Next, Kangxi gave them instructions on what they should do recently. He didn't just have them start learning to make the objects in the drawings, but instead had them learn first.
That very evening, news spread that Kangxi had summoned the people from the Imperial Academy of Natural History.
The people were not familiar with the Academy of Natural Sciences, but they could get a general idea of what it was like from the name "Gewu" (格物). Nowadays, scholars still believed that if they wanted to become officials, they should participate in politics and, ideally, influence the political situation.
The study of things was not what they sought, nor did they consider it important. Yet, this very department, which they considered unimportant, was the first to be summoned among the newly appointed scholars—the department they looked down upon the most.
This naturally made these privileged individuals feel very uncomfortable.
Fortunately, Emperor Kangxi did not do anything too outrageous. He merely summoned them and did not assign them any important tasks. It is said that he simply told them to study hard, and they were to read "miscellaneous books" that they had never seen before.
The matter caused a stir for a few days, but when Kangxi took no further action, it all quieted down.
Emperor Kangxi was aware of the outside world's reaction, but he did not impose any restrictions.
By August or September, things had finally calmed down in the imperial court. The newly appointed scholars gradually got used to doing odd jobs in various departments. At first, they were naturally conscientious and diligent, but doing odd jobs was the most grueling.
After the initial period of hardship passed, almost half of the people relaxed considerably. They were still on duty, but they tended to slack off more and gradually learned the slickness of officialdom.
Emperor Kangxi was fully aware of this. He had put in a lot of effort, with special imperial examinations and additional tests, which took a lot of energy and money. He couldn't possibly go to all that trouble to select a bunch of useless people.
He has a notebook filled with records about these people, and these records will, to some extent, determine where they end up in the future.
By September, the capital city began to cool down.
As winter approached, Youqing did something significant again.
She got the heating working.
Actually, she hadn't originally planned to do these things, but as soon as September arrived this year, it felt colder than in previous years. Burning coal could provide warmth, but Anle was still young, and keeping coal in the house, even with someone watching over it, was somewhat dangerous. After thinking it over, she decided to install the heating system.
She bought the blueprints from the online store and got to work.
"Master, is this the kind of boiler you mentioned?"
Youqing took a look and said, "Yes, that's it."
After that, people kept coming to Youqing to confirm the materials. It took several days before the heating system was finally installed.
Next, we'll try to see if it can provide heating.
They were very lucky and succeeded on their first try. Although it was getting cold in September, it wasn't the coldest time yet. Even in a heated house, you could sweat profusely wearing just a thin shirt.
The effect was indeed remarkable, and Youqing was very satisfied.
Kangxi knew that Youqing was tinkering with these things, but he was busy and didn't know what was going on until the heating was successfully turned on.
He went into the heated room as well.
"This heated room is warmer than the ones built in previous years. Does it use more coal?"
It's impossible not to use coal, but compared to previous years, this method can save a lot of coal.
"It saves a lot of money compared to burning coal directly for heating."
Emperor Kangxi was satisfied: "In that case, we can build more glass-enclosed heated rooms to grow vegetables."
There aren't many vegetables available in winter; only radishes and Chinese cabbage are relatively resistant to the cold and can provide vegetables for people.
Youqing had previously run a vegetable selling business in winter and knew the profits involved. Since Kangxi had mentioned it again, Youqing decided to go for it.
And so, Youqing embarked on a grand journey of building glass-heated houses in another village.
The initial investment was considerable, but it wasn't a big deal for her. The estate was under her name, so she didn't need to spend money to buy it again. Although glass was expensive, she was a glass manufacturer, so she could get it at cost price. The only thing that cost a lot of money was coal.
Since the heating system in the room doesn't directly use the heat from the coal but rather utilizes it through pipes, it doesn't need to use high-quality coal; lower-grade coal will suffice.
In reality, the biggest expense is the labor cost for managing the glass heating room after it's built. Taking care of the vegetables in winter naturally requires a lot of effort, and Youqing will definitely pay the money accordingly.
This estate is quite large. In accordance with Youqing's requirements, many experienced farmers were hired. They are all experts in taking care of crops, and they will be even more adept at taking care of vegetables.
Youqing was quite reassured about this.
In early November, the weather in the capital was getting colder, and the Kangxi Emperor's study was also heated. The room was warm and cozy, and the court officials who came in to report could feel it. At first, they did not notice the difference.
After all, Emperor Kangxi's study was always warm and cozy, even in the cold winter months.
However, some observant people noticed some subtle differences. For example, there was no charcoal brazier in the study this year.
Every household uses charcoal for heating, and they put the charcoal in a charcoal basin, which is usually placed near the place where heating is needed, close to people.
However, some observant people noticed that there was no trace of charcoal braziers in Kangxi's study, yet the study had the same effect as if several charcoal braziers were placed there.
"Steward Liang, please wait."
"Isn't this Lord Chen? You tell me?"
"I didn't see a charcoal brazier in His Majesty's study just now, but the room was very warm. Why is that?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of smugness flashed in Liang Jiugong's eyes; finally, someone had asked.
As Kangxi's personal eunuch, Liang Jiugong was extremely familiar with the emperor's daily necessities, including food, clothing, and heating. He was also among the first to learn about and use the heating system.
He originally thought that the Imperial Household Department would provide these to the families of court officials this winter, but he miscalculated. According to Kangxi's wishes, no one would be more grateful than someone who asked for them.
Therefore, Emperor Kangxi planned to give it to someone who asked for it.
So Liang Jiugong had been waiting ever since the heating was turned on, and he was getting impatient until someone asked him about it.
Liang Jiugong gave a mysterious smile and whispered, "Lord Chen noticed it too!"
"Yes, please explain further, Steward Liang."
"His Majesty's study is heated by charcoal burning outside, which brings the heat into the room, making it exceptionally warm. I wonder if Lord Chen has noticed that His Majesty's study is warm everywhere, without any noticeable temperature fluctuations."
After Liang Jiugong put it that way, it was indeed true. Lord Chen followed his words and said, "Of course I discovered it."
"This is the benefit of heating. His Majesty advocates thrift, and when the Empress learned of this, she asked craftsmen to come up with this heating method. I can tell you, sir, that the charcoal used for this heating is ordinary charcoal, not silver charcoal."
Ordinary charcoal fire?
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