She Song

Chapter 203 An instant hit
In the dining hall of Nuo University, King Zhenbei patted Zhang Dungu on the shoulder without hesitation. This kind of intimate behavior made everyone confused about what to do.

The distance between Jingzhou and Pingzhou was less than a hundred miles, and the rumors of the bloody battle between the Zhenguo Army and the Xi Army were naturally heard by the soldiers and civilians in Pingzhou one after another.

There used to be spies from Pingzhou in Jingzhou City, and Zhang Dungu, as the second leader of Pingzhou, got the information earlier and more accurately.

This time, leading troops to Yanjing in person not only demonstrated the military might of Pingzhou, but also reminded the Zhenguo army not to reach out to Pingzhou again.

Now, Han Xiaoyao openly proposed to fight side by side. Zhang Dungu immediately believed that King Zhenbei was showing his attitude and would definitely intervene in Pingzhou's military and political affairs.

Therefore, Zhang Dungu couldn't agree, and he smiled wisely and said: "We are all deeply grateful for the kindness of King Zhenbei. Although Pingzhou is a remote and remote place, my brother has promised to support Jingzhou with one hundred carts of grain and grass every month!"

Han Xiaoyao was stunned for a moment, then realized that he was afraid that the Zhenguo Army would march into Pingzhou, so he took out food to gag himself.

So, he looked at Medicine Master Guo with a half-smile.

Guo Yaoshi was more qualified to lead troops than Zhang Jue, but he was well-known. After all, he was a civil servant who had won the Jinshi. Moreover, the Zhang family had a profound background. If the local emperor of Pingzhou stomped his feet casually, Yandong would have to tremble three times.

Guo Yaoshi naturally understood the Zhang family's thoughts, but Pingzhou didn't know the true strength of Zhen Guojun and Han Xiaoyao, and because of defeating Wanyan's mother, he began to feel arrogant and complacent.

In fact, the mentality of Zhang Jue and Zhang Dungu was contradictory. On the one hand, they longed to join the Song Dynasty, but on the other hand, they resented the imperial court's dictation, and even more disgusted with the greed of various officials who oppressed the people of Pingzhou.

They hope to become a vassal town like Zhejia in Fuzhou and maintain the Zhang family's privileges in Pingzhou forever.

This kind of local warlord mentality is too common, and almost everyone present knows it well.

After the lunch reception, Pharmacist Guo accompanied Zhang Dungu to inspect the Yanjing city defense, and actually said some things that were not convenient to say on the surface.

When they arrived at the Dongmen Tower, Pharmacist Guo stepped aside and said with a smile: "There is no one here. Guo is not happy with some things he said."

Zhang Dungu was an acquaintance with Pharmacist Guo, and he was also a well-known figure in Yan.

"The Pingzhou Army needs Guo Jiedu's guidance, but it doesn't matter."

"First of all, King Zhenbei has established the Yanyun War Zone. You, Pingzhou, can retain some privileges... but you don't have to worry about the feudal town."

Zhang Dungu was surprised, but the other party's words were what he expected.

The King of Zhenbei parachuted into Yanyun, suppressed the Ever Victorious Army, wiped out the Xi Army, and isolated Wang Anzhong. They all showed a tough style and would definitely not agree to the request of the feudal town.

But everything depends on people. As long as it is not settled for a day, it means there is still a chance, so the Zhang family does not want to get it done in one step.

"The Song Dynasty is prosperous, its kings are wise and its ministers are wise. The Zhang family is still aware of itself. The Pingzhou Army has no intention of dominating one side. Please give Guo Jiedu a proper explanation to the King of Zhenbei on your behalf!"

Pharmacist Guo laughed and said: "This is the best, otherwise Pingzhou and the Zhang family will be in danger of bringing disaster upon themselves..."

Zhang Dungu frowned and asked quietly: "Is there someone who wants to harm Pingzhou?"

Pharmacist Guo smiled and said, "You may not remember Wanyan's mother, but she also killed her son and chopped off the heads of more than 1000 Jurchens. But do you think the Jurchens will forget?"

Zhang Dungu is not worried about the Jurchens. After all, famous Jurchen generals like Wanyan Yanmu have also been defeated by him. As long as there are many people and horses, the Jurchens have nothing to fear.

He immediately patted his chest and said, "The Jurchens just have a more famous name, it's not a big deal...Apart from the Jurchens, are there anyone else who is dissatisfied with Pingzhou?"

