In the next competition between crucible steel and 100 steel, the former was defeated. Hundred steels are worthy of being made of hundred steels, and there is not a trace left on the knives, while the knives produced by crucible steel leave an obvious chip.

But even so, everyone was excited! The weapons made of 100 steels, when encountering ordinary weapons, are generally determined by those who see them, and there is no room for turn. Although the weapons made by crucible steelmaking are not enough to compete with the hundred steels, it is not completely without the power to fight. In addition, it greatly simplifies the weapons manufacturing process and makes it easier to spread throughout the army.

That night, until the city gate was closed, Tian Fan returned to Xiapi with exhaustion and excitement.

The next day, as soon as the sky was bright, Tian Fan woke up. Mi Zhen still slept sweetly, and her face still had the spring color of last night. Tian Fan looked at her pretty face and couldn't help but kiss it gently. Only then did she break free from her warm embrace and prepare to get dressed and washed.

This slight movement woke her up, remembering the madness of last night, and a touch of peach color crept up her cheeks. Grabbing Tian Fan's hand, she said with silky eyes: "Husband, got up so early?" ”

Tian Fan smiled, reached out and took a handful of her, and said, "Zhen'er, I have to be busy!" You, hehe, honestly sleep a little longer. Hehe, was it a little ruthless last night? ”

Mi Zhen couldn't stand it a little, she covered her face shyly, and said in a trembling voice: "Husband...... Jun, you better hurry up and take Qian'er and a few people, Zhen'er can't stand it! ”

Tian Fan said while putting on his clothes: "Haha, Qian'er and Xiaoqing are still too young, Yu'er...... Yu'er is not young in age, but her heart is even younger, as for Hui'er......" He shook his head sadly and said, "I have the heart of that thief, but I don't have the courage of that thief!" As he spoke, he patted Mi Zhen's plump buttocks and said, "So, lady, you will have to work a lot harder in the future!" ”

Mi Zhen couldn't stand it anymore, and with a sigh, she shrank into the quilt!

Tian Fan is not used to letting Xiaohe and Xiaolian serve the two Mi Zhen's dowry girls, and Fangcao and Gui Zhi are also preparing to marry Tang Yi and Tang Er, so he is generally served by Mi Zhen and dressed. But last night was too excited, and the toss was a little ruthless, and now Mi Zhen is still soft, how can he not feel distressed? Mi Zhen also knew Tian Fan's personality, so she was naturally happy to sleep for a while.

After a few bites of breakfast, Tian Fan set off to the craftsman camp!

thought that he had come early, but when he arrived, he saw that Pu Yuan, Ma Jun and others had been waiting for a long time.

Then yesterday's events, everyone got busy again.

Today, Tian Fan did not continue to look at Pu Yuan steelmaking, with yesterday's explanation and practical operation, Tian Fan believes that he is as smart as Pu Yuan, and has mastered all the key technologies of crucible steelmaking. He took Ma Jun and went straight to the ballista.

The ballista is the task given to Ma Jun by Tian Fan when Tian Fan and Ma Jun met for the first time. Ma Jun and Liu Lao also worked hard for this, and it was not until a month ago that the problem of balancing the power of the left and right torsion springs of the ballista was solved.

When Ma Jun was studying the ballista, he absorbed the principle of the bed crossbow base, giving it the ability to turn freely and adjust the firing angle. At the same time, he designed a set of metal racks on the beam, so that the winding did not have to be done in one go, which not only saved effort, but also adjusted the force of the ballista when it was fired, so as to obtain the required range.

Not only can it shoot stone bullets, but it can also shoot crossbow arrows, and best of all, it can also fire jars! Imagine putting oil in the jar, lighting it and launching it, and when the jar is broken, the flames will burst out, which must be very enjoyable!

