Chapter 354 Breech-Loading Guns and Cannons, Wang Zeng Died of Illness

The sixth year of Qingli was a special year for the Song Dynasty.

It was not just that Xixia suddenly took action against Qingtang, which forced the Song Dynasty to join the war and dispatched troops and generals to the northwest to become hostile to Xixia.

What's more, starting from this year, the Song Dynasty's industry is proceeding in an orderly manner, and construction has begun nationwide.

The first one to start construction was the Nanyang Iron and Steel Plant, which was built in Nanyang County, Dengzhou, later known as Nanyang City. Preparations began as early as the fourth year of Qingli and went into production in the fifth year of Qingli.

Then in the sixth year of Qingli, various steel plants began to spring up like mushrooms after rain. Basically, after the Constitutional Yuan document was issued at the beginning of last year, various transportation envoys began to respond to the national call and formally build steel production lines on this road.

For this reason, the Wu'an Iron and Steel Plant stopped military construction and began to manufacture steel production furnaces in large quantities. It also continued to train various skilled workers, first providing talents to the Nanyang Iron and Steel Plant, and then sending guidance throughout the country.

If in later generations the Northeast was the eldest son of the Republic and our country's heavy industrial production base, then now Wu'an Iron and Steel has become the eldest son of the Song Dynasty and has begun to help younger brothers and sisters thrive.

It is also the fault of Xixia and Liao for their unlucky situation. If they had started two years earlier, the steel plants across the country would not have been laid yet. The Wu'an Iron and Steel Plant alone was not enough to supply firearms to so many armies across the country, so the firearms construction at that time was not yet fully complete.

But now the Song Dynasty's more than 600,000 troops have completely realized a comprehensive iteration of firearms. In addition to the ring-shou knife worn on the waist, the cold weapon only has a bayonet on the front end of the rifle developed by the School of Physics that can be used for loading and unloading.

At the beginning of July, Zhao Jun and Fan Zhongyan were standing on the stage at the Forbidden Army School Ground in the northern suburbs of Bianliang, looking at the roaring sound in the school ground in the distance. The "bang bang bang" explosion sound never stopped.

In the midst of the dust and smoke, an earthen hillside about four to five meters high collapsed, throwing up countless dust.

In the artillery position in front of Zhao Jun, more than a dozen gunners were loading ammunition from the rear of the cannon, cleaning out the remaining gunpowder in the magazine, then stuffing the shells into the barrel, igniting them again, and firing them in just one minute. Three.

This is actually the ultimate loading speed of ancient front-loading artillery shells. An experienced gun crew member can quickly complete the tasks of cleaning, loading, and firing after launch, thus reaching a rate of 2-3 rounds per minute.

But as I said before, doing so will consume the life of the cannon to the maximum extent.

Therefore, during the Napoleonic period, unless there was a special emergency, another cooling item was usually added, that is, a rate of fire of one round per minute or one round every two minutes to complete the artillery mission.

Although rear-loading shells also have concerns about exploding the barrel, the loading speed is much faster than that of front-loading shells. Although the steps are the same, they are also cleaning and loading. However, the loading part does not require a pusher to push the shells in, which greatly increases the cost. rate of fire.

Regardless of the limit of chamber explosion and lifespan, they can even reach seven or eight rounds per minute. If there are hundreds of cannons, they can completely complete the artillery fire coverage bombing, which can be said to be extremely powerful.

After watching the breech-loading cannon experiment, Zhao Jun and Fan Zhongyan went to inspect the test firing of the breech-loading musket.

Compared with the original use of Nimic bullets and fixed ammunition, the rate of fire of breech-loading muskets has now reached a higher level. It can basically be declared that it has reached the strongest technology and combat effectiveness in the gunpowder era.

"Yes, I didn't expect the School of Physics to be so powerful. I told them how to design and manufacture it the year before last. The design was completed last year. It was almost completed in March this year. After several months of improvements, the effect is gratifying."

