Feng Yu Jiu Tian vol. 23 ch. 4/1

Translator: churnie

On Jingsun Island.

“Don’t worry Young Master, it’s not the three-masted ship.” Ran Hu pacifies Feng Ming, he stretches out his hand and pulls Feng Ming up from the ground, “This subordinate has something to show the Young Master, Young Master please come down with this subordinate.”

“Hey! What do you want me to see? Ran Hu, wow, slow down, where are you taking me…”

Ran Hu pulls Feng Ming out of the small building and walks for a long distance in a gust of wind before letting go of Feng Ming who can barely keep up with his footsteps.

“Duke Ming, this is the place.” Ran Hu turns his body to the side.

The panting Feng Ming raises his head, using the dusk sky to see the surroundings clearly, he can’t help but be stunned, “Why did you bring me here?”

Isn’t this… the gunpowder experiment site that humiliated himself to the extreme?

“Ran Hu, you actually pulled Duke Ming here immediately.” Another familiar, gentle and somewhat helpless voice comes to his ear.

Feng Ming turns his head to look around and finds that Shang Zai Si is walking out slowly from behind the rock, and asks in astonishment, “Imperial bodyguard Shang, why are you here too?”

Shang Zai Si smiles, and before he can speak, Ran Hu can’t wait to speak for him, “He’s been hanging around here all day, without him, the treasure that young master has been waiting for, wouldn’t have appeared. Come follow me quickly!”

He excitedly takes the confused Feng Ming to walk forward.

When he went around to the other end of the giant rock, his vision suddenly widen.

“Hey.”

Under the slanting light of the setting sun, all kinds of things are placed on the dry ground, most of which are bottles and utensils that Feng Ming can’t name of, and several large sacks, containing unknown things, are placed on the side of the rock, with the pockets is loosened, seemingly for easy access at any time.

A little further ahead, the rocks have completely changed its color, black and greasy, mottled, as if they had been let off hundreds of times.

“Young Master, this is the treasure to be shown to the Young Master.” Ran Hu goes back and forth, stretching his hands up to let Feng Ming see what he’s holding.

“Uh,” Facing Ran Hu’s excited and expectant eyes, Feng Ming doesn’t know what expression he has to show, “A pot.”

It’s also found in the basement of the small building, an unremarkable and cheap clay water pot.

“No,” Ran Hu shakes his head solemnly and earnestly says, “This is a great weapon that is enough to make the Xiao family shock the world and become famous in history.”

“Weapon” Feng Ming scratches his head.

“This subordinate will burn one for the young master to see, ha, I hope this baby will cooperate enough.”

(宝贝 Baby: but here’s it means Treasured object)

Ran Hu immediately takes action, holding the clay pot, turning around and walking towards the distant cliff.

Feng Ming is still looking around curiously, when his arm is suddenly pulled gently by Shang Zai Si, and he says softly, “Duke Ming, please be careful, follow this subordinate down.”

He pulls Feng Ming back a certain distance and stand behind a rock which can be used as a shield.

On the other side, Ran Hu has already placed the heavy-looking clay pot on the ground, which seems to be stuffed with things, a fuse about an inch long is drawn out of the mouth of the pot, he lits the fire and put it towards the fuse.

Chi.

The spark flicker, and the fuse is instantly on.

Ran Hu dare not ignore it, he turns around at the fastest speed and flies like an arrow to Feng Ming’s hiding place, her rushes over and covers his ears with both hands, shouts at Feng Ming, “Young Master, get down!”

Feng Ming shrinks his head back.

The rear fuse has been burned out, and a reddish light jumps for the last time outside the mouth of the pot.

Boom!

There’s an earth-shattering loud sound, and the sound wave hit the face.

The clay pot burst out with a strong dazzling white light, which instantly blinding people.

It’s not over yet, soon, a lot of unpleasant smoke surges up.

Feng Ming doesn’t know that there’s still smoke, so he’s caught off guard, chokes, coughs a few times, covers his nose and sticks his head out, looking at the devastated areas, widen his eyes in disbelief, and screams, “You… you guys made bombs”

Ran Hu slaps the dust falling on his hair, grins, points at Shang Zai Si and says, “This subordinate is just doing errands, this is the real master of creating the Baby.”

Feng Ming looks at Shang Zai Si in surprise.

Shang Zaisi smiles modestly and says, “The real master is Duke Ming, this subordinate has also seen Duke Ming’s gunpowder test and asked Duke Ming a lot of questions that he couldn’t figure out, then he finally figured out some tricks.”

“This…how is this possible?” Feng Ming gasps a cold air, still looking shock like he had seen a ghost.

It can’t be said that he makes a fuss about nothing.

It is one thing to have fireworks in this era, but to make further use of gunpowder to create bombs with offensive effects is another thing that is absolutely, absolutely different in nature!

In war, even the slightest improvement in the use of weapons can have a huge and amazing impact on turning the tide of the war.

But it’s not easy to do.

