Northern Song Dynasty: Starting from the son of Song Renzong

Chapter 221 The Fifth Year of Huangyou
The fourth year of Huangyou.

In order to make the battle next year easier, Zhao Xin had to improve and upgrade more details.

For example, can we make some firearms? Zhao Xin remembered that there was oil in ancient China.

Is it possible to collect some oil, refine it into gasoline, and then make some incendiary bombs?

As for the bottle for gasoline, if there is no glass bottle, just use thinner ceramic.

Scholars, Farmers, Merchants and Industrialists Hall.

Zhao Xin began to publicly recruit some strange people.

For example: recruiting people who know the source of "oil" and recruiting people who know how to make alchemy.

We also recruit people who are not afraid of death.

If Zhao Xin puts forward these recruitment requirements, people who don’t know him might wonder what Zhao Xin is going to do.

Through Zhao Xin's description, the person who knew about "oil" immediately reported to Zhao Xin where there was oil in the Song Dynasty.

to be frank!
It is such a coincidence that the place where this "oil" is produced is right on the northwest front of the Song Dynasty, in Fuzhou and Yanzhou, which is the area of ​​Fuyan Road.

After learning about the situation, Zhao Xin asked Zhao Xun to send someone to get some back for him.

After that, let the alchemists refine gasoline.

This person who knows how to make pills is a good choice, but...

In front of Zhao Xin, their theories of longevity, immortality, never getting sick, and longevity were useless.

It doesn't work well for Zhao Xin.

Of course!
Zhao Xin still discussed with them the composition of this world to see if he could get some inspiration from it.

This will provide you with more help in the future.

The first thing Zhao Xin said was: "What do you think the world is like and what is it made of?"

Most of those who make alchemy are actually just trying to get free food and drinks. When faced with questions like Zhao Xin's, they were naturally dumbfounded.

No!

Is it possible...

Your Highness Prince Yu, have you also studied this?

Zhao Xin then told them about some of the ancient people's views. For example, the ancients believed that the world was composed of the five elements: gold, wood, water, fire and earth.

The elements of gold, wood, water, fire and earth can also generate and restrain each other and transform into each other.

Seeing that many people couldn't even answer this question, Zhao Xin politely asked those who were trying to take advantage of the situation to leave.

In the end, only a few people remained, who at least had read a few books and had actually made pills on their own.

It's not the kind of quack medicine sold on the street, just to make up the numbers.

When Zhao Xin had time to go back to Miao Niangzi's courtyard, Miao Niangzi asked, "What's wrong? Are you sick? Or is Yuanyuan sick?"

"Otherwise...why did I hear that you were looking for someone who can make pills?"

Zhao Zhen was also very concerned about this matter.

After all, I'm not sick or in any pain, so why would I need to look for someone who can make pills?

Zhao Xin said, "I am not sick, and neither is Yuanyuan. I am looking for this for my future."

"The future? What's wrong with the future?"

Zhao Xin: "Even if I tell you, Madam Miao, you won't understand. Anyway, it will definitely be of great use in the future."

Madam Miao asked again, "Why hasn't Yuanyuan come to the palace recently?"

Zhao Xin also said: "The palace is too gloomy. I just got pregnant, so I'd better not go into the palace. Madam Miao, if you want to see it, you can go out of the palace and see it by yourself."

Madam Miao started pinching Zhao Xin's face.

After all, she is the elder!

But when I think about it, it makes sense.

After all, so many people have died in this palace.

The more Madam Miao thought about it, the more she felt that Zhao Xin was really considerate.

She hadn't even paid much attention to this before.

Then his father came over.

Ask him why he recruits Taoist priests who make elixirs.

Zhao Xin had no choice but to say that it was for the war.

Zhao Zhen naturally couldn't understand.

What does alchemy have to do with war? Does it mean that after taking the elixir, you can kill gods and Buddhas when you go to the battlefield?

Zhao Xin also found it difficult to explain to his father.

Anyway...

He is not sick, and Yuanyuan is not sick either.

Then, in order to avoid his father worrying, he gave his father an example, how iron was made.

Of course his father also understood it. It was made from charcoal and ore.

Zhao Xin said, "I recruited Taoist priests to refine something useful besides iron."

can only say……

Zhao Xin is very busy.

