Chapter 168: Steel Behemoth
Two days later, Du Qingmei left Wen'an Marquis Mansion and went to Lianhua Temple alone.
Cuizhen and Cuiyue originally wanted to go with her, but were rejected by Du Qingmei.
"My purpose on this trip is to cultivate purity, to let go of fame and gain, to sever all attachments. This requires toiling away my mind and body, so how can I indulge in pleasure?"
Seeing Du Qingmei's firm attitude, Cuizhen and Cuiyue had no choice but to give up and settle for the next best thing. They stayed in Wen'an Earl's Mansion and helped Du Qingmei take care of the yard.
The day Du Qingmei left happened to be her day off.
In the dim morning light, Du Qingmei, dressed in a plain dress, stood beside the carriage, glancing at the vermilion gate from time to time.
Although the action was subtle, the girls from the Du family who came to see him off saw it clearly.
Du Qingqin sighed softly, "Xianyu left before dawn. I guess he's going to the imperial farm again."
Du Qingmei's lips paled slightly, and her voice was hoarse, so soft that it could be blown away by a breeze: "Business is more important."
Du Qingju warned, "You must continue to take the pills I prescribed for you. Take good care of yourself when you get to Lianhua Temple. The weather is getting hotter, so don't try to stay cool. I worked so hard to get you back into good health, so don't let all that go to waste."
Du Qingmei gathered her cloak around her shoulders. The early morning in May was still a bit chilly. She had just come out of confinement and couldn't stand the cold. "I understand. Thank you, Xiaoba."
Du Qingju smiled and said, "Have a safe trip. When you arrive at Lianhua Temple, remember to write to us and let us know you're safe."
Du Qingmei responded softly, and after a moment of silence, a slight smile appeared on the corner of her lips: "I'm leaving, take care of yourselves..."
She originally wanted to say, "Apologize to Du Qingtang on my behalf," but when the words came to her lips, she felt that it was unnecessary before she blurted them out.
She doesn't know how to cherish herself.
She doesn't deserve forgiveness.
Only by staying away from the Marquis Wen'an Mansion and her sisters, and practicing self-reflection every day, can regret and self-blame stop haunting her like evil spirits.
Du Qingmei entered the carriage, the driver cracked the whip, and the carriage sped away.
Watching the carriage disappear at the end of the long street, Du Qingshu yawned lazily: "Let's go, go back and pack up, and do what we need to do."
Du Qingqi frowned: "Xiaowu has been thinking about Xianyu all the time, but he didn't even get to see her for the last time."
Du Qingzhu rolled her eyes. "It's not a life-or-death separation. Besides, Xianyu is very busy with official duties, running around every day, sometimes he doesn't even have time to eat. I can't postpone my work just to see him off."
"Actually, this is quite good. Meeting each other is always awkward and cold." Du Qingqin heard the faint sound of a gong in the distance and couldn't help laughing. "We have to hurry, otherwise we might miss this bus."
"Hurry up, hurry up, there's still a cup of tea left, which is enough time to get myself ready."
The girls trotted in, packed up, and headed straight for the public station.
There were already several men in official robes, leaning lazily against the backs of their chairs, yawning and talking.
"It's exhausting to be on duty even on a day off."
"It's the end of the month, and the various ministries are busy, especially the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel. The Ministry of Revenue needs to check the accounts, and the Ministry of Personnel needs to verify the official records. These past few days, I've been looking at the account books until my eyes are blurry. At night, when I sit under the lamp, I always feel like there are mosquitoes flying around in front of my eyes. I ask the servants to catch them, but there are not a single one."
"This is caused by overusing your eyes. Go to bed early at night and ask the doctor to prescribe some eye-clearing medicine to apply to your eyes. It will be healed in three to five days."
"Thank you, Lord Su, for the reminder." The official from the Ministry of Revenue bowed and twirled his beard with emotion. "Since the public bus has been available, I can sleep an extra incense stick of sleep every day. Otherwise, I'd probably be even more tired right now."
"Public buses are really good. They are smooth and comfortable, without any bumps. Otherwise, Yuan would not have given up the horse-drawn carriage and ridden in the same one with so many other people."
"Marquis Wen'an..." Lord Su hesitated for a moment before praising her sincerely, "This woman has great talent. I am far inferior to her."
Several officials fell silent.
It is both recognition and unwillingness.
Who could have imagined that a woman would barge into the court with such a rude attitude, causing chaos in the court and causing earth-shaking changes in the entire Daxia?
"It would be great if she were a man."
"Zhang hopes that there will be more Du Qingtangs in Daxia, but he also hopes that there will only be one Du Qingtang in Daxia."
Everyone's eyes met and they all sighed.
Little did they know that their conversation was heard clearly by the girls of the Du family.
Du Qinghua curled her lips and muttered angrily, "You pick up the bowl to eat, and put it down to curse your mother. What a bunch of shameless people, you are not even worthy of carrying the shoes of my youngest child."
