Chapter 45 Two British missionary Fryer gave a stylish gift

The Weijing arrived in Shanghai smoothly.After disembarking, Zeng Guofan and his party, led by Yang Guodong and others, avoided the official entertainment in Shanghai and went straight to the Jiangnan Machinery Manufacturing Bureau in Gaochangmiao.Yung Wing of the Association led a group of senior staff to greet him at the gate, and stayed in the posthouse of the General Administration that night. The next morning, when Qin Shitai, the general manager of the Shanghai Daotai and Manufacturing Bureau, rushed over, Zeng Guofan, accompanied by Rong Hong, Yang Guodong, Xu Shou, Hua Hengfang and others, boarded the boat moored at the shipyard dock. Survey the sea number.After taking a look around on the ship Cehai, I boarded the Caojiang ship, and then boarded the Huiji ship.Zeng Guofan was most interested in these warships, and once again encouraged Rong Hong to build iron-clad warships as soon as possible, and said that if China had fifty iron-clad warships, it would dare to compete with foreigners on the rivers and seas, and its national strength would also increase. It will be strong.A few words warmed everyone's hearts.Zeng Guofan asked Yung Wing again: "Is it difficult to build an iron-clad ship? Is the fund enough?"

Yung Wing replied: "Ironclad ships need a lot of steel plates. We have not yet built our own steel mills, so we have to buy them from foreigners. There will also be considerable technical difficulties. We plan to build small ones first, and then we will build them after we have experience. Make it bigger." "Okay!" Zeng Guofan interrupted him. "The Manufacturing Bureau will build a steel factory by itself in the future, and now we will buy some steel plates." "We also think so." Yung Wing said, "As for the funds, it can still be dealt with at the moment. In the past, Mr. Zhong Tang Zou asked that 10% of the 20% foreign tax allocated should be used for shipbuilding. Since then, the shipyard has A special fund. The steam engine is manufactured by the machine factory, and the boiler is manufactured by the boiler factory. I think I can build a small iron-clad ship next year. Although it is difficult, it may be possible to bite the bullet.”

"You must have this ambition." Zeng Guofan praised, "When the Nine Generals attacked Jiangning in the past, the hardships and hardships were much greater than those of your iron-clad ships. I encouraged him at that time, and half of the people who were forced or stimulated by the world's affairs .Foreigners are bullying us, which is forcing us to provoke us. We must quickly build strong ships and sharp guns, improve ourselves, and win this breath!" After seeing the shipyard, Zeng Guofan came to the machine factory.Most of the working machines here were bought by Yung Wing from the United States.In the past two years, relying on these mother machines, many machines specialized in guns have been manufactured.Rong Hong pointed to various machines with great interest, introduced them to Zeng Guofan one by one, and reported to him like a few treasures: In the past five years, the machine factory has manufactured 38 lathes, seven planers, five drilling machines, one sawing machine, and water pumps. Three sets, one rolling machine, one screw twisting machine, five steam furnaces, one medicine mixing machine, one medicine grinding machine...

"Okay, okay." Zeng Guofan cut off Rong Hong's endless introduction with a smile. "This machine, that machine, talking about it made my mind messed up, and I can't remember so much. Why don't you just write a post and write down what the Jiangnan Machinery Manufacturing Bureau has done over the years, and give it to Huifu." After leaving the machine factory, Rong Hong brought Zeng Guofan and his party into the gun assembly factory. The gun parts manufactured in various branch factories are assembled here.Zeng Guofan was very excited when he saw thousands of foreign guns, dozens of iron cannons and tens of thousands of shells piled up here.He touched the barrel for a while, and picked up a foreign gun for a while.

"How many guns have been built in the past few years? Zeng Guofan asked Rong Hong beside him. "A total of more than 6,400 guns, 78 guns, and 200,000 shells were built." "Your achievements are not small, Chunfu." Zeng Guofan couldn't help praising him loudly. "Which troops have been supplied?" "Guns are transported to the Jiangdu Biaoqin Barracks, Su Fubiao Guard Barracks, Wusong Waihai Navy, Yangtze River Navy, Beiyun Shenji Camp, Shanhaiguan Camp, etc. Guns are supplied to various forts, such as Jiangyin, Xiangshan, and Jiaoshan. . Like sharing a happy, actually asked Zeng Guofan to guess the riddle.

