I'm really not doing business

Chapter 1051 It was so successful that people forgot why it started.

"How can I refute what you're saying?" Shen Shixing almost laughed out of anger.

Shen Shixing had no way to refute what Zeng Tongheng meant. The saying "knowledge gained from books is ultimately superficial" was absolutely true. Moreover, since the Wanli Reforms, he had been opposing the idea of ​​merely talking about morality and character, but rather advocating for practical application.

Arguing in the Wenhua Hall with such a broad approach is a complete refusal to discuss the issues.

“That’s too broad a statement. His Majesty has always advocated analyzing specific issues in specific contexts and distinguishing between priorities,” Gao Qiyu, as Minister of Rites, tried to correct Zeng Tongheng’s attitude in discussing the issue.

The overall direction should naturally lean towards practice and pragmatism, rather than idealism and abstract thinking, which is perfectly fine. However, the specific issue now being discussed is whether universities should be stricter in their admissions.

It is really, really difficult to analyze specific problems in specific ways.

"Whether the students trained by our university are talented or not is another matter, but at the very least they should be talented individuals." Gao Qiyu's words were indeed too sharp, leaving Zeng Tongheng and the others speechless.

Zhu Yijun reached out and picked up the copper hammer, but didn't strike the bell. He put down the small copper hammer in his hand, thinking that Gao Qiyu's words made sense. Whether someone is talented or mediocre needs to be tested in practice.

But at the very least, it has to be an individual.

"The Imperial University of Peking, right under the Emperor's nose, graduated 3,500 students last year. Of these 3,500 students, only half of their graduation theses were reasonably well-written. I'll read a few of them now for you to appreciate." Gao Qiyu sat up straight, took out a stack of old papers, and began to read.

These articles were almost indistinguishable from those paid articles in the newspapers; one of them almost stirred up Qi Jiguang's murderous intent.

An article from the Mingjing Hall of the Imperial University of Peking discusses the evolution of rumors and prophecies surrounding the Eastern Expedition. It does not refer to the Eastern Expedition of the thirteenth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, as that was the one officially recognized by the court. The main content circulating in the Ming Dynasty was reviewed by the Ministry of Rites, and there were very few rumors or prophecies.

The rumors mentioned in this article refer to the rampant Japanese pirate raids during the Jiajing era, which generated many rumors.

These rumors, through the power of hearsay and the power of public opinion, spread widely. For example, this scholar-official specifically pointed out the story of Japanese pirates roasting infants, saying that it never happened and was just a rumor fabricated by people because of the rampant Japanese pirates.

The argument is logically rigorous and has been based on extensive research.

“This is not a rumor; I saw it with my own eyes.” Qi Jiguang refuted the article with a single sentence. He had indeed seen children’s leftover bones being gnawed on, and more than once.

He saw the Korean battlefield for the second time, which aroused his anger and murderous intent.

Scholars who do not fight in wars find it hard to understand the cruelty of war. The Japanese pirates were a group of bandits who had no sense of propriety or shame. Moreover, these bandits had no logistical support and ate whatever they could catch.

Sometimes, people become so successful that they forget why they started in the first place.

The Ming Dynasty's strategy against the Japanese pirates was very successful, especially in the complete defeat of the pirates in Korea. The iron chains across the sea completely bound the Japanese to the blockade of Tsushima Island, Jeju Island, and Kyushu Island, preventing the Japanese pirates from ravaging the Ming Dynasty again.

Decades have passed, and people have gradually forgotten the fear of that time, and have come to believe that the occurrence of some immoral and illogical things is just a rumor.

Gao Qiyu said sincerely, "Why doesn't he ask the eyewitnesses? If it's because Commander Qi is too powerful and difficult to approach, there are so many veterans of the Ming Dynasty who are still alive. He could ask them."

"No, he wrote this article according to his own morality. He felt that we are all human beings, how could we do such an evil thing that would anger both heaven and man?"

"opinionated."

Gao Qiyu continued reading the article, and this time it was the Minister of Works, Zeng Tongheng's, face darkened.

This article is even more bizarre, discussing the impact of the construction of imperial highways on the dragon veins of the Ming Dynasty, claiming that the highways were ropes binding the dragon, nets slaying the dragon, and nails slaying the dragon…

"Nonsense, utter nonsense!"

Zeng Tongheng slammed his fist on the table, his face flushed, and said angrily, "The roads we built connect the north and south, east and west, and are thoroughfares for all kinds of goods. They are old and have production relations, allowing surplus labor to be fully exchanged. How did they become ropes binding the dragon? Even if we build them, we are building the dragon veins. Even if we cut them, we are cutting down the evil dragon! Trapped dragon! Impoverished dragon!"

