Zhurou

Chapter 204
It turns out that this goose cart is just like its name, it looks like a big goose, its predecessor is a cave house, shaped like a big house, it needs dozens of hundreds of people to push it, and the wheels and body are covered with iron sheets, like armor, even if it is very close, it is completely Don't be afraid to shoot arrows from the opposite side.

As long as Di Bing sits in it and hides in the "cave house", not only will he not be afraid of attacks, but he can also use the momentum to go straight to the city wall.

In the past, they used goose carts when they were in Hejian, and they easily captured several big cities. After that, the Jin army's city defenders changed their colors when they saw the carts, and it was difficult to organize resistance.

Before some people could tell everyone about the power of the Goose Cart, another person shouted as the ground trembled: "Catapults!! Why are there so many catapults!"

As soon as he said these words, he saw the dark shadows in the distance slowly moving forward, arranged in countless rows, and there were hundreds of catapults among them. The people on the city wall finally could no longer maintain their composure, even themselves. They were all unsure of their position, and they all took a few steps back, as if they wanted to hide.

No wonder they were so frightened.

Catapults are sharp weapons in the Jin army. They can be used for offense or defense. They can be large or small. The largest one is about three feet long and requires three hundred manpower to pull it to use.

With only one large cart, so many people are needed to use it, and its effectiveness can only be imagined.

But for the largest catapult, only one stone bomb used weighs over a hundred catties.

Dozens, hundreds, or even tens of thousands of bullets are fired at the same time, with the momentum of throwing and their own strength, hitting the city wall heavily, even if they can't penetrate, once they hit the defenders, let alone human flesh Mortal body, even with iron skin and bronze bones, there is no way to recover, so death is inevitable.

There were still many people buzzing and whispering on the city wall, but when they saw the catapults, they became terribly quiet. After a while, someone murmured to himself, "Where did Di Bing get so many catapults..."

Although the catapults under the city are not the largest at this moment, just looking at the number is already frightening. Moreover, compared with the terrifying attack power of the catapults themselves, how did Di Bing obtain these countless behemoths, and how did he manage them? It was transported outside the capital quietly, and the reason behind it is even more elusive.

Di Bing also used catapults when the capital fell last time, but one could tell at a glance that the catapults were hastily pulled from various warehouses of the Jin army. It worked during the siege.

And today's many new-made catapults that shine brightly even if they are separated from a long distance are obviously not among the current Jin army, or can be gathered in any city. It is obviously a long-term preparation.

When the general who defended the city saw the scene below the city, he didn't hesitate at all. He immediately turned around and shouted loudly: "Go to the Kyoto government office and notify Lu Shenzheng, asking him to bring his troops over immediately. There are also divine arm bows, bed crossbows, and a And lay it out first, without any delay!”

The soldiers below hurriedly took the order and left. However, when they went to the Kyoto government office, they were looking for Lu Xianzhang in more than one city gate.

Not only the east side, but also the area outside Jinming Pond at the west gate was originally peaceful, but there was movement gradually an hour ago. At first, there were only a few soldiers, and then countless people pushed trebuchets, goose carts and other siege weapons to the city.

There were insufficient troops in the city, so they did not dare to send anyone to resist.

But a few days ago, I saw that the Di people were only attacking the east of the city, and the rest of the area thought they could take care of themselves alone. Now, once they saw the siege objects, and saw that the Di soldiers didn't even try to attack the city, they blindly arranged the siege first. Seeing that there are already hundreds of trebuchets and dozens of goose carts, and there is still no end to it, how can we not panic, and hurriedly send people to report to Lu Xianzhang for reinforcements.

The latter is of course in a state of desperation, and is busy mobilizing the city, stepping up the recruitment of militiamen Zhuangyong, one for defending the city, and the other for logistics. At this time, they can hear the information clearly, but it is difficult to distinguish them, let alone give them as soon as they are called, so they have no choice but to call People go to understand the situation first, because they are afraid of two false reports-after all, where in the world can it be so easy to get so many trebuchets and goose carts?
Zhao Mingzhi didn't notice the panic in front of him.