Zeng Guofan also made him very excited, and he replied casually, "I can't guess." "Old Zhongtang, let me tell you!" Rong Hong grinned and said, "The forty-eight cannons on the Weijing and Huiji ships were all made by our bureau!" "Not bad, not bad!" Zeng Guofan praised repeatedly, "Rebuild dozens of good cannons, and replace all the cannons on the two ships of Caojiang and Cehai with yours. At that time, I will invite Prince Gong and Lord Wen to go south Come to Shanghai to inspect and see that everything from boats to guns are Chinese-made warships."

"That's great, we can refit next year." Rong Hong said excitedly. "Chunfu!" After a pause, Zeng Guofan said earnestly, "There is an ancient Great Wall in China, which was built with bricks and stones. In history, it played an important role in resisting the invasion of barbarians and Di. Now, the Great Wall of bricks and stones is no longer effective." Now, a new Great Wall needs to be built, and it needs to be built with guns and warships. The Jiangnan Machinery Bureau is the main factory for building this Great Wall. Chunfu, think about it, how heavy the burden is on you!"

"Yes, what Lao Zhongtang said is right. In the future, the Great Wall of China will be built by guns and warships. I am extremely proud and honored to build ships and cannons for the country. I must do my duty and be loyal to the empress dowager, the emperor and others." The old Zhongtang's trust!" Zeng Guofan nodded in satisfaction, and suddenly caught a glimpse of a blue-eyed, blond-haired foreigner passing by the window, and asked Rong Wing, "How many foreign craftsmen are employed in the Machine Bureau?" "At present, there are eight foreign craftsmen in charge of technical guidance, and the leaders are American Cole and Stevenson."

"Is Cole the original owner of the Qiji Iron Works?" Zeng Guofan asked. "Exactly." Rong Hong replied, "Back then when I bought Cole's iron factory, I paid a total of 60,000 taels of silver, of which 40,000 taels were paid by Tang Guohua, the customs officer. Customs Road borrowing." Zeng Guofan sighed and said: "Buying this iron factory and moving the site from Hongkou to Gaochang Temple is indeed a turning point in the prosperity of the Machinery Bureau. This is a great contribution made by Shaoquan to today's China." "In addition to the Gaochang Temple, we also bought two lands in Chenjiaxiang and Longhua. Li Zhongtang said that in the future, we will build a steel factory and a large warehouse, and we need space."

"Shaoquan is a man in charge of affairs, he thinks far." Zeng Guofan is grateful to Li Hongzhang for his strong support to Jiangnan Machinery Bureau during his tenure as governor of Jiangnan, whether in terms of personal interests or national interests. From this, it can be seen that his insight and ability are far higher than that of ordinary border officials. "The machine factory, shipyard, boiler factory, and translation hall were all built in the hands of Li Zhongtang. A total of 600,000 taels of silver was spent, half of which was spent by Li Zhongtang from military expenditures. Therefore, some people say that Li Zhongtang will continue to do so in the future." Turn the Machinery Bureau into an arms factory for the Huai army, otherwise he would not spend such a large amount of capital." Rong Hong has always admired Li Hongzhang's daring, but he was very disgusted with his amassing wealth and employing private individuals. In front of this respected and respected old Zhongtang, he admired him so much.In Yung Wing's eyes, Zeng Guofan is a majestic Kunlun, independent of this era, and no one else can compare with him.

