My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 243 Transporting honeycomb briquettes to Liaodong? I disagree!

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang smiled and said:

"I have no intention of making a profit from honeycomb briquettes; I only want to ensure the basic needs of the people."

"So at that time anyone can participate in this business, and the imperial court will also issue decrees to encourage merchants to get involved."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shize suddenly had a thought.

Although honeycomb briquettes may not be priced high, their large usage makes up for it.

It is well known that ordinary people cannot do without coal for cooking and heating, and honeycomb briquettes are affordable, with usage increasing significantly in winter.

Moreover, the main raw materials for honeycomb briquettes are almost free, making it a profitable business.

Seeing Zhang Shize's interested expression, Zhu Cilang continued:

"Don't worry, I won't forget you about such a good thing. I'll have someone give you the formula later. You can study it when you get back and then start mass production."

"When the time comes, tell the other nobles about this. Anyone whose family is involved in the coal mining business can do this business."

"The imperial court will set a fixed price to ensure that you can make a profit and that the people can afford it."

Zhang Shize quickly bowed and smiled, saying:

"In that case, Your Highness, I thank you!"

At midnight, the bustling noise of the daytime barbecue feast had long since disappeared into the night.

At this moment, all was quiet, and the silvery moonlight, like flowing water, gently poured over the slightly messy ground.

The remaining embers, like scattered stars, emitted a faint, lingering warmth.

Although it was already very late, Zhu Cilang did not leave. Instead, he stood in front of the still-burning fire in the stove, gazing at the few pieces of honeycomb briquettes that were still burning.

After testing all night, Zhu Cilang had obtained the optimal formula.

The honeycomb briquettes manufactured according to this formula have extremely stable combustion performance and the longest combustion time.

Then, all that's needed is to mass-produce them and sell them to ordinary people who come to the city.

For a moment, Zhu Cilang felt as if he were there, truly seeing the heartwarming scene of honeycomb briquettes burning brightly in people's homes, dispelling the winter chill for them.

The next morning, after having breakfast, Zhu Cilang summoned Zhou Shipu, the Minister of Works, again.

Before long, Zhou Shipu arrived at the East Palace.

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, he immediately bowed and said:

"Your subject Zhou Shipu greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Cilang slightly raised his hand, gesturing for him to stand up, then pointed to the honeycomb briquette stove and a pile of honeycomb briquettes beside him and said:
"Lord Zhou, please take a closer look at this."

The honeycomb briquettes in the stove had been burning all night, thanks to Zhu Cilang's special instructions the previous night.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shipu immediately looked over.

Although the thing in front of him looked a bit strange, he could tell at a glance that it was probably used as fuel and for heating.

These honeycomb-like black substances are likely the fuel.

After a moment, he slowly raised his head and looked at Zhu Cilang, asking:

"May I ask, Your Highness, what is this?"

Zhu Cilang said:

"This is something I saw in an ancient book. It's called honeycomb briquettes. They're made from broken coal and clay, and the cost is extremely low. With this special stove, two or three briquettes can meet the fuel needs of an ordinary person for cooking for a day."

In later generations, if an average family used honeycomb briquettes, the normal daily consumption would be around five or six briquettes.

Because in later generations, people generally eat three meals a day, and the food is quite varied.

But it is clear that the Ming Dynasty was different, because ordinary people at that time basically ate two meals a day, around 10 a.m. and around 4 p.m.

Moreover, the food is very simple, so it doesn't consume much fuel at all.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shipu's face was filled with excitement, and his voice was brimming with barely suppressed joy.

"Just as Your Highness says, with this item, the people of the capital will surely be able to get through this cold winter smoothly!"

"In addition, this item can greatly reduce the cost of living for ordinary people. Your Highness is truly wise. This old minister admires you!"

At this moment, Zhou Shipu was filled with admiration for Zhu Cilang.

In the ancient saying about firewood, rice, oil, salt, and vinegar, firewood was always the first priority. This is because without firewood, even the most basic task of cooking food would be impossible.

What we call "firewood" is actually just fuel!
Seeing Zhou Shipu's expression, Zhu Cilang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, and then he continued:
"Lord Zhou, I intend to have the Ministry of Works establish a brand new department specifically responsible for the production of these honeycomb briquettes."

"However, the Ministry of Works is only responsible for production; I will make my own arrangements for sales."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Shipu felt a slight unease, and a fleeting, almost imperceptible hesitation flashed in his eyes.

In his view, it would be best if the entire process of producing and selling honeycomb briquettes could be handled by the Ministry of Industry, so that the entire process could be better controlled and mistakes could be avoided.

But how could he dare disobey the Crown Prince's order?