But Zhao Mingzhi didn't know the origin of the siege equipment that the generals couldn't figure out.

But there was only a wry smile in her heart.

Where did it come from?

Naturally, it came from Xiazhou.

Di people are strong in soldiers and horses, but they are not good at making ordnance, let alone a sharp weapon with complicated processes such as catapults.

With the national power and accumulation of the Great Jin Dynasty, I don’t know how many years it took, and how many craftsmen repeatedly studied and revised it to change it into shape, and finally use it. Even if Di Bing got the blueprint, no one can read it, no one can do it, and just study the content. I don't know how much time it will take.

However, when the Taishang Emperor went north, he brought a group of ministers, as well as numerous craftsmen and followers, some of whom were proficient in ordnance manufacturing. , so that there are so many siege weapons in the north.

The exact number today is not yet known, but when we come to the south in the future, in another year or so, Di Bing sits at the back, supported by half the mountains and rivers of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Recalling the future, in just one night, Di Bing was able to set up thousands of catapults outside the city. With one order, countless stone bombs were thrown at the city walls and gates, and the guards did not even have time to scream. The scene of being crushed into meatloaf, even in the daytime, made Zhao Mingzhi feel chills.

Seeing what happened in the past, it seems to be happening again today. Although she can't control her, she can't just sit and wait for death. Knowing that everyone is busy, she doesn't call people into the palace, so she simply writes a document and sends it to the Kyoto government office. Summon the chief of the imperial city, order him to urgently notify several skilled craftsmen gathered in the military supervision department, and then leave for that place.

As soon as we arrived at the place, there were indeed more than ten craftsmen gathered.

All the people in the room stood in line, no one spoke, let alone met their eyes, but they all looked anxious, and the atmosphere in the room was so gloomy that water could drip out when twisted.

Zhao Mingzhi didn't talk nonsense. He first talked about the scene outside the city, and then said: "Although there are a lot of trebuchets at the moment, fortunately they are not too big. The city wall in the middle of the capital is strong, and it can be resisted by one or two. Only the goose The car is very troublesome, but I wonder if you have any solutions to deal with it?"

The craftsmen below looked at each other in confusion at first, and then bowed their heads. No one dared to raise their head to look at Zhao Mingzhi. At this time, they were not worried about their status or the difference between men and women, but they were afraid of being asked questions about themselves, but could not answer.

The officer of the Military Weapons Supervision Standing on the side, wanted to speak at first, but after hearing Zhao Mingzhi's question, he had no idea what to do, so he leaned closer to the corner like other craftsmen, lest he would attract attention.

Zhao Mingzhi didn't pay attention to his movements.

The craftsmen in Beijing are like being sifted through two channels. One was forced to go north with the Supreme Emperor, and the other went south to Caizhou today. Those who are still here now, to say the least, are not outstanding in ability. , it is really difficult to find a way to deal with the goose cart in a short period of time.

She didn't expect to get any magic tricks from everyone. She waited for a while and saw no reply. She didn't embarrass everyone, and said directly: "The Di bandits attacked Taiyuan City that day, and they also used dozens of catapults and goose carts to hold on. There is more than nine months left, thanks to the guard Wang Zhiqi and his men who responded one by one, now a tall wooden fence is installed under the city tower to separate the Di soldiers, and sugar bags are piled up on the city wall to prepare for timely repair after being hit by stone bullets."

"The walls of the central city of Beijing are thick, and there is water in the moat. It will take a few days to fill up the gully. The catapult is temporarily difficult to get close to, and it cannot be shaken by throwing it from a distance. It is necessary to set up protection for it. In the near future Only the goose chariot, once the moat is filled and the chariot is close, it is difficult for ordinary arrows to shoot through it. Although the god arm bow and bed crossbow are effective, they cannot see the manpower in them, and they shoot at the surface in vain. , it is difficult to block the way."

