Wu Chengsi took a few steps forward and said loudly:
"My fellow soldiers, the one on your right is a new weapon called artillery. You all remember this name, because it will help us defeat the Japanese and Tubo people in the near future!"
All the generals said in unison: "The Tang army is mighty! They are invincible! They are invincible in every attack!"
Wu Chengsi was about to order a test firing when Su Dingfang next to him suddenly said: "Commander, can I go up to the low wooden platform to have a better view?"
These three artillery pieces had been test-fired yesterday, and there was no danger of exploding the tubes. Wu Chengsi nodded in agreement and said, "The sound may be loud, so you'd better cover your ears."
Su Dingfang laughed and said, "I know."
When Su Dingfang came behind an artillery piece, Wu Chengsi shouted loudly: "The test firing begins!"
The three soldiers next to the artillery cart were originally Shenhuo camp craftsmen and were selected by Wu Chengsi as the first batch of artillerymen.
A few days ago, he told them the artillery loading process. The three of them practiced it for several nights. Although they were not proficient, they did not make mistakes.
They first fixed the angle with the rear sight, then took out a wooden stick wrapped in white cloth and cleaned it in the barrel.
The artillery was front-loaded, and the three of them stuffed the gunpowder bag wrapped in oil paper into the barrel and stabbed it into the bottom with a wooden pole.
Then three more sergeants came up with the iron ball, stuffed the ball into the barrel, and poked it into the bottom with a wooden pole.
The next step is extremely important. Pierce the drill rod through the gunpowder bag through the fire door, and then insert the lead into the gunpowder bag.
Originally there was another step to debug the angle, because this step took a long time and was error-prone, so they had already debugged the angle before everyone came.
The three of them looked at each other and saw that each other was ready, and said in unison: "Report to the commander, the test firing is ready!"
"Fire and fire!" Wu Chengsi ordered.
Seeing the three people lighting the fuse with torches, the eyes of everyone watching widened.
When Su Dingfang saw the three people lighting the fire, they backed away and covered his ears with both hands. He was shocked. He recalled the scene of the gunpowder explosion and also covered his ears.
Not long after I covered it, I heard a loud rumble and a violent explosion erupted from the iron pipe!
Su Dingfang felt the wooden platform under his feet shaking violently.
After all, he had been fighting on the battlefield for half his life, and his mental quality was excellent. Regardless of the slight tinnitus in his ears, he immediately looked towards the artillery.
A burst of gray-white smoke was seen in front of the gun barrel. When the field of vision looked further away, only one of the three armored targets was left, and the other two were missing.
Su Dingfang was shocked, jumped off the short wooden platform, and ran towards the target in the distance.
At the same time, all the generals on the platform jumped off the platform and ran towards the target.
These generals were all the best generals in the Tang Dynasty and had sophisticated vision. They were not surprised by the long range of the artillery, because the ballistae could also reach this range.
But when the artillery was tested just now, they only saw a black shadow flash past, and the target in the distance was hit!
People with quick reactions have already guessed that it was the iron ball that hit the target.
But why it can shoot out and why it can shoot so fast, everyone has no idea!
Faster speed means stronger power. With this terrifying speed and a solid iron ball, it is self-evident that it is so powerful!
Xue Rengui was the first to come to the target stick. He glanced around and soon saw the armor that had been shot three feet away.
When I came to the armor, I picked it up and saw a circular hole on the side of the armor. The front armor was sunken and stuck closely to the back armor!
"His grandma's can shoot through armor from such a long distance. It's probably more powerful than a wolf-fang crossbow!"
Su Dingfang's voice came from the side, his face was flushed, and his excitement and joy were beyond words.
Xue Rengui's eyes flashed and he said: "Not only is it powerful, the iron ball is half a foot wide, and its attack coverage is far wider than a crossbow arrow."
At this time, Li Ji, Cheng Wuting and others also came over.
