Knife splashing

Chapter 719 The Artifact of Revolution
Li Yan's eyes twitched slightly, but he held back his laughter.

To be honest, he had thought about it a lot.

The fact that the imperial court dared to release a steam engine on this day must mean that it had made great progress.

Whether it's a steam-powered cart or a steam-driven millstone, the key is to demonstrate practicality.

But unexpectedly, the first thing they made was a steam-powered dragon carriage.

The entire frame of this dragon carriage is covered with gilded dragon decorations. The coiled dragon reliefs are wrapped around the shaft frame, with golden scales shimmering. The dragon heads stand proudly on the shafts, exuding a royal air. However, a huge cast iron boiler is embedded in the belly of the carriage, with steam pipes and gnarled connecting rods exposed. Brass gear sets and cast iron flywheels are visible to the naked eye on both sides.

As the dragon chariot moved forward, it emitted a series of booming sounds, with billowing black smoke rising from behind.

Moreover, this steam-powered dragon carriage clearly lacks a shock absorption system.

Emperor Xiao Qixuan was able to maintain his balance only by relying on his excellent lower body strength.

To Li Yan, this scene seemed strangely absurd.

It seems this emperor was quite the show-off...

He forced a laugh, but the others couldn't.

The appearance of something so unprecedented left some people dumbfounded, some speechless, and some swallowing hard. There were hundreds of people present, but they were completely silent, with only the roar of the steam-powered dragon carriage audible.

Upon seeing this, Li Yan's expression also turned serious.

He thought of something.

I have seen many things in my past life, but others are different.

The roar of steam and gears is putting their understanding to the test.

laugh--!
Suddenly, a large amount of steam billowed out of the chimney above the dragon carriage, and the iron wheels on both sides stopped.

The billowing steam surged above the dragon carriage canopy, creating quite a commotion.

Seeing the astonished expressions on everyone's faces, Emperor Xiao Qixuan was clearly very satisfied.

Just then, an official dressed in a blue robe and wearing a Liang crown strode out from the crowd.

His expression was one of excitement, his eyes wide open. After straightening his clothes, he knelt on the ground and shouted, "The canopy steams with rosy clouds, auspicious mists rise into the sky, the dragon chariot spews fog, and divine mechanisms operate to illuminate the heavens. Your Majesty's holy virtue moves the heavens, a white rainbow pierces the sun, foreshadowing the majesty of the Son of Heaven!"

"Long live my emperor!"

"Long live my emperor!"

The others realized what was happening and quickly began to flatter him.

pat!

A Southeast Asian envoy in the front row accidentally dropped and shattered a jade walnut he was playing with.

However, he was completely oblivious, staring intently at the billowing black smoke from the carriage. His ashen face was drained of color, his Adam's apple bobbed, and he managed to squeeze out a barely audible sigh.

He turned his head to look to the side, his eyes darting around, and sighed softly, "Alas... if the Central Plains obtains this, how can we live in peace?"

The man beside him wore a wide, cross-collared robe with the right side fastened, and a jade headband. He was tall and robust, with a round face and a full beard, clearly different from the people of the Central Plains. He was the envoy of the Oirat Kingdom.

He also had a gloomy expression, but did not say a word.

The Oirat were tribes that split from the Golden Horde. In order to fight against the Tatars, they became vassals of the Great Kingdom and paid tribute.

To be honest, the relationship with Da Xuan was not good, and they were wary of each other.

During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, the Oirat Mongols were unable to invade the south.

Similarly, the vast grasslands meant that the Great Xuan Dynasty was unwilling to exhaust its treasury for conquest and needed the Oirat Mongols to counterbalance the Tatars, so the two sides were in a state of superficial harmony but deep discord.

The fact that the Great Xuan had produced this thing, though its purpose was unknown, certainly did not put the Oirat envoys in a good mood.

Upon hearing the envoy from Southeast Asia sowing discord, the Oirat Kingdom sneered, "Yes, are you just going to stand by and watch?"

The envoy from Southeast Asia froze, and fell silent.

As for the Persian merchant in the distance, his eyes twitched, but he forced himself to remain calm. He nudged his companion with his elbow, his fingertips subtly pointing to the gap between the gears, his voice low as a mosquito's buzz: "Quickly memorize it!... If you can imitate that curved arm transmission..."

They are far removed from Da Xuan, and their primary concern is their own interests.

As for the officials in the court, they all had their own thoughts.

