Chapter 520 Iron Juice
Zhu Lan took the golden seal and all the ministers congratulated him.
Zhu Lan accepted everyone's congratulations with a smile. Even though he could see that many people were not being sincere, he remained calm.
Yan Ning's childish voice came from her:
"Zhu Zhongcheng, who do you think would be the most suitable person to take the position of the Minister of Revenue?"
Zhu Lan smiled slightly, bowed and said:
"Since both Minister Zhang and Minister Lu recommended Xiao, they must have their reasons.
Moreover, Xiao has passed the evaluation of the Ministry of Personnel and has outstanding performance in every aspect. If he is talented, wouldn’t it be a loss to the court if he is not put to good use?”
Minister of Revenue Zhang Lun stood up and agreed:
"Now that the war in the northwest is tense, the Ministry of Revenue needs to be more cautious in the allocation of food and fodder to ensure the supply of soldiers on the front line.
Minister Lu insisted on retiring, and I, a humble official, cannot handle the affairs of the Ministry alone. I hope to have someone capable of handling the affairs with me.
I think that Xiao Wan, the head of the Ministry of Finance, is capable enough to be the Minister, and I hope Your Highness will approve it."
Yan Ning subconsciously cast his gaze towards Grand Tutor Xu Chengye, and seeing that Grand Tutor nodded slightly to him, he said with relief:
"In that case, then let's follow what Zhu Zhongcheng said and let the Hanlin Academy draft an edict."
…
After the court session ended, Zhu Lan left the Golden Palace. Many court officials followed her closely, wanting to take the opportunity to say a few friendly words to her.
After all, he was able to be reinstated after being exiled to Lingnan, and even received more honors and favors than before. This is the first time since the founding of the country, which shows your majesty's reliance and trust in him.
However, Zhu Lan walked very quickly, and when someone approached her to talk to her, she just smiled and responded with a few words, as if she had some urgent matters to deal with.
She didn't stop until Zhao Sicheng called her.
Zhao Sicheng walked side by side with her and asked:
"I heard that you just returned to the capital this morning. It's been such a long time since we last met, why don't you go to the harem and take a look?
Wanwan told me that Sister Qin often talks about you."
"Of course I am thinking about her and Jing'er." Zhu Lan said softly, "But now I have something important to do and I have to go see Zhou Da."
"You want to ask about the artillery?"
"Yes." Zhu Lan nodded and said to Zhao Sicheng, "It's okay, I can go by myself. The documents for Xiao Wan's promotion to the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue should be delivered soon. This is good news. You should go and accompany her, and remember to congratulate her for me."
"Okay."
Zhao Sicheng paused, as if he had thought of something, and said:
"But if you want to go to the Arms Administration to find Zhou Da... you may have to be mentally prepared."
"What's wrong with him?" Zhu Lan was a little surprised. Did something happen?
Zhao Sicheng sighed.
"This kid is almost going insane now. He locks himself up in the Armory all day long and hasn't come out for several months.
Last time, I was really worried, so I dragged Lao Chang to see him, but we didn't even talk to each other. Don't tell me, when this researcher gets crazy, it's even more frightening than Wanwan's desperate work.
Sigh... In any case, given our identities, it is not appropriate for us to frequently visit him at the military base. You are now the regent and have the golden seal in your hand. It is reasonable for you to inquire about the affairs of various ministries. Please go and see him for us."
Zhu Lan heard Zhao Sicheng's concern for Zhou Da, nodded and said he understood.
Zhao Sicheng reminded again:
"Also, the Duke of Wei will definitely be very unhappy about your return to the court this time. You should be careful and watch out for them to trip you up again."
Thinking of Duke Weiguo, Zhu Lan's eyes darkened a little.
"I'll keep an eye on it, thanks."
As they were talking, they had already reached the palace gate. The two of them bowed slightly to each other and said goodbye, as if they were not familiar with each other, and went in two different directions.
…
Zhu Lan rode alone to the outskirts of Beijing and came to the secret base where the Military Equipment Bureau manufactured and tested artillery. Two people said they wanted to see Zhou Jianzheng.
Soon, the guard led her to a small house.
Zhu Lan pushed the door open and walked in, only to see that the light in the room was a little dim. Zhou Da was sitting on the floor by the window, with a dozen drawings scattered around him.
His hair was messy, as if he was scratching it while thinking hard. He stared at the drawing in his hand and muttered to himself, not even noticing Zhu Lan's arrival.
Zhu Lan walked up to him and only then could he hear what Zhou Da was muttering.
"Why is this density wrong... Why is it wrong..."
Zhu Lan coughed lightly behind him, but Zhou Da was completely unaware.
Zhu Lan had no choice but to walk up to him and call out his name.
Zhou Da then raised his head. Zhu Lan saw that he looked haggard, with sunken circles under his eyes. He was surprised for a moment how he became like this.
Zhou Da looked up at Zhu Lan, stunned for a long time, and finally uttered two words:
"Iron juice."
Iron juice?
Zhu Lan's eyes flashed with bewilderment and confusion.
Are you calling yourself...?
But I have the impression that Zhou Da also speaks with an accent.
"The iron juice is not pure enough."
Zhou Da suddenly stood up, held the blueprint in his hand in front of Zhu Lan, and said impatiently:
"Look, the content of silicon and manganese in the iron ore mined now is too high. I have tried many methods but still cannot completely separate them. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the furnace is still not up to the standard. The insulation layer is not well made, the iron ore is not fully melted, and it is more likely to produce inclusions... Forget it, you won't understand what I am saying..."
After Zhou Da finished speaking, he bit the nail of his left thumb, silently walked to the side with the drawing, and recalculated something with a pencil.
Zhu Lan came back to his senses, walked up to him, stretched out his finger and waved it in front of his eyes, and asked carefully:
"Zhou Da, who do you think I am?"
"Zhu Lan, what's wrong?" Zhou Da looked up and glanced at her, then continued to write and draw with his head down.
Zhu Lan said nothing, and his expression became increasingly strange.
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