~~~~~~~

"Honorable general, I wonder what kind of heavy artillery you are talking about? You know, because of the military system, there are always some slight differences between the artillery of our British Empire and the Dutch, Spaniards, and Portuguese. Pen ~ Fun ~ Pavilion www.biquge.info However, if it's a heavy artillery, I think, this should be at least an 8-pounder gun, right? ”

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

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

Li Yuanqing smiled faintly.

Because the profession is not right, Li Yuanqing does not know much about the weapons of this era. The only thing that impressed me was the famous 'Red Cannon'.

According to the speculation and research of some experts and scholars in later generations, the first to use the red-coated cannon to defend the city was Ning Yuan's great victory of Inspector Yuan.

In the face of this new thing, the main force of Houjin did not have enough cognition, and still followed their old methods, and suffered a lot of losses.

But in fact, the Ming army has a long history of applying artillery to warfare, and the most popular is the so-called 'Franc machine gun'.

This kind of light artillery, most of which are mainly 3 pounds and 6 pounds, the process of the earliest inflow, the research is very complicated, in the middle and late Ming Dynasty, most of them, are from Macao to enter.

Because these Fran machine guns are very expensive, in order to save costs, the Ming court imitated and equipped the army with a large number of imitations, which is the earthen cannon of the Ming army, and there are a few Lushun in Zhangpan.

"Huh. The so-called heavy artillery should be at least 3 meters or more, and the firing range can reach a mile and a half away, Mr. Joseph, it should be a little larger than the 8-pounder gun 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-coat cannon, in later generations, he once saw the Manchu so-called 'Shenwei invincible general cannon' picture, this cannon, is modeled after the previous Ming army's red-coat cannon transformation, the length is more than 3 meters, the caliber is 110-130 mm, or mainly solid bullets.

The general Furlong cannon is a reloading smoothbore cannon, while the so-called redcoat cannon, because it is more powerful, uses breech loading, and the accuracy and range are greatly improved.

At this time, even if he doesn't understand the market, because he is sitting on the home field and holding Joseph's lifeline, Li Yuanqing also wants to learn more about this aspect through his mouth.

Joseph also understood what Li Yuanqing meant at this time, and after thinking for a while, he said: "General, according to what you said, that ~~, this heavy artillery should be a 12-pound heavy cannon." I have also heard before that there is already such artillery, to assemble the army. But as you know, I've been out of the army for a long time, and I can't say too much about the specific market. It is necessary to go to the field to give you the most accurate answer. ”

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

Joseph was stunned for a moment, "General, please speak?" ”

Li Yuanqing smiled faintly, "Mr. Joseph, do you know what is the real difference between you and the real nobles?" ”

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

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

"General, you, you know, I'm just a little unlucky. I, I'm going to make a comeback. Joseph's old face turned red.

Li Yuanqing smiled, "Mr. Joseph, don't be angry yet. We're friends, friends, aren't we? ”

Joseph stiffened his neck and said, "General, how can you taunt your friend, a true nobleman?" ”

Li Yuanqing laughed, "No, no, no." Mr. Joseph, I do not mean to ridicule you. Rather~~, I'm going to give you a chance, a huge opportunity. ”

Joseph also vaguely understood Li Yuanqing's intentions at this time, and his body trembled slightly, "General, what do you mean, do you want me to purchase these artillery pieces for you?" ”

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

…………

Sending Joseph away, Li Yuanqing slowly fell into deep thought.

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

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

The role of artillery in siege and defense has long been proven by history, especially against the backward race of Houjin, which is almost completely cold.

It's just that whether it is the Dutch or the Portuguese, the heart is darker than carbon.

Most of the artillery purchased by the Ming Dynasty from Macao had to go through the process of the imperial court, and in terms of price, it had to be handled by these officials.

When it comes to Li Yuanqing, I am afraid that the price will be increased several times at least.

Li Yuanqing is not wronged, and he doesn't have much silver in his hand at this time, and Joseph, a ghost, because of his identity, can just act as a middleman.

In fact, Li Yuanqing did not have much interest in the so-called red-coated cannon.

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

First of all, it is expensive.

Inspector Yuan was later able to equip red-coated cannons on a large scale in Ningyuan, because of the support of the imperial court.

And Li Yuanqing, a small guerrilla general, even if he smashes pots and sells iron, I am afraid that he will not be able to get a limited number of doors.

Changsheng Island is only in its infancy now, and it is obviously not a wise move to use all kinds of ruins.

Moreover, the red-coated cannon is too heavy, often exceeding 2 tons, and according to the current transportation capacity, it has almost no other role than defending the city.

In later generations, in Ningyuan, Inspector Yuan had dozens of red-coated cannons, but he was still firmly trapped in the lonely city, and the entire Guanning army defense line never exceeded Jinzhou.