A young official from the Kaihai faction, adorned with egret and peacock insignia, seemed to be deep in thought. He quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Emperor Yuanfeng, and asked with barely concealed eagerness, "Your Majesty is blessed! May I ask, Your Excellency, how powerful is this divinely crafted object?"

Yuanfeng stroked his beard and said, "In the future, he may be able to control ten thousand jun (a unit of weight)."

The young official swallowed hard. "If...if we were to place him inside a large, imposing ship and sail against the wind, would that be acceptable?"

Yuanfeng turned to look at the emperor, and seeing his calm expression, he said, "Alright, but it will take time."

Upon hearing this, many people immediately gasped in surprise.

Hearing this from a distance, Li Yan frowned.

This steam engine is a key element of human reform. Although the news has been leaked, the method of its application must still be kept secret and not revealed to others.

The emperor was unaware of the matter, so how could Yuanfeng speak so carelessly?

Of course, he just watched without saying a word.

The people in this world may not understand the technology of the previous life, but they are definitely not stupid.

Moreover, Emperor Xiao Qixuan was extremely shrewd. What he could think of, the other party must have already considered. The fact that he could so generously display the steam engine must have been due to a deeper consideration.

What other plans does the imperial court have...?

Yuanfeng's statement was so clear that it naturally aroused the interest of many people.

Shen Kui, a wealthy merchant from the capital, moved his obese body, disregarding his demeanor, and struggled to squeeze through the crowd to the front of the line.

His face flushed red with excitement, his thick palms rubbing his round belly. He tried his best to keep his voice steady, but it still trembled slightly: "Lord Yuan... please forgive me! I dare to ask—if this 'iron ox' could drive a hundred millstones..."

He held up his short, stubby fingers and gestured, "How much grain is milled in a day and night? Could you please give me a precise figure, sir?"

Yuanfeng pondered for a moment, "Comparable to a watermill, running day and night without stopping."

As he spoke, he chuckled and shook his head, saying, "It's a real waste to use it for grinding grain. It does take advantage of the terrain and doesn't require a river. If our skilled craftsmen could design some shelling and oil-pressing machines, that would be truly labor-saving."

Upon hearing this, Shen Kui's face became even more excited.

He was one of the most prominent grain merchants in the capital.

Unlike the pro-sea faction, his entire foundation rested on "grain." He had to win over every link, from the Ministry of Revenue of the imperial court to the grain transport gangs, from high-ranking officials in the court to local officials, and he was unwilling to get involved in the conflict between the pro-sea faction and the local faction.

If this machine is really that useful, the reduction in manpower is a minor issue; the key is that it can save time and reduce losses in many processes.

Some of the generals in the army were also filled with curiosity.

"Lord Yuan, if we cover our armor with this, will we be able to roam freely on the battlefield?"

"It's difficult. This thing requires coal and water, and military logistics might not be able to keep up. Besides, the terrain on the battlefield is complex; if it's damaged carelessly, no one can move it..."

Yuanfeng spoke frankly and without reservation.

For a time, many people surrounded him, and even the opening ceremony was interrupted. Emperor Xiao Qixuan, on the other hand, leisurely drank tea and calmly watched all of this.

Of course, not everyone is happy.

Among the ranks of nobles, an elderly minister with white hair, his face ashen, flared his nostrils, and let out a short, cold snort: "Strange skill... lewd trick!"

The sound was soft, yet it was like a golden needle piercing a balloon.

The other nobleman beside him, dressed in a python robe, kept his eyes downcast, but his thumb, which was fiddling with amber prayer beads in his sleeve, suddenly quickened its pace, his knuckles turning white.

Their eyes met briefly, both filled with deep worry.

Given the emperor's high regard for this item, it must be a crucial instrument for humanitarian reform.

If it were just an ordinary magical artifact from the Xuanmen sect, then that would be fine.

However, judging from the situation, the extent of this thing's influence is immeasurable.

They don't understand technology, but they understand human nature and the general trend of the times.

Humanitarian reforms could very well lead to the loss of imperial power, and since receiving the news, these noble families have been making preparations in secret.

If they retreat, they can form factions to protect themselves; if they advance, they can contend for supremacy.

This has been the case across the land of China for thousands of years.

If the Xiao family could rise to prominence back then, why couldn't they do the same...?

But now that the divine artifact is in the control of the imperial court, if it is used to exert its power and command the wind and rain, who knows how many families will perish, and there is still a pack of wolves watching behind them.

With such enthusiasm from the Kaihai faction, their momentum is likely to grow even stronger.

Thinking of this, the old man couldn't help but shake his head and say:

“When a vessel is in full bloom, virtue declines…” The voice was soft, but it was heard by many who were paying attention.