Du Qingshu snorted coldly: "No matter how unwilling they are, they still have to bow to the youngest in the end."
"clang--"
The public bus came from the corner of the street accompanied by the loud sound of gongs.
"This guy has to accept his fate." Du Qinglan said meaningfully, and was the first to stand up and board the public bus in an orderly manner with the waiting passengers.
Two cents were exchanged for a ticket, and after everyone was on the bus, the conductor struck the gong again and the public bus sped away.
It was another ordinary yet busy morning.
-
Du Qingmei's departure did not have any impact on Du Qingtang. There was only one less embroidered stool in the dining room and one less set of bowls and chopsticks on the dining table.
Du Qingtang will punish the Guo family for Du Qingmei. After all, they are blood relatives, but she cannot do so without any grudges, nor will she let go of the grudges and accept Du Qingmei's apology.
Even if Du Qingmei truly repented and went to the nunnery alone to practice asceticism, what happened in the past would not disappear.
Du Qingtang is not a saint and would not do such a foolish thing as repaying evil with kindness.
It's good like this now.
Everyone has his or her own life trajectory. No matter what choice you make, as long as you don't regret it and as long as it doesn't come at the expense of others, then you should go forward without hesitation.
......
In late May, Du Qingtang and researchers refurbished the steam engine again.
The performance of the steam engine was improved and its speed was greatly increased compared to the original one.
However, Du Qingtang did not plan to replace the public bus with a new steam engine.
After all, it was within the city. Even if the government had repeatedly ordered that no one was allowed to cross the tracks, and the court would not be responsible if an accident occurred, there was no guarantee that someone would not knowingly break the law and test the law.
The faster the speed, the more difficult it is to brake, and the higher the mortality rate.
If a flesh and blood body were to collide with it, it would probably be turned into a pool of meat paste. It would be like a scene from a large horror movie. I wonder how many people would have nightmares because of it.
Taking advantage of the rest day, Du Qingtang equipped the train with the latest steam engine and tested it with only two carriages. Afterwards, he recorded the data in a book for easy comparison after the next improvement.
Afterwards, Du Qingtang reviewed several items of benefit to the people made by the researchers. After confirming that they were correct, he had them sent directly to the Ministry of Revenue, where they were handed over to Minister Qi to set the price. He then recruited workers to mass-produce them and sell them uniformly in official stores.
Time passed quickly in the busyness, and it was evening in the blink of an eye.
Du Qingtang placed the wooden rabbit that could jump when the mechanism was turned into the exhibition room, where the research results of all researchers were displayed. It was an honor and also a spur.
Before leaving, Du Qingtang instructed Vice Dean Feng: "Have someone get more coal and send it directly to my laboratory."
The train and the bus have been built. Du Qingtang plans to hand over the subsequent production and improvement of the steam engine to the six researchers, and also to have the carriages manufactured by a dedicated person, while he himself will carry out new research projects.
Vice Dean Feng followed behind Du Qingtang and responded respectfully, "I will arrange for someone to go to the coal mine tomorrow."
Because Du Qingtang and Wan Langzhong had other official duties in the Ministry of Works and had no time to manage the hundreds of researchers and all the tedious affairs of the institute, Du Qingtang selected a chief from the Du Shui Qing Li Si, informed the Ministry of Personnel, and transferred him directly to the institute to serve as deputy director.
Vice Dean Feng is a taciturn, honest man who is dedicated to his duties. Du Qingtang is not worried that he will have any disloyal thoughts in the short term.
If that day really comes, just deal with it directly and replace it with a new person.
Du Qingtang walked out of the research institute, and the sky was filled with flames, which was brilliant and beautiful.
Looking at this sky, Du Qingtang inexplicably recalled the year when she passed the imperial examination and was confined in a nunnery by her parents.
Du Qingtang went to the rescue and instigated Fu Ci to burn down the nunnery.
That night, the fire engulfed the temple and dyed half the sky red.
That touch of red is vaguely similar to the sunset clouds in front of us.
Du Qingtang jumped on the horse, shook the reins, and galloped out at full speed.
She just suddenly missed Fu Ci.
After nearly five years of absence, I wonder how Fu Ci is doing, where the fleet has arrived, and how many difficulties, dangers, and life-and-death crises he has encountered.
Du Qingtang hopes that the fleet can return to Daxia next year.
If Fu Ci returns to the court, he can become her bargaining chip to petition for opening the imperial examination to women, and the success rate will be higher.
Du Qingtang drove Zhuifeng out of the imperial farm and headed straight for Xiajing City.
It was a day off today, and Du Qingtang was not wearing her official robes, but the soldiers guarding the city recognized her and let her go without searching her.
On the dark tracks, a huge train carrying hundreds of passengers roared through the streets.
I glanced at the glass window inadvertently, and a strange yet familiar old face passed through my eyes.
Du Qingtang's breath hitched, his pupils contracted, and he subconsciously tightened the reins and slowed down.
Looking closely, the grandfather sitting by the window had turned his head away, with the back of his head facing Du Qingtang.
