I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

However, the response was always the same indifferent attitude from the readers: "Okay, okay, I understand."

Therefore, Qingdeng, who was very dissatisfied with this, specially arranged this "martial arts demonstration" today.

As it turns out, all the talk is no substitute for letting the rifles actually roar once!

Qingdeng noticed the changes in everyone's expressions.

He was certain that from this day forward, even the most sword-loving and conservative figures like Shinpachi Nagakura and Kamo Serizawa would no longer dare to utter the "firearms are useless" argument.

In Aoto's plan, the "modernization" and "firearmsization" of the Shinsengumi were imperative.

Therefore, it is ultimately beneficial to let the generals witness the true power of modern firearms early on, so that they can face the development of firearms and establish a correct military perspective.

After a moment of silence, Qingdeng spoke up at the opportune moment:

"The musketeers' reload speed is still too slow, and all sorts of problems are arising!"

"According to the two instructors, once the training level is improved and the reloading speed is increased, the shooting speed of 'firing 3 rounds per minute' will be achieved at the fastest."

Without a doubt, Qing Deng's words were a ruthless "finishing blow".

As he finished speaking, the expressions on everyone's faces became even more complex and somber.

At this moment, two male voices suddenly rang out from behind Qing Deng:

"Let me clarify—the M1861 rifle was not the most advanced firearm at the time."

No sooner had the handsome man finished speaking than the plain-looking man added:

"The M1861 rifle is a transitional weapon."

"The United States, across the ocean, is fighting a civil war."

"This inexpensive rifle was developed temporarily to meet the needs of the war."

"Currently, the Americans have developed the more advanced M1863 rifle, which has improved its accuracy and power to a new level."

"As for European countries such as Britain, France, and Prussia, they are also constantly developing and deploying new and more powerful firearms."

"We live in an era of explosive technological advancements and rapid changes."

"Whether it's military equipment or daily necessities, everything is being upgraded at a rapid pace."

"It probably won't be long before the M1861 rifle we are using now becomes an obsolete fire poker."

These two people, singing in unison, were none other than Kinoshita Rin's two top generals—"Dual-Skilled Warrior" Asai Moriyasu and "Thunder Slasher" Shimada Kanichi.

When the two of them reappeared in front of Qingdeng, Qingdeng was shocked to learn that they were not only highly skilled swordsmen, but also returned overseas students!

They studied at the prestigious Berlin Military Academy for three years, majoring in army tactics, and only recently returned home.

The Berlin Military Academy – whose history dates back to the Napoleonic era.

In order to fundamentally reform the military system and add a new backbone to the Prussian army, a man named Scharnhorst established the Berlin Senior Military Academy in 1810, based on his earlier military academy. This academy was the precursor to the Berlin Military Academy.

Although people tend to think that France has the world's best army based on conventional wisdom and on paper data, in reality, the Prussian army was arguably no weaker than the French army.

They had returned from studying in Prussia, and were graduates of the prestigious Berlin Military Academy, making them truly remarkable high-caliber individuals.

These two are the military instructors that Kinoshita Rin promised to send to teach gunnery tactics.

To be honest, when Qing Deng saw that the instructor sent by Kinoshita Rin was a local and someone he knew, he really breathed a sigh of relief.

If Kinoshita Rin sent a few blond-haired, blue-eyed foreign instructors, then Qing Deng would have nothing but a bitter smile.

The language barrier alone is a difficult hurdle to overcome.

If I say "front gate tower" and you hear it as "hip bone elbow," then what's the point of training?

Even experienced translators may not be able to accurately translate those specialized military terms.

When Asai Moriyasu and Shimada Kanichi reported to Aoto, they made it very clear that their identities were merely "instructors," not "commanders" of the Shinsengumi.

If the Shinsengumi launches military operations abroad in the future, or encounters any trouble, they will not actively participate, but will only provide "limited" assistance.

Furthermore, they emphasized that they were by no means Qingdeng's subordinates, and there was no master-servant relationship between them.

If we had to categorize them, they were "suiki" sent by Kinoshita Rin to help Aoto.

[Note: "寄骑" refers to lending one's subordinates to others. Those who are lent out are called "寄骑".]

For Qingdeng, the two men's proposals were a great help—clearly defining specific responsibilities beforehand could avoid a lot of trouble.

