Chapter 1023: Chapter 1021: Different Dreams

Previously, whether it was the blast furnace or the steam engine, the experiments and operational status were discussed in the Imperial Study Room.

This time, the Ministry of Public Works was able to present these matters during the morning court session because they had received the emperor’s authorization.

With a solemn expression, the emperor looked down as Minister of Public Works Dong Bolin stepped forward and detailed the operation situations of the iron-smelting furnaces that incorporated blast furnace components over these past days since the New Year.

After that, he expanded on how the extensive application of blast furnaces in smelting could increase the iron material output of the Great Xia Dynasty. With an abundant supply of iron materials, their usage could extend across various industries, greatly enhancing productivity in all civilian sectors.

This would especially have a powerful effect on the defense system at the borders of the Great Xia Dynasty.

No sooner had Dong Bolin finished speaking than Cheng Dahui stepped forward and reported: “Your Majesty, I have more to say.”

Cheng Dahui was one of the main developers of the steam engine and blast furnace. Speaking now, he was sure to offer comments beneficial to the application of machines.

The emperor nodded: “Beloved Minister Cheng, speak freely.”

“Yes.” Cheng Dahui bowed and continued, “In the past, the main constraint on smelting technology was the smelting temperature. Because the smelting furnace couldn’t increase its temperature, many materials couldn’t be properly melted with iron, resulting in extremely limited performance of iron materials.

Now, with a powerful blast furnace capability, these iron-smelting furnaces can incorporate many materials that are difficult to smelt. By smelting these with iron ore, the strength of the resulting iron materials can be significantly enhanced.”

The civil officials felt little about Cheng Dahui’s comments, but for military generals, the strength of iron materials was an absolutely sensitive topic.

The Minister of War, himself a scholar-general, was very interested in what Cheng Dahui had said, promptly asking: “Lord Cheng means to say that in the future, the swords and spears crafted for our soldiers will have sharper blades and stronger penetration without dulling easily. Is that so?”

Not just the Minister of War, all the military generals at the court were now intently watching Cheng Dahui after hearing the minister’s words.

On the battlefield, there aren’t many excuses or explanations. Taking up a big sword for continuous hours of battle is a frequent occurrence.

To prevent weapons from dulling, sword blades are made conservatively sharp, fearing that constant strikes against armor and club weapons would quickly dull them.

Such weapons, when wielded, require immense force, consuming soldiers’ strength greatly.

Conversely, if the material used for weapons is sufficiently hard, blades can be made thin and sharp. With the same effort, such weapons can inflict double the damage on the enemy army.

This battlefield advantage, for generals fighting on the frontline, is synonymous with winning battles and reducing casualties.

Although Cheng Dahui considered himself inferior to Wong Qiao and Shi Yin in many aspects, his years at the Imperial Workshops Bureau had given him insights into the art of smelting.

The ancient famed swords were said to cut a strand of hair; this was partly due to advanced smelting technology but also largely because they mastered furnace temperatures, using some method to raise them, allowing more materials to integrate during smelting, significantly altering and strengthening the blade material.

Whenever he thought about the Celestial Empire producing weapons comparable to famed swords in the future, Cheng Dahui couldn’t contain his excitement.

Though his heart was extremely excited, he remained prudent in his speech: “Lord, it does seem possible, but whether it succeeds still needs gradual experimentation with the blast furnace. Only with smelting results can conclusions be drawn. However, I believe strengthening iron material is highly likely to succeed.”

Ah, ancient famed swords, soon to be created by his own hands; he hasn’t lived his life in vain!

Cheng Dahui had his mind on smelting technology and ancient famed swords, whereas other generals at the court were concerned with battlefield losses and the advantage weapons bring in enhancing military strength.

The emperor, however, considered it comprehensively, thinking beyond the battlefield and national defense, pondering civil life as well. Large amounts of iron materials used among civilians could greatly enhance their labor power.

Once the populace prospers, the nation’s power will strengthen to what extent!

A Wise and Virtuous Monarch indeed!

At this point, the emperor had almost fallen to the same degree as Cheng Dahui, both driven by a dream in their hearts.

Fortunately, both dreams benefit the nation and its people. What is that saying… Indeed, such good fortune for the world, great fortune for the people.

The emperor felt extremely proud. Ancient smelting technology inherited for so many years has, in his generation, finally made breakthrough progress.

The track technology applied these past years, along with agriculture tools, construction implements, and smelting technology capable of transforming various industries, plus the steam engine application in other fields previously mentioned by Jinrong.

In the future, when history records these, it will mention dynasties, years, reign titles, carefully writing: all these developments occurred during the Qianqing Dynasty.

Military generals and noble dignitaries at the court whispered among themselves, their anticipation and desire evident. Needless to say, after today, they will be the greatest support force for developing industry and elevate the status of artisans.

This unexpected support truly delighted the emperor briefly. With these straightforward generals who battled on the front lines backing him, implementing new policies became much more manageable.

Once the generals’ moods were sufficiently fermented, the emperor finally spoke: “Enhancing smelting technology benefits all industries across the land. To our soldiers, it also adds another avenue to defeat enemies and safeguard lives. Since such matters benefit the nation and the people, the court must take a stance.”

The emperor looked gravely at the key ministers below and continued, “Order the Ministry of Rites to arrange a day; I want to lead the relevant court officials to Huaiyuan County to observe what differences exist between iron materials smelted using blast furnaces versus traditional methods.”

This was something the emperor mentioned before, delayed then due to the blast furnace’s early usage and unreliable effectiveness. So it was Jinrong who suggested postponing the matter.

Now, with officials from the Ministry of Public Works and the Imperial Workshops Bureau personally confirming the enhancement in smelting technology, the emperor’s revisiting of the matter left the ministers with no reason to object again.

The Ministry of Rites officials and the four cabinet members reluctantly agreed.

Though they agreed, due to low enthusiasm, everything was arranged only after passing the second of February.

Reportedly, the ninth of February is a good day. At the end of Mao Hour on this day, the emperor departed the palace.

To be discreet, the emperor did not ride the conspicuous bright yellow carriage but instead donned a black cloak, mounted a horse surrounded by numerous guards, heading towards Huaiyuan County.

Those traveling with the emperor were all robust officials capable of proficient horseback riding, fortunate enough to chase the emperor’s gallant figure galloping down the official road.

Several cabinet officials and older ministers, however, had set out in a carriage from the city before dawn, hoping to arrive in Huaiyuan County ahead of the emperor.