Du Qingtang ignored the strange looks from some passengers in the carriage and stared at the back of the slightly sparse head, secretly hoping that he would turn around and let her take a look.
However, the man never turned his head until the bus roared away.
It seemed as if the glimpse just now was just Du Qingtang's illusion.
......
Du Qingtang returned to the Wen'an Marquis Mansion, threw the reins to the doorman, and headed straight for the main courtyard.
On the way, Meng Fang came up to him and reported softly, "Master, His Highness sent a batch of seafood this afternoon. While it's still fresh, I took the initiative to ask the kitchen to prepare it."
Du Qingtang responded and casually asked, "Are the young lady and the others back?"
Meng Fang shook his head: "No."
Du Qingtang waved his hand and let Meng Fang leave on his own. After entering the main courtyard, he went straight to the study.
She didn't even have time to sit down. She spread out the rice paper as quickly as possible, took out the charcoal pencil, and started painting on the paper.
In just a cup of tea, the face that I had caught a glimpse of earlier appeared on the drawing paper in a one-to-one scale.
Du Qingtang put down the charcoal pencil, held the portrait and slowly sat down.
She stared at the person in the painting for a long time, without blinking, until her eyes were sore, then she looked away and called Du Yi: "Go check..."
Du Qingtang paused and took back the drawing paper he had handed over: "No need, go ahead."
Du Yi was puzzled, but he didn't ask any more questions. He bowed respectfully and left the study.
Du Qingtang sat quietly for a moment, crumpled the drawing paper into a ball and threw it into the trash can.
The table was as tidy as ever, as if nothing had happened.
-
On the first day of June, there will be a great meeting.
Near the end, Du Qingtang stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Emperor Qingyuan raised his hand: "Approved."
Du Qingtang held the tablet in his hand and said slowly, "After many tests, my humble servant and the researchers have already increased the number of carriages to eighteen, and the trial run was successful a few days ago."
"Yesterday, I improved the steam engine, which increased the train's speed. Now it can travel about eighty to one hundred miles per hour."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the Golden Palace.
"One hundred miles per hour? Doesn't that mean we can travel a thousand miles a day?"
"Marquis Wen'an originally said that we could travel hundreds of miles a day. That speed was already astonishing, but who would have thought there would be such an unexpected surprise!"
"It's a pity that I was unable to attend the small court meeting in early April. Otherwise, I could have enjoyed the ultimate experience of riding the wind like you gentlemen."
As soon as he said this, he heard Wen Anhou say calmly, "Trains can be divided into freight and passenger transport. Freight transports goods such as ore, coal, and disaster relief silver and grain, while passenger transport is used to mobilize troops and for civilians to travel."
"Now that the world is at peace and war has ceased, our first train would be best used for freight transport, benefiting both the nation and the people. Once more trains are built, they can be used extensively for passenger transport, increasing revenue for the treasury."
"Before this train officially opens, Your Majesty and the others would like to go to the Imperial Farm and experience it for yourself?"
The eyes of Emperor Qingyuan and all the officials lit up.
So what are you waiting for?
Hurry and go to the imperial manor!
......
Emperor Qingyuan got off the dragon sedan and saw the huge monster at a glance.
The eighteen carriages have a cold steel exterior, coiled like a long dragon on the dark track. The next moment they seem to come alive, soaring into the air and pointing straight to the sky.
The unknown and danger of the steel dragon were overwhelming, causing everyone's breathing to stop and their heartbeats to accelerate as if they were about to jump out of their chests.
The most shocked were not the officials who saw the train for the first time, but those who participated in the train trial in April.
If we were to ask what impression the last trial run left on them, the only one, apart from the tall carriages, was that the trains were extremely fast.
When asked about it by colleagues after returning, he talked most about how fast the train was, and rarely mentioned the train itself.
To this day, the majestic momentum of the long steel dragon is like a giant hand strangling their throats, making it difficult for them to breathe and their hair standing on end.
For a moment, I even had some thoughts of backing out.
"Is this truly something created by human hands, and not a miracle sent down by the gods in heaven?"
"If that steam engine wasn't a divine object, how could it have pulled eighteen carriages on its own?"
"This is simply incredible. I can't believe it's real. It feels more like the dream world that Wang Sheng experienced."
Some officials have always been dissatisfied with Du Qingtang. When they heard everyone praising her, they wanted to find fault.
"Last time, there were only two carriages, so the speed was naturally faster. But this time, there are eighteen carriages, with one or two hundred people on board. And the steam engine is at the front. How can it pull such heavy carriages?"
"Don't be so sure. If the train doesn't move, or if something breaks down midway, and your Majesty gets frightened, you'll be punished."
The words of admiration stopped abruptly, and everyone looked at each other, suddenly not so sure.
"That seems to make sense?"
"Marquis Wen'an made such a solemn promise earlier, but if he fails, wouldn't that bring shame upon her grandmother's family?"
"How about we persuade her to try it a few more times to make sure it's safe before letting us ride on it?"
