Traveling through time and space and becoming a deposed prince, he just wants to survive!

Chapter 379: West Gate of Shangjun

In Shangjun City, the atmosphere was solemn. Yan Ruxiang was nervously preparing for defense. His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed determination and resoluteness.

In Yanzhou, Daraxinbu walked into the city with a proud look on his face, his eyes full of joy of victory.

When he discovered the many captured weapons, greed instantly surged, especially the cannons, which he wanted to keep for himself.

However, after careful observation, he found that the structure of these weapons was very complex and far beyond his control.

So he hurriedly sent someone to inform Zhao Hong of the situation here.

Zhao Hong was already very interested in new weapons. When he heard the news that there were new weapons in Yanzhou, he was extremely anxious, fearing that this advanced technology would be leaked, so he immediately rushed to Yanzhou with his confidants.

Zhao Hong felt very curious when he saw these new cannons, especially the shells.

After interrogating prisoners of war, they learned how to use it. After testing it, Zhao Hong was shocked by the power of the explosion.

"If our Border Guard Army possesses such a powerful weapon, it will surely be even more powerful."

Zhao Hong couldn't help but say to Daraxinbu.

"Then congratulations to King Zhenbian for obtaining such a divine weapon."

Daraxinbu's face was full of flattery, and he tried his best to flatter Zhao Hong. Zhao Hong was very happy to hear it and enjoyed it very much.

"Find a few prisoners who know how to use these cannons and use them for our own purposes."

After all, Zhao Hong was not carried away by joy. He knew that he had to speed up the research of these weapons.

Afterwards, he returned to Dingbian City with the captives who knew how to use them, while Yanzhou was busy training soldiers to learn how to use these weapons.

After returning to Dingbian City, Zhao Hong also learned the reason for the failure of Yanzhou from the captives.

"It was all because the Shenwu Cannon had a long range. We didn't anticipate it, so we were defeated."

The prisoner said tremblingly.

"Look, is there any way to modify their cannons to have a longer range?"

Zhao Hong eagerly asked the craftsmen present.

"Your Highness, since they said they used our cannons to fight back, that means our previous cannons were capable of long-range fire using the technology of this shell."

A craftsman thought for a moment and then spoke.

"Well, you're right, take it as a reward!"

Zhao Hong was overjoyed when he heard this and felt proud to have such an intelligent person under his command.

Seeing the reward, another craftsman couldn't wait to say: "The cannon they made focuses on the tail end, so we can also use their principle and change the size."

Zhao Hong's eyebrows suddenly frowned together, and he was secretly happy in his heart: There must be brave men under great rewards. It turns out that rewards can inspire people's wisdom.

So, another reward of silver was given out.

Everyone pieced together various ideas, and after screening, a large-caliber artillery piece was finally formed.

But the problem of artillery shells put them in a difficult position.

The fuse was similar to the oil rope and nitre they used to use, but something always felt wrong.

The most important thing is that after the gunpowder was poured in, the explosion effect was unsatisfactory.

The craftsmen took out the original explosives, studied them carefully for a long time, and conducted many experiments with different proportions. Finally, they obtained a formula that could produce greater power.

Better than nothing! An exploding shell is better than a lump of iron.

Three days later, a batch of bombs and large artillery were finally produced.

Although it is not as huge as the Shenwu Cannon, its range is not inferior to this behemoth, and may even be longer.

"Send these weapons to Qi Guanlie's team, and notify Dara Xinbu's team to attack the city together."

Zhao Hong gave the order decisively.

"Yes!"

Under Zhao Hong's command, a team of 5,000 people, escorting new cannons, rushed towards Qi Guanlie's team.

Since the fall of Yanzhou, Yan Ruxiang and Shan Ning have been preparing for war for six days, but they have never seen the enemy attack the city.

They were full of doubts. There were clearly 300,000 enemies outside the city. Were they just pretending to surround the city without attacking?

Daraxinbu placed twenty powerful cannons outside Shangjun City, along with various weapons, including captured weapons, and kept his troops stationed at the South Gate.

Shan Ning tried to launch a sneak attack several times, but was persuaded by Yan Ruxiang.

"No one knows what the enemy is planning to do. Furthermore, there are 180,000 enemies waiting covetously for us at the west gate. If we leave the city, it's undoubtedly a trap set by the enemy."

Yan Ruxiang said worriedly.

Just when everyone didn't know what to do, the spies ahead reported that the enemy at the west gate was approaching.

"Is the enemy planning to attack the city from the west gate?" Shan Ning asked with a puzzled look on his face.

"I always feel like something is wrong. The cannons at the south gate are all set up, so why aren't they taking action? Instead, the west gate is approaching?"

Yan Ruxiang took off his helmet and scratched his head irritably.

"Could it be a diversionary tactic?"

"I think it's a pretext to attack from the west..."

Shi Yongzhi and others looked at Yan Ruxiang and Shan Ning talking to each other and felt confused.

However, it was Ximen who started the battle first. More than a dozen cannons fired bombs, which caught Shan Ning off guard.

The Shenwu cannon at the South Gate, using explosive shells, began its attack at a distance of nearly two thousand steps.

In an instant, cannonballs whizzed in from the two gate towers of Shangjun, instantly enveloping the entire city gate in thick smoke.

Many fortifications were destroyed in an instant, and most soldiers were blown to pieces.

Seeing this, Shan Ning knew that the situation was not good and decisively ordered a retreat, not even caring about the mortars on the city walls.

At the west gate, after several rounds of bombing, Shan Ning discovered a problem.

"Have you noticed? The enemy's artillery isn't very powerful, nor is it very accurate. They're focusing their attacks on specific points."

Xu Xiang, who was standing beside him, said, "That's true. How about I take the artillery company forward and see how many of our mortars are still intact?"

Niu Kun from the Second Regiment rushed in and said, "Let me go. It's too dangerous up there."

"Bullshit, the artillery company is from our regiment, so of course I'm going."

Xu Xiang knew that Niu Kun was doing this for his own good, but how could he be willing to give up such a dangerous mission?

"Alright, Captain, take your men up there. I don't think our current charge is strong enough to hit the enemy. First, determine the distance, then organize a counterattack."

Shan Ning ordered Xu Xiang seriously.

"Yes, I promise to complete the mission."

After receiving the order, Xu Xiang promised firmly.

After Xu Xiang led his men out of the bunker, Shan Ning ordered Niu Kun, "Lead your men out from the north gate, carrying ten mortars, go around behind the enemy, and find a way to destroy the enemy's artillery formation."

Seeing that he had his own mission, Niu Kun excitedly replied, "Don't worry, Commander, I promise to make it clear to you."

Shan Ning smiled and patted Niu Kun on the shoulder and said, "Be careful and bring your brothers back alive."

Life and death are unpredictable on the battlefield, and no one can guarantee that they can come back alive, but Shan Ning's advice made Niu Kun's eyes moist instantly.

He knew that this trip might be dangerous, but he firmly believed that he could complete the mission.