Chapter 415: "Bi Bai Zi" to redeem yourself

The so-called thunderbolt musket is the final transition form of a smoothbore rifle mounted backward.

When Zhao Xing was in Guangzhou, he introduced the concept of chemistry that had been systematically implemented in Europe during the Confucius era.

It is impossible not to say that the Song people had a strong desire for knowledge. With the introduction of chemical concepts and the popularization of glassware, the Song people were immediately fascinated by this ever-changing material reaction. At the same time, the alchemy technique originally used by Taoists to cheat money was immediately deciphered, and entered the homes of ordinary people, and was mastered by most scholars. Today, scholars in the Song Dynasty do not have a few glass test tubes and an alcohol lamp at home, so they are embarrassed to say hello to others when they go out.

After the introduction of chemistry, the green alum oil used by ancient Chinese alchemists was officially named "sulfuric acid"; and the strong acid obtained from the saltpeter reaction was named "nitric acid". Later, a Guangnan scholar who liked alchemy occasionally used nitric acid with "red elixir (a mixed ore of mercury sulfide lead sulfide, which is the red pill, red salt, and red mercury mentioned in Taoist secret book. The "lead and mercury are carefully collected" in Taoist secret book refers to the flammability and explosiveness of the red pill after the nitration reaction. Jin Yong quoted this Taoist mantra in the "Nine Yin Jing", but he did not mean the preparation of thunder mercury, but that if a person eats thunder mercury, his internal force can be as flammable and explosive as thunder mercury, and it is full of destructive power to cause the explosion of the small universe... Well, modern chemical analysis has confirmed that red salt also contains rich polonium salt)" and unfortunately obtained an extremely unstable substance - thunder mercury was born.

The invention of mercury quickly transitioned the smoothbore gun to the semi-post-load era: paper-loaded gunpowder and projectiles were all stuffed from the front bore, and the musket was activated to use a striker to hit a copper cap containing mercury, which was called a "thunderbolt".

This kind of semi-rear-mounted musket happened to be the main type of gun during the American Civil War.

"This gun can be shot fast and can be more than seven shots per minute," the officer who tested the gun sighed: "With this gun, we can completely withstand the impact of medium-sized cavalry."

"This gun is not good yet." Zhao Xing sighed with emotion and consciously guided: "Gunpowder and projectiles are wrapped in paper and stuffed in front of the barrel, but the thunderbolt needs to be stuffed in the back of the barrel - it's too troublesome. Can the two loading methods be reduced to one? For example, the thunderbolt is extended a little more to wrap the gunpowder and projectiles, so that all the bullets can be loaded from the breeze... Well, the ground gunpowder, the projectiles and firing thunderbolt are not only easy to transport, but also easy to store, but also increase our shooting speed. Isn't it beautiful?

This is not enough. I remember that the water transport instrument station has a pushing device that can push a pull rod up after the water in a kettle leaks, hold up the machine, and let the machine make a fixed bell ring - can we install a simplified pushing device in the gun? After each shot is completed, a bullet can be pushed up by hand and sent into the chamber... In this way, the shooting speed will be faster."

The officer who was testing the gun squinted his eyes and thought for a while. After a long time, he opened his eyes and praised: "Wonderful, the idea of ​​the Taiwei is really amazing. It turns out that we can make the gun like this. It's really endless creation, great!"

Zhao Xing said leisurely: "I didn't imagine it out of thin air - I know its development direction."

No one could understand Zhao Xing's words. The officers were still calm in Zhao Xing's idea just now. They whispered excitedly and discussed this new idea enthusiastically. Several officials from Guangnan Arsenal Bureau next to them also wrote quickly. While recording Zhao Xing's thoughts just now, they were amazed: "So it's possible. It turns out that after the thunder hat was extended, they could actually take such a big step to wrap the bullet... The world is so wonderful, creation, when will it end?"

Now, bell towers have been found in all cities in the Song Dynasty, and clocks have been used as daily necessities for ordinary people. The concepts of hours, minutes and wonderfulness have also penetrated into the Song Dynasty. So the officer just now used the concept of "how many bullets are fired per minute". What they are discussing is, when will the creation end? Muskets develop in this way. How many bullets can they fire per minute?

