Of course, the reason why the cannon success rate is so low is because of the clay sculpture method used.
To put it simply, it is a clay mold, pour molten iron into it, and then form a cannon.
Later, this method was transformed into the lost wax method, which made the copper wall thinner, lighter, and more resistant.
But it only improved the power of the artillery, and the success rate was still not high.
This method was later brought to the Qing Dynasty by Kong Youde, so that during the Battle of Songjin, its artillery was even more numerous and more powerful than the Ming army.
I have to say, this is very sad.
"You're right!"
Wang Xi sighed and insisted: "But you can't use iron!"
"The bubble problem is actually easy to solve."
Zhu Yixi shook her head slightly and said confidently.
Immediately, he took Wang Xi outside to an empty place with no one around. He couldn't help but said:
"Have you ever thought that the surface of the clay mold is uneven, so iron cannot be used, so bronze is the last resort."
Zhu Yixi took a breath and said seriously: "Then, won't iron molds work?"
"Iron mold?" Wang Xi was startled, and then he was overjoyed, his eyes rolled, and he was speechless.
After a while, he recovered and murmured: "Why didn't I think of that?"
As he spoke, he stroked his long beard and said with a smile: "After the clay model is made, it will take a long time to dry completely. From the start of the work to the cannon, it will take about a month. If it rains or is cloudy, it will take even longer."
"Back then, it took Duke Wen Ding (Xu Guangqi) half a year to build hundreds of cannons. If he had thought of Tie Fan at that time, it would probably have taken less than half a month."
"What's even better is that the iron mold is not as rough as the clay mold, so cannons can also be made from iron."
"How did you come up with this genius idea?"
Wang Xi said with curiosity on his face.
"This?" Zhu Yixi thought for a while and then said: "During this period, I saw craftsmen using clay molds. Once it rained, it would be difficult to do it, so I thought that iron molds can be shaped without having to be dried in the sun."
"This method is correct!" Wang Xi said with satisfaction: "Your method is not only highly effective in making cannons, but also replaces copper with iron, which greatly reduces the cost."
The price of copper is ten times that of iron. If you make your own iron, the price difference is even more than ten times higher.
In other words, even if the yield is almost the same, the cost price of a two thousand kilogram red cannon is at most four hundred taels.
Thinking of this, Zhu Yixi couldn't help but smile, and he immediately said eagerly: "Your Majesty, back then the cannon-smiths went to join the alliance to build slaves, which made the cannons extremely powerful. This iron-clad method must not be leaked."
"There are also many intruders and spies, so we have to guard against them."
"What do you think?" Wang Xi thought for a moment and was convinced.
"Right near the plague camp, deploy a few clever apprentices and craftsmen to build cannons in secret."
"It works!" Wang Xi nodded and praised: "Preventing the gradual Du Wei, this is very good."
At this time, Zhu Yixi breathed a sigh of relief, and the red cannon was finally solved.
However, the problem of muskets, or flintlock guns, still exists.
After thinking for a while, Zhu Yixi continued: "Flintlock guns, which are self-generated fire guns, can you take care of them?"
"Flintlock gun?" Wang Xi was stunned for a moment, and then he came to his senses after listening to his explanation. He couldn't help but smile bitterly and said: "Although spring steel is more difficult, it can be obtained, but flint is difficult to find."
"Flint is not good, there are many misfires, only three or four out of ten guns can be used, and the cost is high, so the court did not adopt it."
Zhu Yixi sighed, the price alone was enough to make Emperor Chongzhen give up.
"How much does a flintlock gun cost?"
"Each one is nearly ten taels, and the bird gun is only two taels. Moreover, each of the squatting tiger cannons is only about fifteen taels. The imperial court realized that instead of equipping flintlock guns, it is better to build more squatting tiger cannons."
Zhu Yixi thought for a while and realized that officials do know how to settle accounts. This is indeed the case. This is how Lumi Gun was eliminated by Bird Gun back then.
The so-called bad money eliminates the good money, nothing more than that.
Thinking, he has two thousand troops, if he prepares flintlock muskets, the misfire rate is still so high, the price is still so expensive, and there is little rain in the north, bird muskets are really better than flintlock muskets.
"Although there is less rain in the north, there is still some rain, so it is necessary to launch the gun."
Zhu Yixi said seriously.
"If it rains, wouldn't it be enough to wear a hat?"
Wang Xi said strangely.
Zhu Yixi was speechless.
The efficiency of flintlock muskets is much greater than that of matchlocks. It takes three minutes or one and a half minutes to organize a large-scale army of flintlock muskets, which is enough to compete with the oncoming cavalry.
To put it bluntly, in the time it took for the matchlock to be fired, the flintlock gun was fired five or six times, and the effect was very different.
"Just make a thousand rods!"
Zhu Yixi really didn't want to explain to this mechanical expert, so she couldn't help but said: "Don't worry about money, I will take care of it."
Immediately, Zhu Yixi thought that after spending so much money, our Governor Sun couldn't see it!
For subordinates, political achievements must be obvious and easy for leaders to see.
"You first build ten 100-pound French cannons, and they are double-barreled."
Zhu Yixi hurriedly said: "In addition, just like the red cannon, with four wheels, just use an iron fan to make it, and it will be ready in ten and a half months!"
Compared with the Tiger Crouching Cannon, the Folang Cannon has stronger field capabilities, is fast, has fast heat dissipation, is relatively lightweight, has a long lifespan, and is not easy to explode. The key is that it is made of iron.
Naturally, it became a mainstream artillery piece.
"Okay!" Wang Xi nodded and sighed slightly: "I will not hesitate to help my army."
Zhu Yixi was quite moved. She felt a little sorry for being such a boss.
However, this is a critical moment, and we can only wrong him.
It was natural for Zhu Yixi to decide on the appropriate relocation of the firecrackers and artillery without any objections.
After inspecting Jiangying Camp, Zhu Yixi rushed to the General Medical Office without stopping.
Everything here is in order. The old veterinarian Qian Taoduo and Zhu Mou, one in charge of daily life and the other in charge of finances, can be said to complement each other.
"Chief doctor, you're here!" Qian Tao Tao stood up and greeted him respectfully.
"Is the General Medical Office okay now?"
Zhu Yixi looked at the clean and tidy environment and asked directly.
"There are only so many patients in the army. But recently, the number of doctors sent by Anmin Medical Center has increased to two, and they have been taking turns. The situation has improved a lot!"
Too much money and holding tea in hand, he smiled flatteringly.
"Oh?" Zhu Yixi was a little surprised, and then smiled with relief. The General Medical Office has been stabilized, and the addition of doctors will not affect it.
Although it is a bit excessive, the General Medical Office is only a stepping stone.
"Sect Master!" Zhu Mou ran over happily, not paying attention to the flattering money on the side. Instead, he enthusiastically called "Sect Master" and raised his chin to show his different status.
The money was too much and he didn't take it seriously. He still stood respectfully.
"The plague camp is in urgent need of medicinal herbs. Do you have enough for me?"
"They are all ordinary medicines, and they are all ready."
Zhu Yixi looked at the two of them and said seriously: "This recipe must not be spread out, remember it!"
"As ordered -" The two nodded seriously, their voices loud.