Zeng Guofan smiled lightly: "It is also a good thing to equip the Huai army well. Isn't it because the Huai army is the main force to quell the chaos?" Yung Wing didn't make a sound.At this time, Yang Guodong came over with a group of craftsmen, and said to Zeng Guofan with a smile: "My lord, these people are craftsmen I invited from Guangdong. They have never seen you before, and they insisted that I bring them to see you." "Meet Lord Zhongtang!" A dozen craftsmen around Yang Guodong shouted together. "Excuse me, gentlemen." Zeng Guofan said to the craftsmen with a smile on his face, "I am a bad old man, and I have nothing to look at. You are all heroes of the Machinery Bureau and have made great contributions to the country. I am here to It's up to you." "Zeng Zhongtang is great!" A middle-aged craftsman who has been in Hong Kong for many years raised his thumbs up, imitating the tone of foreigners to praise.More craftsmen seemed excited and cramped in front of Zeng Guofan, feeling that they had nowhere to go.A young craftsman with black hair, blue eyes and white skin boldly rushed out, stretched out his hands to hold Zeng Guofan's hand, and frightened Zhao Liewen, Wu Rulun, and Geshha to rush over.Zeng Guofan held hands with the young craftsman without hesitation, and asked kindly, "Are you Chinese or a foreigner?" The young craftsman blushed and said embarrassedly: "My father is from Cantonese and my mother is from England." "No wonder your eyes are blue." Zeng Guofan said happily. Yang Guodong walked over and said, "My lord, he just returned to China the year before last. He has lived in England for more than ten years and has developed the habit of foreigners. He holds hands when he sees people. Please forgive him for not understanding etiquette." "It's good to hold hands, it's more friendly." Zeng Guofan turned to the young craftsman and said, "You have lived in England for more than ten years, and your English must be very good. You must teach them English!" Refers to the craftsmen around. The young craftsman nodded happily.Zeng Guofan looked around and said loudly: "Gentlemen, I will be the host at noon tomorrow. Please come to the post house and have a few drinks together. How about we have a good chat?" "Thank you, Lao Zhongtang!" Surprisingly, everyone bowed to Zeng Guofan to thank him. After the master craftsmen left, Zeng Guofan said to Rong Wing: "Tomorrow, I will invite Chinese craftsmen for lunch. In the evening, you will invite foreign craftsmen such as Cole and Stevenson, as well as Mr. Fryer from the translation hall, and call them here." The post house has prepared two tables of Su dishes, and I will invite them once with flowers to present Buddha." "Great!" Rong Hong jumped with joy. In the evening, Yung Wing accompanied Cole, Stevenson, Fryer and several other foreign craftsmen into the Machine Bureau post house happily.Zeng Guofan specially changed into a satin gown with cyan-colored birthday balls and flowers, and a black wool cap with sapphire inlaid on his head, and met them solemnly in the living room.When Rong Hong introduced Fryer, Zeng Guofan took a good look at the blue-eyed, chestnut-haired, tall and burly translator, and then smiled and said: "Long time ago! The book translated by Mr. It has a great effect. I thought that my husband was always around fifty years old, but I didn't expect him to be so young. Are you thirty years old?" Fryer said in fluent Chinese: "Thank you Zhongtang for your compliment, I am not young anymore, I am thirty-two years old this year." "Young, young, it's still the time when the sun is rising." Zeng Guofan smiled and talked with Fu Lanya while calling the guests to sit down. After the servants offered tea, Zeng Guofan held up the tea bowl and said to the guests, "This is the Maojian of Junshan Mountain in Dongting, my hometown. Please try it." After all, take a sip yourself.Everyone gently picked up the tea trays, imitating the Chinese scholar-officials, and moved the bowl cover a little bit, covering the lid with their right hand, took a shallow sip, then gently put the tea bowls together with the tea bowls back to the original place, and praised in unison : "Good!" Fryer added: "Chinese tea is better than coffee and cocoa!" Zeng Guofan asked the guests one by one when they came to China, their living habits, and whether their salary was enough.Most of these foreigners could not speak Chinese fluently. Some only answered a few words, and some answered in English, which was then translated by Yung Wing. Only Fryer could answer fluently.He then said on behalf of the crowd: "Lao Zhongtang was able to visit the Jiangnan Machinery Bureau in his spare time, and specially met the foreign craftsmen working in the Bureau. Everyone felt the care of the Chinese government. The Machinery Bureau took great care of us. There is a special mansion, the salary is more than ten times that of a Chinese craftsman, and the life is still used to it. There are chefs who cook Western food