But no one responded.
Now that they were here, no one wanted to go against Emperor Qingyuan, and even less wanted to miss the train trial.
After all, this is just a matter of probability. It may fail or succeed.
If you miss this village, you will miss this shop. I don’t know when I will be able to take the train again.
The official who tried to sow discord couldn't see what his colleagues were thinking. He was so angry that he fell backwards on the spot and turned his head away without saying a word.
Du Qingtang did not take the instigation of those jumping clowns seriously. Since she mentioned this matter in the Golden Palace, she was completely sure of it.
Du Qingtang walked towards Emperor Qingyuan: "Your Majesty, please get in the carriage."
This voice brought Emperor Qingyuan back to reality from his shock. He exhaled a breath and looked at the steel behemoth so close, feeling a mixture of emotions. "Lord Du, I was right about you."
Once upon a time, Emperor Qingyuan was also very curious about where Du Qingtang knew those things he had never heard of.
For example, firearms, for example, the train in front of us.
Apart from his tragic death and rebirth, what other experiences did Du Qingtang have that he didn't know about?
Why did God favor Du Qingtang so much, allowing her to live again, make up for her regrets, and also let her have such unprecedented abilities?
Ignoring the subtle jealousy in his heart - because he himself could not go back to the past to make up for his regrets, Emperor Qingyuan was more worried that Du Qingtang would get out of his control and develop thoughts that he shouldn't have, such as plotting to usurp the throne or defecting to Da Qi.
For this purpose, Emperor Qingyuan sent secret guards to monitor Du Qingtang non-stop for twelve hours a day.
The secret guards recorded everything Du Qingtang said and did in Shaoqing Mansion, including every one of her political decrees and her unrequited love affair with the young man from the Pei family.
Emperor Qingyuan was very pleased that Du Qingtang did not allow himself to sink, but remained rational and calm, and did not hesitate to break off all ties with the boy from the Pei family, and never heard from him again.
When Emperor Qingyuan learned from the secret guards' report that Du Qingtang had opened a girls' school in Shaoqing Prefecture, recruited female workers, and formed a female barracks, he suddenly realized how ambitious his only female minister was.
Not only did she want to serve as an official in the court, she also wanted all women in the world to be like her, study and take the imperial examinations, and serve as officials in the court.
Was Emperor Qingyuan surprised?
Naturally he was surprised. He didn't expect Du Qingtang to have such grand ambitions.
Once this becomes known to outsiders, it will inevitably cause turmoil in the court and the country. All the civil and military officials in the court and the literati in the world will criticize her verbally and pensively until she is forced out of the court or even forced to death.
Is Emperor Qingyuan angry?
If he were to ask himself honestly, he wasn't angry at all.
Emperor Qingyuan was not angry at all, but very excited instead.
He found a knife for his sister Rong.
A sharp sword that can charge into and break through obstacles!
He wanted Du Qingtang to remove all obstacles for Sister Rong, so that Sister Rong could ascend the throne smoothly, and all the officials in the court and the people in the world would kneel down at Sister Rong's feet and call her the queen.
Emperor Qingyuan wanted to see how far Du Qingtang could go.
Therefore, Emperor Qingyuan ordered the secret guards to continue to monitor Du Qingtang, and allowed Du Qingtang to hold high the banner of gender equality, stir up trouble in Shaoqing Prefecture, and carry out drastic reforms.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to surveillance, the secret guards also dealt with a few flies that hid very deeply and tried to investigate the current situation of Shaoqing Mansion.
Du Qingtang is undoubtedly a smart man.
Just as she knew from the beginning that the secret guards were monitoring her but kept it secret and pretended to be unaware, Du Qingtang soon sensed a hint of conspiracy from Emperor Qingyuan's indulgence.
So she began to test.
Emperor Qingyuan also allowed her to test it, revealing the truth to her bit by bit and giving her the opportunity to choose.
It was not until last year that Du Qingtang returned to Xiajing from Shaoqing Prefecture.
Emperor Qingyuan told her bluntly: "The reason I conferred upon you the title of Earl of Wen'an is because you brought Zhaoyang back."
From then on, the monarch and his subjects formally reached an agreement—
Emperor Qingyuan built a path to success for Du Qingtang, allowing her to occupy a high position and hold great power.
Du Qingtang willingly became a knife between Emperor Qingyuan and Princess Zhaoyang, and offered her utmost loyalty.
......
At this moment, on the imperial farm, in front of the train, Emperor Qingyuan was thankful for the umpteenth time that he had made the impulsive decision to bring Du Qingtang into the game.
He firmly believed that even if he died tomorrow, Du Qingtang would, for the sake of his ideals and ambitions, unite his confidants at all costs and let Rong Jie'er ascend the throne.
He also firmly believed that as long as Du Qingtang was there, Daha would be invincible.
Whether it is firearms or the steel behemoth in front of them, they are all proof of the wealth and strength of the Great Xia Kingdom.
In the past, Emperor Qingyuan only used and suspected Du Qingtang.
