Green grass covered the houses, the willows swayed, and the breeze blew gently. Soft chirps returned to the swallows, and Bei Shui Nuan was anxious.
The weather was getting warmer. The swallows returned home, and the streams were soft. Following the heavy rain, the people who were plowing in the spring heaved a sigh of relief.
At this time, the capital had become more prosperous. Some people who wanted to go out for a walk were choosing the tour groups they wanted to join. Those who wanted to participate in this year's spring examinations were busy sending invitations. Similarly, new songs and poems were sung from time to time in the brothels. Some were flattered by others, while others were secretly criticized.
Those at home who wanted to save rations brought their children to pick wild vegetables. After the rain, there were more people picking mushrooms. Storytellers were still looking for suitable subjects.
The new animals in the zoo attracted many curious people. Flowers were placed in the East and West Markets. Carriages and horses came and went. The fragrance of wine and food wafted through the air. It gave people a feeling of prosperity.
But today, these things were not the most important. The most important thing was that the outstanding craftsmen who had come to the capital from all over the country would participate in a month-long competition.
The craftsmen, who were usually not valued, had finally ushered in the spring of their own industry. The court had arranged a large enough place for the competition. The Ministry of Between the Clouds and the Water took out 20,000 strings of cash to buy materials and reward the best craftsmen in each industry.
The craftsmen had fought their way up from all over the country. They all thought that their skills were good. Every one of them had at least one small invention or improved some kind of utensil. Their travel expenses were the money they earned from the government or local merchants after their inventions and improvements.
It wasn't that the government and merchants didn't want to monopolize the money, but this time, the matter was too big. If they didn't send good craftsmen to the capital for the competition, they would lose a chance to make a name for themselves. This was especially true for the local officials, who grasped the opportunity the most. They hoped that they would be noticed by the court and be promoted.
Some of the craftsmen from all over the country had set off last year. They pondered along the way and should be able to improve or create something new.
They arrived at the capital one after another and were placed in the place provided by the Ministry of Between the Clouds and the Water, waiting for the official start of the competition today.
Many merchants with discerning eyes had set their sights on the craftsman competition, hoping to find good craftsmen to recruit into their respective businesses.
Unfortunately, after they found out that they had to choose Between the Clouds and the Water first, they could only give up on the best craftsmen and turn their attention to those who were a little less skilled. They couldn't compete with Between the Clouds and the Water. Not to mention that the wages given during recruitment couldn't compete with Between the Clouds and the Water, even if it was the same amount of money, or even a little more, the craftsmen would still choose Between the Clouds and the Water.
Everyone knew that Between the Clouds and the Water had plenty of infrastructure and resources for research. In addition, Between the Clouds and the Water was famous enough, so there was no need to worry about being cheated. All the craftsmen who came to the capital, as long as they thought they were skilled enough, would aim to enter Between the Clouds and the Water.
The people who saw the craftsmen 'taking the imperial examination' for the first time were curious and also gathered in the east side of the capital. This was the venue for the competition.
The imperial court had sent officials to take charge. At this time, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites He Zhizhang, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Works Wei Shu, and the little eunuch Luo Bin sent by Gao Lishi all led their subordinates to announce the start of today's competition.
Because there were many craftsmen involved in various aspects, it couldn't be done at the same time. In order to attract more people, the first day of the competition was just a warm-up. The content was to make ingenious objects that could make people feel novel and fun.
Tool tables were set up one by one, and all kinds of materials were placed in fixed places according to their categories. The craftsmen who participated in this project looked around nervously and confidently, and one after another, they ordered their disciples to get all kinds of materials. Some used wood, some used copper and iron, and some even used animal fur and bones.
The competition started in the morning and lasted until noon. At that time, everyone would be able to eat. The craftsmen's meals were provided by Savant's Restaurant, and the people in and around the capital who didn't live a good life were given a chance to make money. First, the Prosperity House lent them materials to make lunch boxes, buns, and wontons, and allowed them to sell them to the onlookers.
After a month, they should be able to make a lot of money. When the time came, they would return the money to the Prosperity House. Of course, it also attracted a lot of complaints from the restaurants and restaurants that didn't allow them to enter.
