After the trip to Mount Hua was over, they still chose to return by water.
The canal that the fleet had taken was not frozen again. There were many small boats wandering on the surface of the river. As long as there was the slightest sign of ice, someone would smash it. Only when the imperial court's large ship passed by did the small boats approach the shore one after another, waiting obediently for inspection.
"Fish, fish, I see fish. Someone, go and buy it." Xiao Bei, who was standing on the deck, rubbed his hands that were red from the cold. He put down his binoculars and ordered the person in charge of protecting him.
This person immediately went to do it. It was not easy for other people to suddenly stop the current emperor's fleet, but Xiao Bei's ship was an exception.
Xiao Bei imagined the scene of the big fish being placed on a plate after it was done and praised herself, "Xiao Bei is really good to Xiao Yuan. Xiao Yuan loves to eat this the most. En, I'll go ask Uncle Emperor. Xiao Bei is a good child."
He did as he said. A few ropes were shot from this ship to the ship in front, and a pontoon bridge was temporarily built. Under the protection of a few people, Xiao Bei switched to another ship. After doing this two more times, he finally arrived at the ship that Li Longji was on.
Li Longji did not care about the cold outside and was enthusiastically admiring the endless scenery on both sides of the canal with a group of officials.
The flowing water, the snow-white land, and the gray sky — when Li Longji looked at it, he felt that it was so beautiful and enchanting.
Even the sparrows that flew around and chirped incessantly were more lively than before.
Zhang Shuo, who had been feeling a little uneasy recently, did not stay too far away from Li Longji. He stood two steps behind Li Longji and admired the scenery together. However, he could not see anything that was pleasing to the eye.
The river that was supposed to be frozen looked so glaring. In the distance, a field of white showed the bleakness of the earth. Who knew how many grains the sparrows had secretly eaten, but they were still so fat. The sky was so gloomy that it made people feel gloomy.
Li Longji did not know what Zhang Shuo was thinking. In any case, he was happy, and anything he saw made him happy. Even the people who were anxiously selling things at high prices during the last few days before the New Year became lively in his eyes.
A commotion came from afar. Li Longji raised his binoculars and looked in that direction. He saw a person who had just arrived at the riverside market with a pole. Before the pole could be put down, he was surrounded by many people.
Actually, it wasn't that far, only about four hundred steps away. If it was in the past, no one would be allowed to get so close, as it could easily bring about danger.
However, the ship was now equipped with guns that could fire continuously. There were also people observing the situation from the observation deck. Li Longji was confident that no one could get close enough to hurt him.
Three hundred steps. That was the line between life and death. Therefore, they did not continue to disturb the people and allowed them to have a more peaceful time before the new year.
Zhang Shuo, who was behind him, didn't understand the emperor's thoughts. When he saw the emperor looking over, he thought it was disgust. He quickly ordered the people around him: "Go, let the guards on the shore disperse those people."
Just as the person who received the order was about to carry it out, Li Longji spoke up. "Wait a moment. Why is Minister Zhang chasing them away?"
"Mortals disturb the Emperor's heart. Your Majesty, this matter cannot be allowed to continue. Otherwise, how will the people know of Your Majesty's majesty?" Zhang Shuo, who had always felt that he could see through the emperor's thoughts, was puzzled this time. He chose to say something good.
Without waiting for Li Longji to speak, Xiao Bei, who had run all the way here unimpeded, heard Zhang Shuo's words and helped to refute.
"Big Bad Zhang. Oh, it's Lord Zhang who misspoke. Xiao Bei often heard my elder brothers and sisters say that the Emperor's heart is the people's heart. The people are the most important, followed by the country, and the monarch is the least important. Only when the people are living well can it prove that Uncle Emperor is powerful. That person must have picked out mountain goods to sell and can sell them for a good price before the new year. If we chase them away, how are we going to spend the new year?"
After saying this, Xiao Bei raised her head. She suddenly felt that she was not inferior to Xiao Yuan. She could also remember a lot of words that sounded good.
