Previously on A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace...
Xia Ruqing discovers that the mysterious substance troubling Zhao Junyao is actually cement. She excitedly explains its properties and production, recalling her childhood knowledge. Zhao Junyao is shocked by her understanding but is initially hesitant to let her help, wanting to protect her from hardship. However, after Xia Ruqing insists on sharing his burdens, he finally agrees to let her try to recreate the cement.
From this point onward, Zhao Junyao organized his forces into three distinct branches. One directive involved providing sumptuous meals and fine beverages to entertain the distinguished envoys from Portland Country. Simultaneously, he commissioned skilled artisans from the Ministry of Works to engage in profound exchanges of knowledge with their counterparts from Portland Country. In parallel, he and the Empress dedicated their efforts to tirelessly seeking any available information concerning this mysterious 'cement'. They patiently awaited the opportune moment to gradually resolve this complex issue.
The first approach, naturally, requires little elaboration. The Ministry of Rites and the Honglu Temple excel in the art of hosting. On one day, they embarked on mountain climbs; the next, they enjoyed leisurely lake cruises; the following day, they were treated to captivating folk dances and musical performances; and thereafter, they savored the exquisite gourmet cuisine of the Capital City. In essence, it was an impeccably curated service experience. This kept the King of Portland and his several corpulent princesses so thoroughly occupied that they scarcely had a spare moment.
The second strategy involved the Minister of Public Works dispatching several of his most adept craftsmen to fraternize daily with the artisans from Portland Country. Initially, they convened at Bai Fang Pavilion within the Capital City and procured the services of Lady Hong. Lavishly supplying them with a variety of choice wines and delicacies, liberally dispensing both food and silver, they effectively ushered these bearded gentlemen into a state of earthly bliss. As individuals of the same trade, they found a plethora of shared interests. Inevitably, familiarity rapidly blossomed between them.
However, these bearded visitors were no simpletons. Their lips remained sealed, revealing not an extra word even under the influence of alcohol. The Minister of Public Works then implemented a more potent measure. Recognizing that they were all master craftsmen, naturally possessing considerable pride and a potent desire for mastery, he catered to their inclinations. He personally showcased the most clandestine and exceptional works meticulously crafted by the Ministry of Works since the glorious founding of the Great Chu Dynasty.
"Behold, this is the magnificent suspension bridge in Jiangnan, spanning majestically over a roaring, mighty river!" he declared dramatically. "And this, the formidable fortress wall in the Northern Desert, ingeniously constructed atop sheer mountains to fend off foreign invaders!" he continued, his voice resonating with historical significance. "The construction of this very wall demanded the sacrifice of countless craftsmen from the Great Chu Dynasty, and who can even fathom the number of bones now buried beneath its foundations!" The Minister of Public Works expounded upon each intricate and remarkably lifelike model before them.
The foreign craftsmen's eyes widened in astonishment, their jaws slackened, and their faces were etched with profound shock. "This is..." The Minister of Public Works gestured towards another model, presently incomplete, halting his explanation mid-sentence. The foreign craftsmen gazed with widened eyes, their hearts pounding in their chests, unable to suppress their overwhelming curiosity. "What is this structure?" "Indeed? Pray, enlighten us, my lord!" "I perceive this appears to be an unfinished piece; please inform us, my lord, what precisely this represents?" The bearded men, their impatience palpable, pressed eagerly.
The Minister of Public Works adopted an air of feigned disappointment. "This, my friends, is a vital river embankment!" he announced somberly. "This particular embankment, currently constructed with mere clay banks, succumbs repeatedly during the flood season, inundating the surrounding villages and fields annually, plunging countless souls into immense suffering..." Midway through his lament, he abruptly ceased, shook his head with a sigh, and motioned for everyone to depart. "Alas... I concede defeat, I truly give up!" he declared dramatically. "Despite the exceptional skills of our Great Chu Dynasty's craftsmen, they remain incapable of solving this persistent problem; what benefit would there be for you to even witness it?" "Come, allow me to showcase completed marvels instead!" With that, he guided them in a different direction.
