Although Su Song was sent away, the last question raised by Su Song was indeed something that made Wang Jinghui scratch his head. If he wanted to make anything else, it would be easier to do, relying on his own financial and material resources, plus Shen Kuo and Su Song's friends. Except for those weapons that were beyond the era, nothing could be done. However, this cannon could never bypass the emperor. After all, firearms are the most confidential weapons of the Song Dynasty. Any talents and equipment related to firearm production were strictly controlled by the court. Moreover, his identity was sensitive, bypassing the emperor and using firearms would probably have very serious consequences. Wang Jinghui is not a madman. He knew that the research and development of weapons belonged to the jurisdiction of the powerful national department. Last time, he was a little overwhelmed because of the crossbows. It can be seen that such things must not be done according to his own wishes.

After thinking about it, Wang Jinghui decided to take action himself to speed up the development process of weapons and give better treatment to the R&D personnel. Only by allowing Emperor Zhao Xu to see more results can the enthusiasm of the ruling senior officials be maintained. Otherwise, everything Wang Jinghui did to improve the craftsmanship some time ago will be knocked back to the prototype, which he could not accept.

The king of heaven came to the metal smelting workshop located outside Biandu. Here he saw the world's first steel smelting work. Su Song was surrounded by a group of green robes in front of a huge water conservancy-driven machine. If Wang Jinghui had not been mentally prepared, it would be difficult for him to see that this huge mechanical device was the blower device mentioned by Su Song and him yesterday. Obviously, this huge mechanical device is just a demonstration role. In this experimental workshop, all devices are not the final new product. They must be gradually improved and continuously improved under the hands of Su Song and others.

"In the process, these are officials sent by the Ministry of Works, who are preparing to promote this giant blower device in various smelting workshops across the country, and gradually use coke to smelting iron!" When Su Song saw Wang Jinghui coming to the workshop, he introduced Wang Jinghui with the officials around him.

Because Wang Jinghui spoke to the craft officials to improve his treatment and social status, the officials of the Ministry of Works all had a good impression of the prince-consort and all came forward to introduce him. The prince-consort is kind to others and approachable. This is something they have known for a long time. However, although the prince-consort is often a bit out of character, he is a relative of the foreign country to keep himself clean. The reason why the threshold of the prince-consort's mansion is so scary is to block the officials who have made friends with him. Therefore, not many people have actually met Wang Jinghui, and even if they have seen him, they have never spoken.

Wang Jinghui bowed to everyone. He knew that this research was just the beginning. In addition to Su Song and Shen Kuo, who were in charge of the overall situation, almost all the researchers from the Ministry of Works. The Ministry of Works is the talent reserve database in Wang Jinghui's eyes. Those who went out here will be the main researchers in the research and development of artillery, so treat them. Wang Jinghui undoubtedly pays more attention to the ministers in the court.

"Mr. Zirong, today I am here to see the progress of this workshop improvement, and I also want to ask the teacher to book the meritorious personnel involved in the blower and coke improvement this time, so I can submit it to the saint. The saint may summon him personally to ask questions, and this must be used as a basis for rewards!" Wang Jinghui deliberately spoke to Su Song in front of these skill officials sent by the Ministry of Works to learn.

As the stalls here become bigger and bigger, it is far from enough to have big scientists like Su Song and Shen Kuo. More fresh blood is needed. These people in front of him, and some great people from the Ministry of Works are the main objects he strives for. The official system of the Song Dynasty was the most complex. Although the Ministry of Works was one of the six departments, its functions were far from what was described in later generations. Later generations thought that the Ministry of Works controlled all the technical personnel, and there were also great differences between them - Si Tianjian had some mechanical and astronomical talents, while the San Sizhou case was in charge of weapons manufacturing. However, the smelting was in the hands of the Yu case of the Ministry of Works. The technical talents in Wang Jinghui's heart were in the court.

The distribution is so complex that some officials themselves do not know which department they belong to and which chief officer is in charge. It is not impossible to make such jokes, but this is caused by the "stacked bed and house" style of the Song Dynasty official system. Even Wang Jinghui, who has worked hard on the Song Dynasty official system, did not expect that there would be such a big misunderstanding. In any case, the Ministry of Works is indeed the place where the most gatherings of craft officials, and the green robe officials in front of Wang Jinghui were indeed from the Ministry of Works. Otherwise, there would be several craft officials from the Three Sizhou cases or the Sitianjian craft officials in it at this time, and Wang Jinghui would be stunned.

The green robe officials around him were all glowing in their eyes after hearing this - they didn't care about rewards and the rewards were absolutely indispensable. They had heard that even an ordinary craftsman paid 70 or 80 stags per month, almost half of their income level. The income of technicians at the same level was almost maintained at more than 200 stags - while taking the salary from the court, they received the rewards specially approved by the prince consort in the workshop. They had taken this opportunity to learn and were appreciated by Su Song or Shen Kuo, and were seconded here from the dead coffin of the Ministry of Works to work, but they did not expect that the benefits of working here were far more than money.

