Chapter 69

Qin Tongren had a braid, and the comrades at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau also had braids. Chen Ke had always been hesitant to ask a question: Is it safe to operate a lathe with a braid?

Chen Ke grew up in the family compound of a diesel engine factory. The female workers in the metalworking shop also had braids. Long hair in a ponytail was not allowed to operate a lathe. At that time, boys' short, messy hair was not popular, so the female workers also found it difficult. If the hair couldn't be tied up, the strands would often fall in front of their eyes, hindering work. Long hair was also troublesome to tie up. According to the workshop rules, long hair must be tucked inside the work uniform. The examples of female workers' long hair getting caught in the machinery, resulting in terrible injuries, were truly unbearable to see. However, seeing Qin Tongren and the other workers with braids, Chen Ke felt very uneasy. How did they manage during work?

Clearly, Chen Ke was overthinking. When the design drawings were being made, the workers were divided into two groups, one for design and the other to follow Chen Ke to make the beehive bricks. Making the beehive bricks was not difficult; there was a brick kiln near the factory, and several batches of beehive bricks were quickly fired. These tasks did not require much attention to braids.

When it was time to start work, everyone skillfully coiled their braids around their necks and secured the ends with hairpins. This was a solution. Chen Ke's attempt to persuade everyone to cut their braids was in vain. Not only that, but the comrades worked well and, in just four days, the equipment was basically completed. The steel frame was replaced with a wooden one, making it much larger. The multi-hole large steel hammer became an iron-clad wooden hammer, weighted with stones. Seeing the comrades transform his original design into a new, Chinese-style design, Chen Ke was speechless.

During these days, Chen Ke organized the comrades' lives according to the new factory management model, which meant getting up at 7:30 AM, doing ten minutes of group calisthenics, and then washing up together. There was no toothpaste in those days, so they used cloth to brush their teeth. After the factory's beehive coal stove was repaired, boiling water became much easier. Everyone took turns cooking three meals a day. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, breakfast was noodle soup, steamed buns, and pickles. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, it was millet porridge, pickles, and steamed buns. Lunch was steamed buns and stir-fried dishes, with four dishes and a soup, one of which must be a meat dish. Dinner was reheated leftovers from lunch, plus a soup.

After breakfast, work started at 8:30 AM. Before starting, they sang "We Workers Have Strength" twice. When teaching this song, everyone felt a bit awkward. However, once they learned it, the comrades immediately fell in love with it. At first, they only sang it before work, but by the second day, some started singing it during breaks. By the third day, everyone was singing it in the evenings. "We workers have strength, hey! We workers have strength! Working hard every day, hey! Working hard every day..."

Listening to this passionate and heroic song echoing in the dormitory, Chen Ke believed the saying, "People need a bit of spirit." These comrades with braids were enough to prove this.

Leaving aside the braid issue, if a 21st-century young man were asked, "Do you like the Qing Dynasty?" more than 95% would clearly say, "No." This dynasty, which began with slaughter and surrendered to foreign powers, quietly disappeared. Even the few remaining Manchu loyalists lamented that while the Ming Dynasty's fall was like a raging fire, the Qing Dynasty's fall was like dust and soil. The officials, army, and gentry, who were once the pillars of the country, all abandoned the Qing. If the Qing were destroyed by a powerful organization like the Chinese Communist Party, perhaps it would have left some face for the Qing. However, the Xinhai Revolution, which started with a few unknown people in the Wuchang Uprising, and who later did not become famous, led to the Qing's collapse. The Qing regime was thrown into the historical trash heap like dog feces.

Like any ordinary history enthusiast, Chen Ke sighed at the fall of the Ming Dynasty but felt joy at the fall of the Qing. In this mood, he despised the officials and pillars of the Qing era. Chen Ke sometimes thought that anyone with a braid on their head was not worth admiring. Dying for a rotten regime was not something to be praised. However, he could not despise Qin Tongren. He could not despise the comrades at the Tianjin Machinery Bureau.

