As soon as he finished speaking, several conservative ministers stepped forward to second his opinion, their words vehement, as if the girls' college were a monstrous threat.
Emperor Yongzheng frowned slightly, but before he could speak, Lin Ruhai, who was staying in the capital to listen to the government's affairs, stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Lord Zhao, you are mistaken! Women who are literate and knowledgeable can understand things and teach their children, which is beneficial to both the country and the family."
The tradition of women receiving education has long existed along the coast; how can this be considered a disruption of social order?
Vice Minister of War Chen Mingyuan also stepped forward to support her: "After my youngest daughter started school, she not only learned to do accounts and manage the household, but also understood some medical principles. Now, when my elderly mother catches a cold, she can take care of her. Why should we obstruct such a good thing?"
The court was immediately divided into two factions, who argued endlessly.
Yongzheng observed coldly, and only after everyone quieted down did he slowly speak: "My original intention in establishing the Women's Academy was to enlighten the people and strengthen the country."
If women can apply what they've learned, why not? This matter need not be discussed further; the academy will continue as usual.
Although the opposition was unwilling, seeing the emperor's resolute attitude, they had no choice but to retreat in frustration.
The current emperor is not the same as when he first ascended the throne; his prestige has reached its peak, and almost no one dares to contradict his decisions.
After the court session, Emperor Yongzheng summoned Lin Ruhai to the Hall of Mental Cultivation and asked, "Minister Lin, is the trend of women studying along the coast truly prevalent?"
Lin Ruhai nodded: "Your Majesty, in the Jiangnan, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong regions, merchant families often have their daughters learn to read and write and do accounting in order to help with the family business. I believe that if this practice can be promoted, it will benefit both the country and the people."
Emperor Yongzheng pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, I propose to establish several more girls' colleges along the coast, with instructors selected from the Mingde Girls' College to provide guidance. What do you think?"
Lin Ruhai was overjoyed: "Your Majesty is wise! This move will surely bring benefits to the region."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry's steamship development has run into difficulties.
Yunxiang frowned, staring at the pile of blueprints on the table, and sighed, "Although the principle of this steam engine is clear, the casting of refined iron still doesn't meet the requirements. It explodes as soon as the pressure is applied. What should we do?"
Minister of Works Ortai wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Thirteenth Prince, the Westerners' smelting technology is far superior to ours. Although our craftsmen have tried their best to imitate it, the materials are not good enough, so we can only sigh in vain."
Yunxiang pondered for a moment, then suddenly his eyes lit up: "Why don't we consult the Imperial Concubine? Since she is knowledgeable in physics, perhaps she can come up with a good solution."
Ortai hesitated and said, "This... a woman interfering in the affairs of the Ministry of Works might invite criticism."
Yunxiang waved his hand and said, "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. I will go and speak to the Emperor."
Others may not know, but he does; the Empress is a woman who can improve firearms.
On that day, Yunxiang brought the blueprints to Mingde College.
After hearing the purpose of the visit, Lin Yun carefully examined the design drawings of the steam engine and pondered, "Uncle Thirteen, refined iron cannot withstand high pressure. Perhaps we can try using copper as the inner lining and refined iron as the outer lining, which can both enhance toughness and withstand pressure."
Yunxiang's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty's insight is brilliant! I will immediately order someone to try making it."
Lin Yun added, "In addition, Westerners' smelting techniques may have unique features. Why not send people to the south to find craftsmen skilled in casting, especially in the Fujian and Guangdong areas, where they have more contact with Westerners and may be able to learn something from them."
Yunxiang nodded repeatedly: "Your Majesty's considerations are thorough. I will make the arrangements immediately."
A few days later, Emperor Yongzheng summoned Grand Councilors and key officials from the Ministry of Works to discuss the development of naval cannons. The atmosphere inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation was heavy.
Yinzhi was the first to report: "Your Majesty, the imitation flintlock guns have shown initial success, but the naval cannons are huge and the process is more complex, so progress is currently slow."
Li Xianfu was deeply worried: "Without strong warships and powerful cannons, the coastal defense is just a formality. Once the Westerners invade, the consequences will be unimaginable."
Emperor Yongzheng's gaze swept over the crowd, and he said in a deep voice, "Do any of you have a good plan?"
Zhang Tingyu stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I believe the most urgent task is to solve the problem of smelting technology. We should post notices widely to recruit skilled craftsmen from the people, and reward those who demonstrate their skills handsomely."
Yunxiang also reported: "I have followed Lady Lin's suggestion and tried to make a steam engine by casting copper and iron together. The results were remarkable. We may be able to learn from this method for naval cannons."
Yongzheng nodded slightly: "Approved. Also, the Court of Colonial Affairs shall select students who are proficient in Western languages to go to sea with the merchant caravan, specializing in shipbuilding and firearms. They shall first go to Macau to see if there are any clues from Portugal."
After the meeting, Yongzheng kept Yunxiang behind and asked, "Thirteenth Brother, is Yun'er's suggestion truly feasible?"
Yunxiang laughed and said, "Fourth Brother, the Empress's wisdom is truly admirable."
She not only understood the principles, but could also propose improvements based on practical experience, which greatly impressed the craftsmen in the Ministry of Works.
A hint of pride flashed in Yongzheng's eyes, but he immediately sighed, "It's a pity that there are too many conservatives in the court. Otherwise, with Yun'er's abilities, she could have achieved much more than this."
Yunxiang said solemnly, "Fourth Brother, if the Qing Dynasty is to become strong, it must break with old conventions. The Empress's talent is exactly what the country needs."
Yongzheng patted him on the shoulder: "I understand. Go ahead and do it, I'll support you."
A month later, the Ministry of Works finally brought good news.
The first steam engine using copper-iron casting technology was successfully tested. Although it was simpler than the Western prototype, it was able to operate stably.
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