Chapter 0004: Pillar

All of this has given Zhu Youlang a persona that is close to the West, thus when these words are spoken from his mouth, it can explain why the emperor understands so much

The Son of Heaven treats him this way, and he shall certainly die for the Son of Heaven with loyalty

Prince Jin, this is what I told you about the firearms purchased from the West

Zhu Youlang was not intending to take Li Dingguo for a casual chat or a stroll, but rather to show him the Western firearms that he had just "transported".

The illustrious Son of Heaven of the Ming Dynasty is surprisingly well-informed about the details of artillery, which fills Li Dingguo with deep shame

It is also a Western country, and the cannons they produce are sharper than those made by the French.

Your Majesty's candid revelation to him regarding the firearms purchased from the West is a significant demonstration of trust in him

Upon hearing the news of the emperor's death, Li Dingguo was so overcome with grief that he coughed up blood and died

In his previous life, he could be considered a half-hearted history enthusiast, particularly interested in the history of the Southern Ming dynasty

In the face of the orders from Emperor Yongli, Li Dingguo would certainly not refuse

The Prince of Jin is coming to see this place

For some reason, he always feels as if His Majesty the Emperor has become a different person.

Your Majesty ... ... Your Majesty is truly wise and powerful, with deep foresight. With these firearms, I have even greater confidence in defending Kunming

Such loyal and virtuous individuals are indeed worlds apart from someone like Sun Kewang, who wavers and harbors ambitions of usurping the throne, and naturally can be regarded as trusted confidants

The firearms that Zhu Youlang brought have temporarily been stored in the side hall

As for the other matters, take your time; there is no need to rush.

Li Dingguo sincerely praised.

Even the ratio of firearms in his personal guard is ten to one

Li Dingguo was truly moved to tears.

Generally, emperors are not interested in Western objects, but Emperor Yongli is an exception

The term "Franks" refers to Spain and Portugal, a designation unique to the Ming Dynasty

This is truly a fortunate event for the Ming dynasty and its state

The two of them, the ruler and the minister, had a delightful conversation, thoroughly enjoying themselves. After finishing their meal, Zhu Youlang still felt that their discussion was not enough, so he said to Li Dingguo: "Prince Jin, please walk with me."

He even personally wrote a letter to the Pope, and his former trusted eunuch, Pang Tianshou, was also referred to as the eunuch in service to the Church

After all, this Dreyse rifle and the matchlock gun of the Ming Dynasty are products of two different eras, with a difference of more than one hundred years between them

His statement is indeed somewhat reasonable

Zhu Youlang shook his head and said: "This is a Prussian cannon, not one made by the French."

Zhu Youlang was in a relatively good mood, so he granted Li Dingguo the honor of dining together

Zhu Youlang walked to a blue cannon mounted on a carriage and introduced: "The wheels and spokes are assembled together; this is a rammer, a through rod..."

Your Majesty, how effective are these cannons for city defense

This type of artillery is primarily used for field operations due to its lightweight nature. Of course, it can also be employed for city defense

Zhu Youlang paused for a moment and then said: "There are also heavy artillery specifically designed for defending cities, such as this one."

Zhu Youlang, however, was unaware of what Li Dingguo was thinking at that moment, and continued to introduce: "The Jin Wang should come and take a look at this gun."

Zhu Youlang picked up a Dreyse rifle and introduced it: "This is also a firearm made by the Prussians. Its principle is to use a firing pin to ignite the bullet. After pulling the trigger, the long rod-shaped firing pin on the machine gun pierces the paper cartridge, strikes the primer, ignites the propellant, and fires the projectile"

Zhu Youlang approached a Prussian light field gun modified from a Saxon cannon and introduced in a deep voice: "This artillery piece features a chamber design in its barrel, which allows for more air to enter compared to others. At the same cost, it can accommodate more gunpowder ammunition."

Li Dingguo thought to himself

He was deeply impressed by both the French cannon and the Hongyi cannon imitated by the Ming army

Even if the Yongli Emperor fled to Myanmar, Li Dingguo repeatedly sought to rescue the emperor back

When it comes to the heroic figures of the Southern Ming, Li Dingguo can undoubtedly be ranked first

Zhu Youlang spoke with great enthusiasm, but Li Dingguo listened in a state of confusion.

Zhu Youlang gave a glance, and the eunuch Han Miao immediately arranged for the relocation at the appropriate time

It is said to be a matter of transportation, but in fact, it does not require much effort

Li Dingguo carefully examined the lightweight cannon and after a moment asked, "May I inquire, Your Majesty, is this artillery piece of foreign origin?"

Your Majesty is truly well-informed and knowledgeable, and I am deeply ashamed.

It is not far from the main hall to the side hall, and soon Zhu Youlang and Li Dingguo arrived at the entrance of the hall

Neither the breadth of mind nor the far-sighted vision can be compared to that of the previously timid sovereign

Zhu Youlang would certainly not explain too much to Li Dingguo, after all, this Prussian light field gun is a product of the mid-18th century, which is a full one hundred years later than the flintlock cannon of the Ming Dynasty

"Prussia? I have never heard of it."

The Duke of Jin is indeed my Zhuge Kongming

Transporting such a large number of firearms requires many trips, and Zhu Youlang only transported a small portion of them.

However, Li Dingguo soon discovered that these cannons were relatively small, lacking the imposing and powerful appearance of the Hongyi cannons

Li Dingguo is also like this

As a monarch, the most important thing is to exercise both grace and authority, for only then can one effectively govern subordinates

Zhu Youlang had no doubt about Li Dingguo's loyalty, and even personally served him dishes to show his goodwill

Zhu Youlang brought a wide variety of firearms, and naturally, he would not explain each one to Li Dingguo, although as a former museum curator, he was well aware of the uses of these weapons

Zhu Youlang immediately said: "How would I know about these matters? I have only heard about them from the Western missionaries."

Although he has only been in this world for a day, Zhu Youlang has gradually adapted to this identity

Upon seeing so many firearms at once, even the well-informed Li Dingguo was astonished beyond measure

After a moment of hesitation, Li Dingguo finally voiced the doubts that were in his heart

It seems that Your Majesty has always been in contact with the Westerners, truly Your Majesty is unfathomable

However, it is truly the first time to hold his hand and share some heartfelt words like today

Your Majesty speaks truly

In the past, the emperor had also bestowed great favor upon him, but it was merely through the granting of treasures and titles.

... ...

With a command from Zhu Youlang, the palace doors opened in response, and the two of them, the sovereign and his minister, entered one after the other

What is even more commendable is that Li Dingguo was absolutely loyal to the Yongli court

... ...

Li Dingguo had certainly encountered firearms and artillery

He naturally cannot betray His Majesty's trust by merely uttering some sycophantic flattery.

Setting aside the matchlock guns, artillery is undoubtedly a powerful tool for defending a city

There is no doubt that Li Dingguo is an outstanding commanding general, but the generals of this era do not concern themselves with such detailed matters

Zhu Youlang only needs to move his finger to touch them, and with the addition of the imperial seal, these ancient artifacts will follow him into the palace, transforming into formidable weapons that can be put to use

Li Dingguo held back for half a day but still managed to utter a word of apology

Even when the troops are at a disadvantage, the defending forces can firmly hold the city by leveraging the advantages of artillery

In Li Dingguo's impression, firearms were extremely valuable in the military and were allocated only to the most important troops

Your Majesty has bestowed undue praise; I am unworthy of such honor