Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~
The New Year’s meeting was not convened in Bing County in the past year. Sima Teng abandoned the County and fled, leaving Jinyang hanging alone under the iron hooves of the Xiongnu. Who still had the mood to celebrate the New Year? Adding to the misfortune, there was a solar eclipse on the first day of the previous year, casting an ominous shadow over the year.
However, on this New Year’s Day, Jinyang had completely transformed.
Early in the morning, before the lingering smell of firecrackers had completely dissipated, the provincial governor’s grand hall was filled. After the drum and music performance, the various officials paid their respects. Today, out of the six provinces and states in Bing County, five high officials were present. Facing the dignitaries, these two-thousand-stone officials remained respectful, offering wine to celebrate the New Year.
The Taiyuan Prefect, Cui Ji, the Yeping Intendant, Wen Qiao, the Taiyuan Magistrate, Ge Hong, the Xinxing Prefect, Xu Xian, and the newly appointed Yanmen Prefect, Guo Xing, were all personally promoted by Liang Feng. In just a short year, except for the western part of He County that had not yet recovered, all four borders of Bing County were secure, truly a remarkable achievement.
In the center of the grand hall, Liang Feng wore a blue court robe and sat in the main seat. This was the spring attire among the five seasonal court dresses, much brighter than the black court dress of winter, accentuating his jade-like face. However, the Xinxian Liang Crown on his head and the silver seal and blue sash around his waist added a touch of majesty to his handsome countenance.
After finishing the cup of pepper cypress wine, Wen Qiao loudly proclaimed, “Last year, Yeping increased households by five thousand, cultivated a thousand acres of land, and stationed two thousand soldiers. In the third month, I wish to congratulate the Lord.”
The New Year’s meeting in Bing County was somewhat different from other places. In addition to celebrating the New Year, it also required reporting on the year’s achievements. Wen Qiao had made significant achievements in the past year, and now he was recounting them one by one, making quite a resounding statement.
Liang Feng nodded, “The peace and prosperity under Yeping’s administration are the real accomplishments. This year, we should increase the stationed troops to prepare for external threats.”
Upon hearing this, Wen Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. This was the first time that Lord Liang had pointed out the tense situation facing Bing County. After all, last year, Yeping was still the rear defense against the Xiongnu, vigorously developing agriculture, cultivating land, and appeasing the people. However, once in conflict with You County, Yeping would shift from being in the rear to the front line, with the possible duty of defending the homeland.
However, he did not reveal his thoughts on his face. Wen Qiao respectfully responded, “I understand, My Lord.”
He, too, had been well-versed in military strategy since childhood. Now, among the other prefects in Bing County, none had not experienced fierce battles. People like Ge Hong even held military ranks. Wen Qiao, young and ambitious, naturally did not want to lag behind. Moreover, to be honest, he had some disdain for Wang Jun. Although both were from noble families in Bing County, Wang Jun was an illegitimate son in a delicate position. Moreover, this person was ruthless and immoral. In the past, he conspired with Jia Hòu to harm the Crown Prince, leading to the loss of the heir to the throne for the country. Just this alone was enough for discerning individuals to sever ties with him. As for marrying his daughter off to Xianbei people and similar matters, they were even more contemptible.
Advertisement
Now, Wang Jun occupying You County had already posed a threat to Bing County. If there were to be a war, he would not be the least bit afraid!
Standing aside, Wen Qiao observed others presenting their New Year’s congratulations. Listening along the way, even he couldn’t help but be amazed. Bing County had been at war throughout the past year, almost from the beginning to the end. Yet during this period, households increased by thirty thousand, and new land was cultivated by ten thousand acres. This figure, even in the era of the Tai period, was extraordinarily astonishing, let alone in the current turbulent times. The population taken away by Sima Teng in the past had not only been fully replenished but had also seen substantial growth. The efficiency of land reclamation was even more astonishing.
