Steel Dynasty - Chapter 871
[Chapter 869 The streets are deserted]
In the early morning, with a loud whistle, the entire Qingzhou City was boiling.
After two years of construction, the railway line from Dayu to Laiwu in the south, Kaiping in the north and Dengzhou in the east was officially opened.
The people who heard the news were all excited and went to the station to buy tickets one after another, and the entire station was surrounded by water.
Xiao Ming and a group of officials also arrived at the scene, along with Brandon.
After staying in Qingzhou for a month, Brandon has basically completed the purchase of supplies. There are a total of seventy-five Dutch merchant ships heading to Chongqing this time, all of which are filled with cargo.
“This time the Dutch mission purchased a total of 100 reciprocating steam engines, 16,000 muskets, 70 tons of sugar, 3,000 pieces of porcelain, 9,000 pieces of silk, and 20,000 pieces of cotton…” Li said on the platform. Kaiyuan read this Dutch purchase list to Xiao Ming.
“Tell me the important point, how much money is it in total?” Xiao Ming kept his eyes on the crowded station.
“The total purchase of six million golden dragons.” Li Kaiyuan smiled so hard that he couldn’t see his eyes. This amount is not small.
Xiao Ming nodded with satisfaction. Coupled with the loan obtained from the Netherlands, Da Yu’s finances were now finally rich, especially since the sales of Zhenglu muskets were basically equivalent to the cost of breech-loading rifles.
In this way, his army could successfully equip 16,000 breech-loading rifles from this transaction, and this did not include the transaction with Li Chuyuan.
“Arms and industrial products are really profitable!” Xiao Ming sighed. He finally understood why the contemporary United States is keen on making war profits. It is indeed addictive.
Brandon on the side smiled, and he could see that this visit made the Emperor of Chongqing very satisfied.
“Envoy Brandon, I hope that the friendship between Chongqing and the Netherlands will last forever.” Xiao Ming said.
Brandon was a little flattered, “Of course, of course, this is what we expected.”
As the three of them were talking, the steam locomotive sounded a loud whistle again. At this time, a long line of people holding tickets began to get on the train in an orderly manner.
“Your Majesty, it’s time to get in the car.” Princess Pingyang reminded.
Xiao Ming nodded and made a gesture to Brandon. Bu** looked excited. He straightened his clothes and walked towards the motorcycle.
“Father, let’s go, let’s go!”
Xiao Yi jumped up and down in front, looking impatient. In order to witness this great event, Xiao Ming brought many people here this time, including Luluo and Aster, Cui Xueer and Fei Yue. Son, of course the young Xiao Yi is also indispensable.
In addition, all the important officials of the imperial court also arrived, including Feiji, Pang Yukun, Zhan Xingchang, and even the Kong family father and son, Ge Yiren and others.
Not only that, King Yong, King Huainan and his son, King Runan and others also came to observe.
For Xiao Ming, this is not only the opening of the railway, but also an opportunity to show off his muscles to the outside world.
“Slow down, slow down.” Xiao Ming held Xiao Yi’s hand and said to Princess Pingyang as he walked: “The key work of the Railway Department is to connect the railway lines north of Youzhou, Jinzhou, Raozhou and Liaozhou “Although the barbarians have withdrawn from Guandong, their threat is still great.”
For Xiao Ming, even if Guandong is lost, the barbarians are still the largest nomadic people in the north, and the threat is only relatively reduced, not absolute.
Moreover, a more dangerous enemy after the barbarians had already taken root in the vast land north of Jianzhou. This was Tsarist Russia.
In the past, he was unable to understand the situation north of Jianzhou because of the barbarian obstruction. After occupying Jianzhou this time, he immediately ordered an advance team to be sent to search north.
The news that came back shocked him. In this era, Tsarist Russia penetrated Guandong more deeply than in modern times. They discovered the Tsarist Russian city three hundred miles north of Jianzhou.
This incident attracted great attention from Xiao Ming. He ordered the secret guards to investigate Tsarist Russia’s influence in Siberia, and at the same time began to make plans to retake Siberian land, and the railway was undoubtedly the key to this plan.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Princess Pingyang could see from Xiao Ming’s serious expression that the matter seemed serious.
After reminding Princess Pingyang, Xiao Ming entered the steam engine locomotive. For today’s experience, they reserved the first five carriages.
Entering the steam locomotive, Xiao Ming seemed to have returned to contemporary times. Although the steam locomotive was a bit backward, many of the layouts of the carriages were still the same as modern ones.
After all, it would be much simpler to operate a steam locomotive using modern experience.
“Your Majesty, this is the seat.” Princess Pingyang personally introduced Xiao Ming.
Xiao Ming looked around and saw that the seats of the locomotive were now made of metal frames with brand-new cotton cushions installed on the frames. They looked similar to the seats of contemporary trains.
In the middle of the seat is a small table, which can be used to place some items, and above it is a protruding luggage rack, which is also designed in accordance with contemporary design.
What satisfies Xiao Ming the most is the thickened glass windows of the motorcycle. Sitting at the table, you can have a panoramic view of the scenery outside.
“Very good.” Xiao Ming was very satisfied.
Princess Pingyang breathed a sigh of relief and arranged for Fei Yue’er and others to sit down. She said: “Your Majesty, this steam engine locomotive is equipped with an improved high-temperature and high-pressure steam engine. It can reach a speed of 90 kilometers per hour, and it can reach about 60 kilometers per hour if it is loaded. , so it only takes six hours to get to Dengzhou from Qingzhou. After all, the railway takes many detours, and you need to add coal and water along the way. “
“It takes six hours to get to Dengzhou!” Brandon couldn’t close his mouth in surprise. Oh no, it took him three days to get off the ship in Dengzhou and then to Qingzhou.
Princess Pingyang said proudly: “I never speak big words. You will understand when you get to Dengzhou.”
“Hahaha…” Xiao Ming was in a good mood. He hugged Xiao Yi and said: “Yier, when we get to Dengzhou , Father will take you to eat the most beautiful seafood.”
The officials in the carriage all laughed when they heard this. They were all very excited at this time, because this was really incredible.
While everyone was chatting, it was time for the locomotive to set off. With a loud whistle, the locomotive began to move forward slowly.
“The power is moving.” Xiao Yi clapped his little hands happily.
Outside the window, the station was retreating, and huge cheers rang out from the crowded platform.
Xiao Ming, who was sitting by the window, was recognized by the people, and they began to shout: “Long live my emperor, long live, long live!”
Xiao Ming waved through the car window. Undoubtedly, for the people of Qingzhou, today is the same. On an exciting day, the sleeping lion of Dayu finally began to wake up.
Amidst the cheers, the locomotive speed became faster and faster. At this time, the carriage became quiet, and everyone began to enjoy the scenery along the way and indulge in it.
Three hours later, the locomotive stopped slowly at the Laizhou platform, added water and coal, and set off again to Dengzhou.
(End of chapter)
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