North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 152 Watch how I deal with you!
"The Guard should also station several guards around Archbishop Evan. Everyone knows he's on our side, and his situation is also dangerous."

After a moment of contemplation, Azu said.

Edgar Allan Poe exclaimed in surprise, "The Freemasons? They dare to target high-ranking clergy members of the church? As far as I know, the Freemasons have always kept to themselves and the church...!"

Azu shook his head slightly: "I'm just afraid they might do something desperate. It's always good to be prepared! Even if the Freemasons don't take action themselves, a few petty thieves could easily kill Archbishop Evan."

“That is indeed the case!” Edgar Allan Poe wholeheartedly agreed: “It was my oversight that led me astray.”

Azu continued, "Huamei Company originally relied on the militia to protect its various industries. Now that the militia has been reorganized into a fully-fledged National Guard, it is no longer suitable to be responsible for the security of Huamei Company's industries."

"Therefore, Huamei Company also needs to establish a separate security department!"

"Harley! Although you hold the position of deputy brigade commander, you have little experience in leading troops in battle. Therefore, your primary responsibility is still to oversee the security department of Huamei Company!"

Harley quickly stood up and replied in a simple and honest manner, "Boss, just go ahead and make the arrangements! If anything goes wrong with Huamei Company's businesses, you can rip my head off!"

Ah Zu chuckled: "Now Huamei has many businesses, distributed throughout California, and even in several nearby states. Each business needs the security department to ensure its safety."

"Therefore, the Security Department has a great responsibility, especially in important industries such as company headquarters, arsenals, chemical plants, banks, shipyards, and mines, where no mistakes can be made!"

Azu continued, "Harley, in the meantime, you, Feng Zicai, Shi Dakai, old Jason, and Allen should first come up with a plan. How many people does the security department need? The specific security measures and regulations should be as detailed as possible. Then submit it to me for review, and we can revise and improve it before implementing it."

"No problem, Boss!"

Azu added, "I've said before that even if I become governor, I won't have much energy or time to manage California's political affairs."

"Therefore, the specific administrative matters will still be handled by Ellen and Mr. Zuo in charge...!"

Zuo Zongtang felt immense pressure: "Zunian, I am not only serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives, but also as Assistant Mayor of San Francisco, handling the specific affairs of San Francisco. Now I also have to take care of the affairs of the entire state of California. Isn't that taking on too many responsibilities?"

"Hehe!" Azu laughed, "The capable should do more! Besides, San Francisco is only the size of a medium-sized county. Even the entire population of California is only about the size of a lower-tier state capital. With Mr. Zuo's abilities, handling this amount of administrative work is even a bit of a waste of his talents!"

"Besides, the secretariat will cooperate with you!"

Azu added, "Vivian is in charge of human resources management for Huamei Company and the entire California region, Daisy is in charge of financial management for Huamei Company and the California region, and Monica is in charge of public relations management for Huamei Company and the California region."

"Ms. Fu Shanxiang is in charge of Huamei Company and the education cause throughout California."

“Mr. Parker, in addition to being in charge of Huamei Pharmaceutical Factory, you also need to take charge of the entire healthcare industry in California.”

"Wu Qingfeng, you're in charge of the State Taxation Bureau and Customs. You need to keep a tight grip on California's finances!"

"With their assistance, except for major matters, you can discuss and handle the administrative affairs of California." Azu smiled and looked at Zuo Zongtang and Edgar Allan Poe: "In that case, the burden on your shoulders will be much lighter, right?"

"This arrangement is perfect!" Zuo Zongtang and Edgar Allan Poe exchanged a smile.

Azu turned to Zou Boqi and the others: "You've studied at the church preparatory school for so long. With your intelligence, you should have no problem with English and basic subjects, right?"

Zou Boqi, Zeng Guangshan, and the other young talents recommended by Lin Zexu along with Zuo Zongtang all nodded in agreement.

