Chapter 158: Ten Guns A Day, Who Would Believe It!
Li Muzhi explained all the loading and aiming operations of the rocket launcher.
He explained very carefully, detailing every single aspect.
Even Old Zhang on the side quickly got it all figured out.
Old Zhang couldn’t help but reach out, wanting to feel it for himself.
But Old Zhang soon suppressed that impulse.
He should still stick to the essential work of a head of logistics; holding weapons and fighting wars is a matter for combat troops.
After listening to Li Muzhi’s explanation, Li Yunlong immediately asked Liu Weidong first thing: “Scholar, you brought over so many things; are you planning to take the testing rights?”
Right after, Li Yunlong added: “Testing this rocket launcher can’t afford any carelessness, and it absolutely can’t go wrong and get captured by the enemy. So this dirty and tiring work, I’ll do it; what do you think?”
Gao Liujin didn’t say a word.
In his view, as soon as the scholar opened his mouth, Gao Liujin definitely wouldn’t have a chance.
And the scholar wouldn’t stay silent.
“Dirty and tiring work, and Li Yunlong, you’re still fighting over it?” Liu Weidong glanced at Li Yunlong.
“Labor is the most glorious.” Li Yunlong explained, “A bookish person like you should still take time to read more books. Testing the rocket launcher is tiring work; it’s perfect for a rough guy like me.”
“Actually, I have zero interest in this testing right.” Liu Weidong looked faintly at Li Yunlong. “Since Regimental Commander Li, you’re so interested, then you go ahead and take the trouble.”
Liu Weidong had just pulled off another big haul, getting large caliber steel pipes from the Japanese invaders and six thousand jin of sugar; the Japanese invaders on the 115th Division side had all gone mad.
Liu Weidong wasn’t suitable for any new actions right now.
So from start to finish, Liu Weidong had absolutely no interest in testing this rocket launcher.
Anyway, if the test succeeds, we just copy the experience over; it’s convenient and saves time.
What Liu Weidong was truly interested in was still the factory director of this Border Region Arsenal right in front of him.
He didn’t know if there would be a chance to chat more this time.
“Scholar, you’re not fooling me…” Hearing Liu Weidong had no interest in fighting for the testing rights, Li Yunlong was overjoyed and surprised.
In Li Yunlong’s view, as soon as Liu Weidong spoke up, he couldn’t compete.
He hadn’t expected this Liu Weidong to not fight for it.
Fair enough, fair enough!
Li Yunlong quickly figured out the reason.
Although he didn’t know the exact enemy situation on the 115th Division side right now, Liu Weidong had just fleeced the Japanese invaders hard again, so those little Japanese invaders must be hunting him like crazy.
Under this background, Liu Weidong’s troops indeed weren’t suitable for operations.
But things were different on our side.
The Japanese invaders were fighting fiercely with the Jin Sui Army and direct line army; we had plenty of opportunities to strike from behind.
He just couldn’t quite understand it.
Why didn’t the scholar overstep this time?
He could totally take the rocket launcher and test it on our side.
Could it be this guy suddenly grew a conscience?
Li Yunlong didn’t know the real reason was that Liu Weidong wasn’t familiar with the enemy situation here; without familiarity, Liu Weidong wouldn’t act rashly.
He wasn’t the likes of Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin, who got hot-headed and charged ahead regardless; whoever became Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin’s superior would be cursed with eight generations of bad luck.
As for how Liu Weidong got the equipment and parts for making bullets last time, on one hand, Liu Weidong knew the importance of those key parts to the arsenal; on the other, it was purely Fujita Ichi delivering meat to his mouth, and Liu Weidong just went with the flow.
Before Li Yunlong could finish his delighted words, Gao Liujin on the side shouted: “Scholar, testing the rocket launcher is so important; are you really giving it up?”
In Gao Liujin’s heart, he was cursing.
You scholar, if you’re forfeiting, you should’ve said so earlier.
I’d already forfeited in front of Li Yunlong; if I compete with him again now, I’d be in the wrong.
Liu Weidong ignored Gao Liujin and looked straight at Li Muzhi, asking the key thing directly: “Factory Director Li, if the rocket launcher test succeeds, how many of the first batch of rocket launchers can be made, and roughly when?”
“There’s no such thing as a first batch.” Li Muzhi answered, “There are twelve rocket launchers for testing right now. If the test succeeds and these twelve have no issues, they can go straight to the battlefield. I’ve already said the arsenal can make its own cannon barrels; at that point, rocket launcher production can output about ten units per day.”
These twelve test rocket launchers were all refitted from mortar cannon barrels, which could be used right away and were quite convenient.