At one point it depends on what the Taoists themselves understand, and at another point, you have to teach them some principles.

For example...

Zhao Xin simply stopped pretending.

Tell them directly that this world is actually made up of elements.

There are more than a hundred kinds of elements like these.

I forgot how much it was, so I'll just go with it.

Iron is composed of the element iron.

The property of carbon is that it can reduce iron from iron ore.

Then...

We also conducted some experiments on them.

of course!

It was a class with his craftsman.

And he told the craftsmen directly that in order to get steel, he had to reduce carbon.

As for how to reduce the carbon element.

Oxygen can be blown directly.

Their next goal is to produce an elastic iron sheet.

And the higher the elasticity, the better.

As for how to make the iron sheet elastic.

Just quenching...any processing technology, give it a try, it will not be wrong after all.

For example, cross-legged haircuts have always existed in ancient times.

These scissors actually have a certain degree of elasticity.

It would be even better if this elasticity could be further enhanced.

it's over...

Zhao Xin also instilled in them concepts such as pressure, catalysts, temperature, etc.

can only say……

Changing any one of the conditions here may cause a reaction that was originally unable to proceed to suddenly become possible.

Although what Zhao Xin said was indeed a bit difficult to understand.

However, combined with the examples of craftsmen smelting iron or making elixirs, it does seem to make sense.

Zhao Xin also said: "In the past, when Taoist priests made elixirs, they would put all kinds of garbage into the elixir furnace."

"So that what is refined is actually full of impurities."

"Next, we can try to change the angle and see how to obtain single, relatively pure products like iron and copper."

At last……

Zhao Xin wrote down the first twenty or so elements of the periodic table that he still remembered.

Let me explain it a little more.

Also, terms such as elements, compounds, etc. were brought out.

can only say……

How far it can develop in the future depends on luck.

And while doing all this.

Zhao Xin also held a meeting with some craftsmen in the army.

I studied some of the siege techniques since ancient times, and saw if there was anything that could be improved.

and also……

You can also try making a hot air balloon for reconnaissance.

That's why Zhao Xin needs to recruit people who are not afraid of death.

Let these people who are not afraid of death try the feeling of flying.

It took about two or three months.

The hot air balloon has been initially made.

After all, the technical difficulty is not very high.

Next... we will conduct a test to see if it can really fly into the sky.

It is difficult to replenish fuel in the air.

Plus, we can’t produce liquefied natural gas right now.

therefore……

I'm afraid this hot air balloon can only fly for less than twenty minutes at most.

But it's better than nothing.

November.

We chose a noon time when the wind was not so strong and then carried out the first test flight.

Although the takeoff process is troublesome, but...

To be honest, I was quite excited when I saw that it could really fly.

It lasted maybe twenty minutes.

The flying altitude can only be estimated by visual estimation, which is not very accurate to be honest, but it looks quite high.

In fact, it would be best to use animals, such as pigs, sheep, etc., for the first test flight.

but……

Anyway, it's successful, so it doesn't matter.

Moreover, before the test flight, Zhao Xin had people make preparations in advance.

Find someone to ride a horse, predict the landing point in advance, use some soft objects to act as a cushion, and then provide training for the flight personnel.

For example...

When you're descending, you have to learn to use your body to relieve the force, so as not to break your legs or something.

of course!

The use of this hot air balloon also depends on the situation.

After all, the climate in the northwest may not be the same as here.

This method of reconnaissance can probably only be used when the wind is not too strong.

But there are often strong winds in the northwest, and even sandstorms seem to occur frequently.

The reason why the Liao Kingdom lost to the Western Xia for the first time was because of a sudden sandstorm, which caused all the soldiers to be in chaos and they were defeated by the Western Xia.

This also forced Zhao Xin to pay more attention to the research and development of the flintlock rifle.

even……

Next, it’s time to take part in the game yourself.

Of course!
In fact, you can also learn how to use it by the way.

In the shooting range.

Zhao Xin was seen aiming and practicing shot by shot.

To be honest, it seems simple, but it is actually not easy at all.

The main reason is that there are too many steps. It would be fine if there were no enemies, but if there were thousands of troops rushing towards you, let alone the Li Yuan army, even Zhao Xin himself would find it difficult to calm down his heartbeat as soon as he thought of that scene.

of course!

