Moreover, they would rather use advanced weapons but adopt a retreat and conservative tactical approach than easily fight the Later Jin army at a weak position.

The improvement of combat experience and the defeat of the Later Jin army, isn't this a way to temper fighting will, get rid of the fear of the enemy, and enhance fighting spirit?

As long as there is no major defeat or loss, even if the city can only be passively defended, it means the victory of the Ming army and the defeat of the Later Jin.

Because this is the current political situation, although the Mongolian tribes and Korea do not have the strength to directly attack the Later Jin, they stand on the side of the Ming Dynasty.

As long as the Later Jin's war intentions are not realized, or even fail, the positions of the surrounding forces will become more distinct, and the siege and blockade will become more severe.

Of course, if we can take advantage of the victory to reverse the military situation, for example, by pushing the front line to Jinzhou or even Guangning, the passivity of the Later Jin will become more obvious, and it is not an exaggeration to describe it as being in a precarious situation.

Flintlock rifles began to be manufactured in large quantities, and equipment training began in the Beijing camp to explore new tactical methods of fighting.

You know, although they are all muzzle-loading muskets, the change in firing method does not just mean quick and easy use.

First of all, the flintlock rifle could be used in rainy and snowy weather. If you argue that it was a downpour, that would be pointless. In other words, the flintlock rifle equipped with a bayonet enabled the Ming army to have the conditions for all-weather field combat.

Secondly, to ensure the safety of the matchlock, distance must be left for the open flame of the matchlock, and the distance between two musketeers cannot be too close.

Flintlock rifles can be arranged closely, and may even create a linear formation that is more conducive to increasing firepower density, thus eliminating the old infantry phalanx.

Furthermore, the loading and firing speed of the flintlock is faster than that of the matchlock, so maintaining the continuity of firepower does not require too much depth, three or four rows should be enough.

White smoke rose from the parade grounds, bursts of gunfire rang out, and the smell of gunpowder filled the chilly air. But the young emperor was concentrating intently, watching through his telescope.

The formation did not change much, but the distance between the musketeers was greatly reduced.

Zhu Youxiao appreciated this point very much, as it showed that the generals had used their brains and observed carefully during the exercises to make such changes.

Should we abolish cold weapons and equip all our troops with flintlock rifles and bayonets? Zhu Youxiao was still hesitant.

In his impression, he forgot which movie he saw it in, but it seemed to be a duel between infantry and cavalry in medieval Europe.

The momentum of the galloping horses, the long and thick sharpened wooden stick...the flintlock rifle and bayonet look a bit thin!

To be on the safe side, it is better to retain the spearmen; or, let the generals draw conclusions from practice and decide whether to eliminate all cold weapons?

The commanders of the three battalions of Yongwei, Xuanfeng and Longqi of the Beijing Camp gathered behind Sun Yingyuan, Zhou Yuji and Cao Wenzhao respectively, watching the flintlock rifle drills and discussing the matter.

Sun Yingyuan and Zhou Yuji kept looking at the stage from time to time, and the changes in the young emperor's expression made them feel a little uneasy.

Finally, the emperor put down the telescope with a warm smile on his face. Sun Yingyuan and Zhou Yuji looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.

Cao Wenzhao's Dragon Cavalry Battalion practiced cavalry wall tactics, and had no direct contact with the equipment and training of flintlock rifles. He was not as nervous as Sun Yingyuan and Zhou Yuji.

In a few months, I'll have His Majesty visit the Dragon Cavalry Battalion's drills. The cavalry wall charge is much more impressive than the musket drills. Thinking this, Cao Wenzhao smiled at Sun Yingyuan and Zhou Yuji and whispered, "Excellent training!"

Sun Yingyuan was about to speak when he saw the emperor on the stage beckoning him. Immediately afterwards, a palace servant hurried over and informed the generals to come forward and answer.

The three generals, accompanied by a dozen deputy generals and lieutenant generals, stepped onto the high platform. The only sound was the rustling of armor plates. They all knelt on one knee and bowed to greet him.

"No need to be polite." Zhu Youxiao was in a good mood. He raised his hand and said with a smile, "The soldiers are trained very well. I am very pleased!"

Generals such as Sun Yingyuan bowed in thanks, with relaxed smiles on their faces.

After a pause, Zhu Youxiao slowly said, "Equipping the troops with flintlock rifles isn't just about updating the weapons; tactics also need to change accordingly. You've done a great job. I've noticed adjustments to the spacing and formations."

"It's clear that you've truly put in the effort to research and study, which is why you've made discoveries and gained insights." Zhu Youxiao glanced at the generals and said, "But we must continue to improve to maximize the power of the flintlock."

Holding up a finger, the young emperor solemnly stated, "Although I am no expert in military combat, I do understand the principle of musketry: to maximize the frontal firepower of the infantry formation."

Glancing at the generals again, the young emperor slowly smiled and asked, "Am I right?"

Sun Yingyuan and others were pondering the principle mentioned by the emperor. It seemed that this statement had not been mentioned in the martial arts manuals, but when they thought about it carefully, it did make some sense.

Zhou Yuji bowed and replied, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The combined effects of ten and a hundred men shooting together are naturally very different. I wonder if my understanding is correct?"

Zhu Youxiao chuckled and nodded, "That's exactly what I meant. When meeting an enemy charge, the square formation is thick and heavy enough to resist. When the enemy retreats, the square formation can be transformed into a line to increase the firepower coverage area."

Sun Yingyuan seemed to understand something and spoke up, "Given the density and firing rate of the flintlock musketry, only three or four rows should be enough to match the sustained firepower of five or six rows of matchlock muskets. The thinner the array, the more musketeers can be spread out, and the larger the firing area."

Zhu Youxiao nodded appreciatively and said, "In principle, it's correct, but you still need to continue to explore it through drills."

Then he turned to Cao Wenzhao and asked, "Cao Qing, if we don't use spearmen, but flintlock muskets and bayonets, can we withstand the cavalry's charge?"

"Well..." Cao Wenzhao thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, a flintlock with a bayonet is shorter than a spear, but war horses have an instinct to fear, unless they wear blinders."

Got it! Animals won't run into a gun with their eyes open, unless they can't stop, or they're blindfolded and can't see.

In other words—never mind, let’s keep the spearmen for now!

Zhu Youxiao smiled bitterly to himself, thinking that there was no need to copy others' practices. After all, the Jiannu were not Europeans, and their tactics were completely different.

"You gentlemen, continue to diligently train your troops. Model battalions will be dispatched to various locations in a month." Zhu Youxiao gathered his composure and, looking at the generals, offered gentle encouragement. "In Liaodong, the southwest, and the nine border regions, the military garrisons equipped with flintlock rifles all need the officers and soldiers you have trained to provide instruction and training."