They didn't know that muskets could eventually reach a horrific record of firing million bullets per minute...

While fiddling with this smoothbore gun that was mixed with front and back, Zhao Xing also sighed: The musket was first invented by the Song people, but in the next thousand years, the technology of Chinese gunpowder did not surpass the achievements of the Song people's exploration, or even lag behind. Unexpectedly, under his guidance, the Song people have now crossed a thousand years in one step, and the musket technology has transitioned to the American Civil War.

Let’s take a deeper look: If there were no invasion of the Jin people, no invasion of the Mongols, and no great national integration of the Qing people, what would Chinese civilization develop to the extent?

"I am not satisfied with this kind of musket... and sent it back and let the Guangnan Military Weapons Bureau redevelop it, telling them that they are only one step away from the perfect gun in my heart: as long as the thunder hat is extended and a fixed-packed gunpowder and a warhead is the ideal musket in my mind. This step is only a step away.

Of course, I think the device for loading the bullet is not complicated, it is just a spring-loaded magazine and a bolt. I ask them to complete the new musket shaping and assembly by the end of this year. Next year, I hope the musket production can reach 50,000."

Zhao Xing had just extended the musket era to other ways. Now, it was the Song people present who were present to show him that they were different ways. The gun test officer said in unison: "There are artillery! The artillery we just talked about also has the disadvantage of slow shooting speed. With thunderbolts, we can also set the cannons so that the shells can be shot farther and more powerful."

Zhao Xing applauded: "Miao! Miao! Tell this to the Nanyang Ordnance Bureau and let them quickly create a new cannon, telling them that the cannon does not need to be loaded. Because the shells are heavy and have the function of pushing and loading the shells, they will inevitably make this device very large, which is cumbersome. There is no need for extra equipment on the cannon, and the shells only need to be equipped with gunpowder and projectiles."

The military weapon bureau officer quickly replied: "We seem to be waiting to break through the flowering artillery shells that the lord mentioned recently... We have studied thousands of slow-burning things and have selected more than ten of them from various materials for testing. Some people say that since the thunder hat has the characteristics of excitation after impact, why not put the thunder hat on the warhead, so that the warhead hits the ground and causes the shell to explode.

At present, early experiments have found that the thunder hat is not resistant to high temperatures and often explodes in the chamber. We are studying ways to make it tolerate high temperatures. If this is successful, the flowering shells have also made a breakthrough."

"Indeed! I often say, 'A New Earth Age is coming', this is a new era, a firearm is the kingdom, it will definitely change the world..." Zhao Xing stroked his gun and sighed: "Now, we have destroyed the power in the court that wants to destroy our country and destroy our nation. From then on, there will be no destruction and invasion of the Five Virtues. From then on, we can always make the 'republic'... How wonderful this world is."

Speaking of this, Zhao Xing turned around and ordered Shi Wenguan: "Transfer those demoted officials overseas immediately and tell Guangzhou officials that the more remote the place allocated to these people, the better. I hope they will not return to the mainland for life."

Shi Wenguan left, and Zhao Xing excitedly chatted with the officer who was testing the gun. When he felt that the new style of quick-snatch design was no longer suspense, he still returned to the Yangzhou official residence.

As soon as I entered the yard, I heard the chanting of the Changle Tower's guru in autumn: "Last night, the rain was sparse and the wind was blowing, and I couldn't sleep without the residual wine. I asked the person who rolled the curtain, but I said that the crabapple was still there. Do you know? Do you know? It should be green, fat, red and thin.

"Huh". Zhao Xing stopped in surprise.

This poem should be Li Qingzhao's early work "Ru Mengling". Why can the Yangzhou genius sing it?

While thinking, Qin Guan and Qin's talented man walked out of the inner courtyard, surrounded by his followers, flattering sperm.

The answer is clear.

Qin Guan gently shook the small fan and explained with a smile: "Your wife misses her husband. After writing this poem, I looked good, so I brought me some teachings to this Yangzhou singer, how about it? Isn't it very good?"

