Chapter 49 Technology Changes the Tang Dynasty
As the turmoil subsided, Chang'an City regained its apparent tranquility. But Wang Yi knew that beneath this calm, a new plan was quietly unfolding.
A rumor has recently circulated within the Imperial Medical Academy: the Protector of the Nation, Wang Yi, has advised His Majesty that the Academy should compile a comprehensive medical classic, systematically organizing ancient and modern medical prescriptions and treatment methods to benefit the entire nation. His Majesty has granted the request and ordered the Imperial Medical Academy to begin preparations.
The news sent shockwaves through the Imperial Medical Bureau. Compiling a medical classic was a momentous event that would secure a place in history; participation would not only enhance one's medical skills but also bring immense honor. Immediately, the Imperial Physicians and their assistants began preparations, all vying for a place in this grand undertaking.
Only a few discerning people realized that this was the beginning of Wang Yi's efforts to plant connections within the Imperial Medical Bureau.
“Compiling a medical classic requires a large number of people who are proficient in medicine.” Wang Yi said gently to the visiting imperial physician in Qixia Garden. “I believe that we should not be bound by any particular type of person. Anyone with real talent and learning ability, regardless of background or age, can participate.”
The Imperial Physician respectfully replied, "Your insight is truly remarkable. However... these selection criteria..."
“Standards can be flexible,” Wang Yi smiled. “For example, we can consider physicians who are skilled in gynecology and pediatrics. After all, Her Majesty the Empress needs to be recuperated, and the princes and princesses also need careful care.”
The Imperial Physician understood immediately. This was an implication that he could promote some physicians who were specialized in gynecology and pediatrics and had "clean backgrounds."
"Your humble servant understands." The Imperial Physician bowed. "I will carefully select the best candidates and live up to the trust placed in me by Your Excellency and His Majesty."
A few days later, the personnel list of the Imperial Medical Bureau underwent subtle changes. Several previously underutilized medical officers were promoted to participate in the core work of compiling the medical classics. These people shared a common characteristic: they were highly skilled in medicine, came from humble backgrounds, had no complicated connections, and most importantly—they were all grateful to Wang Yi.
Because they had all received guidance from Wang Yi or her help with difficult illnesses.
Wang Yi did not directly control the Imperial Medical Bureau, but through this indirect method, she established a community of shared interests bound by medical expertise. These people may not be absolutely loyal to her, but at least when her interests were involved, they would lean towards her.
At the same time, similar changes are taking place in the Imperial Academy of Military Affairs.
Wang Yi suggested to Li Shimin that they could improve some palace utensils to make life more convenient. She "accidentally" drew a few blueprints—improved tables and chairs, more comfortable carriages, stationery for easier writing, and so on.
Li Shimin was very interested after seeing the blueprints and ordered the craftsman to supervise the trial production.
The craftsmen in the Imperial Workshop initially didn't take it seriously, but after testing it, they discovered that these improvements were indeed practical. As a result, Wang Yi gained prestige in the Imperial Workshop—not as a concubine, but as a clever "designer."
She began to "occasionally" visit the workshop supervisor to discuss improvements to the craft with the artisans. In the process, she got to know several skilled and quick-witted veteran artisans, and won their favor by showing them respect and giving them appropriate rewards.
"The design of that 'bearing' that you mentioned last time... I've been pondering it for a long time, and I think it has great potential," an old craftsman said excitedly to Wang Yi.
"Oh? Tell me about it." Wang Yi smiled.
The old craftsman unfolded the blueprints and explained them in detail. Wang Yi listened and nodded, offering key hints when appropriate—all technological improvements that were understandable and achievable in this era.
"This person is truly a genius!" the old craftsman exclaimed.
Wang Yi humbly shook her head: "I only have some ideas, but their actual realization will depend on your skills."
This humility won the hearts of the craftsmen. They felt that this Protector of the Nation was not only intelligent but also respected their craft, unlike the arrogant nobles who treated craftsmen as servants.
Before anyone knew it, Wang Yi had gained a following within the Imperial Workshop.
As for the inner court, Wang Yi's involvement was more subtle. Through Empress Zhangsun, she recommended several new management methods to the inner court—such as clearer accounting records, more reasonable inventory management, and more efficient procurement processes.
These methods are based on fundamental principles of modern management, but with appropriate modifications in the context of the Tang Dynasty. Officials in the imperial court tried these methods and found that efficiency did indeed improve and the error rate decreased, so they gradually adopted them.
