What's wrong with me, a powerful minister, supporting a few female officials?

Chapter 200: Learning and Applying Immediately, the Empress Utilizes Sun Tzu's Art of War
Zhang Xuzu and the others looked at Nangong Sheyue's cold and indifferent expression, and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

They clearly agreed on two hundred taels of silver, how can they just change their minds like that?
All eyes turned to Su Mo.

Zhang Xuzu said with a wry smile, "Lord Su, this three hundred taels of silver is really too high. We need thirty carriages, which adds up to nine thousand taels of silver!"

They have made a lot of money recently, but that was by using family resources, and most of the money has to be handed over to the government.

Unlike Su Mo, who earns everything for himself!

Su Mo coughed twice and turned to look at Nangong Sheyue: "As I said, I will no longer manufacture bicycles and will hand them over to you, sir, to manage."

"But Brother Zhang and his group are all acquaintances, could you perhaps offer a discount..."

Nangong Sheyue glanced at Su Mo expressionlessly and bluntly said, "If you think it's too expensive, you don't have to!"

Su Mo couldn't help but frown, snorted, and said to Zhang Xuzu, "Three hundred taels of silver for a strange and frivolous item is truly outrageous!"

Even if there's only one of these bicycles in the world, and scarcity drives up the price, it's still not worth this much!

"Furthermore, there's a 90% chance that Lord Leng will present it to His Majesty, making it a royal vehicle. If outsiders use it, it will only invite criticism!"

"Furthermore, even if riding horses is not allowed within the city, we can still travel by sedan chair!"

"Bicycles are simply more convenient!"

Su Mo took a deep breath, gave Nangong Sheyue a cold look, and then said in a stronger tone, "We won't put up with this! If we don't want to buy, we don't want to buy!"

Before Zhang Xuzu could speak, Wen Bi suddenly swallowed hard and stared intently at Su Mo: "Lord Su, do you think this bicycle will be presented to His Majesty?"

Su Mo looked at Wen Bi in astonishment: "Of course."

"Such a novel item, how can we not present it to His Majesty?"

He suddenly lowered his voice: "You are all sons of noble families, and you should know that bicycles are convenient and can also be used in the army."

"His Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition. After acquiring this carriage, he may not allow it to be sold easily. You all would be better off not causing any trouble."

Wen Bi's eyes lit up instantly.

It would be good if they weren't allowed to be sold outside the market!
Doesn't this mean that as long as I buy a bicycle now, I can do it in advance?

In the future, among all the noble sons in the capital, and even throughout the entire country, only a handful of them will own bicycles.

When others travel by sedan chair, I will ride a bicycle, with a beloved concubine in front and a beautiful maidservant behind, cruising along Zhuque Street...

Cool!

Just imagining that scene is awesome!

Wen Bi couldn't hold back any longer and said urgently, "Lord Su, we never said we didn't want it!"

"Three hundred taels it is, I want ten carriages!"

Su Mo looked at Wen Bi in surprise: "Brother Wen, didn't you say five carriages earlier?"

Wen Bi said firmly: "The past is the past, and the present is the present!"

"We'll take our guards with us and go hunting on bicycles. It's no fun with just a few vehicles!"

Su Mo was dumbfounded: "I never expected Brother Wen to have such foresight. I truly admire you!"

Wen Bi was immediately taken aback.

He only wanted to go out and show off with his beautiful maid... no, with his guards, how did that become being farsighted?

He looked at Su Mo suspiciously: "What do you mean by that, Lord Su?"

Su Mo chuckled: "We're all brothers, Brother Wen, don't pretend."

"What if His Majesty were to form an elite bicycle army in the future? Wouldn't it be necessary to appoint nobles who are proficient in bicycle warfare as generals?"

"Brother Wen, you led the guards first, and you are skilled in bicycle tactics. Shouldn't you be allowed to enter His Majesty's sight first?"

Upon hearing Su Mo's words, Zhang Xuzu and the others widened their eyes in shock and stared at Wen Bi!

Good heavens, how come I didn't think of that?
My family's titles and achievements were all earned through battle.

