Chapter 120 Ying Zheng: Why not hold a celebration?
Librarians and other things have to take a back seat. The most important thing now is to build the library.
This library was built in the city, and the area it covered was naturally not the 90 acres proposed by Weishengxue. Daqin did not have enough space to store so many books!
By the time it's finished, they'll be embarrassed to find the bookshelves empty with only a few books on them.
After several rounds of discussions and drawings produced by the craftsman's office, the final version was a layout with fewer bookshelves and more seats, divided into a front yard and a back yard. The front yard was set up as a place for discussion and socializing, while the back yard was where books were stored.
“Library + conference room?”
This layout obviously did not conform to Wei Shengxue's understanding. In her opinion, libraries should be quiet, and noisy places like conference rooms should be separated from the library. But since they came up with it after several rounds of discussion, it should be more in line with the reality of Daqin than her idea.
Thinking of this, Wei Shengxue didn't say anything more.
She looked at the blueprint. The craftsmanship had creatively combined the local Daqin style with reinforced concrete, giving it a distinctly modern feel. Glass and cement were used throughout, yet the exterior was designed to resemble carved railings and jade masonry. Plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum were also present in the courtyard, clearly meeting the tastes of a scholar.
"What is this thing? Why is it there at a distance?" Weishengxue pointed at a mark drawn on the drawing. She looked at the four corners but didn't find any markings.
"This is a water tank." The Chief of Staff glanced at the blueprint and replied respectfully, "The library is filled with books and wooden shelves. To ensure sufficient brightness, candlesticks are placed densely together. When candles are lit at night, fire prevention is essential. This water is used to extinguish any fires immediately."
Wei Shengxue finally figured out what she had forgotten.
Electricity!
She had been fiddling with it for so long that the battery went out!
"You didn't even remind me," she complained to the system.
A system that drops a pot from the sky: Is there a possibility that I am a system for cultivating immortals, and the world of cultivating immortals does not need this kind of thing!
"Why don't you just fill it in now?" The system, which had nothing to do recently and had found plenty of time to spend with its best friend, said casually, "We're just getting to the point."
"I think we need to build a power plant."
power plant?
Everyone in the hall looked up, with the same puzzled look on their faces.
Lightning is thunder.
According to their understanding, electricity and thunder are the same thing that exists together.
Therefore, the explosives developed by the alchemists under the guidance of the immortals were to draw thunder from the sky for their own use. They were already using electricity.
But now, according to what the immortal said, thunder and lightning do not seem to be the same thing.
"On rainy days, lightning flashes from the sky, and at its brightest it can illuminate half the sky."
Everyone nodded, and it was almost as bright as day.
"That's lightning, electricity is..." Wei Shengxue was stuck. She didn't know how to explain such a simple thing, just like 1+1=2 is very simple, but because it is too simple and common, it cannot be explained.
"Electricity connects lights, illuminating the night without candles; electricity powers telephones, transmitting messages thousands of miles away; electricity builds trams, transporting goods without the need for oxen or horses..." Weishengxue explained a few practical applications of electricity to them. "In short, widespread use of electricity can make life significantly more convenient."
Ying Zheng's eyes brightened as he listened.
It can transmit sound over thousands of miles, illuminate at night, and transport supplies... Isn't this the magic performed by immortals!
According to the immortal, these magic arts can be used even without achieving immortality?!
If he had these items, Daqin would definitely be more powerful than it is now, the national fortune would rise, and he would be one step closer to immortality!
"Are these formations more convenient than those used by fellow Daoist?"
Wei Shengxue paused: ...
Yes, this is the world of immortal cultivation. Spiritual power can completely replace many things. There is no need to follow the path of her home planet.
Moreover, there was no industrial base here. To achieve a convenient life, it was necessary to cultivate talents in various fields from scratch. It seemed impossible to rely on her alone.
For a moment, Wei Shengxue fell into a brief silence.
…
She remained silent for so long that even the ministers who were discussing something far away noticed something was wrong. They slowly stopped talking and the hall fell into an eerie silence.
A silence spread throughout the Zhangtai Palace, so oppressive that it was almost suffocating.