Having said that, if you can play it properly according to the requirements, the hit rate is actually quite satisfactory.

Even Zhao Xin could hit the target three out of ten times when shooting at a target a hundred steps away.

He is still a beginner.

One can imagine what the hit rate of other Li Yuan troops was.

At least 50% of the targets should be on target.

Zhao Xin also asked the officers, squad leaders and others, asking them how many of the ordinary Li Yuan soldiers could hit the target.

The officer said, "Your Highness, Prince Yu, it's good. Eight out of ten shots can hit the target. Most people can only hit five out of ten."

Unfortunately, the armor-piercing ability of the matchlock gun is still too poor.

It has to be placed at a very close distance to be able to penetrate armor stably.

otherwise……

They are truly invincible.

of course!

After all, they still have artillery.

The range of the artillery is basically no problem if it is more than 300 steps.

And wait until the end of this year.

Chen Yuanyuan's belly is also very obvious.

The four concubines...

It was only about two months slower than Chen Yuanyuan.

At the end of the year, because Zhao Xin didn't like bringing Chen Yuanyuan into the palace, Madam Miao, the Empress, and his father had to come in person.

This is probably a rare treatment in history.

After seeing Zhao Xin's mansion, Zhao Zhen also said: "It is exquisite, but a little small."

natural!

As his sister, Zhao Huirou must have come as well.

Instead, he said, "Dad, when can I have my own mansion?"

Zhao Zhen didn't understand what she meant at first, so he just asked back, "You want your own mansion too?"

The queen was smart, and immediately said, "Huirou wants to get married!"

then……

Zhao Huirou's face felt hot.

When Zhao Zhen heard the queen's words, he reacted instantly.

But the problem is...

His previous marriage with Li Wei had already fallen through, and now he didn't know who to look for.

Then he said to Zhao Huirou, "Huirou also wants to get married?"

This question was asked.

Isn't this obvious?
But in fact, Zhao Huirou is not very big at the moment.

At most, it’s just sixteen.

of course!

Sixteen was not considered young in ancient times.

Zhao Huirou gritted her teeth and said, "My lady, I want a mansion."

Empress Cao said with a serious face: "Maybe I misunderstood. But... it's time to start looking now. Which young man does Huirou like?"

In the end, he also teased Zhao Huirou.

Zhao Huirou also said shyly: "I don't know anyone. I don't have many opportunities to leave the palace."

Yup!

Why can Zui Xinglai leave the palace at such a young age and go anywhere? Why must she be trapped in the palace?

Zhao Huirou then said, "Dad, I also want to go out of the palace to play."

Zhao Zhen: "..."

Zhao Huirou added: "It's so boring in the palace. If I could leave the palace, I could always go out and play with Yuanyuan."

In fact, Chen Yuanyuan is older than her.

But it doesn't matter if I shout like that.

Finally, it was Madam Miao who spoke up, "Forget it. Don't disturb her pregnancy."

This directly interrupted Zhao Huirou's chance to leave the palace.

Chen Yuanyuan naturally said quickly: "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter. In fact, sometimes I am also quite bored. If the princess is here, it would be nice to have someone to chat with."

After hearing this, Zhao Xin was a little worried that Zhao Huirou would lead his wife astray.

Said: "Daddy, you should marry her off quickly."

Everyone laughed.

Of course, when you come here, you must bring various gifts.

Although Zhao Xin also likes it, the country is in this state now.

It's really unpleasant to receive this gift.

Obviously, this lantern will be cancelled during this year's Lantern Festival.

Speaking of which...

They haven't had any lights on for at least three or four years, right?

However, even so, the fact that there are no lanterns in the palace does not mean that people don’t hang lanterns.

In fact, the Lantern Festival outside the palace is still very lively.

After all, this is the city of Bianjing. If even this place is not lively, then the country is almost finished.

Chen Yuanyuan was pregnant and it was difficult for her to go out, so Zhao Xin had someone build a high platform so that she could climb up and see the excitement outside.

Actually, you can’t see anything outside, but you can use it to enjoy the moon.

Although it is not the Mid-Autumn Moon in August, the moon on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is just as round.

To be honest, with days like this, Zhao Xin didn't want to fight.

(End of this chapter)