In the east side of the market, in addition to the place for the people to watch, there were also specially built stands for officials and people from aristocratic families. The privileged always had to be treated differently. Of course, enjoyment was enjoyment, but the money that should be spent was not a copper coin less.
The stands were divided into A, B, and C positions. The height was different, and the provided binoculars were also different. There were also differences in the food and drinks. The best seat at the top was empty, reserved for Li Longji. No matter whether he came or not, the seat was indispensable. In case he had a sudden impulse to come to the east side of the market and take a look.
The craftsmen were busy, and the little eunuch Luo Bin was walking back and forth, his eyes darting around, afraid that someone would cheat. He had been repeatedly warned by Gao Lishi not to make any mistakes, because the competition not only made the capital more lively, but more importantly, it was to select talents for the Zhang Family and Wang Family.
The assistant minister of the Ministry of Rites, He Zhizhang, didn't seem to be paying attention to the competition. He sat in a good position in the stands, holding a binoculars and looking at the prosperity of the east side of the market. It seemed that he was preparing to write a poem.
Listening to the screeching of wood and the clanking of iron, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Works, Wei Shu, also yawned in boredom. He really couldn't understand why an assistant minister like him was sent to host a competition for craftsmen. It felt like a waste of talent.
Just as he closed his eyes and was about to take a nap, a group of people came to the bottom of the stage. Each of them had a blade in their hand, and in the middle, there were two people. They didn't greet others and went in through a specially sealed staircase. Then, he heard footsteps going all the way up to the top.
Wei Shu quivered and was no longer sleepy. Just now, he felt that the people with the blades looked familiar. It was actually the Jinwu Guards. The people who followed the two people up were the Imperial Bodyguards. Mother, the Emperor actually came. Needless to say, one of the two people was the Emperor, and the other was Gao Lishi.
En, it seems that it wasn't a waste of talent. No, I have to go down and take a look. If I continue to sit on the stage, it will be troublesome if the Emperor thinks that I didn't do my best.
Before going down, Wei Shu kindly nudged He Zhizhang beside him, "Assistant Minister He, do you want to go down and take a look?"
"Oh, okay, that's exactly what I was thinking." He Zhizhang replied happily. With such a big movement just now, it was impossible for him not to hear it. The poetic feeling in his heart suddenly sublimated, and he began to do practical things. Just like art, it was higher than life, but it also originated from life.
Li Longji sat on the best and highest position and looked down with a telescope. He said to Gao Lishi, "Lishi, the craftsmen below will be a big help for Project Soaring. Help us see which one is the best."
How could Gao Lishi know who was the best? The competition hadn't been decided yet. Everyone seemed to make different things. He didn't know what kind of rules the judges would use.
While he was anxious, he suddenly saw a craftsman below. He seemed to have seen him before. After thinking carefully, he remembered. It was Liu Zhirou's distant relative. He heard that he had been with the Zhang family for a long time. He didn't know why he came to participate in the competition this time. Looking at the place written on the competition plate, he actually represented Feng Province.
Seeing this person, Gao Lishi had an idea. He said to Li Longji, "Your Majesty, this subject thinks that the person sitting over there might be the best in this competition. Your Majesty, please take a look."
Li Longji followed Gao Lishi's finger and looked over. He asked puzzledly, "Could it be that Lishi can foresee things?"
"This subject doesn't have that ability. This subject has seen this person before. He is a distant relative of Liu Zhirou, who recently left her position as the Minister of Works. He has always been with the Zhang family. This subject believes that he has learned a lot of skills. I just don't know why he is representing Feng Province," Gao Lishi explained.
"Oh, so he is Liu Qing's relative. He is with the Zhang family. Not bad. How is Liu Qing recently?" Li Longji felt that since this person was from the Zhang family, he must be very powerful. He suddenly thought of Liu Zhirou, who was no longer in office, and asked.
Hearing Li Longji's question, Gao Lishi laughed before answering. "Haha, Your Majesty, Liu Zhirou is busy with moving. She keeps saying that Xiao Bao and Cuckoo are ingrates."
