The Self-Cultivation of Warring States Warriors

Page 48

The most significant issue is that the production and profit figures are somewhat low.

In this day and age, a single gold and silver mine that earns three to five thousand strings of cash annually is considered a remarkable rich mine. Many unknown small mines only earn a few hundred strings of cash after deducting all costs.

This is completely different from the rampant mining during the Edo period.

According to later recollections, the silver content of the Tada Silver Copper Mine was not comparable to that of Iwami, Ikuno, Sado, and other places, so it seems that the final profit was not very optimistic.

Of course, now that we've invited people here, we're definitely going to try to poach them, but we need to lower our expectations a bit.

Even if the results are less than ideal, it's still better than what we have now.

Next, Shinzaburo specially selected a dozen or so miners who seemed honest and reliable, and instructed them to follow Hasegawa Munehito to assist in the exploration work, and not to do any other work.

The summer harvest was just finished in June, which freed up everyone's time.

Everyone was quite surprised. Why would they need to look for new mines when the crude copper market was already experiencing a severe oversupply?

The "shata" miners among them got a little impatient. They found a time to gather together and hesitantly offered their tactful advice.

The gist of it is that while things aren't as good as they used to be at our Tada Copper Mine, we haven't yet fallen to the point of bankruptcy. So, sir, there's no need for you to give up so badly.

Shinzaburo was too lazy to explain in detail to them, so he simply adopted a confident attitude and replied with "everything is under control".

The few "sand people" clearly didn't quite believe it, but dared not show anything.

His neighbor, Katsumasa Ikeda, visited again later, bringing food and drinks, and expressed great curiosity about Munehito Hasegawa's exploration activities.

This naive and naive second-generation leader was quite quick-witted and immediately made a judgment: "Developing new copper mine tunnels now would be of no benefit. It would only be profitable if silver could be found."

What was even more unexpected was that he actually knew some mining knowledge and offered an analysis: "The land here is damp and has a history of copper and lead production, so it is indeed possible that there is a previously unknown silver vein hidden here."

With just a few words, he guessed the truth of the matter.

This made Shinzaburo take notice.

It seems that this naive young man, who doesn't understand "social skills," may not be lacking in intelligence; he's just straightforward.

Shinzaburo had nothing to hide, so he told everyone about his plan.

To this, Katsumasa Ikeda asked doubtfully, "Perhaps there is indeed Radiant Silver lurking nearby, however... however, it is only a 'perhaps,' how can Lord Genban be so confident in his certainty?"

Shinzaburo could only give a vague answer once again: "I just vaguely felt a firm judgment forming in my heart, but I don't know where it came from. If I had to say, it's probably a secret revelation from the gods or Buddhas!"

After hearing this, Ikeda Katsumasa was full of doubt. He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Although I have heard the rumors that Lord Kubo Genban was deeply protected by the Fudo Myoo, I still believe... well, the stories of gods and Buddhas are a mixture of truth and falsehood, and cannot be completely believed. Otherwise, why bother practicing martial arts and running a business? Why not just spend all day worshipping them?"

Good guy...

This young lad is really outspoken.

If these words were heard by a devout believer, a fight might break out on the spot.

Fortunately, Shinzaburo wasn't devout, and simply smiled and shook his head, saying, "A person's fate certainly depends on their own efforts, but also on the arrangements of the gods and Buddhas. Cause and effect are beyond one's own control. How could I, a mere underworld figure from Tanba, so quickly obtain a family name, become a samurai, and then immediately serve as the copper mining commissioner in Settsu?"

Ikeda Katsumasa fell into deep thought, and after a long while, he nodded slightly and said, "That is very philosophical! Lord Genban is only three years older than me, yet he is like a seasoned elder who has experienced countless battles!"

Shinzaburo smiled without saying a word, then suddenly felt his sash slipping down a bit, so he reached out and pulled it up.

……

Exploring for silver mines in the sixteenth century was no easy task.

First, careful observation is required to determine the most likely locations for mineral veins based on factors such as topography, vegetation, and even feng shui and yin-yang principles.

Then workers were dispatched to conduct trial digging to see if they could find "shining silver".

If you can't find it, then everything is in vain.

Even if it's found, it doesn't mean things will go smoothly. It still needs to be smelted to obtain silver of slightly higher purity, and then weighed. After obtaining an accurate figure, experienced professionals will then make a grade assessment to determine if it's worth mining.

A complete process takes at least one or two days, and sometimes three to five days.

Under the leadership of Hasegawa Munehito, a dozen miners dug six holes in various locations, four of which contained visible silver grains.

However, after analysis, the content was found to be substandard.

At this point, the area within 300 steps around the original mine shaft had been basically searched.

Hasegawa Munehito was caught in a dilemma and hesitated, concluding, "Admittedly, there are two ley lines containing more luminous silver than one would expect from a regular copper mine, but they are not enough to be mined as silver. I wonder if Lord Kubo Genban still wants to continue?"

