Chapter 207: Amazing Words

At home, Zheng Wanru is the kind of person who doesn’t hold a quad. It’s really rare that he can think so and work so hard. Chen Wanrong felt warm in his heart and encouraged him: “Good! My brother-in-law can’t be worse than others! Work hard!”

After receiving Chen Wanrong's praise, Zheng Wanru smiled so hard that she had only a small slit left in her eyes: "Brother-in-law, remember!" This was not said, but sung.

On Zheng Wanru's shoulder, Chen Wanrong went to see the others again. They were like Zheng Wanru, their bodies were dirty and they worked very hard. The weather was colder today, but they had sweat on their foreheads.

If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, who would have believed that they were students of the Imperial College, and who would have believed that they were scholars who only knew poetry and books and were well-dressed?

"The environment can really change people!" Chen Wanrong had to sigh.

After patrolling all the way, the students were able to do their best. The masters taught them carefully and did not look down on them at all because they were beginners. Any problems were explained in detail until the students understood.

Chen Wanrong was very satisfied and smiled and said, "I was really surprised. I thought that even if he was willing to do it, he would need an adaptation process. Unexpectedly, they were so devoted."

Ye Tianheng stroked his beard and said, "That's not it! These scholars have white skin and white flesh, and they have clothes and food, and their minds are full of poetry and books, and their mouths are full of sages. I really worry that they don't care about their work."

The social status of scholars in the Tang Dynasty was even higher than that of modern college students. It was impossible to put aside their etiquette and work without putting some effort. Chen Wanrong originally thought that he would have to work hard with them, but he didn't expect that they would be so devoted that they would not be able to be dissatisfied with Chen Wanrong.

In the next half month, Chen Wanrong mainly did two things. One was to train these students to have a deeper understanding of military equipment supervision and to be interested in skills. The other was to supervise the progress of cement and glass equipment.

Cement was a strategic resource of the Tang Dynasty. It was indeed too important to be appointed by Ruizong. Chen Wanrong had to do his best. With the efforts of Ye Tianheng and others, the cement production equipment was carried out as expected and could be debugged in ten days. Of course, as Ye Tianheng said, this rotary kiln is mainly a test of the hand, and it is not very sure whether it can make cement. Even so, it is worth looking forward to.

Glass equipment is not that complicated than cement. After all, Chen Wanrong is just making tools, not building glass. There is no need to use float production, and the intermittent method can meet the requirements.

After the graphite is processed, it is to burn crucibles and refractory bricks. It is something that Yuan Tiancheng, a folk kiln owner, can accomplish. It is not difficult for military equipment supervisors. It will be done in a few days.

Chen Wanrong chose a piece of land by the Wei River, mobilized manpower to build a workshop, digging ditches, loading water drains, and building stoves. Everything was going on in an orderly manner. As long as these things were done well, you could try the production of glass.

On that day, Chen Wanrong was busy directing people to install glass water drains by the Wei River. After the water drains were installed, the final work would be done in one or two days before the trial production was tested.

At this moment, Duan Hui rushed over. Chen Wanrong knew that there must be something wrong when he came, so he hurriedly went up to greet him and said, "I have met Brother Duan." Duan Hui and Chen Zairong had a very good relationship. Chen Wanrong called Duan Hui the eldest brother because of this relationship in private.

Duan Hui smiled and said, "Brother Chen, the emperor wants you to go there right away."

The thing that could make Duan Hui do is definitely not a trivial matter. Chen Wanrong couldn't help but be curious and asked, "Brother Duan, do you know what's going on?"

Duan Hui looked around and saw that no one was near him, so he lowered his voice and said, "Brother Chen, I guess it was a discussion on the matter of the army. Now, the army has withdrawn from Tubo and stationed in the north. The emperor has issued an order to ask General Guo to lead the meritorious soldiers back to Chang'an and accept the emperor's reward."

After every war, the court would summon the meritorious soldiers to Chang'an to reward him. This was the case when Li Jing destroyed the Eastern Turks, and the same was the case when Su Dingfang destroyed the Western Turks. The significance of destroying the Tubo was far-reaching, and Ruizong would inevitably deal with it according to the convention.

"Brother Duan is waiting for a moment, I will explain it and go immediately." Chen Wanrong is the military supervisor, so he is naturally responsible for rewarding the soldiers.

