Chapter 27 Organize the shipyard

It was already twenty days later when the transferred Shangyu arrived in Fuzhou.At that time, Zuo Zongtang was working on a large-scale "protection case" to eradicate the bandits in Fujian and Guangdong. Those who contributed, of course, all had a share, and those who did not contribute did everything possible.For a while, the city of Fuzhou was "gathered with crowns and covers", and it was very lively. When news came out that Zuo Zongtang had transferred the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, he had already set up a line in Fujian as a substitute, and those who could use military merit to get promoted to fill the vacancy were all very disappointed, because although the backer It hasn't fallen, but it has moved, and there is nothing to rely on.

Hu Xueyan was also in Fuzhou at this time.Zuo Zongtang specially prepared a "attached film" in order to reward him for his contribution to the military, food and salaries in Shanghai, and he will send it out when he arrives.This "attached film" is the special security guard Hu Xueyan, who is not included in the list but is sponsored separately. It is called "secret security", and its effect is very different from that of the bill "Mingbao". Of course, the wording is extremely weighty, saying: "According to Hu Guangyong, who was appointed as an inspector in Fujian, he entered Zhejiang as a minister and commissioned various affairs, and he found a compromise. After the restoration of Hangzhou, he was extremely effective in preparing for the aftermath. The achievements are comparable. From Zhejiang to Fujian to Guangdong, the ministers have successively commissioned military and military equipment, and they have been transported one after another. There is no deadline, and the military supplies are reduced." Therefore, I sincerely ask for "extraordinary awards and incentives. Can you reward Jiabu Zheng?" Envoy title".

Adding an official position is what Hu Xueyan hopes for, but what makes him particularly excited is not the title of chief executive, but the addition of the title of chief executive can change the title.According to the original title, the inspector - the standard secretary is the third rank, and he wears a bright blue cap, and the chief envoy - the feudal secretary is from the second rank, so he can wear the red cap. It is extremely difficult for an official from the donated class to wear a red cap, and it is even more rare for a businessman to wear a red cap, unless it is from Teen like the salt merchants in the Qianlong period, but there are only one or two people.That's why drinking water and thinking about the source, thinking of the red cap that I will have to wear, although it was recommended by Zuo Zongtang, but without Wang Youling, what would we be today?So I made a special trip to Wang Youling's hometown—supporting Wang's bereaved family is Hu Xueyan's first major event during the holidays.

Originally, I wanted to visit the door of the tomb in person, but I had a big business to do, and I was too busy, so I had to wait until the official business was over. The big thing is to plan to build a ship by yourself.Zuo Zongtang's will is strong and resolute, and he cannot be reconciled unless he puts it into practice.At that time, he was ordered to be the supervisor of Fujian, and he couldn't take care of it himself, but he didn't let it go, and entrusted a person he trusted most, that is, Hu Xueyan. Regarding dealing with foreigners, Hu Xueyan must seek advice from Gu Yingchun. He has a wide range of ideas and believes that it is not necessary to find Japanese Italian Ge and Deke Bei for shipbuilding.Among the countries of Europe and the West today, when it comes to the excellence of ships, railways, and firearms, the United States has the tendency to come from behind.At the same time, Americans are not like the cunning of the British, the arrogance of the French, the stubbornness of the Germans, and the insidiousness of the Japanese, so they are easier to get along with.

But Hu Xueyan has a different opinion. The foreign influence in China is the largest in Britain, followed by France.To restrain the power of Britain, the only way is to use France. The United States and the United Kingdom are of the same species, so cooperating with the United States is tantamount to helping Britain expand its power.At the same time, Riyige and Dekebei are the original creators, and they betrayed them without reason, and they have a moral loss. In fact, Hu Xueyan has another unspoken meaning. Gu Yingchun has been with him for many years, and he can figure it out-Zuo Zongtang and Li Hongzhang are fighting for power and profit, and it has almost become an irreconcilable trend. Hurd is the most important thing, but if Zuo Zongtang asks the British again, he will not be able to escape and still be handled by Hurd, and Hurd and Li Hongzhang are each other's front and back, and maybe they will suggest to King Gong and Wen Xiang of the General Western Affairs Bureau to make It is advisable for the shipping business to be handled by Liangjiang.Wouldn't that open the way for Li Hongzhang?

Therefore, Gu Yingchun no longer has any claims, and only works as Hu Xueyan's assistant in dealing with Riyige and Dekebei with solid strength-in fact, he only connects with Riyige, because Dikebei has already retired from the army and returned to China.All plans, drawings and budgets for the construction of the shipyard were entrusted by Dirk Bei in France, sent to Riyige, and then negotiated with Hu Xueyan and Gu Yingchun. After more than a year, the planning has been very thorough. Arriving at Zuo Zongtang’s class in Guangdong, Hu Xueyan immediately accompanied Riyige to Fuzhou. Zuo Zongtang was very happy to see the detailed description in the picture, and went to inspect the factory proposed by Riyige in person.The land is located in Haikou, Fujian, and Mawei Luoxing Tower area, with clear water and solid soil, suitable for slotting and building docks.It is also close to the provincial capital, which is convenient for inspection, so it is easy to see at a glance.