For your information, the Chinese used gunpowder for fireworks thousands of years ago, but they had not been able to convert gunpowder into excellent hot weapons, and still use cold weapons, the backwardness of spears, swords, bows and knives had even caused them to be dazed by foreign guns and cannons in modern times.

(热兵器/Hot weapons all weapons using gunpowder such as firearms, bombs etc and 冷兵器/Cold weapons all weapons made of metal such as swords, spears, etc)

It could be seen that the development from gunpowder to bomb was by no means a simple matter.

This would be an epoch-making change in the history of war!

“Look, the young master is so happy that he can’t speak.”

“Duke Ming”

After being called several times by the two subordinates, Feng Ming wakes up from the shock and grabs Shang Zai Si’s shirt excitedly, “Imperial bodyguard Shang!”

“This subordinate is here.”

“This bomb… how on earth did you make it? Don’t tell me.. you just followed the unprofessional appearance of my jack ass last time, you mixed sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal, stuffed it into a pot, added a fuse, and it was done!”

It’s so simple.

Feng Ming doesn’t believe it even if he was beaten to death!

“Actually, the most important thing is what Duke Ming told this subordinate, that gunpowder expanded rapidly when it burnt, it would turn into fireworks in a unsealed environment, and it would explode in a sealed environment.”

Uh, it seems that this sentence is really said by me…

Feng Ming says indistinctly: “Scientifically speaking, it is true, but theory is a theory, there is still a difference between theory and actual operation.”

Shang Zai Si’s smile is particularly refreshing, “There is indeed a difference. However, since Duke Ming has stated the most difficult point, the rest of the rough work is not difficult to do.”

“Who says it’s not difficult to do?” Ran Hu makes an exaggerated expression, “Just the strange few words left by the young master almost broke my fragile head.”

“Strange words?”

Feng Ming turns his head and follows the direction of Ran Hu’s fingers to look at the handwriting left on the other side of the rock…

Of course!

If you understand the chemical formulas of modern science, you will be damned.

Since you can’t read it…

“Ran Hu said that the gunpowder mentioned by the young master should be the same as the fireworks of the Xiao family, so this subordinate went to the temporary workshop on the other side of the hillside and found an old master who can make fireworks signals, asked about the ingredients of several raw materials.”

Feng Ming nods.

As expected of Shang Zai Si, his brain think fast.

“Everyone was busy, and this subordinate couldn’t find anyone else, so he had to invite Ran Hu to study it. According to what Duke Ming said, several things were ground into powder, mixed according to the prescription given by the old master, sealed it, and then lit it up. We started with a thick cloth wrapping and sealing it…”

“Then there were bamboo tubes, wine jars, water clay pots, wooden boxes…” Ran Hu interjects, reciting a long list of names, pointing to the dazzling line of containers on the ground, shaking his head and smiling: “If it weren’t for what happened today, I wouldn’t have guessed that the calm imperial bodyguard Shang had such an enthusiastic side. Just looking for a suitable container is enough, Young Master, do you know what? He has tried almost all the gunpowder containers that can be found in the whole island. In the end, we finally find the most suitable one, which is……”

“Clay pot.” Feng Ming blurting out the answer.

I already knew the answer about it just now.

Did something go wrong….

The bomb casing should be metal, right?

Why is it a clay pot?

Shang Zai Si seems to see Feng Ming’s thoughts, and explains in a gentle manner: “We found that the same gunpowder, put into different containers, have very different explosion levels. Both texture and size of the container have a great influence on the results. At the same time, if it is used in actual combat, we must also consider whether a large amount of materials can be found and whether it is convenient to make.”

Feng Ming is like listening to a science experiment lesson, he only prick up his ears and nods frequently.

“For example, the bamboo is not hard enough, the explosion is not strong enough, and the silver box explodes with a deafening noise, but the gunpowder that can be loaded is limited, and the explosion range is not large, if it’s used to attack the enemy, it has no actual lethality. Wooden box…”

Shang Zai Si methodically listed the shortcomings of the various containers tested, and finally concluded: “This kind of clay pot was originally used to hold water, so the craftsmen deliberately made the texture dense when making it, and after it was made, it was soaked in tung oil to prevent water seepage during use. Moreover, we found that the texture of this batch of pots is much harder than that of ordinary clay. The shape of the belly is round and hollow, enough to hold enough gunpowder, and the explosion range is quite large enough to injure the enemy. Even better, there are a large number of the same clay pots in the basement, there is no need to worry about the shortage of quantity for the time being. Therefore, this subordinate feels that, in terms of texture, shape, airtightness, capacity, quantity, and practicality, it’s the most suitable. Besides…”

“All right! Master Shang.” Ran Hu pats Shang Zai Si’s shoulder familiarly, “If you keep babbling on, the young master is about to fall asleep.”

When Feng Ming heard the origin of this clay pot, his eyes were straightened. Sure enough, any invention and creation is a history of hard work, just picking a pot is such a big project.

