In front of Pei Meng and Mr. Dou, two dark iron lines were laid on the gravel road, moving forward in parallel and extending forward, as if there was no end in sight.
The carriage wheels were specially made with grooves that fit perfectly on the smooth fine iron.
The carriages are linked together with hooks and locks, so only one horse is needed to pull ten times more cargo.
The carriage, pulled by horses, moved forward at a rapid speed along two rails. Compared to ordinary carriages, the speed was probably more than three or four times faster.
"Uncle, Mr. Dou, have you seen the double-track road? What do you think?"
Mr. Dou exclaimed repeatedly, "It's truly astonishing. Who is so talented as to come up with such a solution? It saves time and effort and can transport more cargo. It's so convenient. If we could build a double-track road to the northwest and the grasslands, there would be no need to worry about logistical supplies not being able to reach the front lines in time."
"Mr. Dou has a great idea! But a double-track road is extremely expensive and the distance is too long. If the entire route is railroad, it will be difficult to prevent theft."
Iron is a very valuable commodity.
Even if the imperial court could afford the cost of laying railway tracks, it could not afford theft and destruction.
"Is there any way to solve this problem?" Mr. Dou asked curiously.
Qian Fu nodded and said, "We can use wooden tracks. The craftsmen are trying it and hope it will be successful."
Mr. Dou exclaimed in amazement. "This is a fantastic idea! It's fast and can transport large quantities of supplies at once. As long as the horses can be changed smoothly along the way, the carriage can run for twelve hours a day without any rest. This thing is great for the army, so useful. Uncle, what do you think?"
Pei Meng was deeply touched.
However, he remained expressionless, saying, "It's all good, but can it be widely used? Can we build a double-track road thousands of miles long, straight into the depths of the prairie?"
Qian Fu smiled thoughtfully, "After visiting Universal Steel, I'll take you two on a double-track carriage so you can experience it for yourself. Uncle, Mr. Dou, please get in."
He avoided answering again.
Pei Meng raised his eyebrows and sneered.
Da da da!
A specially-made, extended carriage slowly drove along the rails and came up to the three of them.
The interior of the carriage is comfortable and luxurious, with ample space and a roof high enough for adults to walk freely inside.
Two rows of seats with a bed.
If you get tired of sitting, you can lie down.
There is also a closet with wine and food in it.
The three of them sat down in the carriage.
Mr. Dou is very curious, like an old naughty boy, and he wants to experience everything.
He raised his glass and said, "I'd be happy to ride in a carriage like this for three days and three nights without getting off! It would be even better if we could fill the whole pot."
So comfortable!
It is more than ten times more comfortable than a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
No bumps, fast speed.
It's just that the force is a bit strong when turning.
"Can the carriages travel between each other?" Mr. Dou asked curiously.
Qian Fu said, "Universal Transport is currently developing carriages that can travel back and forth between them, and remain independent when the doors are closed. If things go well, Mr. Dou will be able to experience it for himself next year."
Mr. Dou exclaimed in comfort, "Riding in a carriage can be so comfortable. This trip to the capital is worth it! It's a pity that by next year, I won't be in the capital anymore and won't be able to experience the new double-track carriage myself. I feel very sorry."
Qian Fu said, "There will always be a chance."
Pei Meng stared at Qian Fu and launched a surprise attack.
"This uncle has already wasted several days following the eunuch on his tours. I wonder when His Majesty will summon me again?"
Qian Fu said thoughtfully, "Don't worry, sir! We'll meet when the time comes."
Pei Meng smiled coldly, his eyes full of mockery.
He saw through it all.
It was really difficult for Liu Zhao to show his power by making such a big fuss.
Universal Transport is all about various parts and vehicles, and there is actually not much to see through.
Moreover, Universal Transport is not the end of the double-track road.
The double-track road continued to extend forward, and there was still no end in sight. I didn't know where it led to.
Pei Meng pointed at the railroad tracks and asked, "Where does it lead to?"
Qian Fuyou said with a smile, "If you and your husband are interested, you might as well take a ride and see for yourself where this double-track road leads to."
Keep it a secret!
Pei Meng and Mr. Dou exchanged glances, and both of them decisively got on the carriage.
They wanted to see how long this double-track road was paved, how many mountains were opened up, and how much land was leveled.
The horses began to run, and the double-track carriage moved forward quickly along the rails.
The scenery outside the car window passed by quickly, like a series of shadows.
It was obvious that the carriage was slowing down as it went uphill.
Mr. Dou said cheerfully, "Eunuch Qian, please stop keeping us in suspense and tell us where the road ahead is."
Qian Fu said, "Don't worry, Mr. Dou, we'll be there soon."
How could he not be anxious?
After visiting for so many days, not a single word about the real business was mentioned.
Qian Fu answered all the questions perfunctorily, refusing to say a single word, which was really infuriating.
Mr. Dou was helpless and could not force Qian Fu to submit, so he could only sulk on his own.
The carriage climbed up the mountain, galloped for a distance, and then slowly slowed down.
Is this the end of the world?
The carriage stopped and the three people walked out one after another.
At the end of the double-track road is a luxurious villa hidden in the mountains.
