Outside the city of Mengshan County, the new County’s Magistrate, Shen Yi, together with all the officials in the government office, stood facing the wind at the gate of the city.
The cold wind blew by, making everyone shiver.
Soon, a group of carriages and horses came from far away. Shen Yi suddenly looked solemn, stood upright, and looked ahead.
A man was sitting high on a horse, wearing black uniforms, with a jade crown binding his hair. He had a handsome face, but his expression was cold and stern, diluting a bit of his beauty, and emphasizing the nobility of the heavenly family.
The mother of Prince Qin was the sister of the late Emperor, and he was a cousin to the current Emperor. He had royal blood, and his nobility and majesty was incomparable to others.
The only surprising thing was that besides a horse accompanying him, he also lead another beautiful horse. Its color was white, which was equal to his own red horse.
Why lead an extra horse? Shen Yi didn’t understand Qin Ke’s thoughts and didn’t dare to ask more questions. He quickly led all the officials to bow and salute to show respect.
In addition to King Qin, there were several carriages behind him, all of which were officials from the Ministry of Industry.
The streets and markets were cleared by the officers. The people secretly hid in their homes and looked outside. When they saw the King Qin’s face, they were immediately astonished.
Who would have thought that the Wei’s God of War could be so beautiful?
As Shen Yi arrived at the County government office, he breathed a sigh of relief. Though he had witnessed the former Magistrate’s capture by King Qin before, the current situation felt even more intense..
It was done in secret at that time, but now it is strictly guarded with ceremony.
“Please ask the Prince and all superior officials take your seats.” This was the first time Shen Yi saw several Shengjing’s officials, and he was quite reserved.
Several people took their seats one by one, with Qin Ke at the head.
“Your Majesty sent us to Mengshan this time to learn the skills of craftsmen.” Qin Ke took a sip of tea and said, “Shen Yi should know where the glass kiln workshop is, and we want to go and see it.”
Shen Yi asked: “The Prince and all the officials are tired from the long journey, why don’t you go tomorrow?”
It was almost the time of dinner, and all the kiln workers should had gone home. There was no one in there, so there was no need to go.
Several people from the Ministry of Industry nodded and looked at Qin Ke.
Qin Ke stood up and said to everyone: “Tomorrow then. I have something to do. You guys enjoy your dinner.”
After finishing speaking, he left the table. Chen Chuangu naturally followed him.
The two rode together, leading the white sacred horse, in the Linxi direction.
“When you and I arrive at Rong’s house, Rong Xi must have already had dinner,” Chen Chuangu laughed loudly, “I’m sure he will look very interesting when he sees these uninvited guests.”
When Qin Ke heard this, he thought of Rong Xi’s calm and peaceful face. If he saw something unexpected, his expression would be even more interesting.
The smile in his eyes flashed away, the riding whip was raised high, dust flew up, and Chen Chuangu was left far away.
Rong’s mansion.
After dinner, everyone took a rest and the lights were on.
There was a sudden knock on the door, and Liu He came to open the door. Taking advantage of the dim sky, he saw the two people outside the door clearly, and said hurriedly: “It turns out to be the two gentlemen, please come in quickly!”
He stepped aside and gave way, and loudly ordered Liu Zishi in the courtyard: “Go and report to the young master quickly.”
Liu Zishi left in response.
When the two arrived at the main hall, Rong Xi hurried over. Seeing that they were really these two people, he looked slightly surprised and said, “Brother Si, Brother Chen, why did you come suddenly?”
Liu He served tea to settle the case, and Chen Chuangu smiled and said: “Brother Rong, brother Si and I came to look for you just after we arrived at Mengshan. We haven’t eaten yet, and now we have an empty stomach. What should we do?”
What the two of them did was extremely unruly. But it was precisely because the two of them did not regard Rong Xi as an outsider that they joked like this.
When Rong Xi heard this, he immediately stood up and said, “Please wait a moment while Xi goes to wash his hands and make soup.”
In a moment, two meals were put on the table.
Qin Ke lowered his head and looked down. On the lacquer plate, there was a steaming bowl of fresh noodle soup. The smell made his mouth water. The soup was pork soup, which had been brewed for a day and was extremely fragrant. The noodles were soft and chewy and melt in his mouth.
In the bowl next to it, several pieces of shrimp cakes were displayed, complementing the soup noodles.
“The two brothers came by chance, and the bone soup was brewed for just one day,” Rong Xi said with a smile. “Xi was afraid that Brother Si and Brother Chen would wait for a long time, so he could only do this much. I hope you can forgive me.”
Qin Ke was about to respond when he heard Chen Chuangu exaggerate: “Brother Rong, your bowl of noodles and several pieces of cake are worth many expensive dishes. I really like them!”
As soon as Chen Chuangu finished speaking, he felt a chill on his neck. He couldn’t help but turn his head to look at Qin Ke. Seeing him eating noodles and cakes with his head down, he secretly sighed that he was thinking too much.
After a delicious dinner, Liu He and Liu Zishi cleaned up the dishes.
Qin Ke went to the courtyard and saw that the doors and windows were all made of glass. They were indeed transparent and bright. He said, “Tomorrow I want to lead a group of people from the Ministry of Industry to the glass kiln to learn skills. Brother Rong, would you like to accompany me and help clear up our doubts?”