And to accommodate such a large number of refugees without disturbing the local order! If he hadn’t personally managed the Yeping County, even if someone told him, he wouldn’t believe it. It was truly a case of using work to replace relief, the most effective way to pacify the people!
As long as the expenditure was comparable to relief efforts, it could enable these refugees to cultivate and develop new land. Building roads, promoting water conservation, constructing walled forts, and even women and children being able to raise livestock, weave, and spin—all resources were utilized to the fullest. However, such hard work did not make the people feel disheartened. On the contrary, they understood that their efforts were for a secure future.
Turning feared refugees into obedient subjects. Such methods could be considered shocking and unconventional. If Lord Liang were to take office in the government, it was anticipated that this chaotic era would quickly be quelled. Wen Qiao, growing up in a prestigious family, had witnessed numerous outstanding figures. The six elders in his family, known as the “Six Dragons,” were all exceptional talents. But who could compare to Lord Liang? Just by his actions, one could catch a glimpse of the former renowned “Number One Able Minister” Liang Gong and his extraordinary demeanor.
And this large-scale absorption of the population revealed another astonishing aspect. This Liang Zixi indeed possessed the talents of Guan Zhong and Fan Li!
There was a shortage of food in Bing County. After all, continuous years of warfare and turmoil had left the court with minimal financial resources. The significant increase in population would undoubtedly exert immense pressure on the finances. However, Bing County did not find itself in dire straits because Lord Liang had opened up two avenues for wealth generation.
Firstly, coal.
Advertisement
Back in the day, the coal used by households in the mountain villages has now become the heating material in every household in Bing County. After a year of exploration, three coal mines have been opened, and Yeping owns one of them. The amount of coal transported daily from the mines is countless. These are just the smaller profits; the bigger one lies in the Rui Coal!
Derived from coal, this material resembles wood charcoal, but its smoke is thin and flameless. And yet, it produces light. What’s even more remarkable is its astonishing heat, which lasts for a long time. As soon as it was introduced, it immediately became the favorite of the wealthy and noble. However, the manufacturing process of this material is still a secret, and outsiders cannot fathom it. Therefore, the price of Rui Coal continues to rise, becoming the largest commodity sold in Bing County.
And for this coal, new stoves are required. Different from the shape of charcoal basins, these stoves are mostly made of copper and iron, with a furnace chamber inside to prevent the vigorous Rui Coal from burning the furnace walls. At the same time, the charcoal stoves come with smoke channels to expel carbon monoxide. If used properly, it can prevent incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning during winter charcoal burning.
Having purchased Rui Coal, buying a few charcoal stoves is only natural. This leads to another significant source of income—iron.
Up to now, Shangdang has been a traditional iron-producing region. Although the mines are controlled by the court, private iron merchants still abound. However, none have produced as much as Lord Liang!
Now, the agricultural tools used in Bing County’s land cultivation are all made of iron. Just this one change has significantly increased efficiency, with the cultivated official fields yielding more than twice as much. Knives and swords are abundant, and even the arrows carried by Bing County archers are said to be more than triple those of others. As for the highly sought-after charcoal stoves, it is rumored that their production cost is not expensive.
The business of fabric is gradually improving. Originally, Ji County and Yan County were major weaving centers. However, due to continuous wars, their past prosperity had long disappeared. In Bing County, displaced weavers were gathered and set up weaving factories. In a short period, there has been significant progress in the patterns and dyeing of fabrics, and it seems that changes have been made to the spinning machines. Now that grain is expensive and money is cheap, unable to balance each other, transactions in the market mostly involve silk. If one can weave silk twice as fast as others, how much more grain and money could be gained?
Just with these few aspects, it is a formidable figure. Moreover, the Liang family also controls the trade of white porcelain, glass, salt, and more. Therefore, even if Bing County absorbs refugees, it has not truly shown signs of exhaustion. In troubled times, people are the foundation of everything. With the cultivated wasteland yielding abundant crops, who wouldn’t expect peace in the provinces?
