In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1048 New Weapons: Where Does the Joy Come From?

Time flies, and two days have passed in the blink of an eye.
The snowstorm in Beiping paused only briefly before howling again.

It was noon, and the sky should have been bright, but it was overcast and gray.

Gloomy gray clouds pressed down on the sky.
The heavy snow fell softly, covering the world in a pristine white.

Nearly three thousand soldiers stood in neat rows in the drill ground north of Beiping City.

They were dressed in black armor, wore red helmets, and held long swords and spears tightly in their hands!
White snowflakes landed on me and melted instantly.

It seemed unable to conceal the burning passion in their hearts.

The white breath exhaled by the soldiers gathered in the air, condensing into new mist, making the scene more hazy.

In front of the neatly arranged soldiers was a huge, high platform.

Prince Zhu Di of Yan, clad in gilded armor, stood at the head of the table.
One hand on his hip, the other gripping the hilt of the knife at his waist.

His dark face was rugged and imposing.

A hint of seriousness was etched between his brows.

Beside him, the tall and upright Lu Yunyi, dressed in black armor, stood quietly.

He glanced at the many soldiers ahead and nodded almost imperceptibly.

"How is it? The soldiers in Beiping are no worse than those in Daning, are they?" Zhu Di asked softly, his tone questioning and probing.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"With excellent armor and high morale, they are indeed the elite of the elite, but..."

Zhu Di turned to look at him and pressed, "But what?"

"Your Highness, this enemy is unlike any we've faced before."

Neither the remnants of the Northern Yuan nor those Northern Yuan bandits wielding clubs, but rather…

Lu Yunyi lowered his voice and said softly:
"But they were comrades who also possessed sharp longswords, sturdy armor, and even superior weaponry."

Zhu Di's expression suddenly changed, his rough hands gripping the hilt of his sword tightly, his expression becoming more sinister.

Yes, if it really comes to the point where it can't be tolerated any longer...
The opponents were not a rabble, but rather an equally elite force.
"Your Highness, we must take firearms seriously."

Muskets and cannons are powerful weapons that can enable a smaller force to defeat a larger one.

If handled properly, taking on ten opponents single-handedly is not a pipe dream; only in this way can you have a chance of victory.

Lu Yunyi's voice grew softer and softer.

The wind grew increasingly heavy, but to Zhu Di it sounded like a resounding bell.

Will it really come to that?

Despite having thought about it countless times over the past few days, Zhu Di couldn't help but voice his doubts.

Lu Yunyi did not answer immediately.
His gaze swept over the bright-eyed soldiers present, meeting their eyes one by one.

Those soldiers whose gazes fell upon them

They couldn't help but hold their heads high and puff out their chests, wanting to show their best side.

Only when he could no longer see the eyes of the soldiers in the distance did Lu Yunyi speak softly:
"Your Highness, it's never wrong to prepare for the worst."

"call"

Zhu Di let out a long sigh of relief. The white mist drifted into the sky, but it could not take away the heaviness in his heart.

"Are there any newly developed firearms in the Da Ning workshop?"

Zhu Di only asked the question tentatively.

As the King of the Frontier, he was aware of the research and development efforts in the workshops of the capital.
It took tens of thousands of taels of silver to manufacture flintlock muskets, and even then, mass production was not possible.

He didn't have high hopes for Da Ning's workshop.

But Lu Yunyi's answer took him by surprise.

"Da Ning Workshop does indeed have some new firearms."

After I return, I will send someone to deliver it secretly. Your Highness can then gather your trusted soldiers to try it.

After all, many aspects still need improvement, and it cannot be directly used on the battlefield at present.

"Oh? There really is something new? What is it?"

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

"Hand grenades, similar to the 'Rotten Bone Fire Oil Divine Cannon'."

But it was more powerful and lighter, and could still be filled with poison, iron filings, or gunpowder.

As he spoke, Lu Yunyi raised his hand, lifted his armor, took out a jade pendant hanging from his waist, and held it in his hand:

"Its size is roughly the same as this jade pendant."

"so small?"

Zhu Di was somewhat surprised.

In the Ming army today, whether it is the Rotten Bone Fire Oil Cannon, the Sky-Burning Fierce Fire Unstoppable Cannon, or the Watermelon Cannon, they are all the size of a head, with the smallest being half the size of a human head.

