Chapter 8, The Difficult Path

From this moment until the sun sets in the west, the sound of bird guns is incessant. Eventually, Wang Hui recruited a group of soldiers from the reserve team who could operate the bird guns, finally selecting three hundred capable of forming a combat force. Xiao Ruxun then ordered the extraction of fifty men from the four hundred in the reserve team to serve as auxiliary soldiers for the bird gun team, distributing the remaining one hundred seventy-eight usable bird guns, with plans for further training on coordination tomorrow

On the second day, Xiao Ruxun set aside the various displeasures of the previous day, invigorated herself, and inspected the entire city. She then arrived at the military camp to observe the training of the troops. Early this morning, Xiao Ruxun had sent someone to the city gate to inquire whether any scouts had returned with news, but once again, no scouts had come back, which added to Xiao Ruxun's concern

It is known that what they say is the truth, and it is also clear that the artisan system and the procedural system of the Ming Dynasty have significant issues. However, now, none of this can be resolved by Xiao Ruxun. Not to mention that he is a military general who cannot intervene in political affairs, even as a civil official, under the pressure of such powerful interest groups, even someone as formidable as Zhang Juzheng cannot change the overall situation. How could a mere deputy general like him change anything now?

Xiao Ruxun chose the first option

Xiao Ruxun glared at Wang Hui, for it had been Wang Hui who managed the firearms troops in his army for the past two years. Wang Hui's face showed signs of shame as he spoke: "It is not that the military supply officer deliberately concealed the matter; rather, it is that our voices are too insignificant. These bird guns have been like this since they came out of the Ministry's workshop. For decades, it has always been this way since the advent of bird guns, and we are powerless to change it. Even if we report it to the court, the court would not know how to resolve it."

Yang colorfulclouds felt a slight sense of relief

In fact, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, under Zhu Yuanzhang's directive, it was required that among every hundred households, there should be ten gunmen, which was a form of mixed composition. However, Xiao Ruxun's idea was to train a group of gunmen skilled in marksmanship, to form a battalion, thereby creating a powerful and concentrated firepower that could operate independently and cooperate with the main army in combat. At this moment, the bird gun squad was still far from being able to replace the effectiveness of swords, spears, bows, and crossbows; it could only exert its utility in certain special circumstances, and this was precisely that moment.

Wang Hui nodded and clasped his fists: "Agreed!"

Sigh... Xiao Ruxun said softly and slowly: "It is one thing for them to embezzle funds, but it is utterly unacceptable that they even cut corners on the military expenses for the border troops. The nine border regions are crucial for the survival of the Ming Dynasty. If we lose the nine borders, the capital will be in jeopardy. If the capital falls, those corrupt officials will not be able to reap any benefits. The reason they can still brazenly embezzle in the court is precisely because our soldiers at the nine borders are fighting valiantly, preventing the enemy from entering! Yet they do not spare even the military expenses for the border troops; they truly deserve the harshest punishment!"

Lowering my head, I looked at the batch of defective goods in front of me and the trembling quartermaster. My fervent emotions were immediately doused with a bucket of cold water—this journey is unlikely to be any easier than the path of survival in my previous life

"How could it be considered a trouble to do these things for Xunlang?" Yang Colorfulclouds said with a gentle smile, but then a look of concern flashed across her face: "Xunlang's complexion is not good; could it be related to military affairs?"

Upon returning to the residence, Yang Colorfulclouds had already prepared dinner and was waiting for Xiao Ruxun to eat together. The dishes were quite simple, consisting of one vegetarian dish and one soup. Given the urgency of the situation, having such a meal was already quite good. After Xiao Ruxun entered the house and changed into her regular clothes, Yang Colorfulclouds served a bowl of thick porridge, saying: "Ruxun, your body has just begun to recover, so you should avoid oily and meaty foods. It is better to eat some light porridge and side dishes to nourish your body."

Moreover, even on flat terrain, as long as there are sufficient infantry and a steadfast formation, one can confront the enemy even in the face of a heavy cavalry charge. The combination of matchlocks and pikes may yield unexpected results against cavalry.

Xiao Ruxun nodded slightly as she took the porridge, revealing a faint smile: "Colorful Clouds, thank you for your trouble"

Xiao Ruxun was taken aback, then set down the bowl of porridge, and with a heavy expression, nodded: "No matter how I guard against it, I cannot prevent things that are rotten from the root. Out of 1,200 bird guns, only 478 are usable, not even reaching 500. Is this how the imperial treasury is wasted? It jeopardizes affairs, the military, and the nation"

As for what comes next... After Xiao Ruxun achieved a certain level of success and fame, she would find ways to improve the matchlock gun and begin research on the flintlock gun. After all, the emergence of the flintlock gun marked the true dawn of the era of firearms

Sighing, Xiao Ruxun helplessly discarded this batch of defective products and set off on her way back home

Today, Xiao Ruxun's requirements are no longer limited to simple target practice; this is not ordinary military training, but rather live-fire training, emphasizing speed! The focus of today's practice is the three-stage firing method. In fact, given the firing rate of matchlock guns, even the most skilled matchlock soldiers cannot guarantee uninterrupted fire under the three-stage firing conditions; at least six to nine stages would be necessary. However, with the current number of personnel, implementing six or nine stages is not very realistic, so we will start with the most basic three-stage firing method.

