Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 180, Page 179: Xin Mo's Progress
After Zhou Ju left, Qin Shi fell into deep thought.

The Red Maiden gathered the paper and pen in front of her and asked Qin Shi again:
"With the Queen in charge of the harem, there will surely be many trivial matters to attend to in the future. Would it be appropriate to transfer a few more scribes to the palace?"

Qin Shi paused for a moment: "No rush. First, ask the register-making office if they have any paper left. Regardless of whether it's up to standard or not, have the scribes practice writing it along with the pencils."

Although lead type is not easy to preserve, it is naturally more convenient for daily errands and travel.

The woman responded.

"Furthermore, from now on you will all be helping me, so you can practice more in your daily lives. If you don't have enough people around you, each of you can bring four more maids..."

Although the four maids around her each had their own strengths, they were all quite versatile. They could take care of their leader, manage trivial matters, and each had their own specialty.

She previously said with delight that "The King's Choice" is indeed very reliable.

These days, outlines, tables, bar charts, pie charts, mind maps... and Arabic numerals—they should make time to adapt to them as soon as possible.

After all, becoming queen means having more decision-making power and being more efficient in daily life.

The woman paused for a moment, then bowed and said, "Yes."

After giving these instructions, Qin Shi's brows furrowed slightly again.

Seeing this, the Red Maiden quickly invited her to take a walk by the Orchid Pond, to enjoy the vast water scenery and relax her mind.

Qin Shi thought for a moment: "Taking a walk would be good."

Also, let her think carefully about her words and how to whisper sweet nothings in her ear tonight.

Alas, without becoming a queen, I have no say in any of the trivial matters.

After becoming queen, she was loved and respected by the king, but she also had new troubles.

Wu Zi, who was following along, couldn't help but ask again, "The King of Qin previously told the Prefect of Zhou that he wanted 30,000 shi of coal and artisans to tour the country. Does the Queen intend to go herself? I'm afraid the King will not agree."

Qin Shi chuckled: "Even the Prefect of Zhou didn't worry. Do I look like I love traveling?"

Traveling the world in a horse-drawn carriage is so bumpy that it can make you numb; not everyone has the king's energy and physique.

When it comes to energy and physique, according to scientific evidence, men over 30 should...

Ugh!
All her mental preparation was for naught!

She felt that her waist wasn't very slender; it was certainly not as graceful as Madam Chu's, nor as elegant as Qin Ba Zi's.

But last night, the king clenched his fist and exerted force, rendering her almost completely immobile...

Qin Shi blushed slightly at her recollection, but fortunately the weather was cool, and she strolled ahead without being noticed by the people around her.

So they quickly picked up the previous topic again:

"Touring the world is just a figure of speech. The soldiers took the craftsmen and coal and scattered throughout the country. In each place, they left behind a craftsman and some coal to cooperate with the local officials to promote the coal."

The figure of 30,000 shi was also something she had carefully considered.

The Qin state now possesses exceptionally abundant coal resources, which will be insufficient for future mining. However, in the early stages, the king's focus will undoubtedly be more on the ironworks.

If her demands are too high, the other party will inevitably have to think it over.

Moreover, the construction cost is likely to be high.

But with this amount alone, and with her additional promises, Ji Heng would likely agree immediately.

In warmer areas, the pace can be slowed down this year, while in colder areas, two months is enough time to promote the program.

It's a pity that coal is also a sensitive resource; otherwise, with the support of businessmen's channels, it would probably be even more sought after.

However, if coal won't work, what about finished ceramic stoves?
As she pondered, she felt increasingly confident.

This is the most important thing right now; everything else can be taken more casually.

However, a queen who has no tangible achievements will not gain the king's favor.

She then asked, "How is Xin's health recovering?" Communication between Xianyang Palace and the Ironworks still requires someone with some knowledge of ironwork.

The Red Maiden replied, "He is much better now. He had family wealth before, so he is physically strong. Although he suffered some hardship at the Ironworks, his knees still need a long rest. However, as long as he doesn't run or walk fast, he will be fine."

"Hmm." Qin Shi was always willing to invest in training people: "Allow him to travel by carriage."

"Summon him to come here."

……

When Qin Shi was made queen, everyone in the Lanchi Palace was overjoyed. But Xin was even more delighted.

Mo was only pleased that his benefactor had gained an even more impressive status, and instead devoted himself to the modification of the waterwheel and bellows.

Hei Mu has been in seclusion drawing pictures, and it is unknown what kind of pictures they are, but they have not yet been proofread and completed.

Only Xin.

He was well-read, skilled in mathematics, and possessed exceptional painting skills and the ability to understand others' thoughts—qualities he was born with.

Qin Shi was able to obtain the position of Queen, which proved that he would serve under her in the future, so he was naturally quite happy at this moment.

If it weren't for the fact that the Queen was newly appointed and would be extremely busy, he would have come to see her much earlier.

Upon hearing the summons, he immediately straightened his clothes and shoes, and then eagerly followed the eunuch.

The sun was shining brightly today, and the Lan Pond was shimmering with light. Xin was wearing a linen robe prepared by a servant, and he felt neither too hot nor too cold; it was just right.

"Greetings, Queen."

He bowed deeply, with utmost reverence.

After all, no other ruler in the world would take good care of him with good medicine and food just because of his insignificant abilities.

Even as a minor nobleman, he couldn't do this before.

Now, we are even more grateful.

Qin Shi looked at him—this middle-aged man who had been down on his luck at the Ironworks had, after some recuperation, actually possessed a certain air of a scholar.

At first glance, it does indeed have an aristocratic air.

In this day and age where appearance matters, his image gives him an extra advantage over others when he goes out to do errands.

well.

Qin Shi became satisfied: "Mo appointed you as his agent. How is his progress now?"

Xin had made ample preparations: "Three sizes of wheelbarrows, large, medium and small, have been tested and presented to the Imperial Household Department. Now, in accordance with the Queen's order, the craftsmen can prepare twenty or thirty wheelbarrows every day."

This requires absolutely no technical skill; a craftsman could tell how to make it at a glance.

The reason for not making more is that the craftsmen who can stay in Xianyang are all exceptionally skilled, and doing these things would be a waste of their talents.

Therefore, it is unnecessary to say too much about the Qin Dynasty.

Now that there are a total of two hundred vehicles, Xin doesn't know why he's making so many. After all, wouldn't it be more convenient to use local carpenters and source materials locally?

But his advantage is that he doesn't argue with his superiors.

Now continue the report:

"The ink for the water-turning wheel has been successfully re-formulated. Now, it can be manufactured and installed according to different sizes, specifications, and dimensions."

"Furthermore, if it is a place in the south, I know that there are towering bamboos there, which are light and cheap, and are even more convenient for making waterwheels."

The only exception was the idea the Queen had previously mentioned: "using water power to drive the bellows." Mo was still working on the prototype with the craftsmen.

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　　(End of this chapter)