The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

"They brought me some strange and unusual gadgets from over there this time. I think this little thing is quite good; it can even tell time."

As Jiajing spoke, he took out a brass-colored metal ball with a chain hanging from it.

"They call this thing the Nuremberg Egg, that's a really weird name."

As Jiajing spoke, he activated a mechanism in the middle of the metal ball. The metal ball popped open with a ding, revealing a hollowed-out hemisphere on top. Inside, a spherical dial protruded when opened. At the top of the dial was a relatively small circular plane with Roman numerals engraved on it, representing the hour.

There are no minute or second hands on the dial, only an hour hand.

Zhou Chu stared at the object before him, momentarily dazed. These memories, though distant, suddenly became clear again.

Isn't this the Nuremberg Egg pocket watch produced in Germany? Although it is a pocket watch, it is called the Nuremberg Egg because of its spherical shape and the fact that it was born in Nuremberg.

This thing was probably created more than 20 years ago. At first, it was mostly made of iron, but the one in Jiajing's hand was clearly made of brass, obviously used by the local nobles.

As the first pocket watch, the Nuremberg Egg certainly had many problems, such as accuracy, the need for frequent winding, and time calibration. In the Ming Dynasty, calibrating the time was not an easy task. Of course, if one did not pursue such high accuracy, it would be very simple.

"You like this weighing scale? Here you go."

Looking into Zhou Chu's eyes, Jiajing understood Zhou Chu's thoughts perfectly, and directly placed the Nuremberg egg in front of Zhou Chu.

"I do like it, but I cannot take away what others love."

Zhou Chu looked at the pocket watch in front of him with some reluctance and said.

With this pocket watch, it will be much easier to tell the time in the future, unlike before when I could only guess the time.

"Take it, I have more here. Why would they only send one?"

As Jiajing spoke, he took out another Nuremberg egg, which was still made of brass.

"Then I shall accept it without being impolite."

As Zhou Chu spoke, he picked up the pocket watch.

For Zhou Chu now, gold and silver treasures are plentiful, and he also has a large collection of famous paintings and calligraphy in his own storeroom. Only rare yet practical items can make Zhou Chu so fond of them.

"I will have the artisans of the Southern Garrison study it and strive to innovate. With more of these, the time will be easier to calibrate."

Zhou Chu said, fiddling with the pocket watch in his hand.

"That's a good idea."

Jiajing laughed.

After leaving the palace, Zhou Chu did not rush home, but instead went to the Southern Garrison Command.

When Hai Rui and the others, who were busy with their work, saw Zhou Chu arrive, they hurriedly put down their pens.

"The student has met the teacher."

Hai Rui and the others bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities, please continue with your work."

Zhou Chu sat to the side, took a cup of tea from the waiting Imperial Guard, took a sip, and said.

Zhou Chu knew very well that the biggest taboo in what Hai Rui and others were doing was to interrupt their train of thought. Once the train of thought was interrupted, it was very difficult to resume it, and even if it was resumed, it would take a long time.

"Students obey."

After Hai Rui and the others finished speaking, they resumed their discussion. Zhou Chu was in no hurry, drinking his tea and waiting quietly.

About an hour later, Hai Rui and the others finished a phase of their work and came to Zhou Chu.

"I wonder what brings you here, Master?"

Hai Rui said respectfully.

"It's nothing major. Recently, the Franks sent His Majesty a nautical chart. It shows a continent that is far away from the Ming Dynasty, more than ten thousand miles away. But that continent is rich in resources and is a gift from heaven to our Ming Dynasty. Therefore, His Majesty plans to send a fleet to explore the route first. I will ask His Majesty for some shipbuilding craftsmen from the Maritime Trade Office and the Baoyuan Bureau. You can discuss with them and design the blueprints for the ironclad warships first, leaving space for the steam engine."

Zhou Chu looked at his students and said.

As the saying goes, everyone has their own expertise. Hai Rui and others were extremely proficient in physics and mathematics, but when it came to designing ships, it was not their forte. Therefore, Zhou Chu planned to send the craftsmen in charge of this field from the Maritime Trade Office and the Baoyuan Bureau to the Southern Garrison to design the most suitable warship blueprints according to the needs of Hai Rui and others.

Hai Rui and the others' eyes lit up when they heard this. They had been looking forward to the ironclad warship project for a long time. However, because the steam engine was not yet mature enough, it would need to be updated and iterated to power such a large ironclad warship. Therefore, they had been working on the research of the steam engine for some time.

"The students will certainly do their utmost."

Hai Rui and Yang Shengzhai, who were at the forefront, said with great excitement.

"Also, you all need to take care of your health. Don't work day and night. I've heard Governor He say this several times already. If you people stay up all night every day, your bodies won't be able to take it in the long run. As the saying goes, sharpening your axe won't delay your work. Sometimes you need to rest more, clear your mind, and you might come up with some new ideas."

Zhou Chu looked at Hai Rui and the others in front of him and sighed.

After saying this, Zhou Chu waved his hand towards the outside, and a group of Imperial Guards carried in a box of tonics. These were all rare and precious items, including century-old ginseng and various other valuable medicinal herbs.

"These are all top-quality medicinal herbs that His Majesty specially asked me to bring to you. However, you can't just take them indiscriminately. I'll have Shao Hui come over later to give you a proper check-up. Use whatever medicine is appropriate for you. Don't take your youth for granted."

Zhou Chu said somewhat reproachfully.

Shao Hui was the Imperial Guard who was knowledgeable in medicine. He had previously impersonated a doctor at Xia Yan's residence and had even taught Shen Lian how to prepare poisons.

These medicinal herbs were indeed specially ordered by Jiajing to be taken by Zhou Chu before he left the Imperial Study. Now, Hai Rui and others are not only treasures in Zhou Chu's eyes, but also precious treasures in Jiajing's eyes. Jiajing is afraid that these people will suffer any harm.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty and teacher."

Hai Rui and the others expressed their gratitude.

"During my trip to Southern Zhili, I discussed with Mr. Yangming the issue of recruiting students specializing in the study of natural philosophy. Before long, the next batch of students studying natural philosophy will arrive in the capital. At that time, you should send some of yourselves to teach them. The study of natural philosophy cannot be passed down by just a few of you."

Zhou Chu continued.

"The teacher is right. Sometimes we often get stuck in a dead end. The more people study the study of things, the more we can pool our wisdom."

Yang Shengzhai agreed wholeheartedly.

"Alright, you can continue with your work, just don't stay up too late. From now on, you can work until noon at the latest, and no later than 9 PM."

Zhou Chu said with a straight face.

The Wu hour ends around 9 PM, and then it's the Hai hour.

Zhou Chu knew very well that given Hai Rui and others' studious nature, it was practically impossible for them to leave work earlier. This time was just right, ensuring they could rest without getting too tired, while also allowing them enough time for their research.

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui and the others looked distressed, but they knew that their teacher meant well and could not voice their objections.