As the system's voice faded, Mu Zi'an was overjoyed.
He now possesses the technology to manufacture gunpowder, as well as blueprints for improving iron smelting and bearings.
It can be said that a certain foundation has already been laid in the industrial field, and now Zhao Shizhen's appearance has made all of these things have a place to be used.
As long as he can provide enough resources, Mu Zian is certain that he can make this world leap from the era of cold weapons to the era of firearms in his lifetime.
At that time, the land of China will not be limited to its current territory.
After all, it has been stated in historical records that wherever the sun and moon shine and wherever rivers flow, that is Han territory.
Moreover, according to the records in the Book of Documents, the Han people possessed the nine provinces of the world.
If you look at a map now, even if we conquer the whole world, the world is still missing four states from China.
Just as Mu Zian was immersed in excitement, the guard at the door came to report.
"Your Highness, General Xu Hui requests an audience."
"Let him in."
"Yes, sir!"
A moment later, Xu Hui, dressed in a long gown and cotton-padded coat, slowly walked into the lobby.
At this moment, following behind Xu Hui was a young Confucian scholar.
After entering the hall, the two bowed in unison.
"This humble general greets the young master."
"This student pays his respects to the Duke of Zhenguo."
Mu Zian's gaze swept past Xu Hui and settled on the young man following behind Xu Hui.
Xu Hui noticed Mu Zi'an's gaze and quickly introduced him.
"I haven't introduced him to you yet, young master. This is Zhao Shizhen, my former classmate, who is also from Liangzhou."
"Brother Zhao is exceptionally talented. He not only has excellent calligraphy skills, but also has some knowledge of gunpowder. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of introducing him to you, sir."
Mu Zian's gaze was fixed on Zhao Shizhen.
Mu Zian was also very curious about this Ming Dynasty scientist who could be ranked alongside Song Yingxing and Xu Guangqi.
Zhao Shizhen stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Xu Hui, bowing respectfully to Mu Zian, who was seated in the main seat.
"I once went to Xuan'an City to observe the city wall that was destroyed by divine thunder. Based on the cross-section of the city wall and the remaining black marks, I can deduce that the Duke of Zhenguo did not summon divine thunder from the heavens, but rather used improved gunpowder to destroy the city wall."
People of later generations might immediately recognize that the walls of Xuan'an City were destroyed by gunpowder.
However, in an era where everything was decided by divination and astrology, Zhao Shizhen's scientific literacy was top-notch.
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian didn't hold back at all and spoke directly.
"That's right. There's no such thing as divine thunder from the heavens. What destroyed the walls of Xuan'an City was gunpowder that our country improved."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shizhen's face showed a hint of excitement.
As someone who was obsessed with firearms, the greater the power of gunpowder, the more excited he became.
Zhao Shizhen quickly pulled a yellowed book from his bosom.
"Reporting to the Duke of Zhenguo, this is my own work, 'The Compendium of Divine Weapons'."
Mu Zian took the "Divine Weapon Manual" from Zhao Shizhen and began to carefully peruse it.
Zhao Shizhen showed no stage fright, bowed, and continued speaking.
"The student has lived in the border region of Liangzhou for a long time and has suffered greatly from the harassment of the Xiongnu, so he pays attention to military firearms."
"Xue Zeng discovered that the sound of fireworks explosions could startle enemy warhorses."
"If this can be used to invent a weapon that can severely damage the enemy from a hundred feet away, then even before the blades are drawn, the enemy's courage will be terrified."
"If we want our border officials to defend against the enemy, we must rely on our momentum to first blunt their fierce attack, then it will be easier to engage in battle, and we will surely defeat them decisively!"
The "Illustrated Compendium of Divine Weapons" presented by Zhao Shizhen was extremely detailed.
The front section is titled "Introduction to the Weapons," and the main text is divided into four parts: the original gun, illustrations, firing stances, and miscellaneous descriptions of the divine weapon.
In addition to textual explanations of the origins, performance, advantages and disadvantages, manufacturing processes, and usage methods of firearms, there are also many illustrations detailing the steps and methods of using various firearms, their structural breakdowns, and so on.
Mu Zian carefully perused the book, his eyes growing increasingly fervent.
As someone from a later era, Mu Zian naturally understood the importance of firearms.
However, while knowing this is one thing, Mu Zian is unclear about the specifics of how it's made.
With Zhao Shizhen's addition, Mu Zi's long-awaited arsenal can now be established!
In an era where cold weapons were still the primary means of weaponry, the emergence of firearms would have been a game-changer.
Standing in the center of the hall, Zhao Shizhen felt a little nervous.
After all, in this era, scholars have always placed great importance on the Four Books and Five Classics.
Gunpowder and firearms are collectively categorized as frivolous skills and tricks, which are not recognized by the mainstream at the time and are considered to be a waste of time and energy.
Therefore, Zhao Shizhen came here with a gambler's mentality.
If he is still not accepted by Mu Zian, then he can only obediently go home and continue to study the Four Books and Five Classics.
Zhao Shizhen, who was bowing, had not heard Mu Zian's reply for a long time and thought he was destined to return empty-handed.
Suddenly, a shadow enveloped him.
Then, amidst Zhao Shizhen's unease, Mu Zian helped him up.
He saw Mu Zian looking at him with somewhat fiery eyes and asked.
"My lord wishes to establish a military headquarters in Liangzhou, specializing in firearms. I wonder if you would be willing to assume the role of its head?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Shizhen was deeply moved and immediately bowed again, but Mu Zian helped him up.
The two men locked eyes, and Zhao Shizhun felt as if he had met a kindred spirit.
"The student is naturally willing! He will never fail the Duke's kindness."
Upon hearing this, Mu Zian looked at Zhao Shizhen, whose face was filled with excitement, and solemnly spoke.
"Firearms are of paramount importance to the nation. My country has always been one to trust those who are employed and not to employ those who are doubted."
"In today's world, the countries are divided and constantly at war. China is weak and its people are suffering."
"Even though our Great Li controls half of the world's land, it is still difficult to escape the wolves that surround us."
"If one wants to remain invincible in the world's conflicts, strength is always the foundation for maintaining the people's well-being, and national defense is the true backing of diplomacy."
"Remember this: dignity lies only on the edge of a sword, and truth lies only within the range of cannons!"
Mu Zian's voice resounded in Zhao Shizhen's mind like a booming bell.
"Dignity lies only on the edge of a sword, and truth lies only within the range of a cannon!"
These nineteen characters kept echoing in Zhao Shizhen's mind.
Mu Zian turned to look at Xu Hui beside him.
Compared to the Beiwei Army, the Night Scouts, and the Mo Dao Brigade, the Qi Huo Army's combat strength in a direct confrontation was too weak.
Therefore, if you want to raise their combat effectiveness to the top tier in a short period of time, firearms are the only option.
Moreover, after the Battle of Xuan'an City, the Qihuo Army's use of gunpowder was far ahead of other armies of the time.
With this thought in mind, Mu Zian spoke to Xu Hui.
"Xu Hui, you shall immediately select two thousand elite soldiers from the Beggars' Army to form a musketeer team and an artillery battalion."
"As for the establishment of the Armory, you will be fully responsible for it. Remember, the production of firearms is of paramount importance and must not be leaked to outsiders in the slightest!"
"Your subordinate obeys!"
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