My father, Li Shimin, please call me Crown Prince

Chapter 311 Li Jing: Are we going to lose?
With the support of the incredibly powerful artillery, the Luoyang navy was like a piece of cake and quickly broke through the defense line of the imperial navy.

Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Zhao Meng was filled with despair. He let out a long sigh, dropped his weapon, collapsed on the deck, and was easily captured by the Luoyang army.

Su Dingfang commanded the warships to continue moving forward, clearing out the remaining resistance forces of the imperial navy along the way. Wherever he went, the imperial navy surrendered one after another.

In just a few hours, the water blockade carefully arranged by the court was completely torn open.

After completing the mission, Su Dingfang did not linger in the battle. He left some troops to control the waterway and led the main fleet back to Luoyang to report.

The news spread to Li Jing's ears as fast as wings.

Li Jing was discussing the next battle plan with his generals in the tent when a messenger rushed in, looking panicked. He knelt on one knee and reported: "General Manager Li, something terrible has happened! Mysterious firearms suddenly appeared in the Luoyang navy, with amazing power. They broke through our water blockade in one fell swoop. Our navy was defeated, and General Zhao Meng was captured!"

Li Jing's face was full of disbelief when he heard this. He frowned, and with a hint of displeasure and suspicion in his tone, he said in a deep voice: "Don't talk nonsense! How can there be such a powerful firearm in this world that can break through my carefully arranged defense line? Did you listen to some unconfirmed rumors and come here to spread alarmist rumors!"

The messenger was so frightened that he trembled and said quickly: "Li, everything I said is true. I saw with my own eyes that the Luoyang warship was emitting thick smoke, followed by a loud noise like thunder, and splashes of water several feet high on the water surface. The scene was in chaos!"

Li Jing frowned and paced back and forth in the tent, still with doubts in his heart: "This matter is too bizarre, don't believe it easily. You leave first, I will send someone to investigate in detail."

After the messenger withdrew, Yuchi Jingde said anxiously, "Li, even if this matter is exaggerated, it is not groundless. We must make plans early!"

Cheng Yaojin also echoed, "Yes, Li Zongguan, it is better to believe it than not to believe it. We can't take it lightly."

Li Jing waved his hand and said solemnly, "Don't panic. I will immediately send out several groups of scouts to investigate the truth of this so-called mysterious firearm. Don't panic before getting accurate information."

Afterwards, Li Jing quickly arranged several elite scout teams to sneak into the vicinity of Luoyang City from different directions, closely monitoring the movements of the Luoyang navy and focusing on finding out the details of the mysterious firearm.

The next day, the first group of scouts returned in a hurry and reported to Li Jing: "General Manager Li, there is indeed that mysterious firearm. Luoyang City is now on high alert. People are also saying that the prince has a magic weapon that can change the world. It is equipped on a warship and has great power. But we were unable to get close, so we don't know its specific appearance and power."

Li Jing's expression became more and more solemn. Although he still had doubts in his heart, his feeling of uneasiness became stronger and stronger. He said, "Keep on investigating and make sure to find out the truth."

On the third day, the second group of scouts returned in a dusty state and reported in detail: "General Manager Li, we ventured closer to observe and found that the Luoyang Navy warships were indeed carrying a huge weapon that we had never seen before. The copper-cast cannon barrels, when fired, flames shot up into the sky, the sound was deafening, and wherever the cannonballs landed, everything was blown to pieces. The power was far beyond imagination and was definitely not comparable to the previous Thunderbolt."

Li Jing's face was gloomy. He was silent for a long time, then he said slowly: "It seems that this is true. Li Chengqian actually has such a powerful method hidden."

At this time, all the generals in the tent looked at each other with worried expressions.

Yuchi Jingde asked anxiously: "Manager Li, what should we do? How should we deal with this mysterious firearm?"

Cheng Yaojin also had a worried look on his face, scratching his head and said, "Yeah, if this thing can also be used on the ground, how can our soldiers resist it?"

Li Jing sat down slowly, frowned, and fell into deep thought.

There was silence in the tent. All the generals held their breath, their eyes focused on Li Jing, hoping that he could come up with a good strategy to defeat the enemy.

After a long while, Li Jing raised his head, glanced at everyone, and said, "It seems that Li Chengqian is very secretive. Before, we only thought that he had Thunderbolt Fire, but we didn't expect that he had improved it into such a powerful mysterious firearm, and it can be installed on warships."

"This firearm is extremely powerful, far beyond our imagination. The most urgent task now is to come up with a countermeasure as soon as possible."

The generals in the tent looked at each other in silence. They were obviously caught off guard by this sudden change and could not think of any good solution for a while.

"Manager Li, why don't we try to create a similar mysterious firearm to fight against Li Chengqian?"

