Li Xuanqing looked at the steel monster in this dock that could already see the general outline clearly, and said in surprise: "Could this be an iron-hulled ship?" But before he could finish his sentence, he saw the guards patrolling on the side, seeing the appearance of the two of them, walking quickly.

Li Xuanqing took out his silver feather sword talisman and shook it, signaling everyone to leave him alone, and walked in from the back door of the dock with Qiaoxi, and began to observe the ship up close.

"Big brother, don't say it, Brother Zhang really figured out the process of the iron-hulled ship. You see, the keel is all poured with straight steel at one time, and it seems that the alloy steel produced by the blast furnace of the newly built steel plant is no longer a big problem. Qiaoxi was very satisfied with this manufacturing technology, and said with a smile: "It looks a little strange, it doesn't look like the shape of a sea boat, but it is no problem if it is used in inland rivers." ”

Li Xuanqing nodded and said, "Now that I have started riveting the tenon and tenon of the hull, it is estimated that I will soon be launched and outfitted." Let's go find Zhang Qiang and ask him how he entered? There is also whether there is any progress in the construction of the freighter. The two walked out of the dock and headed towards the office area on the side.

At this time, Zhang Qiang was taking the technicians to compare the drawings to discuss the design and structure of the inland river freighter in Li Xuanqing's mouth, when he heard the office door being pushed open, he looked up and said in surprise: "Lord, madam, why are you here?" ”

"Come and see you, and by the way, see how the shipbuilding is progressing." Li Xuanqing waved his hand to signal everyone not to be polite, sat down and glanced at the drawings and said with a smile: "This is the design drawing of the freighter, not to mention that it is also decent." Let's talk about it, how fast are freighters being built? It won't be slower than an iron-hulled ship, right? ”

These designers were stunned by Li Xuanqing's words, but Zhang Qiang reacted quickly, and took over the conversation and said: "In fact, we have already built a test ship for the freighter, but there is a technology that is not up to standard, so it was returned to the factory for modification." My lord, why don't I take you and your wife to see it on the spot. ”

Li Xuanqing and Qiaoxi glanced at each other, both saw the surprise in each other's eyes, stood up and followed Zhang Qiang to the No. 2 dock, which is also the largest dry dock in the shipyard. I saw that the No. 2 dock had been completely flooded at this time, and a ship similar to the flat-bottomed river ship of later generations was floating in the dock, and all sides were controlled by steel cables.

Zhang Qiang took Li Xuanqing and Qiaoxi to the freighter from the gangway on the side and said: "The main reason is that we didn't deal with the rudder blade and angle problem, and it was difficult to turn after driving out." As he spoke, he led everyone to the wheelhouse in front and said: "Lord, please see, there is a problem with the connection between this universal wheel and the rudder at the rear, and we have not calculated the steering angle in advance, resulting in insufficient gear engagement to drive the rudder when the universal wheel rotates, so ......"

Li Xuanqing nodded, understanding where their difficulties were, in addition to the problem of gears, the main problem was the problem of angle calculation, but this aspect required them to calculate in advance, and then they could experiment. So he said earnestly: "I am very pleased that you were able to build the freighter in such a short time, and I also see everyone's efforts. However, as the senior management and technical personnel of the shipyard, in addition to speed, the more important thing is technology. Techniques such as this require repeated calculations in advance, determination of the angle, and then placement of the linkage to be successful. ”

The universal wheel steering system has formed a fixed angle standard in later generations, but Li Xuanqing has not been exposed to it in his previous life, so he can't give them much help. In fact, in terms of arithmetic geometry, the attainments of the ancients are not much worse than those of the Europeans of the same period or even in modern times, but there are too few such inheritances in China, and they are lost at every turn, which will gradually be caught up by others.

"Please rest assured, my lord, I have already organized people to do the calculations. In terms of gears, the main factory in Yizhou has also tested new alloy steel, and there is basically no problem in terms of quality. Zhang Qiang's face was embarrassed, and he hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Zhang Qiang is not thoughtful, please punish the lord." ”

Li Xuanqing waved his hand and said: "Forget about the crime, some things will inevitably be negligent for the first time, but as the person at the helm of the shipyard, you must think more about doing things, the ship sails in the rivers, lakes and seas, if we are negligent, it will inevitably lead to the destruction of the ship and the death of people, you must remember to pay attention to it." ”

"Alright, let's go see the iron-hulled ship. I have a few questions for you, and you can leave them to deal with this. This technique is not very difficult, give you ten days to solve this matter, and your old officer is still waiting for your ship to deliver the goods. Li Xuanqing didn't mention this matter anymore, and walked towards the No. 1 dock, ready to inquire about the progress of the iron-hulled ship.

"At present, the construction of iron-hulled ships is basically normal, and it is conservatively estimated that the riveting of the hull can be completed within ten days, and then the leakage can be tested, and if the effect is better, it can be launched and outfitted." Zhang Qiang pointed to the workers coming and going inside.

