Yang Ling was now practicing martial arts with Wu Hanchao every day. With the guidance of a famous teacher and the martial arts he practiced were of the highest quality, his progress was much faster than the average martial artist. Now that he had some small success, he could at least be considered to have sharp ears and eyes and nimble movements.
Seeing that the situation was not good, he hurriedly stretched out his body to block, reaching out his hand to hold Cheng Qiyun's small waist.
Cheng Qiyun's waist looked like a willow but it was extremely plump and smooth, soft to the touch, soft as if there were no bones. In addition, Cheng Qiyun's pretty face was slightly red from the fright and her fragrant breath was especially moving.
Yang Ling thought of the time when he first saw Cheng Qiyun raise her hands and dance in the residence. Her small waist was tied with gold leaves and silver rings, the spirit snake as bones, the spring water as skin, the breathtaking scene. His heart couldn't help but sway and unconsciously, his hands actually tightened, greedily feeling that ecstatic smoothness.
Although the action was not obvious, but Cheng Qiyun, who had slightly calmed down from the shock, felt as if a soldering iron had been placed on the place where he was holding. She seemed to feel his frivolity. That pair of watery eyes glanced at him. There was no anger in her eyes, but there seemed to be a hint of a smile. Yang Ling couldn't help but blush.
"Uh... is this young lady alright? Does daren still want to look at the boat? "Luo daren asked after being ignored for a long time.
Yang Ling turned his head and said: "No need, after entering the stone city, this official will understand in detail." Finishing, he lowered his head and asked in a gentle voice: "Is your foot injured? I'll help you into the stone city to rest. "
Hearing his concerned tone, Cheng Qiyun unconsciously felt a sweetness in her heart. She also knew how to act. Originally, her ankle was only a little hot and did not feel any serious hindrance, but now she couldn't get up. Her soft and fragrant body leaned against him without any scruples, allowing him to hold her as they slowly walked towards the stone city.
The two of them walked so slowly. There was a large group of aristocrats and celebrities behind them, and it was not easy to overtake them. A large group of people in long robes with large sleeves followed the movements of the two of them. Looking at the slow formation, it was as if they were solemnly entering the ancestral shrine to pay their respects to their ancestors under the leadership of the Old Master.
Cheng Qiyun was being held by him. She raised her head as if there was no one else around. Her watery eyes only stared at Yang Ling. There was a feeling in her heart that she had never felt before. She only felt that her heart was numb, a little sweet, a little sour, like a sour tooth that she did not dare to touch, for fear that it would melt into a puddle of water.
"After putting on makeup, I ask my husband in a low voice whether the depth of my eyebrows is changing." If he and I were in a bed right now …
Cheng Qiyun's heart began to beat faster. For a moment, she let her imagination run wild: Am I this lucky, this kind of favor? If one day, she could be held in his arms and sleep with him on the same bed, have the opportunity to draw her eyebrows with him when she wakes up early in the morning, and be held in his arms like this with tender love, oh my god …
Thinking of this, her soft and tender heart was like a fried egg, suddenly bursting open. A warm current flowed from her heart to her limbs and bones, causing her thighs to tremble slightly. Originally, she had purposely put on a show, but now she really couldn't stand it.
Yang Ling did not know that Dai Lou Er, who was a master of romance, was actually more sensitive than an ordinary girl once she fell in love. He thought that Cheng Qiyun's ankle was hurting, so he was extra careful.
With great difficulty, the two of them finally moved into the stone city next to the shipyard. After entering the house and sitting down, the large group of officials behind them finally let out a sigh of relief. Even Qian Ning secretly wiped off his cold sweat.
Yang Ling asked about Cheng Qiyun's ankle injury. Cheng Qiyun's heart was filled with sweetness and did not feel any pain. Only then did Yang Ling relax and sit down. He called the officials and gentry to sit down and nodded to Official Luo with a smile, "Official Luo, please continue."
