Qi Heng looked at Qi Shao with an expressionless face, “Is it very funny? Since the Ministry of Works is short-handed, in my opinion, Qi Shao, you can—”
“Uncle!” Qi Shao quickly covered his mouth. “I was just joking. I’m sorry.” If his brothers and sisters found out he was doing manual labor at the Ministry of Works, he’d be laughed at to death!
“Crown Prince, don’t make fun of me,” Yao Ru bowed to Qi Heng. “I just wanted Your Majesty to find some extra hands.”
“I’ve promised to provide extra manpower; there’s no need to rush,” Qi Heng withdrew his gaze and rubbed his temple. He knew Qi Shao’s character well, often forgetting the consequences of his actions. A bit of teasing was fine, no need to hold onto it every time.
Furthermore, sending a prince to the Ministry of Works for manual labor would undoubtedly lead to discussions among the people. Qi Shao, despite his carefree personality, had his dignity as an adult prince to uphold.
Alright, he thought, he would have the Ministry of Works send some bricks to the palace tomorrow, which Qi Shao could use for physical training.
“Yao Ru, lead me to the place you mentioned.”
Seeing that Qi Heng didn’t pursue the matter, Yao Ru breathed a sigh of relief and gestured for them to follow. “Please, Your Majesty and the two princes, follow me.”
Behind the Ministry of Works’ main residence, the area was quite noisy due to the crowd and the constant movement of materials, making it difficult to walk.
“Please wait a moment, Your Majesty.”
Yao Ru wiped the sweat from his forehead, realizing he had forgotten about this. What a mess! Now the Ministry of Works’ residence would surely leave a dirty and disorderly impression in the Emperor’s mind. Even worse, the Crown Prince of Wei was present, and their Ministry’s reputation might be tarnished beyond their own country.
Yao Ru regretted not preparing properly. He called two middle-aged men with stubble beards, who were dragging a cart, to clear the items obstructing the path and create a clear passage.
“Your Majesty, please.”
They walked for a while, and before them, a massive chimney came into view. As they proceeded, they felt increasing warmth, and to their surprise, there was not a trace of snow on the ground.
“This is the recently constructed new brick kiln,” Yao Ru explained, pointing at it. “The open area over there is used for cooling the bricks.”
As they were talking, a robust man with a bare chest dragged a metal cart out of the brick kiln, piled high with bricks.
“This man is Liu Liang, a hard worker with extraordinary strength,” Yao Ru expressed his admiration. “While others need to cooperate to transport bricks in three loads, he can do it all in one.”
Emperor Qi Heng understood the implied suggestion and nodded. “Understood. I will try to find more people like him for you.”
Yao Ru was satisfied and led the group around the brick kiln, stopping at a somewhat secluded path.
“This is the path,” Yao Ru squatted down, running his hand along the hard, bluish-gray surface. “Underneath, we’ve laid bricks, and on top, we use a mixture of mud, ash, and sand. Don’t let it bear heavy pressure when it’s freshly laid. Once it dries, it becomes a smooth, sturdy surface. Even in the rain, it won’t get slippery.”
“I’ve never seen a road like this,” Qi Shao commented as he approached. He tapped the road with his fingers, producing a ‘thud’ sound.
“Is this road strong enough?” Qi Shao asked.
“Certainly, I’ve conducted tests, and it’s quite sturdy,” Yao Ru replied confidently.
Qi Heng also crouched down, pressed his fingers, and then stood up, leaving a shallow impression of where his fingers had been.
Lin Dahai quickly offered a white handkerchief, and Qi Heng took it to wipe his fingers. “It meets the hardness criteria. You can submit a request for manpower and funds tomorrow.”
Yao Ru appeared somewhat embarrassed. “But, Your Majesty, the manpower and funds…”
“Submit the request tomorrow,” Qi Heng repeated nonchalantly as he tossed the handkerchief to Lin Dahai.
“Yes, Your Majesty, you are truly wise,” Yao Ru said with a smile, understanding that the request was likely to be approved. He could already envision the day when the records at the Ministry of Works would be overflowing with names.
“By the way, Your Majesty, I’ve built a small house using those bricks. Would you like to see it?” Yao Ru asked.
