12 Chapter 012

◎Seeing through ambition◎

A furry little head poked out from the collar.

Gray markings, big round eyes, a few long whiskers trembling on the cheeks, and two cute triangular ears standing up alertly.

"Tabby cat!" Meng Qi suddenly stood up and walked forward. "So cute!"

The little tabby cat seemed to be startled and shrank back, but its claws were still scratching at Xie Mingxuan's clothes.

"Oh my god, this is so cute." Meng Qi turned into a cat lover and tried to reach out to hug it. "Where did you get it?"

Xie Changfeng smirked: "It's just a kitten."

"I found it near the Armory Bureau," Xie Mingxuan took the cat out and carefully placed it in Meng Qi's arms. The kitten cried helplessly but did not run away. "I heard from the palace servants that it was only two months old."

Meng Qi caressed him lovingly: "Where's the mother cat?"

The kitten was familiar with her scent and felt that she had no ill intentions, so it stayed obediently in her arms, stepped on her arms a few times with its paw pads, pressed its face against her chest, and tilted its head to observe the others.

"The mother cat was raised by an old eunuch, who died two months ago. She had no one to feed her. She gave birth to four cubs, but only this one survived. It lasted just over a month before it also died with the old eunuch."

Meng Qi felt even more distressed: "How did the kitten survive?"

“I don’t know.”

Xie Mingshuo admired it: "It has a strong vitality. It's a good cat. Let's keep it."

Xie Changfeng sat at the table and said uninterestedly, "What's so good about raising a cat..."

"Meow." The kitten acted coquettishly.

"Alright, alright," Xie Changfeng surrendered spinelessly. "Then I'll keep it. A house cat needs a name, what should it be?"

Meng Qi sat back at the dining table holding the cat and said with a smile, "Today is the beginning of summer, so let's call it the beginning of summer."

"The wild cat is dirty, and it's almost time for dinner. Put it down first. After giving it a bath, you can hold it again." Xie Changfeng muttered, "You all have to be careful not to get scratched. There are no vaccines available right now."

Xie Mingxuan said seriously: "I washed it, it's very clean."

Otherwise, I wouldn’t have kept it in my arms.

"No wonder you came back late." Meng Qi put Lixia on her lap and stroked her fur. Lixia purred and rubbed her palm with her little head.

The palace maids served dinner and left the hall together.

Xie Mingzhuo finally spoke: "You went to the Armory?"

The Bingzhang Bureau was an agency under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household, specializing in manufacturing military equipment for the emperor and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and had a eunuch in charge of the seal.

The Ministry of Works and local garrisons were responsible for manufacturing weapons for the army.

But no matter who was in charge, the manufacturing technology and varieties of military weapons were consistent. At most, the materials of the emperor's weapons were stronger and the craftsmanship was more sophisticated.

"I asked him to go." Meng Qi, reluctant to part with the kitten, ate with one hand. "Didn't you analyze the military strength of the capital before? 320,000 men, no matter how weak they were, would not fall to the rebels in just three days. We can't review the troops right now, but we can review the weapons."

Xie Mingzhuo smiled and served her the food: "Mother is wise."

"I'm sure you can guess that. I'm just too busy. I have to study, practice martial arts, and remotely control the situation in Henan. I can't stand being idle, so I tried to find something to do."

She used to be focused on her career, but now she is stuck in the palace every day and is really afraid that she will suffocate to death. It just so happens that she and her eldest brother have both studied gunpowder and firearms because of their interests, so they thought of weapons based on the issue of military strength in the capital.

The lack of manpower is also related to weapons.

Xie Mingzhuo nodded and asked Xie Mingxuan, "How is the military affairs bureau?"

"The personnel were lazy and neglectful of their duties. Not only was the production of weapons low, but many were rusted and broken, especially the muskets, which were completely unusable."

The Armoury Bureau produced weapons every three years, with the materials provided by the Ministry of Works. However, the Imperial Household would still allocate funds every year for the maintenance of the weapons and the payment of salaries, and this amount was often quite large.

This was true for all the institutions directly under the emperor, not to mention the Ministry of Works and local garrisons.

The personnel are incompetent and the weapons are outdated. Even if there were no rebels, the gates of the capital would sooner or later be broken down by the cavalry from the north.

Xie Changfeng felt heavy-hearted after hearing this. He put down his chopsticks and said, "There are endless problems. We only have three months. Can we successfully overcome the tribulation?"

"Meow." The kitten called out.

Meng Qi couldn't help but laugh: "Lixia said yes."

Xie Changfeng: “…”

My wife has been bewitched by the little cat and has lost her mind.

"You have some knowledge of firearms, so why not try to improve them? If I remember correctly, today's firearms are called matchlocks, and they have low firing efficiency, not as good as flintlocks."