The arsenal making new cannon barrels didn’t require top quality, so production efficiency was decent, able to supply cannon barrels for ten rocket launchers per day.
“Ten rocket launchers a day?” Everyone present was shocked without exception.
This rocket launcher counted as artillery too.
Even producing ten rifles a day would be remarkable.
But this was producing artillery.
Ten cannons a day—who would dare believe it!
Even Old Zhang, who didn’t understand military industry production, couldn’t help questioning Li Muzhi: “Xiao Li, can this rocket launcher really produce ten units a day? We can’t even make rifles, yet we can make ten rocket launchers—it’s too unbelievable.”
Li Yunlong and the others all looked at Li Muzhi, waiting for his answer.
Li Muzhi explained: “Why traditional artillery takes so long to make is because cannon barrels require very high standards, with many processes that are time-consuming. But this rocket launcher’s cannon barrel doesn’t need such high quality, saving a lot of processes and time. As for making rifles, the hardest part is seamless steel pipes and rifling, which have the same high requirements as cannon barrels, so we can’t make rifles yet. But I believe the Border Region Arsenal producing its own rifles is just a matter of time.”
Later generations had rocket launchers with modular design, main structure made of plastic parts, relatively few overall parts, and production speed that was frighteningly fast.
The Border Region Arsenal here didn’t have conditions to produce plastic right now; otherwise, Li Muzhi could greatly boost capacity.
Hearing Li Muzhi’s explanation, Li Yunlong still said: “Even so, producing ten rocket launchers a day is still scary.”
That was three hundred in a month.
Over three thousand six hundred in a year.
Think about it!
Our troops holding over three thousand rocket launchers, leveraging guerrilla warfare advantages—which Japanese invader wouldn’t get a headache?
Even if the Emperor’s guard detachment came, they’d have to tuck their tails obediently!
Zhang Wanhe burst out laughing: “Good, haha, good! Producing ten rocket launchers a day—I’ll report to headquarters leadership right away. Then the price will definitely be fair; you can all rest assured, everyone will definitely get their share.”
But Li Muzhi’s tone was very calm: “Ten a day is actually very slow. In a year, just over three thousand, while our troops number at least two or three hundred thousand. On average, a hundred people would share one rocket launcher. Meanwhile, the Japanese army equips a squad with two grenade launchers; the arsenal’s production efficiency still needs optimization.”
And then.
No one could guarantee the arsenal could keep stable production.
As our weapons caused growing trouble for the Japanese invaders, they’d target the arsenal more and more.
Once the Japanese invaders affected the arsenal’s production, output would be impacted.
In Li Muzhi’s view, the arsenal smoothly producing over a thousand rocket launchers would be pretty good.
Li Yunlong immediately looked solemnly at Li Muzhi: “Younger Brother Li, just say it straight—what machines do you need to optimize your arsenal’s production efficiency? I’ll go rob them for you!”
Gao Liujin quickly chimed in: “Exactly. As long as you name the machines, I’ll go all out to get them for you.”
“Two of you, if there’s a chance, get machines that can produce plastic.” Li Muzhi said.
“Machines for producing plastic?” Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin both looked puzzled upon hearing that.
Around here, they’d never heard of any plastic factories.
The Japanese invaders’ plastic products seemed to all be shipped from their domestic areas.
It was Liu Weidong on the side who spoke up: “There’s a Mr. Gu in Jiangsu who imported equipment from France in 1920 and produced plastic products. When the Japanese invaders came, they forcibly occupied his factory.”
“That’s pretty far, isn’t it?” Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin exchanged glances; a long-range raid that far, with so many Japanese troops along the way, could easily mean no return.
Li Muzhi couldn’t help giving Liu Weidong another look; this guy even knew about Jiangsu’s Mr. Gu.
Li Muzhi withdrew his gaze and said to Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin: “Besides this Mr. Gu, there must be other plastic factories that aren’t well-known. Keep an eye out in the future; if you can get them, great—if not, other military industrial supplies work too.”
In Li Muzhi’s plan, getting plastic production equipment would mainly have to come from the Bald One’s side.
“Mm, alright, we’ll keep a lookout.” Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin both nodded.
Liu Weidong spoke up: “Factory Director Li, I brought large caliber steel pipes and sugar; can I reserve the first fifty rocket launchers?”
The value of the large caliber steel pipes and six thousand jin of sugar definitely exceeded fifty rocket launchers.
Liu Weidong was using his strong capital to directly cut off Li Yunlong’s priority equipment rights.
The Japanese invaders on the 115th Division side were rampant now; we weren’t suitable for operations mainly because our gear wasn’t hard enough.