Supervisor Yuanfeng's ears twitched slightly, and his beard and hair immediately bristled like a pine tree in a raging wind. He stepped forward onto the edge of the steps, patted the huge steam engine, and shouted, "The power of this divine weapon is beyond the reach of muscles, bones, and blood!"

Having said that, he glanced at the nobles in the distance, and his voice suddenly rose, like the clash of swords, "All that is obscured is the smoke and miasma that block out the sun!"

"Only those who open their eyes can see a completely new world!"

The nobles' eyes flashed with anger, and their expressions became unnatural.

Like the Mo Clan, Yuan Feng was known for his non-stick nature in the imperial court, unwilling to offend either side and even less willing to get involved in the conflict between the coastal and local factions.

They're acting like they've been injected with gunpowder these days.

They wanted to retaliate, but seeing Emperor Xiao Qixuan's calm and composed demeanor, they lost their nerve and dared not say anything more.

"quiet!"

Just then, Zhao Wujiu, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, shouted loudly and then gave a wink.

Yan Jiuling quickly cupped his hands and said loudly, "Gentlemen, you can discuss this later, so as not to delay the time."

Emperor Xiao Qixuan then spoke, "I am tired, let's return to the palace."

"Congratulations to Your Majesty!"

Although no one understood why, no one dared to ask, and they all bowed and saw them off.

After the emperor's entourage departed, Yan Jiuling addressed the crowd below, saying in a loud voice, "Gentlemen, His Majesty is busy with numerous affairs of state and has returned to the palace. However, the celebration of the academy's opening is not yet over. Please follow me to the 'Hall of Gathering Sages,' where we have prepared a small feast to celebrate this momentous occasion together!"

This is a custom of the opening ceremony, and people in the audience with different thoughts responded in unison.

Under the guidance of Yan Jiuling and the academy's staff, they flowed into the "Jixian Hall" located on the right side of the central axis like a stream.

On the way to the banquet, Yan Jiuling deliberately slowed down and led everyone to visit the academy.

The Hundred Crafts Building was naturally the first stop.

Stepping in again, the craftsmen were still focused on refining their skills, but the atmosphere was even more vibrant than before.

Tao Fengchun's prized disciple is adjusting a huge wooden kite model, with wings connected by a complex hinge structure and a huge balloon attached to it.

Yan Jiuling explained: "This is Lu Ban's wooden magpie."

Some people marveled at it, and some military generals even had their eyes light up.

On the southwestern battlefield, Lu Ban's wooden magpie has already proven its capabilities; judging by its appearance, it seems to be ready for mass production...

Similarly, the various artifacts inside the Hundred Crafts Building dazzled the visitors.

Li Yan keenly noticed that things were different from when he last came. Many important artifacts had been hidden, and what remained were just flashy and frivolous items, with only the well-known Lu Ban wooden magpie remaining.

He glanced at the foreign envoys, whose faces were solemn.

It's likely that releasing this item was intended as a deterrent.

The same applies to the remaining Gewu District, Baicaoju, and Cangwusuo.

Many things have been hidden, but the gathering of many renowned craftsmen from across China has already amazed many people.

Before they knew it, the group had arrived at the "Jixian Hall".

The grand hall was spacious and airy, with dozens of tables already set up. Delicious food and fine wines were steaming hot, and the aroma of music filled the air. The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments dispelled some of the previous lively atmosphere.

With a rosy complexion, Supervisor Yuanfeng led Yan Jiuling around, offering toasts to everyone.

Many officials were also eager to make connections, and for a time everyone was happy.

Li Yan, however, kept his eyes fixed on the highest point of the banquet.

Some people there remained calm and collected, chatting in hushed tones.

Today, among the important officials of the Three Departments and Six Ministries in the imperial court, apart from Han Mo, there are only two veteran ministers in the cabinet.

They were all the emperor's confidants, smiling as they drank, clearly having known about today's events all along.

There was another person who caught Li Yan's attention.

It was none other than Grandmaster Huo Yin, who appeared to be casually sitting and drinking, but in reality, his aura was as refined as an abyss, secretly monitoring all directions.

Li Yan had noticed him long ago.

When the emperor ascended the stage, Huo Yin was on full alert. The commander of the garrison, Jiao Wanbao, along with Luo Mingzi and his trusted Taoist priests, disguised themselves as nobles, merchants, and even academy staff, blending into the various viewing groups.

It seems that this celebration has also laid a trap for Zhao Qingxu.

But Zhao Qingxu did not appear until the emperor left.

