Chapter 197 – Peace and Tranquility

The weather was clear the next day. At the hour of Chen, the Emperor made his inspection tour of the Jinhai Naval Arsenal.

As the imperial carriage rolled into view at the Jinhai Naval Arsenal, the streets were packed with onlookers from the shipyards and docks. Fortunately, the imperial guards kept the crowds at bay, but their cries of “Long live His Majesty!” echoed incessantly through the air.

Once inside the second gate of the arsenal, Xu Chun led the middle management and core staff, who had been waiting respectfully within the gates, to greet the Emperor with formal salutations.

Xie Yi stepped down from the carriage and said, “Arise.”

Xu Chun approached and said, “Your subject will guide Your Majesty.”

Xie Yi smiled faintly, walking along the polished stone path while looking around curiously. He asked, “Tell me about this place. It’s quite large—do you have soldiers guarding it?” The ministers and attendants followed behind him.

Xu Chun smiled as he led Xie Yi to a wall behind a screen, where a simplified map of the entire arsenal was displayed. Holding a long bamboo pole, he pointed at the map and explained, “As Your Majesty can see, outside is the shipyard, which leads to the dock. We’ve built the Heavenly Empress Palace, and when a new ship is launched, we must present the dragon bone to the Heavenly Empress for blessings, ensuring safety and peace.”

“We’ve also constructed mud docks, shipbuilding workshops, and material warehouses to store raw materials. The entire naval arsenal covers five hundred acres, and we’re planning to expand further, which is currently under consideration.”

“The center houses the meeting hall, offices, drafting rooms, storerooms, reception halls, dining hall, worker dormitories, and instructor lodgings. To the northeast are the ironworks, carpentry workshops, wrought iron factory, and steelworks. This is convenient for processing raw materials such as minerals and timber, which are brought in from the port and unloaded directly for processing.”

“To the north, we have the artillery factory, firearms factory, steam engine factory, hammer factory, boiler factory, textile factory, and agricultural machinery factory. The ammunition and torpedo factory, along with the gunpowder storage, are located farthest away in the mountains due to safety concerns. They are guarded by a company of soldiers to prevent unauthorized access.”

“To the northwest are the printing house and bookbinding factory, primarily focused on printing textbooks, New Year paintings, and almanacs, which are quite profitable. On both sides of the main building, watchtowers have been erected, with soldiers patrolling daily. Craftsmen must carry copper tokens to enter and exit, and outsiders are strictly prohibited from spying.”

Xie Yi asked with interest, “I’ve read the memorials stating that you can now manufacture steam engines independently and replicate ironclad ships and paddle steamers both inside and out, at lower costs than buying them.”

Xu Chun replied, “Indeed, by the grace of His Majesty, shortly after establishing the arsenal, we managed to create our own steam engine. We meticulously disassembled foreign ships and studied their components, such as the boiler tubes, single-cylinder steam engines, paddle wheels, boilers, and cylinder parts, all of which we produced ourselves. This year, we finally built our first ship, a two-decked vessel, for just eight thousand taels of silver. By comparison, purchasing an entire ship would cost ten thousand taels.”

Xie Yi observed how animated Xu Chun became when discussing profits, inwardly amused.

Xu Chun continued, “Although we can manufacture them ourselves, our resources are limited, the machinery isn’t fully equipped, and there aren’t enough skilled craftsmen. We cannot mass-produce them yet.” A hint of regret appeared on his face. “Despite this, the apprentices from the school have been working tirelessly day and night, managing to build only one battleship. However, we’ve saved a lot of effort. Now, we can purchase some ready-made components from the Western Ocean countries and assemble them ourselves. This saves money and speeds up shipbuilding. Although the cost might be slightly higher compared to manufacturing everything ourselves, it’s still much better than allowing them to gouge us when purchasing complete ships.”

Fang Zijing asked, “From what I understand, the foreigners sell us outdated technology. They refurbish and sell us their decommissioned ships. I discussed this with Minister Lei, and we both worry that if we have conflicts with the Western Ocean countries, they may cease selling us ships and artillery, leaving us without ammunition. How could we possibly fight?”

Xie Yi said, “I recall that the Board of Revenue submitted a memorial earlier. Currently, the countries of Lusia, Xiangdian, and Sakura are purchasing ships from Qinshi. Suddenly, Qinshi has been patrolling the seas near our borders with its warships, which is indeed concerning.”

Xu Chun raised his eyebrows and laughed. “Your Majesty possesses foresight and profound insight. As Duke Wuying said, Qinshi controls the most advanced shipbuilding and cannon technologies but keeps them secret. Fortunately, Miss Helan, General Helan’s sister, ventured deep into Qinshi with her merchant caravan and secretly purchased numerous advanced steam engines and other shipbuilding components, as well as foreign books on shipbuilding, which she brought back. In addition, she traveled thousands of miles to recruit talent and hired a school teacher from Qinshi and a naval lieutenant from Xiangdian to serve as our shipbuilding instructors, overseeing shipbuilding matters.”

“When news spread that we could build our own ships, the foreigners immediately lowered their prices!”

Xie Yi said, “The Helan family is a paragon of loyalty. Helan Jingjiang defends the northern border for the country, while his sister, Miss Helan, braves hardships as a woman to cross oceans and purchase crucial equipment and hire instructors for the people. Such deeds deserve recognition, Zhuang Zhizhan.”

Zhuang Zhizhan, who had been staring intently at the map, hurried forward upon hearing the Emperor’s summons. “Your subject is here!”

Xie Yi said, “Draft a decree for me when you return today, commending Brother Helan and Sister Helan. Bestow the title of Lady Qianjin on Miss Helan, and you should compose an ode to commend their loyalty and righteousness, setting an example for women across the land.”

Zhuang Zhizhan hastily replied, “Your subject obeys the decree.”

Xie Yi nodded and asked Xu Chun, “Shall we start with the artillery factory?”

Xu Chun moved forward, his tall and slender figure exuding a brisk and efficient demeanor. Despite his young and handsome appearance, every gesture revealed elegance and agility, with a hint of amusement in his voice. “Your Majesty, please step onto the sedan chair, and your subject will guide you. Follow this way. We can visit the foundry where the cannon barrels are cast, then proceed to the firearms factory, and afterward take a detour to the textile factory and agricultural machinery factory. Finally, we’ll return to the main gate, go straight to the dock, board the ship, and set sail to observe the naval exercises.”

Watching Xie Yi board the sedan chair, Xu Chun walked briskly ahead, lacking the usual timidity and hesitation displayed by other ministers in the presence of the Emperor. He moved confidently, his voice clear and loud, leading the way without any sign of apprehension.

Fan Mucun stood among the scholars of the Hanlin Academy and noticed a change in the expressions of the scholars as they looked at Lord Linhai.

Someone whispered, “Can they really build ships themselves? I thought they were still buying engines and propellers from others and attaching them to our wooden hulls.”

“It’s true. Otherwise, why do you think the Emperor relies so heavily on him? Without real accomplishments, how could he gain the Emperor’s trust? Do you really believe those impeachment memorials were accurate? If Lord Linhai were just a pretentious wastrel, how could he deceive the entire nation?”

“If I had that much money, I could do it too. Isn’t it just a matter of buying and forcing the craftsmen to copy the foreigners’ ships?”

“You’re oversimplifying things. Didn’t Duke Wuying say that they wouldn’t sell us their latest technology? Furthermore, I heard that Minyue Province tried it too. Building larger ships may work in models, but in reality, a small deviation can lead to catastrophic failure, causing the ship to sink. And think about ironclad ships, which are incredibly heavy.”

“The complexity of various tools and the need for skilled craftsmen in this field are precisely why Lord Linhai established schools. Without the benefits of those schools, how could ordinary people be motivated to send their children to study? Scholars would never allow their children to learn crafts.”

“All the funds came from the bonds. Without considerable ability, how could so much money be raised? Remember the intense scrutiny Lord Linhai faced last year? You weren’t involved in the investigation, so you didn’t witness the intense desire to hold him accountable and force him to apologize to the nation. Accusations of speculation, greed, disloyalty, and filial impiety were thrown at him, along with other grave charges.”

“At the time, Lord Linhai remained calm and composed, handling affairs with ease. If it were me, I would have given up. He’s only in his twenties. When Zhuang Zhuangyuan impeached him the other day, I saw that he seemed angry, but the Emperor intervened. Now, he appears unaffected, smiling and chatting as usual. His self-control is remarkable.”

“It’s no wonder. When I visited the schools before, I found it strange that they recruited so many craftsmen and military household children. Seeing the scale of this factory, I realize that without the support of the schools, there wouldn’t be enough people to handle these tasks.”

“But it’s certainly profitable. Just the textile factory and the printing workshop alone generate huge profits. Moreover, the calendar books are specially licensed by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, a privilege bestowed by the court, with substantial earnings. I heard that when the factory opened, local craftsmen blocked the entrance. Since then, not only in Jinhai but even in the capital and Zhe and Min provinces, the prices of cotton cloth and New Year paintings have dropped dramatically, making it difficult for local artisans to make a living.”

