"Adding gunpowder from the muzzle and then loading the bullet is a slow operation and the amount of gunpowder loaded each time is uncertain, so the shooting effect is also unstable. Loading too much gunpowder can easily cause the chamber to explode and clog the barrel. But if the gunpowder is not loaded enough, the power will not be enough."

"So when we were researching the Apocalypse-style matchlock rifle, we at the Hundred Crafts Institute came up with a solution: to make all the gunpowder and bullets into this shape. This way, it's easy to load, and we can also load a fixed amount, so there's no chance of overloading or underloading."

After pouring the gunpowder in and compacting the bullet, Zhao Yan smiled and handed the gun to Xiong Tingbi, saying, "We've loaded the gun with newly developed gunpowder, so it's going to be more powerful. Be careful, Mr. Xiong."

Xiong Tingbi's face was full of excitement. For him, this kind of gun was definitely very useful.

Not only does it increase the rate of fire, but it also increases the power. The key is that it is of high quality and you don’t have to worry about it exploding during use.

Reaching out to take the matchlock gun, Xiong Tingbi skillfully pressed the match and then pulled the trigger.

After a loud bang, a column of white smoke rose directly into the sky.

Feeling the recoil from the matchlock gun, Xiong Tingbi laughed and said, "It's really a good thing. With these matchlock guns, I will definitely give the Jiannu a good beating!"

As he spoke, Xiong Tingbi touched the matchlock gun, looking like he couldn't let it go.

"By the way, Lord Zhao, I have something to ask you. How many Apocalypse-style matchlock rifles can your Baigong Academy produce?" Xiong Tingbi asked with a seemingly casual smile.

But no one present was stupid. They all knew that Xiong Tingbi was not asking casually. He was actually trying to get information about the Baigong Academy and how many Tianqi-style matchlock rifles the Academy still had.

As for knowing it, it would be even easier. Xiong Tingbi would definitely go back and write a petition to ask the emperor for the Tianqi Type 1 matchlock rifles in stock.

Zhao Yan looked at Xiong Tingbi and said with a half-smile, "I'm not in charge of casting at the Baigongyuan, so I don't know how many there are. But one thing is certain, that is, there should be no more at the Baigongyuan."

"Why? How come it's gone?" Xiong Tingbi said excitedly, "We should make more of such a good thing."

"Because this type of gun has been eliminated in the Hundred Craftsmen's Academy, this is only the first batch, and of course the last. His Majesty asked us to send it to Lord Xiong for emergency use."

"The Hundred Craftsmen's Institute is already producing new firearms that don't require a matchlock and generate their own fire. Given the importance His Majesty places on Lord Xiong, I believe these weapons will be available to Liaodong soon."

"Also, the Hundred Crafts Institute is currently producing artillery, all of which are newly developed. Lord Xiong should be able to see them soon."

Upon hearing this news, Xiong Tingbi was overwhelmed with emotions. He looked at the others with a serious expression and said with gratitude, "Your Majesty values ​​Liaodong so highly, and you value me so highly. This is truly a great favor from heaven! I will return immediately to write a letter of thanks. Everyone, I will take my leave!"

As he spoke, Xiong Tingbi bowed to everyone, looking very embarrassed.

Since Xiong Tingbi said so, naturally no one would stop him.

They are going back to write a letter of thanks to His Majesty, so naturally you cannot stop them. If you stop them, what will you become?

So several people hurriedly said: "Mr. Xiong, please, please!"

Xiong Tingbi didn't say anything polite and just turned around and left.

Looking at Xiong Tingbi's hurriedly leaving figure, Zhao Yan said with a smile: "Mr. Xiong has a very straightforward personality."

Wei Chao glanced at Zhao Yan and said with amusement, "It's this straightforward nature of his that has offended countless people. Besides, he's not exactly straightforward. I guess he'll write a letter to His Majesty this time. He'll express his gratitude, but he'll probably ask for more muskets and artillery."

As he spoke, Wei Chao glanced at Zhao Yan and asked jokingly, "You told him this news, aren't you afraid of being punished when you go back?"

"Don't be afraid!" Zhao Yan shook his head and said as if it was a matter of course, "These things produced by the Hundred Craftsmen's Institute are naturally meant to be used on the battlefield. Otherwise, what's the point of producing them? Eunuch Wei, I'm going to stay in Liaodong for a while. I'm afraid you'll have to take Xiong Tingbi's memorial back with you."

After hearing what Zhao Yan said, the smile on Wei Chao's face froze instantly. He looked at Zhao Yan awkwardly and asked, "What do you mean by that, Lord Zhao?"

"Originally, I was supposed to take back Lord Xiong's letter of thanks. However, I need to test these muskets here. I want to see how they are used in the army, understand how the soldiers use them, and see if there are any improvements that need to be made. Therefore, I cannot return to Beijing for the time being."

Zhao Yan, with an innocent and kind look, said as a matter of course, "Since Eunuch Wei is going back, then it would be more appropriate for him to take this petition back."

After a long silence, Wei Chao looked at Zhao Yan and said hesitantly, "I don't feel well. I've caught a cold. I'm afraid I won't be able to leave Liaodong for a while."

This action made Zhao Yan open his mouth wide.