Chapter 786 - 784: Can Strangers Just Come In?
Duke An, however, did not pursue the matter further, but stood up and said indifferently, "Hmm, it’s getting late, let’s go have dinner."
Ye Xinyan secretly wiped her sweat, uncertain whether she had managed to bluff her way through.
Speaking of gunpowder, it is said that during the Middle Ages, when the Mongol cavalry swept across Europe, they already possessed primitive firearms. They used black gunpowder, which indeed had some potency and gave them an advantage at the time. However, the main effect it had on the enemy was its shock value, which was far greater than its lethality, and all enemies who encountered it were subdued.
As for the true era of firearms, it was the Western yellow gunpowder that was used, what future generations refer to when they talk about gunpowder and explosive yield—they’re talking about nitro-based explosives. The foundation of gunpowder used in weapons is chemistry, and with the start of Western industry, a variety of chemical products sparked by alchemy allowed Western industry to truly develop.
Talking about this is a far stretch; in this era, where transportation is inconvenient, using black gunpowder as a weapon is of little significance and not promising, not to mention the process is too dangerous. Ye Xinyan was very reluctant to have craftsmen spend their energy on this.
As Ye Xinyan was leaving, she weakly added, "Grandfather, shouldn’t you avoid getting too involved in the laws and state affairs? And wouldn’t it be even worse if you were to participate with other generals and nobles?" That’s definitely courting death!
Duke An glared at her, "What business of these matters is it of yours, a girl from a family household?"
Ye Xinyan was startled by the glare, then rolled her eyes in response. Knowing full well I’m a girl from a family household, why not just let me eat and insist on asking about weapons?!
Alas, alas, alas, why is trying to do something so difficult?
She just hoped the old gentleman wouldn’t become obsessed with this and actually impede the serious affairs of the Great Xia Dynasty.
Weapons or not, as long as handicrafts are truly valued, the industrial era will naturally arrive, and by then, why worry about not having real gunpowder?
Ye Xinyan responded despondently, "Then I’ll take my leave now, I need to hurry up and write that thing about enhancing national power."