Chapter 438: Is the Cold Weapon Era Coming to an End?

After demonstrating the explosives, everyone chatted some more.

Niu Jinda talked about when the Wujing Cavalry would finally set out, after all the matter had been delayed for too long.

Chen Yan calculated the current efficiency of making explosives and gave an answer: "Early June, I'll have people rush the production of explosives during this period, trying to prepare extra for you, to ensure the operation goes smoothly."

"Of course, I must remind you that explosives are very vulnerable to water. Since we had planned a water route, you must store them carefully; if they get damp, the explosives may become ineffective."

"I will also build a dry storage compartment on the ship for you to keep the explosives. I'll add a layer of protection to the explosives as well, to guarantee they are foolproof."

"June?" Niu Jinda whispered, then straightened his back and nodded heavily.

"Alright!"

After the decision, Niu Jinda and Su Dingfang and the others left, preparing to give the Wujing Cavalry, who had returned from leave, extra training during this period.

At this moment, only Li Shimin, Chen Yan, Prince Wei, Li Junxian and Xiao Shunzi remained on the scene.

"Come, you two, accompany me for a seat."

Li Shimin tapped the nearby carriage with his chin, then walked over.

Chen Yan and Prince Wei followed suit.

The three entered the carriage, while Li Junxian and Xiao Shunzi hurried the carriage from outside.

"Zi An, do you think it would be appropriate for me to campaign against Tuyuhun next year?" Li Shimin raised his hand like a trump card, leaving the two momentarily stunned.

He thought for a moment, "It's a bit hasty. Actually, waiting another year, that is, in the seventh year of Zhenguan, would be more suitable, but the border is constantly harassed; resolving the threat a year earlier is also a good thing."

"So, you think both options are fine?" Li Shimin asked again.

"Yes!" Chen Yan said plainly: "From a rational analysis, moving against Tuyuhun in the seventh year of Zhenguan, or even the eighth, is the best."

"Because although we currently aren't short of money or grain, no amount can buy back the lives of our soldiers. If we can delay a few years, with my improved forging technique we could produce better weapons, equipping the troops with steel armor and even full plate."

"By then, the combat power of Tang Dynasty soldiers will be raised several levels, making it easier to break through Tuyuhun with far fewer casualties."

Li Shimin tapped his thigh with his finger, "Continue."

Chen Yan said: "If we launch the campaign next year, that is, in the sixth year of Zhenguan, even with better forging techniques, the tight schedule would prevent us from equipping most soldiers with good weapons and armor; as for the Stranger Sword and the Mystic Night Armor, they could only satisfy a tiny elite within the elite."

"Attacking this way, we can certainly win, but it won't be as clean as winning after a two‑year delay. The advantage is that we can resolve the border threat early, sparing the locals from harassment."

"Both choices have their own merits; advantages and disadvantages coexist."

Li Shimin stared at him silently for a while, "You've said so much, yet you still haven't told me what you think—whether to launch in the sixth year of Zhenguan or the seventh."

"Um…" Chen Yan was a bit at a loss.

He knew his standing in Li Shimin's mind, so many things were hard to say, because his words would greatly influence Li Shimin's decision.

After much deliberation, Chen Yan replied, "I personally lean toward striking next year; after all, the Tang Dynasty is no longer the same as before, and with explosives at hand, we can simply throw money at it."

"We still have time until next year; as long as we're willing to spend money, regardless of weapons and gear, even if each of our soldiers only has ten explosive packs, we can blow Tuyuhun away!"

"The main point is that time waits for no one; eliminating an external foe early frees up the remaining time to deal with other threats and enemies."

"Perhaps, Your Majesty, you could continue expanding Tang's territory."

Li Shimin's eyes showed a hint of smile, "I, Ke Ming, and Cheng Laohei think the same."

"Currently, I have money and grain, and thanks to your help, I receive a staggering amount of money every day, plus a silver mountain waiting for me to mine."

"Why must I wait another two years?"

"Is it not enough for me to just spend money?"

Chen Yan clasped his hands and said, "His Majesty is wise."

"Got it!" Li Shimin waved his hand, "You kid, stop flattering me in the future; I always feel it sounds odd when you call His Majesty wise."

Li Tai whispered, "Brother Chen, Father Emperor may be stingy in daily matters, but when it comes to serious affairs, no one is more willing to spend money than Father Emperor; otherwise he wouldn't have become so poor before."

Li Shimin: "......"

Are you praising me or slandering me?

Chen Yan said silently, "I know that; during last year's flood, His Majesty didn't spare a single coin. If we are willing to spend money now, we'll certainly be able to forge a king's army by next year."

Feeling relieved.

Li Shimin said contentedly, "That's exactly what I thought. I was a bit hesitant at first, but since seeing your explosives today, I know that next year Tang's iron cavalry will trample Tuyuhun!!"

Chen Yan: "After the Wujing Cavalry sets out, Your Majesty should bring those who made the explosives back, but this must remain secret."

"Explosives are of great importance and must never fall into civilian hands."

"More importantly, I think the advent of explosives signals the end of the cold weapon era; gunpowder will be the main weapon against enemies from now on."

"Oh?" Li Shimin furrowed his brows, "Do you mean the emergence of gunpowder will completely change the future battlefield's sword‑and‑spear confrontations...?"

"Yes." Chen Yan said without hesitation, "Modern gunpowder is like a newborn, immature infant—promising for the future—but armor, swords, and even bows are already in their twilight, like aging elders; no matter how much we improve them, their limitations remain."

"Don't think that gunpowder can only make explosives; if we broaden our thinking, it can be applied far beyond that."

"Just as our ancestors moved from the Stone Age to the Iron Age, now cold weapons may soon leave the historical stage, and the next era will be the age of gunpowder‑based firearms!"

When his words ended, Li Shimin and his son were silent for a moment.

I thought explosives were already impressive, but Chen Yan said they're just a beginning.

Cold weapon era... really coming to an end?

After a while, Li Shimin tentatively asked, "You're so certain the cold weapon era is ending; have you, besides explosives, also made other weapons with gunpowder?"

Chen Yan was a bit surprised that Li Shimin could guess at all.

He shook his head, "I haven't developed other weapons yet."

The father and son were somewhat disappointed upon hearing that.

However, Chen Yan said again, "But I already have ideas, and more than one!"