Although Sun Yuanhua was a disciple of Xu Guangqi, he was far less knowledgeable than Xu Guangqi. He specialized in Western firearms and was extremely proficient in casting and operating cannons.
The emperor was prepared to confer a title on the president of the Academy of Sciences. For example, Xu Guangqi was given the title of Earl. This, unlike a civilian title, demonstrated the emperor's regard for the Academy.
According to the emperor's plan, every future president of the Academy of Sciences would be granted a title of nobility. Of course, to become the president of the Academy of Sciences, both knowledge and moral character were highly required.
The emperor knew Sun Yuanhua's qualifications, but he was still far from being qualified to be the president of the Academy of Sciences. However, he had no other suitable candidates, so he could only settle for the next best option.
The emperor did not make a decision immediately in response to Sun Yuanhua's reply, which seemed to be both a refusal and a request. He pondered for a while.
The Academy of Sciences and the Ordnance and Gunpowder Bureau have similarities as well as differences.
For the sake of confidentiality, the Ordnance and Gunpowder Bureau was more strictly managed than the Academy of Sciences. Furthermore, the research and development of some military projects could not be placed in the Academy of Sciences, which was overcrowded with people and eyes.
Thinking of this, the emperor smiled faintly and said, "Since Sun Qing is willing to work in the Ordnance and Gunpowder Bureau, there is no need to force yourself to go to the Academy of Sciences."
Sun Yuanhua opened his mouth, thinking that the emperor was angry, and tried to make an excuse.
"The Weapons and Gunpowder Bureau is of paramount importance." The emperor raised his hand, stopping Sun Yuanhua, and announced, "I intend to upgrade the bureau to the 'Weapons Research and Development Center,' placing it on the same level as the Academy of Sciences. Sun Qing, you will be the director of the center, holding the same rank as your mentor, Xu Guangqi."
"Your humble servant—" Sun Yuanhua hesitated for a moment, not knowing whether to be surprised or happy. He knelt down and kowtowed, "Your humble servant thanks the Emperor for his great grace. Long live the Emperor!"
Sun Yuanhua was not as knowledgeable as his teacher, but he was the best in the Ming Dynasty in the development and use of firearms. His book "Western Magic Machine" not only contains theoretical knowledge, but also incorporates a lot of practical experience.
For example, the technology of firearm caliber, firearm ballistics, ammunition manufacturing, gun carriage manufacturing, gun turret manufacturing, artillery casting, etc. Just for these works, he deserves the title of nobility.
Unfortunately, in history, not long after Sun Yuanhua finished writing this book, he was beheaded by Chongzhen because of his involvement in the "Wuqiao Mutiny".
It sounds very pitiful to say that Chongzhen, as the last emperor, hanged himself.
But there must be something hateful about a pitiful person. Looking at what he did, he looks more like a spy of the Later Jin Dynasty than anyone else, and he is bringing disaster to the Ming Dynasty.
"Sun Qing, please don't be so polite." The emperor was very happy. These were all precious talents of the Ming Dynasty. With them around, they could give full play to their intelligence and talents. What was the point of mentioning the Jiannu?
Sun Yuanhua stood up, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to go to Liaodong, personally operate the artillery, fire rockets, and inflict heavy damage on the Jianlu. I also want to obtain more accurate actual data to improve my 'Western Divine Machine'."
The emperor blinked, hesitated for a moment, and shook his head, saying, "Sun Qing, there's no need to go in person. Sending a few capable men will have the same effect."
Sun Yuanhua bowed and accepted the order. He knew that the emperor cared about him and did not want him to take risks on the battlefield. He was deeply moved.
Zhu Youxiao also inquired about the production situation of the Ordnance Bureau. It was now fully engaged in the production of weapons and ammunition, and the output was encouraging.
As long as the Ming army had sufficient weapons, ammunition, food, and supplies, they could rely on their manpower advantage to continue fighting. Or they could fight in rotations, and within half a year, even if they didn't achieve a decisive victory, they would be able to wear down the Jiannu.