"Why? Did Xiao Bao and Cuckoo not give her enough gifts? Where does she want to move to? "Li Longji's curiosity was aroused.
"She wants to move to Baoxin County first. She wrote a letter to Xiao Bao and Cuckoo, but they didn't agree. They said that the weather was warm, so they didn't send a boat to pick her up. In the end, Liu Zhirou couldn't help but stroll around the recuperation area behind Deyi Hospital. She would mention it to anyone she knew. Many of the officials who went to check on her body avoided her."
Gao Lishi laughed after saying this.
Li Longji understood and laughed as well. "So there is such a thing. It seems that her body hasn't recovered yet. Fortunately, there is Deyi Hospital. Otherwise, when she had a relapse last time, the palace couldn't have taken out good things to save her life. She probably wants to live a few more years, so she insists on going to Xiao Bao and Cuckoo."
"That's right. Many officials are preparing to leave their posts and live with the Zhang and Wang families. Xiao Bao and Cuckoo have already written a letter to this subject. They want to build a large villa area in Sanshui County, and they are preparing to settle in people who want to join in the fun. This subject is also worried. I can't let all the officials live in Sanshui County in the end."
Gao Lishi continued to explain the situation.
Li Longji muttered to himself for a moment, then said, "This matter is easy to handle. Everyone thinks that the Zhang family's medical facilities are good, and the food is good, so we can't let everyone go. Officials of the fifth rank and above can go after leaving their posts. Those below the fifth rank have to see what they have done. Only those who have made great contributions to the court can go. As for officials of the fifth rank and above, we also have to see how they left their posts. If they did well in their posts, we'll allow them.
As for the expenses … "When it came to money, Li Longji didn't know who should pay. The entire court would pay, so he was reluctant. If he let the officials pay themselves, they might not be able to afford to live there.
"Your Majesty, Xiao Bao mentioned this point in his letter. He said that money is a small matter, and he wants to gather all the officials who are leaving their posts together. In their free time, they can discuss the important matters of the country together. They are called a think tank, but they can make contributions to the people, so the Zhang and Wang families' investment will not be in vain."
"Money is a small matter. Only those two families can say such things. Fine, you can take a look at this matter. When Zhang Zhong returns to the capital, we'll talk about it again."
Li Longji was in a good mood. He let Gao Lishi take care of it. When the time came, he would give the Zhang Family and Wang Family policy compensation. In any case, the money must not be taken out.
While the two of them were talking, the craftsmen in the competition also finished their work one by one. The outstanding craftsmen from all over the country were indeed better than the average craftsmen. There were craftsmen who specialized in making carriages, and now they had developed a small gadget.
It was divided into two parts. The first part was placed under the axle, like a small trough. The other part was placed on top of the carriage, like a tank. The tank was filled with oil, and as the wheels turned, a drop of oil would drip from the tank every once in a while. If there was too much oil, the small trough below would catch it, making it much more convenient for the driver.
This small gadget was very practical, especially for people who had carriages and horses. If they traveled a little further, the driver couldn't always be busy with oiling the axle while driving the carriage. Even if the quality and speed of the bearings were very poor, this gadget was still very useful. Moreover, not everyone could afford to use bearings.
There were also people who made automatic feeding devices for livestock owners. Using the change of buoyancy and gravity, the boxes containing feed and water would be moved. As long as the livestock had almost finished the water and feed, the boxes would be opened and the food inside would be taken out.
The invention was good, but the people in the crowd who were feeding the livestock did not appreciate it at all. It was not easy to have livestock at home, and they all treated them like treasures. How could they use such a gadget to feed the animals instead of themselves? While feeding them, they could also talk to the animals and see if they were feeling uncomfortable.
Another craftsman developed an anti-theft gadget. Under normal circumstances, thieves would enter a house at night through the window or through the door. However, not all houses had windows, so they could only enter through the door. The door had a latch, so they had to use a thin object to enter through the door and pull it open bit by bit.
This anti-theft gadget was designed by connecting a rope to the back of the latch, and tying a bell to the other end of the rope. When the latch was pulled open to a certain extent, one reason was that it would be difficult for the thief to pull it open, and the other reason was that the bell would ring.
