Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 268: Relaxation of Armaments
Boom! A shell hit the battlement, and the flying debris scattered everywhere. Although it was still one step away from the cunning Francois cannon and did not hit it directly, the flying debris also injured the gunner.

This was Hu Dang's first shot. Jia Lian saw it clearly through the telescope and was surprised.

The aiming of this kind of cannon is just a rough estimate, and the hit rate also depends on luck, so it is a matter of faith.

When Jia Lian first saw this kind of cannon, he was disgusted, but unfortunately he had no choice. Since that army could not be copied, in the reality of this time and space, he could only make some changes to the equipment. After returning to Beijing this time, he was at ease to do research and development for a while. Solve the problem of the percussion cap, and then solve the aiming scale of the siege cannon.

It is easy to say but difficult to do. The key is that the precision of weights and measures is not enough. The technological progress of human production equipment is accompanied by the progress of the precision of measuring equipment, materials, and processing technology. There are so many things to do, let's take it one step at a time.

Thinking back to the battlefield, another shell hit the gap between the battlements, smashing a rapidly firing Francois cannon into pieces, blood splattered, the gun barrel and bracket bounced up, and the Francois cannon was completely silenced. There was a cheer from the artillery position, and when he turned his head, he saw Hu Dang, who was very proud, with a smile showing his yellow teeth.

The accuracy of this kind of cannon is not only due to experience, but also talent. I never thought that there was such a talent among the prisoners of war.

"That Hu Dang can be the shed leader. Let him manage a cannon and a shed of brothers first, and then see his performance later." Jia Lian said, and the staff around him quickly took notes. As time went by, the staff became more and more accustomed to this job, and they all smoothly integrated into the role, and their work efficiency also improved.

The reform of the Beijing camp alone is not enough. What the Great Zhou needs is a comprehensive military reform.

Jia Lian silently remembered this in his heart and continued to watch the progress of the battle. The establishment of a modern staff department is beneficial to the imperial power, and Jia Lian is not worried about it. The only thing to worry about is the princes and dignitaries, who all have some elite servants in their hands. Of course, in front of the new weapons, even the most elite servants are just a round of volleys.

All are equal in the face of a volley of gunfire.

Filling the moat took a whole day. The power of Hu Dang's example was infinite. When they woke up in the morning, everyone was still the same, cannon fodder in the prisoner-of-war camp. Now Hu Dang had changed his clothes and became the shed leader of the artillery team.

I have heard that Mr. Jia is a good boss and he will never be buried if he has the ability. In one's life, it is not that one does not want to fight, but the difficulty is that an opportunity to fight is in front of him.

The cannon fodders in the prisoner-of-war camp saw hope in Hu Dang. If I couldn't be a shed leader, couldn't I imagine serving as a soldier for Lord Jia? If I tried, I could have enough food and clothing, and I could also get rewards for my meritorious service.

There were many soldiers in the criminal camp who held this mentality. Under Jia Lian's deliberate arrangement, cannon fodder who showed bravery were constantly brought to Jia Lian, gained their freedom, and had a chance to serve Lord Jia as a soldier.

After this section of the moat was filled, the next step was to prepare for the siege. Looking at the rammed earth layer exposed by the impact of the shells, Jia Lian ordered the troops to withdraw today. The gongs sounded crisply, and the sound of cannons and gunfire suddenly became dense, covering the retreating cannon fodder of the criminal camp.

The cannon fodders had an extra piece of meat and a bowl of fish soup in their dinner. After finishing their meal, they returned to the camp. They were tired after a day of work and didn't want to move at all. Everyone ran at least eight times a day, all 100-meter sprints. When they woke up the next morning, their limbs were still sore. However, these cannon fodders were not depressed, and they were even a little excited.

The manager of the Crime Camp appeared in front of everyone and announced a piece of news: "Tomorrow we will attack the city and recruit the death squad. As long as you don't die, you will be a formal soldier of the Shenji Camp. Those who are confident in their martial arts can sign up."

Jia Lian thought that there would not be too many people to recruit, but he never expected that the cannon fodders were very enthusiastic. Of the 5,000 cannon fodders, more than 3,000 signed up, and in the end all of them stayed and were divided into three groups, each with 1,000 people. Their weapons were all cold weapons, spears, or steel knives, depending on their personal choice. Anyway, they would fight tomorrow, and if they survived, they would be regular soldiers.

Hu Yong set out overnight and met Jie Zhongliu, and a fierce argument broke out after they met.

"The attack of the Shenji Battalion from the capital was extremely fierce, and the power of the artillery and muskets was extremely great. Although I have 20,000 people, they are all scared. If any section of the city wall is opened, the team will collapse. In just one day, more than a thousand brothers were killed or injured, and this is just defending the city. Lord Jie, stop it, we can't attack Qufu anymore."

