As March arrives, the lingering chill has faded, and the peach blossoms in Tokyo are in bloom.

People shed their bulky winter clothes, and on the streets of Tokyo, beautiful women dressed in splendid attire can once again be seen secretly meeting their lovers.

Hearing that a Cuju (ancient Chinese football) field had been built in the south of the city, the young people couldn't sit still and went to play Cuju in small groups.

In the east of the city, a magnificent building rises from the ground; it is the newly built pavilion of the Academy of Sciences.

Unlike the exquisite and elegant buildings of the Arts and Crafts Bureau, the buildings of the Academy of Sciences are predominantly dark red and black, giving them a solemn feel.

The emperor's entourage proceeded towards the Academy of Sciences.

The Imperial Minister followed closely behind.

Upon arriving at the Academy of Sciences, Zhao Huan couldn't wait to get out of the car.

Zhao Huan led his officials into the Academy of Sciences, arriving at a place where steel was being forged.

This is a newly renovated blast furnace for steelmaking.

Zhao Huan did not know the difference between this device and the devices of later generations, but it was exactly the same as the one Su Ziyu had drawn in the booklet he had given him.

Sima Qi truly deserves his reputation as a genius in this field; he managed to create this thing in just a few months.

The main thing is that this person is very skilled with his hands.

In this respect, he is far superior to those Confucian scholars who only talk about governing the country all day long.

"Your Majesty, the blast furnace iron smelting is indeed much better than before."

"When the same iron ore is added, the amount of wrought iron produced is nearly 50% more, and the quality of the wrought iron is also better."

Zhao Huan was overjoyed, relieved that he had met Su Ziyu in Chang'an.

"Xu Churen, order the Ministry of Works to immediately begin the construction of the Great Song Iron and Steel Bureau. I want to rebuild the Great Song Iron and Steel Bureau and put it under unified management. I give you two tasks: double the amount of iron within two years and increase it tenfold within five years."

"Yes...yes, Your Majesty!"

Tang Ke looked at Xu Churen with sympathy.

The main reason I came here today is not to see the blast furnace forging iron, but to see the flintlock muskets!

P.S.: Still asking for monthly votes!