Zhang Shuo was very uncomfortable after being lectured by Xiao Bei, especially when he heard the way Xiao Bei addressed him. It was impossible to say that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan had nothing to do with this matter.
But he also knew that he could not lower himself to the same level as a child. He smiled and patted Xiao Bei's head. "Xiao Bei really knows a lot. The market is also convenient for the people's daily business."
"Of course. If my elder brother says it's possible, then it's definitely possible. Building the bridge is convenient for the people, and there are more taxes. It's a good thing, especially for the merchants who come and go. They have earned enough money, so they should give some to the people."
Xiao Bei dodged a few steps to the side. Her hair had been styled for four hours, so she couldn't let anyone mess it up. What if Big Bad Zhang stealthily took away the luminous pearl on the hairpin?
Zhang Shuo did not know what Xiao Bei was thinking. He continued to ask Xiao Bei with a smile, "Then what if the merchants work together to deliberately lower the price?"
"That's impossible. Between the Clouds and the Water and Blue Sea Silversand have already given the lowest price. If the merchants do not give enough, the sellers will organize themselves to sell to Between the Clouds and the Water and Blue Sea Silversand. No one is a fool. The merchants will at least give the same price."
Xiao Bei seemed to know a lot, so she explained to Zhang Shuo.
"Then wouldn't Between the Clouds and the Water lose money?" Zhang Shuo asked again.
"No, since there are people going to eat, we can just add the price to them. Aiya, why are you so annoying? You don't stop asking. So what if it's a little wrong? Do you want to continue to be right? Elder brother and elder sister said that this is the rule. When a mistake is made to a certain extent, the new rule will definitely replace the old one. At worst, we can just use a new method. Time after time, it always keeps people on their toes. "
Xiao Bei answered two questions and felt annoyed. She came here with a purpose, not to chat with Zhang Shuo. Although Zhang Shuo, the Prime Minister, had an extraordinary position in many people's hearts, that did not include her and her elder brothers and sisters.
Zhang Shuo was taken aback when he heard Xiao Bei's words. Xiao Bei might not have said it intentionally, but the listener took it seriously. He suddenly realized why he had been feeling uneasy recently. Ultimately, it was because of the position of Prime Minister, the head of the secretariat.
But ever since the Emperor had ascended the throne, there had not been a single Prime Minister who had been able to remain in this position for too long. Could it be that his time had come?
No, this was absolutely impossible. He had to think of a way to continue staying in this position.
Li Longji did not know what Zhang Shuo was thinking, but he was happy when he saw Xiao Bei. In the entire Great Tang, it seemed that only the children of the Zhang Family and Wang Family were the most adorable. Xiao Bao and Cuckoo had grown up, and Xiao Bei's group of little fellows had begun to appear.
Pulling Xiao Bei over, Li Longji squatted down and pointed at the faraway market. "Why are there so many people there?"
Li Longji's answer was that it was almost the New Year and that they were busy preparing for the New Year. He thought that Xiao Bei would give the same answer.
Unexpectedly, Xiao Bei chose a different answer. "Because they have money. The lives of the common people are better than before, so they have more spare money to buy things.
The New Year is actually not a single night. It is a kind of spirit, a kind of inheritance that comes from the previous generations. As long as the common people know that they are homesick for the New Year, this nation will not be defeated by others. It is very difficult for a nation without an inheritance to accumulate its own history and civilization. If one is not careful, it will be like a flash in the pan. "
"Aiya, Xiao Bei knows so much." Li Longji hugged Xiao Bei and praised him.
"It was Big Brother and Big Sister who said it. They also said that while it seems like celebrating the New Year is a kind of habit, when you look deeper, you will realize that it comes from the solemnity of the soul. Aiya, in any case, I don't understand. In any case, Big Brother and Big Sister will be very happy during the New Year next year, and I will also be very happy."
Xiao Bei could not understand too much, so he could only repeat.
Li Longji was stunned by Weiwei's words. He had not thought about it carefully before, but now that he thought about it, it really was the case. The dynasty had changed, but the New Year had not.
