Chapter 43 043 I understand you.

In the palace.

Zhao Jialing sat cross-legged on the couch, reminiscing about the scenes he had witnessed in the manor.

The dumbfounded and utterly terrified expressions of the courtiers were truly amusing, especially those remonstrating officials, whose mouths opened and closed, but they couldn't utter a single word.

Based on their usual behavior, they would advise in the meeting that militarism would harm the people's livelihood and that excessive military spending would lead to chaos. Even though she did nothing, those advisors always managed to fully unleash their imaginations, conjuring up all sorts of terrifying scenarios and then pinning them on her, euphemistically calling it "prevention is better than cure."

Well, that's it, they didn't utter a single word.

It seems the problem isn't a lack of martial arts skills, but rather a lack of sufficient strength; only powerful firepower can bring about absolute suppression.

"How was my performance?" Zhao Jialing asked smugly.

[The host has shown remarkable talent.] The Wise Ruler System replied.

[Who asked you that?] Zhao Jialing thought to himself.

The Wise Ruler System was speechless. If it wasn't like this, then what was it? Since Zhao Jialing was its host, it resignedly began analyzing the database, finally asking: "Does the host want to ask if Xie Lanzhao will also be captivated by you?"

Zhao Jialing gave a soft hum, her excitement subsiding, her inner thoughts slightly reserved: [Besides this, does she have any other choice?]

Wise Ruler System: [...]

Zhao Jialing: [Fine, I won't ask you anymore. You're not even human, how could you understand human nature? What about my reward?]

Although the nobles were useless and automatic troublemakers, they at least brought her achievements and rewards. She could understand words like "metal" and "forging."

The reward was a thick stack of books, the printing was clear and crisp, still richly illustrated and very detailed. Of course, Zhao Jialing couldn't explain how iron was smelted and forged. Fortunately, the book's preface contained relevant information, clearly explaining how much the new method would reduce materials and improve the quality of the forged products.

Weapons are all about sharpness; a good sword can make you invincible on the battlefield. Moreover, materials for smelting can be used for more than just weapons!

Zhao Jialing's initial excitement at the power of gunpowder and firearms quickly shifted to the smelting and forging of these metals. She abruptly slapped her thigh, reluctantly closed the book, and ordered, "Summon the Prime Minister!"

The palace summoned Xie Lanzhao urgently, and she had a vague idea of ​​what was going on.

From the very beginning of the gunpowder project, His Majesty forbade anyone else to participate, only inviting court officials to share the fruits of his labor once the results were in. The purpose behind this is not hard to guess: it was likely to intimidate those with silver tongues and thus push for various reforms. Since His Majesty didn't mention involving the ministers in this matter at the manor, he certainly wouldn't summon me again for it now.

It must be either firearms or newly acquired metal smelting techniques.

Xie Lanzhao's guess was correct. When she entered the palace, the first thing that caught her eye was His Majesty's undisguised, radiant smile, followed by a thick stack of books.

"Come and see, Xie Qing." Zhao Jialing beckoned to Xie Lanzhao. "To do a good job, one must first have the right tools. If what is said in the book is truly true, how glorious will the future of our Great Yong be?"

Xie Lanzhao skimmed through the books, each line carefully chosen. While she was well-versed in various fields, her expertise lay primarily in classical texts and literature, making her extremely unfamiliar with metallurgy, let alone such an extraordinary skill. Her heart pounded, and Xie Lanzhao's eyes shone brightly. She asked, "What does Your Majesty intend to do? Will you still leave it to the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Works to study?"

Zhao Jialing scratched her head. She only wanted Xie Lanzhao to take a look; as for whether to give it to the Ministry of Works or somewhere else, she didn't have a definite idea. To get these things, she would have to invest money in them at first. The Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Treasury probably wouldn't be too happy about it. "Telescopes, glass, horseshoes, sugar refining methods... plus the original business there, isn't that a bit too much to handle?" Zhao Jialing hesitated.

What are four or five crafts to government-run workshops? The government has no shortage of craftsmen; the Imperial Household Department has over ten thousand, and the Imperial Workshops have over ten thousand. Even if those craftsmen are insufficient, they can be recruited from private workshops. But what about the future? When there are more things to study, and various skills intersect, will there still be enough people? Will order still be maintained?

Xie Lanzhao thought calmly for a moment before carefully asking, "Has Your Majesty considered separating the exclusive government-run workshops?"

"It's just about opening a factory," the Wise Ruler System said.

Zhao Jialing's train of thought was interrupted, and she wondered to herself, "What factory?"

Glass factories, steel mills, copper mills, printing plants, pharmaceutical factories... categorized neatly, isn't that clear?

Zhao Jialing understood. She met Xie Lanzhao's gaze and said with distress, "We need money to rebuild the factory and workshop. It's hard to say what the Ministry of Revenue and the Imperial Treasury will say."

Having received confirmation from the system, Xie Lanzhao's thoughts became clearer. She calmly said, "This is a necessary expenditure." After a pause, she added, "I wonder how the glass research is progressing over there?"

Glass, imported from foreign lands, was transported from the western borders to Chang'an, a journey fraught with hardship, during which countless pieces broke. Originally a rare and precious commodity, and due to its high cost, it was worth a fortune in Chang'an. However, she read in the book that if a craftsman mastered glassmaking, it wouldn't actually cost much—meaning there was a huge profit to be made. In the early stages, it could be used to extract a large sum of money from foreign merchants and powerful nobles.

Zhao Jialing understood Xie Lanzhao's implied meaning and blinked, saying, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

Glass that can be mass-produced will not be more expensive than earthenware pots next year.

But it's a lot of money, and she doesn't really want to go against money.

[Please, Xie Qing, don't say anything bad, it's my money!]

