Judging by the expression on his face, Han Mo could pretty much guess what the fellow was thinking. However, there was nothing Han Mo could do about it. In this era, it was simply impossible to manufacture such high-strength alloys.
With their current technological level, it was already quite an achievement to be able to mass-produce high-carbon steel.
As for the material for the cutting edge, besides the debris from meteorites, the only other possibility was Damascus steel, which was thousands of miles away. However, compared to the former, the latter was too far to solve their immediate needs!
"But even so, wouldn't it still require a considerable amount of money to maintain this operation?"
Li Zong had done similar work himself, so he understood perfectly that this was essentially burning money.
If they were to proceed according to Han Mo's plan, tens of thousands of guan would disappear in no time.
"You don't need to worry about the finances. No matter how much money is needed, just say the word. I'll tell you the truth: if you can make this thing, and a million guan isn't enough, it'll be two million. If two million isn't enough, it'll be three million! In short, if you need money, I'll provide money; if you need people, I'll provide people!"
Looking at Han Mo's ostentatious display of wealth, Li Zong was momentarily speechless.
"Sir, you're not joking, are you? The court wouldn't possibly allocate such funds..."
"Of course, the important figures in the court wouldn't agree to it. But I never intended for them to fund it. To be frank with you, this money will be paid directly from the Directorate of Manufacturing. As for where the money comes from, that's not your concern. You just focus on spending it!"
"Sir, since you've said it this way, I, Li, will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life!"
With Han Mo's words, Li Zong's lips twitched uncontrollably. After taking a deep breath, he spoke directly.
"Excellent. Then this matter is entrusted to you, and all the craftsmen will also be under your charge. My intention is for you to temporarily oversee the renovation of the Qingyang Ironworks. As for the manager of the ironworks, you can choose a capable assistant yourself! However, there's one thing I must make clear to you: the place where you manufacture this item in the future can only be outside Mingzhou City! All your research progress will be reported only to me, and you are not to reveal any information to anyone, no matter who asks!"
"But sir, why is the ironworks located in Quanzhou..."
Halfway through his sentence, Li Zong suddenly seemed to recall something and swallowed the words back into his throat.
"The reason is quite simple. I wouldn't have done this if it weren't necessary. It would be best to keep this place in Quanzhou, but as you can see, Quanzhou is teeming with Minister Cai's people!"
Ordinarily, Han Mo wouldn't have needed to explain such things to him. However, seeing Li Zong's straightforward nature, Han Mo smiled and explained.
"You make me feel ashamed, sir. I will try not to ask such questions in the future..."
Li Zong felt a little ashamed as he spoke.
"It's alright. If there were no other way, I wouldn't want to bother with these matters either. It's just that court affairs..."
Han Mo trailed off, not continuing. These intricate power struggles were indeed exhausting.
However, in the officialdom, one was often forced to act against their will. If you didn't scheme against others, you would likely be schemed against!
To live a peaceful life, one needed absolute strength.
"You have your difficulties in the officialdom, sir. I will not ask about such matters again!"
"Alright, I won't say any more. Let's proceed as we discussed. The task of renovating the ironworks and manufacturing this item is entirely entrusted to you! Since the imperial decree has arrived, you can proceed with confidence!"
After patting Li Zong on the shoulder again, Han Mo said.
"One last request. Sir, could you explain the things on the blueprints to the craftsmen again tomorrow..."
Li Zong scratched his head sheepishly as he spoke, feeling a bit embarrassed. After all, he had only understood about five or six parts of the blueprints.
"Of course, that's not a problem. Grand Tutor Liang took great care in selecting these craftsmen for us. Not only are there blacksmiths, but also several royal carpenters. These are all rare masters of their craft. If they cooperate with you to create a wooden mold first, you'll be able to see many things more clearly!"
Manufacturing these parts directly with refined steel was indeed a bit challenging. However, if it were replaced with wood, the situation would be entirely different.
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Zong was filled with joy. He hadn't thought of this method before.
Although this method hadn't been tested, after hearing Han Mo explain it, he immediately grasped the idea.
At present, this was indeed the best solution.
As long as a mold could be made, any problems would naturally be exposed during the manufacturing process.
"Yes!"
With an excited "Yes," Li Zong turned and walked out of Han Mo's room.
"Why is he so happy? Is there any good news?"
Shortly after Li Zong left, Zhe Yourong came in with a smile, pushing the door open.
"This kind of thing should be done by the servants. You're pregnant, so you shouldn't do these things anymore!"
Taking the chicken soup she handed him, Han Mo smiled and motioned Zhe Yourong to sit on a nearby chair.
"It's not as serious as you say. I just brought a bowl of soup! You still haven't answered my question?"
"How else could it be? He must have found something he's interested in. I just showed him two designs, and they happened to be things he liked, so I took the opportunity to assign this task to him!"
Han Mo didn't elaborate on the specifics, offering only a vague explanation.
"If I weren't a woman, I'd also like to do something I enjoy..."
Zhe Yourong spoke, resting her chin on her hands, her eyes staring blankly at a painting on the wall.
"Something you enjoy? What is it that you enjoy doing? Tell me about it?"
Hearing her say that, Han Mo became genuinely interested. They had been sleeping together for so long, and he had never really considered what Zhe Yourong's favorite thing was.
Wasn't it counting money?