After loading the things into the car, Zhang Zhou still didn't set off.
Wang Yue asked: "Are you waiting for someone?"
"Yes." Zhang Zhou smiled, "Xiao Jing, Eunuch Xiao, wants to bring people from Dongchang."
Wang Yue was slightly puzzled, but he was very cautious and did not ask any more questions.
After all, Xiao Jing was the emperor's representative and was only responsible for the interests of the royal family. He did not dare to easily ask the emperor what he wanted to do.
After waiting for a long time, Xiao Jing and Yang Peng finally arrived, followed by a group of Dongchang fans.
Yang Peng was fine and seemed very polite, but Xiao Jing sighed and said, "Mr. Zhang, why bother with all the effort? It's not easy for our family to go out of the city. We specifically asked for permission from His Majesty, and we only got half way out of the city." Time. As soon as possible."
The eunuchs of the Ming Dynasty could not leave the palace casually.
There are exceptions.
There will be a reception department in each prince's palace, and there will be guard eunuchs in various places...
If an eunuch in the palace wants to go on a tour, he must either accompany him or be ordered to do so. Even Xiao Jing, who is the eunuch in charge of the East Factory, does not just say that he can go out of the capital.
Zhang Zhou said: "I have a weapon here, or something similar to a weapon. Because it involves ordnance, although it was made by me, it still has to be handed over to the Dongchang for inspection. Otherwise, it will be very troublesome if someone reports it. .”
"arms?"
Xiao Jing had a question mark on his head.
Aren’t you a scholar, an alchemist, or a miraculous doctor? You're not refining elixirs at home, but you're actually making weapons?
Zhu Feng asked: "Can you leave?"
Zhang Zhou glared at him. There were so many big guys in front of him and he was not in a hurry yet.
You kid got in first!
Zhang Zhou said: "It won't take much time. When we get to the prepared location, you will soon know what is going on."
…
…
To test nitroglycerin, Zhang Zhou felt that he should report it in advance.
This thing is ten times as powerful as black powder, and the detonation power is not small. In addition, to show the power, you can't just use a little. This explosion... It would not be fun if the people around you thought it was an earthquake.
Originally, Zhang Zhou just told Dongchang to send someone to keep an eye on him. Unexpectedly, the emperor was now very concerned about his every move. Xiao Jing asked for instructions and said he would come in person.
Maybe the emperor was also curious recently about what Zhang Zhou was doing besides studying.
The group was just walking.
On the way there, Xiao Jing was still reminding Zhang Zhou: "There are only two days left before the earthquake you calculated."
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Wouldn't it take two or three days to reach the capital? There's no rush."
Zhu Feng looked confused, not knowing what Zhang Zhou and Xiao Jing were talking about.
Wang Yue understood the whole story.
Wang Yue also had some expectations in his eyes. If Zhang Zhou could even predict the time and location of the earthquake, then he could really believe in Zhang Zhou's strength.
Or you can prepare for war with all your strength.
Let's have a try to see if we can get the title of Lord Weining back for our family before we die.
…
…
Finally arrived at the place.
It's just a dilapidated earth temple that seems to have been abandoned for a long time. There are no buildings around it, but about a mile away, there is a town built close to the city.
Zhang Zhou asked people to transport the things in.
Xiao Jing asked: "What?"
Zhang Zhou thought for a while and replied: "It's probably similar to gunpowder. After you light it, bang, it will explode."
Xiao Jing looked over at Wang Yue.
After thinking about it for a long time, I thought it was some kind of big killer, but it turned out to be just gunpowder. Are you sure you are not joking here?
You, Wang Yue, actually come with him to cause mischief?
Wang Yue, on the other hand, looked very formal, without any disdain or scorn, because until now, Wang Yue had not figured out Zhang Zhou's tricks. In his eyes, a person who could gain the emperor's trust by calculating heavenly secrets, teaching the prince, etc., had great strength. Extraordinary.
Since Zhang Zhou dared to call Wang Yue and Xiao Jing this time, it would not be as simple as just putting some gunpowder and blowing them up.
"Everyone, there are rocks here. We are hiding behind the rocks." Zhang Zhou said.
Xiao Jing smiled bitterly and said: "Mr. Zhang, there is a large amount of gunpowder in Wang Gong's factory in the capital. If you need it, our family can apply to His Majesty to mix some for you."
Zhang Zhou said: "I am not a general."
Xiao Jing pointed in the direction of the ruined temple and didn't say anything, but he meant, you don't need gunpowder, so why are you doing this?
In the Ming Dynasty, Wang Gong Factory was responsible for manufacturing and storing gunpowder. Since there were few wars during the Hongzhi period, the preparation of gunpowder was also limited.
Zhang Zhou took Zhu Feng seriously and went behind the stone.
Wang Yue and Xiao Jing both stood over.
Then Jia Laoshui came out of the ruined temple and set up the lead first.
The leads are very long.
No one knew what Zhang Zhou was up to.
After waiting for the lead to reach his side, Zhang Zhou asked Jia Laoshui to drive the carriage away.
Xiao Jing pointed and asked, "Why is this?"