If you can't inherit your father's title, can't you fight for it yourself?
If you can become an official, who would want to be a merchant!

Wen Bi looked completely bewildered and was starting to question his existence.

Am I really so farsighted?
Su Mo turned his face to Wen Bi and said in a serious tone, "We're all brothers, Brother Wen, why pretend you don't know!"

"Wouldn't it be better if we all joined the army together, so we could look out for each other?"

Zhang Xuzu couldn't help but glare fiercely at Wen Bi: "You, Wen Bi, if it weren't for Lord Su's reminder, I would have been kept in the dark by you too!"

Wen Bi continued to doubt his own seemingly foolish intelligence...

Zhang Xuzu gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and looked at Nangong Sheyue: "Lord Nangong, I want twenty carriages!"

Han Yu and Cao Feng were not to be outdone: "We each want twenty!"

"We only ask that you return the bicycles to us as soon as possible!"

Nangong Shoots the Moon...

He glanced at Su Mo without making a sound, and seeing Su Mo slightly twitch his index finger, he said calmly, "Ten days!"

Zhang Xuzu and the others were overjoyed: "Then it's a deal!"

"I'll go back right away and have my servants bring the silver!"

After saying that, he hurriedly left, afraid of falling behind the others!

Even brothers can hurt each other's feelings.

Whoever delivers the silver first will definitely be the first to receive the bicycle.

Su Mo raised her hand and stared at her index finger for a long time.

Nangong Sheyue blinked: "My lord, what's wrong?"

Su Mo's face was bitter: "My lord, what I meant was that it would take a month..."

Nangong Sheyue: "Why didn't you say so sooner, my lord?"

Su Mo: "How about I call them back now?"

Nangong Sheyue said without hesitation, "No way!"

He paused, then snorted, "Where is my dignity now!"

Su Mo went into "playing dead" mode.

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment: "Are bicycles really that difficult to manufacture?"

"The artisan battalion of Lone Peak Mountain can produce hundreds of divine crossbows every month!"

"Could it be like a crossbow, requiring many years to prepare the materials?"

Su Mo smiled wryly and said, "That's not it."

"It's just that there are too few craftsmen on Gufeng Mountain, especially since bicycles basically need to be made by blacksmiths."

“The frame and pedals are easy to make, but bearings, ball bearings, and chains are things that apprentices definitely can’t make. How can you make eighty bikes in ten days!”

Nangong Sheyue hesitated for a moment: "If there are enough blacksmiths, then it won't be a problem?"

Su Mo nodded: "That's how it is in theory."

"But how can we recruit enough blacksmiths in such a short time if we are contracted out to Lone Peak Mountain?"

Nangong Sheyue waved his hand: "I will take care of this. You only need to be responsible for the forging. Tomorrow I will send three hundred blacksmiths to Lonely Peak Mountain."

He paused, then continued, "They need ten taels of silver for a year's contract fee, along with the cost of contracting the artisan battalion. Prepare all of that together, and I will send someone to take it back!"

Su Mo thought for a moment and said, "Okay!"

"However, even brothers should keep clear accounts. The bicycle's factory price is at least fifty taels. I don't care how much you sell it for after that, but I want half of it."

Nangong Sheyue glared at Su Mo with a puff of puffs, but finally nodded.

He then pulled a document from his sleeve.

"This is the contract document for the Gufeng Mountain artisan battalion, sent to me by Commander Leng. It bears the seal of the Luofengming Division. If anything goes wrong, the court will not recognize this document!"

"Furthermore, His Majesty has also approved your proposal to build ships with Zhang Xuzu and others."

"But you must find a place to build the shipyard yourselves. Remember to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention."

Su Mo was delighted upon hearing this and gave Nangong Sheyue a thumbs up: "You're awesome, sir!"

Nangong Sheyue blinked: "Awesome?"

Su Mo explained, "It means 'Your Excellency is mighty!'" Nangong Sheyue snorted, "Bring me pen and paper!"

Making money is a big deal!

Zhang Xuzu and others requested a total of sixty bicycles.