Wang Yi did not place her own people in the inner court, but she won the respect of the inner court officials through these "rational suggestions." When they encountered problems, they would "occasionally" think of consulting the Protector of the Nation, and Wang Yi could always give useful advice.
All of this was carried out with Li Shimin's tacit approval. He saw Wang Yi's actions but did not interfere. He felt these actions were harmless—improving medical care, refining processes, and optimizing management were all good things. Moreover, Wang Yi acted cleverly, not directly seizing power, but naturally winning people's hearts by "offering suggestions" and "providing assistance."
"You've been quite busy lately," Li Shimin said to Wang Yi with a smile one evening at dinner.
"I'm just idling around anyway, so I'll find something to do," Wang Yi said as she served him food. "Besides, I'm happy to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."
"Share the burden?" Li Shimin raised an eyebrow.
“Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state. I will handle these trivial matters as best I can, so as to spare Your Majesty some worry,” Wang Yi said gently. “For example, the Imperial Medical Academy’s compilation of medical classics will benefit the people in the future, which is also Your Majesty’s virtuous governance. The Imperial Workshop’s improvement of equipment will make life in the palace more convenient. The optimization of the Inner Palace’s management will save expenses… These are all small things, but they add up to a lot and are also meritorious deeds.”
She spoke sincerely, and Li Shimin was pleased to hear it. Indeed, it would be time-consuming and laborious for him to personally oversee these matters. With Wang Yi helping to manage them, his life was much easier.
"You've thought things through very well," Li Shimin said, taking her hand. "Just don't overwork yourself."
"I am not tired," Wang Yi smiled. "I feel at ease knowing I can do something for Your Majesty."
That was partly true and partly false. She wasn't tired at all, because these plans were second nature to her. And she enjoyed it—it was like a large-scale strategy game, where every move was carefully calculated and every achievement brought a sense of accomplishment.
More importantly, she was paving the way for the future. If her daughters were to come to this era, they would need their own network of influence. The Imperial Medical Bureau could provide medical care, the Directorate of Works could provide technical support, and the Imperial Household Department could provide material resources...
These networks may seem insignificant now, but in time they will form a solid security network.
"Oh, right," Li Shimin suddenly remembered something, "I have already decided on the adoption tomorrow."
Wang Yi's heart stirred: "When does Your Majesty intend to...?"
“After his twelfth birthday,” Li Shimin said, “I will formally issue an edict to adopt him to Yuanji, grant him the title of Prince, and bestow upon him a fief. At that time, he will leave Chang’an and go to his fief to take up his post.”
"Your Majesty is merciful," Wang Yi said softly. "His Highness Prince Cao will surely be grateful to Your Majesty."
“That child…” Li Shimin sighed, “He has been much more well-behaved these days and is studying diligently. A few days ago, he even came to ask me for help with his studies. He is much closer to me than before.”
Wang Yi knew that Li Ming was fulfilling his promise—since he had chosen this path, he had to walk it well. By being law-abiding, respectful, and filial, he was showing Li Shimin his sincerity.
"His Majesty gave that child a way out, and the child is sensible," Wang Yi said. "In the future, he will be a peaceful and obedient prince in his fiefdom, and live a peaceful life, which will be his blessing."
Li Shimin nodded, saying nothing more. His feelings towards this son were complex: guilt, pity, and the considerations of an emperor. Adoption was the best solution, the best for everyone.
After dinner, Li Shimin went to review memorials, while Wang Yi returned to Qixia Garden. She sat alone at her desk and began writing down her plans for the next phase.
The Imperial Medical Bureau, the Directorate of Works, the Imperial Household Department... these basic networks have been initially established. Next, she needs to consider a deeper level of planning.
For example—education.
Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) valued the education of his children, and all his princes and princesses were taught by renowned tutors. However, Wang Yi believed that the content of their education was too traditional and too limited.
Could she... introduce some broader knowledge under the guise of "supplementary teaching"? Without touching on sensitive political content, simply to broaden the children's horizons—astronomy, geography, nature, arithmetic...
Medical knowledge and first aid skills are also very important for children.
Wang Yi spread out paper and pen and began to draft a "supplementary education plan for princes and princesses." She wrote carefully, trying to reflect value without appearing too advanced, and certainly without touching the core of Confucian education.
After finishing writing it, she carefully checked it several times to ensure there was nothing controversial. Then she put the plan away, preparing to present it to Li Shimin and Empress Zhangsun at a suitable time.
Outside the window, the moonlight was as clear as water. Wang Yi walked to the window and gazed at the stars in the night sky.
After catching his breath, Wang Yi turned around and went back inside to continue his work.