He probably hadn't expected that Shinzaburo would show no sign of backing down, and immediately smiled and encouraged him, "So, Lord Munehito's work has made progress, hasn't it? Then expand the scope further and give it your best try!"

After thinking for a while, Hasegawa Munehito quickly made up his mind to get back to work.

Shinzaburo tried hard to recall the information about the scenic area that he had only seen once in his previous life. Based on the existing information, he subtly suggested that they could focus on the area 400 to 600 steps to the southeast.

Hasegawa Munehito did not ask why, and silently adopted the instruction.

By this time, even the most oblivious miners had realized that the new magistrate, named "Kubo Genban Yoshiaki," was actually searching for a silver mine.

Although most people didn't dare to say anything on the surface, they subconsciously revealed a look of doubt in their eyes.

I wonder if anyone is calling Tanba a "big idiot" behind his back.

Ikeda Katsumasa witnessed the exploration process three times and couldn't help but complain, "Lord Genban, the so-called 'vague judgment from who knows where' is probably just an illusion, rather than a divine revelation."

Shinzaburo didn't refute, but simply said, "There's no harm in trying a few more times."

He was, of course, mentally prepared for the worst. If, due to a misremembered memory, the discrepancies between parallel worlds, or some other reason, he ultimately failed to find the silver mine, he would simply have to give up.

Then we'll have to try talking to European missionaries about copper firearms manufacturing technology. Or we'll have to find a way to get the Miyoshi family to start officially minting coins.

Both routes are definitely extremely difficult, but when all else fails, you have to try them.

Master Mingzhou has already said that this personnel arrangement is quite complicated and it's not easy to intervene in the short term. If you want to transfer, it will be at least next year.

The two relatives brought from Kubo Village, Kumataro and Hashibei, didn't know much, but they both firmly believed that "Lord Genban is definitely right!"

……

Copper sales remained sluggish during this period.

From early June to early August, Ishiyama bought 2,500 catties of copper base, several temples and shrines in Kyoto bought a total of 1,200 catties, and blacksmiths in Omi, Kii, Ise and other places each bought several hundred catties.

Including other miscellaneous items, the total comes to around five thousand.

Following this trend, it will be another year of barely making ends meet with little profit.

With the help of several "sataymen," Shinzaburo maintained production and sales in an orderly manner. Filling out ledgers, taking inventory, inspecting work, and dealing with emergencies took less than an hour each day.

There was one incident where thieves tried to steal money along the way.

The miners on night watch spotted three suspicious men, who immediately drew their weapons. But Shinzaburo arrived quickly with his guards and easily killed the thieves.

Hasegawa Munehito arrived at the copper mine on June 20th and led a dozen people to explore for a month and a half, but still could not confirm the feasibility of silver mining.

If this continues, the miners will have to go harvest the autumn crop.

When Ikeda Katsumasa visited again later, he had already lost faith in the matter. After drinking half a liter of sake, he loudly proclaimed, "I believe that Brother Shinzaburo should return to the battlefield! Working at the copper mine is certainly not your forte. Hoping to dig up silver is tantamount to..."

However, halfway through his sentence, he suddenly saw Hasegawa Munehito running over excitedly, shouting.

This professional from Kyoto, despite working in the mine all day, pays great attention to his appearance and washes himself carefully every day, maintaining a refined and courteous demeanor to this day.

Only at this moment did he behave somewhat out of control.

Because Hasegawa Munehito was shouting, "We've found a mineable silver mine! It's just 550 paces south and east of the copper mine! Lord Kubo Genban's premonition was correct!"

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo was overjoyed, but he deliberately maintained a calm demeanor, smiled slightly, and nodded gently, saying, "Congratulations."

Katsumasa Ikeda was dumbfounded, holding the sake jug for a long time, lost in self-doubt: "Are there really people who are constantly protected by gods and Buddhas?"

092 Prepare for a rainy day

When he realized that a mineable silver mine had been discovered, Shinzaburo felt much relieved. He immediately asked Hasegawa Munehito, "Lord Munehito, how much do you think this silver mine can produce each year?"

Hasegawa Munehito opened his mouth to speak, but when his eyes swept over Ikeda Katsumasa beside him, he suddenly calmed down and shook his head, saying, "I'm sorry, I can't estimate it right now. It may require some careful calculation."

Shinzaburo had deliberately asked the question in front of the other person, and seeing this situation, he said even more seriously, "No need to worry! Although I have only known Lord Katsumasa for two months, we can be said to have hit it off immediately, and there is nothing I need to avoid talking to him about!"

Katsumasa Ikeda then realized what was happening, awkwardly scratched his head, and apologized with a sheepish grin: "The internal affairs of the copper mining institute really don't need to fall into the ears of outsiders."

He then got up to leave.

Shinzaburo stopped him, insisting on saying to Hasegawa Munehito, "Lord Munehito, please speak freely."

Hasegawa Munehito showed a hint of surprise, but quickly regained his composure and elegance. After a moment of thought, he smiled and said, "Given the current situation of the copper mine, it may take a few months to make full preparations. Then we should be able to obtain silver worth about 2,500 kan per year. After deducting all expenses, the profit should be at least 1,000 kan."

