Baidu otaku as Chongzhen

Chapter 410 Young people

The early winter sun shines on the earth.

Zhenjiang Fort is no exception.

The shining sun made the city emerge from hell and ushered in a new day.

The white mist shrouded the city that came out of hell, and it didn't quietly dissipate until the sun shone for a long time.

On the city wall, more and more heads emerged from the city wall.

Last night, the damage done to Zhenjiang Fort was too great. A large part of the city wall was blown down, and hundreds of people were killed or injured. It can be said that it was the worst battle since entering Zhenjiang Fort.What's going on outside.

Zhang Heng stared blankly at the place three hundred paces away from the west section of the city wall. Not only Zhang Heng was in a daze, but everyone on the city wall was in a daze.

The sun had cleared the fog enough, and the place three hundred steps away was already clearly visible.

The Tartars dug deep pits overnight at a distance of [-] paces, dragged the cannons into each deep pit, and then dug a trench in the direction facing the city wall, so that the muzzle of the cannon was just aimed at the city wall, and The top of the deep pit, facing the city wall, is full of soil, which is why the cannons of the Ming Dynasty, Francois hit there countless times, but they have not been able to effectively destroy the cannons of the Tartars. Well, it is very difficult for a solid shell to hit the trench directly. If it hits the ground or the soil, it will have no effect on the cannon behind the soil and below, but it will cut off a lot of the soil.

Zhang Heng looked at the pits where the cannons were hidden, and was dumbfounded. Is this why the enemy's cannons have been unable to be destroyed?This is why the Tartars dared to pull the cannon down to this place to fight?
After watching for a long time, Zhang Heng turned his gaze away from that place. It turned out that his guess was indeed correct, but how to guard against this situation?
Under the city wall, the corpses of the Tartars had almost been cleaned up. Some of them were taken back by the Tartars themselves, while others were picked up by the soldiers of Dongjiang Town.

"My lord, look at that pit, it's probably where the Tartars are hiding..." A soldier seemed to have found something, and immediately said to Zhang Heng.

Following the soldier's guidance, Zhang Heng looked over and found the corpse of a Tartar. The whole body, the upper body was lying in the pit, and the legs were outside the pit. It was obviously a Tartar who was about to enter the pit to avoid bullets However, it may have been a bit slow, so he was killed before he fully hid in the hole, so this is the case.

"That's right, the Tartars really dug a hole..." Zhang Heng said to himself, and the facts proved once again that he guessed right. There are some masters among the Tartars who actually came up with the idea of ​​digging a hole and a pit. One move is used to deal with the firearms above Zhenjiang Fort. In this way, the power of the firearms will be greatly reduced...

……

Outside the estuary of the Yalu River.

Here, several battleships are assembled.

Peter was very distressed. His "boss" was doing a stupid thing. Although he tried to persuade him, it didn't work. His boss still went his own way and continued to do that stupid thing. For this reason, Peter was quite upset. Annoyance, as an employee working for the emperor, it is necessary to consider issues for his boss from the standpoint of his own boss.

"Shang, this is not acceptable...Shang, this is really not acceptable..." Peter kept persuading Shang Kexi.

"It's nothing wrong. You agreed to dismantle the cannon and refit it on our warship. Why are you always talking about it now?" Thinking of completing the modification as soon as possible, and then sailing the battleship up as soon as possible, the battle last night has already made Shang Kexi feel confused.

"Shang, listen to me, I'm not saying you shouldn't dismantle the cannon, I'm saying..." Peter couldn't stop explaining, his mouth was dry.

"Okay, I don't listen to your explanation, I just know, modify the cannon as soon as possible..." Shang Kexi was quite impatient with this barbarian, if it wasn't for this barbarian who still has some skills, Shang Kexi would be too lazy to talk to him say.

"No, no, no, Shang, listen to me, your small boat can't carry so many cannons, it will definitely sink, you really can't do it like this..." Granny Peter tried hard to persuade Shang Kexi, however, Shang Kexi has always been single-minded in doing things according to his own ideas... For persuading this young boy who doesn't understand naval warfare and artillery warfare, Peter feels that he is really tired, but from the emperor's point of view The problem, Peter felt, was that he had to go on.