Listening to each report, Wen Qiao felt sincerely pleased. Such a capable minister is the one he should assist! Glancing at Guo Xing, the Yanmen Prefect, who was sitting beside him, Wen Qiao couldn’t help but reveal a subtle smile. It seems that the Lord wants to favor not the lineage of Guo Tong but another branch of the Guo family. Unfortunately, Guo Tong adopts a lofty attitude and cannot see the current situation clearly. Is Bing County still in the same situation as before? With the dispersal of the high gates, the presence of well-trained troops, control over finances, and the role of the military commander held by Lord Liang, he is the true master of this province!
Unfortunately, General Yi was manipulated by the court and went to Ji County. Just thinking about the outcome of this year’s battle between You County and Bing County, Wen Qiao’s shoulders felt the weight of the heavy responsibility. An exuberant young man, who wouldn’t want to achieve success and build a career?
Advertisement
Following the usual practice, after the New Year’s meeting and the congratulatory ceremony, an official banquet was held, which lasted until evening. However, after the foreign officials had left, there was still a private celebration among the family members.
“Rong’er wishes Father good health and a long life!” Liang Rong earnestly raised his wine cup to congratulate his father.
Even though he had been busy all day, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile, “Rong’er, may you be safe and sound every year.”
Different from the official banquet, everyone present addressed themselves as “Langzhu” or “Master.” However, this year, there were a few more.
“Zhichuan, the microscope produced in the market, is it of any use?” Liang Feng turned to Ge Hong.
Even if he wasn’t particularly adept at interpersonal relationships, Ge Hong’s eyes lit up at the mention of the microscope, “This instrument is truly exquisite and can observe tiny objects. I have already observed many small insects in plants with Ji’en. The Buddhist notion of a mustard seed containing a universe might indeed have some truth to it!”
Although Ge Hong had been with him for a long time, calling him “Master” was a recent development. However, Liang Feng felt that what truly captivated Ge Hong was the establishment of the Observatory of Natural Phenomena. This observatory was different from the Huai’en Monastery; rather than being a religious place, it was more of an academic research institution. It not only continued the research from the Shangdang Taoist temple but also elevated the idea of “three lives and all things” to the highest level.
Here, biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, and even medical research will be successively initiated. In fact, during the Wei and Jin dynasties, there was already a peak of exploration and discovery. Coupled with the decline of Confucianism and the flourishing of Daoism, the study of “Dao” and nature became more readily accepted.
Liang Feng did not directly establish schools of thought but instead integrated them into the religious context. Daoist philosophy inherently tended to explore the world, which is why Daoists were enthusiastic about alchemy, attempting to overcome nature through human efforts. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the Daoist system had not fully developed. What if the “Great Dao” were given a new face?
And Ge Hong was the most suitable candidate. A presence to open the door to natural sciences.
Such ideas were never considered by Ge Hong. What’s more, he initially thought that Lord Liang followed Buddhism with only a casual interest in alchemy. Who would have thought that Liang Feng’s positioning of the Observatory of Natural Phenomena was entirely different from the Huai’en Monastery? Those who enter this path can still serve as officials!
Wasn’t this supposed to be a Buddhist endeavor? Clearly, it was a focus on the Dao!
With the invention of the telescope and microscope and the continuous flow of innovative ideas, coupled with the establishment of a new observatory representing the meaning of creation and nature, Ge Hong finally bowed his head. The things he sought were achievable by the person before him. Whether it was saving lives, rejuvenating people, or seeking the Dao, with such an understanding lord, what more could one ask for?
And if this person could ascend to an even higher position?
Because of these thoughts, Ge Hong was even less averse to Buddhism. The confirmation of the mustard seed universe made him feel a bit sentimental. It turned out that all things in the world are interconnected!
Advertisement
Seeing Ge Hong lost in thought and wanting to discuss further, Duan Qin interrupted with a smile, “The microscope is secondary; this year, the prefectural government has forged a hundred high-quality iron knives, surpassing even the hundred-forged ones!”
