Zhu Youxiao calculated that the annual steel production of the Ming Dynasty was about 18 million jin. The jin here refers to the jin in the Ming Dynasty, which is 16 taels. Converted into the measurement unit of later generations, it is about 14,400 tons.
The steel plant that Bi Maokang wants to build has an annual output of 50,000 tons.
what does that mean?
This means that once this steel plant is built, the amount of steel it produces will be more than three times the annual national output of the Ming Dynasty.
When Zhu Youxiao saw this plan, he almost dropped his jaw in shock.
This is of course incomparable to later generations, because the annual output in later generations is often millions of tons, but when was this?
This is absolutely remarkable in its time!
In order to solve the transportation problem, Bi Maokang directly proposed to build it in places where there are iron mines and coal mines.
At the same time, Bi Maokang also developed coal desulfurization technology, which, although not very mature, can be used.
In addition, charcoal is used when refining steel.
In short, Bi Maokang provided Zhu Youxiao with a complete and feasible plan, which required an investment of one million silver coins in the first phase.
Once this steel plant is built, it will be like rebuilding a city, which will attract a large number of people, whether they come here to work or to do business.
This is simply a steel city in later generations.
Technology in this era was not very developed and many things had to be done manually, so this large steel plant would inevitably employ a very large number of people.
When Zhu Youxiao saw this plan, he remained silent for a long time, and then sent Bi Maokang to Xu Guangqi.
The result is predictable. The old man Xu Guangqi fully agreed with and supported this plan.
In Xu Guangqi's words, once the imperial court could produce so much steel, it could be used to create more weapons and armor, as well as more agricultural tools.
This is a good thing for the entire Ming Dynasty and can also promote the development of the mining industry.
If we can make money by selling this steel, it will also increase the income of the court, which is a win-win situation.
At the same time, under the guidance of Zhu Youxiao, the Academy of Hundred Craftsmen also developed a hydraulic press, which was used to forge armor, with very good results.
The current steel is substandard and more steel from steel mills is needed to complete a stamping.
It’s not that the steel forged now is bad, but it’s not flexible enough and is not suitable for stamping. If you want to stamp it, you need to readjust it, which is more troublesome than building a new steel plant.
It was at that time that Zhu Youxiao saw for the first time the plate armor made by the Ming Dynasty, which was made by hydraulic pressing.
Finally, Zhu Youxiao had heard a saying that talking about defense without considering weight is just hooliganism.
However, plate armor does have better defensive capabilities at the same weight. The key is that it can be mass-produced quickly and on a large scale using hydraulic presses, which is unmatched by ordinary armor manufacturing.
The same goes for swords, spears, swords and halberds. They can all be stamped into shape in one go, and the manufacturing speed is very fast.
After getting this result, Zhu Youxiao was somewhat unable to stop it, and this policy was supported by Xu Guangqi.
By the time Zhu Youxiao had finished all his work, Xu Guangqi had already submitted this policy to the cabinet, and then obtained the support of Sun Chengzong.
So under such circumstances, this policy was passed by the cabinet.
Now this place has been demolished, and the site selection for building a new steel plant has begun outside, but the specific location has not yet been determined.
However, Zhu Youxiao estimated that there were only a few places with iron and coal. There were not many places with iron and coal near Beijing, but there were actually quite a few.
You can look to Hebei Province, the Hebei Province of later generations. Anyway, Zhu Youxiao felt that Xu Guangqi and others would definitely choose a good place.
Zhu Youxiao naturally supported this matter. What he was worried about was the issue of money.
You have to know that the expenses of the imperial court are not small. Although I got some silver from the confiscation of property some time ago, the expenses will become greater as time goes by.
Whether it is Liaodong or Northwest China, it will become a huge money-burning area.
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has enough money for the time being," Xu Guangqi said.
However, Xu Guangqi was a little hesitant. He wanted to say something but was afraid of irritating Zhu Youxiao, so he didn't continue speaking, looking like he wanted to say something but stopped.
Seeing Xu Guangqi's expression, Zhu Youxiao laughed first, and then looked at Xu Guangqi and said, "My dear minister, please feel free to speak up. Although I dare not claim to be a wise ruler, I can still accept advice with an open mind."
"Yes, Your Majesty." After hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Xu Guangqi seemed to have made up his mind. His face was serious and he said, "Your Majesty, the national treasury is insufficient, and the court is short of money in every part of the country. The capital is training new troops, Liaodong is also spending money, and natural disasters are frequent in various places. The court needs money right now. I suggest that we stop the construction of the palace for a while."
After saying this, Xu Guangqi stopped talking. He just stood there with his body bent and his head lowered, not moving.
After these words were spoken, everyone present fell silent, as if an invisible hand had strangled their necks, or as if they were instantly frozen in place.
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