After several discussions, Zhang Yanling initially established the idea of designing a new generation of warships based on the Sanbao Ship and integrating some characteristics of Fuchuan and Guangzhou Shipments. Of course, this idea was secretly scorned by the experts who participated in the discussion, thinking that it was
Tossing around.
Zeng Jian and others believed that the Ming Dynasty's existing shipbuilding technology and large-scale ship blueprints were sufficient, and there was no need to spend time redesigning new ships that "combine the strengths of various companies." This was also an unrealistic idea.
It's very simple. A mature large ship must have been verified by many voyages to ensure all aspects of performance, including stability, wave-breaking, maneuverability and speed. A large ship must have gone through many trials before it can take shape.
The verification of success and failure is not just words.
Zhang Yanling is not unaware of this. According to Zeng Jian, although Zheng He's treasure ship was damaged, the design blueprints were hidden by the Ministry of Industry and could be copied. Therefore, copying the large Zheng He treasure ship is the fastest and most achievable way.
Zhang Yanling actually liked the majesty and courage of Zheng He's treasure ship, but the problem was that what he wanted was not just a majestic, tall and imposing ship, but a battleship capable of fighting.
First of all, the ship must be large enough, because a large number of Tiger Howling Cannons and various firearms and crossbows need to be aboard. Not only does it require operating space, but it also requires a large number of manpower to carry a large amount of ammunition and supplies. The load-bearing capacity must be sufficient.
Secondly, the operational flexibility of the ship must be good. Although it cannot shuttle like a flying fish, flexible actions, pursuit and avoidance are necessary in combat. Warships that rely on manpower and wind power to control traveling are weak in this aspect. However, when fighting the enemy
When fighting, you don't care about your objective limitations. You need to consider these factors comprehensively.
You must know that this is a voyage to a strange overseas land and a large-scale robbery. If you can't fight, wouldn't you go out to deliver food and serve as cannon fodder? You have already formed a rift with the Folangji people. Once you go to sea, fight for it.
Maritime trade routes, fighting them is almost inevitable.
The other is the protective nature of the ship. Traditional wooden ships are too fragile and can be easily damaged in the case of firearms combat. Even though the Ming Dynasty had watertight cabin technology, it was of little use under artillery bombardment. Therefore, improving the overall protection
Sex, making the big ship more durable, is also Zhang Yanling’s focus.
This idea was also supported by Xu Gao. What Zhang Yanling meant was whether it was possible to escort ships like humans. Changes in the materials of shipbuilding could be made. For example, thin steel plates could be forged from fine steel and rivets could be used to infiltrate the hull.
It is equivalent to putting iron armor on a wooden ship. That is a real iron-armored warship.
In terms of smelting technology, Xu Gao said that there is no problem. But in terms of shipbuilding technology, it needs to be verified. Whether the method that has been thought up in the head is suitable for practical application. What are the consequences? These are not just conjectures.
It can be done.
Of course, one guiding idea remains unchanged. Only by building a powerful warship navy can we gain the upper hand and advantage in naval battles. Think more, make more use of the advantages at hand, try more, and be more open-minded.
Not a bad thing.
As the saying goes, sharpening the knife will save you from chopping wood. This is definitely something worth spending time preparing for.
In view of this, Zhang Yanling decided to send someone out to inspect. Xu Gao was the best candidate. Zhang Yanling asked him to go to Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard to inspect the shipbuilding facilities and sites for him, and invited local shipbuilding craftsmen to brainstorm ideas.
In addition, Zhang Yanling sent Huo Shijian and Tian Dongxin back to Guangdong to visit local shipbuilding workshops. He spent a lot of money to hire local experienced shipwrights and shipbuilding masters to come out and join them at Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard.
There was a general in the army who was from Fujian, and Zhang Yanling also asked him to go back to his hometown and invite skilled local shipbuilders from Fujian to the Longjiang Shipyard for discussions.
At the same time, Zhang Yanling collected all the manufacturing design drawings of various large ships of the Ming Dynasty in the Hubu Pavilion, and handed them to Xu Gao to take to Nanjing Longjiang Shipyard for discussion and research.
Originally, Zhang Yanling wanted to go there in person, but because Zhu Qingyi was about to give birth, Zhang Yanling could not leave and had to stay in the capital.
