Heaven's Formula

"boom--"

Everyone saw that a flame several feet high spewed out from the top of the brick furnace!

Chapter 224 Out of Steel

That is the scene produced by the rapid expansion of the gas in the furnace when it is heated, and rushes out of the kiln with the combustion impurities.

The flames gradually subsided after dozens of breaths, replaced by sparks that splashed from time to time—that is, molten iron.

Because the ingredients of these iron products are mixed and there are cavities in them, when they melt, the gas in this part of the gap will explode like an explosion, and at the same time bring a large amount of molten iron.

Every eruption at the mouth of the furnace will cause a commotion on the scene.

The scene in front of them was something they had never seen before.

In past smelting, it was difficult to raise the furnace temperature above [-] degrees, which resulted in the slow melting of pig iron and the inability to completely liquefy it. The molten iron flowing out was as viscous as magma.And the splashing sparks are the proof of the complete melting of the iron ingots - after exceeding [-] degrees, they become heavier "water", as long as they are slightly disturbed, they can splash like water droplets.

Ning Wanjun clicked his tongue in amazement and then looked at Mo Yun, "Has no one thought of using the Li technique to refine it before?"

"Why not." Mo Yun replied, "However, the basic techniques of Liju cannot take effect for a long time, such as Feihuayan, and the medicine needs nitrate powder, and it can only create a flow of fire once, and it can't even burn a piece of wood. Guaranteed to ignite, not to mention things of gold and iron. As for those guards or green swords who are good at using the technique of leaving, they may be able to keep burning, but they will not do this kind of thing by themselves."

"So the most important thing is the listener spell?"

"No... the most important thing is people." Having said that, Mo Yun glanced at Xia Fan incredulously.

To be honest, when the other party came to her at night and expressed this idea, her first reaction was extremely surprised.He was surprised that Luo Qingqing would cooperate with Xia Fan in such a way, revealing the details of his spells, and also surprised that Xia Fan's first thought after testing the characteristics was to use it in steel smelting.

Needless to say, the former, most alchemists will regard their skills as top secret, and will not spread them easily if they do not have enough benefits. It is obvious that Luo Qingwei trusts Xia Fan to a certain extent; It's Xia Fan's way of thinking, which is very different from ordinary people, at work - if it were her, it would be difficult to counter-intuitively connect such a powerful ability of the listener with the melting pot.

However, thinking about it now, this is the way a researcher should think.

She still has a lot to learn.

Ning Wanjun suddenly pulled Mo Yun a few steps aside, and asked in a low voice, "I heard from Xia Fan that he chatted with you for a whole night that day?"

"Uh, this..." Mo Yun was a little stuck for a while, "Your Highness, I am not..."

"No, that's fine." The princess shook her head.

"what?"

"Is he the only one who can technically talk to you all night?" She smiled slightly, "Didn't you find that when you talk to other people, every sentence is very short? The boredom of thinking in your head but having no one to talk to, without a player with comparable skills, the days to come will undoubtedly be much more boring. Apart from not wanting to implicate you, I also had concerns about this—after all, you are good at I can't make up for what I like."

"Your Highness..." Mo Yun couldn't help but feel a little moved.

"When you ordered them to stack iron ingots and organize tests just now, you looked more energetic than at other times, as if there were lights in their eyes. I am very happy to see you like this, as a friend." The princess grabbed her frankly He said, "Do what you want to do, so that I won't regret leaving you in Jinxia City."

……

Xia Fan didn't notice the conversation between the two, he was paying attention to Luo Qingqing's state, "How do you feel? Is the consumption of Qi a lot?"

"It's indeed a little bit bigger than simply controlling a handful of dragon scales, but I don't think it's a lot of effort." Luo gently felt the qi in his body and replied, "It shouldn't be possible to persist like this for an hour or two. question."

It seems that the potential of gas in energy conversion is indeed huge.