In this era, the military industry was also an expression of military strength. In the past, during the Three Kingdoms period, Wei, Shu, and Wu competed in forging knives. Sun Quan ordered the production of a thousand knives, Puyuan forged five thousand knives for Liu Bei, and by the time of the current dynasty’s Martial Emperor, it had reached eight thousand. However, these knives were still mostly fifty or seventy-two forged. When it came to “hundred-forged,” it represented a top-notch steel knife that could cut iron like mud. Therefore, Cao Cao, having obtained five hundred hundred-forged Hundred Defeats knives, was recorded in history.
And now, the Liang family had produced a hundred steel knives in one go, and in terms of quantity alone, it was an overwhelming victory. This achievement was attributed to the use of hydraulic hammer forging and the casting steel method.
After the giant waterwheel was used for air pumping, grinding, and forging, the functionality was further expanded to include iron forging. This simple mechanical power greatly reduced human labor consumption and made tasks that were previously difficult much more achievable. Not to mention refining knives, even the production of armor had reached a new level. Now, crafting a breastplate no longer required several craftsmen to hammer for half a month; the rough form could be completed in a single day! Although it still had some distance from true plate armor, both time and cost were significantly reduced.
The steel-casting method was a product of combining a small blast furnace with a mixture of coke. The original hundred-forging method used hammer forging to eliminate impurities in wrought iron, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the production volume could never be increased. With the introduction of blast furnaces, craftsmen in the Liang family began to experiment with the combination of pig iron and wrought iron, gradually exploring a higher level of technique. With the introduction of urine quenching, the resulting knives were both tough and sharp, surpassing the performance of hundred-forged knives. These knives were long, sharp, and capable of cutting through armor with a dozen strikes. Moreover, the blade was dark green and black, becoming ready after just a few nights. Liang Feng personally named it the “Night Iron Knife.”
In reality, technology sometimes only requires poking through a paper window. Liang Feng may not know much about it, but providing ideas naturally led skilled craftsmen to implement them.
Cui Ji also said, “This year, Shangdang has made quite a profit from tea and salt. There is also border trade, and if the Tuoba tribe defeats Wang Pengzu, we shouldn’t lack horses and cattle this year.”
The war between the Tuoba tribe and You County was still ongoing. However, behind the scenes, the state of Bing County was also causing some disturbances. As Bing County gradually stabilized and showed kindness to the people, the population near Dai Jun was flowing towards Bing County. If Dai Jun became empty, even if Wang Jun won the battle, what could he achieve without the settled people? Moreover, he might not necessarily win!
Zhang Bin sneered, “It’s time for You County to taste the suffering of the displaced people. Now that we have assistance from the court, the lord’s great undertaking is even more secure!”
He was referring to Ye City. According to the information brought back by Yiyan, the officials they secretly planted there had already gained control of the vital points in Ye City. Waiting for Yiyan to lead his troops in spring, conquer more cities, and deploy officials and garrisons, they could gradually erode towards Ji County. After capturing several commanderies, they could then confront Wang Jun with more confidence.
The words “great undertaking” were like a lure, making everyone unable to resist and increasingly fanatic about getting involved. This was just the first wave, with more waves to come, countless civil and military officials pushing him toward a higher position.
Looking at those eager faces, the taste of the pepper cypress wine on his lips also revealed a hint of bitterness. At this stage, who could afford to retreat?
In his ears, it seemed like he heard that gentle melody again. However, when Liang Feng turned his head, he found that the figure that had always been by his side had disappeared.
Perhaps to avoid suspicion, aside from a few messages, Yiyan did not send anything else. Or perhaps, was that impregnable city his gift for the New Year? But in the following years, what would he send?
Liang Feng set down the wine glass, cast aside these trivial matters, leaned against the table, and continued to listen to the conversations with a smile.
