Chapter 1390: Chapter 1387: Mission
Chu Jin and Chu Zhang were earnestly looking at the books on navigation.
There was every imaginable detail about shipbuilding and sailing within.
Chu Zhang had not read these books before. He had exhausted all his efforts preparing for the imperial examinations and thus had no energy to look at other books.
Now that he had the chance, he naturally would not let it pass.
“Jin,” Chu Zhang asked, seeing that he wasn’t busy, “the books say that a ship’s body can be at least five thousand tons. Can they truly be built?”
Chu Jin nodded: “Of course, they can be built. Look, the principles are detailed here. However, the actual construction must be done by craftspersons.”
Chu Zhang looked over the pages, rubbing his hands: “I used to learn carpentry from dad. Although I haven’t worked on sothing so large, I understand it’s all about balance.”
Chu Jin was sowhat surprised: “Zhang, you really know carpentry? I thought you had gone off to studies.”
He said this because he had seen Chu Zhang’s diligence in his studies.
“Yes, when I was young, Mother and Father worried that we would have no skills to rely on, so I did learn carpentry for a few years. It’s just that I haven’t practiced it in the past two years,” Chu Zhang explained.
“Eldest Brother, then I really do need your help,” Chu Jin said excitedly, grasping his arm.
“What is it? Just tell . Whatever I can do, I will do my best,” Chu Zhang replied sincerely.
Chu Jin clapped him on the shoulder, “It’s simple. Follow to et the shipbuilders. I’ll get you into learn. I hope within half a month you can find the flaws in our current ships and co up with improvents.”
“This…” Chu Zhang hadn’t expected Chu Jin to give him such a challenging task right off the bat, and hesitated for a mont, scratching his head and admitting candidly, “Lil’ Jin, I’m not very quick-witted; I don’t know if I can do it. If it doesn’t hold up your work, I’ll give it a try. If not, why don’t you find soone else?”
“Zhang,” Chu Jin said, more confident than Chu Zhang, “I’m not speaking lightly. I chose you because I believe you can do it.”
Chu Zhang didn’t know whether to be happy or sad.
“Well, then I will give it a try?”
“Co on, Zhang. Take these books with you. They should be helpful, and my advice is that it’s best to finish them as soon as possible. That way, when you go to the shipyard, you’ll learn even faster.”
Chu Zhang nodded, gathered up a dozen books, and began reading seriously off to the side.
The journey to Hangzhou by water took three days.
During these three days, Chu Zhang buried himself in the books, producing notes that could have ford another book.
When disembarking, the servants took the luggage down first.
When Chu Lin ca over, Chu Zhang was still imrsed in his studies.
“Zhang’er, you don’t have to rush so much; you should balance work and rest,” Chu Lin said with concern.
Chu Zhang lifted his head from the books and, seeing his elder, quickly got up to greet him, “Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I’m just not very clever, so I can’t help but be diligent.”
“Don’t worry, I will rest well.”
“Alright, let’s go. We’ve arrived. Pack your luggage and co down from the ship together,” Chu Lin said as he nodded, offered so advice, and turned to leave the room.
Chu Zhang quickly packed the books and his notes into the book trunk, carrying it himself, while the other luggage was handled by the servants.
Chu Jin stood on the sail of the ship with his hands clasped behind his back. The young boy already possessed a commanding presence. Seeing him co over, he smiled and said: “Zhang, why are you personally carrying the book trunk?”
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