Chapter 54 Wuhan Steelworks 2
The host and the guest entered the living room and sat down. Zhang Zhidong was reminded by Sheng Huaixuan's words, or perhaps he saw Deng Zixuan's different attitude, and his attitude changed obviously: "Since Brother Zixuan has some knowledge, it doesn't matter if you talk about it a bit. In my opinion, the Westerners' things are not necessarily that mysterious. I think that our great China has produced many talents, as long as we work hard and wholeheartedly for the imperial court, we will surely achieve twice the result with half the effort!"
Seeing Zhang Zhidong being somewhat absent-minded, Deng Zixuan thought to himself: This gentleman is indeed arrogant, no wonder the historical records say he made a bitter joke. Can't let him look down on himself, must tease his appetite a bit. Having made up his mind, Deng Zixuan stood up and said: "Sir, I'm really sorry. Today I'm exhausted from riding horseback and my body and mind are tired. If sir is willing to listen to the nonsense of a commoner, I'll wait until I've rested and refreshed myself before speaking to sir again." Zhang Zhidong was taken aback upon hearing this, and Sheng Huai Xuan also didn't have any mental preparation, not knowing what kind of trick Deng Zixuan had up his sleeve.
"Haha! Since Brother Zixuan has traveled far and wide, please let him go to the guest room to rest!" Zhang Zhidong reacted quickly. Before Deng Zixuan left, he said: "Your Excellency, building a large steel factory is not easy. The things involved here are the results of foreigners' repeated practice over decades. If we don't understand the knowledge and mysteries of steel smelting, blindly starting work may result in huge losses, or even render all previous efforts useless. Your Excellency, I suggest making a blackboard and using ink to draw on it. I am not talented, but as long as you believe me, I will do my best."
After Deng Zixuan left with his entourage, the atmosphere was a bit awkward. "Brother Zhang, my younger brother is arrogant and proud of his talent, please don't mind." Sheng Huai Xuan hurriedly mediated. "Haha! Your younger brother is indeed extraordinary, I was slow to treat him. According to what your younger brother said, I'd like to hear his views, come on!" A subordinate came in, "Immediately make a blackboard, and tomorrow bring all the officials under our jurisdiction." Sheng Huai Xuan heard this and had no objections to how Deng Zixuan would perform.
In the evening, Deng Zi Xuan declined the invitation to a banquet and had his meal delivered directly to his room. After waking up, he hastily ate and then sat under the lamp to prepare. How to make Zhang Zhidong psychologically let go of his arrogance and face science in a down-to-earth manner was what Deng Zi Xuan needed to do first. Building an iron and steel factory was not difficult for Deng Zi Xuan, as he understood the mistakes Zhang Zhidong had made and just needed to avoid them. However, making Zhang Zhidong accept scientific ideas and understand the essence of modern industry was crucial. If only Zhang Zhidong had been brainwashed earlier, perhaps his achievements would have been even greater.
Deng Zixuan not only wants to overthrow the Qing dynasty, but more importantly, the empire after him must quickly enter the industrial era. Therefore, he must take advantage of the current favorable conditions to build at least an industrial foundation. Deng Zixuan must use his own "ghost hand" to secretly promote and assist. The four great ministers of Wanqing are not just empty names, especially in the wave of the Westernization Movement, they are the backbone of the country. Even a dull court will support them for its own stability. Deng Zixuan firmly believes that with his secret help, they will make fewer mistakes and take fewer detours, thus achieving a leap forward. The outcome is not important; what matters most to Deng Zixuan is that during the process of industrial development, a large number of talents can be cultivated, which is his ultimate goal.
After finishing breakfast, Deng Zixuan took the chalk box and prepared teaching materials into the main hall. At this time, Zhang Zhidong and Sheng Huiyuan were sitting in the host's position, with several officials seated on both sides. After greeting Zhang Zhidong, he said: "Mr. Deng is my guest, he is proficient in foreign languages and familiar with various Western countries. Now that we are planning to build an iron and steel factory, we don't understand the manufacturing skills of foreigners at all. Mr. Deng will explain it to everyone, please listen carefully and feel free to ask questions."
Seeing some officials on the left and right looking disdainful, Deng Zixuan seemed to ignore them and said: "Director Zhang, I'm being presumptuous." Deng Zixuan took out a piece of chalk from the chalk box and quickly wrote the two words "science" on the blackboard. Without hesitation, he said: "What I am going to explain may seem off-topic, but it is closely related to the construction of the steel plant. Please listen carefully. What is science? In simple terms, it is the summary of human beings' struggle with nature. Science means seeking truth from facts, and it means that humans are exploring and utilizing natural laws in a persistent and unyielding manner."
"For example, we build dams to prevent floods, and in the process, we summarize many good experiences that later generations can use to easily complete. This includes scientific categories. What is called science is humanity's correct understanding of nature."