……

"Quickly, hang the cannon down..." Shang Kexi ignored Peter, and directed the craftsmen and sergeants to dismantle the cannon from the barbarian warship and refit it on a small warship in Shuiying, Dongjiang Town.Last night's fierce battle at Zhenjiang Fort had already driven Shang Kexi crazy. Early in the morning, Shang Kexi immediately urged the craftsmen, and the soldiers began to directly modify the cannons on the sea.Under Shang Kexi's constant urging, the craftsmen progressed quite quickly. Five cannons have been hoisted down, and a few more cannons will be hoisted. Even if the cannons on this warship have been refitted, the next warship can be carried modified.

With dry mouth and tongue, Peter walked away helplessly. This morning, he only did one thing, which was to uselessly and powerlessly prevent Shang Kexi from modifying the warship according to his method.

"Lei, you should persuade Shang. Shang is crazy. How can such a small ship carry so many cannons? What's more, this ship was not built to carry so many cannons. , the boat will definitely not be able to take it..." After Peter tried to dissuade Shang Kexi ineffectively again, he turned to do useless work again, trying to persuade Lei to use it.

Lei Dayong just watched Shang Kexi silently, watching the scene of transforming the battleship on the spot, and didn't pay much attention to Peter.Perhaps because he was very irritable, Lei Dayong frowned and said, "Peter, haven't you noticed that Yuan Jiji is going crazy? How can you stop him like this? You know, Zhenjiang Fort last night was a tough battle, Zhenjiang Fort There will be another war at any time, and we are helpless at sea. Think about it, what is Yuan Ji thinking? You don’t have to persuade him anymore, let him do what he wants.” Lei Dayong is not concerned about matters at sea. I understand too well, but he agreed to support Shang Kexi in rebuilding the warship, so he still supports Shang Kexi now. As for what Peter said, Lei Dayong may not take it to heart.

"Well, Lei, just pretend I didn't say it, but you know, this is just a small boat. According to what Da Ming said, this is a Cangshan boat, and it is impossible to withstand ten artillery pieces. I can make a bet with you , if you will install it after a while, you can ask for a test gun. If there is no accident when you fire at the same time, I am willing to transfer the salary I received from His Majesty the Emperor to you. If you lose, please help me and persuade Shang to follow my lead. You know, I want to win this war more than you, Lei, I am serving His Majesty the Emperor wholeheartedly..., for His Majesty's sake, trust me..." Peter no longer had the energy Go and persuade these two young men with huge power in their hands to take out what they can best and make the last bet.

Lei Dayong didn't know much about maritime affairs. Hearing Peter's words, he felt a little changed. This barbarian valued his salary very much. A certain earl, this can prove that he is a high-ranking person. If he is willing to put all his salary as a bet, I am afraid that this matter really needs to be considered. Perhaps, he is too reckless.

"You mean, this method of modification must not work?" Lei Dayong then paid attention to Peter's words.

"Yes, definitely not, well, Lei, that's not how refitting is done, we should need a group of professional craftsmen, professional tools, and a place dedicated to doing this, that is to say, we'd better be Find a dock that can repair ships instead of on rough seas. I know that you monks are in a hurry to go to Zhenjiang Fort, but please think carefully, we still have to wait for His Majesty's reinforcements, so we still have at least a week. The time is enough for us to go to the shipyard of Phi Island to do this. In this way, we can strengthen it reasonably and choose a stronger ship. Only in this way can the work of refitting the warship go smoothly. Do it like Shang is doing now, oh, God, forgive me, he is wasting His Majesty's property..." Peter looked helpless.

Lei Dayong was also puzzled. He looked at the warship of Dongjiang Town Water Camp below, which had already loaded six cannons. Shang Kexi planned to add eight more. Adding the original two, there would be a total of ten cannons. Judging from the installation of six guns, it seems that the boat can still hold on, that is, the draft is a little deeper. The craftsmen and soldiers on the boat are working hard to unload the cannons.

"Okay, that's it. I will let Yuanji test the gun. If you are right, then I will do it according to your suggestion. If you are wrong, I will also give you your salary." No, as long as you don't talk so much in the future..." Lei Dayong frowned, looked at the warship below, and said softly.

"Okay! It's a deal, God above, it's a deal, I'm ready to win, although I don't want to win, but I must win, for His Majesty..." Peter was serious, with a serious look on his face With a determined expression on my face, I said with certainty.

……

The additional eight-door Qianjin Flang machines are already in place, and the craftsmen have made some reinforcements. The hull looks a little sinking, but the overall feeling is not bad. Although the shaking hull makes some noise, it doesn't It must have been caused by the cannon pressing on the deck.