The fact that he could hold the grenade in one hand made him doubt its power.

Lu Yunyi explained calmly:
"Your Highness, rest assured, the power of the grenade has been tested."

Although slightly smaller than the raging fire cannon, it is easier to carry.

It can be hung on the waist or tucked into one's bosom; its slightly weaker power is a negligible drawback.

Furthermore, it is filled with newly developed gunpowder, which is very stable.

It won't easily explode as long as you don't bump or knock it around.

Moreover, the price was extremely cheap; a grenade with iron filings cost about one qian of silver.
Adding some poison would only increase the cost by a few dozen coins.

Zhu Di's eyes widened suddenly:

"So cheap? How much money was invested in its research and development?"

Lu Yunyi shook his head:
"Your Highness, I am unaware of this."

Whenever the weapons workshops in Daning were short of money, the military command would allocate funds immediately, and the final accounts would be settled at the end of the year.

I have only one attitude towards arms research and development.

Without affecting people's livelihoods, no expense was spared in the investment, and detailed cost calculations were not taken into account.

Moreover, the workshop is developing a new type of gunpowder and has found a breakthrough direction.

Its power is greater than all the gunpowder used by the current imperial court.

A single piece of gunpowder, about the size of a brick, could destroy a house.

Lu Yunyi pointed to the high platform beneath his feet:

"This high platform could be almost destroyed by a single piece of gunpowder the size of a brick."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Di's eyes. After a long while, he finally processed what Zhu Di had said and asked:
"Are you trying to deceive me?"

Lu Yunyi sighed, his voice heavy:

"Your Highness, the Da Ning workshop was originally researching new fertilizers."
This gunpowder was developed by chance, and its power has been proven.

A single piece of gunpowder, the size of an iron pot, destroyed three houses and killed six people.

Fortunately, the weapons workshop was located deep in the mountains, so no innocent people were harmed.

"Exploded?"

Zhu Di's eyes widened suddenly.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Due to insufficiently sophisticated manufacturing equipment and inadequate gunpowder purity..."
Therefore, its stability is poor, and it could explode with the slightest carelessness, but it can still be used in a real emergency.

Zhu Di nodded in sudden realization and asked the question that had long lingered in his mind:

"You've been prepared?"

"Your Highness, I was just lucky."

The Northern Pacification Command earns countless sums of money every year; if they don't spend it, all that money is wasted.
Moreover, despite the large amount of money invested, very few things were actually produced as desired.

However, Du Si has accumulated quite a few strange and unusual items.

Many of them are very useful, so they are worth the price.

At this point, Lu Yunyi also showed a hint of helplessness.

Nowadays, whether it's the weapons workshops in the capital or in Daning,

The craftsmen have all let themselves go, delving into things he can't understand.

As for the gunpowder newly developed by Daning

Lu Yunyi was somewhat familiar with it. If it were more stable and more powerful, it would be TNT. However, the manufacturing process and disposal methods were very different from TNT, and it was not as cheap as TNT.

This impressed him somewhat; smart people are never bad anywhere, and with support, they can always create products that far surpass their time.

Zhu Di pondered for a long time, then nodded slightly:
"I understand. Since the situation may worsen, I will make preparations in secret."

Does the Armory need some silver from me?

It is not that I am complaining, but the weapons workshops in Beiping only know how to make armor and forge long swords and spears in a routine manner.

These measures alone are simply insufficient to cope with the chaos to come.

Lu Yunyi shook his head:
"Your Highness, I am in the border region, a place rarely visited by people."
If there are even a few more suspicious people in Daning City, I can capture them immediately.

But Beiping was too complicated, with numerous informants, thriving commerce, and spies everywhere.

What you need to do is be patient and hold your position.

As for the rest, I will handle them properly outside the pass.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's breathing quickened.

Although Lu Yunyi didn't say it explicitly, he could sense the sentiment.

A terrifying thought even crossed his mind: if a prince really had to be chosen, Lu Yunyi would unequivocally support him!

call.
Zhu Di let out a long sigh and said in a deep voice:

"I understand. If there is anything, feel free to write to me, and I will do my utmost to help."

Lu Yunyi nodded, looking at the three thousand soldiers standing on the training ground, his voice slightly hollow:
"Then I will lead my men back to Daning."

In a few days, skilled craftsmen will enter the pass to assist in the construction of cement workshops in Beiping and Henan.

