Wei School's Three Good Students

Chapter 50 Workbooks and Workbenches

In June of the 28th year of the Tianli reign, news of the Wu family's northern army's victory in Donghua County arrived. Families throughout Lingnan flocked to offer incense and fulfill vows to Emperor Xi.

Meanwhile, Yongji Pass is currently in the rainy season. The continuous heavy rain has made the roads wet and soft, making it an unfavorable time to send troops.

So Wu Fei, who's been staying at home, is currently adjusting the artillery.

In the level, the thunderous sound of cannons firing echoed through the valley.

In the valley, Wu Fei was scrutinizing a cannon with a very critical eye. The cannon's walls were thicker than its caliber, even though this robust cannon was adorned with exquisite flame runes, which were considered a symbol of divine might and invincibility by people of this era.

Wu Fei curled his lip: This is so outdated.

This era has one advantage over the Earth era: the presence of monsters for towing facilitates mobility. Furthermore, the artillery uses runes to bind energy; while the rune configuration is easy to inherit, the underlying principles are difficult to deconstruct, so no one has dared to arbitrarily modify it. This has resulted in the fact that for centuries, no one has considered miniaturizing the weight of heavy artillery.

All of these factors meant that bronze cannon technology was not the way to improve material strength in Earth's time, which led to the "end of history" for artillery systems, which remained unchanged.

For example, this bronze cannon in front of us is short and stout, and can only withstand weak chamber pressure, so we have to keep thickening the cannon walls. Of course, this will create another problem: the chamber pressure is maintained, but heat dissipation cannot be solved, so we need to draw circles of runes to dissipate the heat.

Wu Fei felt the scorching heat emanating from the cannon barrel. This heat carried the smell of dried dirty clothes; recalling some of the gunners' operations, he knew that the buckets they used to clean the barrels had once contained their urine. Although in the exercises Wu Fei was in, no one dared to unzip their pants and use urine to cool the cannons, the smell remained, evaporating as the barrel heated up.

Wu Fei pretended not to smell it; speaking of smells, his uncle's military camp had one too. No need to make a fuss, he continued watching the operation. As the artillery began firing in rapid succession, the soldiers, sweating profusely and shirtless, used tongs to pick up iron balls and insert them into the cannon barrels. They then activated the runes at the breech, sealing the breech. The power of divination ignited sparks, setting the propellant charges ablaze, completing a test firing.

Covering his ears as he watched the bullet fly out, Wu Fei recalled the slender barrels that he could only see in the era of steel cannons in his previous life.

But in the end, it was just a thought. Wu Fei was only half-baked when it came to cast steel cannons. He knew some key terms, such as heat pipes being self-tightened by fitting cold pipes, and the process of inserting water-cooled bars and then forging.

Oh, Wu Fei can distinguish between fantasy and reality. Constructing the aforementioned factory facilities would require a series of large-scale equipment, thousands of off-duty workers, and research and development losses that could generate nearly 10,000 tons of scrap steel.

Historically, Krupp's artillery industry was likely located near the Rhine River, relying on canals and railways to transport materials. Yongji Pass... well, it doesn't have the conditions for such a large-scale steel industry. But, Wu Fei: I really want it!

Xuan Chong began making a wishful thought: "Oh omnipotent system, how can I possess a thousand-ton hydraulic press, a hundred-ton blast furnace, converter, and open-hearth furnace, as well as a complete coal and iron ore system?"

In response to Xuan Chong's plea, the system once again stated that as a "liberal arts teacher," any further unrealistic demands would be considered a violation of classroom discipline and would result in a deduction of credits.

…A review of the current artillery development at Yongji Pass…

Wu Fei's artillery manufacturing technology was developed by a copper cannon workshop composed of fifty artisans captured from Zhuzhou.

After observing the lively discussions about the craftsmanship within the cannon foundry, Wu Fei, with profound respect for the technology, repeatedly reminded himself not to be arrogant like modern people and to restrain his desire to interfere in the cannon-casting process.

However, six months ago, after watching the molten metal emerge and the craftsmen crouch at the furnace's crater-like outlet, reaching out to sense the temperature, Wu Fei couldn't help himself. He felt that as a modern person, he had a responsibility to change the production concepts of these ancient craftsmen.

In particular, the chief craftsman stood next to the bronze furnace, bringing his hand close to the melting copper to show his high affinity with the furnace, and flatteringly told Wu Fei that his craftsmanship was superb.

Wu Fei held his breath, not daring to utter any rebuttal, for fear that if he were to scold him even slightly, he would slip and fall in, becoming the unlucky one in the sacrificial furnace.