What he felt more was the happiness in his heart. Xiao Bei had spoken well. The lives of the common people were better than before, so he naturally had to take a large part of the credit.
Giving Xiao Bei a big kiss, Li Longji amiably asked, "Xiao Bei, you answered well. We want to reward you. Xiao Bei, what do you want?"
"Really?" Xiao Bei was excited. She already had her goal when she came here, but she did not know what to say. She did not expect that the task would be delivered to her.
"A monarch's words are not to be taken lightly. As long as we can do it, we will definitely do it. However, we cannot just randomly find someone to help you vent your anger. There must be evidence. For example, the people who were arrested last time, and the people who were first impeached by you."
Li Longji had been in a good mood these past few days, so he very happily agreed.
Xiao Bei waved her fist. "Yay! Uncle Emperor, I will say it now. Xiao Bei wants an official position. "
"Didn't you just get promoted?" Li Longji did not expect that Xiao Bei would still want an official position. This official position could not be promoted anymore. How many people would be unconvinced if a group of children were given a fourth-rank official position? If the court officials did not understand that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's efforts and gains were considered small, they would have already killed themselves in the morning court.
Xiao Bei stretched out two fingers, her thumb and index finger, and gestured. "I don't want a high-ranking official, I want a low-ranking official. A very, very low-ranking one. A seventh-rank or eighth-rank official. Xiao Bei knows that people need to know how to restrain themselves. As the saying goes, a tree that stands out from the forest will be blown away by the wind.
"Hehe, right, Xiao Bei knows a lot. What kind of official position do you want?" Li Longji was amused. He kissed Xiao Bei again and asked.
"A low-ranking one. For example, a county magistrate, deputy county magistrate, deputy county magistrate, registrar, cang ji, and brush official are also fine. Isn't it very low-ranking? Xiao Bei and Xiaoyuan gege, Xiaozhu gege, Xiaohai gege, Xiaonan gege, and Xiaonan gege are not afraid of standing out from the forest. "
Xiao Bei had a very sensible look on her face as she seriously explained to Li Longji.
Li Longji was stunned. Zhang Shuo, who had just recovered, was also stunned.
Isn't this called standing out from the forest? How old were Xiao Bao and Cuckoo when they became the county magistrate and registrar respectively? They only got those positions after the two of them went on a killing expedition in Tubo. How much did Xiao Bao harm Tubo? How did Cuckoo get her nickname of Demon Demon? Those two positions were made from the blood of countless people.
You also want them? Isn't this a joke?
Xiao Bei found that the two people's expressions were not right. She lowered her head, thought for a while, and asked tentatively: "Uncle Emperor, is it difficult? If it's really impossible, then forget it. When I told Xiaoyuan, he didn't agree. When we return to Jili Province, I will learn from my brother and sister. "
When Xiao Bei said this, Li Longji suddenly reacted. After thinking for a while, he made a decision in his heart: "It's not difficult, not difficult at all. Who is our Xiao Bei? She is … "
"Isn't she the one that everyone loves, the one that flowers bloom when he sees her, the one that comes when he sees her, the one that comes when the sun shrouds the sky?" Xiao Bei praised herself.
"Hahaha, yes, that's right. Hmph, Minister Zhang, listen to my orders." Li Longji laughed heartily and said to Xiao Bei with a straight face.
"This official is here." Xiao Bei also had a serious expression as she blinked her big eyes and waited for her orders.
"I will abolish Jian 'an Province's Governor's Office and set up three new counties. Zhang Xiaobei will be Jian' an County Magistrate, Wang Xiaoyuan will be Jian 'an County Registrar, and …"
"Uncle Emperor can't do it. Xiaoyuan can't be a registrar. Only Xiaohai Gege can be a registrar. Xiaoyuan doesn't know how to calculate. Oh, Your Majesty, please continue."
Xiao Bei suddenly interrupted Li Longji's words. Thinking of the current situation, she became obedient.
"Oh, then Zhang Xiaohai will be Jian 'an County Registrar, Xiaoyuan will be County Magistrate, and …" Li Longji gave all nine people their positions in one breath.