The so-called "I would rather be stolen than be a prisoner." Taking the imperial examination to become a Jinshi or even a top scholar, the future is much brighter than becoming a craftsman. The reason is that outstanding talents from the imperial examination can have the opportunity to enter the Pavilion, and then they have more opportunities to see the emperor and get the right chance - this is a big shortcut to promotion. As long as there is no problem, they can impress the emperor with their own talents, moving one day is definitely not a dream. In the history of the Song Dynasty, officials from the Pavilion even had the myth of moving three days, and these craftsman officials in green robes may not even be able to see the emperor for life!

With middle-level officials like Su Song and Shen Kuo, they still have some chances to meet the emperor, but since they moved closer to Wang Jinghui, seeing the emperor was as easy as eating, and there was nothing to show off. Shen Kuo has been serving as an official in the past year to the Quanzhi Si Tianjian. Of course, he could also choose the three envoys arranged by Wang Anshi for him, but obviously, in Shen Kuo's eyes, he has a much more promising future than following Wang Anshi. Wang Anshi's opponents in the court are all veteran generals. When they can make mistakes, they will be worried about the harm of the fish. Although they are slower to follow the prince, they are not short of money and their official positions are gradually promoted. This is more guaranteed. Wang Jinghui doesn't know what Shen Kuo thought, but Shen Kuo seems to be a little ignorant about these things in the officialdom. But indeed, his choice on this issue is absolutely unambiguous.

These local craft officials sent by the Ministry of Works were not only envious when they looked at Su Song and other colleagues who were busy in the workshop, but also felt a little jealous. It was something they could not even think about when they could meet the saint. Now, in their eyes, this small smelting workshop, which was not very eye-catching, is much more adorable than the courtyard where the Ministry of Works was working.

Su Song was different from these rookies around him. He frowned and said, "This is just some minor improvement. Is it necessary to mobilize some people to make a move?!"

Wang Jinghui smiled and said, "Mr. Zirong thought that these 'small' changes would have improved output compared to the original smelting method? How much is the improvement in quality?!"

"The two are completely incomparable, otherwise the Ministry of Works would not have sent people to study so quickly to prepare for promotion to other official smelting workshops!"

"Mr. Zirong is good at doing these technological innovations, but the changes brought about by the application and promotion of new technologies are not as good as the next. When a new technology appears, we must put it into use as soon as possible to create more value to reflect its advancedness. Otherwise, what we have spent so much money to develop will not be promoted. Then have we not been in vain for these previous efforts?!" Wang Jinghui said with a smile.

"There is no need to report the merits to the emperor, right? What should those ministers in the Secretariat feel?" Su Song said with some worries. It is something that every minister hopes for to let the emperor know his merits, but there are also many considerations in the middle. We cannot offend others because of our eagerness to make contributions. Shen Kuo is far inferior to Su Song, the old fried dough stick.

Wang Jinghui smiled and approached Su Song and whispered in his ear: "The artillery research project is a high-level confidential project of the Song Dynasty approved by the emperor. In this matter, the emperor did not issue a document to appoint a certain official to be responsible for the matter through the Secretariat. Instead, Mr. Zirong and Brother Cunzhong were in charge of the overall situation. In other words, Mr. Zirong was "recommended" in this project, which is in line with the spirit of the Song Dynasty's official system! In fact, the ministers of the Secretariat also knew this artillery research plan.

But unfortunately, not only Sima Jun really doesn't believe that he can successfully develop artillery, but Wang Xiang, who is dedicated to reform and reform, is also not optimistic about this. The emperor was very concerned about the progress of this project at the beginning, but Mr. Zirong saw that the Secretariat's ministers came to care about it? Of course, in order to take care of the face of all the ministers of the Secretariat, I plan to bring Zeng Gong over, and this list of meritorious contributions will be handed over to Zeng Gong and he will present it to him!"

After hearing this, Su Song couldn't help but exclaim in his heart. The prince-consort had arranged the matter properly. He also knew that Zeng Gongliang and others had a very good relationship with the prince-consort, even extraordinary. He expected that Zeng Gongliang would make a contribution for this for nothing. Zeng Gongliang refused, and the Secretariat took care of the face of the Secretary of the Secretariat. However, Su Song also knew that the prince-consort would make a remedy for this - either Zeng Gongliang or he was the initiative of this project himself, and it was more likely that he would choose this person - Zeng Gongliang could taste some sweetness, but he might not dare to take this political risk - the artillery project cost a lot, and Zeng Gongliang did not understand the inside story of this, so he did not have to bear such political risk for it, but Su Song was full of confidence, and he dared!

Su Song bowed and said, "This matter is a matter of trouble!"