After that inspection, Wu Fei made up his mind: We must focus on safety in production! Whether the production process is improved or not can be put aside; we must not cause any work accidents.

Wufei immediately ceased all cannon casting production that day and suspended operations for half a month for rectification.

Although he didn't understand cannon-casting technology, Wu Fei, as a modern person, knew where safety risks were likely to occur.

The first thing was the bamboo scaffolding that led up to the bronze furnace. Wu Fei's first step was to decide to start the renovation from there, demanding that the entire bamboo scaffolding be replaced with iron parts.

Wu Fei valued military achievements in another way: he regarded military industrial production as "blood labor" and attempted to incorporate it into a system that could be exchanged for "blood rewards".

Wu Fei admitted that he was ignorant of current technology, but he was definitely more suitable than people of this era to be leaders and manage production.

The Ming Dynasty serves as a negative example. Despite its excellent military technology, it treated artisans as less than human beings. Artisans received no "blood payment" in their labor and were treated as lowly people, which made the production of firearms extremely unstable.

This same situation existed in the late 19th century across the ocean in the United States, during Xuan Chong's time. Frontline engineers were considered consumables, facing a glass ceiling. Lower-level workers were hired and employed in abject poverty. Didn't this destabilize top-tier technology?

Wu Fei had already realized that labor incentives weren't just about giving money; they also involved giving status. In other words, it was about introducing a military rank system.

In maintaining the military nobility system, what was the most valuable aspect? It was the guarantee of life and death – providing a path for advancement during a child's birth and raising, and generous posthumous honors. Under the Ming Dynasty's artisan household system, these considerations were unnecessary; artisans were considered lowly people, and the government didn't have to pay for their deaths.

However, if calculated according to the military rank system, it would be quite substantial.

After all, upward mobility is always the most scarce resource in any social system.

In Wu Fei's "blood reward" formula, he deliberately reserved upward mobility channels for those who perform blood-related labor. In fact, Wu Fei didn't want to open up too many channels, so he was currently focusing on ensuring safe production first, in order to better negotiate blood rewards with military industry producers.

After all, if the craftsmen only sweat and make mistakes during production, then the stingy Wu Fei would nitpick based on the actual effect of the weapon on the battlefield and deduct some from the nobility system.

However, if a craftsman dies in an accident, and Wu Fei cannot take care of his affairs afterward, then the craftsman's morale will not be enough to support technological improvements and increased production.

At the same time, Wu Fei believes that as long as the blood reward is exchanged, even if one does not understand the technology, the technology will develop and progress in the same way as the natural law of "water flowing downhill".

In his previous life, Wu Fei (Xuan Chong) witnessed the collapse of morale in the artisan system. Even though the technology was still superior a decade or so ago, the cost was ten or even dozens of times higher, and all kinds of military industries were defective, with low output and high prices.

…Back to the present…

Wu Fei beckoned to Gongshu Wang from the shooting range.

Wu Fei asked, "Ah Wang, do you think this cannon could be made more mobile?"

Gongshu Wang shook his head: "General, all mechanical puppets rely on the fusion of Yin and Yang, while cannons possess the power of Yang. I'm afraid—" (Wu Fei tried to understand what he was saying using his own understanding: the interlocking of parts in mechanical devices relies on the binding power of runes between the wood, while the violent recoil of cannons has Yang shockwaves. These Yang shockwaves would seep into the gaps between the mechanical puppets, thus shattering the mechanical carriers.)
In fact, Wu Fei already knew from his third aunt that it was impossible to use mechanical arts to build the tank he envisioned.

But I still have to say it, because, as a leader, you need to express your needs from time to time. Who knows, it might work out?
Wu Fei was practically pointing at the boiler that was boiling water, urging him to think carefully about whether the mechanical puppet's power source could be changed to "water and fire power".

However, Gongshu Wang asked, "Does Your Excellency really want the cannons to move on their own?"

Wu Fei's eyes lit up: "Hmm, you have a way."

Gongshu Wang said, "If you can hunt Yang-attribute beasts, I can use mechanical arts to mount these cannons on them."

Wu Fei's hope dimmed, but he followed up by asking, "Well, this way the mechanism won't fall apart?"

Gongshu Wang: "The power of the cannon's yang energy will be absorbed by the fire-attribute beast, allowing the mechanism to operate stably." (Wu Fei understood that the recoil was absorbed by the animal, thus stabilizing the mechanism.)
Wu Fei: "Four months later, you will accompany me on my southern expedition and select a suitable mount."

…From the rainy south of Xinjiang to the north, where summer is in full swing…

In the north, following the fall of Bo County, Da Yao mobilized 300,000 troops from fifteen routes across the north for a counterattack. Suddenly, Guo Tai's forces, which had stormed into Bo County, were on the verge of collapse.

