They naturally had no idea what the emperor was thinking; they were only concerned with making things for him.

When Tang Ke, the Vice Chancellor, saw the steam locomotive, an image immediately came to mind: long railway tracks, long iron carriages, loaded with silk, fine wine, fruit, and so on, being transported from all directions to the capital, Tokyo.

However, this thing doesn't run very fast; it's not even as fast as a horse.

Before Tang Ke could even speak, the emperor declared triumphantly, "Tang Ke! Set up another government office for me, called the Railway Bureau. Go to the Zhou Dynasty to apply for a budget. I want the entire Song Dynasty to be covered with railways!"

"Yes, sir!"

Although Tang Ke verbally agreed, he still looked down on trains.

After all, this thing runs too slowly!

The emperor stared intently at the steam locomotive, like a young man gazing longingly at his lover.

"Sima Qi! Traditional rules!"

"Your subject is here!"

"Think of something for me, where else can a steam engine be used besides in vehicles?"

Chen Guidao said, "Your Majesty, theoretically speaking, the steam engine you mentioned can be used anywhere, as long as its power is properly transferred."

"Now that I have given Tang Ke an order, he has three years to build a railway connecting the capital city of Tokyo to the four secondary capitals. How can we use a steam engine to help him shorten the time?"

Upon hearing this time, Tang Ke immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

How could a railway connecting Tokyo to the four major sub-capitals be completed in just three years?

This is going to kill him!

Your Majesty, your highways are still under construction! And now you want to build railways too?

Are you crazy?

Does this thing even work?

Xu Churen, standing to the side, said, "Your Majesty need not be so hasty. Why not first build a railway from outside Tokyo to the surrounding counties, try it out, and then make a decision?"

Tang Ke couldn't help but secretly give Xu Churen a grateful look; the key was that the Political Affairs Hall still had to stand together.

"I now require Tang Ke to complete this matter within three years. How can he do it?"

Chen Gui immediately said, "Your Majesty, we must first manufacture molds for the rails to ensure they are made to uniform specifications. In addition, I have recently been trying the water-flow method that Your Majesty mentioned, which would be faster."

"Then build them! Are there enough people in the East and West workshops? If not, find more quickly! If you're short of money, go to the Zhou Dynasty for it! I want all the things you've asked for!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

The emperor turned to Tang Ke and gave him another order: "Remember, I'm giving you three years. If you don't have the energy, quickly find someone with expertise in this area and establish a dedicated agency. I only care about the results!"

Tang Ke wanted to say that the thing was too slow, but the emperor shut him down with a single look.

These shrewd ministers naturally had their own ways of persuading the emperor not to do it. At worst, they would pave a section of the road first and let the emperor see for himself whether the thing was actually useful.

Let the facts speak for themselves. When the emperor finds out that this thing is not as convenient and economical as a carriage, he will not force him to lay it out on a large scale.

Tang Ke appeared eager to cooperate: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly accomplish it!"

The emperor was as excited as a child today, and continued, "You should all think carefully about where else the steam engine can be used!"

"Han Aiqing!"

"Your subject is here!"

"Is the money enough? I think the Academy of Sciences should also set aside 100,000 strings of cash as a reward every year. Everyone should evaluate the things created by the Academy of Sciences together, based on their practicality and contribution. The winner will receive a reward of 100,000 strings of cash. What do you think?"

"It is our duty to share Your Majesty's burdens!"

"No need for further words, it's settled then!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"The common people should also contribute! In addition, the patent law of the Great Song Dynasty has been written into the law by Lord Zhang Shuye. Anyone who enjoys patent rights can sell their products commercially according to their personal wishes!"

"Encourage more creativity from the public!"

Zhao Huan glanced around and said, "Shi Ziming!"

"Your subject is here!"

How much is your university's budget for science and innovation grants this year?

"Your Majesty, it's not too much this year, only fifty thousand strings!"

"I'll give you another 50,000 strings of cash! No! I'll give you 200,000 strings! Because you have too many schools!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"