Mao Pang flattered: "It's not just good, it's a masterpiece. Master Taiwei's eyes are picking on others. Can you be wrong?"

Zhao Xing smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Senior Brother. You are an official in Yuezhou. Why do you come to Yangzhou? Is it okay to be an official like you?"

Qin Guan smiled indifferently, shaking the fan and replied: "The prosperity of Yangzhou is exactly what I want... I heard that after Hou Meng was transferred, the court was concerned about your existence and did not appoint a new chief of Yangzhou. I discussed with Mao Zemin. We were quiet and thoughtful, and wanted to come to Yangzhou to have fun. This place is very good, and I am ready to live here."

Zhao Xing cried out: "Others don't know, can you still not know? The court is suspicious of us. Even Huang Luzhi is helping the court. Do I dare to reach out to Yangzhou?"

Qin Guan shook the fan and asked with a smile: "Didn't you reach your hand to Yangzhou now?"

Zhao Xing was speechless. Qin Guan continued, "I don't care. Now you ask the court for a prefect. Do you think the court will refuse?"

Zhao Xing shook his head: "The court will not refuse!"

Mao Pang excitedly mixed up: "I will write the memorial, just sign the Taiwei!"

Qin Guan gently waved the folding fan: "Good Yangzhou, I will live here in the future... Well, the few geniuses you chose are good, I will train you for some training. To be honest, my junior brother should take a break, who has become the Grand Marshal? There are not many pet concubines in the family?"

The flattery Mao Pang was enlightened. When he heard his brothers talking about housework, he hurriedly bowed: "Taiwei, I'll polish the memorial, please place it!"

Looking at Mao Pang's back, Zhao Xing smiled and said, "This guy is good at writing. I still think that Wanqi Yayan has more and more official business, and I will look for someone else to write official documents. I didn't expect that he would rather come to Yangzhou."

Mao Pang's wonderful writing appeared, and the court did not refuse. Considering that Zhao Xing did not force Yangzhou to the name of the Nanyang Affairs Bureau, and allowing Qin Guan, a talented man to serve as an official in Yangzhou, was equivalent to returning Yangzhou to the court in disguise. This made the court feel embarrassed. He then promoted Qin Guan to the transfer envoy of Huainan East Road and Mao Pang to the governor of Yangzhou. In this regard, Yangzhou returned to the court in name - because after these two resigned, the successor officials identified by the court could be left to their choice.

In September, Zhao Xing finally finished the construction of Xuzhou defense group. He had no reason to continue staying in Yangzhou, so he thought about returning to the Hangzhou capital. After the news came out, the five courtesans in Yangzhou came to the door. Before anyone could speak, Yizhangqing held himself clean and kept himself clean. He had always been selling his skills but not selling himself. He was so fond of Zhao Xing, so he spoke first. Yingying thanked: "I heard that the Taiwei was planning to return home, but I don't know how the Taiwei planned to deal with slaves. I would rather be slaves and maids. I hope the Taiwei will take care of it!"

After taking a breath, Song Xinxin quickly added: "Mr. Since Liao's death, my husband's family lacked a social house. I heard that the Grand Marshal is busy with his own affairs. Grand Marshal has been alone in recent years and has a deep affection for everyone Liao. But after my husband returns home, I believe that the future will be paid for the banquet. Although I am stupid, I am confident that I can handle the trivial matters of coming and going. I hope the Grand Marshal will give you mercy!"

After Song Xinxin said that, Yingying bowed. As soon as she opened her mouth, the other courtesans also bowed to the ground, boasting about their excellence, and swearing to respect their wife and sisters... The ancients called this behavior "self-recommendation pillow mats."

Zhao Xing waved his hand generously and agreed: "Everyone is there. After I go back, I am planning to celebrate the day of the wind and snow, so there are more and more beauties. A few who are willing to leave, call your madams and I will talk to them about redeeming their own silver."

The courtesans who were prepared long ago greeted him. The madam immediately arrived. They answered in unison: "How dare you take money from Xianggong Zhao!"

