Daming: The system rejected my request for salted fish

Chapter 856

"This time when I went to the Japanese pirates, I discovered that they actually had artillery in their hands, so I immediately started investigating this matter."

"We eventually traced it back to the shogunate governor, Hosokawa Sawato, and learned from him that the cannon manufacturing technology was also sold to them by a merchant from Jin."

Having said that, Wei Wu paused for a moment before continuing:

"After further questioning, I learned that the Jin merchant was able to contact the Japanese shogunate because he had a token in his hand."

"That token was given to him by a man called the Black-robed Zen Master. Finally, through the description of his appearance, it was confirmed that the Black-robed Zen Master was Yao Guangxiao!"

After Wei Wu finished speaking, he shook his head and sighed softly, then said with some self-blame:

"To be honest, I can't blame anyone else for the Japanese pirates mastering artillery manufacturing technology. I can only blame myself."

After hearing Wei Wu's words, Zhu Biao disagreed and immediately interrupted.

"Xiao Wu, you can't say that. Those two craftsmen had planned to defect from the Institute of Science and Technology long ago. This matter has nothing to do with you!"

"No, brother, I'm not talking about their betrayal of the Academy of Science and Technology. I'm talking about their mastery of artillery manufacturing technology."

Seeing Zhu Biao's puzzled expression, Wei Wu explained again:

"Because after I developed the Red Cannon, I specifically ordered that all blacksmith teams must master the manufacturing technology of the large iron cannon."

"It's a prerequisite, so those two craftsmen were able to take advantage of it. Otherwise, ordinary blacksmiths wouldn't be able to learn this."

"I don't know what other technologies the two craftsmen stole, but it's true that they were able to learn the artillery technology because of me."

Wei Wu himself didn't notice that the more he talked, the tighter his eyebrows furrowed, almost sticking together.

"Now that they're in Yao Guangxiao's hands, given this evil monk's temperament, no one knows how many copies of his skills he'll sell."

"Judging from the current situation, if even the Japanese pirates have it, then the other small countries bordering the Ming Dynasty probably have it too."

"Those small countries aren't anything to worry about. The Ming Dynasty can easily destroy them. But what we fear most is that Yao Guangxiao will sell his artillery to the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty in the north!"

After hearing Wei Wu's remarks, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao also understood the seriousness of the problem.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that firearms played a very important role in his overthrow of the Yuan Dynasty.

Although it is not the only factor in his success, it is one of the most important factors.

If the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty also obtained firearms technology, even if it was not as advanced as that of the Ming Dynasty, it would still be enough to pose a considerable threat.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang was deep in thought, Wei Wu's words made him feel even more depressed.

"And artillery is only the most basic technology. If nothing unexpected happens, they also stole other important technologies."

Hearing Wei Wu's words, Zhu Biao's eyes narrowed and he quickly asked a question.

"Xiao Wu, are you saying that the technology they stole might include a rifled flintlock rifle or a steam engine?"

Although there is no way to confirm it for the time being, Wei Wu did not deny it.

"That's right. If it was just the manufacturing technology for the large iron cannon, they wouldn't have to take such a big risk and flee the Institute of Science and Technology."

"Only something more valuable would make them willing to take the risk and use this bargaining chip to fight for wealth and glory!"

The Ming Dynasty started developing artillery very early, and the large iron cannon has been around for five or six years.

Although the Hongwu Cannon was very powerful, it was not the most advanced firearm for the Ming Dynasty at that time.

Since the two craftsmen had made up their minds to betray, they would definitely find a way to obtain the best technology before escaping.

So after listening to Wei Wu's guess, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao both nodded at the same time, both feeling that what he said made sense.

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment and then asked another question.