Seeing the first refitted warship, Shang Kexi was full of joy. The big warships of the Yi people would not go to Zhenjiang Fort, and the battle situation in Zhenjiang Fort had become more and more fierce. Shang Kexi felt that with this modification If necessary, I can forcibly go to support Marshal Mao, so as not to let the marshal guard Zhenjiang Fort alone.

"Yuanji..." Lei Dayong looked at the satisfied Shang Kexi and shouted.

"Dayong, what's the matter? It's the story of that barbarian?" Shang Kexi said.

"Well, well, I know you are very anxious to rescue Marshal Mao, but you have to believe that I am also very anxious, and Peter is also very anxious. We are all looking forward to getting things done... ..." Lei Dayong began to speak.

"Dayong, don't persuade me. With this modified battleship, even if there is no rain, you can go to Zhenjiang Fort for rescue. In case the commander is in danger, we won't be helpless, right? If it is given That barbarian said Xiang, it can be avoided..., no matter what, we can't stay here and do nothing." Shang Kexi is very grateful to Lei Dayong, if it wasn't for Lei Dayong's support, he would demolish the barbarians. It is obviously impossible to use the cannons on the human battleship, but it still can't stop him from modifying the battleship.

"Well, Yuan Ji, to be honest, I don't know much about maritime affairs, but I think what Peter said makes sense..." Lei Dayong said.

"Then, Dayong, you mean you don't support me anymore?" Shang Kexi asked nervously.

"No, what I mean is, Peter wants to make a bet with you. Whether you win or lose, I will continue to support you in modifying the warship. However, if Peter wins, I think you can listen to Peter's advice. In Peter's suggestion After all, His Majesty asked us to follow him to learn about sea affairs..." Lei Dayong also understood Shang Kexi's mood, so when he was speaking, he turned a little corner.

It was only then that Shang Kexi seriously thought about it. Since last night, that mania has been there, and until now, it still dominates his whole being. After thinking for a long time, Shang Kexi finally said: "Okay, great use, you say, How does Peter want to bet?"

"Actually, it's simple. Now that the warship has been refitted, Peter wants to test the guns. He will test the guns according to the actual combat conditions. If the ship has no problems, he is willing to admit defeat. If there are problems with the ship, he will win... "Lei Dayong is still quite vague about warships and naval battles, and cannons are still quite vague, and he doesn't quite understand. Therefore, on this issue, he is vacillating and cannot see clearly. He can only test the problem with practice.

Shang Kexi thought about it for a while, and then said: "Okay, no problem, it's settled like this, I will ask someone to test the gun now..." Shang Kexi did not refuse, at least now, the warship he modified is still It's smooth, with no palpitating crunch.

……

This refitted warship is just the Cangshan ship commonly seen in the navy of the Ming Dynasty. It is generally accepted that the winning ship is small and the winning ship has more cannons than the winning cannon. Therefore, he likes adding so many cannons to his ship, and he is quite happy to hear Shang Kexi's order to test the cannons.

Soon, the Cangshan ship separated from the barbarian warship, and prepared for a test of guns. Apart from the sailors from Dongjiang Town, the barbarian gunners were also on board.

Shang Kexi, Lei Dayong, Peter, the three stood together.

Shang Kexi stared at the refitted warship, not letting it go, Peter looked at the distance with a relaxed face, as if he had a chance to win, and Lei Dayong looked at the restless Shang Kexi, and then looked at it. Looking at Peter with a relaxed face, he hesitated even more in his heart. This time, he may have really made a mistake.

While people are anxiously waiting.

The Cangshan ship finally fired.

Just like in wartime, the cannons on both sides fired almost at the same time, and thick smoke rushed out from the muzzle, making a deafening sound.

Shang Kexi pinched the side of the boat, watching the situation nervously.

The boat seemed to be intact, Shang Kexi heaved a sigh of relief, this barbarian can speak big words.Turning his head away, he was ready to talk about this barbarian carefully, and made trouble if he had nothing to do.

Peter still had a relaxed face and a smile, as if the ship would sink immediately.

"It's not good, the boat is broken..."

"It's not good, the cannon smashed through the bottom of the ship..."

On the Cangshan boat, suddenly the boat approached and made people shudder.

In an instant, Shang Kexi's heart sank to the bottom of the valley, and his heart felt extremely cold.As the barbarian said, the Cangshan boat couldn't carry so many cannons.

