Zhou Shixian thought, no wonder Tang Ruowang dared to say such words as "happy to be fulfilled in his mission", and it turned out that he had achieved the task in excess, so he was full of confidence.

It was really far beyond what I expected. I hoped that what I asked him at the beginning could get a little flintlock, one or two thousand clamps, and ten more cannons, which would be enough to build a new army of 3,000 people. As for mercenaries, as long as they could have more than three hundred, they could already be used as a separate combat force.

Interestingly, on this issue, he hardly had to spend any effort to convince Chongzhen, because Chongzhen himself was very open to buying Western firearms and hiring Western mercenaries.

It's normal to say that, because the beginning of these two things began in the Tianqi period, so it's no surprise that brothers sing and following each other. During the Chongzhen period, there were three batches of Portuguese soldiers, instructors, technicians, etc. from Macau, and the largest group was 400.

These four hundred people are no longer instructors of the artillery team, but are pure combat troops. However, the team only went to Jiangxi and was disbanded because of the fierce opposition of the censors in the court. They paid their military pay in vain and had to pay the travel expenses to send them back to Macau.

The situation is different now. Chongzhen will no longer repeat the same mistakes because of his ministers' opposition. Even the most stubborn censor can still clearly understand the importance of the matter under the current situation and will not oppose it indiscriminately as before.

"Mr. Tang, you have done what I ask you, and I will keep my promise." Zhou Shixian said, "I will write a letter to live my letter, give a larger piece of land in Ninghou Street Church, and will also clear you to the Ministry of Rites and give you and Father Richardson more convenience in your actions."

After hearing the words of the prince-consort, Joshua Chan also expressed deep gratitude. He felt that his original judgment was not wrong. As an emerging force recently, it was very wise and cost-effective to seek his protection.

The remaining problem is money.

"The original price of the new Ottoman Rumi gun was 24 taels of silver per branch. Because our purchase volume was large, the other party gave a discount of 12% and each branch was 21 taels, one cent and two cents of silver, and 3400 pieces were 71,808 taels."

From then on, Johnson Chan meticulously reported the total unit price to the prince-consort, and finally added the quotes of the entire list together, a total of more than 294,000 taels.

"I paid 30% of the deposit, and the rest will be guaranteed by Governor Masda," said Joshua Chan, looking at the prince-consort solemnly, "I promised to hand over the money to him within three months."

"Please rest assured, I will ask you for payment tomorrow." Zhou Shixian smiled, "There is a little money in the warehouse lately."

"I heard it too," said Chau Wang's face with a sly smile. "Everyone said that the prince consort robbed a lot of money back this time."

Zhou Shixian thought to himself that this old man would not suffer any loss.

There is also a large expenditure below, which adds up to one thousand mercenaries, and the military pay is not a small amount.

"According to the constitution given to me by the son-in-law in Pukou Camp, I have already discussed it with Fernando and Gonza in Macau. Both of them are excellent professional officers. Fernando is also an excellent conductor and will definitely keep the signed contract."

The contract is three years, and the amount of compensation varies.

About 800 of this thousand were considered war soldiers, with Portuguese and Spanish each accounting for 400. The remaining two hundred were mostly artillery officials, as well as some instructors, technicians and craftsmen.

The annual salary of ordinary soldiers is 90 taels. If they win a battle, they can receive the rewards with the camp. By the end of the year, they will receive another bonus.

The annual salary for middle-level officers like the captain is 150 taels, while for Fernan's salary for many years is 280 taels, and for Gonza is 260 taels. The rewards and bonuses can also be collected according to the rules.

This money is a lot, about 160,000 yuan a year. If you die, the pension will be calculated separately, but Zhou Shixian still thinks that the gift is worth it.

He still trusted Joshua Tsang quite a bit. According to the old man, most of these mercenaries were veterans. They participated in combat-level battles in Europe, and some fought in Southeast Asia for several years. In terms of military quality and discipline, they should be the strongest troops among the current Ming and Qing dynasties.

Zhou Shixian was very self-aware and did not regard himself as a military genius. He knew that he could win a battle because of map plug-ins, historical knowledge and decisive personality. However, in terms of the training of the troops, the use of guns and cannons, and the transformation of formations on the battlefield, he had to rely on his subordinates to discuss and test the effect slowly.

Now with these Western officers from Portugal and Spain, they have absolute experience in the use of firearms and the formation of firearms. As long as they can serve sincerely and be models, they will definitely be able to improve the combat effectiveness of the entire palace soldiers in a short period of time.

"Mr. Tang, let's do it according to the contract you signed with them," Zhou Shixian nodded, "The military pay is paid on time, there is no problem. There is no problem with their residence. I have two camps now, and the place is very spacious. When there are too many people in the future, I can still ask for an order and set up a third camp."

This is what Zhou Shixian is thinking about. Judging from the number of arms purchased this time, the government soldiers have the capital to expand them. He did not intend to use them as simple combat troops, but instead planned to use these mercenaries as the core, placing cavalry and spearmen and other troops to form a new combat unit.

"The prince consort, there is another small thing. Their official position..."

Zhou Shixian understood as soon as he heard this. This was talking about the connection between Chinese and foreign military forces.

Johnson Chau respected both the officers who led the team, especially Lieutenant Colonel Fernando, who said he was the leader of the regiment and commanded the battles of three thousand people, and Major Gonza also commanded the battles of one thousand people. However, there was no official position like Lieutenant Colonel Major. Not to mention how to command and operate in the barracks, even in the future, the emperor could not understand how big the lieutenant colonel and major were.

"Of course, it is the official position that should be granted to me in the Ming Dynasty," said Zhou Shixian. "Fernando can be given the position of a third-rank general, and Gonza can be given the position of a fourth-rank guerrilla position. Once they arrive, I will ask long live to issue the invention and register it in the Ministry of War."

"Is this what?" Johnson Chan was worried, "After all, we are Gentiles..."

"Make it!" Zhou Shixian said affirmatively, "Will the Xilao, who was in charge of Gongsha, after the death of the battle in Dengzhou, the court also posthumously awarded the gang general?"

"That's true." A look of regret appeared on Tang Ruowang's face. "In the battle of Dengzhou, Governor Sun's hard work was ruined for several years, which is a pity."

"Yes, Sun Yuanhua is also quite unfair." Zhou Shixian's tone also had an unfair voice, "It was ruined by the two thieves Kong Youde and Geng Zhongming."

"Before Governor Sun died, I secretly went in and made a confession for him," said Joshua Chan with emotion. "It's still heartbreaking to think about it now."
Chapter completed!