"I was doing a good job as a garrison in Yanzhou. But because I found out that the Kong family minted copper coins privately and I didn't report it, I was framed as a traitor by that dog prefect. If it weren't for my brothers' help, I would have been thrown into a mass grave and my body would have been eaten by wild dogs. I chopped the dog prefect to death and hung his head on the city wall. The women in his family were also divided among my brothers, leaving only the Kong family. If I don't wipe out this family, I'm afraid I won't have a chance in the future and I won't be able to avenge myself."

"As long as there is green, there is no need to worry about running out of firewood. Brother, please think about everyone. Now that the East Sea Venerable has fled eastward, he has attracted a large number of officers and soldiers. We have this opportunity to catch our breath, and we can't waste it."

"One day. I will fight for another day tomorrow. Is it okay for you to defend for one day? Regardless of success or failure, I will withdraw my troops and run away."

"Okay, I'll guard Yanzhou for another day. I'll make it clear in advance, if I can't hold it back, don't blame me for leaving without saying goodbye."

"Thank you, brother. Now that we have avenged ourselves, you can be the leader."

After the discussion, Hu Yong had to return to Yanzhou overnight and did not sleep all night.

Jia Lian didn't go to bed early either. Except for the sentry, Jia Lian was the last officer to go to bed. After the daily routine check before bed, Jia Lian returned to the camp with sore body. After scalding his feet with hot water, he fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

When I woke up in the morning, I drank porridge while looking at the battle plan for today sent by the staff.

"The walls of Yanzhou are strong. If we attack head-on, the casualties will be too great. We should destroy the walls and then charge forward to minimize the casualties."

The staff officer who reported the incident said some correct nonsense, and Jia Lian did not refute it, as he thought what he said was correct.

"Concentrate artillery fire and volleys to suppress a section of the city wall. While the death squads take turns attacking the top of the city wall, the engineers' plan to blow up the city gate is not feasible. The city gate is most likely blocked from the inside."

Hearing this, Jia Lian shook his head and said, "Let's fight first to see how good the death squad is, and try to blow up the city gate. If that doesn't work, we can think of another way. Marshal Yue is under a lot of pressure, and we can't just think about ourselves."

"Sir, why don't we bypass Yanzhou?" the staff officer asked a soul-searching question.

Jia Lian shook his head calmly: "I can't take risks with my brothers' lives. Once our retreat is cut off, our supplies will also be cut off. Even if we win, it will be a miserable victory. It's not worth it to let more brothers die for the Kong family."

Just as Jia Lian was about to go into battle, an urgent report from Jining arrived. After receiving the urgent report and settling the messenger, Jia Lian looked at Shang Yu, smiled and shook his head. His words were not as powerful as the memorial from Lord Sun.

Based on Jia Lian's understanding of Emperor Chenghui, he would not remove Li Sanjiang. This is what is meant by "using someone without using his experience".

For someone like Wang Ziteng who has made great contributions, it is naturally no problem for him to be transferred to another place. But if he insists on staying in the capital, he will be marginalized at the beginning, and it will be difficult for him to stay there. After three to five years of glory, he may wait for an opportunity to kill him. You really can't overestimate the emperor's integrity. His situation is a special case. He is young and poses no threat to the imperial power. This is Jia Lian's biggest advantage. Jia Lian is very clear about this, and he didn't hesitate to make trouble several times for this.

Because no one knew when the emperor's favor would disappear, many favored ministers in history fell from grace at any time.

After being labeled as "mischievous and lazy", Jia Lian could basically live a smooth life as long as he did not rebel.

Let's wait until he returns to the capital, transfers to a technical position, and settles down for a few years before talking about promotion.

Huo Qubing died early!
The messenger was accompanied by General Qi, who greeted them with a smile and said, "All three officers are waiting at home. Thanks to Lord Jia, otherwise I would have suffered the same fate."

Jia Lian waved his hand and said, "It has nothing to do with me. You are on the battlefield, and His Majesty will not do anything to you for the time being. Wait until the Dragon Guard arrives."

General Qi was worried again. Jia Lian pretended not to notice. This guy was so bright that he would shine if he was given a little sunshine.

Hu Yong, who hadn't slept all night, felt his heart pounding when he looked at the officers and soldiers under the city. Yesterday, they were on the city wall. If they were in the wild, the team would have collapsed long ago. Today, he made two preparations. A cavalry of 500 people was ready to go at the east gate. When they saw that the situation was not good, they immediately took their trusted men and ran away. As for Jie Zhongliu, I'm sorry, but I have done my best.

Perhaps they felt the same uneasiness, so today all the leaders went to the top of the city wall and looked at the soldiers waiting for the attack below.

Looking at this group of weak-limbed accomplices, Hu Yong secretly disdains. You know you can't get through today, right? Did you toss and turn all night last night? Alas, since escaping from Jining, most of the brothers have been thinking about taking it one day at a time. No wonder everyone is so angry. The main reason is that Jia Lian is too good at fighting, and his Shenjiying is too evil.

