"Is it really that simple?"
After stepping forward and reaching out to feel, Han Mo couldn't help but let out a wry smile.
On the surface, there seemed to be no problem, but due to the instability of the power source, he could still clearly feel that the inner diameter of the pipe had some discrepancies.
Although it was already much better than purely manual operation, with the water power drive, Han Mo himself was unsure whether the precision had improved or further decreased.
Could it be that he had to build a reservoir specifically for this item?
If that were the case, wouldn't the project be too grand?
As he thought about this, Han Mo's head ached even more.
This was just raw wood; if it were steel, who knew what the final outcome would be...
However, at this point, Han Mo had no other way out.
If this thing didn't work, he would likely have to go back to the old path of casting cannons.
Anyone with a little common sense would know that the thicker and larger the casting, the higher the difficulty, especially in this era.
Once the cast barrel couldn't withstand the immense pressure, it would easily explode.
"Isn't this enough?"
Li Zong asked incredulously.
"I can only say that to maximize the power, the spacing between the iron balls and the barrel needs to be perfectly fitted. If the iron balls collide with any protrusions on the barrel during their outward flight, the final result could be an explosion..."
"This is our first time, after all, and the power of the gears just now was difficult to keep completely consistent. If it were a water wheel, the situation would be better..."
After a moment's hesitation, Li Zong spoke again.
"I'm not as optimistic as you are, but let's proceed with the experiment as you suggest. If you feel confident, you can try it first!"
Looking at Li Zong's determined gaze, Han Mo felt a bit sheepish about continuing to pour cold water on his enthusiasm.
However, Han Mo had also made contingency plans. If this method really worked, the worst-case scenario would be building a small dam!
It was just a matter of spending money, wasn't it?
As long as this thing could really work, it wouldn't matter if it cost a little more!
"Yes!"
Li Zong responded, and immediately began to confer with the artisans again.
Seeing them quickly switch to a new piece of wood, Han Mo smiled and turned to walk outside.
Let the professionals handle the specific tasks; at this point, he didn't have much energy to waste here anymore!
Gathering the master craftsmen transferred from Xingzhou and Cizhou with the original master craftsmen from Qingyang Iron Factory, after two days of continuous discussion, Han Mo finally finalized the renovation plan for Qingyang Iron Factory.
However, just as Han Mo was working with great enthusiasm, Feng Yi welcomed his first visitor since taking office.
"Prefect Feng, this is a small token of my regard. I wonder if you've settled in well in Quanzhou?"
The moment he saw Feng Yi, Cai Yunting hurried to put on a fawning smile.
"Master Cai, you jest. You are the Transport Commissioner of Quanzhou, a proper fifth-rank official. How dare I, a mere seventh-rank official, have you refer to yourself as 'subordinate' here!"
Feng Yi had come from Bianliang City, and to have managed to cling to Liang Shicheng's coattails in such a hostile environment, his ability to read people and situations was naturally far beyond that of ordinary people.
From Cai Yunting's first sentence alone, he detected something amiss.
This dignified Transport Commissioner, who also hailed from the Cai family's household staff, coming here to inquire about his well-being was clearly a sign that he had something to ask of him.
Furthermore, everyone in the city knew that this old fellow had just been dealt with by Han Mo.
For him, the newly appointed Prefect, to oppose Han Mo at this juncture would be to invite trouble upon himself, wouldn't it? Before he came, Liang Shicheng had already instructed him to act according to Han Mo's wishes and to consult Han Mo more often. He understood the underlying meaning of Liang Shicheng's words!
"Your Lordship, you jest. I, this humble Transport Commissioner of Quanzhou, merely obtained my position by chance. If you speak like that, aren't you slapping my face?"
Seeing that Feng Yi was not taking the bait, Cai Yunting became truly fearful.
His memorial had been sent out three or four days ago. According to procedure, it should have already reached the Tongzhengsi. He was truly worried that if Cai Jing did not intercept this memorial for him, he would be finished!
As for a solution, it seemed only the newly appointed Prefect, Feng Yi, could help him now.
As long as Feng Yi was willing to protect him, even if the memorial reached the Emperor, there would still be room for maneuver, wouldn't there!
"Hahahaha, Prefect Feng, let's be direct. Do you have something to ask of me today?"
After glancing at the gift list he had brought, a hint of ecstasy flashed in Feng Yi's eyes, and his heartbeat quickened.
The first page of the gift list alone was worth about ten thousand taels. Judging by the size of the booklet, there were at least three or four more pages!
For Han Mo, fifty to sixty thousand taels was not much, but for Feng Yi, it was different.
As a eunuch of his standing, although he had a comfortable life in the palace, the money and provisions he received each month, even including illicit income, amounted to no more than a few hundred taels.
Seeing tens of thousands of taels right before his eyes made his heart pound with excitement!
However, he did not immediately agree to everything, but cautiously tested the waters.
"This, this indeed is something I would like to ask for your help with..."
After a slightly awkward smile, Cai Yunting said with forced courage.
"Master Cai, please speak your mind. I have always been honest and fair, and I love making friends. As long as it is something I can do, I will definitely help!"
Feng Yi spoke while placing his hand on the gift list.
Seeing this gesture, Cai Yunting couldn't help but let out a wry smile. This damned eunuch was truly greedy!
It was as if he was clearly telling him that the greater the matter, the more money he would have to pay!
Although he felt disdain in his heart, he was now almost at his wit's end and could only brace himself and continue:
"Actually, it's not a very big matter. It's just that Master Han and I had a slight misunderstanding some time ago, so..."