Luo Enyuan coughed and said, "In order to reduce the cost of construction, the components of the helm, the capstan, the sails, the cables, the cannons and other equipment were all distributed to different small shipyards. This shipyard is only responsible for the main body of the ship. After the ship is completed, the final assembly will be carried out.
Among the different types of ships, the Fu ships are as tall as a city, powerful and majestic. They are suitable for plowing through the waves and have a draft of two feet. The Wokou ships are as short as our dynasty's small cang ships. Thus, the Fu ships can ride the wind and press down like a praying mantis. If the Wokou pirates do not retreat and face the enemy head-on, they do not need to use a single soldier. Just by the collision of the hull, the Wokou ships will be scattered all over the ground. "
When Official Luo said this, he appeared to be very pleased.
Yang Ling shook his head and said, "This is not enough. We must build fast ships and warships that can travel far. Otherwise, we can only lament our inadequacy. The cannons, muskets, rockets and cannons that are installed on the ship must be continuously improved by the craftsmen. Whichever craftsman can improve the efficiency of the firearms and the ship, Official Qian will be promoted and heavily rewarded!
Firearms that can hit far and fast are the only way to ensure victory. Do not rely on the height of the ship to sink. According to this official's knowledge, there are already Western pirates in the South China Sea. They are all relying on the power of firearms. No matter how big our ship is, it will be sunk before we even see the enemy's shadow. What use is that? "
Official Luo hurriedly bowed and said, "Yes, yes, yes. This official will definitely take note."
When it comes to knowledge of ships and the advantages and disadvantages of firearms, Cheng Qiyun is not an expert. She sat at the side and did not make a sound. She watched as Yang Ling spoke confidently and with the demeanor of a great general. In her heart, she was even happier than when she was showing off her own abilities.
She couldn't help but smile at Yang Ling. This silent smile, her eyebrows, eyes, and the corners of her lips curled up. That beautiful face instantly became lively, and it was so gentle that it seeped into one's bones.
Official Luo also saw this beauty's smile. This was really a smile that could turn all living things upside down. Official Luo wasn't the target of Cheng Qiyun's seduction, but he was actually tongue-tied by her flirtatious smile and only came back to his senses after a while.
He hurriedly shifted his gaze and continued, "Other than the big treasure ship, the next is the fast horse ship. The horse ship has eight masts, a length of three hundred and seventy zhang and a width of fifteen zhang. It is mainly used to transport war horses, military supplies, and soldiers. At the same time, it is equipped with cannons and muskets. It can be used in fast water battles.
Next is the warship. It is mainly used for frontal battles on the surface. It is completely equipped with firearms and is the fastest. This ship is used to protect the fleet and to fight on the water and on land. Finally is the seven-masted grain ship and the water ship. This kind of ship can also rear livestock, grow vegetables, and is also equipped with fishing gear to catch aquatic products. It is a necessary supply ship when going on a long voyage. "
Yang Ling had never heard of these things. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Then, he slowly opened his eyes and said in remembrance, "With such a powerful navy, the army can mercilessly launch a destructive attack on anyone who tries to provoke our heavenly might.
With such a huge fleet and the southern vassal states as supplies, it is easy for the Celestial Empire to send an endless stream of troops to the west. If we continue to use war to sustain war and supply the occupied countries, then the Empire of Ming Destiny will be like the Yuan Empire in the past. The whole world will tremble under its feet. The only difference is … they do it by land, and we do it by water. Sigh, who would have thought that we can also … if it wasn't for today, how could the future … how could it … "
Yang Ling spoke leisurely, as if the song that caused the hearts of his countrymen to ache once again rang in his ears, "Who caused you to lose your prestige? Who caused the flames to rise everywhere? Who caused hatred to soar into the clouds? Who doesn't feel anger and sorrow? How much blood and sweat did I drip to build it? I used my heart and soul to build it. I expected it to be passed on for thousands of generations. I didn't expect it to end up like this. I humiliated my country and my family … I hope that the shock of this fire can make my descendants remember. They will naturally realize why they were bullied. I will use this fire as a memory to rekindle old grievances and why they were bullied … "Yang Ling slowly let out a long breath, as if spitting out the injustice and bitterness in his heart. It can't be, that scene will never happen again, right? I hope that when people in the future turn the pages of history, what they will see will always be the glory of the strong Qin, Han and Wu, and the prosperous Tang Dynasty. From today onwards, everything would change, starting from beneath their feet …
The officials didn't know why Yang Ling's words were so heroic, but his face showed a sorrowful expression. They looked at each other and didn't dare to interrupt.
