Anti-Qing: Starting from the Reincarnation of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 62 Peace talks? (12)

You must know that the artillery currently equipped by the regular army green battalions of the Qing Dynasty are only light wrought iron cannons weighing more than a hundred kilograms at most.

The power and quality were not as good as the cannons captured by the Ming army, those made by the wealthy gentry themselves.

At the very least, the wealthy gentry would not cut corners when casting cannons for their own use.

Only God knows how much the Green Battalion's artillery cut corners...

I, the official of the Qing Dynasty, know how to govern!

If you don’t understand, you can ask an adult.

Mr. He is being pampered now.

It is really the favorite of a certain old man who calls himself Shiquan, an old and shameless short file!
People give nicknames and concubines!

The status is high.

Zhu Jing'an inspected the ordnance workshop. Generally speaking, he was quite satisfied.

What surprised him the most was that the Ming Army's Zhentian Thunder production technology had made significant progress.

Even the signboard of the Zhentianlei production workshop has been changed to the grenade production workshop.

The traditional spherical thunderbolt has been completely discontinued.

Under the guidance of Zhu Jing'an, grenades with wooden handles made their debut.

It's just that the gunpowder produced by the Ming army is not powerful enough.

Therefore, in order to increase the lethality of the wooden handle grenade, the only way to increase the grenade's charge is to increase it.

So much so that the charging part of the wooden-handled grenades produced by the Ming Army is much larger than the wooden-handled grenades produced during World War I and World War II.

The amount of explosive charge is quite considerable, and after it explodes, the lethality is also quite astonishing.

The disadvantage is that it is heavier and not as easy to use as the wooden handle grenades from World War I and World War II.

But then again, the wooden handle grenade is definitely much stronger than the ordinary thunder.

The advantages are many.

For example, a grenade adds a force arm such as a wooden handle, so that the grenade can be thrown farther than the Thunder.

For another example, wooden-handled grenades are more suitable for cluster use than ordinary thunderbolts. Several wooden-handled grenades are tied together with wooden handles, which can greatly enhance their killing effect.

For another example, wooden handle grenades are more stable and safer. Due to the addition of a wooden handle, they will not roll around after landing.

In mountain combat and street fighting, it can greatly ensure that the user himself will not be accidentally injured.

Although historically, oval grenades eventually replaced wooden handle grenades and became the mainstream.

But at present, the Ming army is reluctant to produce this castrated version of wooden handle grenades.

Since I couldn't find a device to pull the hair out, I had to continue to use the stupid method of using a lead to ignite it.

Not to mention the oval grenade.

At present, for the Ming army, wooden handle grenades can definitely be regarded as the best choice.

Not even one!

At the test site, Zhu Jing'an held a wooden handle grenade and stood behind a low wall.

I am going to test it myself to see how effective this castrated version of the wooden handle grenade is.

Under Guo Dashan's guidance, he first broke the wax seal on the tail of the wooden-handled grenade and pulled out the fuse.

Guo Dashan explained from the side.

"Grand Commander, the standard fuse length of a wooden handle grenade is twelve centimeters, and the burning time is about four to five seconds."

"During the production process, we have fixed the length of the fuse according to your instructions to ensure that the time required for the wooden handle grenade to ignite and explode is approximately the same."

"Even if there is an error, it won't be too big."

The measurement units of centimeters and seconds in Guo Dashankou naturally come from Zhu Jing'an's teaching.

When Zhu Jing'an heard this, he nodded with satisfaction.

This time was actually calculated deliberately.

Four to five seconds, including the time the user throws it and the time the grenade is flying in mid-air.

It can almost make the grenade explode when it hits the ground.

Eliminate the possibility of the grenade being picked up and thrown back by the enemy after it lands!
The time required for the explosion of later military grenades is almost the same number.

Zhu Jing'an lit the fuse with a torch, and then threw it out with all his strength.

The grenade flew high and fell towards the target in the distance.

With a bang, the grenade landed seven or eighty meters away from the low wall.

Then it exploded with a bang, and a cloud of smoke and fire exploded on the shooting range, filling the air with smoke and dust.

The target near the impact point of the grenade instantly staggered.

Compared with the military grenades of later generations, the hand grenades produced by the Ming Army today are about one-third heavier in weight.

