Chapter 238: Not satisfactory
Does Zhao Duan know anything about firearms? Frankly speaking, not much.
After all, this has nothing to do with the "profession" he engaged in in his previous life, but it just so happens that... he knows a little more than ordinary people.
This is also thanks to the fact that I was involved in the affairs of an ancient military museum at work, which allowed me to use my position to get a close look at the entire history of the development of firearms.
There was also a professor-level expert around to give explanations.
This aroused my interest and I read some additional books and materials, but at that time I only regarded them as knowledge reserves to please my leaders.
But unexpectedly, there was a place where I could use my skills...
"Sure enough, the knowledge you thought was useless back then will, at some point in the future, transcend time and space and hit you..."
Zhao Duan sighed in his heart, and compared to catching the traitor, the importance of this matter was obviously greater... Besides, who said that the two things couldn't be done at the same time?
If the clues are cut off, then find a way to bring out new "clues".
but……
The ideas in my mind are still vague, and what I see on paper is ultimately insufficient.
He needs to truly understand the specific status of Dayu firearms.
"Haha, how do you feel about taking office, Mr. Zhao? If you encounter any problems, just speak up."
After a while, the door was pushed open.
The burly and strong warrior walked in with a big laugh. When he entered the house, he lowered his head to avoid close contact with the door frame.
Zhao Duan did not stand up, but remained seated, only smiling and inviting the other party to sit down:
"It's alright, can't we ask the commander to be our guest?"
Shi Meng's dark face, eyelids twitching, a hearty smile:
"Yes! Of course! I'm just a rough soldier, only knowing how to wield a spear and a club. I'm just looking for a lesson from a cultured man like Zhao Chenshi."
The heartstrings are quietly tightened.
He was afraid that the man surnamed Zhao would cause trouble again, or that some ignorant person would provoke him again.
If outsiders saw the conversation between the two, they would probably think that Zhao Duan was the highest-ranking official in the Shenji Camp.
Shi Meng, a third-rank general, is more like a deputy.
"Haha, I was just joking with the general. How could I be so ignorant as to delay the general from handling military affairs?"
Zhao Duan crossed his legs, raised his hand with a smile, pointed at the documents on the table, and explained:
"I just took a quick look at the firearms in the camp and am quite curious. I want to learn more, especially about the latest 'fire lance'. If possible, I would like to meet the person who created it."
Shi Meng just sat down, his eyes flickering, thinking:
Here we come!
In his opinion, Zhao Duan's action was clearly aimed at investigating the case.
The other military officials, perhaps unaware of the inside story, thought that he was just being gilded, but Shi Meng was an exception.
This actually made him feel relieved - he was not afraid of Zhao Duan's investigation, and even hoped that he could find out something so that he could explain to the empress.
End this "secondment" early.
Send this "Zhao Ancestor" away.
Since they had to investigate the case, they approached it under the pretext of understanding firearms, which was a tacit understanding that neither party would reveal - at least that was what Shi Meng thought.
"Haha, Zhao Chenshi, it's naturally convenient for you to see me. The manufacture of firearms for our Shenji Battalion is managed by the subordinate 'Firearms Bureau'. The chief officer of the Firearms Bureau is named 'Chen Gui', nicknamed 'Fire God' in the army..."
"Heh, that's different from the god the sorcerers talk about. It's the shorthand for 'God of Firearms'... This arquebus was developed by him. The Firearms Bureau's headquarters isn't far from the Shenji Camp. I'll go there myself," Shi Meng explained.
The God of Firearms... Such a great reputation...
Zhao Duan smiled and stood up: "Thank you, General."
…
…
The Firearms Bureau was also built in the southern suburbs, not far from the camp, and was heavily guarded.
At first glance, most of the space is made up of manufacturing workshops, and a large grey courtyard is where the "Firearms Bureau" is located.
The chief officer in the army, nicknamed "Chen Huoshen", was about fifty years old, a little thin, and not very good at spiritual practice.
He has an ordinary foundation in martial arts and is an "atypical" military officer.
The ancestors of the Chen family were craftsmen in the capital. Because they made firearms, they were favored by the emperor and were selected as military officers.
By the time of Chen Gui's generation, he became the chief officer of the Firearms Bureau. Although his rank was only sixth, his position was extremely important.
Therefore, he is considered a top figure in the entire Beijing camp.
As a "technical expert", he does not fight for power and does not participate in struggles between the government and the opposition.
Even a third-rank commander was very approachable in front of "Chen Huoshen".
Especially after the successful development of the "Tuhuo Qiang", he had the honor of entering the palace to meet the emperor, and his status rose again.
He became the leader among countless craftsmen in Dayu and left his name in history.
Although it belongs to the Shenjiying, it can be regarded as an independent government office.
Therefore, this person was not included among the military officers who welcomed Zhao Duan that day.
now.
A minor official hurried along the gray-white corridor and arrived deep inside the yamen.
Knock on the door, and when you step over the threshold, bow politely:
"Sir, you're looking for me?"
The furnishings in the room were messy, the four treasures of the study were piled in a corner on the table, but there were quite a few "drawings" placed there.
The shelves in the house were not filled with antique vases, swords, or armor.
But various firearms parts.
"Chen Huoshen" was also not wearing an official robe, but casually draped over a short-sleeved cloth shirt. His face and body were as thin as his body, he had a goatee, and his expression was solemn.
There is a simplicity and honesty about him that is different from the fierceness of military generals and the elegance of civil officials.
"Send this down and have the craftsmen below try it out to see if there are any improvements."