Lord Luo swallowed his saliva and carefully said, "Your Excellency, you … you are here to visit the Longjiang Shipyard on behalf of the Heavenly Patrol. It is a great fortune for the local area. The Great Fortune Ship is about to be completed. This is the first giant ship that we have rebuilt according to Zheng He's sea map. Could Your Excellency please give the ship a name?"
"Huh?" Yang Ling came to his senses and looked at Lord Luo seriously. "You want the leader to inscribe an inscription? I didn't expect this technical talent to be so good at flattery. He has a bright future, very bright future. "
Yang Ling really wanted to give the Great Fortune Ship a name, but he pinched his chin and thought for a long time. The only ship name he could vaguely remember was … Titanic … sank! The Kursk … sank! The Zhongshan Warship … sank.
He thought for a long time and could only make up a name. He slapped his forehead and said, "Call it … Buddha's Belly Pushing the Boat."
Lord Luo said in surprise, "Buddha's Belly Pushing the Boat?"
Yang Ling smiled and said, "Exactly. It is often said that the Prime Minister's Belly can push the boat. It is also said that Buddha's Big Belly can tolerate things that cannot be tolerated in the world. The Great Fortune Ship has seen the light of day again. The time when the Navy of Ming Destiny shakes the world is just around the corner. This ship takes the meaning of Buddha's Belly Pushing the Boat. It means that our Heavenly Empire's people are open-minded and can absorb the strengths of other countries for their own use.
At the same time, our Heavenly Empire's Navy must punish those who bully us and befriend those who are kind. We must not bully others and always have a compassionate heart. As for the Buddha character, hehe, sailing on the sea is the most auspicious. We are sailing in the Merciful Buddha's Belly. Isn't that safe? "
Lord Luo clapped his hands and praised, "Wonderful, wonderful. Lord's name has extraordinary meaning."
The rest of the officials and gentry praised in unison. Only Qian Ning was familiar with Yang Ling. Although he didn't dare to touch Yang Ling's woman, making a joke like this, which was harmless and could highlight his close relationship with the Imperial Envoy, he still had a sense of propriety. At the side, he giggled and said, "Buddha's Belly Pushing the Boat. This name is good. When I heard it, I immediately thought of Dongpo pork. Old Master Wu and Master Xu have invited the four best chefs in Jinling to hold a big banquet by the river. How about we go to Buddha's Belly Pushing the Boat with Dongpo pork? "
Everyone was amused by his teasing words and laughed. Wu Jiyuan and Xu Jing cupped their hands and said, "In order to welcome the Imperial Envoy, we have prepared a small banquet by the river. I ask all of you to come, please, please …"
※ ※ ※
The Xu and Wu families were indeed rich and powerful families in Jiangnan. They specially rowed a large, richly ornamented boat, and on the boat, they invited the famous singers and dancers of Jinling to add to the fun. Even the inconspicuous musician playing the zither and the lute was a famous master of music theory in Jiangnan.
At the banquet, there were many rare delicacies, such as daxiu, wild camel's feet, deer's lips, leopard's womb, crispy cicada, and all kinds of rare delicacies. They had also been prepared by famous masters. The taste was so beautiful that it made one's tongue want to melt.