“Brother Si, you’re welcome, it’s just a matter of a little effort. Xi is happy to go.”
The candlelight in the room was bright and reflected. Half of Rong Xi’s cheek was illuminated, while the other side was hidden in the dark. In the haze, his handsome outline was fully revealed.
Although he was still slightly chubby, his overall temperament was peaceful, making it easy for people to forget about his appearance.
What’s more, Rong Xi’s appearance was inherently good.
Chen Chuangu suddenly laughed out loud, “Brother Ron, I haven’t seen you for a few days, and you are getting thinner and thinner. As time goes by, you will definitely be a handsome man who will attract the hearts of young ladies.”
The people of the Wei Dynasty were open-minded, and there were many romantic things such as throwing handkerchiefs into the carriages.
Rong Xi said, “Brother Chen is joking. If we talk about handsomeness, I think Brother Chen is even better.”
He didn’t dare to joke about Qin Ke, even though Qin Ke’s appearance was the only one he admired in his life.
“Before, brother Rong sent me a letter and told me all about the horseshoes and glass. I would be very grateful.” Qin Ke suddenly interrupted the two of them and said with a cold expression, “I don’t know what brother Rong likes, so I made my own decision and chose a horse for transportation’s purpose.”
Wei people liked horses and liked to ride them when traveling.
However, the market price of horses was quite high, not to mention good horses. There were very few people who were qualified and had the capital to ride horses.
Therefore, gifting a horse was a great gift, indicating that the person giving the horse values the recipient.
Rong Xi was flattered, his eyes widened, and he was speechless for a moment.
Seeing him like this, Chen Chuangu laughed unceremoniously, Qin Ke raised the corners of his lips and his eyes were soft.
“Brother Rong, the horse was outside the house, would you like to go and watch it?”
Rong Xi came back to his senses and said gratefully: “Thank you, brother Si, for the horse.” Then he and the two of them left the house, borrowed the lights in the house, and saw the white divine horse.
In previous lives, men were proud of luxury cars, but in the Wei Dynasty, men compared each other with their horses.
Although Rong Xi didn’t understand horses, he could still see that this horse was definitely something you couldn’t find.
“Is young master Rong good at equestrian skills?” Qin Ke suddenly asked.
He just observed Rong Xi’s expression and saw that although he was grateful and praised, he was not eager to try.
If someone skilled in horse riding encounters a fine horse, they would find it irresistible and take pleasure in riding it.
“Xi is ashamed,” Rong Xi seemed ashamed, “I have never learned equestrian skills.”
Equestrian was a must for children of aristocratic families, but the original person had never learned equestrian.
Rong Xi lowered his eyes, memories emerged in his mind, and a dark color flashed in his eyes.
To be precise, the original person had practiced it once. However, it was that time that someone deliberately threw him off his horse, which left a shadow in his heart and he never learned anything again.
The culprit was still Rong’s house’s forth young master.
Chen Chuangu was surprised, “The school offers riding and shooting courses, but brother Rong has never taken them?”
“Since brother Si gave me a generous gift as the divine horse, Xi would work hard to learn equestrian skills.” Rong Xi smiled lightly and changed the subject without leaving any trace.
Qin Ke looked at him thoughtfully.
The night was deep and the wind was chilly. Rong Xi suddenly shivered, and his baby-fat chin retracted into his collar, making his cheeks look even more tender.
He was only sixteen, the same age as Siwen.
Qin Ke looked soft and said softly: “It’s cold, go back to the house.”
After saying this, he quickly mounted his horse and left with Chen Chuangu.
Rong Xi watched the two of them go away, then turned around and faced the white horse. Their eyes stared at each other, and the white horse snorted aggrievedly.
He burst out laughing.
After bringing the horse into the house, Rong Xi asked Liu He to prepare some high-quality horse’s food tomorrow, and he was going to start raising the horse.
“Brother, did you have a visitor at home just now?” Rong Lian suddenly arrived and looked slightly surprised when he saw the white horse.
He was so absorbed in reading that he didn’t know there was a guest at home. He just stopped and listened to Xi Yan’s report, and then he found out so he came to ask about it.
“An old friend came to visit.” Rong Xi smiled with a hint of tenderness at the corner of his mouth.
When Rong Lian saw this, he stopped talking and went back to his room to continue reading.
The next day, the weather was good and the sun was shining.
Shen Yi personally led Qin Ke and others to the glass kiln workshop on the outskirts of the city. Rong Xi and Hu Yulin were already waiting outside.
Seeing the carriage and horse approaching, Rong Xi looked up in the light and met Qin Ke’s eyes.
The two of them were stunned for a few seconds, then looked away.
After Shen Yi’s eyes signaled, Rong Xi and Hu Yulin saluted the officials.
This time, the Ministry of Industry sent several people to Mengshan to ask for advice, and Cheng Hao, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, was among them.
He was keen on making utensils since he was a child and did not want to study. After being educated by the elders in the family, he could only give up his hobbies and devote himself to studying.
After passing the imperial examination and becoming an official, he relied on his own ability to become an official in the Ministry of Industry.
On this trip to Mengshan, he was not supposed to come, so he had to go through the back door, and Yang Qianmu, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, had no choice but to give him a place.