Translator’s corner:
The rest of the weekend chapters will be uploaded later at night…
Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~
The New Year’s meeting was not convened in Bing County in the past year. Sima Teng abandoned the County and fled, leaving Jinyang hanging alone under the iron hooves of the Xiongnu. Who still had the mood to celebrate the New Year? Adding to the misfortune, there was a solar eclipse on the first day of the previous year, casting an ominous shadow over the year.
However, on this New Year’s Day, Jinyang had completely transformed.
Early in the morning, before the lingering smell of firecrackers had completely dissipated, the provincial governor’s grand hall was filled. After the drum and music performance, the various officials paid their respects. Today, out of the six provinces and states in Bing County, five high officials were present. Facing the dignitaries, these two-thousand-stone officials remained respectful, offering wine to celebrate the New Year.
The Taiyuan Prefect, Cui Ji, the Yeping Intendant, Wen Qiao, the Taiyuan Magistrate, Ge Hong, the Xinxing Prefect, Xu Xian, and the newly appointed Yanmen Prefect, Guo Xing, were all personally promoted by Liang Feng. In just a short year, except for the western part of He County that had not yet recovered, all four borders of Bing County were secure, truly a remarkable achievement.
In the center of the grand hall, Liang Feng wore a blue court robe and sat in the main seat. This was the spring attire among the five seasonal court dresses, much brighter than the black court dress of winter, accentuating his jade-like face. However, the Xinxian Liang Crown on his head and the silver seal and blue sash around his waist added a touch of majesty to his handsome countenance.
After finishing the cup of pepper cypress wine, Wen Qiao loudly proclaimed, “Last year, Yeping increased households by five thousand, cultivated a thousand acres of land, and stationed two thousand soldiers. In the third month, I wish to congratulate the Lord.”
The New Year’s meeting in Bing County was somewhat different from other places. In addition to celebrating the New Year, it also required reporting on the year’s achievements. Wen Qiao had made significant achievements in the past year, and now he was recounting them one by one, making quite a resounding statement.
Liang Feng nodded, “The peace and prosperity under Yeping’s administration are the real accomplishments. This year, we should increase the stationed troops to prepare for external threats.”
Upon hearing this, Wen Qiao’s heart skipped a beat. This was the first time that Lord Liang had pointed out the tense situation facing Bing County. After all, last year, Yeping was still the rear defense against the Xiongnu, vigorously developing agriculture, cultivating land, and appeasing the people. However, once in conflict with You County, Yeping would shift from being in the rear to the front line, with the possible duty of defending the homeland.
However, he did not reveal his thoughts on his face. Wen Qiao respectfully responded, “I understand, My Lord.”
He, too, had been well-versed in military strategy since childhood. Now, among the other prefects in Bing County, none had not experienced fierce battles. People like Ge Hong even held military ranks. Wen Qiao, young and ambitious, naturally did not want to lag behind. Moreover, to be honest, he had some disdain for Wang Jun. Although both were from noble families in Bing County, Wang Jun was an illegitimate son in a delicate position. Moreover, this person was ruthless and immoral. In the past, he conspired with Jia Hòu to harm the Crown Prince, leading to the loss of the heir to the throne for the country. Just this alone was enough for discerning individuals to sever ties with him. As for marrying his daughter off to Xianbei people and similar matters, they were even more contemptible.
Advertisement
Now, Wang Jun occupying You County had already posed a threat to Bing County. If there were to be a war, he would not be the least bit afraid!
Standing aside, Wen Qiao observed others presenting their New Year’s congratulations. Listening along the way, even he couldn’t help but be amazed. Bing County had been at war throughout the past year, almost from the beginning to the end. Yet during this period, households increased by thirty thousand, and new land was cultivated by ten thousand acres. This figure, even in the era of the Tai period, was extraordinarily astonishing, let alone in the current turbulent times. The population taken away by Sima Teng in the past had not only been fully replenished but had also seen substantial growth. The efficiency of land reclamation was even more astonishing.