Please take good care of them, Your Highness, and make sure they are not bullied.

"Don't worry, go in peace."

Lu Yunyi took a step back and bowed to Zhu Di with clasped hands:
"I will retire at the end."

Dali, Yunnan, Yunlong Prefecture!

Located in the southwestern border region, this place has a pleasant climate; even in December, it is not too cold during the day.

You only need to wear a slightly thicker single garment; you'll need to add more layers at night.

At this moment, outside the west gate of Yunlong Prefecture,
Countless watchtowers rise from the ground, stretching endlessly on the high mountains not far away.

Walking out of the west gate, you can see round cannon barrels mounted in the dark openings of the watchtower.

You can even see flags fluttering at the top!

Every merchant, commoner, and soldier leaving Yunlong Prefecture couldn't help but look up.

These watchtowers are truly awe-inspiring.

Even those who don't understand military affairs can understand this.
With them around, even if Luchuan were to rise from the ashes and a hundred thousand troops were to press in, they would not be able to get close to Yunlong Prefecture without suffering tens of thousands of casualties.

All of this is thanks to Yue Zhongda, the garrison commander of Yunlong Prefecture.

He was transferred to this place in 1922, even though Luchuan had already been defeated.

He remained defiant and built at least one hundred watchtowers outside Yunlong Prefecture.

Although some criticized him for wasting manpower and resources,

But even the most opposed officials would feel a sense of security upon seeing this scene.

At this moment, Yue Zhongda was on a watchtower not far away.

He carefully examined the clay between the bricks and stones, sighing repeatedly.

He was in his forties, looked old, and had a long, pale beard.

His cloudy eyes stared at the clay in his hands, and he kept shaking his head.
"It would have been better if the cement had arrived sooner."
If these watchtowers could be built using cement and concrete,

It won't need any maintenance for a hundred years, and there's no need to worry about repairs. Even if enemies come, there's plenty of time to fix it, saving a lot of money.

Yue Zhongda muttered to himself, and the guard beside him couldn't help but offer words of comfort:
"General, the watchtowers are now very sturdy and can be used for decades. The commander even sent you a document to commend you."

Yue Zhongda shook his head:
"I just feel it's a pity. I heard that in the capital, cement is at least 60% cheaper than clay."

By doing this, we can save a lot of money.

If I have the opportunity to go to Yingtian, I will definitely go and see it.
How exactly is cement made? And why is it so expensive for us to produce?

Upon hearing this, the surrounding guards and officials of Yunlong Prefecture...
Their expressions were somewhat strange, their eyes filled with longing.
Oh, Heaven!
That was the capital of the Ming Dynasty, with a population of one million and countless amounts of money and goods flowing through it daily.
The women along the Qinhuai River outside the city were even more beautiful and unparalleled.
But they were border officials and soldiers,
Perhaps they will never be able to leave Dali, let alone go to a wealthy place like the capital.

Just then, a loud shout came from outside the watchtower:
"General, someone from Dali Prefecture has arrived!"

Commander Chen, the Vice Commander, requests your immediate presence in Dali City, saying he has important matters to discuss!

Yue Zhongda's face stiffened, and a hint of embarrassment flashed in his eyes.

He knew without a doubt what it was about; it must be the wasteful and labor-intensive project of building watchtowers!

Strangely enough, when the watchtower was first built, everyone praised it.

But ever since the initial results were seen and more and more were built,
He was caught off guard by a barrage of criticism and condemnation.

He knew perfectly well the reason behind it.
It was just that some people, seeing that the great thing was about to succeed, wanted to steal the credit and bullied him because he was an easy target from out of town.

He just didn't expect that,

Even the Vice Commander of the Capital Garrison came to visit me personally today.

He had long heard of this Chen Qianshi; he inherited his father's position and was a man of deep thought.
He himself doesn't have any real skills.
Even so, he was no match for such people.

Thinking of this, Yue Zhongda sighed, feeling nostalgic for the days when Dajun was around.

At that time, General Lu was still alive, and no one dared to show him the slightest disrespect.

But now, the emperor is far away,
General Lu was far away in Daning, thousands of miles away, and couldn't possibly take care of him.

"Sigh, let's go."

Yue Zhongda waved his hand, led his personal guards down from the watchtower, then mounted his warhorse and rode away.

