In the third year of Jianwu's reign in the Song Dynasty, March 1232, Jinling.
The pier in the west of Jinling City was crowded with people. The pier was crowded with people who came to watch. The decks of warships and merchant ships in the port were also overcrowded. People cheered and were excited, shouting "Long live" constantly, and many people's eyes were full of passion.
In the port, there were several naval warships moored, which were filled with naval officers wearing helmets and holding guns and knives. Officials in wide robes and long sleeves, surrounded by a young scholar in his thirties wearing a Confucian shirt, were talking to each other on the deck.
As for the officers and soldiers of the Song Army on the deck, everyone looked at Zhao Hong with awe in their eyes. A great battle in Hanzhong brought the emperor's reputation to a new level.
The naval warship was launched last autumn. The reason why it was so grand and a ceremony was held was because the Emperor of the Song Dynasty had just returned from the northwest with a great victory over the Mongolian army and asked him to board the ship and return to Lin'an City to help his reputation.
"Your Majesty, at first steam engines were only installed on merchant ships. Later, they spread to Southeast Asia. Now warships have also begun to equip them!"
On the deck, Tian Yi introduced Zhao Hong carefully, his face glowing. As the head of the Jiangnan Weapons Manufacturing Department and the Machinery Manufacturing Department, the official army defeated the Mongolian army in Hanzhong. The Jiangnan Manufacturing Department was not idle either and finally did something.
"Whoever controls the steam engine controls the world. Tian Yi, you deserve the most credit!"
Zhao Hong said appreciatively and waved to the cheering people on the pier.
Equipping steam engines on warships is undoubtedly an epoch-making revolution and will inevitably affect the entire world.
"Your Majesty, with the steamship, the river will be much faster. If there is a steam car on the ground, it will greatly ease the fatigue and trekking of the boat!"
Xuan Zhen's eyes were shining, and his face was full of excitement.
All the way back east, his bones were shaken by the bumps on his horse. Extremely fast steamships can alleviate the pain of homesickness. If there were steam vehicles, the land and water could travel thousands of miles a day, which would be a great event for the benefit of the country and the people.
"Who says there isn't one? Jiangnan Machinery Manufacturing Company has already started developing trains. Maybe within a few years, there will be trains, faster than steamships!"
Tian Yi said loudly, a layer of pride appeared on his face unconsciously.
The train was proposed by Zhao Hong, and the principle of steam engine and steam ship is the same. Jiangnan Machinery Manufacturing Division is developing it and I believe it will be available soon.
The train rails are the most important, requiring the best steel and thousands of tests. It might take some time.
Xuan Zhen was startled and glanced at Zhao Hong, who smiled slightly and nodded lightly.
The steel production in the Song Dynasty is increasing day by day, and the quality of steel is ahead of neighboring countries. The construction of trains and rails has been put on the agenda.
"With these steamships, our Song Dynasty warships can go south and north all year round, and merchant ships can carry goods for trading at all times. It only takes three months to set off from Mingzhou or Quanzhou to reach South Africa, and only half a year to get there and back. . The Song Dynasty will conquer all barbarians, it’s just around the corner!”
Zhen Dexiu, who welcomed the return of Zhao Hong and his entourage in Jinling, looked at the water in the distance and was filled with emotion.
Traveling thousands of miles a day, no manpower is needed. With these steamships, overseas products can be transported back to the Song Dynasty faster, and soldiers can travel easily and quickly. The entire ocean is not yet the world of the Song Dynasty.
"Zhen Gong, with the steamship, it will be much more convenient in the future. Drink Lin'an tea in the morning and eat Champa fruit in the evening. Crossing thousands of miles of ocean, you can see the world at ease. You can go overseas at any time, buy more manors, and take more trips Little sister!"
Zhao Hong made fun of the teacher without any heart, shame or impatience.
"Your Majesty, you are getting more and more naughty!"
Zhen Dexiu blushed and laughed sheepishly.
The whistle sounded and thick smoke billowed. The steamship slowly left the port and entered the roaring river. Amid the cheers of the onlookers, it headed northeast.
"How many steamships can be built every year? Are there many merchant ships?"
If the Song Dynasty wanted to sail across the ocean, it needed more merchant ships. After all, warships could show off their force, but merchant ships could maintain the country's economy.
"Back to Your Majesty, last autumn, only six or seven pairs of steam engines and boilers could be manufactured per month. By the beginning of the year, thirteen or four pairs could be manufactured. And the casting of steam engines and boilers, as well as the modification of steam ships, are all in great demand. The iron smelting plant and the Ezhou Navy Station. The Jiangnan Machinery Manufacturing Department is mostly developing steam engines."
Zhao Hong nodded happily. After five or six years of research and development, the steam engine finally paid off.
"Since the steam engine has been mass-produced, why is Jiangnan Manufacturing Company still developing it?"
Zhao Hong asked subconsciously.