And to accommodate such a large number of refugees without disturbing the local order! If he hadn’t personally managed the Yeping County, even if someone told him, he wouldn’t believe it. It was truly a case of using work to replace relief, the most effective way to pacify the people!
As long as the expenditure was comparable to relief efforts, it could enable these refugees to cultivate and develop new land. Building roads, promoting water conservation, constructing walled forts, and even women and children being able to raise livestock, weave, and spin—all resources were utilized to the fullest. However, such hard work did not make the people feel disheartened. On the contrary, they understood that their efforts were for a secure future.
Turning feared refugees into obedient subjects. Such methods could be considered shocking and unconventional. If Lord Liang were to take office in the government, it was anticipated that this chaotic era would quickly be quelled. Wen Qiao, growing up in a prestigious family, had witnessed numerous outstanding figures. The six elders in his family, known as the “Six Dragons,” were all exceptional talents. But who could compare to Lord Liang? Just by his actions, one could catch a glimpse of the former renowned “Number One Able Minister” Liang Gong and his extraordinary demeanor.
And this large-scale absorption of the population revealed another astonishing aspect. This Liang Zixi indeed possessed the talents of Guan Zhong and Fan Li!
There was a shortage of food in Bing County. After all, continuous years of warfare and turmoil had left the court with minimal financial resources. The significant increase in population would undoubtedly exert immense pressure on the finances. However, Bing County did not find itself in dire straits because Lord Liang had opened up two avenues for wealth generation.
Firstly, coal.
Advertisement
Back in the day, the coal used by households in the mountain villages has now become the heating material in every household in Bing County. After a year of exploration, three coal mines have been opened, and Yeping owns one of them. The amount of coal transported daily from the mines is countless. These are just the smaller profits; the bigger one lies in the Rui Coal!
Derived from coal, this material resembles wood charcoal, but its smoke is thin and flameless. And yet, it produces light. What’s even more remarkable is its astonishing heat, which lasts for a long time. As soon as it was introduced, it immediately became the favorite of the wealthy and noble. However, the manufacturing process of this material is still a secret, and outsiders cannot fathom it. Therefore, the price of Rui Coal continues to rise, becoming the largest commodity sold in Bing County.
And for this coal, new stoves are required. Different from the shape of charcoal basins, these stoves are mostly made of copper and iron, with a furnace chamber inside to prevent the vigorous Rui Coal from burning the furnace walls. At the same time, the charcoal stoves come with smoke channels to expel carbon monoxide. If used properly, it can prevent incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning during winter charcoal burning.
Having purchased Rui Coal, buying a few charcoal stoves is only natural. This leads to another significant source of income—iron.
Up to now, Shangdang has been a traditional iron-producing region. Although the mines are controlled by the court, private iron merchants still abound. However, none have produced as much as Lord Liang!
Now, the agricultural tools used in Bing County’s land cultivation are all made of iron. Just this one change has significantly increased efficiency, with the cultivated official fields yielding more than twice as much. Knives and swords are abundant, and even the arrows carried by Bing County archers are said to be more than triple those of others. As for the highly sought-after charcoal stoves, it is rumored that their production cost is not expensive.
The business of fabric is gradually improving. Originally, Ji County and Yan County were major weaving centers. However, due to continuous wars, their past prosperity had long disappeared. In Bing County, displaced weavers were gathered and set up weaving factories. In a short period, there has been significant progress in the patterns and dyeing of fabrics, and it seems that changes have been made to the spinning machines. Now that grain is expensive and money is cheap, unable to balance each other, transactions in the market mostly involve silk. If one can weave silk twice as fast as others, how much more grain and money could be gained?
Just with these few aspects, it is a formidable figure. Moreover, the Liang family also controls the trade of white porcelain, glass, salt, and more. Therefore, even if Bing County absorbs refugees, it has not truly shown signs of exhaustion. In troubled times, people are the foundation of everything. With the cultivated wasteland yielding abundant crops, who wouldn’t expect peace in the provinces?