He returned to his residence to make some preparations and arrange various matters.
They then left Yunlong Prefecture and sped towards Dali City!

Two days later, Yue Zhongda led more than 20 guards and rushed into Dali City.

Before they could rest, they were taken to the Dali Prefecture government office by officials who came to greet them.

When Yue Zhongda stepped into the main hall of the yamen...
At a glance, I spotted the man in his thirties sitting at the head of the table.

Although this person was dressed in the uniform of a military officer, with a piece of armor attached to the hem of his clothes, his skin was unusually white, quite different from the guards standing around him.

He didn't look like a soldier; he looked more like a scholar going to the capital for the imperial examinations.

Yue Zhongda had met him and knew that he was Chen Shuhan, the Vice Commander-in-Chief.

Even when they met again, he still found it absurd.

What kind of soldier looks like this?
Taking a deep breath, Yue Zhongda stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said in a deep voice:

"This humble general, Yue Zhongda, the garrison commander of Yunlong Prefecture, greets Lord Chen."

Chen Shuhan looked him up and down, noticing his dark complexion and robust physique, and nodded almost imperceptibly, gesturing to the seat below him:
"General Yue, please have a seat."

Yue Zhongda didn't stand on ceremony and sat down directly.

A servant brought over tea, and Chen Shuhan waved his hand dismissively.

"You may leave now. I have military matters to discuss with General Yue."

Upon hearing this, the officials of Dali Prefecture were slightly taken aback.
They then stood up and slowly withdrew.

Even the guards and servants all retreated outside.

Only the two of them remained in the room. A hint of doubt flashed in Yue Zhongda's eyes, but he felt more resentment than anything else.

Such solemnity
It seems like it's time for a showdown.

It's just unknown where he will be transferred after giving up his position.

Sure enough, Chen Shuhan took a sip of tea and spoke softly:
"General Yue has done a very good job in building the city defenses in Yunlong Prefecture. The Commander is very satisfied with you."

The reason I summoned you here today is to ask if General Yue has any other thoughts.
The imperial court has never been stingy with rewards for those who have rendered meritorious service.

"coming."

Yue Zhongda felt a chill in his heart.

With such a direct approach, it seems there's no escaping it this time.

He sighed, not asking for much, only hoping to go back and be a commander again.
"Lord Chen, I am a soldier and am entirely at the command of the commander."

Chen Shuhan was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, patting the armrest of his chair:

"Excellent! General Yue is truly a sensible man, worthy of being a pillar of the nation!"

In that case
General Yue should pack his bags and prepare to take up his post as soon as possible!

Seeing his expression, Yue Zhongda
Hearing how happy he sounded, my heart sank.

The place we're going to this time is definitely not a good place.

He couldn't help but feel a little regretful; he should have tried harder earlier.

At this moment, Chen Shuhan said with a touch of emotion:

"I have never been to Yingtian. When you go to Yingtian this time, don't forget your colleagues in Yunnan. Send back some novelties from Yingtian."

I've heard that Yingtian has changed dramatically in recent years.

"Ok?"

Yue Zhongda, who had been feeling down, suddenly looked up upon hearing this, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

Yingtian?

Chen Shuhan was stunned by his appearance and asked in confusion:

"Didn't the messenger tell you you were being transferred to Yingtian?"

what?
Yue Zhongda, who had been hunched over, suddenly straightened up, his eyes filled with even more shock and disbelief. He quickly shook his head.
"This humble general...this humble general does not know."

"Sigh, these people are really inefficient. They even resort to these little tricks before they leave."

Chen Shuhan cursed, then explained with a smile:
"That's right, the imperial court sent a document a few months ago."
It is said that the workshop has produced some novel items.
Let our commander summarize the tactics for mountain warfare and send them to the capital so that we can study the weaponry according to these tactics.

The documents are now ready and will soon be sent to Yingtian.

However, Lord Ning felt that some things could not be explained clearly based on documents alone, and planned to send a general to accompany him.

After much thought, I chose you.

I am here on the orders of Lord Ning to inform you.

General Yue, hurry up and pack your things to prepare for departure.
"Now that you've taken up your post in the capital, you can't let Yunnan down. You have to do a good job!"

Yue Zhongda stood there stunned, the shock in his eyes not only not dissipating, but intensifying considerably.

What right do I have?

(End of this chapter)