"For this reason, Taiyuan also did the same thing that day. It was to build a high platform called 'jumping building', which was similar in shape to a goose cart. Outside the city walls, do not let goose carts approach, and then have people tie up large stones and throw them on top of the goose carts, and drag the goose carts on the ground with hooks, so that they cannot balance and fall to the ground..."

The reason why she was able to speak so clearly has nothing to do with Taiyuan City, but after moving the capital to the south that day, even though the city was finally broken, they still held on for a long time. .

Although there were no detailed drawings at this time, fortunately, she was talking and drawing with pen and paper at the same time. Especially the "jumping off the building" did not require much skill and was very difficult. Once the description was clear, all the craftsmen in the room would understand.

At this time, everyone looked up and listened, no longer hiding from things just now.

One of them was fascinated by it, and unconsciously said: "The thing His Highness said should not be difficult to make, only the military inspector is not enough manpower..."

Zhao Mingzhi then asked: "How many people do you want? What are the requirements for that manpower? Why don't we tell them one by one? I immediately send people out to make a list, but if it still doesn't work, I will move around from the existing people. In the end, I have to use the military weapons supervision department." Needs are most important.”

After the man finished speaking, he immediately woke up. He regretted being the first to do so, but Zhao Mingzhi responded seriously. He was no longer restrained and said everything he thought. Although it may not be very appropriate, he still used his experience. very.

Zhao Mingzhi even responded as soon as he heard it, and ordered a person beside him to write down the items one by one with a pen and paper, and asked them to testify later.

As a result, the atmosphere in the room was very dull at the beginning, and gradually became lively, and the craftsmen who were watching the nose and the nose, also came up with ideas one after another.

Some people suggested not to use wood for the whole body. There are many reasons. It is better to use grass for the upper part and wood for the lower part. This can save wood and save weight. After sending it out of the city, if the wind does not reverse, It can also be watered with tung oil and then shot with rockets;

Someone suggested that the outer layer could be made of iron, and pointed out that the foot of the jumping building should be used as a device to grab the ground to prevent it from being hit by the impact;
There are also those who check for gaps and make up for omissions. It is said that it is best to only wrap the iron sheet on the ground to defend the whole body of the pawn holding the hook, so that it will not be injured by the arrow from the opposite side.

Although the group of people can't be said to have excellent skills, after all, they have been craftsmen in the Military Weapons Supervision for many years and have rich experience. The questions they ask are all practical.

Zhao Mingzhi ordered one person to be in charge, and Fucai saluted and said: "Di Bandits attack the city with goose carts, catapults, etc. In just a moment, if there is one more weapon in the city to fight against each other, one more person or even ten more people can be saved. The lives of people, hundreds of people, and thousands of people can be defended for a while, waiting for a turnaround, this time the time is extremely tight, such a situation can only be entrusted to you!"

He also said: "If the capital can be defended, we can protect our property and lives. The so-called rewards can only be discussed if you have your life. I will stop talking about it now. Otherwise, what is the difference from making promises out of thin air?"

She was so solemn and sincere. She didn't even say a word or even half a promise. On the contrary, it made everyone believe even more. They couldn't be perfunctory, let alone perfunctory, so they returned the favor one by one and made promises one by one.

The man said: "In today's situation, what are you talking about in the future? Everyone guards the city gate and then talks."

The one said: "Even without reinforcements from outside, the soldiers and civilians of this city can be guarded by Xuzhou for several months. Could it be that my capital city can't do it?"

Another person said: "Your Highness and I are in the same city, what else can I say, but I have put all my efforts into it, and I hope God will bless me..."

The whole room was full of craftsmen, but they couldn't say anything nice, and there were some who were in trouble. The military inspector Shangguan next to him opened his mouth to stop him, but the palace guards behind Zhao Mingzhi hurriedly fell down.

After Zhao Mingzhi left, these many people discussed the drawings over and over again without stopping for a moment.