Zhang Zhou said: "When I first came to the capital, I prepared this carriage for fear of something going wrong."
Xiao Jing said seriously: "It's so far away, so there shouldn't be anything wrong, right?"
"Caution comes first."
As Zhang Zhou spoke, he took out the fire folder and started to light the fuse.
Several people looked at each other.
Then, watching the fuse burn in the direction of the ruined temple, Zhang Zhou hid behind the stone and could not come out.
But seeing a few people still looking at the ruined temple outside, Zhang Zhou asked: "Eunuch Xiao, have you asked Eunuch Yang to lead people to keep a close eye on the surrounding area? If someone comes over and blows up the damaged ones, I will not be responsible."
"Don't worry, no one will hold you responsible." Xiao Jing smiled.
Then... the lead slowly burned towards the ruined temple.
…
…
"boom!"
An explosion pierced the air.
The power produced by the yellow gunpowder with the ability to open mountains at this moment was enough to make the ground tremble. Xiao Jing was caught off guard and sat down on the ground.
Even though Wang Yue was an experienced commander on the battlefield, he could barely stand firm by holding on to the rocks.
"Crash..."
All kinds of gravel, sand, etc. fell from the sky.
Fortunately, it was far away and only a few things fell around.
"puff!"
Zhu Feng blew the dust on his head and stood up. The first thing he asked was: "What's going on? Is the ground moving?"
Previously, I just listened to Xiao Jing and Zhang Zhou talking about the earthquake.
Are emotions predicting the present?
"ah?"
Xiao Jing has gotten up from the ground.
Sand and dust were swirling, but the ruined temple that originally stood there was blown away.
Ruins and broken walls were everywhere, and a large pit could be seen at the original site of the ruined temple from a distance. Those Dongchang fans who had followed Yang Peng to guard the surroundings were also looking at the ruined temple in shock.
No one dares to come close.
Because they didn’t know what was going on, they were afraid that there would be a second explosion.
Zhang Zhou got up, took a look at the ruined temple, and then asked Wang Yue who was beside him: "Wang Shilang, you have experience, do you think it's OK?"
"this……"
Wang Yue didn't recover from the shock for a long time. He looked at Zhang Zhou eagerly and said, "Just the ones pulled by the carriage earlier?"
"Yes." Zhang Zhou said.
Wang Yue said: "If it is used to open mountains and destroy cities, it will be extremely powerful."
Wang Yue is knowledgeable.
Knowing that yellow gunpowder may not be used in remotely launched firearms for the time being, the most direct way to use it is to bury and detonate it.
If used on the battlefield, it would be difficult to deal with moving cavalry and infantry.
But if it is used to destroy cities and fortresses, this thing can be said to be invincible...
Even black powder would be used in battles to destroy the city. Zhang Zhou was familiar with history and knew that during the Taiping Rebellion hundreds of years later, the Taiping Army also started by digging holes in the ground to hoard black powder to blow up city walls.
If yellow gunpowder is used instead...
As long as there are enough, the city wall can be pushed flat.
The equivalent amount is ten times, and the intensity is not a simple multiple of one part equal to ten parts.
The transition from black gunpowder to yellow gunpowder can even be said to be a transformation of human civilization.
Its significance and influence are far-reaching.
Zhang Zhou said: "It is not easy to make, especially the storage and transportation. It must be made at the right time and place to be useful in the shortest time. Does Wang Shilang have any ideas?"
"very good."
Wang Yue couldn't help but step forward to check the situation at the explosion point himself.
…
…
The group of people carefully walked to the explosion site.
Inside the ruined temple.
Yang Peng first went up to the pit and looked down from above. After confirming that there was no danger, he came over and asked Zhang Zhou and others to go up.
Wang Yue sighed: "If it were an ordinary city wall, I'm afraid it would be damaged."
Xiao Jing looked at him and was about to ask a question when he saw someone from the Nancheng Army and Horses Division came over after hearing the commotion. The few riders in front thought that something like a meteorite falling to the ground had happened here.
The leader came over and shouted from a distance: "What happened!"
Yang Peng was afraid that the news would be leaked, so he hurriedly brought people up to reveal his identity.
When the Nancheng Military and Horse Division saw that Dongchang was working on something, he took the people away in despair.
Xiao Jing said happily: "Wang Shilang, can you tell me, if this is used in the northwest, will it help defeat the prisoners?"
"yes."
Although Wang Yue hasn't thought much about how to use Zhang Zhou's invention on the battlefield to play a practical role.
But he was certain that this epoch-making thing must have its value, and would likely become a key factor in determining victory or defeat on the battlefield.
Xiao Jing smiled and said: "That's good, we will go back and report to His Majesty right now! It's really amazing!"
Saying that Xiao Jing can't wait to enter the palace.
"Eunuch Xiao, you..."
Wang Yue wanted to remind Xiao Jing, if you want to enter the palace, should you take us with you? I'm afraid you can't tell clearly.
But Xiao Jing had no intention of listening to anything else at this time. He just wanted to report the shock in his heart to Zhu Youtang as soon as possible to show his loyalty and at the same time express his joy that there might be a great victory in the northwest of the Ming Dynasty.