Looking at this big guy, Tian Fan nodded with satisfaction. He asked, "Deheng, have you tried it?" ”

Ma Jun nodded and said, "My lord, we tried!" A stone weighing one stone can shoot two hundred and fifty steps, and if it is a crossbow arrow, hehe, the farthest can reach six hundred steps! ......However, after a slight pause, he continued: "This thing is very unbearable for the user whenever it is fired, and the crossbow machine is also unbearable. In addition, the size is too large and can only be used when defending the city, which is a bit of a fly in the ointment. ”…,

Tian Fan glanced at him and said with a smile: "Deheng, is it that you are tired and stupid every day in the matter of the craftsman's camp?" ”

Ma Jun was stunned for a moment and asked, "Why did your lord say this?" ”

Tian Fan pointed to the ballista and said, "Hehe, look at this thing, is there a hundred rounds of crossbow?" A 100-round crossbow can be cared, why can't this thing? Besides, if this is installed on our warship, then who are our sailors afraid of? ”

Ma Jun suddenly realized, and said again and again: "Oh, I'm really stupid!" ”

Tian Fan continued: "As for the problem of the anti-shock force you mentioned, I have a way to solve it!" However, this method still depends on the shelf I said yesterday......" Shaking his head, Tian Fan said: "Hehe, talking and talking, it's back to square one!" ”

Ma Jun smiled slightly and said, "My lord, can you really do what you said?" ”

Tian Fan nodded and said, "Of course it's done, it's just ...... I have to provide enough fine iron from Pu Yuan! ”

Turning his head, Tian Fan saw that Ma Jun's eyes were red, and his cheeks were much thinner than when he first saw him, he couldn't help but feel a little distressed, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Deheng, work is important, but you can't focus on it!" Sometimes, when you go out for a walk and have fun, you get some inspiration. Well, so be it, I have some supplements at home, and you'll order them in a few days. ”

Ma Jun smiled, and was not polite, and arched his hand: "Thank you, my lord!" ”

Tian Fan bowed his head slightly and asked, "Is there any defect in the ballista?" ”

Ma Jun nodded and said: "My lord, this ballista is still a primary product, the first one we produced, and there are still many problems!" ”

"Oh? What's the problem, you talk about it! ”

Ma Jun nodded and said, "It's mainly a matter of winding!" The power of the ballista is very large, if it is full of strings, I am afraid that it can have the strength of nearly two hundred stones, and it is too difficult to wind it. Secondly, the fit between the various parts of the ballista is not very reasonable, resulting in a limited service life. In the case of this one, after 60 experiments, the torsion spring force on both sides was different, and many parts also cracked. ”

Shaking his head, he said with some sore teeth: "This thing is not as simple as I originally thought!" ”

Tian Fan bowed his head slightly, and said: "It's okay, now that the main structure has been perfected, you can debug it carefully!" Well, so be it, I don't have high requirements for the lifespan of the ballista, as long as you can use it two hundred times without deviation. What do you think? ”

Ma Jun nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll do my best!" ”

Looking at this ballista, Tian Fan said: "As for the winding problem you mentioned, well, so let's do it, I'll figure it out!" Yesterday I said that you want to add a moving pulley to the winding position, and you don't think so. Hehe, actually...... This movable pulley has to wait, I think, the key stress part of it, also needs to be made of fine iron. ”

After a pause, Tian Fan continued: "Actually, you can use a winch, but the amount of energy that a winch can save is very limited, so I think it's better to wait." Anyway, there will be no war in the near future, we are not in a hurry! ”

Ma Jun nodded noncommittally and did not speak.

Tian Fan shook his head, thinking in his heart that steel, the amount of steel produced by Pu Yuan, had become the key point of many weapons! Mo knives, cloth bag armor, ballistas, 100-round crossbows, etc., all need steel!

The two discussed the issue of ballistas, and it was not until noon that they left for the blacksmith's quarters.

As it turned out, Pu Yuan's luck was excellent yesterday! The quality of the first furnace steel is very good, but the quality of the second furnace steel tested today is very poor! The weapons created are much worse than the fifty refining swords.

When Pu Yuan was worried, when he saw Tian Fan coming, he hurriedly stepped forward to explain the situation, and Tian Fan was also stunned.

After pondering for a while, Tian Fan said: "Pu Yuan, actually...... Crucible steelmaking is also a complex technical work, how much raw materials to add, how much iron ore powder to add, how much pig iron to add, all of which need to be explored by you. Don't rush, take your time! This furnace steel cannot make weapons, and that is because it is not hard enough. However, if its hardness is not enough, the elasticity must be very high, and this steel is suitable for the frame of a crossbow machine. Your next job is to master the heat required for steelmaking, how much ratio is needed for soft steel, and how much ratio is needed for hard steel, you carefully study it! ”…,

Pu Yuan nodded and said, "My lord, I know!" ”

Tian Fan patted him on the shoulder and said, "You can study it slowly, and Zhang Lao, you also have to learn it." I don't require you to be able to hit every shot, but you have to have nine out of ten. You can't wait for the steel to come out of the furnace every time, and you know after you have tried it that the furnace steel is not suitable for making swords, only for other things. Do you understand? ”

Pu Yuan and Zhao Sheng nodded again and again, and said, "Understood!" ”

Tian Fan bowed his head slightly and said, "During this time, I will come over every day." If you have any problems, we can all discuss them, and besides, don't be tired, I don't want the steel to be made and you will be tired! ”

The two nodded, and couldn't help but be a little moved. Adults care so much about themselves, wouldn't it be a shame if they can't get results?