A eunuch walked in from outside the hall and wanted to report, but was frightened by the strange silence and dared not speak.
But the sound of his footsteps entering the room just broke the silence.
Ying Zheng waved his sleeves and returned to the throne, and the ministers who had gathered in groups also lined up and stood in formation.
"when?"
Hearing the Emperor's question, the eunuch hurriedly lowered his head and reported, "The Donghai County kelp cultivation base has sent 10,000 kilograms of dried kelp and a variety of seafood. The person in charge of the suburban teleportation array requests the Emperor's instructions."
When everyone heard the news, they realized that it was indeed harvest time. According to the current progress, the harvest should have been completed.
"How is the output?" When it comes to food, Zhi Su Nei Shi is always the first to jump out.
The eunuch took out a memorial from his sleeve and held it up with both hands. "This is the memorial written by the Minister Xiao He. Please review it, Your Majesty."
The Internal Affairs Secretary of Zhisu looked eagerly at the memorial being carried by the eunuchs to Ying Zheng's hands. He glanced at it quickly, smiled, and said loudly, "Good! Everyone in the base will be rewarded!"
"The kelp base has harvested tens of thousands of kilograms of kelp, which has been dried and delivered. The yield is gratifying." As he spoke, he passed down the memorial recording the data to make all the ministers happy together.
Wei Shengxue, who had been lost in thought while sitting nearby, finally came to her senses and asked, "Was this sent via the teleportation array?"
She remembered that after the teleportation array was upgraded, it seemed that it could transport things weighing tens of thousands of pounds at a time, but it still could not teleport living things.
The Qin emperor and his ministers still paid some attention to her during the meeting. When they heard her finally speak, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Reporting to the Immortal Master, Haikai was teleported to the villa on the outskirts of the city in two batches through the teleportation array, and then escorted into the city by the villa guards."
Wei Shengxue confirmed with Ying Zheng, "Now, all the counties in Daqin have teleportation arrays that can directly connect them."
She was so absorbed in refining equipment at that time that she didn't even remember how many array plates she had refined, not to mention the small teleportation arrays with extremely low success rates that Ying Zheng had arranged to be set up after she handed the method over to them.
Ying Zheng glanced down at this question, and the official in charge stepped forward to report, "Master, there are 25 teleportation arrays throughout the Great Qin that can transport large supplies. Eleven counties remain unreached. There are 60 small teleportation arrays capable of quickly transmitting information, 20 of which are located along the borders, 19 in the counties surrounding Xianyang, and all other counties have them."
To sum up, the transportation of materials still basically relies on manpower, and the transmission of information is still a luxury.
This coverage is not good.
But Wei Shengxue couldn't say anything. After all, when she first came to Daqin, people here couldn't even get enough food to eat. There was still a long way to go to achieve convenient communication and logistics.
"I was lost in thought. I've been thinking about renovating this place according to the customary roads, but the roads you take are different from those in my hometown."
Wei Shengxue raised her eyes, looked around, and said seriously: "You should forge your own paths. I am just the one who ignites the fire, not the fire itself."
"According to the current progress, after the next activation of the national destiny, those of you with outstanding cultivation talents should be able to simply use spiritual power. Or perhaps it shouldn't be called spiritual power? Anyway, after the next activation of the national destiny, those people will come and learn from me how to refine equipment and draw formations. The part of the technology that was originally powered by electricity will be supplemented by spiritual power."
She made the decision happily, but she didn't know that it would throw a huge bombshell on the court, which directly confused everyone's brains.
"Master, do you mean that we can learn the immortal arts from you soon?"
Wei Shengxue corrected him, "It's not a cultivation technique, just a simple technique. The path I take to personal transcendence is completely different from your national ascension. All the cultivation techniques can only be comprehended by you. I only teach you simple and practical techniques."
"I've read the classics of your sages, and many of them contain insights into nature and the environment. Previously, you simply lacked the key to open the door to a new world. In other words, the Great Qin's spiritual energy was cut off, so even geniuses could only conduct theoretical research and were unable to apply it in practice. But once the Great Qin's national destiny is activated, those who are good at understanding will be able to create a variety of skills."