“Prince, this is the place.” Shen Yi explained from the side.
Qin Ke nodded coldly, then looked at Rong Xi, “Since young master Rong is here, how about you explain the glass making method to us?”
A scribe prepared a pen and paper to write down the story beside him.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Qin Ke walked side by side with him, and the rest of the crowd fell behind them and listened carefully.
“Young master Rong has a quick mind and unparalleled skills, which can benefit the people all over the world. It will be a great if everyone know about it.”
After clearing up the confusion, Qin Ke suddenly opened his mouth and praised.
Including Rong Xi, everyone else was a little confused.
Who didn’t know that the King Qin was a cold-faced Yama? It was really puzzling that today a small craftsman was treated with such courtesy and praised so much.
They were all important officials of the imperial court and did not listen to rumors, so they never thought that Rong Xi was the oldest son of Rong Shangshu.
“Thank you for your praise.” Rong Xi’s eyes were slightly curved, his lips were red and his teeth were white, “It is my pleasure to be able to help people.”
“Very good.” Qin Ke’s eyes, which were complicated and difficult to distinguish, fell on Rong Xi’s cheek.
After the visit to the glass kiln, Jiang’s iron shop was also visited.
The scribe wrote it down in detail on paper and would only study it after returning to Shengjing.
No matter what, Rong, Hu and Jiang would definitely be praised by the court.
Before it was too late, everyone was about to return to the office.
“Brother Rong,” Qin Ke suddenly stopped Rong Xi in his path and said in front of everyone, “I still have something to puzzle about. Can you please explain it to me alone?”
Rong Xi was slightly surprised, but said: “The Prince’s words are serious, Xi should do his best.”
The two of them left together, heading towards Linxi.
In the crowd, Chen Chuangu couldn’t help but roll his eyes, Qin Ke actually abandoned him and went to eat alone!
In autumn, the grass was withered, the flowers were gone, and the fallen leaves were flying.
Rong Xi and Qin Ke walked side by side. The atmosphere was dull except for the sound of horse hooves.
“That’s it.” Qin Ke suddenly stopped and said.
Rong Xi looked up at him, knowing that he was looking for him alone, not to solve his doubts, but for something else.
“Yesterday you said you were not good at equestrian skills, I will teach you.” Qin Ke’s eyes were light and his long eyelashes were lowered, looking at the young man in front of him.
Rong Xi suddenly smiled and said, “Why?”
They had very different identities and different ambitions. They should have no intersection and were all passers-by. However, he gave a horse as a gift last night and taught equestrian skills today. Does the majestic King Qin have so much time?
“Do you know what contribution the horseshoe mentioned in your letter has to the Wei Dynasty?” Qin Ke asked seriously.
That was why.
Rong Xi suddenly understood and said with a smile: “I will try my best to learn equestrian skills.”
The red divine horse suddenly snorted, as if he didn’t want others to get close to him.
Qin Ke stroked the horse’s head. After a moment, the red divine horse calmed down, glanced at Rong Xi, and moved its hooves.
Rong Xi saw that the soles of its feet had been shoed and smiled slightly.
“It’s called Chi Yan.” Qin Ke extended his palm to invite, “Come.”
Chi Yan glanced at Rong Xi with big eyes, seeming to despise him. Rong Xi found it interesting, smiled and asked, “What if it bullies me?”
Qin Ke chuckled, “I’m here.”
After getting his promise, Rong Xi slowly mounted his horse. It’s not that he doesn’t know how to ride horses. After all, he has been to the racecourse several times in his previous life.
However, those horses are docile and well-behaved. Even if he was accompanied by a coach, he could only drive the horses for a walk. If he really wanted to run, he couldn’t do it.
Seeing that he was not very good at it, Qin Ke carefully taught him equestrian skills with a smile in his eyes. He had a stern expression and an indifferent tone. He seemed to be unapproachable. If it was someone else, that person would be uneasy, fearing that he had done something wrong.
Rong Xi listened very carefully and wrote down clearly what he said.
“Try it.” Qin Ke said, passing on all the equestrian skills.
He was not a good teacher, but Rong Xi was very talented, and a good student. He ordered Chi Yan to follow his instructions, and fortunately Chi Yan gave him face and slowly raised his feet to move forward.
Getting better, Rong Xi clamped the horse’s belly, held the reins in his hand, and looked back at Qin Ke. The man stood tall, with orange circles beside him, as the sun was setting down. The breeze blew by, and his robes were flowing, as if they were flying.
Chi Yan started running around Qin Ke, and the sound of horse hooves could be clearly heard in the wilderness.
Rong Xi gradually became intoxicated with the pleasure of riding, and his expression was extremely excited.
His temperament was very different from his usual, slightly childish.
Within half a hour, Chi Yan gradually slowed down and stopped in front of Qin Ke, rubbing his shoulder. Qin Ke praised it, and its tail wagged a few times.
Rong Xi dismounted slowly, his cheeks flushed from the horse racing, the red color appeared in a white jade face, his face looked more charming.
“Thank you, brother Si.” He was sincerely grateful.
Qin Ke stared at him for a moment, then took out something from his lapel and handed it to Rong Xi.
“Does this purse belong to you?”