Wang Jinghui returned the courtesy and said, "Please rest assured Mr. Zirong! But what do you think about the hot air balloon trial production plan mentioned yesterday?"

Su Song said: "The principle of hot air balloons is not complicated. The key is that they are more complicated to make. Besides, the prince consort also saw it. It's so busy here that he can't get so many people out!"

Seeing that this was not a place to speak, Wang Jinghui bowed to other officials around him and pulled Su Song into a relatively secluded house and said, "Mr. Zirong, the matter of hot air balloons can be big or small. The key is to give the emperor confidence. As for the issues mentioned by Mr. Zirong, this project has relatively important military value. We can reach out to the Ministry of Works or other departments to ask for people. If there is any adults involved, the gentleman can first draw up a list and find them to ask for people! During this period, we will also participate in the artillery trial production project to see if there is any place that can help!"

Su Song laughed as soon as he heard this - the hot air balloon is not a difficult thing in his eyes. The key is that Wang Jinghui was finally willing to participate in the artillery research and development plan in person. This is what he valued the most. Since he met Wang Jinghui, Su Song and Shen Kuo have learned a lot, but as the proposers of some creativity, the prince-consort rarely participates. The land they obtained from the prince-consort is only some of the most basic creative sketches and tips on the research direction, especially the machine tools and clocks that have been made, which are basically perfected by them. They always felt that if the prince-consort was devoted to it, the progress would be much faster, but they didn't know that Wang Jinghui had nothing to help except creativity.

Although Su Song and Shen Kuo were a little complaining in their hearts, they knew that the prince consort had many things. They also had a deep feeling of confrontation between the political forces in the court. The prince consort often dealt with it when he showed his legs. He even had to go to Hangzhou to hide from the limelight. Under such circumstances, Wang Jinghui could not participate in the research and development. Although Su Song did not know the details of Wang Jinghui, the founder of the prince consort's plan was able to participate in the research and development work, which was of no doubt beneficial to the entire plan.

"Change it, you can finally get involved!" Su Song said with a smile.

Wang Jinghui said with a wry smile: "Mr. Zirong, I have already finished my talents. In fact, even if I don't have the help of me, I can complete this plan with Brother Cunzhong. I am just creating better conditions for you!"

Su Song waved his hand and smiled and said, "How can you be so arrogant when changing it?! Although there are progress in all aspects, there are still many problems. The smelting of steel alone is already so difficult. If changing it can participate, you will be more confident in saving it and something!"

"The steel smelting is not good at the top and bottom. Let's leave these to Shen Cunzhong to come back and solve them! However, I have already thought about it. The production of cannons made of steel is now very limited. In addition to continuing to explore, we cannot go all the way. It is better to try other materials to make the cannon style first. Although the effect will be much worse, it is better than not having ground, and it can be considered accumulating experience in cannon production!"

Su Song smiled bitterly and said, "It's such a big deal! In fact, I also thought about using copper instead of steel to make cannons. But have you ever thought about it? The Song Dynasty is extremely short of copper now. Since the Five Dynasties, China has been very short of copper. Zhou Shizong even ordered the bronze statues in the temple to molten it to molten it. Although the Song Dynasty has not reached that level, it is also very embarrassing!"

Wang Jinghui knew what Su Song said, but what surprised him was that the lack of copper in the Song Dynasty had reached this point, which was even more serious than the lack of horses! No wonder the Secretariat's attitude towards overseas trade changed so much. In addition to the local financial problems, it was probably mixed with copper, an unknown factor - Wang Anshi and Wen Yanbo vigorously expanded Hangzhou and Quanzhou's escort fleet a few months ago. It seems that they were affected by what they said that there were much more copper mines in the South Ocean than in the Song Dynasty!

Wang Jinghui whispered to Su Song: "Mr. Zirong, the current situation of copper shortage in the Song Dynasty will be greatly alleviated in the next ten years. Many people do not know the truth about this. Mr. must keep it confidential! But then again, our use of copper to cast artillery is just to accumulate experience in cast artillery. The trial-made copper cannons are for viewing to the emperor and important officials of the two governments. It is mainly used to strengthen their confidence. It will not be installed in the Song army on a large scale for the time being, and there should be no major problems! As for the cost issue mentioned by Mr., it will be properly solved, so Mr. Don't worry!"

"The current funds are all based on the profits of the watch workshop, which is used to increase the treatment of all craft officials. The artillery plan should not be used too much!" Su Song reminded that he knew that this was a bet between the emperor Zhao Xu and the prince-consort. Out of the conscience of a scientist, Su Song still reminded Wang Jinghui.

Wang Jinghui smiled and said, "Mr. Zirong doesn't have to worry about funds. As long as there is a deposit, money is definitely not a problem! Although the treasury of the emperor has stopped allocating funds to the planned funds, the funds from the watch workshop will maintain the normal expenses of the artillery plan. However, other huge expenses incurred for the development of artillery will be given full efforts!"
Chapter completed!