Qing Yao

Chapter 360 A combination of kindness and power
Whether it's a cold weapon or a firearm, manufacturing is important, but maintenance is equally important!
Because weapons will inevitably be damaged once they are used.

Therefore, a complete logistics and maintenance support system is also a powerful weapon that determines the fate of the army.

If I break, I can fix it and then I can continue playing; but if you break, you can't fix it, so what are you going to use to fight me?

When one side has weapons and the other doesn't, the disparity between the two sides becomes immediately apparent.

The reason why an armored soldier can fight against several unarmored soldiers lies in this.

Firearms are destined to replace cold weapons. Having lived two lives, Zhao An cannot afford to invest resources and energy in swords and spears. Therefore, he must upgrade firearms and build a complete firearms production and maintenance system.

As far as I can remember, Zeng Guofan once ran an arsenal in Anqing, which was the source of the Xiang Army's confidence in besieging Nanjing.

What if the Qing government forbids local Green Standard Army members from producing and maintaining firearms?
Zhao An's method was to break the large operation into smaller parts and use it for military purposes under the guise of civilian use.

It could also be described as a case of false advertising.

They build tractors during the day and tanks at night.

The Qing law prohibited the private manufacture, possession, and sale of military equipment including armor, crossbows, muskets, cannons, flags, and signal sashes. Ordinary knives, guns, spears, and swords were not explicitly prohibited by law; local governments merely exercised control through various means.

Controlling cutting tools means that they can be manufactured based on management and control.

Zhao An was the de facto Provincial Treasurer of Anhui and also the acting Governor. He had the final say on who was in charge and who was under his control. He could decide who couldn't make knives and who could.

He decides how many to build.

The character for "official" (官) with the radical for "mouth" (口) is simply himself!

Since he is the "official," he can control the production of knives and firearms, as long as no one exposes him.

"I propose that the Anhui Agricultural Implements and Machinery Factory be established in Anqing under the supervision of the government, primarily to manufacture agricultural implements and also to repair firearms. What do you all think?"

Zhao An put his idea directly on the table, using agricultural use as a pretext to develop military applications.

"This"

Upon hearing this, Du Man exclaimed in surprise, "Sir, what if the imperial court finds out about our unauthorized repair of firearms?"

Who would tell?

Zhao An's gaze swept over the officers present. "Was it you? Or was it me? To be found out by the court of privately repairing firearms is a serious crime. But aren't the dirty deeds you've committed also serious crimes if the court finds out about them?"

This is direct intimidation.

Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to look at each other.

Zhao An kept these few "survivors" for this very purpose: to coerce and entice these cowards into cooperating unconditionally.

If they don't cooperate, there's plenty of incriminating evidence against them; the thugs from the Provincial Surveillance Commission can be mobilized at any time.

It doesn't matter if you don't obey; I can keep replacing you until I find someone who does.

"The purpose of also repairing military equipment is to better protect the territory and its people. After all, the province has just experienced the White Lotus Rebellion. Those White Lotus followers are like centipedes that are dead but not killed. Who among you can guarantee that the White Lotus Rebellion will not cause trouble in our province again? If the White Lotus Rebellion causes trouble again, can you pat your chest and say that you can wipe out these religious traitors in one fell swoop!"

After being questioned repeatedly, Zhao An's tone softened slightly, "This matter is settled. If the court asks, I will take sole responsibility, and it has nothing to do with you."

Take on too much.

"This"

Du Man felt somewhat bitter. The provincial governor was saying he would take the blame alone, but if the court really questioned him, the provincial governor would probably run away, and Du Man would most likely be pushed out to take the fall.

All adults are like this.

After thinking for a moment, Commander Ma suddenly said softly, "If Your Excellency really wants to set up an ordnance repair office in Anqing, I think it would be better to talk to the Jiangning General's Office. Perhaps it would be less troublesome."

Upon hearing this, Zhao An raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean?"

Commander Ma hurriedly replied, "Sir, you may not know this, but besides Anhui, the firearms of the Green Standard Army in Jiangsu and Jiangxi provinces are also repaired and allocated by Jiangning."

Ma Qianzong meant that the arsenals in Jiangning Mancheng were simply unable to handle the production and maintenance of firearms for the Green Standard Army in the three provinces. It was common for the production to be delayed for three or four months, and sometimes it could even be delayed for a year. Therefore, the Green Standard Army in the three provinces had complaints about this and "complained" to the Governor-General's Office of Liangjiang through various channels.

When the Viceroy of Liangjiang received a "complaint" from below, he would definitely have to contact the Jiangning General's Office. After all, the Green Standard Army was the national army, and what would happen if the soldiers didn't have weapons?
If the General of Jiangning ignores the matter, the Governor-General of Liangjiang might even file a complaint directly with the Ministry of War, or even with the Emperor.

With more "complaints" and higher-ranking officials involved, and given that it was indeed under the jurisdiction of the Jiangning General, a slightly shrewd general would take the "expedient measures" to avoid being reprimanded by the court—directly sending craftsmen from all over the city to the local area for repairs, but the "travel expenses" would have to be reimbursed by the local Green Standard Army.