Zhu Jing'an can throw such a wooden handle grenade 80 meters away.

It can be seen that his strength is really not small.

Perhaps due to time travel, Zhu Jing'an had long discovered that his physical fitness was much better than that of ordinary people.

He could pick up the stone locks that ordinary soldiers in the Ming army used to build up their strength with one hand, and play with them in turns like a toy, without getting tired for a quarter of an hour or two.

You know, he didn't use all his strength yet, he just threw it casually.

The record of throwing grenades in later generations is only more than 90 meters. Under normal circumstances, an ordinary soldier can throw a grenade three to 40 meters away, which is considered qualified.

If Zhu Jing'an really threw it with all his strength, it would not be difficult to break the record.

Seeing the power and momentum of the grenade explosion, Zhu Jing'an nodded with satisfaction.

"Good, good, pretty good!"

"Guo Shangshu, you have done a good job, and I am quite satisfied."

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Jing'an explained the concept of paper-cased fixed-loading bullets to Guo Dashan, hoping that he could lead someone to make the real thing.

Paper-cased fixed bullets can greatly increase the musketeer's rate of fire, which is a small military skill with little technical content.

In Zhu Jing'an's opinion, it shouldn't be a difficult task.

Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Guo Dashan said with an embarrassed face.

"Grand Governor, it's not that I'm trying to shirk my duties, but it's just that this matter is really difficult to do."

"Most of the muskets currently equipped by our army are from captured weapons. These muskets have different calibers, different qualities, and different charges."

"Some muskets are of better quality and have more charges, so you don't have to worry about the chamber exploding."

"However, some muskets are of poor quality, and if the amount of powder charged is slightly higher, there is a risk of exploding the chamber. The musketeer must charge according to the actual conditions of the musket used."

"There is really no way to fix the amount of charge!"

The prerequisite for using fixed paper shell ammunition is that the caliber and barrel quality of the gun must be stable.

Otherwise, custom-loaded paper bullets are not practical at all.

Zhu Jing'an heard this, thought for a while, nodded in approval, and then spoke again.

"In that case, let's not think about it for now."

"Well, Guo Shangshu should pay more attention to the research and development and production of flintlock muskets."

As soon as Zhu Jing'an finished speaking, a messenger from the Ming Army rushed from a distance.

"Grand Governor, report to the Grand Governor!"

"His Royal Highness Jian Guo, please return to Jintian Town as soon as possible to discuss important matters."

When Zhu Jing'an heard this, he immediately turned around and asked.

"What's going on? Did something happen?"

The messenger took a deep breath and then spoke.

"When I return to the Governor, it is the government of Wuxuan County who sent an envoy to discuss peace talks with me, the Ming Dynasty."

"His Royal Highness Jian Guo, please return to Jintian Town to discuss matters!"

After Zhu Jing'an heard this, he turned around and left. As he walked, he gave instructions to Guo Shangshu.

"Guo Shangshu keeps an eye on the situation at the steelmaking converter. If there is any accident, report it to the governor as soon as possible."

After saying this, he got on his horse, hit the horse and drove away towards Jintian Town.

When Guo Dashan heard this, he immediately cupped his fists and said.

"Don't worry, Commander-in-Chief, I promise to complete the mission."

But when he raised his head, he saw that Zhu Jing'an had already left the ordnance workshop on horseback.

Surrounded by a group of personal guards, he came out of the mountain and rode towards Jintian Town.

……

Jintian Town, supervising the country's royal palace.

Imperial study room!
Zhu Jianzhuo was wearing a dragon robe with a collar and was sitting behind the desk.

During this time, a layer of black stubble had grown on his shiny forehead.

There are good tea and snacks on the table.

On both sides of the lower head, a senior Ming army official sat in his own position.

A series of murderous gazes focused on Master Luo, who was standing in the center of the royal study.

Feeling the cold gazes around him that seemed to be turning into reality, Master Luo felt a layer of white sweat forming on his back unconsciously.

There is no energy anywhere in my body!
Zhu Jiazhuo squinted his eyes and asked.

"I wonder what Master Luo learned when he came to Jintian Town this time?"

Master Luo swallowed a mouthful of saliva and spoke with a slightly trembling voice.

"The villain comes to Jintian Town this time to represent the county and wants to have peace talks with Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Jianzhuo now claims to be the king of Ming Dynasty Supervisor Guoxing.

