[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army":3,"chapter-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-166":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","A Little Soldier of the Late Ming Border Army",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1205455,1561,"Chapter 166: The Lu Mi Arquebus, Difficult","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-166",166,"\u003Cp>Next, when Wang Dou inspected the gunpowder factory, he also received an unexpected pleasant surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is granulated gunpowder?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, what lay before Wang Dou was no longer that kind of powdered black gunpowder, but rather formed into tiny, uniform granules, like fine black pearls. This was the latest research achievement of Li Zhifen, the manager of the gunpowder factory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou glanced at Li Zhifen: \"Not bad, Chief Saltpeter Officer Li, it seems you have quite a skill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, the big ball of flesh before Wang Dou, who had been watching him eagerly, trembled all over with joy. Li Zhifen stammered incoherently: \"This is all thanks to my lord's great fortune. This humble one stumbled upon this result unintentionally. My lord, according to this humble one's experiments, once the gunpowder is made into granules, it stores better and its power is also much greater.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou laughed heartily: \"That is only natural. Chief Saltpeter Officer Li, you have rendered great merit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Granulated black gunpowder burns more completely, leaves less residue, is much more powerful than powdered gunpowder, and is also easier to store and transport. Wang Dou seemed to recall that when Qi Jiguang wrote the *Jixiao Xinshu*, the Qi army was already using granulated gunpowder, with large granules used in cannons, small granules used in fire lances, and the smallest granules used as priming powder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be honest, in his later life Wang Dou was more proficient in subjects like language, history, and geography, and very poor at physics, chemistry, mathematics, and English. In particular, his historical knowledge was what allowed him to survive the great calamity in the ninth year of Chongzhen and even rise several ranks in a row. Coming to the Great Ming, his hands-on physics ability was inferior to that of the most common craftsman of the Great Ming, and with so many matters weighing on him, he had long forgotten about granulated black gunpowder. Fortunately, he had many talented men under his command, and without needing his deliberate reminder, they had researched it on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this granulated black gunpowder, Wang Dou's arquebusiers could use a smaller powder charge than now, yet the range and power of their fire lances would be greatly increased. He estimated the effective lethal range would approach a hundred paces, comparable to the old-style matchlock arquebuses, and far surpassing the smoothbore guns using granulated black gunpowder used by contemporary Western armies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason the Great Ming's fire lances shot far and accurately, besides the longer barrel, was the rear sight. Combined with the front sight, it formed a three-point line aiming advantage. Western fire lances, until the early 19th century, had only a small front sight and no rear sight at all on the back of the gun. How could they shoot far and accurately like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Daofu, Li Maosen, and the surrounding craftsmen all looked at Li Zhifen with envy. Simply by changing the gunpowder from powder to granules, he had earned such praise from the Commandant. It seemed his future prospects were limitless. Li Zhifen himself had not expected that a research result he stumbled upon unintentionally, whose prospects he himself did not yet know, would inspire even more confidence in the Commandant than in himself. He could only sigh with emotion at having met a discerning master, a debt of gratitude for recognizing his talent that he would never forget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His round face blossomed into a smile. When Wang Dou ordered him to mass-produce this granulated black gunpowder, he respectfully accepted the order, but then he remembered something: \"My lord, if the gunpowder factory is to manufacture this granulated gunpowder in large quantities, a great deal of sulfur will be needed. This matter will require my lord's attention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou nodded. The formula for black gunpowder was simply saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. Wherever an army manufactured black gunpowder, the source of charcoal was never a worry. With the saltpeter collection site at Shunxiang Fort, the source of saltpeter earth for Wang Dou's army was also not a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the sulfur component, though small in proportion, was extremely important. In black gunpowder, sulfur acts as a binder, allowing the three components to be mixed evenly. Only black gunpowder containing sulfur can be made into granules of nearly uniform size. Wang Dou did not know if there were sulfur deposits in this area of Baoanzhou. As the use of firearms increased in the future, securing a stable source of sulfur would also become a major problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He buried this concern in his heart and simply said: \"You need not worry about this matter. I will resolve it myself. Just focus on manufacturing the cartridges and powder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few days later, through arrangements by Wang Dou and Li Maosen, Lai Yuanlong, the Director of the Baoan Guard Arsenal, arrived at Baoanzhou City. Lai Yuanlong was around forty years old, with a messy beard, a dejected expression, and an unkempt appearance. He wore a ninth-rank official robe embroidered with a magpie rank badge, covered in greasy stains. One of his sleeves was still rolled up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Li Maosen had said, this man was ignorant of worldly affairs, no wonder he had been sidelined by his subordinates. When he paid his respects to Wang Dou, his expression was still dull. Only when Wang Dou asked him about matters of armaments did he immediately become animated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was indifferent to Wang Dou's inquiries about his well-being and the generous monthly salary Wang Dou offered. He simply said: \"It is not unacceptable for my lord to transfer this humble official to the prefectural city, but if my lord requires this humble official to research and develop firearms, this humble official will need sufficient materials, a group of outstanding craftsmen to assist him, a large research building, bright and clean. When this humble official is conducting research, he does not wish to be disturbed by miscellaneous affairs... This humble official needs... This humble official needs...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled slightly: \"No problem.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lai Yuanlong stared blankly at Wang Dou: \"My lord agrees to all of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled slightly: \"Of course. If Director Lai truly possesses genuine talent and learning, why would I not give you favorable conditions? However, I do not hope that in the days to come, Director Lai will be making empty boasts. You must still produce results.