2.37 A New Official Takes Office

The efficiency of the imperial court in this era fell far short of Lin Rui's worst expectations.

He had originally assumed that the so-called "assuming office upon entering August" would mean waiting at most three to five days. To his surprise, by the time he actually received the notification to report to the Ministry of War, the early part of August was nearly over, and most of the capital was already enveloped in the atmosphere of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Mindful of not wasting any time, he simply brought all his prepared equipment along with him.

Inside a side hall of the main office of the Ministry of War.

"Greetings, Your Excellency!" Lin Rui offered a respectful and meticulous bow to the dignified man seated before him.

This, of course, was the Minister of War, who was also the current holder of the title for the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion and a Third-Class Baron, Niu Jizong. Nominally, he was also the leader of the entire military nobility, though that leadership was purely "nominal."

Compared to Jia Daishan of the past, who could command a following with a single cry, Niu Jizong could hardly even claim control over the interior of the Eight Dukes.

"Brother Rui, it has been many days!" Niu Ben, who was standing in attendance nearby, greeted him with a cupped-fist salute and a smile.

As for Lord Niu, he merely nodded perfunctorily in acknowledgment.

"Greetings, Brother Ben!" Lin Rui hurriedly returned the courtesy.

By now, he could already be considered part of the outer circle of the military nobility, holding a rank equivalent to a proper fifth official, and thus could address them with a degree of familiarity.

"Is this the thing you and Ben'er mentioned?" Seeing that the two had finished exchanging pleasantries, Niu Jizong pointed at the wooden crate on the floor and spoke, "A heavy matchlock gun, right? I recall saying initially that you could just send it over in three or two days."

He made no effort to conceal the relationship between the two young men, not even using official titles during work hours.

"I wouldn't dare waste Your Excellency's time. Since I had to pay my respects today anyway, it was better to bring it along and settle everything in one trip." As Lin Rui spoke, he opened the crate, reached inside to pull one out, and handed it over. "Your subordinate has developed two types of ignition mechanisms: one is cheap and reliable, while the other is much faster and simpler, though considerably more expensive."

This, of course, referred to the difference between matchlock and paper-cartridge priming systems; he was not foolish enough to completely conceal it.

However, mentioning them did not mean both would be used immediately; with a few fabricated reasons, he could easily gloss over the matter.

"Oh?" Niu Jizong's expression shifted slightly as he rose and walked straight toward the exit. "To the parade ground!"

Naturally, the Ministry of War possessed a spacious area for military drills and maneuvers.

"I remember Brother Rui mentioning that this thing can hit a target at a hundred paces?" Niu Ben was clearly the orthodox successor of the Niu family, rigorously trained in martial arts since childhood. He easily hefted the twenty-odd-jin heavy matchlock in his hand and spoke with casual leisure, "Is it reliable?"

As for the other samples still resting inside the wooden crate, subordinates naturally lifted them and followed closely behind.

"Rest assured, Brother Ben!" Lin Rui glanced at Niu Jizong, who was walking ahead in silence, and understood precisely who was asking the question. "Later, when we set up a target at a hundred paces, let us put aside for the moment whether we can hit it. If a shot strikes the wooden target and fails to blast it to pieces, you may have someone press the muzzle against my chest and pull the trigger!"

A lump of iron weighing over a catty could punch a hole through a wooden board even if thrown by hand.

"Ha! With those words from you, I can rest easy." Niu Ben nodded in satisfaction.

The two exchanged no further words, as their acquaintance was truly not deep enough for idle chatter.

The group soon reached the parade ground. By the time they walked there, a messenger had already run ahead to give notice, and a hundred-pace wooden target now stood directly before them. Seeing this, Lin Rui dispensed with further pleasantries; after a symbolic request for instruction, he began loading the weapon and attaching the match cord in full view of everyone.

Having heard Lin Rui explain its usage earlier, Niu Ben stepped forward without hesitation to act as his assistant shooter.

A mere dozen or so breaths later, accompanied by a resounding roar, the distant wooden target shattered and its pieces flew scattering in all directions.

A barrel four and a half chi (over a meter) in length, paired with a rudimentary aiming device, targeted at a human-shaped wooden target mere hundred paces (roughly one hundred and fifty meters) away—with even the slightest training, hitting it was truly effortless.