"Your Majesty, Zhao Ruteng, Xinyong and the others think that steam engines and boilers can potentially improve thermal efficiency, so..."
"Okay, okay!"
Zhao Hong cheered repeatedly, interrupting Tian Yi's words.
"That's it! Tell them to just go ahead and do it boldly. I will support them ten thousand times! If you want people, give people things, if you want things, give them things, if you want money, give them money!"
The steam engine made a breakthrough, which made Zhao Hong feel as happy as the Hanzhong victory.
There is nothing more exciting than the fact that the descendants of the Zhao Song clan are developing steam engines together with the grandson of Xin Qiji.
It can be said that the Song Dynasty embarked on a right path, from the suffocating Neo-Confucianism to practical learning.
Seeing Zhao Hong's excitement, all the officials secretly laughed.
The emperor's love for strange skills seemed to exceed the serious business of governing the world.
"Wu Qian, how many warships do we have in the Song Navy?"
With his heart filled with anticipation, Zhao Hong asked directly.
The steamship cruised the ocean proudly, and he wanted to take a ship of the Song Dynasty Navy to travel around the world, flex his muscles, and take care of a few bad guys.
Especially the evil neighbor and the tiny potato country that threatens to invade China once every 20 years. He will definitely destroy these two countries in his lifetime.
"Back to Your Majesty, the Coastal Procurement and Procurement Department has refitted six warships, three each with two thousand materials and one thousand five hundred materials. The Zhenjiang Navy has refitted three one-thousand-material warships. However, the Coastal Production Department has more than a dozen ships. The warships are being refitted, and it is expected that by autumn, forty or fifty warships will be ready for service. If Your Majesty wants to use troops abroad, there will be hundreds of steam warships ready for service next spring."
Wu Qian, the coastal envoy, introduced it seriously.
If the emperor wants to launch troops against Japan, he may have to wait until early next year.
"Your Majesty, I have renovated more than 30 merchant ships in the Song Dynasty, and they have all been bought by maritime merchants. Among them, Guozhang's "Lin'an Shipping Company" alone bought six steamships. There are also many maritime merchants and inland river merchants. , and private individuals are waiting to buy warships, and the shipyards in Quanzhou, Mingzhou and Guangzhou have orders until the end of the year!"
Zhen Dexiu's explanation made Zhao Hong couldn't help but nod his head.
Businessmen have a keen sense of smell, are very courageous, and have a stronger ability to accept new things. Coupled with their strong financial resources, it is not surprising that steamships first became popular among maritime merchants.
His father-in-law Zhou Jiacheng's business is getting bigger and bigger, and he is as rich as anyone in the country. Couldn't he be hK Li Jiacheng who traveled through time, right?
"Your Majesty, our navy has hundreds of warships and more than 50,000 soldiers. Everything is ready. If Your Majesty wants to make a northern expedition or launch an army against Japan, I am willing to lead the navy and charge into battle for Your Majesty!"
Wu Qian couldn't help but said something, but he enthusiastically asked for a fight.
"Your Majesty, there are 50,000 naval officers and men, but as long as your Majesty drives them and bleeds and sacrifices, they will not hesitate to die!"
Navy Commander Liu Zheng followed Commander Wu Qian to ask for orders.
All the battle glory was taken away by the infantry. Naval warships roamed the world. They could only show off their muscles but had no chance of actual combat. Everyone in the naval generals was unwilling to do so.
"Wu Qian, Liu Zheng, don't be impatient. There are plenty of opportunities to make contributions and expand territory."
Zhao Hong looked at the roaring river and smiled.
This Liu Zheng was a famous general in the Song Dynasty in history. Because he was framed by Song general Lu Wende, he was forced to surrender to the Yuan Dynasty. He proposed the key strategy of "if you want to destroy the Southern Song Dynasty, take Xiangyang first". He became one of the founders of the Yuan Dynasty navy and helped the Yuan Dynasty destroy the country. The Southern Song Dynasty made great contributions.
Zhao Hong once considered getting rid of Liu Zheng and Pu Shougeng, the wealthy food merchant of the Song Dynasty, because these two people had caused too much harm to the Han people. But he finally gave up his persistence.
If you do your own evil, you will not live. China has its own self-confidence.
Even the idiot Lizong of the Song Dynasty and the arrogant scholar-bureaucrats of the Southern Song Dynasty were able to kill even national heroes like Meng Gong and Yu Jie. The Southern Song Dynasty should have died long ago.
"Your Majesty, the Queen Mother is seriously ill. At this moment, we still have to deal with the Queen Mother's posthumous affairs. As for the war, let's put it on hold for now."
Zhen Dexiu whispered and persuaded Zhao Hong.
Zhao Hong nodded and agreed with Zhen Dexiu's words.
Yang Guizhi is critically ill. At this time, it is better not to talk about war.
