Chapter 276: Paying a Visit

"Hehe! I did have some doubts at that time, but I still believe in the young master. As long as it's something the young master has researched, there is definitely no problem!"
It was only because of his trust in the little prodigy that he won over two thousand in taxes.
Fortunately, craftsmen are now earning high salaries, otherwise if they lose the bet, everyone would be frustrated and stomp their feet.
"Since I won the bet and got the money, I will treat you to a meal with pleasure!"
"Don't worry, even if you don't say it, I will still treat you to this meal. Although we can now build the hull of the warship, there are still many things we don't understand and need you to explain!"
Sure!" "
Little Xiaozheng nodded and agreed.
As for warships, he actually didn't know anything about them, only a little bit when he understood the hand-drawn blueprints.
If there are any problems, he can only resort to searching on the all-purpose search engine!
"How long will it take to produce a large quantity of these steam engines, and when can the first batch be produced?"
"Previously, the craftsmen had no experience, but now they have already made one, so it will be much easier for them to make more. I will split the craftsmen into groups of ten and assign them to work separately, so one month should be sufficient!"
Huang Yuan said confidently.
"Grouping in this way does not significantly increase efficiency. We can divide the craftsmen into an assembly line, with each person consistently repeating the same task. This way, everyone becomes familiar with their own work, which can greatly increase efficiency!"
In the future, that's how those large factories operate, without wasting manpower at all.
"Huh? Young master, this idea is good. Why didn't I think of it before?"
Huang Yuan's eyes suddenly brightened, nodding repeatedly.
Working in groups of ten indeed improves efficiency, but there are certain small details that can only be done by one person, leaving others idle!
If the steam engine is dismantled and each person produces a part, it will surely increase efficiency. Then, the parts can be assembled together!
The little prince is the little prince, he thinks more comprehensively than them!
"Forgive this official for speaking out, but I don't know the specific purpose of the little prince's need to mass produce steam engines."
When the little prince handed over the steam engine blueprints to him, he only mentioned that it was very useful, but didn't specify what it was for.
"Let me tell you this, the steam engine is like a heart. No matter what mechanical research you do in the future, you will need this heart. So the more we produce, the better!"
A small handsome boy clenched his fist with one hand and compared it to a heart, shaking it in front of Huang Yuan.
"Ah...! So that's how it is!"
Huang Yuan nodded somewhat understandingly, "Does the warship also need a steam engine?"
"This is natural!"
"Alright, young sir, you can rest assured. Later, I will have someone put up a notice to recruit more workers!"
"Yes!"
The little boy nodded and walked out of the steel mill gate with his hands behind his back.
However, he did not return to the palace, but went to the residence of Feng Quji.
When initially drafting the reform plan, he gave Li Si, the prime minister of the left, a meaningless position, while Feng Quji, the prime minister of the right, held the powerful position of Minister of Works.
It was precisely because of this that Li Si felt his position was being threatened, and that's why he took a risky move and sent a letter to the Xiongnu, hoping to create chaos!
However, in the end, he failed and even brought ruin upon himself and his family!
"Hey! Young master? How come you have time to visit today?"
Upon hearing the servant's announcement while drinking tea at home, Feng Zhuoji thought he must have misheard.
It wasn't until the young boy and Mingde walked in that he realized what was happening, hastily putting down his teacup and rushing to welcome them in the courtyard!
The old man is not young anymore, with a slightly graying beard, shining with a little crystal clearness under the sun. It seems that he was just too flustered and spilled tea on it!
It's necessary to research a shaver and shave these old guys' beards.
If they are left so long, they have to be lifted up when going to the bathroom!
If one day you forget... that image... unimaginable!
The little boy quickly shook his head to clear his mind and stop thinking further, otherwise he wouldn't be able to eat lunch!
"Mr. Feng is busy with official matters and is rarely seen except during morning court sessions. So this young master had no choice but to come to the mansion to find him!"
Without waiting for an invitation from Feng Qiji, the little boy had already bounced into the main hall.
Sure enough, there was a lot of spilled tea on the table, and the servants were cleaning it up.
"I apologize for the oversight, please forgive me for not expecting the young master to come," the servant said apologetically.
冯去疾跟了进来，满脸尴尬的拱手一礼。
“是本公子没有提前打招呼，还没向尚书赔罪呢！”
小正太一边打量四周，一边说道。
It's true that he and Li Si are like two sides of a coin, but their living standards are completely different!
The decorations in Li Si's house may not be luxurious, but every painting and calligraphy piece is expensive.
But Feng Quji’s main hall looks somewhat shabby when you see it.
The calligraphy and paintings are all done by his own hands, and the tables, chairs, and benches are without any carvings. They are the most ordinary ones found in the market, costing only a few cents each!
As for flower vases and bronze wares, they are almost unseen!
"I dare not, I dare not!"
Feng Qudi quickly bowed.
Although his status in the court is not low, he is still just a subject.
Even though Xiao Zhengtai has only been in the palace for a year, he is still a prince.
There is a distinction between rank and status, Feng Quji dare not act without proper etiquette!
"Minister Feng doesn't need to be so formal. This time, this prince has come with a request!"
The little boy hopped onto the chair without any hesitation, leaned against the armrest, and said with a smile.
"Little master, just give the order, as long as this humble servant can help, I will do my utmost!"
Feng Qoji waved his hand repeatedly.
"The Ministry of Works is now in charge of construction and has many craftsmen under their command. Incidentally, this young master needs to construct a steam engine factory. I wonder if the Minister can help?"
The steam engine has been successfully developed, and the demand for it will only continue to increase. One workshop in the steel plant simply cannot meet the demand.
In the past, Huang Yuan and his team were responsible for building the factory buildings. However, after the reform, Huang Yuan handed over the construction work to the Ministry of Works. Now, he only has craftsmen under his command, and there are no skilled workers available to build the factory!
Moreover, Huang Yuan has too many things to research and, even if he recruits new people, he still needs to train them. He simply doesn't have time to manage the establishment of a factory!
The steam engine factory is his private property. He can't bring this matter to the imperial court, so he has to privately approach Feng Qiji!
"This...?"
Mr. Feng slightly lowers his head, stroking his beard back and forth, seeming a bit hesitant.
"Young master, the craftsmen from the Ministry of Works receive their salaries from the imperial court and can only work for the royal family. If they were to work on the young master's personal property, and certain ministers were to find out, they might accuse you of misusing public resources!"
After a moment, Feng Qudi spoke with great sincerity and concern.
Actually, it won't take long to build a workshop, and it's not like he needs to do it himself. Just by saying a word, Prince Huangzi will be pleased if he agrees!
For the sake of the young master, he would rather play the villain!