If we could equip fifty rocket launchers, those little Japanese invaders would have to show some respect.
Before Li Muzhi could speak, Li Yunlong immediately cursed: “Scholar, you bastard—do you understand first-come, first-served? Li Younger Brother already promised these rocket launchers would go to me first when they’re made.”
Gao Liujin also shouted: “Factory Director Li, I’m preparing to rob a train for you; you should give me the rocket launchers first—I’m waiting to do work for you.”
Facing this situation, Old Zhang started getting a headache.
Logically, Liu Weidong was the strongest; prioritizing rocket launchers for him might bring back another surprise soon.
But!
Gao Liujin’s side couldn’t go without rocket launchers either; he was waiting to rob a military train.
Li Yunlong’s side couldn’t go without them either.
The 386th Brigade had brought quite a bit of equipment and supplies to the arsenal; now with the Japanese invaders and Jin Sui Army direct line army fighting hotly, it was a prime chance for the 386th Brigade to strike from behind.
If they succeeded, the 386th Brigade would definitely generate revenue for logistics too.
All three sides needed rocket launchers and couldn’t do without them—like one cow’s milk for three hungry kids; none could go hungry, but there wasn’t enough to go around.
Now Old Zhang understood why Li Muzhi was so calm.
On the surface, ten rocket launchers a day was fast efficiency.
In reality, the efficiency was still way too slow.
If it could produce fifty or a hundred a day, there’d be no such worries.
So Old Zhang turned to Li Muzhi: “Xiao Li, how do you plan to handle this?”
“What else? Finish the rocket launcher test first.” Li Muzhi spread his hands.
The three kids needing milk was a problem that had to be solved.
But the top priority was still completing the test.
“I’ll do this test.” Li Yunlong roared. “The scholar forfeited, Gao Liujin forfeited—only me left.”
“I’m not forfeiting; I want to reclaim my rights now.” Gao Liujin immediately shouted.
Li Muzhi said there were twelve rocket launchers.
If you, Li Yunlong, hogged them all under the name of testing, wouldn’t that be taking advantage of us?
Liu Weidong didn’t speak.
Twelve rocket launchers were just a day’s surplus output for the arsenal.
He wanted fifty, so he couldn’t be bothered fighting Li Yunlong and Gao Liujin for these mere twelve.
Moreover.
These were test rocket launchers.
If the test failed, they’d have to be remade.
“Words spoken are like spilled water!” Li Yunlong glared at Gao Liujin. “You bastard—have you no shame!”
“Can shame be used as a rocket launcher!” Gao Liujin shouted. “I’m shameless—what can you do? Bring a few dead dogs; they can’t match my two sows!”
“Sow, sow, sow—you bastard, if you don’t bring up sows, you got nothing else…” Li Yunlong grabbed Gao Liujin. “Believe it or not, I’ll beat you till you look like a sow right now.”
“Come on—you can’t beat me anyway!” Gao Liujin and Li Yunlong looked ready to fight.
Li Muzhi turned to Kong Jie: “Regiment Commander Kong, I think you should handle the rocket launcher test.”
“Me?” Kong Jie, who had been silent on the side, was suddenly flattered.
Originally.
Whether Gao Liujin or Liu Weidong, they had brought goods; Kong Jie knew his place.
He was just coal mining for the arsenal; competing for rocket launcher testing rights was a slim chance.
So Kong Jie had stayed silent.
Now Li Muzhi wanted him to do the test—Kong Jie couldn’t believe it.
Li Muzhi gave the rocket launcher testing rights to Kong Jie; Gao Liujin was stunned and looked at Li Muzhi: “Factory Director Li, how can you give the testing rights to a coal miner!”
Li Yunlong grinned and sidled up to Kong Jie: “Old Kong, I’m very familiar with the outside situation now. For your rocket launcher test, I’ll be your military advisor.”
On the surface, Li Muzhi giving Kong Jie the rocket launcher testing rights meant Li Yunlong had no chance either.
Not so!
Kong Jie coal mined at the arsenal and wasn’t familiar with the outside.
Old Kong was one of us, brothers from the same class.
If I go along, how the job gets done is up to me.
“Of course!” Kong Jie, hit by a big pie, was thrilled and agreed immediately.
“Haha, Old Kong, you’re a real good brother.” Li Yunlong slapped Kong Jie’s shoulder, delighted like he’d eaten honey.
“Damn it!” Gao Liujin, seeing this, could only give up.
Li Muzhi had people hand over the remaining eleven rocket launchers to Kong Jie, plus a hundred rockets.
The rockets were in two types, fifty each.