When Xiao Jing left, he still kept Yang Peng and a few people behind, which meant that they could all be at Zhang Zhou's disposal.
Zhang Zhou said: "Shilang Wang, the purpose of coming to see you today has been completed. Let's go back."
When Wang Yue heard this, he immediately stared.
You haven't told me how this stuff was prepared.
It’s not that easy to leave!
I have to reveal the recipe too!
"Mr. Zhang, no one else knows about this thing yet, right? Should we find a craftsman and learn everything there is to know?"
Wang Yue was reminding Zhang Zhou, you can't hide it and expect it to help me get a title.
Zhang Zhou smiled and said: "Is Wang Shilang too hasty? Eunuch Xiao has already gone to report to His Majesty. Everything must have His Majesty's imperial edict."
Wang Yue was helpless.
I only have a few days left to live. Others are not in a hurry, but I am!
"Mr. Zhang, you'd better say it first."
Zhang Zhou smiled and continued to say nothing.
But he walked towards the carriage driven by Jia Laoshui in the distance.
Wang Yue said: "I have a carriage here, don't you want to talk about Zhijie's joining the army?"
"Let's talk?" Zhang Zhou looked at Zhu Feng.
Zhu Feng looked honored: "Brother Zhang, it's best... to talk."
…
…
The three of them rode into the city in a carriage.
Wang Yue kept pestering Zhang Zhou about nitroglycerin along the way, but not long after entering the city, someone from the East Factory came to notify Zhang Zhou and asked him to wait first.
Xiao Jing probably also wants to understand that he really can't explain this kind of thing alone.
It is likely that the emperor will summon Zhang Zhou soon.
He hurried into the palace and went straight to the Qianqing Palace. Zhu Youtang was still talking to Dai Yi about the cabinet vote.
"Why are you so panicked?"
Zhu Youtang works calmly and doesn't like others being impatient and unstable.
Xiao Jing didn't even catch his breath and said hurriedly: "Your Majesty, this is a big deal."
Dai Yi reminded: "Speak slowly if you have something to say."
Xiao Jing then told the truth about what he saw outside Nancheng.
Zhu Youtang frowned and said, "I've never heard Bingkuan mention it before. Have you asked clearly what it is?"
"Your Majesty, Mr. Zhang only said that this thing needs to be prepared immediately. It is not easy to transport and store. As for how to prepare it, he did not say, but according to what Wang Shilang said, if this thing is used on the battlefield, it will definitely have miraculous effects."
Xiao Jing couldn't describe the shock when he saw it with his own eyes, he could only emphasize as much as possible that that thing was very useful.
Zhu Youtang said: "Why not let them enter the palace?"
Dai Yi reminded: "Your Majesty, don't I need to inform you first?"
"right!"
Zhu Youtang sighed, "Look, I have ignored this matter. Then send someone to invite the two of them into the palace. Don't disturb others and bring them directly to Qianqing Palace!"
"Yes!" Xiao Jing was about to go out.
Dai Yi smiled and reminded: "Your Majesty, let someone else do it. He looks very tired."
Zhu Youtang smiled and nodded: "Then find someone and go as soon as possible."
…
…
Wang Yue once again received the emperor's permission and was allowed to enter the palace to meet the saint.
But this time he did not enter the palace with his military or official position, but only as an accompanying witness, so he knew very well that the purpose of entering the palace this time was just to wave the flag and shout.
In the Qianqing Palace.
Zhu Youtang also received Zhang Zhou for the first time in the presence of foreign ministers.
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "Bingkuan, Xiao Jing explained everything to me today. Please tell me in detail what happened. Have you been preparing gunpowder recently?"
Zhang Zhou said: "This matter must be attributed to Wang Shilang."
"Um?"
Not to mention that the emperor was confused, Wang Yue was also confused.
I didn't know about this in advance. What does this have to do with me?
Zhang Zhou said: "The medicine I used to prepare the medicine for Wang Shilang was actually the gunpowder used for today's test..."
Zhu Youtang smiled and said: "You mean, you gave the gunpowder to Wang Qing's family?"
"Yes. It's just that the purity was not that high. Later, I continued to refine it, and found that after the refinement was high, it was easily... destroyed, and a little bit can produce a lot of power, so I came up with a bold idea. If If a lot of them are produced at one time, will they be more powerful?"
Zhang Zhou deliberately involved this matter in other matters.
Don't let the emperor think that he is deliberately studying gunpowder, otherwise it will be difficult to explain what the purpose of a scholar studying that thing is.
After saying this, the emperor seemed very happy and said, "Is this God's will?"
Wang Yue heard this.
Your Majesty, don’t you suspect that this boy is telling lies?
That is gunpowder that is more powerful than gunpowder. He said he would research it and found it! If he gave this to foreign barbarians, or even to treacherous officials and traitors... the consequences would be unimaginable.
Wang Yue cursed in his heart, but loudly echoed: "Your Majesty, I also believe that this is God's blessing for the Ming Dynasty and His Majesty!"
(End of chapter)