Zhang Shuo wanted to stop him. Wouldn't this be child's play? If he gave them positions just like that, how would the other officials view him?
However, when he heard that all the positions were from Jili Province, Zhang Shuo gave up on the idea of stopping him. Now, in Jili Province, other than the official who was transferred from outside to be trained by Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, all the other officials were from the inner court of the Zhang Family and Wang Family.
Jian 'an Province's Governor's Office was already in name only. There was no one left. What was the point of keeping it? If it was to be removed, then so be it. Since that was the case, when Xiao Bei and the others became officials, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan would be in charge. He didn't believe that the two of them would dare to let Xiao Bei and the others manage a county.
Xiao Bei solemnly promised that she would improve the intelligence of that place. Suddenly, she thought of the story told by her brother and sister and felt that she should share it with others. She then said to Li Longji,
"Our Tang Empire is still very weak. My brother and sister said that on the other side of the sea, in a very, very far away place, there are powerful countries. They can make big birds that can carry hundreds of people and fly in the sky. They can also make fast fish that can swim underwater. They can also carry many people. If they attack us, we will be in trouble."
"Hmm? Is there really such a place? How did Xiao Bao and Cuckoo know? "Li Longji's originally happy mood was suddenly covered with a layer of shadow.
If it was someone else who said this, he would definitely not take it to heart. However, since it was from Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, it was probably not wrong. He had seen the magical cannon, tried the hot air balloon, and also seen the glider that allowed people to fly back and forth.
If there was a more powerful place, what should he do?
"I heard it from others." Xiao Bei replied.
"Yes, yes, I heard it from others." Li Longji's first thought was of the experts from the Zhang Clan and Wang Clan. Could it be that the two of them had come from another place?
That was really possible. The hot air balloon that carried the two of them had probably broken down and the two of them were unable to return.
If that was really the case, then the two of them had been able to teach people like Xiao Bao and Cuckoo and create many things that had never been seen before. How many people like the two of them were there in that place? And how long had it taken them to develop?
When he thought of this, Li Longji's blood immediately turned cold. He was afraid that even more people would come from that place. Would the Great Tang be able to deal with them?
"Xiao Bei, hurry and call your brother and sister over. We have something to ask them." Li Longji wanted to confirm if what Xiao Bei had said was true.
"Oh, Uncle Emperor, wait a moment. I'll go right away. I … Uncle Emperor, can't you just send a signal? I'm also very tired from running back and forth. "
Xiao Bei replied. He turned around and ran two steps before suddenly stopping in his tracks. He felt that he was very foolish.
The signal was sent, and it was quickly received by Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan.
"Aiya, this telegram is really too difficult to make. Isn't it just a short circuit and a channel? It's really tiring to make. Those craftsmen who claim to be amazing haven't even mastered the principles after so long. What a waste of money. Let's go and see Li Longji. I wonder what he's up to this time."
Zhang Xiaobao looked at Wang Juan who was drawing the telegram and felt dizzy. Wang Juan hadn't finished the telegram yet, and now that Li Longji had sent the message over, he could relax a little.
Wang Juan rolled up the telegram and rubbed her temples. As she walked out with Zhang Xiaobao, she said, "The conditions are tough now, and we have to work hard to overcome them. Back then, simple things are difficult here. It's a problem with the raw materials, and we have to work hard. Did something happen to Little Bei again? Someone just reported that Little Bei went over."
When the two of them arrived at Li Longji's ship and listened to Li Longji's story, they finally understood what was going on.
In order not to make Little Bei and the others proud, they did not think too much when they told stories. They even told them about planes, submarines, and other things. Naturally, the place they appeared in was a powerful country overseas.
They did not expect Li Longji to believe them.
The two of them looked at each other and reached an agreement. Then, they began to tell Li Longji about how planes flew, how submarines could travel underwater, the power of missiles, and the speed of torpedoes.
"Can we really attack from Lu Zhou to the capital?" Li Longji was frightened. Wasn't that too far?
Li Longji broke out in cold sweat when he thought about the situation when he encountered such a weapon. If the people from that faraway place attacked, how could he defend himself?