Xie Lanzhao calmly replied, "The initial stage of a craftsman's research into a new product is naturally arduous. Glass is a rare commodity, so it is naturally worth its price."

"What Xie Qing said is right." Zhao Jialing's attitude immediately softened. She pondered for a moment, "I still have the 'Sugar Recipe' in my possession, which is a good material for refining white sugar. How about selling the copy to merchants? Alas, the ancestors in the Imperial Ancestral Temple saw that I was living too hard, so they gave me the book in the wall and various recipes. If I cannot understand the profound meaning of the ancestors, I will be ashamed before Heaven and the people."

Xie Lanzhao, already knowing how the items came to be, quietly watched Zhao Jialing feign emotion. In a sense, however, it truly was a blessing from the heavens and the ancestors. These things came from the heavens; wasn't that divine protection for His Majesty? She wisely said, "Giving them to only one family might tempt them to hoard them. If we extend this imperial favor to several families—"

Zhao Jialing: [Then how about Qian Duoduo?]

Xie Lanzhao: "..."

She paused, her expression somewhat strange.

Zhao Jialing listened patiently to Xie Lanzhao finish speaking, and she nodded and said, "I understand." After a while, she added, "Some skills are not treasured by the royal family. Only by teaching them to the people can we bring about the peaceful and prosperous world that you and I envision. Although Mingde Academy is not yet completed, it doesn't need to wait for the right time to become famous. When the time comes, we can use the names of Mingde Academy and Mingdao Academy to popularize knowledge among the people."

Upon hearing the words "peaceful and prosperous era," Xie Lanzhao was moved and solemnly said, "Your Majesty is wise."

“I was young and reckless before.” Zhao Jialing stared intently at Xie Lanzhao and said emotionally, “I understand now. Your ideals are also mine. I want to create a beautiful story of ruler and subject together with you.”

Another person favored by the emperor would likely be deeply moved, but Xie Lanzhao only felt a slight stirring in her heart. She chuckled softly and said, "May I ask Your Majesty, what are my ideals?"

Zhao Jialing choked, her pent-up emotions gushing out like a floodgate bursting open.

[What's wrong with her! Is this reasonable? Shouldn't she say "Your Majesty and I will go together"?] Zhao Jialing's inner villain was furious.

Damn it, she still has to maintain the emperor's dignity.

Zhao Jialing murmured, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "Continuing the policies of Xuanqi, ushering in a new era of peace, setting an example for future generations."

Xie Lanzhao listened to Zhao Jialing's lively thoughts without the slightest surprise. She smiled slightly, a faint smile appearing on her face.

Zhao Jialing then said, "Am I starting to understand you now? Will you still find me troublesome like you did when you were a child?"

Xie Lanzhao remained calm and said, "I have never disliked Your Majesty."

Do they really think I'm as gullible as a three-year-old?

Zhao Jialing pursed his lips: "Words are no proof."

Xie Lanzhao raised an eyebrow slightly: "Does Your Majesty require me to sign a written agreement before Your Majesty affixes the imperial seal?"

Zhao Jialing: [It's not impossible.]

But she feigned indifference, saying, "I'm nineteen now, no longer a naive child."

Xie Lanzhao gave Zhao Jialing a meaningful look: "Yes, Your Majesty is right."

Zhao Jialing: "!"

She looks down on me!

·

While Zhao Jialing and Xie Lanzhao were discussing how to extract money from the pockets of the nobles, the nobles were also considering similar matters.

Gunpowder and firearms should belong to military science, right? Mingde Academy has this subject, so do they teach it or not? Even if they don't, it doesn't matter. The tide is so fierce, we can't afford not to be ahead! I heard that Mingde Academy only recruits forty people per class, and there are no restrictions on background, region, or even age. With a million people in Chang'an, is it possible that my good-for-nothing child will get a chance?

Now it's not a question of whether they want their child to study at Mingde Academy, but whether they can even get a spot on their waiting list.

What to do? According to the usual practice of the nobles, the answer is to throw money at it! Mingde Academy must be built, and it must be built to the highest standard.

Inside the Prince of Hengshan's mansion.

Princess Li Xiang coughed softly, covering her mouth; her face was pale and bloodless.

Princess Zhao Danxiao of Changle County patiently served him from the side.

“Since it’s a reform, His Majesty will certainly not allow others to buy places to enroll. Otherwise, how would it be any different from the chaos at the Imperial Academy?” Li Xiang said softly.

Princess Chang Le hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "I think it would be quite nice for me to be at the Imperial Academy with my sister." Their status destined them to be treated coldly by His Majesty, and they could not act ostentatiously. In Anyang, Xie Zhongshu was still protecting them out of consideration for their past relationship, but the former servants of the Crown Prince... let's not even mention them.

Li Xiang said slowly, "His Majesty's promotion of Mingde Academy requires support. We don't need you to be exceptionally outstanding, but at least show your support. If His Majesty doesn't permit it, we won't force you to enroll; if His Majesty grants it, you don't need to refuse the opportunity." Although most people in her household didn't associate with her due to past events, she had a few close friends whose attitudes didn't change because of her rise and fall, so she could still learn about things happening outside.

After a moment of silence, Li Xiang looked at Chang Le and said, "You've worked so hard." If it weren't for the drastic changes in her family, how could things have come to this? After the Crown Prince was deposed, the whole family was implicated. It was only later, with the Emperor's posthumous conferment, that their status as members of the imperial clan was restored. She had always advised her two daughters to be careful, but she had suppressed her feelings. The younger Yong Le had become very timid and less lively than children from ordinary families. "You're still children; sometimes it's okay to be a little indulgent," Li Xiang said, her heart softening.

Yongle looked bewildered, while Changle shook his head and said, "I don't want to make things difficult for my family."