Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Steam engine-related stocks rise on the Songjiang Exchange.
• A machinery factory owner tries to meet Dai Suitang to boost his stock price.
• Chen Wu accompanies Dai Suitang to submit new steam engine blueprints to Sea-Pacifying Palace for manufacturing support.
• They meet Xu Changling, the best naval engineer at the Sea-Pacifying Palace branch campus, who is impressed by Dai Suitang's steam engine design.
• Chen Wu presents his underwater propeller patent to Xu Changling, who agrees to help manufacture it after Chen Wu explains its advantages using Wang Zhenyi's work in fluid mechanics.

Character Developments

• Dai Suitang gains recognition for his steam engine design.
• Chen Wu demonstrates his understanding of advanced technology (propeller) and uses Wang Zhenyi's reputation to convince Xu Changling.
• Xu Changling shows expertise in naval engineering and a straightforward nature.

Significant Themes

• Technological advancement and its impact on society (steam engines, propellers).
• The intersection of business and politics (stock market manipulation, patent licensing).
• The power of reputation and connections (Dai Suitang's influence, Wang Zhenyi's name).

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Dai Suitang work together to promote their inventions.
• Chen Wu and Xu Changling engage in a professional exchange, leading to a mutually beneficial agreement.
• Chen Wu uses Wang Zhenyi's reputation to convince Xu Changling, highlighting the power of association with renowned figures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Textile workers across Songjiang Prefecture launch a coordinated work stoppage, demanding higher wages.
• Huang Jiuguan, the owner of Ten Thousand Rise Spinning Mill, refuses to give in to the demands, fearing it will set a precedent for other factories.
• The Equal Poverty School, an organization advocating for workers' rights, is behind the strike.
• Zhao Sanxing, a member of the Equal Poverty School, reveals that the strike was planned to coincide with the release of a worker falsely accused of murder.

Character Developments

• Huang Jiuguan: Struggles with his pride and fear of setting a precedent, leading to a tense standoff with the workers.
• Zhao Sanxing: Shows leadership and commitment to the workers' cause, revealing the strategic planning behind the strike.

Significant Themes

• Class struggle: The conflict between the wealthy factory owners and the exploited workers highlights the power dynamics and economic inequalities of the time.
• Unity and solidarity: The coordinated work stoppage demonstrates the strength of collective action and the importance of workers standing together.

Character Interactions

• Huang Jiuguan and Manager Zhang: Their tense exchange highlights Huang's stubbornness and Zhang's nervousness and loyalty.
• Zhao Sanxing and other Equal Poverty School members: Their meeting showcases their unity, determination, and strategic planning.
• Chen Wu and Dai Suitang: Their brief appearance sets the stage for their potential involvement in the strike, as Chen Wu becomes interested in the news.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu and Dai Suitang discuss the textile mill shutdowns and a murder at the dock.
• Chen Wu reads about the murder in the newspaper and decides to investigate.
• The Equal Poverty School distributes flyers outlining their demands for a twenty-percent wage increase.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu shows curiosity and concern about the murder and the workers' strike.
• Dai Suitang reveals his blunt and straightforward nature, as well as his connection to Huang Jiuguan.
• The Equal Poverty School member demonstrates their organization and determination.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between workers and mill owners.
• The power dynamics between different factions in Songjiang Prefecture.
• The role of the media in shaping public opinion.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Dai Suitang discuss the news and share their thoughts on the current events.
• Chen Wu interacts with an Equal Poverty School member, showing interest in their cause.
• Chen Wu's thoughts reveal his intention to seek instruction from Huang Jiuguan in the future.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Sanxing and Lu Ronglin face off, exchanging insults and threats.
• Lu Ronglin challenges the Equal Poverty School's leader to a fight.
• Chen Wu learns about the dock murder from Wang Dachui, who discovered the corpse.
• The Equal Poverty School's leader receives updates on the strike and prepares for Lu Ronglin's challenge.

