At present, Zhao Huan's requirements for roads are not like those of later generations. He only requires that they be roughly paved with this kind of cement, which is still much better than the roads of the past.

This thing has now been developed, and we need to start figuring out how to mass-produce it. Moreover, the technology behind this thing must be kept secret and cannot be leaked to the Jurchens or Tanguts.

Therefore, the imperial court must take the lead, and people can be recruited from the common people.

In addition, the raw materials needed for this product must be mined as soon as possible. China has no shortage of limestone, which is found in many places. When the imperial court mined iron in some places, it mined a lot of limestone. After that, no one thought that the material was useful and it was basically abandoned. Now it's different. The Academy of Sciences has produced the original version of cement, which will be of great use.

Zhao Huan was overjoyed, as things were progressing in a positive direction. With cement available, he instructed the Council of State to begin planning the future road construction across the country. A complete road system would reduce the cost of transporting grain, increase the speed of military marches, and even expedite the intelligence gathering of the Imperial City Guard.

In short, Zhao Huan's rule over the empire will be even more secure.

"This thing is top secret and must not be leaked."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

On the way back from the Academy of Sciences, Zhao Huan said to Qin Hui, "Qin Hui, you assist Xu Churen in making a proposal for the future development of the Song Dynasty over the next ten years. I need to closely connect Kaifeng with the other four capitals and build the main road first."

"As you command."

Zhao Huan pondered for a moment, then said, "The establishment of the Academy of Sciences went very smoothly. You have made a great contribution. Next, you will leave the Academy of Sciences and enter the Political Affairs Hall to assist Xu Churen in promoting the Jiaozi (paper money) project."

Qin Hui was overjoyed. The fact that he had been transferred from a minor official to help the emperor establish the Imperial Academy of Sciences already indicated that the emperor wanted to give him an important position. Now that the basic framework of the Academy of Sciences had been established, the emperor's transfer of him to the Council of State Affairs was a promotion, officially placing him in the power center of the Song Dynasty. His position was comparable to that of Tang Ke, equivalent to a vice prime minister.