Chapter 59: Can a living person still die from holding in their urine?

  （0059）

  After a lot of fuss, the sky was already bright. Although the sun had not yet come out, the light was very good. There was no fog in the morning and visibility was also very good. In short, the weather was extremely suitable for navigation. After replenishment, the pirate ship had no major problems. The white sail rose, and the pirate ship slowly moved westward, entering from Mazu Bay and then docking at Heilong Bay.

  Heilong Bay is not far from Yangjiatun, one of the many natural harbors in Mazhiwan. Without any construction, Heilong Bay can berth 20 large ships. If slightly constructed, it can berth 50 ships. If capable of large-scale construction, berthing hundreds of large ships at the same time is no problem. On the north side of Heilong Bay, there is also a bay called Zheguwan, with similar conditions to Heilong Bay. The two bays together can berth more than 200 large ships.

  At this time, the people on the shore also ran to Heilong Bay along the shore and stood on the rocks by the shore, looking at the pirate ship that was slowly docking with a mixture of surprise and joy. The bombardment last night had left everyone with an impression that was too deep. At the time, everyone was still worried that the pirates would rush ashore and massacre the civilians. Who could have imagined that in the blink of an eye, this pirate ship would become the spoils of war for the escort fleet?

  When Zhang Zhun and others escorted the pirates off the ship, a burst of cheers erupted from the crowd again, deafening and echoing through the sky. The guards who carried the spoils of war off the ship also held their heads high, with an air of triumph, not to mention how excited they were.

  Xue Ningying was also among the cheering crowd. She opened her round eyes, and her gaze fell on Zhang Zhun's body, involuntarily praising: "Yu Lin brother is so awesome, actually captured a ship! Liu Xiang would definitely vomit blood if he knew! His subordinates were originally so bad!"

  Xue Zhī Dié said disapprovingly: "What do you know? You're just a roughneck!"

  Xue Ningying said discontentedly: "As long as we defeat the enemy, we are heroes!"

  Xue Zhī Diě disdainfully said: "Tsk! Aren't heroes and great men very worthless?"

  Xue Ningying furrowed her brow and said: "This is a boat! Worth several thousand taels of silver!"

  Xue Zhi Die still said with disdain: "Such a lucky ship has completely gone out of date and is useless. A real warship for battle is not like this at all! Apart from those three Lu Mi cannons, there's nothing worth looking at on this pirate ship."

  Xue Ningying pouted and stopped talking, clearly disagreeing with Xue Zhi Die's words. However, due to their seniority, she couldn't refute them. Nevertheless, her eyes quickly lit up because she saw Zhang Zhun walking towards them with a rifle in hand.

  Zhang Zhun came before Xue Zhi Die, raised the fire gun in his hand and said loudly: "Die girl, what did you just say? These three fire guns, are they called Lu Mi Chong?"

  Xue Zhi Die glanced at the fire gun in his hand, then looked at Zhang Zhun and said coldly: "So you don't even recognize a Lu Mi Chong? It's no wonder you've been fighting with these pirates for half a day! You'd really die without knowing how you died!"

  This time Zhang Zhun was skeptical, he said calmly: "I don't know Lu Mi Chong, there's nothing strange about that. No one in the world is all-knowing and all-powerful. Even if I don't know Lu Mi Chong, I can still defeat these pirates. By the way, what do you know about Lu Mi Chong? Where can it be bought? If we want to produce it ourselves, what conditions are needed?"

  Xue Zhi Die's face slightly chilled, and she coldly said: "Are you asking for my advice?"

  Zhang nodded and said: "Yes. I humbly ask for your guidance, please point out the way."

  Xue Zhi Die hummed softly in her nose, seemingly about to get angry, intentionally making things difficult for him, reporting his previous "rudeness" to her. However, she inadvertently saw Xue Ning Ying's pleading gaze, and her expression eased again, saying slowly: "Rumi Qiang, literally, is a firearm from the distant Turkey Rumi country..."

  Lumu Cannon, actually created by the outstanding firearms researcher Zhao Shizhen, was originally a flintlock gun presented by the Turkish Rum Sultanate. In 1598 (Wanli 26), Zhao Shizhen asked the Turkish envoy Duosima about the structure and manufacturing method of the Turkish firearm, and after improvement, he made the "Lumu Cannon", which weighed more than the previous bird cannon, but had a longer range (about 150 meters) and greater power.

