"Well, also inform them that if they want to purchase weapons, they can send someone to Fuzhou with silver," Chen Gu continued.

"Military equipment?" Zhang Zhe couldn't help but be surprised and asked, "Are there any extra military equipment in Fuzhou for sale?"

Fuzhou is now surrounded by China and its allies. It is no exaggeration to say that it is fighting alone. If it were not for the supply from the sea, it would be regarded as an isolated city.

However, it was not so easy to get supplies. Even though China had no ships and could not go out to sea to fight, it had deployed some coastal defense guns on the coast and some islands.

With only a compass and no sextant, if you sail around the coastal defense guns and into the open sea, you are likely to lose your route if you encounter bad weather.

"Of course, Fuzhou doesn't have any extra weapons to sell." Chen Gu raised his eyebrows and smiled, then continued, "Although there are no extras to sell, there are some that are lost to sell. After all, the monthly salary of Qing officials is so low, so they have to get some extra money to live. This is a long-established practice."

"Oh~!"

Zhang Zhe nodded in understanding. He understood what Chen Gu said. It was basically an open secret that corruption was rampant among Qing officials. For this reason, Chen Gu would rather train talents himself than accept the old Qing officials.

"This is a great routine!" Zhang Zhe grinned.

Chen Gu only has three guards in public, who are called servants to the outside world. Naturally, there are many other guards in secret, and he can also mobilize the Jinyiwei as spies, so delivering messages is naturally a piece of cake.

The next day, after getting up at the hour of Mao, Chen Gu had breakfast and reported to the county government office at the end of the hour of Mao, which is commonly known as reporting in.

Only officials of the fifth rank and above who were qualified to attend court were considered to be on duty. As for local officials, they were required to sign in. For example, Chen Gu had to sign in at the yamen at the hour of Mao, otherwise his salary would be deducted if he was late, and he would even be beaten with a stick if the number of days accumulated reached a certain limit.

This is much stricter than the punch-in system in later generations.

After finishing the painting, Chen Gu came to the warehouse area in the south of the city. The door of his warehouse No. 1 was already open, and ten warehouse keepers were standing at the door chatting, but Cao Minghu had not come yet.

"Morning, Chen Wenshu!"

"Mr. Chen, good morning!"

Yesterday's hospitality was still very useful. When they saw Chen Jue coming, the Ku Dings all greeted him with smiles and kept saying hello.

"Good morning, everyone. Brothers who are on night watch should go home and rest early!" Chen Gu nodded and smiled at everyone.

Before Chen Gu entered the door, Cao Minghu arrived. The two chatted for a few words. Cao Minghu informed Chen Gu that military equipment would be delivered soon and asked him to be prepared.

The warehouse had been cleaned, and Chen Gu didn't have to prepare anything. He did need to prepare the four treasures of the study, mainly the ink, which had to be ground first.

In fact, Chen Gu wanted to use a goose feather pen, which not only saved ink but also paper and was easier to write with. Unfortunately, the government office had its own rules and regulations, and these records needed to be checked at any time.

If you use a quill pen to write small characters, the older Shangguan won't be able to see clearly. There are no such things as glasses for people to wear now. In fact, glasses are available, but they are extremely expensive.

By the time Chen Gu had ground the ink and sorted out the account books, the transported military equipment was also delivered.

"Chen Shuli!" A man in his thirties, slightly thin, wearing a long gown, holding an account book, bowed to Chen Gu and introduced himself: "I am Xiao Mingyu, the clerk of Warehouse No. 2, Yizi."

"Brother Xiao!" Chen Gu bowed and saluted. "This is the list of weapons that will be transported from Warehouse No. 2 to your Warehouse No. 1 today." Xiao Mingyu said as he handed the account book in his hand to Chen Gu.

Chen Gu casually flipped it open and took a look, then handed it to Cao Minghu beside him and said, "Count it like this!"

Xiao Mingyu frowned and said to Chen Gu, "Chen Wenshu, let's talk for a moment!"

"Brother Xiao, please come in!" Chen Gu made way and entered the warehouse with Xiao Mingyu.

After the two entered the warehouse, Xiao Mingyu hesitated for a moment and lowered his voice and said, "Chen Wenshu, these weapons have always been worn out. Do you know this?"

"I do know a thing or two." Chen Gu nodded.

"That's good." Xiao Mingyu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Although Huang Hongen had already given instructions yesterday, as the first person to deliver the things, Xiao Mingyu was still somewhat unsure. After all, Chen Gu was a newcomer and no one was familiar with him.

If he really had to sell himself, Xiao Mingyu would be in trouble. If it weren't for the urgency from his superiors, Xiao Mingyu really didn't want to send the things over to the warehouse now.

"This year, the rainfall is particularly good. Not only is it rainy during the plum rain season, but there has also been a lot of rain since the beginning of summer. So!" Xiao Mingyu paused.

Chen Gu smiled and said, "So, the loss of military equipment this year is a bit large!"

"Oh, what Chen Wenshu said is absolutely right. Alas, in fact, it is also due to Ku Ding's improper management. But who knew that the cold weapons that are usually not used would need to be counted and put into use again!" Xiao Mingyu said with a sad face.

Chen Gu thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Master Hong has already given instructions in advance. I understand. It's okay if the loss is a bit large. I just want to trouble Brother Xiao to move it more slowly."

"Oh?" Xiao Mingyu's eyes lit up and he asked, "What good ideas does Chen Wenshu have?"

"There is no good way, but there is a stupid way. Armaments are meant to be consumed. If there is a war, they will be consumed quickly!" Chen Gu laughed.

Xiao Mingyu couldn't help but feel disappointed when he heard this. He sighed and said, "Unfortunately, there is no war for the time being. Cai Qiangui retreated to Xiamen, and General Lin ordered us to attack proactively. As for the Zhejiang direction, it is also calm, at least for a short period of time."

"Things like war are ever-changing. Who knows when it will break out again? It's better to delay it for a few days. Otherwise, the gap will be too big. I really can't take the responsibility!" Chen Gu said.

Xiao Mingyu couldn't help but look at Chen Gu, frowned and thought for a while, then said, "After finishing your work, does Chen Wenshu have time to have a drink?"

"Since Brother Xiao has invited me, I will definitely have time!" Chen Gu said with a smile.

Xiao Mingyu couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief and said, "Okay, after I get off the job, I'll host a few of my colleagues and introduce them to Brother Chen!"

Chen Gu shook his head and said, "I dare not. I am new here. It is my honor that Brother Xiao can introduce colleagues to me. How dare I let Brother Xiao spend money? Brother Xiao, just choose the place and I will pay the bill when the time comes!"

"Brother Chen, you are so thoughtful. But you don't have to be so rude this time. It's settled. I will treat you tonight!"

(End of this chapter)