"Of course, it's very powerful, but …" Zhang Xiaobao felt that he had scared Li Longji enough. He should at least give Li Longji some hope.
"However, if my Great Tang develops another weapon, we can detect their missiles ahead of time and intercept them. We can also mark out a place on the ocean so that as long as they reach that place, we can attack them and not let them get too close."
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan did not mention satellites and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Li Longji was not confident, let alone nuclear bombs. Otherwise, with an intercontinental ballistic missile and a nuclear bomb, the capital would be gone with a bang. Li Longji would have to live to his heart's content while he was still alive.
Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan hoped that Li Longji would maintain his current shrewdness and not be like the people in history who would relax after reaching a certain age and think that Great Tang was invincible.
No matter how tired Li Longji was, he could not guess what the two were thinking. When he heard that there was a way to intercept them, he placed his hopes on this matter.
"Xiao Bao, Cuckoo, tell me the truth. Do you know when they will attack?"
"At least forty years, right? It's not easy to get here. I heard from Master that the two of them were already in a lot of trouble and almost died on the way. Oh, Master saw them in a dream. "
Zhang Xiaobao said seriously to Li Longji. Wang Juan had a heavy expression as if this was true. However, in her heart, she was cursing Zhang Xiaobao's shamelessness. If not for the fact that Zhang Xiaobao wanted to conquer the entire Eurasian Continent in his lifetime, why would he make up such a lie?
Li Longji's face was a little pale. He nodded and said, "That's good, that's good. Hurry up and create something that can intercept them. Tell Us what you need."
Li Longji did not believe in Zhang Xiaobao's dream at all. In his heart, he had already acknowledged the existence of experts from the Zhang Family and Wang Clan.
As a liar, Zhang Xiaobao knew that Li Longji did not trust him that much. He had to come up with something even more miraculous. When he thought about the telegraph machine that Wang Juan had asked people to create, he suddenly had an idea.
"Your Majesty, that thing is not easy to make. It requires more craftsmen and materials. Some of the materials might not be available in Great Tang, but this subject feels that if we continue to head east and north, we should be able to find them. Adjunct Wang and this subject are currently thinking of something new. Your Majesty will know once we make it.
I heard from Master in this subject's dream that this thing is very common in that place. In fact, it might not even be used. It can be used to receive news from the other side within a few breaths of time. Your Majesty, there's no need to be anxious. We should first stabilize the situation. At the very least, there aren't any powerful countries in the surrounding area. "
"Minister Zhang's words are correct. Hurry up and make that thing so that We can take a look." Li Longji didn't know what to feel at this time. He wanted to believe in Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan, but he also felt that this was a little unreliable. If he said that he didn't believe in them, he would have to admit that many things were made. Thus, he could only decide to take a look.
If there really was something that could send news from a hundred li away, no matter what, he had to find a way to support the two of them in finding craftsmen to make this amazing thing.
At this point, the conversation between the three of them came to an end.
After successfully swindling Li Longji, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan returned to their ships.
Li Longji waited for the two of them to leave for fifteen minutes before emerging from the cabin. There was no longer any trace of joy on his face, and his eyes were very grave. When someone came to report that Zu Zan and Chi De were very obedient, he only nodded. He looked at the ships of the surrounding countries and gave a self-mocking smile.
"Small countries, just small countries. If they're destroyed, then so be it. Who dares to disobey the might of cannons? They're just fish and shrimp in the river, so how could they know the vastness of the ocean? If I tell them about missiles, they'll be scared to death. "
Li Longji muttered to himself. He suddenly realized that he didn't need to care about the Tufan and the Turkic Khaganate anymore.
"Hurry up and do it. Didn't you say that telegrams are easy to make? Do it first and let Li Longji see it. Even if you want to lie, you have to make sure that it's true and false. "
After returning to the cabin, Zhang Xiaobao urged Wang Juan as he ground an ink stick.
