Tang Dynasty Little Godfather

Chapter 236 Spoiling Her a Little Too Much
When Wang Xi initially planned to combine physics and Taoist thought, he intended to use children to achieve this.

Convincing officials to accept physics is not only difficult, but even if they think your theory is correct, they will only smile and not take it seriously.

This has always been the case.

Furthermore, their thinking has become rigid and they lack imagination, which is essential for the development of physics today, since experimental conditions are far from sufficient to achieve precise results. Therefore, children are more likely to understand.

The same is true.

Children often have a deeper understanding of gravity and buoyancy than adults.

Take the issue of buoyancy and displacement, for example. Although Zhang was very smart, he found it difficult to understand; his mind just couldn't quite grasp it. But to his grandson, who was not yet ten years old, it was a very simple principle.

This shows that Wang Xi's strategy at the time was very successful.

Yuanfu.

"Gurgle! Tui!"

Yuan Qianyao handed the cup and toothbrush in his hand to the maid beside him, then took a handkerchief to wipe the foam from the corner of his mouth and smacked his lips a few times.

His third son, Yuan Jie, asked, "Father, how are you feeling?"

Yuan Qianyao nodded and said, "It really is very good. My mouth feels much cleaner and more refreshed. Hehe, no wonder His Majesty wanted to make this tooth powder a tribute. Have someone buy more of it."

Yuan Jie said, "Father, you may not know this, but tooth powder is very hard to find these days. The tooth powder we have is all a gift from the palace."

Yuan Qianyao asked, "How much longer can it be used?"

Yuan Jie said, "It will only take about ten days."

Yuan Qianyao nodded, stroked his beard, and said in surprise, "How come I didn't know that Taoist thought had these kinds of knowledge before?"

Yuan Jie immediately said, "Nowadays, everyone on the streets and alleys is talking about Taoist thought, and many people are also questioning it."

Yuan Qianyao snorted softly, "What's the use of just questioning them? They've shown real talent and ability. Who knows, it won't be long before they become very popular in the court."

Yuan Jie said, "That's unlikely."

Yuan Qianyao sighed, "Who knows?"

After having breakfast, he rushed to the capital.

Zichen Palace.

Li Longji said, "The Minister of Works has submitted his resignation again today, requesting to retire and return to his hometown. If I remember correctly, this is the fifth time. I also sent Gao Lishi to visit him. Although I am reluctant to let him go, I cannot bear to see him handling official duties while ill. What do you two think is a suitable replacement?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shuo and Yuan Qianyao immediately exchanged a glance.

Although both of them were perfectly clear-headed, they still felt that this was happening a little too fast, or rather, they felt that Li Longji was too impatient.

Instead of offering a candidate, Zhang asked, "Hasn't Minister Liu recommended anyone?"

Although Liu Zhirou was terminally ill and didn't have much time left, he was still quite clear-headed. He knew that Wang Maozhong was unpopular in the court, and he himself was actually against him. However, he was eager to return and didn't have the time or energy to make any moves. So yesterday, he secretly sent someone to tell Zhang that he would recommend Yu Qin and that they shouldn't blame him for abandoning the project.

Li Longji said, "Minister Liu recommended Yu Qin, the Vice Minister of Works."

Zhang immediately replied, "I agree. Yu Qin is exceptionally talented, incorruptible, and knowledgeable in river management. He is an excellent candidate for Minister of Works."

Yuan Qianyao nodded as well.

Li Longji replied, “Indeed, Yu Qin is a very good candidate. But times have changed. Yesterday, when I went to the dock to inspect the grain transport ships, you were all there and witnessed the subtlety of Taoist thought.”

If one understands this idea, one can turn the rotten into the miraculous. Previously, Wang Maozhong diligently managed my horses, and his contributions were immense. Furthermore, he was knowledgeable in various construction methods. His only deficiency was in scholarship, but now that he understands Taoist thought, he has made up for it. What do you two think?”

Zhang said, “Your Majesty, I do not deny that Wang Maozhong is very familiar with construction, but as far as the Ministry of Works is concerned, those with construction talents are all in charge of various granaries. The position of Minister is to take charge of the overall situation, which requires being well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, historical documents, and even to be skilled in both literature and military strategy. Wang Maozhong is absolutely not qualified to do this job.”

His tone was very firm.

Yuan Qianyao added, "We could appoint Wang Maozhong as the Vice Minister of Works, and see if he is suitable for the position."

Upon hearing this, Li Longji knew that the two had discussed it beforehand, and nodded, saying, "What you two say makes sense. I will consider it further."

This was merely a test by him; let's see how the two prime ministers reacted.

After Yuan Qianyao and Zhang Shuo left, Li Longji asked Gao Lishi, "What do you think?"

Gao Lishi pondered for a moment and said, "I think that with Wang Maozhong's talent, he is suitable to serve as Minister of Works. However, the ministers of these six ministries mainly deal with the Grand Secretary."

The implication is that I also agree with Wang Maozhong, but the opinion of the Grand Secretary is the most important in this matter, because the Three Departments govern the Six Ministries, and if the superiors and subordinates are not in agreement, then the effort will inevitably be less than half the result.

Although it sounds like support for Wang Maozhong, it is actually opposition.

Because Wang Maozhong looked down on eunuchs and didn't take Gao Lishi seriously, Gao Lishi was naturally unhappy with Wang Maozhong as well.

This is why Wang Xi had some doubts when he promoted Wang Maozhong, because Wang Maozhong was not very popular in the court.

On the contrary, many people liked Wang Shouyi. Although Wang Shouyi was illiterate, he was from the Wang clan of Taiyuan and had a noble air about him.