These comrades were truly good people. They loved their work, their country, and had fought against foreign invaders. If they were not Qing subjects but citizens of the Republic, they would have been heroes.

Perhaps his understanding of the world was wrong. In every era, people's pursuit of "equality and happiness" should be the same. The only difference was the era itself. Perhaps this was the real reason Chen Ke felt everything was going wrong recently.

As if to confirm Chen Ke's self-criticism, after the equipment was basically completed, Qin Tongren suddenly asked Chen Ke to go with him to receive a machine. A used steam engine had been transported by train. Apart from the steam engine knowledge he learned from textbooks, Chen Ke had no practical experience. His only experience was helping his father shovel coal into the boiler when he was a child. Growing up, he had traveled with his father during summer and winter breaks, and he had paid a bit of a fee by playing this coal-shoveling game.

Looking at this almost dilapidated steam engine, Chen Ke didn't know whether to ask, "Can this machine work?" or "Mr. Qin, why did you spend so much money on this?"

"Chen Ke, I didn't spend much. This machine has been scrapped for over two years. I only paid a few dozen taels of silver for it," Qin Tongren said calmly.

"Is it easy to repair?" Despite his many thoughts, Chen Ke could only manage to ask this.

Qin Tongren didn't say anything more. He directed people to load the machine onto a specially made heavy-duty ox cart. More than twenty strong young men first tied the machine with ropes, then, like lifting a large sedan chair, they used levers to lift it. With a shout, over twenty people exerted their strength together and managed to lift the ton-heavy steam engine. Of course, even with over twenty young men, it was impossible to transport the steam engine from the train station to the factory. Not far away, a widened and reinforced four-wheeled ox cart was waiting.

Other ox carts were usually pulled by one or two oxen, but this cart had two rows of oxen, four in total. The cart body was thickened, twice as thick as ordinary carts. It was painted black to prevent the wood from rotting, and the heavy feeling was evident just by looking at it. The wheels, over a meter high, were sturdy and thick. Instead of rubber tires, they were wrapped in iron. It was clearly not an ordinary vehicle.

Chen Ke was stunned by this ox cart. Such a powerful ox cart, if in the 21st century, might not be cheaper than a small truck. But in the 21st century, even a dilapidated small truck could transport this steam engine. Chen Ke finally understood the significance of steel to a country. A dilapidated small truck was far superior to this heavy-duty ox cart. The power of industry made Chen Ke feel a sense of awe. The dilapidated small truck was the clear winner.

Moreover, it was only in Beijing that such a heavy-duty cart could be found. In other places, no matter how much money was offered, it would be impossible to find a vehicle that could transport a steam engine. Industrialization was essential, Chen Ke shouted in his heart.

It was early winter, but the young men were not wearing cotton coats, presumably to avoid damaging them. They wore vests, their muscles bulging as they exerted all their strength to transport the steam engine and load it onto the cart. The cart driver, in his thirties, looked smart and capable. Being able to drive such a grand heavy-duty ox cart, he was extremely proud. He lightly leaped onto the driver's seat, skillfully swung the long whip, and with a crisp crack, he urged the four oxen to move forward.

On the way, there were other ox carts, but compared to this one, they were like toys. Passersby on the roadside all turned to look, and the scene was quite impressive. Qin Tongren and Chen Ke followed the cart. Seeing Chen Ke's puzzled expression, Qin Tongren asked, "Mr. Chen, are you very curious about why I did this? You must think I have some ulterior motive."

"You're right," Chen Ke didn't lie.

"When I first met Chen Ke, do you remember what you said about the significance of beehive coal?" Qin Tongren said, calling Chen Ke by his courtesy name for the first time.

Chen Ke, of course, remembered. He had said it many times and even written detailed drafts. He spoke with passion and substance, and his arguments were as persuasive as those of a pyramid scheme. When he first met Qin Tongren, to boost everyone's morale, Chen Ke spoke convincingly. The use of beehive coal could greatly save fuel and drive the entire industry. It was a project with a hundred benefits and no harm. To emphasize the significance of beehive coal, Chen Ke used the phrase "beneficial to the country and the people."