"What's the hurry? If you can do it, you can do the drawing. Things aren't as simple as you think. I reckon that this game between us and Li Longji will last for a very long time. As long as we can get the telegram out and make him believe it, we can gradually raise the foundation of the entire industrial system. He will be constantly afraid of us. It's really not easy. What if there's a gap in the technological tree? "
Wang Juan asked Zhang Xiaobao as she unfolded the drawing once more. She picked up the brush and prepared to continue.
Zhang Xiaobao rubbed the brush a few times with all his might, but he didn't find any effect. He slowed down again and replied, "Back when we were making the atomic bomb, our other industrial systems couldn't keep up, but didn't we still manage to make it? It's the same now. "
"Back then, it wasn't that we couldn't keep up. It was those 10 years that caused us to suffer. How many decades do we have in life? How many times do we still have ambitions? Forget it, it's all in the past. It's useless to talk about it anymore. You should think of a way to make a special place. Don't put it in Changning. I always feel that that place is not under our control. "
Wang Juan's words were filled with endless resentment and regret. After saying this, she changed the topic.
Zhang Xiaobao stopped what he was doing. He closed his eyes and thought for a while. He said, "We can't put it in the seaside. Let's put the industrial base in Sanshui County. There are mountains behind it. Throw it in the mountains. When the children in Zhuangzi who have studied physics and chemistry are older and have mastered all the high school knowledge, we can let them join."
"That's the only way." Wang Juan replied. She began to think about her telegraph machine again. This thing was not difficult. The principle was there. But when it came to making it, the craftsmen couldn't keep up with it. It was often a very simple problem. If they wanted to understand it thoroughly, they usually needed more knowledge to explain it.
*****
After a few days of sailing, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan were busy. Xiaobei and the others were excited. Li Longji returned to the capital with a lot on his mind.
To be honest, Zu Zan and Mo Jilian had never seen the prosperity of the capital. The information they got from others was far less shocking than seeing it with their own eyes.
From the outside, there was not a single trace of brick or stone on the high city walls. It was as flat as a mirror. Pedestrians shuttled back and forth on the wide streets, and carriages kept moving. The trees on the sides of the roads, the gutters used for drainage, and the places where people walked on bricks made people feel that this was a very magical place.
The first impression of people who had never been to the Tang Empire's capital was that it was big. It was very big, so big that it was a little scary. They didn't know how many people such a city could hold.
The second feeling was wealth. Not a single person was begging on the streets. Everyone was wearing beautiful clothes, especially the women. They were wearing clothes that looked like they would freeze to death in winter, but they were actually so alluring.
Mo Jilian really wanted to enter the palace to take a look. He didn't have the chance. He only took a few glances in the morning court. He didn't understand. Previously, when he came to the capital, he couldn't lift the curtains and look outside. At that time, he was sitting in a sealed carriage.
Since the other places in the capital were so good, the palace would be even better.
But Li Longji didn't give them such an opportunity. At least, he couldn't give it to them now. He needed to let them walk around the capital. After they were shocked enough, he would bring them to Xingqing Palace and let them see what an extraordinary place was.
*****
The matter of arranging accommodation for others naturally didn't need Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan. The two of them brought their families back to Savant's Restaurant.
At this time, their families had already arrived. Zhang Zhong knew that his son and daughter-in-law had returned. He personally went to the entrance of the restaurant to welcome them. Seeing his son who had grown taller, his face was full of smiles.
"We're home, we're home." Xiao Bei happily jumped into the arms of Jang Wong Clan and kissed her mother. They hadn't seen each other for a long time. She also missed her mother. She was much more sensible now.
"Aiyo, Xiao Bei has grown so big. Auntie won't be able to carry you anymore." Jang Wong Clan hugged Xiao Bei and said happily.
"I can carry you. Xiao Bei learned from brother. My body seems to be weightless. Mother, Xiao Bei knows how to cook. Chives and scrambled eggs. Brother even praised Xiao Bei for it."
Xiao Bei hugged Jang Wong Clan's neck and said excitedly.
Seeing that her daughter wasn't shy with strangers, Jang Wong Clan carried Xiao Bei upstairs and praised her. Xiao Bei was so happy that her face bloomed like a flower.
