~~~~~~~

"Honorable General, I wonder which type of heavy artillery you are talking about? You know, because of military system issues, there are always some subtle differences between the artillery of our British Empire and the artillery of the Dutch, Spanish, and Portuguese. However, if

If it’s a heavy artillery, I think it should be at least an 8-pounder or more, right?”

Joseph looked at Li Yuanqing's face carefully and tried to consider his words.

He sensitively felt that this~~ might be an important opportunity for him to turn around.

Li Yuanqing smiled lightly.

Because he was not professionally qualified, Li Yuanqing didn't know much about the weapons of this era. The only one that impressed him deeply was the famous 'Red Cannon'.

According to the speculations of some experts and scholars in later generations, the first red cannon to be used to defend the city was Governor Yuan's Ningyuan Victory.

Faced with this new thing, the main force of Houjin did not have enough knowledge, so they still followed their old methods and suffered a lot of losses.

But in fact, the Ming army has a long history of applying artillery in warfare, and the most popular one is the so-called 'Flan cannon'.

Most of these light artillery were pound and 6-pound. The process of their initial influx is very complicated. In the middle and late Ming Dynasty, most of them entered the country from Macao.

Because these Fran cannons were very expensive to make, in order to save costs, the Ming court copied a large number of them and equipped them with the army. These are the Ming army's native cannons, and Zhang Pan's Lushun also has a few more.

"Haha. The so-called heavy artillery should be at least more than meters, and the range can reach one and a half miles. Mr. Joseph, it should be larger than the 8-pound cannon you mentioned, right?"

Li Yuanqing looked at Joseph with a smile, as if he wanted to see through his heart.

Li Yuanqing actually did not understand the parameters of the red cannon. In later generations, he once saw pictures of the so-called "Mighty and Invincible General Cannon" of the Qing Dynasty. This cannon was modeled on the previous red cannon of the Ming Army. Its length exceeded

meters, the caliber is 110-10 mm, and solid bullets are still the main ones.

The general Fran cannon is a rear-loading smoothbore cannon, but the so-called red cannon, because it is more powerful, uses front-loading, and its accuracy and range are greatly improved.

At this time, even if he didn't understand the market, because he was sitting on the home court and holding Joseph's lifeline in his hands, Li Yuanqing wanted to learn more about this aspect through his mouth.

Joseph also understood what Li Yuanqing meant at this time. After thinking for a long time, he said: "General, according to what you said, then~~ this heavy artillery should be a 1-pound heavy artillery. I have heard of it before, and there is already such a heavy artillery."

Plant artillery and assemble the army. But as you know, I have been away from the army for a long time, and I can't explain the specific market situation very clearly. I have to go to the field to investigate before I can give you the most accurate answer."

Li Yuanqing smiled and said, "Mr. Joseph, I have never doubted your identity. However, I have a question."

Joseph was stunned, "General, please tell me?"

Li Yuanqing smiled lightly and said, "Mr. Joseph, do you know the real difference between you and a real noble?"

Joseph didn't understand what Li Yuanqing meant for a moment, and looked at Li Yuanqing blankly, not knowing how to answer.

Li Yuanqing smiled and said: "It's very simple. They all have huge wealth, and you~~ are just a pauper now."

"General, you know this, I just have bad luck. I, I will definitely make a comeback." Old Joseph's face turned red.

Li Yuanqing smiled and said, "Mr. Joseph, please don't be angry first. We are friends, right?"

Joseph rubbed his neck and said: "General, with your status, how can you ridicule your friend, a true nobleman?"

Li Yuanqing laughed loudly, "No, no, no. Mr. Joseph, I don't mean to ridicule you. But~~, I want to give you a chance, a huge opportunity."

At this time, Joseph also vaguely understood Li Yuanqing's intention, and his body was trembling slightly, "General, do you want me to purchase these artillery pieces for you?"

Li Yuanqing smiled and said, "That's roughly what it means. However, this is not completely accurate. Mr. Joseph, you know that I also have a very strong interest in maritime trade..."

…………

After sending Joseph away, Li Yuanqing slowly fell into deep thought.

The role of artillery in warfare in this era is beyond doubt.

If Changsheng Island can have a certain artillery system and guard the Nanxinkou and Beixinkou docks, it will be difficult for Houjin to pose another threat to Changsheng Island even in winter.

The role of artillery in siege and defense has long been proven by history, especially against a backward race like the Houjin, which had almost all cold weapons.

However, whether they are Dutch or Portuguese, their hearts are blacker than carbon.

Most of the artillery purchased by the Ming Dynasty from Macau had to go through the court process, and the price had to be passed by these officials again.

When it comes to Li Yuanqing's hands, I'm afraid the price will be increased at least several times.

Li Yuanqing was not taken advantage of, and he didn't have much money in his hands at this time, and Joseph, a ghost guy, could just act as a middleman because of his identity.

In fact, Li Yuanqing didn't have much interest in the so-called red cannon.

The power of the red cannon is indeed good, but its shortcomings are also obvious.

First of all, it is expensive.

Governor Yuan was later able to equip Ningyuan with red cannons on a large scale because of the support of the imperial court.

As for Li Yuanqing, a mere guerrilla general, even if he sells everything, he probably won't be able to get a limited number of them.

The Changsheng Island is just being established now, and it is obviously not a wise move to go all out with military force.