Of course, the Manchu and Qing government would not recognize this claim.

Therefore, when Master Luo calls Zhu Jianzhuo, he calls him Master Zhu.

It not only complies with the rules, but also shows respect.

However, as soon as Master Luo finished speaking, Han Sigu on the side shouted violently. "Be bold!"

"When you see His Highness Jian Guo, who gave you the courage not to kneel down and salute? Are you trying to trick me into having no one in the Ming Dynasty?!"

Zhang Hu on the side slapped the table and stood up, making a gesture to draw out the saber from his waist.

Under the intense gazes of the two men, Master Luo's legs and feet immediately softened and he knelt directly on the ground.

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead.

When Zhu Jianzhuo saw this, an undetectable smile flashed in his eyes, and he squinted his eyes and said.

"Peace talk?"

"Our Ming Dynasty is now well-equipped with troops and food, and it is time to forge ahead with determination in order to realize the great cause of "driving out the Tartars and restoring China" as soon as possible. Why should we wait for peace talks with the Qing Dynasty?"

Han Sigu and Zhang Hu seemed to be recklessly putting pressure on Master Luo, but they actually came from Zhu Jianzhuo's instructions.

Because, he had to suppress Master Luo's momentum first before he could set conditions for the subsequent peace talks.

When Master Luo heard this, his expression froze, but he still spoke.

"His Royal Highness, the Supervisor, is wrong!"

"Although our Qing Dynasty failed in its campaign against your side, the ones who were defeated were only some militia groups and regiments, not our Qing Dynasty's military forces."

"Once our Qing army arrives in Wuxuan County to quell the traitors, I don't need to tell you that you will know what will happen to you at that time."

Although Master Luo is still threatening, his address to Zhu Jianzhuo has quietly changed from Master Zhu to His Royal Highness.

Well, it’s very sincere!

However, at this moment, the door to the imperial study room was pushed open from the outside.

Zhu Jing'an, wearing a military uniform, strode in and said as he walked.

"Oh~, is it?"

"Are you sure that the imperial soldiers you mentioned are more effective than the militia? I can't see it!"

It is well known that the military system of the Qing Dynasty was corrupt, and the combat effectiveness of the army was no longer what it used to be.

The Qing-Burmese War that occurred more than ten years ago almost removed the last fig leaf of the Qing Dynasty.

The mighty Qing soldiers could not even defeat a single Burma. They lost four out of four battles and lost several generals one after another. The Qing Dynasty was about to lose face.

Zhu Jing'an glanced at Master Luo disdainfully, and then sat down in his seat.

Seeing this scene, the senior officials of the Ming army in the imperial study stood up from their seats and bowed in salute.

"I have seen His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Zhu Jing'an nodded to signal everyone to excuse themselves, and then continued to speak to Master Luo.

"Haha, in my opinion, the one who least wants the Qing government's elite soldiers to arrive in Wuxuan right now is definitely not me, Daming."

"It's Master Luo who is the magistrate of the county behind you!"

"For me, the Ming Dynasty, if the Qing court sends troops to fight, it will be nothing more than a battle."

"Our Ming army is united as one, well-armed, well-trained, and morale is boiling. Everyone is determined to fight to the death. If the Qing army dares to invade, it will be a battle. It is not known who will win."

"But for Fangzhi County, the day the Qing soldiers arrived was when he was dismissed from office and imprisoned. Even if he came to Fangzhi County, he didn't want to see such a thing happen."

"Haha, Master Luo, do you think what I said is right?"

When Master Luo heard this, the expression on his face obviously froze.

Because Zhu Jing'an's words hit the point.

Seeing this, Zhu Jianzhuo also narrowed his eyes and said.

"Haha, it seems that the so-called peace talks are much more urgent for Fang Zhixian than for me, Da Ming."

Master Luo took a deep breath, his mind working rapidly.

Then, he continued to speak.

"What the supervisor and the prince said is true, but from the villain's point of view, the peace talks are not only good for the magistrate."

"It's also good for Ming Dynasty."

Quietly, his name for Daming had been changed from "your side" to Daming.

It can be seen that Zhu Jing'an and Zhu Jianzhuo and his son have straightened Master Luo.

Zhu Jing'an chuckled, with contempt on his lips, and asked.

