My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 94 A leopard can't change its spots

We walked very slowly, taking our time to explore, and it took us a whole day to reach our destination.

After spending more than ten days there, everyone was a bit homesick, so the return trip was much faster.

We returned to Yingtian City around 2 or 3 p.m.

After everyone escorted Empress Ma into the capital, they all went home to their own mothers.

After returning home, Ma Yu locked himself in his study and began to think about how to persuade Zhu Yuanzhang to bring Zhu Su back as a student.

Although he doesn't have a stamp collecting hobby, he finds collecting "fathers of so-and-so" quite interesting.

Imagine if the fathers of physics, chemistry, and biology were all his students in the future.

This sense of accomplishment... just thinking about it makes him excited.

I can't even imagine how high his status will be then.

While he was plotting against someone else's son, Empress Ma in the palace was telling Zhu Yuanzhang about the events of the past few days.

The key point is Ma Yu's understanding of the way of investigating things.

“When Yu’er said that productivity changes the world, I didn’t really feel it. I always thought it was too abstract.”

"Only after seeing these tools with my own eyes did I understand the true meaning of this sentence."

Zhu Yuanzhang echoed this sentiment, saying, "I feel the same way."

"Ever since we heard him talk about the development of productivity, we have sent people to collect relevant information."

"It takes hundreds of years to discover each major revolution in productivity."

"Moreover, the emergence of new technologies is full of chance and unpredictability."

"In this situation, how can we pin our hopes on improving productivity?"

"What we didn't expect was that he could even figure out a pattern in such an unpredictable thing."

Empress Ma said, "Yes, if a thousand or a hundred people could grasp this pattern, we could all study it together."

"The emergence of new technologies will no longer be unpredictable, and its impact on the court and the world will be enormous."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, after all, every major revolution in productivity brings about changes in ideology and systems.

As for hindering the emergence of new technologies, perhaps he had such thoughts in the past.

But after listening to so many of Ma Yu's lectures, he has come to realize that productivity gains are irreversible.

Forcibly stopping it will only result in being crushed by the wheels of history.

On the contrary, if new technologies can be utilized effectively, they might be able to help the imperial court solve many thorny problems.

If the imperial court could have foreseen the emergence of new technologies, even if it couldn't respond in time, at least it wouldn't have perished in complete ignorance.

But to achieve this, an organization must be set up specifically to understand new technologies.

He is now increasingly understanding why Ma Yu has been advocating for expanding the functions of government departments.

At this moment, Empress Ma said again, "Yu'er said that the fifth prince has a great talent in the study of things and has been trying to persuade me to let the fifth prince learn from him."

"I was thinking, since this knowledge is so important to the country, shouldn't we let the fifth son learn from him?"

However, upon hearing this suggestion, Zhu Yuanzhang resolutely rejected it:

"No, the way of investigating things, no matter how you look at it, is just the skill of a craftsman, a minor skill."

“Our son will one day be enfeoffed as king of the world; this is the true way.”

Empress Ma was not surprised by his reaction at all, and smiled:

"Well, I'm clearly not a good persuader. I'll have Yu'er talk to you herself later."

Zhu Yuanzhang said dismissively, "This time, no matter how much Ma Yu talks, we will never agree."

Still not satisfied, he added, "If we agree to him, we won't be called Zhu Chongba."

Empress Ma laughed heartily: "You, why are you acting like a child?"
-
The next day, Ma Yu received a message from Empress Ma: the persuasion had failed, and he should do it himself.

Ma Yu was not surprised at all by this.

People in this era understand the way of investigating things as nothing more than improvements to some tools.

They racked their brains, hoping to weave cloth more efficiently and carry more goods in the cart.

Industrialization has completely exceeded their imagination.

This was true not only for the ancient Chinese, but also for Europe, which was shrouded in the darkness of the Middle Ages.

In this situation, it's normal for people to not value crafts and skills and to consider them minor skills.

In the original world of the capital, Zhu Su was a typical example of the royal family neglecting their duties, and he was almost always the object of ridicule during the Ming Dynasty.

Even though his research saved countless lives, it still couldn't change people's stereotypes.

It is entirely understandable that Zhu Yuanzhang disagreed with his study of the principles of investigating things.

However, Ma Yu was not disappointed. He had already figured out how to persuade Zhu Yuanzhang yesterday.

So after receiving Empress Ma's message, he immediately went to the palace to find Zhu Yuanzhang.

Upon meeting, Zhu Yuanzhang made his stance clear: "If it's about the fifth prince, then don't say anything."

Then he put on a disdainful look, as if to say, "What can you do to me, kid?"

Ma Yu was so angry she gritted her teeth. Fine, let's hope you can stay this unruly in the future.

"I can't convince you with words. Give me some skilled craftsmen, and I'll make some things."

"If you still object after reading it, then let's drop this matter."

Zhu Yuanzhang also became interested, but his face still showed disdain:

Even if you pluck the moon from the sky, we still won't agree.

