novelraw Chapter 104: Water Well
Chapter 104: Water Well
Chapter 104: Water Well The first pilot defense post had its location efficiently determined. It wasn't particularly far from Shuò City, and its construction would be jointly supervised by the Patrol Division, the City Defense Army stationed in Shuò City, and the Xiànsòu Army.As for who would manage it after its completion, Old Zhao stated it would be discussed later, after the pilot program proved successful.
Wen Gu examined the map.
The first post was situated in an abandoned village with a water well.
The location was very close to the route they had taken northward before.
The area lacked safe open-water sources and was a region many northbound teams passed through.
If a safe post could be established there, it could also provide northbound teams with food and water, reducing unnecessary losses.
Many northbound teams braved untold hardships to reach the territory of Xīn Prefecture, only to perish on the final leg of their journey due to a lack of food and water.
In an era where transportation was inconvenient, posts were indeed very necessary.
Especially in these chaotic times, one more post could save more living people. It could also strengthen regional control.
With the full support of those in power, the plan was finalized and action was taken. However, Wen Gu mentioned some minor details regarding the defense post construction to Old Zhao.The initial defense posts didn't need to be very large. As long as manpower and supplies were sufficient and construction materials could keep up, they might be completed before summer.
Then, if they encountered monster clusters, they could test their ability to withstand the onslaught.
The water demand within the posts could be met by a single well, provided the groundwater hadn't dried up and it was cleaned.
However, beyond the main building depicted in his conceptual sketch, Wen Gu also listed many auxiliary options.
For instance, a water pump, an optional piece of equipment.
Wen Gu drew it and brought it up again, sparking great curiosity in the Zhao Family Father and Son.
The northern lands had many arid regions.
If they were far from surface water sources and the groundwater level was deep, they would need to dig deeper to retrieve water.
Current technology could indeed dig deep wells, but it would require more effort to draw water.
However, in this era, with various survival pressures, physical strength was not a major problem.
Therefore, Wen Gu didn't dwell on the issue of "effort-saving," focusing instead on water source hygiene and threat prevention.
While Old Zhao and his son debated the defense post pilot program over these two days, Wen Gu had Madam Shen help him find two craftsmen to build a small model.
At this moment, the Zhao Family Father and Son, with matching curious expressions, looked at the small model placed on the table.
"This thing is what you mentioned seeing during your travels… a water pump?" asked Young Master Zhao.
"That's right! It is!" Wen Gu arranged the props.
"What's drawn on the blueprints isn't intuitive enough, so I'll demonstrate with a model."
A water pump uses a piston, lever, and valve, and with human power, it draws water from underground to the surface.
Even if the groundwater layer is deep, water can be easily drawn.
As he explained, Wen Gu moved the handle up and down, drawing water from the basin below, which then flowed out of the well pipe's outlet.
"It's roughly like this," Wen Gu said.
"Nowadays, to prevent epidemics, we need to minimize water source pollution and improve drinking water hygiene. Currently, the well openings are too large, posing a contamination risk when multiple people draw water. This would be better and also easier to use."
Young Master Zhao couldn't resist and tried it himself.
"It really works!"
A physical demonstration was far superior to many drawings.
Old Zhao was also very impressed. After operating it himself, he made a decision.
"Whether the posts will use it or not, we'll set that aside for now. Let's build one and try it out!"
Having achieved his goal, Wen Gu left the model with the Zhao Family Father and Son to continue exploring.
The issue of drawing water from wells was inconsequential for wealthy families, as the water they drew would be boiled anyway. However, many commoners might not have enough firewood to boil water.
Surviving until now was largely due to luck.
If water sources could be improved, survival rates would be higher.
While it might not be initially used in civilian residential areas, if successful, the first areas to adopt it would undoubtedly be military districts, military camps outside the city, and wealthy noble households within the city.
However, as long as the craftsmanship and production capacity kept up, and given the authorities' emphasis on population, it would certainly be implemented in civilian areas.
Wen Gu picked up the blueprints again. The general direction was set; it was time to apply pressure.
"Looking at the drawings on the blueprints, it seems like a simple mechanism, but making it a physical object requires a lot of technical detail, especially in casting. The well body will need more iron for testing…"
The Zhao Clan needed to expand its smelting workshops, recruit more craftsmen, and strengthen technological innovation!
Old Zhao pondered and said, "The smelting workshop has recruited a batch of craftsmen.
We'll allocate some iron and assign a few masters of casting to be responsible for these things you've mentioned."
As long as it didn't affect the supply of weapons and farming tools, Old Zhao was very willing to try new things.
The main proposals came from Wen Gu, and what he suggested seemed very practical, so he was willing to provide more support.
Wen Gu lowered his eyes and thought to himself: It seems besides coal mines, Old Zhao also controls iron ore! He doesn't seem to have much pressure regarding iron usage.
Perhaps he acquired it recently; no wonder he's more decisive and generous.
With coal and iron, the old problem remains: where are the craftsmen?
Wen Gu had already applied pressure before, and now he was doing it again!
The sealing materials involved in piston pumps require artisans with relevant experience to figure out.
If the most suitable materials aren't available, they would have to explore alternatives. The clever ingenuity of craftsmen should not be underestimated.
Well… Daoist Master Qingyi could also be given more responsibilities.
Crude smelting techniques could be taught to apprentices.
Old Zhao had already realized the importance of this. Not every old craftsman was willing to pass on their skills, but under survival pressure and enticement, there were always those who were willing.
However, precision casting still required the support of more skilled veterans. Therefore, Old Zhao, there aren't enough people! Start poaching!
Carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, those who make glue, and those who do delicate handiwork, all kinds of artisans need to be valued!
After a round of encouragement and suggestions, seeing that Old Zhao had truly taken them to heart and strengthened his emphasis on craftsmen and his willingness to poach talent from others, Wen Gu departed, satisfied.
The water pump model was kept by Old Zhao, and Young Master Zhao couldn't take it even if he coveted it.
Leaving Old Zhao's place, Young Master Zhao, whose curiosity was not yet satisfied, found Wen Gu to make him another one.
Wen Gu directly handed him a drawing and told him to find the craftsmen in the manor. Having already made one, building another wouldn't be much of a challenge.
Young Master Zhao put away the drawing but didn't leave immediately. Instead, he asked Wen Gu again about his experiences during his travels.
The more Wen Gu presented, the more Young Master Zhao regretted, "It's a pity I didn't get to travel and study back then. I haven't seen many of the world's wonders!"
"My experiences are also limited, but I believe…" Wen Gu said, "As long as life isn't over, anything is possible.
If you live long enough, you can see everything."
(End of this chapter)