Tian Fan smiled and said, "The two of you, as well as a few Deheng, let's eat first, have dinner, and let's discuss the steel frame and pulley in my heart." ”

Several people hugged their fists and promised, and went to eat together.

"You see, that's what I'm talking about. The main component has two parts, the two parts are almost the same, both are a steel frame structure crossbar, and there are several pulleys on one side. There are grooves on the pulley, and the distance between the pulley and the crossbar is controlled within half an inch, which can prevent the rope from coming out of the pulley. One of the two bars is attached to the iron frame, and the other carries several iron hooks on the back side of the pulley, and the distance between the iron hooks is equal to the distance of the crossbow string on the crossbow arm of the 100-round crossbow. When the crossbow is wound, you only need to hook the iron hook to the crossbow string, and then pull the rope on the side of the moving pulley to complete the winding action. You see how"

This is in a house in the second camp of the craftsman, everyone has just finished eating, and they are discussing the moving pulley group that Tian Fan said.

After Tian Fan's explanation, everyone fell into deep thought.

After a while, Ma Jun nodded and said, "My lord, this pulley set is feasible, but how much effort can it save?" ”

Tian Fan thought for a while and said: "These two sets of pulleys are composed of six pulleys, well, theoretically speaking, it should be able to reduce the winding force to about one-tenth of the original!" Well, in other words, with a strength of one hundred and fifty stones, it only takes about fifteen stones to complete the winding! ”

"How much?" Ma Jun's voice turned into a chicken sound! He knows that the movable pulley block can save effort, but can it save so much effort? He couldn't help but be very suspicious!

Tian Fan looked at the incredulous looks of several people, smiled, and said, "Look, how many ropes pass between these two sets of movable pulleys?" ”

Ma Jun counted several people, and finally came to a unanimous conclusion - twelve!

Tian Fan nodded and said, "Yes, it's twelve!" Twelve ropes share the power of one hundred and fifty stones, which is equivalent to each rope only bearing one-twelfth of the strength. However, this is only a theoretical result, and in practice, the influence of friction is also taken into account. The pulley is made of steel, and the middle bearing is lubricated with a mixture of butter and beeswax, so that the friction is reduced a lot, so I say that it takes about one-tenth of the force! ”

Everyone heard the fog, and Ma Jun asked in a strange voice: "My lord, according to your meaning, if there are ten ropes in the middle, it will take one-tenth of the strength, and if there are twenty ropes, won't it only need one-twentieth of the strength?" ”

Tian Fan smiled and said, "Deheng is smart, that's right!" However, this is only theoretical data, and it is not accurate. ”

Ma Jun bowed slightly, like a curious baby, and asked, "Why?" ”

Tian Fan was stunned for a moment, and asked rhetorically: "What why?" ”

"Why...... How many ropes in the middle can increase the strength by one-half of the original strength? Why is that? ”

"Because...... This one...... Because ......" Tian Fan was a little dizzy, and after a long while, he remembered the principle, picked up the drawing, pointed to the graphics of the movable pulley block above, and explained: "Deheng, you see, there are twelve ropes connected in the middle, so let me ask you, if you want to move this crossbar by one foot, how long does this rope need to be pulled?" ”…,

Ma Jun pondered for a long time before he replied uncertainly: "One foot? ”

Tian Fan almost didn't vomit blood, he said frantically: "How can it be a foot?" You see, if you move one foot here, then the distance between the two sets of crossbars is one foot closer, and there are a total of twelve ropes in the middle, which is equivalent to each rope being shortened by one foot, so how much is the total of the twelve shortened? ”

Ma Jun blushed, he snorted twice, and then replied, "Uh...... It seems to be twelve feet! ”