"Hey, hey, hey, how can you speak in such a manner?" the foreign craftsmen protested indignantly. "Indeed, if you cannot resolve it, perhaps for us, it might prove a simple matter!" "Hmph! Do not dare to underestimate our capabilities!" The craftsmen murmured amongst themselves, their voices filled with a righteous offense. The Minister of Public Works, observing their reactions, concealed a satisfied smile. 'Ha! The fish have taken the bait!' he thought gleefully. 'These foreigners are under the deluded impression that the Great Chu Dynasty desperately seeks their technology, completely unaware of its true purpose...' 'They likely never even conceived that the Great Chu Dynasty's ultimate objective lies specifically with the resolution of this very river embankment problem!' The Minister of Public Works maintained his facade of helplessness. "Let us simply abandon this pursuit!" he insisted. "You have not personally encountered such a predicament, so cease your boasting..." "Precisely! You boast so grandly, yet we know it to be untrue; we simply do not believe you!" Thus, various forms of subtle provocation were employed in succession. Finally, the foreigners relented. However, they still refused to divulge the exact method for producing cement, merely stating: "Should volcanic ash be incorporated to strengthen the riverbank, it will undoubtedly prove effective; by all means, attempt it if you doubt our word!" "We are, in truth, superior to you in this regard!" The Minister of Public Works discreetly noted this critical piece of information before continuing the tour with them.
The third and final approach, the path undertaken by Zhao Junyao and Xia Ruqing themselves, was fundamentally different. Xia Ruqing primarily focused on dredging her memories from modern times. She described the structural composition of the kiln, the general appearance of the necessary raw materials, and their approximate geographical locations. Zhao Junyao, meanwhile, took charge of dispatching personnel to conduct the necessary searches. It was through this comprehensive process that...
After the united efforts of the emperor, ministers, and the empress, everyone finally succeeded, after a month's arduous endeavor.
They produced a substance resembling cement.
Although its performance significantly differed from that of Portland Country, this local clay reacted vigorously when exposed to water.
Upon drying after such exposure, it hardened remarkably well.
The endeavor was, in essence, a resounding success.
With this foundational formula now established, the Ministry of Works' skilled craftsmen could embark on further research and refinement.
It was anticipated that, sooner rather than later, the Great Chu Dynasty’s cement production would surpass that of Portland Country.
Xia Ruqing's tears flowed freely with overwhelming joy.
Her Emperor husband would no longer be compelled to take additional concubines.
Of course, what moved her the most, what brought her the greatest happiness, was the profound sense of accomplishment that followed such dedicated effort!
The elation, mingled with tears and profound relief, was an unparalleled sensation.
"Indeed!"
Zhao Junyao experienced a thrill unlike anything before.
This feeling was vastly distinct from the solitary triumphs of the past.
He was no longer adrift in loneliness.
At last, there was another soul.
Someone who could comprehend his struggles, who could stand resolutely by his side to share in moments of triumph.
He was finally not a solitary figure traversing his path.
"Qingqing! You are absolutely incredible!"
Xia Ruqing preened with unreserved pride.
"Naturally, I am amazing!"
"However... Your Majesty, you are the most astonishing of all!"
This past month.
The two of them had toiled together in the Imperial Study, experimented with kilns side-by-side, meticulously examined raw materials, endured sleepless nights, risen with the dawn, lost hair collectively, and sported dark circles under their eyes together.
They shared countless moments of exhaustion so profound they barely changed clothes, falling into instant slumber.
And Zhao Junyao, under such taxing circumstances, still resolutely attended court each morning, processed state memorials, and managed myriad other affairs of governance.
Good heavens!
Xia Ruqing had never held reverence for deities, for gods are but fabrications, unseen and untouchable.
But her admiration for Zhao Junyao, from the depths of her heart, was entirely genuine; he was a tangible, truly remarkable being.
"Your Majesty, I implore you to take a proper rest!"
Upon closer inspection, he barely resembled his usual self.
A faint stubble adorned his chin, his eyes were bloodshot, dark circles resembled those of a panda, his lips were chapped, and his face bore the unmistakable imprint of fatigue.
Even the most handsome and finely sculpted features could not withstand such relentless strain!
"If you do not rest adequately, your appearance will suffer!"
"Does Qingqing dislike my current state?" Zhao Junyao inquired with a chuckle.
His tone was gentle, though his voice carried a noticeable rasp.
It was not a rasp born of passion, but of sheer exhaustion.
"Yes, I do dislike it!"
Xia Ruqing adopted a facade of sternness.
Zhao Junyao tenderly stroked her hair.
"Very well! I cannot have Qingqing disliking me! I shall retire to rest immediately!"
