Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 446 A New Technological Breakthrough!
Those legendary time travelers all seemed to be omnipotent beings, capable of making glass, soap, and cement, and even knowing every step of the process in astonishing detail...

But Zhu Yunwen knew he had no such supernatural power.

Not to mention him, even the most learned scholars, PhDs, and top scientists of later generations, if they didn't specialize in this field, who would bother to memorize so many obscure skills?
Unless we go back to the future and rely on the all-knowing internet, or even use AI to search for answers, it would indeed be simple.

You can find it easily by just looking around.

Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's words, a light suddenly shone in Lai Wen'an's eyes, as if he had received a divine decree from the heavens. He could hardly contain his excitement, and his voice trembled slightly as he said, "Your Majesty's words are like the sun breaking through the clouds, and we now know where to go!"

In his mind, this young emperor was no ordinary person; he must be a man ordained by Heaven, otherwise how could he have such profound knowledge of the secrets?
Since Your Majesty has pointed out the direction, there will certainly be no mistakes.

Rubber will undoubtedly become the key to sealing steam engines; with more experimentation and repeated improvements, success is just around the corner!

He suppressed his inner elation, bowed his head respectfully, but a fierce fighting spirit was already burning in his heart.

Upon seeing this, Zhu Yuntong pondered for a moment, and a vague memory suddenly flashed through his mind.

I seem to have glimpsed a few words about it in a popular science article in a past life.

He hesitated for a moment, his tone uncertain, and said in a low voice, "I vaguely remember that sulfur was added?"

He frowned, clearly unsure of his memory, then added seriously, "You might as well use this as a starting point and try adding sulfur."

As soon as he finished speaking, he glanced at everyone present and his tone suddenly became solemn: "However, I have not personally participated in your research details. How to implement them is still up to you to consider and decide."

"You must not take my casual remarks as gospel truth and be bound by them."

"How to proceed in practice depends on the actual situation."

Zhu Yunwen was well aware that rubber was indeed the mainstream direction for future sealing technology, and he firmly believed this.

However, the path of science is always winding and unpredictable, and the pace of progress is hard to foresee.

If the Ming Academy of Sciences were to cling to rubber and abandon other explorations because of his words, and fail to make a breakthrough in a short period of time, it would be a great loss and a disservice to the important matter.

Historically, before the widespread use of rubber, didn't humans also use other methods to drive the evolution of the steam engine?

Perhaps by taking a different approach now, we can find a temporary shortcut.

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath, his tone revealing a hint of imperial magnanimity and tolerance: "You should prioritize practical results and not be constrained by my words."

He can't give unsolicited advice on matters of scientific development.

Otherwise, the impact will be extremely negative!
Upon hearing this, Lai Wen'an and the other officials bowed in unison, their voices booming like bells: "Your Majesty, we respectfully obey your decree!"

They were all deeply moved: His Majesty's heart is as vast as the sea. He not only guides us through our confusion but also gives us room to try and make mistakes. He is truly a benevolent ruler, and we admire him wholeheartedly.

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, his gaze returning to the towering steam locomotive, his eyes revealing his hopes for the future.

Just then, Lai Wen'an hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward again and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, apart from the problem of sealing, I have another matter to report."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Lai Wen'an, signaling him to continue his statement.

"Your Majesty, the development of the steam locomotive was a collective effort of the entire Ming Dynasty, with numerous factories contributing their utmost efforts. Countless hours of hard work were invested in both forging and assembly."

"However, during the process of implementation, I discovered that the dimensions of the various parts were completely chaotic and without any discernible pattern."

He frowned slightly, as if recalling the headache-inducing details: "Different factories operate independently, each with its own standards, making it difficult for them to align."

Lai Wen'an revealed a hint of emotion: "Back then, when His Majesty was developing the steam engine, he strongly advocated for standardized production. It was this foresight that created the miracle of the rapid mass production of the steam engine."

"Even today, several standard steam engines are still being produced continuously from the assembly line at an extremely fast pace."

"But now that it's steam locomotives, the original standards have vanished, and chaos has ensued."

He shook his head, his voice tinged with helplessness: "Admittedly, steam locomotives are different from ordinary steam engines, and their production volume may not be as large as that of standard steam engines. If we force standardized mass production, there will probably be many difficulties."

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, his eyes deep, as if deep in thought.

