To the First Emperor of Qin: The state has decreed this!

At this time.

Zong Yu from the Shaofu (Imperial Household Department) came over.

Everyone quickly stepped forward and bowed:

"Lord Zongyu! Congratulations!"

"The papermaking technique has now been fully taken over by the Imperial Household Department. Zongyu, this is truly a cause for celebration!"

Zong Yu smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries with everyone, after which they showered him with compliments.

He then changed the subject, lowering his voice to say:

"Gentlemen, papermaking is a minor matter; steelmaking is a major one!"

"We have managed to stop them for now!"

"But if that steel is truly as rumored, how could such a vital national treasure be in the hands of a mysterious sorcerer?"

"This is absolutely contrary to the laws of my Great Qin Dynasty!"

His words immediately resonated with everyone.

"Lord Zongyu is absolutely right!"

"That's right! Technology can be donated to the nation, but production and manufacturing must be managed by the imperial court!"

"In my opinion, such powerful tools should be properly managed by the Imperial Treasury, which oversees the treasury and taxes from mountains, seas, and lakes throughout the land. That would be the right path!"

"Yes! It should be under your jurisdiction, Lord Shaofu!"

As Zong Yu listened to the crowd's agreement, a barely perceptible glint flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

He raised his hand and gently pressed it down, signaling everyone to be quiet.

He continued, in a voice only they could hear, plotting:

"Didn't His Majesty and the Prime Minister send him to Xianyang to study military strategy?"

"This is our opportunity!"

Everyone's eyes lit up, and they moved even closer.

"Zhang Fan is merely a sorcerer; he must be completely ignorant of military strategy and tactics!"

"His round trip, plus his secluded studies in Xianyang, must have taken at least several months!"

"How can such vital national assets be left unmanaged?"

"At that time, that land of coal and steel will naturally need supervision!"

A light gleamed in Zong Yu's eyes.

"That would be the perfect time!"

"Our Ministry of Revenue has submitted a memorial requesting that, under the pretext of 'sharing the nation's burdens,' we temporarily take over and supervise the construction!"

"Isn't that perfectly legitimate?"

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" one official exclaimed.

Zong Yu revealed a smug smile, but then turned serious and added:

"Of course, all of this is based on the premise that his steel is indeed a divine object."

He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming ruthless:

"But what if the steel he brought is all show and no substance?"

"It's not even as good as the refined bronze of my Great Qin Dynasty... Hmph!"

A cold snort sent a chill down the spines of the surrounding officials.

"Then it wouldn't be a matter of offsetting merits and demerits, but rather the grave crime of deceiving the emperor!"

"At that time, I will definitely be the first to submit a memorial impeaching this sorcerer who spreads heresy and misleads the public!"

"Let him know that the court of my Great Qin is not a place he can be fooled at will!"

These words put everyone at ease.

This plan is absolutely foolproof!

Whether the steel is real or fake, the ultimate profits will be firmly in the hands of their faction.

"Lord Zongyu's foresight and wisdom are truly admirable!"

"We await your good news! We wish you, my lord, swift success in bringing these powerful tools into the hands of the court!"

"Wishing you all your wishes come true!"

Everyone clasped their hands in greeting, expressing their blessings and support to Zong Yu.

Zong Yu stroked his beard and nodded confidently.

After bidding farewell to everyone, he turned and left with a cold smile.

……

The next morning.

Shangdang Prefecture, Changzi County.

Outside the post station, a caravan broke the silence.

The head eunuch, Li, held a bright yellow silk scroll and loudly read out His Majesty's decree.

Zhang Fan accepted the imperial edict, his face remaining impassive.

He expertly pulled a large, heavy piece of gold from his sleeve and naturally stuffed it into the hand of Eunuch Li, who was about to say some polite words.

The moment the gold was in his hands, the smile on Eunuch Li's face instantly became much more genuine.

And it was exceptionally radiant!

The eunuchs and guards behind him turned around in unison, showing great awareness.

I began to appreciate the local customs and culture of Changzi County!

Even Fusu, who was standing to the side, showed a hint of embarrassment and turned his head slightly to the side.

Eunuch Li happily slipped the gold into his sleeve!

He then took a step closer and lowered his voice.

He recounted in detail to Zhang Fan the events of the previous day, including the desperate remonstrances of the officials in the court, the mediation by Prime Minister Li Si, and the subsequent arrangement for Zhang Fan to bring steel to the capital to demonstrate and learn military strategy.

"My lord, you'd better be prepared!"

Eunuch Li said earnestly, "This time in court, all the civil and military officials are watching you closely!"

After listening, Zhang Fan simply nodded slightly and said calmly:

"Thank you for your guidance, Father-in-law. I understand now."

That's all.

They then politely saw Eunuch Li and his party off.

Only after Eunuch Li's figure disappeared at the end of the road did Fusu step forward.

"Teacher, you don't need to worry!"

"The steel we produce far surpasses bronze; this is an indisputable fact!"

"As long as we return to Xianyang and demonstrate this in front of the Emperor and all the officials, we will surely quell all the controversy!"

He paused, then added,

"As for military strategy, I have also dabbled in it!"

"Once we return to Xianyang, I will study with my teacher!"

Zhang Fan looked at Fusu's sincere face, smiled, and said:

"Fusu, the scheming thoughts of those old ministers in the court are probably more than just this!"

"As for military strategy..."

Zhang Fan paused deliberately at this point.

Then, standing with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance, he said slowly:

"I will teach you, that will suffice."

A moment of silence fell.

Sudden.

With a "pfft" sound!

This caused everyone to turn around and look.

Mo Feng, standing to the side, covered his mouth and trembled all over.

Zhang Fan's face immediately darkened, and it seemed as if a vein was throbbing on his forehead.

Mo Feng, realizing he had lost his composure, quickly suppressed his laughter and solemnly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Immortal Master, Your Highness, please continue!"

"I...I just suddenly thought of some funny things."

Fusu earnestly continued to advise:

"Teacher, war is a matter of vital importance to the state; it is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected!"

"If one is ignorant of military strategy and rashly leads troops, it is extremely easy to lose the lives of soldiers!"

"This matter is absolutely not to be taken lightly!"

Looking at Fusu's serious expression.

Zhang Fan put away his joking attitude and nodded solemnly:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing!"

He turned around, his eyes full of a wicked smile.

"Steel and coal production are now on track, and with skilled craftsmen overseeing things, there shouldn't be any major problems!"

"We have nothing important to do here, so let's go back to Xianyang together!"

"It's about time we went to meet those lovely old fogies!"

Upon hearing that they could return to Xianyang, Fusu and Mofeng's faces lit up with joy.

"Very good!"

"I'll go pack my things right away!"

The two responded and then turned around happily to prepare their luggage.

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Zhang Fan's smile gradually faded, replaced by deep thought.

"Luo Ying, Luo Li".

"Young Master!"

Luo Ying and Luo Li immediately stepped forward.

"Get the car ready! We're heading to Daqin Heavy Industry Plant No. 1!"

Zhang Fan murmured.

"Since His Majesty wants us to showcase steel, simply having the materials isn't enough!"

"And while you're at it, bring the new weapons along too, to show those old fogies what's what!"

"yes!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Luo Ying and Luo Li immediately turned around and went to prepare the carriage.

……