A wise ruler...?

Xie Rang was stunned for a moment.

He didn't know what the Grand Tutor's definition of a wise ruler was, but if that was the case, wasn't it a bit too simplistic?

He simply stated what a king should do, and that was enough?

He chuckled softly and replied to Yun Qing, "I understand."

After speeding up their journey, they soon arrived at the border city. Li Yunshu opened the door in front, and the carriage entered smoothly.

Strangers rarely come here, let alone a carriage that looks so luxurious and extraordinary. The people on the street all curiously peeked out to see it.

"Is it a distinguished guest from the capital?"

"I heard he's the son of the general and his wife; isn't that a distinguished person?"

"Isn't that the current Imperial Tutor? That top scholar from last year's imperial examination!"

"Yeah, yeah."

"I'll also tell my son to study hard, so he can see how prestigious it is to be a top scholar!"

The carriage had virtually no sound insulation, and Yun Qing could hear all the discussions outside. She immediately knew that her parents had told her they would be coming in the city, but they hadn't mentioned that the little tyrant was also coming.

After all, no matter when or whether Xie Rang currently holds real power, he is still the ruler. If the ruler himself were to arrive, it would be a different matter, and the Rouran would likely become restless.

Yun Qing reached out and tapped the windowsill twice, smiling, "The army has developed a new weapon; perhaps His Majesty will be able to see it sometime."

The existence of gunpowder could be kept secret from the court thousands of miles away, but not from Xie Rang. Not to mention that he would definitely know if he were here, it was necessary to give the little tyrant a heads-up beforehand in order to carry out the things to be done later.

These are all valuable items that could be used in battles between two armies. I wonder if we have suitable materials here so we can try to make even better cement.

Yun Qing had discovered during her investigation that simple cement was already in use in this era, but its strength was not high, and it was mostly used for bonding in house construction, far from being as hard as it would be in later generations.

If a method can be found to improve it, it will be of great benefit not only for maintaining the city walls but also for road construction.

For border defenses, city walls are extremely important, so there have been many instances in history of breaching city walls to break through defenses. But with cement, things would be completely different.

Xie Rang was always startled by the thoughts that would pop into Yun Qing's mind from time to time. While the two of them were deep in thought, the carriage had already arrived in front of the mansion.

The situation was pretty much the same everywhere. Although it was called a mansion, it was only slightly better than the bungalows where ordinary people lived, but far inferior to the noble families in the capital. Xie Rang was slightly taken aback when he got off the carriage.

Although I was once confined to the deep palace, the buildings there, even in their desolation, were still meticulously constructed, and the craftsmanship was impeccable. Even though I was somewhat prepared for the situation here before coming, I still can't help but marvel at it now.

Yun Qing noticed the little tyrant's expression and chuckled, "Impractical things are useless on the border. The mansions in the capital are magnificent, but they are symbols of honor. The two have different meanings. Is Your Majesty not used to it?"

[He's probably not used to it; the little tyrant is just a kid, after all. But he's probably too embarrassed to say it.]

Xie Rang's expression changed slightly. The Grand Tutor had already guessed all his thoughts. What else could he say? After a long while, he gritted his teeth and honestly admitted, "A little, but I will get used to it."

Yun Qing was surprised: "That's good."

I was judging him by my own petty standards; the little tyrant is surprisingly honest.

Having unwittingly turned the tables, Xie Rang felt less frustrated. It wouldn't be appropriate to continue talking at the door, just then Li Yunshu turned around and beckoned to them, so the two of them went inside.

Li Yunshu was particularly lively when facing her elder sister, her voice filled with joy: "Father and Mother have gone on patrol and may not be back until tonight. Brother, this is a room prepared for you and His Majesty."

Li Yunshu knew that her elder sister cared a lot about the young emperor, so when arranging rooms, she tried to arrange them in places not far apart, separated only by a small corridor, which was just a few steps away. On the surface, out of courtesy, she gave the young emperor the biggest and best room.

Anyway, the overall environment here is pretty much the same. Having walked this far, Yun Qing has become indifferent to choosing, and nodded with a smile: "This arrangement is quite good. By the way, Yun Shu, how is the soldiers' training going lately? Have they been using the new weapons?"

She naturally brought up the topic, which surprised Li Yunshu. She glanced at the young emperor in astonishment, and after confirming that there was no strange expression on his face, she composed herself: "It's already been used. If the Rouran were to attack now, they would surely be blown to smithereens!"

Li Yunshu had never known that her elder sister possessed such ingenious ideas. Even in the capital, she constantly thought of them and sent them good things without delay. Everyone was overjoyed when they first found out, and now they were just waiting for those thieves to come and test them.

Provocations of all sizes occur every year, but the Rouran are persistent and determined to break through this defense line.

"His Majesty and I will stay here for a while before leaving to see where improvements can be made," Yun Qing explained. "If there are any training sessions in the next few days, would you be willing to invite us to observe?"

I've already witnessed the effects of gunpowder; it's time for the little tyrant to see it for himself. What will his expression be? Surprised?

Xie Rang had already been spoiled for the entire plot, and thinking about how he would have to deliberately show a surprised expression later, he sighed deeply with a touch of melancholy.

Li Yunshu was puzzled by the young emperor's actions. She paused for a moment and said, "Let's do it tomorrow. I've made some improvements recently, but I don't know if they're suitable. I hope Your Majesty will do me the honor."

Xie Rang nodded: "Okay."

After a brief discussion about watching the gunpowder test, Yun Qing and Xie Rang went back to their rooms to freshen up, as they were both exhausted from recent travels.

After the young emperor disappeared from her sight, Li Yunshu turned around and went to Yun Qing's room, closing the door tightly behind her.

Only when no one was around did she dare to relax. Li Yunshu walked quickly to Yun Qing, looked her over carefully, and then smiled slightly: "Sister is really good to that young emperor. But scholars are always scheming against each other. You haven't been wronged in the capital, have you? We were all so worried when the news came!"

Previously, one could only feign ease in front of outsiders, but now one can speak intimately in private; the path of officialdom inherently contains bitterness.