Guo Yaoshi knew that the other side had won a battle, so he definitely wouldn't listen to it, so he stopped talking, and continued: "In this case, let's talk about it after tomorrow's drill!"

Back at the camp, Zhang Dungu and his staff repeatedly reviewed what Han Xiaoyao and Guo Yaoshi said today, and they were all very curious about tomorrow's drill.

According to the speculation of the staff, the Zhenguo Army may use the exercise as a show of force to intimidate the Pingzhou Army and achieve victory without a fight.

But Zhang Dungu said: "Perhaps the Zhen Guojun is indeed stronger than Xi Ren, but they have never fought against the Jurchens, so they are arrogant. I want to see how they manipulate tomorrow?"...

In the western suburbs of Yanjing, Hanji Steelworks.

As the chief craftsman, Zeng Ming was directing the bell-casters to cast a bronze cannon barrel.

The hot bronze juice was carefully poured into the clay mold, and bursts of smoke rose up. After five doors were cast in succession, they waited patiently.

The three old masters who have been casting bells for a long time are already familiar with the casting of bronze gun barrels. They have cast them more than ten times before, and the specific operation after this revision is very reliable.

Zeng Ming now has a seventh-grade official position. He, his wife, children and grandchildren all moved to Yanjing with the Zhenguo Army. They live in a large courtyard, earn a high income, are highly respected in the factory, and live a life that is simply happier than that of gods.

Han Xiaoyao personally commissioned him to cast the cannon, which shows its extraordinary importance. Although Han Xiaoyao said that he was not afraid of failure, he still wanted to complete the task of Zhenbei King as soon as possible.

Therefore, he felt extremely nervous.

Although it was already evening, and although his assistant son brought food, he had no intention of doing so.

"Grandpa, the gun barrel still has half an hour to cool down. How can you do it without eating?"

"Go away, don't talk about it!" Zeng Ming directly pushed his son away.

The clock maker smiled and said, "Master Zeng, don't worry, I promise you will get at least one good shot this time. If not, just hit me!"

After hearing the assurance from his subordinates, Zeng Ming said with a smile: "You know you don't want to make excuses now, and you only talk cheaply. However, I guess it's time for you to make a good move, otherwise you won't be able to see the King of Zhenbei..." …”

The clock maker smiled and said: "The King of Zhenbei also said that people are like iron rice and steel. If you eat two bites at least, it is a sign of filial piety from your son, isn't it?"

Zeng Ming thought about it, and felt that the other party had taken out Han Xiaoyao, but it was not good for his good intentions, so he turned around and waved to his son, took the food box and ate it one bite at a time.

The agonizing half an hour finally passed. The bell-casters took out the clay mold from the ground, carefully took out the cannon cores, and cut open the outer mud shell, revealing five black cannon bodies.

After cleaning the inside and outside of the cannon body and then hanging it in mid-air, the bell maker tapped it gently with a small hammer and listened to the sounds of each part.

This link is very important. Han Xiaoyao's requirements are that there should be no bubbles, no impurities, and the thickness should be uniform.

Therefore, the ears of the bellsmiths are the last hurdle. Their years of experience are enough to tell that the cannon body talisman does not meet the above requirements.

The sound of "ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, dang, etc." sounded in the steel plant. Zeng Ming felt that the sound was like a beautiful piece of music that he would never tire of listening to.

"Congratulations to Master Zeng, this time a total of two gun bodies meet the requirements!"

Good things come in pairs!

Zeng Ming personally inspected the No. [-] and No. [-] bronze gun barrels that met the requirements. The sound quality was indeed rich and dense, without any noise. They were indeed good guns!

"No. [-] and No. [-] cannon-casting team will receive third-class collective merit. All relevant records will be backed up and encrypted immediately! By the way, send someone to notify King Zhenbei and Commander Yuan of the Zhenguo Army immediately!"

The bronze cannon was built so quickly?
Han Xiaoyao was quite surprised when he received the news at night. Although Zeng Ming was the original master craftsman who was the supervisor, casting cannons was an unprecedented event.

It was originally estimated that it would only take a year and a half, but I didn't expect that in just over a month, a cannon body that meets the requirements could be cast!
This is a top priority!
Han Xiaoyao took Erniang all the way west from Miyagi to the steel factory.

Amitabha, with the blessing of Bodhisattva, I must become a hit tonight!

(End of this chapter)