Chapter 43: Chapter 43: The Odd Cabinet

“The Military Examination is a test to recruit martial artists from across the land, just like the Imperial Examination.”

Zheng Yi said, “Multiple levels of martial arts, then military formations, and subsequently military strategy.”

“Currently, the North is in chaos, and the borders are being disturbed by alien races. Only by recruiting aspirants and martial artists from across the land can we resist the foreigners.”

“Anyone who passes the Military Examination can be appointed as a Deputy General, or even a Commander or Vice General, to lead the army!”

The few exchanged glances, not knowing how to respond.

Zheng Yi added, “I have discussed this move with General Xu, and he also agrees strongly.”

Hearing this, they immediately replied, “We ministers obey your command!”

Heh…

Currently, Xu Mujun wields such influence over the Imperial Court, yet there isn’t a single person who opposes him.

However, Xu Mujun is entirely loyal to the court, so he can be trusted with confidence.

“The second matter is the reconstruction of Jiaotai Hall.”

Zheng Yi said, “I intend to rename Jiaotai Hall to ’Baiyu City’, for the purpose of my cultivation!”

The six were speechless.

Did this really need to be discussed here?

As for cultivation?

They exchanged glances; the emperor focusing on cultivation and neglecting state affairs.

For them, this was, undoubtedly… good news!

Among the six, only Zheng Zongbing clearly expressed opposition.

If the emperor were to cultivate, who would handle state affairs?

Furthermore, the late emperor left an edict that no descendants of the Zheng Clan shall practice immortal cultivation.

But his words carried little weight, making no impact whatsoever.

“The third matter.”

Zheng Yi continued, “Negotiations with Wu Country; you are to decide on the matters of land cession, financial compensation, and reparations.”

“I only want one thing!”

“Please, Your Majesty, enlighten us.”

“Cultivation Secret Technique!”

Zheng Yi said, “General Xu reported back secretly; he was nearly assassinated by a cultivator from Wu Country.”

“Now that Wu Country has been defeated, they must submit their cultivation secret techniques.”

“Otherwise, the war must continue!”

The six again exchanged glances. Was this really a national matter to be discussed with the cabinet ministers?

It truly was… absurd!

After a moment of hesitation, they ultimately expressed their agreement under Zheng Yi’s constant urging.

After the meeting, news of Emperor Zhengyong’s desire to seek immortality spread rapidly throughout the capital city.

“Your Majesty wants to open a special examination? That’s truly wonderful!”

“I missed the last Imperial Examination due to illness. I didn’t expect His Majesty to show mercy and open a grace examination… It’s truly wonderful!”

“Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!”

“Emperor Zhengyong’s sole focus on seeking immortality is a sign of doom for the nation!”

“Taking national matters and mixing them with immortal cultivation, it truly is… too absurd!”

“A foolish emperor! If this were to spread, how would our Great Yu Dynasty face the late emperor!”

“I’ve heard that among the three listed that day, two were charlatans, but one was rewarded handsomely and appointed as a Minister of the Ministry of Industry!”

“Buying bones with a thousand gold coins, His Majesty truly values promises!”

“Seeking the path to immortality… Now, I don’t know how many charlatans and capable individuals from the Martial World will head to the Imperial Palace…”

The Imperial Court and public were abuzz with discussions, which Zheng Yi had a rough idea about but chose to ignore.

At that moment, he was examining the Palm Thunder presented by Lei Shitou and Zhan Liang.

Also known as gunpowder.

“Your Majesty.”

Zhan Liang said, “According to Lei Shitou’s method, we have developed this new type of explosive, although powerful, it is very unstable.”

“It must be handled with great care during use and kept away from open flames; otherwise, it can easily explode.”

“Is there a solution?”

“Yes, reducing the white phosphorus content will suffice.”

“Can it be produced on a large scale?”

“Yes.”

“Zhan Qing, I have a thought; could we place these flames into a sturdy sealed long tube, then place an iron projectile inside, ignite the gunpowder, and use the explosion’s impact to fire iron projectiles and pins?”

Zheng Yi said, “Could it be made similar to a crossbow or a bed crossbow?”

Zhan Liang’s eyes widened; he hesitated, “Like fireworks? If such a thing could be applied on the battlefield…”

“Precisely.”

