roccoschili Chapter 371 January is approaching!
Chapter 371 January is approaching!
Meanwhile, the yard used for steam locomotive research and development was in complete chaos.
The ground was littered with scattered iron blocks and parts, and white smoke filled the air.
Mo Feng was anxiously directing everyone to clean up the scene when he saw Zhang Fan arrive, and his expression became even more flustered.
Zhang Fan strode forward, stopped him, and asked, "Don't panic, explain clearly, what exactly happened?"
Mo Feng wiped the soot off his face and said, "Immortal Master, we originally wanted to test how powerful this steam furnace was, but we didn't control it well and the furnace exploded!"
Fortunately, everyone was far enough away that only two members of the group were injured by the flying metal fragments.
He paused, then added, "I've already taken him to the doctor, and he said there's nothing seriously wrong; he just needs to rest for a while."
Hearing this, Zhang Fan immediately breathed a sigh of relief. As long as no one was killed, that was good.
However, this explosion caused the surrounding Mohist disciples to consider retreating.
The crowd stared at the twisted sheet metal on the ground and began to whisper among themselves.
"The power of this water vapor is terrifying; it even shattered refined iron."
"Can this lump of metal really pull a car? What if it blows someone up before it even gets going?"
"Will the Immortal Master's plan succeed...?"
Hearing the doubts around him, Zhang Fan did not rush to explain.
He walked to the shattered remains of the steam furnace, took out his phone, dialed Zhu Feng's number, and reported the explosion.
The voice of a modern expert came quickly from the other end of the phone: "Zhang Fan, take a few pictures of the blasted area and send them to us so we can take a look."
Zhang Fan took a few photos of the wreckage and clicked send.
Shortly afterward, the expert group's analysis results were delivered.
An expert's voice came through the receiver: "Zhang Fan, the cause has been identified. The main problem is poor airtightness. The high-quality steel that Daqin is currently casting does not meet the standards for airtightness and pressure resistance."
Once the pressure increased, it couldn't withstand it, resulting in this minor barrel explosion.
Zhang Fan asked into his phone, "What's the solution?"
The expert sighed on the other end of the phone: "There are only two options right now. Either add trace elements to increase the metal's strength, or use the brute force method of directly increasing the boiler's thickness."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan said helplessly, "Okay, I understand."
After hanging up the phone, Zhang Fan turned to the Mohist disciples around him and said, "Don't back down, everyone. Failure is normal. I've found the reason. It's not a problem with the plan; it's just that the current sheet metal can't withstand the pressure of the moisture!"
His words calmed everyone down and boosted morale.
Zhang Fan turned to Mo Feng and gave the order: "In the next casting, directly increase the thickness of the boiler."
Trace elements are difficult to extract, and those materials should be reserved for use in the cutting heads of research and development tools, not wasted here.
Currently, steam furnaces can only be manufactured using the cumbersome method of thickening steel plates.
……
Meanwhile, in the Zongfu Palace within Xianyang City.
Inside the study, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.
Zong Yu sat upright in the grand chair, listening to the report from his trusted servant. The gloom on his face vanished, and he immediately beamed with joy.
"Are you telling the truth? The Gewu Academy really exploded?" Zong Yu put down his teacup and asked anxiously.
"Absolutely true! My lord, the spies I placed outside the Academy of Sciences heard it with their own ears. The commotion was like a thunderclap in a dry place, and I heard that people were even injured!"
"The entire Imperial Academy is in complete chaos right now!" the servant reported obsequiously.
"Great! Well done!"
Zong Yu slammed his hand on the table in excitement, then stroked his beard and burst into laughter. "Hahahaha! I told you long ago that those strange and ingenious tricks are ultimately things that bring disaster to the country and its people! Did you really think that so-called 'steam' was so easy to manipulate?"
He stood up and paced back and forth in the study, a hint of resentment and coldness gradually appearing in his eyes.
He couldn't help but recall the scene where Zhang Fan had humiliated him.
Zong Yu never forgot the humiliation of being publicly insulted, and he dreamed of trampling Zhang Fan under his feet!
"There aren't many days left until the one-month deadline he set before His Majesty."
Zong Yu stopped, a cold, expectant smile playing on his lips. "Now that iron furnace is reduced to scrap metal, I'd like to see what Zhang Fan will use to explain himself a month from now!"
He snorted coldly, turned to look at his subordinates, and ordered sternly, "Keep a close eye on the Institute of Physics, and report any disturbance immediately!"
"If he can't produce this so-called 'steam train' by the end of the month, I will definitely join forces with all the officials in court to impeach him severely!"
Zong Yu clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white, and sneered, "When the time comes, I'll settle all scores with him, old and new, with interest!"
Time flies like an arrow; it passes in the blink of an eye.
The wind direction within Xianyang City became increasingly unpredictable as it silently passed by.
For almost a month, there was no news from the Gewu Institute.
Aside from the billowing black smoke from the chimney every day and the occasional metallic clanging sound carried by the wind, outsiders have no idea what's going on inside.
Zhang Fan secluded himself in the Gewu Academy all day long, eating and sleeping in the workshop, never venturing out of the main gate.
We didn't even see a shadow of the legendary car.
As the "one-month deadline" that Zhang Fan had set before His Majesty drew ever closer, undercurrents began to surge within the court.
Those old nobles and conservative civil officials who were already dissatisfied with Zhang Fan and scoffed at the so-called "investigation of things" began to secretly collude frequently, eager to launch a group attack as soon as the deadline arrived.
Among them, the one who jumped the highest was naturally Zong Yu.
……
The atmosphere inside Zhangtai Palace was oppressive.
The civil and military officials stood on both sides, all with their heads bowed, not daring to even breathe loudly.
Above the main hall, Ying Zheng sat on the throne, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
"The time has come!" Zong Yu thought to himself.
He took a deep breath and strode out of the line with renewed vigor.
"Your Majesty, Zong Yu, I have something to report!"
Zong Yu's voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the hall.
He raised a memorial impeaching the emperor high with both hands, then suddenly flung his wide sleeves and knelt heavily on the ground.
Ying Zheng leaned forward slightly, his gaze passing through the crown and landing coldly on Zong Yu, his voice low and authoritative: "Present your report."
Having received permission, Zong Yu straightened up, his chest heaving violently.
"Your Majesty! This old minister risks his life today to remonstrate with you, impeaching Zhang Fan, the Director of the Imperial Academy of Natural History, for his grave crimes of deceiving the emperor, harming the country and its people, and delaying military operations!"
These words caused a slight commotion among the military officers in the court. Generals like Wang Jian frowned, while many civil officials exchanged glances and sneered.
Zong Yu didn't give anyone a chance to interrupt; he raised his voice, which echoed throughout the hall:
"Your Majesty, please be aware! A month ago, Zhang Fan made outrageous remarks in the court, claiming that he could build a 'steam train' that could transport 100,000 shi of grain day and night without the need for oxen or horses."