Duan Hui responded, Chen Wanrong gave a few words, and rushed to the Daming Palace with Duan Hui. When he arrived at Luanxiang Pavilion, he saw that there were many people in the room, including Ruizong, Princess Taiping, and Li Longji, and the three giants, including Dou Huaizhen, Xiao Zhizhong, and Wu Jing, were also there.

Chen Wanrong greeted him: "See the Emperor!"

When Ruizong saw Chen Wanrong's face, he immediately smiled and waved his hand and said, "Wanrong, sit down."

In comparison, Chen Wanrong's official position is much worse than that of the people present. Sitting next to Wu Jing, Wu Jing smiled slightly at Chen Wanrong, saying hello, and Chen Wanrong smiled.

Ruizong glanced at everyone and said, "I'm summoning you here today to discuss how to welcome the meritorious soldiers. The battle of Tubo will open up an unseen territory in China, with a far-reaching impact. We must celebrate it well. Now, the army has retreated to the north, and Guo Qianguan is leading the meritorious soldiers back to Chang'an. In the battle of Tubo, he annihilated hundreds of thousands of enemies and beheaded at level three per person. I ordered Guo Qianguan to bring the soldiers who were beheaded at level twenty to Chang'an and accept my reward. There are two thousand soldiers who beheaded at level twenty, two thousand!"

In the battle of Tubo, many people killed, and even Chen Wanrong, the first person to the battlefield, had beheaded dozens of people. If the threshold was not raised so high, a hundred thousand army could accept the reward from Ruizong.

"Two thousand? So many?" Dou Huaizhen and the others knew that there were many soldiers who made great contributions in this battle, but they didn't expect so many. It was Li Jing's night attack on Yinshan, and the three thousand Tang troops beheaded only more than 10,000. Although that battle destroyed the Eastern Turks, the number of beheadings was only a small witch compared to the battle in Tubo.

This is actually the battle with the most beheadings in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

Not only was he surprised, but even Princess Taiping was a little surprised.

Ruizong nodded and affirmed: "That's right, it's two thousand! At first, I asked Guo Qianguan to bring the soldiers who were beheaded at level 15 or above to Chang'an. Guo Qianguan wrote a letter saying that there were thousands of people who beheaded at level 15 or above, too many, so I was only raised to level 20."

"The warriors of the Tang Dynasty are so good at fighting, God bless the Tang Dynasty!" Xiao Zhizhong couldn't help but feel relieved.

Everyone nodded and said yes. Chen Wanrong attacked them and said, "What you all said is reasonable, but the reason why the Tang Dynasty beheaded so many times in this battle was not only because of the Tang army's good fighting, but also because of the backwardness of Tubo and the unpopularity of Jide Zuzan.

"The Tang Dynasty's army is protected by iron armor, and except for the imperial guards, the Tubo army is generally armoured. Only the Tubo imperial guards have better equipment and can compete with the Tang Dynasty's weapons. A large part of the Tubo army does not even have iron weapons, and they use bronze weapons.

"A such an army, when encountering the Iron Army of the Tang Dynasty, is just a piece of paper, and only gives the killing. The emperor, I think that the victory of this battle is not so much a victory in the bravery and good at fighting in the Tang Dynasty, but rather a victory in the Tang Dynasty, which has advanced civilization and developed technology. Celebration is joyful, but not worthy of pride!"

After all, war is a collision between civilization and technology. Using the advanced equipment of the Tang army to fight against the Tubo people, it is like using airplanes and cannons to hit the horse-backed nation. It is impossible to defeat it.

This is honest, but when everyone is excited, it is said that Taiya is the scenery. It is not that Chen Wanrong is not aware of the current affairs, but if he is complacent, the consequences will be unpredictable. Who among Xiao Zhizhong, Dou Huaizhen, and Princess Taiping are not complacent?

"Wanrong, what are you saying?" Princess Taiping first scolded.

Dou Huaizhen and Xiao Zhizhong nodded slightly in agreement.

Chen Wanrong said, "Princess, what I say is the truth. If you have experienced it yourself, you will agree with me."

Princess Taiping wanted to say something else, but Li Longji spoke: "I feel the same way Chen Wanrong said. The Tang Dynasty, Tubo, Turks, and Dashi have fought for so many years, and they have won many battles? Not only is the Tang Dynasty's army brave and good at fighting, but also the Tang Dynasty has advanced civilization and technology. Persia was forced by Dashi, so she had to ask Emperor Taizong for help and request the Tang Dynasty to send troops. Although Persia was destroyed by Dashi, Persian subjects still thought about Dashi. What is the reason? Civilization and technology are the main reasons."