Listening to each report, Wen Qiao felt sincerely pleased. Such a capable minister is the one he should assist! Glancing at Guo Xing, the Yanmen Prefect, who was sitting beside him, Wen Qiao couldn’t help but reveal a subtle smile. It seems that the Lord wants to favor not the lineage of Guo Tong but another branch of the Guo family. Unfortunately, Guo Tong adopts a lofty attitude and cannot see the current situation clearly. Is Bing County still in the same situation as before? With the dispersal of the high gates, the presence of well-trained troops, control over finances, and the role of the military commander held by Lord Liang, he is the true master of this province!
Unfortunately, General Yi was manipulated by the court and went to Ji County. Just thinking about the outcome of this year’s battle between You County and Bing County, Wen Qiao’s shoulders felt the weight of the heavy responsibility. An exuberant young man, who wouldn’t want to achieve success and build a career?
Advertisement
Following the usual practice, after the New Year’s meeting and the congratulatory ceremony, an official banquet was held, which lasted until evening. However, after the foreign officials had left, there was still a private celebration among the family members.
“Rong’er wishes Father good health and a long life!” Liang Rong earnestly raised his wine cup to congratulate his father.
Even though he had been busy all day, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile, “Rong’er, may you be safe and sound every year.”
Different from the official banquet, everyone present addressed themselves as “Langzhu” or “Master.” However, this year, there were a few more.
“Zhichuan, the microscope produced in the market, is it of any use?” Liang Feng turned to Ge Hong.
Even if he wasn’t particularly adept at interpersonal relationships, Ge Hong’s eyes lit up at the mention of the microscope, “This instrument is truly exquisite and can observe tiny objects. I have already observed many small insects in plants with Ji’en. The Buddhist notion of a mustard seed containing a universe might indeed have some truth to it!”
Although Ge Hong had been with him for a long time, calling him “Master” was a recent development. However, Liang Feng felt that what truly captivated Ge Hong was the establishment of the Observatory of Natural Phenomena. This observatory was different from the Huai’en Monastery; rather than being a religious place, it was more of an academic research institution. It not only continued the research from the Shangdang Taoist temple but also elevated the idea of “three lives and all things” to the highest level.
Here, biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, and even medical research will be successively initiated. In fact, during the Wei and Jin dynasties, there was already a peak of exploration and discovery. Coupled with the decline of Confucianism and the flourishing of Daoism, the study of “Dao” and nature became more readily accepted.
Liang Feng did not directly establish schools of thought but instead integrated them into the religious context. Daoist philosophy inherently tended to explore the world, which is why Daoists were enthusiastic about alchemy, attempting to overcome nature through human efforts. During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, the Daoist system had not fully developed. What if the “Great Dao” were given a new face?
And Ge Hong was the most suitable candidate. A presence to open the door to natural sciences.
Such ideas were never considered by Ge Hong. What’s more, he initially thought that Lord Liang followed Buddhism with only a casual interest in alchemy. Who would have thought that Liang Feng’s positioning of the Observatory of Natural Phenomena was entirely different from the Huai’en Monastery? Those who enter this path can still serve as officials!
Wasn’t this supposed to be a Buddhist endeavor? Clearly, it was a focus on the Dao!
With the invention of the telescope and microscope and the continuous flow of innovative ideas, coupled with the establishment of a new observatory representing the meaning of creation and nature, Ge Hong finally bowed his head. The things he sought were achievable by the person before him. Whether it was saving lives, rejuvenating people, or seeking the Dao, with such an understanding lord, what more could one ask for?
And if this person could ascend to an even higher position?
Because of these thoughts, Ge Hong was even less averse to Buddhism. The confirmation of the mustard seed universe made him feel a bit sentimental. It turned out that all things in the world are interconnected!
Advertisement
Seeing Ge Hong lost in thought and wanting to discuss further, Duan Qin interrupted with a smile, “The microscope is secondary; this year, the prefectural government has forged a hundred high-quality iron knives, surpassing even the hundred-forged ones!”