“I did hear that they spent money recruiting the craftsmen, inviting even the master craftsmen to join as honored guests, which helped resolve the situation.”

“When you consider the big picture, although these industries are profitable, military vessels, cannons, and firearms bring no profit and require significant investment. It takes a skilled accountant to manage the finances, especially with the calculations involved in the bond system. No wonder they say that Lord Linhai has economic talent. I heard that the Emperor personally told the cabinet that Lord Linhai has the capabilities of a finance minister. It seems that the position at the Ministry of Revenue is reserved for him.”

“Accomplishing such feats is truly remarkable. Speaking of the naval arsenal, I thought it was just a small factory, but seeing its grandeur today, I feel like a frog at the bottom of a well.”

Fan Mucun turned to look at He Zhiqiu, who showed no surprise on his face. He quietly asked, “Brother Jianwei, have you been here before?”

He Zhiqiu replied, “Of course, I’ve been here. Lord Linhai even arranged for a new improved hand-cranked spinning machine for my mother. She was delighted because it’s very labor-saving. Spinning and weaving are now much easier and faster.”

Fan Mucun chuckled. “You’re already an official, so why let your mother toil at spinning?”

He Zhiqiu shook his head. “She’s accustomed to doing it. If she doesn’t do something every day, she feels uncomfortable and refuses to be served by maids. Let her be.”

Fan Mucun whispered to He Zhiqiu, “It seems the Emperor has noticed the deteriorating atmosphere in the Hanlin Academy and deliberately brought them here to see for themselves.”

He Zhiqiu whispered back, “You wouldn’t know since you’ve been away. With peaceful times, some scholars have become more interested in empty talk rather than practical matters. Teachers, students, and fellow townspeople have formed cliques, organizing poetry societies and literary gatherings. In fact, we were also warned by the Emperor; otherwise, we might have ended up the same way. It’s not entirely their fault.”

The entire factory was eerily quiet. The paths were paved with polished stones and swept clean, with flowers, trees, and even birds chirping in the background. The ministers, expecting a noisy and filthy environment, were pleasantly surprised.

It wasn’t until they approached the artillery factory that they heard the rumbling sounds and the rhythmic shouts of workers chanting, “One, two, three, lift!”

They saw a massive warehouse-like structure. Upon entering, they felt a wave of heat. Numerous workers clad in short-sleeved shirts, their muscular arms glistening with sweat, were hoisting a long steel cannon barrel, apparently preparing to mount it onto the gun carriage.

Xie Yi stepped down from the sedan chair and issued an edict, “Command the craftsmen to continue their work and remain at their posts. There’s no need for formal salutations. Only the heads responsible for production should come forward to attend to questions.”

Xu Chun responded, “Yes.” He turned around and gave instructions to a few subordinates. Soon, two men, one older and one younger, and a young woman in a green robe hurried forward to pay their respects. “Your humble subjects pay homage to Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long long live.”

Xie Yi said, “Rise. There’s no need for excessive formality.”

Xu Chun introduced them. “This is Hua Xueshou, the head of the artillery factory, and Xu Huating, the head of the firearms factory. Both gentlemen are proficient in artillery and fire-electricity studies and skilled in Western arithmetic. They joined us when I recruited talents at the Board of Revenue. This young lady is Bai Bi, the head of the textile factory, who has been responsible for recruiting and organizing weavers to operate the new textile machines.”

When Xie Yi heard the name Bai Bi, he recalled Qing Qian. Looking closely, he saw that the woman was in her twenties, beautiful and poised. She was likely another maid of Lady Sheng, confirming the saying that a capable commander never lacks capable subordinates. He nodded slightly and asked, “Tell me about the current situation at the artillery factory. How far have we progressed?”

Hua Xueshou stepped forward and reported, “We have mastered the production of pure steel cannon barrels and the technique of using iron hoops to reinforce cast iron cannon barrels, known as the sleeve cannon. This technology prevents breech explosions in rear-loading rifled guns, allowing for larger caliber and greater power. We have successfully assembled rotating gun turrets and manufactured smoothbore guns. Compared to the previous front-loading guns, the caliber has increased from 6.8 inches to 8.3 inches, significantly enhancing firepower. Moreover, we can now load more cannonballs.”

Satisfied, Xie Yi nodded and, observing the busy craftsmen, asked, “How are the wages calculated for the craftsmen and technicians in the factory?”

