"Um, Your Highness, may I ask how many of these hand cannons there are altogether?"
A military officer looked at Jiang Nuan as he asked.
"There aren't any more. These are all of them. But we have another five hundred of the less powerful kind that you can hold in your hands. If you want more, you'll have to wait for the next batch."
These New-Model Hand Cannons had been made first to test their power, so there were only ten in total. There were considerably more of the old-fashioned kind, however.
"Your Majesty, our camp has had it hard! Who knows how long it's been since our weapons and equipment were replaced? We'd like some of these hand cannons."
One military officer spoke up directly.
"Your Majesty, don't listen to him! These hand cannons will be put to the best use in our hands. Give them to us first!"
The other military officers said nothing, but their eyes plainly declared two words: want them!
Jiang Yunsheng felt a headache coming on.
There were too many monks and too little porridge—not nearly enough to go around!
"What is the current production capacity?"
Jiang Yunsheng asked.
"With enough manpower, we can produce a thousand small ones and fifty large ones a month without any trouble."
An alchemist did some calculations before answering.
Jiang Yunsheng nodded. That was an excellent production rate.
"Good. In that case, get to work at once. Wei Guangliang!"
"Here!"
Wei Guangliang immediately stepped forward.
"You will have priority for the next batches. Familiarize yourself with them as quickly as possible. I want you to take Japan in three months with minimal casualties. Can you do it?"
After some thought, Jiang Yunsheng addressed Wei Guangliang.
"I can!"
Wei Guangliang's voice rang out like a great bell. With such