In this era, the military industry was also an expression of military strength. In the past, during the Three Kingdoms period, Wei, Shu, and Wu competed in forging knives. Sun Quan ordered the production of a thousand knives, Puyuan forged five thousand knives for Liu Bei, and by the time of the current dynasty’s Martial Emperor, it had reached eight thousand. However, these knives were still mostly fifty or seventy-two forged. When it came to “hundred-forged,” it represented a top-notch steel knife that could cut iron like mud. Therefore, Cao Cao, having obtained five hundred hundred-forged Hundred Defeats knives, was recorded in history.
And now, the Liang family had produced a hundred steel knives in one go, and in terms of quantity alone, it was an overwhelming victory. This achievement was attributed to the use of hydraulic hammer forging and the casting steel method.
After the giant waterwheel was used for air pumping, grinding, and forging, the functionality was further expanded to include iron forging. This simple mechanical power greatly reduced human labor consumption and made tasks that were previously difficult much more achievable. Not to mention refining knives, even the production of armor had reached a new level. Now, crafting a breastplate no longer required several craftsmen to hammer for half a month; the rough form could be completed in a single day! Although it still had some distance from true plate armor, both time and cost were significantly reduced.
The steel-casting method was a product of combining a small blast furnace with a mixture of coke. The original hundred-forging method used hammer forging to eliminate impurities in wrought iron, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the production volume could never be increased. With the introduction of blast furnaces, craftsmen in the Liang family began to experiment with the combination of pig iron and wrought iron, gradually exploring a higher level of technique. With the introduction of urine quenching, the resulting knives were both tough and sharp, surpassing the performance of hundred-forged knives. These knives were long, sharp, and capable of cutting through armor with a dozen strikes. Moreover, the blade was dark green and black, becoming ready after just a few nights. Liang Feng personally named it the “Night Iron Knife.”
In reality, technology sometimes only requires poking through a paper window. Liang Feng may not know much about it, but providing ideas naturally led skilled craftsmen to implement them.
Cui Ji also said, “This year, Shangdang has made quite a profit from tea and salt. There is also border trade, and if the Tuoba tribe defeats Wang Pengzu, we shouldn’t lack horses and cattle this year.”
The war between the Tuoba tribe and You County was still ongoing. However, behind the scenes, the state of Bing County was also causing some disturbances. As Bing County gradually stabilized and showed kindness to the people, the population near Dai Jun was flowing towards Bing County. If Dai Jun became empty, even if Wang Jun won the battle, what could he achieve without the settled people? Moreover, he might not necessarily win!
Zhang Bin sneered, “It’s time for You County to taste the suffering of the displaced people. Now that we have assistance from the court, the lord’s great undertaking is even more secure!”
He was referring to Ye City. According to the information brought back by Yiyan, the officials they secretly planted there had already gained control of the vital points in Ye City. Waiting for Yiyan to lead his troops in spring, conquer more cities, and deploy officials and garrisons, they could gradually erode towards Ji County. After capturing several commanderies, they could then confront Wang Jun with more confidence.
The words “great undertaking” were like a lure, making everyone unable to resist and increasingly fanatic about getting involved. This was just the first wave, with more waves to come, countless civil and military officials pushing him toward a higher position.
Looking at those eager faces, the taste of the pepper cypress wine on his lips also revealed a hint of bitterness. At this stage, who could afford to retreat?
In his ears, it seemed like he heard that gentle melody again. However, when Liang Feng turned his head, he found that the figure that had always been by his side had disappeared.
Perhaps to avoid suspicion, aside from a few messages, Yiyan did not send anything else. Or perhaps, was that impregnable city his gift for the New Year? But in the following years, what would he send?
Liang Feng set down the wine glass, cast aside these trivial matters, leaned against the table, and continued to listen to the conversations with a smile.
Translator’s corner:
The rest of the weekend chapters will be uploaded later at night…