Tian Fan's face was full of teachable relief, and said, "Well, Deheng is right!" You think, you used to need to pull a foot of rope to get it wound, but now you have to pull twelve feet, isn't this equivalent to changing the strength of one foot to twelve feet? So, of course, you have to save 12 times the effort! ”

After Ma Jun listened, his face was still confused, and the rest of the people were the same, Pu Yuan, Zhao Sheng, Liu Zheng and others, with the same expression, the same puzzled. After a while, Ma Jun asked timidly, "My lord, I seem to understand a little...... It's just that why does it save so much effort from one foot to twelve feet? ”

Tian Fan was completely defeated, and he said angrily: "Where did you come from so much, why? You can do whatever I tell you to say! "This thing involves the theory of doing work, but there is no such thing at this time, and it is not something that can be explained clearly in one or two sentences, so Tian Fan is a little angry.

Tian Fan has been in the top position for a long time, and the recent battle on the North Road was commanded by him, and he has experienced many lives and deaths, this anger rose, and a compelling momentum was suddenly revealed, and everyone present, including Zhou Ting, was silent for a while!

Looking at their expressions, Tian Fan hurriedly said, "I'm sorry everyone, I'm also a little anxious!" Well, I can't explain the Tao in this for a while, so let's wait until I'm free, and I'll compile a special document for you all to learn! ”

Several people listened to this and relaxed.

Ma Jun and Pu Yuan glanced at each other, and secretly thought in their hearts that that person was really a master, and the candidate he liked was really bullish!

Tian Fan continued: "It's just that if this moving pulley group wants to return to its original position and take the 100-round crossbow that has been fired again, it will take a lot of effort!" Well, however, I guess it should be enough for two people to pull the crossbar and one person to pull the rope, so it shouldn't be too much trouble. Well, you guys give it a try and let people practice more. ”

Ma Juntong hurriedly clenched his fists and listened to the order.

Pick up another drawing, which has a "U" shape on it, short on one side and long on the other. Tian Fan said: "This is what I said about the shelf!" The steel structure, as for the specific dimensions, you need to build it yourself according to the dimensions of the crossbow machine. The short rod is in front, which requires that the crossbow machine cannot be delayed, and the long rod is in the back, which is required to be able to withstand huge forces. ”

After a pause, he continued: "The stressed elements in the crossbow machine still need to be transformed into a steel structure. In normal application, the stressed elements of the steel structure must be easy to turn and free to fire, just like the wooden ones. When winding, the crossbow machine is put back in place, and the rope that has long been tied to the steel stressed element is put on the short vertical rod. The long one, on the other hand, is connected to a crossbar without a hook in the movable pulley block. When winding, the force on the stressed element of the crossbow machine will be transmitted to the steel frame short rod through the rope, and the force on the crossbow arm will be transmitted to the steel frame long rod through the pulley group. It is equivalent to that all the force is borne by this steel frame, and it will not cause too much force to the crossbow machine.

In addition, because the stressed elements are replaced with a steel frame structure, and the steel frame structure is elastic enough, in this way, the anti-shock force during firing is buffered, and the service life of the crossbow machine can be longer. How do you feel? ”

Several people watched for a long time, and finally, Pu Yuan spoke, and he said: "My lord, this design is reasonable, but ...... I wonder if you have considered the weight of these steels? The weight of the 100-round crossbow itself is already fifteen stones, if the stressed element is changed to steel, plus this steel frame, then its weight may exceed thirty stones, such a large force, ordinary horses and carriages, it is difficult to support! ”…,

Tian Fan was dumbfounded, he really hadn't thought about this question! Thirty stones, equivalent to the weight of 1,500 catties, is heavy enough. The simple carriage of this era, able to withstand is good, but ...... Its use is extremely limited! It's not okay if the ground is uneven, and it's not okay if the ground is too soft......

After thinking for a while, Tian Fan's eyes lit up, he patted his hand, and said, "There is a way!" In this way, we use a four-wheeled carriage! By the way, in the future, the promotion of four-wheeled carriages among the people can increase the transportation capacity. Well, in the baggage camp, there are now wheelbarrows and two-wheeled carriages, and if four-wheeled carriages are used, then the transportation capacity can also be increased on a large scale! He thought of the European four-wheeled carriage that often appeared in the movies! It has a large load capacity, a soft connection between the horses, and can travel at high speeds, well, it's a good thing!

