Afterward, the collective trial firing of the percussion cap guns by the police school instructors began.
After trying out the new guns, everyone appeared incredibly excited. They knew what it meant to have the shooting speed increased by three to four seconds.
Joseph himself also fired a few shots and just felt a huge recoil; the butt of the gun made his shoulder sore. Moreover, in terms of loading speed, even Louis XVI was streets ahead of him.
Well, as for the Crown Prince, his strength lay in his intellect; firing guns was a task best left to Kesode.
Soon, Principal Frient discovered another advantage of the percussion cap gun, “I feel that this gun has greater firepower than the 1776 model.”
Joseph nodded inwardly, as no leaking from the ignition chamber meant more of the explosive force of the gunpowder was acting on the bullet, definitely increasing the firepower.
An instructor standing by nodded, “I feel it too. Moreover, this gun doesn’t spray gunpowder smoke in your face when firing, so it won’t sting your eyes.”
Of course, this was also due to the elimination of the ignition chamber. The ignition chamber was close to the shooter’s face, and the leaked gas from there would seriously interfere with the sight, which was not a problem with the percussion cap gun.
The excitement continued with shots and discussions until they had used up the seventy to eighty percussion caps they brought, and only then did they stop, reluctantly.
The fact proved that Louis XVI’s craftsmanship was extremely superb; each gun was fired nearly 40 times in succession without any issue.
Only the King stood aside with a look of wistful grievance. He had come here to try shooting, but in the end, he had only fired two shots. And due to his social anxiety, he found it hard to ask these strangers for a gun…
The empty guns were collected by Louis XVI’s attendants. Frient looked towards Joseph and asked, “Your Highness, are these two new guns made in Charleville? What are they called?”
Charleville city was the largest firearm manufacturing site in France; most of the new guns were developed there previously.
Joseph, however, turned to Louis XVI and bowed, “No, these guns were personally crafted by His Majesty the King.”
Louis XVI smiled shyly but happily. He wanted to add that the gun was designed by the Crown Prince, but his social anxiety made him stammer, and he couldn’t explain clearly for a long time.
“As for the name of the gun,” Joseph pondered for a moment, “I suggest calling it the ‘Auguste 1788 model’ percussion cap rifle.”
Everyone shouted the new name of the gun, and there was another round of cheering, “Auguste 1788 model! The best gun in all of Europe!”
“This is the new era of firearms, the Auguste 1788 model!”
“Long live the King!”
Louis XVI’s full name was Louis Auguste.
Joseph was very clear that currently, the greatest prestige of the Royal Family still rested with his father. Raising his father’s prestige meant increasing the prestige of the entire Royal Family. As for himself, he was still operating behind the scenes, and it was more impactful to bestow the honor on his father.
Louis XVI was taken aback at first, but when he heard the surrounding shouts and praises, his heart blossomed with joy, and he immediately began to imagine the majestic sight of guns bearing his name sweeping through enemies across Europe. The regret of not having fired more shots earlier had long since vanished.
He did feel as though he had stolen the Crown Prince’s credit, but since his son had so enthusiastically given him the right to name it, he surely couldn’t disappoint his son’s kind intentions.
Afterward, Louis XVI, surrounded by a crowd, toured the police school training ground, watched the police officers’ drill exercises, and then embarked on the return journey, feeling completely satisfied.
In the carriage, Louis XVI reflected on this brief outing—there was none of the usual pageantry of a convoy, only heartfelt commendations from the people. This filled him with sheer exhilaration and joy.
Joseph smiled from across the room. “Father, I plan to build a gunsmithing factory near Paris to produce the new percussion cap guns. When the time comes, I’ll need you to guide the craftsmen in the manufacturing process.”
“A new gunsmithing factory?” Louis XVI was somewhat surprised. “Won’t you produce them in Charleville?”
Joseph replied subconsciously, “These guns are an important means of controlling the military, of course…”
Louis XVI’s eyes sparkled with clarity. “Control the military? But the military is very loyal to me.”
Joseph silently rubbed his forehead, not knowing how to explain to his father—if you really had control over the military, you wouldn’t have failed to move a single troop into Paris during the crisis.
He had to redirect. “Loyal to you, ah, yes, of course.
“It’s just that the percussive cap guns are complex to fabricate. Currently, you have a comprehensive grasp of the entire process. We can’t expect you to go to Charleville and teach the other craftsmen, right? So it’s best to produce them directly near Paris.
“Besides, there are other new types of weapons in the future that will require your expertise in research and manufacturing. Having the factory right next to the Palace of Versailles will also be more convenient.”
Louis XVI was immediately convinced and nodded slightly. “Building a new factory will cost quite a bit of money. Hmm, I can provide 500,000 livres now, is that enough?”
Joseph was moved—it’s not every day you find a good employee… ah, no, a good father who funds research and development.
He quickly replied, “That should be enough, and if it’s not, I’ll contribute some more. Oh, and don’t forget to send someone to the gun factories in Charleville, Saint-etienne and others to recruit skilled craftsmen so we can start manufacturing the new guns as soon as possible.” Explore stories at m,v l’e-NovelFull.net
Joseph had calculated that with the King’s personal summons and the chance to live in the prosperous Paris, those craftsmen would surely find the offer irresistible.
This way, his armament factory could be up and running in no time.
Once the percussion cap guns were made, the combat power of his Guard Corps would instantly become the best in all of Europe!
He then remembered that a real strong army can’t stay on the training grounds forever; it’s the smoke of the battlefield that would rapidly foster their growth.
When it comes to places, North Africa was a good training ground—its armies weren’t as strong as those in Europe, nor as weak as the natives in America.
But how to circumvent those British and intervene in North Africa?
…
A few hours later, the carriage entered the Versailles Palace Square. It was Joseph’s carriage; he needed to drop off Louis XVI first, and besides, he wanted to talk to Brian about grains and the North Africa matter.
As soon as father and son alighted from the carriage, Joseph caught sight of a figure dressed as a priest respectfully waiting outside the gate while Louis XVI frowned slightly, pretended not to see, and hurried past.
Seeing the priest’s despondent look, Joseph asked Louis XVI in a low voice, “Father, is Principal Talleyrand here to discuss something?”
Louis XVI sighed. “It’s about his promotion to Archbishop.”
“And then?”
“He’s qualified and the Church agrees. It’s just that your mother is unhappy that he once spoke ill of her in private, so she’s holding back on signing off his promotion. He always comes to plead with me.”
Joseph nodded silently to himself; Talleyrand was definitely talented, and this was a good opportunity to bring him into his service.