Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 102, Section 101: The Stone That Never Turns Ash
Qin Shi understood Ji Heng's meaning.

Since coal mines are not being mined on a large scale, there are no officials leading the research on their uses.

In this era, among ordinary people, you couldn't find even one in a hundred who could read a hundred characters. Knowledge was monopolized by the upper class, and social classes were especially closed off.

Therefore, without government officials or prominent families leading the research, ordinary people, burdened by the heavy burden of life, had no energy to delve into it.

Even if someone does discover it, how should they speak out?
All these factors have led to the fact that even though coal mines are now open-pit, and you could probably pick up a large piece by hand, no one uses them.

She therefore reported:

"After the stone is mined, it needs to be rinsed with clean water, otherwise it will contain impurities. When burned, it will not only be toxic, but also produce thick smoke, and people cannot stay nearby."

"However, once cleaned and sorted, the temperature generated is much higher than that of firewood and charcoal."

The most important factor in steel smelting is the flame temperature.

Ji Heng sat up straight, his gaze intense!

"So, we can obtain divine weapons in this way?"

Qin Shi shook his head: "We still need to use stone powder to make additional coke."

As for honeycomb briquettes, they could only be made as a trial by utilizing spare manpower during the off-season of coke production.

After all, it's impossible to popularize and promote it to the general public on a large scale.

Because this is no longer the Tang and Song dynasties, the economy cannot develop, let alone the buying and selling of daily necessities.

The poverty of ordinary people is unimaginable; let alone coal, they may not even be able to get firewood.

Moreover, the national treasury is currently empty, and the king is a construction fanatic who wants to conscript people from all over the country. It would be extremely difficult to persuade him to use the money for the people's livelihood.

You have to eat one bite at a time, and you have to find your way one step at a time.

Qin Shi was not in a hurry. He simply cupped his hands and said, "In that case, Your Majesty, please order people to mine and process it."

Ji Heng glanced at her, then instructed Zhou Ju:

"Send a letter to the Prefect of Neishi County, instructing him to begin exploring the open-pit mines in this area tomorrow, and then to start mining. Compile everything according to Qin Qing's instructions, and if there are any results, send them to the Ironworks."

"Furthermore, I hereby order the Grand Censor and the Prime Minister to make recommendations regarding the mining and coking of mineral resources. These are matters of great importance and require the expertise of designated personnel."

He is particularly decisive and efficient in his actions; in just a few words, everything is arranged perfectly.

Qin Shi sighed inwardly, and seized the opportunity to have Chi Nu entrust him with all the matters that he had organized and that required the King of Qin's attention.

Ji Heng examined them one by one, and now he frowned as he stared at the "unashy wood":
"The ash-free wood comes from Shangdang, and can now be found in Ze and Lushan. It is a type of stone, white in color, like rotten wood, and does not burn when burned."

Then he asked, "Is this thing fire-resistant?"

This "ungrey wood" is actually asbestos.

Asbestos has actually been discovered, but it hasn't been put to use yet.

Moreover, Qin Shi asked for a long time but still didn't know what it was called at the time, so he had to adapt the description from the later "Compendium of Materia Medica".

This is to be added to the blast furnace materials.

At this moment, Ji Heng asked out of curiosity, and she answered truthfully, "That's right."

Then he cupped his hands and said, "I wonder if Your Majesty has any fire-resistant cloth from the Western Regions in your treasury?"

"It is said that this thing is immune to fire, and it is actually woven from this [unburnt wood]."

Asbestos is fibrous, so it is not difficult to spin, and current technology can easily achieve this.

Even Ji Heng was surprised to find that the tribute from the Western Regions must have been rare treasures, unparalleled in the world!

Little did they know that there were even more within their own borders!

As expected of the mighty Qin Dynasty!

At this moment, he was greatly encouraged: "This thing is both a mineral deposit and can be used for weaving. Its characteristics are truly rare. I will have someone start mining it tomorrow."

Qin Shi hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, when this thing is mined, the fibers are like needles piercing the lungs and internal organs, making it impossible to defend against."

"It causes people unbearable suffering, makes it difficult for them to live a long life, and is against the harmony of nature."

"Your Majesty would be better off conscripting the local death row inmates, as the amount needed is quite small, and these people alone would be sufficient to mine it."

Ji Heng couldn't help but sigh: He possessed extraordinary talent, yet remained excessively kind and benevolent. But kindness and benevolence alone cannot accomplish great things.

He sighed, yet felt strangely at peace; after all, he was just a death row inmate.

He had no intention of giving a perfunctory answer to the other party's request. Since he was benevolent, let him continue to be benevolent! In this way, I can sleep soundly.

"Then we will do as you say."

……

It was already late at night, and Ji Heng still had important matters to attend to, so Qin Shi did not want to disturb him further.

Moreover, now that she holds power, she needs to personally give instructions on many matters, so she must take her leave after submitting this series of materials.

Ji Heng did not stop him.

However, when Zhou Ju was seeing him off so attentively, he did not stop him, but instead gave instructions:
"Qin Qing has been working hard, so please have the Shaofu provide her with more servants to use and command. If she needs anything, she can also choose for herself."

Qin Shi couldn't help but laugh again.

What a rare boss!

If it weren't for the fact that one careless move could cost you your head, you would definitely be the best boss in everyone's eyes.

After all, bonuses are readily available, promotions and raises are commonplace, and hiring is arranged whenever a workload is deemed heavy...

She was therefore delighted and carried out her favorability arrangement:

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty, please rest soon. State affairs cannot be finished in a single day. Only when Your Majesty is in good health can you protect the foundation of our Great Qin."

As she spoke, she remembered the matter of the inscription on the meteorite in Dongjun and hurriedly inquired about it again.

Ji Heng's lips curled slightly, his slightly tired face revealing a hint of pride and confidence:

"I have already ordered the messenger to spread Qin Qing's words throughout the land—[The King of Qin is dead, and the land will be divided]!"

He spoke slowly, his tone carrying a chilling killing intent: "There are traitors causing chaos, so Heaven has issued a warning."

The rebels from the six states hid among the common people, and the remaining people of each state protected their whereabouts, making it extremely difficult for the main army to identify them.

But if the world is about to descend into chaos, those common people and slaves who toil in the fields will never be able to endure the flames of war again.

Qin Shi was relieved and smiled, sighing, "It's good that Your Majesty is happy."

Ji Heng's chilling killing intent was intertwined with a hint of pleasure, and he was slightly taken aback when he heard her sighing words.

A moment later, he was troubled again:

Qin Qing is so talented, yet I have such a sentimental heart. If this leads to any unrealistic desires in the future, it will be truly troublesome.

If it weren't for her kindness and compassion...

Despite a thousand rational thoughts swirling in his mind, he couldn't help but smile, his voice softening.

"I understand your intentions."

"It's getting late. You've been traveling hard these past few days, so you should rest early."

Upon hearing this, even Zhou Ju couldn't help but glance at him.

How rare!
Qin Shi almost brought tears to my eyes—

She worked tirelessly, showering everyone with sweet words and flattery. Now she's even offering various methods for technological advancement…

now!

Finally, we heard a simple, caring remark from Ji Heng!

Don't underestimate this casual remark; for Ji Heng, it was already exceptionally rare!
Qin Shi knew that at this moment, her position in the King of Qin's heart had moved one step closer to the center.

I'm here! I've received so much support and tips from my friends. Thank you, goodnight.

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