He was already very proud when he said that number.

But Shinzaburo immediately pressed on, "There should still be room for expansion in the future, right?"

"Of course." Hasegawa Munehito was excited and had no doubts. He quickly replied, "The mineral vein discovered today is quite abundant. If everything goes smoothly, we can double the manpower and set up more smelting workshops. In four or five years, the income should reach three thousand kan. It may even be possible to reach five thousand kan."

Upon hearing this, Shinzaburo said with delight, "I am extremely grateful! Lord Munehito's achievements are truly inspiring."

Hasegawa Munehito humbly replied, "It is all thanks to Lord Kubo Genban."

But then he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

For Hasegawa Munehito, a young town dweller with little background, his achievements today will likely give him sufficient prestige in the mining industry in the future.

Even though Katsumasa Ikeda wouldn't gain anything from it, he was genuinely happy for his friend.

The three of them had a simple celebration together and drank some sake.

……

The next day, Hasegawa Munehito came to him early in the morning, excitedly explaining his specific ideas in detail.

From the excavation of the tunnels and the setting up of the smelting workshops to the formulation of the work processes, and even the personnel arrangements and welfare expenditures, everything was done in an orderly manner.

He is indeed a person who is familiar with the mining industry and has great management skills.

Out of respect for the expert, Shinzaburo patiently listened to the entire proposal for several hours and offered several meaningful suggestions for modification.

Then he sincerely offered his blessings: "I hope that Lord Munehito's plan can be implemented smoothly, even if it is not in cooperation with me."

Hasegawa Munehito asked in surprise, "Lord Kubo Genban, what makes you say that?"

Shinzaburo smiled and said, "These meticulous plans are probably something that won't be realized for another three to five years or even longer. By then, I may not still be in the position of 'Copper Mining Commissioner'."

"This..." Hasegawa Munehito frowned and said, "Lord Kubo Genban's martial prowess is renowned and widely known. If he could continue to control the silver mine, it would surely deter petty villains and provide a stable source of income. Wouldn't both Hosokawa Ukyo and Miyoshi Chikuzen be happy to see that?"

Shinzaburo shook his head and smiled without saying a word.

"Lord Genban is a famous general known as 'Tanba Zhong Kui'... Ah, Tanba..." Hasegawa Munehito said, then seemed to gradually understand something, his tone slowly lowering: "Is it because you are from Tanba, and not Settsu or Awa?"

This guy's prediction isn't very accurate.

Shinzaburo decided to give him a hint, saying softly, "When I came to work at the Tada Copper Mine Office two months ago, I was given a letter of appointment by Hosokawa Ukyo, the 'Kanrei-sama' (Lord Kanrei), not by Miyoshi Chikuzen."

Hasegawa Munehito lowered his head and remained silent.

Whether he understood or not, the point has been made, and there's no need for further explanation.

In addition to these, it also involves factional struggles between the "Yuancong" and "Xincan" factions within the Miyoshi family, as well as some power disputes within the Rinzai sect.

A few days ago, after receiving a letter from Master Mingzhou, Shinzaburo thought long and hard and figured out the pros and cons.

There's no need to go into too much detail about these deeper topics with irrelevant people.

Hasegawa Munehito pondered for a moment, then offered a cautious reassurance: "Lord Kubo Genban can rest assured, Miyoshi Chikuzen has always been fair in his rewards and punishments."

Shinzaburo, of course, smiled and gave an affirmative answer: "Miyoshi Chikuzen is undoubtedly the master."

Then Hasegawa Munehito smiled again and said, "The detailed plan we just discussed will be put on hold for now. I will find another way to gain as much benefit as possible in the short term. This will be more advantageous for Lord Kubo Genban."

Shinzaburo immediately expressed his gratitude: "This is truly an honor for Lord Munehito's talent."

Hasegawa Munehito shook his head and said, "I should repay the kindness shown to me. Besides, if Lord Kubo Genban were to step down, I might be forced to find another way out."

Shinzaburo had another question on his mind that he couldn't discuss tactfully, so he had to ask directly: "Please forgive my bluntness... After the silver mine is successfully mined, how much salary should Lord Zongren receive to be considered appropriate?"

Hasegawa Munehito paused for a moment, then his eyebrows twitched and he smiled, "I do not need a salary."

Now it was Shinzaburo's turn to be stunned.

Hasegawa Munehito then explained, "With the current facilities at the Tada Copper Mining Station, we can only obtain silver nuggets of varying sizes and shapes. If we want to mint them into standardized silver coins..."

Shinzaburo made a decision without hesitation: "As long as I remain the magistrate, this matter will be left to Lord Munehito, and no one else will interfere."

……

When the miners learned that they had indeed found a large amount of silver, they were overjoyed and revered Shinzaburo as a god.

Although this emotion has a short shelf life, it is not without sincerity.

The "satay men" bowed deeply to each other, saying that they had been incredibly foolish to have dared to doubt their superior, and that they would be even more loyal to their orders from now on.