Confucian and Taoist scholar

Chapter 487 Recruiting Talents
Wang Tong quickly discovered the special features of this iron ship, and hurriedly went into the cabin to find the boiler that was in operation.

His gaze was intense as he carefully examined the area with his divine sense, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.

"To think that boiling water could propel such a large ship like this, how interesting, how interesting..."

Compared to the mechanical devices Luo Qianji had made before, Wang Tong found this iron ship quite novel.

Noticing the crowd approaching, Wang Tong couldn't help but glance at Luo Qianji and ask curiously, "How did you manage to assemble such a ship?"

Luo Qianji smiled and said, "How about it? Isn't it unique in the world? It doesn't use spiritual energy arrays, nor does it rely on human or wind power. It can drive the ship by simply boiling water with fire... However, this is also thanks to Brother Lu's guidance, which allowed me to make such an iron ship."

Upon hearing this, Wang Tong was surprised and couldn't help but shift his gaze, saying, "Brother Lu actually knows the art of mechanisms?"

Lu Zheng smiled slightly and said, "I only understand a little bit. It's mainly because Brother Luo is exceptionally talented that he was able to build such a large ship in such a short time."

He only explained the basic principles; Luo Qianji was able to build such a ship so quickly mainly because of his own accumulated experience.

Wang Tong turned to look at the iron ship and said quietly, "There are some new tricks to it, but this ship isn't very fast..."

He felt that although the ship was a novelty, it seemed to be of little use.

Luo Qianji was greatly displeased upon hearing this and said with dissatisfaction, "What do you know, you crazy Wang! This ship is a crude product, not perfect, and there are many areas for improvement."

"For example, this stove, if improved further, will greatly increase the speed of the ship and save a lot of manpower and resources compared to the current transport ships."

"Moreover, this device can also be used in other areas, and it is not impossible to create flying machines."

"With proper improvements, even tools made from ordinary materials can rival ordinary magical artifacts..."

"By then, everyone will be able to afford it, and even ordinary people will be able to pilot flying machines..."

"From this day forward, a new school of thought will emerge in the world of mechanical arts!"

Luo Qianji was extremely excited. Some of these words were spoken by Lu Zheng to him, while others were things he had come up with himself.

Wang Tong listened in a daze, but after thinking about it carefully, he realized that there might really be some trick to it.

However, he quickly changed his mind and poured cold water on the idea, saying, "Create a school of thought all by yourself? Throughout history, there have been countless schools of Taoism. How can you support a school all by yourself? Who will support you?"

Luo Qianji's expression froze for a moment; there was some truth to what he had said.

No matter how good your skills are, how can they be spread if no one appreciates them?
In his generation, he was the only member of the Luo family skilled in mechanical arts.

Moreover, due to their impoverished family background, no prominent families in the area respected them.

When it comes to establishing a sect or school in the world, ability and lineage are also important factors.

Without the support of local authorities, it is not an easy task to promote one's knowledge.

Wang Tong reached out and patted Luo Qianji on the shoulder, saying earnestly, "Brother, I'm not trying to discourage you, but if you want to do something like this, there's not much we can do to help."

"We are well aware of the moral character of the local deities and officials in the State of Chu. It seems unlikely that you can successfully promote and expand your own mechanical arts..."

Wang Tong may be crazy, but he's not stupid. Local powers are now deeply entrenched and won't allow a fallen family to rise and affect the interests of others.

Wang Tong added, "But if you really want to do something, I can write you a letter of recommendation, and see where you'd like to serve..."

Luo Qianji's lips twitched. "Your letter of recommendation might actually do more harm than good."

Wang Tong immediately objected, saying, "Hey, what are you saying? Although my reputation isn't great, those people will still give me some face, more or less."

Wang Tong knew his own situation well. He understood that he was not well-liked, but because of his powerful connections, most people didn't dare to offend him.

Upon hearing this, Luo Qianji said, "Brother Wang means well, but I do not believe in gods."

He was unwilling from the bottom of his heart to be asked to work for those priests.

Beside him, Lu Zheng spoke softly, "Fellow Daoist Luo, do you wish for Anguo's development?"

When everyone heard Lu Zheng speak, they all turned their gazes. Was he trying to poach someone?
Luo Qianji also looked at Lu Zheng, her expression changing slightly.

Lu Zheng said unhurriedly, "Brother Luo is a man of great talent; it's a pity he's hiding in this place. A new academy has been established in Tai'an City of Anguo, called the Academy of Seeking Knowledge. It gathers many talented people, especially those skilled in crafts, agriculture, and medicine..."

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished, as they had never heard of such an academy in Anguo.

Wang Tong couldn't help but ask, "Your Tai'an has such an academy? I've never heard of it. Why don't you recruit Confucian scholars, but these people?"

Lu Zheng said slowly, "Anguo is not lacking in Confucian scholars, but it lacks truly practical talents, pillars of society who can benefit the country and its people..."

“The academy has skilled craftsmen who may have already developed some new tools. Brother Luo, you can go and take a look and exchange ideas. It’s not necessary for you to join them; it’s entirely up to you.”