Recalling that time, the colleagues' reactions were good. However, Qin Tongren didn't show any particular reaction, and Chen Ke didn't expect him to take it so seriously.

"Mr. He wrote to me recently, saying that Mr. Chen is a rare talent and asked me to come and help you. Mr. He's father was very kind to me in the past, otherwise, I would never have come to such a small factory," Qin Tongren said with a hint of pride, which Chen Ke did not find offensive.

"After returning from Germany, I have always hoped to start large-scale machinery production, not this kind of handicraft production. Although we had to modify Mr. Chen's design, the more I think about it, the more I realize the ingenuity of Mr. Chen's design. The fully automatic coal powder filling and coal output system, I have never seen such a clever design elsewhere."

Chen Ke grew up in a diesel engine factory. At the age of ten, he started learning to operate a lathe and use a micrometer. He had been to all the workshops. Later, one of his hobbies became learning to draw. Compared to a diesel engine, a steam coal machine was not difficult; it was just a simple joint production. In Chen Ke's future design, a CNC machine tool production line was the ultimate industrial goal. However, from another perspective, in 1905 China, this design was quite ingenious.

"Mr. Chen is not only skilled in machinery but also has unique insights into industry. I came to our factory not for money. Just listening to Mr. Chen's high-level views on establishing a national industrial channel, I was truly enlightened. I always thought that doing big things was the only way to save the country and develop industry. I never imagined that such a small beehive coal project could achieve this goal. I am truly impressed. That's why I want to see how far this beehive coal factory can go."

Chen Ke smiled, Qin Tongren's enthusiasm was far beyond his expectations. It seems I have some "charisma" too, Chen Ke thought sarcastically. He had not had good intentions when he first planned this factory. He just wanted to recruit these people, and after the industry failed, he could get a batch of much-needed engineering technicians. However, after getting to know these friends, Chen Ke began to feel that his actions were not right, and he never expected to actually move the deputy chief engineer, Qin Tongren.

"Talking is easy, but doing is hard," Chen Ke said apologetically. "I dragged Brother Qin into this pit, and as a smart person, you must have noticed."

"Notice... ha ha." Qin Tongren actually laughed. "Chen Ke must know about officialdom, and I know a bit too. If the beehive coal factory doesn't make money, that's fine. But if it really makes money as Chen Ke says, that might not be a good thing."

"Indeed," Chen Ke thought this was the normal Qin Tongren. To be a deputy chief engineer, one must not be a bookish fool.

"I don't lack money, and I didn't think about making much. Honestly, Chen Ke, I would rather the beehive coal factory makes a lot of money and then faces difficulties."

Chen Ke was shocked, "Brother Qin, the petition to the emperor didn't have a good outcome. If you cause trouble over this, no one will support you."

"The country is in such a state, it needs to be stirred up," Qin Tongren had a "I will go forward even if a thousand people oppose me" attitude.

Chen Ke originally wanted to dissuade him, but then he asked, "Brother Qin, where do you think the country's troubles come from?"

"European industry is too powerful. When I studied in Germany, I traveled during holidays and saw mines and factories everywhere, and railways everywhere. To others, many factories mean strength, but to me, the industrial system behind them is truly remarkable."

Chen Ke did not disagree. In the 21st century, while European industry was declining, Germany still maintained a strong industrial base, proving its strength.

"If China cannot build such a system, it will surely perish. That's why I fully support Chen Ke. His arguments are sound. A small beehive coal can connect to the rise and fall of many industries. I have never heard such a principle. I want to make this project happen."

"Brother Qin seems to advocate industrial salvation."

"Without industry, China will perish."

Chen Ke met a genuine industrial salvation advocate for the first time, finding it quite interesting. He laughed, "Perish only the Qing, not China. With people like Brother Qin, China will not perish. If only the Qing perishes, it might not be a bad thing."

