Chapter 986: Chapter 984: Shi Yin’s Insight
Ye Xinyan is well-traveled and knowledgeable, but that doesn’t mean others aren’t surprised.
Neither Jinrong nor the others had ever seen, nor could they imagine, such a self-moving thing; they instinctively sat up straight, watching the craftsman carry in an iron box.
The box wasn’t large, but judging by the craftsman’s hold, it seemed somewhat heavy.
Shi Yin sought Jinrong’s permission to place the box on the table in the front of the hall.
The lid and corners of the box had latches; after lifting the lid, nothing was removed, but the corner latches were also opened.
A small steam engine model fixed on an iron plate was revealed.
Unlike a typical steam engine model, the power output from this small model was transmitted via a crankshaft and connecting rods to a disk, upon which stood a thumb-sized, vividly carved wooden monkey.
Jinrong, Hu Jing, and Jiang Yifan all hurried to see the novelty, crowding beside the table. Jiang Yifan was particularly eager to see what Ye Xinyan claimed could change the fate of the Central Plains—what kind of astonishing thing it was.
On the other side of the table, near the steam engine, Wong Qiao was adding water to a small iron canister of the steam engine.
Hongzhi, Shi Yu, and several attendants stood in place, yet impatiently craned their necks and stood on tiptoe, peering through heads and gaps.
Jinrong studied the iron device, which, despite its simple structure and connected jars, couldn’t fathom how it might move.
He raised his eyes and asked Shi Yin, “Master Shi, is this small thing the movable apparatus? Does it drive that disk to spin?”
Shi Yin twirled his goatee with pride, giving Jinrong a sideways glance, and arrogantly said: “Your Highness, don’t underestimate this disk. Our set-up is minimal, and the machine is small; if its strength was sufficient, it could move very heavy things.
From my point of view, its uses are vast. Not only could it blow air into an Iron-smelting Furnace, but if paddle blades were positioned head-to-head, the steam engine could power ships with great force.”
Jiang Yifan had heard Ye Xinyan discuss similar matters before; although he couldn’t easily envision such scenes, he understood that Shi Yin’s idea was feasible.
Yet Jinrong and Hu Jing were puzzled: “What?” Isn’t this for blowing into a Smelting Furnace? What’s the connection to ships? They’re unrelated things, aren’t they?
Ye Xinyan, while in Clear Water Village, greatly revered Shi Yin’s mechanisms and ingenious devices. Hearing him speak of this idea now, she felt relieved. She needed someone who could discover the uses of the steam engine. If everything had to come from her, not only would the mental strain of finding excuses be exhausting, but also very dangerous.
Once this thing is made, its wide-ranging uses will shock the world. For a woman raised in the inner chambers to take the lead, such careless actions might bring suspicion.
With Shi Yin’s prior suggestion, Ye Xinyan’s remarks appeared naturally inspired by Shi Yin.
She added, “If two head-to-head paddles can be made, why not add more blades to form a wheel? That would stabilize the force pushing against water waves, making the speed more frequent and quicker.”
Wong Qiao, who was sealing the model canister, paused: Yes, they had previously discussed Master Shi’s idea, but Ye Zi’s addition greatly improved the ship’s propulsion components.
Shi Yin reacted quickly, slapping the table as he exclaimed, “That’s right.”
In his excitement, the table slap was considerable, startling the dazed crowd.
Shi Yin’s enthusiasm didn’t wane; he eagerly asked Jinrong, “Your Highness, do you have paper and pen here? I must sketch what Lady Qi described. I’m getting old; if I accidentally forget, what should I do?” He wasn’t afraid of forgetting; he was itching to see the component’s shape at once.
This was a place for genuine mechanical research; paper and pen were certainly available, and Shi Yin was used to sketching. With pen and paper brought, a few strokes quickly outlined the shape of an Impeller.
Shi Yin studied the Impeller, adjusted, and smeared over unsuitable parts, then changed paper and drew again until satisfied, nodding to himself, having completely forgot his surroundings.
Jinrong couldn’t discern the Impeller’s details; curious, he watched Shi Yin’s expression and asked, “Master Shi, does this mean the thing can propel a ship?”
Shi Yin returned from his thoughts, still brimming with satisfaction and pride, saying, “Not only can it propel a ship, but if steam engines were used onboard, the speed of our Celestial Empire’s ships would fly like the wind. In war or navigation, they’d be invincible.”
Ye Xinyan and Jiang Yifan exchanged glances, recalling the sturdy ships and powerful artillery indelibly etched into her mind from her past life. Shi Yin’s description was precise. In that past life, it belonged to the West; maybe here, it would reveal a different future.
Shi Yin continued answering Jinrong, his gaze moving emotionally towards Ye Xinyan, sighing, “You, this little girl, how does your brain come up with ideas? We craftsmen usually mull over things for a lifetime without necessarily finding the key. You speak a casual comment, and the crucial element emerges—it truly amazes people.”
Ye Xinyan was taken aback, wondering if speaking in agreement meant a casual remark could cause such extraordinary admiration.
This… showing off before experts indeed carries risks; this isn’t some small village in Yuyuan Prefecture, and steam engines aren’t ordinary devices; she must be more cautious in the future.
Ye Xinyan chuckled dryly twice, saying, “Master Shi, you flatter me. I merely felt moved by your words, casually remarking. The rare thing is, you drew it at once; that’s the truly remarkable aspect.”
Her words were entirely sincere. The wisdom of ancient workers was truly awe-inspiring.
The previous context wasn’t about lacking ancestor wisdom, but society failing to provide an environment for craftsmanship and artisans to thrive, causing many items to only appear in historical records without continuity or development.
If societal conditions were favorable, the craftsmanship industry in the Central Plains might have already soared.
Wong Qiao looked at Shi Yin’s Impeller design, feeling satisfied, then focused on tinkering with the steam engine model. He sealed the canister, took several oil lamp wick iron slots at the bottom, and looked at Ye Xinyan, asking for confirmation to begin.
Ye Xinyan seized the chance to change the subject: “Yes, yes, let’s watch the machine and see how the monkey starts moving. Your Highness, what do you think?”
If Shi Yin spoke any more, she wouldn’t be able to recover.
Jinrong and Hu Jing were immersed in the great benefits of the ship’s speed, but Ye Xinyan’s question brought them back, “Yes, let’s see how the steam engine works.”