From a certain point of view, the power contained in an alchemist is stronger than that of a steam locomotive, but there is no way to transform the two before.

Considering the specific manifestations of spells, this is probably the most underestimated statement.

"The position of the sword has started to sink." Luo gently reminded him suddenly.

This means that the upper layer of pig iron has basically melted, and the flowing molten iron is filling the gaps between each wrought iron below.

For this experiment, he almost collected all the raw materials in Jinxia City's weapon warehouse and blacksmith shops throughout the city.According to the method of the Ministry of Industry, if you want to smelt these iron ingots into steel, at least a hundred people will have to work continuously for a month or two, but now it takes less than two quarters of an hour. The first step of the process is also the most difficult. step has been fully achieved.

The next step is to mix the molten pig iron with the wrought iron as much as possible. If quality is pursued, the smelter usually uses huge iron tongs to hold the wrought iron sheet and roll it repeatedly in the molten iron to make the contact more comprehensive.This is essentially a helpless approach under the limitation of the furnace temperature. Xia Fan obviously has no such concerns. He relies on the dragon scale to further heat and melt the wrought iron with a melting point above [-] degrees. Both of them will become molten iron. Naturally, Best blend ever.

This is the second step, and it is also a step beyond the times.

It represents the possibility of fast and efficient production.

Two quarters of an hour later, Luo lightly signaled that the blade would not sink anymore, no doubt the liquid level in the furnace had reached its lowest point.

Xia Fan nodded to Mo Yun and said, "It's time."

The latter took two steps forward and ordered loudly, "Get ready to open the furnace!"

"Yes! Open the furnace door!"

Pulled by more than ten people, the hemp rope pulled the heavy furnace door out little by little. Its length and width were less than ten inches, but its longitudinal distance exceeded an arm, like a plug to block the leak.

The moment it was pulled out, orange-red molten iron spewed out instantly!

Under the huge pressure, even the ten-inch-long bottom made the scorching red flame rush seven or eight steps away.

Some people in the crowd started to cheer.

Regardless of the final result, the liquid flowing along the groove already means that the iron ingot has completed a new smelting.

"Prepare for molding! Don't let the molten iron spill into the ground!"

"Yes!"

At the other end of the trench, soldiers have placed a large number of stone molds side by side at the inclined opening.

This harvesting process will continue for quite some time.

Xia Fan went directly to the modeling area with Mo Yun, the princess and others.

The blacksmith who had been waiting here skillfully selected a wide and flat stone mold, picked up the red iron bars in it, and threw it into the bucket prepared in advance.After the water vapor dissipated, he fished out the iron bar and placed it on the iron felt, and began to hit it with a hammer—soon, the iron bar was knocked out of a nearly ninety-degree bend.

Then he picked up a steel drill and smashed it several times against the iron sheet until silver-white gaps appeared on its surface.

After completing these two tests, the blacksmith excitedly reported to the princess, "Your Highness, Cao Min can guarantee with 20 years of experience that the iron produced in this furnace is indeed steel!"

Chapter 225 Unexpected Meeting

It turned out to be the case.

Xia Fan immediately understood the other party's method of distinguishing steel - judging the toughness and hardness through bending plasticity and steel chiseling. Pig iron is easy to break, while wrought iron is too soft. Only the characteristics of steel can satisfy both points , both tough and strong.

In conditions where the carbon content cannot be determined, the blacksmith's experience is the most reliable criterion.

"I smelted all the iron in Jinxia City at one time. If the news reaches the Ministry of Industry, those old guys will definitely scare their jaws off." Mo Yun was also quite excited. She has specialized in mechanism manufacturing for more than ten years. Naturally know the meaning behind mass production.

"I think their first reaction is to refuse to believe it and think we're lying."

Ning Wanjun replied with a smile.