"If it really doesn't work, you have the blessing of national destiny, and you can directly increase your strength. At most, your cultivation level will not be able to fight in actual combat."
Wei Shengxue was talking a lot, and once he started talking, he ran off on a tangent. After he finished speaking, he realized that he seemed to have gone off topic, and quickly pulled it back, just like when you find that your essay is off topic during an exam, and you force it back to the topic at the end,
"According to the current progress, after this autumn harvest and the provincial examination, we will have enough for the third round of national fortune. We should first do the necessary publicity and list the areas that urgently need improvement. Then I will teach directly based on the areas that are lacking."
"But this is completely training these people to be technicians, and perhaps even assembly line technicians. Be mentally prepared. If you want to go further and seek self-transcendence, you still have to rely on your own insights."
That's good enough!
I thought immortality was still far away, but it is suddenly right in front of me!
Is this what pie in the sky feels like?
A ball of water-blue light unconsciously emerged from Ying Zheng's palm, and water surged violently in it, revealing the fluctuations in his heart.
No one could explain how the topic, which was originally about how to build a library, ended up here, but no one would remind the immortal.
They are eager to talk more!
It was not until an unknown amount of time had passed that the immortal finally paid attention to the design drawing in front of him and brought the topic back to the library.
"When will the library be completed?"
The Chief of Staff estimated the time, "The second half of next year."
This is because reinforced concrete and red bricks have reduced most of the time. If the original construction speed is followed, it would take at least four or five years.
Accustomed to the extremely high construction efficiency of the interstellar era, Wei Shengxue was shocked by this speed: "So long?!"
The Minister of Works explained in detail, "The general structure will be completed next year. The remaining time will require the meticulous carving of the library. This is the official face of the Great Qin, so it cannot be too simple."
Simply put, this time is the time for construction and fine decoration.
That's okay.
But at this rate, by the time it's completed, Daqin's spiritual trains will be running all over the place.
"Convert the outhouse into a bathroom, install a flush toilet and a wash basin. Can the kiln produce tiles? Put them up too. Otherwise, when you're done, it won't fit in with the outside world."
This statement is an exaggeration, but it may not be without the meaning of achieving the desired result in one step.
The Minister of Works did not ask what a flush toilet was or what a washbasin looked like. He just responded respectfully and promised to meet the immortal's requirements.
With the big carrot hanging right before their eyes, the Qin officials, who were already working so hard, were even more exhausted, wishing they could live in the yamen for 12 hours a day.
…
Cherishing one's own possessions has been an academic tradition since ancient times, and books are the exclusive preserve of the nobility. Most people may not even read a single book in their entire lives.
Although this ensured the noble inheritance of the nobility, it also caused many books to be lost and scattered, and many of them were unique copies. Even if there were handwritten copies, the accuracy could not be guaranteed.
"Gather all the learned scholars from around the world and gather them in Xianyang to proofread the various classics to ensure their accuracy." Wei Shengxue glanced at Ying Zheng. "It would be best if we could take control of the right to interpret each of the classics."
Haven’t you seen how annoying it is to see the phrase “the final right of interpretation belongs to XX” everywhere in the interstellar era?
Now, she also wants to be such a party A!
Li Si, who was standing below, looked at his nose and pretended not to hear the immortal's shocking words again.
"Many of the classics in each family are unique copies. If anyone were to read them, they would be damaged. The adults requested that handwritten copies replace the originals and be opened to the public." He came to report on the recent book copying situation. Although each family expressed their willingness to share their collections, there were still many problems to be solved in the specific implementation.
"Can."
All Ying Zheng wanted was enough books to replenish his library; whether they were originals or not was unimportant. The contents wouldn't be missing a few words just because they weren't originals.
Li Si made another memorial: "With so many people copying books, some are likely to be lost. We need a dedicated place, which can also be used to store books until the library is completed."
"Where have you chosen?" Just as his trusted ministers knew him, Ying Zheng also knew his ministers. If it was an ordinary place, they would have directly submitted a memorial and there would have been no need to come here to apply in person.