here. However, everyone says that Chinese food is better.” In a word, everyone laughed.Zeng Guofan stood up, stretched out his right hand and said, "Well, today I invite you all to taste the craftsmanship of famous chefs in Suzhou!" Su cuisine, famous for its bright colors and sweet and soft ingredients, has long been coveted by foreigners, and the two banquets tonight are even more dazzling and beautiful.If it is said that China's science and technology was far behind that of European and American countries at that time, then the Chinese food culture created by the wisdom of thousands of years of intelligent and appreciative people is well-deservedly ranked first in the world. Feeling ashamed in front of the table full of treasures, it has given glory to the Chinese scholar-bureaucrats who have always boasted of their dignity, and it seems to be able to offset part of the humiliation from the battlefield and the negotiating table. Every dish on the table has a name that is rich in Chinese culture, such as the death of Bajie-braised pork in braised pork, carp leaping over the dragon's gate-steamed carp, and Su Wu shepherding sheep- Pure mutton, stars holding the moon - steamed eggs with meatballs, the birth of a grandson - braised hericium in oil, Xishi Huansha - spinach vermicelli soup, Nezha Naohai - fried eel shreds, Danfeng Chaoyang - Steamed whole chicken, lion sleeping soundly - steamed lean meat balls, and so on.When Yung Wing introduced recipes to foreign friends one by one, these guests from afar were all amazed at the art of Chinese cooking, as if they had seen the outline of the 5,000-year-old culture. "This soup is called Xiangu meets old friends." Finally, Rong Hong pointed to a white-bodied blue and white drum-shaped porcelain bowl in the middle and said. "A fairy aunt meets an old friend?" Foreigners are baffled by the name of this dish. "Excuse me, Ronghui will do it." Fryer asked on behalf of everyone, "What does this mean, can you tell us in detail?" "Okay!" Rong Hong said with a smile, "This is a famous vegetarian soup in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas of our country. Its main ingredients are mushrooms and shiitake mushrooms. Mixing the two kinds of mushrooms makes the soup taste extra refreshing and refreshing. The mushrooms are fresh. Yes, it’s also called fresh mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are made of dried products. Because they belong to the same class and family, they are of the same kind, so fresh mushrooms met an old friend from last year here, isn’t this an old friend at the fairy station?” Everyone seems to have not understood it yet, but Fu Lanya, a China Handler, has already understood it. He said excitedly: "The Chinese language is so wonderful. 'Xian' has a similar sound to 'Xian', 'Gu' has the same sound as 'Gu', and 'Gu' has the same sound as 'Gu'. Fairy Girl' is more likable than 'Fresh Mushroom'. Wonderful, wonderful!" The foreigners laughed together. Zeng Guofan raised his glass and said with a smile: "You gentlemen have made great contributions to the construction of Chinese military ships. I would like to take this glass of thin wine to express my gratitude and sincerely hope that you gentlemen will use your wisdom and talents to create more and better ones. Guns and warships, the historical monument of the Qing Dynasty will be engraved with your names and achievements." All the guests raised their glasses and drank them all in one gulp. Rong Hong frequently persuaded the foreign artisans who have worked with him for a long time, and everyone ate with gusto and praised them full of praise.Fryer, who was sitting on Zeng Guofan's right hand, said, "Zeng Zhongtang, do you know that I am a British missionary." "I know." Zeng Guofan seldom ate or drank, and only waved his chopsticks symbolically.At this time, he picked up the napkin at hand and wiped his lips slowly. He had known this missionary for a long time and wanted to talk to him. "Zeng Zhongtang, the incident that happened in Tianjin last year was an unpleasant event not only for your country, but also for France, Britain, Russia and other European countries. You are ordered by your government to deal with such an incident. It is indeed not easy. Today is such a good opportunity for us to talk face to face. I am very honored. Excuse me, can I ask Zhongtang some questions?" It is a typical example of the elegant demeanor of a British gentleman. Although he is only in his thirties this year, he has translated several important scientific works, made outstanding contributions in the process of spreading Western learning to the East, and is highly respected by both Eastern and Western academic circles. Zeng Guofan appreciated this talented foreigner very much.He nodded and said sincerely: "Mr. Fryer, it's a pleasure talking with you. You can ask any questions you have, and we can discuss them together." "Thank you." Fu Lanya said politely, "May I ask Zeng Zhongtang, what do you think of the church?" Zeng