With an expression of admiration, Feng Ming sincerely praises: “I really admire you two, if you two were placed in my hometown, you would definitely win the Nobel Prize for Invention.”

By this time, most of the smoke from the explosion have dissipated, and the three of them walk out of their hiding place.

Feng Ming is in a better mood than ever before, he praises Shang Zai Si and Ran Hu’s ability, and radiant with delight: “With these clay pot bombs, this time the army of the Tong kingdom is in disaster, and Zhuang Pu, the guy who has been chasing me all day long and shouting to kill me, is going to be greatly surprised.”

He pats Shang Zai Si on the shoulder encouragingly, “Imperial bodyguard Shang, I’ll leave the task of supervising the making of bombs to you and Ran Hu, the sulphur, saltpeter and clay pots in the basement are yours, and I’ll allocate some skilled craftsmen for you. Can it be done in two days? Hurry up and make a batch to blow up the ass of the Tong kingdom’s army.”

Shang Zai Si ponders for a while, and can’t help but exchanges glances with Ran Hu.

“Uh, are there any difficulty?” Feng Ming asks strangely.

Shang Zai Si thinks carefully, “This thing called bomb is very complicated to make, to be honest, this subordinate have only found some ways.”

Feng Ming nods understandingly, “Of course, of course, even thinking with my knee I also know it’s very complicated, otherwise everyone can do it, but since you already know how to do it…”

Shang Zai Si suddenly cut off his words in a low voice, “Duke Ming.”

“Uh?”

“Actually, this subordinate didn’t approve of Ran Hu immediately inviting Duke Ming, because he was worried that Duke Ming thought things too good.”

Feng Ming blinks his eyes.

He indeed thinks it’s very good.

How can it not be good, the bomb has been made.

“Duke Ming just said that he wanted this subordinate and Ran Hu to immediately take the craftsmen to make a large number of bombs, but does Duke Ming knows, how many details must be paid attention to in making a bomb?”

Feng Ming shakes his head.

If I had known, would I have been humiliated in the last experiment?

“After repeatedly tests, we found that the three raw materials are only the most basic, and other things should be added to them for better performance. For example, the one that was demonstrated to Duke Ming just now, based on our experience today, we try to mix it with a little dry paint powder, then mixed it with equal parts of tung oil, varnish oil, white wax, and soluble liquid, and the unused linen or cotton cloth is cut into pieces and painted with thick paint…”

At first, Feng Ming can still hear it clearly, but then there’s a pile of tung oil, white wax, soluble liquid, paint which suddenly make him feel dizzy, like falling into a cloud and fog, he was confused. 

“If the pot is completely filled, it doesn’t seem to be able to explode, so a little space must be left inside. When closing the lid, paraffin is used to seal the inside and outside. In addition, Ran Hu proposed to use thin iron thorns and fog powder which can further increase the power of the explosion, and fog can also obstruct the enemy’s sight. As for which kind of fog powder has the best effect, we need to find the fog powder we have on hand and test one by one.”

Feng Ming is completely stunned.

OMG, this guy is a born science nerd.

How did he come up with so many details in such a short period of time?

Feng Ming thoroughly admire him that he prostrates himself in admiration, but his face remain confused.

“Uh, that… Imperial bodyguard Shang, hehe,” Feng Ming looks at the subordinate who has just published some science practice theory and asks cautiously, “You’ve said so much, what exactly do you want to express?”

“This thing is just a prototype, it needs to be improved through more trials, we can’t make it rashly until we find the best method.” Shang Zai Si ponders and smiles honestly, “Duke Ming, this subordinate still need a little more time to in-depth study.”

“Ah” Feng Ming opens his mouth wide.

Still need to study.

Could it be that Shang Zai Si is that kind of legendary scientist with perfectionist obsessive-compulsive personality?

But my gosh, it’s not that Feng Ming doesn’t support the science institution, now is not the time to in-depth study.

If the ships of the Tong Kingdom came, even if a nuclear bomb was studied, it would be too late.

“The in-depth study can be put to a later future, the bomb just now works very well, I’m very satisfied! It’s not an exam, that you must get 100 points, now there are fierce army and dangerous war, and every minute counts, imperial bodyguard Shang, actually that clay pot bomb can explode just fine, really!” Feng Ming nods vigorously and smiles brightly, expressing his satisfaction.

Shang Zai Si turns his eyes and glances helplessly at Ran Hu who is beside Feng Ming, seemingly still blaming him for pulling Feng Ming over to show off his achievements before things were completed.

Ran Hu innocently shrugs, “I also hope that the young master will be happy to know.” He sighs and shows Feng Ming the expression of a child making a mistake, and says, “Young master.”

“What’s wrong “

“That bomb just now…”

“Very good, it exploded wonderfully.”

Ran Hu smiles guiltily, “Hey, that’s because the young master is greatly blessed enough that it exploded as soon as he tried it. We made a total of the same ten clay pots, and only three were exploded…”

Feng Ming’s excited face immediately turned into a dazed look.

“Three?”

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They made BOMB… but only three for the war….. 😀