The king on the Great Wall

The wedding was bombarded and ended in embarrassment, and they were chased by tails on the way to evacuate. The couple were scattered by the rebels and almost captured by the Dornish army.After finally escaping back to a safe river bend, King Aegon stationed at Bitter Bridge to gather up the rout and prepare for the next possible attack. As the queen, she, Margaery, should have been by her husband's side to support him through this difficult period. However, he had to preside over another more important matter - coordinating resources, urgently researching imitation gunpowder, and breaking the land-grant army's monopoly on thermal weapons.

As long as the overwhelming advantage of the enemy is destroyed and the strategic situation is restored to balance—advance, Hewan can fight to the death with the Queen's Army; retreat is also fully enough as a bargaining chip to negotiate better peace conditions, no loss in any case!

That's right, this job could be handed over to others, but Margaery didn't dare.

She was born smart, and was raised and disciplined by the "Queen of Thorns" herself, and was educated and cultivated according to the queen's template... These positive "causes" will inevitably lead to good "fruits": After growing up to be a teenager, Ma Gradually Gradually began to grow wiser, more decisive, and stronger than most people—both men and women.

Due to the weakness of the father and the simplicity and integrity of the brothers, the entire Tyrell family can be said to be controlled by two women, with the grandmother Olenna as the main and her Margaery as the assistant.

It is true that among the servants in the castle and the vassals outside the family, there is no shortage of outstanding men and women who are not inferior to or even better than her in one or several qualities, and who can rest assured to account for the affairs and entrust them with heavy responsibilities...

However, at present, this complicated job that is related to the future and destiny of the river bend requires both fame, identity, brains and carefulness, as well as a little flexibility and innovation ability. If you can't get a better candidate, you can't rest assured to deliver it to others!

***

Combining the information that Neil inadvertently disclosed and the analysis of the throughput data of the Night Watchman industry that merchants in the River Bend have access to, Margaery quickly locked in after eliminating some interference items: the raw materials of gunpowder are sulfur, nitrate, and charcoal. , and the rest are intentionally released props to muddy the water.

But figuring this out is just the beginning.

Among the three major raw materials, except for charcoal, which is readily available, the other two need to be collected thoughtfully.Among them, sulfur, as a common raw material for alchemy, can barely be obtained on a large scale, but the last item, nitrate, is a real rare resource-people in Hewan who have never realized its strategic value have neither discovered it by accident nor I have never tried to find saltpeter mines, so that I wanted to struggle to the death when I was in a catastrophe, only to find that there are only two ways to obtain this substance.

The first is to follow the example of the night watchman industry to establish a nitrate factory, and to collect manure extensively for manual preparation.This method is obviously efficient and reliable, but let’s not mention the detailed technology of nitrate making. Hewan people did not get it (in fact, they didn’t do it at all, because there is no profit). Its long production cycle is also an unacceptable huge pain point... After excluding one of the two options, Margaery was surprised and embarrassed to find that the last way to get out of trouble right now is only the second way—— Scattered acquisitions from the folk!

Extensively mobilize subordinates and the masses at the grassroots level, take advantage of the simple self-defense and regional enthusiasm of the people in Hewan, and go deep into the cattle and sheep sheds, stables, toilets, caves and cellars of each household...using the most stupid, barbaric and primitive methods The method of manual scraping, relying on the advantages of a huge territory and a basic population, uses strength to overcome ingenuity!

Carrying out this project requires a huge call and action force, but fortunately-it is not difficult to achieve when the enemy is present and the internal unity of the river bend is united.However, even if enough raw materials are successfully collected despite all difficulties, it is only the first step in technological catch-up.

The second step is: conduct a lot of trial and error to quickly adjust the material ratio, approach the perfect value as soon as possible, and start mass production of gunpowder.

It is simple to say, and there is no disturbance in the actual operation. There is only a small episode when the result is close: when the craftsman and the alchemist work together, it is difficult to determine that the proportion of nitrate and charcoal should be 10:1:2 When it was nearby, the pro-Hewan faction lurking inside the Night Watchman industry suddenly sent back a printed internal document that was said to be used for the expansion of production at the Night Watchman Armory. It recorded in detail the production process of the artillery, The precise ratio of data and gunpowder!

