mesbooks Chapter 639: Mazu gave three Holy Grails, the Wanli was launched, and Chen Jingshu became pregnant
Chapter 639: Mazu gave three Holy Grails, the Wanli was launched, and Chen Jingshu became pregnant
Li Zhenbang pointed at the drawings and continued to introduce:
"This 'Nanyang-1000' ocean-going fishing vessel was designed with both peacetime and wartime capabilities in mind. Its deck structure is reinforced, and when necessary, it can be equipped with small-caliber naval guns to serve as an armed fishing vessel or auxiliary patrol boat."
Zhang Chi became interested: "Tell me the details."
“船长约65米，满载排水量1200吨，冷冻仓能装下250吨鱼获。整体航速12到14节，续航力8000到10000海里。非常适合在咱们周边海域乃至远洋作业。”
Zhang Chi expressed satisfaction with this and then asked with concern: "What difficulties does our shipbuilding industry currently face? If you need help from higher-ups to coordinate and resolve any issues, please feel free to ask."
Li Zhenbang hesitated for a moment, then told the truth:
"There are several major difficulties. One is the core power system. We currently cannot manufacture either high-power diesel engines or steam turbines. We are completely dependent on importing complete machines or key components from White Eagle, which is a bottleneck."
"Secondly, high-grade marine steel, such as hull structural steel and boiler plates, cannot be supplied by our own steel mills for the time being, and we need to wait for upstream industries to expand production and upgrade."
"Third, highly skilled workers, especially excellent welders, riveters, and pipefitters, are extremely scarce. We currently rely on hiring high-paying technicians from Baiying and Yidai, while also stepping up training for local workers. However, with so many new hires, quality stability is somewhat lacking.
But I believe that in one or two years, the situation will be very good!"
After listening to this, Zhang Chi nodded seriously and turned to Prime Minister Zhang Guangsong beside him and said:
"Write all of this down. Regarding the power and steel issues, contact the Ministry of Industry and Dawning to see if they can speed up the pace of technology introduction or independent research and development."
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources should increase investment and support for shipbuilding technician training.
How much budget is needed? Please take the lead in making a plan and submit it to us."
Zhang Guangsong immediately agreed.
Zhang Chi knew clearly that in the geographical environment of Southeast Asia, the shipbuilding industry must be developed, and to build it into a pillar industry of the country, the number of skilled industrial workers needed would almost be hundreds of thousands.
There is a long way to go.
Anyway, the shipbuilding industry may not be left to the Japanese and Koreans, allowing them to make huge profits and take the opportunity to recover losses.
The break was over and the staff came to inform us that the auspicious time for the launching ceremony had arrived.
Everyone stood up, and Li Zhenbang walked to the door with slightly excited steps.
Zhang Chi then stood up, walked out of the lounge, and under the guidance of the factory director, took the lead in heading towards the slipway.
The people behind him, including his wife Chen Jingshu, who was specially invited by Zhang Chi to appear, followed Zhang Chi with great anticipation and moved forward together.
The slipway area under the sun was already crowded with people and colorful flags were waving.
The 10,000-ton ship that was about to be launched lay quietly on the slide, like a steel warrior dressed in red and decorated with ribbons, about to go to war, with its bow held high, carrying an imposing aura that could not be ignored.
The huge flag of the United States of Southeast Asia and banners wishing success were hung on both sides of the ship, adding a touch of solemnity and festivity.
This is naturally the trend that the time traveler Zhang Chi brought to Nanyang. After all, he would feel uncomfortable if the ships and planes did not have something hanging on them when they appeared.
The ceremonial platform has been set up, facing the bow of the giant ship.
As the host, Li Zhenbang took the lead in presiding over the ceremony.
He first announced loudly: "The auspicious time has arrived. I respectfully invite the Holy Grail and pray to Mazu for blessings. May the sea be calm and the boat sail thousands of miles."
As soon as he finished speaking, several old workers from the shipyard solemnly brought up a mahogany tray on which were placed a pair of wooden holy cups (筊杯) used for divination.
After washing his hands, Li Zhenbang picked up the holy grail, muttered something, and threw it to the ground reverently.
The divination cups fell to the ground, one yin and one yang, which is the "Holy Grail".
This is a good omen.
"Good!" Cheers broke out all around.
Immediately afterwards, Li Zhenbang threw the Holy Grail twice in a row, and each time it was the auspicious "Holy Grail"!
"Triple Holy Grail! Great luck!"
Zhang Chi was the first to applaud, and the atmosphere on the scene was instantly ignited, especially the Chinese employees and guests from Fujian and Guangdong, who were extremely excited, and the sounds of reporters' camera shutters rang out one after another.
As soon as the traditional blessing ceremony ended, two Italian engineers, Luigi and Giuseppe, smiled and brought up a bottle of champagne tied with a red ribbon.
"Dear General Zhang, Madam," Luigi said in Mandarin with a slight accent, "According to our Western maritime tradition, when a new ship is launched, the most important guest should break a bottle of champagne to wish it a safe and smooth voyage."
Zhang Chi took the champagne with a smile, and looked at his wife Chen Jingshu who had been gently accompanying him.
Chen Jingshu was wearing a well-fitting cheongsam today, looking dignified and elegant.