This design had six links, and the cost of the gadget was not too high. If it was mass-produced, a set would only cost 40 copper coins, and the bell could be chosen by oneself.
However, it was given a zero. The idea was good, but it was not very useful. If they really wanted to lock the door, they could just add a card to the back of the latch, or directly tie the bell to the door.
Anyway, there were all kinds of strange things. The judges were sent by the Zhang Family and Wang Family. They were very humorous, and from time to time, the onlookers would laugh out loud.
One by one, they came to let the judges evaluate their gadgets. At this time, it was Liu Feitong's turn. This time, he represented Feng Zhou, which was his hometown. Because of Liu Zhirou, he had not been able to enter the inner court of the Zhang Family and Wang Family. That was like selling oneself. Moreover, Liu Zhirou was the Minister of Works before she left, so it was easy for her to leak secrets.
He was not allowed to participate in the real experiment, but a lot of theories were taught to him. He could use the materials to complete his ideas, and if he wanted to ask for help, he could also ask for help.
As soon as he came to the front, one of the judges said to him, "Feitong, why did you come here? Wouldn't it be better to stay at home? Young Master and Young Lady have a new plan, and this time they can let you participate. Since you came here to compete, then we will be stricter with you than the others.
After all, you have learned so many theories, and you are not at the same level as others. As long as someone has the same score as you, you will lose and your ranking will be delayed. "
When this person spoke, he did not hide it at all, and his voice was also heard. When the onlookers heard, they felt that it was unfair. How could the craftsmen of the Zhang Family and Wang Family participate in the competition? If they could perform, then what about others?
The craftsmen who participated in the competition were also disappointed. The judges were from the Zhang Family and Wang Family. Who would believe that they would say that there would definitely be people who cheated?
Unexpectedly, the first person to object was Liu Feitong. "This is a craftsmen competition, not a level competition. Should we deliberately suppress people just because they have learned more? I don't agree. If it is a battle on the battlefield, should we not allow one side to use better weapons just because they are better trained? "
When the judges heard this, they also felt that this was not right. They should not avoid family members. They nodded and said, "That's fine. Regardless of the level, we will only look at the object."
Only then did Liu Feitong take out his item amidst the noisy discussion. It was a small box with seven rows of numbers that could be moved up and down. He asked someone to find a carriage and connect one end of the box to the wheels of the carriage. As the carriage moved forward, the support of the wheels would constantly hit a small piece of the box.
Every time the second piece was hit, the last row of numbers on the box would change. When the last row returned to zero, the second to last number would jump forward and become one, and so on.
It was a very interesting object. The onlookers had never seen it before and did not know what it was used for.
The content of the discussion changed from whether it was fair or not to what this object could be used for. Liu Feitong listened to the onlookers' questions and felt very proud. Weiwei raised his head and puffed out his chest. He did not explain what his object was used for. He did not even tell the judges.
This attracted the attention of Li Longji, who was on the viewing platform. He asked Gao Lishi, "Do you know what that object is?"
"This subject does not know. Why don't we order him to tell us?" Gao Lishi was not a deity, so how could he know what this object was used for? However, he did not like Liu Feitong. Just tell us quickly. There was no need to make people guess.
"There is no need. It seems that he is not convinced by the Zhang family's craftsmen." Li Longji waved his hand to stop him.
The judges were still waiting for Liu Feitong to speak so that they could evaluate the object according to the normal procedures. However, when they saw that Liu Feitong did not speak, their expressions turned ugly. They signaled to each other and gave a score of six.
The previous person who made an alarm clock with the weight of the hourglass gave it 8.5 points. However, this object was actually given a score of six.
When Liu Feitong saw the score, he was stunned. He then said unhappily, "You are deliberately suppressing me. Why is my object given a score of six? Do you know what it is used for? "
When the onlookers saw this, they felt that there was going to be a commotion. The craftsmen of the Zhang Family and Wang Family actually did not get a high score. Could it be that they were worried about each other? Or was it really because their object was not as good as others'?
The craftsmen also felt hope. As long as this person did not get ten points, others would have a chance to get first place.
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