This way, the problem can be solved quickly, some pocket money can be earned on the side, and the workload of the Jiangning Ordnance Factory can be reduced.

In other words, as long as General Jiangning agrees and sends someone to Anqing to set up a temporary ordnance repair shop, Zhao An will not have to bear the risk of privately repairing ordnance.

As for how long this branch office will stay in Anqing, that depends on Zhao An's abilities as acting governor.

What is the greatest skill in the world?
It means I have money in my pocket!
Money can make the devil turn the millstone.

Zhao An thought this was a good idea. After a little thought, he prepared to write a letter to General Yongqing of Jiangning to discuss the matter of sending out an agency. He had an acquaintance in Mancheng, Jiangning, who was Zuo Ling Bashiliu, the brother-in-law of Manager Shi of Hengli Money Shop.

The three of them had initially partnered to contract the canteen business of Jiangning Prefectural School. Although Zhao An was promoted to Governor of Anqing, the business did not fall through. Instead, it thrived under the care of Fu Chang, the Governor of Jiangning.

We could ask Eighty-Six to make the effort, or if that doesn't work, we could ask Fu Chang to help out. Zhao An is currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, so I doubt that General Jiangning would refuse to give him face.

At most, give them enough benefits.

They are working for the court and the country, not for Zhao Youlu himself, right?

Having made up his mind, Zhao An coughed lightly, his gaze towards the officers becoming very solemn: "From now on, you only need to train diligently and serve the court. I will take care of everything else. As long as the soldiers are well-fed, warmly clothed, and equipped with suitable weapons, I, as the acting governor, will have lived up to the expectations of the people of Anhui, our Great Qing Dynasty, and our Emperor!"

These words can only be described as grand and dignified; he is a good official who is wholeheartedly devoted to serving the country.

After speaking sternly and righteously, Zhao An changed his tone and his gaze softened considerably. Looking at everyone with understanding, he said, "I am not unaware of the bad practices in the camp in the past. It is understandable that you have been cutting back on your rations to supplement your household expenses and even bribing superiors and subordinates. After all, these are long-standing problems, so I cannot blame you."

These words really struck a chord with Du Man and other officers of the Fubiao Army. How should I put it? Right, understanding is everything.

Zhao An observed the expressions on everyone's faces and continued, "However, you have all witnessed my determination today. Therefore, those old practices of exploiting soldiers and drawing salaries without working must be completely eradicated. Only when soldiers receive their full pay, are well-fed, and are armed can they serve the court and achieve true merit. Do you not understand this principle?"

"Understood, Your Excellency understands!"

The officers said they understood, but in their hearts, they were all secretly lamenting: "You, Lord Zhao, have cut off our source of income with a single snap. How are we supposed to live now?" Zhao An was well aware of their thoughts; winning people over was simply a matter of using both kindness and force.

"But rest assured, everyone. I am always fair and I will never mistreat those who are loyal to me. I have seen and remembered all your previous contributions. The court will soon issue its rewards, and even those of you who are not good enough will be promoted one rank."

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up.

In the Qing Dynasty, power and status were fundamental. The actual benefits and long-term advantages of being promoted far outweighed the small amount of silver that could be secretly embezzled.

"Furthermore, I am aware that you all have wives, children, and elderly parents to support, and it is difficult to maintain yourselves with just your meager salaries. Therefore, I have ordered the provincial treasury to open special accounts for you in the Xianfeng capital. You can then redeem your funds by presenting your waist tokens."

Zhao An wasn't just making fun of these people; he genuinely opened accounts for them at Xianfeng Bank, providing subsidies based on their military rank. Each officer received a subsidy of 10 taels, with the amount doubling for each rank.

For example, Du Man, a fourth-rank military officer, could receive a subsidy of 320 taels, while the total salary of a fourth-rank military officer was 99 taels, and the allowance for maintaining integrity was 260 taels, totaling 360 taels.

In addition to the legally mandated salary of 360 taels, Zhao An ordered the provincial treasury to contribute an additional 320 taels. For Du Man, the commander, his actual income was roughly equivalent to the legal income of a second-rank deputy general.

They couldn't compare to civil officials. Even the highest-ranking military officer in the Green Standard Army, a First-Rank Admiral, received only 2000 taels of silver a year as a stipend, which was one-sixth of that of a civil official of the same rank.

As for the name under which the subsidies are provided, there's no need for further questioning; there must be a legal and compliant pretext.

For example, the cost of fodder, clothing, and even entertainment expenses.

The accountants in the provincial treasury were all experts at bookkeeping; even the most foolish person wouldn't record a "personal subsidy for the provincial governor."

Not only Fu Biao, but all officers of the Green Standard Army in Anhui will receive special subsidies from the Provincial Governor.

However, it needs to be done in batches.

The officers were pleasantly surprised by Zhao An's generosity. This silver was much safer than embezzling military pay; it was not a burden to hold, and the amount was roughly the same as what they had embezzled before. Considering the two, they naturally felt a strong desire to serve the governor with their lives.

