Chapter 44: The purification steps of coal washing and fine salt!
Xiao Ran said he must keep his distance from the Chen family in the future.
“This family is probably cursed!” Xiao Ran joked about the Chen family being the reincarnation of broom stars.
“Changle, stay away from the Chen family in the future. They’re unlucky,” Xiao Ran teased.
“Other aristocratic families say the same thing,” Li Lizhi said with a smile.
“It’s been a few days. Aren’t you curious about our future?” Xiao Ran asked.
Li Lizhi shook her head, “I am curious, but I’m afraid of bad news. Some things need to be known, but knowing in advance may not be good.”
Xiao Ran nodded, “Makes sense.”
“I believe if it’s not in my favor, you’ll tell me,” Li Lizhi said.
“Absolutely! Your Highness is omnipotent. A mere family can’t trouble you!” Xiao Ran replied seriously.
Li Lizhi, though understanding it was a jest, laughed happily. “It feels good to hear kind words!”
“When will you start selling thermal underwear? Also, regarding Yujiagou, do it sooner. Father is anxious. The longer it takes, the more people will suffer,” Li Lizhi urged.
“I’ve already taken care of the thermal underwear. It should arrive tomorrow. As for Yujiagou, I started preparing when you left,” Xiao Ran reassured.
Li Lizhi, satisfied, asked, “Do you trust me this much? What if I can’t handle it?”
“Impossible! Your Highness can do anything. A small matter like this won’t trouble you,” Xiao Ran said earnestly.
Li Lizhi, though realizing it was a jest, appreciated the positive words.
“Can you tell me your plan for Yujiagou?” Li Lizhi inquired.
“I’m going to use coal! It solves the heating material shortage and high prices,” Xiao Ran explained.
Li Lizhi guessed and added a caution about coal’s smoke and potential toxicity.
“I know that. In the 21st century, we have a solution: coal washing to remove harmful components,” Xiao Ran explained.
“Coal washing?” Li Lizhi was unfamiliar with the term.
Xiao Ran nodded, “It removes toxic elements from coal.”
“Amazing,” Li Lizhi exclaimed.
“Do you know the difference between Yujiagou’s coal and others?” Xiao Ran asked.
Li Lizhi shook her head, “Coal can’t be used there, so no one cares. Isn’t all coal black?”
“There are many types of coal, including Yujiagou’s,” Xiao Ran clarified.
“What kind of coal is in Yujiagou?” Li Lizhi asked with anticipation.
“Premium anthracite! Yujiagou’s coal has superior quality and fewer toxic gases than other types of coal. It only requires a simple coal-washing process before it can be used,” Xiao Ran explained.
“It’s that simple?” Li Lizhi felt it was too straightforward.
“Yes, it’s that simple,” Xiao Ran replied with a smile. “Coal is more durable than wood charcoal. You need less of it to stay warm.”
Surprised and delighted, Li Lizhi asked, “What’s the price?”
Xiao Ran hadn’t decided yet, asking, “How much is charcoal?”
Xiao Ran needed to compare it with charcoal before making a decision.
“The price of charcoal is around three cents per pound in summer and about five cents in winter. That’s the norm,” Li Lizhi explained. “Recently, my mother mentioned that in Changan City, charcoal is selling for forty cents per pound, which is unaffordable for ordinary people.”
“It’s hard to say now, but it’s definitely cheaper than charcoal. Even if it’s the same price as charcoal during normal times, the common people won’t lose out,” Xiao Ran assured.
“Why?” Li Lizhi inquired.
“Because coal is more durable!” Xiao Ran explained.
Li Lizhi nodded, saying, “Understood!”
“You can start mining coal anytime now. When you find someone, you can get started,” Xiao Ran handed Li Lizhi the prepared coal-washing plan. “It’s all written down. If you don’t understand, ask me.”
Li Lizhi quickly read it and asked, “Is it that simple?”
“Yes!” Xiao Ran confirmed.
“How do we keep this technology secret? I don’t want aristocrats to learn it. Ordinary people learning it is fine,” Li Lizhi expressed her concern.
“High-quality anthracite like Yujiagou’s is rare. Washing other common coals is complicated, and with the current technology in Datang, making them usable is challenging. So, don’t worry about Changle. Just make sure others don’t secretly dig in Yujiagou,” Xiao Ran reassured.
“Oh, I see!” Li Lizhi nodded in understanding.
Satisfied, Li Lizhi continued to learn about the refining process of fine salt. Since there were some terms Li Lizhi might not understand, Xiao Ran made notes in advance, ensuring she could comprehend the process even without a background in chemistry.
“This isn’t difficult either!” Li Lizhi exclaimed happily.
“That’s why I said we’re going to make a fortune,” Xiao Ran remarked. Li Lizhi enthusiastically agreed, “Make a fortune!”
“Let’s send someone to Yujiagou to bring back some anthracite and salt ore. We can try it out at the Princess Mansion first,” Xiao Ran proposed.
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