The preliminary research Li An was referring to was the preparation before the official research and development. In a situation where resources, manpower, and material resources were insufficient, preliminary research was necessary, and preliminary research would generally lead to official research and development. It could be considered as preparation work in advance.
Li Longji was very happy when he heard that he could manufacture harvesting machinery. Of course, he didn't care when it could be manufactured. Moreover, the autumn harvest was over, and there was no need for harvesting machinery for at least a year. The most important thing now was to research and develop the urgently needed plowing and pumping machinery for next spring.
In the absence of resources and manpower, only by concentrating the forces could the research work be better done. All kinds of machinery needed to be researched and developed one by one, and not in a swarm, to ensure that the research and development force was sufficient.
After the success of the steam engine research and development, it meant that the power problem was solved. As long as the core power problem was solved, the next step was naturally to research any machinery. The first steam locomotive was successful, and the second was the steam ship, which had just been successfully developed.
The steam plowing machinery and pumping machinery were currently being developed. The steam harvester had also entered the preliminary research stage. It was believed that within a year, it would be successful. Next, there would be more research and development projects waiting for Ang Lee to develop one by one.
Of course, in addition to the steam machinery, Ang Lee was also researching other related practical things, such as powerful artillery, coke and steelmaking technology, optimization and improvement of steel performance, and so on. These research were also very important and could be used in the future.
Li Longji also attached great importance to various research and development, and did not hesitate to invest most of the national treasury's resources in the research and development of these products. As long as these products were successfully produced, there would always be a return to the national treasury. For example, the railway system consumed a lot of the national treasury's resources, but after the railway was put into operation, there would soon be a steady stream of money flowing into the national treasury, making the national treasury more abundant and giving the imperial court more confidence to research more practical projects.
Rewards must be given for meritorious service. This was the traditional practice of the feudal court, and it must be done. Especially since the invention of the steam ship was extremely useful, of course, it must be heavily rewarded. Li Longji gave out a heavy reward in front of Li An and asked Li An to take it back and hand it over to each of the researchers. This would make them happy and allow them to devote themselves to the research and development work with greater enthusiasm.
After returning to the research and development center, Ang Lee distributed the Emperor's reward and said a lot of words of encouragement. This greatly increased the enthusiasm of the researchers, and they celebrated.
Of course, due to the uniqueness of the steam ship, it had to be built in an area with a developed water system. Ang Lee had also received the Emperor's approval to choose the location near Luoyang. After all, Luoyang's water system was developed, and they could reach Luoyang in half a day from Chang 'an. If there were any unexpected situations, Ang Lee and the other researchers could quickly arrive there and guide the shipyard.
The researchers in charge of the steam ship development all praised Ang Lee's choice of location. Building a shipyard in Luoyang was the consensus of these researchers, and there was no more suitable location than Luoyang. However, as to where the shipyard should be located in Luoyang, this had to be studied.
When Ang Lee accompanied Li Longji on a tour of Luoyang last time, he had already explored the surroundings of Luoyang. He knew the terrain around Luoyang like the back of his hand, and he valued a better location, which was near Luokou.
The so-called Luokou was the location where the Luo River flowed into the Yellow River. It was also the starting point of the Grand Canal to the northeast and Jiangnan. In order to store food, the Tang dynasty court built the Luokou Warehouse in Luokou. The rice transported from Jiangnan would be stored here, and then transported to Chang 'an through the Luokou Warehouse to supply the needs of the capital.
Since it was the starting point of the Grand Canal, it needed to accommodate a large number of ships to dock. Therefore, a very sizable wharf was built on the shore of the Luo River near Luokou, which could accommodate hundreds of ships unloading at the same time.
This kind of infrastructure was also the place that Ang Lee was interested in. If a shipyard was built nearby, the launched steam ships could conveniently dock at the wharf next to the Luoshui Warehouse.
After determining the location of the shipyard, the next step was to study how to build a steam shipyard.
At this time, the steam ships developed by Ang Lee were actually based on the ships of this era, adding the steam engine power, so that the ships could move forward directly with steam power without relying on oars.
