Martial Cultivator

Chen Chao did not idle during these few days. Although the matter with Sword Qi Mountain was settled over there, in reality, the whole affair was far from over. The swordsmiths from Sword Qi Mountain had yet to arrive in the Divine Capital. As the Deputy Commander of the Left Guard, although these matters were not under his jurisdiction in name, since he had arranged the deal, Eunuch Li from the palace had visited him some days ago. During their conversation, Eunuch Li subtly implied that Chen Chao should pay more attention to future events. He had already coordinated with the Minister of Works to assist on the side, leaving Chen Chao no choice but to comply. These days, he had been running back and forth to the Ministry of Works to finalize those matters.

Early in the morning, the bell at the Left Guard’s office rang. Officials of various ranks reported orderly for duty. Sitting at the top, Song Lian inspected the roster and then waved them off to attend to their own tasks. After the last Left Guard official left the hall, Chen Chao entered with a smile and wrote his name at the end of the roster.

Song Lian glanced at him and feigned annoyance. ”Chen Chao, how long have you been back in the capital before reporting for duty? Aren’t you afraid this official will dock your pay?”

Chen Chao put down his pen and looked at Song Lian with some confusion. ”Your Excellency, since last year, when has this lowly official ever received any pay?!”

Song Lian’s face finally showed a smile when he heard Chen Chao’s words. ”If you want your salary, it can be arranged. Starting next month, it won’t be sent to Miss Xie anymore.”

”Forget it, this lowly official doesn’t even know how long I’ll be staying in the Divine Capital. It’s pointless to keep changing things around.” Chen Chao sat down nearby and waved his hand dismissively.

Song Lian got up from his seat, took a few steps to Chen Chao’s side, and laughed quietly, ”Bro, we’re both men here. Who doesn’t know what’s going on? Why are you being so stubborn?”

Chen Chao was expressionless. ”Your Excellency, people are different. Don’t use your own lowly status to judge this official.”

Song Lian nodded repeatedly, ”Right, right.”

Chen Chao snorted coldly.

Song Lian then slapped Chen Chao on the shoulder and said emotionally, ”You made this elder brother miss you tons during this period!”

Chen Chao disdainfully brushed off Song Lian’s hand. ”Why is it that in such a short time, Your Excellency has already lost interest in women?” ”Is it not working anymore? This lowly official has a remedy here. Would you like to try it, Your Excellency?”

Song Lian scolded with a laugh, ”You stink brat, are you looking for a beating?”

Chen Chao laughed too and then said, ”I just stopped by to see Your Excellency. These days, this lowly official isn’t under your jurisdiction. I’ve been running back and forth to the Ministry of Works, and I wish I had an extra pair of legs.”

Song Lian had heard some news from the Ministry of Works but had not inquired in detail. Knowing too much about certain things was not always good, so even when Chen Chao brought it up, Song Lian responded casually, ”The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility. Stinking brat, do well, and your future will be limitless.”

Chen Chao stood up with a smile, as he was just passing by for a brief chat and could not stay long.

”In that case, this lowly official will take my leave. When I have the time, I’d like to taste Sister-in-Law’s cooking again.”

Song Lian smiled warmly, ”You’re always welcome.”

……

……

The Ministry of Works was not far from the Warden’s Office; just two streets away. In the Great Liang Dynasty, the other five ministries were located close to each other, except for the Ministry of Works. This made sense, as the other ministries dealt with various state affairs daily, requiring a more convenient location due to the numerous officials coming and going. However, the Ministry of Works was a place where officials and craftsmen spent their days researching and improving various tools and instruments, which needed a quieter environment.

So the Ministry of Works’ office was somewhat secluded.

When Chen Chao arrived at the entrance of the office and was about to take out his waist token, the two guards at the gate, who were already familiar with him, smiled and said, ”Commander Chen, go on in. The Minister has been anxiously waiting for you.”

Chen Chao nodded with a smile and quickly stepped into the main hall of the Ministry of Works. There were many officials and craftsmen coming and going, and they were too busy to pay him any attention. Many craftsmen were just staring at the blueprints in their hands, looking troubled, without any time to notice Chen Chao.

Chen Chao did not mind, he was used to the atmosphere here, it was a place where real work got done.

As he entered the hall, the gray-haired and thin Minister of Works quickly stood up and said with a smile, ”Commander Chen, come in, come in, we’ve been waiting for you.”

Besides the Minister of Works, there were several vice ministers and other officials from the Ministry of Works, all waiting for Chen Chao.

Chen Chao cupped his hands and said with a smile, ”Sorry for the delay, Your Excellency.”

”Let’s skip the pleasantries and get down to business.”

Unlike other officials in the Great Liang Dynasty, most of the officials in the Ministry of Works had also come up through the imperial examinations, but perhaps because of their many years in the Ministry of Works, they had long shed many of the typical scholarly habits. These people focused on practical work, and it seemed that if they were asked to write some essays on morals now, they would not know where to start.

”This official thought about it over and over again... and came up with a plan. Commander Chen, please take a look and see if there are any issues.”

The Minister of Works handed the booklet he was holding to Chen Chao. After sitting down and taking a look, Chen Chao quickly furrowed his brows.

The Minister of Works had been watching Chen Chao’s expression and immediately asked, ”Does Commander Chen think there’s a problem?”

Chen Chao put down the booklet and shook his head as he said, ”The plan itself is fine. It will indeed expedite the development of military equipment to the greatest extent. I have no experience with these things, so I naturally trust your judgment, Lord Minister. However, there’s one issue you need to consider carefully. The swordsmiths from Sword Qi Mountain are guests from afar. Although they are here to help us develop military equipment and must temporarily comply with our regulations, shouldn’t we consider their perspectives too?” ”If they feel that we are merely using them for the development of military equipment and are looking down on them, even if they stay due to orders from Sword Qi Mountain, it will have adverse effects in the long run. His Majesty’s intention with this endeavor is for long-term strategy, not just short-term gains. Lord Minister must take this into account.”

The Minister of Works was taken aback, and then slapped his forehead. ”Thank you, Commander Chen. This official overlooked this point. Does Commander Chen have any suggestions?”

Chen Chao thought for a moment and said softly, ”There will surely be someone in charge on their side. When the time comes, we can negotiate with them. It’s okay for us to take a few steps back, the key is to show our sincerity, retain the talent, and establish a good reputation. This way, there will be a second and third batch of craftsmen in the future. Also, we must treat the craftsmen who are qualified to learn from them well. Increase their salaries if necessary. What do you think, Lord Minister?”

The Minister of Works laughed heartily. ”Of course, this official isn’t like those colleagues who view gold and silver as terrifying beasts.”

Chen Chao smiled and said, ”Then the rest of the plan is up to your excellencies to discuss.”

The Minister of Works nodded, glanced at his colleagues present, and suddenly said, ”Everyone, please step out first. There are some matters this official needs to discuss with Commander Chen.”

The other officials exchanged glances and promptly rose silently.

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