During the Tang Dynasty, the Middle East had not yet Islamized, and the acceptance of Chinese civilization was quite high. It can be said that it was the golden period of Chinese civilization in the Middle East. It was precisely because of this that when the Persian Empire attacked the Dashi Empire, the king of the Persian Empire asked Emperor Taizong of Tang for help and asked the Tang Dynasty to send troops.

Emperor Taizong of Tang did not agree considering that the journey was too far and the army was unable to supply supplies. After the destruction of Persia, the then king, Belus, came to Chang'an and finally died of old age in Chang'an.

This matter is not over yet. During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Wu Zetian, the Tang Dynasty once wanted to help Beilus' descendants restore the country and sent troops to escort him back, but they all failed.

On the surface, this incident seems to be because of the power of the Tang Dynasty. The real reason is that the Chinese civilization is advanced and the Middle East admires it. Li Longji has always had amazing words. After Jide Zuzan was taken to Chang'an, he once summarized the reasons for the failure of Tubo from the perspective of civilization.

Ruizong nodded and said, "Sanlang, what Wanrong said makes sense, and I think so too. In this battle, the Tang Dynasty won, I am happy, and you are happy, this is a good thing. But, if you are happy, it is not worthy of pride! The Tang Dynasty's army is good at fighting, but if there were no countless good workers to build armor and weapons, would we win? It is difficult!

"So, I decided not only to reward the soldiers, but also to the good craftsmen who participated in the making of artillery."

Without artillery, how could there be victory in this battle? Can Chen Wanrong alone create artillery? No! It is natural to give Ye Tianheng and others the title, and no one can object.

"I am thanking the emperor for your good work!" This incident was a bit surprising, but Chen Wanrong was still happy.

Ruizong was in a good mood and waved his hand and said, "Wanrong, you must hurry up on the military weapon surveillance. What do you want? Tell me, I will help you think of a way."

The battle of Tubo made Ruizong realize the importance of good craftsmen. Chen Wanrong expanded the military weapon supervision at this time and really chose the opportunity.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Ruizong continued: "I will talk about the summary first, and then discuss it later. Should I continue to discuss how to welcome the soldiers."

Princess Taiping smiled and said, "Brother, I think it's still like last time, and I'll send someone to greet me fifty miles away. My sister and Longji greet each other on the way, and the brother will greet me at the city gate."

"What the princess said is extremely true, I agree!" Su Zhizhong first agreed.

Dou Huaizhen was not willing to fall behind: "I agree."

Wu Jing, who had not spoken, spoke: "Your Majesty, I think this is inappropriate. The last time the emperor did this was because the artillery escorted Jide Zuzan to return, which was of great significance. This time, the soldiers should not welcome them with the same etiquette."

The historian is very important. Wu Jing's words were originally intended to agree with Princess Taiping and the ministers had to give up this idea and wait for the sage of the Ruizong.

Ruizong nodded and said, "Wu Jing is a historian. Your words make sense. I will accept your words. This time it is not the same as last time. Wu Jing, what kind of etiquette do you think I should welcome you?"

Princess Taiping's proposal was rejected by Wu Jing, and she was full of unhappiness. However, she did not dare to attack the historian, so she could only bear it.

Wu Jing thought for a while and said, "Emperor, I think when the soldiers return, they should send ministers to greet each other ten miles away and read the imperial edict. Then, the emperor accepted the court of the soldiers on the Jianchun Gate Tower and gave the grace of heaven. When Emperor Wu of Han attacked the Huns in the north, Wei Qing returned to great victory. Emperor Wu of Han sent someone to call Wei Qing as the general in the army. When Wei Qing returned to the court, wasn't Emperor Wu of Han accepting the court of the soldiers in the palace city?"

Emperor Wu of Han defeated the Huns, which was a major event in Chinese history. A legend has made countless descendants crazy. Wu Jing was just an example. Ruizong thought that Wu Jing was praising his martial arts as comparable to Emperor Wu of Han. He couldn't help but be overjoyed and nodded, "Wu Qing is very much about this, but this is very much about this! Just do it!"

"The emperor is wise!" Everyone praised politely.

The big policy has been decided, and the next step is to discuss some details, which took a long time to finalize.

Ruizong looked at Chen Wanrong and said, "Wanrong, you said that there is a festive thing called firecrackers, which can it be really done?"