Fan Zhongyan finished watching the test firing and nodded with satisfaction.

He went to see the School of Physics in March. The School of Physics has been completed. It has been improved for several months and is basically ready for mass production.

Zhao Jun said with a smile: "Such rapid efficiency is inseparable from two conditions. One is the emergence of steel plants and the birth of industry, which greatly increases steel production. The other is the cultivation of scientific soil. There are a large group of like-minded people engaged in scientific research and exploration. Naturally, It can create miracles.”

"You've done this."

Fan Zhongyan said.

"Yes, these eleven years of hard work have not been in vain."

Zhao Jun said calmly.

I used to read historical novels where other time-travelers would just come over and use their steam engines to start the industrial revolution very quickly.

Only he knows how difficult this journey is.

The industrial revolution cannot be completed by building a steam engine, but requires a complete system.

Otherwise, just a screw, a lever, or even a sealing problem may be enough to stump the whole thing.

In these eleven years, in the past few years, Zhao Jun could only improve the gunpowder formula based on the Song Dynasty's own firearms, so that the Song Dynasty could make grenades and artillery.

At other times, we are cultivating various talents, promoting basic mathematics, physics and chemistry education in junior high schools, and providing a research platform for talents interested in science such as Su Song, Zhang Zai, Jia Xian, Wan Zhichen, Yan Su, etc. .

Only through such a two-pronged approach can we achieve where we are today.

"Now Xixia and Liao are plotting against us. If we officially start production at the military factory, we should be able to send them to the front line to fight."

Fan Zhongyan said.

"Well, in the afternoon, let the Ministry of War draw up a plan to make a batch first so that the Imperial Army in Bianliang can be equipped with new equipment."

Zhao Jun said: "Now that the Song Dynasty has all installed Suifu muskets, it would be too costly to replace all rear-mounted muskets. The problem of redundant troops has just been solved. We can't start to increase military expenditures so much right away."

"That's true. It seems that the speed of upgrading weapons and equipment is not a good thing. Maybe the front foot has just been replaced with new equipment, and the back foot has developed better ones, and the cost has risen sharply."

"The Song Dynasty is still developing much faster now. Maybe we should slow down a bit and settle into the steam industry era first, and then slowly change to the electrification era thirty to fifty years later. It will be better at that time."

"Well, take one step at a time and look at it first. By the way, yesterday Dean Wan of the School of Chemistry reported that another explosion occurred while the School of Chemistry was studying nitrate and sulfur, causing one death and three injuries."

Fan Zhongyan scratched his head and asked, "Is this chemistry so dangerous?"

"have."

Zhao Jun sighed, looked into the distance and said, "It's not just chemistry, it's also biology. Once the protection is not in place and some dangerous bacteria are studied without authorization, there may be a large-scale plague infection."

"It seems that both chemistry and biology should be cautious."

Fan Zhongyan was stunned for a moment.

"You have to be cautious, but sometimes you are helpless. For example, Nobel escaped death many times and was blown up completely before he invented nitroglycerin. If you want to make progress, someone needs to make sacrifices."

Zhao Jun was also helpless. Although explosives brought great disasters to mankind, the Song Dynasty had to take this path if it wanted to dominate.

Otherwise, if the Song Dynasty did not research explosives, others would. Maybe the chemistry of the Song Dynasty stagnated at gunpowder. A few hundred years later, the West developed explosives, and then there might be another round of colonization.

For this reason, he could only let Song Dynasty keep moving forward on the road of development, and there would be no time to stop.

After returning to the palace, they reported the results of the morning inspection to Zhao Zhen in the afternoon, so the Constitutional Yuan planned to mass-produce about 10,000 to 20,000 breech-loading rifles for use by the Bianliang Forbidden Army.

The advantage of this gun is obvious, the reloading speed is extremely fast. And because the gunpowder in the bullet is ignited by the firing pin to achieve the propulsion effect, it does not need to be like a flintlock gun, which has about a 30% chance of failing to ignite every time the trigger is pulled.