Character Developments

• Zhao Sanxing shows courage and defiance in the face of Lu Ronglin's threats.
• Lu Ronglin is revealed to be all talk and no action, retreating when Zhao Sanxing pulls out a revolver.
• The Equal Poverty School's leader demonstrates calm and strategic thinking.
• Wang Dachui shows loyalty to the Equal Poverty School and keeps their secret even under pressure.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The exchange between Zhao Sanxing and Lu Ronglin highlights the power struggle between the Equal Poverty School and the Investigation of Things School.
• Bravery vs. Cowardice: Zhao Sanxing's courage contrasts with Lu Ronglin's cowardice when faced with a gun.
• Loyalty: Wang Dachui's loyalty to the Equal Poverty School is emphasized when he keeps their secret despite being arrested.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Sanxing vs. Lu Ronglin: Their interaction is marked by mutual disrespect and threats, setting the stage for further conflict.
• Chen Wu vs. Wang Dachui: Their conversation provides insight into the dock murder and Wang Dachui's loyalty.
• The Equal Poverty School's leader vs. Zhao Sanxing: Their interaction shows the leader's confidence and strategic thinking, as well as Zhao Sanxing's respect for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A martial arts expert is suspected to be the murderer.
• Chen Wu investigates and finds inconsistencies in the White Lotus Sect's involvement.
• He suspects someone wants the White Lotus Sect and Equal Poverty School to fight.
• A mysterious man approaches Wang Cong'er, offering a deal to eliminate a Mystic Realm expert in exchange for jobs for her people.
• Chen Wu meets Wang Cong'er and offers to help catch the murderer.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows his martial arts prowess and determination to solve the murder case.
• Wang Cong'er: Demonstrates her caution and strategic thinking, as well as her respect for martial arts skill.
• The mysterious man: Reveals his cunning and manipulative nature, seeking to exploit the White Lotus Sect for his own purposes.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: The mysterious man attempts to manipulate the White Lotus Sect for his goals.
• Trust and verification: Wang Cong'er verifies Chen Wu's identity and martial arts skill before trusting him.
• Justice and responsibility: Chen Wu feels compelled to help solve the murder case.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er: They meet and Chen Wu offers his help, impressing Wang Cong'er with his martial arts skill.
• Wang Cong'er and the mysterious man: They discuss a deal involving eliminating a Mystic Realm expert in exchange for jobs.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu learns that the White Lotus Sect has discovered a second victim, a young woman with her spleen dug out.
• The White Lotus Sect and the Constabulary Office join forces to catch the culprit, setting up traps at multiple locations.
• Wang Cong'er, a core member of the White Lotus Sect, is revealed to be a Zhoutian Realm expert leading one of the ambush points.

Character Developments

• Wang Cong'er: She shows herself to be a pragmatic and forward-thinking leader, more concerned with helping people than religious mysticism. She reveals her disagreement with other sect members about the foundation of the White Lotus Sect.
• Chen Wu: He gains a newfound respect for Wang Cong'er and her vision for the White Lotus Sect, seeing the potential for its evolution into a welfare and mutual-aid organization for the lower classes.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between religious mysticism and practical, earthly help as the foundation of the White Lotus Sect.
• The potential for the White Lotus Sect to evolve and adapt to changing times, mirroring historical religious struggles and adaptations.

Character Interactions

• Wang Cong'er and Chen Wu: They engage in a meaningful conversation about the White Lotus Sect's purpose and future, leading to mutual respect and approval.
• Wang Cong'er and other White Lotus Sect experts: Wang Cong'er's leadership and vision are accepted and agreed upon by her fellow sect members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er set up an ambush at a desolate dock, suspecting that the murderer would target this location to frame the White Lotus Sect.
• The murderer appears, carrying a corpse, and attempts to escape when he notices the ambush.
• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er engage the murderer, who is revealed to be a Concentrated Spirit Realm expert.
• A Mystic Realm expert emerges, assisting the murderer and incapacitating the other White Lotus Sect members.
• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er are forced to retreat as backup arrives.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Demonstrates his martial arts prowess and strategic thinking. He adapts well to Wang Cong'er's fighting style and shows concern for her safety.
• Wang Cong'er: Proves her intelligence by guessing the murderer's next target. She fights valiantly but is no match for the murderer alone.

