Chapter 379 Tram

After entering July, the footsteps of the National Day are getting closer and closer.

The whole empire was preparing for the Victory Day parade and a series of celebrations, the streets were swept away, the cities were decorated with more flowers and greenery, and the red lanterns were hung on kerosene street lamps, and the people walked with joy and confidence on their faces.

After this battle

The imperial army slaughtered in all directions, and had truly established the hegemony of the Tang Empire on the North American continent. The territory of the Tang Empire is as high as 10.13 million square kilometers, which is really unimaginably vast, how can people not be proud of it?

Chang'an City shows the glorious imperial capital atmosphere, the wide streets are full of flowers, the lush divider in the middle of the road grows vigorous green trees, the carriages and people from the south to the north go their own way, and the red lanterns hanging on the kerosene street lamps render a strong festive atmosphere.

On a branch road on the west side of Danfengmen Street, the soldiers of the Imperial Guard, in bright armor, closed the entire branch road, and some curious Chang'an residents gathered around it, pointing and talking non-stop.

If you pay attention to it

It is strange to see that there are two railroad-like tracks on this branch road, but they are narrowly spaced.

Looking up, thick wire cables stretch overhead into the distance......

"Your Majesty, this is the tram that I have worked so hard to invent, and it has great prospects for the development of the city in the future. It has a large carrying capacity, smooth operation, cleanliness and durability, which is very suitable for public transportation in busy cities, and has the ability to send a large number of people to where they want to go in a short period of time......"

Baron Werner von Siemens, dressed in a crisp tuxedo, was full of excitement as he introduced his new invention to His Majesty the Emperor;

"I was inspired by elevated trains and horse-drawn horse-drawn carriages, which can now be replaced by electric motors compared to internal combustion engines and animal-powered transportation, bringing a clean, hygienic and convenient way for city dwellers to get around.

From now on

The residents of Chang'an City will say goodbye to the lingering smell of cow and horse urine and live in a beautiful environment surrounded by the fragrance of flowers, which was unimaginable before.

Our new thermal power plant will be able to provide sufficient electricity for such public transport, which will open up new areas of electricity use, and Siemens is willing to make unremitting efforts to achieve this.

It is a great honour for me to present to Your Majesty on this sunny day......"

Listening to Baron Siemens' detailed introduction, Richard looked with interest at the tram in front of him, which resembled a train, which consisted of two sections, and at the front was the tram driver's console, which was driving standing up.

The last two carriages are indistinguishable from trains, with wheels and tracks identical to those of horse-drawn public carriages that have appeared on the streets of London since 1807.

This is a kind of public carriage that runs on railroad tracks, and is generally pulled by 4 to 6 horses, depending on the length of the carriage, and is also the most common mode of public transportation in Chang'an City today.

The innovation of the tram in front of us is that it does not need to be dragged by a horse, and its power comes from the electric motor drive, and a long braid-like pole on the roof of the tram provides a continuous power supply to the tram.

In the original history

The tram is also an innovative product invented by the Siemens Baron in 1881, and soon became popular all over the world because of its superiority, becoming the first choice for public transportation in London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, New York, Chicago and other famous cities, and it has been rapidly popularized in just over a decade.

The two carriages in front of you, each with 24 seats, and the handrails of standing passengers, can carry about 60~65 passengers according to the situation of horse-drawn public carriages, and the two carriages are 120~130 passengers.

It can be said that the carrying capacity is quite powerful.

History still has a strong inertia, and after the empire put forward the idea of solving the scientific and technological problems of public transportation, various universities and research institutes came up with their own design schemes, including public transportation powered by small steam locomotives.

But in the end, it was still Baron Siemens who stood out, and it has to be said that the tram had its strong superiority.

First of all, it is clean and tidy, it does not need to be equipped with coal-fired tanks like steam locomotives, and it is too bulky and inflexible to travel through the streets and alleys of the city.

