Chapter 907: Chapter 905: Decision Reached
Similarly skilled in craftsmanship, Zhang Chang has a deep curiosity and desire for fresh knowledge. And here at the Qi family, it’s the only place in the world where skills are openly shared.
Such a good opportunity for studying, Zhang Chang and his companions have always cherished it. Although sent to the Qi family to assist, the pace is fast and exhausting, everyone fights to come here.
Zhang Chang keenly observes that today’s discussion should be a high-level skill that can open a new horizon.
He moves closer and asks Wong Qiao, "Speaking of mechanical structures, we are not as good as you. Ah Qiao, tell me, if you change the direction of operation and speed it up, do you have any specific ideas?"
This place is where Ye Xinyan and others commonly discuss matters, with ready paper and pens. For convenience, even charcoal sticks are always available to avoid the hassle of grinding ink.
Although Wong Qiao has been away for more than a year, he is still familiar with the place. He sees Zhang Chang and others gathering around, then deftly pulls some paper and grabs wooden sticks.
Ye Xinyan often says that teaching others skills can simultaneously solidify and advance her own skills.
Wong Qiao deeply agrees, and discussing with everyone is progress for him too. Often during explanations, he suddenly gains new insights.
While Wong Qiao explains to Zhang Chang and others, he sketches on paper. Seeing something substantial being discussed, everyone holds their breath, listening intently.
Ye Xinyan naturally understands. Although Wong Qiao’s sketches aren’t novel to her, they relate to Wong Qiao’s thought direction, so she watches attentively.
Jinrong and Jiang Yifan don’t understand it. Even with Wong Qiao’s explanation, they still don’t get it. They look at each other and, feeling a bit embarrassed, step aside.
"Your wife is quite capable, understands everything," Jinrong says sourly.
Jiang Yifan proudly replies, "Of course, Your Highness, don’t you see who Ah Yan’s husband is? As people say, birds of a feather flock together. Ah Yan can marry into the Jiang family because both of us are equally capable."
Damn, such shamelessness!
Jinrong glares fiercely at Jiang Yifan.
Even Hongzhi and Hong Wu behind Jinrong, watching Jiang Yifan, feel like gritting their teeth. Lord Jiang is increasingly insufferable and seems to know just what words will cut deep.
They are no longer children; if they were still training in martial arts as teenagers, they would settle things with fists. Like this, he’d surely receive a beating.
Without Jinrong watching, Ye Xinyan can guide Wong Qiao more boldly.
While Wong Qiao sketches and explains, Ye Xinyan continues to add questions, trying to guide him to broaden his perspective. If the steam engine and piston-based reciprocating motion concepts could emerge, that would be optimal.
In their questions and answers, Zhang Chang grows increasingly interested as he realizes he’s learning many things he had never known before.
This is because Wong Qiao’s comprehension is exceptionally strong, being highly skilled in mechanics and craftsmanship. For Ye Xinyan, her exploration and understanding of mechanics falls short of Wong Qiao, but she has preconceived insights. Many things she’s seen, studied, and used.
Here, she excels at guiding; in terms of hands-on ability, even hundreds of her can’t compare to talents like Wong Qiao and Shi Yin.
Even though she doesn’t understand many connecting details, she can ask questions, prompting Wong Qiao to think and find ways to answer, solve. Even if it’s not solved immediately, there’s always later, and there’s Shi Yin, the master craftsman at Peach Grove.
The two discuss a lot, and Wong Qiao is anchored by Ye Xinyan, feeling quite dispirited, placing the charcoal stick down and shaking his head, saying, "I don’t know how to solve these either. We’ll have to discuss with Master Shi and other cunning masters back home."
Furthermore, even if the equipment is made, it might not be widely applicable using water. At least in the vicinity of Huaiyuan County, there isn’t enough water source, posing significant limitations."
Ye Xinyan is delighted, as this is precisely the cue she had waited for so long."
She probes, "Have you ever considered using the method like a physician’s fire cupping?"
"Huh?" Wong Qiao is puzzled. What does this have to do with a physician? They don’t seem related at all.
Hmm, it’s somewhat unrelated, but she really can’t find an entry point.
Facing Wong Qiao’s intrigued gaze, Ye Xinyan feels a bit nervous, explaining, "Think about it. In one or several specific closed containers, like a bellows, by heating and exhausting or heating and cooling, using hot air to drive the bellows board to perform reciprocating motion. Then, through mechanics, turn this reciprocating motion into high-speed rotation. Do you think it’s feasible?"
This notion is something Wong Qiao had never considered. He pauses for quite a while before saying, "Utilizing alternating heat to drive reciprocating motion isn’t difficult. But, Ye Zi, do you think this heating and exhausting can be fast enough and ensure strong power?"
This is the key aspect, requiring the cleverness of our laborious populace.
Ye Xinyan laughs, "How can you know without trying? If you have enough firepower, heating a water-filled container, then intense steam keeps generating, who knows how much force this steam enclosed in a container can exert? Only testing can tell.
Think, when we boil water in a copper pot, the rising steam makes the heavy lid rattle, and that’s with steam escaping through the spout. If sealed, the force must be sizable." The pressure of steam can be immense, potentially causing explosive dangers. A large boiler explosion can demolish buildings."
Such a vivid metaphor enlightens Wong Qiao, who nods, contemplating, "Hmm, if this succeeds, it might be more useful than a water wheel. Once I return to Clear Water Village’s Peach Grove Mechanical Workshop, with people and facilities, an experiment can be conducted. With Master Shi’s guidance, there’s sure to be unique gains."
At this moment, Wong Qiao’s tone carries a sense of confidence.
Even though Jinrong doesn’t fully understand the specialized content they discuss, he grasps the emotions revealed in Wong Qiao’s few words.
"Exactly, such a major matter can’t be resolved briefly; as long as you, Wong Qiao, have confidence and direction, that’s good enough. You don’t need to worry about anything else; resources in manpower and materials will surely be provided without delaying usage."
The discussion today considerably boosts Wong Qiao’s confidence as he bows and responds, "Thank Your Highness for trusting Wong Qiao. I will certainly strive my utmost, not failing the mission."
Thus, the matter is tentatively settled like this. According to the plan, once the Ministry of Justice concludes the trial on the rail materials case, Wong Qiao’s family will set off, returning to Clear Water Village.
At that time, Zhou Biyao will also accompany.
Heading to Clear Water Village will also be Zhang Chang, who volunteered and strongly demanded participation in improving smelting efficiency.
However, given that Wong Qiao has worked for Prince Fu’s Mansion this past year, and with the Iron Workshop incident not long ago, it’s not good to be too close to Prince Yu’s Mansion people. Hence, Zhang Chang departs earlier, already on his way to Clear Water Village in Yuyuan Prefecture.
......
During this period, the Ministry of Justice’s trial on the rail materials case approaches its end. After several officials from the Ministry of Works were dismissed, the atmosphere during imperial court sessions becomes especially heavy. Coupled with the continuing disaster in Yuanzhou, there’s a palpable sense of urgent anticipation in the court.
In June, the rail materials case is concluded.