Although Zhu Youxiao hoped to secure victory in one fell swoop, he was also mentally prepared for a prolonged war. After all, victory or defeat in war is not determined by subjective will, but by many unexpected factors.
"As production increases, quality must also be guaranteed." The emperor repeated this warning more than once. "This concerns the lives of soldiers on the front lines. We must not be careless."
"Your Majesty, rest assured," Sun Yuanhua hastened to assure her. "The inspection and supervision procedures are already very complete, and the reward and punishment system is in place. I will personally supervise it, and we dare not allow any problems with the weapons and ammunition to occur."
Zhu Youxiao nodded in praise. The Ming Dynasty was also advanced in firearms in history. However, under the system of artisan households and the corruption of bureaucrats, the quality of weapons was so poor that officers and soldiers were unwilling to use them.
The establishment and development of the Ordnance and Gunpowder Bureau was first established by the emperor, who then continued to promote and improve it. Therefore, the emperor still believed in Sun Yuanhua's assurances.
The emperor's face was calm and he smiled as he said, "Sun Qing, you should cultivate more talents. Whether they are knowledgeable or experienced craftsmen at the grassroots level, as long as they have made outstanding contributions and have a special skill, you can boldly promote them."
"Sun Qing will be of great use in the future. He cannot just be the chief officer of a weapons bureau." The emperor added, with expectation and admiration in his eyes.
"I thank Your Majesty for your appreciation. I will definitely appoint talented individuals to positions in the Arms Bureau so that it will be filled with talented people."
Seeing Sun Yuanhua's grateful expression, the emperor was very satisfied.
Each era has its own ideas. For a loyal and servile minister like Sun Yuanhua, such behavior is quite normal.
After Sun Yuanhua took his leave, the emperor pondered for a long time and believed that the current weapons and equipment were already the most advanced in the world, and there was no need to continue climbing the technology tree.
In fact, he just wanted to give Sun Yuanhua a task to manufacture a rifled musket, also known as a Minié gun.
But the emperor was also worried that it would distract Sun Yuanhua's attention and affect his normal work. The pacification of the Liao and the extermination of the slaves was the most important task, and everything else must give way to it.
As for rifled guns and Minié bullets, even if they were developed one or two hundred years later, they would not affect the Ming army's leading position in weapons and equipment in the world.
Calculating the time, the emperor walked to the sand table and adjusted the small flags on it according to the latest military intelligence reports.
The adjustment of enemy and our forces was very small, indicating that the Ming army in Liaodong did not take any major action, or it could be said that they were making careful preparations.
But over the past two weeks, the most obvious changes have been in western Liaoning. The Han-Mongol coalition forces, the Beijing cavalry, and the two infantry detachments are basically in place, ready for roundabout raids, assaults, and surprise attacks, and can be launched at any time.
Blocking information and strengthening confidentiality were possible for the Ming army, but the actions of the Han-Mongol coalition were unlikely to be concealed from the Jiannu.
Changtu, Anlezhou, Kaiyuan, Tieling, these targets north of Shenyang were the focus of harassment by the Han-Mongol coalition forces.
The infantry of the two associations and the cavalry of the Beijing Camp planned to set out from Zhenwu Fort and rush directly to Huangniwa, and attack Liaoyang together with the friendly forces in southern Liaoning.
Huangniwa! During the Battle of Guangning, the Jianlu started from here, crossed the Liaohe River, and attacked Xipingbao and other forts. Under the sabotage of the rebel general Sun Degong, they defeated several Ming reinforcements.
As fate would have it, the situation was reversed. Now, the Ming army also had to follow this shortest attack route and attack Liaoyang directly.
Zhu Youxiao pondered for a long time and planted the flags of the Ming army in Huangniwa, Changdingbao, Changningbao, Chang'anbao and other places.
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