On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

In the western suburbs of the imperial capital, at the foot of the Western Hills, the glazed tile roof of the "Gewuyuan" shines with a cool luster in the morning light.

Behind the main hall "Mingli Hall", the "Hundred Craftsmen's Workshop" area has begun to take shape.

In one of the newly built workshops with a plaque reading "Jikou School", the air is dry and filled with the mixed smell of new wood, metal and engine oil.

The spacious workshop is divided into several areas: podium area, drawing area, disassembly area, and assembly area.

Hanging on the walls are huge diagrams of steam engine structures, gear transmission principles, and lever mechanics diagrams.

Various metal parts, tools, and measuring instruments are neatly arranged on the shelves against the wall.

At this moment, dozens of students of different ages, wearing indigo work clothes, were sitting at the long table in the drawing area, with focused expressions and complete silence.

On the podium, Chu Xiling was wearing an indigo work suit with a plain white smock on the outside. Her black hair was neatly tied behind her head. Her cold face was calm as her eyes swept calmly over the students below the stage.

"Today, we'll talk about the heat-to-work conversion efficiency of steam engines." Chu Xiling's voice was cool and steady, penetrating the silence of the workshop.

She turned, picked up a charcoal pencil, and wrote the title on the huge blackboard behind her.

The writing on the blackboard is neat and clear, just like printed.

"Thermo-work conversion is the process of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy." She traced her fingertips over the boiler section of the steam engine diagram. "The heat energy comes from the combustion of fuel, which heats the boiler water, absorbing heat and causing it to vaporize and expand."

"The water vapor pressure pushes the piston to connect to the crankshaft and flywheel to output mechanical work." Her fingertips precisely landed on the positions of the cylinder, piston, crankshaft and flywheel as she explained.

"However, not all heat energy can be converted into work." She turned and drew an energy flow diagram on the blackboard. "Most of the heat energy is lost to flue gas, boiler heat dissipation, cylinder friction, and condensation losses."

“So thermal efficiency is equal to useful work divided by total heat energy input.”

"Ways to improve efficiency," she said, her eyes sweeping across the stage. "First, optimize boiler insulation to reduce heat dissipation. Second, improve condensation to recover waste heat. Third, reduce friction and achieve finishing lubrication. Fourth, increase steam pressure and temperature."

Each time she explained a point, she listed the key points on the blackboard, supplemented by simple diagrams. Her explanations were clear, logical, and concise, without a single word of nonsense. The students were busy writing, the scratching of their pens across paper the only sound in the workshop.

"The current measured thermal efficiency of Unit-01 is 15%." Chu Xiling said, "The goal is 30%. How can we achieve it?"

She paused for a moment, her eyes falling on a young student in the front row: "Zhang Heng."

The student who was called stood up immediately and said, "Teacher Chu, I think we could try filling the double-layer boiler with diatomaceous earth for insulation. We could also install an exhaust gas preheater to preheat the incoming water and recover the waste heat."

"What is the thermal insulation coefficient of diatomaceous earth?" Chu Xiling asked.

"Master Chu, the thermal conductivity of diatomaceous earth is about 0.05 watts per meter Kelvin." Zhang Heng replied.

"Key points of exhaust gas preheater design." Chu Xiling asked.

"It is necessary to calculate the exhaust gas flow rate, temperature and heat exchange area to ensure sufficient preheating without reducing the chimney suction force." Zhang Heng replied.

"Good." Chu Xiling nodded slightly. "After class, draw a sketch of the double boiler and preheater. Hand it in tomorrow."

"Yes, Master Chu." Zhang Heng sat down with a hint of excitement on his face.

Chu Xiling continued to explain other ideas for improving efficiency, encouraging the students to think and ask questions. Although her expression was cold, she answered questions patiently and meticulously. She never rebuked students for naive questions, but simply explained them more clearly using simpler language or diagrams.

Her class is like a precision instrument, efficient and orderly.

In the afternoon, the workshop shifted to the practical area. On the large central workbench sat a disassembled model of a small steam engine. Its structure was similar to Unit-01, but its size was several times smaller.

"Let's disassemble and analyze it now," Chu Xiling said. She walked to the workbench and picked up a special Allen wrench.

"First, remove the cylinder head." With precise and steady movements, she unscrewed the retaining bolts and removed the cylinder head, exposing the piston and connecting rod inside. "Check the sealing of the piston rings. Wear means leakage and loss of efficiency."

She took out the piston and pointed to the tiny scratches on the piston ring. "This is due to improper installation or uneven material. We need to improve the process."

"Next, disassemble the crankcase." She continued, opening the crankcase cover to reveal the crankshaft, connecting rod, and flywheel inside. "Observe the bearing lubrication. Friction generates heat and consumes energy."

She dipped her finger in a little lubricant and twisted it. "The viscosity of the oil needs to be adapted to the speed and temperature."

"Check the valves again." She pointed to the inlet and exhaust valves. "The timing of opening and closing affects steam utilization."

As she disassembled the machine, she explained each component's function, common faults, impact on efficiency, and areas for improvement. Her movements were as smooth as a butcher dissecting an ox, and she knew the machine's structure like the back of her hand.

The trainees gathered around the workbench, holding their breath and watching her every move intently, afraid of missing a single detail.

"Now, divide into groups." Chu Xiling put down her tools. "Each group will receive a model. Record the status of each part in the order of disassembly. Measure key dimensions. Analyze possible defects and make suggestions for improvement."