Luo Qianji suddenly became very interested. "Can I really go? Will the academy let me in?"

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "To be honest, it was my suggestion that Princess Anguo build that academy. If Brother Luo wants to go, just let them know when you arrive, there won't be any problem."

Everyone looked on incredulously. Good heavens, really? You proposed having a princess of a nation establish an academy?

"You, a young man, can do something like this?" They couldn't even imagine it. After spending these past few days together, everyone knew that Lu Zheng wasn't the kind of person who liked to boast without substance.

Wang Tong exclaimed in surprise, "I knew you were extraordinary! You really do have a significant connection with the royal family of Anguo. Tsk tsk tsk, incredible..."

Lu Zheng smiled faintly, "If you are interested, you can also go to Kaiyang County in Hongzhou. I heard that a lot has changed there."

"Tell me in detail!" Wang Tong said, intrigued.

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Hearing is believing, seeing is believing. I can't say for sure what's happened to our homeland right now. When you get there, you'll probably find that things have changed even more than I can describe."

Everyone took note of this and thought that they could go and take a look when they had time in the future.

Luo Qianji pondered for a moment before speaking, "Thank you for your advice, Brother Lu. I happen to have some free time recently, so I'll go home, pack my bags, and go to Anguo for a visit."

Luo Qianji made up her mind. If that academy was really as extraordinary as Lu Zheng said, then joining it was not out of the question.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng took out a literary token as a keepsake and gave it to Luo Qianji.

"In that case, I wish Brother Luo a pleasant journey."

Seeing this, the others laughed and said, "Brother Lu, you can't be biased. Give us a share too."

They all recognized that Lu Zhengshu's calligraphy was quite extraordinary and worth collecting.

Upon hearing this, Lu Zheng even inquired about their requirements and then wrote out several documents.

Everyone was satisfied and gave other spiritual items as a return gift.

After that, Luo Qianji took his leave and went back.

Seeing this, Wang Tong quickly said, "Why rush? I just came out of seclusion. Let's have a proper get-together later."

Luo Qianji then said, "Brother Wang sent us here to meet Brother Lu. We've had a very pleasant conversation with Brother Lu these past few days and have become quite familiar with him."

Wang Tong said in a serious tone, "There are still important matters to attend to."

"What?" Luo Qianji asked.

Wang Tong said leisurely, "A few days ago, I made some harsh remarks in front of some officials, saying that I would kill the demons that kill people and restore peace to the people in the vicinity... If any deities or officials cause trouble, I can take the opportunity to get rid of them..."

"That's why we invited you all over. We can work together and then share the profits!"

Upon hearing this, Luo Qianji and the others exchanged strange glances. Why are you making threats and bringing others along?
They didn't want to go and cause such a ruckus with Wang Tong.

Wang Tong has powerful connections, but their backgrounds are far from strong.

Seeing the change in everyone's expression, Wang Tong quickly said, "Don't worry, there won't be any problems. They haven't dared to act recklessly lately. Even Brother Lu dared to slay a god. How can we fall behind? Hey, hey, don't go!"

Seeing that some people were about to leave with their hands clasped in farewell, Wang Tong quickly stopped them.

Someone said, "We can't compare to your status. What if you two settle scores later..."

“That’s a bit much…” Wang Tong changed the subject, “You guys can go join in the fun, I’ll do the dirty work, that way you won’t get involved!”

Wang Tong then looked at Lu Zheng, hoping Lu Zheng would say a few words on his behalf.

Noticing Wang Tong's gaze, Lu Zheng thought for a moment and said, "If Brother Wang has the ability to restore a bright and clear world to the local people, there is no need for us to come and observe. Brother Wang's reputation will naturally spread throughout Yangzhou Prefecture and let us know."

“If Brother Wang doesn’t have that ability, then there’s even less need for us to go and support you.”

Wang Tong glared and said, "What are you saying? I'm not just all talk!"

Someone said, "If Brother Wang has that ability, then we will wait for good news."

Seeing this, Wang Tong didn't make things difficult for anyone and said, "Fine, fine, if you won't go, I'll go myself. I'll make something of myself after I've done something..."

Seeing Wang Tong's serious expression, some people couldn't help but advise him not to act impulsively and to act within his capabilities.

Wang Tong stated that he knew the importance of the matter and that not doing anything would not make him lose face.

Seeing this, no one tried to persuade them further, and they all took their leave.

Lu Zheng watched everyone leave, then said to Wang Tong, "We are also preparing to continue our westward journey. We look forward to hearing about your deeds along the way."

Wang Tong asked, "Are you leaving too?"

Lu Zhengdao said, "It's not good to delay our journey any further. We'll meet with Brother Wang later."

Wang Tong sighed, "I think you want to travel to all the countries in the world. I wonder when we'll meet again."

Lu Zheng smiled and said, "It shouldn't be too long. I hope that by then, Brother Wang will have impressed me."

Wang Tong said quietly, "Luo Qianji is going to Anguo. It seems I can't stay in the deep mountains for long. I have to do something important... You're right, a prosperous era isn't something you can wait for."

(End of this chapter)