Significant Themes

• Ambush and Counterambush: The chapter explores the dynamics of setting up an ambush and the countermeasures taken by the enemy.
• Teamwork vs. Individual Strength: The murderer's backup highlights the importance of teamwork, while Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er's coordination shows that even a Concentrated Spirit Realm expert can be held at bay with effective teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er: They work well together, demonstrating seamless coordination in their fighting style. Wang Cong'er expresses gratitude to Chen Wu for saving her life.
• The Murderer and the Mystic Realm Expert: Their alliance shows that even with a concentration of powerful individuals, the enemy can still pose a significant threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The third murder victim is found, and her identity is revealed as a singing instructor from Sulan Book House.
• Chen Wu encounters Zhang Zhihe, the former Chief Constable of Jincheng Prefecture, now in Songjiang Prefecture.
• The Equal Poverty School and Shenbao continue their propaganda war, with both sides accusing the other of violence and intimidation.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu remains cautious and guarded, especially around Zhang Zhihe, whom he suspects might recognize him.
• Wang Cong'er shows concern for Chen Wu's safety and expresses curiosity about his background.
• Yao Zhifu, Wang Cong'er's master, demonstrates his protective nature towards his disciple and his respect for Chen Wu's actions.

Significant Themes

• The clash between the old and new, represented by the Yongjiu School's traditional methods versus the Equal Poverty School's modern tactics.
• The struggle for power and influence, as seen in the conflict between the Equal Poverty School and Shenbao, and the underlying tensions between the White Lotus Sect and the Yongjiu School.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Yao Zhifu exchange greetings and express mutual respect.
• Wang Cong'er and Chen Wu share a moment of camaraderie, with Wang Cong'er expressing her concern for Chen Wu's safety.
• Chen Wu and Zhang Zhihe interact cautiously, with Zhang Zhihe attempting to probe Chen Wu's identity while Chen Wu remains guarded.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu visits the courtesan house where Zhao Sulan worked and meets Chief Constable Zhang Zhihe.
• They suspect Huang Jiuguan, a wealthy merchant, of knowing something about Zhao Sulan's murder.
• Chen Wu searches Huang's residence and finds evidence of a relationship between Huang and Zhao Sulan.
• The killer strikes again, murdering a second victim and dumping the body near the Shenbao newspaper office. The newspaper publishes the story, revealing the Constabulary Office's suppression of the case.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows his investigative skills and deductive reasoning, helping the Constabulary Office.
• Zhang Zhihe: Reveals his cunning and willingness to use underhanded tactics to solve the case.
• Huang Jiuguan: Implicated in the case but not the murderer; he likely witnessed the abduction.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and cover-up within the Constabulary Office.
• The power dynamics and relationships within the courtesan houses.
• The deranged nature of the killer, who shows no regard for life.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Zhang Zhihe: Work together to investigate the case, with Zhang seeking Chen's help due to his status and skills.
• Huang Jiuguan and Zhao Sulan: Had a relationship, with Huang likely witnessing Zhao's abduction.
• The killer and the victims: The killer's disregard for life and brutal methods are highlighted through the second murder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu learns about the killer's audacity and decides to investigate personally.
• The Steel Bone Fan, Shen Shilin, and Lu Ronglin discuss their plans to exploit the Crown Prince's inspection tour.
• Chen Wu arrives at Huang Jiuguan's residence and encounters White Lotus Sect members who are also seeking information.
• Chen Wu interrogates Huang Jiuguan again and learns the truth about the killer's identity.
• The Equal Poverty School and White Lotus Sect face off at the dock, with Wang Cong'er and Hong Zhen'nan trying to resolve the situation.
• Yao Zhifu, a Concentrated Spirit Realm expert from the White Lotus Sect, arrives at the dock.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in pursuing the case.
• Shen Shilin and Lu Ronglin reveal their schemes and alliance with Prince Bao.
• Yao Zhifu shows his involvement in the White Lotus Sect's operations.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue between the Crown Prince, Prince Bao, and their respective factions.
• The consequences of hoarding grain and manipulating markets for personal gain.
• The tension and mistrust between the Equal Poverty School and the White Lotus Sect.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu interacts with Huang Jiuguan, learning the truth about the killer's identity.
• Wang Cong'er and Hong Zhen'nan discuss the situation at the dock, trying to prevent further conflict.
• Yao Zhifu arrives, potentially escalating the tension between the two sects.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Both Shenbao and Equal Poverty School publish a single sentence, announcing a duel between Hong Zhennan (Dragon Head Staff) and Shen Shilin (Steel Bone Fan) atop the Maritime Trade Office building.
• Chen Wu plans to involve the White Lotus Sect in the investigation of Huang Jiuguan's murder.
• Hong Zhennan and Shen Shilin face off on the Maritime Trade Office building, with a large crowd gathered to watch.
• Hong Zhennan and Shen Shilin exchange verbal jabs before Shen Shilin initiates the fight.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows determination to pursue justice and is open to collaborating with the White Lotus Sect.
• Hong Zhennan: Demonstrates confidence and humor in the face of Shen Shilin's arrogance.
• Shen Shilin: Reveals his unapologetic belief in the exploitation of labor and shows aggression in starting the duel.