"Bullshit!"

Zeng Tongheng was so angry that he started swearing and lost all his composure.

Gao Qiyu and Shen Shixing exchanged a glance, both suppressing their laughter. They were both professionally trained ministers and could usually hold back their laughter.

Zeng Tongheng was in the Ministry of Works, not the Ministry of Rites or the Cabinet. He knew nothing about these things. Moreover, the Ministry of Works' work on roads, geomancy, geographical surveying, and mineral exploration was extremely arduous. Once you entered this great furnace, even a piece of scrap iron could be refined into real gold.

The theory of dragon veins originated from geographical studies represented by the Yu Gong school of the Tang and Song dynasties. When Zhu Xi of the Southern Song dynasty came to know, he first summarized and organized the theory of dragon veins into a system of mountains and rivers throughout the world. By the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it had become evidence of imperial power and the Mandate of Heaven.

For example, during the Hongwu era, there was a saying that the Southern Dragon stopped in Nanjing, the Central Dragon stopped in Fengyang, and the Northern Dragon stopped in Xishan.

This is a very new concept, much newer than Dong Zhongshu's theory of the interaction between Heaven and Man. It is a product of the same concept, reflecting a rudimentary understanding of geography rather than a deep knowledge of the subject.

This article enraged Zeng Tongheng for the same reason: it was tantamount to saying that the Ministry of Works had nailed down the dragon vein of the Ming Dynasty, which meant nailing down the Ming Dynasty's fate and even nailing down the emperor's destiny of the Zhu family. It was also said that all those who built the imperial roads were traitors.

It would be strange if Zeng Tongheng wasn't furious.

“There’s another one here.” Gao Qiyu took out another book and passed it around to everyone before saying, “Three thousand five hundred students have written their graduation essays like this. There are as many as you want. If you want to see them, just come to the Ministry of Rites to get them.”

"Grand Secretary Shen previously conducted a major review at the university to rectify academic style and discipline. Now he is imposing strict graduation requirements at the university, which the Ministry of Rites approves of. If the people see this, they will think that the universities set up by the court are only producing this kind of people. Then there is no point in setting up these universities."

Gao Qiyu was the initiator of the Dinghai Education System, and he didn't want to see it ruined, education ruined, and everything ruined.

If you look closely at civilization, it's really about inheritance. Inheritance is about the next generation. The older generation is like the sunset, and the next generation is like the sunrise. Education is about nurturing. If education fails, everything fails.

The strict discipline was intended to make the Ming Dynasty better, but it produced a group of fools who occupied the ruling class of the Ming Dynasty. No wonder the Ming Dynasty couldn't have been better.

The Dinghai Education System, as an important supplement to the imperial examination system for selecting talent, was not a place for fools to gain prestige.

Zeng Tongheng fell silent, while the others expressed their opinions.

Zhu Yijun sat on the platform and discovered something interesting: most of the people who opposed strict labor control were employers who needed a lot of cattle and horses. The Ministry of Works needed civil engineers, the Ministry of Revenue needed calculators, and the Ministry of Justice needed clerks who were familiar with criminal law.

These government offices believe in hardship and discipline. Once you enter and work like a slave for a period of time, all your outdated ideas will be corrected. Those who can't endure it are basically eliminated. Therefore, these government offices naturally feel that what you learn in school is not worth mentioning at all.

Moreover, once people do work and participate in production, they know that production is not easy. For example, His Majesty pays great attention to agricultural production and personally farms the land.

Those who supported strict measures were actually the Ministry of Rites, the Grand Secretaries, and the Censorate—officials that seemed somewhat impractical. They knew the seriousness of the problem; if they didn't take action, they would be planting a time bomb for the Ming Dynasty, and when that time bomb exploded, no one could escape it.

Once you understand the key to the disagreement, resolving it becomes much simpler.

"Everyone has shared their opinions, so let me share mine. Strict measures are still necessary. Let's proceed according to Grand Secretary Shen's suggestion." Zhu Yijun looked at everyone and made his decision.

In fact, a consensus had already been reached. The differences had been slowly disappearing ever since Zeng Tongheng stopped saying a word.

As Gao Qiyu said, there are countless articles like this that are jaw-dropping and mind-blowing. These idiots, with their brainless ideas, will only have a negative impact on employers.

When the number of people is small, the harm is not visible, but once fools become the majority, political corruption becomes inevitable.

