"This is the cotton armor we will wear in the future. It is invulnerable to swords and knives, can protect against bows and arrows, can't penetrate in the rain, won't rot, and can't be hurt by bird guns. It is trustworthy in the flash of swords and sabers, the hail of bullets, wind and rain."
"Did you hear that? We all have one set. Everyone can wear a set of cotton armor. Just thinking about it makes me excited."
"That's really exciting. Only 30% to 40% of the soldiers in the garrison wear armor. I heard that only the imperial guards around the emperor can wear armor. I didn't expect that everyone in our Zhejiang Army can wear armor. After putting on this cotton armor, I feel that I can beat five of me who are not wearing armor..."
"Wearing cotton armor is equivalent to having five or six more lives on the battlefield, not one person can beat five. An unarmed person cannot beat a person with weapons, and a person with weapons but clothes cannot beat a person with armor. This is common sense. If the armor is strong, even if we are not as skilled as others and are stabbed or chopped by them first, we don't have to be afraid. With armor, they can't hurt us. Even if we are clumsy and poor in martial arts, we can still kill them by stabbing and chopping them later."
The Zhejiang Army soldiers were so excited that they were beaming with joy. They trained more vigorously and were not afraid of going to the battlefield. They even looked forward to it. They expected to wear cotton armor and kill many Japanese pirates, win rewards for their merits, bring honor to their families, marry a beautiful girl in the village, have two babies a year, and reach the peak of their lives.
"Your humble servant greets Lord Zhu. The Governor-General has issued an order that the Imperial Envoy for Sea Sacrifice, Zhao Wenhua, has arrived in Yangzhou yesterday and will arrive in Yingtian soon. Please arrange the military affairs and then set off for Yingtian to await the Imperial Envoy's arrival."
A messenger with a command flag rode to the Zhejiang Army camp. After reporting, he came in front of Zhu Ping'an, knelt on one knee, and presented a wax official document with both hands, which briefly summarized Zhang Jing's order.
Zhao Wenhua is here!
When Zhu Pingan heard the news, he couldn't help but pull the corner of his mouth downwards. This was not good news!
Historically, Zhao Wenhua came to Jiangnan to offer sacrifices to the sea and stayed in Jiangnan for one or two years. Relying on the powerful influence of the Yan Party, he made a mess of the officialdom in Jiangnan, which gave the Japanese pirates an opportunity to take advantage of and made the Japanese threat more and more serious. It was not until Hu Zongxian came to power that the officialdom in Jiangnan stabilized and the cause of fighting the Japanese pirates began.
Zhao Wenhua is a piece of shit. He is a wimp and likes to meddle in military affairs, just like the micro-manipulation masters of later generations.
Unfortunately, the Yan Party is now too powerful and has too much strength. This troublemaker has the strong support of the Yan Party and cannot be thrown away or broken...
I can't help but get a headache just thinking about it.
However, things are in our hands. Until the last moment, everything is subject to change. Besides, there is a butterfly from the future flapping its wings like me. Nothing is difficult for those who set their minds to it. It is still unknown who will win.
Thinking of this, Zhu Pingan was full of fighting spirit again. He took the document from the messenger and said with a smile, "Thank you for your hard work. Have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."
After saying that, Zhu Ping'an put the official documents aside, picked up the teapot and poured a cup of hot tea and handed it to the messenger.
"No, thank you for your kindness, sir. I am in a hurry to inform other masters." The messenger declined politely.
"I know you are in a hurry to get going. This pot of tea is not hot, but warm enough to drink. It won't be too late to drink it before setting off."
Zhu Pingan smiled slightly and explained.
"Thank you for your consideration, sir."
The messenger was deeply moved when he heard this. He seldom met such an approachable and considerate person in his life.
After running all the way, I was really thirsty. I gulped down a cup of warm oolong tea, which was like a long-dry rain. My whole body was moisturized, my thirst was gone, and I felt warm all over. I was full of strength and energy again.
While the messenger was drinking tea, Zhu Ping'an opened the official document and read it carefully. The content of the document was to inform Zhao Wenhua of his impending arrival, but it was more detailed, including Zhao Wenhua's identity, the imperial envoy he was responsible for, the approximate time of arrival, the arrival pier, the government office where he would stay, the range of officials who needed to be present to greet him, etc.
After drinking the tea, the messenger stood up to say goodbye. Zhu Ping'an knew that he still had to pass on messages to other people, so he did not try to keep him.
Hu Zongxian is here.
Zhao Wenhua is coming too.
Jiangnan is becoming more and more lively, and that period of ups and downs and magnificent history is about to begin.
Haha, I’m a little excited.
Zhu Ping'an called several battalion commanders including Liu Mu and Ruo Feng, explained the training matters to them, and encouraged them to practice strictly, especially focusing on musket training. Although not everyone could have a musket, everyone should be able to use it. Then, Zhu Ping'an called several craftsmen and explained the cotton armor matters to them. Then, he took Liu Dadao and ten bodyguards to Taohua Town first.
Zhao Wenhua won't arrive in Yingtian until tomorrow afternoon, so he still has time to spend with Sister Li today. Well, he also has time to educate the children in the evening...
Education is the first priority in a century-long plan.
"Brother Zhu is back."
Li Shu was surprised to see Zhu Ping'an coming. Usually, Zhu Ping'an would not come back until dinner time, but it was not yet dinner time today.
"We have to go to Yingtian early tomorrow morning. Zhao Wenhua, the imperial envoy for the sea sacrifice, will be here soon. All officials above the fifth rank have been summoned to welcome him." Zhu Ping'an explained simply. This did not involve any secrets and there was no need to conceal it.
"Yingtian..."
Li Shu's eyes lit up, but soon dimmed again. Her body was not suitable for long journeys because her belly was too big.
"I'll be back soon after I finish my work," Zhu Ping'an comforted.
"Okay." Li Shu's mood finally recovered.
"Let's go. It's still early. I'll take a walk with you. I heard that walking more is good for pregnant women."
Zhu Ping'an held Li Shu's hand and supported her waist, as if he was protecting the most precious porcelain in the world.
"No need to be so cautious, people might see us in broad daylight..." Li Shu said coquettishly with a blushing face.
"What are you afraid of? We are already an old married couple."
Zhu Pingan didn't care. This little scene was not worth mentioning in modern times. Kissing in the street was also quite common, unless...
“Shameless...” Li Shu said coquettishly, but seemed to enjoy it very much. She was supported by Zhu Ping'an and took a walk in the yard.
The sun is about to set, and the evergreen flowers, plants and trees planted in the yard are sparkling in the sun.
Zhu Ping'an helped Li Shu take a walk in the sunshine. The scene was very warm. The maids and old women in the yard who saw this scene were all fed with dog food. Of course, they were all very willing to do so.
"Oh, pulling and tugging so early in the morning, isn't it embarrassing? I have goose bumps all over my body..."
The evil woman Ruonan came to find Huaer. After seeing this scene, she couldn't help rubbing her arms, shaking off the goose bumps on her body, and complaining in a low voice.
"How warm it is! The brother-in-law and the young lady are so loving." Hua'er held her little face with both hands, feeling so moved.