The purse was old and had a rabbit embroidered on it. The white hair was all visible. It was naive and extremely cute.
Apart from the excellent embroidery work, there was nothing special about it.
Rong Xi seemed to be struck by lightning. It was not him, but a very strange emotion suddenly burst out from the depths of his mind. It was sour, bitter and joyful, so chaotic and complicated that he almost cried.
The young man’s expression was greatly mourned, and his eyes were red, all of which fell into Qin Ke’s eyes.
He didn’t interrupt, just waiting for Rong Xi to calm down.
After a while, the sadness gradually dissipated, and memories flashed in his mind. Rong Xi calmed down, his eyes slightly curved, he took the purse with a smile, and carefully hid it in his clothes.
“I lost it. I thought I would never see it again.” The young man seemed to be forcing a smile, which looked quite pitiful. “Brother Si, I can’t repay this kindness.”
A slight stab in the heart, fleeting. Qin Ke frowned, this feeling was very strange.
He deliberately ignored it and said with a calm expression, “Your achievements have been repaid.”
Rong Xi suddenly smiled and said, “I also have a gift for brother Si. Is brother Si willing to come with me to my humble residence to see it?”
“It’s an honor.” Before Qin Ke could think about it, he got on his horse and reached out to Rong Xi.
The hand’s fingers were extremely long, with thin calluses covering the palms and fingertips. Rong Xi shook hands with him without any hesitation.
The young man’s hand was warm and soft, and the touch was as delicate as a warm jade. Qin Ke’s long eyelashes were slightly drooped, and he used his arms to pull Rong Xi behind him easily.
“Hold tight.” The man’s clear voice blew in the wind and sounded so magnetic that Rong Xi’s ears twitched slightly.
He wrapped his arms around Qin Ke’s waist, loosely, not touching Qin Ke’s body much.
Suddenly, Chi Yan accelerated. In desperation, he hugged Qin Ke tightly and pressed half of his face on the man’s back.
A faint cold fragrance enters the nose.
Chi Yan was extremely fast, and in just a moment, the two of them arrived at Rong’s house.
Rong Xi asked Liu He to take out the white horse and play with Chi Yan, while he led Qin Ke to the study.
It was dark last night, and the benefits of glass were not yet apparent. Looking at it now, it was indeed transparent and bright, with sufficient lighting.
Qin Ke thought in his mind that before returning to Shengjing, he should purchase some glass and replace the paper windows in the mansion.
“Brother Si,” Rong Xi took out a cylindrical object from the wooden box and said with a smile, “Come with me.”
The two of them rode together to the wilderness.
Rong Xi dismounted and asked Qin Ke: “I heard that people who practice martial arts have sharp ears and eyes. Brother Si is standing here, can you see clearly what is on the mountain?”
They were quite far away from the hills at this time, and other than the gathering of withered trees, they could no longer see anything else.
Qin Ke didn’t understand what he meant, but he replied seriously: “Except for the thick trees, I can’t see clearly.”
Rong Xi smiled cunningly, put the telescope in front of his eyes, and suddenly said: “If I lend you the thing in my hand, you can clearly see the bird’s nest on the tree.”
So magical?
Qin Ke boasted of his good eyesight. Even he couldn’t see clearly whether there was a bird’s nest on the tree. How could he see clearly with just this cylinder?
Seeing his strange expression, Rong Xi handed the telescope into his hand and said, “Take a look through this mirror.”
Qin Ke put the telescope in front of him as he was told, and saw the bird’s nest on the tree in the distant mountain. He was extremely shocked. After looking at it for a long time, he put down the telescope and his eyebrows were filled with light.
“Brother Rong,” his eyes were very dark and his voice was very deep, “How could your talent be so high. Do you know the merits of this thing?”
Rong Xi smiled slightly, “Then do you know why I gave it to you?”
The young man had sincere eyes and a leisurely demeanor. To him, such a magical thing was nothing more than the breeze and the moon, or the river flowing into the sea. It was nothing special.
“The territory of Wei was safeguarded by soldiers who engaged in bloody battles and spared no effort in its defense. How can my achievements compare with yours?”
The young man’s heartfelt words made Qin Ke’s heart beat suddenly, and his heartbeat was so strong that it almost rushed out of his chest.
He held a telescope in his hand, his eyes trembling.
After a long pause, he suddenly showed his face and said, “Is there anything you want?”
Qin Ke thought that a horse and some rewards from the court were not enough to measure Rong Xi’s achievements.
He had experienced countless battlefields and knew the power of this telescope. Because of this, he wanted to give Rong Xi more.
Rong Xi was stunned. What did he want? Maybe even he himself didn’t know.
“Nothing. I just want peace, joy, and a smooth life.”
This was the greatest luck.
Qin Ke looked at him deeply and said, “If you want, I will ensure that you are safe in this life.”
As long as he lived for one day, Rong Xi would be protected by him.
“This thing is called a telescope. If it is useful to you, I can write down the method of making it.” Rong Xi knew that telescopes were beneficial to war, and one telescope was not enough.
If this item was classified as military supplies, it would be more appropriate to hand it over to Qin Ke.
Qin Ke did not refuse. He secretly praised Rong Xi’s generosity and open-mindedness and said: “Your generosity will be kept in my mind.”