  The trigger and rail of the Lu Mi Chong are made of steel plate and copper plate, as thick as a coin. The dragon head (fire clip) and rail are both attached to the gun handle, and near the firing mechanism, a small steel plate is installed, which increases elasticity, making the dragon head-style gun machine able to fall when pinched, and automatically pop up after shooting. In addition, the tail of the gun is also equipped with a steel blade, which can be inverted for use as a horse-cutting knife. The "Wu Bei Zhi" says: "Bird guns: only Lu Mi Chong is the farthest and most poisonous."

  Zhang Zhun listened and was overjoyed, eagerly asking: "So it's a domestically-made product, I wonder what conditions are needed to produce such a rifle?"

  Xue Zhi Die coldly said: "You want to produce Lu Mi Chui yourself? Give up on that idea! After Zhao Shi Zhen passed away, the craftsmanship of making Lu Mi Chui was already lost. Unless you can find the craftsmen from Lu Mi Guo itself, don't even think about it!"

  Zhang Zhun furrowed his brow and said: "In that case, where did the pirates' Lumi guns come from?"

  Xue Zhī Dié said: "Of course, it was purchased from the Ottoman Empire. Western merchants passing through the Ottoman Empire sold the muskets to the East. However, if you want to buy muskets from the Ottoman Empire, it's not easy. The pirates have strict control over the muskets and won't let them flow into the interior easily. Even the Ming army doesn't have muskets equipped."

  It seems that to show off his rich knowledge, Xue Zhī Dié continued to introduce that the types of fire guns in the Ming Dynasty were very numerous, such as flying bird guns, swift thunder guns, three-eyed guns, five-eyed guns, seven-star guns, and so on, with at least thirty or forty kinds. However, in terms of power and range, none of them could compare to the Lu Mi gun. Nevertheless, the Ming Dynasty resisted the Lu Mi gun, and when Zhao Shi Zhen invented a method to replicate the Lu Mi gun, the court did not take it seriously. As a result, a very practical technology disappeared.

  The reason is that the units producing weapons and using weapons in the Ming army are completely separate. The firearms of the Ming army mainly come from the Military Equipment Bureau of the Ministry of Works, as well as the Imperial Armory Bureau controlled by eunuchs. Whether it's the Military Equipment Bureau or the Imperial Armory Bureau, they only produce weapons and don't care about them after production. As for the quality, no one asks. If it breaks, explodes, or is scrapped, it's a military matter and has nothing to do with the production unit.

  The Ming Dynasty army created many breathtaking world wonders and achieved many brilliant feats, but some of these world wonders are not suitable for display. For example, before the army went on an expedition, the commander-in-chief had to bribe the eunuchs in order to obtain a large number of elite weapons. Because these weapons were all locked up in the Nei Fu Shi Ku, which was managed by the eunuchs. If they didn't get their cut, they wouldn't care if the army had any weapons or combat effectiveness. Even if all the generals and soldiers on the front line were killed by the enemy, it would have nothing to do with them.

  Imagine, in such an environment, the Military Equipment Bureau and the Arsenal Bureau, how can they proactively improve the quality of weapons? Without a sense of enterprise, craftsmen will naturally choose to produce the simplest weapons. The craftsmanship of the Revolver is quite complex, and craftsmen are too lazy to learn new techniques. Even if they learn well, it won't put an extra copper coin in their pocket, who would be willing to do such unprofitable work?

  Zhang Zhun still asked relentlessly: "You really don't know how to make a revolver?"

  Xue Zhi Die coldly laughed and shook his head, saying: "I also have some knowledge of shipbuilding, how can I understand the manufacture of arquebuses? I've said it before, unless Zhao Shi Zhen is resurrected or Turkish craftsmen from Rum come to teach in person, otherwise, wanting to produce arquebuses on our own is simply impossible."

  Zhang Zhun looked at her expression, it didn't seem like she was sulking with him. It seemed that the craftsmanship of this Lu Mi Chong was indeed a bit difficult. He put down the Lu Mi Chong and changed the subject: "In that case, please introduce me to this pirate ship."

  Xue Zhī Dié slanted her eyes and looked at him.

  Zhang Zhun said: "You're not skilled at building ships, are you? Why are you looking at me with such eyes?"

  Xue Zhi Die coldly laughed and said with a hint of anger, "Is it that if I can't answer your question, you'll expel both of us from the territory?"

  "You're overthinking."

  Xue Zhī Diǎo stood up straight and said proudly, "I won't give you the chance. I will prove to you that I'm not just freeloading here! Listen, this is the fourth Fu-boat of the Great Ming Navy, also known as the Hai Cang boat..."