According to the agreement with Su Mo, each vehicle could generate a profit of 125 taels, with a total profit of over 7,000 taels.

If there are enough blacksmiths, it only takes ten days to earn such a huge sum of money.

Nangong Sheyue naturally notified the Poor and Mad Empress immediately!

A letter was sent to the Empress by two women in black who appeared out of nowhere.

Following this, Nangong Sheyue looked at Su Mo with a serious expression: "Let's go!"

"I will go with you to Lonely Peak Mountain now to see what this demonic python is all about!"

Su Mo blinked: "Should we bring these two dogs along?"

Nangong Sheyue waved his hand: "There's no need for such trouble."

"I have my own methods to find the demon python's trail."

He paused, then added, "These two dogs of yours are truly rare. If you raise them well, they will surely be of great use in the future. It would be a pity if they were devoured by the demonic python."

Su Mo smiled and said, "Then I won't bring them."

Commander Zuo frowned slightly, his mouth opening and closing as if he wanted to tell Su Mo that it would be best to change Baihu's name.

Then I thought, since Su Mo is reckless and fearless, and the Empress doesn't care, I shouldn't meddle in other people's business.

They then left the residence with Su Mo.

He mounted his horse, hesitated for a moment, and forced a smile at Su Mo: "My lord, you may also mount up!"

His Majesty instructed him to use a honey trap on Su Mo, but Lord Nangong was unfamiliar with the procedure!

That's a rather awkward way of putting it.

Su Mo was immediately surprised.

He looked at the expressionless Nangong Sheyue with suspicion: "Are you sure, sir?"

Nangong Sheyue glared angrily at Su Mo, then cracked her whip and galloped away.

Su Mo...

He immediately took off chasing after them, shouting, "My lord, wait! I haven't mounted your horse yet!"

……

The Imperial Palace, Lizheng Hall.

The morning court session had just ended, and Xiao Yuan and other cabinet ministers and ministers of the six ministries were all waiting outside the Lizheng Hall with serious expressions!

The chief censor stepped out of the hall: "His Majesty has given an order!"

"Summon all the lords to an audience!"

Xiao Yuan and the others exchanged glances, tidied their appearance, and entered the Lizheng Hall in order.

Officials who participated in the small court assembly knew that it was of a very high standard.

The six Grand Secretaries, Grand Secretary Xiao Yuan, Second Grand Secretary Wang Hao, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Yang Ji, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue Cui Xuan, Director of the Imperial Observatory Yuan Xingdao, and Left Censor-in-Chief Wang Huaquan, arrived!

Additionally, there is Zhu Bi, the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion who has not yet joined the cabinet.

Minister of Personnel He Jiang, Minister of War Zhong Yin, Minister of Justice Qi Jin, and Minister of Works Chu Cheng also attended.

They were all truly important officials in the imperial court.

After everyone knelt and worshipped.

Empress Leng Liuxi glanced at the assembled officials, told them to rise, and said calmly, "The Immortal Martial Arts Grand Trial will be held soon."

"This is a major event for the imperial court in recruiting talented individuals. The candidates for the two examinations need to be determined as soon as possible."

"Do any of you ministers have a virtuous and capable minister to recommend for this important task?"

Minister of Works Chu Cheng glanced at Xiao Yuan, then stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe that Zhang Heng, the Vice Minister of Rites, and Yang Leng, the Left Vice Minister of Works, are both renowned for their virtue and talent throughout the court and the country."

"Moreover, his mastery of both immortality and martial arts is profound, making him capable of undertaking this important task!"

Minister of Justice Qi Jin then stepped forward: "Your subject agrees with Minister Chu's proposal."

Minister of Personnel He Jiang and Minister of War Zhong Yin exchanged a glance and stepped forward: "Your Majesty, I believe that Shen De, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, and Bu Wendao, the Assistant Surveillance Commissioner, are more suitable!"

Upon hearing this, everyone frowned slightly.

Don't be fooled by the fact that He Jiang isn't in the cabinet.

However, as the Minister of Personnel, he was in charge of the promotion of officials throughout the country. He was naturally in a high position with great power and influence, which was no less than that of the six ministers of the cabinet!