After speaking, the two looked at each other and smiled.
At the time for dinner, they returned home and bumped into Rong Lian.
Rong Lian had met Qin Ke several times in Shengjing. Qin Ke’s appearance was unforgettable for ordinary people. Therefore, Rong Lian was extremely shocked when he saw Qin Ke appear in Rong’s house. After being stunned, he hurriedly saluted solemnly.
“Second young master doesn’t need to be polite.” Qin Ke was a little cold towards others.
However, as far as Rong Lian was concerned, King Qin’s behavior was considered gentle.
How did his brother come to know King Qin? And he seemed to be very familiar with it.
When the distinguished guest arrived at the house, Rong Xi invited Rong Lian to accompany him and cook dinner in the kitchen.
Rong Lian and Qin Ke were sitting in the main hall, and the atmosphere was extremely condensed.
After a long time, Rong Lian asked bravely: “May I ask the Prince why he is looking for my brother?”
He was worried because of Liang Siwen’s incident.
Because of Liang Siwen, Qin Ke had some impression of Rong Lian, but it was only a vague impression. Now that he looked closely, he could see that his appearance and demeanor were indeed good, and he could be a good friend with Liang Siwen.
“The Emperor heard about the glass and asked me to bring several people from the Ministry of Industry to learn the craftsmanship. Brother Rong is the creator so I asked for his guidance.”
Rong Lian didn’t notice the important of this matter. He just felt that it was the right thing to do.
Brother’s skills had blessed the world, and now they were in the eyes of the Holy One. He was really happy for him.
After the topic was over, the hall fell into silence again.
One person had a stern expression and did not like to speak. One person was taciturn and was intimidated by Qin’s momentum and did not dare say much.
Seeing that Rong Lian was slightly embarrassed, and thinking that he was Rong Xi’s younger brother, Qin Ke looked a little gentler and took out a topic, “Siwen has been friends with you for many years, and we have a very close relationship. However, a few days ago he beat Rong’s forth young master in public. He was indeed impulsive, but everything happens for a reason, I hope there won’t be any rift between you two because of this.”
Rong Lian was flattered and said hurriedly: “My younger brother was at fault first. Brother Liang was innocently involved, so he should be angry and take action. It’s just a pity that my older brother’s things were thrown away by Rong Han.”
“Not yet.” Qin Ke suddenly said.
Rong Lian looked at him doubtfully.
Qin Ke drank tea with his eyebrows lowered, secretly feeling that he was asking for credit and showing off, and quickly changed the topic, “He beat others in the street, regardless of whether there was a reason or not, it is indeed inappropriate. I have punished him with ten whippings.”
“What?” Rong Lian suddenly shouted in panic.
After calming down, he felt that he had lost his composure and hurriedly sat upright. However, he was really worried and asked, “How is he?”
Qin Ke was about to answer when he saw Rong Xi’s figure outside the door and stopped talking.
“Brother Si, second brother.”
Rong Lian didn’t ask anymore.
Liu He, Liu Zishi, and Xi Yan took the food and put it on the table, then retreated.
The three of them ate quietly, the only sound in the room was the sound of bowls and chopsticks.
After eating, Qin Ke said goodbye and rode away, with Rong Xi and Rong Lian watching him off.
Rong Lian looked at the white horse in the courtyard and suddenly asked: “Brother, is this horse a gift from the Prince?”
He saw that King Qin treated his brother very gently and amiably, and there was no one else but King Qin who could afford to give him such a magnificent horse.
Rong Xi smiled and nodded, “When I just returned home, I heard the Prince say that Liang Siwen was punished with ten lashes, which was quite pitiful. My second brother has always had a close relationship with him, why don’t you write a letter to show your concern?”
He suggested heartily.
He really couldn’t bear sadomasochism or anything like that!
After Qin Ke returned to the office, his servant came to report that Cheng Hao, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, asked to see him.
After he nodded in agreement, he saw Cheng Hao walking in a hurry as he entered from the outside. Before he could stand still, he said, “I have seen the Prince. May I ask the Prince, when do you plan to return to the capital?”
“What do you think, Master Cheng?” Qin Ke knew his character and threw the question back.
Cheng Hao looked worried, but still replied: “Prince, I think you can’t learn the essence by just watching flowers in one day. I want to stay a few more days and work with the craftsmen to make glass and other objects with my own hands. Only in this way can we live up to His Majesty’s orders.”
He was really itchy.
There was silence in the room for a long time. Just when Cheng Hao thought Qin Ke would not agree, Qin Ke suddenly said, “Okay.”
The voice was unexpectedly soft.
After receiving the promise, Cheng Hao was extremely happy. He hurriedly saluted and thanked him, then retreated to his room.
Qin Ke took out the telescope and laughed silently. He also wanted to stay longer.
In the next few days, Cheng Hao, the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, led many officials from the Ministry of Industry to frequently visit the glass kiln and Jiang’s iron shop, and even went shirtless with the craftsmen to make utensils.
The craftsman’s jaw dropped in shock.
As an avid tool maker, Cheng Hao found the true meaning of life in the kilns of Mengshan County.
After getting acquainted with the craftsmen, Cheng Hao heard many craftsmen praise Rong Xi. He thought about how Rong Xi didn’t show any nervousness or fear when he met the Prince before, and he admired him very much in his heart.