However, he still found several craftsmen from the Imperial Workshop to assist Ma Yu.

Ma Yu took out three items:
First, bearings. Although small, these things are of great significance.

No matter what kind of machinery we want to improve in the future, we will need it, so it is necessary to develop it in advance.

Considering the current quality of steel, he did not use ball bearings, but instead used cylindrical bearings.

Although it is not as good as ball bearings, its wear resistance is excellent.

Actually, bearing sleeves already existed in this era, but there were no ball bearings.

When the wheel turns, the two steel rims rub against each other, which is better than nothing, I suppose.

Secondly, the thermoelectric engine, also known as the Stellar engine.

An external combustion engine that uses temperature difference as its driving force.

Its structure is ridiculously simple: a wheel, a piston-like structure, and all you need is a cup of hot water.

In the past, many merchants would put a miniature temperature difference engine on the lid of their water cups in order to sell them and satisfy consumers' curiosity.

Pour hot water into the cup, put the lid on, and the engine will start whirring and clanging.

Ma Yu also bought one and even made one by hand using a soda can.

It's not difficult to copy it now.

Thirdly, mini steam trains.

We need to give that country bumpkin beggar a little bit of a groundbreaking shock.

Two copper cups and a string, and it's done.

The first thing to be made was the bearing, since both the pulley system and the mini steam train needed it.

Ma Yu was initially worried about whether these craftsmen could produce qualified bearings by hand.

But he soon realized that he was completely overthinking it.

The craftsmen not only produced them, but also produced a high quantity.

With bearings, the thermoelectric engine was easily made.

The most difficult part was the steam train, but the difficulty wasn't the steam engine itself.

The structure of a simple steam engine is really very simple; anyone who has studied junior high school physics knows its basic structure.

The difficulty lies in finding the matching parts.

For example, how to solve the airtightness problem.

Fortunately, it's just a tiny train, no bigger than the palm of your hand, so the requirements aren't that high.

After employing various "I think" methods, the product was successfully completed.

It took six days to prepare all four items.

Ma Yu then led them to Kunning Palace, where Zhu Biao, Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, and others were also present.

While everyone else was merely curious, Zhu Su was excited.

"Cousin, have you made any machines yet?"

Ma Yu patted the large box beside him and said, "You'll see it soon."

Looking at the large box, Zhu Yuanzhang was incredibly curious, but he still pretended to be disdainful and said:

"Hmph, let's see what kind of tricks you can pull."

Without further ado, Ma Yu opened the box, took out a bearing, and gently plucked it, producing a clanging sound of metal striking metal. "This thing is called a bearing. Don't underestimate it; it can change the world."

Zhu Yuanzhang reached out and took it, feeling its weight in his hand. After examining it carefully, he roughly understood its principle and purpose.

Then he said dismissively, "We admit that it makes the car more durable and saves effort, so it's a good thing, but that's all."

After saying that, he handed the bearing to Empress Ma and the others.

After observing it, everyone felt that although it was ingenious, that was all.

Ma Yu was not surprised and said, "Don't worry, you'll soon find out its real purpose."

Then he took out a cup made entirely of brass, with a small drive wheel on the lid.

Amidst the puzzled gazes of the crowd, Ma Yu pointed to the drive wheel and emphasized:
"See this? It uses bearings."

The group turned the drive wheel and found that it did indeed use a bearing.

But what everyone is wondering is, what's the use of this thing with wheels on top of wheels?

Zhu Yuanzhang also raised the same question: "What is the use of this thing?"

Without saying a word, Ma Yu had someone bring hot water, poured it into the cup, and then put the lid on.

At first, everyone was puzzled, and then they were surprised to find that the wheel was slowly turning, and it was turning faster and faster.

This……

Zhu Yuanzhang was the first to rush over, his eyes fixed on the wheel, filled with disbelief.

Empress Ma, Zhu Biao, and others were the same.

How does it start to rotate?
Only Zhu Di subconsciously said, "Cousin's magic."

After saying that, he knew it couldn't be true, and he looked embarrassed.

Although no one believed in any magical arts, they still looked at Ma Yu, waiting for his explanation.

Ma Yu didn't say anything, but instead removed the lid from the teacup.

The engine quickly stopped due to the temperature difference caused by the loss of hot water.

Then he put the cover back on, and the engine started running again.

Even the most clueless person would now know it's related to hot water.

Can……

Zhu Yuanzhang asked incredulously, "It was the hot water that made it move?"

Ma Yu nodded and said, "Yes, the temperature difference created by the hot water provides it with power."

Even after it was confirmed, everyone still found it unbelievable.

Hot water can make it move? How does that work?
Zhu Su was the most excited: "Cousin is so amazing! Can you teach me how to do it?"

Ma Yu laughed and said, "What's so great about optics? Do you want to know why it can rotate when there's hot water?"