After being excited by the news for less than half a day, Margaret received a report annoyed: Although the information looks true and reads like it is true, the most critical data is wrong!According to the above statement, the detonation power of the deployed gunpowder is less than half of the undecided plan, and it has no actual combat value at all.

King's Landing has spent a lot of time creating a fake leak, is it just to waste less than half a day for the people of Hewan?Margaery was puzzled. Although she had vaguely sensed that this was a trap aimed at someone or some people, she had no time to feel sorry for that or those acquaintances or hidden allies who might be caught and killed in this fishing... because more A difficult third step lay ahead of her.

Since the ratio data is fake, there is no need to look at the artillery information.But in this case, although gunpowder is barely available, their experience in how to use it is still zero.

The aggressive enemy army came to her, and Margaery had to find a good way to maximize the effect of the inferior gunpowder as soon as possible.But at the same time, another big problem that was actually very serious, but temporarily covered up by the main conflict of life and death, was also exposed: her marriage was on the verge of collapse and failure.

Most of the wedding is over, but the most important part of the ceremony itself, the most critical part of a political marriage—the mission of entering the bridal chamber and leaving bloodline heirs has not yet been completed.Under such circumstances, I started "running around" and "playing with alchemy" all over the river without thinking, instead of accompanying my husband inseparably. Even if I made a reasonable explanation publicly and privately, it still aroused viewers My suspicion: Did the Queen of Thorns instruct Margaery to avoid her husband and not marry him in fact?Is the Reach planning to trade the small for the big, to negotiate peace with Daenerys at the cost of giving up Aegon and the queen, in order to protect the overall interests of the Reach! ?

-

Chapter 656 Flawed Perfection

"Lords!"

A clear and clear shout came from the front row of the hall. The young King Aegon Targaryen understood the hint from the queen, and after slightly nodding to her, he stood up immediately. Among the distinguished nobles, he suddenly stood out like a chicken.

He paused for a moment, and waited until the yell just now attracted the attention of a group of lords who would be arguing, and the discussion was reduced to the point where everyone could hear him clearly, then he continued loudly: "There is no decisiveness in the Battle of the Blackwater River. Abandoning the baggage was a wrong decision, there is no doubt about it. But our agenda today is to discuss ways to fight the enemy, not to find those responsible for the defeat of the crown. In the name of Aegon VI, I decree that the At today’s meeting, no one should mention the Battle of the Blackwater River anymore, and I also implore and request everyone—don’t put the cart before the horse. Work together to tide over the difficulties first, and then vent your emotions!”

Little Aegon's voice was not too loud, and he had not yet established any prestige and power, but his position in the first row and his status as king were no joke after all.Margaery hurried back to him at the chaotic moment of rumors, and she had already expressed the Tyrell family's attitude clearly with practical actions: they still recognized the status of little Aegon's husband-in-law, they still recognized the young king, There was no plan to kick him away.

For the majority of the nobles of the Riverbend, King Aegon is the signboard of the justice and the guarantee of the reasonable legitimacy of the war they are waging.Although this Targaryen had neither dragon nor displayed any extraordinary abilities or noble qualities, he was the titular lord of all, the flag that everyone in this room could unite against a common enemy... This point, at the moment of crisis, is enough to become the overriding authority. The rule of the king's game is: no matter how much you look down on him in private, you must not openly contradict him on important occasions.

As far as the Golden Group and the staff headed by Jon Clinton are concerned, they revisit the old matter and publicly accuse the nobles of the River Bend. make peace with Daenerys" tend to vent their anger.Yu Gong and little Aegon are also their leaders, and Yu privately, this big boy is also the spokesman for their faction's interests. No matter how you look at it, it is impossible to continue to quarrel regardless of the severity.

The combination of the above factors is the fundamental reason why little King Aegon can achieve the effect of keeping his promises even though he doesn't have the ability to keep his promises.And this is exactly the moment when Margaret realized that the quarrel was about to occur and escalate, she immediately hinted at his consideration of coming forward to suppress the quarrel.