But from now on, Emperor Qingyuan is willing to give her some trust.
"Lord Du, you are truly a hero to our Great Xia!"
Emperor Qingyuan laughed heartily, patted Du Qingtang on the shoulder, and strode towards the train, still asking, "Lord Du, which car shall I take?"
Du Qingtang keenly sensed the change in Emperor Qingyuan's attitude towards her. Her eyes flickered, and her smile was fleeting. "Your Majesty, you can take a seat in any carriage, but I suggest you take the seat closest to you."
This train does not distinguish between business class and first class seats, and there is no difference between the carriages. So why bother going the extra mile and walking a few more steps?
After Emperor Qingyuan boarded the eighth carriage, Du Qingtang turned his head and looked at the officials: "My Lords, please get in."
Only officials of the fifth rank and above could attend the grand court meeting. More than a hundred people hesitated for a moment, and chose the former rather than getting on the train. With mixed feelings, they boarded the ninth carriage.
Even His Majesty got on the car without hesitation, how could they escape?
After the last person got on the train, Du Qingtang made a gesture to the researcher from a distance.
The researchers waved red flags in response.
Du Qingtang boarded the eighth carriage and had just sat down when Emperor Qingyuan said, "Zhaoyang returned to the capital yesterday."
"Your Highness knows." Du Qingtang sat upright and said calmly, "Your Highness sent a batch of seafood to my residence yesterday."
In the first month of the year, Princess Zhaoyang caused a big disturbance in the Golden Palace. A few days later, she left Xiajing in a grand procession with a group of beautiful guards with broad shoulders, thin waists and long legs. She said that she was bored with staying in Xiajing and wanted to go out to enjoy the mountains and rivers.
Before leaving Beijing, Du Qingtang held a farewell banquet for Princess Zhaoyang. The latter had hinted that this trip was for important matters, which would take at least half a year and at most a year. If she encountered any problems that could not be solved, she could just go to Emperor Qingyuan.
Who would have thought that just over four months later, Princess Zhaoyang returned to Beijing and immediately sent the Du family the seafood that everyone loved to eat.
He can be said to be a very caring boss and friend.
When Du Qingtang got into the car just now, he was still thinking about asking Meng Fang to send a visiting card to the princess's mansion in two days to reminisce with Princess Zhaoyang. At this time, Emperor Qingyuan took the initiative to mention that person.
Emperor Qingyuan: "...I knew she would share with you whatever good things she got."
Du Qingtang could hear the sourness in his tone and couldn't help but chuckle. He said mischievously, "When Hangzhou Prefecture sends us seafood again, Your Majesty can also give me a portion. That way, Your Highness won't have to give me half of your own."
Emperor Qingyuan: “…”
Emperor Qingyuan was speechless. He pointed at Du Qingtang and said, "I have never seen anyone as shameless as you. Others are grateful for any reward from me—even a needle and thread."
"You're so good, asking me for a reward directly, and speaking as if it's a matter of course, as if I owe you something."
As they were talking, the steam engine finished heating up and the train slowly moved out.
"Your Majesty, please sit tight." Du Qingtang reminded him, then pointed behind Emperor Qingyuan, "Your Majesty, look."
Emperor Qingyuan subconsciously turned his head——
In just a few breaths, the train had already left Huangzhuang and was heading west along the tracks.
The train was as fast as lightning, passing through villages and wheat fields like the wind, heading towards the uninhabited wilderness.
Emperor Qingyuan stared at the endless wilderness without blinking. He was sitting on the train, but in a blink of an eye he had reached the end of the wilderness.
——The train can reach places that cannot be reached by vision in an instant.
Emperor Qingyuan's pupils contracted, his breathing became rapid, his fists were clenched, and veins on the back of his hands were visibly bulging with excitement.
The wooden door leading from the eighth carriage to the ninth was wide open, and the wind was whistling, but it could not drown out the cheers and screams of his ministers.
“What a fast car!”
“What a strong wind!”
"How wonderful! How wonderful!"
Emperor Qingyuan: “…”
The passion in my heart was like a popped balloon, and it disappeared with a "puff".
How embarrassing.
In the hundred years since the founding of Daxia, they are the most incompetent group of officials!
Emperor Qingyuan held his forehead with his hand, not wanting to speak, and was extremely depressed.
Du Qingtang couldn't help laughing, and he put his chin in his hand and got back to the point: "Your Majesty, what do you think of the train's current speed?"
Emperor Qingyuan put down his hand and turned his head to look out the window again. After a while, he said in a deep voice, "Sometimes I really want to pry open your head and see what good things are hidden inside."
Du Qingtang didn't bother to delve into the hidden meaning behind this sentence. His expression didn't change at all as he said calmly, "Who knows? As long as I'm still alive and breathing, I can always come up with some interesting little things."
Emperor Qingyuan snorted in an ambiguous manner, leaning back in his chair with his arms folded. "Tell me what you want."