Qi Heng nodded, and Yao Ru was about to lead the way. However, Qi Shao suddenly clutched his stomach and began to moan.
“Uncle, it seems like I’ve got a stomachache,” Qi Shao frowned, trying to hide his discomfort.
“I can’t hold it anymore. Why don’t you go and take a look first, Uncle? I’ll join you later,” he suggested.
“Sure,” Qi Heng replied after considering it for a moment.
‘Hmm, Uncle actually fell for it?’
Qi Shao was initially surprised but then a gleeful expression appeared in his eyes. He couldn’t help but touch his own face; could he have acted so well that even Uncle believed it?
Qi Heng pretended not to notice the delight in Qi Shao’s eyes and turned to Yao Ru, saying, “Lead the way.”
“Of course,” Yao Ru replied with a bow, then carefully led the way. Soon, they arrived at the location Yao Ru had mentioned.
When the three of them saw the “small house” as described by Yao Ru, they fell into a momentary silence. The reason for their silence was apparent: Yao Ru’s “small house” was indeed quite literal.
The house was barely half a person’s height, occupying an area of approximately one meter in width. It was a square structure that looked like a small box placed on the ground from a distance.
Yao Ru explained, “This house was built with those bricks with some damage to their edges. Although it’s small, it has everything one might need.” As he spoke, he opened the door of the small house, and a tabby cat inside let out a meow before strolling out casually.
“Ah… so, it’s a house for cats,” Wei Chao suddenly realized. “Yao Ru, you have quite the taste.”
Qi Heng cast a sideways glance at Yao Ru. “You’re not entirely wrong; it indeed has everything, even a guest.”
“Surprise! It was all unexpected,” Yao Ru quickly waved his hands. “I genuinely didn’t know where this cat came from.”
“After a while, when we have more hands, we can try to build a regular-sized house,” Qi Heng said. “In the southern suburbs, there are plenty of places for experimentation. We can build two houses—one following the school’s specifications and the other a typical residence.”
“Yes,” Yao Ru agreed. “Your Majesty, are you planning to establish a school? If that’s the case, I need to reinforce the threshold. Once word spreads, the young scholars from all over will be eager to join, and they might trample the threshold to pieces.”
Qi Heng shook his head. “No, it’s just an elementary school, initially only for commoner boys aged six to ten.”
“But the common people may be reluctant to send their children away,” Yao Ru expressed concern.
“I’ve already thought about that,” Qi Heng replied nonchalantly.
Yao Ru wisely stayed quiet and looked around, wondering, “Hasn’t the Crown Prince arrived yet? Why is he taking so long?”
“Maybe the Crown Prince got lost,” Wei Chao speculated.
“Let’s not worry about him,” Qi Shao had slipped away while Qi Heng’s awareness had already caught his furtive figure. He said nonchalantly, “Yao Ru, you can go about your business. The Crown Prince and I will explore here.”
“Yes, I take my leave,” Yao Ru bowed and then retreated, turning away.
After Yao Ru left, Qi Heng turned to Lin Dahai, and Lin Dahai quickly understood, stepping back.
Once Lin Dahai was at a distance, Qi Heng asked, “Do you have someone you like, Crown Prince?”
“What?” Wei Chao opened his mouth in surprise, then his face turned bright red, and he shook his head rapidly.
“N-No,” he stammered, while also speculating in his mind about the reason for this sudden inquiry.
Qi Heng furrowed his brows, suspecting that he might have startled Wei Chao. He chuckled softly to appear more amiable, “Crown Prince, what kind of girls do you like?”
Qi Heng’s smile was like the thawing of ice, the first signs of spring snow melting. Wei Chao was momentarily transfixed, his heart racing. He just stared blankly at the face before him, a face that had stolen his full attention, leaving him uncertain about the time and place.
“Crown Prince?”
“I’m sorry, I zoned out,” Wei Chao suddenly snapped back to reality. His ears were burning hot, and he couldn’t make eye contact, his gaze flitting nervously.
“No need to apologize,” Qi Heng said calmly. “Perhaps I asked something abruptly, and it startled you.”
“Not at all, not at all,” Wei Chao hurriedly shook his head. Then, he remembered Qi Heng’s question and hesitantly replied, “Regarding your question… I guess I would like girls who are pretty and have a gentle, kind personality.”
