Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 369 Is your West Mountain a treasure trove? I have a few candidates!
"This weapon is called the 'Lightning Gun.' It uses a breech-loading design with a total of fifteen magazines, each five inches long. The magazines are pre-loaded with ammunition and are loaded and fired in turn during combat. The rate of fire is far greater than before. Most importantly, this gun also features an improved matchlock mechanism and uses a strike-fired design, where flintlock fires through friction. This allows the gun to fire regardless of wind or rain."

The group arrived at the armory of the weapons workshop. Zhao Shizhen picked up an extremely long musket and explained it to Qi Jiguang as if introducing a child.

It even made a aiming and firing motion towards the air.

"A breech-loading gun? A strike flintlock mechanism? Constant loading and firing? Fifteen rounds? Unaffected by wind or rain?"

New concepts, like tiny insects, burrowed directly into Qi Jiguang's brain.

"I know about this bullet gun, but what about the flintlock mechanism?"

Zhang Yunxiu took on the role of a sales assistant and spoke eloquently.

"The so-called flintlock is a spark generated by striking a metal sheet with flint, which does not require a match to be lit, and the firing rate and stability are naturally far superior to those of the past."

In fact, flintlock technology already existed during the Wanli era. The so-called "lightning musket" was invented by Zhao Shizhen on the original timeline.

However, thanks to Zhang Yunxiu's appearance and suggestions, this musket is much more refined and advanced than the "Lightning Gun" which was improved from European technology in history. Even the number of "sub-guns" has increased from five to fifteen, and its precision far surpasses that of European muskets of the same period.

The term "zichong" (子铳) can be translated into modern terms as a magazine and powder chamber.

Imagine the terrifying scene: while the enemy is still using matchlock guns that fire one shot at a time, you pick up a "lightning gun" that can fire fifteen shots in quick succession.

As for why such an advanced "lightning gun" was not promoted and valued in the original history.

After the Wanli Emperor, the problem for the Ming Dynasty was never about whether its weapons were more advanced or not. The Central Plains dynasties had an overwhelming advantage over the technology of the northern nomadic peoples.

During the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, the country boasted a group of outstanding talents such as Zhao Shizhen and Xu Guangqi. The improved red-coated cannons and firearms were even more advanced than those of Europe at the same time.

The Ming Dynasty perished because of a lack of silver. Without silver, even if you were given the blueprints for an atomic bomb, you couldn't build it!
The Ming Dynasty's financial crisis, coupled with its corrupt military system and a constant stream of natural and man-made disasters, completely dragged the dynasty down.

However, history took a turn, and everything was completely different after Zhang Yunxiu arrived.

"This thing is called a Thunderclap Gun? It looks more like a cannon."

Qi Jiguang then held a weapon that resembled a small cannon, his eyes wide with astonishment.

Zhao Shizhen, standing to the side, spoke eloquently: "General Qi, look at this gun barrel. It consists of twenty barrels evenly distributed together, with a firing mechanism at the front and a wooden handle at the back. Each barrel is two feet long, with an outer diameter of one and two-tenths inches, and a total weight of about ten pounds."

He looked very excited.

"It is also equipped with a front sight and rear sight. When firing, the tripod can be extended for support, and it can fire fifteen rounds at a time. If equipped with a magazine, it can fire hundreds of rounds in less than 15 minutes!"

Even Zhang Yunxiu had to admire Zhao Shizhen's imagination. This was in the 16th century, and the Western concept of a machine gun didn't truly emerge until the mid-17th century. This guy had already come up with a concept similar to a machine gun in the Ming Dynasty.

This "Thunderbolt Gun" was also an original creation of Zhao Shizhen in history, and Zhang Yunxiu assisted him in making improvements, which greatly increased its power.

Even under the influence of Xishan's extremely high productivity, the research on the "Thunderbolt Gun" encountered virtually no obstacles.

If Emperor Wanli and Zhang Yunxiu wanted to, it would only take two or three years to develop this thing and put it into use on the battlefield.

Shock was beyond words for Qi Jiguang. He held the Swift Thunder Gun and tried firing it at the shooting range. The enormous recoil from the gun almost knocked him over.

But when he saw the straw dummies lying one after another across the shooting range, he almost jumped up in excitement.

Qi Jiguang could easily imagine that if such a weapon appeared on the battlefield, the once invincible northern barbarian cavalry would never be a threat to the Central Plains dynasty.

No matter how brave the warriors of the grasslands are, or how skilled they are at volley fire and flexible offense and defense, can they withstand a volley of fire from cannons and muskets?

As long as the productivity of Xishan can keep up, Qi Jiguang would dare to challenge not only the Tatars, but also the distant Westerners and foreigners.

Following the example of Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean, this time, however, the Ming Dynasty will bring a truly invincible fleet!