Not everyone is sober enough to understand the stakes, but when everyone is in the same boat, most rational people who don't want to drown will work hard to make sure that a handful of people at the top don't spoil the overall situation.

The scene became perceptibly quiet for a while, and the remaining few passionate men who were still muttering and refusing to stop reluctantly shut their mouths under the pull and persuasion of other noble lords around them.

The situation was successfully controlled, and Aegon nodded to Loras Tyrell, who was speaking in front, and sat back.

……

At the speech table, the Knight of Hundred Flowers thanked the king for his righteous words, and continued to introduce the general situation of the Queen's army's westward expedition after calming down. Margaery, who was sitting in the first row at the bottom, secretly glanced at the woman next to her. Husband, let out a long, silent sigh.

Being able to quickly understand her intentions means that he has a high IQ; being able to respond decisively and stand up before the escalation of the quarrel means courageous; and being willing to do so shows that he has a clear mind and a strong overall view; Coupled with a typical Targaryen tall and handsome appearance and a bloodline enough to be called a king...

In addition to not being powerful enough and not lucky enough, little Aegon met all Margaery's criteria for choosing a mate, and he could be called a perfect husband.However, only she knows that under the beautiful appearance of husband and wife cooperating tacitly and advancing together, this marriage is still just an empty shell.

Relying on getting back in time to accompany her, Margaery managed to stop the rumors, but the rumors from the outside world can still be dealt with, but the relationship between the couple cannot be born out of thin air.The seemingly well-matched two people have huge birth defects in their combination: the wife wanted to marry at first, but was ruthlessly rejected; the husband was thinking about his aunt, but he also had a bad nose... In the end, it was the man who made the second best choice. It was the marriage that finally came about.

Such a marriage that had grievances before marriage, the wedding was ruined, and did not start living together immediately after marriage... a marriage without space, time, and opportunity to cultivate feelings is like a baby born with deformities, no matter how good it is. Growing up in such an environment, the probability of becoming a 100% normal person is very small.To make matters worse, Margaret's marriage is not only unable to achieve "normal", but has not even achieved "completeness"-the couple not only have no feelings, but also have no physical relationship at the same time .

On the first night back with Little Aegon, Margaery showed him the finished product of gunpowder and explained all the efforts she had made during her departure, successfully gaining her husband's understanding and affirmation;

On the second night, they had a long talk all night long, trying to figure out a good way to put the gunpowder into actual combat and make it work smoothly... Although they didn't come to any conclusion in the end, at least the relationship has warmed up and become more acquainted;

When the time came to the third night, Margaret felt that the relationship was almost healed, and the time was ripe. Margaery finally mustered up the courage to take the initiative to take the initiative, thinking that after more than half a month, the two of them as a husband and wife had not yet done the "business". "Get rid of it, not only to settle a concern, but also to let the husband and the Golden Company faction he represents completely feel at ease with the position of the Tyrell family.

But what she couldn't have expected was——herself, the Flower of Highgarden, the beautiful and noble princess of Tyrell's patriarch, the most popular woman in the Seven Kingdoms after Daenerys Targaryen. Courageously blushing and proposing to her married husband, but at the last step of the process, she found that her husband Shi Geng couldn't get up!

In addition to being embarrassed, the big boy actually gave a very righteous explanation: before the battle was over and he was able to ensure the safety of his wife and possible offspring, he had no intention of doing it.

Don't care about it!

Margaret had been personally taught by the Queen of Thorns, so she was not completely ignorant of the affairs of men and women, so she naturally sneered at this.After quietly consulting her grandmother in private, she was able to know that this situation can be roughly divided into three categories: psychological, spiritual and physical.

Either Aegon's dislike for Margaery was so strong that he hated it, which made it impossible; or it was the defeat by the Blackwater River a few days ago, and the experience of being bombarded at the wedding brought the new king a hard time. Mental trauma, which in turn affects the body's response; or there is something real about the body, powerless...

