Xu Guangqi never expected that the emperor who was deep in the palace would actually know about overseas affairs and already have a sense of crisis.
This really coincides with him. He has studied advanced Western scientific concepts and technology for more than 20 years. Why doesn't he have a sense of crisis?
Back then, Emperor Shenzong allowed him to go to Tongzhou to train the new army. It was because of his strong recommendation and the summary of his years of hard study that he got such an opportunity.
But even so, he was faced with many difficulties, and every step he took was extremely difficult.
It didn't take long for Emperor Shenzong to pass away. He lost his last bit of support and was suppressed by the courtiers like wolves and tigers.
The new army he organized and trained simply did not have enough money, food and resources to imitate Western firearms and cannons.
Now that His Majesty has specially summoned him to discuss this matter, what he thinks and wishes will become a reality.
"Your Majesty can think of this, I feel very relieved, and it is also a blessing for all people."
"Although I, the Ming Dynasty, call them barbarians, I have to admit that the Westerners are not unflowered barbarians. In fact, they are stronger than the Ming Dynasty in many ways."
Zhu Youxiao also agreed very much with this.
From the perspective of the development of the entire world, the Ming Dynasty is indeed lagging behind the times.
But it is just a little behind. It is not difficult to catch up with Western countries.
However, it is really rare for Xu Guangqi to have such a cognition, so he couldn't help but praise him and say:
"If a minister has such insight and self-awareness, he is far better than those corrupt old Confucians."
It can be said that Xu Guangqi has suffered countless cold looks and ridicules since he entered Catholicism and became a disciple of Matteo Ricci.
Unexpectedly, at this age, he could gain the understanding and recognition of the current emperor. Xu Guangqi suddenly felt that his persistence for so many years was worth it.
"Your Majesty Miao Zan, I don't dare to take it. It's just a coincidence that I have a strong interest in these things, so I put my effort into studying them."
Zhu Youxiao sometimes wondered whether it was wrong for Xu Guangqi, a great figure, to put him in the cabinet to handle state affairs.
He is a top technical talent and a very qualified diplomat.
But after thinking about it, Zhu Youxiao felt that he should be placed in the cabinet.
The brains of the imperial court cannot only be political and military talents, but also must have talents who truly understand technology, although their performance and talents are limited.
"I dare to ask, is your Majesty planning to promote Western culture and science in our court?"
Zhu Youxiao felt it was very sudden, and without even thinking about it, he flatly refused.
As for science, let’s wait until the time comes and the times mature.
Doing this in the feudal dynasty is tantamount to digging your own grave.
He didn't want to be like the Russian emperor, who took the lead in revolution and ended up dead.
Under such a background of the times, the traditional feudal dynasty is the most suitable, and it is impossible for him to go against the will of heaven.
As long as he could change the history of the Ming Dynasty being destroyed by Li Zicheng and the Manchu Qing taking over the Central Plains, Zhu Youxiao would be considered a success, and his trip was not in vain.
As for other things, he doesn't care about so much. As the saying goes, time is also fate.
"No, I called you here just for the sake of the navy. Don't worry about anything else."
"You only need to follow my requirements and find people for me who understand naval warfare and are proficient in the use of firearms and cannons."
"Remember, you can call me as many as you have. No matter what kind of high price they offer, I have promised them first, and then they will all be brought to the palace to see me."
"In addition, you should inquire more and see which of the Westerners in Ming Dynasty know how to build ships or have blueprints."
"I will also hire them at a high price and ensure that they will be prosperous and wealthy throughout their lives."
"There are also those Westerners who are proficient in building firearms and cannons. They must also be brought to me. If there are none or not enough in the north."
"You can send people to the south, Guangdong, or even Luzon Island to recruit, in my name."
Unable to promote advanced science and culture, Xu Guangqi was inevitably a little disappointed.
But since His Majesty was able to take the first step of change, he saw some hope.
Maybe in the near future, he will be able to see this day, I don't know.
After Xu Guangqi left, Zhu Youxiao immediately began to plan the navy.
What is lacking now is mainly wood, especially the giant wood that serves as the keel frame of the battleship.
The limitations of resources and materials destined Zhu Youxiao's preliminary construction plan to have many restrictions.
But he is not in a hurry, the naval fleet cannot be achieved overnight.
So he personally drafted a reply to Yuan Keli.
Let him take it one step at a time, don't be impatient, and at least get the shipyard out first.
As for the construction of ships, we still have to postpone it for a while. Without the blueprints of warships and people who are proficient in manufacturing, blindly doing it will only be counterproductive.
There are also naval guns, which all need supporting equipment. Although improved Hongyi cannons are already being built, the progress is too slow.
It takes several months for a cannon to leave the factory, and there is no guarantee that it will be completely qualified. It all depends on luck and God's will.
Therefore, it is time for the casting technology and methods to change.
The traditional clay mold and wood mold cannon casting technology was too backward and could not meet Zhu Youxiao's needs and development speed.
So he began to study the iron mold cannon casting process.
After all, he is also a master carpenter. Although he does not understand the specific techniques, he can still be regarded as an insider. He can still remember the general process and key points.
Moreover, he also believed that with Xu Guangqi and Bi Maokang, two masters of firearms, as long as he could figure it out, the iron mold cannon casting process would be available in the near future.
It took three days and countless pieces of draft paper to write and draw. Zhu Youxiao finally drew a complete flow chart based on what he knew and understood.
After Bi Maokang received the drawings and texts sent by the emperor, he studied them carefully dozens of times and finally understood the meaning.
Immediately, they began to organize experienced craftsmen to discuss the technology of iron mold cannon casting.
At this time, the system and system of the arsenal were quite complete, and craftsmen at all levels and the casting process were completely clear.
Even if Bi Maokang takes away a few big workers and some outstanding middle-level workers, it will not affect the overall situation.
But even so, he still ordered the entire artillery factory to stop work, whether it was under construction or not, Bi Maokang stopped everything.
Before this new technology is developed, Hongyi cannons and Folan cannons will not be built.
There are not many resources in the first place, and it requires research and development and casting of new cannons, which consumes too much money.
It won't be too late to start construction once new technologies that are more resource-saving and production cost-saving come out.