Chapter 107 "Tone it down, we still have to go tomorrow..."
Lin Yan nestled in Xiao Che's arms, enjoying the top-notch service of the human-shaped ice fan, but her mind was still preoccupied with the matter of ice.
While distributing government-owned ice to the general public is a good idea, it is ultimately a form of "cost-saving" and a redistribution of resources.
The ice in Dayu mainly relies on natural ice harvested and stored in winter. The reserves are limited and the cost is high. Even if the portion wasted by the royal family is extracted, the scope of benefit is still limited.
If it could be "open source," I could make my own ice.
Making ice?
Something seemed to flash through Lin Yan's mind as he tried to recall his pitiful chemistry knowledge from before he transmigrated.
It seems like there's something that absorbs heat when it dissolves in water?
Is this the same principle behind the emergency ice packs used in summer?
Is the ingredient ammonium nitrate?
No, ammonium nitrate didn't exist in ancient times.
What about potassium nitrate?
That seems like a good idea?
What was potassium nitrate called in ancient times?
It looks like... saltpeter?
It's saltpeter. I think it existed in ancient times, and Taoist priests used it when making elixirs.
Lin Yan sat up straight abruptly, his eyes shining brightly, and grabbed Xiao Che's sleeve: "Your Majesty, I have an even bolder idea."
Xiao Che was taken aback by Lin Yan's sudden action. Looking at his excited and glowing face, he asked with great interest, "Oh? How daring are you?"
"Make ice! We'll make our own ice!" Lin Yan exclaimed excitedly. "We don't have to wait for winter; we can make ice in the summer!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Che raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Making ice in summer sounds almost like magic, but he knew Lin Yan wasn't one to talk nonsense, so he patiently asked, "How do you make it?"
“Saltpeter, does Your Majesty know about saltpeter?” Lin Yan tried to organize his thoughts. “It’s a special kind of stone that Taoists use in alchemy. When saltpeter dissolves in water, it absorbs a lot of heat, which can quickly cool the surrounding water and even freeze it.”
As Lin Yan spoke, he gestured: "We can get two basins, one big and one small. We put water in the big basin and water in the small basin as well. Then we put the small basin inside the big basin and add saltpeter to the big basin. The water in the big basin will drop in temperature and freeze the water in the small basin. Moreover, it seems that saltpeter can be reused. We can wait for the water in the big basin to evaporate or find a way to extract the saltpeter again so that we can use it again next time."
Xiao Che listened very attentively. Although he did not understand the underlying principles, Lin Yan's description of the process was clear and specific, and did not seem to be based on mere conjecture.
If this method can be successfully implemented, it will not only benefit the people, but also have immeasurable value for military logistics, medical preservation, and so on.
“Saltpeter… The Ministry of Works’ Department of Mining and Metallurgy is responsible for mining and materials; they should know something about this.” Xiao Che pondered, a glint of interest flashing in his eyes. “Hanzhang, how likely is this method to succeed?”
Lin Yan scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "Theoretically it's feasible, but I haven't tried it myself. We need to find a professional craftsman to test it."
Xiao Che looked at the rare blush on his face, chuckled, and squeezed his fingers: "It's alright. Since you proposed the theory, the craftsmen will be responsible for the specific operation. If it can be done, it will be a great achievement."
The more he thought about it, the more he felt it was worth a try, so he immediately stopped hesitating and called out, "Li Defu."
Li Defu entered again upon being called.
"By imperial decree, the Director and Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works' Department of Agriculture and Forestry are hereby summoned to the palace for an audience."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Defu accepted the order, thinking to himself, "It seems that Lord Lin has come up with some new and interesting thing again. Your Majesty is really in high spirits."
While we waited, the palace servants quickly and efficiently laid out various chilled drinks and fruits.
While serving Lin Yan his meal, Xiao Che also asked Lin Yan in detail about some aspects of making ice with saltpeter and things that might need attention.
Lin Yan racked his brains and said everything he could think of. The two huddled together and whispered to each other, creating a very husband-and-wife atmosphere.
About half an hour later, Zhao Siyuan, a secretary in the Ministry of Works, and Sun Yongqian, an assistant secretary, hurriedly arrived at the Ziji Hall.
Both men were around forty years old. Zhao Siyuan had a calm and composed appearance, while Sun Yongqian looked more shrewd and capable.
As they entered the palace, their hearts were pounding with anxiety. They wondered what the Emperor wanted to do by suddenly summoning them, especially since he had bypassed the Minister and the Vice Minister and summoned them directly as two mid-to-lower-level officials.
Upon entering the hall, the two immediately felt a refreshing coolness, a world apart from the sweltering heat outside.
A quick glance revealed the ice chest in the corner and several plates of clearly chilled fruits and drinks on the imperial desk, and a wave of envy washed over him.
Their rank was far from being worthy of the imperial court's summer ice bestowal; at most, they would use well water to soak melons and fruits to cool off at home. Unlike His Majesty, who lived a life of luxury.
"Your Majesty, we are humble servants." The two men suppressed their distracting thoughts and bowed respectfully.
"Rise," Xiao Che said calmly. "Please take a seat and serve some chilled drinks and fruit."
The two were flattered and grateful, and sat down. The palace servants immediately served them chilled plum juice and sliced watermelon.
Feeling the coolness of the cups in their hands and savoring the sweet and refreshing fruit, the two became even more uneasy—His Majesty's courteous treatment meant the task assigned to them was probably no simple matter.
Xiao Che didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "I have summoned you two ministers here today because there is a matter that requires the assistance of the Ministry of Justice."
He gestured to Lin Yan: "Minister Lin has proposed a method that may allow ice to be made in the summer."