"You have a problem with the inclination of this ship, such a straight downward direct bow is not conducive to sea navigation, and the speed can not be raised, I remember that the bow of the wooden ship is a flying scissor design, why did the iron-hulled ship change to a square bow?" In fact, Li Xuanqing is still very satisfied with the design and construction of ancient Chinese ships, ancient Chinese ships have long noticed that the large inclination angle and the narrow bottom of the pointed bottom are very helpful for navigation and the stability of the ship, and this point is also well implemented when designing and building ships, so these shadows can basically be seen when seeing ancient large sea ships.

"This is what Xu Gongzi requested, and we can't help it, he said that this kind of square warped boat is the shape of Minzhou, which is more suitable for inland navigation. He planned to form a river fleet first. Today, ten of these iron-hulled river ships and ten freighters have been ordered in one go. Zhang Qiang's words reminded Li Xuanqing and Qiaoxi of the difference between inland rivers and seas, and Qiaoxi stepped forward and said with a smile: "Brother Zhang explained it like this, we understand, I was shocked when I saw it just now." You should hurry up and try to use standardized manufacturing methods on parts and components to ensure that some or even most of the parts can be common, so as to save costs and speed up construction. Brother Hu is still waiting for these boats. ”

"Have you shipped your power equipment? It will take time to get from the main business. Li Xuanqing saw that these things had basically been decided, and he was idle, and said with a smile.

"I've already let the transportation company of the Yelu family take off the ship." Zhang Qiang was also relieved to see Li Xuanqing's smile, as the scope of Tiance Mansion became larger and larger, and the achievements of the Tiance Army became more and more brilliant, Li Xuanqing's coercion on these former subordinates was gradually increasing, although he himself may not feel it, but as a subordinate, he could feel the increasing pressure emanating from his lord.

"That's a gantry crane?" Li Xuanqing pulled Qiaoxi and prepared to return to Yingzhou City to meet Cen Tianshi, and suddenly found that there was an instrument that was somewhat similar to the gantry crane of later generations erected high in front of the dock, and he was immediately surprised. Regarding the gantry crane, Qiaoxi and Li Xuanqing are still worried that if there is no such equipment, they don't know how to transport the follow-up equipment to the ship by manpower alone. And the cranes, suspension bridges, etc. on the dock in the later stage are all related to this. What I didn't expect to see in the shipyard was that such similar equipment could be seen.

"Gantry crane? This is a cloud building machine that has been improved by subordinates. However, the name of the gantry crane said by the lord is good, or it will be changed to a gantry crane. Zhang Qiang was a little puzzled at first, but then he thought that Li Xuanqing gave him the name, and immediately said happily.

"Zhang Qiang, you immediately send all the information and drawings of your Yunlou machine, ah no, this gantry crane to the base camp headquarters, and order the technicians of the headquarters to transform out three equipment, one is a crane, a machine that transports goods vertically upward; One is a suspension bridge, which transports goods horizontally; There is also your gantry crane, which needs to be improved, and your one is just enough for you to use now. Let the people at the headquarters find a way to improve and then standardize production, and it is best to divide the grades according to the weight limit of the conveyance. Tell you Zhang Qiang, you have made a great contribution. I'll give you a reward at the back. Li Xuanqing's previous depression was swept away, and he laughed.

"Yes, Brother Zhang, you are so capable, you actually figured out this kind of equipment by yourself, which made me and my eldest brother worry for a long time." Qiaoxi was also very happy, stepped forward and clapped her hands and smiled.

Zhang Qiang himself felt that this thing was not difficult, but he was also happy when he saw the happy appearance of Li Xuanqing and his wife.

"Zhang Qiang, after the shipyard stabilizes, he will return to Yizhou to integrate the forging plant and the manufacturing plant to become the largest machinery manufacturing and R&D center in the eastern region to support the development of the Central Plains." After Li Xuanqing explained, he took Qiaoxi towards Yingzhou City.

When the two arrived in Yingzhou City, Cen Tianshi had already finished handling government affairs in the Yingzhou Thorn History Mansion and was about to send someone to find Li Xuanqing and the others. Zhang Jianzhong, the assassin of Yingzhou, was the first batch of students who graduated from the School of Administration, and he used to be Chen Cangwei when he was in Guanzhong, and later Tiance Mansion removed Chen Cangwei's official position after he became the head of Guanzhong. I gritted my teeth and applied for the School of Administration, and after graduation, I was transferred to Yingzhou to take over the history of Yingzhou.

Li Xuanqing's arrival made Zhang Jianzhong nervous and faintly curious, except for seeing Li Xuanqing once when he graduated from the School of Administration, the rest of the supreme commander of Tiance Mansion appeared in front of him for the first time, so he was even more stressed than Zhang Qiang. Cen Tianshi, who was next to him, patted Zhang Jianzhong's shoulder and said with a smile: "Jianzhong, don't be stressed, the lord doesn't eat people, what are you nervous about." ”

"I didn't scare Brother Jianzhong with this look, did I?" Li Xuanqing smiled, and also understood the reason for Zhang Jianzhong's nervousness, and said with a smile: "How about it, there is nothing wrong with the current government affairs in Yingzhou, right?" You didn't let the civil chief get any grip on it, did you? Do you want me to intercede with you? One sentence made the people present laugh, but it also relieved the embarrassing scene.