Zhao Shizhen had so many inventions that Qi Jiguang was dazzled by them. These included not only the "Thunderbolt Gun" and the "Lightning Gun," but also the "Rocket Cannon" and the "Eagle-Soaring Cannon," among others.

Of course, more than the sophistication of the weapons, Qi Jiguang wanted to know how these things were made.

If Zhang Yunxiu could not provide a reasonable explanation, Qi Jiguang would truly suspect that this young man was a deity descended from heaven.

The answer to everything was finally revealed after Zhang Yunxiu and Zhao Shizhen led him into the workshop.

The workshop was filled with the sounds of roaring machinery; even the most renowned craftsmen had to work shirtless inside.

Upon seeing the workbench made entirely of metal, Qi Jiguang's expression grew increasingly serious. He didn't know much about craftsmen and machinery, but he still had some basic understanding.

"Is this a turning wheel? Or perhaps a lathe?"

Qi Jiguang was aware of this tool, and it was even indispensable in firearm manufacturing. Without the lathe, it would be difficult to manufacture the barrel of a musket.

"Yes and no."

Zhang Yunxiu explained succinctly.

"This thing is called a lathe in Xishan. It is more precise and stable than the lathe of the past."

Lathes are mostly made of wood, so the iron parts they produce are naturally less precise. Lathes, on the other hand, are made entirely of refined steel, which is far superior to the former.

In the past, most lathes relied on manual rotation of the lead screw, making it difficult to control the speed accurately. Our lathe, however, features a multi-start spiral lead screw made of high-carbon precision steel. After processing, its precision will be even greater.
And these gearboxes too.

After his introduction, he made Qi Jiguang seem even more confusing.

Qi Jiguang was filled with emotion. No wonder Emperor Wanli lingered here all day long. It turned out that Xishan was a treasure trove, full of amazing things. Qi Jiguang would never see many of these inventions in his entire life.

Looking at the lathe again and again, Qi Jiguang couldn't help but have some questions.

"What kind of drive does your lathe use? I've never seen a waterwheel in Xishan."

Aside from these design features, the most important part of this "lathe" is obviously its power source.

In the past, most lathes in the Ming Dynasty were hand-cranked or foot-operated, with water-powered lathes being the most common.

Iron smelting technology in the Ming Dynasty was already relatively mature, so why didn't the people of the Ming Dynasty adopt iron or steel lathes?
One very simple factor is power. If the lathe were not made of wood, how could an ordinary craftsman turn it?
Hydraulic conditions are extremely demanding and lack stability.

Power is the core.

Zhang Yunxiu smiled without saying a word, then looked at Zhao Shizhen beside him. Explaining these professional things was too tiring, so he decided to leave it to his hardworking apprentice.

Zhao Shizhen cupped his hands in greeting to Qi Jiguang.

"Has Commander Qi ever heard of a vehicle that can move on its own without human or animal power?"

Qi Jiguang looked strange and said irritably, "How could I not know? There are all sorts of rumors outside, saying that you, Xishan, are going to perform a ritual to summon divine power from heaven and make even an iron lump move."

Zhao Shizhen countered, "Does Commander Qi believe that?"

Qi Jiguang glanced at the other person, then at Zhang Yunxiu, and spoke frankly.

"If anyone else said this, I would definitely slap them a few times, but since you, Zhang Shiyuan and Xishan, said it this way, I am somewhat looking forward to it."

"You've already developed it in just one year?"

If we're really going to draw a comparison, this thing would have to be the wooden ox and flowing horse of Zhuge Liang from a traditional Chinese novel; it couldn't have been made so easily.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shizhen felt a pain in his liver and said, dragging his panda eyes.

"The development of steam engines is by no means simple, but we have already made some progress. Relying on coal from Xishan as fuel, we have manufactured a small, simplified version of a steam engine. It uses the power generated by a copper steam cylinder to drive the main shaft to rotate via a crankshaft and connecting rod. We can also adjust the power output of the steam valve to enable the operation of a lathe."

This is why it's so hot inside the workshop.

Qi Jiguang didn't understand what was being said at all, but he could roughly understand that although the Ming Dynasty version of the "wooden ox and flowing horse" had not been manufactured, it had already taken shape and could be applied to a lathe.

"It's truly a masterpiece!"

He looked around at the busy workers and craftsmen and couldn't help but sigh with admiration.

The steam engine was a groundbreaking invention in history, and it can be said to have completely changed human history.

However, its principle is not that complicated. In later generations, ordinary people can make a simple steam engine model by following the tutorial if they are willing.

It is now the tenth year of the Wanli reign. About twenty years later, the Italian physicist Porta will realize the "steam pumping device".

About eighty years later, Belgian missionary Ferdinand Verbiest, drawing on European technology, created a prototype of a "steam car" for the Qing Emperor Kangxi.

