Chapter 0007: The Greedy Person
At this moment, he is akin to the Eighth Route Army during the Anti-Japanese War, with an industrial foundation that is too weak, barely able to address the most basic issues of existence, and incapable of sustaining a protracted large-scale war
The artillery and shells produced using the most traditional methods possess a formidable power that surpasses this era. However, Chris is well aware that, at this moment, he is still far from being able to withstand the ravages and destruction of war
For every 5 soldiers in his artillery, there is one four-horse, four-wheeled cart responsible for transporting the supplies for the warhorses, ammunition, tents, tools, and so on. Standard infantry also have carts for transportation, with one cart serving every 10 soldiers.
It is precisely because of the inexhaustible technical experience in his mind that the weapons in his hands have undergone a leap in development
Having spoken, he descended from the high platform and mounted his horse, galloping towards the direction of the workshop
We will first assemble our troops, and then suddenly launch an attack at the border! Seris City will be caught off guard and will inevitably suffer heavy losses. He did not place his hopes for victory on his own troops, but rather aimed to prolong the war, anticipating the involvement of other forces: When our attack proves effective and the enemy is forced to retreat to Seris Castle, the forces from other directions will take advantage of the situation.
In recent days, Chris has improved the gun carriage of the artillery, adding a hydraulic recoil mechanism, which has instantly transformed the artillery in hand into a prototype of modern artillery
Let these artillerymen continue their training! Time is of the essence! What we lack now is time!" Chris stood up and patted Waggoner on the shoulder, commanding, "After all, good news outweighs bad news, and this is the best news!
Due to the availability of a more robust smelting formula, the blacksmiths under Chris utilized a new type of steel mixed with a special material, Huijie, to forge powerful modern artillery barrels
The principle that money can move hearts is understood by all. Upon hearing the plan proposed by his general, Lord Ensail immediately felt it was a feasible solution
Range 40 ! Loading complete ! In the distance, at the artillery position, the officer in charge waved a small flag in his hand and shouted the command loudly
Seeing the expression on Wageron's face, Chris couldn't help but laugh: "Hahaha, the tax collector is so reasonable, Stride must have spent quite a bit, right?"
Due to the expenditure of a substantial amount of gold coins, Chris's "Mobile Force" is quite luxurious. He has prepared 100 various types of carriages, equipping the entire force with "wheels"
At that time, as long as he distributes the benefits to the lords in other directions, the Arant Empire will most likely not take action to intervene in such trivial matters
When that tax official left, the most expensive purple fabric filled an entire cart said Vagerlon in a grumbling tone
"Are you saying this was done by that young scion of the Ailan Hill family from Selis City?" He reached out to caress the glossy surface, asking the merchant beside him with insatiable greed
On the other side, Chris sat on the platform, watching the first generation of artillerymen training in the distance, his joy evident and impossible to conceal.
After manufacturing two sample cannons, he improved the design drawings and, using a combination of pure manual labor and mechanical assistance, produced 20 more advanced artillery pieces
As long as he shoulders the 1,000 gold coin tax tribute of the city of Selis, the Arant Empire will incur no losses. If he is willing to pay an additional 300 gold coins, he might even improve his own position.
As a person knowledgeable about the future of industry, Chris prepared carriages for the entire troop to enable rapid movement. In this way, he possessed a swiftly mobile force capable of quickly reaching the direction of an emerging crisis
In order to serve these artillery pieces, Chris personally selected 50 soldiers from the veterans for training, imparting knowledge on modern artillery dispatch and command through supplementary lessons
... ...
"As you command, my lord!" Vagrong also felt the immense pressure. Apart from the newly established 500 troops by Chris, the 300 soldiers were nearly all the forces they could muster at present
Upon reaching this point, Enser could no longer contain his impatience: "Gather all the soldiers! Find a way to arm those farmers as well! I will personally lead the army to campaign against Selis!"
Compared to the 1880 model artillery seen by De Sel, the weapon currently in Chris's hands has nearly reached the level of the early 1900s, being almost as advanced as the artillery from the World War I era
"Sir, the special carriages prepared for these cannons have all been manufactured and are ready. Now these cannons can keep pace with the cavalry's marching speed." Vagrillon ascended the platform and delivered this good news
The artillery shells are too expensive, and the number of personnel required for the artillery is quite considerable. Among the 500 new recruits summoned by Chris, 400 are specifically trained for the artillery.
Now, regardless of the direction in which problems arise, we can immediately deploy 500 cavalry and 500 infantry in that direction. After twenty days of hard work, Chris finally breathed a sigh of relief. He is now prepared to face future battles and has gained the strength to protect his wealth.