Li Ji twisted his beard and smiled: "If this thing is hit on the ship, it can directly penetrate the wooden ship. No wonder the commander is so confident about attacking the Japanese country!"
Cheng Wu said excitedly: "And this thing is so small, it is easier to carry than a ballista or catapult."
Suddenly someone in the distance shouted: "Come and see, the iron ball is intact!"
Everyone looked up and saw Han Cheng running towards him with an iron ball in his arms. As he said, except for the side where the iron ball collided with the armor was slightly dented, all other equipment was intact.
"Let me hug you." Guo Daifeng took the iron ball and said with a smile: "Haha, it's still warm."
The generals passed the iron ball around, all with smiles on their faces.
Although this is just a small iron ball, it can increase the combat power of the Tang army and reduce the casualties of soldiers. Naturally, everyone is happy.
Xue Rengui touched his chin and said: "How to combine this kind of weapon with cavalry is a problem."
At this time, Wu Chengsi just walked over and said with a smile: "Everyone has seen the effects of the new weapons. How to combine the new weapons with the existing tactics requires you to go back and think carefully."
All the generals nodded. Many of them did not respect him at first. They felt that although he was good at fighting, he was not as good as Xue Rengui and Su Dingfang, and that he would not be able to become the commander-in-chief.
But after seeing this new weapon, his dissatisfaction disappeared.
After the artillery test firing, Russell, Han Cheng and others took the people from the Xidian camp back by boat.
Wu Chengsi broke up with Li Ji and Su Dingfang outside the palace gate, and then personally sent Xue Rengui home.
Xue Rengui rode on the horse and sighed: "Commander, you can invite me to watch the display of new weapons today. Mr. Xue is very grateful."
"General Xue is serious. In fact, after the late Emperor passed away, I wanted to discuss with the Queen Mother to reinstate you to your post. But then I thought about it, and I am not sure if I am bringing this matter up now, so I want to make you suffer some more grievances." .”
Xue Rengui raised his hand and said: "Commander, don't say that. Mr. Xue is not an unreasonable person. I will always be waiting for your summons at home."
It was the crown prince who asked him to dismiss him from office. Now that the crown prince has ascended the throne, if he is reinstated, it will be a slap in the emperor's face. He is very aware of the resistance.
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "It is too wasteful to let talents like General Xue stay at home. I would like to ask General Xue to temporarily train the Western Army as an instructor. Is General Xue willing?"
Xue Rengui cupped his hands and said: "The commander-in-chief has orders, and Xue must obey them."
In the next few days, Wu Chengsi concentrated on selecting elites from each guard to form the Western Expedition Army. The training of the army was left to Xue Rengui, Russell and others.
December 30th is the end of the year.
When Wu Chengsi returned home that night, he found that there were red lanterns hanging everywhere in the house, and a festive atmosphere could be seen everywhere.
After dinner, I went to the study to handle some military affairs and didn't come out of the study until evening.
He was sleeping in bed last night, so according to custom, it was time to go to Xu Wenqing's Qingzhuyuan tonight.
However, every time before he went to Qingzhuyuan, he used to go to bed first and have a few words with Li Zhiying.
Arriving at the main hall, Li Zhiying was reading a book.
Seeing him coming, he quickly put down his book, asked his servants to give him foot-washing water, sprinkle some medicinal powder, and personally washed his feet.
After washing him, Hong Ming brought him foot-washing water and wanted to wash Li Zhiying's feet.
Wu Chengsi rushed to sit on Hong Ming's small bench and said with a smile: "Hong Ming, please go out. I will serve your young lady today."
Hong Ming pursed her lips and smiled, and went out happily.
This was not the first time Wu Chengsi washed Li Zhiying's feet, so Li Zhiying only blushed and did not stop him.
"Husband, after tomorrow, this year will be over." Li Zhiying put her hand on his shoulder and said softly.
Wu Chengsi lowered his head and said, "Yes, time flies so fast."
Li Zhiying hesitated for a moment and said: "Husband, Sister Liu has been here for so long, and you haven't had sex with her yet. If you delay it any longer, you will have to wait until next year."
