Zhu Zhanzhen was a little speechless for Zhang San.

"Don't go to places like this anymore."

"Your Highness, I heard this from a friend of mine."

"Okay, okay, let's talk about the business. Let's talk about the flowing water banquet. No, no, let's talk about the assembly line."

"Your Highness, please tell me."

"After today's round, our steam engine factory is operating well as a whole, but the efficiency is not high enough. Of course, it does not mean that you are not doing well, but I want to separate each part of the steam engine next and make each one in a refined way.

part."

"Your Highness, I don't quite understand." He couldn't understand this new industrial production model at the first time.

"Take the example of the telephone disassembly just now. I plan to dismantle the steam engine in multiple steps, including the piston, connecting rod, smelting process, metal materials, etc., as detailed as possible, and then you, as the chief engineer, will dismantle the entire process.

Control every step.”

"Let's put it this way, these things can be set up in separate factories, and the assembly of the steam engine is carried out here. This steam engine factory will become a final assembly workshop."

Zhang San raised a question: "But Your Highness, if we are separated like this, will we not be able to communicate well with each other? What should we do if the things we make are not suitable?"

"No, it will only be better. These factories are not just about production, but they also need to continuously improve the functions of each component. The chief engineer, you, need to give them feedback on the shortcomings of the current steam engine operation. Those

There are areas that need to be improved, and the improvement points are down to every part, allowing them to continuously improve the performance of the components in terms of materials and manufacturing processes, so as to achieve better performance."

Zhang San thought about it carefully and felt that what Zhu Zhanzhen said was reasonable, but he had never tried this method and did not dare to make a decision.

Zhu Zhanzhen continued: "After these parts arrive at the factory, they are so detailed that there is a list of personnel for each hammer, thereby improving the efficiency of manufacturing. From one end to the other, there is a line. This is called an assembly line.

.”

"The demand for steam engines is strong. We need greater production capacity and higher efficiency, so we must change the current production model. Dedicate people to do specialized tasks. The smelter produces basic materials, the parts department produces parts, and the steam engine factory assembles and tests everything.

After optimizing the process and subdividing the work, the personal technical requirements for workers will be reduced, the personnel threshold will be lowered, and it will be easier to recruit people."

After hearing this, Zhang San said with great admiration: "His Highness's wonderful ideas are beyond comparison with mine. I will order you to do it according to His Highness's ideas."

"Well, just take your time." Changing the production method will not be easy to complete. With Zhu Zhanzhen's few words and suggestions, Zhang San will be busy in the next few months.

It is necessary to improve production methods. Splitting production has many benefits, and the possibility of technology theft will also be reduced.

If you come to a steam engine assembly factory to steal blueprints, what you steal are only the assembly blueprints, but also the fine parts. If you go to a parts factory to steal the blueprints, you have to steal them one by one. In this way, the disguised confidentiality effect is actually improved.

Zhu Zhanzhen and Zhang San went to see the shuttle loom again. Under the demonstration, the shuttle loom started to operate. Current technology is limited, so it cannot operate at full speed.

"Your Highness, we are still looking for a better way to shuttle."

"This loom is much faster now than before."

"Probably eight to nine times."

Zhu Zhanzhen nodded with satisfaction. The improvement of production tools has greatly improved productivity. In this way, one machine can surpass the previous eight female workers, and as long as someone is watching, it can work around the clock. The actual efficiency improvement is even higher.

"Did you sell the loom to the Cao family?"

"Yes, Your Highness, it is not sold to outsiders for the time being. Only the Cao family has it."

"kindness."

Almost everyone knew about the relationship between Zhu Zhanzhen and the Miss Cao family. There were many discussions, and many people secretly slandered the Cao family mother and daughter for seducing the emperor and grandson.

Zhu Zhanchen thought for a while and said: "The loom should be sufficient at this stage. In the future, the main focus will be on long-term working capacity and operational sustainability. There is no need to make extensive modifications."

The span cannot be too large at one time. As productivity improves, demand must be stimulated for a period of time.

"Okay, Your Highness."

"Your Highness, if you are free today, I will take you to see something new." Zhang San said in a nonchalant way.

"Oh? What something."

Zhang San took Zhu Zhanzhen to a separate warehouse. There was nothing here before, but now there is a huge iron lump.

This is a huge prototype of a steam engine. It has not been built yet and almost only has a skeleton. To build such a large instrument these days is extremely stressful for the entire smelting and manufacturing.

"Your Highness has been here for a long time. Because Master Zheng He is going to sail to the West this year, we are also stepping up the development of steam engines that can be used on treasure ships. It is very laborious to drive such a large ship."

The treasure ship was too big, so the steam engine had to be big, and it needed to use a paddle wheel, and the hull also needed to be improved to a certain extent. This was a huge project. He admired the construction strength of the craftsmen, and Zhu Zhanzhen sighed as he watched it.

"It is not expected that it will be built this year." Zhu Zhanzhen asked. After all, even if the steam engine is ready, it still needs to be tested and then improved with the treasure ship. This project is really big.

Zhang San smiled bitterly and scratched his head: "Master Zheng plans to lead the fleet to sail to the West again this winter. There is still some time, and we will do our best to make it happen."

This big thing will be the highlight of the steam engine factory this year. If this big thing can really be built, it will greatly improve the capabilities of the entire factory, and many things will have to be developed through exploration.

The future of the steam engine is bound to be bright.

…

Twenty days later, at the Yangtze River ferry, Zhu Zhanzhen came to say goodbye to Zhang Xianqi and the Japanese envoys who were about to leave for Japan.

Three ships were dispatched this time, but there were no steamships, just ordinary ships, carrying gifts for the Japanese mission and heading to Japan together with Zhang Xianqi's ambassadorial team.