She was also very happy, but for a slightly different reason.In addition to the substantial steel production in his own territory, another point is to be proud of his old friends.After all, being able to come up with a plan in front of the listener and gain the approval of the other party is probably a rare existence in Daqi's eyes.Before the organ beasts were mass-produced, this melting pot could be regarded as Mo Yun's first official achievement after coming to Jinxia City, and she would naturally be delighted by it.

Only Xia Fan was the calmest.

In his opinion, whether this batch of molten iron is considered steel is completely unknown, and there is no guarantee that the same result will be obtained if the second furnace is smelted in the same way.

After all, its quality depends entirely on the existing pig iron and wrought iron ingots, and it is not surprising that the carbon content fluctuates greatly.In addition, there is no removal of impurities during the entire smelting process, and the quality of the finished product is still far from the "steel" that Xia Fan dreamed of.

Fortunately, this is just the beginning.

As he conceived before, this batch of crude steel of different qualities will become the starting point for the rapid advancement of smelting technology.Based on more professional and reliable equipment, it is only a matter of time before steel with controllable quality and superior performance can be produced.

As more and more filled stone molds are being delivered, Mo Yun has already begun to select the best batch of raw steel for his new machine building bureau.

Looking at the other party's concentration and never-tiring appearance, Xia Fan always feels that she is not picking up hot steel, but shopping in the commercial street where new products are on the shelves. Women also show this expression.

At this time, a guard walked up to Ning Wanjun, "His Royal Highness, there is a visitor who claims to be Jinxia's new prefect who wants to meet you. His name is Hong Siqi, and he has all the documents, appointment and dismissal orders."

Hearing this, the princess couldn't help frowning, "Have you handed it over to Eunuch Li for inspection?"

"Yes, it has been confirmed, it is not a fake."

Xia Fan saw obvious impatience and boredom in Ning Wanjun's eyes.

He even suspected that it was not impossible for the other party to say "arrest this person and put him in the prison, just pretend he never came".

But in the end she forcibly restrained her emotions, and replied in a deep voice, "Bring him here."

"Yes." The guard took the order and left.

"The one who should come has finally come." Ning Wanjun sighed a little disappointed, "Although I know that the imperial court will not allow Jinxia City to become a blank area without jurisdiction, but I can only say that the officials sent people here so quickly. There are so many officials with nothing to do."

Xia Fan understands the princess's feelings very well at this moment - after finally getting rid of the obstacles and obtaining the complete Jinxia City, but now the imperial court has to intervene, even if the other party fails in the end, this process is quite disgusting.

"Isn't this something that was expected a long time ago?" He comforted in a relaxed tone, "The General Affairs Bureau was set up for this situation. Your decision is very correct. If you arrest him or close the door, the officials will The Ministry will definitely notice it, so why not put him in the government office, it would be a lie."

"You are right," the princess nodded, "this city no longer belongs to the imperial court."

……

"Your Highness, if you have any orders, I will do my best, and I will never refuse!" Hong Siqi said loudly after saluting, completely ignoring the gazes from the surrounding people, "If you feel that the officials are still capable If there is any doubt, the lower officials are also willing to prove themselves through the training of Reserve Officers of the General Affairs Bureau!"

Xia Fan and Ning Wanjun looked at each other.

The two imagined many situations, but they didn't expect this one.

The new prefect expressed his attitude immediately after introducing himself. He didn't mean "Jinxia City should be managed by the government" at all, let alone dissatisfaction and resistance to the Bureau.

At the position of prefect, most officials have begun to pay attention to their words and deeds. Even in the face of the royal family, they will not be too humble, for fear of leaving an impression of lack of character in the eyes of others.Even if you seek refuge with a superior person, you still have to find a private environment, and only when you are reserved will you reveal your heart.

But Hong Siqi seemed to have no worries about this at all.

Such a straightforward declaration of effectiveness made the princess momentarily at a loss as to how to respond.

While the two were silent, Hong Siqi was also quietly looking at the two...and the scene on the beach.

