Today's emperor personally visited Shenji Camp, which was the first time since Shenji Camp was established.
There is no need to mention the solemn arrangements and tight security in the past few days. I only need to mention that it is the southernmost high platform on the main campus of the Japanese God Machine Camp.
Emperor Ningkang sat majestically, with the prince, the third prince, Princess Zhaoyang and the fourth prince on either side of him. Under the stage, there were the solemn Long Jinwei and the imperial guard officers and soldiers.
Jia Lian confirmed that everything was ready, walked quickly to the dragon platform, and asked for instructions with a military salute: "Your Majesty, three new artillery pieces and 300 targets have been arranged. Please order the ignition of the fire!"
After hearing this, Emperor Ningkang stepped down from the dragon chair, stood on the edge of the high platform, and looked up.
A hundred meters away in front of him, there were three huge artillery arrays. Farther in front of the artillery, a square area was vaguely visible. Perhaps it was the years of reviewing memorials that made his vision not so clear, so he could only
You can roughly tell that they are targets stuck in the ground.
Emperor Ning Kang stood there, not knowing what he was thinking. After a while, he heard his calm instructions: "Let's light the fire."
Following his words, the Imperial Guards on both sides immediately gathered around a line of ten people. They held shields in front of Emperor Ning Kang. They were obviously uneasy about something as powerful as artillery but something they were not familiar with.
Seeing that his vision was blocked, Emperor Ningkang showed displeasure: "Get out of the way."
The general responsible for the emperor's safety quickly moved his people away without losing his vigilance. Then Jia Lian stood on the edge of the dragon platform and waved to his subordinates.
The gunners below, who received Jia Lian's order, immediately suppressed their anxiety and excitement and moved quickly.
"Boom boom boom..."
“Peng Peng Peng!
"
Along with three huge sounds, even the earth seemed to tremble.
Even Emperor Ningkang almost couldn't help but take a step back. He quickly calmed down and looked suspiciously at the smoke rising into the sky in the distance...
When Jia Lian saw that the test was successful, he smiled and immediately told everyone in the audience: "Go collect the destroyed targets and show them to your Majesty!"
"slow!"
Emperor Ningkang stopped shouting, "I will go and see it myself."
Hearing this, the prince immediately said: "Father, guns have no eyes. It was really wrong for my father to go in the past, so it is better to ask the Marquis of Zhenyuan to collect the target."
"No need to say more."
In Emperor Ning Kang's impression, no matter how powerful the cannon was, it could only be shot out with an iron egg, which could cause devastating damage to the city wall. But like today, after being shot out, it would create a scene of huge fire and smoke.
beyond his expectation.
Therefore, he wanted to see for himself how destructive this thing was. Move the target over, what can you see?
Jia Lian greatly admired Emperor Ningkang's courage and naturally had no objection. He just ordered his men to turn the muzzle of the cannon to the west. Even though he knew that the possibility of accidental fire and accidental injury was basically zero, he pointed the black rumbling muzzle at the emperor.
, it’s just disrespectful.
A moment later, standing in the middle of the shooting range where the fiery temperature still remained, Emperor Ning Kang had a serious look on his face. But the prince and others could not help but look stunned.
Just looking around, I saw that the new targets that were originally densely packed were already shaky and even dilapidated. With three dark round pits without formation as the center, they spread out in all directions.
Although most of the three hundred targets still appear to be standing upright, they are basically damaged. A rough estimate is that if these targets are all soldiers, not more than half of them can still maintain combat effectiveness after these three rounds!
Seeing that this result exceeded the previous training standards, Jia Lian smiled even more.
He also didn't expect that the artillery, which he thought was more difficult, so he didn't rush to study it, would actually make greater progress than the muskets!
This is an unexpected joy. It also means that artillery loaded with explosive bombs will truly begin to dominate the future battlefield.
Speaking of which, it is not that explosive bombs have never appeared before, but most of them were short-lived and then abandoned because of their extremely inferior launch methods or huge drawbacks.
Not long ago, a craftsman from the Artillery Bureau of the Shenji Camp came to him excitedly and said that he had thought of a way to develop what he had said before, the kind that would be launched, explode when it hits the ground, and then use the fragments to kill enemies in large numbers.
of cannonballs.