The students immediately sprang into action, dividing into groups to collect models and tools. The workshop was filled with the gentle clinking of metal and the hushed murmurs of discussion. Chu Xiling patrolled the groups, sometimes pausing to observe, sometimes leaning over to offer instructions.

"The clearance of the connecting rod bearing here is too large and the shim needs to be adjusted." She stopped beside a group of students and pointed at the crankcase they had disassembled.

"Teacher Chu, how do you calculate the thickness of this gasket?" the student asked.

"We need to measure the existing gap and calculate the required compensation." Chu Xiling picked up the vernier caliper and demonstrated the measurement.

"I understand, thank you, Master Chu." The student hurriedly took notes.

Another group of students were worried about removing a rusted bolt.

Chu Xiling walked over, picked up a small spray bottle, and sprayed a few times of special rust-removing lubricant on the bolts: "Let it sit for a quarter of an hour. Try again."

A quarter of an hour later, the bolt was easily unscrewed.

The students looked admiring.

The sun sets and the practical class is coming to an end.

The trainees have completed disassembly, measurement and preliminary analysis and are compiling a report.

Chu Xiling walked to the front of the podium and said in a cold voice, "What we learned today is more than just disassembling and assembling machines."

The students stopped writing and looked up at her.

"Studying things and applying them to their uses." She glanced at the crowd. "To understand the phenomenon, we must also understand its reason. The steam engine is not a magical object. Its power comes from the interaction of water and fire, its movement comes from the transmission of force, and its effectiveness is limited by heat dissipation, friction, and leakage."

She pointed to the energy flow diagram on the blackboard. "Where does the heat dissipate? What are the friction losses? How can we prevent leakage? These are all measurable improvements in calculations."

"The study of things emphasizes empirical evidence, data, and logic." She picked up a student's measurement record. "This cylinder's inner diameter was measured five times, and the data showed a deviation of 0.02 millimeters. Why?"

The student whose name was called stood up nervously: "Master Hui Chu, maybe the caliper was not vertical when measuring or the reading was wrong."

"How to reduce the error?" Chu Xiling asked.

“Take the average of multiple measurements and calibrate the instrument according to standard operation.” The student answered.

"Good." Chu Xiling nodded. "Studying things is not just empty talk. It requires eyes, hands, and heart. Be meticulous and strive for perfection."

She paused for a moment, her voice still cold, yet with a subtle solemnity: "What you are learning is not for your own future. The construction of tracks, the running of locomotives, the spread of telegraphs, the prosperity of mining and metallurgy all require your efforts. These are the foundations of a strong nation and a rich people. I hope you will live up to your learning."

The students' expressions were solemn, their eyes sparkling. They knew that being admitted to the Institute of Gewu was a great opportunity, but also a heavy responsibility.

As dusk fell, the workshop lit up brightly with gas lamps. Most of the students had already left, but a few particularly diligent ones were still busy writing at their desks in the drawing area or whispering around a model.

Chu Xiling hadn't left. She sat at a desk beside the podium, spread out before her several student-submitted sketches and analysis reports. She carefully reviewed them with a red pen in hand. The soft light from the glass lampshade highlighted her slender, focused silhouette.

"Master Chu," a slightly timid voice called out. It was Chen Mo, the youngest student, who stood hesitantly beside the table, holding a sketch.

Chu Xiling raised her eyes: "What's the matter?"

"The students don't quite understand how to calculate the heat exchange area of ​​the exhaust gas preheater." Chen Mo handed over a sketch densely marked with data and formulas.

Chu Xiling took the sketch and glanced at it: "The formula is correct. But the parameter values ​​are wrong."

She picked up a charcoal pencil and quickly calculated on the draft paper beside her. "The initial exhaust gas temperature T1 should be measured, not estimated. The water flow rate v needs to be calculated based on the pipe diameter and flow rate. The heat transfer coefficient K is related to the material flow rate. Refer to this table."

As she spoke, she listed the clear steps and revised parameter values ​​on the draft paper. Chen Mo stared at the tip of her pen, and the doubt in his eyes gradually dissipated.

"Thank you Master Chu for your guidance." Chen Mo took the revised draft and felt like he had found a treasure.

"I still have questions." Chu Xiling asked.

"No, no more." Chen Mo quickly shook his head and bowed as he retreated.

Chu Xiling continued reviewing the report. She circled calculation errors and marked the correct formulas. She pointed out design flaws and offered suggestions. She circled innovative ideas and wrote "can be further demonstrated."

The annotations are concise and accurate, and the handwriting is elegant and powerful.

"Lord Chu, thank you for your hard work." The workshop manager walked over and whispered, "Dinner is ready. His Highness has sent someone to invite you to return home for dinner."

Chu Xiling paused her pen, looked up at the dark night outside the window, and her cold face remained calm. "Got it. I'll reply as soon as I finish reviewing it."

She lowered her head again and continued to focus on the report in front of her.

Beneath the glass lamp, she stood calm and focused. As the director of the Academy of Gewu, she shouldered the heavy responsibility of cultivating talented scholars for the empire; as Lin Zhen's concubine, she also had to respect the rules of the palace.

However, at this moment, in her heart, the student report in front of her on improving the efficiency of steam engines was far more important than the dinner at the palace.

This focus and responsibility is what she, Chu Xiling, has in her heart. She takes one step at a time on the path of studying things and practices the belief of "studying things and applying them".

The lights flickered and the workshop was silent. Only the rustling sound of the pen tip scratching across the paper could be heard, like the most determined footsteps, echoing clearly on this road of studying things.