The steam engine was developed, but it was of the most basic type. It could perform the simplest reciprocating motion, but it was not easy to control.

The emperor was also helpless about this. Although he could put forward many suggestions to continuously improve the steam engine, progress was not fast due to the limitations of technology and materials.

Of course, it took decades, even centuries, for the primitive steam engine to be used in trains and ships. The emperor was helpless, but he was confident that with this one technology alone, the Ming Dynasty had already become a world leader.

Since the train could not be built, the emperor decided to build tracks first. These were not wooden slabs, but cast steel tracks, which might be converted into train tracks in the future.

Although Sun Yuanhua still specialized in firearms, as the superior, he was the one who reported the situation at the Academy of Sciences.

However, when Sun Yuanhua reported to the emperor, he seemed a little guilty, because the budget was really too shocking.

The cost, labor requirements, and expense were high. To outsiders, it seemed inappropriate to undertake such a major project when we needed to save money to cope with a major disaster.

"Such a huge expense?!" The emperor was also surprised, blinking his eyes and speechless for a long time.

Sun Yuanhua gave a wry smile, bowed, and said, "I think we can put the project on hold for now, and make a decision based on the severity of the disaster."

The emperor frowned slightly upon hearing about the disaster, but he had made a decision anyway. He looked at Sun Yuanhua and said, "The plan will begin. The initial funding will be drawn from my treasury."

Sun Yuanhua was stunned for a moment, then quickly bowed and said, "Your humble servant obeys your order."

When disaster strikes, we need to provide disaster relief and grain, and we also need to reduce or exempt taxes, which increases expenses and reduces revenue. Building large-scale projects seems to be a conflict and contradiction.

But the emperor thought of using work as relief, which included not only building railways, but also the construction of infrastructure such as water conservancy, roads, and afforestation.

Despite policies such as immigration, many people still have to stay where they are, even if disasters make farming impossible or the harvest is very small.

Eating only relief food is obviously not a scientific approach. Since I can't farm, I can work on the project. I can still earn a living, but it's just a temporary change of job.

Instead of relying on others for support, the infrastructure built not only enhanced the national strength, but also gave the Ming Empire a stronger potential for revitalization. Isn't this the best of both worlds?

On the other hand, the wages paid for work-for-relief are much lower than in normal years. The people affected by the disaster can eat, have enough to eat, and even keep their families from starving. Isn't that enough?

Sun Yuanhua was a technical official, completely focused on scientific research and obviously indifferent to government affairs. He didn't think about the long term, only the huge investment.

The emperor didn't want to take on all the railway construction work. Besides, even if he took out all the money from the treasury, it wouldn't be enough.

Who benefits most from the convenience of road transportation? Naturally, it is merchants.

When the emperor wanted to raise funds, he naturally targeted this group. Issuing bonds or establishing a railway transportation company, allowing investors to enjoy dividends or obtain transportation convenience, were both practical solutions.

Taking the blueprint presented by Sun Yuanhua, the emperor saw the steel axles, wooden carriages, and data on dimensions, load capacity, and so on. As for the track gauge, the emperor couldn't remember what it was later, but the first one to be built was the standard, and he still wanted to promote international standards worldwide.