This was an era when the Mongol Empire was galloping across the world. All countries were frightened, and they all looked at the invincible power, and their talk turned pale. Since it is the Mongolian cavalry, the wars in this era are destined to be land battles and field battles. Not to mention naval battles, even water battles on inner lakes, there are very few.
The navy will have to wait a little longer to deploy troops.
Zhao Hong walked to the side of the boat and looked at the scenery on both sides of the bank. Unknowingly, the water in front of him was vast and the color of the water became darker. It turned out that he had reached the mouth of the sea.
The navy officers chose the route back to Lin'an City. Instead of taking the canal from Zhenjiang to Hangzhou, they sailed along the coast, took Hangzhou Bay, entered the Qiantang River, and disembarked at the east dock of Lin'an City.
With steamships, the naval officers and soldiers were more confident. No wonder everyone was warlike.
In March in the south of the Yangtze River, the climate is comfortable and the scenery on both sides of the bank is pleasant. The ministers are talking to each other. Zhao Hong is looking at the vast sea in trance, and Tian Yi follows him.
"Tian Yi, the person on the boat in front of me wearing the uniform of Jinling Martial Arts Hall does not seem to be from the Song Dynasty."
Zhao Hong put down his telescope, pointed at a warship in front of him, and asked suspiciously.
"Your Majesty, they are all envoys to the Song Dynasty. They include Goryeo, Champa, Dali, Dayue Kingdom, Guawa, Delhi, and other countries with different skins and shapes. Our schools in the Song Dynasty recruit students from overseas countries. Your Majesty once said Fulfill your will. Have you forgotten, Your Majesty?"
Tian Yi's explanation made Zhao Hong confused and nodded.
He smoothly agreed to the envoys from various countries during the New Year's Day meeting, but he didn't expect that the trip had already taken place.
"Your Majesty, during the Tang Dynasty, the country was very powerful and its troops were all over the world. Only when all the nations came to the court did envoys from the Tang Dynasty appear. Now our country, the Song Dynasty, is prosperous and prosperous. All countries have sent envoys from the Song Dynasty to study in the Song Dynasty, and it is not just Japan. Your Majesty, This is the prosperous age of China, and I am so happy and congratulated!"
Tian Yi's eyes were blazing, and he spoke passionately, with saliva flying everywhere.
Among all the countries in the world, Zhao Hong was the only one who refused to send Japanese envoys to study in the Song Dynasty. It seems that Zhao Hong never let go of the untimely death of his uncle Zhou An in Japan.
"It's too early to talk about a prosperous age. The Central Plains, Lianghe, and the Western Regions have not yet recovered. There are still many things to do."
Sending envoys from the Song Dynasty heralded that the laws, regulations, culture, education, and even military systems of the Song Dynasty would be introduced to all countries in the world. This will be of great benefit to the Song Dynasty in its future expansion of the world.
"Your Majesty, if you want to make the Northern Expedition or use troops abroad, please take me with you."
When it came to restoring the old land, Tian Yi suddenly asked Zhao Hong for orders.
"Are you making things difficult for Si in Jiangnan? Also, your children are young, don't you want to take care of them?"
Zhao Hong turned his head and looked at Tian Yi, slightly surprised.
"They are almost five years old and have someone to take care of them. Your Majesty, the next time you use the army, please take me with you!"
Tian Yi pleaded.
Someone to take care of?
Wei Sisi's name was not mentioned, so it seemed that there was a reason.
"I heard that you have been staying in Jinling for a long time, but your wife has been staying in Lin'an City. What happened to you? Do you want me to transfer you back to Lin'an City?"
Xu Sheng, Li Tang and others had discussed the matter between Tian Yi and Wei Sisi with him. Wei Sisi has been staying at her parents' home in Lin'an City, while Tian Yi works alone in Jinling. The couple spends less time together and more separation, and it seems that they are irreconcilable.
When he returned to Lin'an City this time, the reason why he roped in Tian Yi was because he wanted him to go back and see Wei Sisi and her son, exchange feelings, and improve the relationship between husband and wife.
"Your Majesty, it's really not necessary. I feel comfortable working in Jinling Manufacturing Department, and I feel at ease. However, I also want to go to the battlefield. Maybe I can make achievements and relieve Your Majesty's worries."
Tian Yi's eyes were shining, and Zhao Hong saw it clearly and nodded lightly.
"Okay. I'll keep it in mind."
Tian Yi is a sincere gentleman. Whether he is true or false can be seen with his eyes.
When he was a prince, he had promised Tian Yi that he would be Huo Qubing, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Of course, he would keep his word.
"Your Majesty, the Queen Mother's end is approaching, and she cannot blame others. After returning to the palace, there are some things that can be tolerated. A fire in the backyard will make the world uneasy. Your Majesty, think carefully."
Tian Yi said softly, Zhao Hong was slightly startled, and he understood something instantly.
Whoever masters the steam engine controls the world.
The question is, can the strong man who controls the steam engine control everything?
