How to move people and goods quickly and efficiently across the country remains a major issue before him.

With the continuous expansion of the sales of small steam engines, the wealth obtained by Chu Ze is also gradually increasing.

And he's planning bigger plans – to build a nationwide rail network, with trains as the main means of transportation.

"Lao Zhang, although our small steam engine has begun to be popularized in various places, if we want to completely revolutionize transportation, we have to rely on another great invention." Chu Ze said to Lao Zhang mysteriously.

"What invention?" Lao Zhang asked curiously.

"That's it—the rail network!" Chu Ze patted Lao Zhang's shoulder and said, "I plan to pilot it in Fengyang first, and then extend it to various places to connect the whole country by train!" ”

"Oh my God! It's an amazing plan! Lao Zhang's eyes widened and said: "In this way, our train can transport passengers and goods unimpeded, which will completely change the traffic situation in Daming!" ”

"That's right!" Chu Ze said with a confident smile on his face: "I have already sketched out the path of the first railway in my mind, which will start from Fengyang and extend to surrounding cities such as Gujing County and Huaining County!" ”

"Great! With this railway, Fengyang will become the hub of national transportation! Lao Zhang was excited.

So, under the command of Chu Ze, the construction of the railway was in full swing.

In order to ensure the quality of the roadbed, he first brought in civil engineers to carry out geological exploration and design.

"Depending on the thickness of the soil layer and the bearing capacity, we will be most stable when we drive piles here." The engineer pointed to the design drawings and explained in detail.

After hearing this, Chu Ze couldn't help but nod and said, "You are very thoughtful!" We had to make sure that the roadbed was solid to support the high-speed operation of the trains. ”

Then, a large number of craftsmen were sent to the towns along the route to survey the best path to lay the rails.

Armed with measuring instruments, they accurately calculate the height of every inch of land.

"Lao Li, you are responsible for the design of this section of the roadbed." Chu Ze explained: "Choose a relatively flat area, and at the same time bypass mountains and swamps. ”

"Yes! I will make sure that the line selection is smooth! Lao Li patted his chest and promised.

Chu Ze also recruited a large number of blacksmiths from all over the country to build strong rails with the highest quality heat-resistant steel.

When Mr. Zhang, the magistrate of Jing County, heard that the railway was about to arrive in Jing County, he was excited and prepared to receive this revolutionary mode of transportation.

"Craftsmen and officials, our Jing County is fortunate to be the leading county in the construction of the Ming Dynasty's railway, what a glorious thing!" Lord Zhang addressed everyone in the square in front of the county yamen: "In order to ensure the smooth progress of the railway project, we must fully cooperate with the prince of Chu and his team of craftsmen. ”

In the crowd on the square, a middle-aged scribe said excitedly: "I didn't expect that Jing County, where I live, would become the first county seat in Daming to open a railway, it's really an honor!" This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! A businessman beside him also nodded and agreed: "Yes, with the opening of the railway, our economy of Jing County will definitely usher in a new period of development!" Haha, I can't wait to see that billowing smoke whistling past my hometown! ”

"Yes!" The officials and the people below chanted in unison.

"I have sent someone to complete a detailed survey of the county's topography." Zhang continued: "Based on the survey results, our task was to assist the craftsmen in accurately designing the route and selecting a relatively flat area to lay the track. ”

A strong man in his forties in the crowd shouted: "Don't worry, Lord Zhixian! Our men in Jingxian County are all infinitely powerful, and we will go all out to knock down the hills, fill in the ravines, and build the railway infrastructure as smooth as a mirror! Everyone around laughed and coaxed.

The scribe also said, "Yes, we will follow the instructions of the engineer and lay the track on the most suitable terrain." We must not let the hard work of the prince of Chu and the craftsmen be in vain! ”

Speaking of this, Mr. Zhang's tone was more solemn: "You must strictly follow the requirements of the engineer to construct, and there must be no mistakes, which is related to the success or failure of the railway project!" ”

"Obey the orders of the county magistrate! We will go all out to complete the important task entrusted by the prince of Chu! The crowd shouted again.

Seeing the high spirits on people's faces, Mr. Zhang was also sincerely proud and uplifted.

Indeed, it is really singable to contribute to the construction of the Ming Dynasty in his lifetime!

He firmly believed that once this railway was completed, it would bring unprecedented prosperity to Jing County, and at that time, he would also be engraved in the history of Jing County with his achievements.

At the same time, in Huaining County, which is adjacent to Jing County, the people were very excited when they heard that the railway would soon arrive in their hometown.

The children, in particular, are eager to try.

"Daddy, trains are just smoking, fast-moving things, aren't they?" A teenage boy tugged at his father's sleeve with a sparkle in his eyes.

"Yes, I heard from the people who do business in the town that trains are faster than horses, and they are simply monsters that can move!" The boy's father said with a smile as he rubbed his hair lovingly.

"Wow! That must be amazing! The little boy's eyes widened, and his whole body trembled with excitement, and he said, "When will it come to our village?" I want to check it out now! ”

"Haha, Nuno, don't worry, you think beautiful!" The father said dotingly: "I heard that it will take a few months to repair it to us, you should be patient, it will come to our village soon." ”

"How long is that month going to be?" The little boy asked impatiently.

"Don't worry, when this stubble is harvested, it's time for it to come." The mother also smiled and said, "When the time comes, our family will go to the new train station to meet the train, and you can see it with your own eyes!" ”

"Great!" The little boy jumped up happily and rushed out the door to find his playmate, saying, "I can't wait to see the train!" Guys, the train is coming to our village, who wants to go with me to see ......"

The mother looked at the child who was excited to run away, and couldn't help but laugh: "This child, when he hears something new, is so excited, he is really a lively character!" ”

The father nodded in agreement: "Yes, this railway arriving at our hometown may not be much for our older generation, but for the children, it is a new insight and opportunity!" From now on, their horizons will become broader and broader. ”

As my father said, the other children in the village were also excited, and you discussed the arrival of the railway.

"I heard that as soon as the train comes, our small village will change!"

"Really? How amazing is it? ”

"I heard my grandfather say that trains can get people to great distances very quickly, ten times faster than walking!" (End of chapter)