"That's exactly what we were thinking." Xie Mingxuan nodded, then his eyebrows curved slightly, "I have some good news to tell you."

"What good news?"

"I went to the Armory today. When I saw those firearms, my mind seemed to become more active. I was able to quickly understand the principles of their manufacturing."

Xie Mingshuo was surprised: "Student God Halo? This cheat is too big!"

"It's not that exaggerated," Xie Mingxuan said thoughtfully. "It's a bit like the staged unlocking in a game. I have to thoroughly understand the knowledge at the beginning before I can unlock the technology at the end."

"So, can you make a gun now?"

"No, I need to learn."

"Only knowledge about firearms?"

"uncertain."

"Why don't you go visit the major kiln factories or handicraft machinery factories? Perhaps glass-firing and textile techniques can be improved. Time-travel novels love to write about these things."

“…”

Xie Mingzhuo finished his meal and put down his chopsticks: "It's cliché, but it makes sense."

"Of course it makes sense!" Xie Mingshuo said excitedly, "Oh, by the way, there's also the steam engine. This thing is the beginning of industrialization."

Even if Xie Mingxuan failed history, he understood this truth.

He never imagined that one day he would have to start studying physics again from steam power.

It is too far away to talk about these things now. The most urgent task is to resolve the crisis of national destruction. It will not be too late to think about it slowly after they survive in three months.

Xie Mingzhuo: "Routines exist because they are popular with the public and have proven to be feasible. I think this is the direction of development."

Meng Qi stopped petting the cat: "My golden finger might be similar. I also want to participate in the research."

"Industry is inseparable from physics and chemistry. You two can collaborate on a project," Xie Mingzhuo encouraged. "Why don't you write a project plan first, and then we can discuss it together."

"Okay, it's settled."

Xie Changfeng: “…”

Everyone has found a goal to strive for, which makes him look useless.

But he has no other skills except painting, so he can't take away the job of the court painter.

Oh, it’s really worrying.

The next morning, Xie Mingzhuo studied in Wenhua Hall as usual.

Chang Wei walked in calmly, still holding the small round blue and white jar in his hand, and placed it in a corner of the desk after sitting down.

Xie Mingzhuo was curious about what was inside, but since it involved her teacher's privacy, she didn't ask and didn't ask anyone to check.

I only occasionally heard from the palace servants' gossip that this small round jar had been with Prime Minister Chang for many years.

Except when attending court and meeting the emperor, he carried it with him wherever he went.

"Please, Princess, continue reading the Book of Rites. Yesterday, we discussed the chapter 'Li Yun' (Rites and righteousness), which says that propriety and righteousness are the fundamental principles of human nature. Propriety to people is like the flavor of wine: a gentleman is generous with it, while a villain is thin. Today, we will discuss the role of propriety in the state. What does your opinion mean by 'great harmony under heaven'?"

"The emperor is benevolent, his ministers are orderly, the people live and work in peace and contentment, without disasters such as floods, droughts, insects, or famines, or diseases caused by monsters."

"That's right." Chang Wei nodded, "But why is it so smooth?"

Xie Mingzhuo replied, "Since you mentioned 'the role of ritual in the state,' it must be related to 'ritual.'"

"Governing a country without ritual is like plowing without a hoe. Farmers must follow the laws of the four seasons to plant crops and harvest them. Cooks must follow the rules of seasoning to create delicious dishes. Governing a country is like farming and cooking. They must also follow certain rules to understand compliance and then be able to guard against danger."

Xie Mingzhuo agreed deeply: "Teacher, what you said is absolutely right, but I still have some doubts in my heart."

"Princess, please speak."

"Farming does follow the laws of the four seasons, but the conditions are different in the south and north. North of the Great Wall, wheat is planted in spring and harvested in autumn; south of the Great Wall, wheat is sown in autumn and winter and harvested in summer. Further south, people plant more rice, harvesting two or even three crops a year."

Chang Wei smiled with relief: "I didn't expect Your Highness to be quite knowledgeable about farming."

"It's just a superficial remark," Xie Mingzhuo said modestly before continuing, "Farming in the north and south follows different rules, and cuisines from all corners of the world also have their own unique characteristics. This shows that there is more than one so-called rule and order."

Chang Wei slowly restrained his smile and his eyes fell lightly on her, but there was a heavy weight in them.

"Why is Your Highness so confused?"

"Can the rituals and laws governing a country also adapt to local conditions, just like farming practices, and adapt to local conditions?"

"If rituals are abandoned, there will be disharmony, and if there is disharmony, the country will be in danger."

"Teacher, there have been countless changes in history, all for the purpose of strengthening the nation. This shows that as long as the nation is strengthened, the laws of our ancestors may not be inviolable."

