Chapter 1042

“Now, let’s test the power of this mortar.”

With no issues with the mortar shells, Xiao Ming’s heart immediately yearned for more. With the Empire’s increasing level of industrialization, the weapons being developed in the military factories were getting closer and closer to those of World War I. Of course, in terms of technology, these weapons were also becoming more and more complex.

Moreover, the plan he gave to the Cabinet last time was not only about industrial and commercial construction, but also included the research and development of relevant weapons in the military factories.

This mortar was one of the products of this plan. In addition, after successfully manufacturing the Changping machine gun, the technical personnel of the military factory began to focus on automatic weapons.

After all, the appearance of the Changping machine gun changed the situation on the battlefield. If other weapons were also replaced with automatic weapons, the soldiers would be even more unstoppable in combat.

At the same time, the issue of firearm magazines was also included in the plan. He believed that the follow-up models of the Han-style rifle would soon be able to have magazines.

The artillery factory also had its own plans. After the mortar was manufactured, Chen Qi would have more projects to start. Howitzers would be his next focus of effort, because in the foreseeable future, it was estimated that positional warfare would not be uncommon.

Compared to the powerful, multi-purpose howitzers, mortars still had their own limitations.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Upon receiving Xiao Ming’s order, Chen Qi immediately called over the technical personnel and had them conduct a test fire.

At this time, two young technical personnel came to the mortar. One adjusted the angle of the mortar, and the other held a shell.

When the soldier adjusting the angle gave a thumbs-up to indicate success, the other technical personnel inserted the shell.

“Bang…”

With a dull thud, the body of the mortar shook, and the base caused the surrounding dust to fly up.

At this moment, Xiao Ming heard the sound of the shell cutting through the air. A few seconds later, a flash of fire and an explosion erupted at the target area marked with a white circle not far from the training ground, and then dust flew everywhere.

Xiao Ming observed the entire process through his binoculars. Compared to the old mortar shells, the power and killing radius of the mortar’s shells were much larger.

“A powerful national weapon.” Xiao Ming’s face was filled with a smile. With the mortar, the Empire’s operations in Southeast Asia would be more secure.

He then asked, “How many mortars can the military factory provide in three months?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the structure of this mortar is simple, and it is very easy to produce. The military factory can completely provide six hundred in three months. Any more would be unnecessary,” Chen Qi said.

Xiao Ming nodded. He understood what Chen Qi meant. With the military factory’s capabilities, they could produce even more mortars, but the mortar was one thing, and the shells were another.

Even if he were to equip every soldier with a mortar, there would still need to be an ample supply of shells.

So in any army, the equipment of machine guns, artillery, and mortars all had standards. The standard he gave to the imperial army was seventy-two mortars per regiment. This number was enough to ensure a regiment’s firepower, and any more would be a waste.

“That’s enough. Give all these mortars to the Southeast Military Region. I will have the General Staff dispatch a batch of soldiers to come and learn how to use mortars from your technical personnel.” Xiao Ming’s expression was relaxed. Although this mortar was not a heavyweight weapon, for a regiment or a company, it meant a brand new weapon of firepower.

Satisfied with the performance of the mortar, Xiao Ming said, “The old rules still apply. Everyone who participated in the research and development of the mortar will receive merit points. I will have the Cabinet record them after I return.”

Chen Qi was indifferent about these merit points now, after all, the rewards he had received over the years were already sufficient. His life was also very prosperous, and he had several estates at home.

After a moment of thought, he said, “Your Majesty, I don’t need the merit points this time. Please give these points to the young technical personnel. I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t put in much effort in the research and development of this mortar. It was all the hard work of these young people who graduated from the academies. In my opinion, they are the future hope of the Empire. We old-timers should not take all the credit for ourselves. We should give them a chance to stand out.”

Chen Qi’s words struck a chord with Xiao Ming. In his era, there were always some people who would claim that achievements were due to their good leadership, and mistakes were due to the incompetence of their subordinates. These people only knew how to seize credit to get promoted, and would give the cold shoulder to talented subordinates who were not good at flattering them, thereby ruining one group of promising young people after another.

Patting Chen Qi on the shoulder, Xiao Ming said, “It is truly rare for you to have such a mindset. I am deeply relieved.”

“Hehe.” Chen Qi laughed. He said, “If I were to take all the credit for myself, there would only be one Chen Qi in the artillery factory. If I wholeheartedly train a group of people, there will be countless Chen Qis in the future. I have calculated this very clearly.”

Xiao Ming nodded slightly. “As the saying goes, ‘your students are everywhere,’ which is also a kind of glory. If everyone thought like you, that would be great. However, I have always been fair in rewarding and punishing. You will not get any less than what you deserve, and I will not treat the young people who have made contributions unfairly either.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Chen Qi bowed.

Turning around and looking at the factory, which was roaring with the sound of machinery, Xiao Ming was very satisfied with this development. He said, “The mortar matter must not be delayed. The soldiers on the front lines are waiting to fight. In addition, the research and development of other types of artillery must also keep up.”

Chen Qi patted his chest and said, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I guarantee the mission will be completed.”

Xiao Ming cast a look of appreciation at him and then turned to leave the military factory.

After returning to the imperial palace, Xiao Ming originally wanted to go back and rest. At this time, Qian Dafu suddenly emerged from a corner, followed by Wang Xuan.

Xiao Ming frowned slightly. He knew that there must be more trouble.

In the Imperial Study, Wang Xuan said directly, “Your Majesty, after my investigation, the rebellion that broke out in Japan this time was a ‘bitter meat’ ploy directed and acted by Yamada Nobunaga and his trusted confidants.”

“As expected!”

Xiao Ming was filled with anger. The defeated were never reconciled. The reason Yamada Nobunaga acted like a loyal dog was to wait for the dog chain to loosen so he could take a bite at the victor.

Wang Xuan said with a heavy expression, “What surprised me, however, is that this ‘bitter meat’ ploy they directed and acted has made the Japanese people believe it to be true. Now, the voices for reform in Japan are very loud, and they are all demanding that Yamada Nobunaga cancel the various policies that restrict private capital and completely imitate us in developing industry and commerce.”

Xiao Ming’s frown deepened. He now understood Yamada Nobunaga’s intention. This vigorous rebellion was nothing more than a bargaining chip for him to lead the people and bring about an industrial reform in Japan.