Chapter 105: Mohist Disciple
"My lord, the sea is too dangerous and terrifying."
"The waves are rough and storms may break out at any time. Even though we have now gained a preliminary understanding of the monsoon climate patterns in the Bohai Sea, we still cannot guarantee the absolute safety of long-distance voyages." Chen Gong said with a bitter look on his face and a helpless smile.
"Our ships sailing to and from Qingzhou also travel along the islands between Liaodong and Qingzhou. If we encounter a storm, we can find a nearby island to take shelter."
"Even so, we experienced several accidents, but fortunately we responded in time, and our ships were of good quality and fast, and we sent out ships for advance reconnaissance every time, so we were able to avoid any major problems."
Chen Gong was not really interested in exploring the oceans. The reason was simple: there was no need.
The land that could be developed around Liaodong was extremely vast, and agriculture had developed to a relatively high level, so there was no need to risk going overseas to seek survival.
"Yes, it is indeed too early to explore the ocean. It is difficult for us to completely control the small Bohai Sea, let alone the vast ocean." Tian Ze could also guess Chen Gong's thoughts.
There are many objective reasons why people of this era lack a strong motivation to explore the ocean.
Even if Tian Ze came from later times, he would not think that now is a good time to open up the sea, because current shipbuilding and navigation technologies are far from mature and perfect.
Without decades of technological accumulation, it is basically impossible to achieve stable and reliable cross-sea voyages.
"But we must not slack off in developing navigation technology. Even if we don't want to cross the sea to occupy other places, we can't guarantee that people from other places will cross the sea to attack us."
"It's always a good idea to make yourself stronger. You must never be complacent and stagnate." Tian Ze said seriously.
While chatting, the two had unknowingly arrived at the fishing boat factory.
All technologies are primarily based on military industry. After a breakthrough in shipbuilding technology, the first to be used are warships in the military, and then gradually used for civilian purposes.
Whether it is sea vessels used for cross-sea operations or river ships used for river operations, technologies in all aspects are constantly being improved and refined.
Even countless unique and novel types of ships have emerged.
For example, the ship that Zhang Liao took when he marched rapidly at night to attack the domestic city was a specially designed night ship, which focused on strengthening anti-collision technology to avoid serious problems such as damage to the ship caused by fast sailing at night.
Because the development directions of military combat ship technology are diverse and very different from civilian use, the technological innovation of Liaodong civilian ships is relatively slow, and only today has a breakthrough been made.
Looking at the huge and spectacular ship in front of him, Tian Ze nodded slightly, quite satisfied.
The relatively wide hull, the large and slender body, gradually narrows from the bow to the stern. This design can ensure excellent stability when operating at sea, effectively reduce the resistance of seawater, and reduce the shaking and bumping of the ship.
The bow is high, sharp and strong, and can easily split the surging waves. The high side of the ship and the thick wooden boards provide reliable protection for the crew, allowing them to work safely on the sea.
The stern is wide and flat, equipped with huge winches and booms, which are used to collect and release heavy fishing nets and abundant catches.
The wood of the entire hull has undergone a special treatment process and has good waterproof and anti-corrosion properties, making it tough and durable.
The sea ship in front of him was almost completely identical to the fishing boats of later generations in Tian Ze's memory, which showed that the shipbuilders really put a lot of thought into it.
After walking around the boat twice, Tian Ze was very satisfied with the meticulous design of every detail and some of the ingenious mechanisms.
"Good, very good! This ship is well built!" Tian Ze exclaimed.
"It's all thanks to the Lord's good leadership."
"Gongtai, how are these shipbuilding craftsmen being treated now?"
"My Lord, rest assured. Now in Liaodong, apart from special groups like merchants, the best-paid are these craftsmen. Especially those top-level craftsmen, they are all treasures, and the palace dare not neglect them in the slightest."
After following Tian Ze for a long time, Chen Gong's concept was gradually changed, and he began to pay attention to the craftsmen, a group that had been neglected. Not only did he give them generous treatment, but he also carefully studied and formulated corresponding incentive systems for technical research and skill inheritance, which significantly raised the social status of craftsmen.
"That's good. These craftsmen are treasures and must be properly protected." Tian Ze couldn't help but solemnly reminded again.
"By the way, have you made any progress in searching for the Mohist man?"
I have some basic knowledge of the technology, which has been basically exhausted over the years. It is not the right time to build iron ships yet. As for the remaining technology, Tian Ze can only point out the general direction. I still have to rely on the strength of professionals.
Chen Gong heard this and smiled bitterly: "My Lord, Mohism and Confucianism have been in opposition since ancient times, and they can be called mortal enemies. Emperor Wu abolished all schools of thought and respected Confucianism alone, and the Mohist school was the most severely hit."
"Now in this world, there is no place for the Mohist School anymore, and no one dares to call themselves a disciple of the Mohist School anymore."
"Although they have disappeared in the open, I'm afraid there are still many people hiding in secret." Tian Ze said.
These people from the Hundred Schools, like the Aristocratic Schools, all have deep roots and complex connections. Even if they suffer a great blow, they will find ways to preserve the flame and wait for the day to rekindle it.
Tian Ze firmly believed that there were definitely some Mohist people existing in secret, they just didn't show up.
"My lord, Gong has vaguely sensed that some noble families may be related to the Mohist School, but given our current situation, it may be difficult to attract them." Chen Gong sighed.
"Oh, which families?"
"The Ma family of Fufeng, the Qiwu family of Weijun, the Zhang family of Nanjun, the Pu family of Bajun..." Chen Gong listed the names of more than a dozen families in succession.
"How did you discover that these families might be related to the Mohist school?" Tian Ze asked curiously.
"It's very simple. Find out about the strange things happening among the powerful families. If any of their children like and are good at unconventional ways and strange tricks, then it's probably him. You can find out for sure with just a little investigation." Chen Gong spread his hands and said helplessly.
Tian Ze couldn't help but frown: "Is this still possible?"
"These aristocratic families are also local big families. Most of them are not close to Liaodong, so it is impossible for them to come here." Chen Gong sighed.
"If they don't want to come, then what about those so-called weirdos in their clan? Are they willing to come?" Tian Ze asked.
"My lord, are you really planning to recruit these people?" Chen Gong's mouth twitched slightly.
After reading about the deeds of those people, he felt powerless to complain, it was simply unbearable to watch. If there were such useless scum in his family, he would have been expelled from the family long ago.
"There is gold in the mud." Tian Ze said nonchalantly: "Even if they are a little weird, the knowledge in their heads is fine. Maybe they can bring us some unexpected inspiration."
"Okay. Gong will try his best to see if he can recruit one or two." Chen Gong sighed.
Tadashi nodded.
As for whether these people can come, Tian Ze feels that the chances are quite high.
Because they are a scourge in the family and also ruin their reputation. Why wouldn't they be happy if we accept them and provide them with official positions?
If they continue like this, the end of this group of people will most likely be that they will waste their lives, be infamous for centuries, and be used by their tribesmen as negative examples to educate the younger generations.
As for whether these people can play a role, Tian Ze does not hold out much hope, but it is better than nothing. What if there is a surprise? Tian Ze does not lack that salary.
(End of this chapter)