"Hurry up, save people, hurry up, save people..." Lei Dayong immediately reacted and shouted loudly.Ships of all sizes nearby went up to rescue people immediately.

……

Fortunately, there were many boats nearby, and the leak did not fill the boat all at once. By the time the boat sank slowly, all the people on board had already moved away.

"I'm humble and incompetent, I've let my lord down..." The whistle chief on the Cangshan boat just now knelt down in front of Shang Kexi and Lei Dayong in remorse and shame.

Shang Kexi's face was ashen, and he was holding the side of the boat until his knuckles turned white.

"It's none of your business. Although the ship sank, it's a good thing. It prevented more shipwrecks... Well done, I'll find you a big boat next time..." Lei Da used his best to comfort the boat. The captain of the warship.

"Thank you, my lord..." The whistle chief was very happy. Although losing a boat and losing ten cannons is an unlucky thing, but if you can get the approval of the imperial envoy, then let's do it again. A boat is nothing, but it is His Majesty's confidant, and the person in charge of all the supplies to reinforce Dongjiang Town can be said to have power all over the sky. It is not difficult for him to get a big boat.

"Tell me about the situation at that time." Shang Kexi's complexion was much better, and his emotions calmed down a lot, he asked.

"Returning to my lord, it was all good before, but once the cannon was fired, it obviously failed. The vibration was too great, and the deck could not bear so many cannons. It was too heavy. After one cannon was fired, it fell directly from the deck. It smashed through the bottom of the ship, except for this cannon, I have also checked the other cannons, and the deck seems to be showing signs of looseness, and there is no way to fire a second cannon..." The whistle chief began to recall the situation at that time .

"Well, good, thank you for your hard work, I will get you a big boat in the future, go and rest first..." Shang Kexi said with a sullen face.

"Resign from the humble position..." The whistle chief left happily.

"Okay, Peter, you won this time, so let me tell you how you did it. Refitting a warship must be done, and it must be done as soon as possible..." Shang Kexi readily admitted that he lost, Facts are in front of us, sophistry is useless.

Peter still looked relaxed, and said: "Well, okay, my suggestion is that we need to have a dock to renovate warships, not on this rough sea; secondly, we should have a group of professionals Form an evaluation team to evaluate the possibility of warship modification and the maximum number of modifications, instead of us laymen messing around here..."

When it came to the word "troubleshooting", Shang Kexi glanced at Peter and said nothing, as if he had tacitly agreed that the trickster was referring to himself. The sunken warship and the ten cannons on board were solid evidence.

"..., so, we should go to Phi Island. There is a ready-made dock there, which is perfect for transforming warships. Reasonable reinforcement, materials, tools, and craftsmen are all available. In the end, we still have at least a week's time Time to do this, you know, it will take at least a week for His Majesty's reinforcements to arrive, believe me, your Marshal Mao is much tougher than you imagined, and he will definitely be able to persist until our arrival..., this That's my suggestion..." Peter said with a relaxed face.

"Okay, I don't have any opinions, what about you?" Shang Kexi lowered his head and agreed without any hesitation.

"Okay, I have no objection, just do as Peter said..." Although Lei Dayong did not lose, Lei Dayong felt that he took things for granted, lacked experience, and lacked many things, so that he still Before the war started, one warship and ten cannons had been lost in vain.

……

Shang Kexi lowered his head, and said sullenly: "I'm sorry, Da Yong, I was reckless, I failed His Majesty's expectations, and made this happen..." Shang Kexi woke up in the middle of the night last night until now , the spirit has never stopped, and all the thoughts in my mind are how to rescue Mao Wenlong and the brothers in Zhenjiang Fort as soon as possible. I was damaged before the battle, and now that I calmed down, I realized that I was indeed too reckless, I was indeed too impulsive, I was indeed too conceited of my identity, and ignored the basic facts.

Lei Dayong also sighed, he is still too young, he has too little knowledge and experience, especially about the maritime affairs, he is completely blind, and being an imperial envoy depends entirely on His Majesty's trust and support, relying on What is most important is loyalty to His Majesty.

"There is no hair on the mouth, and you can't do things well...hehehe..." Lei Dayong suddenly laughed.

Shang Kexi looked at Lei Dayong in surprise, not only talking about him, but also Lei Dayong talking about himself, Lei Dayong is younger than himself...

(End of this chapter)