Upon hearing his lord's question, the general realized that he harbored thoughts of instigating war. After a moment of contemplation, he replied: "There is approximately a 70% chance of victory"
In addition to these 10 soldiers, there are another 10 soldiers serving as substitutes on either side. They do not have operational tasks; their responsibility is solely to learn, in order to facilitate future expansion of the artillery.
This is an indescribable feeling of beauty, and Enser even forgot to speak; he simply gazed at the fabrics that resembled rainbows, lost in admiration.
20 units of 90 mm caliber howitzers, with a range of 7 kilometers, are powerful and have a rapid loading capability. Whether in field operations or siege warfare, these artillery pieces can provide exceptionally strong fire support for the troops
Ceres has developed a new woodworking processing technique, which has made Lord Ensail covetous. He hopes to acquire this technique to become even wealthier.
Send a message to Lord Greer of the Ferry Port City! Request 500 elite troops! As long as we capture Selis City, I will reward him with half! Enser, feeling that his strength was somewhat insufficient, made what he considered a prudent decision
Soldiers, panting heavily, repeatedly practiced loading with solid training rounds made of iron, as they withdrew the heavy shells from the cannon's chamber and began preparations for the next loading.
Deploy an additional 100 soldiers to the north! Increase the border guard troops to 300! We must make our stance clear! We cannot show weakness in this regard!" Chris instructed with a frown
Each cannon is operated by 10 soldiers, including 1 commander, 1 gunner, 3 operators, and 3 loaders, along with 2 individuals specifically responsible for the team of horses used for towing
For him at present, there is not a lack of good news: after all, other countries in this era do not even have such an industrial foundation!
Very good... very good!" He nodded pretentiously and looked at the general beside him: "If we attack Selis, what are our chances of victory?
What currently restricts Chris's frenzied military expansion is the basic knowledge of his subordinates, as well as the shortage of industrial equipment... In his mind, he even has the design blueprints for the American F-22 fighter jet, but unfortunately, he does not even have a single electric machine tool
There are also these beautiful fabrics ... After examining the tables and chairs, Enser began to look at those fabrics again, his hand gliding over the smooth material
There have been some unusual movements over at the earthen fort, and it seems the northern barbarians have taken an interest in us. After reporting the good news, Wageron also conveyed some less favorable news to Chris
"It's not expensive! As long as the Arant Empire does not put pressure on us, this money will not be wasted!" Chris, who had already felt the pressure of defense, said with a smile while waving his hand.
Although the soldiers of Selis are elite and possess the unique resource of radiant iron, with armor and weapons that are superior, the number of directions from which the opponent needs to defend is simply too many
With the application of rifling technology, the new artillery has adopted a series of modern techniques such as breech-loading and fixed ammunition. The shells also utilize contact-type fuzes, resulting in an increase in power by several dozen times.
We only need to defend in two directions, but they need to defend in four directions. Although they have more troops, they need to be dispersed... This is our advantage. The general is indeed quite capable, as he proposed a seemingly feasible attack plan
What a wise and brilliant adult! Such exquisite craftsmanship... Those artisans should all belong to me, Maine!" On the other side of Enser, his trusted minister praised with a sly smile.
Yes, my lord! I spent 20 silver coins on each chair, and they are indeed produced by Selis. I have confirmed this many times.
What he currently lacks is not money, but rather time for development and defensive military strength. If these issues can be resolved, then spending some resources would undoubtedly be a worthwhile endeavor
Furthermore, Mr. Desailly did not go back on his word; he paid the tribute tax to the Arante Empire on our behalf. The Arante Empire has just sent the tax payment receipt and commended us for our proactive attitude towards taxation. When Vagrone brought up this matter, he felt a bit pained.
The last thing... Sir, the parts you requested yesterday have all been crafted... Lord Chris from the blacksmith's shop asked me to convey that the steam engine can be assembled now. " Vagrong seemed to recall something and spoke again.
At last, the greedy lord emerged from his own little world, withdrawing his gaze from the luxurious fabrics, and finally appeared somewhat like a figure of authority
If the northerners take any further action, then Selis will need to mobilize cavalry and new troops to the northern border. This is certainly not good news for Chris, who has very few mobile forces
Wealth should not be flaunted; the wealth of Selis has already attracted the covetous eyes of surrounding forces. This situation is not favorable, and the current peace increasingly resembles the calm before the storm.
It is truly beautiful... Inside the lord's mansion of Maine City, Lord Ensai is rubbing his hands while looking at ten identical chairs.