"Since it's a good thing that benefits the country and its people, why shouldn't I give it a try? If it succeeds, the Great Chu will surely become even more prosperous."
Meeting Su An's expectant gaze, Fu Zhun composed himself and nodded in agreement.
This kid has a good eye. Modern transportation is convenient and developed, and cement roads can contribute a lot. Once cement roads are fully built, the development of the entire dynasty can be advanced by at least fifty years.
While pondering, Su An inadvertently caught a glimpse of the wheelchair beneath Fu Zhun.
In ancient times, whether it was a wheelchair or a horse-drawn carriage, the wheels were basically made of wood. Although they looked exquisite and beautiful, they were difficult to handle complex terrain and were easily damaged, requiring frequent repairs.
Most importantly, the wood is quite hard, so even the slightest bump on the road will be transmitted into the carriage.
To reduce bumps, you can only reduce speed.
That's why people in ancient times traveled so slowly.
Su An crossed his arms, put his index finger to his lips, frowned, and couldn't help but think to himself.
She knows the proportions of the materials used in the cement road by heart and won't make any mistakes, so the cement road will definitely be built.
If we could improve the wheels now, wouldn't the transportation efficiency be greatly improved?
Thinking of this, a sly glint flashed in Su An's eyes. He quietly moved closer and rubbed his hands together with ill intent.
"There's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you."
Just by looking at her, you can tell it's definitely not a good thing.
Fu Zhun's brow twitched, and he glanced at her warily, asking, "What is it?"
"Could I borrow your wheelchair for a few days? I want to try and see if I can improve the wheels. If it works, the carriage can also be fitted with improved wheels, which will greatly increase the speed whether transporting grain or medicine."
"What used to take seven days may now be delivered in just one day!"
As Su An said this, his eyes gleamed, and his tone was somewhat mysterious.
He seems quite confident about this matter.
Seeing her so enthusiastic, Fu Zhun felt a little reluctant to dampen her spirits, and at the same time, he was also somewhat tempted.
If that's the case, why worry about not having enough food and supplies during wartime?
He hesitated for a moment, then finally smiled and agreed.
"Okay, then take it and try it."
Upon hearing this, Su An was overjoyed. He immediately had someone bring a wooden ruler and personally measured the size and structural data of the wheel, carefully recording the data.
After obtaining the accurate data, she immediately went into her room.
Modern wheels are made of metal and rubber, but ancient materials and techniques were limited, so she had to make improvements based on the actual situation and the available resources.
To facilitate her research, she specifically bought relevant booklets from a bookstore to find materials that could serve as substitutes.
Just as she was starting to get a sense of things, a commotion broke out outside.
Distracted by the noise, Su An simply put down the book in her hand, pushed open the door, and went out.
A group of people were blocking the entrance to the shop, and many of them were familiar faces.
Some time ago, they caused trouble in the shop, and the shop assistants already harbored resentment. Seeing them blocking the door again, the shop assistants all looked grim and unceremoniously stopped them from entering.
"Why are you stopping us? We're here to see Miss Su, not to cause trouble."
"Yes! Go find Miss Su quickly, we have something we want to ask her."
Upon hearing this, the men remained unmoved, only scoffing and mocking.
"Boss Su is a businessman, not a righteous official. He has already done more than enough by getting you the prescription. Why should he care about the pharmacy's affairs? If you think the pharmacy's herbs are too expensive, go argue with the pharmacy. What are you going to say to Boss Su?"
What he said was true, but they wouldn't listen at all and kept shouting louder.
Seeing that the situation was out of control, Su An had no choice but to go downstairs.
Upon seeing Su An, everyone quickly changed their tune and rushed to complain to her.
“Miss Su, please help us out this time. The price of medicinal herbs in the pharmacy has risen to 120 taels in just a few days. We don’t have enough money at all. If this continues, we’ll be doomed.”
"I spent twenty taels on a meal at the shop a while ago, and they said they would send some medicinal herbs, but we still haven't heard anything. Miss Su, when will the herbs arrive? You should at least give us a definite answer!"
...
After listening to these words with a frown, Su An couldn't help but feel angry.
Yesterday, when she went to the shop to buy medicinal herbs, the price was one hundred taels. But just one night, the price of the herbs actually increased by twenty taels. Isn't this blatant profiteering?
Hesitating for a moment, everyone knelt down.
"We beg Your Highness to do us justice!"
Su An belatedly turned around and met Fu Zhun's gaze behind him.
Just in time.
The purpose of opening a pharmacy should be to heal the sick and benefit the people, but now they are going against the grain, maliciously raising drug prices, exploiting the people, and drinking their blood. They are truly depraved.
Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone a person.
Su An immediately had an idea. She turned around, crossed her arms, snorted, and angrily made a suggestion to Fu Zhun.
“You’re right. One can’t be too kind. The pharmacy is acting so outrageously, treating human life like dirt. You are the Prince of Zhenbei, a man who cares for the country and its people. You can’t just sit idly by and do nothing! Why don’t we go and raid the pharmacy?”
After she finished speaking, fearing that Fu Zhun might not be willing, she gave a further analysis.
"Since these pharmacies are capable of doing such things at this critical juncture, they must have been swindling the people quite a bit in the past. Your Highness should confiscate their property to prevent them from harming the people, right?"
How could Fu Zhun not know what she was thinking?
He was never a kind person to begin with. He didn't survive to this day by following the rules, being obedient, or simply taking over a shop. For him, what reason did he need?
Fu Zhun raised an eyebrow, hesitated for a moment as if deep in thought, and then nodded in agreement.
“What Miss Su said makes sense. Now that I’ve come across this, I can’t ignore it. Jianyi, take some men and come with me to see what’s going on.”
Seeing that he agreed, Su An's anger subsided considerably. She quickly went around to Fu Zhun's back and helped push his wheelchair.
Everyone looked delighted and followed suit.
Led by Jian Yi, a group of guards stormed into the pharmacy.
Seeing that things were not going well, the medicine boy quickly stepped forward to stop him.
"What are you doing? I advise you not to cause trouble! Our boss is..."
Before he could finish speaking, Jian Yi coldly shoved him, causing him to stumble, and drew his sword from his waist, holding it in front of him.
"Shut your mouth if you don't want to die!"
"Go in and search. Bring out all the medicinal herbs; don't let a single one escape."
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