"Can you be more specific about what science is? Don't just repeat what others say!" an official said discontentedly.
Deng Zi Xuan smiled and said: "If you want to truly understand the meaning of science, you must thoroughly understand Western knowledge. The Westerners' understanding of nature has accompanied scientific progress, and they have left us far behind. The ships, clocks, telescopes, and limited telegraphs that have appeared in various Western countries are all products of science. If I were to list them one by one, there would be too many to count. Various Western countries have entered the industrial era, which they call the steam age."
"Are you saying that the foreigners' manufacturing is scientifically produced?" an official asked. "Exactly, in this regard we have to admit that we are backward. But my Chinese nation knows shame and then courage, it's not too late to catch up. I highly admire Mr. Zhang's idea of taking Chinese learning as the foundation and Western learning as the supplement." Zhang Zhidong was already deeply attracted, and upon hearing these words, he was stirred and said: "Mr. Deng, I think our China has hidden dragons and crouching tigers, and Mr. Deng is indeed extraordinary. If the Qing dynasty wants to become a strong country, it must promote the Westernization movement. Honestly learning from various Western countries is the only way out, and the fact proves that isolationism is foolish."
"The great man is indeed all-knowing, standing on his own feet and using the West for China's benefit. I believe that in the near future, the Qing Empire will surely have a new look. The Art of War says, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will not be defeated in a hundred battles.' In our industrialization process, if we do not possess scientific knowledge, it is like a blind man imitating others, and we will make fatal mistakes. Therefore, the popularization of scientific ideas is extremely important." Then Deng Zixian spoke at length, especially about how Western countries developed their scientific systems, how they created an industrial civilization, and how they used modern industry to become powerful nations, providing detailed descriptions.
Deng Zixuan's astonishing words, not to mention Zhang Zhidong and other officials, but even Sheng Huaixian was hearing it for the first time. Everyone was deeply attracted and indulged in it. At noon when eating, Zhang Zhidong was exceptionally excited, and he looked at Deng Zixuan with new eyes: "Sheng younger brother, your younger cousin is a talented pillar of the country, hard to come by. Why don't you let him become an official and serve the imperial court?" Before Sheng Huaixian could respond, Deng Zixuan hastily replied: "Sir, I'm not material for being an official. I've been used to being carefree for a long time, and I'd like to live a life without constraints. My older cousin has advised me many times." "Yes! That's where my younger brother is different from others."
"Zi Xuan, my young brother, is indeed extraordinary and admirable. It seems that I am the one who is being overly cautious. Everyone has their own aspirations, and if Deng Gongzi wants to live a carefree life, that's also a kind of realm. However, I'd like to know, what suggestions do you have regarding the establishment of an iron and steel factory?" Zhang Zhidong asked with a completely deferential attitude.
Deng Zi Xuan thought for a moment before asking in return: "Sir, let me first hear how you plan to establish the iron and steel factory."
Zhang Zhidong replied: "I intend to set up the steel mill in Hanyang and mine in Daye, utilizing the coal from Mashan Mountain to produce coke."
"Sir," Deng Zi Xuan asked, "if we follow your plan, even if the steel mill is built, won't it be unable to produce steel?"
"What's this talk?" Zhang Zhidong was shocked. "As far as I know, the coal produced in Ma'anshan has an extremely high ash content and cannot be used for coking. How can steel be smelt without coke?" "Is this true?" "Sir, the coal from Ma'anshan can be verified with a single test, I can guarantee it with my head!" "Brother Zhang, my younger brother never speaks falsely, I believe him." "I will immediately send someone to verify?"
"Gentlemen, not only that, if the steel plant is located in Hanyang, it will inevitably increase costs to transport iron ore from Daye to Hanyang every day. This will have a negative impact on the long-term production of the steel plant. If the steel plant always loses money, it cannot be sustained. I suggest that the steel plant be built in Daye, where the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."
"This can be considered, but if the coal from Ma'anshan cannot be used for coking, then we'll have big trouble."
"Gentlemen, solving the coking problem is easy. We can use the coal from Pingxiang, Jiangxi, which meets all the standards!"
Zhang Zhidong was overjoyed and said: "It seems that Sheng has great confidence in you, not just superficially. Deng has come prepared. If what you say is true, then we'll proceed accordingly. I'll notify the British to purchase the machinery and survey the site in Daye. What you say makes sense, building the plant in Daye is reasonable!"
"Sir, I agree to purchase the boiler and prepare the factory site simultaneously. However, during the process of purchasing the boiler, there is an important link that must be noted. If the furnace type device is not suitable, it will produce fatal problems."
"What do you mean?"
"As far as I know, British-made boilers are divided into acid open-hearth furnaces and alkaline open-hearth furnaces. The purpose is to use different furnaces for smelting according to different types of iron ore. Daye's iron ore contains too much phosphorus, so it must be smelted with an alkaline open-hearth furnace to remove phosphorus. Otherwise, the steel will contain too much phosphorus and is prone to brittleness, making it completely unusable. Please pay special attention to this point."