Du Qingtang folded his arms in the same manner and said, "Your Highness said that you got a Tao inkstone last year. The inkstone in my house has been used for three to five years. It's time to replace it."
Emperor Qingyuan glared: "A gentleman does not take away what others like!"
Everyone in the world knows that he likes to collect inkstones. Du Qingtang could have anything else he wants, but he insisted on having his inkstone. It's really despicable.
"Du Qingtang, you think I won't punish you, right?"
"I dare not." Du Qingtang said respectfully, lowering his brows and eyes, "It's just that I am not a gentleman, but a villain known to the whole court, so..."
"Du Qingtang!"
"Your Majesty, please calm down. I know I was wrong."
Emperor Qingyuan was like punching cotton. He heard Fu Rui covering his mouth and chuckling beside him. He kicked him lightly and said angrily, "Here you go! Here you go! I'm so annoyed. I've never seen anyone as shameless as you!"
Du Qingtang ignored the criticism, feeling unmoved. She had been eyeing the Tao inkstone of Emperor Qingyuan for a long time. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for the reward."
Emperor Qingyuan was too lazy to pay attention to her and turned to look at the scene outside the car window.
Fu Rui sat behind Emperor Qingyuan, his chubby white face full of smiles.
It seems that I have to persuade His Majesty to go out of the palace more often to relax in the future. After leaving the cage-like palace, His Majesty smiled more often.
-
Outside the city of Xiajing, a train carrying the emperor and his ministers of Great Xia was galloping on the tracks.
In Xiajing City, at the Female Doctor's Department, Du Qingju had just finished teaching for the day and assigned some homework. However, she didn't leave immediately. Instead, she raised her voice and asked, "I will be going to the Seventh Prince's residence later to perform a cesarean section on the prince's wife. Is there anyone willing to go with me and observe and learn from the side?"
Everyone looked at each other in confusion. Clerk Gu Bitong asked, "The birth of the prince's wife is a major royal event. Can we really enter the delivery room to watch?"
"Of course you can." Du Qingju smiled, "I have already consulted the princess consort, and she agreed to allow six people to enter the delivery room with Chu Xia and me."
As soon as the words fell, the clerk Su Ahua raised her hand and said, "I'll go."
Gu Bitong also raised her hand: "Deputy Dean, and me too."
Immediately afterwards, four more people raised their hands.
Du Qingju picked up the medical book and said, "Pack up quickly and leave in half an incense stick."
The six people responded in unison.
After Du Qingju left, the doctors sighed.
"I was just a step slow, and the last spot was taken."
"It doesn't matter if I don't go. My body and hair are given by my parents. Cutting open my belly would be too bloody. Anyway, I don't dare to do it."
"Suturing is already the limit. I dare not open someone's abdomen."
Gu Bitong and Su Ahua looked at each other.
"Walk?"
"Walk!"
The group of eight people soon arrived at the Seventh Prince's Mansion.
In the main courtyard where the prince's wife lived, the seventh prince's wife was walking slowly in the courtyard with one hand on her waist and the other supporting her belly.
Because she was having a caesarean section today, the Seventh Prince's wife's mother, Old Lady Lu, and sister-in-law, Lady Lu, were both there and were walking with her.
The Seventh Prince's wife was petite, and she was pregnant with twins, so her belly was bulging, which made her look even thinner and a little scary.
Seeing eight female doctors coming, Madam Lu frowned and asked, "Does a cesarean section require so many people?"
The Seventh Prince's wife explained softly, "Except for Doctor Du and Doctor Liang, the others are here to observe and learn."
Madam Lu disapproved, "Xiu Jie'er, you're carrying the emperor's grandson in your belly. How can you treat it as a joke?"
The Seventh Prince's wife said, "Mother, I just thought that if all female doctors could learn how to perform cesarean sections, women in this world would have less pain to endure during childbirth."
Mrs. Lu's eyes suddenly turned red. Her daughter has always been kind-hearted and would not even step on an ant to death at home.
If it weren't for the Queen Mother's random matchmaking, Xiu Jie'er should have married into a family of equal status and lived in harmony with her husband, instead of facing her husband's concubines all day long and not daring to speak out when she was wronged.
Du Qingju smiled and said, "Don't worry, old lady. They just stood by and didn't talk or move around."
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lu's expression eased slightly, but she was still concerned about her daughter and stopped talking.
Du Qingju looked at the Seventh Prince's wife and said, "You go to the delivery room first. I'll go get ready."
The Seventh Prince's wife smiled gently: "Okay, thank you, Doctor Du."
......
It is called a delivery room, but in fact it is just the inner room of the side house of the main courtyard.
Du Qingju and the other six took a bath in the outer room, put on clothes that had been boiled in boiling water, and entered the inner room.
The Seventh Prince's wife had already been prepared with the help of her maids and was lying on a wooden bed that had been disinfected with strong liquor in advance.
Du Qingju prepared Ma Fei Powder and personally fed it to the Seventh Prince's wife, saying softly, "Don't be afraid, you'll be fine after a good night's sleep. When you open your eyes again, you'll see two very cute babies."