But after explaining, Olenna also assured her granddaughter: No matter what the situation is, she has plenty of solutions, and what Margaery has to do now is to pretend to be a happy married couple, moistened by rain and dew. Delicate appearance, never publicize this situation, so as not to shake the morale of the army and affect unity!

Margaery suppressed her confusion and grievances, and kept her grandmother's advice in mind and carried it out, but she couldn't help but pray secretly in her heart, praying that her new husband was not in the most extreme situation like her predecessor, Renly.

If she can't do anything, she can still go for treatment, she doesn't like herself, she has a lot of ways to turn it around... But if she encounters a situation like Renly's who can never "can" love her, then she will be tortured for the rest of her life !

……

"boom--"

A slight sound of collision and contact called Margaery back to the hall. The brother Loras in the front had finished describing the general status of the Queen's Western Expedition Army. Now that the military report was over, a small pot was taken out from the stage and gently placed on the table. superior.

"My lords, the next thing I want to show you is the river bend craftsmen, under the personal guidance of my sister, Queen Margaret, in the past half a month, with only a small amount of useful information, they made a surprise research. ——the so-called gunpowder among the night watchmen!"

-

Chapter 657

"what?"

"gunpowder!"

"real or fake?"

"Did it work!?"

In a burst of low exclamations mixed with local accents, countless nobles present sat up straight in their chairs and looked forward in unison.All of a sudden, I understood why Loras first introduced how the Queen's Army was so powerful, how it was advancing all the way, and how people couldn't find a chance to fight back... There is no worry at all about upsetting others and destroying their own prestige, and it is not at all worrying about causing quarrels. Take your time.

It turned out that I had confidence.

"Everyone, please be quiet." Loras waved his hand, took out another small wooden bowl, and placed it squarely on the edge of the table, near the side of the audience, "I will show you next, what is this? What kind of thing is it, how can it be used as a weapon on the battlefield."

He took out another wooden spoon, carefully opened the lid of the jar, and slowly and steadily scooped out the black powdery substance in the jar one by one and put it into the wooden bowl until the powder in the bowl shallowly accumulated. After making a small bump, he put down the wooden spoon, resealed the jar and handed it to the person beside him.The squire took the jar, and soon returned, holding a thin sparkling stick, and handed it to Loras.

The Knight of Hundred Flowers held up the thin wooden stick, and showed the audience a smile that was enough to make the Huaichun girl unable to walk: "Please be careful, the king, queen, and prime minister in the front row. If you can't see clearly in the back row, you can stand up." Get up, but please don't leave your position."

Disorderly tables and chairs were soon heard in the room. The noble lords sitting at the back stood up unceremoniously when they heard the words. Subconsciously opened in the movement of his own altitude, the metaphor of "a duck being lifted up by pinching its neck" is so appropriate and vivid at this moment.

"It won't be dangerous, will it?"

This question came from the crowd, but Loras didn't delay in answering. After he said the last sentence, he took a small half step back, stretched out his arm, and thrust the end of the stick with the burning spark into it without hesitation. into the gunpowder.

"Zi-fu!"

The pile of black powder in the wooden bowl burst out countless small spots of light at the part touched by sparks, and then turned into a ball of dazzling light after a deep sound of the giant beast's panting, instantly lighting up the entire hall , the brightness of candles and oil lamps was suppressed like fireflies in front of this bright flame—this was still in broad daylight outside and the house was not dark at all. It can be imagined that if it was night, the contrast would be even stronger. Dozens of times!

One second, two seconds... The gunpowder continued to burn brightly, proudly and quickly. After the first second passed, the light group reached the brightest, and when the second second was nearing the end, it began to shrink gradually, and it took more than a second before the brightness suddenly dropped. Slowly extinguished, as the glaring level decreased, a wave of heat rushed over several meters away and flooded the faces of the audience in the front row. The flames rose violently from the pocket ruins, rushed straight up, and stopped rising until blocked by the ceiling, hovering and spreading over the heads of everyone in the room, as if simulating clouds indoors.

The pungent smell permeated the air, and people close to the wall opened the nearby windows regardless of the noise outside. After three or two seconds of silence, small doubts accompanied by sneezing began to sound.

"That's it?"

