In the early morning, with a loud whistle, the entire Qingzhou city was in an uproar.
After two years of construction, the Great Yu Empire’s railway lines, extending south to Laiwu, north to Kaiping, and east to Dengzhou, officially opened.
The common people, upon hearing this news, were all overjoyed and flocked to the station to buy tickets, completely surrounding the station.
Xiao Ming and a group of officials also arrived at the scene. Branden also came along.
After staying in Qingzhou for a month, Branden had basically completed his procurement of goods. A total of seventy-five Dutch merchant ships were heading to the Great Yu Empire this time, all fully loaded with goods.
“This time, the Dutch delegation procured one hundred reciprocating steam engines, sixteen thousand Conqueror Muskets, seventy tons of white sugar, three thousand pieces of porcelain, nine thousand bolts of silk, twenty thousand bolts of cotton cloth…” Li Kaiyuan read the Dutch procurement list to Xiao Ming on the platform.
“Get to the point, how much silver in total?” Xiao Ming’s eyes remained fixed on the bustling, crowded station.
“A total of six million Golden Dragons in procurement.” Li Kaiyuan smiled so widely his teeth were visible. This was no small sum.
Xiao Ming nodded in satisfaction. Coupled with the loan obtained from the Netherlands, the Great Yu Empire’s finances were now finally prosperous. Especially the sale of Conqueror Muskets had basically reached a cost equivalent to that of breech-loading rifles.
This way, his army could successfully equip sixteen thousand breech-loading rifles from this transaction, and this did not include the transaction with Li Chuyuan.
“Military hardware and industrial goods are truly profitable!” Xiao Ming exclaimed. He finally understood why contemporary America was so keen on war profiteering; it was indeed addictive.
Branden, standing by, smiled. He could see that this visit greatly pleased the Emperor of the Great Yu Empire.
“Envoy Branden, I hope the friendship between the Great Yu Empire and the Netherlands will last forever,” Xiao Ming said.
Branden was somewhat flattered. “Of course, of course. This is what we also hope for.”
As the three spoke, the steam locomotive once again let out a loud whistle. At this point, the common people, holding tickets and forming a long queue, began to board the train in an orderly fashion.
“Your Majesty, it’s time to board,” Princess Pingyang reminded him.
Xiao Ming nodded, then gestured to Branden. Branden’s expression was excited. He straightened his attire and walked towards the locomotive.
“Imperial Father, hurry, hurry!”
Xiao Yi bounced along ahead, looking impatient. To witness this great event, Xiao Ming had brought many people this time: Lu Luo and Ziyuan, Cui Xue’er and Fei Yuer, and of course, the young Xiao Yi.
In addition, all the high-ranking imperial officials were also present: Fei Ji, Pang Yukun, Zhan Xingchang, and even the Kong family father and son, Ge Yiren, and others.
Not only that, the Prince of Yong, the Prince of Huainan and his son, and the Prince of Ruyang and others also came to observe.
For Xiao Ming, this was not just the opening of a railway; it was also an opportunity to display his strength to the outside world.
“Slowly, slowly.” Xiao Ming held Xiao Yi’s hand. As he walked, he said to Princess Pingyang, “The next key task for the Railway Department is to connect the railway lines to Youzhou, Jinzhou, Raozhou, and Liaozhou to the north. Although the barbarians have withdrawn from Guandong, their threat is still significant.”
For Xiao Ming, even without Guandong, the barbarians were still the largest nomadic people in the north. The threat was only relatively reduced, not absolutely.
And after the barbarians, an even more dangerous enemy had already taken root in the vast lands north of Jianzhou: Tsarist Russia.
Previously, due to the barbarians’ obstruction, he could not understand the situation north of Jianzhou. After occupying Jianzhou this time, he immediately ordered a reconnaissance team to search northward.
The news that came back greatly shocked him. Compared to contemporary times, Tsarist Russia’s penetration into Guandong in this era was even deeper. They discovered a Tsarist Russian city three hundred li north of Jianzhou.
This matter drew Xiao Ming’s high attention. He ordered the secret guards to investigate Tsarist Russia’s influence in Siberia and at the same time began to plan for reclaiming Siberian land. The railway was undoubtedly key to this plan.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Princess Pingyang discerned from Xiao Ming’s serious expression that the matter seemed somewhat grave.
After reminding Princess Pingyang, Xiao Ming entered the steam locomotive. For today’s experience, they had reserved the first five carriages.
Entering the steam locomotive, Xiao Ming felt as if he had instantly returned to contemporary times. Although the steam locomotive was somewhat outdated, many of the carriage’s arrangements were no different from modern ones.
After all, operating a steam locomotive using modern experience would be much simpler.
“Your Majesty, these are the seats,” Princess Pingyang personally introduced to Xiao Ming.
Xiao Ming looked. The seats in the locomotive were metal frames, with new cotton cushions installed on them. Their appearance was similar to the seats of contemporary trains.
In the middle of the seats was a small table, for placing items. Above it were protruding luggage racks, also designed according to contemporary standards.
What pleased Xiao Ming most were the thickened glass windows of the locomotive. Sitting at the table, one could have an unobstructed view of the outside scenery.
“Very good.” Xiao Ming was very satisfied.
Princess Pingyang let out a slight breath of relief. After arranging Fei Yuer and the others to sit down, she said, “Your Majesty, this steam locomotive is equipped with an improved high-temperature, high-pressure steam engine. Its speed can reach ninety kilometers per hour, and its loaded speed can reach about sixty kilometers per hour. So, it only takes about six hours to get from Qingzhou to Dengzhou, after all, the railway takes quite a few detours, and it also needs to add coal and water along the way.”
“Six hours to Dengzhou!” Branden’s mouth hung open in surprise. It had taken him three days to disembark in Dengzhou and then travel to Qingzhou city.
Princess Pingyang said proudly, “I, your princess, never exaggerate. You’ll understand once we reach Dengzhou.”
“Hahaha…” Xiao Ming was in a good mood. He held Xiao Yi and said, “Yi’er, when we reach Dengzhou, Imperial Father will take you to eat the most delicious seafood.”
The officials in the carriage all laughed upon hearing this. At this moment, they were all incredibly excited, because it was simply too incredible.
While everyone was chatting, the locomotive’s departure time arrived. With a loud whistle, the locomotive slowly began to move forward.
“Moving, moving!” Xiao Yi clapped his small hands happily.
Outside the window, the station receded, and a huge cheer erupted from the densely packed platform.
Xiao Ming, sitting by the window, was recognized by the common people. They began to shout, “Long live, long live, long live our Emperor!”
Xiao Ming waved through the train window. Undoubtedly, for the common people of Qingzhou, today was also an inspiring day. The sleeping lion of the Great Yu Empire was finally beginning to awaken.
Amidst the cheers, the locomotive’s speed increased. At this point, the carriage suddenly fell silent. Everyone began to enjoy the scenery along the way, completely engrossed.
Three hours later, the locomotive slowly stopped at Laizhou station. After adding water and coal, it departed again for Dengzhou.