Iron Powder and Spellcaster

[South Palato]

[Kings' Castle]

In the early morning, at Zhuwangbao Pier, a fleet occupied all the berths on the trestle.

Since the beginning of the civil war, shipping on the Jinliu River has been declining day by day.

No more the sight of large and small motorcades, loaded with the products of the Galloping Horse Country, gathering in the Castle of Kings from all over South Plato;

There are no more merchants from all kinds of countries who speak various dialects and bring rare treasures from all over the world.

The Zhuwangbao Pier was gloomy and depressed, and the porters had to find another way out.

After the Red and Blue Roses confronted each other across the river and the civil war entered a stalemate stage, shipping on the Jinliu River recovered slightly.

After a while, you can see a few small boats carrying wool, tobacco and pine oil, heading downstream alone as if to explore the way.

Occasionally, some bold speculators who smell the smell of money will dock at the pier of the King's Castle carrying fine wine, cane sugar and spices that have soared in price as they become increasingly rare.

After all, the Platuan people always have extra things to sell and things they cannot produce to buy.

After the joint provincial river navy flying the red rose flag defeated the fleet of the Hongchuan military government and completely controlled the Jinliu River channel, the Zhuwangbao Pier even experienced a peak throughput.

Every merchant in the King's Castle who is engaged in export business—whether they are selling wool, wood, tobacco, tar, mushrooms, or beeswax—is racing against time to sell their backlog of inventory. Going downstream, we must clear out our inventory even at a loss.

The Platuan people trampled each other, which made the merchant houses of the United Provinces, which had no rivals, make a lot of money, and also made the King's Castle dock become popular again.

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that this kind of heat is like the reflection of a dying person.

As the inventories were cleared and the war dragged on, manor owners and farmers across Plato no longer dared to grow cash crops, and instead planted grains for stability, the docks of the King's Castle became completely deserted and were no longer as prosperous as before.

Therefore, the arrival of this fleet now seems particularly rare.

The dock workers who were still able to move were all found. Even the dock workers who had been conscripted into the city defense camp were sent over.

The new recruits of the city defense battalion, who were not used to carrying muskets and spears, returned to their old profession today.

They were shirtless and carried bags of wheat weighing a hundred kilograms from the cabin.

The sun had just come out, and it was still very cold in the King's Castle in the early morning, but the dock workers were all sweating and panting.

Carrying big bags is much more tiring than carrying matchlock guns or spears, but if given the choice, dock workers would rather carry a hundred-jin bag of grain.

As for the Zhuwangbao Pier, the only berth where a crane can be used is occupied by a large ship that stands out from the crowd.

Different from other single-decker, flat-bottomed river sailing ships in the port, the large ship under the long arm of the berthing crane has a pointed nose, round body, and a big belly. Three masts reach into the sky, and its double deck dominates the dock.

There are three masts, two long and one short, two long with horizontal sails and one short with triangular sails.

A bowsprit also extends from under the foremast of the bow, which means that when the wind is against it, it can also hang a jib on the bow to sail into the wind.

There is a row of holes on each of the two decks, both of which are tightly closed at the moment.

Among them, the holes in the upper deck are large and widely spaced, which are gun ports; the holes in the lower deck are smaller and narrowly spaced, which are oar holes.

This means that it can not only sail on the wind when the wind is blowing, but also be propelled by oars when the wind is calm.

The merchant ships on the Jinliu River will not be equipped with so many oars, because even slave oarsmen are too expensive, and the oar positions take up too much space.

In calm weather, merchant ships can wait patiently for the wind to come;

Even when encountering rapids and shoals where manpower must be borrowed, merchant ships tended to use trackers rather than oarsmen.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the large ship docked in the center of the pier is a warship.

And it is not a river warship built for slow navigation in the river, but an offshore warship built for chopping waves on the sea.

The Platoans on the dock couldn't help but cast curious glances at the warship.

