Chapter 238 Not Satisfactory

Chapter 238 Not Satisfactory

Chapter 238 Not Satisfactory
Does Zhao Duan know anything about firearms? To be honest, he doesn't know much.

After all, this has nothing to do with the "profession" he was engaged in in his previous life, but it just so happens that... he knows a little more than ordinary people.

This is also due to the fact that I was once involved in the affairs of an ancient military museum at work, which allowed me to use my position to get a close look at the entire history of the development of firearms.

There was also a professor-level expert around to give the explanation.

This aroused my interest and I read some additional books and materials, but at that time I only regarded it as a knowledge reserve to please my boss.

But I didn't expect that I would be able to use my skills...

"Sure enough, the knowledge that you thought was useless back then will, at some point in the future, transcend time and space and hit you..."

Zhao Duan sighed in his heart, and compared to catching the traitor, the importance of this matter was obviously greater... Besides, who said that the two things couldn't be done at the same time?

If the clues are cut off, then find a way to bring out new "clues".

but……

The ideas in my mind are still vague, and what I see on paper is ultimately insufficient.

He needs to clearly understand the specific status of Dayu firearms.

"Haha, how do you feel about taking office, Mr. Zhao? If you encounter any problems, just speak up."

After a while, the door was pushed open.

The burly and strong warrior walked in with a big laugh. When he entered the house, he lowered his head to avoid close contact with the door frame.

Zhao Duan did not stand up, but remained seated, just smiling and inviting the other party to sit down:
"It's alright, can't we ask the commander to be our guest?"

Shi Meng's dark face had eyelids twitching and he smiled heartily:

"Yes! Of course! I am a rough soldier who only knows how to play with guns and clubs. I want to learn from a cultured person like Zhao Chenshi."

The heartstrings are quietly tightened.

He was afraid that Mr. Zhao would cause trouble again, or that some ignorant person would provoke him again.

If outsiders saw the conversation between the two, they would probably think that Zhao Duan was the highest-ranking official in the Shenji Camp.

Shi Meng, a third-rank general, is more like a deputy.

"Haha, I was just joking with the general. How could I be so ignorant as to delay the general from handling military affairs?"

Zhao Duan crossed his legs, raised his hand with a smile, pointed at the documents on the table, and explained:

"I just took a quick look at the firearms in the camp. I'm quite curious and want to learn more, especially about the latest 'firearm'. If possible, I'd like to meet the person who made it."

Shi Meng just sat down, his eyes flickering, thinking:
coming!

In his opinion, Zhao Duan's action was clearly aimed at investigating the case.

The other military officials, perhaps unaware of the inside story, thought that he was just being gilded, but Shi Meng's level was an exception.

This actually made him feel relieved - he was not afraid of Zhao Duan's investigation, and even hoped that he could find out something so that he could give an explanation to the empress.

End this "job assignment" early.

Send this "Zhao Ancestor" away.

Since they had to investigate the case, they approached the case under the guise of understanding firearms, which was a tacit understanding between the two parties that neither of them would reveal - at least that was what Shi Meng thought.

"Haha, if Zhao Chenshi wants to see you, it's naturally convenient. The manufacture of firearms in our Shenji Camp is managed by the subordinate 'Firearms Bureau'. The chief officer of the Firearms Bureau is named 'Chen Gui', nicknamed 'Fire God' in the army...

Heh, it's different from the god mentioned by the sorcerer, it's the abbreviation of 'God of Firearms'... This musket was developed by this person. The Firearms Bureau is not far from the Shenji Camp, I will go there with you personally. "Shi Meng explained.

The God of Firearms... What a great reputation...

Zhao Duan smiled and stood up: "Thank you, General."

……

……

The Firearms Bureau was also built in the southern suburbs, not far from the camp and was heavily guarded.

At first glance, most of them are manufacturing workshops, and a large gray courtyard is where the "Firearms Bureau" is located.

The chief officer in the army, nicknamed "Chen Huoshen", was about fifty years old, a little thin, and not good at spiritual practice.

His martial arts foundation is ordinary, making him an "atypical" military officer.

The ancestors of the Chen family were craftsmen in the capital. Because they were good at making firearms, they were favored by the emperor and were selected as military officers.

By the time of Chen Gui's generation, he was the head of the Firearms Bureau. Although his rank was only sixth, his position was extremely important.

Therefore, he is considered a top figure in the entire Beijing camp.

As a "technical expert", he does not fight for power or participate in struggles between the government and the opposition.

Even a third-rank commander was very approachable in front of "Chen Huoshen".

Especially after the successful development of the "Tumusong", he had the honor of entering the palace to meet the emperor, and his status rose again.

He became the leader among countless craftsmen in Dayu and left his name in history.

Although it was under the jurisdiction of the Shenjiying, it could be considered an independent government office.

Therefore, this person was not included in the military officers who welcomed Zhao Duan that day.

now.

A minor official hurried along the gray-white corridor and arrived deep inside the yamen.

Knock on the door, step over the threshold, and bow politely:
"Sir, are you looking for me?"

The furnishings in the room were messy, the four treasures of the study were piled in a corner on the table, but there were quite a few "drawings" placed there.

The shelves in the house are not filled with antique vases, swords, or armor.

But various firearms parts.

"Chen Huoshen" was also not wearing an official robe, but casually draped over a short-sleeved cloth shirt. His face and body were as thin as his body, he had a goatee, and his expression was solemn.

There is a simplicity and honesty about him, which is different from the fierceness of military generals and the elegance of civil officials.