Especially since He Jiang is not yet fifty years old, if a vacancy occurs in the cabinet, he and Zhu Bi, the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, are the only two people most qualified to fill the vacancy!

In fact, if Leng Liuxi hadn't been wary of He Jiang's position as the head of the Six Ministries and his potential to become a Grand Secretary, which would have given him too much power, and if he hadn't refused to become a member of the Emperor's faction like Wang Hua and Yang Ji, he would have already joined the Grand Secretariat!
His opinion was naturally not to be taken lightly!
Especially since He Jiang has Zhong Yin as a natural ally in the court!
Zhong Yin, a fellow townsman of He Jiang, stepped forward without hesitation: "I second that proposal!"

Xiao Yuan, the head of all officials, finally spoke: "Shen De, the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, is indeed a suitable candidate for this chief examiner. He is also qualified to serve as the chief examiner for the provincial examinations."

"However, my cultivation level in the immortal path is slightly insufficient, which may make it difficult to convince the masses."

“Zhang Heng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, has worked with me for many years. His character and official conduct are impeccable. I recommend him!”

Yuan Xingdao, who rarely expressed his opinions, suddenly said in a deep voice: "I believe that Zou Hou, the Lingtai Lang of the Five Observatories, is qualified to serve as the chief examiner of the Immortal Martial Arts Examination!"

Xiao Yuan frowned slightly.

Although Yuan Xingdao was weak and isolated in the cabinet, many court officials came from Taoist sects and all regarded Yuan Xingdao as their leader.

He was much more difficult to deal with than He Jiang.

It will be difficult to wrest the position of chief examiner of the Soul-Fixing Examination from him.

However, he had anticipated that most of the participants in the Immortal Martial Arts Grand Trial would be from the Immortal Path and Martial Path sects, so Yuan Xingdao was naturally determined to win.

Just as Xiao Yuan was about to speak.

Yang Ji suddenly stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I recommend Chi Wulei, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, to serve as the chief examiner for the Soul Examination!"

Everyone was stunned by these words.

Especially He Jiang, whose eyes flashed with a cold light!
A junior official in the Ministry of Personnel is only a fifth-rank official. He might not have much trouble being the chief examiner for the physical examination, but he certainly wouldn't be qualified to be the chief examiner for the soul examination.

Yang Ji was a member of the Emperor's faction, and Chi Wulei was a newly promoted nobleman who was quickly brought up after the Empress ascended the throne.

The meaning is obvious.

Xiao Yuan and Wang Hao exchanged a glance, but before they could speak, the Empress scanned the crowd and said slowly, "In that case, the chief examiner for the Body Observation Realm will be chosen from Yang Leng and Bu Wendao."

"The cabinet will decide, and it will be submitted to me for my approval tomorrow!"

"As for the selection of the chief examiner for the Soul-Fixing Examination..."

The Empress pondered for a moment: "I also believe that Zhang Heng, Shen De, and Zou Hou are all suitable to take on this important task."

She paused: "After tomorrow's court assembly, the decision will be made through a court deliberation at the Hall of State Affairs!"

Upon hearing the Empress's words, Xiao Yuan and the others immediately became suspicious.

Yang Ji's recommendation of Chi Wulei must have been at His Majesty's behest, but why isn't it mentioned now?

Could it be that His Majesty felt that Chi Wulei had no chance of winning the court recommendation, which would be beneath His Majesty's dignity, and that's why he didn't mention it?
Just as everyone was filled with doubt.

Wang Hua suddenly stood up and said solemnly, "Zhang Heng and the other two were recommended by the esteemed officials and should participate in the court's recommendation process."

"But why isn't Chi Wulei, whom Lord Yang recommended, among them?"

"I believe that Chi Wulei should be added to the list and recommended to the court together, to show Your Majesty's favor."

Xiao Yuan and Yuan Xingdao frowned.

The Empress nodded and said, "What Minister Wang says is absolutely right."

"Then let Chi Wulei be promoted to the court as well."

"I am feeling somewhat tired. If there is nothing else, all of you may leave!"

……

(End of this chapter)