Zhu Qingyi's due date has come, and her belly is scary. Tan Ruqing comes to accompany her every day, because she will give birth at any time. She has stomachaches several times, but they are all false alarms. It makes her nervous.
Day after day, until the evening of the second day of October, after the expected date of delivery was postponed for more than ten days, Zhu Qingyi finally showed signs of giving birth. Tan Ruqing took Xiaozhu to deliver the baby in person, and Zhu Qingyi cried heartbreakingly in the room.
, in the yard, Zhang Yanling was pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pot, sighing and blaming herself.
After a long ordeal, the sound of a child crying was heard in the house, and Tan Ruqing exclaimed in surprise: "Here's the baby, there's another little father-in-law. I'm going to be your godmother."
Zhang Yanling rushed up the steps and wanted to go into the house to take a look, but was stopped by Xiao Zhu at the door.
"It hasn't been cleaned yet. Why are you so anxious, sir? Really. Just stay outside."
Zhang Yanling had no choice but to retreat to the courtyard, stretched his neck and looked around, feeling quite emotional.
Originally, the child's arrival was an accident. But when the child's cries reached the yard, Zhang Yanling was so excited that she almost shed tears. Although Zhu Qingyi was stubborn, she gave birth to a son for herself after all. There was no need for this hardship.
explain.
If a woman is willing to give birth to a child for a man, it is definitely true love. What's more, in Zhu Qingyi's status and situation, she has made great sacrifices. Zhang Yanling secretly made up her mind that she must not treat Zhu Qingyi badly and find a way to give her to him.
It's her status.
The night after learning the news, Xu Wanyi, Axiu Youtang and others all went to Zhengnanfang to visit. Zhu Qingyi lay on the bed with a tired and happy face, and the child was sleeping soundly next to him, looking exactly like a little Zhang Yanling.
Tan Ruqing is the godmother, and the longevity lock gold bracelet and other items have been hung on the child's neck. Xu Wanyi gave tiger-head shoes and tiger-head hat inlaid with jade. Axiu and Xu Youtang also gave gifts to the little guy.
Only a few hours after he was born, he was already wearing gold and silver and was extremely wealthy. He looked like a little rich man.
That night, Zhang Yanling stayed overnight in Zhengnanfang.
At night, after the extremely tired Zhu Qingyi woke up, she saw Zhang Yanling sitting next to the child and looking at the child in a daze, and she laughed unconsciously.
"What are you looking at, sir? They all say the child looks like you, do you think he does?"
Zhang Yanling sighed: "What's the benefit of being like me? His mother has sacrificed so much for me, but I still can't marry her. This child is still an illegitimate child. I really can't help you two."
Zhu Qingyi said angrily: "What nonsense are you talking about? A child has a father and a mother, what kind of illegitimate child is it? You love me, is it an affair and stealing someone else? You are not allowed to say such things."
Zhang Yanling quickly apologized and appeased her. He explained: "I'm just blaming myself and thinking about how to get you to marry me. Otherwise, will this child's surname be Zhu or Zhang? How can you show your face with this child?"
Zhu Qingyi was stunned and said softly: "It's enough for you to have this heart. There will be a solution to this matter. I will give birth to this child. I will bear whatever I have to endure in the future. I am not afraid.
If you are afraid of being known, the child will have my last name."
Zhang Yanling smiled bitterly and said, "When you say that, I feel even more ashamed. I have already thought of the name of the child. It is called Zhang Chi. It means relaxation with moderation, and because he came late, he tortured her mother for more than ten days."
.What do you think?”
Zhu Qingyi said happily: "What a good name. Is your surname Zhang? When people ask about his father, what should I say?"
Zhang Yanling gritted his teeth and said: "You need to say? He is my son, Zhang Yanling. If it doesn't work, I will go to the emperor to ask for a special decree and ask the emperor to allow me to marry you. In ancient times, there was a minister named Jia Yi, who married two wives.
As a legitimate wife, why can’t I?”
Zhu Qingyi smiled and said: "Of course you can. It's just that we have to do something big right now, so why make a fuss and attract criticism? We'll talk about it later. I can't thank you enough for your heart. In fact, for me, getting married is
It doesn't matter whether I marry you or not, I don't care about my status. If you have us as a couple in your heart, then we will be."
Zhang Yanling sighed and was speechless, thinking: "You can be indifferent, but this kid is not. People without status these days will be looked down upon in the future. How can my son, Zhang Yanling, be so shameless?"