Chapter 919

The bright light of the incandescent lamps illuminated the power plant office.

Even during the day, the glare of the electric lights could not be concealed.

“Good, very good!”

Xiao Ming gazed at the incandescent lamps above his head, his expression slightly excited. Electricity, this energy source popularized in thousands of households in modern times, had finally reappeared in the Great Yu Empire. The electric revolution would also erupt on the foundation of the Great Yu Empire’s steam revolution.

Su Liangcai and the power plant workers could hardly hide their excitement. The Emperor’s affirmation was the greatest recognition for them. For almost two years, they had worked to achieve this goal, and now it was finally a complete success.

“As long as Your Majesty is satisfied, I, your humble servant, am at ease,” Su Liangcai said, bowing.

Pang Yukun vigorously patted Su Liangcai’s shoulder. “The Great Yu Empire needs talents like you to make the nation increasingly strong! When I return, I will have the Grand Secretariat commend you all!”

“Thank you, Senior Grand Secretary Pang.” Su Liangcai was slightly excited. Although he was good friends with Lin Wentao, he was not as accomplished as Lin Wentao, so he had been working hard to catch up. Now he finally saw hope.

After observing the electric lights in the office area, Xiao Ming and Pang Yukun and the others went to inspect the laying of the power grid. Because of mature technology as a foundation, Su Liangcai appeared adept at electricity construction. Power poles extended from the power plant into Qingzhou City. Once the power grid within the city was established and connected, Qingzhou Province could formally enter the age of electricity.

Highly satisfied with this inspection, Xiao Ming instructed Su Liangcai to attend the court assembly tomorrow to jointly discuss how to use electricity.

The next day, Xiao Ming rose early.

Before the morning court session, he also sent someone to notify Lin Wentao, Song Changping, Chen Qi, and Lu Tong. Although the victory in the Japan war was worth celebrating, it was merely a small victory.

Next, the Great Yu Empire would face an even more brutal war. Therefore, he needed a comprehensive plan for industry and military industry to cope with future conflicts.

“Thump, thump, thump…”

At eight o’clock, the pendulum clock chimed crisply. Xiao Ming, having finished breakfast, walked towards the Zhengda Guangming Hall.

At this time, a group of ministers in Qingzhou City were already waiting in the hall. Besides technical talents like Su Liangcai, there were also people from the Grand Secretariat and the Grand Council.

“Long live, long live, long live our Emperor!”

As soon as Xiao Ming arrived, a loud cheer immediately echoed in the grand hall. Xiao Ming leveled his hand, silencing the ministers.

He said, “Yesterday, I and Senior Grand Secretary Pang went to the thermal power plant. All you beloved ministers must surely know about it by now. I think you all now have some basic understanding of electricity. Simply put, this will be an energy source cleaner than coal, and electricity driving electric motors is also a more efficient power than steam engines. Once factories replace steam engines with electric motors, factory efficiency will be greatly improved, and the precision of lathes will also have room for improvement.”

The ministers all pricked up their ears, listening intently, fearing they would miss a single word. The Great Yu Empire was changing too quickly. If they didn’t study hard, they would quickly fall behind. Therefore, the ministers now, one by one, found no time to be idle even after court adjourned, and flocked to Bowen Academy to audit classes.

Fei Ji returned to Qingzhou Province from the south half a month ago. After this period of arrangement, the provincial offices in various southern prefectures and counties gradually stabilized. The imperial court basically achieved control over various southern prefectures and counties. The Great Yu Empire presented an unprecedented unified situation.

This trip to the south made him deeply feel how powerful a unified Great Yu Empire would be. At the same time, he was fortunate to be able to serve under Xiao Ming.

Now, the longed-for electricity had also appeared. He felt even more invigorated. “Long live Your Majesty! This is truly a joyous event for the imperial court, and for the whole realm! A unified Great Yu Empire, under Your Majesty’s governance, will surely last for thousands of autumns and prosper forever!”

The Grand Secretaries all smiled. They understood Fei Ji’s cunning nature, but this time, they could hear the sincerity in his praise, because it was also what they wanted to say.

Xiao Ming smiled. “Thanks to Elder Fei’s auspicious words, I will certainly strive for that. However, whether the Great Yu Empire can awe nations at home and abroad still requires your diligent efforts, my beloved ministers, in international affairs.”

“We, your humble servants, will certainly be diligent and work hard.” Hearing this, the ministers bowed deeply and shouted in unison.

Nodding slightly, Xiao Ming continued, “The purpose of summoning you all today is precisely about what needs to be prepared after the power plant generates electricity.”

After a pause, he looked at Lin Wentao, “Minister Lin, the application of electricity is now imminent. Currently, the machinery factory, while researching steam engines, must also begin related research on electrical machinery, fully utilizing electricity to raise the Great Yu Empire’s industrial level. Additionally, I have already given you many electrical product structures and allocated a batch of students from Bowen Academy who are proficient in electrical products to you. I hope to see related products launched soon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I have been preparing. We have already made some progress in certain areas,” Lin Wenyun bowed and said. While the thermal power plant was under construction, he began research on electrical products. He had already conducted simple experiments on some of them. Once electricity was applied, he could quickly put them into production.

After reminding Lin Wenyun, Xiao Ming said to the Grand Secretaries, “The construction of the power grid within Qingzhou City must keep up. No official shall neglect their duties in this matter, otherwise, I will severely punish them!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Pang Yukun immediately bowed.

Having warned the Grand Secretariat, Xiao Ming looked at Lu Tong, Song Changping, and Chen Qi. “Electricity is also extremely important in weapon production. You must cooperate with Lin Wentao and Su Liangcai in the transformation of the military machinery department. At the same time, learn to use completely new machinery. Although domestic warfare is basically over, the Great Yu Empire still has many enemies. Weapon production and research cannot slacken. The manufacturing of metallic bullets and shells must be expedited, and new types of weapons must be boldly experimented with.”

Lu Tong, Song Changping, and Chen Qi all bowed simultaneously and accepted the order.

Niu Ben had been listening. At this point, seemingly to cooperate with Xiao Ming, he said, “Your Majesty, the Golden Tent Khanate’s harassment has increased, and Tsarist Russia also has evidence of invading the pass. North of Jianzhou, we have repeatedly found Tsarist Russian merchants poaching wild animals and acquiring furs.”

Luo Quan said, “According to the information provided by the secret guards, fur trade is Tsarist Russia’s most important source of income. Furs hunted in Siberia have brought substantial revenue to Tsarist Russia.”

“In addition, the Bashu commander sent a battle report, claiming that there have been unusual movements in Tibet recently. According to merchants returning from Tibet, the British-backed Bando became the de facto ruler of Tibet. In my humble opinion, this is extremely dangerous,” Niu Ben added.

Xiao Ming frowned. He said to his ministers, “Look, look! One enemy has just fallen, and another one after another charges forward! And these forces were all once vassal states of the Great Yu Empire! Why would they choose to seek refuge with those Westerners from thousands of li away? Because backwardness leads to being beaten, to being looked down upon! All you beloved ministers, to subdue these surrounding petty nations, we still have a long and arduous journey ahead.”