"I'll give you the silver! But what I want is a strong army that can fight bravely and obey orders! I want valiant generals who can follow me to achieve great things and bring honor to their wives and children! Not a bunch of parasites who only know how to exploit their soldiers and are cowardly like tigers!"
Those who follow me will be rewarded for their merits and punished for their transgressions! Your future and wealth will be plentiful! But if anyone outwardly obeys while secretly plotting against me…

Now that I've given you my blessing, I should also show off my skills.

Zhao An slammed his hand on the broken sword of Ebilun hanging at his waist, making a loud "bang," his killing intent palpable. "Then don't blame me for using his head to maintain military discipline!"

Du Man was so frightened that he knelt down on one knee first, clasped his hands and said, "This humble servant swears to follow you to the death, my lord!"

Seeing this, the other officers dared not hesitate any longer. They all knelt down and swore allegiance: "We are willing to die for you, sir!"

Or they might say, "I will obey your orders, sir!"

Zhao An nodded in satisfaction, personally helped Du Man up, and seeing that the "survivors" of Fu Biao had been initially subdued, he pressed on while the iron was hot, saying: "Although Fu Biao has sufficient troops now, I think there are many old and weak people in the army, which may not be enough to fight a major battle. Since ancient times, the way to build a strong army is to have elite troops. How can we allow the old and weak to fill the ranks?"

This statement clearly indicates a move towards military downsizing.

Du Man's heart tightened. Removing the old and weak was a common practice in military reorganization, but it was also a notoriously difficult problem that could easily incite mutiny. He dared not rashly agree, so he cautiously replied, "There are indeed some older or weaker men in the camp. However, if they are suddenly removed from their posts, I fear they will be left without a livelihood, which will inevitably lead to resentment. If this is exploited by those with ulterior motives..."

"Am I an unreasonable person?"

Zhao An waved his hand to interrupt Du Man, "Those under sixteen, over forty, and those with multiple illnesses will all be dismissed. However, the provincial treasury will provide them with a one-time allowance for three years, which will be sufficient for them to find another way to make a living. In addition,"

After a brief pause, Zhao An pointed out that the discharged soldiers could also receive a pension every year from the money shop designated by the provincial treasurer, the amount of which was equivalent to one-third of their original salary, until their death.

Those dismissed are no longer restricted to military households. If their household registration needs to be transferred from the military, the provincial governor's office will handle the process free of charge and can also help them find a job.

This decision stunned everyone in Fubiao once again.

Giving three years' worth of pay in a lump sum is already an unprecedentedly generous gesture, but to receive a child support allowance every year is simply an unheard-of blessing!

This is not a downsizing, it's clearly a lifelong pension guarantee for the elderly, weak and disabled soldiers!
In this way, why would those dismissed soldiers have any complaints?

They would probably be extremely grateful to this Lord Zhao!

"Your Excellency is so kind! On their behalf, we thank you for your divine grace!"

Du Man's voice trembled slightly; he was genuinely excited. He had been a soldier for over twenty years and had seen all sorts of superiors, but he had never seen an officer who treated his soldiers so well, especially a high-ranking official of the second rank.

No wonder the people of Anqing say that a virtuous and upright official has come to Anhui; it is absolutely true.

"No need to thank me, thank the Emperor. It was the Emperor who sent me to Anhui to serve as an official. With the old and weak gone, the number of soldiers will naturally be vacant. I have more than a thousand transport troops under my command, all of whom are brave and capable. Commander Du can be added to the Fu Biao and arranged according to regulations."

Zhao Antu revealed his true colors.

The purpose of the downsizing was to fill the position with trusted confidants.

Du Man and the others had heard of the military exploits of the Canal Gang disciples, because the young provincial governor in front of them had defeated the White Lotus Rebellion bandits in Suzhou by relying on the military transport.

No one thought much of it. With each new emperor comes a new court, and it's only natural for the provincial governor to send some trustworthy soldiers to the garrison.

Zhao An shouted, "Ye Zhigui, Xu Lin!"

"The humble position is here!"

Ye and Xu, who had been notified long ago that they would be transferred to Fubiao, quickly stepped forward.

Zhao Anchao nodded slightly to them: "You two have made meritorious contributions in suppressing bandits. I have recommended you for the position of actual commanders. You will be transferred to the Fu Biao post immediately. From now on, you must perform your duties well and not bring shame to me."

"Whoo!"

Ye and Xu clasped their hands in a fist salute.

Zhao An then instructed Du Man: "You are fully responsible for the dismissal of the old and weak and the replenishment of new soldiers. You must do it properly and avoid any trouble. The provincial treasurer will send someone to assist in the distribution of the imperial stipend and future care allowance. Make sure that everyone receives the full amount. If anyone dares to embezzle any of it, I will skin him alive!"

"This humble servant will strictly supervise the process and will not dare to make the slightest mistake. Please rest assured, sir!"

Du Man broke out in a cold sweat and quickly made a promise.

"it is good."

Zhao An nodded in satisfaction, and was about to give a few more instructions when his "secretary" Liu Peng suddenly walked over and whispered a few words in his ear. After listening, Zhao An was first taken aback, and then found it funny and blurted out: "Is that guy surnamed Xu making a short drama with me here!"

(End of this chapter)