This applies to any organization of any kind: there can be idiots, but the majority cannot be idiots.

"Your Majesty is wise." Shen Shixing led his ministers to pay their respects and sing praises.

When the court deliberations reached a conclusion and the emperor made a decision, once the decree was issued and left the Wenhua Hall, anyone who supported or opposed the decree would be regarded as a traitor and an enemy of all court officials.

"I am old and my energy is failing me. I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me permission to retire and live with my family," Ling Yunyi said, bowing as he stepped forward after finishing his business.

Because of the previous imperial examination cheating scandal, Ling Yunyi had been seeking an opportunity to retire. Seeing the country gradually stabilize, especially with the elimination of the problem of excessive favoritism in the official factory caused by Duke Wencheng, Ling Yunyi finally decided to retire.

"Does Vice Minister Ling have any candidates to recommend for the new cabinet ministers?" Zhu Yijun did not stop him. Ling Yunyi had already submitted two memorials requesting retirement, and Zhu Yijun had tried to persuade him to stay twice. Ling Yunyi was determined to leave.

Moreover, the body doesn't lie and doesn't tolerate any falsehoods.

There are four people serving in the Western Study: Shen Shixing, Gao Qiyu, Hou Yuzhao, and Wang Yi'e. Except for Shen Shixing, who has already entered the cabinet, the other three are qualified to enter the cabinet, but the timing seems to be unsuitable for them.

When Gao Qiyu entered the cabinet, there was a Grand Minister of Rites Shen Li ahead of him. When Hou Yu Zhao was in the Ministry of Revenue, there was a Grand Minister of Works Zhang Xueyan ahead of him.

Wang Yi'e was implicated by Lu Fengyi. Why did Xu Jie give Wang Yi'e 100,000 taels of silver? The aftermath has just subsided, so it's not suitable to recommend him now.

Walking around the West Study doesn't seem quite appropriate for entering the cabinet at this moment.

"I have no one to recommend me." Ling Yunyi looked at the three cabinet minister candidates and ultimately did not recommend anyone.

He came cleanly, and he should leave cleanly as well. His son used his name to cheat in the imperial examinations, selling his lifelong reputation for tens of thousands of taels of silver. His recommendation may also cause more trouble. He originally entered the cabinet as an emergency measure, not to serve in the imperial court, but to serve in the local government. He didn't have any disciples to recommend him.

Zhu Yijun paused for a moment and then said, "Vice Minister Ling was a meritorious official who promoted the Wanli Reforms. If there is a recommendation, I will naturally consider it carefully."

"I won't be disliked." Ling Yunyi smiled, still not making a recommendation. His Majesty meant for him to find an heir, so that there would be a lineage to protect him and his family.

Ling Yunyi has killed countless people in his life and offended a vast number of people. If he retreats, many people will inevitably make things difficult for him. Having someone to protect him will save him a lot of trouble.

Ling Yunyi wasn't ignorant, nor was he unafraid; it was because His Majesty was there.

With His Majesty's words that he was a meritorious official in promoting the Wanli Reforms, no one dared to make things difficult for him.

Besides, who hasn't wielded some influence by reaching the position of Vice Minister? He's just retired, not died.

Zhang Juzheng may seem to care about nothing, spending his time tending flowers and feeding fish, but who dares to criticize him? Even without His Majesty's intervention, his former students and officials constitute a formidable force. "Alright, if anyone is suitable, let Vice Minister Ling recommend them." Zhu Yijun still offered him another chance. He wouldn't use Ling Yunyi now, but could recommend him later if needed; after all, he was a meritorious official of the reform movement, so he deserved some respect.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness." Ling Yunyi bowed again, expressing his gratitude for the Emperor's grace. If someone were to recommend him, this would be more effective than a pardon. This was not just empty talk; the Emperor's promises had never failed.

Zhu Yijun kept Ling Yunyi behind before dismissing the court meeting at Wenhua Hall and having Ling Yunyi accompany him to the Imperial Study in Tonghe Palace.

The emperor specifically dismissed his attendants and secretaries, and Ling Yunyi retired. Zhu Yijun had already approved the retirement, so the following conversation was a private exchange. There was no need for the secretaries and other officials from the outer court to listen in.

However, Zhu Yijun and Ling Yunyi were discussing official business, mainly concerning the cabinet and North Korea.

“Your Majesty, if necessary, we should promote Gao Qiyu to the cabinet to oppose Shen Shixing. Gao Qiyu seems straightforward in his actions, which is perfect for countering Shen Shixing’s impartiality,” Ling Yunyi said, offering his opinion.

