My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

He quickly suppressed the overt elation on his face, took a deep breath, and regained his usual composure, speaking slowly and deliberately, following Bi Maokang's lead:

"Minister Bi's words about being wise and insightful in governing the country are true. I was just too happy and lost my composure."

"The title of Duke is a matter of national importance and cannot be lightly granted to anyone who has not made outstanding military achievements. This is an ancestral rule and also for the sake of stabilizing the court. I was too excited and acted rashly."

He changed the subject, looking sincerely at Bi Maokang, and continued:

"However, your merits are evident to all. If we merely offer ordinary rewards or bestow upon you only a minor earldom, it would be too unfair to a meritorious official, would discourage craftsmen from working in the country, and would not be the proper way for the court to treat meritorious officials."

He hesitated for a moment, as if after careful consideration, and finally said:

"Alright then, let's set aside the title of Duke for now, but for your merit in presenting this powerful weapon and strengthening our military prestige, you are worthy of being granted the title of Marquis, which will be hereditary and permanent!"

"My mind is made up. After returning to the capital from the southern tour, I will inform my father and request that you be granted a marquisate! The title shall be 'Wu Jing,' and you shall be called 'Marquis Wu Jing.' May this divine weapon bring prosperity to the Ming Dynasty and peace to the world! Your descendants may inherit this title, sharing the glory of the nation and enjoying wealth and honor forever!"

Marquis Wujing! Hereditary title!

These eight words echoed like a resounding bell in the venue, and struck Bi Maokang's heart heavily!

Although not as prestigious as a duke, a marquis is still an extremely high honor for a subject. In particular, the phrase "hereditary without change" means that the Bi family has risen to become a top noble family in the Ming Dynasty. As long as the Ming Dynasty does not perish, the Bi family's wealth and honor will continue!

This is almost the highest possible reward that a civil official could attain!

Bi Maokang trembled violently, and his old eyes instantly welled up with cloudy tears.

He was originally content with just receiving the honorary title of Earl to bring glory to his family, but he never expected that His Highness the Crown Prince would be so generous in rewarding him, directly granting him the title of Marquis, which would be hereditary!

This favor is far too great! He was overwhelmed with a mixture of excitement, gratitude, and fear, and for a moment he was choked with emotion and unable to speak.

"Your Highness! Your Highness's grace is boundless! This old minister, this old minister..."

His voice trembled, and in his excitement, he forgot the Crown Prince's decree forbidding him from kneeling. He subconsciously lifted the front of his scarlet robe to perform the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

"Hey! Minister Bi! What are you doing!"

Zhu Cilang reacted quickly, and before Bi Maokang could bend his knees, he stepped forward and firmly supported his arms with both hands. His tone was a little reproachful, but more so, it was sincere concern.

"I already said that you are of advanced age and high virtue, and therefore need not kneel before me. How could you have forgotten? Do you want me to go back on my word and gain wealth? Please rise! These formalities can be dispensed with from now on! Take care of your health and develop a few more powerful weapons for the Ming Dynasty. That would be better than you kowtowing ten thousand times!"

Feeling the warmth from the Crown Prince's young yet strong hands, and hearing the genuine tenderness in his words, Bi Maokang, an old minister nearing seventy, could no longer suppress his inner turmoil. Two streams of tears finally welled up in his eyes and slid down his wrinkled cheeks.

He no longer insisted on kneeling, but bowed deeply, his voice choked with emotion yet incredibly firm:

"Your Highness's kindness to this old minister is as heavy as a mountain! Even if I were to be shattered to pieces, I could never repay even a fraction of Your Highness's kindness in recognizing and nurturing me! I can only dedicate my remaining years to serving you with utmost loyalty and devotion until my dying breath!"

"Good! Good! I am very pleased to hear your words, my dear minister!"

Zhu Cilang patted Bi Maokang's arm hard, a relieved smile on his face.

It is truly a blessing for the Ming Dynasty to have such a national talent.

Just then, Bi Maokang seemed to suddenly remember something, wiped the tears of excitement from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, and a mysterious and proud smile reappeared on his face. He then changed the subject and said:
"Your Highness's timing is perfect. Firstly, seeing these new muskets is a good thing. Secondly, there is another joyous event at the research institute recently, which I'm sure Your Highness will be delighted to see!"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang raised an eyebrow, his curiosity, which had just subsided, was piqued once again.

Bi Maokang was not one to speak carelessly. Since he said that "the emperor would be greatly pleased," it must have been an extraordinary achievement!

He hurriedly pressed for an answer:

"What other good news is there? Tell me quickly, my dear minister, don't keep me in suspense!"

Bi Maokang stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes sparkling:

"Does Your Highness recall that about a year ago, before you went to Hanzhong, you praised the steam engine developed by Lord Wang Wei and specifically instructed him that if it could be reduced in size, it might be possible to try using it to drive vehicles and create a 'steam locomotive' that does not rely on oxen or horses and can move on its own?"