"Is it finished?"

"Wouldn't it be rumbling?"

Loras wasn't surprised by everyone's reaction. In fact, he had the same reaction when the artisan brought by his sister Margaret showed him the power of gunpowder for the first time the day before yesterday.As a hero among the younger generation of the Tyrell family, he can be considered to have traveled extensively and learned a lot, but he couldn't help wondering: What is the use of this black powder that burns so fast?

He didn't allow doubts to spread, and he began to memorize his lines: "Everyone should have seen the smoke that just floated up, and the few people near the front row must have felt the hot wind—for sure. Many people wonder, isn’t it just a very bright fire, which can be performed by any alchemist? But the difference between this fire and ordinary fire is that it not only burns very quickly, but also burns very quickly. A lot of heat will be generated, and this cloud of heat will naturally spread and become a hot wind in an open environment, such as this room, but if it is suffocated in a closed environment, it has nowhere to go... suffocated When you can't hold back, it will explode!"

Loras coughed a bit due to the smell of gunpowder. He covered the wooden bowl riddled with gunpowder and smoking with a wet towel prepared in advance. Then he cleared his throat and put his palms together to form a ball. , and then separate them in the opposite direction to make the dynamic appearance of the explosion, and make a final conclusion: "The source of the power of gunpowder is this huge mass of heat!"

These words were explained to him by Margaret's alchemist consultant, naturally taking into account the knowledge reserve and understanding ability of ordinary nobles, Loras can understand it at once, and he will copy it and explain it to other nobles, naturally There is no gap in understanding...

However, amidst the sudden enlightenment, there are still many questions.

"But what is the difference between this explosion and ordinary explosions? Wildfires can also explode. I have heard people tell me that as long as the conditions are right, even wood chips can be used. As far as I have just seen-this gunpowder ignites, in addition to burning faster , and there are no other abnormalities, what use can it be?"

Useless parties really exist everywhere. Unfortunately, this time the issue is beyond the scope of Loras Tyrell's knowledge - he was just copying the words of an insider, and he has not participated in the research and development of gunpowder himself. I have never witnessed the production of gunpowder. How can I explain this professional problem?

Fortunately, he is not alone.

"This lord's question is a bit strange. Isn't it useful if it burns quickly? It also causes an explosion. The faster it burns, the stronger the heat will spread, and the explosion will be more violent!" Mag Li saw her brother looking for help, and realized that it was impossible to keep silent now, "I've heard rumors that sawdust can explode, but I haven't heard that sawdust explosions have killed people, and the night watchmen used gunpowder to repel them." The Other Ghost, defeated our army by the Blackwater River again, isn't this another big difference?"

Suddenly realizing that she seemed to have inadvertently violated little Aegon's order not to mention the Battle of Blackwater, she hurriedly changed the subject: "The last and most important difference is that whether it is lamp oil or wildfire, wood chips or flour, it must be kept open." Or sprinkled in the air to burn and explode... Only gunpowder can burn and explode in a completely sealed environment. This difference alone is enough to completely overwhelm any other substances and become the only one that can be used as a weapon for the time being. Explosive weapons used on the battlefield. Even if other things can burn and explode, we can't send cavalry to sprinkle it on the enemy before the battle, right?"

Loras, who was rescued by his sister, also came back to his senses. He asked for help outside the venue because he really couldn’t answer the question. Margaery is both a woman and a queen, and she is not like Princess Arianne or Asha Ge Lei Qiaoyi is the heir to power like that, so participating in this meeting is already against the rules, and she can't really be allowed to keep fighting with others.

"Everyone!" The family wanted to help each other out, and Loras also spoke again at the most opportune time, "I can fully understand the reasons why some adults have concerns. The things ignited in the bowl show a visual effect, which is completely different from the rumbling guys used by the night watchmen on the battlefield. The way to solve this awkward feeling is actually quite different. Simple, that is 'hearing is believing', and reproduce the way you felt the power of gunpowder on the battlefield that day!"

He nodded to the assistant who cooperated with him just now—the one who took the powder canister, and the latter turned and opened the door to leave the room.