Zou Boqi was the oldest and the most learned, so he spoke on behalf of everyone, saying: "Learning English is quite simple, and basic mathematics, physics, chemistry, economics, philosophy, etc., are not too profound either."

"After studying for the past six months, we have basically mastered the material. We are now just waiting for Mr. Li to arrange our next stage of further study."

“Very good!” Azu thought for a moment and said to Peter Parker and Edgar Allan Poe, “You two, one a graduate of Yale and the other a graduate of West Point, are both leaders in your respective fields.”

"With your personal connections, you should be able to recommend these thirty-odd talented young people to Yale and West Point, right?"

Peter Parker and Edgar Allan Poe exchanged a glance and smiled slightly. "Sending a small number of people to Yale and West Point is not a problem. But sending dozens at once...!"

“I’ll donate money…!” Azu interrupted them directly, “I’ll donate to Yale and West Point! How much do they want for them to take in more students? 100,000? Is that enough?”

"This...!" Parker and Ellen were still a little hesitant, feeling that it was a bit risky!

“One hundred thousand per school per year!” Azu added, “If all else fails, we can donate another library to the school; that won’t cost much!”

"Ah...?" Parker and Edgar Allan Poe were taken aback, but what could they say? They quickly nodded in unison, "We feel fine!"

Are you kidding me! Back then, top universities like Harvard and Yale only charged a little over a hundred dollars a year for each student.

Azu donates 100,000 yuan to the school every year, which is roughly equivalent to the tuition fees for hundreds or even thousands of students. With recommendations from prominent alumni like Peter Parker and Edgar Allan Poe, and with substantial donations still available, what problems could there possibly be?

Ah Zu chuckled: "Any problem that can be solved with money isn't a problem!"

“Every year, we will select a number of outstanding students from Huamei High School to study at these universities. Of course, I hope they get in based on their own abilities, and then use their own abilities to get their diplomas, and even further, become outstanding graduates and obtain doctoral degrees, rather than relying on my money!”

Azu turned to Zou Boqi and the others: "You should focus on your studies during this time and decide on your future career path. Our current industries and the military both need a lot of talent."

"Whether you want to study science and technology or Western military science, I support you. It all depends on your own preferences and choices."

"After the New Year, you should prepare to enter university. During your studies, your salaries will continue to be paid; otherwise, you will have trouble covering your living expenses and tuition fees."

Zou Boqi led the students to stand up and bowed respectfully to their ancestor: "We are all indebted to you, teacher. We will definitely learn something and do our best to repay your great kindness when we return!"

With a smile, Azu helped Zou Boqi and the others up: "In this era, it is no easy task to cultivate talents for our China! I hope you will remember the heavy responsibility on your shoulders and study hard for the rise of China!"

"Study for the rise of China!!!"

These few words, like a thunderbolt, illuminated the hearts of all the students!

The students, their eyes red and tears welling up, declared: "We will live up to our teacher's expectations and study hard for the rise of China!!!"

After settling the students in, Azu sat down and continued, "There is one more thing that I haven't discussed with the founding shareholders. I'd like to take this opportunity to bring it up and discuss it with you all."

Upon hearing what Ah Zu said, the founding shareholders immediately perked up their ears.

"When we founded Huamei Company, we probably never expected that in just over a year, the company would grow to this size, with so many talents and more than 30,000 employees."

"To be honest, many people have made significant contributions to the company's development to this point."

"For example, Ellen, Victoria, Daisy, Monica, Yuma, Harley, Martinez, Ayan, Uncle Jiu, Mr. Zuo, Feng Zicai, Shi Dakai and Wu Qingfeng, each of them has made a huge contribution to the company."

"But they are not founding shareholders and therefore do not enjoy the enormous benefits brought about by the company's growing size."

"If our company is to continue to grow and thrive, we need to unite all the talented people we can. Therefore, I plan to make some reforms to the company's share distribution."

Vic, Jason, and Vivian nodded vigorously and said in unison, "Boss, just tell us how to change it! We'll definitely support whatever you say!"