In the stillness of the night, the light was still on in the study of Qixia Garden. Wang Yi spread out a huge sheet of white paper and began to draw her blueprint for agricultural reform.
She recalled the scene when she first arrived in the Tang Dynasty, presenting Li Shimin with a blueprint for a curved plow in an attempt to pique his interest. At that time, her intention was more to seduce Li Shimin, but now, her gaze had turned to much more distant places.
"Agriculture is the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace." Wang Yi wrote these eight characters at the top of the paper. This was a saying often uttered by Li Shimin, and it was also the most fundamental governing philosophy of that era.
However, in Wang Yi's eyes, there was still much room for improvement in the agriculture of the Tang Dynasty.
First, the improvement of agricultural tools.
The curved-shaft plow has been widely adopted with significant results. However, besides the plow, there are many other agricultural implements that can be improved.
She began to sketch:
An improved version of the waterwheel—existing waterwheels are inefficient, so she designed blades that better conform to the principles of fluid mechanics, improving water lifting efficiency. At the same time, a speed-changing device was added, allowing the rotation speed to be adjusted according to the water flow rate.
The prototype of the seeder—although it cannot achieve the precision of a modern seeder, she could design a semi-mechanized seeding device to reduce the burden of manpower and improve the uniformity of seeding.
Threshing machine – Utilizing the principles of gears and levers, a foot-operated threshing machine is designed, which is several times more efficient than traditional manual threshing.
Improved sickles and hoes – optimized blade angles and handle curves to conform to ergonomics and reduce physical exertion for farmers.
Each sketch was accompanied by a detailed explanation of the principles and key points of production. Wang Yi deliberately controlled the technical difficulty to ensure that it could be realized with the craftsmanship of the Tang Dynasty.
Second, improvements in farming techniques.
Wang Yi began to compile a systematic set of agricultural knowledge:
Crop rotation system – Designing scientific crop rotation programs tailored to the soil and climate of different regions to avoid soil depletion.
Green manure application – Promote the planting of green manure crops such as milkvetch and alfalfa, and incorporate them into the soil to increase soil fertility.
Pest and disease control – This section compiles identification methods and traditional control measures for common pests and diseases, such as lime water spraying and tobacco leaf soaking.
Irrigation system optimization – designing more rational ditch layouts, promoting ridge cultivation, and improving irrigation efficiency.
Most of this knowledge came from what he specifically learned when he returned to the modern world, but Wang Yi "localized" it—removing modern terminology, using language that Tang Dynasty farmers could understand, and citing classical texts, falsely attributing it to "ancient books from his teacher's school."
Third, seed improvement.
This is the most crucial step, and also the one that will take the most time. Wang Yi knew that the real agricultural revolution would begin with seeds.
She began planning a long-term breeding program:
Establishment of seed selection criteria – Develop scientific seed selection criteria, no longer relying solely on experience, but observing indicators such as plant vigor, disease resistance, and yield.
Hybridization experiments – Although modern hybridization breeding is not possible, crop varieties can be gradually improved through artificial pollination and selection of superior pairs.
She specifically highlighted several key crops: wheat, rice, and millet. These were the main food crops of the Tang Dynasty, and even a 10% increase in yield would mean feeding a larger population.
Fourth, popularize agricultural knowledge.
Wang Yi planned to design an easy-to-understand agricultural manual, using illustrations and text to introduce various improvement techniques. She intended to commission illustrators to create the book and distribute it to various regions through the government.
At the same time, she planned to set up an "Agricultural Technology Consultation" branch under the Imperial Medical Bureau, staffed by medical officers knowledgeable in agriculture, to provide farmers with simple technical guidance. After all, medical officers often went to the countryside and had more opportunities to interact with farmers.
"Let's start with a pilot program in Guanzhong." Wang Yi circled the Guanzhong Plain on a piece of paper. "This is the heart of the Tang Dynasty, with fertile land and farmers who are highly receptive. If it succeeds, we can then promote it nationwide."
After drawing up the blueprint for agricultural reform, Wang Yi's thoughts drifted to even more distant places.
Increased food production means population growth. Population growth means increased national power. And increased national power...
Wang Yi turned to a new page and began to draw up another blueprint—the Age of the Sea.
She drew the coastline of the Tang Dynasty and marked several important ports: Guangzhou, Quanzhou, Mingzhou (Ningbo), and Dengzhou.
“The land-based Silk Road has been opened, but the maritime Silk Road has even greater potential,” Wang Yi muttered to himself.