"His Highness also drew several sketches and discussed them with Lord Wang for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang was taken aback at first, and then his previous memories flashed through his mind like lightning!
He did indeed talk to Wang Hui about his ideas for the future applications of steam engines, with a particular emphasis on the concept of "steam locomotives." He even drew some ambiguous diagrams from memory.

Is it
His heart skipped a beat, his eyes gleamed with unbelievable joy, and his voice trembled slightly with excitement:
"Minister Bi, you mean Wang Hui... he actually built that 'steam locomotive'?!"

Bi Maokang nodded with a smile, his tone certain:

"Although it differs slightly from the sketch Your Highness drew that day, in my opinion, the principle is the same, and it can indeed walk on its own! Lord Wang originally intended to give Your Highness a surprise after Your Highness returned from your southern tour and after everything had settled down."

"I never expected Your Highness to arrive today. It is a perfect occasion. If Your Highness does not mind the trouble, why not take a look?"

"Don't overwork! Don't overwork!"

Zhu Cilang was even more eager and excited than when he first saw the rifle!
The steam engine! The heart of the Industrial Revolution!
If Wang Hui had actually developed a practical steam locomotive, even if it was only the most primitive version, its significance would be no less than that of a breech-loading rifle!

This marks the beginning of a power revolution, and signifies the potential for a radical transformation in transportation, industrial production, and even the entire social structure!

"Go quickly! Go quickly! Minister Bi, lead the way! I can't wait to see it with my own eyes!"

Zhu Cilang grabbed Bi Maokang's arm and couldn't wait to walk out.

He looked nothing like a prince; he resembled a child who had just received a beloved toy.

Seeing the Crown Prince's eagerness, Bi Maokang became even more certain of the immense value of this achievement, and quickly led the way with a smile:

"Your Highness, please do not worry. It is located at the test site to the west of the research institute. It is not far. Please follow this old minister."

The group hurriedly left Bi Maokang's office building, passed through several heavily guarded corridors, and headed towards an area on the west side of the research institute that was enclosed by a high wall.

As soon as we approached that area, a deep, powerful, and rhythmic rumbling sound could be faintly heard, as if some giant beast was breathing and roaring within it!
Zhu Cilang was all too familiar with that sound! It was the unique roar created by the reciprocating motion of the cylinder piston, the combustion of the boiler, and the steam ejection when the steam engine was running!

Although it sounded louder and rougher than the steam engines he knew in later generations, its surging power was already taking shape!

Clearly, a prototype was constantly running within the research institute to continuously test the reliability and durability of the steam engine. Just by listening to the sound, Zhu Cilang could imagine the immense power it contained!

Having already been notified, Wang Hui, along with several core craftsmen, was respectfully waiting at the entrance of the testing ground.

Upon seeing His Highness the Crown Prince approaching quickly, accompanied by Bi Maokang, Wang Hui immediately led everyone in bowing respectfully.
"Your subject, Wang Hui, pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

Wang Hui was much younger than Bi Maokang, around fifty years old. He was lean and fit, with dark skin from years of working in the workshop, but his eyes were bright and piercing, sparkling with the focus and wisdom unique to craftsmen.

Zhu Cilang had no time for pleasantries. He stepped forward, personally helped Wang Hui up, and stared intently at him, asking:
"My dear Wang! Lord Bi said that the 'steam locomotive' is finished? Where is it now? Quickly! Take me to see it!"

Inspired by Zhu Cilang's eagerness, Wang Hui felt both proud and nervous, and quickly replied:

"Your Highness, I have successfully completed the mission! The prototype vehicle was assembled and tested ten days ago, and preliminary tests have shown that it can travel short distances! However... it may differ slightly in shape from the sketches Your Highness drew that day, and its scale is also slightly larger."

His tone carried a hint of trepidation, as if he feared that this "difference" would disappoint the Crown Prince.

"It's alright! It's alright! As long as it can move, it's a success! Its shape and size can be improved later! Take me there immediately!"

Zhu Cilang waved his hands repeatedly. At this moment, no matter if the form is different, even if it is a strange creature, as long as it can run on its own using steam power, it will be an epoch-making victory!
"Your Highness, please follow me!"

Seeing that the Crown Prince did not care about the details, Wang Hui felt relieved and quickly stepped aside to lead the way.

The test site is extremely spacious, with a compacted and leveled ground, and simulated ramps and obstacles in the distance.

In the center of the venue, a colossal object was completely covered by a huge, thick, dark gray tarpaulin awning. Only an extremely large outline could be vaguely seen. It was nearly seven or eight meters high and four or five meters wide, standing there silently, like a sleeping prehistoric beast.