One was anti-personnel, specialized for killing groups.
The other was anti-fortification, able to hit gun towers and bunkers, or tanks and war vehicles; the Japanese invaders’ tanks at this time had thin armor, so the power should suffice.
“Younger Brother Li, we’ll head out then.” Seeing Kong Jie get twelve rocket launchers and a hundred rockets, Li Yunlong immediately ushered Kong Jie away.
“Damn it, the guy who brought two dead dogs really overshadowed my two sows.” Watching the scene, Gao Liujin could only glare and said to Li Muzhi and Zhang Wanhe: “Two of you, when do I get my rocket launchers? I’ll go back and wait for word.”
Three kids needing milk—if it was just Li Yunlong, Gao Liujin could try, but with Liu Weidong there, the pressure from his sugar and large caliber steel pipes was too much; Gao Liujin knew he couldn’t compete with Liu Weidong.
So he chose to go back and wait for word.
“Regimental Commander Gao, seizing a locomotive for the arsenal is the most important task.” Li Muzhi still said to Gao Liujin, “Regimental Commander Gao, get ready on your end.”
Hearing this, Gao Liujin’s eyes lit up with surprise as he looked at Li Muzhi: “Factory Director Li, so you mean the rocket launchers will go to me first?”
“The arsenal’s military industry production comes first.” Li Muzhi answered.
“Good, good, good!” Gao Liujin said three goods in a row, bursting into laughter: “Hahaha, Factory Director Li, Minister Zhang, I’ll head back then—wait for you to send the rocket launchers.”
That Li Yunlong thought he’d taken advantage—little did he know, haha.
I, Gao Liujin, had the last laugh.
Gao Liujin left joyfully; Li Muzhi looked at Liu Weidong: “Regiment Commander Liu, sorry, the rocket launchers go to Regimental Commander Gao first—you won’t mind, right?”
“The arsenal’s power is the foundation of everything; how could I mind.” Liu Weidong showed no dissatisfaction with Li Muzhi’s decision; the other was right—the arsenal’s power was the foundation; the overall situation mattered most.
“Factory Director Li, are you busy right now?” Liu Weidong asked.
Before Li Muzhi could speak, Zhang Wanhe on the side jumped in: “Regiment Commander Liu, isn’t that obvious? How could Xiao Li not be busy? He did the rocket launchers, and he’s still working on bullets; after bullets, conventional cannonballs—tons of work.”
“I see.” Liu Weidong paused, then said, “Alright then, I won’t disturb Factory Director Li’s time; I’ll head back first. Oh, right—use the six thousand jin of sugar to exchange for six Hell Cannons; use the large caliber steel pipes for rocket launchers and rockets.”
Looks like chatting with this arsenal director would have to wait.
Since he couldn’t get rocket launchers early, use the six thousand jin of sugar for Hell Cannons.
His 115th Division had only two Hell Cannons now; with large caliber steel pipes secured, exchange for a few more.
“Regiment Commander Liu, are things urgent on your end?” Li Muzhi asked one more time.
“What do you mean by that, Factory Director Li?”
“If things are urgent for you, after Gao Liujin finishes the job, we’ll allocate the rocket launchers to you.” Li Muzhi said.
Liu Weidong’s capabilities were strong; if his matters were urgent, they definitely couldn’t be delayed.
Once Gao Liujin finished the task, the rocket launchers could go to Liu Weidong’s side.
This way, neither side would be delayed.
“Good, I’ll wait for Gao Liujin to finish his task first.” Liu Weidong replied happily.
Then the rocket launchers allocated to him would effectively be priority equipment; Gao Liujin was just borrowing.
As for using six thousand jin of sugar for six Hell Cannons, Liu Weidong didn’t change it.
After all, he could get priority rocket launchers—why change?
Liu Weidong left happily; Zhang Wanhe smiled at Li Muzhi: “Xiao Li, you’re something— all these regimental commanders left thrilled.”
“Minister Zhang, I’m heading back to work on bullet warheads.” Li Muzhi turned to go.
These regimental commanders all left happily; on the surface, everyone’s emotional value was satisfied.
But there’d definitely be haggling later.
Kong Jie was fine; Liu Weidong was very understanding of the big picture, also fine.
Li Yunlong didn’t get priority equipment; Gao Liujin was just borrowing rocket launchers.
Those two would definitely clash later.
But for Li Muzhi, that was nothing.
Dealing with those two was a small matter.
“Mm, go—hurry and get the bullets done; for the arsenal, that’d be double celebration.” Zhang Wanhe wouldn’t dare delay Li Muzhi’s time.