Significant Themes

• Class struggle and exploitation: Shen Shilin's views on labor and profit highlight the power dynamics between the wealthy and the working class.
• Justice and pursuit of truth: Chen Wu's involvement with the White Lotus Sect to investigate Huang Jiuguan's murder emphasizes the importance of justice and truth.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and the White Lotus Sect: Chen Wu seeks their cooperation in the investigation, and they discuss a plan to teach Shen Shilin and his disciple a lesson.
• Hong Zhennan and Shen Shilin: The two exchange verbal jabs, showcasing their personalities and beliefs before engaging in combat.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Shilin launches a surprise attack on Hong Zhennan, but Hong is unfazed and meets it with a powerful staff strike.
• Both men reach the "one-breath limit" in their true force, indicating high-level martial arts prowess.
• Shen Shilin proposes a duel with conditions: if Hong wins, the Investigation of Things School will stop interfering; if Shen wins, the strike must end, and the Equal Poverty School cannot use force against factory owners.
• The duel begins, with Shen using a unique, unorthodox martial art involving a folding fan connected by a steel wire.
• The fight reaches a stalemate, with Hong Zhennan defending flawlessly but struggling to counterattack.

Character Developments

• Shen Shilin shows his ruthlessness and arrogance, using unscrupulous tactics and underestimating Hong Zhennan.
• Hong Zhennan demonstrates exceptional adaptability and skill, matching Shen Shilin's unorthodox moves but struggling to gain the upper hand.
• Wang Dachui and Zhao Sanxing show concern for Hong Zhennan's well-being during the fight.
• Wang Cong'er and Yao Zhifu prepare to intervene with firearms if needed, showcasing their strategic planning and patience.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness and cunning of the Investigation of Things School versus the adaptability and resilience of the Equal Poverty School.
• The importance of patience and calm in the face of adversity, as demonstrated by Yao Zhifu and Wang Cong'er.

Character Interactions

• The intense rivalry and mutual disdain between Shen Shilin and Hong Zhennan.
• The concern and support between Wang Dachui, Zhao Sanxing, and Hong Zhennan.
• The mentor-mentee relationship and shared vision between Yao Zhifu and Wang Cong'er.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hong Zhennan uses the Lion's Roar Technique, defeating Shen Shilin with a single blow.
• Shen Shilin is severely injured and falls from the building.
• White Lotus Sect assassins attack Shen Shilin with military rifles and grenades.
• Chen Wu, a Mystic Realm expert, assassinates Lu Ronglin.
• Shen Shilin is overwhelmed by Chen Wu's attacks and Hong Zhennan's Sound Transmission Soul-Searching Technique.
• Chen Wu kills Shen Shilin and tosses his body onto a streetlamp.

