Chapter 340 The best living experimental materials

The reason why this is the "No. 1 Battle in the World" between gunpowder and cavalry is because Zhao Xing mistakenly confused gunpowder and explosives here - this happens to be the result of modern education on foolish people.

Before, the Song army had experienced a large-scale use of "gunpowder" to fight against the Western Xia soldiers, but that kind of gunpowder was recorded in "Wu Jing Zongyao". It contains little salt content and can only burn and fire but not explode, referred to as "gunpowder". Zhao Xing used the real "gunpowder" on the river bank.

In addition to this battle, Zhao Xing also used "ignition explosives" in previous wars, but those battles were small in scale and were located in the south, causing little impact. However, this time, it was a confrontation between the Song army and the "first strongest army in a thousand years" on the Chinese mainland - the Liao cavalry. In the battle, not only did they use muskets and cannons on a large scale, but through this war, the Song army's firearm tactics were mature and began to be equipped on a large scale.

After observing the shelling effect, Zhao Xing spread his hands and instructed the secretary calmly: "Remember: the artillery must form fire stairs to achieve the effect of blocking the battlefield... Let the staff members develop a set of position layout methods for artillery stairs and perform war chess deductions. I hope to know the best range configuration of the artillery position."

Shuai Fan Xi was moved: "So, did you agree to adjust the larger caliber artillery from the ship?"

Zhao Xing nodded: "It snowed the day before yesterday. Look at this weather, there will be heavy snow today and tomorrow. After this snow, the Yellow River will be frozen - I ordered the ship to unload five cannons, I need two first cannons and three deck cannons."

Zhao Xing did not know the caliber classification method of artillery. Anyway, he was the only one who played artillery in this era, so he named it "bore gun", "deck gun" and "marching gun" in turn according to the size of the artillery. Among them, the first gun is not necessarily installed on the bow, but when only one gun is equipped on the cargo ship, the artillery they equipped is often the largest caliber "bore gun". In the current caliber calculation method, it is estimated that the caliber of this kind of gun is equivalent to an eighteen-pound cannon or a twenty-pound cannon.

"This number is wrong," Shuai Fan interrupted: "We should transfer three first guns, and only two deck guns will be added at most. That kind of deck gun is not much larger than the marching gun. What we need now is a large-caliber artillery to form a firepower ladder of long and short range."

"As Master Shuai said," Zhao Xing turned around and ordered the secretary: "After the warships unloaded the cannons, they asked them to withdraw from the river immediately. Now there are more and more floating ice in the river, so it is too dangerous to stay."

Zhao Xing then turned to Shuai Fan: "After the Yellow River is frozen, I need someone to be stationed in Shunbao Village to ensure our retreat... I don't believe in Cao Yu, and I don't think he can come to rescue in a critical moment. Yuan Yeping is not good either. He does not have the courage to fight against the "Celestial officials", and the Xiao brothers are not good. They are reckless and will only mess up things. Therefore, one of me must return to the south bank and stay in Shunbao Village - I think it's best for you to go."

Shuai Fan raised her chest: "How is it possible? How could I hide behind you and sit and watch you fight alone on the North Shore."

Zhao Xing waved his hand: "We are not familiar with this kind of antique artillery. One person must deduce the best combination of firepower of the artillery based on the combat situation. In terms of deriving the calculation ability, I am better than you. Let me stay here... Only if I stay here can I ensure that the court does not have a 'strong man cut off his arm'."

Shuai Fan pondered for a moment and replied: "Let's go after the river is frozen before leaving."

"Let's go now," Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Look! I said my deduction ability is stronger than you - when the Yellow River first freezes, it was thin ice. You can't walk on the ice at all. You have to wait until the ice freezes before you can freely travel. Before that, there were almost ten days when the two sides were completely isolated. The crushing ice squeezing and hitting the boat will cause you to be unable to sail or walk on the ice. Therefore, you must cross the Yellow River before dark. Otherwise..."

Shuai Fan counted on his fingers for a moment. He replied: "This year's winter solstice is the second day of November (lunar calendar), and now it's the eighteenth of November. According to the general solar terms, from the beginning of the winter solstice, it's the coldest days, "The door is closed in 1929, and the old dog is frozen to death in 3949". Now it's the last few days of the '29' land, and it's the coldest days. After I cross the river, you are completely isolated and helpless... You must persevere and survive this harsh winter and cruel battle."

