The first ray of sunshine in the morning fills the earth.
On the streets of Lishui County, Su Jing, Zhu Biao and Zhu Ru were shopping.
If you are going on a long journey, you must have enough supplies.
Although there were towns along the route that Su Jing chose to provide supplies, they were still prepared for emergencies.
Food, drink, something to keep out the cold, and something to keep you safe.
Just at the beginning of the morning, a lot of items have been purchased.
"Master Su, is it necessary to bring so much? We can supply supplies along the way."
Zhu Biao asked Su Jing.
Su Jing smiled and said: "Niu Yi, you usually haven't traveled far alone."
Zhu Biao nodded.
Su Jing continued: "When you go out, especially when there are few people, the only thing you can trust is what you bring with you. Do you understand?"
After coming to the Ming Dynasty, this was not the first time Su Jing traveled far away.
In the beginning, in order to open up some markets and channels, he traveled a lot of distance.
It was only after he became stable that he became a rich man in Lishui County.
“Students are taught.”
Zhu Biao accepted it humbly.
That is to say, everyone is carrying something in their hands at this moment, otherwise they would have to bow their hands.
"When you go out, be sure to prepare high-calorie foods, such as sugar and oil mixtures, and high-protein foods. One of these things is to replenish energy, and the other is to keep your body strong."
While Su Jing was shopping, she explained to Zhu Biao and Zhu Rui.
"The weather is getting cold, so you need some wine to warm yourself up!"
"You also need ropes and hook locks, which are very useful in dealing with some emergencies."
"Cold-proof clothing is also very important. It must be all-round protection from head to toe."
"You must have fire tools, but don't just trust in fire tools. Keep flint and steel and a magnifying glass handy. Fire is the most necessary thing when going out."
…
Su Jing spoke in great detail, and Zhu Biao and Zhu Xi also listened attentively.
For them, these things are new and untouched areas.
Although they had gone out before, they were under the protection of the army and did not need to consider these issues at all.
Su Jing's travel policy is a purely private travel strategy.
…
Ying Tianfu.
Baoyuan Bureau, the General Administration of Coin Manufacturing of the Ming Dynasty, was also responsible for the manufacturing of firearms of the Ming Dynasty, and was already working in full swing.
To be precise, I started doing it overnight yesterday.
Because Zhu Yuanzhang was here, he didn't sleep at all, he just stood and watched, no one dared to rest.
All because of a letter from Zhu Biao.
After receiving the letter last night, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately came to Baoyuan Bureau and gave a drawing directly to the person in charge.
It is required that the finished product be produced immediately according to the requirements of the drawing.
That's right, a flintlock gun.
In the letter, Zhu Biao carefully drew the detailed design of the flintlock gun, including various specifications.
Because I had made iron and cast together with Su Jing before, I participated in the whole process of molding.
So he still knows the specific specifications very well.
In addition, Su Jing gave Zhu Biao the flintlock gun that failed in the trial, and Zhu Biao sent the flintlock gun to Zhu Yuanzhang along with the letter.
When Zhu Yuanzhang saw the trigger pull described by Zhu Biao, he was so excited that he couldn't sleep.
It goes without saying that he attaches great importance to firearms.
Without even a second's delay, he went straight to Baoyuan Bureau.
This shocked all the officials in the Baoyuan Bureau. The emperor's night attack was probably not a serious crime of beheading.
After knowing that I just wanted to make firearms, I was relieved.
Compared to Su Jing's blacksmith's station, Baoyuan Bureau's factory is much more efficient.
According to the drawings, a special master was responsible for molding, and while the mold was being molded, the cast iron blast furnace was already burning.
Everything happens simultaneously.
As soon as the molten iron is smelted, it is poured into the condensed outer mold in the next second, and then it waits for cooling before assembly.
As for the flint, someone had found it long ago and prepared it.
Zhu Yuanzhang personally supervised the work, which was equivalent to using all the resources of the Ming Dynasty. This was just making a flintlock firearm, which was still very fast.
"Your Majesty, I finally lived up to my trust."
The person in charge of Baoyuan Bureau wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said to Zhu Yuanzhang.
"Okay, let's go to the shooting range now and see the effect."
Zhu Yuanzhang said directly.
