CHAPTER 1025: CHAPTER 1023: A MARKETPLACE-LIKE DISPUTE

Today, the officials attending the morning court were somewhat absent-minded.

The officials who accompanied the Emperor to Huaiyuan County yesterday still retained a sense of shock at the uncontrollable events.

The officials who did not accompany them were, although aware of the improvements in smelting technology at the smeltery workshop in Huaiyuan County, which improved efficiency and the quality of the iron materials, these improvements were within their traditional mindset.

What made these officials curious was that even though the Emperor traveled lightly yesterday without much commotion, no news of this trip was leaked, which was highly unusual.

The Emperor observed the expressions of the officials with a sense of satisfaction, grateful that he had warned the officials in time yesterday. Otherwise, these cowardly and ignorant individuals might have already spread their internal panic. Once this panic spread, it would take much effort to reverse it.

As everyone pondered to themselves, the Emperor spoke, "Yesterday, the officials who accompanied me witnessed the differences between the old and new smelting methods. What thoughts do you have? You may speak now."

"I have something to say,"

"Your Majesty,"

"I, your humble servant, have a memorial to present."

The Emperor’s words had barely fallen when three officials immediately stepped forward. Damn, they had been holding it back since yesterday; it nearly drove them mad.

They genuinely did not wish for those loud, deafening things, moving frantically under some inexplicable force, seemingly ready to crush everything instantly, to appear in the world.

The Emperor looked at these three one by one, with a very complex mood. If Lih Mian’s information was correct, these three included one from the Crown Prince’s faction, and the other two were neutral officials.

The Emperor still remembered their expressions from yesterday; their faces were a perfect depiction of their inner unease.

Could it be that they were so opposed to such things that could change the world and make the Great Xia Dynasty stand proudly in the world?

This aversion was so strong that it made them eager to stand against the Emperor’s will. Did such matters need to compete for precedence?

"Among you three, who will speak first?" The Emperor’s tone was displeased.

The three officials exchanged looks; was the Emperor dissatisfied?

Yet, even though His Majesty might be displeased, they still needed to speak; this was the duty of a minister. The things they saw yesterday, things beyond human capability, should not exist in this world; yes, that’s right.

"Your Majesty," an official from the Ministry of Rites first spoke, "I believe that such things seen yesterday should be strictly prohibited. Such things that human power cannot control should not exist in this world and will disrupt the peace of the world."

"I second this."

"I second this."

...

In no time, many voices concurred, including some prominent ministers of the court.

"Minister Wei, could you explain why the machine from yesterday should not exist in the world?" The Emperor pointed at Wei Xin of the Cabinet, and said.

Wei Xin did not expect so many to oppose the new machinery, yet the Emperor singled him out. He glanced at Liu Chengzhi; Minister Liu was also against it and held a higher position in the Cabinet, so why choose him?

But there’s no backing down now, "Your Majesty, I believe the heavens created all beings so that they could multiply and thrive with their strength. And the things seen yesterday go against the heavenly way, making them an act against nature. Your Majesty, an act against nature cannot be condoned." Wei Xin said as he deeply bowed, almost tearfully.

Standing casually in the corner of the hall due to his low rank, Jiang Yifan heard Wei Xin’s words and sneered in disdain.

Just with these little things, it’s against nature? So what is the heavenly way? Is the survival of the fittest the heavenly way? Is the winner being king or loser being outlaw nature’s way?

What is the heavenly way? Ultimately, isn’t it the one with the hardest fist who has the final say, the supreme position?

Faced with this difficult situation, the Emperor had been glancing at Jinrong, Cheng Dahui, and Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan, who routinely acted with caution, usually did not reveal his true emotions. This was his way of expressing his opinion, wasn’t it?

Whether Jiang Yifan wanted to speak up was not important, as long as the Emperor had the intention, it would be done.

"Beloved Minister Jiang was also on the trip yesterday and has served in the Ministry of Works for some time. What insights do you have regarding the new smelting methods?" The Emperor looked warmly at Jiang Yifan, feeling deeply expectant.

Forget about the boy’s ambitions, just a man daring to request marrying a girl from the Ye Family twice must have some skills, no? Otherwise, how would he maintain a harmonious relationship with her?

"Beloved Minister Jiang? Who?" The officials were surprised, looking around, "When did the court gain a Beloved Minister Jiang?"

Although not very numerous, there were some officials honored as "Beloved Minister" by the Emperor. In everyone’s impression, there shouldn’t be such a minister.

In just a few seconds, they recalled the girl who was catching everyone’s attention, the hot topic recently, Ah Xiu of the Jiang Family.

Yes, yes, that little girl named Ah Xiu, wasn’t her father Jiang Yifan?

The Emperor’s gaze naturally landed on Jiang Yifan, the lucky man indeed.

Whether subtly or openly, the officials all cast their eyes on Jiang Yifan. Moreover, the quiet discussions actually reached Jiang Yifan’s ears.

Jiang Yifan broke out in a sweat instantly. He, who lives off someone else’s success, still has great potential. Previously suspecting living off his wife, now he seems to rely on his daughter to catch everyone’s attention.

Is there any man in this world luckier than him?

"Your Majesty, I believe not only should the iron-smelting furnace powered by the machine not be stopped, but steam engines should also be promoted in more industries," Jiang Yifan stepped forward and calmly presented his view.

"Your Majesty, I believe Lord Jiang’s statement is entirely driven by self-interest. Everyone knows that Qi Family Mechanical Workshop holds shares of his Jiang Family. Regarding this matter, Lord Jiang should avoid suspicion," said an Imperial Censor stepping forward.

"Imperial Father, there has long been a praise for not avoiding talented people who are related. I believe as long as it benefits the country and the people, regardless of who proposes it, it should be adopted," Jinrong followed the Censor’s report and stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Yu also has a share in the Mechanical Workshop. Such a statement from Prince Jinrong lacks credibility," Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Court stepped forward.

"I have something to say..."

"Your Majesty..."

In no time, the Diligent Governance Hall was almost transformed into a bustling marketplace for haggling.

"Beloved Minister Jiang!" The Emperor’s distinctive voice immediately silenced the entire hall.

"Your humble servant is here." Jiang Yifan stepped forward again, "Your Majesty, I believe that whether it’s the steam engine or the blast furnace, as long as they are made by people of this world, they conform to the heavenly way. The heavenly way being mastered first by our Great Xia Dynasty is truly destiny."

The Emperor nodded immediately, this young man has always been sharp; he should have improved after marrying a girl from the Ye Family.

Listen to these words; how pleasant and persuasive! Our Great Xia Dynasty is indeed the rightful bearer of the heavenly mandate.