"is it?"

"In that case, then tell me what benefits peace talks will bring to our country, Ming Dynasty!"

"If the benefits can move me, peace talks are not impossible!"

Zhu Jianzhuo nodded in approval.

Master Luo opened his mouth and said.

"From what I see, the peace talks are beneficial to both Daming and Fangzhi County."

"Once the peace talks are successful, the county magistrate will be able to secure his official position and be transferred to another position in the coming year."

"And Daming can also get a stable development time and environment before Fangzhi County is transferred."

"And all you need to do is not to attack the county, that's all."

"And Fang Zhixian will also promise to turn a blind eye to Ming Dynasty before he changes office next year..."

"This is a win-win deal for Daming and Fangzhi County."

"What reason does His Highness Jian Guo have for not agreeing?"

Zhu Jianzhuo couldn't help but feel a little moved by Master Luo's words, but he still looked at his son and asked.

"So, what do you think of this matter?"

Hearing this, Zhu Jing'an chuckled.

"Peace talks are not impossible, but Fang Zhixian needs to agree to a few conditions."

Seeing Zhu Jing'an relent, Master Luo was obviously relieved and spoke.

"Prince, please speak out!"

Zhu Jing'an put down the tea cup in his hand and said with squinted eyes.

"First, Fangzhi County has to pay a war indemnity to our Ming Dynasty to make up for the losses our Ming Dynasty suffered in the battle of Pangwoling."

"Second, I, Daming, need some craftsmen from Wuxuan County to come out of the city for my use, and I also hope that Fang Zhixian can provide convenience."

"Third, we must ensure that free trade between our country and the county will not be hindered or deliberately targeted in any way."

Zhu Jianzhuo on the side also expressed his approval.

"What my son said makes sense!"

When Master Luo heard this, a tangled expression appeared on his face.

But after a moment, he still spoke.

"The villain will inform the county magistrate of Daming's terms. I believe the magistrate will not refuse."

Master Luo did not guarantee it, but said that he would not refuse.

Hearing this, Zhu Jing'an chuckled.

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter if the magistrate refuses."

"If he refuses, whatever my Ming Dynasty wants, I can just send troops to get it myself. It's not a big deal."

When Master Luo heard this, the expression on his face obviously froze, and he could only apologize with a smile.

"Haha...haha, what His Highness the Crown Prince said makes sense."

After saying this, Master Luo said goodbye and left.

After Master Luo left, Zhu Jiazhuo also looked at Zhu Jing'an and asked.

"Brother An, do we, the Ming Dynasty, really want to negotiate peace with the Qing court?"

When Zhu Jing'an heard this, he just shook his head and said.

"It's not really a peace negotiation. To put it bluntly, it's just a deal."

"Fang Zhixian used him to turn a blind eye to the development of Daming in exchange for Daming not to do anything to Wuxuan County during his term of office, so that he could safely transfer to another place."

"It just so happens that our Ming Dynasty needs such a period of time to develop and lay a solid foundation."

"Therefore, I, Ming, have no reason to reject this so-called peace talk."

"Anyway, our Ming Dynasty has no plans to attack Wuxuan County in the short term, right?"

Hearing this, Zhu Jianzhuo nodded approvingly.

"What my son said makes sense!"

For today's Ming Dynasty, what it lacks most is time to develop steadily.

Since Fang Zhixian took the initiative to give Daming this time, why did Daming refuse?

……

Guangzhou Mansion!
Li Mu, who was wearing a melon-skin hat and a fake braid stuck to the back of his head, looked at the bustling and crowded first city in the south, his eyes full of passion.

"Sir, the city of Guangzhou is right in front of you!"

On the deck of a ship, Cao Shi, his personal companion, spoke to Li Mu.

Li Mu took a deep breath, turned around and said.

"How many times have I told you, don't call me sir outside, call me shopkeeper."

Hearing this, Cao Shi nodded and said.

"I'm sorry, shopkeeper, I understand."

Seeing this, Li Mu nodded.

"Let's go, prepare to dock the ship, and then I'll wait to enter the city!"

……

PS: I will post [-] words first, and there will be another update tonight!
Also, I would like to thank the book friends for their subscriptions, votes and rewards. The author is grateful.

There was nothing to repay, so I went to code.

(End of this chapter)