After everyone had settled down, Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan found their father. They gathered together and discussed their positions after the new year.
"Father, which ministry do you want to be a minister?" Zhang Xiaobao poured tea for the two families. He looked at his father and asked, "Father, which ministry do you want to be a minister?"
When Father Zhang heard his son's words, he fell silent. He also didn't know which place was suitable for him.
When he was in Luoyang, he didn't encounter the situation that he had mentioned earlier. No one tried to trip him up. Every time he had an idea, he would always be able to get support.
Zhang Zhong understood that this wasn't because he was capable, but because his son and daughter-in-law worked hard outside. Everyone was afraid of his two children.
He hadn't been idle during this period of time and had learned a lot. If he were to look at the six ministries, it seemed that any one of them would do. He mainly wanted to see what his son had in mind.
While Zhang Zhong was thinking, Zhang Xiaobao wasn't in a hurry. He waited quietly.
After almost 15 minutes, Zhang Zhong said, "Xiao Bao, which ministry do you think is suitable for me to go to?"
"Ah? You're asking me? I think the Ministry of Works should be a minister. My father-in-law can go to the Ministry of War and be an assistant minister. If you feel tired, you can go to the Ministry of Rites. "
Zhang Xiaobao thought about it and decided on his father's position. As for Wang Juan's father, he couldn't let him be an official that was too high. He wasn't cut out for it, and it had nothing to do with knowledge. It would be fine if he could be like Yang Guozhong, but he couldn't compare.
As for the Ministry of Works, it was because his plan required a lot of craftsmen. The imperial court would definitely not let them go. If it was an incompetent official who was always looking for trouble, he might as well let his father be it.
Wang Juan nodded in support. "I think it's fine. He can go to the Ministry of Works as a minister. As for my father, he can go to the Ministry of Rites. There are too many things to do at the Ministry of War. My father will be tired."
Father Wang didn't say anything. He knew that if he really relied on his own abilities, he wouldn't even be able to become an official, much less an assistant minister. All of this was because he had a good daughter.
He didn't have any hopes in this life. In the future, he would have to rely on his son, Xiao Yuan. He believed that with Xiao Yuan's photographic memory and his daughter's and son-in-law's abilities, he would definitely be able to obtain a very good future.
Seeing that his son had set his sights on the Ministry of Works, Zhang Zhong nodded and agreed. "Since that's the case, I'll listen to my son, Xiao Bao."
These words were said very casually. After he finished speaking, Zhang Zhong looked at Jang Wong Clan and suddenly felt an inexplicable feeling.
Jang Wong Clan replied with a smile. She understood what she meant.
Zhang Zhong sighed inwardly. He didn't know what to say. What was he discussing with his son just now? It was about the ownership of a minister in the capital.
Normally, this kind of problem couldn't be discussed in his own home. When he was preparing to rely on the imperial examinations, he never thought that there would be a day like this. The ownership of a minister depended on his son. It could be said that it was decided.
This should be considered bringing honor to the ancestors, right?
Looking at the other nine children sitting obediently beside him, Zhang Zhong felt as if he was in a dream. Not long ago, he would have thought about today's matter.
Zhang Xiaobao didn't have any other thoughts. "Okay, then it's decided. Father, you haven't eaten yet, right? I'll go and prepare now."
As he spoke, Zhang Xiaobao stood up and walked outside. Wang Juan naturally followed. When the two were about to walk out of the door, Zhang Xiaobao suddenly shouted, "Brother, I want to eat vinegar."
After Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan left, the old master of the Zhang family picked up his teacup and leisurely blew twice. He tried to use a calm tone as he said, "The position of minister has been decided just like that? Will someone try to steal it from my son? "
Zhang Zhong hurriedly comforted him, "Father, no one can steal it. If Xiao Bao says it's the minister, then it's the minister. If he says it's the Ministry of Works, then it can't be the Ministry of Revenue. I believe in Xiao Bao."
These words happened to be heard by Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan who were not too far away. Wang Juan pursed her lips and smiled, "It seems that your status in the family is getting higher and higher. You can decide the position of minister."