Not to mention Princess Guangping and the Prime Minister of the Privy Council, the common feature is that they are young, but he had inquired about it long before submitting the invitation, so he was not too surprised.

But the furnace on the beach is more eye-catching.

He noticed that a crimson liquid was constantly flowing out from the bottom of the furnace, which should be some kind of metal being smelted.He has been an official for so many years, and he has also seen what the smelting site looks like: not only is it smoky, but there are charcoal burners with shirtless shirts everywhere, and the stoves are small and large, standing all over the ground like tree roots.

This is the first time Hong Siqi has seen such a giant melting furnace.

More importantly, he didn't see the black smoke of burning charcoal rising from the scene, but the metal flowing out was endless. It was completely unpredictable how they could smelt so many ores at the same time, and still maintain High temperature inside the furnace.

But there was one thing he was sure of.

From today, Yancheng produces more than just salt.

Hong Siqi vaguely realized that all the differences he saw had a common cause—the past experience would have little effect on this city, and what he saw confirmed his He made his own decision. If he was not more decisive, he might not even have the chance to meet the princess.

Who to play for is not a problem he needs to struggle with.

The key is how to get more benefits from it.

What do you think?

Ning Wanjun asked Xia Fan with his eyes.

Xia Fan nodded his chin slightly.

The princess immediately understood his thoughts, turned her head and said to the new prefect, "Master Hong, the government suffered a lot in the last catastrophe, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to recover for a long time. If you are asked to work with the government minister, will you You will be too wronged—"

"No grievances, no grievances at all. Only the capital of a state has a privy office, and the prime minister is equivalent to the state shepherd, so how could I feel wronged." Hong Siqi directly cupped his hands at Xia Fan, "Lord Xia, Please take care of me more in the future.”

"Each, each other." Xia Fan cupped his hands in return.

"I saw that there are many people in front of the office, and the receptionists are overwhelmed. I think the manpower in the mansion must be quite tight." He didn't treat himself as an outsider, "If there is anything I can help, just ask .”

Xia Fan pondered for a moment, "Actually, there is something imminent, but I can't find anyone to do it for the time being."

"Oh? I'd like to hear about it."

"I heard that Leizhou seems to have suffered a military disaster. A large number of people fled eastward, and some people have already crossed the border of Shenzhou. If no one takes them in, they will probably reach the vicinity of Jinxia City soon."

"You want me to disperse those refugees?" Hong Siqi said without hesitation, "Don't worry, I have a lot of experience in this-"

"No." Xia Fan interrupted him, "I hope you can assist the Bureau to take them in and settle them down properly."

Chapter 226 Scholars and Cleaners

Jinxia City, a drunk brothel.

As the name suggests, this is the most prestigious brothel in the city, and the visitors are either wealthy businessmen or the children of everyone.

In a spacious private room, a group of scholars were discussing the new policies of the Bureau of Justice and Indignation—the ones who can gather here are naturally not ordinary poor students. They may be mediocre in terms of knowledge, but their families are quite good. Not as rich and powerful as the prince of the Wang family, but he can be regarded as well-clothed and well-fed, with a worry-free future.

There is only one exception.

That was Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng, whom they regarded as the crest.

This person not only has a wealthy family, but also has first-class talent and learning. He has just passed the threshold and has already passed the provincial examination and won the title of Juren.In the spring of next year, he will have to go to Gyeonggi, where he will take part in the general examination. Once admitted, he will be a Gongshi, and there is even the possibility of entering the palace for further examination.

Even now, as a Juren, he is also a famous person, the kind who can have a separate seat in Jianzhi County.Coupled with a handsome face, no unmarried girl in the city knows the name of Zhou Dacai.

It can be said that the only one who can compete with him in the limelight among his peers is the young master of the Wang family.It's just that the pirates' attack on the city caused the huge Wang family to fall apart, and Zhou Sheng became a representative of young talents.

"Gentlemen, come girls."