Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Zhu Chong raised his hand to wipe the beads of sweat on his forehead, and after taking a breath, he continued, "Big brother, third brother.

You don’t know that those craftsmen racked their brains to make this ironclad ship.

They also smeared a mixture of rosin and tung oil on the hull, which are rare and good things."

Zhu Gang raised his eyebrows and asked curiously, "Oh? Second brother, what are the benefits of this mixture of rosin and tung oil?

Please tell us about it."

Zhu Chong rolled his eyes at Zhu Gang, as if he was disgusted with him for not understanding this.

Then he patiently explained: "Humph, after applying this, the waterproof and fireproof properties are greatly enhanced.

I originally thought that with this layer of protection, it would at least make up for the shortcomings of the ironclad ship. "

As he spoke, a look of helplessness and regret appeared on Zhu Chong's face again, and he sighed heavily.

"But who would have thought that even so, this is still a far cry from our original plan.

The most troublesome thing is that those strange phenomena still haven’t stopped.

Every time we tried the voyage, the compass would spin like crazy and could not indicate the direction normally.

It feels like there is an invisible hand, always working in the dark.

Deliberately trying to hinder the preparation of our armored fleet is really too weird!"

Zhu Biao was originally frowning in thought, but when he heard this, his face suddenly darkened.

His eyes suddenly became sharp, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

Zhu Biao stared at Zhu Chong and asked, "Second brother, are you trying to tell me that the so-called ironclad ship actually doesn't even have a piece of iron?
If the emperor gets to know about this, it will be terrible. How are we going to explain it to him?

As for these strange phenomena you mentioned, have you discussed them with other craftsmen in the Ministry of Industry and those experienced and knowledgeable masters?

What do they say? "

When Zhu Chong heard this, he subconsciously shrank his neck.

He felt a surge of fear in his heart, as if he had already seen Zhu Yuanzhang getting furious.

Zhu Chong waved his hands hurriedly and explained in an anxious tone: "Brother, please don't misunderstand!

The officials of the Ministry of Works are not all just there to do nothing. There are still quite a few skilled craftsmen with real abilities among them.

If Gongshu Qi dared to do this, he would have been discovered long ago!

I guess he was in trouble and had no other options, so he came up with this compromise.

I just hope to build the boat first and then improve it slowly later.

But I also know in my heart that this matter cannot be concealed after all.

How can paper cover fire?

That's why I hurried over here to discuss countermeasures with you two brothers."

Zhu Chong paused, and then continued, "Regarding those strange phenomena, I specifically asked several old masters who have worked in the Ministry of Industry for decades.

After they heard what I said, they looked at each other and then shook their heads.

He said that he had been doing craftsmanship for most of his life, but had never seen such a strange situation.

I also heard that the craftsmen were privately saying that the ironclad ship seemed to be entangled by some ominous creature.

It makes me feel really scared, but I really can't find the reason. What do you think I should do?"

Zhu Gang snorted coldly, "Humph, what ominous thing?
I think there must be someone behind this, deliberately trying to ruin the Ming navy's business.

The Ming Dynasty has finally established this ironclad fleet, which is related to the great cause of coastal defense. There must be people who are jealous and don't want us to succeed smoothly.

We must investigate thoroughly and find out who is behind this. We must not let them succeed."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and said solemnly: "Third brother, you are right, this matter really cannot be underestimated.

We have to take a long-term view and start by investigating this matter from within the Ministry of Industry.

See if there are any suspicious people and whether there is anything unusual in their daily words and actions.

Send someone to find out if there has been any unusual movement in or outside the capital recently.

This armored fleet is related to the coastal defense of our Ming Dynasty. It is of utmost importance!
No matter what, we have to get this done, and nothing can go wrong."

Zhu Gang sat down on a chair beside him angrily, with his hands folded across his chest, his face full of resentment.

He snorted coldly and said, "Humph, no matter what, if this thing fails, the consequences will be disastrous.

A few days ago, my father specifically reminded me that when the ironclad fleet officially sets out to sea, all civil and military officials must be present to watch the ceremony.

If my father finds out that this ironclad ship has turned into a wooden sailing ship, it will definitely cause another big case during the Hongwu period.

Even taking into account the scarcity of technical officials, Gongshu Qi, as the main culprit, should at least end up being exiled three thousand miles away.

Gong Shuqi is someone I have long favored and designated as the cabinet minister. He must not be brought down because of this incident!

I was hoping he could help us do more in science and technology. Future research on steam engines depends on these talented people.

Besides, now that these inexplicable problems have arisen, we must find a way to solve them quickly. We can’t just watch the ironclad fleet go to waste.”

Zhu Chong opened his eyes wide, as if he had heard something strange.

He looked at Zhu Gang and said with a hint of teasing and curiosity: "Hey, Third Brother.

You have a long-term vision. You have been thinking about bringing him into the cabinet for so long.

But then again, is the steam engine really that magical?
Can you solve the problem of this ironclad ship?

Don't just brag here and make fun of us.

Besides, even if there is a steam engine, who knows if it can suppress the "evil spirit" on this ship. "

When Zhu Gang heard this, he immediately straightened his chest.

He said with confidence and a bit of stubbornness: "Second brother, don't underestimate this steam engine.

As long as we think carefully, with the current level of technological development in the Ming Dynasty, and the ingenuity of our brothers, it is not impossible to make it.

I have thought about it seriously. Brother, you know me. When have I ever talked nonsense about such things?

As for the strange things happening on this ship, I don’t believe that we can’t find the cause and solve it.

I want to see what is causing this trouble."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's expression instantly became serious and he glanced around vigilantly.

Seeing that there was indeed no one else around, I felt a little relieved.

He lowered his voice and advised with some concern: "Third brother, don't be impulsive.

How could this steam engine be so easy to build?

I remember you said before that the manufacture of steam engines involves multiple fields and industries, and it requires the support of a complete industrial production system.

Today, the industrial production in our Ming Dynasty is mainly based on family handicrafts and state-run handicrafts.

Not only is the production scale small, but the division of labor is not detailed enough, and there is a lack of large-scale production and collaboration capabilities. " (End of this chapter)