Zhao Xing shrugged easily: "I'll go through it! I'll keep blasting for a long time every day, so that the camp's heat can't steam, so the young men can't even wear short shirts."

Shuai Fan smiled bitterly: "So far, the only thing we deserve to boast about is that the artillery has become much more proficient in the movements, and the speed of artillery firing has increased by more than 70%. In addition, it is just fighting with the Liao people."

Zhao Xing raised the telescope again. The Liao soldiers leaned forward at this time. From the telescope, they saw that the Liao soldiers were hovering outside the maximum range of the cannons, occasionally split into single-digit teams, quickly urging the horses to approach a few steps, but before the artillery reacted, they returned to their own formation obliquely.

At present, this war is only equivalent to actual combat training and is not fierce. So the Song army on the north bank all looked relaxed, and Zhao Xing also spoke with a relaxed tone. He held the telescope and said while observing: "I guess the most depressed people in the world are in front of us at this moment... Although the Liao soldiers can't get entangled, they can only get beaten: if they want to hit us, they can't reach it! If they suddenly get too close, they will be bombarded by our artillery.

And we have repeatedly adjusted the range and added larger caliber artillery, and the maximum shooting range shown by the Liao people has repeatedly exceeded the expectations of the Liao people. I believe that after being entangled for so long, the Liao general on the opposite side is still confused. I am not sure of our real range. I am so depressed, I am depressed for him."

Shuai Fan hesitated for a moment and finally made up his mind: "Sir, I'll leave now. Your warrior order is of no use. I'll take them all away, and then take the musketeers of the two cities, so that after the ice is frozen, I'll leave now. Please take care of yourself!"

"I will take care of myself!" Zhao Xing replied arrogantly: "The bullet that can hurt me has not been produced yet. I am the protagonist."

Shuai Fan smiled dryly and began to direct the boat to land and walk towards the north shore.

Later, the last two duty ships that were staying on the Yellow River channel leaned on the north shore and began to unload the gun.

Zhao Xing stood on the high slope of the north bank and looked at the temporary landing site under his feet. He saw Shuai Fan running into the camp. After asking a few questions, he began to board the boat with his soldiers without looking back and heading towards the south bank... After that, Zhao Xing stayed on the high slope and maintained this posture for several days.

This high-slope artillery position was built on the north bank of the Yellow River. It was the highest point of the embankment. Although it was not much land, it was very strong and condescending. It controlled the Liao army's offensive route.

A few days later, the Yellow River was frozen, and the Liao soldiers took measures to surround one by one, trying to surround the artillery positions without attacking them, and attacked the temporary camps in low-lying areas with all their strength. But they immediately encountered the cross firepower of the two villages, and the Liao soldiers suffered heavy losses.

That attack may have been the most loss of the Liao army during this period. Since then, the Liao army has never tried the temporary camp again, but has focused on harassing the artillery camp located on the high slope.

In the next few days, the Liao soldiers used various tactics such as luring the enemy, ambush, detour, and sudden attacks, and even launched several night attacks. But Zhao Xing swallowed the Liao people's bait every time, cleanly wiped out the Liao people's luring the enemy team, and then hurried behind the fortress, using his own range advantage to bully the poor Liao people.

In recent days, it is estimated that the Liao people will never find any soldiers willing to serve as bait, and the battle situation has become stalemate. Zhao Xing has the leisure to stand on the slope and watch the Liao soldiers show their superb riding skills outside the range.

After looking for a while, Zhao Xing called out several staff officers and pointed at the Liao soldiers on the opposite side and ordered: "After a few days of actual combat, you can discuss it and re-adjust the position of the artillery... and..."

Zhao Xing smiled wickedly and said, "We have been hiding the cannons we unloaded from the ship. It's time to surprise the Liao people. Tell me, what's the idea?"

The slope was simple, and several staff members spread out the drawings on the ground and deduced it: "Sir, the firing frequency of the cannon is from three minutes to one shot per minute. Our largest caliber involves the cooling of the barrel. The time is longer. The small cannon has a fast firing frequency, but unfortunately it is insufficient.