Wu Chengsi did not answer.
Li Zhiying further advised: "I am pregnant and cannot serve you. Sister Xu's eyes have not recovered, and she cannot serve you. Why don't you let Sister Liu serve you?"
Wu Chengsi suddenly raised his head and said: "Zhiying, you always ask me to find her. Aren't you afraid that after I favor her, I will become cold towards you?"
Li Zhiying was stunned.
She has always believed that only when a housewife is magnanimous can she be in harmony with her husband, and the love will remain the same as before, and the whole family will be peaceful and harmonious.
When Wu Chengsi asked this question, he didn't know how to answer.
Seeing that she was at a loss, Wu Chengsi pinched the instep of her foot and said with a smile, "I'm just kidding, you're so considerate and it's not too late for me to be happy!"
Li Zhiying smiled with relief and said, "So husband, you don't have to worry about me. You can go find Sister Liu tomorrow."
Wu Chengsi was silent for a while and asked: "Zhiying, you have been with her for so long, what do you think of her character?"
Li Zhiying turned her head and thought for a while, then said, "Although Sister Liu doesn't talk much, she has a very good heart."
She was afraid that her husband would not believe it, so she added: "Just like yesterday when we went to the temple to offer incense, we could tell from a small thing."
"Oh, what's the matter?"
"Yesterday morning, Yu Jin and I invited Sister Liu and Sister Xu to go to Da Ci'en Temple to offer incense. They both agreed. However, when we arrived at the temple, Sister Liu did not go in."
"When I asked her, I found out that she never worshiped Buddha. The reason why she came with her was because she didn't want to offend me."
"Is this what happened?"
Li Zhiying shook her head and said: "No, this is just a minor incident. Sister Liu has an arrogant temperament and is not the kind of person who would compromise for the sake of others' face. My husband should be able to see that, right?"
Wu Chengsi pursed his lips and nodded: "Not bad."
Li Zhiying added: "But she is willing to take care of my face. This shows that she deeply values my status as a princess, and it also shows that she does not reject the current life."
Wu Chengsi was stunned, looking at the water in the basin in trance.
Li Zhiying then got to the point and said: "Later, when we came out of the temple, we found that she had gotten off the carriage and was standing under a tree, staring at several beggars on the street."
Generally, there are the most beggars next to temples because the monks give porridge to the poor from time to time.
Wu Chengsi wondered: "Could it be that she felt pity for the beggar and wanted to give him alms?"
Li Zhiying smiled and said: "I thought so too at first, but when we passed by, a beggar happened to notice her gaze and approached her to ask for a reward."
"and after?"
Li Zhiying said: "She turned around and got on the carriage without looking back. She did not reward the beggar."
Wu Chengsi was stunned: "That's it?"
Li Zhiying pushed him gently and said angrily: "I haven't finished speaking yet."
Wu Chengsi smiled: "Okay, go on."
Li Zhiying said: "Originally I thought she was just curious, so I took a second look at the beggars. After returning home, I asked Hongming to steam some steamed buns and distribute them outside Daci'en Temple."
Wu Chengsi praised: "My wife really has the heart of a Buddha!"
Li Zhiying's cheeks turned red and she said, "Sister Liu is kind-hearted. Hong Ming came back and told me that when she went there, all the beggars there were gone."
Wu Chengsi was surprised: "Where have you gone?"
Li Zhiying said: "Hongming later asked people on the street and learned that the beggars followed a girl. Hongming inquired along the way and found a musical instrument workshop, and found that the beggars were all in the workshop."
The more Wu Chengsi listened, the more strange he became: "What happened next?"
"The person in charge of that workshop is a girl. Husband, do you know who that girl is?"
"It can't be Miss Liu, right?"
Li Zhiying smiled, imitated his title, and said: "It's not the eldest lady of the Liu family, but the eldest lady's maid, Fen Bao!"