"Brothers, we don't have much room for retreat. Even if the king of heaven comes today, we will tear him apart."

After Hu Yong made a brief and powerful battle mobilization, jars of wine were brought up, and everyone had a bowl of wine to give them courage!
When the suicide squad got up in the morning, each person was given a big meat bun, and after eating, they were given a bowl of wine to boost their morale!
Carrying their tools and extended ladders, everyone remained silent, came to the front of the formation, found their respective positions, and waited!
"Forward fifty steps!" The death squad followed the order and took fifty steps forward, three hundred steps away from the city wall.

"Stop, sit down and rest!" One after another, everyone sat down to rest.

Jia Lian, who was standing on the high platform, was very satisfied with the performance of the death squad. These people were aware of the need to risk their lives.

"Let's start!" Jia Lian nodded, and the red flag was waving behind him!
Boom boom boom, the sound of cannons rang out and the earth shook!
After three rounds, the artillery fire stopped, three sharp whistles sounded, and the musketeers marched out in teams of a hundred.

Beep, beep, beep. After three long and two short whistles, the death squads stood up one after another.

"Look at the flag and follow me." The officers were divided into teams of 100 people, and they shouted nervously, hoping that everyone could hear them.

Fighting a war is never a chaotic rush. There must be a limit to the sprint, otherwise there will be no energy to climb the ladder.

Bang, bang, bang, the musketeers of the Shenji Battalion began to suppress the enemy with volleys of gunfire. Each team was in two rows, with a front of 500 meters and 10 teams of 100 men. The dense bullets made it impossible for the top of the city to raise their heads. During this time, shells kept coming. The real killing was the volleys of gunfire, while the killing of artillery was not great. This was a mortar, and it fired mud bombs.

The scare effect is maximized, and if you get slapped in the face, you will be forced to leave on the spot.

The power of the shrapnel shells in the black powder era was just that, and Jia Lian had no time to think about whether he should do some technical preparation first. Don't think too much before the three acids and two bases are formed, because thinking too much will give you a headache.

Only after you have a primer and a fuse can you dare to dream of a shrapnel bomb.

It's not that there are no grenades, but the key is that now that the ignition device can't be handled, Jia Lian really doesn't dare to let the death squad carry the large five-jin palm bomb that relies on ignition. This thing is good for defending the city, and there are quite a few of them in the hands of the rebels on the top of the city.

Boom, boom, boom, the drums sounded, and following the drums, the death squads walked quickly forward, and started to jog when the fire suppression of the Shenji Battalion began. Passing through the gap between the two Shenji Battalion square formations, watching the sparse counterattacks, the cannon fodder of the death squads became more confident.

"Fifty steps, run!" The manager took the lead in jogging, and repeatedly reminded everyone to jog and save energy to climb the ladder.

Bang bang bang. After entering the range of the musket, the counterattacks from the city wall became more frequent. Cannon fodder were shot and fell one after another. The companions lowered their heads, trotted forward, and pricked up their ears to listen to orders. As long as they survived, they could follow Lord Jia as soldiers.

The fire gunners of the Shenji Camp were not idle. They followed the death squad at a trot, stopped when they were a hundred steps away, and fired at the top of the city wall to suppress it. The first wave of death squads rushed to the bottom of the city, put the ladders on the city wall, and when the hooks were firmly hooked on the top of the city wall, they quickly climbed up.

Standing in Jia Lian's position, it looked spectacular, but also cruel.

The spectacular sight is that hundreds of ladders are set up at the same time!

The cruelty is the continuous dropping of palm bombs and Ten Thousand Enemies, the red light of explosions, the rising smoke, the broken ladders, the flying limbs, and the bloody smell mixed with the pungent smell of smoke floating in the air.

Half an hour later, the sound of a gong rang out, and the death squad that had been unable to reach the top of the city wall began to retreat under the cover of the musketeers. As required, they did not abandon their companions, and brought back all the dead bodies and wounded.

The sound of artillery fire, which had been silent for a long time, began to sound again. Although the defenders on the top of the city had repelled the soldiers, they still did not have the courage to show their heads under the fire. After watching the first siege, Jia Lian told his staff officer: "There are not enough mortars!"

"There aren't many of these things to begin with. General Qi got them from the navy. He said that in the early years, there were a lot of mortars, but later there were no opportunities to attack the city, so they were left in the warehouse until they broke. Even if the court used troops abroad, field artillery was enough. None of the small foreign countries had such tall and strong cities. If the canal navy hadn't equipped them, there would be no place to find them."

When Jia Lian heard this, his cheeks twitched a few times. He put his weapons into storage and released his horses to the southern mountains.

(End of this chapter)