Chang Wei stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes: "How did it end?"

"The King of Qin swept across the world."

Chang Wei shook his head: "More often than not, it will result in the loss of lives and the fall of the dynasty."

"I see. I understand." Xie Mingzhuo stopped arguing. "Teacher, please continue teaching."

After reading this part of the book, she was just testing Lao Chang's attitude and didn't really want to argue with him about right or wrong.

The truth is within the range of cannons. As long as we firmly control military power, what law can't be changed?

Chang Wei was silent for a moment before picking up the book on the table.

After the lecture, Xie Mingzhuo stood up to see his teacher off with a respectful attitude.

Chang Wei was holding his small round jar and was about to step over the threshold, but he put it back, turned around to look at her, and rubbed the jar with his fingers.

"Teacher, if you have something to do, just tell the students."

"I dare not give you an order. Now I am standing inside the door, and I, posing as your Highness's teacher, am shamelessly trying to speak to you."

Xie Mingzhuo said politely, "Teacher, you are too kind. You are my teacher. It is natural for a teacher to teach his students."

"I've only taught Your Highness for a few days, but your talent is undeniable. If Your Highness is willing, you will surely achieve something in time. However, you must always act within your capabilities. One person's strength is ultimately limited. Don't try to shake a tree like an ant, as this will only end up hurting yourself."

Chang Wei had seen through her ambition, but he didn't agree. Although he said this tactfully, it was also a sincere and frank statement.

He could have pretended to know nothing and watched Xie Mingzhuo destroy himself, but he still took the risk and gave some advice.

If Xie Mingzhuo holds a grudge against her, regardless of whether she can realize her ambition or not, as a favored princess, she can make him suffer a few losses.

Xie Mingzhuo smiled broadly and said sincerely, "Thank you for your teachings, teacher. I will definitely keep them in mind."

Chang Wei didn't show it on his face, but his impression of her had improved a lot.

It is naturally much more gratifying to have your kindness understood by others than to have them resent you.

His expression eased slightly, and he walked out of Wenhua Hall leisurely. The crane behind his official uniform stood on the clouds, looking elegant and otherworldly.

However, the cold outside the hall was so intense that Xianhe shivered suddenly after taking a few steps.

Chang Wei coughed lightly and pretended nothing happened.

Xie Mingzhuo couldn't help but curl his lips and ordered Feng Caiyu: "Send that navy blue cloak to the teacher."

She got the cloak from her second brother. The prince was treated much better than the princess, and his cloak was also larger and finer than hers, and could better keep out the cold.

Feng Caiyu took the order and chased after Chang Wei holding the cloak.

I dare not refuse the gift given by your Excellency.

Chang Wei carefully put down the round jar and respectfully took it with both hands: "This old minister thanks Her Highness the Princess for the gift of clothes."

"The weather has been unusual, and it's been getting colder these past few days. His Highness has asked me to remind you to be careful and keep warm."

"Yes, I've made note of it."

He shook out his cloak, turned it over to cover his body, tied it tightly around his chest, and instantly felt warm again.

It is thick, but it is too long, dragging half a foot on the ground.

Outside Ruyang County, Runing Prefecture, Henan Province, Zong Zhen broke camp and returned.

"It's strange. It's almost summer, why has the weather suddenly become so cold?" An officer in military uniform shrank his neck.

Another person pretended to be fortune-teller: "I counted on my fingers and I'm afraid there will be strange signs in the sky."

"What vision?"

"That's—eh? Isn't that Lord Dutai? Something seems to have happened. Could it be that those bandits have resurrected?"

"Stop talking, gather quickly."

The Zongdu Commander hated those who disobeyed military orders the most. His harsh methods still frightened his officers and soldiers.

Think about last year, when the Henan military commander died at the hands of rioters. The garrisons in various places were leaderless, and the court had no one to fill the vacancy. They could only temporarily order the commander-in-chief to lead the troops to suppress the rebellion.

In the early days of the Qi Dynasty, the commander-in-chief did hold military and political power, but now the commander-in-chief only has the power to mobilize troops, not the power to command them. If the previous general had not been too incompetent, Zong Zhen would not have been qualified to lead the troops to suppress bandits.

After he took over, the garrisons in various places changed their lazy style and suppressed the rebellions of refugees with great force and stabilized the situation in Henan.

As a result, he became the de facto commander-in-chief of Henan's military and political affairs.

Now that the bandit problem in Runing Prefecture had been eliminated, he withdrew his troops and returned to Kaifeng. Unexpectedly, the scouts reported that there were suspected bandits five miles ahead, and they were looting the relief grain brought by merchants sent by the court.

These bandits were so bold as to rob the relief food.

Fuck him!

【Author’s words】

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