Zhu Cilang saw the outline from afar, and his steps faltered, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

This is way too big!

While the steam-powered cars he remembered were indeed enormous, they didn't seem nearly as exaggerated as this.
This size is almost the size of a small factory! Is this really a "car"? He couldn't help but wonder.

Wang Hui noticed the fleeting surprise on the Crown Prince's face, and dared not keep him in suspense any longer. He turned and waved his hand forcefully to the craftsmen waiting nearby, and said loudly:

"Unveiling!"

"Yes!"

Several strong craftsmen who were already prepared responded in unison, each grabbing one of the corners of the tarpaulin, shouting in unison, and pulling together!
"Wow!"

The huge tarpaulin awning was suddenly ripped open, slid to the ground, and kicked up a cloud of fine dust.

In an instant, a real steel behemoth was presented to Zhu Cilang and all his entourage without reservation!

Even though Zhu Cilang was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by the scene before him and gasped!
This was definitely not the retro-romantic steam car he had imagined! It was clearly a steam locomotive full of primitive, rugged, and powerful industrial strength!
Or rather, it was a primitive monster that attempted to combine a steam engine with a vehicle, but the technology was not yet mature, resulting in an incredibly bulky and enormous size!

The massive object was made entirely of dark black iron, with clearly visible riveting marks, exuding a sense of power.

The overall structure can be roughly divided into two parts, upper and lower.

The lower part is an extremely sturdy and huge iron chassis, and beneath the chassis, there are a total of twelve huge iron wheels densely arranged on the left and right sides!

Six on each side, with wheels of astonishing diameter, almost reaching the chest height of an adult man.

What's even more surprising is that the outer edges of these giant ships are covered with a thick layer of black rubber tires that are clearly vulcanized!

Although the workmanship looks rough and the texture is deep, this is indeed a rubber tire!

This is thanks to his efforts in importing rubber raw materials from Southeast Asia several years ago and setting up workshops for experimental production. Unexpectedly, Wang Hui and his team have already put it to use! With rubber tires, the stability and grip of driving can be greatly improved, which is a crucial advancement!
Above the chassis is the main body of this "locomotive": an enormous vertical boiler!

The boiler resembles a giant iron can, its surface covered with thick rivets, various valves, pressure gauges, and crisscrossing pipes.

Behind the boiler are even more complex transmission mechanisms, cylinders, and connecting rods, the intricate structure of which is dazzling.

At the top of the boiler, a chimney so thick it would take two people to hug it points straight to the sky. Although there is no fire at the moment, one can imagine how spectacular it would be to see billowing black smoke once it is running at full power.

In front of the boiler is a semi-enclosed structure resembling a driver's cab, with observation windows.

This is practically a steam locomotive!
It simply doesn't have rails; it travels directly on the ground using its twelve enormous rubber tires.

Its enormous size and astonishing weight far exceeded Zhu Cilang's initial expectations.

Zhu Cilang looked up at the colossal steel beast, momentarily speechless. This behemoth...could it really move? Wouldn't it collapse the ground?

Seeing the Crown Prince's expression—a mixture of shock, confusion, and disbelief—Wang Hui felt a pang of unease and quickly explained:

"Your Highness, we have followed Your Highness's instructions to try to reduce the size of the steam engine. However, in order to ensure that there is enough power to drive the vehicle, the boiler and cylinder cannot be too small. In addition, the transmission structure is complex and requires materials with sufficient strength. Therefore, the size of the finished product has indeed exceeded expectations."

"Your Highness, we have failed in your trust."

His tone was apologetic.

Zhu Cilang suddenly came to his senses, waved his hands repeatedly, and his eyes burst with unprecedented excitement!
Large size? What kind of drawback is that!
In this day and age, the fact that such a thing could be created is a miracle in itself! He wasn't concerned with size, he was concerned with function!

"It doesn't matter! It doesn't matter! Being able to build it is a tremendous success!"

Zhu Cilang's voice was a little hoarse from excitement as he eagerly pressed for answers.

"My dear Wang, is this thing truly effective? Could you demonstrate it to me?"

Seeing that the Crown Prince was not disappointed, but rather even more excited, Wang Hui's heart immediately settled down, and a proud smile appeared on his face. He bowed and said:

"Your Highness, it is certainly possible! A preliminary test drive was conducted ten days ago. Although it moves slowly and can only travel short distances on flat, hard ground, it is indeed feasible! Your Highness, please wait a moment while I arrange for the craftsmen to start it!"

After saying this, Wang Hui turned around and carefully instructed the foreman of the craftsmen who was waiting on the side, mainly on safety matters and operating procedures.

The foreman, clearly having participated in the test run, nodded repeatedly with a serious expression. Then, with a wave of his hand, he led seven or eight carefully selected, bold, meticulous, and skilled craftsmen towards the steel behemoth. (End of Chapter)