"Master, please come in, Mr. Dou! The Queen is waiting for you two inside."
"Empress?" Pei Meng asked anxiously.
Qian Fuyou smiled and nodded, "It's the Queen."
Pei Meng took a deep breath. After wasting so many days, it was finally time for the main course to be served.
The gate of the villa opened, and the palace servants stood on both sides of the gate with their bodies bowed.
The maid Ah Qing stepped forward and bowed slightly, "Master, Mr. Dou, please follow me!"
"Miss, please lead the way!" Mr. Dou said politely.
With a smile on her face, Aqing led the two of them through one corridor after another, and finally arrived at the flower hall.
The three-story flower hall with its huge floor-to-ceiling windows is unique and stunning.
Pei Meng and Mr. Dou were invited to the third floor.
The first impression when you see it is that the house is very spacious and very, very bright!
I have never seen such a bright house.
"It is surprising that colored glaze can be made transparent and can be fired into such a large area." Mr. Dou marveled again.
"Uncle, Mr. Dou, please take a seat!"
Gu Jiu sat lazily on the soft couch and greeted the two with a smile.
"Greetings to Her Majesty the Queen!"
"No need to be polite!"
"I'm lucky enough to finally meet the Queen today."
Pei Meng and Mr. Dou each chose a single soft couch to sit on.
So comfortable!
Mr. Dou found that everything related to daily life and travel is always particularly comfortable.
Is this also the Queen's style?
Enjoy luxury!
And find ways to make life simple and comfortable!
Mr. Dou observed secretly, trying to confirm his guess.
Even when Pei Meng was sitting on the soft couch, his back was straight, like a sword drawn from its sheath, which could be cut if not handled with care.
"It's not easy to see the Queen!" Pei Meng said expressionlessly and seriously.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and smiled, "My uncle has been visiting the capital for a few days. What do you think?"
Pei Meng said bluntly: "What price will the Northwest Army have to pay for steel knives, cannons, and a sufficient number of pliers?"
"My Lord, you are quite straightforward! But I cannot answer this question for the time being."
"Why?"
"As long as we can reach an agreement, the imperial court will supply as many weapons as the Northwest Army desires. If we can't reach an agreement..."
Gu Jiu smiled.
If we can't reach an agreement, of course we won't even get our hands on weapons.
Pei Meng was very direct, "What do you want to discuss, Your Majesty? I am all ears!"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Have some tea, both of you. We have plenty of time today, so we can talk slowly! If we can't reach a conclusion, you two can stay at the villa and continue the discussion tomorrow."
Mr. Dou signaled Pei Meng with his eyes not to be anxious.
He was the first to pick up the teacup and sip the tea. "Good tea! But it's not any famous tea I remember. I wonder where your tea comes from, Your Majesty? I didn't even know that there is a new kind of tea in the world."
Hahaha……
Gu Jiu laughed out loud, "Mr. Dou is indeed well versed in the art of tea. He only took one sip to tell me this tea is not any other famous tea in the world. To be honest, Mr. Dou, I bought a few tea houses in the south a few years ago. This tea is new and was delivered by the tea houses half a month ago. It hasn't been named yet. How about you give it a name, Mr. Dou?"
Mr. Dou shook his head repeatedly, "This is such a fine tea, why don't you ask Your Majesty to give it a name?"
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Mr. Dou, there's no need to be so cautious."
"It's my duty, it's my duty." Mr. Dou was very frightened.
Empress Gu and Emperor Liu Zhao had completely different conversation styles.
Emperor Liu Zhao, a veteran of the military, had a strong military aura. With Mr. Dou's understanding of military personnel, it was relatively easy for him to guess the core of Liu Zhao's conversation.
But facing Queen Gu, he was very passive.
The conversation was too scattered and unrestrained, and you never know when a heart-piercing remark would suddenly come out.
When talking with Queen Gu, one must think quickly and divergently, and must think ten steps before saying anything and ten steps before taking any step.
Her style is so unique that if you lose focus for a moment, you might miss the true meaning of her words and end up being led by her.
For example, is this tea really just a simple discussion about tea?
South!
To expand on this, does it mean that the Queen Mother has been planning in the south for many years and has achieved results, and is ready to make a move in the south?
Gu Jiu casually asked, "I heard that you two have been visiting the capital these days. What are your thoughts? Mr. Dou, could you share a few words?"
Mr. Dou took another sip of tea.
The tea was good, but he had no mood to enjoy it.
His mind raced, and he flattered her openly, "Your Highness, I have great admiration for you!"
Gu Jiu smiled, "Mr. Dou is just flattering me. Should I go along with it or reprimand him?"
Mr. Dou said seriously, "I'm not flattering you. I truly admire you. Just talking about the double-track carriage, it's a brilliant idea. If it can be promoted, the efficiency of material transportation and personnel exchanges will be increased three or four times. In the past, even by boat, it took about half a month to travel to Jiangnan. If a double-track road were built to Jiangnan, it would probably only take three to five days. Shortening the distance between Jiangnan and the capital would facilitate the court's control over Jiangnan and allow for a radical overhaul of the Jiangnan officialdom."
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows and smiled: Old fox!
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