Witnessing this, Niu Jizong revealed a satisfied smile.

"Prepare a hundred of these within a month and deliver them to the Divine Might Camp." He offered no superfluous remarks, made his demand directly, and then turned to leave, leaving behind a sea of envious gazes burning red with jealousy on the parade ground.

"Brother Ben, this—" Lin Rui, however, felt somewhat bewildered. "Your younger brother has just assumed office and knows absolutely nothing about the Bureau of Armaments within the Directorate for Arsenal. I have no idea what their standard of competence is. A hundred heavy matchlocks may indeed not be many, but someone still has to manufacture them, no?"

"Don't be anxious, Brother Rui." Niu Ben looped an arm around his shoulder with a smile, steering him outward as they walked. "The Divine Might Camp is the territory of Uncle Chen (Ruiwen) of the Duke of Qi's Mansion, and they have always been our own people. You just focus on figuring out a way to produce them, and your rewards will not be lacking when the time comes."

Lin Rui understood the implication instantly.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, his affairs in Yangzhou had likely already been thoroughly investigated by these powerful figures, and they had gained a rough understanding of the heavy matchlock's lethality and application. Today's demonstration was less about seeing it for the first time and more about verification.

Now that they knew there were no issues, it was time to distribute the benefits down the ranks.

From a modern perspective, the heavy matchlock had flaws in every conceivable aspect; but when compared against the backdrop of the feudal era, it could truly be called a "perfect" grassroots-level long-range supporting firepower.

Too large? Weren't there two men carrying it? Whether marching on foot or on horseback, why fuss over size?

Short range? Not even the finest archers could hope to sustain reliable firepower at a distance of a hundred paces.

Matchlock ignition, unusable in the rain? Bows and crossbows couldn't be used in the rain either.

High cost? Bows and crossbows were cheap?

The primary advantage was that firearms excelled in ease of mass production; a single piece could be manufactured in half a month at most. Crafting truly top-tier strong bows and stiff crossbows, however, consumed an immense amount of time—procuring materials, applying glue, drying in the shade, and so forth meant one couldn't hope to see a finished product in under a year or two.

Moreover, archers and crossbowmen required exceptionally rigorous training, possessed innate talent, and had to maintain physical stamina on the battlefield. Once fatigue set in, sustained firing was out of the question, which was why the military axiom "no more than three arrows upon meeting the enemy" had always existed.

Heavy matchlocks were different. As long as ammunition was plentiful, one could fire from morning till night without worrying about the weapon failing to discharge.

"Is there something else?" Naturally, he still decided to inquire further.

"Just now you mentioned that the heavy matchlock has two ignition methods. What about the other one?" Niu Ben bypassed his question, but this only further suggested that the Divine Might Camp likely had some actual operation planned in the near future.

"The other one can fire about thirty percent faster than the matchlock," Lin Rui deliberately understated it.

"And you said earlier that its manufacturing cost is much higher?" Niu Ben was evidently more concerned with this aspect.

"Taking everything into account, about double." This time, Lin Rui exaggerated slightly.

"Then pay it no mind. Not everyone is like the Surveillance Vice Censor's office, rolling in silver to lavish on their subordinates." Sure enough, Niu Ben was well aware of his exploits in Yangzhou. "One hundred pieces, delivered to the Divine Might Camp by the middle of next month. Brother Rui, do not forget."

"Rest assured, Brother Ben!" Lin Rui knew this was not merely a test, but an opportunity.

The two exchanged a few more casual remarks before parting ways.

Watching him walk away, Lin Rui immediately strode toward the Bureau of Armaments.

Familiarizing oneself with one's working conditions prior to undertaking any task was basic common sense for an adult.

As for taking up a new post, things could never be entirely smooth sailing. Major troubles were unlikely, as those surviving in government offices were hardly fools, and none would recklessly court disaster; yet minor headaches were legion, and untangling them proved exceedingly tedious. By the time he finished, evening had fallen.

Lin Manor, Eastern Courtyard, Central Compound.

"You've returned so late today. Nothing major happened, I hope?" Miaoyu nestled in his arms, speaking while watching Xing Xiuyan help the two of them wipe their feet. "I've heard that government offices are full of cliques—this faction, that connection. They're rarely any good at getting things done, but experts at making trouble."