In the "small bathtub" port of the King's Castle, it is really strange to see the ship that originally sailed in the "big bathtub" of the inland sea.

But the heavily armed federalists around the berth dissuaded the Platuan people from getting closer to watch.

The soldiers of the United Provinces guarded the warship vigilantly and did not allow any Palatuan people to approach. They did not even use Palatine dockworkers to unload the ship, but went to battle to operate the crane themselves.

Not only the berth where the warship was docked, but in fact, the entire port was blocked by the federal soldiers who came ashore with the ship, prohibiting anyone from entering or exiting.

"Get up! Get up! Turn around! Okay! Turn over to me! Stop! Stop! Put it down! Put it down!"

A middle-aged officer in an artillery uniform stood next to the crane with his sleeves rolled up, waving his hat up and down, shouting at the top of his lungs, and commanding the crane to lift a pallet full of small barrels from the cargo hold of the warship.

"Play! Keep playing! Play! Okay! That's it! Slow down! Stop! Stop! Stop quickly -"

It may be because the crane on the Zhuwangbao pier has been idle for too long and lacks maintenance and lubrication; it may also be because the operator is a newbie and is not familiar with the characteristics of this crane.

In short, the pallet filled with small wooden barrels did not land smoothly, but hit the ground heavily, causing a circle of dust.

The small wooden barrel on the pallet also jumped a little. If it were not covered by a rope net, it would definitely take off.

The middle-aged artillery officer didn't even bother to swear. He immediately rushed to the pallet and made sure that the small wooden barrels were not damaged and the contents were not leaked. Then he yelled in the direction of the crane:

"Bastard! I don't want to die! This is gunpowder! Not your ashes! Do you want us to be buried with your stupidity? How did I teach you a bunch of idiots..."

Next to the winch of the crane, the three artillery lieutenants who had been scolded bloody looked depressed. They were also rushing to get on the shelf. It was not easy to maneuver this heavy and heavy machine in a hurry.

But the artillery school officer will not understand them - when your superior is not only your superior, but also your teacher, and he is not very good-tempered, it is simply a nightmare.

"Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli."

A polite greeting interrupted the lieutenant colonel's endless scolding.

The middle-aged school officer turned around and saw a young man also wearing a school officer uniform raising his hand and saluting him.

Montecuccoli returned the greeting perfunctorily and asked coldly: "What's the matter, Major Fritz?"

Fritz has long been accustomed to the indifferent attitude of his colleagues.

As a serious enemy of the United Provinces Army, although the old civilian government of the United Provinces has never been able to reach out to the Army Command Department, they have had considerable influence on the Army Ministry from the beginning.

The United Provinces Army Province is almost equal to the Union Army Council.

The Alliance Army Committee is also responsible for stamping the promotion lists submitted by the republics...

Through this relationship, the old civilian government of the United Provinces has been deliberately suppressing the promotion of officers in the United Provinces, and regarded it as a weapon to attack the military, a condition for winning over officers, and a bargaining chip in negotiations with the army.

Therefore, the most indispensable thing within the United Provincial Army is the field officers who have been wasting their time on the first level for many years. Therefore, there are not a few people who are disheartened and retire sadly.

Of course, the veterans would not have a good look at the "lucky" little guy Fritz of Nice - even if he fired the first shot at the enemy, even if everyone is now in a trench.

Fritz looked humble, but his tone was firm and powerful.

He conveyed the order exactly as it was: "Lieutenant Colonel, the commander hopes that you can 'prepare the artillery first'."

"Hasn't the cannon been unloaded?" Montecuccoli crossed his arms and pointed with his chin at the dozens of thick and thin "pipes" neatly placed not far away.

Under the shining of the rising sun, the bronze “tube” takes on a luster that is almost like gold.

Fritz explained in an unassuming manner: "What the commander means is that I hope you can restore the cannon to a marching condition as soon as possible."