Zhao Xing was not satisfied with the fierce man who even the court dared to threaten, but he redeemed the courtesan in his building, which was a great advertising news for Fengyue Tower. There were ten courtesans in the top ten famous buildings in Yangzhou. The Taiwei only valued the five places they belong to. Doesn’t this mean that they are more than other Fengyue Towers? What’s more, the current courtesans are 19 years old and will not be popular for a few years. They originally planned to take the opportunity to launch new people, and Zhao Xing was building up their momentum, taking advantage of their wishes.

But their words were humble after all. Due to the rules of conduct, they still had to pay for the redemption amount. They didn't dare to speak loudly. Zhao Xing also knew that he was not good enough to not pay a single money. He whispered sternly: "One person has 100,000 yuan, which can contrast with their identities."

"Contrast, contrast," the madams were overjoyed.

Zhao Xing was raising prices. With Zhao Xing's previous example, those who redeem the courtesan will inevitably have to push the old waves, which will only be higher and dare not be lower.

"Write it and write it. The documents are written by Mao Pang, the magistrate. Later, you go to our mansion to collect money..." Zhao Xing added carelessly.

The madams grinned and wanted to cry.

Zhao Xing's behavior, she called it "a piece of white slips". He promised 100,000 yuan in cash, but he didn't pay any cash and asked them to go to their homes in Hangzhou to cash out. But who didn't know that Zhao Xing waved his hand and gave 200,000 yuan to the court?!

If he had no cash payment, he would also receive a check. But he asked someone to go to his home to collect it. Not to mention that these people could travel thousands of miles to Hangzhou... Who is the tigress willing to pay for the purchase of mistress land for her husband?

The madam went downstairs with a sad face, leaving five courtesans behind. Yizhangqing looked at Zhao Xingdi's face and asked carefully: "My husband, I have gained everything when I bought and sold Nanyang land the day before yesterday... In addition, the head left by our former benefactor is worth 100,000 yuan, which is not as good as us..."

"What do you know?" Zhao Xing rebuked bluntly: "Bidding 100,000 yuan is your identity, but the madam wants to use my name as a promotion. Is my name free? Is it cheaper for me if I don't charge them. They are so brave that I dare to ask me for money! Go back and pack my luggage. The madam dares to say no, tell them my words, and let them come to me!"

Qiuri replied flatteringly: "That's right, the Taiwei shouted, the Nanyang vassal kings, the documents signed by the Taiwei are worth 100,000 yuan. Mom, don't ask for a bargain and behave like you! I'll go back when I'm waiting, Taiwei, who do you need to serve the bed tonight?"

Among the courtesans, Qiu Ri is the youngest. She was the courtesan back then. According to the rules of brothels, at most she started a customer pick-up business last year. Therefore, her redemption value should be the highest. Zhao Xing did this the most beneficial for her, so she moved the fastest. At sunset, she had already packed her luggage and held a farewell banquet with her sisters. She immediately couldn't wait to return.

According to the rules of brothels, women who redeem themselves must be carried out of the brothel before dawn the next day, and that night is the time for the sisters to hold a farewell ceremony, and the time for the redeeming women to leave and comfort their lovers. It is best to have a musical music carried out of the gate when the sun rises on the new day at the moment of going out, which will mean a good omen for a new place of life. Returning on the autumn day and not even letting Zhao Xing pick it up, is the first musical music in the Song Dynasty that broke the rules.

Yizhangqing, who received the news, couldn't sit still at that time. She immediately came out to find Qin Guan who was traveling in the yard. Shang borrowed Qin Guan's ceremonial guard to send herself back to Zhao Xing's ship, and treated it as if she was welcomed by Zhao Xing...

The news that Yizhangqing also ran away spread. The woman in the brothel laughed at Qiuri's eagerness, admired Yizhangqing's eagerness, or disdained the two of them. The other women insisted on staying in the tiles to fulfill the etiquette.