All that's left is to plan the budget.The factory buys machines and hires craftsmen. The estimated start-up cost is more than 300,000 silver. The factory is completed and the material salary is 560,000 to 60,000 taels per month, which is 600,000 to 700,000 a year. It is expected to be built in two years. The first ship will cost one and a half million silver.But in the future, it can be saved. In five years, it is only more than three million. Where did the more than three million silver come from?Of course it took a lot of work.What Zuo Zongtang meant was to get it done first, as long as he had one million silver, he could handle it for the first year.If the imperial court can't come up with a solution, fortunately, with Hu Xueyan, they can definitely come up with a sustainable way.

Therefore, according to rough calculations, Fujian Customs and the province have the right to collect and use taxes, and Zhejiang is under their own jurisdiction, and will not stand still. Guangdong Jiang Yili was promoted by himself, and he should serve.With these three financial resources, you can let go of things. Therefore, in mid-May, Zuo Zongtang first reported to Chen "the general situation of planning to purchase machinery, hire foreign craftsmen, and try to build ships."At the same time, the imperial edict stated that it is better to use chariots to fight against Nian, and it is difficult to transport food for thousands of miles when returning home, so the strategy of garrisoning the fields should be adopted.

The purpose of the re-order is not necessarily to appreciate the discussion of vehicle warfare and farming, but the trial ship building is considered to be "really an urgent matter to be dealt with today", and the required funds are allowed to be used in the customs duties of Fujian. If it is not enough, it is allowed to be used in Fujian. likin.At the same time, he instructed: "All the articles stated will be handled according to the proposal, and all unfinished matters will still be played out in detail." With this purpose, Zuo Zongtang started to work intensively, and at the same time told Hu Xueyan to inform Riyige, who had been transferred to the Taxation Department of Jianghan Customs in Hankou, to discuss all the details with the Deke Stele in Annan.

Riyige arrived in Fuzhou in early July, braving the heat.The first thing is to survey the address of the shipyard, choose a place under Mawei Mountain, where the water depth at tide level is twelve feet deep, and then discuss civil engineering, craftsmen, and funding. Suggested by the French Consul General in Shanghai Bellini guaranteed.Of course, this task must fall on Hu Xueyan's shoulders again. At the end of August, the Stele of Deke arrived in Fuzhou directly from Annan. After meeting with Zuo Zongtang, they had no disagreement with the draft agreement, but they had opinions on the selected location for the factory. It is a land formed by silt, and the foundation is not strong enough.Therefore, Zuo Zongtang decided to invite Bai Laini and Ri Yige to Fuzhou as guests, to have a final and comprehensive discussion, make a final decision, and officially play.

