Opening a Tavern in the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 198: Slowing down the production of hand grenades and starting the construction of military

Li Shimin entered the Zuixian Tower. After everyone paid their respects, Xiaoyu stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, we have asked you to come here because we know how to deal with the Goryeo army. However, there is one thing Your Majesty must understand."

"Hand grenades are extremely powerful and can play a crucial role on the battlefield. However, they are difficult to transport over long distances because they are prone to exploding during transportation, making them extremely dangerous."

"Therefore, I would like to ask Your Majesty's permission to arrange for skilled craftsmen to begin their manufacture as soon as we arrive at the military camp. This way, we can surprise the enemy and defeat them in the battle against Goryeo."

Li Shimin frowned slightly, puzzled. "Why would such a miraculous object have such inconveniences? Is it due to its unique structure or the materials used?"

Xiaoyu bowed slightly and explained in detail: "Your Majesty, this grenade is filled with gunpowder and other strong substances, and its detonation device is extremely sensitive."

"During transportation, if it encounters bumps and collisions, or is affected by unstable factors such as changes in temperature and humidity, it is very easy to cause accidental explosions."

"The manufacturing process is very delicate, and the fit of each component must be extremely high. The vibration during long-distance transportation may cause the components to loosen or become misaligned, thereby increasing the risk of explosion."

"Therefore, only by gathering skilled craftsmen to meticulously produce grenades in the relatively stable and safe environment of a military camp can we ensure their quality and safety, and maximize their effectiveness in killing enemies on the battlefield."

After hearing this, Li Shimin nodded slightly, his expression relieved. "So that's how it is. I understand. This connection is indeed not to be underestimated. As you said, manufacturing it in the military camp is indeed a good idea. That's right."

Seeing Li Shimin's assent, Li Hao stepped forward, respectfully but nervously bowing, and said, "Your Majesty, I, Li Hao, would like to offer a suggestion. I have studied some intricate mechanisms and have some experience in making grenades."

"If Your Majesty permits, I am willing to serve in the army and assist the craftsmen in manufacturing grenades. I will do my best to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

"I, a humble commoner, fully understand that this is crucial to the war between the Tang Dynasty and Goryeo. Although I hold a humble position, I am willing to contribute my humble efforts to Your Majesty and the Tang Dynasty. I only hope that the enemy can be repelled as soon as possible and peace be maintained on the Tang territory."

After saying this, Li Hao lowered his head and hands, waiting for Li Shimin's response.

When Xiaoyu heard what Li Hao said, she hurried forward and grabbed his sleeve, frowning, her face full of worry, and said anxiously: "Why are you going, Hao'er!"

"That military camp is not a place to joke around. The Korean army is approaching, and a battle could happen at any time. Swords are merciless, and what would we do if something goes wrong?"

"Although you have such good intentions, how can I bear to see you in danger?"

As she spoke, her eyes became slightly red, but her hand was still tightly holding Li Hao, fearing that he would impulsively agree to this and follow her to the military camp.

Li Shimin first laughed heartily, and his laughter echoed in the Zuixian Tower, seeming to dispel some of the solemn atmosphere.

He waved his hand, looking gently at Xiaoyu and her son, and continued, "Hahaha, there's no need to worry so much. Your family has come up with so many good ideas for me in the past, and your contribution to the Tang Dynasty is not small."

"Now that Goryeo has invaded our borders, the situation is dire, but how can I allow you to put yourself in danger?"

"My soldiers will fight bravely to protect every inch of the Tang Dynasty's territory, and they will also protect you. You only need to continue to provide me with advice from behind."

Li Shimin's words revealed the emperor's generosity and responsibility, which warmed everyone's hearts.

Xiaoyu nodded slightly, the worry on her face fading a little. Her eyes were filled with gratitude, and she replied softly, "Your Majesty is wise. You are right. I have been overthinking it."

"With your majesty's protection and the thousands of Tang soldiers fighting on the front lines, I, a humble servant in the rear, will do my utmost to offer useful advice to your majesty and the Tang Dynasty. I hope to soon repel the Goryeo army, ensuring the eternal stability of the Tang Dynasty and the peace and prosperity of its people."

As she spoke, she bowed slightly and saluted. Yuyu and Lihao also hurriedly followed suit, their expressions showing sincerity and determination.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin burst into laughter again, his laughter full of satisfaction. He said in a loud voice: "Hahaha, good, I am very pleased to have your kindness."

"However, I have already given orders for the craftsmen to begin making the grenade. I wonder if they have started yet."

Then he raised his voice and shouted, "Someone come!"

A servant hurried in from outside, knelt on one knee, and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I report to Your Majesty that the production has not yet begun."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, waved his hand, and said, "That's good. Pass on my order. There's no need to make the grenade for the time being."

"Let's follow our previous discussion. Once we arrive at the military camp, we'll arrange for personnel to meticulously craft it, ensuring it's flawless and perfect. This way, we can maximize the effectiveness of this powerful artifact on the battlefield and help our Tang army defeat the Korean bandits."

"Yes, sir!" After receiving the order, the attendant quickly retreated to convey the decree.

Li Shimin breathed a sigh of relief, a look of relief on his face as he slowly said, "Fortunately, we haven't started making them yet. These grenades are powerful weapons for killing enemies, but they are also difficult to control, and there are many hidden dangers during transportation."

"If we rashly begin production and something goes wrong along the way, not only will it waste a lot of manpower and resources, it could also lead to a disaster and endanger our soldiers."

"Now that we're in the military camp, we can arrange everything properly and ensure everything is safe and secure."

After saying this, he nodded slightly, as if he was very satisfied with the subsequent arrangements.

Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao stood aside, their postures as straight as pine trees.

Hearing the emperor's words, Cheng Chumo stepped forward, clasped his fists in salute, and said solemnly, "Your Majesty is wise. If this grenade explodes during transportation, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Manufacturing in the military camp provides a safe and secure environment, and it also makes it easier to train soldiers on how to use it. It's truly the best choice."

Qin Huaidao also nodded and echoed, "Your Majesty, Brother Cheng is absolutely right. Furthermore, I believe we can select some clever and intelligent soldiers in advance to learn the principles and usage of grenades. Once the grenades are manufactured, they can serve as vanguards and let the Goryeo army experience the power of this new gadget."

As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with excitement: "Grenades are good, really good."

Li Shimin nodded slightly, his eyes showing some approval, and said to Cheng Chumo and Qin Huaidao: "I understand."

After he finished speaking, he put his hands behind his back, stood tall with his head held high, and exuded the majesty of an emperor: "Hahaha, my Great Tang will surely use its mighty power to break the disturbance of Goryeo and protect the peace of the country."