The creation of this new type of firearm is not the end, the most important thing is to see the actual effect.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The person in charge of Baoyuan Bureau immediately came to the shooting range with his subordinates.
It was just dawn, and the sky in the distance was only the color of fish belly.
But everyone at the shooting range was very excited.
Not only because of Zhu Yuanzhang's presence, but also because of this new type of firearm.
As an official of the Baoyuan Bureau, his knowledge of firearms can be regarded as one of the best in the Ming Dynasty.
They quickly understood the structure of Zhu Biao's drawings and were impressed by the whimsical ideas.
They had never seen such a firearm before.
But according to the design of this drawing, they can predict what the final product will look like.
However, it is hard to say whether it can be truly realized.
A fully armed gun-testing soldier came out, his whole body wrapped in thick armor with cotton padding inside.
As a place where firearms are cast, every firearm produced needs to be tried before it can be released.
Such experiments are essential.
Similarly, with the manufacturing technology of the Ming Dynasty, the yield rate could not reach 100%.
Bore explosions will always happen during constant testing.
Therefore, things like experimental protective clothing came into being.
"Ready, let go!"
As the commander's order sounded, the gun-testing soldier also pulled the trigger.
Although the thick barrel is not that easy to hold, it can still be operated by a single person.
boom!
The gun fired successfully.
The loaded lead bullet flew towards the target ahead, leaving a large trace in an instant.
Every now and then white smoke rises from the barrel of the gun.
First shot, it was a success!
"good!"
Zhu Yuanzhang shouted "Hello".
The surrounding Baoyuan Bureau officials were equally excited. The success of this first shot gave them a shot in the arm.
Although they don't know who got the drawings, they are definitely not ordinary people.
The person who drew the drawings must be quite trusted by Zhu Yuanzhang to make Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang pay so much attention to them and even rush over there overnight.
And just by looking at the content of the drawings, these people from the Baoyuan Bureau also know that anyone who can come up with such a design is amazing!
"continue."
Zhu Yuanzhang shouted again.
Just one shot cannot truly reflect the advantages of this flintlock style.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The soldier who was testing the gun immediately began to reload the ammunition. Although he was wearing a thick protective suit, he was able to finish it quickly despite testing the gun all the time.
"Ready, let go!"
boom!
The second shot was much crisper than the first shot, and even the white smoke seemed to float less than normal.
Target No. 2 was hit, and the scattered appearance proved its power.
At this moment, everyone present was excited.
The successful test firing of the second shot proved that this new design is truly feasible.
From now on, Ming Dynasty's fire gun can be operated by a single person!
This is not a little bit of progress, this is a leap-forward improvement in combat power!
"good!"
Zhu Yuanzhang shouted.
He was as excited as anyone present.
"You, and you, I am very happy today, all of you are heavily rewarded!"
Zhu Yuanzhang said excitedly.
The improvement of firearms was of great significance to the Ming Dynasty.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Everyone present immediately knelt down to thank Zhu Yuanzhang.
Although Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say what specific reward it was, as long as it came from his mouth, it must be generous.
"Hahahahaha!"
Zhu Yuanzhang drove directly back to the palace with this first new-style fire gun.
As soon as they arrived at the palace, Queen Ma rushed over anxiously.
"You all should disperse."
Zhu Yuanzhang said to the people around him.
After waiting for the crowd to disperse, Queen Ma said with a straight face: "Chongba, what's wrong with you? You left the palace in the middle of the night and didn't even sleep. You really don't take your body seriously."
"You already deal with enough government affairs on weekdays, but you don't rest at night. You are not so diligent in work!"
Although he was teaching Zhu Yuanzhang a lesson, his words were full of concern.
You know, Zhu Yuanzhang's schedule is already super high-intensity.
Every day before dawn, I get up at four or five in the morning.
After changing clothes and washing up, I reviewed several memorials.
At five or six o'clock, it was his study time. Because he was poor in his early years, he had no time to study and had to make up lessons.
At six or seven o'clock, we have breakfast and prepare lesson plans for the upper court. We have to know everything we want to talk about and discuss.
From 7:30 to 11 o'clock, after the court meeting, I mainly spent time in Fengxian Hall, dealing with memorials, summoning the heads of various departments, and discussing solutions.
From eleven o'clock to eleven-thirty, take a nap and turn over the cards.