Most of the officials attending the banquet had never eaten these rare delicacies before. Seeing them now, they couldn't help but be secretly shocked at the extravagance of these rich families.
Of these people, only Yang Ling was ignorant. He had no idea how difficult it was to obtain these rare delicacies, and how many cooking procedures there were. The ignorant were fearless. Those officials who had lived in Jiangnan for a long time and had seen many things exclaimed as they ate each dish. Only Yang Ling had an expression that would not change even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him.
There were four kinds of mountain delicacies, five kinds of seafood, three kinds of fine wine, and twelve kinds of Chinese medicine that were first steamed and then boiled. After more than forty processes, it was a small cup of ninth-grade soup. The others all took small sips to taste, but only Yang Ling took a sip and still felt that it was not enough to quench his thirst. The other officials saw this and were in awe. "As expected of an official from the capital, such spirit … tsk tsk …"
Yang Ling drank a few cups of wine and his mood gradually became better. He chatted with the other officials about everything under the sun. In the middle of the conversation, his witty words were like pearls, stirring up the mood from time to time. The crowd also gradually relaxed. Laughter and cheers came from the water.
As Yang Ling was chatting and laughing with Qian Ning, he suddenly heard someone whispering. The voice suddenly rose a bit and said, "Cannons are difficult to hit from a distance, but within a hundred zhang it is easy to hit the target. But the enemy's cannons can also break the planks of our ship."
Yang Ling looked toward the source of the sound and saw two young officials sitting at the end of the banquet table. They were arguing in a low voice. The two of them were so engrossed in their argument that their voices were getting louder. Yang Ling smiled and said, "Which department are you two officials from? It seems like you are arguing about cannons. Can you tell me about it?"
The two young officials hurriedly stood up in fear and trepidation. They said, "Imperial Envoy Daren, we are Nanjing Ordnance Bureau Ambassador Lu Zekai and Cheng Bingxi. We have disturbed Imperial Envoy Daren's drinking mood. Please forgive us."
When Yang Ling was in the capital, he had interacted with the Ordnance Bureau Ambassador in order to research firearms. He knew that this ambassador was a minor official of the ninth rank. Logically speaking, they were not qualified to come on board the ship to drink. Presumably, Qian Ning also did not know what he wanted to ask about, so he had prepared two officials to research all kinds of ordnance just in case. That was why they had muddleheadedly followed on board the ship.
Yang Ling said with a smile, "It's not strange, it's not strange. What kind of official position is there to talk about at a banquet? The two of you, please sit. If you have anything to say, there is no harm in saying it. I also want to hear it. "
The two of them still wanted to be polite, but Qian Ning impatiently said, "If Daren wants you to sit, then sit. Why are there so many rules?"
The two of them jumped in fright and only then did they apologize and sit down. Lu Zekai bowed and said, "Daren, I specialize in researching cannons. I believe that attack is the best defense. Using attack to replace defense can achieve the greatest results. In a naval battle, if one side has heavy cannons and is outside the other side's firing range, they can annihilate them in one fell swoop. After the Capital's Bureau of Ordnance sent over the new gunpowder formula, the power of gunpowder has greatly increased. I believe that if the imperial court is willing to allocate manpower and money to research it, the power of our cannons will definitely increase. "
Yang Ling was unable to contain his joy. He looked Lu Zekai up and down and said, "Daren Lu is an expert in firearms?"
Lu Zekai did not understand the word "expert", but he guessed that it meant that he had specialized in it. He hurriedly said with a humble smile, "Daren is overpraising me. I am indeed a researcher of cannons."
The manager of the Bureau of Ordnance stood up and said, "Daren, although Lu Zekai is young, he is indeed an expert in the development of firearms in the Bureau of Ordnance. He has specialized knowledge, and many old masters are ashamed of their inferiority."