Zhang Zhidong was shocked and said, "Mr. Deng, if you don't speak the truth, a great mistake will be made. I'll immediately ask the British to assay the iron ore and coal in Ma'anshan, then decide what kind of boiler to buy. From tomorrow on, Mr. Deng will explain relevant knowledge. It seems that not understanding science is extremely harmful. Now I understand what science is! Brother Huai Xuan, you have an invaluable treasure by your side!"
Half a month later, Deng Zixuan systematically explained how scientific knowledge is widely applied in industrial production, especially the relevant knowledge of steel manufacturing. Zhang Zhidong and other subordinate officials conducted a short-term training, their vision broadened, and they also had a preliminary correct understanding of modern industrial manufacturing. Later, Deng Zixuan accompanied Zhang Zhidong to inspect the Daye Iron Mine and selected the factory site.
More than a month had passed, and the British test results were out, just as Deng Zixuan said without any difference. Zhang Zhidong was shocked and from then on he deeply trusted all of Deng Zixuan's actions. Deng Zixuan personally participated in the planning, personally negotiated with the British, and finally wrote the development outline for the construction of the steel plant himself. Three months had passed, and the steel plant had already started construction, and the purchased machinery was being transported from Britain.
Deng Zixuan was about to leave, and Zhang Zhidong personally saw him off at the dock. It was clear that Zhang Zhidong was reluctant to part with him. "Sir, if you need me, just give the order and I'll come immediately without any hesitation," Deng Zixuan said. "Brother Zixuan, I'm truly reluctant to let you go, but I know your heart is not here. As we are about to part ways, do you have any suggestions?" Zhang Zhidong asked humbly, as if it was a matter of course.
"Sir, I have discussed with Brother Sheng, after the steel mill starts production, if we need to expand our scale, we can replicate the machinery. Currently, the machinery factory has already possessed the production capacity, in terms of industrial equipment, we should transition from purchasing and replicating to designing and manufacturing on our own, ultimately building our own industrial system. We cannot always rely on foreigners; once we are strong enough, we must take an independent path, just as you said, 'using foreign methods for Chinese purposes, with Chinese substance as the foundation'."
Zhang Zhidong was very excited and said, "Mr. Deng is a great talent that no one can match, his insights are unique and penetrating, from now on we must produce our own machinery." "Your Excellency, I will send my disciples to serve as interpreters when I return, and it will be more convenient for you to deal with foreigners in the future. Moreover, I will send two skilled workers who specialize in coking coal, their products are not inferior to those of foreigners, and I can also repay your kindness." The cargo ship sailed away, and Zhang Zhidong stood on the dock for a long time, unwilling to leave. This prominent figure in the industrial salvation movement began his pioneering work that would span an era. Perhaps everyone doesn't know that the steel mill built by Zhang Zhidong is the largest in Asia, with an annual production capacity of 50,000 tons. In contrast, the small steel mill built by Deng Zixuan in Dongguan can only produce more than 2,000 catties (about 1 ton) of steel per month, and the total annual output is only about 24,000 catties (about 10 tons), which is a huge difference.
On the return ship, Sheng Huai Xuan suddenly said: "Zi Xuan younger brother, you are a real person who can't show your true self, and let me admire you again." "Sheng older brother is overpraising, everything I said was written in foreign books, there's nothing to brag about. Didn't you say you were learning foreign languages? How's that going?" "Don't mention it, even saying a few greeting phrases is stumbling, wanting to understand foreign languages is harder than ascending to heaven, forget it, I don't have the energy to learn foreign languages anymore! Coincidentally, I'm going to Tianjin, in Tianjin to set up a textile mill, Zi Xuan younger brother, are you interested in going to Tianjin to relax?"
"Setting up a factory is something you're familiar with, so I won't keep you company." Deng Zixuan refused. Sheng Huai Xuan seemed to remember something and said: "I heard that you've set up a processing workshop in the machine factory, and it's very mysterious, not letting anyone see it. What are you doing?" "Brother Sheng, the machine factory is constantly expanding, and the team of technicians is also growing. Now, technicians are needed everywhere. I'm cultivating technical talents. Some things we must do ahead of time, otherwise, it will affect the development of the machine factory." "Still, my younger brother thinks thoroughly. What do you plan to do when you go back? I don't believe you can stay at home and be idle."
"I'm going to Fujian!" "What are you doing in Fujian?" "It's a secret for now, but when the time comes, you'll be surprised! I promise!" Deng Zixuan seemed to remember something and added: "Brother Sheng, write me a letter of introduction. I want to meet the Governor of Fujian!" "The Governor? Introducing him is no problem, what do you want to see him for?" "To give gifts!" Sheng Huai Xuan was shocked upon hearing this.