Li Yan was genuinely curious.

Zhao Qingxu probably already knew about the existence of the steam engine, so he was willing to betray Kong Hui and abandon the plans in the capital in order to obtain it. However, that thing was very cumbersome and required five or six oxen to pull.

He simply couldn't fathom how Zhao Qingxu would steal this item...

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the real "main event" unfolded amidst the clinking of glasses.

Yan Jiuling stood up at the opportune moment and formally introduced the "instructors" and the first batch of "officials" of Qiankun Academy to everyone. He also mentioned that the academy would select its first batch of students in accordance with the "Investigation of Things and Rules," with a strict limit on the number of places.

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, and the members of the Kaihai Sect immediately stood up.

"Lord Yan! The Haitong Chamber of Commerce is willing to contribute 50,000 taels of silver to help build the 'Maritime Exploration Academy'! We only ask for three... no, two recommended student slots!"

A wealthy businessman with a Fujian accent was the first to stand up, his loud voice drawing everyone's attention.

"Fifty thousand taels? The Quanzhou shipyard will offer sixty thousand, plus a hundred pieces of fine pine wood from Suzhou and Hangzhou, for building a ship model for testing! There are only two spots available!" Another merchant in fine clothes immediately raised the price.

Now that things have come to this point, everyone can see the importance of the academy, and the local nobles are naturally not willing to lag behind.

"Hmph, how can something so vulgar as money be placed in a refined setting?"

A white-haired marquis in the front row snorted coldly, stroked his beard, and said, "My nephew has a long family tradition of learning and is quite talented in epigraphy and geography. He is a worthy cornerstone of the academy. I hope the supervisor and Minister Han will be lenient in this matter."

Another count chimed in, "Indeed, the academy is a foundation for generations to come, and its primary focus should be on cultivating pillars of society. My son has been fascinated by firearms manuals since childhood and wishes to become an apprentice under Lord Yuanfeng!"

They originally opposed the establishment of the academy because the officials promoted from it would take up the quota for the imperial examinations. But now they realize that the academy involves the fundamental interests of everyone, and since the matter is already settled, they naturally want to get involved.

For a time, the hall was extremely lively.

The round-faced, bearded Oirat envoy watched the scrambling for food with a cold eye throughout, only glancing at Yuan Feng when he mentioned "firearms improvement," a barely perceptible glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes before he quickly put on a polite, fake smile.

Some envoys secretly peeked out, only to discover that the prototype steam engine had been taken away at some point.

Yan Jiuling maintained the polite smile typical of officialdom, neither overly enthusiastic nor completely refusing, and smoothly summarized these "requests" one by one: "The academy is deeply grateful for your sincere intentions!"

"However, matters concerning the number of students and recommendations must follow the evaluation process outlined in the 'Investigation of Things.' All matters will be decided jointly by the Ministry of Rites and the Academy after the Headmaster takes office."

"Please enjoy this grand feast to the fullest. Academic matters can be discussed later..."

Li Yan saw everything that happened on the field.

Looking at Yan Jiuling, who seemed to be handling things with ease, I couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The capital city truly has the power to change people.

Originally honest but tongue-tied, Yan Jiuling quickly became a seasoned veteran.

Two hours later, the noisy banquet finally came to an end.

All parties left with feelings of satisfaction or disappointment.

The president of the Jinzhou Chamber of Commerce in the capital stopped Li Yan at the door and whispered, "Young Master Li, regarding the construction of the Five Generals Temple, we have already consulted a renowned feng shui master to select auspicious sites along the route, and construction will begin soon. What do you think...?"

This is clearly an implication of fulfilling a promise and securing opportunities for their own children.

Li Yan nodded slightly, "I'll give it a try."

The bustling atmosphere at the academy today made him uncertain.

With such significant interests at stake, there will inevitably be too many wolves and not enough meat, so we can only proceed one step at a time.

Just after everyone left, Li Yan stepped forward, smiled, and cupped his hands in greeting, "Lord Yuan."

"Hahaha…"

Yuan Feng was in a good mood, his face already flushed from drinking. He grasped Li's hand and said, "Today's achievement is entirely thanks to Brother Li. Rest assured, our Mo Sect will never forget this."

"You're joking, senior. I was just overthinking things."

Li Yan chuckled, then his expression turned serious. "However, I have a question. That artifact is of great importance. There are quite a few foreigners here today. It would be fine to show it to them, but why reveal the method of its use?"

Yuan Feng hesitated for a moment, looked around, and whispered:
"Come with me, and you'll see..."

(End of this chapter)