“Then Master Rong’s skills are passed down from ancestors?” he asked the craftsman beside him.
If Master Rong was willing, he could recommend him to Yang Shangshu find a position for him in the Ministry of Industry.
The craftsman looked surprised, “Ancestral tradition? Minister Cheng doesn’t know young master Rong’s life experience?”
Cheng Hao really didn’t know, so he humbly asked, “What is it?”
The craftsman saw that he really didn’t know, so he whispered: “Young master Rong comes from Shengjing. He is the eldest son of Rong Shangshu.”
What!
Cheng Hao was stunned. Apart from Rong Shangshu, the official Minister in Shengjing, there is no Shangshu named Rong, right?
He suddenly remembered that his wife had mentioned that Rong Shangshu sent his son back to his ancestral home in anger. He didn’t pay attention at the time, and a few months later, he had completely forgotten about it.
Therefore, it was normal to not know Rong Xi’s identity.
Rong Shangshu actually didn’t recognize his legitimate son’s talent! Cheng Hao felt extremely aggrieved and uncomfortable.
After arriving at Mengshan, he was shocked by Rong Xi’s ability. He had long wanted to make friends with him, but except for the first day and the next few days, Rong Xi did not show up, so he inquired with the craftsman.
If he was really the son of Rong Shangshu, how could he “abduct” him to the Ministry of Industry? Rong Shangshu knew that he had to settle the score with him.
However, he really couldn’t do it if he allowed the pearl of genius to gather dust.
After returning to the office, Cheng Hao felt unhappy and went to his room to write down his experience making utensils today. After thinking about it, he decided to go find Qin Ke.
It was a pity that Qin Ke was not in the office.
He was teaching Rong Xi higher-level equestrian skills.
Xue Ni was the name Rong Xi gave the white horse. Compared to Chi Yan, Xue Ni was obviously more docile, but its speed and endurance were not much worse than Chi Yan.
“When will you return to Shengjing?” Rong Xi dismounted from the horse, breathing heavily, and turned to Qin Ke to inquire, as controlling a horse wasn’t an easy task.
Chi Yan approached Xue Ni, and Qin Ke also dismounted and let them play on their own.
“It depends on how many days Master Cheng wants to stay.” There was a hidden smile in his eyes, his long eyelashes seemed to be brushing by the stream of light, his pupils were a little light, and he could easily appear ruthless and indifferent.
Even so, he was still beautiful.
Rong Xi didn’t care about other people’s looks before, but now he felt that appearance could really confuse people.
Thinking of Minister Cheng’s passion for utensils, Rong Xi couldn’t help but laugh.
The fat on his body gradually disappears, slowly revealing his handsome silhouette. Just because Rong Xi was still young and still immature, he looked quite cute.
With red lips, white teeth, and graceful eyebrows, he looked like a boy in a New Year painting. Although he was slightly fat, he was still hansome.
Qin Ke had never paid attention to other people’s looks, but now he suddenly felt that the smile of the young man in front of him was quite pleasing to the eye.
My heart becomes a little softer.
He had sweated a little just now, but now he was resting. When the cold wind blew, he suddenly felt a bit chilly, and Rong Xi couldn’t help stroking the cold chestnuts on his arms.
“Come back.” Qin Ke saw how pitiful he was and immediately mounted his horse.
Rong Xi slowly rode on the back of Xue Ni and rode home with Qin Ke.
Qin Ke had become accustomed to eating dinner together, and Chen Chuangu was shameless and forcefully stayed at Rong’s house.
When he saw the two people arriving, he smiled brightly and said, “Brother Rong, what’s the dish for today?”
Because he entertained guests, the dishes at Rong’s mansion were different every day. Even so, they were still all very delicious.
Rong Lian and his servent, as well as the Liu grandfather and grand son, ate so much every day that their mouths were full of oil and they wish they could keep doing it for a long time.
After arriving at Linxi’s Rong’s house for some time, Rong Lian suddenly felt that he seemed to have gained some weight.
When selecting officials in the Wei Dynasty, appearance was also included in the evaluation. If you were too fat and lost your sense of beauty, it would be difficult to get an official position.
After panicking, he immediately cut back on his meals, which was quite painful.
After dinner, Rong Xi sent Qin Ke and Chen Chuangu away.
He pondered for a moment, and when he saw the two of them about to ride on their horses, he suddenly said, “Brother Si, I have something I want to ask you.”
Qin Ke looked solemn and said, “Say.”
“I know that iron is run by the government,” Rong Xi said with courage, “but if the iron smelting method is improved and the amount of iron produced increases greatly, the demand among the people will increase accordingly, and the government alone will not be able to meet the needs of the people. ”
When Qin Ke heard this, he was very interested and said, “Continue, brother Rong”
Rong Xi smiled and said: “The imperial court might as well release the franchise right. The government can designate the blacksmiths within its jurisdiction to operate it on its behalf, and the imperial court can collect tax profits from it.”
The Wei Dynasty had a vast territory and numerous official affairs, and the court could not take into account all aspects.
In some government-run departments, many officials were not familiar with ordinary affairs, and issuing government orders was often unrealistic. In the long run, production could not develop and expand.