But since the bullet is propelled by black powder rather than mercury fulminate or other smokeless powder, it will inevitably inherit the shortcomings of black powder.

For example, every time you shoot, there will be gunpowder residue in the firearm, which needs to be cleaned at all times. Moreover, the air tightness of the breech is very poor, and the discharged gunpowder smoke and gas will interfere with the shooter's aim, and in severe cases may even burn the skin.

Although the School of Physics managed to solve the problem of air tightness with rubber pads, there was no solution to the problem of gunpowder residue.

After all, before the invention of mercury fulminate and other smokeless gunpowders, both breech-loading firearms and cannons had such problems. For example, the first breech-loading rifle in history, the Dresser rifle, had such defects.

This is a matter of historical process. Unless the Song Dynasty overtakes them in a curve, chemical technology advances by leaps and bounds, and fulminant mercury and smokeless gunpowder are invented in advance, they will also have to go through it. There is no way.

In the afternoon, Chongzhengdian reported the situation to Zhao Zhen. Zhao Zhen was very happy. After the meeting, it was basically time to get off work.

But at this time, Wang Shouzhong came over to tell everyone the bad news-Wang Zeng was on his deathbed.

"What?"

Zhao Zhen froze on the spot, unwilling to believe it for a long time.

Everyone also looked sad.

Wang Sui, Sheng Du, and now Wang Zeng, the original Three Phases and Three Cans, plus Yan Shu and Fan Zhongyan, almost three people have left.

"Oh, let's go take a look."

Zhao Jun stood up and sighed.

Zhao Zhen smiled bitterly and said: "Shou Zhong, go visit Xiaoxian Gong for me."

"yes."

Wang Shouzhong bowed slightly.

It was impossible for Zhao Zhen to leave the palace in person. Historically, when Lu Yijian died of illness, he could only mourn him in the back garden and stay away from court for three days.

Therefore, often the eunuchs in the chamber can only visit on his behalf.

Everyone left Chongzheng Hall, exited the palace from Donghua Gate, got on the carriage and headed towards Wang Zeng's residence.

Wang Zeng had been an official for decades and had a rich family. His residence was located in Jiazi Lane in the inner city. After going out from Donghua Gate, go east through Huihefang and Zhugan City, then go north through Yulin Lane and reach Jiazi Lane. .

In the inner city, where every inch of land is valuable, his house is close to the old Cao Gate in the outer city. It is considered to be at the junction of the inner city and the outer city. It has a luxurious house and lush gardens.

Many prime ministers stopped at the door of the palace, and the porter outside the door hurriedly went in to call for someone. After a while, Wang Zeng's eldest son, Wang Jian, who served as the Minister of Rites, led several younger brothers to come out to salute and greet them. There was still sadness on their faces.

According to the chronicle "Wang Wenzhenggong's Deeds" written by Fu Bi, the king had four sons and three daughters, namely the eldest son Wang Jian, the second son Wang Gui, the third son Wang Yan, and the fourth son Wang Fu.

But it is a pity that Wang Zeng's descendants are not as talented and intelligent as Wang Zeng. He passed the first prize and finally became the prime minister. It is not like Lu Gongzhu, the third son of Lu Yijian, who was eager to learn since he was a child, so much so that he forgot to sleep and eat. Although he was favored, he became a Jinshi, and his future will also be in Pingzhangjun and state affairs.

Poor heirs are very fatal to a political family.

Because of this, the Wang family could not prosper, and eventually the descendants would become unknown, unlike the Lu family, which would still be able to prosper in the future.

Led by the heirs of the Wang family, many prime ministers came to the back house of the palace. Before they entered the door, they smelled a strong smell of medicine when they walked into the courtyard.

It's July, and the fragrance of crape myrtle, pomegranate, and rose flowers in the courtyard is so fragrant, mixed with the fragrance of medicine, that it makes people feel trance-like.