“Originally, we all felt that as the company grew bigger and bigger, our abilities were limited, and our contributions to the company’s development were becoming smaller and smaller, which was completely disproportionate to the shares we owned.”

"So, Boss, just tell us directly, we'll definitely agree!"

Ah Zu smiled and said, "I think the company's founding shareholders should each contribute 15% of their shares. These 15% shares can be used as a reward for the company's most important and contributing core personnel."

"Based on seniority and contribution, these 15% of the shares will be allocated to the company's core members."

"As long as a core member is with the company, they are entitled to shares for that day." "But as soon as they leave the company, their shareholding rights automatically cease."

"If someone works for the company until retirement, or never leaves until their death, their descendants can automatically inherit their shares."

With such a system in place, it means that as long as one does not leave Huamei Company, neither one nor one's descendants will have to worry about money anymore.

Of course, all of this is predicated on the premise that Huamei cannot collapse!
"In addition to core members, we will also allocate some shares and dividends from various industries under headquarters to reward the most outstanding key employees in each industry."

"If you agree to this proposal, then we can discuss and come up with a concrete plan so that all employees of the company can understand it clearly."

"Only in this way can we unite everyone, work together with one heart, and run our business well."

"Absolutely no problem! We agree, we agree!"

Vic, Jason, and Vivian all raised their hands in agreement.

Given the company's current size and operating status, it has far exceeded their initial highest expectations.

It's no exaggeration to say that even with only a 4% stake, Vivian is now a multi-millionaire with a net worth of at least several million dollars!
Not to mention Vic, who owns 20% of the shares, and Jason, who owns 25%, their net worth far exceeds that of multi-millionaires, and they are definitely among the top in the entire United States!
The millionaires and multi-millionaires of that era were far more valuable than the billionaires of later generations in America.

Even if Ah Zu were to directly take half of the founding shares and distribute them to the core members, they would absolutely not object.

Not to mention it's only 15% now!
"Since you all agree, then it's settled!"

Ah Zu said, "After the plan is discussed and finalized, shares will be allocated to all core members, as well as dividends for key members of each subsidiary industry."

With such an incentive system, even those who are least sensitive to money and least fond of it are greatly encouraged, which greatly strengthens the cohesion and centripetal force of the entire Huamei Industrial Group.

Even if it's not for the money, the recognition of one's own contributions is already quite inspiring.

After saying this, Ah Zu turned to Uncle Nine, who was in charge of the military factory.

"Uncle Jiu, could you also give everyone a brief overview of our current military production situation?"

Uncle Nine, who was just over thirty, stood up and said, "Our Alcatraz military factory is currently producing machine guns and mortars at full capacity. According to the boss's previous firepower arrangement, we should be able to equip the two National Guard brigades with heavy firepower consisting of machine guns and mortars before the New Year."

"However, the heavy weapons configuration of the independent artillery regiment and the independent cavalry regiment will not be fully configured until next May."

"The newly built large arsenal on Angel Island has been operating at full speed for about a month and a half. During this time, it has mainly been producing HM49 rifles. In addition to meeting the replacement requirements of the two National Guard brigades, it also needs to prepare at least three thousand rifles for the Independent Artillery Regiment and the Cavalry Regiment."

"By the time of the Spring Festival in February, we will be able to produce enough HM49 rifles to meet all our equipment needs."

"As for the rifles produced for the Army, if we go all out, it will probably be around April next year. We will be able to deliver 20,000 HM50 rifles and 3 million rounds of ammunition before the order delivery date."

Azu chimed in, "Devil's Island is too small. Before March next year, Angel Island will also need to expand its artillery factory to include naval guns and breech-loading rifled cannons for the army."

"Our chemical plant has now been built, mainly producing gunpowder and explosives. In addition to the needs of mining, it is mainly for military use."

"After meeting the demand for gunpowder and explosives, chemical plants need to continue to expand their scale, with fertilizer production being the main development direction."

Azu's gaze fell upon Peter Parker and the several chemical specialists he led, including Wallace and Hughes, who had joined Huamei Industries the previous year.