"Very good, Monsieur Baron, this is indeed a very creative public transport product, and if it is reliable after trial operation, then it is worth promoting." Richard affirmed in an appreciative tone.

He personally walked into the carriage and inspected it, but there was nothing to see, nothing more than the seats and armrests.

The key is the way the motor is driven, and the poles and grids that are still in use more than 150 years later, and the design is unrivalled in its groundbreaking, convenient and practical, and it really deserves praise.

A while

The tram was full of people, and there was an exemplary demonstration in front of His Majesty the Emperor, and the drive was smooth until it stopped. The tram driver also has a brass bell on hand, which reminds him to "jingle and jingle" when he sees someone crossing the road.

And in the evening

There is also a kerosene lamp in front of the tram, which is a special kerosene lamp with a thicker wick and a stronger bright light, and behind it is a shiny steel plate with a certain reflective effect.

From these, it can be seen that the consideration is quite meticulous and thoughtful.

In many places, you can't help but admire the old German meticulous craftsman spirit, the very European-style kerosene lamp made of brass, which looks like a work of art, never perfunctory, quite stylish.

Richard did not hesitate to praise this, and said with satisfaction after the inspection;

"Very good, the details are very meticulous and thoughtful, such a tram goes out, representing the face of Chang'an City, elegant and solemn, which is what everyone should pay attention to.

Over here

I should congratulate Mr. Baron, because your scientific and technological inventions have brought convenience to more people and allowed more people to enjoy the development of scientific and technological progress, which is particularly valuable, and it is worth learning from other scientific and technological workers.

Only scientific and technological inventions that meet the needs of social development and the needs of the people are good scientific inventions.

The kind of scientific and technological inventions that are only in the laboratory for self-appreciation and complacency cannot bring praise from the people or bring convenience to the masses, so what is the significance?

Therefore, in the scientific and technological world, it is necessary to set off a wave of invention that is "close to life, create life, and live a better life", and see what ordinary people really need?

The Tang Empire was not only an industrial power, but also an agricultural and animal husbandry power, which was the foundation of the empire's prosperity and prosperity, and was the first field at any time.

So what can our scientists do for agriculture?

The Tang Empire has 100,000 farms and pastures, large and small, and they need agricultural machinery to cultivate the fields, so can the current tractors do better? More horsepower and less effort.

Can you become an all-rounder in agriculture, not only ploughing, harrowing, ditching, and ridge-making, but also harvesting, transplanting, and doing more farm work?

This is an area that deserves to be studied in depth, and we have such a strong need to free up more labor from the land.

The world market also has such a strong demand, which is the opportunity for the development and growth of the agricultural machinery industry.

Whoever can catch it will make a lot of money.

Also in the field of electricity, can scientists expand their thinking and apply electrical energy to a wider range of life areas, such as electric energy to drive trams, then electric energy can drive factory machinery and equipment, which is also a major application.

For example, electric lighting, can the electrical energy generate heat?

There are many areas that deserve in-depth exploration, rather than limiting our eyes to the immediate situation, and Baron Siemens has done a very good job, successfully bringing the convenience of public travel to the people of the Tang Empire by himself, which is especially commendable. ”

His Majesty's high praise drew thunderous applause from all around, and Baron Werner von Siemens' excited face was bloody, and he bowed respectfully and said; "Praise to your noble monarch, your kind comments have made the humble servant sincerely afraid, and the Siemens family is willing to do everything in their power to contribute to the building of the empire under your wing."

"Very good, after the trial operation, this new mode of travel will be fully promoted in the empire, so that more people can enjoy the benefits of the tram." Speaking of this, Richard turned back to Director Zheng Yuan as if he thought of something; "Siemens has not been established for a long time, and its production capacity is limited, so it must be difficult to expand production on a large scale. You should pay attention to it, and give great help in terms of resources and taxes, and such excellent science and technology enterprises must be supported. ”

"Wechen obeys the holy decree." Zheng Yuan received the order with a respectful expression.