The traditional three-stage firing method encompasses two meanings. One refers to the three ranks of musketeers, where the front rank fires and then retreats to the rear to reload, while the rear rank advances to fire, and so on. This is a tactic of the Ming Dynasty. The other method involves only the front rank being responsible for firing, the middle rank for passing ammunition, and the rear rank for reloading, thereby maintaining a continuous barrage of fire. In this case, it is the guns that move, not the soldiers, which is a tactic of Oda Nobunaga.

In the barracks, the three hundred musketeers and fifty auxiliary soldiers were fully equipped and waiting for training. As soon as Xiao Ruxun arrived, they spontaneously began target practice. Due to Xiao Ruxun's previous infrequent use of lead and gunpowder, there was a considerable stockpile. With over four hundred bird guns among the three hundred musketeers, it would take a long time to exhaust the supplies, and such materials require extensive practice to achieve proficiency. Xiao Ruxun was not stingy with lead and gunpowder; as long as they could hit the target, that was sufficient. If they failed to do so, Wang Hui, with a dark expression, would be standing by with several robust soldiers, holding water and fire sticks.

The Ministry of Works of the Ming Dynasty encountered significant issues

Thief! Thief! What face do you have to claim kingship and emperorship?

In my past life, I was helpless; in this life, I still have a glimmer of hope. Given this, I shall certainly do my utmost to rectify the dire situation

In the 20th year of the Wanli era, the year 1592, there were still fifty-two years until the fall of the Ming Dynasty, nearly a complete cycle of sixty years. Ultimately, can one do something, change something, and reverse the inevitable demise of the Ming Dynasty? Despite the myriad faults of the Ming Dynasty, it was still a Han dynasty. Mistakes should be addressed by the Han people themselves. Even if the situation is dire and a new dynasty must be established, it should be the Han people who take the lead. It is utterly unacceptable that, after internal strife, the country was handed over to the Manchu invaders!

Before returning to the residence, Xiao Ruxun examined the nearly two-thirds of the bird guns that Wang Hui described as unfit for use. She discovered that not only was the craftsmanship crude, but the gun barrels, which should have been made of fine iron, were actually pitted and made of coarse iron. It is no wonder that such firearms would not only fail to function properly! It is understandable why Qi Jiguang lamented the poor quality of firearms during his defense of Jizhen. It was precisely for this reason that the Ming army, despite having such fine firearms, was unable to equip its troops.

Xiao Ruxun was furious and threw a useless bird gun to the ground. She then questioned the quartermaster of the armory: "You were the first to come into contact with this batch of bird guns. Since you discovered there was a problem with them, why did you not report it?"

Yang Colorfulclouds held Xiao Ruxun's hand and said softly: "Xunlang, do not speak in such a manner, whether now or in the future, no matter where Xunlang may be, please never speak like this."

Such a bird gun can actually be transported to the border. If it had not been discovered early, what if it were needed during wartime and only then found out? Wouldn't that jeopardize important military affairs? Just look at this gun, can it be used?

Colorful Clouds had a worried expression on her face and softly said: "When I was young, I often heard my father speak of such matters. If one were to allocate one hundred taels of silver, it would be considered good if thirty taels could be put to actual use. The rampant corruption in the court is unchecked, and it has become a foregone conclusion that those above set the example for those below. Even the Chief Minister cannot change this situation."

Xiao Ruxun slowly shook her head: "This matter is of great importance, and I must personally oversee it. I am fine, I can still stand, but it seems I will not be able to stay in the military camp tonight. Ziheng, the military camp will be entrusted to you this evening."

Xiao Ruxun closed her eyes and then opened them—having read history books in her previous life, her only regret was that the Ming Dynasty fell at the hands of Li Zicheng, who failed to fulfill his responsibilities and was swiftly defeated by the Manchus, losing all face

Xiao Ruxun looked at Yang Colorfulclouds with a face full of worry, grasped Yang Colorfulclouds' hand, and nodded: "Rest assured, I will never speak such words outside; I was truly angered today"

The quartermaster knelt down and pleaded: "General, please see clearly, since the introduction of the bird gun, over the years, the court has sent bird guns, and it would be a miracle if 60% of them were usable. Initially, we reported that nearly half of the bird guns were unusable and requested replacements, but each time it was like a stone sinking into the sea, with no response. We are also at our wit's end!"

Having just recovered from her injuries, Xiao Ruxun felt fatigued after a prolonged period of activity. However, she still needed to remain vigilant, so she took a few steps back and leaned against the platform to relieve some of the pressure. Wang Hui noticed something unusual about Xiao Ruxun and approached her, speaking softly: "General, having just recovered from your injuries, it would be best for you to return to the residence and rest. Your subordinates can manage things here."

Xiao Ruxun nodded slightly and immediately instructed Wang Hui to begin preparing the wooden plaques, starting the first round of drills, while also observing if any soldiers with proficient marksmanship could be selected to become officers