The cavalry's raid speed is... in the time when we shoot a shot, he may run by... zhang as fast as possible, and the slower is... zhang, our artillery fire must cover the entire area. In this way, no matter what speed the enemy's cavalry adopts, it will be under the continuous strike of our artillery. According to this policy, if there is no problem, we can wait for the Liao people to step into that trap.

However, we should give the Liao people a deeper impression, so that the Liao people dare not launch an attack easily - I think that the Liao people have relaxed for several days of confrontation, so we should let the musketeers make a counterattack and advance."

The consultant drew out the drawings and replied: "The musketeers must be arranged in a scattered line to advance to show their power. The area where our artillery fire blocks is here, and the musketeers should push forward from this, so that both wings are covered by fire, so they do not have to worry about the safety of the flank when they advance.

According to the depth and width of the fire-blocking area, I suggest that we should not send more soldiers, place five on the left and right, and arrange 50 people as a scattered line, arranged in five groups. Their advance should stop at the edge of our maximum range. Otherwise, the cavalry of the Liao people would turn around and attack their backs."

Zhao Xing nodded: "If there is no problem with deduction on paper, let's try it out. Draw five hundred people from the wall of the village to rest. When the Liao soldiers attack again, let the rested soldiers join the battle."

The staff officer saluted and turned to execute Zhao Xing's order.

Zhao Xing hid his trump card, but the Liao soldiers were no longer interested in attacking him. In the cold winter, they asked Zhao Xing to wait, and his beard turned white. Ten days later, the Liao soldiers increased their troops again. The new unlucky guy, who didn't know how powerful Zhao Xing was, finally went out.

The first one was an envoy who made a loud noise in front of the formation: "Guangnan East Road Transport Envoy, Lord Zhao, the scholar of Fuwen Pavilion, My Daozong has received the envoy of the State of Song. His Majesty the Great Liao Dynasty has decided to send a mourning mission to Song to pay homage to the State of Song to the "Last King" and congratulate the "New King" on the ascension of the throne.

Lord Zhao, stop fighting, it is meaningless to continue fighting. The Yellow River behind you has frozen, and you can't go back. Why not surrender to my Great Liao. I promise not to make things difficult for Lord Zhao. As long as I give up my troops, I guarantee that I have high officials to be green and prosperous..."

Zhao Xing murmured in a low voice: "Bad...Staff Officer. Send the best gunner, fill me with the first guns of the five ships, and aim at that arrogant guy."

Zhao Xing said this behind the fence, but Liao envoy didn't know. While shouting, he urged the horse to approach here, his words and expression were full of condescending gifts. Seeing that he was in the range, Zhao Xing turned his eyes and reached out to grab the latest musket from the guards. He glanced roughly and pulled the trigger.

"Bang!" After calming down for several days, a gunshot broke out on the north bank.

The gunshot immediately broke the tranquility of the north shore. Then, three large-caliber cannons in the high-slope cannon array sounded...

After the three cannons were fired, they woke up from their sleep like a sleeping fire dragon. The entire artillery position roared one after another. In the blink of an eye, the area covered by the firepower of Zhao Xingcai became a sea of ​​fire hell.

Unfortunately, there was only one Liao envoy in that area. He did not survive the storm. When this round of artillery fire subsided, the firepower covered the area empty. Apart from the large pits of varying depths, there was no personal shadow.

This is a demonstration and an extremely arrogant provocation. Zhao Xing used the facts to tell the Liao people that he dared to step through that area. I was not afraid to send him to hell.

"What is the accuracy rate? Is it calculated?" Zhao Xing asked calmly.

A staff officer who was observing the bounce point answered excitedly: "If we hit it, our first cannon landed beside him. The jumping solid bullet knocked the man into two pieces... Then, the horse did not survive. Sir, look there, the red meat ball next to the pit is the only thing left of the man and the horse. Haha. The rest of his body is probably in the pit, and we can't see it at this location."

Zhao Xing praised: "Yes, it's been better. I've been shooting for more than 20 days. Each of the gunners fired hundreds of guns. It's time to be a little accurate - it's time to be accurate! The secretary, record the amount of the launching medicine and the weight of the projectile. By the way, organize an operation example for me and promulgate the entire army in the future. This will be carried out accordingly."