This was a private recommendation; Gao Qiyu, despite his problems, could still be used.

Secondary ministers always oppose the chief minister. If the secondary minister and the chief minister work together, then the emperor will be in trouble.

Yan Song and Xu Jie, Xu Jie and Gao Gong, Gao Gong and Zhang Juzheng, Zhang Juzheng and Wang Chonggu, Zhang Juzheng and Ling Yunyi—after the Jiajing branch of the Ming Dynasty entered the main line, the chief minister and the second chief minister always had to play opposing roles. This was not entirely a method of managing subordinates, but rather a means of balance and restraint.

Specifically, regarding Shen Shixing as the Grand Secretary, he was very talented, but his only flaw was that he liked to be impartial and meticulous. However, it's not possible to achieve perfection in everything, which is why he needed someone as straightforward as Gao Qiyu.

"As for Korea," Ling Yunyi said in a low voice after glancing at the absence of the Imperial Secretary, "it is appropriate to follow the old system of imperial rule. The territory of Korea is the land of our Great Ming, and the people of Korea are the subjects of our Great Ming."

The Ming Dynasty's understanding of Korea was completely wrong, as can be seen from previous geomantic maps. The Ming Dynasty's previous geomantic maps depicted the Korean Peninsula as very large because, in the Ming Dynasty's view, Korea was a powerful country in the northeast.

So much so that when Korea was flattened by Japanese pirates in just one month, the entire Ming Dynasty was shocked. The powerful Korea was driven to the Yalu River by Japanese pirates in just one month. How strong must these Japanese pirates be!

The entire Ming Dynasty actively prepared for the battle, but when they actually clashed with the Japanese pirates, they discovered that their strength was not much different from that of the Japanese pirates in the past.

North Korea is too weak.

After the Ming Dynasty conducted a comprehensive geomantic survey of Korea, it was discovered that the place was not as powerful as it had imagined. It had many mountains, very little arable land, a lack of culture, and no minerals or resources.

The reason why the Ming Dynasty did not fully implement the prefecture-county system in the inner vassal state of Joseon before the Ming Dynasty was complicated. In the early years of the dynasty, it was too busy to manage everything. After all, the Northern Yuan Dynasty was still in power. If the Northern Yuan was not eliminated, it would be making enemies everywhere and would be foolish.

Afterwards, the Ming Dynasty did not treat Korea as a prefecture or county. Firstly, because the Koreans were very honest and considered it the greatest honor to be the Ming Dynasty's dog. Secondly, the Ming Dynasty had its own ancestral laws, and Korea was a country that was not to be conquered.

In short, there was no time to spare during the Hongwu era, no opportunity after Hongwu, no chance from Korea, and no deliberate search for such an opportunity by the Ming Dynasty.

Now that the Japanese pirates have invaded Korea, this is a good opportunity.

Although Korea is poor, its land is enough to supply the local area, and its people are enough to command the masses. That is enough. Moreover, without the establishment of prefectures and counties in Korea, how can we use Korea as a stepping stone to wipe out Japan?

His Majesty has never given up on the plan to destroy the Japanese, and has been using various means to eliminate the Japanese country and the Japanese people.

"In that case." Zhu Yijun had never been to Korea, and Ling Yunyi, the minister in charge of the administration in Korea, was more qualified to comment on whether the Ming Dynasty's policies were appropriate.

Ling Yunyi shared his views on the strict graduation requirements of the university. He felt it was normal for the ministers to oppose it. The Ministry of Revenue lacked the resources to do so, to the point that they had to set up a prison in Dongjiaomin Lane. It was normal for them, who were not in charge of education, not to see the downsides.

The Directorate of Ceremonial, the Grand Secretariat, and the Six Ministries of the Ming Dynasty were like a hydra. Their interests were not entirely the same, but they were all on the same body. At this time, what I cared about was not what you cared about, and such disagreements often occurred.

The system of court deliberations facilitated effective communication, which was of great importance to court officials.

Private communication among ministers is extremely inefficient. It's one thing if they unite to undermine the emperor, but it's even more dangerous if the other side tries to sabotage them. Therefore, ministers generally ignore, disbelieve, and disregard private communications.

Some truths could be explained in the Wenhua Hall, but not in private. Over time, these disagreements grew larger and larger, leading to the decline of the state.

The court council system is a very good system. Ling Yunyi hopes that it can be reconvened, even if it's only once a month. It would be better than nothing. The court officials need the court council in the Wenhua Hall, and His Majesty needs it too.