Pu'e transformed into a dragon and entered the clouds, gazing towards the Great Yao Realm. Of course, she dared not approach; the soaring malevolent energy caused her dragon scales to become mottled and age rapidly with every slight movement. The reason for this was the sense that Yu Li's forces had been annihilated.

Looking through the malevolent aura, one could see that the northern camps stretched for over three hundred miles, pressing in like a tidal wave.

Each of these fifteen armies was set up in a similar camp to the Wu family army of Donghua County, with its main force consisting of about two to three thousand men, the rest being conscripted farmers and laborers by the local officials. For Guotai, engaging in such a protracted stalemate with Da Yao was practically a slow death.

After each major camp's generals led their core troops into battle and suffered losses, they would return to their garrison to set up camp and replenish their forces.

There are a total of fifteen garrisons. Unless all fifteen armies attack together and crowd into one place, it is impossible to defeat such an army that can regenerate health infinitely.

In the early stages of their invasion, the Tailong Army of the Haotian Realm won more battles than they lost, but their highest win rate was only 70%. As powerful outsiders, the Dragonborn army could defeat a large-scale army, but that army would immediately return to its own camp under the cover of friendly forces to regroup and fight again.

It's worth mentioning that although the 300,000-strong army of the Great Khan depleted the imperial court's grain reserves, the emperor's governance over the years had been relatively effective. Most counties and prefectures across much of the country still enjoyed favorable weather and sufficient grain reserves. They were still able to hold on.

Moreover, the combat strength of the Da Yao army is gradually increasing. Because the generals were too carefree in the past, unlike some border troops who were grinding experience on the border every day, they were a bit flustered at the beginning of the war.

However, once these generals become familiar with their troops, their combat power will increase dramatically.

The dragon descendants of Haotian Realm also realized this. If they continued fighting and could not break the deadlock soon, they would be crushed by Da Yao, who was becoming increasingly adept at military strategy!

Even the Great Yao must pay a price. Facing the military leaders who have gained influence in these four directions, it will take one or two wise rulers to wear them down. But those who die first will definitely be the dragon descendants who are "outside the original system".

Pu'e: Unless a major calamity strikes within the Great Yao court, leaving the land desolate and the people in rebellion, leading to sudden death. However, the ruler of the Great Yao court remains wise, and there have been no signs of its impending demise for decades. If all of this were to happen—

Pu'e looked up at the four faintly appearing crescent moons floating in the sky and quickly shook her dragon head. Her task at her workbench was to settle down here, not to destroy this world.

Looking at the new general card she had recruited, Pu'e decided to place her hopes on him.

…From another time traveler's perspective…

Based on the previously reported merits in the defense of Yongji Pass, the imperial court sent him the seal of a lieutenant general.

Wu Fei stared at the object he had previously thought he didn't care about. The lustrous white jade shimmered with flowing divination power. More importantly, after obtaining this seal, everyone around him looked at him differently. Even the personal guards Wu Hanluan had previously addressed him as "Young General" were now waiting for him to speak, as if awaiting thunder.

The chime bells rang, the music began, and Wu Fei donned his official robes.

The Great Yao represents a state governed by ritual. When this system begins to grant a position to a talented person, everyone in the surrounding society will treat that talented person with utmost courtesy!
Previously, during the Battle of Yongji Pass, Wu Fei was recognized by everyone in the Wu family, and they were all willing to serve Xuan Chong. However, this loyalty was private and lacked legitimacy, and their loyalty levels still fluctuated. Wu Fei was unable to provide the official title of ruler and subject that everyone desired.

Da Yao is currently suffering repeated setbacks in the northern border, and various parties are questioning the Da Yao court's ability to govern the country, but no one is questioning Da Yao's legitimacy.

While Wufei in the southern border region is thriving, as long as its legitimacy is not confirmed and it establishes its own government, it cannot refute the accusation of being a "monkey in a crown".

(During the Three Kingdoms period, Lü Bu mocked Yuan Shao's system for imitating the Han court's system, which was essentially a case of a monkey wearing a crown. Yuan Shao's system was not recognized by the court, while Lü Bu's title of Marquis of Wen was bestowed by the court.)
The sudden courtesy shown by the people of Yongji Pass to Wu Fei signifies that they too will now hold their heads high in the face of outsiders! This is because from this point on, Wu Fei's decision to establish his own government and recruit advisors is universally acknowledged by all forces within the entire Da Yao territory.

Just as Wu Fei (Xuan Chong) was feeling sentimental, the system gave him another challenge.