"The gun mounts are packed inside the cabin. How can we take them out without moving other things first? Besides, what's the use of just mounting the cannon? The draft horses are still on the ship! There are no horses. You will pull the cannon, or I will pull the cannon. ?”

Montecuccoli frowned and dismissed the major impatiently, "Wait a moment, let me unload the ammunition first, and then I will 'prepare the cannon' for you."

"I will coordinate the draft horses. You don't need to restore all the cannons to their original state. Just prepare a few."

Fritz's expression remained unchanged and he remained polite. But obviously, his determination has not wavered at all.

Major Fritz further elaborated on Cornelis' instructions, "I guess the commander thought we might need them soon."

"Immediately?" Montecuccoli asked suspiciously, but he soon figured out where it was going to be used. If the lieutenant colonel realized something, he said "oh" unconsciously. Then he looked at Fritz and laughed a few more times.

Montecuccoli was convinced that the minister's instructions were far from life-or-death matters, and it didn't matter whether the cannon was ready or not.

However, he looked the major up and down and realized that this little guy would not give up until he achieved his goal.

"Okay," Montecuccoli replied lightly, "I'll try my best."

Fritz knew that was enough.

Because what others say "I'll try my best" may be just prevarication.

But when the former director of the Artillery Teaching and Research Section of the Army Academy [Raymond Montecuccoli] said "I try my best," it meant that the tasks entrusted to him could be regarded as completed.

Fritz raised his hand to salute seriously and left without any delay.

From behind came the exasperated voice of the former director of the artillery department, lecturing the students: "What are you doing standing around stupidly? Get moving! Forget about the shells, find the gun mounts first! Which one are you looking for? Do you need to ask? Look for the big one!" "

After persuading Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli, Fritz immediately approached the person in charge of the fleet and arranged for the barge transporting the draft horses to dock first.

He then approached the port director and coordinated the berths and pilot boats.

Finally, he borrowed a lieutenant from Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli and arranged for the latter to dock with the port director to ensure that the artillery could take away the draft horses immediately when the barge transporting the draft horses docked.

After doing all this, Fritz returned to the two-story building of the Port Tax Bureau. He strode to the top of the building, where the former head of the Army Academy was waiting for him.

"Is it done?" Cornelis stood by the wall on the roof and asked without looking back.

Fritz walked up to the minister and replied cautiously: "Montecuccoli promised to prepare four to six heavy cannons."

"That's enough," Cornelis raised his hand to greet the students, "Come and take a look."

Fritz stood next to the chief. Looking down from the top of the tax bureau, you can have a panoramic view of the harbor area of ​​Zhuwang Castle.

Unlike the seaports that Fritz was used to seeing in the piedmont, as an inland river terminal, the port of Kings Castle has no breakwaters or natural promontories. It is just a few trestles extending from the straight river bank to the water. A lighthouse stands at the entrance of the port area, like a lonely shepherd guarding the sheepfold.

However, precisely because of this, the docks of the various kings' castles are much wider than the ports along the inland sea. As far as the eye can see, there are almost no obvious terrain restrictions. It can be extended to both sides indefinitely if necessary.

And in terms of liveliness, the Zhuwangbao Pier at this moment is no worse than the port of Guitu City.

The entire port area is now busy with people and ships coming and going. As soon as one ship was emptied, another ship came on top.

Sacks and barrels painted with the emblem of the United Provincial Army were carried by hand and shoulder, moved down the trestle, and then immediately loaded onto trucks and sent to the warehouse.

The wooden boxes containing ordnance were temporarily piled on the dock, waiting for centralized escort.

In the open space in front of the tax bureau building, there was a large group of provincial infantrymen, listening to slogans under the military flag and gathering the entire team.

Because they had just disembarked, many soldiers were not used to it yet. Their steps were a little sloppy and their faces were a little pale.

But at a glance, you can tell that these soldiers carrying armor, weapons and luggage are all great young men. As long as they take a short rest, they will be full of energy in no time.

