Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

She looked into Lacey's eyes, eyes that held an all-encompassing understanding.

For a long time, she was like a lonely wild beast, protecting herself with sharp teeth and claws, and keeping a watchful eye on the whole world.

At this moment, it seemed as if someone had created a grove of trees in front of her, a place where she could rest in peace.

She knelt on one knee, offering her loyalty to someone for the first time in her life.

"I do, Your Majesty."

The sound is loud and clear.

……

……

"〃Yin Lingyi's dance + Jiu 《Sigh (8)》 Twin Towers.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please listen to me!"

Mecklen Neham nearly collapsed onto Lacey's desk, a thick report in his hand, his face a complex mix of ecstasy and heartache.

"We've struck gold! A real treasure!"

Lacey had just returned from the square and was holding a cup of black tea brewed by Serafina when she heard this, and she raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know Drummond from Victoria?"

"The theory he brought with him is practically... like alchemy!"

"Our preliminary test results from the materials research institute show that the new alloy developed using his formula is three times stronger than standard steel, but only half the weight!"

Mecklen waved his arms excitedly: "What does this mean? Lighter, stronger armor! More durable machine parts! This is world-changing technology!"

“That’s a good thing.” Lacey took a sip of tea.

“Of course it’s a good thing! But a problem has also arisen!” Mecklen’s face instantly fell.

"He's asking for way too much funding!"

"He wants to build an independent laboratory, purchase a batch of precision machinery from Colombia, and hire a hundred assistants!"

"I've done the math, and the start-up capital alone is enough to equip a full-fledged infantry regiment!"

“Then give it to him,” Lacey replied casually.

“Give…give?” Mecklen’s eyes widened like saucers.

"Your Majesty, we are now in dire need of reconstruction, and every gold coin in the national treasury must be spent with utmost care!"

"This...this is too..."

“Mecklen”.

Lacey put down her teacup and looked at him: "Do you think a legion equipped with this new material armor could defeat several old-era infantry regiments?"

Mecklen was stunned, and he quickly began to calculate in his mind.

“Or ask it another way,” Lacey continued.

"When our factories can produce more durable goods than others at a lower cost, how much market share can we take away from countries like Victoria?"

Mecklen's breathing quickened as countless fluttering orders and gold coins began to appear in his mind.

"I understand, Your Majesty." He slapped his thigh suddenly.

"I'll go approve the budget right now! If it's not enough, I'll use my own savings!"

"Knowledge is wealth, I understand! I understand it so well!"

Serafina couldn't help but laugh as she watched Mecklen rush out of the office.

"Minister Mecklen always seems so energetic."

"Because he saw the future."

Lacey leaned back in his chair, gazing out the window at the bustling scene of Trinity, "a future that could make him a fortune."

The elites of the old era are still lamenting their lost privileges; the builders of the new era have already begun laying the first pile for the foundation of the empire.

……

Holy Leitanian Empire: Chapter Ninety-One: Establishment of the Imperial Academy of Sciences and Institute of Industrial Technology

Lacey's coronation speech and "A Message to the Wise Men of the World" stirred up waves across Terra that did not stop at the level of public opinion.

Just as the Duke of Victoria had feared, the flames of popular revolution were spreading outward at an incredible speed.

Laisi also deeply understands the principle that "a single spark can start a prairie fire".

He turned his attention to Colombia, which borders Letania, a land known for its technology and freedom.

Unlike the arrogance of the Victorian aristocracy, Colombian civilian scientific organizations held a complex interest in the changes taking place in Letania.

Serafina, the newly appointed Minister of External Relations, has established a covert and highly efficient communications network.

He established connections with independent researchers at Columbia University who were marginalized by the military-industrial complex and exploited by large corporations.

In Boston, a border city in Colombia, an underground technology organization called the "Free Will Society" received a secret letter from Letania.

The letters were encrypted via telegram and encoded by Serafina herself.

"If you are tired of designing toys for capitalists who only know how to make money, and if you yearn for a paradise where you can freely explore the mysteries of science and technology, then please go to Letania."

"You will receive all the funds, resources, and freedom you need."

"His Majesty the Emperor promises that your research findings will serve the people only."

The leader of the Free Will Society, a middle-aged engineer named Wright Black, stared at the letter in silence for a long time.

He once worked for Colombia's largest defense contractor and designed a reconnaissance drone that was technologically far superior to other products of the time, but it was rejected due to cost issues.

His team was subsequently disbanded, and his research findings were shelved.

Now, Letania's invitation, like a ray of light, shone into his heart.

Wright's reply quickly reached Trinity.

Serafina reported to Lexi.

Lacey was not surprised at all.

He believed that there were too many talented people who were not given the opportunity to shine under the corrupt system of the old world.