System: Please evaluate the current ability level of the Great Yao Monarch.

Xuan Chong, whose perspective was dictated by his position, immediately wrote down his latest definition of a "wise" monarch on the answer sheet: "When a person reaches middle age, he is clear-headed, knows right from wrong, is fair in rewarding and punishing, can hold onto power, understands priorities, and can play a positive role in 'rule by man' to maintain the overall situation."

For example, the Wu family army's current bandit suppression in Yunmengze, according to the local aristocratic families, Wu Hanluan overstepped the bounds and deserves severe punishment and demotion, as a warning to the world and to set an example for others.

If an old and senile ruler were in power, and were easily swayed by others, he might actually punish the Wu family army severely according to the laws of the Great Yao, forcing them to relinquish their interests. This would be considered incompetence. However, it is clear that the ruler of the Great Yao was not incompetent in this regard.

……

In his previous life, Xuan Chong was a staunch supporter of Legalism before the age of twenty, believing that the rule of law could solve all problems.

However, after the age of twenty-five, he developed a new view: "rule by man" is necessary in times of rapid change.

This is because after turning twenty-five, Xuan Chong saw that the interests of many "overworked" individuals were not protected by law, because the law was outdated. Shouldn't someone else step in to calibrate and regulate this system?

Throughout history, the gradual decline of some dynasties was due to their own systems for distributing benefits becoming increasingly unsuitable for the development of the times.

The contradictions in the middle and later periods of a dynasty are that the unemployed who benefited from the old system, and the laborers who did little work, would defend their interests in the name of "rule of law" (ancestral law).

Laws need to be recalibrated as times change. Especially in a rapidly changing world, old laws can become a shield for many who do not work or work lightly.

Every dynasty has its own laws at the beginning, which are fair and just. However, in the later stages, they become a backer for those who exploit the rules. These groups that "live off the backer" become increasingly immoral.

Xuan Chong concluded: If the "law" could be adjusted in time, abandoning the group that does not work and protecting the group that works excessively, this would be a correct reform that can be recorded in history. The leader would undoubtedly be an capable restorer of the dynasty, with Emperor Xuan of Han being a prime example.

If a monarch, though unable to implement reforms, can protect key figures within the old legal system through personal rule, preventing them from being harmed by those who are unproductive and protected by the old laws, then he cannot be considered incompetent. Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty fits this description.

System: "Okay, submit your paper."

Xuan Chong: "Um, how many points?"

System: "You have only filled in the written test answers. Whether the written test answers are correct will be determined in the next assessment."

Xuan Chong nodded honestly: "Oh."

…Wu Fei solemnly accepted the imperial decree…

After obtaining the seal of office, Wu Fei's evaluation of Da Yao changed once again.

The Da Yao families have usurped the right to interpret the scriptures and the law, and Wu Fei believes that the top echelons of Da Yao are in cahoots with them.

But now, Emperor Xu has taken action, demonstrating the power of a strong emperor by suppressing these "self-serving debaters who disregard the overall situation," indicating that the great destiny of the hexagram is not yet exhausted.

It wasn't that Wu Fei was bribed by the emperor with an official seal and suddenly brainwashed into becoming a "loyal subject." Wu Fei: It's like playing the card game "Three Kingdoms Kill." Whether you're loyal or a rebel depends on what faction cards you draw.

Rather, "rebellion" is not just a personal matter, but a matter for the entire group within oneself. If one's own group still recognizes the legitimacy of the Great Yao, then jumping out to rebel would be the same as Yuan Shu declaring himself emperor.

Moreover, if he were to actually rebel, he would first deal with the surrounding "vassal states," rather than marching directly to the capital and engaging in a short-lived rebellion like the Eastern Jin princes.

Wu Fei unfolded a map of southern Da Yao and explored the trade routes, naming each one: Now that the Emperor of Shu has granted him legitimacy, he can now compete with those feudal lords.

For example, at this time, in Jizhou, 500 li east of Yunmengze, the local governor secretly sent his troops to become bandits, plunder merchants, and amass a large amount of wealth.

This man plundered several large shipments of goods belonging to the southern merchants. Many of Wu Fei's previous methods were ineffective, but now, following Emperor Xu's instructions, he could fight them.

However, Wu Fei's most important task at present is to head south after the rainy season ends.

His own treasury was empty, and the debts owed to various merchants were all due.

Wu Fei quietly calculated in his mind: Although they wouldn't ask him for it back, he couldn't refuse. Otherwise, if they felt there was no profit to be made and withdrew their resources, the military and economic activities surrounding the Wu family army would fall apart.

(End of this chapter)