"If Your Excellency could be present to guide the entire process, perhaps the speed could be increased. Otherwise, it would take at least 4 months..."
After pondering for a moment, Li Zong said with a serious expression.
"4 months?"
After listening to his words, Han Mo also fell into thought. Although this time was somewhat different from what he had imagined, it seemed roughly correct after calculating.
Even though he had already provided the general blueprints, whether these blueprints would actually work still needed to be tested through practice!
Furthermore, even if these small models were successful, there would undoubtedly be countless problems encountered in the process of casting such intricate items.
With Han Mo present, his vision and capabilities would certainly be much better than Li Zong and his team figuring things out from scratch.
Just like today, if it hadn't been for Han Mo's single sentence, they might have struggled for at least another two or three months before finally figuring out a solution.
"It's impossible to be here all day, but I can come over every two or three days!"
After a rough calculation, Han Mo looked up at Li Zong again.
"If that's the case, then it would be absolutely wonderful!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Li Zong immediately became excited.
"Alright, do you have any other questions? Feel free to bring them all up, and we'll research them together!"
Seeing the joy on his face, Han Mo couldn't help but smile and shake his head. This fellow truly wore everything on his sleeve.
With his personality, if it weren't for Han Mo's protection, he would likely be exploited and taken advantage of within a short period!
Such a pure heart was indeed rare for academic research, but in the world of politics, it was a major taboo!
With Han Mo's agreement, Li Zong immediately took out a thick notebook from a cabinet nearby and then called over more than a dozen craftsmen from outside. They then presented the problems they had encountered during their discussions for Han Mo to scrutinize.
This put Feng Yi in an awkward position. As the craftsmen asked questions one by one, Han Mo explained their doubts eloquently. Throughout the entire process, he was like a transparent figure, with everyone ignoring him, and he couldn't understand what they were talking about.
Just by looking at the admiration in their eyes when they looked at Han Mo, Feng Yi suddenly understood why the Emperor valued Han Mo so highly.
A top scholar revered by all scholars in the land, even among these craftsmen, he could still command their awe with his talent alone.
Young, wealthy, resourceful, from a prestigious family, and favored by the Emperor – such a person, calling him a mere prodigy was not enough to describe the esteemed Lord Han...
Even Han Mo himself didn't realize that by spending an afternoon in this dilapidated courtyard discussing technical issues with these craftsmen, his image in Feng Yi's mind had suddenly become incredibly grand.
This effect was even more significant than the millions of strings of copper coins he had previously invested.
It wasn't until it got dark, and Han Mo felt his throat dry, that these craftsmen finally dispersed, still with unfulfilled interest.
"Alright, that's all for today. If I keep chatting with you all, I feel like my throat will catch fire. Also, I say, young man, next time you have something like this, can you at least prepare some tea?"
Although Li Zong was indeed older than Han Mo, after being tormented by them for an afternoon, even Lord Han was filled with grievances at this moment.
This Li Zong fellow was too honest. Han Mo seriously suspected that if he didn't proactively ask for tea, this fellow wouldn't even think of such a thing.
"I, I forgot about that..."
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Zong awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
"Alright, alright, I can't be bothered to listen to your nonsense. Seeing you annoys me. I'll leave these matters to you. I'll be back in three days!"
After speaking, Han Mo, accompanied by Feng Yi, got into the carriage and headed towards Quanzhou City.
"I'm truly sorry, Lord Feng, for neglecting you today. But as you can see, these technical people are all like this. If you don't tell them directly, these rascals won't even offer a cup of tea..."
On the return carriage, seeing Feng Yi sitting silently beside him, Han Mo quickly started to explain Li Zong's actions with a smile.
"Your Excellency is too kind. In front of you, how dare I be called 'Lord'? Today I finally understand why the Emperor values you so highly. I originally thought you were only good at accumulating wealth, but I never expected you to have such profound attainments in the manufacturing of weaponry..."
Feng Yi, having come from the imperial palace, delivered his flattery perfectly. Just a few simple sentences made even Han Mo feel a bit elated.
Although he knew it was Feng Yi buttering him up, people, especially young individuals in high positions like Han Mo, always preferred to hear things they liked.
"Lord Feng's words make me feel too ashamed! Anyway, it's getting late today, how about we find a place to eat something casually later?"
"I think we should skip it for today. Your Excellency must be tired after a busy day. How about tomorrow? Tomorrow evening, I will host a banquet at my residence to welcome you?"
Seeing the exhaustion on Han Mo's face, Feng Yi wisely chose to refuse.
"You're right, I am indeed a bit tired today. Then it's settled, tomorrow evening I won't be polite!"
"Tomorrow evening, your humble subordinate awaits your arrival!"
The two exchanged smiles and then lost interest in talking, sitting in the carriage and lost in their own thoughts.
After entering the city, Feng Yi returned to his own carriage, while Han Mo went directly to the mansion purchased by Zhe You Rong in Quanzhou.
"Your Excellency, look!"
Just as he was about to get out of the carriage at the entrance of the mansion, Jiang Yan quickly pointed towards the back door.
"Cai Yunting?"
With just a glance, Han Mo immediately recognized the person kneeling at the mansion gate. Wasn't that Cai Yunting, the Prefect of Quanzhou?
"Your Excellency, your humble subordinate was blind and foolish, and thus offended Your Excellency. I implore Your Excellency to show mercy!"
Seeing Han Mo get out of the carriage, Cai Yunting immediately knelt and took a few steps towards Han Mo without a second thought.
"Lord Cai, your words are unreasonable. Did you offend me? I wasn't aware of it. Furthermore, you are a dignified official of the imperial court. You are not sleeping late at night and coming to my mansion gate to put on this display. What play are you putting on?"