Jia Lian originally listened to his description with doubts, but after listening to it, he felt that it was indeed very feasible.
After making a batch according to the method, I found that it was unexpectedly stable! Yes, the most important thing for explosive bullets is stability. Otherwise, wouldn't it be embarrassing if they exploded in the barrel before they were fired?
According to the historical data that Jia Lian consulted, there were many such things. This is the main reason why neither the previous dynasty nor this dynasty used explosive bullets.
Therefore, even after repeated trials and feeling that the safety was guaranteed, Jia Lian couldn't wait to report to Emperor Mingning Kang.
Because Jia Lian felt that with this leap-forward progress, the Wei Dynasty was enough to carry out the interests of the Age of Discovery like the "Red Barbarians" (the collective name for the early maritime colonists of Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands in the previous and current dynasties).
The competition was over.
And Emperor Ningkang, who wanted to achieve a great imperial career, immediately decided after hearing Jia Lian's solemn introduction that he wanted to come and see for himself. That's why he made today's trip.
Seeing that Emperor Ning Kang was obviously shocked by the effect of the new cannon, Jia Lian added to his anger: "Your Majesty, this new type of artillery has just been renovated, and there are only three of them at present.
But His Majesty must have also seen that just three artillery pieces, facing a concentrated enemy, were able to cause massive damage.
It is not difficult to calculate that if there are thirty or even three hundred such artillery pieces, all arranged in formation, then it can be said that the Wei Dynasty will have no opponent in the battle on the plains! Whether it is the Oara and Tatars in the north, or the extremely powerful
Those sea robbers who came from the West can only bow their heads in front of me, the Wei Dynasty!"
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!】
When Jia Lian's words fell on the ears of the people around him, some caused a huge shock, while others felt nothing at all. After all, to many people, Wei Dynasty was originally invincible.
Emperor Ningkang was not so short-sighted. Although he lived deep in the palace every day, he was diligent and could still roughly understand the situation of the entire Wei Dynasty.
Not to mention anything else, among the memorials sent to him by officials in Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian, there were a lot of information about "red barbarians" and "Japanese pirates". Emperor Ningkang had already wanted to eliminate banditry at sea, just because
My energy is limited and I can't spare it.
So after listening to Jia Lian's words, Emperor Ning Kang was silent for a moment and asked, "Does this new cannon have a name?"
"We are developing firearms under His Majesty's order. We dare not change the name without permission. Please give us a name by Your Majesty!"
In fact, Jia Lian never thought of changing the name, because this time the cannon shells were upgraded, and the cannon was still based on the previous best Franco cannon with slight improvements.
Emperor Ningkang said: "Since you said that this cannon can deter Tatar, Ola, and Red Barbarian bandits in the north, then I will give it the name 'Zhenyuan Cannon'. I hope that in the hands of my great Wei Dynasty, this cannon can really make the four sides submit."
"
"Your Majesty is Holy Ming."
Seeing the smile on Emperor Ning Kang's face when he finished speaking, the prince and others immediately came to flatter him. At the same time, they all glanced at Jia Lian with complicated expressions.
Of course they knew that Jia Lian's title was "Zhenyuan", and they didn't know what Emperor Ning Kang meant by this move. But thinking that this new cannon was originally made in Jia Lian's hands, Emperor Ning Kang named him after Jia Lian.
The name is also reasonable.
In the process of returning to Longtai, the fourth prince quietly walked up to Jia Lian and whispered: "You are really shameless. You have such a powerful thing, but you only gave me such a small thing last time... Let me see this cannon."
It’s quite interesting, Peng~~ is full of sparks, why don’t you give me another one to play with?”
"Fourth brother, please don't mess around. Such ferocious things are extraordinary. How can they be used as playthings?"
The third prince walked forward and chuckled softly. After saying that, he looked at Jia Lian: "The Marquis of Zhenyuan is really a capable minister of our Wei Dynasty. The Zhenyuan Cannon developed this time will definitely enhance the prestige of our Wei Dynasty. By then, the Qing Dynasty will
The Marquis of Zhenyuan is going to add another fortune."