Yuchi Jingde suggested, with a hint of urgency in his words.

Li Jing smiled bitterly and shook his head, looking helpless: "Jingde, it's easier said than done."

"This kind of firearm must have a complex structure and the manufacturing process must be extremely sophisticated. Not to mention that there are no craftsmen in our army who are well versed in this field, even if we recruit them immediately, it will be difficult to produce firearms that can rival Li Chengqian in a short period of time."

"It is not easy to prepare the materials such as sulfur and saltpeter needed for manufacturing, not to mention that we also need to find a suitable formula for gunpowder, which is not something that can be done overnight."

"The Imperial Gunpowder Department couldn't even produce the Crown Prince's Thunderbolt, so how can we expect to produce such a firearm in a short period of time?"

Cheng Yaojin frowned and stood up anxiously: "Are we just going to wait and get beaten? I can't swallow this!"

Li Jing stood up and paced slowly. The eyes of everyone in the tent followed his figure.

"of course not."

Li Jing said calmly: "Although we have no
"It's impossible to create this mysterious firearm, but we can start from other aspects."

"First, immediately strengthen the camp's defenses."

"Wide and deepen the trenches, set up more chevaux deer horns, and build a multi-layered defense barrier around the camp to make it difficult for the enemy's mysterious firearms to get close."

"Although the enemy's mysterious firearm is powerful, it will be difficult to exert its full power if we cannot get close to them."

"In addition, starting tomorrow, we will step up the training of soldiers on how to deal with this mysterious firearm attack."

"Teach the brothers to quickly disperse their formations on the battlefield to avoid being wiped out in a rush when they are in a crowded position."

"Teach them to use terrain features, such as mounds, gullies, and trees, to avoid attacks from this mysterious firearm."

“At the same time, assign someone to observe the fire and smoke emitted by the enemy’s mysterious firearms. Once discovered, immediately sound the gong to give the soldiers enough time to react.”

Li Jing's eyes sparkled as he continued, "Furthermore, continue to send more elite scouts to gather information in Luoyang City at all costs, focusing on the manufacturing workshop and storage location of this mysterious firearm, as well as Li Chengqian's changes in troop deployment, to see if we can find the weakness of this mysterious firearm or other flaws of Li Chengqian."

"As long as we find a breakthrough, we will have a chance to turn the tide of the battle."

The generals nodded, took the order and left, each taking action according to Li Jing's deployment.

Li Jing looked at the generals' departing backs and felt very worried.

His words sounded steady, but it was so difficult to counter.

I originally thought that I had a sure win, the only issue was how much I would lose.

However, it seems now that if a full-scale war really breaks out.

The loser may not necessarily be the prince.

It is very likely myself, or even His Majesty.

The prince's firearms are really too outrageous.

The Human Torch was already something extraordinary.

Nowadays, this kind of firearms is simply the means of gods and Buddhas.

Now the firearm in the prince's hand is like a hanging sharp blade that may fall at any time.

But as the commander-in-chief of the Tang army, he must stabilize the morale of the troops.

After thinking for a while, Li Jing wrote a letter, trying to be as detailed as possible.

Then he shouted, "Someone come."

The guards came in and said, "I am here."

Li Jing sealed the document with wax, added his own seal, and gave it to his personal guard, saying, "You can set off immediately and ride as fast as you can to Chang'an to present it to His Majesty."

"There must be no delay on the road."

The guard took it and put it in his arms, clasping his fists and saying, "As you command."

After the guards left.

Li Jing's face was still gloomy. He paced back and forth in the tent, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

If he wants to break the impasse, he must gain in-depth knowledge of the details of the mysterious firearm. At this time, his son Li Dejian, who is imprisoned in Luoyang City, becomes his only hope.

As the prince's confidant, his son probably knew some secrets about the prince and even this mysterious firearm.

"Someone come here." Li Jing said in a deep voice.

A lieutenant walked into the tent quickly, clasped his fists and said, "Captain Li, what do you want me to do?"

Li Jing stared at the captain with a serious expression: "You should immediately select two of your most capable and reliable brothers. I have a very confidential and dangerous mission for you."

Upon hearing this, the captain's expression became stern and he straightened his back: "Please give the order, General Manager Li. I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

Li Jing spoke slowly: "Although Luoyang City is not completely blocked now, the security must be strict."

"You should disguise yourself as merchants and try to sneak into the city to find my son Li Dejian. Although he is imprisoned, he is smart and must know everything about the city, especially the mysterious firearm."

"Remember, you must act in secret, do not reveal your identity, and do not implicate my son."

The captain nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "I understand, I will be extremely careful. But I don't know how to disguise myself as a merchant to make things easier. Please let Li, the chief steward, give me some advice."