After that it was lunch time, and Zhu Yuanzhang would not waste too much time on it.
At twelve o'clock, when Zhu Biao was there, it was time for him and Prince Zhu Biao to be alone together.
Ask Zhu Biao about his views on state affairs and teach him how to handle government affairs.
Usually lasts about an hour.
Then from one to three o'clock, important ministers will be called to hold a small meeting to discuss national policies.
After reviewing the memorials, the time will depend on the number of memorials.
If there are too many, I will mark them later. If there are too few, I can have time to leave Fengxian Hall at five or six in the afternoon and go to the main hall to see other sons taking exams for school exams and so on.
It doesn't take long to have dinner after six o'clock, because after eating, you have to continue to deal with government affairs, and you have to take some time to study.
At ninety o'clock, I chatted with Queen Ma to relieve stress.
This is the most relaxing time of the day for Zhu Yuanzhang.
Of course, sometimes Empress Ma would take the initiative to show some care when handling government affairs, such as sending some cakes and soups.
After all, it is important to replenish energy in time for high-intensity work.
Then there were the concubines who slept with him, but Zhu Yuanzhang never kept his concubines overnight.
As soon as twelve o'clock passed, the concubine had to leave, and Zhu Yuanzhang went to bed alone in the palace.
But if the person sleeping in bed is Queen Ma, then this is an exception.
In general, Zhu Yuanzhang's daily work and study time is more than ten hours.
It's open all year round.
With such intensity and staying up most of the night, no wonder Queen Ma was so worried.
If he really does this, even if Zhu Yuanzhang is in good health, he will still collapse.
"Sister, I'm fine. During the uprising, there were a lot of big and small battles. I just didn't sleep. I can handle it."
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately patted his chest, looking like he was doing well.
"You're still trying to be brave! You don't want to go to the morning meeting today, do you? Go and rest first!"
Queen Ma said rather forcefully.
It's almost morning time now.
But Zhu Yuanzhang stayed up all night. In Queen Ma's heart, Zhu Yuanzhang's health was more important.
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said: "Don't worry, sister, I have canceled today's morning meeting. We will talk about it in the afternoon."
After hearing this, Queen Ma breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, Zhu Yuanzhang's next sentence made her blood pressure rise again.
"Sister, I have something else to do. I'll go to bed after I'm done."
"Chongba, what happened?"
Zhu Yuanzhang did not sleep like this, and Queen Ma also realized that things might not be simple.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Sister, look at this."
Zhu Yuanzhang did not let go of the new fire gun in his hand for more than half a second.
A perfect interpretation of the love you can’t put down.
"Isn't this just a firecracker? Did you do it all night?"
Queen Ma said a little puzzled.
Although she had never used a firecracker, she had seen it before.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and explained to Queen Ma: "Yes, but this fire gun is not simple. Look here, a flint is added..."
Zhu Yuanzhang excitedly explained the structure of this new fire gun to Queen Ma.
His emphasis on firearms was completely reflected in his words.
The structure of the fire gun was unknown to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Even with this new style of firecracker, he still understands it very well.
As the first one to see the drawings, he had already studied them.
Now that there is something actually made, Zhu Yuanzhang is both excited and excited when talking about it.
Queen Ma didn't actually understand much, but she understood a little.
It is this fire gun that can greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the Daming Shenji Battalion.
This is enough!
"I see. I asked you, Chongba, why are you so impatient? But since the fire blunderbuss has been made, let Baoyuan Bureau continue to build it. Why don't you go and rest first, Chongba?"
Queen Ma said to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang did not say anything, but took Queen Ma to the Fengxian Hall and gave Zhu Biao's urgent letter from the table to Queen Ma.
"Sister, you can see for yourself."
Zhu Yuanzhang said.
Queen Ma nodded and then examined it carefully.
"This fire gun was actually improved by Mr. Su!"
Queen Ma exclaimed.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Yes, Su Jing really gave me a big surprise."
Queen Ma continued to read, her surprised look had not disappeared, and she suddenly became a little worried: "Mr. Su is going to Shandong, and Biao'er still wants to accompany him. It's the twelfth month of winter, can't he do it next year?"
The mother is worried when her son travels thousands of miles.
Queen Ma suddenly became worried.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Sister, you don't have to worry about this matter, I will arrange it."
(End of chapter)