So he could only suppress his reluctance and nodded heavily in response:

"The minister obeys the order."

Immediately afterward, Zhu Cilang gave some other instructions, and Zhou Shipu then left the Eastern Palace.

Even as he left the Eastern Palace, Zhou Shipu still found it all somewhat unbelievable.

Clearly, he hadn't expected that Zhu Cilang would actually use useless coal scraps and some cheap materials to develop a new fuel.

It must be said that this prince is extremely clever and wise, always able to come up with such ingenious methods.

After Zhou Shipu left, Zhu Cilang summoned Xia Dewu.

As soon as Xia Dewu stepped into the hall, he respectfully bowed and said:

"Your Highness, I pay my respects!"

Zhu Cilang waved his hand, signaling him to get up, and then showed the honeycomb briquettes to Xia Dewu again.

Xia Dewu was incredibly clever and quick-witted. With just one glance, he instantly guessed Zhu Cilang's intention in summoning him, and a look of understanding flashed in his eyes.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang showed Xia Dewu the materials and methods for making honeycomb briquettes.

After he finished reading it, he said:

"Xia Dewu, you've always been smart, so I won't waste any more words. Based on the current market situation, set a reasonable price for these honeycomb briquettes and the matching stove."

Xia Dewu frowned slightly, his gaze shifting back and forth between the honeycomb briquettes and the honeycomb briquette stove, before cautiously saying:
"Your Highness, please forgive me for not being able to give a price immediately. I need to manufacture a batch myself first and calculate all the costs in detail before I can give an accurate quote."

Xia Dewu understood that he had to be extremely cautious when doing things for the Crown Prince.

So even though Zhu Cilang had given him the materials to make honeycomb briquettes, he still needed to manufacture a batch himself, carefully calculate the cost, and then set the price.

After all, if the price is too low, there is a risk of losing money.

However, if the price is too high, it will not be conducive to people's purchase and will hinder the promotion of the market, so he must be careful about this matter.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang nodded slightly, realizing that he had been too hasty.

He then said:
"Alright then, go and manufacture a batch of honeycomb briquettes and honeycomb briquette stoves first, and then carefully calculate the costs."

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang instructed Ma Bao to take Xia Dewu to the Ministry of Works.

Because of Zhu Cilang's previous instructions, the Ministry of Works naturally cooperated fully.

So in just one day, a batch of honeycomb briquettes and honeycomb briquette stoves were successfully produced, a speed that was simply astonishing.

Although the honeycomb briquettes cannot be used immediately, the cost has already been calculated.

So early the next morning, Xia Dewu came to the East Palace again.

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, he first bowed respectfully, then eagerly said:
“Your Highness, I have carefully calculated the cost yesterday. The main raw materials for honeycomb briquettes are coal dust and clay. Most of the coal dust comes from waste slag, so the cost is extremely low.”

“The price of clay and similar materials is not high, and they can be replaced with other cheaper materials.”

"Including labor costs, mold wear and tear and other expenses in the production process, the total cost of a honeycomb briquette is about 1.5 yuan."

"I have heard that Your Highness intends to involve other coal merchants in the capital in this business in order to ensure a stable fuel supply for the capital during the winter."

"Therefore, I suggest setting the price at two coins. In this way, the common people can afford it, and other merchants can also make a profit, so they will naturally be more actively involved."

Two articles?
Zhu Cilang pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind, and finally nodded and said:
"In that case, let's set the price at two coins."

The cost price is 1.5 coins, and selling it for 2 coins is a fairly reasonable price.

It's worth noting that even the most common coal on the market today costs as much as ten coins per kilogram, and a single honeycomb briquette weighs more than a kilogram.

All things considered, the price of honeycomb briquettes is a full five times cheaper than that of coal!
The people will surely accept it gladly!

Hearing Zhu Cilang approve of his pricing, Xia Dewu breathed a sigh of relief and quickly nodded in agreement:
"Your Highness is wise!"

"I can guarantee that once this product is released, the people will rush to buy it."

Immediately afterwards, Xia Dewu had two more honeycomb briquette stoves brought up.

It was covered in metal, and under the sunlight, it shimmered with a cold, hard, and dazzling luster.

Another type has no metal casing; the outer layer is made of cement, giving it a simple and unpretentious appearance, yet it exudes a sense of practicality.

Xia Dewu continued his introduction:

“Your Highness, this furnace is encased in metal, making it sturdy, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Its cost price is 230 coins, and I suggest a selling price of 300 coins.”

"The other type, without metal casing, is simpler and more practical. Its cost is 150 wen, but I suggest a selling price of 200 wen." Zhu Cilang looked the two stoves up and down, a satisfied look in his eyes, then turned to Xia Dewu and said:
“You have done a good job. In that case, the matter will be handled by the state-run stores of the Ming Dynasty.”

