In the following days, Lin Yun devoted almost all her energy to the design of the warship.
Based on the knowledge she gained from military forums during her university years, she incorporated advanced concepts of modern warships into the design, meticulously considering every detail, from hull structure to power system, from firepower configuration to protective armor.
Seeing their mother so busy, Hongyao and Zhaohua offered to help her organize the blueprints, and occasionally offered some imaginative ideas, which made Lin Yun smile.
On this day, Lin Yun was in her study perfecting the final part of her design drawings when she suddenly felt her clothes being gently tugged.
Looking down, I saw that they were the twins, Hongxi and Hongsheng.
The two children looked up at her with their little faces and said in their childish voices, "Mommy, hug me!" Lin Yun's heart softened, and she put down her pen and hugged them.
Hongxi pointed to the blueprints on the table and asked curiously, "Mother, what is this?"
Lin Yun explained softly, "This is a warship, which will carry the soldiers of the Qing Dynasty to protect our sea borders in the future."
Hongsheng blinked and nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite: "Can it fly?"
Lin Yun was amused and pinched his little face: "Warships can't fly, but they can run very fast on the sea."
Just as the mother and her two children were enjoying a happy time together, a palace maid announced from outside the door: "His Majesty has arrived!"
Lin Yun quickly straightened her clothes and led the children to get up and greet them.
Yongzheng stepped into the room and saw Lin Yun holding two children in her arms, with blueprints piled up on the table. A hint of heartache flashed in his eyes: "Yun'er, you've had a hard time these past few days."
Lin Yun shook her head and smiled, "Being able to share the Emperor's burdens, I don't feel it's hard work."
Emperor Yongzheng walked to the table, picked up a blueprint and examined it carefully. He exclaimed, "This design is ingenious. Although I do not understand shipbuilding, I can see its extraordinary nature."
Lin Yun poured him a cup of tea and said softly, "Your Majesty, the design of the warship is nearing completion. All that remains is for the Ministry of Works to carry out the construction according to the plans."
However, the testing of the steam engine and the installation of the naval guns will still take time; it will likely be at least six months before the ship can be launched for sea trials.
Yongzheng took the teacup, his gaze softening: "It's alright, coastal defense can't be rushed. But you, don't overwork yourself."
He turned to look at the two children, his tone indulgent: "Hongxi, Hongsheng, did you listen to your mother today?"
The two children nodded repeatedly, eagerly showing their newly learned characters to their father, the Emperor, which made Yongzheng laugh heartily.
A few days later, Yongzheng handed over the complete design drawings to Yunxiang.
On this day, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he summoned the Grand Councilors and key officials of the Ministry of Works to discuss the next steps in the plan.
"The steam engine and naval guns are complete; the next step is shipbuilding."
Emperor Yongzheng unfolded a nautical chart, pointing his finger at the coast of the Qing Dynasty. "I intend to establish a steam-powered fleet, firstly to strengthen coastal defense, and secondly to prepare for overseas trade next year."
Yunxiang stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, your humble brother has already ordered people to calculate according to the blueprints provided by the Empress. With the current technology, it is possible to build a steam-powered warship that can carry forty cannons and has a speed far exceeding that of traditional sailing ships."
Zhang Tingyu stroked his beard and pondered, "Such a massive ship must have cost a fortune."
Yongzheng's gaze was firm: "Silver is not a problem. The proceeds from this overseas trade will be sufficient to support the construction of the fleet."
What I need is speed and combat power; we must establish a deterrent effect before the Westerners realize what's happening.
The men accepted the order and left, and the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue immediately devoted themselves to shipbuilding.
Lin Yun was finally able to rest a bit and spend more time with the children.
Hongyao and Zhaohua were very curious about the warships designed by their mother, and they kept pestering her to explain the principles of the warships.
Hongxi and Hongsheng preferred to snuggle in their mother's arms and listen to her tell stories about the sea.
---
Thousands of miles away in the Indian Ocean, East India Company merchant ships are slowly sailing.
Captain William stood on the deck, his brow furrowed.
Since Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty restricted the activities of foreign merchants, the company's trade volume has plummeted, and the supply of tea and silk has almost been cut off.
What troubled him even more was that he had recently heard that the Qing Dynasty had sent a fleet to Lumpur and brought back blueprints for weapons and equipment.
“This is definitely not a good sign,” William whispered to his first mate beside him. “If the Qing people acquire advanced shipbuilding and firearms technology, our interests in the Far East will be in grave danger.”
The first mate nodded in agreement: "I heard they're still trying to copy the steam engine. If they actually manage to build it..."
William sneered: "We must not allow the Qing Dynasty to rise. Send a message back to London immediately, requesting that warships be dispatched to support us."
The next time a Qing merchant fleet sets sail, we must intercept their ships and ascertain their true strength!
---
In faraway London, a secret letter from the East India Company was presented on the table of Parliament.
“How dare the Qing people challenge our maritime hegemony?” A member of parliament slammed his fist on the table and stood up.
"They must be taught a lesson!" another person shouted in agreement.
Soon, a fleet of five warships quietly set sail, heading straight for the Qing Dynasty's territorial waters.
——————
Six months later, Tianjin Port.
As dawn broke, the sea shimmered with golden light.
Inside the port, a colossal vessel lay silently moored beside the pier, its black hull gleaming with a cold metallic sheen in the morning sun.
This is the first steam-powered warship of the Qing Dynasty – the "Weihai".
The craftsmen of the Ministry of Works worked day and night to finish the final adjustments on this day.
Yunxiang stood on the deck, looking at the busy craftsmen and naval officers and soldiers, his eyes full of satisfaction.
He turned to the Vice Minister of Works beside him and said, "Today's sea trial must be carried out without any mishaps."
The vice minister bowed in agreement and hurried off to arrange the final inspection.
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