"Send this down and have the craftsmen below try it out to see if there is any improvement."

Chen Gui pulled out a hand-drawn drawing that was outlined with fine hair and had delicate lines, like a printed material, and gave instructions casually.

"Yes." The clerk held it in his hands but did not leave. "Anything else?" Although he was already a sixth-rank official, Chen Gui, who still had the spirit of a craftsman, was puzzled.

The clerk hesitated and said:
"Sir, are you really not going to visit Zhao Chenshi in the Shenji Camp?

Your subordinates heard it with all their heart. The group of people led by the 'young master' were stripped of their official robes in just half a day because they had offended Zhao Chenshi yesterday.

It is said that Commander Shi went straight to the Privy Council, but came back at night without saying a word... King Zhao is too fierce."

Chen Gui, who had a goatee and was proud of being a "technical expert", said calmly:
"So? I have to put down the important work of researching firearms and run to him to greet him and have a drink? Humph, I can't do that."

The entire Beijing camp knows that Chen Huoshen is ignorant of the ways of the world and is more like a "pedantic gentleman".

Given his personality, he would never have been qualified for this position.

However, the "sudden musket attack" alarmed the emperor, so he was given this sixth-rank official position.

He usually doesn't take care of things, is still addicted to firearms, and can't extricate himself, and hardly participates in any "social activities".

The clerk urged:
"Sir, with your ability, you really didn't have to look at other people's faces in the past... Commander Shi didn't care, but this is different with Zhao Chenshi.

I heard that he is very petty. If you didn't go to greet him yesterday and he holds a grudge against you, our small firearms department won't be able to withstand the killing power of King Zhao."

Chen Gui frowned. Although he didn't pay attention to the officialdom, he had heard of Zhao Duan a long time ago.

As the saying goes, "A new official starts with three things to do." The young master was the first one, and no one wanted to be the second one.

at this time.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside again.

In the early autumn sunshine, another clerk's face flushed:

"Sir, something bad has happened. Commander Shi has brought that Zhao Chenshi to your house. They are already outside the government office and have asked to see you!"

It’s over…they’ve come to our door…the clerk in front turned pale, feeling that disaster had come from the sky.

Chen Gui's heart sank, he pursed his lips, and walked out:

"Why are you panicking? I still don't believe that he can take off my official robe just for this!"

……

A few moments.

Zhao Duan and his party met the famous "Chen Fire God" in a hall of the Firearms Bureau.

"This is Chen Gui, the best firearms expert in Dayu."

Shi Meng introduced with a smile, then gave Chen Gui a look and introduced:
"This is Zhao Chenshi. Haha, Zhao Chenshi has just joined the army and wants to ask you about firearms. Just answer whatever he asks."

Asking about firearms... Chen Gui felt disdainful.

Over the years, there have been high-ranking officials who have come to the Firearms Bureau for "inspections" from time to time, and they all look concerned.

In fact, they were a group of "outsiders" who knew nothing about firearms, let alone the manufacture of swords and armor.

They clearly don't understand, but they insist on pretending to be humble and eager to learn.

Every time, Chen Gui had to grit his teeth and pretend to be respectful.

In his opinion, Zhao Duan was just going through the motions.

Asking is fake; showing authority in front of you and pressuring him to be obedient is real.

However, Chen Gui soon discovered to his surprise that his guess did not seem accurate.

The questions Zhao Duan raised at first were all superficial.

But as we go on, the questions become more profound, and each one hits the point.

Chen Gui, don't say you are perfunctory.

Before answering, you should think for a moment before giving an answer.

An expert will know if there is one as soon as he takes action.

Zhao Duan casually asked a few questions, revealing that he definitely knew something about firearms.

Shi Meng was also surprised.

But then he thought of the information Zhao Duan had read, and just thought that he had spent time investigating the case.

In his heart, his evaluation of this King Zhao Yan improved slightly.

——He is a man who gets things done. He has made great contributions and deserves the favor of Your Majesty.

As for Qian Kerou and Hou Renmeng, who were serving as attendants from the beginning to the end...the two of them were completely listening to something that seemed like a mystery to them, and they felt sleepy.

"Master Chen, can you take me to the scene to see the 'fire lance'?"

Zhao Duan asked with a smile.

"Okay, I'll have someone prepare for the test firing right away." The old craftsman with a goatee stood up and agreed.

Zhao Duan suddenly looked at Shi Meng and said with a smile:
"It's getting late. I will have to stay here for quite some time. General, you don't have to accompany me, so as not to delay military affairs."

Shi Meng hesitated, but still nodded:
"Then I will go back to the barracks first. Tell someone to look for me if anything happens."

When it comes to investigating a case, Shi Meng must know how to "avoid suspicion".

He said goodbye and left immediately.

Zhao Duan and the other two followed Chen Gui to visit the half-man-high, heavy cannon barrel called "Tu Huo Qiang", and witnessed a "ten-arrow volley".

"Boom-boom-boom-"

Standing under the eaves, I watched as ten thick arrows tied with gunpowder were fired from the bronze cannon barrel and exploded on the ground in the distance.

The flames were accompanied by smoke and dust, making a considerable noise.

Chen Huoshen straightened his back, his face showing the pride and joy of a craftsman:
"What do you think, sir?"

He was very proud.

With such power, ordinary martial artists would be seriously injured if they were to withstand it head-on.

Zhao Duan just narrowed his eyes, looked at the fleeting crimson flames under the sky in early autumn, and said calmly:
“Not satisfactory.”

Thanks to Yayu wd for the 100 points reward support
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(End of this chapter)