"I've examined the coal in our area; it burns incompletely and is not clean, containing many impurities like coal gangue and pyrite. So, it needs to be washed again. The specific method is to add water, stir, and filter out the coal slurry, then mix it evenly with yellow clay."
Pointing to the schematic diagram she drew, Xiangbei continued, "Use this iron coal stamp to produce nine-holes coal with a height and width of four inches, then dry it for combustion.
The furnace chamber for iron smelting still uses refractory materials like kaolin and volcanic ash, but the insulation layer must be filled with asbestos or perlite.
The hand-operated bellows can be initially powered by manpower. In the future, if you want to expand the coal furnace or handle a large volume of orders, we can consider using steam or hydraulic power, but that's for later.
The new coal furnace can be single-hole, three-holes, four-holes, or six-holes. More is not suitable. The height of the furnace starts with three blocks, with a maximum of eight blocks. If the top can be built with refractory bricks in a kiln style, it will be easier to control the temperature.
In fact, firing ceramics, glass, porcelain, lime, and smelting iron are quite similar. The key is to master the kiln construction techniques. The only difference lies in temperature control and the refractory performance of the materials used inside the furnace. Does that make sense?"
The blacksmith closed his eyes, immersed in the myriad of inspiring ideas brought by these thoughts. Finally, Cheng Dian had the chance to speak. One hand cautiously reached out to touch Xiangbei's pencil, while the other shifted over the sheets of paper to inspect the drawings.
Xiangbei handed him the pencil, pointing to the blank space on the paper, "Give it a try, write a few words, draw a picture, anything you like."
Cheng Dian eagerly took the pencil and drew several lines, gradually sketching a pencil and a cup of tea with increasing proficiency. Yes, it was a three-dimensional illustration, much like Xiangbei's technique!
"Do you also know how to draw three-dimensional illustrations, Cheng Dian? Where did you learn this?" Xiangbei wasn't sure if this technique existed in this era, but Cheng Dian's strokes showed remarkable skill.
"Is this called a three-dimensional illustration? I've never seen this technique before, but drawing on paper like this feels so real! I saw you explaining while drawing, thinking that if there are new ideas in the future, I can draw them to show people without worrying about unclear explanations. So, I secretly, sneakily observed and learned. I'm sorry, Master, I'm sorry, Miss. I couldn't resist for a moment."
"Cheng Dian, you're a genius! Cheng Mo, we have a genius here. I heard you have a workshop. How is it going? Is the business good? Would you consider partnering with me? Let's do business together! What do you think, Cheng Mo?"
"What did I say? Cheng Dian is Hai Bo's son. His father belongs to you, so isn't he under your command?"
"Huh? Cheng Dian, don't listen to him talking nonsense. Your father isn't mine; he's his own man. But we'll collaborate on ordering many bamboo products from him. On your side too, I'll come to your workshop tomorrow night. How about that?"
"Of course, I'll discuss it with Master Cheng tomorrow and be ready to welcome you at any time. Miss, we are all Cheng family members. My father is yours, and so am I."
"All right, all right, let's not talk about this. It's too late now; I'll go back first. See you tomorrow, see you tomorrow." Xiangbei pulled Cheng Mo out, feeling like a modern young person escaping from admirers. The older and younger ones kept shouting that they belonged to her, which she found a bit hard to accept.
"Miss Bei, your pencil, and Master's things."
"I gave it to you; keep it for yourself. Take those things too." Xiangbei ran forward, feeling as if she were being chased by dogs, until she couldn't catch her breath and her feet were sore.
Cheng Dian looked puzzled. Was it really that late? Why the rush back? They must be quite tired by now. In a short moment, everyone had disappeared. Scratching his head, he happily returned to fiddle with the pencil and the pile of things.
Xiangbei leaned against the well pavilion pillar at the street corner, feeling exhausted. Cheng Mo handed her a tea bowl he somehow acquired, and she gulped it down in big sips to catch her breath. Cheng Mo took the bowl, refilled it from the well, and offered it back. Xiangbei, having calmed down a bit, took a few sips but declined further. Cheng Mo finished the remaining water in the cup, put it back in place, and then lifted Xiangbei's hand, turning to carry her on his back.
"What are you doing? There are so many people around; you'll make a fool of yourself. Put me down quickly." Xiangbei was initially surprised but soon noticed the gaping onlookers. Embarrassed, she buried her face in Cheng Mo's collar like an ostrich.
"Why are you acting like this? So many people are watching; you'll attract attention. Put me down, quickly." At first surprised, Xiangbei soon noticed the open-mouthed spectators around. Embarrassed, she buried her face in Cheng Mo's collar like an ostrich.
Wasn't she just like an ostrich, thinking that by burying its head in the sand, predators wouldn't see it?