Li Jing thought for a moment and said, "Now that the city is under siege, supplies must be scarce. You can pretend to be merchants selling food and medicinal herbs, so that you can get close to the city gate guards without appearing too abrupt. Prepare some ordinary goods and bring a few forged customs documents, and your actions will go more smoothly."

After receiving the order, the lieutenant quickly selected two equally skilled soldiers, and the three of them began to prepare their luggage. They purchased a carriage, filled it with food and medicinal herbs, and forged customs documents with seals of merchants around Luoyang. After everything was ready, they took advantage of the early morning when the city gates were opened, mixed in with the merchant teams entering the city, and headed towards Luoyang City.

At the city gate, the guards carefully checked every carriage and pedestrian entering the city. The lieutenant was nervous, but his face was full of smiles. He took the initiative to hand over the customs documents and said, "Sir, we are merchants from the surrounding areas. We heard that Luoyang City is in short supply of supplies, so we specially transported some food and medicinal materials. I hope you can help us."

The guard took the document, checked it carefully, and searched the carriage again. When he found nothing unusual, he waved his hand and said, "Go in!"

Li Chengqian did not impose a complete blockade on Luoyang City.

Merchants and common people can all come and go.

It is only a garrison area and approaching is strictly prohibited.

After the waterway blockade was lifted, there were more caravans traveling back and forth.

Even though he knew there would be a lot of spies here, Li Chengqian was not worried.

Because as long as there are troops and artillery, the imperial army will be helpless.

The three of them entered the city smoothly and drove the carriage slowly along the streets of the city. They pretended to be looking for buyers, but in fact they were observing the situation in the city.

People were seen walking around the streets as usual, and most shops were open for business. Although there were rumors of war, the people looked calm and did what they were supposed to do without showing too much worry. Although soldiers patrolled frequently, they did not cause too much trouble to ordinary people.

Finally, they arrived near the villa in the east of the city. The villa was surrounded by high walls and there were two guards at the gate, but it didn't look as strict as imagined.

The lieutenant and two soldiers parked the firewood cart in a secluded corner, and then pretended to be strolling around, slowly approaching the villa. They observed that the guards would patrol nearby at regular intervals, with a cup of tea between each patrol.

The captain and two soldiers hid in a nearby alley, waiting for the opportunity. After a long while, a soldier whispered, "Captain, although this villa is guarded, it doesn't look like it is strictly guarded. How can we get in?"

The captain frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "Wait until night, and take advantage of the darkness to climb over the wall and enter. One of you will stay outside to watch, and the other will follow me in. We must move quickly and not alert others."

That night.

The three of them came to the vicinity of the East City Villa. Although the villa wall was high, it was surrounded by lush trees, with branches and leaves extending to the wall.

The captain saw the right opportunity and climbed up the tree first. Then, with the help of the branches, he jumped lightly onto the wall. He then let go of the rope and the next person behind him also climbed up the rope.

After falling into the villa, he took advantage of the flowers and rockery to carefully approach the main house.

The doors and windows of the main house were closed, but there was a little light coming through.

The captain knocked on the window gently and whispered, "Sir, are you in the house? We are sent by Lord Li Wei."

Upon hearing this, Li Dejian sighed.

"The door is not locked, come in."

Li Dejian has heard about the news of the past few days.

So it was easy to guess why my father sent someone here.

The two followed Li Dejian into the house and briefly told him Li Jing's orders and how they had infiltrated.

After a slight hesitation, Li Dejian said, "This thing is called a cannon, and it was secretly developed by the prince."

"The cannon is made of fine copper, and the shells it fires are extremely powerful, even more powerful than the previous Thunderbolt, and can easily destroy warships and city walls."

"As for the artillery, I have seen it before and heard the prince talk about it, but I don't know its specific power. However, the news has spread in Luoyang City."

"As far as I know, the prince has set up a special workshop in the city to manufacture cannons. The craftsmen are working day and night, and the output is increasing. In addition, the prince is also training a group of soldiers who specialize in operating cannons. They are extremely skilled in operating cannons."

The captain asked quickly, "Sir, what are the weaknesses of this artillery? And how to deal with it?"

Li Dejian smiled bitterly and said, "Let alone artillery, even Thunderbolt, what weaknesses can it have?"

"If there is really any weakness, how can the prince pacify Liaodong?"

"This cannon is several times more powerful than Thunderbolt. I really don't know how to deal with it."

The captain's heart sank when he heard this, so he asked, "Sir, do you know how to make this cannon?"

Li Dejian shook his head slightly: "It is not difficult to make cannons, but the difficulty lies in the fire bomb, which is made of thunder fire, and the formula of gunpowder is only known by the prince. Without the fire bomb, even the cannon is just a lump of copper and useless."

(End of this chapter)