Hua Xueshou replied, “In the entire naval arsenal, craftsmen are divided into three ranks. First-class craftsmen, who are skilled and can mentor apprentices, are called honored guests and receive a monthly wage of eight taels. Second-class craftsmen, who are proficient and can handle tasks independently, receive five taels per month. Third-class craftsmen, who are basic craftsmen, receive two taels per month. Apprentices are paid based on hours worked or per piece completed.”

Xie Yi smiled and asked Xu Chun, “These wages aren’t low.”

Xu Chun replied, “Indeed. Almost all able-bodied men in the area are working for us. Women skilled in textiles also come to work at the textile factory and take home pieces to work on for the elderly and children in their families. Initially, there was some opposition in Jinhaiwei regarding the naval arsenal, fearing it would steal jobs. However, attitudes have changed as the local economy has benefited.”

Xie Yi asked, “What about the foreign instructors?”

Xu Chun said, “We do not employ many foreign instructors. Only two at the shipyard, two at the artillery and firearms factories. Their monthly wage is one thousand taels. If they complete their annual tasks, they receive an additional bonus of twenty thousand taels. This time, after we successfully built the pure steel ironclad, we awarded sixty thousand taels to the two instructors and Mr. Lu.”

The officials were astonished, but Xie Yi commented, “It’s worth it compared to buying ships and cannons. Besides, money alone might not guarantee a purchase.”

The ministers, recalling the cost of a new ironclad warship in the hundreds of thousands of silver taels, could not help but agree that it was worth the investment.

By this point, Xu Chun’s attention was elsewhere. Observing that Xie Yi’s face had flushed from the high temperature in the factory and his lips were dry, he felt a twinge of concern. He stepped forward and suggested, “Please, Your Majesty, board the sedan chair. Let’s move on to the next location.”

Xie Yi nodded slightly and climbed onto the sedan chair. Then, Xu Chun produced a silver water flask from somewhere and presented it to him with both hands.

Xie Yi took the flask and saw the engraving of the words “Cherish Life,” realizing it was the silver water flask he had once commissioned for Xu Chun during his time on the battlefield. Surprised that Xu Chun still used it after all these years, he smiled faintly but did not refuse the offer. He took a few sips of water and handed the flask to Su Huaiban standing nearby.

Su Huaiban carefully stored the flask away, not daring to entrust it to anyone else.

The Emperor’s diet was a matter of utmost importance, with every meal requiring meticulous verification by designated personnel. Yet, Lord Linhai casually offered water to the Emperor, who accepted and drank it without hesitation. This scene left a lasting impression on the ministers, deepening their understanding of the Emperor’s trust and favor towards Lord Linhai.

Only Fang Zijing recognized the water flask as the one Xu Chun had carried during his time on the battlefield. The Emperor drank from it without any qualms, in full view of everyone! He clenched his teeth, further confirming his suspicions. Unable to contain his anger, he glared fiercely at Fang Zixing, who had been following the imperial sedan all along.

Fang Zixing, once again receiving his brother’s furious gaze, puzzledly checked his attire. He had been faithfully accompanying the Emperor all along, so what could he have done wrong? Could it be that his brother was upset because he hadn’t offered water to the Emperor?

The Emperor and his ministers proceeded to visit the firearms factory, textile factory, and agricultural machinery factory, where they witnessed the latest machinery. The military officials were particularly interested in the new firearms, bullets, and ammunition, lingering longer than intended. Even in the presence of the Emperor, they openly requested weapons and ammunition for their troops from Xu Chun.

The civilian officials were skeptical but intrigued by the military officers’ enthusiasm, realizing that such items must be in short supply.

Upon reaching the textile factory, the group marveled at the spacious factory floor, where women worked diligently on their looms, either individually or collaboratively. They skillfully processed vast quantities of yarn and cloth, eliciting admiration from all present.

At the agricultural machinery factory, the earth-digging machine, water wheel, bellows, and sawmill caught the attention of the civilian officials. These innovations provided a fresh perspective, sparking discussions among them.

Though unfamiliar with such advancements, many civilian officials from humble backgrounds recognized the potential benefits to the common people. After all, in the imperial court, officials in charge of the Six Ministries must first govern local areas and possess practical knowledge, a principle established by the current Emperor.

Previously, only graduates of the Hanlin Academy could enter the inner cabinet. Nowadays, however, the leaders of the cabinet and the Six Ministries had to serve in provincial administrations before being appointed as Grand Secretaries. Their primary duty was to promote agriculture, and upon witnessing the machinery and spinning machines that could enhance the productivity of the common people, the civilian officials could not help but take note. Many of them pulled out their writing boards and jotting books, hurriedly recording key points.