Character Developments

• Hong Zhennan: Successfully uses the Lion's Roar Technique, defeating Shen Shilin.
• Shen Shilin: Severely injured, loses to Hong Zhennan, and is later killed by Chen Wu.
• Chen Wu: Revealed to be a Mystic Realm expert, assassinates Lu Ronglin and Shen Shilin.
• Lu Ronglin: Killed by Chen Wu.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Mystic Realm and its techniques.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The theme of revenge, as Chen Wu's actions are driven by a desire to avenge a woman killed by Shen Shilin.

Character Interactions

• Hong Zhennan vs. Shen Shilin: Hong Zhennan defeats Shen Shilin using the Lion's Roar Technique.
• Chen Wu vs. Lu Ronglin: Chen Wu assassinates Lu Ronglin with gunshots and sword strikes.
• Chen Wu vs. Shen Shilin: Chen Wu kills Shen Shilin with a combination of sword strikes and the Sound Transmission Soul-Searching Technique.
• Zhang Zhihe arrives too late to intervene and witnesses Chen Wu tossing Shen Shilin's body onto a streetlamp.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Shenbao newspaper publishes an extra edition reporting the assassination of Steel Bone Fan and his disciple by the Golden Wind and Drizzle Tower, including a letter from 'Mister Lu Xun' claiming responsibility.
• The Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association agrees to negotiate with the Equal Poverty School, but Hong Zhennan insists on his terms.
• Chen Wu sees the White Lotus Sect members spreading the Shenbao extra at the docks.
• Wang Cong'er reveals to Chen Wu that the second corpse was a White Lotus Sect member, and she thanks him for avenging her comrade.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: He writes a letter to the Shenbao claiming responsibility for the assassination to prevent the Equal Poverty School from being framed and to spread his alias, 'Nine Evolutions Tone-Setting Sword.'
• Hong Zhennan: He gains widespread recognition as the foremost expert in Songjiang Prefecture after defeating Steel Bone Fan.
• Wang Cong'er: She reveals her unique ability to recognize people by their physical characteristics and thanks Chen Wu for avenging her comrade.

Significant Themes

• The power of public opinion and propaganda, as seen through the actions of the White Lotus Sect and the Shenbao newspaper.
• The consequences of one's actions and the inescapability of fate, as demonstrated by Steel Bone Fan and his disciple.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er: They meet at the docks, and Wang Cong'er thanks Chen Wu for avenging her comrade. She also reveals that she recognized him as the Mystic Realm expert from that morning.
• Hong Zhennan and Zhao Sanxing: They discuss the negotiation terms with the Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association, with Hong Zhennan insisting on his original demands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu (disguised as Lu Xun) is discovered by Wang Cong'er, who recognizes him as Chen Wu, the one who rescued Duke Chen's Crown Prince.
• Wang Cong'er gives Chen Wu a secret manual that can temporarily alter one's build and physique, to help him infiltrate the Great Shun court.
• Chen Wu visits Huang Jiuguan again, threatening him to raise workers' wages. Huang Jiuguan comes up with a plan to do so without losing face.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows his true face to Wang Cong'er, indicating trust and acceptance of her help. He also demonstrates his determination to improve workers' conditions.
• Wang Cong'er: Shows curiosity about Chen Wu's personal life and admiration for his heroic deeds. She proves to be intelligent and perceptive.
• Huang Jiuguan: Initially stubborn and unwilling to raise wages, he eventually comes up with a plan to save face while complying with Chen Wu's demand, showing adaptability.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and Prestige: Wang Cong'er admires Chen Wu and the Yongjiu School for their heroic deeds and standing against the Great Shun court, highlighting the power of reputation.
• Exploitation and Workers' Rights: The chapter continues to explore the exploitation of workers by wealthy merchants like Huang Jiuguan, and Chen Wu's determination to improve their conditions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er: Their interaction is friendly and trusting, with Wang Cong'er showing admiration for Chen Wu and giving him a gift to help him in his mission.
• Chen Wu and Huang Jiuguan: Their interaction is tense, with Chen Wu threatening Huang Jiuguan to raise workers' wages, and Huang Jiuguan eventually complying with a plan to save face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Songjiang Exchange is introduced, a stock market inspired by the Dutch system, established sixty years ago.
• Poppy Silk Mill's shares plummet due to rumors of worker unrest and potential arson following Lu Ronglin's death.
• The Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association agrees to the Equal Poverty School's demands, leading to a rise in textile stocks.
• Huang Jiuguan secretly takes control of Poppy Silk Mill, buying out a majority of its shares.
• Huang Jiuguan reveals that Lu Xun, the assassin of Steel Bone Fan and his disciple, threatened him.