If a craftsman was granted a license, he would do his best to smelt iron in pursuit of profit, and if he was competitive, he would only become more innovative.
He didn’t explain in detail, but Qin Ke already understood what he meant.
“This method is indeed feasible,” the man chuckled, his eyes softened, and he whispered, “However, this method touches the interests of some people, so it may be difficult to implement.”
Rong Xi also knew this, but everything depended on man-made things.
“Xi believes that there are countless skilled craftsmen in the world. If the imperial court can set up special rewards to protect the interests of innovators, why should the Wei Dynasty not be prosperous?”
Profit was always the driving force behind creation.
He had this great ambition that had been buried in his heart for a long time. It was precisely because he trusted Qin Ke that he mentioned it to him.
Qin Ke was not a pedantic person, and since the young Emperor ascended the throne, he was committed to reform and tried to change the current situation of corruption and decadence in the court.
Rong Xi’s words might be exactly what he meant.
“I understand what you said.” Qin Ke suddenly reached out and stroked his bun, “Please be at ease and wait for my news.”
“Thank you.”
After returning to the office, Qin Ke was about to take a bath when Cheng Hao came to look for him again.
“I have met the Prince.” He saluted hastily, his straight face seemed troubled.
Because of Rong Xi, Qin Ke had a good impression of him, so he said warmly: “What do you want from me?”
“The Prince doesn’t know something,” Cheng Hao sighed deeply, “The lower official admires young master Rong’s skills. I wanted to make friends with him, and invited him to Shengjing, but today I suddenly learned that he is actually Rong Shangshu’s son.”
Qin Ke raised the corners of his lips slightly, “So?”
Cheng Hao felt that King Qin was becoming more gentle, so he boldly said: “I believe that genius should not be buried. Although Rong Xi is not good at reading, he is extremely talented in the art of making weapons. This place is so remote . I don’t want the pearl covered with dust”
He looked regretful, as if he was more like his father than Rong Shangshu.
Thinking of Rong Xi’s proposal, Qin Ke pondered, “What do you want?”
“The lower official thinks that young master Rong’s talent is qualified for the post of chief of the Yu Heng Division.” Cheng Hao dared to say so.
The Wei Dynasty selected officials through imperial examinations, but did not rule out recommendation. Although Rong Xi had no fame, he could still hold a certain position if he was recommended by Qin Ke and the Minister of Industry.
“What if he doesn’t want to?” Qin Ke thought about Rong Xi’s words and concluded that he was not an ignorant person. “Master Cheng, you can ask him yourself to see if he is willing or not.”
He respected Rong Xi’s choice.
Cheng Hao was stunned for a moment, then came back to his senses and said, “I understand, I understand.”
After saying this, he left.
Qin Ke stared at his back. Cheng Hao was a fanatic about making weapons. It was good if Rong Xi could be friends with him.
The next day, Cheng Hao came to see Rong Xi.
Upon beholding the young man’s strikingly handsome features, refined countenance, eloquent speech, and noble demeanor, a sudden warmth filled his heart..
Rong Shangshu was so dim-sighted that he sent such a wonderful gentleman to a remote ancestral home.
His eyes were kind and his expression was incomprehensible, and Rong Xi suddenly felt a cold feeling behind his back.
“Hello Master Cheng.” He was about to salute, but was stopped by Cheng Hao.
He grinned, his short beard trembling, and his eyes narrowed into slits, “Young man, you don’t have to be polite, I’m looking for you for one reason. Are you willing to work in the Ministry of Industry?”
Hearing this, Rong Xi was shocked but also a little helpless, “Thank you very much, Master Cheng, for your kindness, but I have no intention of returning to the capital for the time being.”
Not to mention joining the Ministry of Industry.
He just wanted to do research in peace and did not want to get involved in official disputes.
Seeing that he was determined, Cheng Hao had no choice but to give up and say no more.
He really couldn’t bear it!
The time to return to Shengjing was set. The day before departure, Cheng Hao finally made a flawless glass by his own efforts. He was so excited that he drank a few glasses at dinner and was so drunk that he fell unconscious.
When he woke up, he found that he was already in the carriage. The carriage was swaying towards Shengjing.
Everyone in the Ministry of Industry knew his nature. Once he was obsessed with making weapons, he would act randomly regardless of his status as an official in the imperial court.
After hurriedly returning to Shengjing, Qin Ke and Cheng Hao went to the palace to report on their duties.
Qin Ke talked about his trip to Mengshan in a neither salty nor bland manner, and the young Emperor felt drowsy after listening to it.
“Master Cheng is good at this. It would be better for Master Cheng to explain the matter of making the weapon in detail to His Majesty.”
Cheng Hao could no longer hold himself back, so he was called out by Qin Ke. After getting the Emperor’s permission, he spoke impassionedly and interestingly about making the weapon.
The Emperor was very interested and leaned forward slightly, his eyes shining.
“Master Cheng’s skills are outstanding, and he can actually make glass.” He laughed and praised a few words, and then asked, “The people of Mengshan already enjoy the blessing of glass. When can I have the glass in my palace?”
Cheng Hao understood what he meant and immediately replied: “I have mastered the method of making glass. When the craftsmen gather together, we can make glass widely.”
“I am waiting for your good news.”