"My lord, I think Yingzhou can be used as a key development area, I also talked to Jianzhong just now, at present, more than five of the permanent residents of Yingzhou have become industrial and commercial people, and the number is still growing. This should be the first area within the jurisdiction of our Tiance Prefecture where the industrial and commercial population exceeds the agricultural population. Speaking of business, Cen Tianshi glanced at Zhang Jianzhong beside him, and said with a little emotion.

"Do you think so too?" Li Xuanqing smiled slightly, this location can basically be said to be the Tianjin of the future, located in the core area of the Bohai Economic Circle, and now it is also the focus of the first railway, and it also intersects with the Grand Canal, if it can't be developed, then don't talk about industry.

"Yes, my lord. The minister thought that in the later period, it was necessary to continue to strengthen the position of industry in Yingzhou, form a complementary relationship with Yizhou in terms of industrial structure, and rely on the advantages of transportation to build Yingzhou into a manufacturing center in the north. As soon as Zhang Jianzhong talked about government affairs and the economy, his nervousness was also relieved, and he spoke fluently, which coincided with Li Xuanqing's thoughts.

"Big brother, why don't you change the name of Yingzhou, I remember the last time I heard that there is also a Yingzhou in the northeast, if the two places have the same name in the future, wouldn't it be a joke." Qiaoxi suddenly interjected.

The causes and reasons of the two camps Cen Tianshi and Zhang Jianzhong naturally understood what was going on, and when they heard Qiaoxi's proposal at this time, they immediately felt that it was okay to change their names, and it was naturally much more convenient to change their names now than in the future.

"I think it's better to call it Tianjin. Yingzhou is located in both rivers and seas, and is naturally Tianjin. Li Xuanqing didn't even want to directly apply the name of later generations, and he didn't care that it was still a little different from the geographical location of Tianjin in later generations.

Cen Tianshi stroked his long beard and said with a smile: "I agree, go back and let the Ministry of Civil Affairs send a notice, Jianzhong, you will directly change your name from next month." This time can also be used to promote it. ”

"Thank you, Lord for your name." Li Xuanqing personally changed the name of Yingzhou, which naturally surprised Zhang Jianzhong inexplicably, and hurriedly stood up to thank him.

"Okay, don't be polite, I'll be very satisfied with managing Tianjin well." Li Xuanqing waved his hand and said, "Did you receive a notice from the Department of Industry and Commerce?" How is Murong preparing? Xiao Si sent a message over there, Xuan Yingwei had basically completed the preparations, and Zhao Si estimated that he would arrive here in the next few days, and began to coordinate all parties to launch the first batch of goods, and Bianliang and other places were also arranged. ”

"It's too late for the finished industrial and commercial products from the base camp to be mobilized, and Murong has now stopped the merchants from transporting the goods from nearby Fengzhou, so it shouldn't be delayed. Xujia's inland waterway shipping company has also been registered in Jizhou. I heard that the goods from the north were loaded in Jizhou, and then went south to Tianjin for diversion and classification. Cen Tianshi gave a general introduction to Murong Hanhai's actions during this time.

"It's not slow." Li Xuanqing nodded and said with a smile: "According to the speed of the shipyard, the first freighter and river ship will be able to be launched by the end of this month at the latest." When the time comes, taking the Haihe River into the canal system is equivalent to going around in a circle, and it should be in time. Xiao Si should have collected a lot of wooden boats in the early stage, which was enough for them. ”

"The lord really thinks that Xiao Si's canal trade can make a lot of money?" Cen Tianshi saw that Li Xuanqing's appearance was obviously the canal trade as the main way to solve the current shortage of funds for industrial development, and he was a little puzzled: "For our Tiance Mansion's current investment in the economy, the benefits that this canal trade can bring are not so obvious, right?" ”

Li Xuanqing shook his head and said with a smile: "Sir, you think about it, if you manage it well, it will definitely bring unexpected results." This canal is a real golden waterway. ”

"Golden waterways?" Cen Tianshi's eyes lit up and he smiled: "Why don't we go back to Chang'an and find a way to open up another line from Tongguan to Shaanzhou to Luoyang, the eastern capital, maybe it can also be used as a golden waterway." ”

Cen Tianshi originally just planned to make a joke, but in the ears of Li Xuanqing and Qiaoxi, it was like a bolt from the blue, this route basically did not appear in the minds of the two because of fixed thinking, and Hu Xiaosi's original intention of engaging in canal trade was only to use Xuan Yingwei to establish a smuggling channel to make money. At this time, Cen Tianshi's words undoubtedly gave the two of them another way of thinking.

Or, big brother, let's go back to Chang'an. Qiaoxi stood up and smiled.