After careful consideration, Zhu Yijun adopted Ling Yunyi's suggestion that the monthly court meetings would not hinder Zhu Yijun's absolute rule, but would also make the handling of government affairs more efficient. In particular, the implementation of some difficult policies did require the joint approval and concerted efforts of the ministers.

Zhu Yijun then told Ling Yunyi about Wang Yi'e, specifically why Xu Jie had asked him to withdraw 100,000 taels of silver.

Ling Yunyi suddenly realized the hidden story after listening. No wonder His Majesty didn't make it public; it was to protect Wang Yi'e. Otherwise, Wang Yi'e would be betraying his teacher for personal gain. The main issue was the questioning of Wang Yi'e's character. Xu Jie had no reputation to ruin; he had no reputation to speak of.

"So the teacher-student relationship between Wang Yi'e and Xu Jie was severed so early. No wonder Wang Yi'e has been in the position of Vice Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture for so long." Ling Yunyi finally understood why Wang Yi'e was being made difficult. If you're a member of Xu's faction, you'll stick to it to the end. The leader asked you to frame him, but you refused to do so and didn't even accept the money. It would be strange if he wasn't being made difficult.

The new faction, led by Zhang Juzheng, suspected him, and the old faction, led by Xu, did not help him; it would be strange if he could be promoted.

“It is appropriate for Wang Yi’e to join the cabinet.” Ling Yunyi gave his judgment after understanding the whole story.

If Wang Yi'e doesn't accept the 100,000 taels of silver, he's no longer part of Xu's faction and should be promoted.

Ling Yunyi wasn't recommending Wang Yi'e; he was just saying that Wang Yi'e was qualified to join the cabinet. As for who would join and who wouldn't, he had already retired, so there was no need for him to get too involved, otherwise he would incur people's hatred.

"Let's take another look and get recommendations from all sides." Zhu Yijun thought it was perfectly acceptable for Wang Yi'e to join the cabinet. He had done a great job as governor of Shuntian Prefecture and Shandong, and he had made no mistakes after returning to the capital.

Recommendations from various parties, a draft list, a court meeting and a vote, and only then can the final selection of court officials be determined. Of course, Zhu Yijun could also push things forward according to his own will, even if it did not conform to the procedure, but he was the emperor, and he was the procedure.

On the second day of the second lunar month, when the dragon raises its head, various parties presented the names of their recommended cabinet ministers to the emperor. To the emperor's surprise, Wang Jiaping was among the majority of the recommended ministers. Although the names recommended by various parties were different, they all included Wang Jiaping.

Most court officials believed that Wang Jiaping was allowed to work in the Wenyuan Pavilion mainly because the Western Merchant Alliance was newly established and needed a cabinet minister to coordinate and arrange affairs.

At the court meeting on February 15, Wang Jiaping's recommendation for entering the cabinet was successfully approved.

Clearly, the biggest consensus among the Ming Dynasty court, which was terrified of poverty, was to find ways to make money and acquire silver.

Only by acquiring money can the court have the power to distribute it and maintain its authority. If money cannot be acquired, financial power rests with the local authorities, and the court only controls personnel, which is not authoritative enough.

The emperor approved the court proposal in vermilion ink, and Wang Jiaping successfully entered the Wenyuan Pavilion, becoming the Minister of Justice and Grand Secretary of the Wenhua Hall, participating in confidential matters within the pavilion.

Even when the emperor's decree was issued, Wang Jiaping was still somewhat confused. Was he really going to join the cabinet?
He never expected that Ling Yunyi's retirement would be replaced by Wang Jiaping. He thought of Gao Qiyu and Wang Yi'e, but he felt that he, who needed to mature, had very little chance.

After Ling Yunyi retired, the Ming Dynasty's cabinet was transformed into a new cabinet headed by Shen Shixing.

The new cabinet's style of operation was much milder than that of the cabinet led by Zhang Juzheng. However, compared to the authoritarian figure like Zhang Juzheng, the new cabinet's style was still much more stern and severe.

Although the new cabinet delegated some power to the Six Ministries, it still strictly enforced the Performance Evaluation Law and the Official Appointment Law.

This greatly disappointed some opportunists and ambitious individuals. Even if Shen Shixing were to die and a counterattack were launched against him, things would never return to the state before the Wanli Reforms.