Minister Luo of the Ministry of Revenue, having heard about the latest textile machines and seen them in the capital, was not overly surprised. However, when he discovered that the agricultural machinery factory had developed a dredging boat capable of excavating mud from the riverbed using a mechanical arm, his expression changed. His white beard trembled with excitement as he exclaimed, “This is a powerful tool for dredging the canals and waterways!” He then grabbed the hand of the Minister of Works and implored, “This can also be a formidable weapon for river management!”

The Minister of Works promptly approached Lord Linhai to inquire about the feasibility of promoting and selling the agricultural machinery to various provinces. Upon learning that the shortage of skilled craftsmen prevented mass production, he shook his head in disappointment. Nevertheless, he earnestly advised Lord Linhai to focus on cultivating talent in agricultural machinery, emphasizing that national defense and border security should not overshadow the fundamental interests of the state.

Xu Chun humbly agreed to the suggestions of both civil and military officials, readily accepting their requests. This straightforward and accommodating attitude left a positive impression on several ministers, who had previously heard rumors of his dissolute and cunning nature. They now realized that he was indeed capable of accomplishing practical tasks and possessed excellent interpersonal skills.

Finally, after touring the naval arsenal, the Emperor and his ministers arrived at the critical shipyard.

Lu Jiugao, accompanied by the two foreign instructors they had hired, had been waiting at the shipyard for some time. Upon seeing Xie Yi and the others, they approached to pay their respects. Their demeanor was more sincere than during their initial meeting with Xie Yi. However, Xu Chun had already conveyed the Emperor’s edict that the foreigners were not accustomed to the traditional kneeling ceremony of the Empire and could instead perform a bow.

Xie Yi smiled and dismissed the formalities. Lu Jiugao introduced the two foreign instructors, Steven from Qinshi and Abel from Xiangdian. Both had prominent noses, deep-set eyes, fair skin, and peculiar hair colors. They could speak a few words of the Mu Dynasty language and appeared modest.

Lu Jiugao informed Xie Yi, “The construction methods for warships and civilian merchant vessels now differ greatly. Our focus remains on building warships and gunboats, but we can also produce smaller vessels for use in inland river patrols.”

As they proceeded, Xie Yi and his entourage were led to the drafting room, where they observed students and craftsmen engaged in drawing blueprints. Large ship diagrams and detailed component drawings adorned the walls, alongside numerous miniature models of warships. The intricate level of detail was astonishing, almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Several officials picked up the models, marveling at their craftsmanship.

Continuing onward to the assembly dock, they inspected the shipbuilding platforms and other facilities. Eventually, they reached the harbor, where Xie Yi asked with a smile, “Let’s see what our first self-built ship looks like.”

The weather was clear, with boundless azure waves stretching to the horizon. The serene blue sky merged seamlessly with the clouds, creating a breathtaking view.

Two ironclad ships were anchored in the distance, one painted with the word “Wansui” (Ten Thousand Ages) and the other with “Qianqiu” (A Thousand Autumns). Numerous warships surrounded them. Xu Chun stood at the harbor and made a gesture, prompting someone in the watchtower to wave a flag.

Everyone watched as the “Wansui” and “Qianqiu” slowly parted ways, revealing a colossal flagship between them. This warship was significantly larger in length and width compared to the previous two.

The pristine white sails billowed majestically in the sea breeze as the giant vessel sailed steadily toward the shore, resembling a tranquil whale. However, the pure steel armor at the bow indicated its terrifying ramming power.

Silence fell over the harbor, broken only by the sound of the wind and the seagulls flying overhead. The giant ship moved swiftly like a galloping horse, dashing through the air like a gust of wind, quickly approaching the shore.

Xu Chun turned to Xie Yi with a smile and said, “This is the first cruiser built by Jinhaiwei for Your Majesty. It is steel-faced and iron-armored, measuring seventy meters in length. It can carry ten thousand people across the ocean. The ship is equipped with nine heavy rotating turrets with breech-loading guns and two accompanying torpedo boats. Please bestow a name for the ship, Your Majesty.”

Gazing into Xu Chun’s bright, glassy eyes, Xie Yi also smiled, feeling pleased. He said, “Our hearts are united, aiming for the public good. Our tireless pursuit is nothing but the tranquility and peace of the empire, the well-being and harmony of all things. May I grant it the name ‘Peace and Tranquility.'”

“May the seas be calm, and the land be at peace. May the empire enjoy eternal peace and tranquility.”