"Please return to your position, and stand or sit firmly. If it is convenient, it is recommended to solve it now. Next, professionals will use another form and a more intuitive method to prove to everyone that we have indeed grasped The technology of gunpowder!"

After saying this, Loras Tyrell left the speaker seat at position C very simply, and sat back in the crowd, in the second row behind his sister, Queen Margaery.

The atmosphere in the house became lively again, and everyone was discussing and impatiently waiting for the "professional" that Loras called to appear. Time passed by, but the person who should come never appeared, Lora Si also didn't intend to come forward to explain at all... The discussion and complaints gradually became louder, but no one got up to go to the toilet, and even the people who were already in a hurry to urinate resolutely held back—if they got up and left at this time , isn't he admitting that he is timid, that he might be scared by the next performance?

But they can never wait for that professional to come in, because that person never intended to be in the house.

Five or six minutes after Loras sat back in his seat, they waited for a loud noise without warning or warning.

-

Chapter 658

"boom!"

The walls are shaking, the doors and windows are shaking, and the hearts of the nobles of the river bend are also shaking... They finally understand why Loras insists on standing still: if it is not for the warning in advance, this will be done, and a lot of people have jumped up and shouted "The night watchman is calling" and broke into a mess, and ran out of the house like shit.

Even if they were mentally prepared, this almost identical loud noise instantly brought a large number of witnesses back to the Blackwater River a month ago, allowing them to relive the fear of facing the bombardment of unknown weapons.Surprise and horror rippled across the crowd's surface, and finally subsided under the suppression of something called reason. Amidst the lingering discussions, the host of the next stage of the meeting, King Aegon Targaryen, followed suit. After agreeing in advance, he got up on stage with a calm face, and began his debut speech with a confident tone.

"This sound is enough to prove that we do have gunpowder technology. I don't need to explain further. But besides this, there is another piece of good news that is not good news—the diplomatic ambassador of Pentos encountered the Queen's command at the gate of the River Lin in King's Landing. The garrison brutally stopped and searched, fought hard to the death."

The only two insiders in the world are dead, and little Aegon will never know the true relationship between himself and Illyrio.However, it is one thing not to know his own life experience, but another thing is that "Illyrio has been secretly helping his friends from the beginning to the end", but he has already heard it from Jon Connington.

The number of old friends and hidden allies has been reduced by one. This should be sad news, but as a king who has not achieved great success, grief is even a luxury. Gritting his teeth, trying to absorb the positive value that Illyrio's death can bring to himself.

"Shooting and killing diplomats from other countries in the street, no matter what the cause of this incident, will inevitably bring about a huge negative impact on Daenerys and her so-called royal government, and at the same time gain greater legitimacy for our side internationally. Agree and support." Aegon sighed, "This means that as long as I can survive this round of my aunt's pursuit of victory, no matter whether it is the position and attitude of the domestic princes or the international situation, they will no longer be able to support her in launching the next round. War. Once we have mastered the gunpowder technology, once we have a chance to breathe, Hewan's advantages in manpower, technology and organization can bring unlimited possibilities!"

"However, although I said 'as long as', the situation we are facing now is 'only'. Far water cannot save near fire, even though the trading city-states across the strait are willing to support and recognize me, and are willing to put pressure on my aunt for me , and even sent troops to contain her strength on the Eastern Front, we must first be able to withstand the aggressive attack of her number one supporter, Iger West, before we can talk about the future."

Young Aegon scowled, trying to look dignified on his youthful countenance.

"The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the method of resisting the enemy, and under this general agenda, there are still two topics left for us to discuss next."

"One is that the raw materials for the gunpowder used in the previous experiments were raised by my dear queen who personally ran around the High Court. Now that there has been a breakthrough in research and development, the burden of collecting raw materials on a larger scale should be taken care of. Everyone should bear the burden together. The details of the implementation here are too late to be detailed here. If you adults have no objection, please send bachelors or other reliable subordinates who can read and count to report to Sir Loras after the meeting..."

