I have already established my power and prestige, so how did Li Shimin come back to life?

Li Chengqian also patiently explained the working principle of the steam engine to the craftsmen in Xianyang many times. However, because this concept was too novel and advanced, it was far from the traditional knowledge system and cognitive scope of the Tang Dynasty craftsmen.

After hearing this, they were completely confused and had no idea how this magical steam engine could be produced.

Later, I finally understood what Li Chengqian meant, but it was limited by the materials and many other reasons.

The steam engine has not yet been invented.

"Mr. Qi, the steam engine must be produced!"

Li Chengqian's words were powerful, without any hesitation or wavering.

Mr. Qi frowned slightly, his face full of helplessness and embarrassment.

"Your Majesty, I have done my best to find solutions and implement the many policies you have implemented."

"But this steam engine is truly a novelty that has never been seen before."

“It will take time to manufacture it.”

"For many years, the Xianyang Industry Department has worked together, constantly exploring and trying, but to this day, this steam engine has not been successfully launched."

"This costs the Qianyu Chamber of Commerce a huge amount of money every year. If it weren't for the fact that this is a project that Your Majesty personally proposed and highly values, given Fatty Lin's cautious and meticulous nature, he would have given up long ago."

Having said that, Mr. Qi sighed.

"Mr. Qi, how advanced is the steam engine of the Xianyang Industry Department now?"

Li Chengqian stared at Mr. Qi with burning eyes.

Mr. Qi raised his head slightly, pondered for a moment, and then slowly said, "According to Cui Dayong's report, the basic concept and design ideas for the steam engine that Your Majesty proposed earlier have been largely realized."

"We have now successfully identified and confirmed the metal materials suitable for manufacturing steam engines, and we have also found a solution to the key problem of high-temperature resistance."

"The most challenging aspects of the transmission and boiler structures have been successfully overcome through the craftsmen's tireless research and repeated experiments."

"There's only one last thorny obstacle left to resolve."

Having said that, Mr. Qi paused slightly and continued with a serious expression.

“The sealing of the cylinder has not been properly and effectively solved.”

"The sealing material currently used is cowhide, but this cowhide will crack and damage after the steam engine runs for a period of time, making it difficult to meet the requirements of long-term stable operation."

"Sealing."

Li Chengqian murmured softly, his brows furrowed, and he fell into deep thought.

When it comes to sealing, the first thing that comes to his mind is rubber.

Rubber is an indispensable key material in the process of industrial development. I didn’t expect that it is now also needed in the manufacture of steam engines.

This rubber is taken from rubber trees, which grow in tropical regions.

Although there are places in the Tang Dynasty where the climatic conditions are suitable for the growth of rubber trees, there are definitely no rubber trees!

"Are the envoys from Johor (now Malaysia) still studying in the Tang Dynasty?"

Li Chengqian's eyes suddenly lit up and he asked anxiously.

"Yes, Your Majesty, the envoys from various countries are now studying diligently in our Tang Dynasty!"

Mr. Qi quickly responded respectfully.

"Alright! Go and call the Johor envoy to me immediately. I know how to solve the sealing problem!"

A long-lost joy appeared on Li Chengqian's face, and his words were full of excitement.

Listening to Li Chengqian's words, a barely perceptible look of shock flashed across Mr. Qi's eyes, but he quickly forced himself to suppress the emotion and returned to his usual composure.

"I will go and call the Johor envoy to Tang Dynasty right away!" Mr. Qi bowed and turned away quickly.

Among the many envoys who gathered in the Tang Dynasty, Ma Zha was just an inconspicuous existence.