Speaking of this, the third prince suddenly thought that for Jia Lian, there is no doubt that he is famous in history. His heroic deeds spread all over the world are enough.
But if he, a majestic prince, cannot succeed in seizing the direct heir, let alone the history, there will not be many records in the history books. Perhaps, there will only be a few words such as "Wei Yan, the third son of Emperor Ning Kang of the Great Wei Dynasty, once had an affair with
A certain emperor (the eldest prince’s title as emperor) seizes the throne and fails and dies.” That’s all.
In this way, he is a prince, but he is not even as good as a minister. Therefore, regardless of success or failure, he must do a few things vigorously. Even if he leaves a bad reputation in the end, it is better than being ignored.
Good.
When Jia Lian faced the compliment from the third prince, he immediately said humbly: "Your Highness has given you too much praise. It is already a great honor for a minister to serve the court and be loyal to His Majesty. As for whether he can leave his name in history, I don't think so.
It’s under consideration.”
"Hahaha, the Marquis of Zhenyuan is upright and honorable, and shows his magnanimity. Unlike some people who are busy looking for chapters and excerpts all day long, and doing things that are bright and poor, but always want to leave a name in history, haha."
The prince also came over.
The third prince looked at him and suddenly said: "The elder brother is right. Brother Cai also said that Marquis Zhenyuan is not only a capable minister of our Wei Dynasty, but also a loyal minister, and he is also a loyal minister who dares to give direct advice and is not afraid of power.
.”
As he said that, the third prince looked at Jia Lian and said with approval: "Last time, the clan members criticized the government and slandered the king and father. If Zhenyuan Hou had not been resolute and insisted on handing them over to his father, they would have escaped punishment. Until now,
Those unfilial sons are still reflecting in the Ancestral Temple. All these are due to Marquis Zhenyuan, and I admire him very much for this. I think that other ministers would not be so loyal and upright."
The third prince's words made Jia Lian narrow his eyes, and he naturally understood that this was to put some eye candy on the prince's mind.
The prince's expression also changed slightly. The matter of the clan members criticizing the government had indeed made him worried for a long time. Even to this day, he didn't know whether Emperor Ning Kang was still angry with him. Seriously, this trouble was indeed
What Jia Lian brought to him...
Jia Lian didn't even need to look at the prince's face to know that the prince had some grudge against him. After all, the prince had resolved the conflict between him and Wei Xian, but he still arrested a group of clan members headed by Wei Xian and others.
Come to think of it, the prince's face was indeed not taken into consideration...
"The Third Highness is ridiculous. Not to mention that the Fourth Highness was present at what happened that day. I was just following orders. Even if I was alone at the time, or if other courtiers were present, I'm afraid the result would be the same.
Those who serve as ministers should put loyalty to the emperor first. This is an unchanging principle throughout the ages. Therefore, even if His Highness the Crown Prince is not there that day, if he were here, there is no need to ask His Majesty for instructions. His Highness the Crown Prince will deal with those people personally, and it is
Heavy punishment. In this way, those clan members are lucky to have met the easy-to-talk Fourth Highness."
Next to him, the fourth prince listened to his brothers playing riddles. Although he couldn't quite understand what he heard, he found it quite interesting. In Jia Lian's heart, I am really a good talker. Well, that's probably the case. I am.
A person who is good at accepting advice and obedient like water.
The prince also realized at this time that he could not play into the scheme of the third prince, so he said in a deep voice: "Marquis Zhenyuan said it right. If I had been there that day, I would have made that bastard shed a layer of skin to relieve his hatred. Now I just call him
They reflect in the Ancestral Temple, and it is indeed an advantage for them!"
The third prince smiled slightly, turned around and walked away.
Seeing the third prince retreating, the prince only gave an encouraging word. On the other hand, Princess Zhaoyang, after the two brothers' attention was gone, quietly gave Jia Lian an approving look, not knowing that she was praising him for developing a new cannon.
It is better to praise him for not losing in the attack between the two princes.
Jia Lian and others didn't even notice that while they were talking, Emperor Ning Kang in front deliberately slowed down.