"How should I put it? Yes and no." Lin Rui intentionally raised his foot, only to have Xing Xiuyan, who had anticipated the move, firmly press it back down while playfully administering a couple of light slaps. "The five department heads certainly have backers, but I don't even have the inclination to inquire about them, because I am the master of the Bureau of Armaments.

Without my approval, not a single coin crosses their palms; without my consent, they can't accomplish a damn thing. As for their positions—if I truly wish to clear them out, they can kiss their careers goodbye. Unfortunately, they haven't realized this yet and all fancy themselves quite the personages."

"Sir, didn't you say Lord Niu had already assigned official duties?" Xing Xiuyan casually tossed the wiping cloth aside, while the newly arrived maid, Qingwen, carried the washbasin out. She then leaned voluntarily against his other side. "Without their cooperation, might there be trouble?"

"I've summoned all the master craftsmen and apprentices I brought from Yangzhou, put them to work, and assigned Lin Zhao to coordinate logistics." Lin Rui showed utter disdain, wrapping an arm around each of the young women with a chuckle. "None of those people think anything of them, nor do they take them seriously.

Only I understand that without craftsmen, the so-called 'Bureau of Armaments' is nothing more than a fart. Besides, the raw materials in the warehouses are more than sufficient; if we really let loose and produced them, manufacturing a thousand heavy matchlocks would be effortless. To deploy them requires only my word—what use have I for those useless loafers?"

Xing Xiuyan said no more, sitting up to help him shed his outer garments.

"As long as you complete this official task, I believe you will be able to firmly secure your position." Miaoyu came to an understanding.

"In an ordinary administrative office, lacking support from subordinates would indeed make getting things done troublesome. But the Bureau of Armaments is primarily responsible for weapon manufacturing; essentially, it's a technical agency. Without that bunch of bureaucrats, efficiency will only be higher."

"Look at how capable you are!" Miaoyu did not miss the chance to take a jab at him. "Very well, aside from official matters, Madam sent for me to visit today and brought up a minor affair. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, the Rongguo Mansion has sent an invitation, hoping to permit a home visit."

"Can I possibly object?" Lin Rui couldn't help laughing. "She and Sister Lin are going?"

"They actually wanted you to go as well." Miaoyu displayed a look of disdain.

"Turn it down, just say I can't get away." Lin Rui genuinely had no desire to go. "How about this: discuss it with Madam again, find a convenient day, and invite the younger generation of the Jia family over as guests. After all, relations among relatives rely on reciprocal visits; as for the older generation, I care not to deal with them."

While speaking, he had already pulled Xing Xiuyan onto his lap, and a sweet, delicate murmur soon followed.

"I can tell you harbor malicious intentions!" Noticing the atmosphere in the room growing increasingly heated—especially with the sound of hurried footsteps fleeing from the outer chamber, leaving the door unlatched—Miaoyu said with exasperation, "You must remember that Lin Zhao is still a commoner; handling matters might prove somewhat inconvenient."

"A valid point!" After a brief hesitation, Lin Rui devised a solution. "Buying an official rank is hardly expensive!"

With that, he pulled Xing Xiuyan, who was now fully immersed in the mood, into his embrace, lowering his head to savor her closely.

"My thought is, we might as well buy several." Although still innocent in experience, Miaoyu could no longer resist the atmosphere; her entire body grew steadily warmer, and even her voice turned sweet and languid. "We aren't short on that bit of silver now; we might as well take the opportunity to arrange positions for our own people."

"We can't arrange positions for all of them at once." Lin Rui released Xing Xiuyan and pulled her against his chest instead. "We'll select a few capable ones to grant status. That way, we not only have suitable people to employ, but we also set an example for the others, keeping them from letting their imaginations run wild all day."

"If you know, then do it!" Miaoyu's pretty face was flushed to a burning heat.

"We'll leave the others in the office alone for now; in any case, I'm not short of manpower." Lin Rui rolled over to reclaim the initiative. "Once this matter is concluded, I want to see who else fails to read the situation clearly and continues pulling blind, reckless stunts."

"Sir!" Xing Xiuyan suddenly trembled all over, her entire body growing limp as if boneless.

Lin Rui glanced at Miaoyu.

The proud maiden cast him a reproachful glare, then shyly closed her eyes.