Zhang Xianqi and his newly married daughter-in-law said goodbye reluctantly, and Zhu Zhanzhen stopped ruining the friendly scene and walked towards the Japanese mission.

Ashikaga Yoshitsune saluted Zhu Zhanyi: "Your Highness, Fifth Prince."

"Your Excellency, you are quite satisfied with my Ming Dynasty's gift." Zhu Zhanzhen looked at the three ships that were fully loaded.

"The great Ming Dynasty has given you such a generous gift, and we express our deep gratitude."

"After arriving in Japan, Zhang Xianqi and others will need you to take more care of them."

"Your Highness, you are out of sight now. Brother Xianqi has communicated with me recently. It's really too late to know a good friend. A thousand cups are not enough."

Zhu Zhanzhen didn't believe his nonsense. People who could become generals in the future were not as good as they seemed. It was just because in the Ming Dynasty, in a foreign country, they had to endure hardships.

"Your Excellency Ashikaga Yoshitsune, I hope that I can also visit Japan in the future. Our two countries have friendly exchanges. This time is a signal. Future trade is not impossible. Everything will depend on the situation of this envoy's trip for follow-up matters."

"Your Highness, don't worry, I understand." How could a smart person like Ashikaga Yoshitaka fail to understand what Zhu Zhanxing said.

Zhu Zhanzhen looked at the river and spoke slowly again: "Your Excellency Ashikaga Yoshitsune, if Zhang Xianqi and others have an accident on the sea, in Japan, or if the letter does not return, I will blame it on you."

…

In the early morning of spring, all things grew towards the sun. Tender branches grew out of the cracks in the palace wall. As soon as they sprouted, a white and tender hand stretched out and cut them off.

Hu Shanggong wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead and said, "Everyone, please be careful. Don't leave any weeds on the palace wall today."

The palace maids and eunuchs were cleaning up, and because it was related to Zhu Zhanzhen's affairs, she took the initiative to lead others to help.

She and Zhu Zhanzhen, who was standing not far away, looked at each other with a slight smile.

Zhu Zhanzhen was sorting out the arrangement of wires with Zhang San and others. After more than a month of research, the first batch of telephones was about to be installed in the palace.

In late February, the weather was getting warmer and the moisture was sufficient. Zhu Zhanzhen, Zhang San and others were planning the route of the electric wires.

After nearly two months of production, the first batch of phones has been completed. The wires are still made of copper wires, and the earpieces and microphones have been refined. Now they are not only easier to use, but also more beautiful.

"Your Highness, we have tried using the steam engine to drive the electricity. The wires are more dangerous, so the wires are now made of wooden boards and closed inside. Kraft paper is also pasted on the inside of the wooden boards to prevent anyone from touching them and being injured by electricity.

.”

Zhu Zhanzhen nodded. Early human wires were all bare wires. After all, they did not have the ability to make insulating layers. However, the palace was full of nobles, so they still tried their best to protect them.

At this time, Zhu Gaochi came out holding his bachelor of Baimao Pavilion. The electrotherapy seemed to be really effective. Zhu Gaochi's body was still as good as before. He was smiling with a convinced expression. It seemed that he had gained some weight recently.

The weight I lost by taking medicine due to illness was regained within a few days.

It is easy to gain weight but difficult to lose weight.

Touching the bachelor of Baimao Pavilion with his hand, the bachelor barked twice and fell asleep again. Princess Jiaxing quickly ran to Zhu Zhanzhen's side: "Fifth brother, what kind of weird thing is this?"

"This is called a telephone."

Zhu Zhanzhen touched Princess Jiaxing's head with great affection. The little girl grew cuter and cuter, and her personality was very lovable. Many of the concubines in the palace also liked her. Even though she was young, she was alone in January.

The concubine's rewards range from young to old, and if there are many new things, she should be asked to check them out and share some.

"Zhan Zhan, this phone call is of great use, so you must do it well." Zhu Gaochi ordered with a smile.

"Father, don't worry, dad will come with me."

Zhu Zhanzhen took Zhu Gaochi to a room, where the main station was being built. The interfaces of the wires were written with the names of the residences of His Majesty, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Taisun, His Second Highness and others, as well as Fengtian.

Palace, Fengtian Palace study room and other places.

"Father, this is the main station. When you pick up the phone to make a call, you will receive the main station first. The main station will connect you to the line according to your needs. In this case, you can call me.

, you can also call the second brother and the fourth brother."

"Okay, you have thought carefully about it. If you have to pull wires one by one, the palace will be covered with wires. This thing is great. I will reward you heavily in the future." Zhu Gaochi patted Zhu Zhanyang's shoulder with satisfaction.

The face of Zhu Zhanqun next to him was not very good. His father had never praised him so satisfactorily. He had always worked very hard, but he was always not as good as this fifth brother. The fifth brother who had been in charge of the country had acted recklessly and even sneaked out.

The palace went to participate in the naval battle, but in the end there was thunder and rain, and a slight punishment passed. Seeing Zhu Gaochi like this, he didn't take what happened before at all.

Zhu Zhanjun always felt that he had a sense of resentment. In order to find a sense of existence, he said: "Father, now that the winter snow has melted, the banditry in Jiangxi should be suppressed. The banditry may become a climate change if it lasts too long."

Zhu Zhanyu changed the subject, and the smile on Zhu Gaochi's face disappeared. He glanced at Zhu Zhanyu and said, "Do you want to go in person?"

"Yes, father, the banditry in Jiangxi has never been eradicated. Please order your son to patrol Jiangxi and rectify the officialdom."
To be continued...