When a disheveled and ragged man entered the hall, a big question mark popped up in Chu Yuening's little head.

No, who are you, uncle from the Beggar Gang?

When Ying Zheng saw this, his eyebrows jumped and a layer of coldness covered his black eyes. No one had ever been so disrespectful in front of him.

But remembering Black Ice Guard's report...

"Your Majesty, the Mohist disciples are researching black powder, working day and night, forgetting to eat and sleep."

"Good, this is the pillar of our Great Qin. Is he alright?"

"Um... Your Majesty, I'm fine, I just seem a little crazy..."

As his thoughts returned, the coldness in Ying Zheng's eyes gradually faded away, and there was a bit more appreciation in his eyes when he looked at Mo Ju.

Such dedicated ministers are exactly what the Qin Dynasty needs!

The gazes of His Majesty and the Empress were so scorching that Mo Ju flinched. He lowered his head to look at the dirty clothes, and then he suddenly realized that he had lost his composure like this.

Mo Ju embarrassedly pushed the hair out of his eyes and bowed in a hoarse voice.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Your Majesty."

"I was so engrossed in my studies that I was not careful enough to tidy up my appearance. I hope Your Majesty and Your Majesty will forgive me."

"Nothing, Zhao Gao, take Mo Qing and clean up."

Ying Zheng has always been tolerant and generous towards talented people, but seeing that Mo Ju was uncomfortable, he nodded to Zhao Gao.

At this time, Chu Yuening suddenly realized that this was Mo Ju, but why was he so embarrassed?

Ying Zheng noticed the confusion on the woman's face, leaned slightly closer and whispered a few words into her ear.

"Because of the gunpowder issue, Mo Qing has been up early and late."

"No wonder, but there's no need to neglect your health."

Chu Yuening frowned, her face full of disapproval. Gunpowder is important, but talent is more precious.

With the help of the palace servants, Mo Ju appeared in the palace in a brand new look in a few moments.

After Mo Ju came out, Chu Yuening looked at his face carefully. When she saw the two big dark circles under his eyes, she couldn't help but admonish him in a deep voice.

"Mo Qing, no matter how important your research is, you must first take care of your health!"

"Yes, yes, thank you for your concern, Madam."

Seeing the usually gentle queen scolding him with a stern face, Mo Ju was not unhappy at all. Instead, a warm feeling surged in his heart.

The Empress trusted him, supported him, and cared about his health from beginning to end. This is the best way for a man to die for his confidant.

Seeing that his sincere expression did not seem fake, Chu Yuening finally relaxed her expression and started to talk about business.

"I intend to use beans to press oil, but it requires heavy objects to press it several times. I wonder if Mo Qing's mechanical skills can do it?"

Mo Ju sat upright and listened, pondering for a few breaths. Suitable ideas flashed through his mind, and then he spoke softly.

"It sounds easy, but you'll never know until you try it."

"I trust Mo Qing. This is the oil pressing process."

With Mo Ju's help, Chu Yuening's pent-up irritability disappeared, and she handed over the drawing with a smile.

Mo Ju took it with both hands, looked at it carefully for a while, and then he had an idea in his mind. The mechanism required was not complicated, and he could develop it within a few days.

Ying Zheng looked down at the confident look of the man below him, and the admiration in his phoenix eyes grew stronger.

"Mr. Mo is usually very busy and has no time to take care of trivial matters. I will give you a few palace maids to help you with your worries."

"this..."

Mo Ju, who always lived a simple life, never thought of being served by others. Even after becoming the chief priest of the academy, he was frugal and self-reliant.

Just looking at His Majesty's expression that did not tolerate rejection, Mo Ju did not dare to speak out and anger His Majesty.

Chu Yuening looked at the embarrassment on Mo Ju's face and couldn't help feeling complicated. The few sentences in the history book could not fully describe the glory and regrets of the era.

An ideal practitioner who serves the country and the people and is dedicated to benefiting the world, he does not seek personal gain but only justice, and has been pursuing the vast starry sky all his life.

However, personal nobility is ultimately no match for the weight of history. After thousands of years, how many of the various schools of thought will remain in the world?

Chu Yuening cannot reverse the changes of the times, but at this moment she can do her bit to ensure that China's brilliant civilization, thoughts and culture will be passed on.

"Mo Qing, please accept it. I will pay them their wages as usual."

"This is their way of survival, there is no need to feel guilty."

The clear sound, like the gurgling of water, soothed Mo Ju's anxiety. He bowed gratefully to the Queen and thanked His Majesty.

All matters had been explained, and Mo Ju did not hesitate. He hurriedly bowed and took his leave, and went back to develop the oil press.

Ying Zheng stared at Mo Ju's back, and a rare trace of confusion appeared in his eyes that were as dark as the night.

"Yuening, why was Mo Ju unwilling to accept the palace maid just now?"

Chu Yuening sat next to him, held his broad and warm hand, and explained softly.

"The Mohists advocate frugality; this is their way."

"Well, but such selfless people are rare indeed."

A hint of understanding flashed across Ying Zheng's phoenix eyes, and he held the soft, boneless hand tightly, trying to absorb her warmth.

In fact, what he didn't say was that he had seen all kinds of double-faced people, the darkness and ugliness, greed and tyranny of human nature, and it was difficult for him to believe in the kindness and beauty of human nature.

Ying Zheng prefers to deal with those who have something to ask for. Money, power, status... are both what they desire and their weaknesses.

Perhaps, this is the darkness that he, as an emperor, cannot get rid of.

Chu Yuening noticed the man's strange mood, and she put her arms around his neck with a smile, acting coquettishly.

"What happened to A Zheng?"

"Nothing."

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