Chapter 827 - 58: Time of Change, Pioneers for Kyushu

Through the newly improved crankshaft-flywheel mechanism, it converts reciprocating motion into continuous, uniform rotational force, driving a small spinning machine with ten spindles attached beside it, and begins to rotate steadily!

The workshop remains quiet, only the hiss of steam can be heard.

There are no cheers, no leaps of joy; the disciples simply widen their eyes, staring intensely at the machine’s continuous operation with faces full of a mix of disbelief, shock, and intertwined joy.

Its operation is not rapid, and its power is limited. Driving these ten spindles is already its limit.

Moreover, having run for about the time it takes a stick of incense to burn, a faint white steam starts to seep from the seals again, and the slide valve begins to show some stuttering. Gu Qi decisively orders it to be shut down.

The machine slowly comes to a halt.

It is only at this moment that a suppressed, low cheer breaks out in the workshop.

"We did it! Sir, we did it!" A disciple exclaims with a voice trembling with excitement.

Gu Qi finally lets out a relieved smile, but he quickly raises his hand to press down everyone’s excitement.

He walks to the machine that’s still warm, pointing to the seal that’s started dripping water again and the slide valve that already needs maintenance, he says solemnly, "Do not be too quick to rejoice."

"Although this machine can continuously output stable power, its force is weak, only barely driving this model."

"The wear on the seal and slide valve remains severe, needing maintenance each time it runs for no more than a stick of incense, far from being truly practical."

Speaking, he walks to the spinning machine, raises the spun fiber, and lets all the disciples see clearly.

"Moreover, the spun fiber is problematic in itself," his tone is calm, yet it is like a basin of cold water, dousing the recently rising fervor, "With such uneven texture, rough and easily broken, how can it be sold? And how can it compete with the finely woven fabrics on the market?"

The disciples look at the piece of cloth that is in poor condition, their excitement quickly replaced by the weight of reality, showing signs of despondency.

This is inevitable.

Since proposing that idea years ago, they returned to the last thick academic atmosphere in Julu, immersing themselves in the study of this item.

Over the years, countless problems were solved, endless efforts were made.

Now seeing such a result, how could they not be disheartened?

But in the next moment, Gu Qi’s eyes brighten again: "Yet, this machine confirms one thing!"

"The path we pursue is not wrong! The power of steam can indeed be harnessed, can stably output, can drive fine spinning!"

"This is a fundamental breakthrough!"

Seeing the expression on the students’ faces, he takes a deep breath: "What we do is not for the benefit of one machine or device, nor for temporal gains or losses!"

"We are paving an unprecedented path for Kyushu and the world!"

"For thousands of years, people have relied on oxen and horses for farming, sails for sailing, manpower and water power for creation!"

"These are the limits of heaven and earth, the unchanging principles since ancient times! But today—" he points to the machine still ringing in the ears, "you see with your own eyes, hear with your own ears!"

"The power of water and fire can also be harnessed, can also be driven to do what we desire."

"This power does not rely on timely weather, does not depend on advantageous geography, just needs coal and water, then it can be continuously sourced!"

His words carry the fervor and piety of a preacher: "Today, it can only drive ten spindles."

"In the future, once we conquer sealing, refine transmission, and become proficient with materials, it will drive hundreds, thousands of spindles!"

"It can push giant wheels through waves without waiting for wind and tides!"

"It can haul vast mineral deposits, excavating the treasures of the earth!"

"It can make this Kyushu and beyond renewed!"

Gu Qi scans the crowd, speaking firmly and decisively: "This road is destined to be filled with thorns, never traveled by predecessors, no scriptures to follow, no codes to adhere to!"

"Everything must be created by us with our own hands, paved with sweat and wisdom!"

"Do I not know the difficulties within?"

"Yet, when has the Gu Clan ever feared hardship? When have we shied away from innovation?"

"The coarse fiber of today will be the cornerstone of tomorrow’s splendid silk! The minor power of today will be the beginning of someday shaking mountains and rivers!" his voice is passionate, carrying an undeniable belief, "Ladies and gentlemen! Do not look at the present flaws, consider how history will record today in a hundred years, in thousands!"

"It will record us, here in this Julu workshop, lighting the first spark of the ’steam power’ era for the people of Kyushu!"

"This is our responsibility, and also our honor!"

"Even if the road ahead is rugged, we will march on!"

His voice becomes increasingly fervent.

Upon hearing these words, one by one, the eyes of those students light up again at this moment.

Even if the road ahead is rugged, still, we will march on.

This simple sentence, when said by anyone else, may not have such an impact, but from the mouth of the Gu Clan, its significance is different.

This will dispel all their worries.

Even if they fail in this lifetime, even if they are not remembered by the world.

But the Gu Clan remembers.

Gu Clan’s descendants will also follow this path and remember them until this endeavor is completely achieved!...

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(Ps: It’s the end of the month, begging for some votes, we’re a few hundred short for a full sum, asking brothers for more support, Yu expresses heartfelt thanks.)