The idea is set, first write a letter to find Hu Xueyan to come to Fuzhou to talk.When he was working hard, he suddenly received an order to transfer the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu. Although Zuo Zongtang felt it was abrupt, but after thinking about it for a while, he knew that it was inevitable, and it was not all accidents.At the same time, thinking of many historical facts about the pacification of the Western Regions in history, my ambition is sudden, I am eager to try, and I am very excited. It was a very disappointing thing for Hu Xueyan, and he was worried and felt quite at a loss.Therefore, when he congratulated Zuo Zongtang at the governor's office, although he appeared calm and everything was as usual, he couldn't escape the eyes of those who knew him well. One of them was Wu Guanli, a little fellow from his hometown.This character Zijun, nicknamed Gui'an, was originally a Juren, talented, and made excellent poems.Because of Hu Xueyan's recommendation, he entered Zuo Zongtang's shogunate and was deeply trusted. He served as the prime minister's camp affairs office and was the only military counselor in the governor's office of Fujian and Zhejiang. What Wu Guanli understood about Zuo Zongtang was what Hu Xueyan could not understand, because of how much he had read.Seeing the lonely look between Hu Xueyan's brows, of course he could guess what was going on in his heart. "Xueyan," Wu Guanli asked, "are you afraid that you will lose your backing when Zuo Gong goes to the northwest?" The question was very straightforward, and Hu Xueyan answered honestly: "Yes! In the future, no matter whether it is public or private, I will be in trouble!" "No! No!" Wu Guanli shook his head greatly. According to Wu Guanli, it will take three to five years before the expedition in Guanxi can be seen. This is of course a big expedition, but the situation is different from that of suppressing Nian.The Nian bandits harassed the Central Plains and threatened the capital. From the perspective of the imperial court, even if it was not a confidant's trouble, but the trouble was in the elbow and armpit, it could not be relieved.The urgency of the matter allows no delay. The Western Expedition uses troops on the frontier, and the sky is high and the emperor is far away, so it is not necessary to care about it day and night. The momentum is slower, and official affairs are naturally easier to handle.As for private affairs, they are nothing more than Hu Xueyan's personal business. There is Zuo Zongtang who is near the southeast, and he can be sheltered and well-versed in everything.Once the backer leads the troops out of the customs, they are far away in the western frontier, beyond the reach of the whip, and it is difficult to respond when there is an emergency.Wu Guanli thinks it is also an over worry. "You have to know that the operation of the Northwest has always relied on the support of the Southeast. From now on, your job in Shanghai will be even more important, and your status will be even more important. It depends on human effort." Wu Guanli patted Hu Xueyan on the shoulder and said, "Haven't you read "Sheng Wu Ji", I don't know the "Ten Great Martial Arts" in the Qianlong period. To manage the frontier, we used to send relatives or important officials from Manchuria to take command, but now we send our Zuo Gong, which is no small matter. Yuan Rongxun since Hong Yang Minister, Prime Minister Zeng is on top, Zuo and Li are next in line, from now on, I'm afraid Zeng Zuo will be named together." The last sentence awakened Hu Xueyan, and his worries were swept away immediately.Although the backing is far away, it is taller and more stable. If you understand this level, you don't have to worry about it. "Thank you for your advice." Hu Xueyan said happily, "You might as well worry about it. Please talk about the situation in the northwest." "Let's talk about shipbuilding first." Zuo Zongtang said resolutely and decisively, "No matter how hard the imperial court urges me to leave the customs as soon as possible, this matter must be settled in my hands first, and I will not leave Fujian. " "Yes." Hu Xueyan asked, "When the decision is finalized, who will I hand it over to?" "Here! You are asking the key point. I have been working hard for three years and working hard for several months to achieve this result. If I entrust someone to someone else and give up halfway, I will not be reconciled. I am still thinking about this level. Please work harder." "That's all right. However, I can only take care of it until your lord leaves Fujian." "No. You still have to take care of me when I leave Fujian." Zuo Zongtang said, "It's the shipyard. I can't give up on this matter halfway, because Li Shaoquan laughed at it. And I don't know how many times I have thought about it. I don't know how many times better than the Westernization organized by Li Shaoquan." This is very clear, Zuo Zongtang is out of the desire to win.His competitive spirit will never be weakened by anyone's persuasion. Hu Xueyan knows that he has a hard time taking responsibility, and he has to "act with the stone mortar".However, there is no answer to the question of "asking the key point" just now, so I have to ask further. "My lord said so, of course I can only obey orders." Hu Xueyan said, "I don't know who will serve in Fujian in the future?" "Don't say anything to serve me. Xueyan, you are the smartest, there is no one you can't get along with. Only I entrusted this person, and I have to rely on you—" Zuo Zongtang didn't say any more, but Hu Xueyan completely understood what he meant. What he entrusted was a person who was difficult to "serve".This made him even more anxious to ask: "Who is it?" "Shen Youdan." It turned out to be Shen Baozhen, the former governor of Jiangxi Province, who Ding You returned to his hometown.Hu Xueyan was really surprised by this.If you think about it carefully, you can get someone to entrust, but it is forbidden by law to use a native of the province as a provincial official, and he must be a high-ranking official.Also with Ding worry, it becomes a hindrance.I don't know how Zuo Zongtang came here, he can only pay in silence. "I know what you think, I'll show you a draft." The manuscript is full of thousands of words, discussing the benefits of shipbuilding, and finally talking about the theme: The matter of the Chenwei steamship is imperative, how can it go to Min Zai, and suddenly put it on hold?And set up a bureau to make all the complicated matters, all the ministers and foreigners negotiated. If you don't take advantage of the minister's time in Minding Bureau, not only will the clues be complicated, the person who takes over will have no way to consult and prevent, and the offer will be unclear, and there will be many objections in the future, and the minister will have no excuse blame.The minister can't help but stay for thirty days, waiting for the decision of the game, this is also the case!However, it is necessary to choose a person to take over this matter, especially the person who takes over must be able to do the work for a long time, and then concentrate on it at one go. If the will is determined, success can be expected, and the deeper the study, the more familiar the matter.Thinking again and again, only Dingyou's former Jiangxi Fuchen Shen Baozhen, who was an official and registered, has long lost his reputation and is admired by both China and foreign countries.His considerations are carefully examined and precise, as early as in the insights of Shengming.Now I live in the house to serve and care, and love the sun for a long time. It is not like an official who is always in the same place, and there are things that change from time to time.If Ling presides over this matter, it must be ready.Shang Zhiyinggui and Xu Zongqian also thought so.Chen Baozhen has always been humble and thankful to the merchants who have built a hut three times.Can you thank the emperor for the grace of heaven, and think that the matter is of the utmost importance, and the situation is at hand, so I warmly ordered Shen Baozhen, with great righteousness, to appoint the prime minister for shipping administration, and the Ministry will issue customs defenses. Anti containment.All the funds will be collected at any time by the general governor of the conference, and Zhou Kaixi, the governor of the department, will be ordered to do so without any delay.Hu Guangyong was appointed to be the first-hand manager of all materials, Yangyang craftsmen, Chinese laborers, and art bureaus.Hu Guangyong is talented and careful, and is familiar with Western affairs. He is an indispensable person in the shipping bureau, and he is trusted by foreigners. "Okay! I'll leave it to you!" Zuo Zongtang stood up, walked towards the desk, and said, "Now I want to talk to you about the first important matter!"