After arriving at the Dragon Platform and returning to their respective positions, Emperor Ningkang called Jia Lian forward and said, "I heard by chance before that your ancestors also made great achievements in maritime affairs?"
"Your Majesty, I can't talk about any achievements. It's just that when my great-grandfather was still alive, my great-grandfather was kind to me and gave him an honorary position after he was too old to go to the battlefield. At that time, he mainly built coastal defenses in the Huaihe and Zhejiang areas.
Repair seawalls and build ships.
Later, my great-grandfather passed away, and my family gradually became less involved in maritime affairs."
Emperor Ningkang pondered for a moment after hearing the words, "I heard you say before that the reason why those red barbarians were able to arrive at the sea border of Wei Dynasty from thousands of miles away to cause chaos was because of their strong ships and powerful cannons.
He said that only if this artillery can be mounted on a large ship can it display its true power, and this is true."
When Jia Lian heard what Emperor Ningkang meant, he couldn't hold back his joy, and immediately said: "Your Majesty, that's exactly it. Although the artillery is very powerful, far more powerful than ordinary military weapons, it is not only huge in size, but also extremely heavy.
.In a land war, relocation is a huge problem.
But if you put it on a boat, it will be much more convenient. As long as there is a place connected by water in the world, you can go there."
With that said, Jia Lian further said: "Your Majesty, the reason why those red barbarians are now only making trouble on the islands in the South China Sea and not entering our territory of the Wei Dynasty is not because they don't want to or dare not, but because they come from afar and are in our country.
There was no effective force gathered beside Wei's couch.
Once we, the Wei Dynasty, leave it alone, for as little as a few decades or as long as a hundred years, the Red Barbarians will definitely become a serious problem for our Wei Dynasty! For the sake of the Wei Dynasty, I once again implore Your Majesty to develop the navy and do not seek to eliminate the dangers of the Red Barbarians completely.
Eradicate them, at least first cut off their wings and roots in the sea around our great Wei Dynasty!
"
Of course, Jia Lian's words were tacit.
In fact, the Western powers did not become powerful in a day. This process can be said to be very slow. It took hundreds of years for the great powers such as Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom to alternate between old and new, strong and weak.
According to Jia Lian's speculation based on the current situation, these small countries still have at least two to three hundred years to go before they have sufficient capabilities to threaten the Wei Dynasty, which has a vast territory and abundant resources!
Of course, he was speculating based on the situation in his previous life, and did not rule out the premise that something happened in the West that led to the advancement of the Industrial Revolution.
But no matter what, it is better to prepare early. Speaking faster is just to attract the attention of Emperor Ning Kang and others.
Sure enough, both Emperor Ning Kang and the prince and others frowned when Jia Lian said it. Fortunately, Emperor Ning Kang not only heard Jia Lian say it once, but also considered it in many ways. However, the prince and others felt that Jia Lian was exaggerating.
Hongyi is a small country in the West, with a population of only a million...
Before the prince and others could raise questions, Emperor Ning Kang had already made a decision.
"Jia Lian."
"I'm here."
"I want to send you to Tianjin Guard to build a seaport and supervise the construction of warships. I wonder if you are willing?"
"I accept the decree!"
Jia Lian's answer was so fast that Emperor Ning Kang couldn't help but say: "Although Tianjin Wei is not far from the capital, it takes a day to travel there and back. You don't even think about it?"
"Being able to serve His Majesty is the duty of a minor official. I only need to obey the orders and act, and there is no need to think too much about anything else."
Emperor Ningkang snorted. Although he could see that Jia Lian wanted to win the reputation of loyalty, it was very rare to be able to do so. How could he not know that few officials in the capital were willing to be transferred to other places to endure hardships, let alone
Let’s talk about a wealthy kid like Jia Lian who came from an honorable family.
This is actually the reason why it is difficult for the disciples of the Xun Sect to hold big positions, and why he doesn't like the disciples of the Xun Sect. They are all used to being rich and honorable.
So he added: "Tianjin Guards has a navy. I will order you to concurrently serve as the commander-in-chief of the Tianjin Guards Navy. The prime minister will supervise the construction of warships. If you need anything you need, you can request it from the Ministry of War or ask me directly.