Chen Gui pulled out a hand-drawn drawing that was outlined with fine hair and had delicate lines, like a printed material, and gave an instruction casually.
"Yes." The clerk held it in both hands but did not leave.
"Is there anything else?" Although he was already a sixth-rank official, Chen Gui, who still had the spirit of a craftsman, was puzzled.
The clerk hesitated and said:
"Sir, are you really not going to visit Zhao Chenshi in the Shenji Camp?
The subordinates heard it clearly. The group of people led by the 'young master' were stripped of their official robes in just half a day because they offended Zhao Chenshi yesterday.
It's said that Commander Shi went straight to the Privy Council, but returned that night without saying a word... King Zhao is so cruel."
Chen Gui, with his goatee and the pride of being a "technical expert", said calmly:
"So? I'm going to put aside my important work of researching firearms and run over to greet him and have a drink? Humph, I can't do that."
The entire Beijing camp knew that Chen Huoshen was ignorant of the ways of the world and was more like a "pedantic gentleman".
Given his personality, he would never have been able to sit in this position.
However, the "sudden musket attack" alarmed the emperor, and he was appointed as a sixth-rank official.
He usually doesn't take care of things, is still obsessed with firearms, and can't extricate himself, and almost never participates in any "social activities".
The clerk urged earnestly:
"Sir, with your abilities, you didn't have to worry about other people's opinions in the past... Commander Shi didn't care, but this is different with Zhao Chenshi.
I heard he's very mean-spirited. If you didn't go to greet him yesterday and he holds a grudge against you, our small Firearms Bureau wouldn't be able to withstand the might of King Zhao."
Chen Gui frowned. Although he didn't pay attention to officialdom, he had heard of Zhao Duan a long time ago.
As the saying goes, "A new official starts with three things," and the young master is the first one, and no one wants to be the second one.
Just then.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside again.
In the early autumn sunshine, another clerk's face flushed red:
"Sir, something bad has happened! Commander Shi has arrived with that Zhao Chenshi. They're already outside the yamen and want to see you!"
It’s over... they’ve come to our door... The official in front turned pale, feeling that disaster had come from the sky.
Chen Gui's heart sank, he pursed his lips, and walked out:
"Why are you panicking? I still don't believe he can strip me of my official robe just for this!"
…
After a while.
Zhao Duan and his party met the famous "Chen Fire God" in a hall of the Firearms Bureau.
"This is Chen Gui, the best firearms expert in Dayu."
Shi Meng introduced with a smile, then gave Chen Gui a look and introduced:
"This is Zhao Chenshi. Haha, Zhao Chenshi has just joined the army and wants to ask you about firearms. Just answer whatever he asks."
Asking about firearms... Chen Gui felt disdainful.
Over the years, there have been high-ranking officials who have come to the Firearms Bureau for "inspections" from time to time, and they all look very concerned.
In fact, they are a group of "outsiders" who know nothing about firearms, let alone the manufacture of swords, armor, etc.
They clearly don't understand, but they insist on pretending to be humble and eager to learn.
Every time, Chen Gui had no choice but to bite the bullet and pretend to be respectful to get the job done.
In his opinion, Zhao Duan was just going through the motions.
Asking is fake; showing authority in front of you and forcing him to be obedient is real.
However, Chen Gui soon discovered to his surprise that his guess did not seem accurate.
The questions Zhao Duan initially raised were superficial.
But as we go on, the questions become more in-depth, and each question hits the point.
Chen Gui, don't say you are perfunctory.
Before answering, you should think for a moment before giving an answer.
An expert can tell whether something is good or not with just one look.
Zhao Duan casually asked a few questions, revealing that he definitely knew something about firearms.
Shi Meng was also surprised.
But then he thought about the information Zhao Duan had read, and just thought that he had spent time investigating the case.
In my heart, my evaluation of this King Zhao Yan has improved a little.
——He is a man who gets things done. He has made many great contributions and deserves the favor of Your Majesty.
As for Qian Kerou and Hou Renmeng, who served as attendants from beginning to end... they were completely listening to something like a mystery, and they felt sleepy.
"Master Chen, could you take me to the scene to see the 'fire lance'?"
Zhao Duan asked with a smile.
"Okay, I'll have someone prepare for the test firing right away." The old craftsman with a goatee stood up and agreed.
Zhao Duan suddenly looked at Shi Meng and said with a smile:
"It's getting late, and I'll be staying here for quite some time. General, there's no need to accompany me, as this will interfere with military duties."
Shi Meng hesitated for a moment, then nodded:
"Then I will return to the barracks first. Tell someone to look for me if anything happens."
When it comes to investigating a case, Shi Meng must know how to "avoid suspicion."
He said goodbye and left immediately.
Zhao Duan and the other two followed Chen Gui to visit the half-human-high, rather heavy cannon barrel called "Tuhuoqiang" and witnessed a "ten-arrow volley".
“Boom—boom—boom—”
Standing under the eaves, I watched as ten thick arrows tied with gunpowder were fired from the bronze cannon barrel and exploded on the ground in the distance.
The flames were accompanied by smoke and dust, making a considerable noise.
Chen Huoshen straightened his back, his face showing the pride and joy of a craftsman.
"What do you think, sir?"
He was very proud.
With such power, ordinary martial artists would be seriously injured if they were to withstand it head-on.
Zhao Duan narrowed his eyes, looking at the fleeting crimson flames beneath the clear, cloudless sky of early autumn, and said calmly:
“Not bad.”
Thanks to Yayu wd for the 100-point reward support
(End of this chapter)
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