"Aren't you a little disappointed that you can't lead the troops on the front line?" Cornelis patted the wall and asked suddenly, "I personally recruited you, but I only gave you the position of Director of Munitions. You originally thought that you would finally have one. A chance to prove yourself on the battlefield, right?"

"The munitions director has a heavy responsibility," Fritz did not answer directly. "Besides, I am a soldier. It is my duty to obey orders. I will go to whatever position you assign me to."

Cornelius smiled and said, "Aren't you a little unhappy?"

Fritz fell silent.

Cornelis looked at the messy King's Castle pier, took a deep breath, and said half sighing and half teaching, "For any army, logistics is a top priority, let alone one like ours. A remote army standing alone against the enemy. Therefore, the position of Director of Munitions must be given to a reliable and capable person, do you understand?"

Fritz bowed slightly and said, "Students are taught."

Cornelis glanced at Fritz's expression, smiled and shook his head, "I've seen your current expression too many times when I was in the Luyuan...I heard it but didn't listen. I said it verbally but was not convinced. . But it’s nothing. It was the same when I was young.”

Fritz was silent for a moment, "There are many seniors who are more capable than me."

"I choose you, which means I think you are more suitable for this position than others." Cornelis waved his hand without any doubt, "Let me tell you one more thing. In addition to being in charge of weapons and ammunition, food and clothing, the Director of Munitions also There is another important responsibility, do you know what it is?”

"Please make it clear."

Cornelis' eyes gradually became sharper. "Control the money!" he said seriously.

Fritz couldn't laugh or cry.

"Don't laugh in a hurry," Cornelis's expression became serious. As he spoke, he took out a gold coin, spread it in the palm of his hand, stretched it out in front of the students, and asked: "Major, what did you see?"

"A federal gold coin." Fritz answered truthfully.

"Yes, but it's more than that." Cornelius picked up the gold coin and held it up in the sun. "Did you know? Such a gold coin can buy flour in the market of the King's Castle today. It was almost three years ago. It’s twice the amount you can buy.”

Fritz was surprised.

Cornelis glanced at the student and said, "I still didn't read the information I gave you carefully."

Fritz had nothing to say, so he had to lower his head and admit his mistake.

But Cornelius was not here to check the homework today. He continued to ask: "Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I thought that since the war in Plato, food prices should have been rising." Fritz was very confused. He replied tentatively, "But according to you, one gold coin can buy more flour. ? That...should be a good thing?"

"You are right, the price of food in the King's Castle is indeed rising. But at the same time, gold can buy more things. Guess why?"

Fritz couldn't answer.

Cornelius took the gold coin back into his hand with a cruel expression, "Because today's Plato is in the most severe shortage of gold and silver since the establishment of the Alliance. That's why prices are rising, but gold can The strange sight of buying more things. Looking back on history, I am afraid that only the imperial era when 250,000 ducats were taken away every year can be compared with today.”

Fritz had a hard time digesting it for a while, but when Cornelius lectured, he never cared whether the students could understand or not.

"Any gold coin is more valuable in Plato than in the United Provinces." Cornelis said word by word, "So, gold will be our most effective weapon in Plato, even more valuable than swords." And guns are more powerful.”

Cornelis patted the student on the shoulder, "So, here, the weapons managed by the Director of Munitions are more powerful than those managed by the Director of Artillery - this is why I appointed you as the Director of Munitions."

"I..." Fritz didn't know what to say.

A messenger rushed to the top of the building and handed Cornelius a letter.

Cornelis opened the letter, read ten lines at a glance, and sneered: "Groof Magnus is here, and he is bringing the 'respectable gentlemen' from the Kings Castle to welcome us."

"Do you want me to reject him?" Fritz asked with a frown.

"No!" Cornelius laughed and shook his head, "Of course not!"

Facing the rising sun, Cornelius's order resounded like rolling thunder through the docks of the Kings' Castle:

"Polish your armor! Fire your cannons! Let everyone know that the Confederates are back!"

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