My father Zhu Gaoxu

Chapter 778 The limitations of black powder

In a valley in the north of Beizheng Port, this place has long been classified as a military restricted area. Troops are usually stationed to guard it, and no one is allowed to approach.

However, as time went by, the secrets of the valley slowly spread out. After all, truck after truck of muskets, gunpowder, and even firearms such as artillery were transported out of the valley. Sometimes, huge roars were heard from the valley. Anyone with any brains could guess what was happening in the valley due to the sound of the explosion.

Zhu Zhanhe called this valley Firearms Valley, and the workshops inside were officially named Dahan Second Arsenal, because the First Arsenal was in Xijing and was mainly engaged in the research and development of firearms, while the Second Arsenal was responsible for production.

Every time Zhu Zhanhe came to Beizheng Port, he would visit this second arsenal, mainly to inspect the firearms production here, and this time was no exception.

"Your Highness, please take a look. This is a newly developed explosive bomb successfully developed by the First Arsenal. Although it is more dangerous, its power is also amazing. We have already started production!"

An official from the arsenal pointed at the rows of neatly arranged artillery shells and introduced them enthusiastically to Zhu Zhanhe.

"Take me to the test firing place!"

Zhu Zhanhe picked up a cannonball and looked at it before giving instructions to the official responsible for the introduction.

"Yes!"

The official agreed and immediately took Zhu Zhanhe to the test firing site at the back. This place is located at the end of the valley, with large open spaces and cliffs, where various firearms can be tested for their power.

Zhu Zhanhe and the officials entered the nearby bunker. There were craftsmen in charge of operating the artillery. They first visually measured the approximate distance between the artillery and the target, then shortened the fuse of the artillery shell, and then began to pour gunpowder into the muzzle, and Compact it, and finally stuff the shell into it.

This whole set of operations is very cumbersome, and no mistakes can be made in each step, otherwise it may lead to shooting failure, or even the tragedy of destroying the artillery and killing people. Therefore, the operation of the artillery has a strict process, and the artilleryman is also in this era, in the military The most technologically advanced military unit.

Finally, the artillery was ready. As the gunner ignited the gun, the artillery made a loud "bang" and the explosive shells were successfully fired.

The moment the bomb hit the ground, there was another loud "boom" sound, and the rocks that were targeted were scattered in all directions. The momentum was extremely shocking.

Seeing the power of the explosive bullets, the officials and other craftsmen who introduced them all showed proud expressions. After all, this was a murder weapon they had made, and it was far more powerful than the solid bullets commonly used before.

When Zhu Zhanhe saw the power of the explosive bullets, he secretly sighed. The cannonballs in the black powder era could only have this power at most, and the detonation of the explosive bullets was actually controlled by the length of the fuse, which required The gunner calculated the burning speed of the fuse and the shooting distance of the artillery in his mind. He really couldn't do this kind of work without some mathematical foundation.

Of course, although Zhu Zhanhe was disappointed in his heart, he did not show it on the surface. After all, it was not easy for these craftsmen and officials to develop explosive ammunition under the existing conditions, and he could not expect too much.

So Zhu Zhanhe also praised a few words without hesitation, and then looked at the power of some new firearms in the arsenal, and did not leave the arsenal until dark.

A few days later, Zhu Zhanhe returned to Xijing and immediately summoned an official.

After a while, a middle-aged man walked quickly into the main hall, saluted Zhu Zhanhe and said: "The Firearms Bureau raises the pottery forest to pay homage to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

"No need to be polite!"

Zhu Zhanhe raised his head and glanced at Tao Lin, and saw that the man looked somewhat similar to Tao Qiong. In fact, he was Tao Qiong's cousin. The Tao family has been studying firearms for generations. There are many firearms masters in the Tao family. This Tao Lin is one of them.

Tao Qiong was originally in charge of the Firearms Bureau, but now his energy is focused on the improvement and application of steam engines. Therefore, the Firearms Bureau can only be handed over to others, and this Tao Lin was promoted by Zhu Zhanhe to replace Tao Qiong. Tao Lin played a very key role in the reason why flintlock guns were equipped in the army so quickly. "Tao Tiju, I saw the power of explosive shells in Beizheng Port a few days ago. It is indeed very extraordinary. Thank you for your hard work!"

Zhu Zhanhe first praised.

"Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness. This is the duty of all ministers!"

Tao Lin also showed a happy expression when he heard this. He had spent a lot of effort to develop the blooming bomb. He wanted to report it to Zhu Zhanhe in person, but he didn't expect that the other party had seen it first in Beizhenggang.

"But...I also found a problem!"

Unexpectedly, Zhu Zhanhe suddenly changed the topic and his voice became more solemn.

"Prince please tell me!"

Tao Lin's heart trembled when he heard this, and he saluted again.

"You have already studied the current gunpowder formula thoroughly. This kind of gunpowder made from charcoal, saltpeter, and sulfur can be called black gunpowder. Although the power of this black gunpowder is good, it has no potential. It can be dug, so I hope you can focus on researching new gunpowder!"

Zhu Zhanhe said very solemnly.

Black powder ushered in the era of thermal weapons, but due to its limited power, it was destined to be eliminated.

"Researching new gunpowder?"

Tao Lin was stunned. Their firearms supervisor mainly researched various firearms. The basis was the formula of black gunpowder, and then studied the application of gunpowder based on this formula, but they never thought of researching new gunpowder.

"Tao Lin, whether it is muskets or artillery, their power has just begun to be discovered. The only way to increase their power is to improve the gunpowder formula and use more powerful gunpowder. In addition, gunpowder must be classified into categories. Some gunpowders It can be used to ignite fire, and some gunpowder can be used as explosives. These are all difficult problems that you need to overcome!"

Zhu Zhanhe reminded again.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is right, but..."

Tao Lin hesitated for a moment when he said this, and finally mustered up the courage to continue.

"But our firearms supervisor has always only studied the effects of existing gunpowder, but has never thought about how to improve gunpowder. As for researching new more powerful gunpowder, I really don't have a clue?"

Gunpowder was discovered by accident. There were various formulas at the beginning. Later, after countless improvements by craftsmen, the best ratio of gunpowder was determined. Therefore, in Tao Lin's view, he wanted to find a more powerful gunpowder. , it’s simply hard to compare to the sky.

"I have also considered this. Gunpowder is something that Taoist priests occasionally get from practicing alchemy. There are some similar people in the West, so your Firearms Bureau can recruit some talents in this field. Don't be afraid of failure, and don't be afraid of spending money. If someone can develop it, A new gunpowder is available, and I promise that I will grant the other party a title immediately!"

Zhu Zhanhe said again with a firm tone.

(End of this chapter)