GBP Chapter 321 The Power of Jinyang
Chapter 321 The Power of Jinyang
The Shenwu General Cannon appeared out of nowhere.
The court was not completely unaware of this.
As early as when Shi Li started to make cannons, the imperial court had already quietly begun research.
Just when Conicoda was making a big fuss about making cannons.
The imperial court used its usual tactics, bribing some craftsmen and successfully obtaining the manufacturing methods of gunpowder and cannons.
The craftsmen of the Great Zhou were all excellent. Before long, two-stone, four-stone, six-stone and eight-stone cannons came into being one after another.
Moreover, they didn't even change the name.
It is still called Huben Cannon.
Later, Zhao Hengzhen felt that the name was inappropriate, so he changed it to Huzun Pao.
Zhao Hong was the smartest one. He noticed this situation keenly when the Ministry of Industry just started manufacturing.
Not only that, he also made improvements himself.
Based on the two-stone cannon, he cleverly extended the barrel. Later, through secret spies, he learned that there was a cannon in Luancheng that could be loaded with ammunition from the back and fired.
Yes, this is Zhao Sheng’s earliest prototype of infantry artillery, which has been used in Dingzhou.
Although they no longer rely on this kind of cannon, it still stands quietly on the city wall of Dingzhou.
This was the kind of cannon that Zhang Xiaosi had snatched away.
The only thing they didn't know was that the projectiles they used looked round, but actually contained a fuse.
"King Yue, I never expected you to make such an improvement! The projectiles fired can actually travel a full fifty steps farther than before. Crucially, the reloading time has been significantly reduced!"
Qin Yongyi, the chief secretary of King Yue, had a fawning smile on his face as he flattered.
"In this way, we can make the wall thickness of the front end of the barrel thinner and thicken the part at the back where the gunpowder cartridge is loaded. This way, the weight of the two-stone cannon can be greatly reduced."
Zhao Hong folded his hands in front of his chest, his face full of pride, and said proudly.
"I think we should put more thought into the four-stone and eight-stone cannons, as they are the most practical."
"Yes, I think so too. However, I will hide these cannons in my manor in the capital. They will be useful in the future."
Zhao Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze revealing deep meaning.
"I understand!"
Qin Yongyi always called himself a minister to show his loyalty. Zhao Hong was very pleased with his approach and couldn't help showing a satisfied expression on his face.
However, everything they did was seen by Zhao Hengzhen.
His Dark Cavalry is no pushover and is busy all day long.
Ever since the princes came to the capital, he has been sending people to keep a close eye on these restless princes.
The royal family is not heartless or ungrateful. As it concerns the country and the people, they have to find the most outstanding heir among these sons.
Otherwise, what awaits them is the crisis of national destruction.
The Wang family was completely unaware of this and was only focused on developing secretly. They not only had their own cannons, but also mastered the formula of new gunpowder.
They also made some attempts on small-caliber artillery and produced some artillery that could be easily held by a single person. They were really powerful weapons against cavalry on the battlefield and their power should not be underestimated.
Just as they were gearing up to retake Jinyang, shocking news arrived.
Jinyang was unexpectedly taken down by the joint efforts of the major families.
"Tell me, is there any room for negotiation on this matter?" Wang Danwang frowned, glanced at the generals in the army and the parents of the clan, and asked worriedly.
"Sir, Jinyang is the fief of King Jin. How can we allow others to rob it at will?"
Ever since Jinyang was lost, Du Ziqing has been as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, clamoring to take it back every day. At this moment, he looks even more indignant.
"General Du, previously it was Shi Li who took the city, but this time it was a coalition of major families that took it back. The Wang family also participated in the discussion on this matter. At the beginning, everyone thought that the coalition would not succeed. Who could have expected that they would take the city so easily?"
Wang Danwang shook his head helplessly, his face full of bitterness.
"Indeed, if we rashly try to seize it, the major families will definitely not agree. Moreover, the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces is the current princess's husband, so the emperor might have some intentions."
After hearing what Wang Danwang said, Du Ziqing stamped his feet in anxiety.
"Then, are we just going to give up on Jinyang?"
Du Ziqing widened his eyes, his face full of unwillingness.
Looking at Du Ziqing's anxious look, Wang Kui said with a wry smile:
"According to the coalition forces, they are only working to maintain the smooth flow of traffic on the expressway and are specifically targeting those who obstruct it. They will never affect the normal operations of local government offices."
"Oh, can something so good happen?"
Du Ziqing's face was full of suspicion, and he obviously didn't believe it.
"How about this? Send someone to talk to Fan Xitong. We need to enter Jinyang City and see what his conditions are."
Wang Danwang looked at the people below with a firm gaze and spoke decisively.
"Or I can go with Lord Li. If we two officials go, Fan Xitong can't refuse to give us this honor."
When Li Ke heard Wang Kui call his name, although he was very reluctant, he couldn't refuse in person, so he had to bite the bullet and stand up and said, "I will definitely assist you with all my strength!"
"Okay!" Wang Danwang felt more at ease when he saw that things had come to this point and that the co-magistrate and the assistant judge were there, and he made the final decision.
Jinyang cannot be without government management. Fan Xitong had originally racked his brains and pondered over this matter.
Should we report the situation here to the emperor for instructions?
Unexpectedly, Wang Kui and others rushed over in a hurry.
"So it's you two gentlemen. I was just about to send someone to invite them. Jinyang can't remain unmanaged like this."
When Fan Xitong saw the two people coming, the corners of his mouth rose slightly and he said with a hint of sarcasm.
"Princess, what are you talking about? We are here for this very purpose."
Li Ke's face twitched unconsciously and he forced a smile.
"Alright, we're busy repairing the commercial street in the city that was occupied by Shi Li. It will serve our coalition forces in the future. The rest of the city will remain the same."
Fan Xitong knew very well what they were here for, so he directly and clearly told them the idea of dividing the areas in advance.
"My Lord, it's not appropriate for you to do this."
When Wang Kui heard this, he stood up suddenly, his face full of unwillingness and anger.
"Whether it's appropriate or not isn't up to you, and certainly not me. This is a rule set by the court. War costs lives and a fortune. How should we resolve this?"
Fan Xitong said with a serious face and righteous words.
"This..." Wang Kui was suddenly speechless. His mouth twitched with embarrassment and he couldn't speak for a long time.
"After the renovations, the major families want management rights, and the ownership will remain unchanged for the time being."
Fan Xitong also knew that this was the Wang family's territory and didn't want to make the relationship too awkward, so his tone softened a little.
"Well, then, please tell us in detail how the changes are made."
Wang Kui hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help but ask.
"Some merchants left these street-facing shops without caring who occupied them. After we arrived, we took them back. It's only natural for us to take over."
Fan Xitong spoke slowly, picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, moistened his throat, and continued:
"If the shop is owned by someone in the future, we will return it, but they will have to pay for the repairs. Furthermore, we will collect taxes here for ten years, according to our new regulations."
"Ten years of collecting taxes isn't too long, but I don't know what the new rules are exactly."
Li Ke frowned slightly and asked cautiously.
"The new rule is 10% tax and 3% tax!"
"Ah! So high?" Wang Kui and Li Ke widened their eyes at the same time and exclaimed in surprise.
"Is this still high? Dingzhou also collects taxes this way, and the merchants there are very happy."
Fan Xitong said with a look of disdain as he glanced at them.
Wang Kui knew that this matter could not be changed, but he just didn't believe that in Jinyang, just a few streets could influence the thoughts of businessmen like them.
In this way, a business war without the smoke of gunpowder quietly began.