Therefore, the construction of a steam ship was divided into two steps. The first step was to build the hull, and the second step was to build the steam engine system for the ship. Then, they were combined together, and a usable steam ship was built.
Ang Lee's plan was to build the hull on a large scale in the shipyard in Luokou, but the core steam engine system would still be built in the R&D Center. After it was built, the steam engine system would be transported to the shipyard in Luokou by rail, and the final assembly and commissioning would be completed in the shipyard.
Such a design only needed to send a small number of R&D personnel to the shipyard to guide the work and assist the local shipbuilding talents temporarily recruited. Most of the talents who developed the steam ship could stay in the R&D Center and participate in the manufacturing of the core steam engine system. They could also start to improve the steam ship and make it more advanced. They could also participate in the R&D work of other projects.
After determining that the steam ship would be built in two places, Ang Lee assigned a few capable R&D personnel and assigned them bodyguards. They would take the soft sleeper carriage of the train, bring the drawings and technology, and go to Luoyang City's Luokou area to set up a steam ship shipyard.
In order to let the R&D personnel gain enough dignity, Ang Lee had already told Yu Chaoen that in the future, all the R&D personnel would take the train for free. Moreover, they would be allowed to take the best soft sleeper carriage. Yu Chaoen was grateful to Ang Lee, so of course, he would not refuse such a small reward. He arranged things properly.
After confirming the exact location of the shipyard, Li An drew a map that clearly marked out the location of the shipyard, as well as all the docks, dormitories, and other buildings. He then reported it to the imperial court.
Li Longji immediately agreed and allocated the national treasury's resources to fully support the construction of the Luokou shipyard. This was to ensure that the Luokou shipyard could be completed as soon as possible and that a large number of steam ships would be built as soon as possible.
With the support of the Imperial Court and the full cooperation of Luoyang's local officials, the construction of the Luokou shipyard progressed very quickly. A large amount of high-quality wood used to build ships was continuously transported to Luokou.
In order to avoid difficulties during the construction of the factory, Ang Lee took the train to Luoyang City many times and rode to the Luokou shipyard. According to the actual situation of the Luokou shipyard, he developed a more detailed construction plan and finally presented it to the Imperial Court.
After the autumn harvest, the weather gradually turned cold. All kinds of flowers, birds, fish, and insects were hibernating. The leaves of the trees had also fallen to the ground, giving people a desolate feeling.
However, desolation itself was also a different kind of beauty. Walking on the bright yellow leaves was also a kind of blessing that could not be enjoyed too much.
Although research and development was very tiring, Ang Lee would always find time to accompany his wife, Yan Ruyu.
As the months went by, Yan Ruyu's stomach grew bigger and bigger. It was extremely adorable. However, it became more and more inconvenient for her to walk. She needed a servant girl to support her. Even so, she could only walk very slowly.
Most of the fruits in the courtyard's orchard had already been harvested. There were still a few fruits hanging on the branches, making them look like cranes in a flock of chickens. The ground was covered in fallen leaves.
Yan Ruyu liked the environment here the most. Regardless of whether she was tired or not, she would take time every day to walk around and admire the few fruits left in the orchard. She felt that it was a kind of enjoyment.
Ang Lee's favorite thing to do was to stay in the orchard and chat with Yan Ruyu. Even if it was only a short hour every day, he would still be satisfied.
"Madam, come sit in the pavilion! We've already walked around three times. "
Ang Lee personally supported Yan Ruyu into the pavilion.
"Husband, the doctor said that pregnant women should walk around more. This is good for the fetus."
Yan Ruyu smiled and obediently entered the pavilion with Ang Lee.
"But you can't walk too much. You'll be tired. Madam, you can't tire yourself out for the child. Your husband will be distressed."
Ang Lee hugged Yan Ruyu and said with heartache.
"Husband, you really know how to coax people."
Yan Ruyu smiled sweetly and fell into Ang Lee's arms.
Ang Lee gently stroked Yan Ruyu's pink face and said softly, "Madam, these days, your husband has been busy and didn't have much to accompany you. Do you resent your husband?"