Several people looked at each other with strange faces, but they didn't speak!

Tian Fan realized that something was wrong, so he wouldn't make a fool of himself again, right? He couldn't help but ask with some weakness, "What's wrong, isn't it?" ”

Ma Jun blushed slightly, and said worriedly: "My lord, the four-wheeled carriage and the six-wheeled carriage have been available for a long time, but ...... It can only be used as a monarch's hearse, you are ......"

Pu Yuan blushed a little, and he said: "My lord, our Xuzhou terrain is flat, and most of it is plain. If it is in other places, such as Sichuan and Shu, where there are many mountainous areas, such as Jiangnan, where the three mountains and rivers are divided into fields, the four-wheeled carriage is useless! ”

Liu Zheng blushed a little, and he said: "My lord, the rainy season here is relatively concentrated, and in the rainy season, the ground is muddy, not to mention the four-wheeled carriage, even the two-wheeled carriage, it is not easy to walk!" ”

Zhao Sheng blushed a little, and he said, "My lord, the horses needed for the four-wheeled carriage must be at least two, or even four, and we ...... Where do you get so many horses? ”

Zhou Ting blushed a little, and he said, "My lord, listen to what you mean, and you still want to promote it among the people?" Belch...... In order to prevent the people from rebelling, the imperial court generally forbade the people to raise horses in peacetime...... Without horses, the carriage ......"

"Uh......" Tian Fan also blushed a little!

After a long pause, he said cautiously, "That...... Well...... well, the four-wheeled carriage should be built, I think that thing is still useful! As for the weight of the crossbow, uh......" swallowed and foamed, and he said cautiously: "Is there no way?" "It's really a bit of a big fool today, he has to be careful!

Seeing Tian Fan's trembling appearance, everyone hurriedly adjusted their moods and forced themselves to forget everything that had just happened. In other words, although it is very relieving to see the leader make a fool of himself, it is really not a good thing!

Ma Jun said: "My lord, we don't have a good way...... It's too heavy for the horses to drag. Unless with manpower! ”

Tian Fan nodded and asked, "So, can you design a larger two-wheeled carriage specifically to carry the crossbow machine?" ”

Ma Jun thought for a while and said, "It's not impossible, it's just ...... It needs to be dragged by four horses, and in addition, the wheels have to be specially handled, and the places that should be reinforced should be well reinforced. ”

Tian Fan nodded and said: "Four horses are just four horses, anyway, you don't need to build too many crossbows and ballistas, and the equipment of the whole army in the field is a thousand to the sky!" We don't care about the ships and the walls. Well, in this way, up to four thousand horses, I don't think it's too much of a problem! By the way, it is best to add a few supporting legs to the front and rear wheels of the vehicle, and when in use, they can be framed to facilitate the stability of the vehicle. When not in use, take it back again without delaying the vehicle. Well, is there anything else? ”

Ma Jun thought for a while and said, "Well, it seems that there is no more!" ”

Tian Fan said: "Then so be it!" Well, on the side of the crossbow machine, the key point now is the steel in Puyuan, you have to hurry! ”

Pu Yuan listened and nodded hurriedly.

Ma Jun turned a few times in his mind and said, "In this case, let's wait until our crossbow machines are built, and then consider arranging the design data of the carriage according to the shape of the crossbow machine." ”

Tian Fan smiled and said, "Deheng, you have to pay attention to this matter!" I thought that the craftsman camp would be able to show its face this time, but I didn't expect there to be so many inappropriate. After a pause, he said: "That's it, when the carriage is designed, hand over the drawings and specific data to me, and I'll find someone to build it!" ”

Several people couldn't help but be stunned, but after they understood in an instant, they couldn't help but want to laugh. Tian Fan's abacus is really loud, doesn't he have a furniture workshop at home? The wheelbarrow, which has now become popular in the whole army, was made by his family. Hehe, this is to get business for yourself in advance! A thousand taels of carriages is enough for them to be busy for a while.

Still, they didn't see anything wrong with it! First, this is human nature, and secondly, the quality of the things produced in the Tianjia woodware workshop is guaranteed. Just like the wheelbarrow, which began to equip the army in February last year and was not equipped until September, the whole army has used more than 3,000 vehicles, and there has not been a single quality problem until now. That thing is good, convenient, easy to maintain, the load capacity is quite large, and it can also take complex paths.