Iron Dynasty Chapter 1074

Qingzhou.

The Emperor, Xiao Ming, was meticulously examining the year-end reports from the various imperial departments. Since the implementation of the pivotal five-year plan, the foremost duty at year's end involved scrutinizing its successful execution.

“Your Majesty, following the inception of the five-year plan, twenty-six upper prefectures, including Dengzhou, Youzhou, Jinzhou, Xuzhou, Jinling, Songjiang, Suzhou, Lin’an, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou, have successfully completed their thermal power plants. Considering the nation possesses a total of 127 upper prefectures, establishing thermal power plants in all of them within the five-year timeframe should present no significant challenge.”

Within the resplendent Zhengda Guangming Hall, Su Liangcai, representing the Ministry of Electricity, presented the advancements in thermal power plant construction.

He then elaborated on the year-end report. “Furthermore, the Ministry of Electricity has achieved notable progress in hydropower generation this year. The Tuo River dam, currently under construction, incorporates a dedicated section for hydropower generation. Regarding the widespread adoption of electricity, eighty percent of Qingzhou's populace now benefits from electrical service in their homes. The remaining twenty percent reside in remote locales, necessitating the eventual extension of main power lines. In the industrial sphere, all factories within the industrial zone have transitioned to utilizing electrical machinery. The sole drawback is that the Ministry of Electricity continues to operate at a deficit, with only Qingzhou managing to achieve a break-even point.”

Xiao Ming, holding his own copy of Su Liangcai’s year-end summary, conveyed his approval with a nod. “The successful completion of the first year's objectives is highly commendable. However, electricity remains in its nascent stages of development, and a considerable undertaking lies ahead. As for profitability, you need not concern yourself at this juncture. The construction of power infrastructure is currently in an intensive phase, making profitability improbable. The imperial court shall absorb these operational losses.”

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Su Liangcai replied, exhaling a subtle sigh of relief. He had successfully navigated this crucial assessment, ensuring a pleasant New Year ahead.

For imperial officials, the year-end summary represented the most daunting period. Any departmental shortcomings could cast a shadow over their festive New Year celebrations.

Su Liangcai made his way back to his post. Subsequently, Princess Pingyang was called to present her report.

In contrast to her former alluring demeanor, the current Princess Pingyang exuded an air of enhanced capability. Having helmed the Ministry of Railways for several years, the intricate responsibilities had endowed her with substantial experience.

“Your Majesty, by the close of this year, the Empire's operational railway network has expanded to a total of five thousand kilometers. The primary arteries connecting north to Yakutsk, south to Jinling, east to Dengzhou, and west to Chang’an are now fully established. The Ministry of Railways is presently engaged in constructing branch lines to interlink these major routes, thereby completing the comprehensive railway network. The singular impediment remains the insurmountable Yangtze River, preventing direct north-south rail connectivity,” Princess Pingyang stated.

Xiao Ming offered a slight nod. His ascent began in Qingzhou, and he initially unified the northern territories, leading to an concentration of industrial development there, while the south lagged comparatively.

Yet, with the Empire's unification and its projected maritime dominance, the nation's current imperative was the establishment of coastal commercial ports, particularly in the southern regions.

Consequently, the vital challenge confronting the Empire now was the seamless integration of north-south logistics.

Although he frequently yearned for the modern marvel of the Yangtze River Bridge, he recognized that the Empire's contemporary architectural prowess was insufficient for such a monumental undertaking.

Therefore, after careful deliberation, he opted for a pragmatic compromise.

With this resolution in mind, he summoned Zhang Liang, who promptly stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty.”

Xiao Ming inquired, “What is the progress on the railway ferry that I commissioned your shipyard to research? At present, it is the sole method for steam locomotives to traverse the Yangtze River.”

In the era preceding the construction of bridges over the Yangtze River, once trains were introduced, this type of railway ferry became indispensable for north-south rail transit.

Historically, as early as 1850, Great Britain employed railway ferries across the Firth of Forth in Scotland. Even today, numerous countries worldwide continue to utilize this form of transport.

For nations characterized by numerous islands and a lack of sea-spanning bridges, railway ferries are a necessity.

In essence, a railway ferry involves installing railway tracks onto a colossal ferry. These tracks on the ferry can then be aligned and connected with the land-based railway lines. When a train needs to cross a river, it is simply driven onto the tracks situated on the ferry.

By placing a train aboard a ferry, it could then be transported across expanses of water, whether sea or river. However, the crucial prerequisite for establishing such a railway ferry system was the mastery of steamship technology.

Previously, Xiao Ming had kept this matter unmentioned due to the absence of the necessary technology. Now that ironclad technology had reached maturity, there were no longer any significant technological hurdles preventing the construction of large-scale railway ferries.

"Your Majesty, I must report that the undertaking of constructing a railway ferry is by no means less complex than that of the King-Class ironclad. Although we have indeed grasped the technology required for railway ferries, the initial batch will still require one full year to complete. By this time next year, it should pose no issue," Zhang Liang stated with a bow.

Princess Pingyang exclaimed in astonishment, "A railway ferry! I never could have conceived of such a marvel. If this is achievable, then the railway expansion across the southern territories can certainly be expedited."

"Precisely, you need no longer harbor any concerns about this," Xiao Ming replied with a smile.

Princess Pingyang acknowledged his words and then rejoined the assembly.

Xiao Ming, however, did not dismiss Zhang Liang, instead continuing his inquiry, "What is the current status of the Empire's shipyard construction?"

"Your Majesty, the construction of the major shipyards located in Bisha City, Dengzhou, Jinling, Songjiangkou, Lin’an, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou has reached a completion rate of sixty percent. Forty-two of these facilities are ready for production, each possessing the capacity to construct ironclads. Furthermore, in accordance with our directives, sixty-five additional medium and small-sized shipyards are slated to commence operations by year's end, and they will be equipped to build all manner of mid-sized and minor commercial steamships," Zhang Liang detailed.

This data met with Xiao Ming's approval. With the Empire facing virtually no adversaries on land, the paramount objective now was securing dominion over global trade routes, underscoring the immense importance of naval power.

It was for this very reason that substantial financial resources had been channeled into shipyard development, alongside the critical task of cultivating shipbuilding expertise.

"In that case, commencing next year, these shipyards will be authorized to construct commercial steamships for sale to the Empire's merchants. The substantial investments made in shipyards throughout these years must now begin to yield returns," Xiao Ming declared.

"As Your Majesty commands," Zhang Liang responded.

Having absorbed the reports from these three individuals consecutively, Xiao Ming's attention turned towards Yang Chengye. As the official overseeing the Empire's industry and commerce, he was the designated point of contact for matters concerning factories and banks, obviating the need to consult with each respective department head individually.

Sensing Xiao Ming's gaze upon him, Yang Chengye stepped forward, a substantial report clutched in his hands.

He offered a brief, apologetic glance to the assembled ministers. "My report may prove somewhat lengthy. I shall endeavor to be as concise as possible," he stated.

Clearing his throat, he continued, "The establishment formerly known as Qingzhou Bank has now been officially redesignated the Imperial Central Bank. Its operational functions have been clearly delineated; henceforth, all banking institutions across the Empire shall operate under the direct purview of the Imperial Central Bank."