"The second point is that although we have initially mastered the key to the deployment and production of gunpowder, we don't have enough projection capability—whether it is the kind of round ball that will explode when it is lit, or the iron gun that can be thrown out with a rumbling sound. We don't have mature production technology and plans for the ball hitting the cannon several miles away. It's like holding a large handful of Valyrian steel arrows in your hand, but there is no bow and string. It's terrible. We It is necessary to pool the wisdom of all people to solve this problem: not only to discuss how to use gunpowder, but also to be prepared to fight in the event that a suitable solution cannot be found in the end!"

"No." As soon as King Aegon's voice fell, a voice answered immediately, "As far as I know, hasn't our friend in King's Landing already stolen the night watchman's confidential blueprint? We can’t do it just by following the picture? If we can solve the problem by copying, we should copy it freely, why bother to twitch and look far away, and brainstorm to find a new way!”

The speaker is Lando Tarly. Since Robb, who was still loyal to Stannis at the time, led the northern army's raid and failed in the Battle of Stormland two years ago, he was injured by an arrow in the back. He has retired to the second line He no longer frequently goes into battle in person, but he will return without leading soldiers. No one dares to question his knowledge and experience as a veteran. His precise and direct speech immediately attracted a lot of echoes.

"It is true, but after reports from craftsmen, the gunpowder ratio in the drawing is deliberately misleading, and the method of making explosive bombs is not of much reference value. As for the craftsmanship of cannon casting... I regret to announce a related news: According to reliable According to the informant, our "friends" in the night watchman industry have been caught and thrown into the dungeon. The whole leak seems to be an active self-cleaning by the enemy. It is undoubtedly a trap. 'The expectations for the rest of the content must be appropriately lowered."

While explaining, Aegon nodded approvingly to Randyll Tarly. Although this veteran speaks bluntly, at least he is really participating in the discussion on the topic. Once such a good atmosphere is brought about, most of today's meeting can be achieved. A successful outcome.

Sure enough, driven by Landau's exemplary role, the nobles present began to speak enthusiastically to make suggestions for the issue. In a heated atmosphere, Strickland, the head of the Golden Legion, raised his hand again and asked to speak alone.

"It's really possible that we won't be able to produce a gunpowder weapon that can be used until we face the Queen's Western Expedition. This is very bad news." He stood up to make sure that his voice could overwhelm the endless discussion. The nobles said, "But it's just this bad news, but it actually cleared up my old guy's mind. I suddenly thought of two things."

"One is that even if we copied the blueprints to produce a gunpowder weapon, its quality and performance would be overwhelmed by the enemy, and the experience in use would not be able to catch up with it. If we want to use gunpowder to fight gunpowder in an upright manner, then With our short strength to attack the enemy's strength, the chance of winning is slim. Hewan has more soldiers and more horses, and the number of cavalry alone can be no less than the main force of the enemy's Western Expeditionary Army. However, the enemy is at an almost absolute disadvantage in this regard. Taking advantage of the advantage of the number of cavalry is the correct solution to breaking the situation!"

King Aegon murmured thoughtfully and waved his hand, and the noise in the room dropped a little.

"The second is a question: Is it really the destructive power of the gunpowder that defeated us?" The leader of the Golden Group spread his hands and asked back, "When the loud noise sounded outside the window just now, the house was really tense and panicked. But Those present here are either veterans of the mercenary regiment who have experienced battles, or the hereditary princes at the top of Hewan. They are far above ordinary people in terms of knowledge, vision, and courage. Ordinary soldiers who are inferior to us in quality, farmers who pick up spears and sticks to make up the numbers, and even beasts who are not even human, keep calm?"

"The Battle of the Blackwater River—" He paused, remembering that the king had ordered that this battle not be mentioned again, but what he wanted to say couldn't avoid the defeat, so he could only bite the bullet and continue, "My Golden Regiment Among the lost soldiers, very few were killed by explosive bombs or gunpowder. Most of them were injured by frightened war elephants, trampled by the collapse of formation, and attacked by the Dornish army during the unorganized retreat. The massacre caused by the tail pursuit, the ratio between the two is close to 1:100 - the number of people killed by gunpowder is only double digits, and the total casualties caused by the rout have reached thousands!"