Thus, Aoto immediately appointed the two of them as gunnery instructors for the Shinsengumi, giving them full authority to establish and train the Shinsengumi's firearms unit.

The people sent by Kinoshita Rin were indeed quite capable.

They quickly got into the swing of things and threw themselves into their jobs.

Because the first batch of rifles arriving at the Hatazu Domain consisted of only 100 men, they first selected 100 men from the Sixth Division to form the first musket squad of the Shinsengumi.

Once the remaining equipment arrives, the Sixth and Eighth Divisions will be gradually "transformed" into a formidable force specializing in firearms, according to Qing Deng's wishes.

It must be said that they are indeed quite capable, worthy of being high-achieving students who have studied abroad and attended prestigious universities.

Although the time was short, under their careful and hands-on instruction, the first batch of musketeers of the Shinsengumi were already quite proficient, at least knowing how to shoot and load ammunition.

"What a pity... the Parrot rifled cannon is still on its way."

Asai Mori shrugged and murmured regretfully:

"Compared to cannons, rifles are nothing!"

"Cannons are the true 'gods of the battlefield'!"

As he spoke, he gestured wildly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Shimada Kanichi shook his head helplessly and introduced the situation to Aoto and the others:

"Please forgive me, but Asai really likes cannons. He gets so excited when he talks about cannons that he can't contain himself."

Qingdeng smiled:

"It's okay, I understand."

Thus, today's unique "martial arts demonstration" has finally come to an end.

Qingdeng turned around, put his hands behind his back, and faced the generals and musketeers.

He said some polite phrases like "You've all worked hard" and "Get some rest when you get back," then waved his hand and said, "Alright, everyone can go now!"

……

……

"Moo~ Moo moo~"

The radish swished its tail and strolled leisurely forward.

Yamanami Keisuke slowed his pace, allowing himself to walk alongside Aoto so that he could easily report to him.

The two then returned to Otsu while discussing national affairs.

"Tachibana-kun, as the warehouse gradually fills up, Iwasaki-kun has begun to advance projects such as 'developing new fields,' 'restoring old fields,' and 'building bastions.'"

“He’s been really excited lately, working non-stop. Every time I go there, I always see him busy at work.”

"To be honest, his condition makes me very worried."

"I'm terrified he'll work himself to death..."

Qingdeng smiled helplessly:

"If that's the case, then you'd better keep a close eye on him."

"I certainly don't want to receive the devastating news of 'Yataro Iwasaki's sudden death' one day in the future."

Yamanami Keisuke nodded:

"That's natural. I've ordered people to keep a close watch on him at all times."

“If he refuses to rest, we will use some ‘brutal means’ to force him to go back to bed.”

Having concluded this topic, Keisuke Yamanami moved on to the next:

"Lord Tachibana, there is no new information from Choshu. They are still preparing for war with all their might and are on high alert to prevent outsiders from entering the domain, so it is difficult for our spies to infiltrate."

"Yes, continue monitoring, don't let your guard down."

"Yes! Then, the next item..."

……

This brief state briefing did not last long.

About 10 minutes later, Keisuke Yamanami seemed to remember something and began to think.

Then, he put away the notebook he used to record things, and looked at Qingdeng with a smile:

"Ju-kun, the last item—your marriage—has there been any new progress?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Qingdeng changed his calm demeanor from one of indifference to one of serene smile.

"It can be considered that we have made considerable progress."

"After repeated discussions, we finally decided to hold a grand wedding on New Year's Eve!"

*******

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Please vote with monthly tickets! Please vote with recommendation tickets! (Leopard crying.jpg)

The next chapter is the wedding! (Leopard exclaims.jpg) This book is already nearly 440 million words long, and Qing Deng has only just gotten married... That's so sad.

Chapter 792 A Gathering of Feudal Lords! Attending the Wedding! [4800]

"Taro, Daddy is going away from home for a while! When I'm not home, you have to be a good boy and not cause trouble for your mother."

"Dad, where are you going?"

"Dad, I'm going to Otsu. I probably won't be back until around the New Year."

"Otsu? Why go to such a far place?"

"The Qin Jin Princely Office is currently recruiting able-bodied men! The wages they're offering are quite high. I may not have much else, but I certainly have plenty of strength! So I need to prepare enough money for our family's New Year celebrations before the New Year."