Guofan said: "What happened in Tianjin last year still weighs heavily on my heart. As Mr. Fryer said, it was indeed an unpleasant event both at home and abroad." All the table guests put down their cups and chopsticks and listened attentively. "Jesusism and Catholicism believe in God, just like Buddhism to save all living beings and Taoism to become immortals. They all aim to persuade people to do good, so they can be accepted by the world. Mr. Fryer and everyone sitting here must agree with the attitude of our country towards the church. It is clear that we adopt an inclusive attitude. As early as the days of the Great Grandpa and the Holy Grandpa, missionaries such as Tang Ruowang and Nan Huairen were treated exceptionally. By the time of the Great Grandfather in his later years, nearly 300 churches had been built across the country, and baptized believers Nearly 300,000 people. The missionaries introduced the advanced calendar into our country, and also assisted the imperial court in surveying and mapping the "Huang Yu Pan Pan Map". It is a harmonious relationship. But unfortunately, later, the Holy See brutally interfered with the missionary methods of the Jesuits in China, and the missionaries should not interfere with the succession of the emperor’s heir, which made the imperial court decide to explicitly ban Christianity. In recent decades, the imperial court has lifted the ban on Christianity. , the church spreads a lot in the mainland of China, and the number of Chinese believers is also increasing day by day. Regrettably, many missionaries rely on their own strong military power to cause trouble in China. They do not abide by Chinese laws, occupy land by force, and oppress the Chinese people This has aroused general resentment among the Chinese people, not only the common people, but also the officials and scholars. What happened in Tianjin last year was directly triggered by the rumors of abducting young children and gouging out their eyes and hearts. Of course, this is absurd Yes, but the real reason is the dissatisfaction that has been hidden in the hearts of the Chinese people for a long time. I think you all know the attitude of some scoundrels in Tianjin. I firmly opposed it, so I executed more than a dozen murderers and paid half a million taels of silver in compensation. So I became the target of the whole country's attack, and was scolded as a traitor and traitor. Now I am a notorious person." Having said this, Zeng Guofan gave a wry smile. The waiter brought him tea, and he took a sip and continued, "Just now Mr. Fryer asked me about my attitude towards the church. I can clearly say that those missionaries who bully others cannot represent Jesus teaches and Catholicism, because Jesus teaches and Catholicism requires people to be good people and not evil people. Real missionaries will only help Chinese people, not oppress them." A delighted smile appeared on Fryer's face. He took the lead in applauding, and Cole, Stevenson and others also applauded in agreement.Zeng Guofan smiled and nodded his thanks, and continued: "For example, Mr. Fryer is a British missionary. After he came to China, he helped us translate many technical books on gunship and shipbuilding, and passed on his knowledge to the Chinese. I think This is a missionary who truly abides by the rules and is friendly to people. Therefore, after the Tianjin case happened last year, I absolutely disagree with the extreme remarks of many people who advocate closing the church and driving foreigners out of the country. Among foreigners, we are also My good friends, like Mr. Cole, Mr. Stevenson, and all the gentlemen here, have worked tirelessly to help the Machine Bureau create so many guns and ammunition, and have also contributed a lot to our five warships. You are good friends of the Chinese people!" There was another burst of applause.Cole raised his glass and said in blunt Chinese: "Let's toast to Zeng Zhongtang together!" Zeng Guofan stood up and clinked his cup with everyone's wine glasses.Fryer said emotionally: "Master Zeng, you are a great person in China. Your views on the church and missionaries are completely consistent with ours. In particular, you can accept Western science and technology openly and magnanimously, and you can accommodate Western experts with a broad mind. , down-to-earth to build factories and manufacture ship guns for the self-improvement of your country, you are a hundred times better than those stubborn conservatives and bombastic protesters." Zeng Guofan responded with a sincere smile to the friendly speech of this British missionary and scholar.Fryer, Cole, and Stevenson in front of him, Feng Daye, and Luo Shuya are all foreigners, but their attitudes towards China are vastly different.Yes, people are different. Among the Chinese, there are Yao, Shun and Yu Tang, Gonggong Chiyou, Duke Zhou, Confucius and Mencius, and Guan Cai Robber Zhi.Foreigners are people too.Of course there is a difference between good and evil among