Zheng Yi said, “That is exactly what I envisioned. If Zhan Qing could develop this weapon, you would have the highest merit!”

“By your command! I will go and develop it immediately!”

“Wait a moment.”

Zheng Yi looked at Lei Shitou, who was smiling broadly beside him, and said, “From today on, your name will be registered with the Ministry of Industry. Follow Zhan Qing; I will not treat you poorly.”

Lei Shitou quickly knelt down, shouting long live the emperor, “Long live the Emperor! Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty~!”

“There is more…”

Zheng Yi said to Zhan Liang, “I have noticed that when water boils, the steam can lift a feather. If there is a large amount of steam present, could it lift more substantial things into flight?”

“This…”

Zhan Liang was puzzled, “I have also noticed this, but what use does it have?”

“One could sew large balloons out of cowhide, set a flame beneath them, and cause them to take flight.”

Zhan Liang racked his brain, “Your Majesty, do you mean a large sky lantern?”

Sky lantern?

You’re referring to a Kongming lantern.

“Indeed.”

Zheng Yi nodded, “If successfully developed, a large sky lantern could ascend, with military men placed on it, launching thunder fire from the skies.”

“At that point, even the world’s largest and most formidable passes, our Great Yu army could capture them!”

“Yes! I will go back and develop it!”

“Go!”

The two retreated, and Zheng Yi exhaled a long breath.

What he wanted Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to develop were hot air balloons and firearms.

He was quite aware, given the current level of technology, that there was a significant chance of succeeding with hot air balloons.

After all, it required no profound technology or principles.

But firearms… given the current metal refining techniques of the Great Yu, it would be very, very difficult.

Even the simplest flintlock guns and bird guns would be difficult to develop successfully.

But what he offered was merely a direction for research.

The rest depended on these professionals.

Furthermore.

He did not expect Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to genuinely develop firearms; developing something like the Red Coat Cannon would be good enough.

Researching cannons was ostensibly for dealing with Wu Country and other alien races.

But the real goal was to counter the Fire Spirit!

No one knew when it might come for revenge, so preparations had to be made in advance.

Just then, a little palace maid came running quickly.

“Your Majesty~ Your Majesty~”

“What is it?”

“I report to Your Majesty!”

Moments later, Liu Cheng’en rushed in.

“Your Majesty, news has come from Kunning Palace. The Empress… is about to give birth!”

“Hmm? Lin’er is about to give birth?”

Zheng Yi said, the Empress’s due date was around these days, not far from Consort De’s.

After all, she was the Empress, and he immediately ordered, “Proceed to Kunning Palace!”

“Yes!”

Outside Kunning Palace, at least a hundred eunuchs and palace maids were standing guard. Seven or eight midwives were stationed inside, frequently carrying hot water in and out.

Several imperial physicians knelt at the entrance, all waiting for the Empress to give birth.

After all, being the Empress, her childbirth was much grander than that of Consort Shuu or Consort Bi.

Even the Empress Dowager was waiting in the outer hall.

“The Emperor arrives!”

“Servants greet His Majesty!”

“We ministers greet His Majesty.”

“Rise and take your places without ceremony!”

Zheng Yi then saluted the Empress Dowager, saying, “Greetings to the Empress Dowager.”

“My son, come quickly. Lin’er is about to give birth, and my heart is racing.”

Zheng Yi comforted, “Rest assured, Mother. Lin’er is the Empress, she will be fine.”

Soon, with the combined efforts of the midwives and imperial physicians, a loud wail finally sounded from inside the room.

“Bodhisattva bless, Bodhisattva bless, Lin’er has given birth safely.”

The Empress Dowager exclaimed joyfully, her face filled with delight.

“Is it a prince or a princess?”

“Son, later you must give Lin’er’s child a good name, as it is your legitimate offspring!”

“This son understands.”

A while later, a wet nurse holding a small infant came out quickly, respectfully kneeling on the ground and said:

“Congratulations to the Empress Dowager, congratulations to His Majesty, the Empress has given birth!”

The Empress Dowager urgently asked, “Is it a prince or a princess?”

“Reporting to the Empress Dowager, it’s a young prince…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep