The problem of building materials is easy to solve. Except for a few parts that require iron sheets, other materials that need to be consumed in large quantities are nothing more than ordinary bricks and special refractory bricks.

The entire coking process takes about seven days, and the coking rate is much higher than before. This furnace can use the coal gas produced by coking to heat the coking oven and at the same time recover part of the coal tar.

After being cooled and recovered with water, the tar is collected in ceramic jars and prepared for use as a chemical raw material in the future.

Finally, the coke and pig iron were ready.

Li Feng immediately called together the workers from the ironworks.

Lao Li personally put on asbestos protective clothing and gloves and put on a special hat.

Li Feng and he went over several key points with the people in each operating position. First, the air volume must be adjusted evenly and cannot fluctuate. Second, the molten iron must not be poured higher than the tuyere when poured into the furnace, otherwise the tuyere will be blocked. Lastly, the amount of molten iron poured must not exceed one sixth of the converter furnace chamber each time.

Two blowers started operating at the same time, one blowing air into the iron furnace, gradually raising the temperature to above degrees. The pig iron ingots were completely melted. At this time, Ji Wusheng directed the workers to add a rated dose of soda for desulfurization. At the same time, the converter was preheating. According to the requirements, the entire converter had to be preheated to degrees Celsius to reduce the temperature loss after the molten iron entered.

When the thermometer shows that the temperature of the molten iron in the cupola has reached a certain degree, the molten iron is poured into the converter and smelted. At this time, the wind pressure of the blower maintains the air pressure in the furnace, and the molten iron continues to heat up under the stimulation of the high-temperature hot air.

At this moment, Li Feng was standing beside Wang Jing, staring at the flames in the furnace, afraid of missing any details. He saw red iron flowers bursting in front of his eyes one after another. The flames were red and yellow, then yellow and white - white, and finally completely bright white, showing the beauty of industry everywhere.

Li Feng looked excited: "Please look, Lord Qi, the flames are blazing white, which means the furnace temperature is rising continuously, and it is rising higher and higher. Such fierce firepower will surely produce the best quality steel."

The blowing lasted for about ten minutes. The density of the star-shaped carbon flowers continued to increase, and the bright white flames became longer and longer. At this time, the combustion of carbon reached its peak.

When Li Feng saw the flames begin to get shorter and the carbon flowers became sparse, he knew that the remaining carbon content in the molten iron was beginning to approach that of steel.

He raised and lowered the furnace rocker once or twice to see if there were any more carbon blooms. When he saw that there was no sudden increase in carbon blooms, he ordered the air to be turned off.

Afterwards, Li Feng began to direct the workers in the iron yard to remove the furnace cover and air ducts, start slagging and finally pouring.

The molding sand is made of yellow sand, clay and white mud, and after casting and molding, it becomes a steel ingot.

As for whether the steel ingot is high carbon, medium carbon or low carbon, it cannot be controlled for the time being. The main reason is that Qiqiao Pavilion has no technical accumulation in this area. As for the technological advancement in the field of chemistry, Li Feng is completely unable to handle it. He can only pin his hopes on the team of alchemists brought by Shi Zimiao to come up with suggestions for improvement as soon as possible.

With current steelmaking technology, every time a furnace is smelted, a test must be done to determine the quality of the steel. The finished product is far from being "stable", not to mention standardized production.

But the results are still impressive. After all, steel is steel. No matter what quality it is, it is definitely a top-quality material in this era!

You know, the weapons of some weak princes were mainly made of pig iron, and many of their swords were so brittle that they would break after just a few cuts.

Therefore, Wang Jing's long-term and persistent investment in technology research and development has been the right path, and the generous rewards at present are the best proof. Wang Jing looked at the furnace of refined steel in front of him, and his face was full of joy: "Rewards, all the craftsmen who participated in the research and development will be rewarded heavily!"

"Thank you, Lord Qi, for the reward!"

"Haha, I should be the one thanking you all. Without your hard work, how could we have achieved today's brilliant achievements? This moment will surely go down in history, and you are all meritorious officials of our Chinese civilization. You will surely be remembered for eternity!"

Wang Jing looked at Li Feng, Lao Li and others in front of him, and said with emotion: "The people who promote the progress of history are definitely not heroes or celebrities, but you. You are the ones who promote human civilization towards the future."

"Marquis Qi's words are too serious. We cannot bear the consequences."

Li Feng and the others were so frightened that they almost knelt down, mainly because what Wang Jing said was too contrary to the mainstream social values ​​of the late Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period.

In everyone's eyes, craftsmen are just humble workers with no identity or status and little money.

The person who truly holds power, wealth and a high status can be an official, a noble or a member of the gentry, but he cannot be a craftsman.

If you open the Records of the Three Kingdoms, how many records about craftsmen are there?
almost none!

A few of them were mentioned casually because they were related to celebrities.

There are only a few records about the legendary craftsman Ma Jun and the legendary blacksmith Pu Yuan. One can imagine the attitude of literati and poets towards them.

But in human history, heroes, bureaucrats, and even emperors and generals are all just passing clouds. Their existence may have wonderful stories, touching experiences, or even exciting and magnificent epic legends.

However, their contribution to history was minimal.

What truly changed the course of history was never the emperors and generals, but the technological revolution.

The emergence of bronze ware ended the tribal system of the Stone Age and pushed human civilization into the slavery stage.

The emergence of iron tools greatly increased agricultural productivity and enabled the self-cultivating farming group to flourish. Shang Yang saw this opportunity and promoted the institutional reform of Qin State, eventually unifying the six kingdoms.

However, the Qin Dynasty was eventually destroyed by the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. The Yanhan Dynasty established in the ruins was a product of mutual compromise between the feudal system and the imperial system. Confucianism also came into being, which greatly eased social contradictions. In this process, a great nation was reborn from the ashes and began to condense its own civilizational core.

It’s a pity that Chinese civilization was built on Confucianism, and it also destroyed Confucianism.

When an ideology begins to dominate the development of an entire civilization, and this ideology is full of contempt and discrimination towards technology, tragedy is inevitable.

But Wang Jing deeply understands that the real cornerstone of human civilization development will always be technology and productivity.

Otherwise, what good would it do even if you have extraordinary powers?
Can it increase food production, or improve people's livelihood and enhance the foundation of a civilization?

It's impossible for a group of experts to travel across continents and oceans and roll up their sleeves to plunder overseas colonies, right?
After all, the competition between civilizations is not just about violence, but more importantly, the improvement of productivity. Only with the improvement of productivity can everyone have a better future.

In Wang Jing’s opinion, after the invention of iron, the next most important invention for mankind would be the steam engine!
It is impossible for a country that does not attach importance to scientific and technological development and discriminates against craftsmen to give birth to a steam engine. Therefore, Wang Jing must reverse this distorted social concept and ideology.

Wang Jing not only gave money to the craftsmen in the metallurgical group, but also promised to give them the social status they deserved. Otherwise, it would not be enough to encourage a large number of talented people to devote themselves to the research and development of technology.

Wang Jing attached more importance to technological development than to recruiting strategists and famous generals.

After all, in history, Liu Bei had many capable people under his command, but in the end he did not succeed in conquering the world and supporting the Han Dynasty.

But if Liu Bei had been able to invent muskets and cannons, and could have invented steam engines at that time, then his chances of winning the world would have greatly increased.

Yang Xiu, Lu Fang and others did not quite understand Wang Jing's approach, but as subordinates, they did not question Wang Jing's decision.

After all, facts have proved countless times that no matter how incredible Wang Jing’s decisions are, they are always correct.

Yang Xiu returned home and told his father Yang Biao everything that had happened at the ironworks.

Yang Biao was originally reading the book calmly, but after hearing this, he was so surprised that he dropped the book on the ground without even noticing: "Are you serious? Li Feng and others under Qi Hou's command directly refined the hundred-fold steel?"

"That's not the case. The quality of the steel produced directly from smelting is still unstable, but at least 20% of the steel is comparable to fine steel that has been tempered a hundred times. Even if the rest is not as good, it is still top-quality steel, much better than iron."