Can."
As soon as Emperor Ning Kang said this, everyone fell silent.
It is enough to give Jia Lian an official position. It is not surprising that a talented minister who can please the emperor can be promoted to an official position. What is noteworthy is that later, anything that is needed can be transferred to the Ministry of War or
Ask him directly?
This seems to mean, as long as you want it, I will give it to you. If the Ministry of War cannot give it, I will give it to you, so you don’t have to worry!
My father is serious about this.
The princes could not sit still.
The third prince came out first: "Father, although the development of artillery and the use of strong ships and cannons to resist the red barbarians were proposed by Zhenyuan Marquis, there is nothing wrong with my father using him.
But after all, Marquis Zhenyuan already had two jobs. If more envoys were sent, even if Marquis Zhenyuan had three heads and six arms, he would still be unable to do what he wanted.
If my father can trust me, my son is willing to take care of my father’s worries and personally go to Tianjin Wei General to take charge of this matter!”
Just from Emperor Ningkang's attitude towards this matter, the third prince knew that this was a great opportunity.
The prince still has the responsibility of supervising the country, but he has nothing to do in Beijing. If this matter can be completed, or if it is done in accordance with Emperor Ningkang's wishes, it will be helpful to the great cause.
Seeing that the third prince was so determined to go to Tianjin Guards in person, the prince couldn't sit still.
But he is the prince and must not leave the capital, so he hurriedly said: "Third brother, you are too impatient. You yourself said that the Zhenyuan cannon was developed by Zhenyuan Marquis. Even the strong ship and sharp cannon were said by Zhenyuan.
It was proposed by the Marquis of Zhenyuan, but now you rush to seize the job before the Marquis of Zhenyuan, which is not in line with the royal style."
"As long as I can share the burden for my father and get things done, there is no need to talk about grabbing or not grabbing. Besides, I am also considering the overall situation. If Zhenyuan Hou really holds three positions, or two places, but he is overworked, what will happen?
If it goes wrong, wouldn’t it be a huge loss for our great Wei Dynasty?”
Although Jia Lian also felt that what the third prince had done was extremely shameless, he couldn't say anything in the face of the fight between the two princes and could only watch silently.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! "That's enough!"
Emperor Ningkang originally thought it was okay after hearing what the third prince said. But when he saw the two princes arguing on the spot, he immediately gave up the idea.
If these two unsatisfactory people are willing to fight, let's fight hard in the capital and see what success they can achieve.
So he asked Jia Lian: "What do you think?"
Of course, Jia Lian felt that it was not difficult to hold three jobs, and even wanted to do as many as possible. After all, it was not a job to go to work on time.
But even though the third prince said so, he still said sincerely: "I am willing to listen to your Majesty's arrangements."
"That's it, that's it. If you really feel that you are unable to do anything, just write to me again." How could Emperor Ning Kang not know that Jia Lian's several positions, except for the Military and Horse Department, which may have some daily official duties to deal with, other
Both are decided by him.
He doesn't have this kind of coordination ability, and there is no need to put so many expectations on him.
Jia Lian, who originally thought he would be deprived of at least one position, also became happy and thanked him: "I obey the order."
Seeing that Emperor Ningkang seemed to be leaving, Jia Lian said again, "I have one more request."
"explain."
"If Your Majesty wants to develop the navy and build enough warships, artillery, muskets, etc. are crucial.
Nowadays, the main items in the Shenji Camp are still crossbows and chariots. Wei Chen suggested that it is better to move all other items in the Shenji Camp and only keep the muskets and artillery, or move the muskets and artillery separately out of the Shenji Camp.
The battalions are formed into one army, which is beneficial to both parties."
Emperor Ningkang thought for a while and said: "I will move the muskets and artillery out of the Shenji Camp, establish a Firearms Camp, and place it under... under the Imperial Guard. You will write a memorial to me about the specific organizational needs."
"yes."
From Emperor Ningkang's choice, we can still see that Emperor Ningkang did not fully accept his idea that firearms are king. But this is fine. One day, he will use firearms on the battlefield to change the world's concepts and let them