.
When Yang Shen refuted him in court, Yang Tinghe was indeed shocked at first. However, after so many years in office, Yang Tinghe had long been accustomed to calculating gains and losses. Since his downfall was inevitable, he simply used himself as a stepping stone to elevate his son into the cabinet.
In this way, the Yang family can still stand firm.
Yang Tinghe knew very well that after his downfall, the emperor would need someone to check and balance Yang Yiqing. This person could be Xia Yan or his own son.
Xia Yan is too ruthless and opportunistic. Although Yang Tinghe is on the same side as him, he doesn't like Xia Yan's personality very much and even feels somewhat disgusted by him. Yang Tinghe believes that the emperor also doesn't like Xia Yan very much.
Furthermore, given Yang Shen's willingness to sacrifice his own family for the greater good, Yang Tinghe believed the emperor would make the right choice.
As it turned out, Yang Tinghe's prediction was absolutely correct.
Yang Tinghe knew very well that his son was no longer the same person he used to be. His heart belonged to the Ming Dynasty and the court, not just the Yang family.
However, Yang Tinghe didn't care. He was even proud that his son had chosen this path, a path he himself had never taken. Who would dislike their son's upright character?
Yang Tinghe seemed to see his son Yang Shen become a famous minister in the future, leaving a mark on history as both a famous minister and a talented scholar.
"I understand your good intentions, but I'm afraid I can't follow in your footsteps."
After Yang Shen finished speaking, he kowtowed again.
"Yongxiu, I never intended for you to follow in my footsteps. I hope you can become a renowned minister who assists the Emperor and the Ming Dynasty. Just follow your heart."
Yang Tinghe smiled.
At this moment, Yang Tinghe's face appeared exceptionally kind.
"I will certainly live up to my father's expectations."
Yang Shen was deeply moved upon hearing this.
“Xia Yan came to see me yesterday, wanting me to retire in Jiangnan. I know exactly what he’s up to. He just wants to take advantage of my students in Jiangnan. I’ve finally retired, how could I possibly get involved in such dirty business?”
Yang Tinghe had come to terms with it, completely and utterly. The reason he saw things so clearly was because he had his son, Yang Shen, to rely on. Yang Shen entered the cabinet at the age of over forty, which greatly pleased Yang Tinghe. He understood that he didn't need to do anything in the future, as long as he didn't hold his son back.
If Yang Shen had continued to waver and be unable to see the future path as before, Yang Tinghe would not be as relaxed as he is now, and might have continued to fight against Zhou Chu.
“Remember this, Zhou Hengqi is no ordinary man. In such a short time, he has caused a great uproar in Jiangnan. You must stand firmly on his and the Emperor’s side without any hesitation. Even if he confiscates my property in the future, do not turn against him. I think he will not make things too difficult for me because of you.”
Yang Tinghe looked at his mentally challenged son and gave him some instructions with some concern.
Yang Tinghe had previously been afraid of Zhou Chu. Although Zhou Chu seemed reckless, everything he did was within the rules, leaving no room for criticism. Now that Yang Tinghe had stepped back, he saw things more clearly and had some idea of what Zhou Chu was planning to do.
"I will certainly live up to my father's expectations."
Yang Shen kowtowed again.