Wallace stood up and replied, "Boss, I know quite a bit about fertilizer research. The British already have phosphate fertilizer plants, and the Germans are also researching potash fertilizer."

"After our preliminary research and efforts, the large-scale production of penicillin, gunpowder, and explosives is no longer a problem. So, can we shift our research focus mainly to fertilizers?"

Azu nodded with satisfaction: "That's right! In addition to phosphate fertilizer and potash fertilizer, there is also nitrogen fertilizer. As long as you can develop these three fertilizers, you will be great contributors to Huamei Company."

“There are actually many similarities between fertilizers and explosives, especially nitrogen fertilizers. If you can master fertilizers, then developing new types of explosives won’t be a big problem.”

Nitrogen fertilizer...? Explosives...?

Chemists like Wallace and Hughes must have felt that their boss's thinking was too avant-garde and too far ahead of its time.

Azu laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'll discuss this with you all after we get down. I only know some chemical formulas and how to implement them. But how to turn those formulas and production methods into reality is up to you."

Hearing that the boss was personally giving guidance, Wallace, Hughes, and the others breathed a slight sigh of relief.

In their subconscious, no matter what problems they encounter, they can always find the answer from their boss.

It wasn't just the series of problems encountered in the large-scale production of penicillin that they couldn't possibly handle on their own; in the end, it was only through Azu's personal intervention that the issues were truly resolved.

The same was true for the newly built chemical plant; many of the problems they encountered were ultimately resolved by their own boss.

Now that we're getting into fertilizers, a completely new field, we can't do without the personal guidance of our boss.

This meeting concludes here, and the plans for next year are basically complete. This has given all core members a concrete goal for development next year.
-
Meanwhile, in the vast residential area of ​​Huamei Company, which is comparable to a city, there is an inconspicuous prefabricated house of only a few dozen square meters.

After finishing his dinner, the driver, who was in his thirties, took out his exquisite business card in the light of the gas lamp.

"Honey, don't clear the dishes yet. Come sit down, I have something to tell you."

The woman, wearing an apron and tidying up, wiped her wet hands on the apron and said irritably, "Say what you have to say quickly. I have to go to the girls' night school after I finish tidying up! If I'm late, there won't be any meat pies tonight."

As they were talking, two children, a boy and a girl, around ten years old, skipped and hopped as they were about to leave.

"Dad, Mom, we're going to school for evening self-study...!"

"Go on, all of you study hard, don't end up like your father, who can barely read a few words...!"

"Got it, Dad!"

After the two children left, the driver continued, "Today during the day, I picked up four cotton merchants from that place in Georgia in the east."

"A cotton merchant...?" The woman sat down curiously. "What does this have to do with us?"

"The cotton merchant said that as long as I bring them cotton business, I'll get a commission!"

The driver grinned and said, "I was thinking, when you were at your parents' home, weren't you from the same hometown as Manager Hao? Isn't he in charge of some cotton procurement now?"

"Why don't you talk to Supervisor Hao tomorrow? The factory is short of cotton anyway, so what difference does it make whose cotton we get? Maybe this will work out, and we can still make some money, right?"

As he spoke, the driver handed his business card to his wife.

The woman took the business card, glanced at it, and put it in her pocket: "Okay, I'll talk to Manager Hao tomorrow. Don't get your hopes up too high. The company is strict now, and it's not so easy to skim money off the company."

"Look at what you're saying! How can this be considered taking advantage of the company?" the driver said, quite dissatisfied.

"I'm not going to argue with you anymore, I have to hurry to night school!" The woman faintly heard the bell ringing for night school, quickly took off her apron, picked up two books by the door, and hurried out, saying without turning her head, "You idiot, hurry up and clean up the dishes...!"

"Tsk tsk...!" The driver got up and muttered as he cleared the dishes, "Now that you're here, even your wife's got some backbone! If you were still back home, if you dared to talk to your husband like that, I'd teach you a lesson..."

(End of this chapter)