  The No. 4 Fuku ship is roughly the same size as the Sōshi ship, slightly smaller than the No. 3 Fuku ship, about 5 zhang (15 meters) long, with a draft of about 7-8 chi (2.1-2.4 meters), and a displacement of around 50 tons. It is powered by oars when there is no wind, and works in conjunction with the Fuku ships in battle, generally not serving as the main combat force. The No. 4 Fuku ship's greatest feature is its fast movement speed, making it the fastest warship among all Fuku ships and Hō ships. The original No. 4 Fuku ship had only one mast, equipped with a hard sail.

  According to the standard armament of the Ming dynasty's naval forces, the No. 4 Fu ship should be equipped with: 4 thousand-pounder cannons, 3 bowl-mouthed swivel guns, 6 culverins, 50 fire lances, 80 smoke pots, 10 fire tubes (actually fire spears), 50 fire bricks, 200 fire arrows, 6 drug crossbows, and 100 crossbow bolts. The crew consists of 53 people, including 9 sailors and 44 soldiers.

  Of course, these are standard equipment. Once in the hands of pirates, they will definitely be modified according to their own needs. For example, reducing two flak cannons and three rum barrels, the purpose of doing so is to concentrate limited resources on more important warships. After all, pirates cannot produce weapons and equipment by themselves, and all weapons and equipment must rely on purchases, which are still a big expense.

  In fact, apart from the arquebus, all other weapons and equipment could be produced by the Ming dynasty itself, including the Folangji cannon, which would be cheaper than buying them from the Portuguese. The key is to have good quality steel and a group of skilled craftsmen. Of course, ordinary people can't do this.

  Zhang nodded thoughtfully.

  Ordinary people can't do this, he must work hard to achieve it.

  At this age, the most profitable is still ocean trade, and this must be grasped.

  The warrior of the guard, escorting the captive through the crowd, inadvertently saw Xue Zhi Die, and his whole body slightly shook, apparently realizing something, but quickly lowered his head to cover up and quickened his pace.

  Zhang Zhun noticed and ordered the monkey to stop, saying in a cold voice: "Do you know these two?"

  The monkey said honestly: "I know."

  "Speak up."

  The monkey said nervously: "The bigger one, the woman, is Xue Su-Yin's sister, named Xue Zhi-Die; the smaller one, the woman, is Xue Su-Yin's daughter, named Xue Ning-Ying..."

  It turned out that Xue Zhīdié's older brother, Xue Suoyun, was a jinshi in the first year of Chongzhen, and had been teaching at the Imperial Academy. In the fifth year of Chongzhen, he was fortunately appointed as the magistrate of Haining County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province. However, for some unknown reason, he offended Ma Shiying, the Minister of Revenue in Nanjing, who colluded with Liu Xiang to have Xue Suoyun and his entire family exterminated.

  Just as Xue Su'e was about to go to Nanjing, he didn't take the Grand Canal, but instead took the sea route. Liu Xiang then deployed warships and killed Xue Su'e and his family. More than 30 members of the Xue family were buried at sea, only Xue Zhī Dié and Xue Ning Ying managed to escape. The monkey only knew that Ma Shiying wanted to kill Xue Su'e's whole family, but didn't know the specific reason.

  Zhang Zhun nodded unintentionally.

  No wonder Xue Ningying can see all sorts of miscellaneous books, it turns out that the old man is from Guozijian. However, how did Xue Zhixiang become Zhao Baolai's disciple? A woman learning to build ships is indeed a bit unconventional. Also, how did Ma Shiying get mixed up with Liu Xiang, this pirate leader? It's equally strange.

  Alas, this great Ming dynasty is truly in a state of utter chaos.

  After temporarily detaining the monkey and others, Zhang Zhun immediately summoned Li Fenglai and others to study the manufacture of firearms. As for Xue Zhi Die's words, he only believed half of them. Coming from a later generation, he was very aware of the strong ability of Chinese people to imitate. Xue Zhi Die said that no one could imitate the Lu Mi rifle, but he didn't believe it! This is underestimating the wisdom of our ancestors!

  In fact, he was very satisfied with the performance of this musket. The range is far and the power is great, such a gun is not bad! If it can be mass-produced, the combat effectiveness of the guard will definitely be linearly improved. Long-range attack with cannons, medium-range attack with muskets, melee with bayonets, this is Zhang's initial combination.

  "Jade unicorn, this thing, our level can't make it."