The Seventh Prince's wife pursed her lips, her thin jaw trembling slightly, and her voice was so low that it was almost inaudible: "I hope I can have a son in one go."
It's not that she favors boys over girls, but the Seventh Prince already has a illegitimate son born to a concubine.
The Seventh Prince's wife was brought up in a pampered state. She was afraid of pain and could not endure hardship. She did not want to benefit the concubine and the illegitimate son, so she came up with this idea.
Du Qingju herself is a non-marriage advocate. As a doctor, she is well aware of the irreversible damage that childbirth causes to women's bodies, but she will not persuade women to have children, nor will she persuade them not to have children.
Whether to give birth or not is a woman’s own right, and her uterus belongs to her. No one has the right to influence it.
The Seventh Prince's wife smiled and said, "I was a little scared at first, but now that you're here, Doctor Du, I'm not afraid anymore."
Du Qingju was stunned for a moment, her beautiful face softened, and she gently stroked the Seventh Prince's wife's hair: "Yes, I'm here."
She was only a seventeen-year-old girl. When her seventh sister was seventeen, she would sulk because she couldn't eat cakes, but the girl in front of her was already a mother.
Ma Fei San took effect and the Seventh Prince's wife fell into a deep sleep.
Du Qingju changed her gentle appearance, picked up the scalpel with an expressionless face, and cut open the seventh prince's wife's lower abdomen.
The smell of blood spread instantly and became stronger as time passed.
The six onlookers had never seen such a scene before. Their stomachs were churning and they almost vomited.
Liang Chuxia caught a glimpse of their strange reactions from the corner of her eye and whispered, "If you want to vomit, go out and vomit."
The six of them shook their heads and forced themselves to swallow the sour taste that had already reached their throats.
They all knew that if they backed out this time, they would never have the chance to learn how to perform a caesarean section again.
A glint of approval flashed in Liang Chuxia's eyes, and she wiped the sweat from Du Qingju's forehead with a towel.
......
At the same time, the news that the seventh prince's wife had a caesarean section and gave birth to a child spread like wildfire.
All the women who learned of this news disagreed.
"A cesarean section would be so painful. If something were to happen, wouldn't it be the other woman who got away with it?"
"Your body and hair are the gift of your parents. If you cut open the Seventh Prince's Concubine's abdomen, how can you be worthy of the parents who gave birth to her and raised her?"
"Master Deyang is really brave. She is the princess of the emperor, not some cat or dog. If you don't handle it right, you will lose your head."
"Everyone, just wait and see. The Seventh Prince's Consort will definitely be severely punished this time."
Du Qingju didn't know how the women in the capital viewed the Seventh Prince's wife's caesarean section, and she was working hard to welcome two new lives.
Because they were twins, the entire operation lasted an hour and a half.
Du Qingju handed the two crying children to the Seventh Prince's wife's wet nurse and asked Liang Chuxia to suture the Seventh Prince's wife's wounds. When she walked out of the delivery room, her whole body was as clean as if washed with water.
Madam Lu asked the door to be opened and immediately came forward to greet her: "What's going on? Is Xiujie okay?"
The Seventh Prince also came forward and asked: "Is it a boy or a girl?"
Du Qingju's eyes moved slightly, but she remained calm and said, "The princess is doing well, and she has a son and a daughter."
"That's great!" Madam Lu and the Seventh Prince said in unison.
The former is because the daughter is safe and sound and does not have to suffer the pain of childbirth.
The latter is because twins, a boy and a girl, are a good omen, and perhaps they can win the favor of the emperor's father.
Du Qingju saw clearly what the two were thinking, shook her head in her heart, and went to the next room to take a shower and change clothes.
......
The news that the seventh prince's wife had safely given birth to a pair of children spread, and the palace sent rewards.
Rather than what the palace had rewarded, the women in the capital were more concerned about the current situation of the Seventh Prince's wife.
"Cut open the belly with a knife, maybe it's already..."
"It's horrible. I'd rather have it torn apart. At worst, I can still use forceps."
"What a pity, for someone as kind as the Seventh Prince's Consort."
Three days passed in a flash, and it was time for the third-day baptism banquet for the two little grandsons of the emperor.
After the third day bath, the noble ladies in the capital went to the main courtyard to visit the Seventh Prince's wife.
Everyone was stunned when they saw the Seventh Prince's wife.
The Seventh Prince's wife had fair skin with a rosy glow, and she looked radiant, with no trace of the haggardness she had just shown after giving birth.
The Fifth Prince's wife was extremely surprised and said casually, "Seventh brother's wife, you have recovered so quickly. When I gave birth, I took half a year to recover."
The Seventh Prince's wife smiled brightly and said in a cheerful tone, "Master Du has been taking care of my body during my pregnancy. Now that my body is strong, I will naturally recover quickly."
"Doctor Du?"
The Seventh Prince's Consort said, "That's the Lord of Deyang Township, the Vice-Head of the Imperial Hospital, and the one in charge of the Female Doctors' Department."