“I understand,” Qi Heng said. Everything seemed to match the description. He had noticed yesterday afternoon that Yuyao had discreetly observed Wei Chao several times, suggesting she might have some affection for him.
While Wei Chao was a bit gullible, he had a genuinely kind heart and a good character. If Yuyao took a liking to him, it might not be a bad thing.
With this in mind, Qi Heng made up his mind to talk to Qi Yuyao later and ask about her thoughts on a future husband.
Qi Shao left the Prince’s residence and rushed to the entrance of the Ministry of Works. However, as he arrived at the gate, he saw Qi Heng and his two companions, led by Yao Ru, walking out from inside.
“Your Majesty, shall we send someone to find the Crown Prince?” Lin Dahai looked somewhat concerned as he glanced at the gate.
Qi Heng’s lips moved slightly, and Qi Shao had a bad feeling about this. He quickly stepped out from his hiding place and said, “No need to send anyone to look for him. I assume you’ve seen enough. I’ve decided to come out here and wait for you.”
“Let’s return to the palace,” Qi Heng said and then turned to look at Qi Shao with an expressionless face. “I brought you a gift.”
“Thank you, Uncle,” Qi Shao replied with a momentary surprise, followed by curiosity. “What kind of gift is it?”
Is it some of those strange inventions developed by the Ministry of Works?
“Yao Ru, remember to deliver the items to the palace tomorrow on time,” Qi Heng instructed.
Yao Ru bowed, “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Qi Heng boarded the carriage and stood at the carriage door, looking down at Qi Shao. “You don’t need to hurry back to the palace today. I’m allowing you to have some fun outside.”
Huh?
Qi Shao was taken aback by this unexpected favor. “Uncle, why are you suddenly so understanding?”
Wei Chao, out of sympathy, gently tugged at Qi Shao’s sleeve and whispered, “Qi Shao, understanding people’s feelings isn’t used this way. If you can’t use it, don’t misuse it.”
“Qi Shao, take Wei Chao and enjoy your time in the capital,” Qi Heng glanced briefly at Qi Shao. “Lin Dahai, stay behind and keep an eye on the Crown Prince.”
With that, Qi Heng turned and entered the carriage.
“Yes,” Lin Dahai stepped back behind Qi Shao, and the three of them watched the carriage recede into the distance.
Qi Heng returned to the palace and immediately went to Shoukang Palace. After explaining the purpose to the Empress Dowager, she smiled knowingly and had someone fetch Qi Yuyao.
When Qi Yuyao arrived, Prince Chen’s soul followed her, and ever since he understood his own attachment, he couldn’t stay far from Qi Yuyao.
“Yuyao pays respects to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager.”
“Rise quickly.” The Empress Dowager waved her hand with a smile. Qi Yuyao obediently walked over to her, and a chair was brought by a palace attendant and placed behind her. Qi Yuyao sat down, and then the Empress Dowager took hold of her hands.
“Take a good look, it turns out our Yuyao has grown into a young lady.” The Empress Dowager spoke affectionately. At first, Qi Yuyao was surprised, but as she met the Empress Dowager’s gaze, her face gradually turned red.
It seemed like she understood why the Empress Dowager had called her over.
“Your father, His Majesty, mentioned that you’ve reached a suitable age and it’s time to consider potential matches,” the Empress Dowager paused. “So, His Majesty came to consult with me, wanting to know your thoughts.”
“Yuyao, do you have someone in your heart?”
“No.” Qi Yuyao was extremely bashful, her pearly teeth gently biting her lower lip. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s whisper. “In matters of marriage, it has always been the decision of our parents and elders. Yuyao will follow His Majesty and the Empress Dowager’s arrangement.”
“Oh?” The Empress Dowager arched an eyebrow, teasing. “Since you say that, should His Majesty and I truly make arrangements for you?”
“Empress Dowager!” Qi Yuyao suddenly exclaimed, then realized she had reacted too strongly and uncomfortably lowered her head.
But the Empress Dowager, being who she was, upon seeing this, burst into laughter. “It seems His Majesty was right; this little girl indeed has someone in her heart.”