Lai Wen'an paused briefly before saying, "However, I have discovered that although steam locomotives, standard steam engines, marine steam engines, and other machinery have different uses, many of their internal parts are actually quite similar. If the specifications of these parts can be standardized so that they can be used interchangeably, production efficiency can be greatly improved."

"If Your Majesty could issue an edict ordering all factories in the land, whether government-run or private, to adhere to a carefully crafted standard, and if this standard were implemented nationwide, then in the future, whatever is being manufactured would be twice as efficient and unimpeded!"

His excited tone turned humble, with a hint of probing: "Of course, this is just a humble thought of mine. Whether it is feasible or not still needs Your Majesty's wise decision."

After speaking, Lai Wen'an lowered his head and waited quietly.

Zhu Yunwen's heart stirred slightly.

A unified standard?

This inevitably reminded him of the monumental achievement of Qin Shi Huang in unifying weights and measures a thousand years ago.

However, the standardization of weights and measures during the Qin Dynasty was a simple and crude measure, far less precise and complex than what was required in the industrial age.

Although he was not a technical expert in his previous life, he knew that there were more than a dozen types of small items, such as screws, each with strict size specifications.

Don't underestimate these seemingly minor details. Without the national mandate to set standards and strictly require all factories to comply, there would be no such thing as "number one screw" or "number two screw".

There will only be "Type A screws" and "Type B screws" from Factory A, "Type A screws" and "Type B screws" from Factory B, etc. Each factory has its own system and they are incompatible with each other.

Without a unified standard, there would be far more than a dozen types of screws, but tens of thousands, a chaotic mess!
If even a single screw is damaged, you have to travel thousands of miles back to the original factory for repair, as there is no substitute available on the market. What a predicament that would be!
And so are all the other components, every single piece.

The formulation of standards is the lifeblood of industry, and its complexity far exceeds what ordinary people can imagine. It is only because it is hidden behind the scenes that it is not noticed by the world.

Zhu Yunwen praised, "Not bad, not bad, as expected of someone I promoted, he has such insight."

Upon hearing this, Lai Wen'an was overjoyed, but dared not slacken his efforts. He respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I dare not claim credit for this. I owe all my success to Your Majesty's wisdom."

“What you say makes perfect sense.” Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly. “Indeed, it is time to establish unified production standards.”

"However, this matter is by no means something that can be resolved simply by me issuing an imperial edict."

"Your Academy of Sciences needs to take the lead in convening a group of experts proficient in the technology to discuss and formulate all relevant standards in detail." "After repeated review and confirmation, they should be submitted to the Administrative Office for review and approval before they can be promulgated and implemented nationwide."

"Even if the standards are initially established, it is by no means a one-time solution."

"In the process of implementation, oversights or unreasonable aspects will inevitably be exposed. You need to solicit opinions widely, make timely corrections, and even introduce more comprehensive new regulations in the future."

"Such an important task can only be undertaken by the Academy of Sciences."

Lai Wen'an stiffened slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

He had only vaguely noticed the inconvenience during production and had the idea of ​​unifying standards in mind, feeling that it would be of great benefit if it could be achieved.

As for how to proceed, he was completely confused. He had originally thought that once His Majesty the Emperor spoke and issued an imperial edict, all the problems would be solved.

But upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's account, he suddenly realized that he had underestimated this important matter.

He was momentarily bewildered and did not fully understand the profound meaning, but since His Majesty had given such earnest instruction, there must be a far-sighted consideration behind it.

Lai Wen'an suppressed his inner turmoil and bowed respectfully: "Your Majesty, I understand! I will obey Your Majesty's command and do my utmost to handle this matter properly and thoroughly!"

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly, his tone gentle and encouraging: "The Academy of Sciences was created by my own hand."

"After I ascended the throne, I did not hesitate to defy public opinion and elevate the status of the Academy of Sciences to stand shoulder to shoulder with the other ministries of the court."

"This move has caused quite a stir in both the government and the public."

"Even now, many people are still gossiping privately, saying, 'What makes the Academy of Sciences so capable that it dares to stand on equal footing with the various ministries of the imperial court?'"

Zhu Yunwen changed the subject, his tone revealing a hint of authority: "Therefore, you must demonstrate your true abilities! Let those questioning officials see clearly, let the millions of people of the Ming Dynasty understand that the Academy of Sciences is not only worthy of the prestigious position bestowed upon it by the court, but also worthy of every tael of silver poured into it by the national treasury!"