The door was open, and the strong aroma of medicine wafted from the house.

"Father, Zhiyuan and the others are here."

Wang Jian walked into the house and reported to Wang Zeng.

Everyone then entered the room and saw Wang Xiaoxian lying on the bed.

Wang Zeng turned his head with difficulty, and only then did everyone see his face.

It can be seen that in less than a month, Wang Zeng lost weight very quickly. His face, which was originally thin, became even thinner and looked like a withered bone. His eyes were cloudy, showing a dazed look.

Everyone looked unbearable. They had worked together for many years. Although there were some gaps in the past, they have long since disappeared, leaving only melancholy and sadness.

As Wang Zeng's staunch ally, Cai Qi walked over quickly, held his hand and said sadly: "Your Majesty."

Zhao Jun also came to his side, squatting on the ground and looking at him.

Wang Zeng's turbid eyes glanced around, and after a moment he seemed to wake up again, and said with difficulty: "Everyone, I'm afraid my time has come."

Cai Qi hurriedly said: "No, I still need to take more rest and recuperate my body. I still need to make the final decision on national affairs."

Wang Zeng smiled bitterly, and then asked: "I wonder how the war in the northwest is going?"

"After Han Qi reorganized his troops, he is about to leave the border and attack the hinterland of Xixia. There is no need to worry about these things. Even if Xixia cannot be destroyed, it will be easy to severely damage them."

Zhao Jun comforted.

"You can go out first."

Wang Zeng looked at his sons.

Wang Jian and others exited the room and closed the door.

There were only many prime ministers left in the house.

Then Wang Zeng sighed and said: "Since ancient times, no one has ever died, leaving a loyal heart to illuminate history."

As he spoke, he looked at Zhao Jun and said: "Hanlong, I remember you said that this poem was probably written by Wen Tianxiang, the prime minister in the late Southern Song Dynasty."

"yes."

Zhao Jun patted the back of his hand and said softly: "Your Majesty has been serving the public for many years, and he deserves to be remembered in history."

"It doesn't matter if my name goes down in history, I don't want these false names."

Wang Zeng shook his head and said: "But God's will is like this. When it's time for me to leave, I have put aside everything. Now I only worry about two things."

"you say."

"The first is national affairs, military, civil, and state affairs."

"Everything is fine, Sir, please rest assured."

"Both of my useless heirs, they have no talent, but they are still virtuous. They have not caused me any trouble in these years. I hope you old friends will take care of them."

"The public is virtuous to the country, and your Majesty should be kind to his descendants. The court has its own arrangements for these matters, so please be at ease, prince."

Zhao Jun did not give his own commitment.

But Wang Zeng had been the prime minister for more than 20 years, so how could Zhao Zhen be stingy? Several sons in the family had favors, but promotion could not depend entirely on background.

Except for the third son, all of Lu Yijian's sons were of average quality, so they were basically ignored by everyone.

This was also the norm in the political circles of the Northern Song Dynasty.

Even if you are the prime minister, if your heirs are not outstanding, it will be difficult to continue to be in power. Only in this way can you prevent the birth of aristocratic families.

But even so, Wang Zeng was already very happy. He forced a smile and said tremblingly: "If this is the case, I have nothing to worry about."

Later, Lu Yijian, Yan Shu, Fan Zhongyan, Song Shou, Li Di, Zhang Shixun and others came forward to express their condolences.

Everyone talked to him for a while, which lasted only about ten or twenty minutes, but Wang Zeng was already exhausted. After chatting with Jiang Tang for a few words, he lay down with his head tilted.

This scene shocked everyone. Fortunately, they called the doctor and found out that Wang Zeng had just fallen asleep due to fatigue and was still alive for the time being. This made people feel at ease.

In this way, everyone will no longer bother and go back individually.

Two days later.

Wang Zeng couldn't sleep.

This prime minister, who had dedicated his life to the Song Dynasty for many years, died of illness like this.