Wu Chengsi asked: "So, that workshop is the Liu family's property?"
Li Zhiying smiled and said: "It used to be from the Liu family, but now it belongs to our Wu family."
"ah?"
"Listen to me slowly! After Hongming talked with Anibao, she found out that this workshop is the property of the Liu family. Mr. Liu loves his daughter very much. Knowing that Sister Liu likes musical instruments, he bought it for his daughter."
Wu Chengsi was a little speechless. He didn't expect that Liu Qixian was also a maniac about doting on women.
"Hong Ming heard from An Bao that Sister Liu asked her to bring these beggars into the workshop and let them work in the workshop so that they no longer have to beg."
Wu Chengsi nodded secretly, Miss Liu was teaching people how to fish, and she thought more long-term than just doing good deeds, which is worthy of praise.
After the couple had a conversation, Wu Chengsi left the main hall and walked towards Xu Wenqing's Qingzhu Courtyard.
The moonlight is like water, pouring on the palace path, and the night wind blows with the scent of camellia.
Wu Chengsi followed two servants carrying lanterns all the way to Qingzhuyuan.
Xu Wenqing didn't like having too many people serving her, so she and Lu Wei only lived in the whole courtyard.
The courtyard door opened as soon as it was pushed, and Wu Chengsi entered the courtyard alone and strode outside the dormitory door.
Suddenly, he stopped and heard the crisp sound of reeds coming from inside the house.
"...The third step is to mix glue mud, fine sand, wool and other materials into mud and smear it on the cannon mold. The fourth step is to use thick iron wire to tightly wrap it from the head to the tail of the cannon mold.
the fifth step……"
When Wu Chengsi heard this, he immediately realized that Lu Wei was reciting the twenty-one steps of the gun barrel.
He pushed the door open and entered, and the sounds inside immediately stopped.
Lu Wei said happily: "Your Majesty, you are finally here."
Wu Chengsi joked: "Are you looking forward to my coming?"
Lu Wei said aggrievedly: "Of course, if you don't come over, my mouth will be dry."
Xu Wenqing said hurriedly: "Don't complain randomly, didn't I just let you read it five times? It's not that serious!"
Lu Wei hummed: "It's not reading, it's reciting."
She turned her head and said pitifully: "My lord, listen to me. I can't read, so the lady forced me to memorize all the twenty-one steps of the gun barrel, and then asked me to recite it to her over and over again!"
Wu Chengsi laughed and said: "Wen Qing, why don't you memorize it yourself and torture Lu Wei like this?"
Lu Wei was stunned for a moment and shouted: "Yes! Miss, why don't you memorize it yourself!"
Xu Wenqing snorted and said plausibly: "If I memorize it, my head will be fixed by these twenty-one processes."
Wu Chengsi couldn't help but laugh: "So what if you're immobilized? Will it affect your intelligence?"
Xu Wenqing's cheeks turned red and he said: "That's not a problem, but if it is fixed, it will be difficult to think of a way to simplify this process!"
Wu Chengsi was slightly surprised. It turned out that Xu Wenqing wanted to simplify the process of making gun barrels.
He was silent for a while and then said to Luwei: "Little Luwei, as long as you know the twenty-one steps of the gun barrel, you must not tell anyone, do you understand?"
Lu Wei heard his harsh tone and nodded hurriedly: "Okay, I won't even tell the lady in the future!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said, "Except for you ladies."
Lu Wei nodded hurriedly again.
Wu Chengsi waved Lu Wei to retreat, and then asked Xu Wenqing: "Did Zhang Gou tell you about the gun barrel process?"
Xu Wenqing lowered his head and pouted: "Don't scold me. I know this thing is very important and cannot be leaked easily. I also asked Lu Wei... not to tell anyone..."
After talking about it, my voice was a little choked with sobs.
Wu Chengsi grabbed her hand and said softly: "I understand what you are thinking. You heard me say that the refining time of the barrel was too long, so you wanted to share your worries with me, right?"