She walked forward with a smile and held the champagne bottle with Zhang Chi.
Under the focus of countless cameras and the countdown of the crowd, Zhang Chi and Chen Jingshu worked together to swing the champagne bottle towards the solid bow of the ship.
With a crisp "bang", golden wine and foam splashed everywhere, reflecting dazzling brilliance in the sunlight.
"Long live!"
"Long live Nanyang!"
Cheers and applause rang out like a tide, and countless guests and people witnessed together this unique moment that blended Eastern and Western customs.
At this time, Italian engineer Giuseppe took the opportunity to step forward and loudly proposed:
"Your Excellency, Commander-in-Chief, this ship is the pride of Nanyang and the fruit of your wise leadership. We suggest that this first 10,000-ton ship be named 'Zhangchi' to honor its achievements."
Zhang Chi was happy. Who said foreigners don’t understand the ways of the world?
This flattery comes at the perfect time.
Of course, he understood that behind this was a mixture of awe for his power and perhaps some of the habit of flattering leaders that these stupid engineers developed during their time at Mo Da Pi.
However, Zhang Chi does not like this overly straightforward personality cult.
He waved his hand, and his voice spread throughout the audience through the makeshift loudspeaker:
"Luigi, Giuseppe, thank you for your kindness. But this ship is the fruit of the hard work of all the engineers, workers and technicians in the South China Sea. Its glory belongs to the entire South China Sea United States."
He paused, glanced across the room, and said loudly:
"I propose to name it 'Wanli'.
It means that our Nanyang ship will sail towards the world with a bright future, and it also wishes our Nanyang United States a prosperous country and a bright future.
"Good! Wanli, what a good name." Zhang Guangsong was the first to echo loudly, and everyone immediately responded with even warmer applause and cheers.
The name "Wanlihao" is both grand and subtle, and is deeply loved by people.
The Italian engineers also tactfully applauded, secretly praising the young ruler for being truly extraordinary.
The grand launching ceremony was successfully completed under the attention of everyone.
The huge hull slowly entered the water along the slide, stirring up huge waves, marking a new step for Nanyang's shipbuilding industry.
Subsequently, the "Wanli" will naturally undergo a series of rigorous sea trials to test its various performances.
It will then be officially delivered to the South China Global Shipping Group and incorporated into the ocean-going transport fleet, adding an important weight to the import and export trade and strategic delivery capabilities of Southeast Asia.
After the ceremony, everyone prepared to return.
Zhang Chi was walking and talking with Li Zhenbang and others when he suddenly noticed that Chen Jingshu beside him looked pale, her steps were unsteady, and she was covering her mouth with a handkerchief, as if she was trying hard to suppress her discomfort.
"Jingshu, what's wrong with you? Is it too hot? Are you having heatstroke?" Zhang Chi immediately stopped and supported her with concern.
The surrounding officials also gathered around, looking worried.
If the commander-in-chief's wife were to be ill during such an important occasion, it would be no small matter.
"No...it's okay, I just feel a little dizzy and want to vomit..." Chen Jingshu forced a smile, and there were indeed fine beads of cold sweat on her forehead.
"Quick, call the accompanying doctor over." Zhang Chi gave the order immediately.
Soon, the doctor who had been on standby came running over with a medicine box.
After a brief examination in the temporary room, the doctor smiled. He walked up to Zhang Chi and reported respectfully in a low voice:
"Congratulations, Commander-in-Chief.
Madam, this is not heatstroke, but a pregnancy pulse. Judging from the pulse, you should be about two months pregnant.
It might be because of the lively atmosphere, the excitement, the hot weather, and some pregnancy reactions."
This news was like a surprise bomb, leaving Zhang Chi stunned for a moment.
He... is going to be a father?
Great joy and an unprecedented sense of responsibility suddenly surged into his heart, and he didn't know how to react for a moment.
He has traveled through time and space until now, building up this huge foundation step by step. Facing powerful enemies all around and domestic and foreign affairs, his heart has never been filled with such complex and soft throbbing as it is now.
"Really...really?" Zhang Chi's voice was so excited that it was even trembling a little.
"It is absolutely true, Commander-in-Chief," the doctor replied affirmatively.
Zhang Chi took a deep breath and tried to calm his excitement. He walked to Chen Jingshu, held her hand tightly, his eyes full of love and joy.
"Jingshu, did you hear that? We're going to have a baby."
A blush and a happy smile appeared on Chen Jingshu's pale face, and she nodded slightly.
Zhang Chi was feeling very confused now, and suddenly thought that this was really the blessing of Mazu.
Were the three holy grails that just appeared in succession also a foreshadowing of this happy event?
Zhang Guangsong, Li Zhenbang and others around him also came forward to congratulate when they heard the good news.
"Double happiness, truly double happiness!" Zhang Guangsong clapped his hands and laughed. "Today's launch of the Wanli symbolizes the prosperity of our nation. Now that my wife is pregnant, it indicates that there will be a successor to our commander-in-chief. Our Nanyang empire will be forever secure. It's a very auspicious sign."
For those members of the Zhang family who had followed Zhang Chi the earliest and were related by blood and marriage, the fact that Zhang Chi had an offspring was undoubtedly a cause for great joy.
After all, this means stability in the future, not chaos.