Yang Xiu did not exaggerate, but what he said still made Yang Biao feel it was outrageous to the extreme, and even caused a storm in his heart.

Although they were not craftsmen, the Yang family had been a wealthy family for generations, so they still had some vision. If it was an ordinary thing, no matter how exquisite and interesting it was, Yang Biao would sneer at it and denounce it as a "strange and obscene technique" that was not worthy of being in a refined hall.

But steelmaking is a special matter. Such a national weapon involves the foundation of the country. Once implemented, the combat effectiveness of Wang Jing's army will be improved several times.

With sharp armor and soldiers on the battlefield and the soldiers fighting bravely, Wang Jing now has the momentum of the former Immortal Qin Dynasty that swallowed up the world and swept across the six kingdoms!
Yang Biao looked up and sighed: "Could it be that Lord Qi is really blessed by heaven?"

Yang Xiu shook his head and said, "Father, you are wrong. I think your sincerity can move mountains and break rocks."

He treated the craftsmen well, not only giving them money but also giving them official positions. In order to clear the reputation of the craftsmen, he even went against public opinion and founded the Imperial Academy of Engineering, granting them the same status and honor as the Doctor of the Five Classics.

The resistance here is so great that it is unimaginable.

After all, in this era, Confucianism is the real mainstream. All the educated people in the world, as long as they can read and write, are from a Confucian background!
In such a situation, how much courage and determination is needed to break the unspoken rules of convention?
In Yang Xiu's opinion, with such a huge investment by Wang Jing, success was natural, and failure would be unjust.

Compared with this, how ridiculous are the actions of the aristocratic families and wealthy clans?
A group of self-righteous old antiques, clinging to the glory of the past and refusing to let go, exuding a foul smell, and thinking they can maintain their lofty status. In fact, they are completely unaware that they are being ruthlessly eliminated by the times.

The closer one is to Wang Jing, the more one can feel this change.

A brand new era is coming, and anyone who cannot keep up will be ruthlessly left behind, fall from the altar, and never regain his former glory.

Anyone who dares to stand in the way will be crushed to pieces and die without a burial place.

Therefore, Yang Xiu urged, "Father, the times have changed. If the Yang family does not make changes, it will be completely swallowed up by this surging trend. It is time to make a decisive move."

Yang Biao looked hesitant and hesitated to move forward. Finally, he sighed helplessly: "Alas, as people get older, they tend to become less courageous. Now, I have begun to instinctively hate and fear any change."

The Hongnong Yang and the Runan Yuan were two top wealthy families with three officials in four generations. As the biggest beneficiaries of the old system, Yang Biao naturally hated this change.

After all, no one can predict what the new era will be like. Whether the Yang family will soar to the sky or suddenly fall, it is full of too many uncertainties.

So it was normal for Yang Biao to hesitate and find it difficult to make a decision. Only a fool would rush forward regardless of the consequences.

Yang Xiu was not a fool, but he was still a young man, and his ability to accept new things was much stronger than Yang Biao's: "Father, I think the glory of the Hongnong Yang family has long been difficult to maintain. Even without the Lord's reform, do you think that in the troubled times, our Yang family can still survive?"

This may not sound nice, but it is the true truth.

Every time there is chaos, there is a major social reshuffle from top to bottom. Under the violent turmoil, the more prominent the family was in the past, the more likely they are to become the target of public criticism and be attacked by others.

It would be fine if they were strong, but if they are not strong enough, they will not be able to protect their existing interests and will be torn and bitten by the wolves from all directions.

The Yuan family of Runan still has Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu leading troops outside and dominating the area.

On the other hand, regarding the Hongnong Yang family, apart from Yang Biao, who was one of the Three Dukes with a bit of nominal reputation, are there any other notable figures?

In other words, did the Hongnong Yang family ever hold military power?
Yang Biao instinctively wanted to deny what his son said, but he knew in his heart that it was meaningless to refuse to accept reality.

So what if the Yang family of Hongnong had three dukes in four generations?