Yang Ling nodded and smiled at Cheng Bingxi, saying, "Then why is Daren Cheng arguing with Daren Lu?"
Cheng Bingxi said with emotion, "Daren, I believe that in a naval battle, the huge waves will surge and the hull will sway. Even if we have developed long-range cannons, it will be difficult to hit the target. In the end, we will still have to get within three hundred zhang of them to fight. And at this distance, the advantage of our cannons is not obvious. The thickness of the ship's hold is no more than two feet. If our heavy cannons and the enemy's cannons hit the target, the effect will be the same.
Therefore, we should first research how to strengthen the hull. Different types of wood will have different effects. I have also discovered that the angle at which the wooden planks are slanted is different, and the fillings in the interlayer are different. The damage caused by the cannons are also different. Therefore, we can start from this aspect and research how to strengthen our naval warships. "
Only then did Yang Ling realize that at that time, ballistics, geometry, and so on had not been systematically developed. Even if they had developed long-range cannons, it would really be like using a cannon to kill a mosquito. It would be completely useless. However, if they were used to bombard fixed targets on land, it would still be of great use.
Moreover, this trend of development was something that would happen sooner or later. First, they would research long-range cannons. Once they had an auxiliary aiming tool, they would immediately be able to display their effectiveness. If they waited until they had an auxiliary aiming tool before thinking of researching cannons, it would take a long time.
However … no matter when, strengthening their own war chariots and warships was always the research and development goal of the army. It was rare for these two minor officials of the Bureau of Ordnance to have such insight in different fields of research even though they had different opinions. However, no matter how much research was done on wooden warships, how strong could they be?
He joked, "If that's the case, then why don't we put iron armor on the warships …?"
At this point, his voice paused. A thought flashed through his mind. He suddenly remembered that modern steel warships could not be used because they were purely driven by wind and did not have riveting and welding technology. However, how difficult would it be to add a layer of iron plate to the wooden hull? Wouldn't this strengthen the hull?
He hurriedly asked, "Then, Official Cheng, what do you think if we add a layer of iron plate to the hull of our warships, turning wooden warships into ironclad warships?"
Cheng Bingxi's eyes lit up. He praised, "Good. This method is not difficult. It can be used with just a little research. It's just that adding iron plates to the ship will consume too much silver …"
Yang Ling smiled. "Although adding iron plates will consume more silver, compared to the entire ship, who knows how much less silver it will cost. If the ship is sunk and the ship is gone, our well-trained naval officers will also be gone. How big of a loss would that be?"
He continued, "But since the ship is driven by wind, adding iron plates will definitely make it heavy. I think we can do some research. Right now, our warships are mainly divided into six types. We can develop a batch of ironclad warships, which can be considered the seventh type of warship. They will be used for coastal defense. "
Yang Ling said to Qian Ning, "Brother Qian, take care of these two envoys from the Bureau of Military Armaments. Transfer them to the Discipline Commission's Bureau of Military Armaments. Also, transfer some personnel from the Bureau of Military Armaments to them and provide them with money.
Haha, Official Lu, you can focus on how to attack. Official Cheng, you can focus on how to defend. Let's see if your Lu Family's spear or your Cheng Family's shield is stronger! "
Hearing this, Cheng Bingxi and Lu Family's youthful faces flushed with excitement. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with both joy and unwillingness to admit defeat. Yang Ling saw this and was secretly delighted.
Later generations of naval scholars claimed that the Song Dynasty's Qin Shifu's ironclad warship was the world's first ironclad warship. However, this type of warship only had iron plates on both sides of the ship. Therefore, a more common saying was that Korea's Yi Sun-sin's invention of the tortoiseshell ship was the world's first ironclad warship.
But now, after a banquet on the banks of the Yangtze River, a joke from the imperial envoy had allowed Yi Sun-sin's ironclad warship to appear decades earlier than Yi Sun-sin's.
Sometimes, history was changed because of some random nonsense uttered by some big shot.
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