"Hmph, that's what the revolutionaries say. If not for Chen Ke's honesty and hard work these days, I would have thought you were a revolutionary."

This made Chen Ke feel both amused and frustrated. He, a genuine revolutionary, was not considered one by Qin Tongren, and the reason was "honesty and hard work."

"Do revolutionaries not do practical things? Just talking is what street beggars do."

"Chen Ke speaks humorously," Qin Tongren couldn't help but laugh.

Chen Ke originally wanted to persuade Qin Tongren to move closer to the revolutionary path, but then he thought the approach was wrong and decided to remain silent.

The steam engine was extremely heavy and took great effort to transport to the factory. The comrades came out to watch. The steam engine was not particularly rare to them, but the ox cart was a marvel. With the ropes and levers still in place, the workers, under Chen Ke's command, managed to unload the steam engine and transport it into the yard after several attempts.

A lot of smokeless coal had already been bought. Qin Tongren made some simple repairs to the steam engine and started a test run. After adding coal, the steam engine surprisingly started working. Chen Ke secretly asked Qin Tongren, "Brother Tongren, didn't you say the steam engine was broken?"

"It was broken when I bought it," Qin Tongren answered.

So you had already fixed it, Chen Ke thought. "Let's start the installation and debugging then."

The debugging process was long. Any design becoming reality requires a process. During this process, not only the equipment but also the design itself may need adjustments. The larger the equipment, the more likely the final result will differ from the initial design.

Two days after the start of debugging, on November 1st, Qin Tongren told Chen Ke that a friend would visit at noon. At 10:30, the friend arrived on time. Qin Tongren's introduction was simple: this gentleman was a scholar. His name was Shang Yuan, courtesy name Wangshan. Bringing a scholar to a beehive coal factory was truly surprising. In those days, passing the imperial examination meant entering the ranks of officials. According to the norm, those who passed the highest level, the Jinshi, were already absolute officials. However, the number of Jinshi was not sufficient. In the county official ranks, many county officials were scholars if they were willing to pay. Scholars were the true source of grassroots officials.

Chen Ke did not know much about the Qing Dynasty's administrative system and did not want to spend much effort to understand it. However, he knew one thing: Qing officials and clerks were not part of the same system. Unlike the unified official-clerk system in the People's Republic of China, Qing officials were selected through the imperial examination, while clerks came from various channels. Scholars could directly become officials, while clerks, unless they encountered special opportunities, would remain clerks for life.

Qin Tongren finding a scholar for the beehive coal factory was truly unusual.

Shang Yuan was tall and thin, in his thirties, with a long face, high forehead, high nose, and slightly triangular eyes. His gaze was calm, and his demeanor was composed, fitting the image of a scholar. After politely exchanging names with Chen Ke, Shang Yuan remained silent. Chen Ke didn't know what to say to this scholar and soon the conversation became awkward.

Hua Xiongmao was also a scholar, but a military scholar. With his enthusiastic personality, Chen Ke only called him "Hua Scholar" jokingly, and Hua Xiongmao never minded. Facing Shang Yuan, Chen Ke wouldn't dare to joke around. As the intermediary, Qin Tongren led the two to the dormitory, a quiet place to talk.

Shang Yuan was not talkative but observant. Chen Ke noticed that Shang Yuan naturally looked around, but remained silent. Moreover, when Qin Tongren introduced the beehive coal factory and its significance, Shang Yuan only listened without offering any opinions.

Qin Tongren rarely spoke outside of work. This Shang Scholar seemed even more silent. Just as Chen Ke was about to define Shang Yuan, he heard him speak, in a Shangqiu accent.

Shang Yuan did not have a positive outlook on the future of the beehive coal factory and directly expressed his views. In Chen Ke's impression, these high-level intellectuals did not like to speak directly. They either quoted classics, spoke in grand terms, or hesitated to express their opinions. Shang Yuan completely subverted Chen Ke's preconceived notions.

"The beehive coal factory will not succeed!" Shang Yuan bluntly stated his position.