Zhu Su nodded solemnly: "I'll think about it, cousin, you can teach me."

Ma Yu glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, "I can't make this decision; it depends on your father's opinion."

Zhu Su hesitated for a moment, then mustered his courage and said, "Father, I want to learn."

Zhu Yuanzhang said irritably, "Go play somewhere else."

One sentence was enough to extinguish Zhu Su's courage, and she looked at her mother with pleading eyes.

Empress Ma patted his head and said, "Don't rush, keep reading."

Although Zhu Su didn't understand, he knew that things might take a turn for the better, and his heart was filled with anticipation.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the thermoelectric engine and asked, "What's the use of this thing?"

Ma Yu said, "It's not very useful now, but if we continue to study it in depth, we will be able to build a practical engine sooner or later."

"When the time comes, we can put it on the car and travel thousands of miles without the help of humans or animals."

"If it's installed on a ship, it can still sail freely even in calm or headwind weather."

"When installed on spinning machines and looms, it can weave cloth without human intervention."

"If the power is greater, it can drag the plow to work tirelessly, and can cultivate dozens or even hundreds of acres of land every day."

"If the seeder is attached to the back, it can sow several hundred acres a day."

"If a machine were invented that could harvest crops, it could harvest hundreds of acres of grain every day."

Ma Yu kept talking about the various applications of engine power.

Zhu Yuanzhang and others' eyes grew brighter and brighter.

If all that he says comes true, the whole world will be changed because of it.

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang asked excitedly, "Can this little gadget really do what you say it can?"

To everyone's surprise, Ma Yu shook her head and said, "No."

It wasn't that he was lying, but rather that the practical conditions for the thermoelectric engine were too demanding, and it hadn't been truly put into practical use until the time he traveled through time.

Empress Ma, Zhu Biao, and others all looked disappointed.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face froze instantly, and his hand twitched uncontrollably, as if he wanted to make intimate contact with something.

Ma Yu chuckled inwardly, "Let you be so cocky, let you look down on Gewu."

Knowing that Zhu Yuanzhang was about to explode, he coughed and said:
"However, if the temperature difference engine doesn't work, other engines can."

The situation took an unexpected turn, and Empress Ma and the others breathed a sigh of relief, then subconsciously looked at the box.

Could this be the treasure he was talking about?
Zhu Yuanzhang had the same thought, but he soon realized that Ma Yu was making fun of him.

His face instantly turned a liverish color.

Seeing that things were not going well, Ma Yu quickly ran to the box.

First, he took out a bundle of miniature 'ladders', and then he took out a strangely shaped copper lump.

"This is the kind of practical engine I was talking about, the steam engine."

The guess was confirmed, and everyone's faces lit up with surprise again.

Zhu Yuanzhang, forgetting his anger, urged:
"Stop talking nonsense and tell me how to use it."

Without delay, Ma Yu found a flat area and assembled the miniature ladders together to create a simple oval train track.

Then, the miniature steam train, made entirely of brass, was placed on the track.

Add boiling water to the water tank, and then light the charcoal in the brazier.

It was already hot water, so it quickly began to boil.

Under the expectant gaze of everyone, the mini train shook a few times before slowly starting to move.

Zhu Di exclaimed excitedly, "It moved! It moved!"

Even though they were mentally prepared, everyone was still pleasantly surprised to see it running.

The anger on Zhu Yuanzhang's face vanished, leaving only a solemn expression.

"Tell me how it moves."

Ma Yu said, "To put it simply, when boiling water, the kettle lid will be constantly flipped up by the steam."

"Steam engines utilize the power of steam."

"Put wheels on a steam engine and it will run."

"It's miniature, with a very simple structure, and it'll be able to run as long as it's usable."

"If you want it to be practical, you have to make it bigger."

"It's not as simple as just scaling up; there are many problems to solve along the way."

"If these problems can be solved, a huge steam engine can be built."

"Then what I said before, such as installing engines on ships, looms and other machinery, can all be achieved."

"That will be a completely new era, one that will exceed everyone's imagination."

Even though he didn't say it, Zhu Yuanzhang knew what this thing meant.

If this vehicle could be built, thousands of miles would be reduced to a short distance, allowing the Ming Dynasty to better govern the world.

Putting everything else aside, if this vehicle could be repaired to the border regions, the amount of grain saved each year would be astronomical.

"How long will it take before this thing becomes practical?"

Ma Yu said, "I don't know, it would require a lot of people to study it."

"Moreover, this thing requires a lot of steel, and with the current steel production of the Ming Dynasty, even if it is researched, it cannot afford to build it."

Zhu Yuanzhang said without hesitation, "Then let's start mining. Once this product is widely adopted, there will be a large surplus of labor."

"Get all these people to go mining."

Ma Yu frowned and said, "Let our people go to mine?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him: "What?"

Ma Yu sneered, "It's easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature. You still don't understand what it means to be an emperor."

(End of this chapter)