Another cavalryman appeared opposite him, and he shouted in the direction at the top of his lungs: "Mr. Zhao, stop fighting, we are really messengers... How can you believe that we are true messengers?"

On the high slope, in silence, Zhao Xing smiled and shouted at the brave Liao soldier: "Go back and tell you that the general is General Han, right? Tell him: I am an official of the Song Dynasty, and the orders of the Emperor of Liao are invalid to me."

The Liao soldier received this reply and immediately turned his horse's head and ran back like a fleeing life. Behind him, Zhao Xing smiled and turned around and continued to discuss the adjustment of the artillery position with several staff officers.

A staff officer said with emotion: "It's better to have a practical atmosphere and can immediately test the effect... It's an opportunity that can't be bought even if you spend money. The Liao soldiers have been practicing with us for so long, and they are really wronged."

Zhao Xing glared at the staff officer with his eyes slanted and asked dissatisfiedly: "Why, do you have lovers in Liao Kingdom? Why are you worried about the Liao people?"

The staff officer smiled awkwardly and immediately changed the topic: "Sir, the Zhuque Army cannot be handed over to Fan Chuncui. We need these non-commissioned officers who have been in actual combat to help us train the next group of soldiers. Sir, we cannot let these people go."

Zhao Xing nodded: "Yes, the Zhuque Army gave Fan Chuncui five hundred people because I know Fan Chuncui's character and I believe in his character; and the 500 people handed over to the official family is because the official family will not treat them badly. As for the remaining personnel, I have no plans to hand over them at all - no one wants to give them."

When Zhao Xing said this, he thought of the demise of the Ming Dynasty.

At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Minister Sun Yuanhua devoted his efforts to build a full-fire-armed army. However, on the eve of the country's demise, the ministers of the Ming Dynasty maintained the tradition of "focusing on culture and neglecting military forces". They treated this full-fire-armed army, deducting military pay and squeezing and framing them like ordinary soldiers... and eventually forced the group to flee Liaodong and defect to the Qing people. Then, they used the artillery technology they trained by the Ming Dynasty to destroy the Ming Dynasty.

In the hands of those "Struggle School" who only know how to intrigue and corrupt the king's law, even if they give them an atomic bomb, they will not use this atomic bomb to bombard their enemies.

In this era, gunpowder technology is really too sharp. It symbolizes the beginning of an era. If this most sharp weapon in the world falls into the hands of Lu Huiqing, it will be sold to the people of Xixia, Liao, or any enemy from the Song Dynasty so that it can get kickbacks.

This is also the reason why Zhao Xing had tried every means to conceal the army at his hands and conceal the power of gunpowder.

The full firearm army is an expensive and luxurious army. It costs a lot of money to equip such an army, and training them is just a waste of money. Zhao Xing finally trained thousands of skilled musketeers. Now, seeing that they are gradually mature, even if the Heavenly King comes to ask for it, Zhao Xing will never let go.

The staff member deduced it on the picture and smacked his lips regretfully: "Since the Liao soldiers retreated ten days ago, the main force is now unknown. If we have a few war horses and go out to reconnaise, we will be even more 'knowing ourselves and our enemy'."

Cavalry! In this era of cold weapons, cavalry is no less than the God of War artillery.

Zhao Xing remembered that it seemed that the cavalry did not officially withdraw from the stage of history until the machine gun was invented. Before that, if the artillery position was too prominent, it would encounter a counterattack by the cavalry.

"The next step is to develop cavalry, let each musketeer grow four legs, and each cannon has two horses to drag. In this way, our Suzaku Legion becomes an invincible existence of this era, invincible!"

The staff officer continued: "I believe that the Liao soldiers have seen the clues during the confrontation these days: in front of our artillery positions, the infantry is as fragile as a lamb, and only the cavalry can compete with the speed of the cavalry. However, when our new artillery formation is well studied, even the cavalry will not be able to get a good deal in front of us... If we give each musketeer a horse, then we will be even more amazing. The musketeer who rides a horse will only be able to beat others, and it will be the turn of others to get closer to him."

The musketeer on a horse, now to be called the "dragonist", is like a flame-breathing dragon, with both speed and unimaginable destructive power.
Chapter completed!