Upon hearing this, Lai Wen'an suddenly knelt down, his knees hitting the ground with a dull thud: "I was originally a commoner, lowly and insignificant. However, Your Majesty has recognized my talent and not abandoned my humble status, promoting me to head the Academy of Sciences of the Great Ming Dynasty. This has enabled me to leap from the common people to the court. I could never repay even a fraction of such kindness, even if I were to be crushed to pieces!"

He raised his head, his eyes slightly red, and his tone became increasingly firm: "Please rest assured, Your Majesty, the entire Academy of Sciences of the Great Ming will do its utmost and will never fail Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Zhu Yunwen gazed at his solemn expression, nodded slightly, and did not dwell on the topic. Instead, he asked in a deep voice, "Tell me the truth: when will steam locomotives be able to break free from the constraints of the experimental track and truly roam the land, shouldering the heavy responsibility of transporting goods?"

Lai Wen'an hesitated for a moment, then said respectfully, "Your Majesty, the technology of steam locomotives has gradually matured, but the sealing issue remains a major obstacle."

"Due to unstable sealing and frequent malfunctions, it will take some time to refine before it can be put into actual operation."

"Now that Your Majesty has given us guidance, I dare to estimate that if things go smoothly, we may see results in one or two months; if we encounter obstacles, it may take a year and a half or even longer to complete the task."

He lowered his eyes, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, clearly indicating that he dared not speak too definitively.

After all, there were many variables in this matter, and Lai Wen'an was not entirely confident. However, he dared not be ambiguous in front of the emperor and could only tell him the truth.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen frowned slightly, but did not show any displeasure.

He knew all too well that scientific exploration was never a smooth road. The sealing problem might be solved tomorrow, or it might be delayed until next year, or even longer. Who could say for sure?

Was the questioning just now a bit too hasty?

The path of science cannot tolerate any short-sightedness or brute force.

Upon thinking of this, Zhu Yunwen's tone softened, and he comforted and encouraged him, saying, "This is indeed not easy, and I know you have put in your best efforts. In short, do things steadily and study diligently. I do not seek immediate success, but only long-term benefits."

After speaking, Zhu Yunwen glanced at the steam locomotive in front of him, then boarded the vehicle and examined it closely.

Afterwards, he inspected the factory thoroughly, examining every detail, before boarding the imperial carriage and slowly returning to the palace.

At the same time, Lai Wen'an did not dare to delay for a moment and quickly gathered the technical backbone of the Academy of Sciences to start improving the rubber.

He followed Zhu Yunwen's instructions and ordered people to try adding various substances, especially sulfur, to natural rubber, hoping to find a breakthrough.

Dozens of teams worked separately, each with their own responsibilities, simultaneously conducting experiments in different directions, with an efficiency that was truly admirable.

Before long, the results appeared as quickly as a thunderclap in spring.

When sulfur is added to natural rubber that has been baked at high temperatures, its chemical properties undergo a dramatic change.

It is not only resistant to high temperatures and extreme cold, but also has excellent wear resistance, significantly improved chemical stability, greatly enhanced elasticity, and even significantly reduced aging.

The application of this new material to sealing steam engines has yielded results far exceeding expectations.

This groundbreaking discovery, like a blazing light, instantly ignited the fighting spirit of Lai Wen'an and all the technical staff.

With high morale, they worked tirelessly day and night, conducting countless experiments on vulcanized rubber, and breaking through technical bottlenecks one by one at an astonishing speed.

The mysteries of science are sometimes just that perplexing.

The seemingly insurmountable difficulty is actually solved in a way that is almost unbelievably simple.

Vulcanized rubber, a key technology that has had a profound impact on later generations, is actually only a few steps in terms of technology.

Heating natural rubber, adding sulfur, adjusting the ratio and temperature—that's all.

But before that, who would suddenly have the idea to try a seemingly absurd combination experiment?

"It's done!" Half a month later, Lai Wen'an stepped out of the laboratory, his eyes bloodshot, but his tired face could not hide the burst of joy.

He clenched his fists, his heart pounding like a drum, the surging emotions in his chest almost bursting out.

His Majesty's guidance is like a lighthouse illuminating the way forward, without any deviation!
Natural rubber truly is the best choice for sealing materials.

Now that the sealing problem has been solved, there are no more obstacles to the birth of high-powered steam locomotives!

……

(End of this chapter)