During the heyday of the Yanhan Dynasty, the Yang family's glory was maintained by the majesty of the court, with its large army and powerful emperor.

Now the imperial court has lost its dignity, the emperor is young, and even the map of the country has fallen into Yuan Wei's hands. The emperor himself still needs to rely on others to survive. How can the Hongnong Yang family dominate the world and make others give you face?
To be frank, who do you think you are from the Yang family?
When troubled times come, only those with strong soldiers and horses can dominate and gain prominence among others.

As for the family background, it is not worth mentioning!
The Yang family of Hongnong did not prepare for rebellion in advance like the Yuan family of Runan, and Yang Xiu was too young. Unlike Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao, who were in their prime, they had already become powerful before Dong Zhuo entered the capital. Only then did they rise to power by taking advantage of the right time, place and people.

To put it simply, the Yang family of Hongnong did not have this destiny.

Without troops, how can you have power and status?

Can you scare people just by your name?
There were so many powerful people in Luoyang at that time, but they failed to scare Dong Zhuo, let alone Wang Jing who overthrew the entire Xiliang army by himself?
It was from that time that Yang Xiu saw clearly the changes of the times and knew that the Hongnong Yang family must make changes, because if they did not change, they would perish.

"Alas, my father is old. From now on, you will be the one in charge of the Yang family."

Yang Biao weighed the issue for a long time and finally decided to give it a try and support Yang Xiu's actions.

After all, reality did force him to change in order to adapt to the coming new era, and Yang Biao believed that his talent and knowledge were no longer enough to see the future clearly, so he was willing to bet on his son: "Dezu, I hope you can lead the Yang family to prosperity again. This is your only hope."

"Xiu must not let his father down!"

Yang Xiu clasped his hands together and made a solemn promise to Yang Biao.

This change in the Hongnong Yang family was soon reported to Wang Jing by the secret guards.

Holding the secret report, Wang Jing smiled knowingly: "Yang Xiu, Yang Xiu, you are really able to see the big picture from the small details. You are indeed a smart man in history that even Cao Cao was afraid of."

In history, if Yang Xiu had not been too rebellious and had not participated in such a major event as the seizure of the throne and followed the wrong Cao Zhi, Cao Cao, who valued talents, might not have been willing to kill him.

But there was no other way. After Cao Cao had decided to let Cao Pi succeed to the throne, Yang Xiu still openly supported Cao Zhi. He was also very disrespectful to Cao Pi and often cursed him in person.

If he doesn't die, who will?
You have to know how serious the harm was caused by the fight between Yuan Shao's two sons for the throne. Cao Cao witnessed it with his own eyes. In order to prevent the Cao Wei regime from falling into internal strife, Yang Xiu had to be killed.

But now, history has changed, and Wang Jing is still very young and doesn't even have children. Yang Xiu doesn't need to worry about which heir to support, so this tragedy will not be repeated.

On the contrary, Yang Xiu was very smart and saw through Wang Jing's thoughts, and then actively promoted the change of development focus of the entire family.

Those who know how to plan ahead are smart people who can really get things done. Wang Jing also needs such right-hand men and trusted ministers.

Now that the Yang family has taken the lead, things should go much more smoothly next time. Wang Jing feels that it is great to have a subordinate like Yang Xiu who can read the leader's expressions and understand his leader's concerns.

"Master, Engineer Lu wants to see you."

"Hmm? Zhengliang is here? Please come in quickly."

Lu Fang did not come alone, he also brought a large group of Mohist disciples, carrying a lot of things into General Wei's mansion: "Master, these are all furniture made according to your requirements."

When Wang Jing walked into the yard, he saw the modern furniture that he had drawn earlier and asked Lu Fang to make.

Some social customs of the imperial dynasty made Wang Jing, who came from modern times, very uncomfortable. Especially when meeting guests, there were no chairs to sit on, so he could only kneel with his knees bent. After sitting for a long time, his thighs became numb, which made him very uncomfortable.

I was busy fighting before, so naturally I didn't pay attention to these things.

But now that the situation has stabilized, we have to find a way to improve our daily lives. (End of this chapter)