"What's the point of being minister? If you really annoy me, I can even decide the position of emperor. En, that, since you already know my ability, you have to listen to me more in the future. You can't refute me. Do you understand?"
Zhang Xiaobao raised his head and puffed out his chest, trying hard to show a proud appearance.
"Yes, this concubine understands. Does my husband have anything else to say?" Wang Juan knew that she could spend a few more days with her family. In her happiness, she compromised a little to give Zhang Xiaobao some face.
Zhang Xiaobao nodded and said, "You're quite obedient. Since that's the case, I'll invade you tonight."
"Bah, your face is really big. Do you want to sleep on the floor? I'll stay with my mother today. You can go wherever you want. Isn't that giving you some sunshine? Let's go, what are you waiting for? "
"Go, go, we'll go now. Madam, please calm down. I'll make your favorite cucumber with garlic sauce later." Zhang Xiaobao stopped while he was ahead. It was good to satisfy his craving for food.
*****
When Zhang Family and Wang Family were happy, Empress Wang was also very happy.
It was not easy to stay in the palace. She came out and went to Savant's Pavilion to see her son and daughter. The two little ones had grown up a lot and could call out 'mother'. They could keep up with the nutrition. In addition, there was a reasonable way to train the babies. Now, the two little ones could already run.
They could run, but they did not know how to walk. Once they walked, they would fall. When they ran, they could not stop themselves. If they did, they would fall. Someone had to be in front of them to stop them.
When she saw the two little ones, Empress Wang was happy and sad. She was happy because the two little ones were not bad. They were white and chubby. Their little hands were moving and could make several kinds of hand gestures.
He was sad that his own children didn't recognize him. He fed Softy something edible and took out toys to play with. Only then did the two little fellows let him hug them. These were his own son and daughter.
After seeing her son and daughter, Empress Wang did not want to return to the palace. She insisted on staying outside for a few more days to accompany the two little ones.
Wang Juan also agreed. After all, the more time the two of them spent together, the less the novelty would be. It was just right for Empress Wang to be separated from Li Longji for ten to fifteen days. Maybe after they went back, they could give birth to twins. That would be lively.
Li Longji also took some time to come out and see his son and daughter. His son was very good-looking. He was not inferior to Li Yi in the past. In fact, he was even cuter now that he had grown up.
Li Longji, who did not care much about women, changed his mind when he saw Pan 'er. This was not because Pan' er was good-looking, but because of Princess Jincheng.
Who said that a married princess could not come back? Who said that the women of the imperial clan would be bullied outside? Just look at Princess Jincheng and ask Zu Zan if he dared to bully her.
All of this was strength. Overwhelming strength. Dignity was gained from the roar of the cannons.
After amiably chatting with the Zhang Family and Wang Family for a while, they decided that after the New Year, Zhang Zhong would enter the imperial court and become the Minister of Works. Li Longji left happily.
After returning, it was unknown who leaked this matter. When they heard that Zhang Zhong had returned from Luoyang, he did not even greet anyone and was going to become the Minister of Works. The jealous people glared at him until their eyes were as red as the robes of the fourth rank officials.
Before the New Year, when the holidays were about to start, many memorials were sent to Gao Lishi. He did not say anything. Although he was the head of the secretariat, many of the memorials that required the emperor's approval were all approved by Gao Lishi.
Recently, he had not been able to sleep well. He was afraid that he would do something wrong again and offend someone he should not offend. When the time came, he would lose his official position.
Now, he did not want to compete with Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan anymore. He only hoped that the two of them would not have any ideas about him.
Li Longji seemed to have known that this kind of thing would happen. He told Gao Lishi in advance not to let this kind of thing disturb him. He began to look at the various rare animals and plants that were sent back from the south. These things that he did not even dare to think about before appeared in front of him. He could only sigh at the many things that he did not know about in the distant sea.
At the same time, he was even more certain about the existence of that country that Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan had told him about. When the two of them created that thing that could transmit information from a hundred kilometers away, then they would begin to carry out that thing called the Industrial Revolution on a national scale.
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