Instead of spending a limited amount of money on these things that have little effect, how can you spend money on what you need?

The red-coated cannon is not very useful, but Li Yuanqing is very, very interested in all kinds of light Francophone artillery, such as 3-pounder guns and 6-pounder guns.

After the test of so many wars, Li Yuanqing has a very sober and complete understanding of himself and the Houjin army.

Even if the Eight Banners Iron Cavalry was strong, they did not dare to come hard in the face of the orderly formation of the Ming army. The degree to which the Houjin army endured casualties was far beyond imagination.

If artillery is added to the battle array, it will more effectively improve the combat effectiveness, radiation power, and deterrence of the Immortal Battalion.

It will further enhance the initiative of the Immortal Battalion in the war.

and the current arquebus technology of the Western colonists, to what extent, Li Yuanqing is also very interested.

But in the current situation, it is obviously difficult to go head-on, and through special channels, 'smuggling' some samples over, and digging up some craftsmen by the way, this is within Li Yuanqing's control.

Besides, there are warships, and it would be even more beautiful if you could get a few Dutch or Portuguese warships along the way.

But the imagination is very beautiful, and the specific implementation is really a headache, this Joseph is not too fuel-efficient lamp.

After thinking about it carefully, Li Yuanqing waved his hand and said to the lotus root who was waiting on the side: "Let the soldiers go and call Yang Xiaochuan to come over." ”

"Yes." Lotus hurriedly walked to the door.

…………

Yang Xiaochuan was originally the night of candles in the cave room today, so he ate a few mouthfuls of wine and banquet casually, and hurriedly rushed back home with the bride.

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

His father and mother were also very happy to see that he could have this kind of life now, and when they came back tonight, they drank a few more glasses.

finally returned to the cave room, and just entered the rhythm, before he had time to appreciate the beauty, he got the news that Li Yuanqing was going to summon him.

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

"Humble Yang Xiaochuan, I have seen the general." Yang Xiaochuan hurriedly saluted Li Yuanqing.

Li Yuanqing smiled and helped him up with his own hands, "It's a mistake to arrest you at the night of the cave room." ”

Yang Xiaozhou hurriedly smiled: "It is a blessing for Xiaozhou to be able to serve the general." ”

Li Yuanqing nodded with a smile, his face gradually became solemn, "Xiaochuan, you are my confidant, I came to you today, I think you also know that there is something important." ”

Yang Xiaozhou hurriedly nodded.

Li Yuanqing patted him on the shoulder and carefully recounted his plan to Yang Xiaochuan.

Yang Xiaochuan's face became solemn when he heard this, "General, what do you mean, do you want to keep an eye on this white-haired ghost guy and bring things back through him?" ”

Li Yuanqing nodded, "Not bad." But that's only one aspect. This time, I'll try to give you as many people as I can, and give you more old sailors. Small boats, your brain is sharp, try to adapt to the course of the trip. Also, along the way, you can send more people to investigate and understand the business situation in various places, and if possible, you can arrange for children to set up contact points in places like Hangzhou, Quanzhou, and Macau. In the future, I will be of great use. ”

Yang Xiaozhou hurriedly nodded, "General, it's a lowly province." But if this white-haired ghost guy is disobedient......"

Li Yuanqing smiled, "You have to try your best to live in harmony." With your shrewdness, you must know what to do. If he really wants to play bad, you don't have to be polite to him. But as a last resort, try to save his life. ”

Yang Xiaochuan instantly understood what Li Yuanqing meant, "The general is at ease, Xiaochuan will definitely do his best to complete the general's entrustment." ”

Li Yuanqing nodded, "One more point." Small boats, no matter what method you use, as long as it is a useful craftsman, whether it is a Han or a white-haired ghost, even if it is a black person, you can get it to Changsheng Island first. As long as this is done, I will give you a great credit. ”

Yang Xiaozhou nodded again and again, his eyes flashed with excitement, this was Li Yuanqing's guarantee to him.

"By the way, General, I wonder when we will go?"

Li Yuanqing smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "As soon as possible." I mean, in three days. It's not too early, and you can't keep the bride waiting too long. Go ahead. Tomorrow, Master Shang will provide you with what you need. ”

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

Watching his back gradually disappear from view, Li Yuanqing's fingers lightly tapped on the tabletop, floated to the side of the lotus, and suddenly smiled: "Lotus, the master's head hurts a little again, come and rub the master." ”

Lotus Root's pretty face turned red, hesitated for a moment, and hurriedly came to Li Yuanqing's side, gently rubbing it for Li Yuanqing.

Smelling the faint fragrance on her body, Li Yuanqing's mind became more and more sober, wanting to enjoy a beautiful and corrupt life, every step must not be wrong.

**************************************************************