  However, after careful examination, Li Fenglai and others shook their heads with difficulty, indicating that they temporarily did not have the ability to imitate. They were not very familiar with professional firearms and needed professional craftsmen to understand them. They were all ordinary blacksmiths who could make some simple curved knives and long spears, but making firearms was beyond their power.

  Fortunately, Yin Gen Sheng also pointed out a way, that is, in the floating mountain city, there are specialized craftsmen who make weapons, led by a person named Zhou Shiwen. They should know how to manufacture firearms. As for whether they can imitate the Remington rifle, they were not clear about it.

  In the Wei and So systems of the Ming dynasty, if there is anyone who has a more miserable life than the military households, it is the artisan households. The military households have at least one stone of salary every month, and after deducting this and that, they still have dozens of kilograms, even though the court owes them for a long time, the account is always there. The artisan households are in a more difficult situation. The artisan households only have three dou of salary per month, and if they want to earn more, they can only work continuously.

  The current Fushan City, of course, has no lively scene. The craftsmen are concentrated in Fushan City, with no other livelihood, and the days can be said to be as miserable as possible. There were even people who starved to death. Even Zhou Shiwen, the chief flag, lived a life where three meals a day were not enough to fill his stomach. What's more tragic is that they are under Wang Shixing's eyes, so even if they have any ideas, they dare not implement them and can only suffer from hunger in vain.

  Zhang Zhun did not give up and asked Li Fenglai and others to study the most common firearms. As a result, Li Fenglai and others still expressed regret that they had no experience in manufacturing firearms at all. To mass-produce firearms, they still had to rely on the craftsmen within Fushan City. As for the flintlock cannons, the difficulty was even greater, and it was likely that only the craftsmen of Aoshanwei could handle it, and the craftsmen of Fushan should not have such skills.

  In disappointment, Zhang Zhun had no choice but to find Haozi and instructed him: "Think of a way to get in touch with Zhou Shiwen, see if they have a way to come out of the city to work for us, with excellent treatment, fifty cents per day."

  Hao Zi agreed and went.

  The captured Lu Mi guns and firelocks were immediately put to use by Zhang Zhun. He specially called Yang Zixuan, preparing to equip his team with firearms. Yang Zixuan had strong leadership skills and was more open to new things. Sure enough, Yang Zixuan quickly became infatuated with the Lu Mi guns.

  After several tests, Zhang Zhun was more and more satisfied with the performance of Lu Mi Chong.

  No one can deny that the Arquebus is indeed a powerful firearm, and it was absolutely one of the most advanced firearms at that time. Its only drawback is that it is difficult to manufacture, with extremely high requirements for craftsmanship. According to Li Fenglai and others, in order to replicate the Arquebus, two problems need to be solved first: First, high-quality steel is needed; Second, a master craftsman with very high skills is needed. Unfortunately, both of these problems are not easy to solve.

  "Heaven will not seal off all exits for a man, can a living person be suffocated by holding in his urine?"

  Zhang Zhun did not believe in evil spirits and took a Lu rifle himself, concentrating on polishing it.

  The advantages of the Lu Mi Chong are that the barrel is integrated, not segmented. The vertical seams inside and outside the pipe are in the opposite direction, with good safety. Moreover, it has a small caliber, good air tightness, and the energy of the gunpowder can propel a small bullet head, with extremely strong armor-piercing ability. It is precisely because of its advanced craftsmanship that it has a remarkable range of 150 meters.

  Through research, Zhang found that the greatest difficulty in manufacturing the Lu Mi Chong was making two sets of pipes. The Lu Mi Chong is a double-barreled gun, and in an era without mechanical industry, it was generally made by first creating two iron rods of different sizes, each wrapped with a long strip of iron skin to form a pipe (which required extremely high quality iron skin), and then inserting the smaller pipe into the larger one.

  The description is simple, but each step requires a professional to do it. An ordinary blacksmith does not know the technique and cannot imitate it at all. Especially the last pipe fitting, which is almost forcibly drilled in. Previously, the grinding and manufacturing of the two pipes required experience that ordinary craftsmen did not have, and they had no way to start. Just making two long iron pipes that can fit tightly together can make all blacksmiths in the world despair. Unless a master who knows how to make a Lu Mi rifle comes to do it.

  "This thing is indeed a bit challenging..."

  Zhang Jun studied for two days but couldn't get a grasp of it and had no choice but to temporarily declare defeat.

  Just then, Haozi came to report that Hou Shanping and others had arrived at Yangjiatun.

  A 5,000-word long chapter, isn't it exciting? If you're excited, give me more votes!