Shipbuilding technology in the Tang Dynasty was quite advanced, but ocean voyages still had limitations. Wang Yi began to recall the nautical knowledge he had learned in modern times:
Improved sails – a more aerodynamic rigid sail design increases wind catchment area and improves speed.
The compass became more widespread—although the south-pointing chariot existed in the Tang Dynasty, it was not yet widely used in navigation. She could "improve" the compass, making it more stable and accurate.
Nautical chart drawing – Introducing the concepts of latitude and longitude, and teaching chart drawing methods. Although the accuracy cannot be compared with modern methods, it is much safer than traditional "experience-based" navigation.
Port construction – designing more rational wharf layouts and warehousing facilities to improve cargo throughput capacity.
Wang Yi's eyes lit up. She seemed to see a vision of the future: the Tang Dynasty's fleet setting sail, reaching Southeast Asia, India, Arabia, and even... the east coast of Africa.
“And then there’s Japan.” Wang Yi drew a circle on the opposite shore of the East China Sea. She knew that Japan was in the Asuka period at this time and had a deep admiration for Tang Dynasty culture. And Japan’s Iwami Silver Mine, Sado Gold Mine… had not yet been mined on a large scale.
If the Tang Dynasty's fleet could travel to and from Japan more frequently, it could not only spread its culture but also acquire gold and silver resources.
"But I can't rush it," Wang Yi reminded himself. One must eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time.
She temporarily shelved her ocean blueprint and turned her attention to a more practical issue—how to persuade Li Shimin to support agricultural reforms.
Wang Yi understood this emperor all too well. Li Shimin valued agriculture, but he was even more concerned with political stability and border security. To persuade him to invest significant resources in agricultural reforms, one needed to be sufficiently convincing.
She began drafting a memorial to the throne, outlining the importance of agricultural reform from multiple perspectives:
First, strengthen the foundation of the nation – only when food is plentiful and people live in peace can the country be stable.
Second, preparing for war and famine – increasing grain production can establish more sufficient strategic reserves to cope with war or famine.
Third, population growth – more food means more people can be fed. Population is a country's most important resource.
Fourth, reducing the burden on the people—increased agricultural efficiency and reduced burden on farmers contribute to social stability.
Fifth, demonstrating virtuous governance—improving people's livelihood is a manifestation of a wise ruler, which can win the hearts of the people and consolidate his rule.
Each argument is richly cited, drawing upon ancient teachings from the Book of Documents and the Rites of Zhou, as well as lessons from the rise and fall of previous dynasties. Wang Yi's writing is insightful yet accessible, possessing both theoretical depth and practical value.
By the time he finished writing the memorial, it was already past midnight. Wang Yi rubbed his aching wrists, looked at the thick stack of plans on the table, and felt a surge of accomplishment.
The feeling of planning and implementing step by step does indeed resemble playing a large-scale strategy game. But this is not a game; it is real history, the lives of millions of people.
She walked to the window and opened it. The eastern sky was already turning white; a new day was about to begin.
In the gardens of Qixia Garden, early risers began sweeping and cleaning. In the distance, the faint sound of bells could be heard, the signal that the palace was awakening.
Wang Yi took a deep breath of the morning air. She knew that today she would be meeting Li Shimin with these plans in mind. This would be another important turning point for her in the Tang Dynasty—moving from the inner palace to a broader stage.
She wasn't trying to interfere in politics, but rather to genuinely "protect the country." By improving agriculture and enhancing national strength, she aimed to make the era she briefly served even more prosperous.
As for the longer-term blueprint—the maritime era, a global vision... that requires the right timing, the right foundation, and a step-by-step approach.
But at least for now, she has taken the first step.
"Your Majesty, you will support me, won't you?" Wang Yi murmured to himself.
She believed Li Shimin would. Because this emperor possessed vision and magnanimity beyond his time. As long as he saw the value of these reforms and their benefits to the Tang Dynasty, he would certainly support them.
Moreover… Wang Yi smiled slightly. She had another trump card—she could “predict” disasters in certain regions, using advance preparation to verify the importance of agricultural reforms.
Of course, this must be done very carefully, and too much information cannot be revealed.
As dawn broke, Wang Yi changed into her palace attire and carefully did her makeup. Today, she was presenting not just a plan, but a future.
As she walked towards the Liangyi Hall carrying the thick scroll, her steps were firm and composed.
She had already planned this path. And the future of the Tang Dynasty would quietly change direction because of her intervention.
As for that dream of becoming the "Earth's President"... a smile flashed in Wang Yi's eyes. No rush, take it slow.
After all, the game has only just entered the mid-game, and she still has many cards to play.
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