The investment of the royal government is not given in vain, because your business itself also has to make money, and if you contribute a share of money, you will occupy a share, so there is nothing to say.

The key is that tax support is very important, the Tang Empire has special tax incentives for high-tech enterprises, such as Coastal Fertilizer Company, Chevron Oil Company, Texaco Petroleum Company, Petroleum Refineries, major steel mills, Colt Arms Company, Colt Chemical Company, Chang'an Agricultural Machinery Factory, Los Angeles Agricultural Machinery Factory, Portland Machinery Factory, Salem Royal Shipyard, Jinling Textile Factory and now Siemens Electronic Equipment Company, can enjoy preferential tax policies.

In this day and age

These enterprises represent the forefront of scientific and technological development, black is coal and oil, hard is steel and other minerals, white is cotton cloth and chemical fiber, which are important areas on behalf of national strength, and the emerging power equipment is the beginning of a new round of industrial revolution.

In this field, the Tang Empire has come to the forefront of the world, and the petrochemical and power fields are among the top in the world.

This is inseparable from the vigorous introduction of advanced science and technology from the West, the importance of personnel training and treatment, and the development of a supporting higher education system.

And the most critical point

The imperial government has introduced a series of support policies, including scientific and technological invention funds, patent legislation, to attract top scientific and technological talents in Europe and the United States with preferential treatment, and to give outstanding experts respect and noble titles, which is unparalleled in the world.

If something is good, it will be effective.

His Majesty the Emperor's attitude of attaching importance to the Tang Empire has formed a strong atmosphere of attaching importance to knowledge, talents, and inventions, and it is in this superior environment that various inventions and creations of the Tang Empire have sprung up like mushrooms after a rain, leading the pace of the times.

A day later, the Daming Palace was in court

"Your Majesty, during my tenure in the Tang Empire, I personally witnessed the unprecedented magnificence of the North American War and the expansion of the empire, which redefined my worldview and life, and it was an unforgettable experience." Bismarck, the Prussian ambassador, suddenly knelt down on one knee and spoke sincerely, almost humbly;

"You are the world's preeminent monarch, and the epic rise of the Tang Empire in North America has changed the regional landscape and given hope to the unification of the German nation, which is mired in chaos and division.

The flame has been kindled, and I will follow in your footsteps and spread in Europe the iron will of iron and blood, which is the most valuable asset of the German nation.

I humbly kneel under your throne and thank you for your guidance to me personally.

In addition, I am sincerely afraid to make an excessive request to you;

The Tang Empire, which is far away from the Atlantic, has no direct conflict of interest with the Kingdom of Prussia, no international disputes, and no cultural and historical involvement, and is the best transatlantic ally.

I humbly implore you to be kind to the Prussian nation and to be able to accept the friendship of the Prussian nation.

And I myself will be a friendship envoy between the two countries, always treat the relationship between the two countries with gratitude, the divided German nation needs your strong support, and we will return the favor with gratitude and reciprocal trade, and be the most trustworthy and close ally of the Tang Empire.

Your Majesty, the Kingdom of Prussia longs for your friendship. ”

Looking at Bisman, who had successfully been trained, Richard showed a warm smile on his face, stepped down from the dragon chair throne, helped Mr. Bisman up with his own hands, and said in a sincere tone;

"As you say, wise and determined Mr. Bismarck, the Tang Empire has no dispute with the Kingdom of Prussia, and is the best ally across the Atlantic.

My close servants, the Kahn family, came from the Kingdom of Prussia and made indelible contributions to the rise of the Tang Empire.

Now that the Karn family has a number of people in important positions, I will tell them to move more to Europe and further strengthen the military ties between the two sides, and perhaps provide some good advice.

I cherish the friendship of the Kingdom of Prussia very much, and I hereby solemnly agree to your request, hoping that the two countries can become close and permanent allies across the Atlantic, maintain close or unanimous positions on many international issues, and win more voice for us.