This Wang Maozhong was a Goguryeo person and was born a servant.

"It seems I was a little too hasty."

Li Longji nodded, then suddenly seemed to remember something, "Have someone go and fetch Que'er."

Gao Lishi was dumbfounded.

No way!
You're asking Wang Xiaoque about something like this? That's an exaggeration!

Seeing that there was no movement beside him for a while, Li Longji turned to look at Gao Lishi. He didn't blame him, but instead explained with a smile, "I arranged for Que'er to spread Taoist stories before. This matter is also related to him. It is necessary to ask for his opinion."

"Yes."

Gao Lishi woke up with a start and hurriedly said, "I'll go right away."

An hour later.

Wang Xi swaggered into the hall, bowed, and chuckled, "Uncle, what business do you have with your nephew?"

Li Longji was delighted to see this young man and chuckled, "Can't I come to see you for no reason?"

"It's better if nothing happens."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "I'm just thinking about playing music and dancing with my uncle."

Li Longji's heart stirred. Yes, it had been quite a few days since he had played music and danced with this kid. But thinking of the pile of official duties waiting for him, he couldn't help but sigh, "Uncle misses it too, but it will have to wait a few more days. Uncle has something else to discuss with you today."

"Oh."

Wang Xi looked somewhat disappointed and asked, "What's wrong?"

"He's just a child after all!" Li Longji smiled to himself and asked, "Did you teach your Uncle Wang his Taoist philosophy?"

Wang Xi truthfully replied, "That Taoist philosophy wasn't taught to me by my nephew, it was probably taught to me by Brother Shuang. However, the shipbuilding matter is somewhat related to my nephew."

Li Longji asked, "Is that so?"

Wang Xi nodded and said, "The main problem is that many people outside don't agree with the theory of qi, saying it's useless and that they would only believe it if the court adopted it. So, we asked Uncle Wang to try our theory."

Li Longji nodded and said, "I see."

Wang Xi then explained, "However, Uncle, we are not using our position for personal gain. Our theory is truly feasible and can improve ships."

Moreover, my nephew did this in the hope of telling Taoist stories well.

Li Longji quickly replied, "How could Uncle not know? Moreover, your improved ships are of great help to the canal transport."

"That's fine."

Wang Xi chuckled and said, "Once this news gets out, we'll definitely find those who didn't think highly of us and teach them a lesson."

It turned out that this kid was just trying to spite someone. Li Longji was both amused and exasperated, and said, "Uncle also intends to cooperate with you. There just happens to be a vacancy for the position of Minister of Works, and Uncle Wang is planning to appoint you as the Minister of Works."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xi frowned and said, "I see."

Li Longji was stunned for a moment, "What did you say?"

Wang Xi said hurriedly, "Uncle, Uncle Wang may have been eyeing this position for a long time."

"How so?"

"Uncle, you don't know this, but recently Uncle Wang has been pestering Shuang Ge to learn qi mechanics every day. He's really tormented Shuang Ge so much that he's lost more than ten pounds."

My nephew was wondering why Uncle Wang was working so hard; maybe he was aiming for the position of Minister of Works.

He spoke with such conviction that Gao Lishi broke out in a cold sweat. "Wang Maozhong, having such a nephew is really something else."

These words must never be spoken.

Li Longji, however, did not take it to heart. Instead, he praised, "Que'er is truly intelligent; she grasped it in no time."

Gao Lishi glanced at Li Longji and thought to himself, "I never imagined that in His Majesty's heart, Wang Xiaoque's status has already surpassed that of Wang Maozhong."

Li Longji then asked, "But some people have suggested to my uncle that Wang Maozhong be appointed as the Vice Minister of Works. What do you think would be a better option?"

Wang Xi was stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Uncle, you're asking your nephew about something like this?"

Gao Lishi nodded subconsciously.

Look! Look! Even the person involved is astonished. What kind of thing have you done?!
Li Longji laughed and said, "Didn't my uncle say that this is also to cooperate with you in promoting Taoist thought? Of course, I have to ask you first."

"Too!"

Wang Xi smiled smugly, his eyes darting around. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said, "If you ask me, there's nothing to be done as Vice Minister of Works. If I were to ask someone, I'd rather be Minister of Works."

Li Longji asked, "Why?"

Wang Xi said casually, "First of all, Uncle Wang is Shuang Ge's father, so of course I hope Uncle Wang gets a higher official position. I'm a loyal friend."

At this point, he changed the subject, "But no matter how close Uncle Wang is, he doesn't have an uncle like me, so I'm doing this for your sake. Uncle, you may not know this, but apart from Uncle Wang, the other uncles and elders don't take our Taoist philosophy seriously, considering it a useless subject."

If Uncle Wang is just a Vice Minister of Works, with a Minister of Works above him, it would be too difficult for him to do anything using Taoist thought! I'm worried for Uncle Wang; he probably won't accomplish anything. It would be better if he didn't go at all, to avoid being laughed at and implicating my Taoist thought.

If he's going to be in office, he should be the Minister of Works. That way, Uncle Wang can use Taoist principles to manage the court's construction projects. Uncle, just wait and see; many construction projects will be improved.

Li Longji pondered for a while, then nodded and said, "Que'er's words have truly awakened me from my dream!"

Wang Xi said with delight, "Really?"

Li Longji smiled and nodded, "If I were to become the Vice Minister of Works, I would be hampered at every turn, which would be detrimental to the promotion of Daoist thought. Therefore, I should become the Minister of Works."

(End of this chapter)