"As for production, it will all be handled by the Ministry of Industry. They will coordinate with you then."

Xia Dewu quickly cupped his hands and said:

"The minister obeys the order!"

Over the next few days, a workshop in the Ministry of Works was bustling with activity.

The craftsmen worked in shifts day and night, some carefully mixing coal dust and clay, others skillfully operating molds to make honeycomb briquettes, their movements as smooth as flowing water.

Despite this, daily production is still only around 100,000 pieces.

While the number may seem large, it is pitifully small compared to the massive population of 1.2 million in Beijing.

But that's alright, because the craftsmen aren't very skilled yet at the beginning. Once they've become more skilled, they can expand the scale and production will definitely increase.

And don't forget, it wasn't just the Ministry of Works that manufactured honeycomb briquettes; almost all the coal mines, large and small, had already obtained the manufacturing formula for honeycomb briquettes.

If we include them, the daily output would be quite considerable.

A few days later, when the number of honeycomb briquettes in the Ministry of Works reached 300,000, Xia Dewu knew it was time to sell them.

That morning, the Ming Dynasty Royal Chamber of Commerce was operating as usual.

As soon as the door opened, the shop assistants moved with the agility of monkeys, quickly setting up several stoves at the entrance.

The burning honeycomb briquettes resembled burning rubies, making the surrounding air even hotter.

Several kettles of hot water were boiling on the stove, bubbling and steaming.

Despite the unbearable summer heat, the novel and unique scene attracted the attention of many passersby, who couldn't help but stop and look, their eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry.

After all, it was quite surprising to see someone suddenly set up several stoves at the door in the middle of summer, with hot water boiling on them.

Seeing that more and more people were gathering at the entrance, one of the waiters immediately shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Fellow villagers, come and take a look! This is the latest type of coal developed by the Ministry of Works, called honeycomb briquettes!"

"These honeycomb briquettes are cheap and easy to use! One briquette costs only two coins, and it weighs more than a pound. A pound only costs two coins! That's more than five times cheaper than coal!"

The crowd that had gathered immediately erupted in discussion upon hearing this, whispering and gossiping amongst themselves.

But their faces were full of doubt, their eyes filled with countless question marks, casting skeptical glances at them.

It's not that they don't believe it, but it's just too exaggerated.

Nowadays, even the cheapest coal on the market costs ten coins per kilogram, while this honeycomb coal only costs two coins per kilogram, a difference of five times. Is this thing really any good?
Just then, an elderly man with white hair stepped forward with a hint of doubt and caution, and asked:
"Is this stuff really as good as you say? How does it actually burn?"

Upon hearing this, a nearby employee quickly stepped forward and said:
"Sir, watch closely!"

After saying that, he skillfully picked up the kettle, then picked up the tongs next to him and steadily took out a burning honeycomb briquette and placed it on the ground.

The movement was executed flawlessly in one smooth motion.

The burning honeycomb briquettes continued to burn slowly after being placed on the ground. Although some thin smoke drifted out, it was negligible and didn't have much of a smell.

The waiter continued speaking to the old man who had spoken earlier:

"Grandpa, what do you think of the fire? And let me tell you, these honeycomb briquettes burn extremely well; one piece is as good as several pieces of ordinary coal."

"It's perfect for cooking and heating!"

"If you only use it for cooking, three yuan a day is the maximum. If you use it for heating in winter, it will probably cost around six or seven yuan."

"But the key thing is that this stuff is cheap; it only costs one-fifth the price of coal."

“Your family used to need at least three catties of coal to cook a day, which would cost thirty coins. But if you switch to these honeycomb briquettes, it will only cost six coins a day, saving you a full twenty-four coins!”

"And this stove, as you can see, comes in two types: one with a metal casing, which is sturdy and beautiful, and costs only three hundred coins; the one without a metal casing is only two hundred coins. The price is very fair!"

After hearing the shopkeeper's explanation, the people exclaimed in amazement.

It was obvious that they were genuinely shocked.

This thing can actually save them about four times the fuel costs.

If we take an ordinary family as an example, saving 24 coins a day would amount to 8 taels of silver a year!

Who wouldn’t be moved?

Suddenly, at that moment, a middle-aged man pushed his way to the front of the crowd and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Give me a stove that costs 300 coins and 100 honeycomb briquettes first. I'll take them home and try them out. If they work well, my family will use these honeycomb briquettes exclusively from now on!"

As soon as the middle-aged man spoke, the other people couldn't wait to chime in as well.

"I want one too! Just give me that two-hundred-cash stove, and fifty honeycomb briquettes to start!"

"I want that stove that costs 300 coins, plus 200 honeycomb briquettes."

In no time, people opened their wallets to buy them, and honeycomb briquettes and stoves were in short supply.

However, considering that these items take up too much space and are inconvenient to transport, the state-run stores only sell receipts similar to delivery slips. After paying the money and receiving the receipts, people need to pick them up from designated warehouses.

If this were any other shop, people would definitely be suspicious and wouldn't dare to pay easily.

But if it's a state-run store, the people have no doubts, because they already know that these state-run stores are run by the imperial court, and it's said that the owner behind them is a sixth-rank official of the imperial court.

With all these things, what else did he have to worry about?

Before long, the people who had paid and received their receipts couldn't wait to go home, load their carts, and head to the warehouse to pick up their goods.
Meanwhile, Zhang Shize wasn't idle either.

Using his connections, he quickly contacted several noble families who owned coal mines.

Then they told them what Zhu Cilang had instructed them to do. Upon hearing that it was profitable and that it was something the Crown Prince had instructed them to do, all of these nobles chose to join without exception.

However, they were a step behind the imperial court in speed, so they haven't officially started selling yet.

However, this was only a matter of time.
Two days later, with the support of the Da Ming Daily, the business of honeycomb briquettes in the capital was booming.

The streets and alleys were filled with the lively atmosphere brought by this novel thing.

In some shops that specialize in selling coal, honeycomb briquettes are piled up like mountains, and the shop assistants inside are busy as bees, with shouts and bargaining echoing all around.

In order to compete for business, some shops have even launched home delivery services.

Don't be fooled by the fact that honeycomb briquettes may not seem to make much money, because of the sheer volume! People buy them in quantities of several hundred yuan at a time, so the profit can be quite considerable.

Overall, Zhu Cilang was quite satisfied with the current situation.

That morning, Zhu Cilang had just finished breakfast when Ma Bao suddenly rushed in.

"Your Highness, Minister of War Li Banghua is requesting an audience outside the gate. He seems to have something important to discuss!"

Zhu Cilang was somewhat curious upon hearing this, but still said:

"Take Lord Li to my study!"

Zhu Cilang then went to the study, and not long after, Li Banghua arrived.

"Your subject Li Banghua greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, Li Banghua quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

Zhu Cilang nodded, then gestured for Ma Bao to bring him a chair to sit down, before asking:

"Lord Li, what brings you here today?"

Li Banghua raised his head and said with a serious expression:

"Your Highness, I have heard about the honeycomb briquettes, and I believe it is indeed a great thing that benefits the people!"

"Therefore, I humbly request Your Highness to transport these honeycomb briquettes to Liaodong."

"The Liaodong region is extremely cold, and it is very difficult for soldiers and civilians to get through the winter. However, these honeycomb briquettes are cheap and much cheaper than coal, which will definitely relieve the soldiers and civilians' urgent needs."

It must be said that what Li Banghua said makes a lot of sense.

In the past, transporting coal from the capital to Liaodong involved transportation costs and various other expenses, and the final cost of one pound of coal could be as high as fifty wen per pound!
However, if honeycomb briquettes were transported, the final cost would be at most ten coins. Under such circumstances, it seemed possible to transport a large number of honeycomb briquettes to Liaodong to ensure that the soldiers and civilians in Liaodong could get through the winter.

However, upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang shook his head slightly, his expression calm and firm, and said:

"Lord Li, this matter is inappropriate."

what?
Li Banghua was instantly stunned, his eyes widening like copper bells, seemingly never expecting Zhu Cilang to refuse.

After all, they gave us three million catties of cotton without hesitation before, so why are they not giving us honeycomb briquettes?
You should know that the price of honeycomb briquettes is less than one-tenth of the price of cotton!

The next second, Li Wenhua asked in confusion:

"Your Highness, why is that? Liaodong is a bitterly cold place, and it is indeed in great need of such inexpensive heating supplies!"

Seeing that Li Banghua had misunderstood, Zhu Cilang quickly explained with a smile:
"Lord Li, you misunderstand. It's not that I don't want to give it, but that I already have a solution to this matter."

"Recently, the Imperial Guards from Liaodong reported that a large coal mine has been discovered in the Fuxin area. According to the investigation, its reserves may be similar to those of the coal mines in western Beijing."

"It's enough for the soldiers and civilians in Liaodong to use for hundreds of years. The coal they need can be obtained directly from there, and it can also be supplied to the Xuanfu area."

"That's why I said it was inappropriate to transport honeycomb briquettes from the capital to Liaodong!"

Li Banghua was stunned after hearing these words and was speechless for a long time.

Clearly, he hadn't expected such a thing to happen.

(End of this chapter)