"Husband, in your eyes, Ruyu is so petty?"
"Madam, you know that's not what I mean?"
"Husband, in fact, I have Grass and the baby. How can you say that I don't have anyone to accompany me? My husband has been doing great things for the country and the people. How can Ruyu selfishly let my husband accompany me all the time? "
Yan Ruyu said very seriously.
"Haha! My Ruyu is really reasonable. Your husband didn't dote on you for nothing. "
Ang Lee said and took a bite of Yan Ruyu's pink lips. The feeling of water was really comfortable.
"Madam, there's still something to do in the R&D center. I'll go and take a look."
Ang Lee reluctantly released his arm from Yan Ruyu and stood up.
"Husband, come back early tonight. Ruyu will wait for you."
Ang Lee smiled and said softly, "Okay, your husband will come back early and make it up to you tonight."
After saying that, he strode out of the orchard and went to the R&D center.
Yan Ruyu slowly stood up and looked at Ang Lee's back as he strode away. A complicated smile appeared on her face. There was a taste of happiness, but also a hint of shyness and teasing.
In fact, he took time to accompany Yan Ruyu every day not only to fulfill his responsibility as a husband, but also to recharge his batteries. Every time he hugged Yan Ruyu, Ang Lee would always be revived and have more energy to devote to the R&D work.
A lot of manpower had been invested in the R&D of the steam tiller, so the progress was very smooth. However, there were fewer people invested in the R&D of the water pump, so the progress was relatively slow.
However, Ang Lee was completely confident that he could develop both machines in a short period of time. This was confidence and also a reflection of strength. After the success of the steam engine, Ang Lee already understood that most of the machines in the future could be developed. After all, the problem of power had been solved, and the rest was a piece of cake.
Research and development required repeated experiments to make products and modify them again and again. With continuous improvement, the reliable and usable steam tiller was finally developed and the first prototype was made.
At this time, it was already winter. Fortunately, the temperature was only close to the freezing point and the soil was not frozen yet. Therefore, it was completely ready for farming. If it was a little later, it would be difficult to test the tiller.
"Assistant Minister Li, there is a large area of arable land ten miles away. Let's drive the steam engine there now and test it."
A researcher excitedly requested.
Of course, Ang Lee was also very excited. To be able to test the steam tiller in such a short period of time made him happier than anyone else. He immediately agreed to this test plan.
This newly developed tiller was quite large in size, but it was not very tall. It was slightly taller than a person. In order to facilitate operation, there were two large wheels in front and a small wheel at the back. There was a seat above the small wheel, and people could sit on it to operate the tiller and control the direction of the tiller.
In addition, in order to improve efficiency, the tiller had a walking system in addition to the tiller system. This way, it could achieve the goal of moving forward while tilling the land.
The tiller was quickly transported ten miles away. Ang Lee and the other researchers also quickly arrived there and confirmed the number of fields for the test.
Ang Lee selected twenty mu of land and immediately let the steam tiller start tilling the land.
With the sound of the engine starting, the steam tiller began to plow the land and continued to move forward.
At the test site, in addition to Ang Lee and the many researchers and officials, there were many guards and civilians who came to watch the fun.
"Assistant Minister Guo is also here."
Ang Lee casually turned around and saw Guo Xuji dismounting from his horse with the help of his attendants. He had clearly heard the news and hurried over.
"Haha! Assistant Minister Li, how could I not come for such an important matter? Oh, it has already begun. "
Guo Xuji said with a smile.
"Assistant Minister Guo, you've come at the right time. This is only the beginning. Let us witness it together!"
Ang Lee said with a smile.
"Assistant Minister Li, this tiller looks pretty good. It can plow much faster than cattle."
Guo Xuji was not blind and could tell at a glance how amazing the tiller was.
"Assistant Minister Guo, I've marked out twenty mu of land. There is only one tiller here. In Assistant Minister Guo's opinion, how long would it take to plow all twenty mu of land?"
Ang Lee looked at Guo Xuji and asked with a smile.
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