When they learned from the emperor that there was a material that could replace charcoal, all the officials, including Yuan Feng, looked intently at Liu Hong on the throne.
If what the emperor said is true, then not only will the previous problem of blast furnace material consumption be solved, but the quality of ironmaking will also be further improved.
Seeing the expectant looks on the faces of the civil and military officials, Liu Hong smiled and glanced at everyone before slowly saying, "This substance is called coal!"
"coal??"
Everyone was slightly taken aback; it was the first time they had heard this name.
Immediately, Cao Song stepped forward and looked at Liu Hong, asking respectfully, "May I ask Your Majesty, what is this coal?"
Yuan Feng, standing to the side, glanced at Cao Song with some dissatisfaction, thinking to himself: Why are you everywhere? Shouldn't I be the one asking this question?
Cao Song chose to ignore Yuan Feng's dissatisfying gaze. After all, if the emperor said that coal could replace charcoal in iron smelting, then it could also replace charcoal in other applications.
In Cao Song's view, coal should naturally belong to the national treasury!
Seeing Cao Song step forward, Liu Hong shook his head and smiled helplessly. This Grand Minister of Agriculture always wanted to take advantage of any opportunity!
Then Liu Hong laughed and said, "I once saw a record of coal in an ancient book, but in that book, coal was also called 'graphite'."
It is said that when it burns, it shines like the sun; a piece the size of a fist burns for longer than several times the amount of charcoal of the same size. When blown by wind, the temperature is even higher, making it excellent for both keeping warm and cooking, and it is inexpensive! One shi (a unit of dry measure) of coal can power a family for ten consecutive days!
"so good?"
Cao Song's eyes lit up. If this coal really had such effects as the emperor said, then it would truly be a treasure.
Cao Song asked urgently, "May I ask Your Majesty, how is this coal made?"
"Haha~ My Grand Minister of Agriculture, we can't produce this coal!"
Upon hearing Cao Song's question, Liu Hong couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Uh... can't it be made?"
Cao Song was slightly taken aback. Looking at the emperor laughing heartily, he felt a little embarrassed. He seemed to have asked a silly question.
The others were also somewhat puzzled as to why the emperor had suddenly laughed. However, seeing Cao Song standing there awkwardly, some officials who usually disliked Cao Song also smiled slightly and looked at him with a hint of mockery.
After laughing, Liu Hong looked at Cao Song and slowly said, "Coal is a natural product formed in ancient times, a gift from heaven. Like iron ore, it needs to be mined!"
Then Liu Hong looked at the officials and said with a smile, "It is understandable that the Grand Minister of Agriculture is unaware of this item. Please do not laugh at me!"
"So that's how it is!"
Cao Song scratched his head awkwardly, then looked at Liu Hong on the throne and asked respectfully, "May I ask Your Majesty, are there any records in ancient books about the location of coal?"
Liu Hong nodded. "Of course, my great Han..."
But halfway through his sentence, Liu Hong's expression shifted, and he stopped talking and began to think.
"Your Majesty, please tell me quickly! Where can we find coal?"
Seeing that the emperor had not continued speaking for a long time, Cao Song couldn't help but urge him on.
Not only Cao Song, but all the civil and military officials in the hall felt the same way. This emperor was really good at keeping people in suspense. For a moment, they all stared at the emperor who was deep in thought, choosing to ignore Cao Song's rude behavior.
"Hmm~ According to ancient records, coal has been found in the Xiongnu territory in the northern part of Yunzhong and Jiuyuan counties, as well as in the territory of the Wuhuan people in the northeastern part of Youbeiping and Liaoxi counties!"
Seeing the state of Cao Song and his officials, Liu Hong pondered for a moment and then told them about two famous coal-producing areas from later generations.
Yunzhong and the northern part of Jiuyuan are now Ordos, and the northeastern part of Liaoxi and Youbeiping is now Fuxin.
"this....."
When Cao Song and the civil and military officials in the palace learned that the coal was located in the territory of the Xiongnu and Wuhuan people, they immediately frowned.
They never imagined that such a divine object could exist in those harsh, cold lands.
Liu Hong originally wanted to say that there was coal in places like Shuofang, but after thinking about it again, he gave up the idea.
Neither of these places currently belongs to the territory of the Han Dynasty.
The role of coal is immeasurable, and the benefits it brings are unimaginable. Once coal becomes an indispensable resource in the future, it will inevitably attract the covetousness of the Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and even Xianbei people.
If they were to control such vital resources, it would undoubtedly leave the Han Dynasty vulnerable to manipulation, something that the future beneficiaries would never understand.
Only in this way will the Han Dynasty have the support of everyone if it wants to occupy that place in the future, since good things should be kept in one's own hands.
This was also a resource strategy that Liu Hong had been planning for a long time. In ancient wars, which one wasn't fought for resources? Whether it was human resources or land resources, as long as there was profit to be made, people would never stop plundering.
Using resources and benefits as bait, they continuously drive and attract people's attention, thereby propelling the Han Dynasty's future expansion.
In short, the goal is to tell and guide these people that there are many other good things to do there besides farming, and that can make them rich.
Want to make money? Want to gain more?
That's wonderful... Then let's follow closely in the footsteps of me and the Great Han!
Then Cao Song couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty! The effects of coal are only recorded in ancient books. I wonder if anyone in our Han Dynasty has ever used this substance?"
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