Clearly, for the Manchu emperors, this thing was just a toy, and they had no intention of studying and developing it in depth.

Even for the Manchu emperors, it was better to block all technology and thought than to develop technology and give the Han people the opportunity to overthrow them, thus consolidating their rule.

By the time they left the weapons workshop, it was already getting dark.

Standing in the weapons workshop, looking at the workshops rising up all around the western hills, and the black smoke billowing from the chimney of the iron smelting workshop not far away, Qi Jiguang was deeply moved.

"I only regret that I am thirty years younger, otherwise I would definitely join your Xishan and make a name for myself."

Zhang Yunxiu sized up the other party. Qi Jiguang, who was fifty years old, was in better spirits than he was. He shook his head and said, "Uncle, it's not too late now. You'll have to put in a lot of effort for this naval matter."

Qi Jiguang squinted and said, "You've developed the steam engine, but what about steamships?"

He had already witnessed the power of steam lathes and couldn't imagine what a terrifying presence a Fujian ship equipped with "Thunderbolt Gun," "Lightning Gun," and "Divine Might Cannon," plus steam power, would be at sea.

Zhang Yunxiu spread his hands and said, "Haste makes waste. Please be patient, Uncle. However, Xishan also has a plan to renovate Fujian ships. If you would like to see it, Uncle, let's go to Tianjin Port when you have time."

"Okay! Okay! Okay!"

Qi Jiguang exclaimed "Good!" three times, his joy overflowing.

He patted Zhang Yunxiu on the shoulder and said.

"Shiyuan, you must do your job well. My future, and the future of millions of people in the Ming Dynasty, rests on your shoulders."

Zhang Yunxiu cupped his hands and said, "Yunxiu dares not accept such a heavy responsibility, but there is one thing I need Uncle's help with."

Qi Jiguang raised an eyebrow: "You also have something to ask of me."

Zhang Yunxiu looked helpless and pointed to Zhao Shizhen behind him.

"My Xishan has achieved remarkable results in the past year, but there is a huge problem: there are very few talented people. Those with exceptional talent, such as Zhao Shizhen, are indeed useful, but there are too many things to study. The affairs involved in the weapons workshop are of great importance, so I dare not easily entrust important tasks to others."

Uncle, you've been on the battlefield for many years, and you must have many subordinates. Could you recommend one or two outstanding soldiers who are skilled in warfare?

The imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty determined that the most intelligent scholars would study humanities subjects such as classics, politics, and philosophy, while talent was scarce in engineering fields such as military science and mechanics.

Although there are geniuses like Zhao Shizhen, one genius is far from enough to support the industrial development of a country.

Qi Jiguang paused for a moment, then fell into thought, before finally smiling and speaking.

“You’ve come to the right person, young man. Most of the weapon craftsmen in the world are family heirlooms, but the skills passed down through generations are probably not enough to satisfy your novel skills from the Western Mountains.”

"If we're really talking about developing firearms, then it has to be the civil and military officials on the battlefield."

Zhang Yunxiu's eyes lit up: "Uncle, you have someone in mind?"

Qi Jiguang chuckled and said, "Do you know who invented the 'Extinction Cannon'?"

Zhang Yunxiu's mind was focused on more cutting-edge technological inventions, and he didn't pay much attention to the modification of ordinary firearms.

After Qi Jiguang's prompting, he immediately realized what was happening and said...

"Is the one you're referring to, Uncle, Ye Nanzhao, the Ye soldier?"

Qi Jiguang laughed without any politeness: "It is Ye Mengxiong. He is a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and is extremely skilled in military strategy. When he was the prefect of Anqing, he often researched and developed firearms. This 'Extinction Cannon' was invented by him. He is extremely loyal and straightforward. If you let him assist in the research and development, you will definitely not go wrong."

Ye Mengxiong was also an extremely important figure in history, especially during the Wanli Emperor's Three Great Campaigns, where his inventions of firearms and various firearm tactics were truly remarkable.

Zhang Yunxiu was overjoyed and cupped his hands in greeting to Qi Jiguang.

"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle."

"Since you have recommended Ye Mengxiong, I will recommend another person to you."

Qi Jiguang said with a smile.

“He Rubin of Wu County is the hereditary commander of Suzhou Guard. He is still a bit young. His father had some connections with me when he fought against the Japanese pirates. This lad is fond of classics, history and military books, especially military matters. More importantly, he holds a high position. If you are willing to promote him, he will definitely come to Xishan in a hurry!”

Zhang Yunxiu thought for a moment. This person was also a firearms genius during the Wanli period. He wrote a book called "Binglu" which recorded various tactics and methods of firearms use during the Ming Dynasty.

He nodded and said.

“My nephew will certainly remember it.”

(End of this chapter)