If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

The blacksmiths were stunned by what they saw. They couldn't believe that this stick-like thing was actually a weapon, and such a powerful one at that.

"My lord, this...this..."

"That's right, this is the latest research achievement of my Great Dragon Empire: the flintlock musket."

Zhou Wu proudly introduced that this was also his achievement.

"Sir, did we come to the South China Sea just for flintlock muskets?"

"Yes, but flintlock muskets are just one type of firearm, and the most basic one at that. There will be more powerful firearms in the future, and we will need your help."

These words dispelled the blacksmiths' previous dissatisfaction. It was truly a case of "a loss may turn out to be a blessing in disguise." If the craftsmen who stayed in the capital knew that they had come to the South China Sea to forge such a powerful weapon, they might cry themselves to sleep in the outhouse.

After Zhou Wu left, Huang Laosan summoned the blacksmiths again.

"You've all seen it. This trip to the South China Sea isn't an exile for us, but rather an opportunity given to us by Heaven. You all saw the advantage of these firearms this morning. They are enough to overturn any existing weaponry. Lord Zhou said that this is only the beginning, so everyone must stop complaining and do their best. Whether we can make a name for ourselves in history depends on ourselves."

"it is good."

"Boss, don't worry, we'll fight with our lives on the line."

"Just do it and that's it."

The blacksmiths, who had been dejected just a few days ago, immediately perked up after witnessing the power of firearms. To be honest, these blacksmiths who were sent to the South China Sea were basically those who had no background or influence in the capital, or who had offended someone and were thus exiled. However, no one knew that the situation in the South China Sea was completely different from what they had imagined.

Several hundred people set to work, but the most difficult part was probably the gun barrel, which required it to be straight and have a smooth inner wall. Without the help of lathes, the blacksmiths could only use the most primitive drill, similar to using a bow to drill wood to start a fire.

However, because it was hand-polished, the scrap rate was very high. In addition to the iron parts, the musket also had a wooden handle. Fortunately, there were quite a few carpenters in the South China Sea. Because they participated in the construction of South China Sea City in the early stages, and now that it was in its final stages, these carpenters were not so busy.

Zhou Wu assigned the work to everyone. The carpenters, who were worried about not having any work to do, were overjoyed to see that work had been delivered to them.

. . . . . . .

The team of blacksmiths, numbering several hundred, can now deliver about fifty flintlock muskets per day.

Zhou Wu has already equipped all of these guns to the naval forces stationed in the South China Sea.

"Sir, these muskets are really powerful. When can we equip all of them with them?"

The muskets have been issued to Lin Jiangzi for several days now. Although he has three thousand navy men, he only has a few hundred muskets. But that does not affect his popularity in the navy.

"I'd like to provide you with all of them, but as you know with current production capacity, we can only proceed slowly."

"Ok."

Madam Lin replied with some disappointment.

“Look at you, I haven’t even dared to tell Niu Er about what happened these past few days. If he knew, he would nag me about it every day.”

"Sir, you mustn't tell Niu Er. Wait until I've finished matching everything before you tell him."

“I know, but your training can’t be delayed. If there aren’t enough guns, take turns using them to ensure everyone can use them proficiently as soon as possible. Even though you’re in the navy, you all must master the three-stage firing technique.”

"Understood, sir. You are truly amazing. You've mastered firearms so well since they first came out."

In fact, flintlock muskets do not have a high long-range accuracy rate because there are no threads inside the barrel and the bullets are not fixed cartridges. Therefore, when Zhou Wu tested the gun, he only fired at a distance of fifty meters, because beyond fifty meters, he could not possibly hit the target accurately.

Many people might question that at a distance of fifty meters, let alone dealing with cavalry, even a large number of infantrymen would be overwhelmed by muskets.

All the Zhou generals brought out the three-stage firing technique. The three-stage firing technique was a matchlock musket tactic from the previous life. At that time, when muskets could not fire continuously, this tactic made up for the disadvantage of the slow firing speed of muskets.

Records of three-stage firing have appeared in both the Ming Dynasty and Japan. This firing method was a fast, continuous and effective method of firing before the invention of repeating firearms. Later, it evolved into six-stage and nine-stage firing in Europe, which marked the beginning of the era of line infantry.

With the three-stage firing tactic, the continuous and dense firing of the muskets greatly made up for the problem of accuracy. Madam Lin admired Zhou Wu to the point of complete awe.

. . . . . .

The forging of firearms is different from that of cold weapons. Firearms are prone to problems if not handled carefully. A few days ago, when it was completed and being tested at the factory, it exploded. Fortunately, the person only suffered minor injuries.

Zhou Wu immediately ordered that all casting processes must be carried out in accordance with the requirements without the slightest carelessness. He also had Huang Laosan select ten experienced blacksmiths to form a quality inspection team, and resolutely demanded that any defective work be reworked.

Because of this situation, the production of muskets has never been able to increase. However, Zhou Wu has already discussed with Huang Laosan that they hope to research a special drilling tool. Even if it cannot be fully mechanized, it can at least be precise and semi-automatic.

"Sir, we've discussed it, and we really can't think of a better way than using a diamond."

The drilling technique was a common method used by ancient craftsmen, somewhat similar to using a bowstring to drill wood to start a fire. However, the success rate of this drilling technique depended more on the person, so it was not very efficient.

Zhou Wu also had no clue what to do. If they wanted to get rid of human labor, then they would have to find something to replace it, which was simply absurd in ancient times.

It wasn't until Zhou Wu accidentally saw the decorative waterwheel in the corner that he suddenly remembered that the ancients used waterwheels to replace human and animal-powered mills. Could we also use a waterwheel to represent a semi-automatic drill?

"Old Huang, do you know about watermills?"

"You're joking, sir. My family has been farmers for generations. It's just that I was lucky enough to learn a trade in my generation. How could I not know about watermills? Back in the day, the richest man in the village had a watermill."

"Since you know about watermills, do you think we can use the principle of watermills to create a device that doesn't require manual drilling?"

Huang Laosan first smiled contemptuously, but after thinking about it for a moment, it seemed that it wasn't impossible.

"Let me try."

Without further ado, Huang Laosan immediately organized several experienced blacksmiths to start researching and figuring it out.

A few days later, Huang Laosan excitedly found Zhou Wu.

"My lord, it's done, it's done."

"What's done?"

"Sir, drilling holes in the watermill."

"What? Take me to see this right away!"

Zhou Wu put down what he was doing and followed Huang Laosan to the Firearms Bureau.