"Making ice in the summer?" Zhao Siyuan and Sun Yongqian were both taken aback.
How is that possible? Since ancient times, ice and charcoal have been made incompatible. In the sweltering summer, how can ice be created out of thin air? Is there really such a method?
Seeing the two men's incredulous expressions, Lin Yan was not surprised and smiled as he continued, "Please calm down, gentlemen. This method is not based on mere imagination, but rather on some basis."
He tried to explain the principle of saltpeter dissolving in water and absorbing heat, as well as the principle of nesting large and small basins to make ice, in simple and easy-to-understand language.
Zhao Siyuan and Sun Yongqian initially found it absurd, but as they listened to Lin Yan's clear and logical explanation, and combined with their own knowledge of minerals and materials, they gradually abandoned their contempt and their expressions became serious and focused.
Zhao Siyuan pondered and said, "The saltpeter that Lord Lin mentioned is indeed under the jurisdiction of our Yuheng Qingli Division. It is mostly used in medicine, alchemy, and gunpowder making. I have heard some old craftsmen mention that it cools the water when dissolved, but I have never thought of using it to make ice."
Sun Yongqian's eyes lit up as he added, "If it is really as Lord Lin said, the key to this method lies in the ratio of saltpeter to water, as well as the size and shape of the container, and how to make the heat exchange more complete. These all require repeated experimentation and exploration."
Lin Yan nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, Lord Sun is right. I'm just all talk; the actual execution will depend on the skilled craftsmen under your command."
Seeing that the two men hadn't directly rejected the idea, but instead began to consider the technical details, Xiao Che was satisfied and said, "In that case, this matter will be entrusted to you two. Whatever materials or manpower you need, just apply to the Ministry of Works. If you encounter any difficulties, you can report directly to me."
He looked at the two men and said encouragingly, "If this matter succeeds, it will not only greatly benefit the country and its people, but you two will also be the ones to make the greatest contribution, and I will reward you handsomely."
As he spoke, he instructed Li Defu: "Convey my decree to bestow ice upon Minister Zhao and Minister Sun, so they may take it back to their residences to cool off in the summer heat."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Siyuan and Sun Yongqian were so excited that they almost slid off their stools.
Ice bestowed by the emperor! This is an immense honor!
Moreover, His Majesty personally promised a generous reward, which instantly ignited their passion.
The two men immediately rose from their seats, knelt down, and expressed their gratitude: "Your Majesty, we obey your decree! We will do our utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust!"
At this moment, they had only one thought in their minds: no matter what, they had to figure out this method of making ice in the summer! This was a golden opportunity to show off before His Majesty! Look at Lord Lin, wasn't he able to rise to a high position and enjoy such favor at such a young age precisely because he had gained His Majesty's favor? They had worked hard to gain seniority for many years, and now that the opportunity was right in front of them, how could they miss it!
Xiao Che waved his hand: "Go, I await your good news."
The two kowtowed again before carefully leaving the Purple Extreme Palace.
Watching the two leave with high spirits, Lin Yan let out a long sigh of relief, leaned back in his chair, and felt as if he had accomplished a great task.
Xiao Che said with a smile, "Are you satisfied now, Minister Lin?"
Lin Yan chuckled: "Whether it will work out or not is still uncertain, but at least I've voiced my idea. I hope Lord Zhao and Lord Sun will put in some effort."
"With your guidance, and with my supervision and rewards, they will naturally do their best." Xiao Che was very confident about this. "Even if the amount of ice produced by this method is not large and the cost is not low, and it cannot be used on a large scale like ice storage, if it is successful, it can be spread among the people, allowing some small vendors to do some unique iced drink business, which is enough to make people happy."
Lin Yan nodded; that was actually what he thought too.
While saltpeter ice-making efficiency is certainly not as good as modern technology, it is still a remarkable advancement in this era, even if it can only be used on a small scale.
As Zhao Siyuan and Sun Yongqian retreated with high spirits, Lin Yan felt a weight lifted from her heart and relaxed completely. Only then did she realize how tired she was and couldn't help but let out a small yawn.
Seeing this, Xiao Che felt a pang of heartache in his eyes and reached out to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind his ear: "Are you tired?"
"I'm fine." Lin Yan rubbed his eyes, forcing himself to stay awake. "It's just that I've talked too much, and my brain is a little sluggish."
"Then you should rest early." Xiao Che's tone was natural, as if it was only natural for Lin Yan to stay overnight in the Ziji Palace. "You have made a great contribution today, and I should reward you properly."
Xiao Che deliberately softened his tone when he said "reward," making it sound meaningful and causing Lin Yan's ears to heat up slightly.
He glanced at Xiao Che and muttered under his breath, "His Majesty's so-called reward is probably just another way to make things difficult for people."
Xiao Che chuckled, wrapped his arms around the back of his knees, and with a little effort, lifted him up in his arms.
"Oh!" Lin Yan exclaimed softly, instinctively wrapping her arms around Xiao Che's neck. "Your Majesty, we're still in the outer room!"
Although the palace servants had been dismissed, it was still too shameful to do this in broad daylight.
"What's there to be afraid of?" Xiao Che carried him, walking steadily towards the inner palace, his voice filled with pleasure. "What's wrong with me carrying my own personal attendant?"
Lin Yan buried her burning face in the crook of his neck, inhaling the comforting scent of agarwood, and protested softly, "That's just sophistry."
He discovered that ever since Xiao Che was taught that lesson by him, he had become incredibly frivolous.
Hmph, men, they really are all big pigs.
Lin Yan thought about it, but still whispered, "Behave yourself, we have to attend the morning court tomorrow."
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