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lai Yuanlong said urgently: \"That is natural, that is natural.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou's generosity and magnanimity exceeded his expectations. Thinking that he could quietly research the things he liked, his mind had already flown to that spacious, bright workshop that belonged to him alone. There, he would have ample raw materials to use freely and a large number of outstanding craftsmen under his command. There was no greater joy in the world than this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou asked about the issue of flintlock fire lances. Lai Yuanlong said: \"Self-igniting fire lances? This humble official has heard privately that in the eighth year of Chongzhen, Vice Minister Bi of the Ministry of War once researched and developed a self-igniting fire lance, using flint instead of a match cord to ignite, capable of fighting in wind and rain, truly a fine weapon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He declared with full confidence: \"My lord, rest assured, as long as materials and manpower are sufficient, given time, this humble official will certainly develop such a self-igniting fire lance for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the automatic opening and closing flash pan cover device Wang Dou mentioned, Lai Yuanlong also said: \"Please grant this humble official time, my lord, and it will certainly be developed successfully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou was in a very pleasant mood. Both major problems seemed likely to be solved. It seemed the role of talent was truly extraordinary. He then asked about another issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lai Yuanlong: \"The Lu Mi arquebus? I did not expect my lord to know of this item. Speaking of which, this humble official once visited the Arsenal of the Ministry of Works and was fortunate enough to see the actual Lu Mi arquebus and its manufacture.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head repeatedly: \"To manufacture this item is difficult, extremely difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Lai Yuanlong, the Lu Mi arquebus was actually very rarely used in the Ming army, primarily because its manufacture was extremely difficult and its cost too high. The Lu Mi arquebus had an all-metal structure, a relatively heavy barrel, and was of small caliber. A well-made Lu Mi arquebus could have a range of one hundred and fifty paces, with a very high muzzle velocity for its projectile, basically comparable to later-era rifles. Even the firearms used by the Qing army during the Opium Wars in later times might not necessarily surpass the Lu Mi arquebus in performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its essence lay in its double-layered barrel, with the barrel body formed as one piece without segments, and the inner and outer barrels connected in opposite directions, providing excellent safety. However, the manufacturing method was extremely complex. According to Lai Yuanlong, just the forging and polishing of the two barrels that needed to fit tightly together required an old master craftsman with decades of experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the final sleeving of the barrels, which was almost forced drilling, required a rather complex and sophisticated mechanical platform. That platform was intricately crafted, almost twice the height of a man. Only such a complex platform could ensure the axial alignment of the two barrels, allowing them to be slowly drilled in, bit by bit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, manufacturing the Lu Mi arquebus was extremely laborious and demanding, with very high requirements in every aspect. Listening to this, Wang Dou frowned continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to what Lai Yuanlong said, with his current technical reserves, even if the Lu Mi arquebus were developed, what meaning would it have if it could not be mass-produced? Perhaps when the time was ripe, they could manufacture a small batch and issue them to elite troops, letting them serve as marksmen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Wang Dou suddenly recalled the rifled guns of later times. He told Lai Yuanlong what he knew. Lai Yuanlong thought blankly for a long time, and finally said: \"My lord, this so-called rifled fire lance is actually the same as the Lu Mi arquebus. This humble official might be able to develop it, but wanting to mass-produce it, I fear, will be difficult.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled slightly: \"I am well aware of that. Director Lai, go first to Shunxiang Fort. There, Garrison Commander Lin Daofu will arrange everything for you. First, develop the self-igniting fire lance and the flash pan device. After these two are successful, then consider the Lu Mi arquebus and the rifled fire lance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Very soon, Lai Yuanlong arrived at Shunxiang Fort. At the Shunxiang Fort Firearms Factory, Lai Yuanlong was given a spacious and bright workshop, along with ample raw materials and manpower at his disposal. Without mundane affairs to trouble him, without superiors hindering him, without colleagues feigning compliance while acting in opposition, and without intrigue, Lai Yuanlong felt as if his entire body radiated boundless energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a loud bang, a stout wild boar was knocked over in the woods on a sunny slope. Several arquebusiers from the Wu Zongjia squad gleefully surrounded it. This creature was fast, clever, and fierce. If they hadn't had their fire lances, bringing down this wild boar would not have been easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Approaching it, they saw the wild boar had a robust body, bristling mane, and protruding tusks, probably weighing several hundred jin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One arquebusier said excitedly: \"What a fine fellow! Such a huge mountain boar, we can have a good feast tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They cheerfully carried the wild boar away. As they descended the mountain, they occasionally ran into brothers from their squad. Each man's fire lance was laden with mountain rats, rabbits, pheasants, Mongolian gazelles, and the like. It seemed everyone had reaped a good harvest. But upon seeing the wild boar these few men were carrying, everyone was still astonished and full of praise: \"What a fine fellow! Such a huge mountain boar is truly a rare sight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They leisurely made their way down the mountain, regrouped into formation, and tallied the squad's total harvest. Everyone was beaming with joy. It seemed the brothers had reaped quite a bounty. With this game, not only could they, the brothers of the Wu Zong squad garrisoning the silver mine, feast on meat, but even the miners at Shangjinggou could enjoy lavish meals these days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers of the Wu Zongjia squad laughed and joked as they followed the vast plains of what would later be Wofosi Township and Heishansi Township, heading northeast. In later times, these places would be densely populated areas, but now they were still a desolate wilderness, devoid of human presence.\u003C\u002Fp>",2127,"2026-06-03T14:05:19.908Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","050aa989965a79339b935316da9fe41b6137e3b71591825084e1e8f97c9449f5","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-167","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-165",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]