Xu Wenqing nodded slightly.
Wu Chengsi smiled and said: "Okay, it's getting late, let's take a rest early."
After the two of them took off their clothes and lay down, Wu Chengsi held Xu Wenqing's shoulder with his right hand and said, "I heard from Zhiying that the treatment effect on your eyes is good. After one more treatment period, it should be cured!"
Xu Wenqing hugged his arm and whispered: "Husband, if... if my eyes cannot be cured, will you not want me?"
Wu Chengsi pinched her round face and said with a smile: "Of course not, what are you thinking about all day long? You will always be the mistress of Prince Zhou's Mansion from now on, and you will continue to carry on the family line for me in the future!"
Xu Wenqing's cheeks turned red and she whispered: "Your Majesty, I don't know how to have children. You have to teach me when the time comes." Her mother died young, so no one told her this.
When Wu Chengsi saw her charming expression and heard her ambiguous words, his desire was almost ignited.
He hurriedly recited "Amitabha" several times, then changed the subject and said, "Wenqing, how do you get along with Miss Liu?"
Xu Wenqing was silent for a while, then pouted and said, "It's not bad."
Wu Chengsi saw her expression was different and asked hurriedly: "What, did she offend you?"
Xu Wenqing hesitated for a moment, raised his head and said, "Your Majesty, if I say bad things about her, you won't think I'm competing for favors, right?"
Wu Chengsi almost laughed out loud. Xu Wenqing's dull character was the type that would be thrown into the harem and killed in the first wave. His skills in fighting for favors were zero.
"No, just say it."
Xu Wenqing hummed: "Then let me tell you, the matter starts from the day before yesterday. At that time, Lu Wei and I were feeding fish in the water pavilion in the back garden. She suddenly came over and talked to me."
"Oh? What did she say?"
"She asked me about Yangzhou's customs and landforms. I was very happy and told her about all the interesting places in Jiangnan."
"It is not good?"
Xu Wenqing snorted: "It's not good at all. We were just sitting on the stools in the water pavilion talking, while Lu Wei and her maids went elsewhere to play."
Wu Chengsi frowned and said, "Did she bully you?"
Xu Wenqing said hurriedly: "That's not true."
After a while, he blushed and said: "Because she doesn't like to talk, so I thought I would talk more. But after a long while, Luwei suddenly came over. Do you know what she said?"
"What?"
"She said: 'Miss, why are you talking to yourself alone? Where is Mrs. Qin?'"
Wu Chengsi quickly covered his mouth and almost laughed out loud.
"My lord, are you laughing at me?" Xu Wenqing was very perceptive.
"No." Wu Chengsi hurriedly denied.
Xu Wenqing bit her lip and said, "You say it's irritating or not. I told her the scenery of Yangzhou with good intentions, but she left without saying hello, causing me to talk to the wind for a long time."
After saying that, his face turned red again and he buried his head in the quilt.
Wu Chengsi helped to rebuke: "You're right, she went too far. I'll help you sue her tomorrow!"
Xu Wenqing hurriedly got his head out of the quilt and said: "No! You tell her... tell her..."
"say what?"
"Just say that after she left, I didn't speak. Humph! That's it!"
Wu Chengsi smiled and said, "Do you really want to say that?"
Xu Wenqing hesitated for a while and said: "It seems a bit self-defeating to say this. Forget it, when you meet her, don't mention that matter."
"Then you forgive her?"
"No! Tell her that I will not forgive her until she comes to me to apologize!"
"Didn't you say you won't mention this?" Wu Chengsi smiled.
Xu Wenqing made a sound, got under the quilt, stretched out his hand to scratch Wu Chengsi's itch: "My lord, you are bullying me!"
Wu Chengsi hurriedly grabbed her hand, and she scratched and touched it randomly, almost grabbing him out again.
"Okay, let's have a rest early. I have to go to the military camp early tomorrow."
Xu Wenqing responded and stopped moving. Not long after, both of them fell asleep.