The ladies exchanged glances, their minds becoming active.
The next day, the female doctor’s office.
"My wife is not feeling well, and I would like to ask a female doctor to come to the house to take a look."
"My wife is three months pregnant with twins. I wonder if a female doctor can help her take care of her body?"
"My wife..."
"My lady..."
Du Qingju was lying on the long table writing a prescription. Looking at the maids and nannies who came in one after another, she slowly smiled.
-
On the first day of June, after the train's trial run, many people asked the officials who had the honor of riding it about the situation.
Thinking about the ultimate experience that day, the official who was asked showed an expression of wanting more.
"The train is like a giant beast, full of danger and coldness, making people afraid to look directly at it."
"With the train, we can travel a thousand miles to Jiangling in one day."
"If I could sit here again, I would have no regrets in my life."
When this statement spread, it completely aroused the curiosity of officials below the fifth rank and ordinary people.
So, on the sixth day of June, the first train of Daxia, Xiasheng, officially started running. The streets of Xiajing were deserted, and everyone went outside the city to watch the train.
Emperor Qingyuan adopted Du Qingtang's proposal and designated the Xiasheng as a freight train.
It just so happened that there were many mines in the provinces surrounding Xiajing. With the train, the ore could be transported to Xiajing at one time without the need to send anyone to escort it, saving time and effort, and it could be said to kill two birds with one stone.
Early that morning, a long steel dragon roared along the track towards the nearby Beizhili.
Wherever he passed, exclamations were heard one after another.
"It's just as the rumors say, as fast as the wind!"
"Marquis Wen'an is truly amazing. He can even create something this big."
"Fortunately, Your Majesty knew how to appoint the right people and didn't execute Marquis Wen'an. Otherwise, there would be no Great Xia today."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
Tens of thousands of people stood on the official road, waving their arms and shouting "Long live the emperor!"
The shouts were as shocking as piercing the clouds and splitting the rocks, echoing over the suburbs of Beijing for a long time.
......
After the train was officially put into operation, Du Qingtang handed it over to the researcher and started studying other things on his own.
On the seventh day of the sixth lunar month, Meng Xiang submitted a visiting card to Princess Zhaoyang's residence, stating that his master would visit on the tenth day, a day off.
But before the holiday arrived, an urgent report came from Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province, that a large-scale earthquake had occurred.
In the Golden Palace, Emperor Qingyuan mentioned this matter to all the officials.
Du Qingtang stepped out and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, please use the train to send disaster relief silver, grain, medicine, and rescue teams."
Emperor Qingyuan asked, "Has the track been laid to Shanxi Province?"
"No." Du Qingtang changed the subject, "But we can send the goods to Beizhili first, and then send them to Pingyang Prefecture via the official road. This will save a lot of time."
Emperor Qingyuan waved his hand and said, "Approved!"
After the morning court session ended, all departments and agencies quickly began to operate.
The Ministry of Revenue raised silver and grain for disaster relief, the Ministry of Works dispatched craftsmen to help with post-disaster reconstruction, and the Imperial Medical Service prepared medicinal materials to prevent plague after the disaster.
At noon, the train carrying the relief team and relief supplies sped towards northern Zhili.
......
Within the territory of Pingyang Prefecture, the ground collapsed, houses collapsed, and wherever the eye looked, there was widespread grief.
The government officials, runners and soldiers worked tirelessly for two weeks, but there were still people trapped in the ruins.
The prefect was filled with sorrow: "The granary has collapsed, and the cellar can't be broken open. If this continues, everyone will starve to death."
The judge consoled him, saying, "Your Excellency, you have reported this matter to the court. I believe the court will send food soon."
The prefect smiled bitterly, his eyes filled with despair: "Do you know how long it takes to get from here to Xiajing? It will take at least two months to go back and forth. The people simply can't wait..."
Before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by a loud voice: "Sir! Sir! The court has sent people!"
The prefect was stunned. When he turned around, the middle-aged man in armor was already in front of him.
"I am Zhang Cang, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards. I am here to escort the disaster relief silver and grain under the orders of Your Majesty."
The prefect looked at the food on the cart, his eyes filled with disbelief: "It's only been less than a month, how did you manage to do this..."
Deputy Commander Zhang smiled and said, "Marquis Wen'an has developed a train that can travel a thousand miles a day. The track has already been laid to Northern Zhili. We can take the train to Northern Zhili first, and then rush from Northern Zhili to Pingyang Prefecture. It will only take five or six days."
Cao Xingcan had been injured by a beam while trying to save someone. When he came over after treating his wound, he happened to hear these words. He was stunned at first, and then he laughed.
Marquis Wen'an, isn't he the one who presented the jade?
Cao Xingcan was filled with excitement and pride, and said in a loud voice: "Sir, we are saved."
The prefect wiped his face and loudly announced to the people on the street: "We are saved! The court has come to save us!"
Everyone laughed.
As they laughed, they suddenly started to cry.
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