Li Si lowered his head even lower. "Your Highness and I ask that the Yongning Garden be opened."
Yongning Garden was the residence of Chang'an Jun Chengjiao, who was executed for treason.
Since his death, his mansion in Xianyang has been sealed off, and no one is allowed to enter except for the most basic maintenance and cleaning. More than 20 years have passed now.
Ying Zheng did not speak. His eyes, as deep as the abyss, reflected a chill that fell directly on Li Si's back, causing him to break out in cold sweats.
Li Si cursed his colleague who made this suggestion hundreds of times in his heart, but he remained respectful on the surface.
If this was not the best place after comparison, he would not have wanted to risk the Majesty's wrath by asking for instructions.
It’s just that this place is really perfect. The rest either don’t have enough space or the conditions for storing books are not met.
After a long silence, Ying Zheng finally spoke, "As the Prime Minister said, this will not happen again."
"Yes." Li Si breathed a sigh of relief.
After Li Si left the palace, Wei Shengxue slowly spoke, "You don't like this place."
"It's nothing to like or dislike. It's just the residence of an old friend."
The hall fell into silence again.
Wei Shengxue bared her teeth, glanced at him secretly, and brainstormed how to start the conversation.
She really doesn't know how to deal with this kind of situation.
So embarrassing.
I should say something, but what can I say?
"How's your training going?"
Wei Shengxue finally found a safe topic, "Water has a significant effect on nourishing the body. You should have experienced this."
It would have been fine if she didn't say it, because once she did, Ying Zheng would be reminded of these frequent dressing-up activities.
When he raised this question, Wei Shengxue replied, "It's normal. This is detoxification. As for your previous habit of consuming heavy metals, you should be content that you're still alive and well. Now it just takes a little longer to recuperate, which is great."
"But when the next National Destiny is activated, you will be able to learn more obvious techniques, such as the flying you've always dreamed of."
Wei Shengxue was thinking about preparing a flying magic weapon as a gift for him.
"What kind of magic weapon do you like?"
Ying Zheng habitually followed her jumping thoughts and thought for a moment before saying, "Xuanniao."
Weishengxue: Hmm?
“When people step on it, it feels like they are flying on a black bird.”
Wei Shengxue opened her eyes wide: You are worthy of me, you are so bold.
"Then the materials needed are a bit too much. Otherwise, it will be too small and lack momentum."
In response, Ying Zheng waved his hand and said, "If you need anything, just ask for it. As long as the Great Qin has it, I can find it."
If you don’t have any, go to someone else’s place and ‘borrow’ some.
The two people in the hall were discussing the details of the flying magic weapon. Li Si, who had already left Zhangtai Palace, returned to the yamen with good news.
After obtaining approval, the Minister of Works immediately led people to renovate Yongning Garden.
All unnecessary furniture was cleared out and replaced with rows of bookshelves and rows of tables and chairs.
The notices, which had been reviewed and revised at multiple levels, were also posted outside various government offices, and even large-character posters were posted on the city walls, to ensure that all literate people knew about this extremely good news!
Someone stood in front of the poster and read aloud the message: "Every morning at nine o'clock, applicants will be examined and tested. Those who pass will be admitted to Yongning Garden to copy books..."
"...A mandatory requirement is to be able to write neatly in one of the following scripts: small seal script, official script, or Song style." A scholar far away in Qi also stood in front of the bulletin board and read out the latest announcement.
"As long as you can write for a long time, you can read a book?!"
"Mr. Zhou, is this true?"
"How can such a good thing happen! You are dreaming. We suffered so much in school just to read one more book. How could there be such a simple condition?" someone immediately retorted.
Someone nearby had his eyes fixed on the notice, reading it over and over again. "As long as I could actually read those books, I'd be willing to be a dung collector!"
"The location is in the Qin State's Xianyang City."
"Where can such good books come from in that barbaric place?" someone muttered disdainfully.
Someone echoed him, "That's right, our Qi and Lu regions are the world's leading land of scholars! I think the King of Qin is just trying to show off!"
After saying goodbye to each other, they turned around and ran home to pack their luggage, mounted the fastest horse, and their destination: Xianyang City!
