There are actually many details to consider in this plan. Initially, Xiangbei wanted to hold Cheng Mo back and discuss a few more points, but considering his impulsiveness, she decided against it.
She assumed Cheng Shan, being more experienced, would understand the nuances. Indeed, when Cheng Mo presented the sketches to Cheng Shan in the study, his eyes lit up, and after a moment of contemplation, he spoke, "Young Master, your idea is indeed ingenious. May I ask a few questions?"
"It was meant for discussion, so feel free to speak your mind. Cheng Tian, come in as well."
"Wouldn't this create inconvenience for those who disembark directly and have to cross the bridge? Could it lead to resentment?"
"Compared to the previous chaos where people waited outside the city for three to five days, jostling with unloaders and laborers, the inconvenience of crossing the bridge is minor.
Moreover, the inner square can be planned with a commercial street, eateries, carriages for guests, public carriages, and even communal baths for a fee to wash away fatigue.
As for resentment, those who harbor ill feelings are likely either poor or influential. We can regulate them by clearly stating that officials' ships should dock at the west-side harbor outside the city."
After Xiangbei finished speaking, Cheng Tian nodded in agreement, while Cheng Shan looked at her somewhat surprisingly.
"Young Master, the east bank at the foot of the mountain is filled with rugged rocks, some larger than houses. If we dig a canal, the manpower and time needed for my East Bin Wang Manor would be substantial."
"Giant rocks can be blasted into smaller stones using explosives, then combined with manpower to use cement for bonding, excavation, and construction.
The stone slope from the outer square to the eastern foothills can be designated for land exchange with the itinerant families or other free citizens.
All shops on the new wharf, whether for long-term lease or various businesses, will require a purchased operating permit. Those who contribute zealously will have monuments and plaques erected to showcase their virtues."
Cheng Shan quickly caught the surprising words in Xiangbei's statement. He could hardly believe that this was the idea of the young master. However, looking at this girl, the legitimate daughter of the Huo family, he couldn't underestimate her anymore.
He stood up respectfully and asked, "I have a few unclear points; may the young lady enlighten me?"
"Uncle Shan, I can't accept such courtesy. If you have any uncertainties, feel free to ask, and I'll answer without reservation."
"Thank you, Miss. You mentioned using gunpowder to break rocks. About this gunpowder?"
"Have you seen how powerful the fireworks are in the night sky? Imagine if it's confined within a stone cavity and still wants to escape. So, what if we use a more compact paper tube or a sealed iron casing?"
"This... Cheng Tian, go call Cheng Dian over quickly, hurry up."
"Uncle Shan, there's no rush for this matter. I've scheduled some mechanical devices with Cheng Dian later tonight. I'll give him the black powder formula and ask the skilled blacksmith to make some iron shells for experiments.
Now, what I'm most interested in is the possibility of attracting investments or donations from people."
"This is not a problem at all. Your idea is like a sudden enlightenment. I'll make sure those stubborn folks in the city contribute.
Once we have the drawings, we'll present them to the lord and the young lady.
Also, may I ask about the cement bonding you mentioned?
Normally, for foundations and stone masonry, fish bone glue or glutinous rice soup is commonly used. I've never heard of this cement. Is it made from yellow mud and water?"
"Cement was my casual term; currently, we can only use giant seawater to boil glue.
It involves mixing lightly roasted lime, volcanic ash, porcelain clay, or silicate ore with fine sand, crushed stones, and water. The resulting material is excellent for compacting foundations and sticking stones, with a durability of a thousand years. Tomorrow, Cheng Mo and I will go to the seaside to build a foundation pool for salt evaporation, and we will definitely use cementitious materials.
It's a convenient opportunity to conduct an experiment. If it works well, Uncle Shan shouldn't worry too much about constructing the inner bay waterway, right?"
"Miss, your talent brings great fortune to our lord. Can I be of any assistance with this salt evaporation method? If Lord permits, I'd like to accompany you to observe."
At this moment, Cheng Shan, who was initially elegant and rigorous, now had a completely different demeanor, smiling like an old madam.
Noticing him addressing Lord repeatedly, Cheng Mo couldn't help but be surprised. Cheng Shan was the strategist of the entire Cheng family guard, and he seemed to change his tune after the introduction of black powder.
"Alright, Uncle Shan, come with us to Zebei Town tomorrow morning."
"Yes, thank you, Lord, thank you, Miss Bei. Should I accompany you to explore the city now?"
"No need. We'll go outside the city. Cheng Tian, prepare the horses."