them, good and bad! "Gentlemen, yesterday I issued a deadly order to the meeting, asking him to build an iron-clad warship within the next year. This will be very difficult, and we must rely on your wisdom and efforts to overcome the difficulties." Zeng Guofan said Standing up, he raised his glass and said, "I'm here to offer a toast to all gentlemen in advance!" "Do your best," Stevenson said. Cole said, "The shipyards can make it." "I'm relieved." Zeng Guofan raised his wine glass again, "Let's drink together. I wish you and the Ronghui Office their sincere cooperation, so that I can see Chinese-made iron-clad ships sailing on the rivers and seas in my lifetime!" After drinking the wine in the glass, Fu Lanya said excitedly, "Thank you Zhongtang for your kind hospitality. The few of us have also prepared a gift. Please accept it with a smile." Then she shouted to the door, "Zhongfang , Tell them to bring things in!" As soon as the shout fell, a handsome young man of eighteen or nineteen came in from the door with firm and strong steps, and bowed to Zeng Guofan: "Humble duty pays homage to Mr. Zhongtang!" Then he stretched out his hand to move towards the door, and saw four laborers coming in carrying a gigantic ball, with an iron rod interspersed in the middle of the ball, and a large iron plate at the bottom of the iron rod.The ball is made of white cloth with many crooked lines and circles drawn on it.Zeng Guofan's eyesight was no longer helpful. He looked at it for a long time, but he didn't see a trick.Fu Lanya said: "Zhong Fang, tell Zeng Zhongtang about it." Zhongfang walked to the ball and said to Zeng Guofan: "Master Zhongtang, this is a gift from all the foreign friends in the Manufacturing Bureau. It is called a globe." The iron rod turned. globe!This is really a new trick, Zeng Guofan has never heard of it before. "Foreign friends heard that Lao Zhongtang was coming to inspect the manufacturing bureau. They were busy for a few days. Under the guidance of Mr. Fryer, they made this globe, and all countries and regions in the world are on this globe." Zeng Guofan came to the ball with his hands behind his back and asked, "Where is China?" "Here. Please take a look at the old Zhongtang." Zhong Fang turned the globe half a circle and found China skillfully. "What about Shanghai?" Zeng Guofan asked again. "Here." Zhong Fang put her finger on a small black dot. "This is the sea." As he spoke, he spun the ball and drew a horizontal line with his fingers. "Across the sea, you will arrive at the hometown of Mr. Cole and Mr. Stevenson—the United States." Zeng Guofan turned his face to take a look.Zhong Fang drew another line with his finger, which fell within a curved circle, and said, "Please look at the old Zhongtang. This is the hometown of Mr. Fryer—England." Zeng Guofan looked at it and thought to himself: "What a smart foreigner, he can use one ball to include all the countries in the world. In less than half a day, the geographical locations of all countries will be clearly remembered." After thinking about it, he choked on the words again, just smiled lightly and said, "Thank you everyone, I accept it." Zhong Fang directed the workers to carry it down.Just as he was about to go out, Fryer stopped him.Fryer came over and said to Zeng Guofan with a smile: "Zeng Zhongtang, I would like to recommend a talent to you. This Mr. Nie Zhongfang will definitely become a big entrepreneur in your country in the future. He is very talented in business management." Nie Zhongfang's manner of entering the door had already attracted Zeng Guofan's attention, and at this time he heard Fu Lanya's praise, so he asked kindly: "Nie Zhongfang, it is not easy to be appreciated by Mr. Fu Lanya at such a young age!" Nie Zhongfang replied modestly: "This is Mr. Fryer's preference for young people. Actually, I have no ability. I just like to ask Mr. Fryer and other foreign gentlemen for advice." "Young people are eager to learn and ask questions, which is the biggest advantage. Based on this, they will have a bright future in the future." Zeng Guofan looked at the young man and asked kindly, "Where are you from, and what does your father do?" "The humble name is Nie Jiyu, and the low name is Zhongfang. He is from Hengshan, Hunan. His father, Nie Yifeng, is the magistrate in Gaozhou, Guangdong." "Are you Nie Yifeng's son?" Zeng Guofan was quite pleasantly surprised. "Old Zhongtang knows my father?" Nie Zhongfang was taken aback. "It's not just recognition," Zeng Guofan said with a cheerful smile, "Your father and I have been old friends for many years!" "Really?" Nie Zhongfang obediently knelt down on her knees and kowtowed, "My nephew is paying homage to the old man." "Get up, get up." Zeng Guofan said with a smile, "Mr. Fu Lanya said that you are talented in business management, and I, as an old man, am also very happy. You come to my place tomorrow morning to have a chat. I want to see how you follow Rong Hui to make peace." How are you foreign gentlemen?"