Global colonization began with Ming Dynasty pirates.

There are many things Lin Hao doesn't actually understand. Coming from the future, he can only grasp the general direction of things; he knows what is right and what is wrong, and where the mainstream trend is in the future, which allows him to avoid many wrong attempts. But when it comes to the specific execution of tasks, such as shipbuilding itself, he actually doesn't understand.

But it doesn't matter, Lin Hao has money and is willing to spend it.

If things can't be resolved, it's definitely because not enough money has been spent.

Lin Hao believed that if a vision could not be realized in the Ming Dynasty, then no one in the current era would be able to realize it.

At least for now, the craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty are at the forefront of the times. With thousands of years of technological accumulation, coupled with the outstanding wisdom of the Ming craftsmen themselves, building a single-masted schooner is still a piece of cake.

After Lin Hao promised a generous reward, everyone's motivation surged like a wild horse, uncontrollable. Without needing any instructions from Lin Hao, everyone eagerly urged the laborers to begin construction.

Some people ran to the dock and loudly gave orders, speeding up the construction. Others picked up tools and began processing timber for the ships. Some even went directly to the middle of the still-unfinished dock with tools and began measuring and planning the ship's construction, completely disregarding the potential risks.

Even Guo Kai himself rushed to the center of the timber pile to start selecting suitable keels and masts for the ship.

Seeing this, Lin Hao nodded in satisfaction and turned to Lin Shi, saying:

"Shipbuilding isn't just a matter for carpenters and shipwrights. Ropes, sails, anchors, and other items—whatever you need, just order them from the workshop immediately. Shipbuilding comes first, and everyone's cooperation is prioritized. If you encounter any difficulties, come directly to me."

"Don't worry, young master," Lin Shi assured him, patting his chest. "I will keep a close eye on things and make sure your plan doesn't fall through."

He knew very well why Lin Hao wanted to build these three new ships before the end of the year.

Li Jiu, the pirate from Nangantang Island, will eventually target the Four Seas Gang. Optimistically, it will happen by the end of the year; however, if things change, it's possible that the other side might act prematurely.

"Um."

Lin Hao nodded and patted him on the shoulder.

"I trust you with the shipyard. Communicate frequently with the shipwrights and carpenters. You need to not only manage people but also understand the technical details; don't let your subordinates fool you."

"In the future, we will build even bigger ships—ships of a thousand nautical miles, or even several thousand nautical miles. Our ships will carry our people and sail across all the oceans. Your burden is heavy."

These words stirred Lin Shi's blood.

"Rest assured, young master! Lin Shi will certainly live up to your expectations!"

In fact, today was the day the ship's construction was supposed to begin. Lin Hao's arrival and promises simply gave everyone more motivation. After getting through the chaotic initial preparation phase, the ship finally began construction in the dock in the afternoon.

Lin Shi was in charge of coordinating all the work, while Guo Kai was responsible for the technical details. The overall ship construction work proceeded quite smoothly.

After observing for a while, Lin Hao felt that the team's division of labor and cooperation were quite good, and then left the place again.

With ships come the need for cannons. Last time, eight bronze cannons were forged, and after working overtime for some time, a new batch of cannons has been forged.

When Lin Hao arrived at the artillery training ground, the inspection of this batch of artillery had been largely completed.

"How's the situation?" Lin Hao asked Li Qiang.

"Young Master, judging from the current situation, the quality of this batch of cannons is even better than the previous batch. So far, only one cannon has had a problem, and the others are fine," Li Qiang replied.

"That's excellent." Lin Hao nodded in satisfaction.

During the conversation, the cannons had completed all the tests, and Lin Hao led everyone forward to inspect them.

All the cannons this time were a size larger than the last one. The most eye-catching cannon was not only large, but also much longer than the others.

Seeing Lin Hao looking over, Li Neng quickly explained, "Young Master, this is the heavy cannon manufactured according to your request to extend the barrel."

"How does this cannon actually perform?" Lin Hao asked, nodding. The cannon's caliber was close to 21, making it appear very long and slender.

"Reporting to Young Master, this cannon weighs approximately 1200 jin (600 catties). Using the same amount of gunpowder as the short cannon, its range has increased by about 20%. At the same time, its accuracy has also been greatly improved," Li Neng reported respectfully.

"A 20% increase in range? That's not bad." Lin Hao nodded in satisfaction.

Lin Hao then looked at the remaining cannons and said to Li Neng, "Tell me about the other situations."

Li Neng bowed and obeyed the order, then pointed to the remaining cannons and said, "A total of six cannons will be built this time. Two are heavy cannons weighing 6 jin each, firing 9 jin bullets; two others fire 4 jin bullets; and the last two fire 7 jin bullets. The shape and thickness of all the cannons are consistent with those of the barbarian cannons."

Lin Hao glanced at it and realized that this corresponded to the three types of cannons in the West: 12 pounds, 6 pounds, and 9 pounds. Guo Kai had actually managed to create almost all the types of cannons up to the 12-pounder, and combined with the original 5-pounder cannon corresponding to the 500-jin (250 catties) flammable material, it practically covered most usage scenarios. As for the higher-level cannons, like the 24-pounder and 32-pounder, those massive cannons for heavy warships were beyond Lin Hao's reach for the time being.

If the goal was simply to suppress the imperial navy and pirates, 12-pounder cannons were more than sufficient. Even against large Western warships, 12-pounder cannons would be enough to pierce a hole. After all, Western warships capable of reaching the East were unlikely to be capital ships.

Lin Hao thought about it for a while, but he couldn't decide which specification to use for the time being. Fortunately, he was clear about the important trends in the future development of artillery.

Lin Hao planned to use these cannons on the existing ships to resolve the current pirate crisis on Nangantang Island.

Once larger ships are built, cannons that are more suited to the ship's design will inevitably be produced. These cannons will then be deployed ashore for use as field artillery.

Since the ultimate goal is a field gun, the design is easy to determine: just use the most famous 6-pounder and 12-pounder guns from the Napoleonic cannons.

"Of these cannons, produce four long cannons that fire 9-jin bullets, six short cannons, and the rest will all fire 4.5-jin bullets," Lin Hao immediately instructed Li Qiang.

Four and a half catties, according to the Ming Dynasty's standard of sixteen taels per catty, translates to about six pounds. This weight wouldn't be too much for modern small boats and seagoing vessels to handle. Lin Hao plans to place the 12-pound cannon on the bow of the large Fuzhou ship and the bow of the newly built single-masted schooner.

Li Qiang hesitated and asked, "Young Master, what exactly is 'total production'?"

"How many?"

Lin Hao tilted his head and thought for a moment.

How much copper do we have left?

"The total amount of copper is about 6 jin," Li Qiang replied respectfully.

Lin Hao quickly calculated that a 12-pound cannon would require over 1000 jin of copper, while a 6-pound cannon would require around 600 jin. Theoretically, after producing 10 12-pound cannons, they could also produce about 80 6-pound cannons. After that, the Four Seas Gang would face the embarrassing situation of having no copper available.

After hesitating for a moment, Lin Hao finally said directly, "Since there are still 60,000 catties of copper, then cast them all into cannons for me."

In the current situation, converting all resources into strength is paramount. Once the pirates of Nangantang Island are defeated, and resources are readily available, it will be possible to resume trade with Japan, where copper prices are far lower than in the Ming Dynasty.

After finalizing the artillery arrangements, Lin Hao was in high spirits and then said to Li Qiang, "I heard you have some good news to tell me today."

"That's right. The other task the young master instructed has been completed." Li Qiang replied with a smile, then turned to the crowd behind him and said, "Li Mu! Why aren't you bringing the things up?"