The young Emperor discussed with the two men for a long time and never forgot about the reward.
“The craftsmanship of Mengshan craftsmen has brought blessings to the people. I want to commend them. I will discuss it at the court tomorrow and ask all the ministers for their opinions.”
Qin Ke’s eyes moved slightly. His Majesty’s move was, first, to reward them, and second, to test the attitude of the courtiers.
Merchants and craftsmen were of the lowest rank, and large rewards may cause controversy.
Previously, His Majesty ordered him to take several people from the Ministry of Industry to Mengshan, and some pedantic ministers had already complained.
It was really shameful for the King of a country not to pay much attention to civility, but to send people to learn craftsman skills.
After a while, the Emperor ordered Cheng Hao to leave the palace first, leaving Qin Ke behind.
“You showed me your eyes just now. Do you have something to say?” the young Emperor asked with a smile.
The two of them had a deep relationship and a tacit understanding. Qin Ke’s expression had already fallen into his eyes, so he asked this question.
Qin Ke nodded, took the telescope from his arms, and said, “This thing was also made by Rong Xi. It’s called a telescope. It can see things in the distance clearly.”
The Emperor had also been on the battlefield. Hearing this, he was immediately surprised and took it from his palm and placed it in front of his eyes.
Outside the palace gate lay white jade steps adorned with intricately carved dragons and phoenixes, encircled by auspicious clouds. The Emperor could not see the fine lines clearly with his eyesight alone. However, with the help of a telescope, the dragon’s whiskers on the steps were lifelike, and the phoenix’s tail was exquisite, all of which were reflected in the mirror.
After looking at it for a long time, he reluctantly put it down and sighed, “How can Rong Xi have so many ingenious ideas? If this thing is used on the battlefield, it will definitely surprise the enemy.”
He said and laughed loudly again, “I regret listening to your words and not calling him back to Shengjing.”
“Your Majesty, if he really returns to the capital, he will be haunted by villains and have no time to use his skills. Wouldn’t it be a pity?” Qin Ke showed no mercy, pointing out that the villains in Rong’s Mansion were rampant.
As for who the villain was, the two of them knew very well.
He took out another stack of paper and said, “This is Rong Xi’s cooking technique. Your Majesty can hand it over to the imperial chef.”
All the iron cauldrons in the palace were replaced by thin cauldrons. The Emperor longed for the delicacies of Rong’s house. Now that he had found a good cooking recipe, he was extremely happy.
“Rong Xi is very kind to me!”
At the time of Shen, the Emperor kept Qin Ke in the palace to eat with him. With the royal delicacies placed in front of him, Qin Ke felt no waves in his heart.
He was used to the food cooked by Rong Xi, and the food in front of him really tasted like wax.
After eating, Qin Ke was about to leave the palace and return to his residence, but saw that the Emperor was pretending to be displeased.
“Qin Ke, have you forgotten something?”
Qin Ke looked serious and said seriously: “There is only one telescope. I need to secretly find people to make it. Without a physical comparison, the craftsmen cannot make it. Could it be that your Majesty thinks that all craftsmen in the Wei Dynasty are Rong Xi?”
The Emperor was choked after hearing this, laughed and said teasingly: “I have never seen you praise someone so highly. This shows that Rong Xi is outstanding. I have to think about what kind of reward I want to give him.”
At the court meeting the next day, the Emperor mentioned the merits of the Mengshan craftsmen and expressed his commendation.
“Rong Weijing.”
Rong Shangshu, who was holding his hut with his head bowed, was suddenly called upon, and he immediately came out of the line to salute, “I am here.”
“Have you heard about Mengshan’s new tools?”
The Emperor asked for no reason. Rong Shangshu was uneasy and said honestly: “Your Majesty, I have heard something.”
“Does Rong Weijing know that these artifacts were all made by your son?” He said with a meaningful smile, “Rong Weijing gave birth to a good son!”
When the Emperor praised his son again, Rong Shangshu was no longer stunned, but shocked.
It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand people’s words, it was just that what the Holy Spirit said was beyond his cognitive scope, and he almost lost his voice.
“Your Majesty’s praise is ridiculous, but it’s just a miraculous skill that has nothing to mention.” He blurted out in shock.
It was quiet in the palace.
Has Rong Shangshu been kicked in the head? The Emperor’s intention was so obvious that he actually refuted His Majesty’s face in public! What’s more, the one the he praised was his own son.
“What a strange thinking!” Cheng Hao was so angry that he didn’t care, and jumped out loudly, “Does Rong Shangshu know how important the method of smelting iron is to our Wei Dynasty? Do you know how glass can benefit the future? The eldest young master of the Rong family possesses talent, yet to be deemed unworthy on stage by you truly fills me with profound sadness and anger!!”
Rong Shangshu: “…” What did I say just now?
With a “pop” sound, he knelt down on his knees and leaned to the ground, shaking like chaff.
The author has something to say:
“Mingfu” is the name for the county magistrate. “Yu Heng” is in charge of making weapons.
Wow
🤣🤣Thanks for the chapter!
Thanks for the chapter! An MC after my own heart! Peace, joy & a smooth life (if which I include good health) are the most precious indeed.
Let’s work together to have great country
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
The scum father being put on the spot is so satisfying!