Furthermore, the red cannon is too heavy, weighing more than a ton at every turn. According to the current transportation capacity, it has almost no other role except to defend the city.

In later generations, in Ningyuan, Commander Yuan had dozens of red cannons, but he was still firmly trapped in the isolated city. The entire Guanning Army's defense line never exceeded Jinzhou.

Instead of spending limited money on these things that have little effect, how can we spend money wisely?

The red cannon was of little use, but Li Yuanqing was very, very interested in various light French cannons, such as pounders and 6-pounders.

After the test of so many wars, Li Yuanqing had a clear and complete understanding of his own side and the Jin Army.

Even though the Eight Banners cavalry were powerful, they did not dare to force themselves against the orderly formation of the Ming army. The level of casualties endured by the Jin army was far beyond imagination.

If artillery is added to the battle formation, it will more effectively enhance the combat effectiveness, radiation power, and deterrence power of the Changsheng Battalion.

It will further enhance the Changsheng Battalion’s initiative in the war.

Li Yuanqing is also very interested in the extent of the matchlock technology of Western colonists.

But in the current situation, it is obviously difficult to take a positive approach. However, through special channels, 'smuggling' some samples and poaching some craftsmen are within Li Yuanqing's control.

Furthermore, as for warships, it would be even more beautiful if we could get a few Dutch or Portuguese warships along the way.

But the imagination is wonderful, but the actual implementation is really troublesome. This Joseph is not a very fuel-efficient lamp.

After thinking carefully, Li Yuanqing waved his hand and said to Ou'er who was waiting at the side: "Let the soldiers call Yang Xiaochuan over."

"Yes." Ou'er hurriedly walked to the door.

…………

Yang Xiaochuan today was originally the wedding night, so after having a few bites of the banquet, he hurried back home with his bride.

He was born in Yanding, Dengzhou, and his parents are still alive. He is much happier than ordinary soldiers.

His parents were very happy to see that he could have such a promising future. After coming back tonight, they had a few more drinks.

After finally returning to the bridal chamber, he just got into the rhythm and before he had time to appreciate the beauty, he got the news that Li Yuanqing was going to summon him.

Poor Yang Xiaochuan was a novice, and he was faster now. He didn't have time to chat with the bride, so he hurriedly put on his clothes and rushed to the official hall.

"I am a humble official, Yang Xiaochuan, and I have met the general." Yang Xiaochuan quickly bowed respectfully to Li Yuanqing.

Li Yuanqing smiled and helped him up with his own hands, "It was someone's mistake to arrest you on the wedding night."

Yang Xiaochuan quickly smiled and said: "It is Xiaochuan's blessing to be able to serve the general."

Li Yuanqing smiled and nodded, his face gradually becoming serious, "Xiaozhou, you are my confidant. I came to you today. I believe you also know that there is something important."

Yang Xiaochuan nodded quickly.

Li Yuanqing patted his shoulder and described his plan to Yang Xiaochuan in detail.

Hearing this, Yang Xiaochuan's face suddenly became serious, "General, do you mean to keep an eye on this white-haired ghost guy in a humble position and bring things back through him?"

Li Yuanqing nodded, "Yes. However, this is only one aspect. This time, I will try to give you more people and more experienced sailors. Small boat, you have a sharp mind and try to adapt to the channel that you are familiar with.

.Also, along the way, you can send more people to investigate and understand the business conditions in various places. If possible, you can arrange for people to set up contact points in places like Hangzhou, Quanzhou, and Macau. I will be of great use in the future.

"

Yang Xiaochuan nodded quickly, "General, you can save yourself by taking a lower position. But if this white-haired ghost guy is disobedient..."

Li Yuanqing smiled and said, "You must try your best to live in harmony. With your shrewdness, you must know what to do. If he really wants to play tricks, you don't have to be polite to him. But unless you have to, try to save his life.

"

Yang Xiaochuan instantly understood what Li Yuanqing meant, "General, rest assured, Xiaochuan will do his best to fulfill the general's instructions."

Li Yuanqing nodded, "One more thing. Small boats, no matter what method you use, as long as they are useful craftsmen, whether they are Han people, white-haired ghosts, or even black people, they can get them to Changsheng Island first. As long as this is successful,

I will give you a great credit."

Yang Xiaochuan nodded repeatedly, his eyes flashing with excitement. This was Li Yuanqing's promise to him.

"By the way, General, when do we set off?"

Li Yuanqing smiled and patted his shoulder, "As soon as possible. I mean, after three days. It's getting late, and you can't keep the bride waiting too long. Go ahead. Lord Shang will provide you with it tomorrow.

Something you need.”

"Yes." Yang Xiaochuan kowtowed respectfully to Li Yuanqing and then left carefully.

Seeing his back gradually disappearing from sight, Li Yuanqing tapped his fingers on the table, drifted to Ou'er aside, and suddenly smiled and said: "Ou'er, my head hurts a little again, come here and rub it for me."

Ou'er's pretty face immediately turned red. After hesitating for a moment, she hurriedly and carefully came to Li Yuanqing's side and started to rub Li Yuanqing's face gently.

Smelling the faint fragrance on her body, Li Yuanqing's mind became clearer and clearer. If he wanted to enjoy a beautiful and corrupt life, he couldn't make a mistake every step of the way.

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Chapter completed!