On the second day, Zhao Xing sent a carriage and horse to take away the remaining three current courtesans. As soon as the three of them entered the state, the warship immediately stood up and was demoted to the vast river center in the blink of an eye. Qiu Ri stood on the bow of the boat and stretched his waist. Yizhangqing's feet were soft and staggered all the way to the side of the boat, moaning: "Ah, I have never been on such a big boat. I have never slept in the sunset or got up at sunrise. This is such a joyful life."

Qiuri opened her arms and cheered: "From now on, the sky is high and the earth is vast, and no one asked me to do this or that, so comfortable!"

The other three female gurus also walked out. They stood on the deck and breathed free air. One of the female women shouted in surprise: "So majestic! Although the flower boats I ride in daily are eye-catching, they have never been treated like this as "traveling to the middle of the river. A hundred ships avoided it". Look, look, the ships on both sides have made the channel and even raised flags and sails here. The boatmen bowed their heads and saluted... It felt like a tiger was walking in the forest, which was so wonderful!"

Another female lady mocked her sourly: "When the Taiwei was in Yangzhou, she hugged us and hugged us, but she always spent the night alone. She would never leave anyone happy to spend the night. I thought the Taiwei was Liu Xiahui again, but I didn't expect that I would eat you two just after leaving Yangzhou. Hehe, you two were shouting in the Taiwei cabin last night, but you two were shocking. Look at your steps, you must have been rubbed by the Taiwei.

I have long expected this scene. The Taiwei is such a majestic man, like a thunder and lightning. It’s funny that you two don’t look at your body. How does it feel to eat alone? Is the slim waist now intact?"

The remaining female genius was older, about her early twenties, and she was sophisticated: "Sister, stop making trouble, rich families have many rules, don't bother the Grand Marshal... However, this sister said it well. At this moment, I was standing at the bow of the boat. I felt a bit like 'the dragon walked in the sea and the tiger walked in the forest'."

At this moment, not only were the ships on the river avoiding the waterway, but even the sailors and officers passing by on the deck bowed their heads to pay tribute to these girls. Although the girls were once courtesans and were used to enjoying the pursuit of young teenagers, their eyes felt a little radiant before. They had never enjoyed the respect from the heart like they are now.

Five female geniuses were enjoying this respect. Zhao Xing walked onto the deck accompanied by Yuan Yeping, and the girls were about to come forward to please him. Zhao Xing waved his hand to stop him. He bent over and talked with the captain for a moment. After a series of orders were issued, Zhao Xing walked closer to the girls and asked with a smile: "It's okay... there are rules on the ship. When the captain was talking to others, the king of heaven was not allowed to move forward. Now the bow of the ship is going to do his homework, so let's go to the back deck."

The female savages smiled and twisted their waists toward the stern. Before they could speak, Zhao Xing asked first: "Do you know why I took you away?"

Qiu Ri spoke quickly and replied like lightning: "The Taiwei cherishes his family and refuses to leave."

Yizhangqing was silent.

It was the old lady among the female players who bit her mouth and replied: "But because of Taiwei Tong?"

Zhao Xing stretched out his thumb and praised: "That's right! Tong Guan will never let his complaints spread. If you leave you in Yangzhou, he will definitely find a way to silence him. Taiwei Tong has money and has obtained a lot of private houses for selling officials. He has power and is the governor of the army. Taiwei, and others will cover up something for him. He also has people, and many soldiers who obey orders under him. If you pretend to be an enk-ke and ask you out and carry a dead body back, your madam will definitely not dare to speak."

The other female gurus were no longer angry. The older female lady lowered her head and pondered for a moment, and immediately asked: "When we go home with the Taiwei, Taiwei Tong will definitely target the Taiwei in the future, right? The Taiwei told her clearly, but she didn't want the little girl to burn the Taiwei... I don't know how the Taiwei planned to place us, but the little girl only hopes that the Taiwei would be pitying and leave us waiting for a lifetime to breathe!"

As soon as they said this, the women suddenly realized it. Then, they looked around and saw the boat in the middle of the river.

At this point, except for Yizhangqing and Qiuri were still calm, the other three girls were so soft that they were on the ground and shivered.
Chapter completed!