The Qin State did not cultivate a good cultural soil in its own country, but after it conquered the six states, it transported all the good books in the world back to Xianyang!
Book collections from all over the world are gathered in one place. As long as he takes out a part of it, it won’t take long for it to become the first choice of the world’s literary heritage!
Not long after, the few people who had made the harsh remarks met on the road to Xianyang.
"Haha, Brother Zhou, what a coincidence! You've walked quite far during your outing."
"Brother Lin accompanied his wife to visit relatives and even ventured all the way to the west. It's no wonder I just ran a little further away."
"I heard that Brother Mo was going to study in the south, so why are you heading this way?"
"I'm going to Xianyang!" Brother Mo held his head high and chest puffed out, speaking with confidence.
Both of them were surprised by his blunt words, looked at each other and laughed out loud.
"In this case, we are traveling together."
"Let's go together. Once this matter comes out, all the scholars in the world will hear the news and go there. If you miss it, it will be a great regret in your life."
Several teams merged into one, and several people also sat on a carriage. "The Qin Emperor collected all the books in the world, wishing that everyone in the world would be foolish. I wonder why he changed his mind this time?"
"Speaking of this matter, I do have some information." Brother Zhou shook out a letter. He pinched the signature on it so that he couldn't see it clearly. Only from the small seal characters on the letter could he tell that it should be a letter from Xianyang.
"My fellow disciple is serving in Xianyang and got some news. Please forgive me for the inconvenience." He put the letter away as he said this, as if he was only using it to show off and enhance his credibility.
"This matter is related to the immortal who descended from Mount Tai."
"I heard she proposed building a library accessible to all scholars from around the world, housing a million volumes, encompassing all the world's books and all the world's theories."
Everyone gasped and looked at each other with horror in their eyes.
"One million volumes!"
This was completely beyond their imagination.
"Even if you put all the books in the world into it, it still wouldn't be full."
Brother Zhou watched their reactions with satisfaction, completely ignoring his own even more outrageous reaction when he first heard the news. He casually said, "Before the immortals arrived, could you imagine paper as light as silk books replacing bamboo slips?"
He shook the letter in his hand. This small letter had thousands of words written on it. If it were replaced with bamboo slips, it would take up at least two or three volumes.
Everyone shook their heads.
They couldn't even imagine such an easy life.
In the past, when they traveled long distances, they had to carry at least dozens of kilograms of bamboo slips with them, for fear that they would have no place to write when they needed to. It was nothing like now, when pens, ink, paper and inkstone only need a box and can be carried in their arms.
"So, she's an immortal. Let alone a million volumes, even if it's tens of millions, it's just a matter of her waving her hand."
Several people agreed with this.
In their minds, Wei Shengxue is already omnipotent, omniscient, and has extraordinary magical powers.
…
In Xianyang City, Weishengxue leaned on the railing and looked out. What he saw was the most prosperous avenue in Xianyang City.
"A lot of people have been coming to the city recently. Is copying books so attractive?"
She thought of her classmates who were terrified at the mention of copying books when she was in school, and sighed that things are indeed valuable because they are rare.
"When I was young, I lived in Zhao State for a long time, and studying was a luxury." Since he had the hope of immortality, Ying Zheng no longer avoided talking about his childhood experiences.
"Just by copying a book, you can get the opportunity to read it. For most readers, this is like a windfall."
Wei Shengxue leaned against the railing, a little absent-minded.
“It always feels like I’ve done a lot, but nothing seems to have changed.”
Ying Zheng walked over and imitated her, half leaning on the railing. "Daoyou, you have helped the Great Qin a lot."
"You've lived in the palace for a long time and don't like socializing, so you don't have much experience with this. But last winter, the number of people who died of freezing or starvation has decreased significantly."
"In this situation, there should be a grand event to celebrate."
"Huh?"
"Let's hold it after next year's autumn harvest. Gather talents from all walks of life to showcase the prosperity of our Great Qin, and let everyone in the world see the changes our Great Qin has undergone in recent years." Ying Zheng showed a rare and carefree smile on his face. "And let fellow Daoist see what you have brought to the Great Qin."
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