Rebirth of the Three Kingdoms: Da Qiao doesn't want to be a widow anymore

Chapter 256 Anti-Chain

Qiao Wei's KPI for Si Jinchang was to equip the Jiangdong Army with iron armor within two years. Although the deadline has not yet arrived, the armor currently used in the army is still mainly iron armor and bamboo armor. However, although this set of armor is half bamboo and half iron, it has added chain-like craftsmanship in the armpits, elbows, knees and other places that need to be flexible, which makes the whole set of armor more flexible. In addition, thin iron is used as armor on the inside of the chest, abdomen and back, which also strengthens the protection function in places that are prone to injury.

Although the whole set of armor looks a bit out of place, in terms of weight and flexibility, it is indeed suitable for mountain people to engage in guerrilla warfare in the mountains.

"Although the armor looks very crude, it is ingeniously made. That's why I'm curious and want to see if there is such a skilled craftsman among the mountain people."

He Qi suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. It's my fault for not being well prepared. It's getting late today. Madam, you've been tired from the journey. You might as well take a rest first. Tomorrow morning, I can bring the manager of the gold field to report to you."

Qiao Wei nodded and said, "We must leave at 9:00 p.m. tomorrow. General, you can bring the craftsmen here at 1:00 p.m. so that I can ask a few questions."

"Yes, I obey."

The next morning, He Qi indeed brought the craftsman from the Sijinchang at the hour of Mao, saying that his surname was Jiang, and allowed Qiao Wei to ask, "Mr. Jiang, can you tell what kind of craftsmanship was used on the elbow part of this armor?"

The craftsman was well prepared. "Madam, this is an anti-chain technique. It should be a unique technique of the Ou family and is not passed on to others."

"It seems that the old gentleman is also very clear about it. I wonder if it is possible to replicate the armor in the army?" Although the process of making iron armor is simple, it also has obvious shortcomings, that is, it is not flexible enough. If you want to make chain mail, the process difficulty and cost are too high. It is difficult to promote it on a large scale in the army based on the current situation.

However, the armor in front of him gave Qiao Wei a new idea, which was to use anti-interlocking technology on some joints of the armor. The splicing technique not only ensured the armor's protection, but also improved its flexibility.

Moreover, Qiao Wei also let You Xun try it with the "Xu Nu". Between fifty and sixty steps, when the iron armor was hit by an arrow head-on, the arrow could penetrate the armor and get out, while the part that used the anti-chain technology could only penetrate three inches into the flesh.

This proves that when using the same amount of pig iron as material, the armor that uses the anti-interlocking process can withstand more arrows and ensure that the casualty rate of soldiers is significantly reduced.

That's the scary thing about craftsmanship.

When the quantity of hundred-fold tempered steel is not enough, it will naturally be supplied to weapons first, so armor can only be protected by pig iron. However, under limited conditions, if the anti-chain technology can be used, even armor made of pig iron can be several times tougher than ordinary armor.

"Madam's request is feasible, but it will take a lot of effort. Judging from the current situation of the Sijin Field, it will take more than ten years to produce so many products to meet the needs of the army." The craftsman was telling the truth.

Qiao Wei thought for a moment and continued to ask, "What exactly do you mean by kung fu, old gentleman? Can you please tell me clearly?"

"Madam, since you know that this is a unique skill of the Ou family, you have to find the craftsmen of the Ou family. But Pan Lin has kidnapped everyone, and now most of the Ou family craftsmen are in the Shanyue area. If this skill is not passed down from generation to generation and has not been practiced for more than ten years, it is impossible to make it." The craftsman said slowly, "It is not as easy as outsiders think to become a master. There are less than ten people in the Sijinchang who can use the anti-chain method, including me. Including this anti-chain armor, it takes at least half a month for one person to make a qualified one."

Indeed, if you calculate it this way, the labor cost is quite high.

"Are you also a descendant of the Ou family?" Qiao Wei asked. The old man bowed and introduced himself, "Madam, I am a descendant of the Ou family, belonging to the Jiang branch. I used to be a craftsman in the Mo family iron shop, and later the third master transferred me to the Sijinchang in Shangyu."

"So that's how it is." No wonder he didn't hide the fact of the anti-chain technique in front of her. As a craftsman in the Mo's iron shop before, he should know something about the relationship between him and Mr. Mo San.

Although according to the old gentleman, there is still a lot of uncertainty in applying anti-chain techniques to armor, Qiao Wei changed his mind and came up with another idea.

"Thank you for telling me the truth. Please keep the things I discussed with you today confidential and don't let anyone know except you and me." Qiao Wei said in a heavy tone, "General Lian He, you don't need to say much. Just say that I asked you about the armor reserves in the army as usual."

"The villain understands."

The identity of the descendants of the Ou family is sensitive, and Master Mo San has reminded them many times not to mention it to outsiders. Therefore, when outside, the descendants of the Ou family often use the name of their branch as their surname.

When the craftsman left, He Qi came in to greet him, "Madam, have you finished your questions?"

"Yes." Qiao Wei said with a smile, "The old man is a master craftsman. He knows the armor reserves in the Siming Field very well. He can answer questions without any hindrance. He speaks clearly and thinks clearly. It is rare to find such a dedicated craftsman."

Hearing Qiao Wei's words, He Qi also breathed a sigh of relief. "This man's three generations have been in the Sijinchang, and he has a lot of experience. If Madam thinks it's appropriate, you can give him something as a reward to show your appreciation."

"It is not convenient for me to interfere in matters of rewards and punishments. If the general thinks it is appropriate, please handle it yourself." Qiao Wei was just passing through Shangyu. She had neither the right identity nor the right name to interfere in military affairs. What's more, He Qi had no mistakes in military affairs. It would be inappropriate if she bypassed him.

Don't use the suspect, but don't use it.

Her attitude at this time also represented Sun Quan's attitude towards him.

Qiao Wei stood up slowly. "I have finished asking what I wanted to ask, and I am about to set off. The general is probably busy with military affairs, so there is no need to see him off deliberately, as this would only reveal your whereabouts."

He Qi bowed and saluted, "I understand."

You Yu had already prepared the carriage. Qiao Wei stepped on the footstool and prepared to mount the horse, but he heard a man dressed as a clerk in the stable bowing and greeting, "Are you leaving now, sir? Why don't you stay a few more days to look around and see the beautiful scenery of Shangyu?"

This question was a bit offensive and was a knowing question, but Qiao Wei didn't get angry. He smiled and replied, "Sir, you have worked hard to feed the horses. Shangyu is very beautiful, but we have important things to do, so we have to get up and hurry on. If there is another opportunity in the future, I will definitely come back to experience the customs and practices of Shangyu."

(End of this chapter)