On February 23, Zhu Yijun's imperial carriage arrived on time in front of the Marquis of Yicheng's residence. This time, the emperor did not get out of the carriage. Instead, after Zhang Juzheng got in, the imperial carriage headed towards the General's residence. After picking up Qi Jiguang, the Ming emperor's carriage headed towards the Northern Camp.

Many people in the Ming Dynasty were observing the emperor's monthly free meal days. If His Majesty did not appear, it meant that the emperor had completely lost his affection for Zhang Juzheng and could begin to attack Zhang Juzheng. This time was a bit strange. The emperor appeared, but where did he take the civil officials Zhang Juzheng and the military officials Qi Jiguang this time?

Zhu Yijun observed Zhang Juzheng and Qi Jiguang from the carriage. Zhang Juzheng was old and often fell ill, especially after winter. Qi Jiguang, on the other hand, was not like that at all. Although Qi Jiguang's muscles had shrunk, he was still very healthy and would recover quickly from minor illnesses.

The chief physician of the Jiekuan Hospital discovered that people with larger muscles are less likely to get sick.

The study, through comparative observation of 500 samples, found that people who exercise regularly and have well-developed muscle groups are less likely to get sick and are less afraid of falling, with a 40% reduction in the risk of falling. Moreover, people who train and exercise regularly have a much heavier bone.

Anyone who has ever taken care of an elderly person knows that if an elderly person falls, it's like they've stepped halfway into a coffin. Qi Jiguang is already 66 years old this year. During the Spring Festival, he slipped and fell on the snowy road, but he was fine. Zhang Juzheng, on the other hand, really couldn't afford to fall.

"Where is Your Majesty taking us?" Qi Jiguang asked curiously. The Emperor was leading them to the North Camp in a rather mysterious manner, without explaining what was going on.

"Do you two know the name Ke Yanchang, the agricultural scientist from Suiyuan?" Zhu Yijun asked with a smile.

Zhang Juzheng nodded and said, "I know. He was an academician of the College of Agriculture who was on par with Xu Zhenming. The cultivation of purple root grass, the Zhong Sheng sweet potato, and the fast-growing poplar planted on the shore of Mochou Lake were all his achievements. He was awarded the Chonggu Progress Award in the 20th year of the Wanli reign, but he did not come back to accept the award."

"He has returned to the capital," Zhu Yijun said with a smile. "He is at the Xiliu Factory of the Gunpowder Bureau in Beidaying. The reason for his return to the capital is not to take away the medals and other items that I have reserved for him. He has returned to the capital to oversee the production of copper sulfate."

"Chlorine sulfate is a good thing."

A sky-blue, colloidal suspension made by mixing copper sulfate, quicklime, and water in different proportions is an inexpensive pesticide for controlling various fungal and bacterial diseases.

For two years, this "Respect for Antiquity and Progress Award" has been in Zhu Yijun's hands for a full two years. Ke Yanchang hasn't had time to return to Beijing to collect it. He's been searching for halophytes in the Seven Guards of Guanzhong to improve the saline-alkali land all over the Western Regions. He simply doesn't have time to accept the award.

The reason that attracted Ke Yanchang back to Beijing was that the Institute of Physics had solved the problem of sulfuric acid preparation.

The production of copper sulfate requires sulfuric acid, but the amount of sulfuric acid produced by burning ferrous sulfate is far from sufficient to meet the needs of large-scale production. How to produce sulfuric acid in large quantities has become a key task for the Institute of Physics in recent years. Finally, small-scale mass production was achieved at the Xiliu Factory of the Beidaying Gunpowder Bureau.

The principle is very simple: when the gas produced by burning sulfur is mixed with air and water vapor, it will mix under high pressure to form sulfuric acid. It sounds simple, but it is very difficult to do.

After three years of continuous improvement and seven generations of refinement, the Gewu Institute finally developed the cylinder tower method for producing sulfuric acid, reducing production costs and increasing production efficiency. This provided the raw materials and foundation for the large-scale production of copper sulfate pesticides.

Upon hearing this news, Ke Yanchang finally put down his work and came to the capital to see it for himself.

Zhu Yijun met an old acquaintance, Wei Youshan, who was the inventor of water-fertilizer and also a master craftsman of Xishan Coal Bureau. The Institute of Gewu was in charge of the experiments, and Wei Youshan led a large group of craftsmen to be responsible for the process from laboratory to large-scale production.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!" Wei Youshan bowed and presented His Majesty's favorite figurine, a collection of various tanks and pipes about half the size of a table. This thing could not be used to produce sulfuric acid, but it was useful for explaining the purpose of each component.

(End of this chapter)