It's not that they don't love their own country, but rather that they don't love the country that has been hijacked by capital and aristocracy.

Letania will become their safe haven.

At Lessie's behest, Serafina and Wright's team engaged in a month-long secret negotiation.

The negotiations covered technology transfer, talent placement, and intellectual property protection.

Mecklen Nehm, the economic minister who prioritizes business, also joined in.

He accurately assessed the commercial value of these technologies and proposed a series of cooperation models to ensure that Letania could maximize its commercial potential while acquiring the technologies.

Ultimately, the two sides reached a secret agreement: the Free Will Society would relocate entirely to Letania, bringing with it all their research results, including the initial concept of the "Originium-driven miniaturized platform," the basic theories of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, and some advanced materials science formulations.

In return, Lacey promised to provide them with an independent research institute and to establish a special research fund that would not be subject to interference from any department.

On the night the agreement was signed, Serafina looked at Lacey in her office.

She could sense the turmoil in his heart.

She brought him a cup of hot tea and asked softly, "Your Majesty, what are you thinking about?"

"I wonder what those people will look like when that day comes, when our fighter jets soar over Triinttelme and our tanks rumble across the border."

Lacey's gaze was deep, as if she could already see that scene.

Serafina smiled but did not reply.

……

After making substantial progress in cooperation with Colombian science and technology organizations, Lexi immediately convened a cabinet meeting.

He announced that an area would be designated in the suburbs of Trilintelme to establish the "Imperial Academy of Sciences" and the "Institute of Industrial Technology".

Mecklen Neham was put in charge of allocating funds and resources.

Mecklen was overjoyed.

He needs to apply to Tax Minister Lenia for a large sum of money to build laboratories, purchase equipment, and house staff.

Lenia listened to Mechlan's grand plans at the meeting.

While Mechlan went on and on about "technological monopoly," "market potential," and "future profits," she simply took quiet notes.

After the meeting, Mechlan went to Lenia's office excitedly.

He placed a thick budget report on her desk: "Minister Lenia, this is my first funding request. Please take a look."

Lenia put on her glasses and turned the pages one by one.

She scrutinized every expense, from the purchase of experimental equipment to the salaries of researchers.

Mecklen waited nervously to the side, knowing that this iron-fisted tax minister was not so easy to talk to.

Half an hour later, Lenia took off her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

“Minister Mecklen, there are three points about your budget that I don’t understand.”

Mecklen's heart leaped into his throat: "Please speak."

"First, why do Columbia researchers earn 30 percent more per year than domestic researchers at the Imperial Academy of Sciences?"

Mecklen explained, "This is because they bring their own technology and are international talent, and this expenditure is to attract them."

"Secondly, why is their lab renovation budget three times higher than that of a typical lab?"

“This…” Mecklen felt a little guilty. “They requested an independent ventilation system and temperature control equipment, which are necessary conditions to ensure the precision of the experiment.”

"Third, why did you apply for 1200 million Imperial Marks as start-up capital, while my rough estimate is that you need at most 800 million?"

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Mecklen's face. He coughed twice and said, "Minister Lenia, as you know, budgets often exceed expectations. I requested an extra portion to deal with unforeseen circumstances."

Lenia didn't speak, she just looked at him quietly.

Mecklen's heart was pounding.

“Minister Meklen,” Lenia finally spoke, “I understand your concerns, but every penny in the national treasury comes from the blood and sweat of the people of Letania.”

"I will approve your funding application, but with one condition."

Mecklen's eyes widened: "What are the conditions?"

“All use of funds must be subject to the most stringent audit by the tax department,” Lenia’s voice left no room for argument.

“Any excessive expenditure or any unaccounted-for funds will be investigated.”

Mecklen's smile froze.

He knew that Lenia was wary of him.

He had originally planned to inflate the budget and squeeze some profit out of it, but now it seems that his plan has completely fallen through.

He reluctantly put away the report, muttering, "Minister Lenia, you're really... too serious."

Lenia smiled and did not refute.

Lacey watched this scene from a distance in the corridor.

He did not intervene.

What he needs is a cabinet where everyone has their own responsibilities and checks and balances each other.

……

Xiao Xiang.jpg

Holy Leitanian Empire: Chapter Ninety-Two: The Conception of the Tiger Tank and the Stuka Dive Bomber

[In the first quarter after your ascension to the throne, the Imperial Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Industrial Technology rose from the ground outside Trilintelme.]

[Wright Black of Colombia and Drummond of Victoria, these geniuses once abandoned by the old world, found the stage they had always dreamed of here.]

With virtually unlimited resources poured into it, the technology tree was rapidly unlocked.

Your wildly imaginative concepts are gradually becoming reality in the hands of these top minds.