Chen Wanrong joked with Princess Yuzhen while drinking at Yuzhen Temple. Unexpectedly, Ruizong actually knew about it. It should have been mentioned by the two princesses, but I don’t know why Ruizong asked: “Master, firecrackers are indeed festive items. We have to burn firecrackers to welcome guests now, and they are exploding. Although firecrackers are cheap, they are very troublesome and time-consuming, and the sound is not loud enough. Firecrackers are made of gunpowder, and the sound is crisp and loud, which is very suitable for festive use.”

He explained the advantages and disadvantages of firecrackers and firecrackers clearly in one breath. Everyone heard it and was shocked in their hearts. He looked at Chen Wanrong in surprise. Princess Taiping was a little disbelief: "Wanrong, is there such a good thing?"

Chen Wanrong said with great affirmation: "It's true!"

After our ancestors invented gunpowder, the first purpose was to use it on firecrackers, not on military purposes. Can this be fake?

Ruizong kept rubbing his hands and said, "When I heard from the girl, I kept thinking in my heart, what would it be like if the soldiers returned and firecrackers were set off? Wanrong, can we make some of them so that it is easy to use when the soldiers come back."

Chen Wanrong didn't expect that he had made such an idea and nodded, "Prince, please don't worry, I will do it well."

Li Longji interrupted: "If you want to do it, do more. It starts to set off from ten miles away and continues to Jianchun Gate. Also, the father will also set off the banquet in the evening. At this time, the whole Chang'an will be set off. Therefore, there are a lot of firecrackers needed, can it be made?"

According to what he said, how many firecrackers do you need? Ten trucks are not enough. Chen Wanrong thought for a while and said, "Can you do it! There is enough gunpowder, this is not a problem, you just need to send some people."

"Those students are determined to learn novel things. Although there are many things in military weapon supervision, they still have to keep appearing in order to hold their hearts firmly. Making firecrackers is both novel and fun. It is impossible to be tired of them!" Chen Wanrong was secretly happy.

Although the students performed well, half a month later, the novelty has declined. They are not as hard as they did when they first came. They have to take this opportunity to raise their curiosity.

"Okay! Time is tight, Wanrong, you should take more time!" Ruizong smiled so much that he had only a small gap left in his eyes.

When Guo Qianguan and the others came back, this made Ruizong happy. I would like to give Wu Jing a metaphor, calling him an emperor like the great emperor, Emperor Wu of Han, Ruizong was already happy. Chen Wanrong was able to be a firecracker, and the festive atmosphere was bound to be unparalleled. It was even more distinctive than Emperor Taizong of Tang that he rewarded the soldiers with great contributions. How could he not be happy?

In a good mood, Ruizong said this very kindly, as if an old friend was giving advice, which made Xiao Zhizhong and the others so jealous that their eyes turned red.

After the matter was discussed, they each said goodbye. Ruizong took Chen Wanrong and gave him a message, and then let Chen Wanrong leave.

After leaving the Daming Palace, Chen Wanrong went straight to the military weapon supervisor. Ye Tianheng was teaching the students. The students were so excited that they all opened their mouths wide and their eyes didn't know how to turn.

Chen Wanrong stepped in and said, "Master Ye, interrupt."

"My friend, what's wrong with you?" Ye Tianheng knew that Chen Wanrong must have something important to say, so he interrupted Chen Wanrong and didn't care.

Chen Wanrong clasped his fists and said, "Master Ye, you are a transgressor! I will tell them about making firecrackers."

Chen's chemical industry is famous, and the students have witnessed the magic of perfume with their own eyes. Chen Wanrong is too busy and has no time to teach them. When he heard this, he was all over. How wonderful would it be if Chen Wanrong explained chemistry knowledge to them?

Ye Tianheng said strangely: "Firecrackers? What is that?"

Chen Wanrong stood on Ye Tianheng's seat and glanced at the students. They all saw that they were all looking forward to it, saying, "Master Ye asked you a question, what are firecrackers? You are scholars and know etiquette. You all know that when guests come, you should greet them well. When welcoming the guests, in addition to neatly dressed and sweeping the road, you will also set up some firecrackers and set them on, making them ringing together, making them very lively.

"Firecrackers are festive things like firecrackers, but they have two advantages over firecrackers: one is that the sound is crisper and louder. A bamboo joint explodes, but the Śrāvakas can be several miles away. The other is that firecrackers are more convenient than firecrackers. To set off firecrackers, you have to raise a firecrackers and put the firecrackers in in advance. After a busy time, there will be a sound. Firecrackers are not needed. Even if the guests arrive, it will be time to set off again."
Chapter completed!