In times of need, you can trust the promises of the kings of the Tang Empire. ”

These heart-warming words made Bismarck's expression shake, and he wanted to kneel down and say something in gratitude, but he was grabbed by His Majesty the Emperor, patted his hand cordially and said; "You have a strong will and determination, I am optimistic that you can do something outstanding in Prussia, if necessary, the Tang Empire can equip you with a team of advisers and staff to provide only military advice. This is just a suggestion and you can write to us when you need it. ”

"Your Majesty's kindness is touching, and only a great king like you can have a broad heart, and I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to you on behalf of His Majesty Wilhelm I and the thousands of subjects of the Kingdom of Prussia."

"It doesn't have to be that way, since they're close transatlantic allies, just say it when you need it."

"Bismarck was mindful of this, and would make a statement to His Majesty Wilhelm I to bring about a treaty of favoured trade between the two countries as soon as possible. I pledge that the German nation is sincere in its approach to friendship and will stand the test of time. ”

"I know the German nation well, so I believe in your promises, Mr. Bismarck." Richard replied with a smile.

He returned to the throne, and it was enough to say this, believing that the other party would fully understand the kindness.

In 1861 Prince Wilhelm ascended the throne in the Kingdom of Prussia and was called "Wilhelm I".

Shortly after his accession to the throne, Wilhelm I was in a fierce conflict with Parliament over the build-up of armaments. In desperation, King Wilhelm I of Prussia, who had just ascended the throne, urgently needed a powerful helper, and Otto von Bismarck was his favorite candidate.

In the new elections to the Prussian parliament in 1861, the liberals won an absolute victory, immediately rejecting the entire Prussian government's appropriation for military reform, and the government and parliament reached an impasse.

In the face of major contradictions, Bismarck became the only possible candidate for prime minister.

On 15 June 1862, Wilhelm I issued a decree recalling Bismarck and appointing him Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

After packing up, Otto von Bismarck went to the Ming court with him during the weekly routine audience of the ministers of the Tang Empire, solemnly bid farewell to His Majesty the Emperor with solemn etiquette, and said the above words of gratitude.

When Yin Yin said goodbye

Emperor Richard instructed kindly; "On the occasion of parting, I would like to give you a word to Mr. Bismarck; Only in this way can you cope with the intricacies of the European situation and realize your lifelong ambitions. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your parting words, Bismarck will definitely remember it." Bismarck was a very serious man, and he gratefully stroked his chest again with aristocratic knightly courtesy.

Returning to Berlin this time, he will face an extremely difficult start to hell.

Within the Kingdom of Prussia, Guizhou, who did not trust King Wilhelm I of Prussia, was very powerful, and if something went wrong, it was likely that Bismarck would be taken to the Opera Square to be beheaded, and King Wilhelm I would be next.

This is really not alarmist, Bismarck, the distrusted prime minister and foreign minister, had to face not only numerous internal enemies, but also the Kingdom of Denmark, which was extremely hostile to the Kingdom of Prussia, the Austrian Empire, the French Empire, which controlled the divided federation of southern Germany, the Kingdom of Palavaria and the Grand Duchy of Hesse, which strongly opposed the union, and all kinds of opposition.

If the Tang Empire has really risen in North America, there is a vast and flat road to heaven in front of us.

Then the Kingdom of Prussia was groping in the dark, walking on the dangerous and rugged paths, with open guns and arrows around them from time to time, and the fate of the individual and the German nation was unknown.

Because of this

Bismarck was so humble and respectful that he longed for the friendship of His Majesty the Emperor of the Tang Empire, not for his personal glory, but for the future of the entire German nation.

Richard is also a wonderful person, and naturally knows the twists and turns.

He also hoped that the Kingdom of Brus would become a firm ally of the Tang Empire in Europe and become the third European diplomatic fulcrum in addition to Britain and France, so he agreed to it, which was particularly precious in Bismarck's eyes.

However, the big surprise is yet to come!