They talked to each other, discussed the issues, or made loud noises. As a result, everyone was busy and no longer dull as before. They only focused on doing their best and no longer had time to be nervous about the offensive of the Di soldiers outside the city.

Besides, while Zhao Mingzhi urged the Military Weapons Superintendent to make city defense equipment, he also asked the new recruit Zhuang Yong, but the city has repeatedly recruited, and nine out of ten of those who are of the right age have already been recruited, and it is difficult to be useful.

It can be said that Lu Xianzhang is not hardworking, and his political ability is also excellent, but in a hurry, it is impossible for a clever woman to cook without rice. After being questioned several times, seeing that the number of recruits is too different from what is required, he had to ask someone to explain the reason.

There are too many things under his jurisdiction, although he is very busy, but he knows very well in his heart that if he wants to defend the city, not only the military strength is the most important, but also the logistics manpower must not be neglected in the slightest. Hei, just had to rest for a while, gathered the situation of the four city gates for a while, and hurried to the central palace, intending to report to Zhao Mingzhi himself.

Originally, he swung his whip fast, so he should be extremely fast. He didn't want to be blocked by pedestrians in front of him only this time.

Although Lu Xianzhang lived on a horse, because the distance was a corner, he couldn't see the end. There were crowds of people along the way. Under the candlelight, there were not only patrolmen back and forth to maintain order, but also some people handing out wooden chips one by one from the front to the back. And looking at her attire, she was dressed in palace attire, but she was actually a woman.

There were rows and rows there, blocking the road with almost no space. Lu Xianzhang was naturally blocked at the rear. How eager he was when he set off, he never had time to clear the way for the honor guard. Now he was crowded with people, and he couldn't fight the horse if he wanted to.

Seeing this, the entourage beside him hurriedly dismounted and tried to clear the way, but several patrols came trotting over from the opposite side. They saluted to this group of officials who seemed to have a high position. Without waiting for them to ask questions, they replied: "Shangguan." , the front is recruiting militiamen, the crowd is crowded, I am afraid we will have to wait a while."

Then he pointed to a place on the right and said, "If you are in a hurry, you can also take a detour through Sangmiaozi Lane. There is no one blocking it."

Lu Xianzhang was already very puzzled. He was still wondering how there were so many people gathering. At this time, he heard that civil servants were being recruited in the front, and he immediately blurted out and asked: "Weren't we recruited many times before? Why are there such a large number of people today?" …”

The patrol said: "Previously, only men were recruited for the bravery of the people. Today, His Highness personally posted the list, and only women were recruited. Anyone between the ages of eighteen and forty can apply. The yellow list will be issued. No one needs to go out to make a public announcement. Originally, many women in the refugee camp came to respond, and they spread the word to ten, and then it became like this."

Lu Xianzhang suddenly realized, squinting his eyes to look carefully, he saw that everyone in the queue had hairpins or cloth on their heads, and there were indeed countless women, even though their backs were turned away, they could be seen to be tall, short, fat, and thin.

This time is obviously completely different from the princess's previous recruiting of women. They don't choose heights or strengths, but seem to be free-spirited.

Although there is a shortage of manpower, sometimes the more people the better, so many novices suddenly come in, and they are given weapons, and they may not be able to get started, and the logistics support also requires strength. Such raw and chaotic chaos, men and women are different. points, I'm afraid there will be endless troubles.

He always prepared for a rainy day, and what he was doing at this time was business. Even if the initiator was Zhao Mingzhi, he would not relax at all. Because he could not stop him immediately, he hurriedly turned the horse's head and rushed into the house in the direction pointed by the patrolman. and go.

Unexpectedly, this time he was in vain. When he reached the door, he heard the palace servant coming out to announce that His Highness had not come back since he left the palace in the morning. Lu Xianzhang had to rush away and leave. In fact, there were countless things going on in the yamen. They were gathering together, and they had something important to report. When they were at a loss, they came face to face with two fast horses on the opposite side.

(End of this chapter)