Traveling through time and space and becoming a deposed prince, he just wants to survive!

Chapter 400 Heyang County

The battle of Yanzhou was like a huge rock thrown into a lake, causing a huge uproar among various countries and attracting close attention from all parties.

Especially the scene where the vehicle-mounted mortar bombarded Tuoba Qi later, which stunned many people who were obsessed with military affairs and completely overturned their understanding of war.

Everyone began to think, could the most powerful weapon in war be the overwhelming artillery firepower?

As a result, large-caliber artillery became increasingly important.

Since Dara Xinbu's defection from Shangjun, Zhao Hong has paid increasing attention to this place.

He often stayed here to personally supervise the production and development of artillery.

"Your Highness, according to the spies' reports, one type of infantry artillery used in Shangjing is a sub-cannon, very similar to the new cannon currently being produced in Dingxi."

Qin Yongyi was originally the chief historian in Zhao Hong's mansion, and now he has been appointed as the Grand Historian of Shangjun. Although the official positions are almost the same, the scope of his responsibilities has been expanded a lot.

Zhao Hong was concentrating on reading the document. Upon hearing this news, he slowly raised his head, looked at Qin Yongyi, and asked, "Is this so-called sub-cannon difficult to make?"

"In Kyoto, this type of cannon is called an infantry cannon. Its main purpose is similar to our tiger barrel cannon. It can fire multiple projectiles and is extremely easy to reload."

After Qin Yongyi finished speaking, he took out a blueprint carefully drawn by his servant from his bosom and handed it over respectfully.

Zhao Hong took the blueprint and examined it carefully, a look of satisfaction gradually appearing on his face. "If we build it this way, wouldn't all the cannons we made before be useless?"

Hearing Zhao Hong's words, Qin Yongyi quickly replied, "That's not the case! All we need to do is chisel out a notch in the back of the Shenwu General Cannon and then insert a buckle into the front of the sub-cannon to secure it firmly."

As he spoke, he also pointed out the key parts that needed to be transformed on the drawings.

"Well, in that case, hurry up and make it. Also, we need to make a bigger cannon with a longer range. With this sub-cannon, I'm sure the manufacturing process will be much lighter."

Zhao Hong began to imagine what the even larger cannon would look like in the future, and then he said, "This cannon should be loaded onto four wheels, which will make it much easier to pull."

Qin Yongyi knew that the current Shenwu General Cannon was already huge, and its range was normally between 800 and 1,000 steps.

But since Zhao Hong had this idea, he didn't dare to say anything. "I will arrange it right away. I must build the latest cannon."

"Wait." Zhao Hong stopped Qin Yongyi when he saw him turning to leave. He then asked, "I heard that the projectiles used by the imperial court explode when they hit the ground. I wonder why?"

Qin Yongyi was suddenly asked this question and couldn't help but think of the battle in the imperial city that year. It was true that the artillery shells used by Cao Yibao's army were a bit strange and they actually exploded when they landed.

He thought for a moment and then said, "I once heard that after the Battle of Shangjun, a weapon was found that exploded when thrown. I have ordered it to be opened and examined. It is filled with gunpowder, but I don't know how to ignite it yet."

"Hmm... tell the craftsmen to work on it carefully. If it can be used on a cannon, I will reward you handsomely."

Although Zhao Hong successfully took over the Qin territory, he was unable to rest and could not sleep or eat well all day long.

Recently, he has been thinking about attacking the Sima family and the Qiang people, but he is also worried that the war will drag him into an endless vortex.

But if he could not completely conquer Qin territory, it would not be in line with his character.

His ultimate goal was to ascend the throne of the Great Zhou Dynasty and become the ruler of the world.

……

It is said that Xiaowuwei Kou Xun and Yulinwei Bi Fujian led the army to Hancheng to join forces with Yan Ruxiang's troops.

At this time, Heyang had just experienced a locust plague, and life in and around the entire county was extremely difficult.

The disaster was followed by a severe drought, and daily water had to be transported from the distant Yellow River.

Almost all the officers and soldiers here became water carriers.

People also need water to drink, and there is very little water left after it is transported from distant places to various towns and villages.

Therefore, many military camps were moved to the riverside and set up camp.

Refugees from further afield also flocked to the military camps in search of livelihoods. Fortunately, everyone could still manage to get a bite to eat and survive.

"You two commanders have worked hard on this journey. We are the only place in Qin that has suffered such an irreversible natural disaster. It is truly difficult to prepare for war and capture Yanzhou at this time."

Shi Yongzhi came on behalf of Yan Ruxiang to welcome the imperial army.

"We are in the capital and know nothing of the suffering here. Fortunately, we have our own food and fodder, so even if we live near this river, it won't be a big deal."

Kou Xun saluted Shi Yongzhi and spoke.

"Legend has it that the water level of the Yan River in Yanzhou is low, and many refugees have already appeared in the county government seeking a living. This is why our general is reluctant to send troops at this time, otherwise it will only add more hardship to these people."

Seeing that the visitor had no intention of blaming him, Shi Yongzhi told Yan Ruxiang all his concerns.

"So, what should we do now that we are here?"

Bi Fujian felt that he came at a wrong time, but he couldn't just stay here and suffer together.

"General Bi is absolutely right. The general's plan is for us to march north along the Yellow River and capture Shangjun first. Currently, that's where Zhao Hong's followers produce their heavy artillery. By taking it, we'll be able to secure supplies."

When the two generals heard Shi Yongzhi tell them the plan, they looked thoughtful and were not in a hurry to express their opinions.

After all, they are not familiar with the situation here.

"Then we will follow the arrangements of General Yan Ruxiang. Just let us know when to set off."

Kou Xun made his attitude clear at this time.

"Generals, you must be exhausted from the journey. Rest well today. I will meet with the General tomorrow to discuss the journey north."

Seeing that there was no problem, Shi Yongzhi said this and then said goodbye and left their barracks.

Although it was already July, the night wind on both sides of the river was blowing extremely fiercely, and the battle flags were rustling in the wind.

If you don't cover yourself with a blanket when you sleep, you will still feel a little cold.

"This place is a bit like the river next to Kyoto. It's windy at night, so it's quite cool."

Kou Xun tossed and turned and couldn't sleep, so he got up and went outside. Seeing Bi Fujian grilling fish, he spoke.

"Are you a cat? You came here when you smelled it."

Bi Fujian saw that the person coming was Kou Xun and joked, "Today, my soldiers went down to the river to fetch water and found some big fish. We caught a few, and they were very plump and delicious."

After saying that, he concentrated on flipping and grilling the fish in his hand, sprinkling seasoning on the fish from time to time.

Kou Xun looked at Bi Fujian grilling fish with a smile, then squatted down and sat down on the ground.

"Today a few sheep were delivered, all skinny and hungry. We killed a few, but unfortunately we had no wine."

"Humph, I knew you weren't just after the fish, you were also trying to get my drink. I don't know what to say to you."

Bi Fujian picked up a jar, took a sip himself, and then handed the jar to Kou Xun.

The fish was almost cooked, and Bi Fujian gave one to Kou Xun.

"Have you drunk alcohol again?"

Kou Xun took the grilled fish, took a sip of wine and asked.

Each soldier carried a small bottle of alcohol wrapped in gauze, which could be used in case someone was injured during combat.

However, some people secretly mix alcohol with some sugar water and drink it as wine.

So, Kou Xun tasted the flavor as soon as he took a sip.

It seems that he does this often.

……