Character Developments

• Zhao Sanxing, the leader of the Equal Poverty School, shows confidence and assertiveness in negotiations.
• Huang Jiuguan, initially resistant to the Equal Poverty School's demands, secretly takes advantage of the situation to gain control of Poppy Silk Mill.
• The wealthy owners of the Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association show unity and willingness to protect their interests.

Significant Themes

• The power of the stock market and its influence on the economy.
• The struggle between workers and wealthy owners, reflecting class dynamics.
• The theme of unity among the wealthy owners to protect their interests.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Sanxing interacts with the chairman of the Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association, negotiating on behalf of the workers.
• Huang Jiuguan interacts with the wealthy owners, initially resisting their demands but later offering them a share in Poppy Silk Mill to maintain their support.
• Chen Wu, as a newsboy, witnesses and reports on the events unfolding in Songjiang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dai Suitang brings news about Poppy Silk Mill's takeover by the Cotton Yarn and Silk Trade Association.
• Chen Wu receives a letter from Sea-Pacifying Palace confirming his propeller design's experimental success.
• Wang Cong'er secretly follows Chen Wu and sees him off, expressing her admiration for his actions.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows concern for the common people's well-being and understands the importance of advancing productive forces and progressive cultural transformation.
• Wang Cong'er: Demonstrates her intelligence and resourcefulness in tracking Chen Wu down, and expresses her gratitude and admiration for his actions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the common people and the powerful elites, as seen in the takeover of Poppy Silk Mill.
• The importance of technological advancements for societal progress, as exemplified by Chen Wu's propeller design.
• The theme of recognition and appreciation, as Wang Cong'er seeks to thank Chen Wu for his help.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Dai Suitang: They discuss business matters and express their shared vision for the future of their company.
• Chen Wu and Wang Cong'er: Wang Cong'er secretly follows Chen Wu to express her gratitude and admiration for his actions, leading to a brief but meaningful interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu returns to Jiangdu Commandery (formerly Yangzhou) after leaving Songjiang Prefecture.
• The Great Shun Dynasty, founded by Li Zicheng, has undergone a retro revival, changing administrative divisions back to Tang-era commandery and county systems.
• Great Shun has experienced military success in all directions, expanding its territory and influence.
• Chen Wu reflects on Great Shun's military prowess and its impact on the Western Regions, noting the stability and integration of the Dzungar people under Great Shun rule.
• Chen Wu encounters the Crown Prince's carriage procession at the ferry crossing, learning that the Crown Prince is heading to Songjiang Prefecture for an inspection tour.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Reflects on Great Shun's military achievements and the stability of the Western Regions under its rule. He also expresses his disdain for the Crown Prince's stubbornness and plans to remove him when the time comes for the Leaderless Dragons matter.
• Crown Prince: Continues his inspection tours, disregarding the approaching New Year, and is unaware of Chen Wu's plans against him.

Significant Themes

• The impact of retro revival and administrative changes on society and governance.
• Great Shun's military prowess and its influence on neighboring powers and territories.
• The Crown Prince's stubbornness and Chen Wu's plans to remove him.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu observes the Crown Prince's carriage procession from a distance, reflecting on the Crown Prince's character and plans for the future.
• Chen Wu's thoughts about the Crown Prince reveal his disdain and plans to remove him, while the Crown Prince remains unaware of these intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu continues north to the capital, observing the decline of canal regions due to the shift to sea transport.
• He learns about the resistance to technological reform in salt production in Jiangdu Commandery.
• Upon returning to the capital, he finds Wang Zhenyi waiting for him and they spend New Year's Eve together.
• The next day, they visit Osi Han, where they meet Joseph Lagrange, a French mathematician.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu reflects on the backward relations of production obstructing advanced productive forces, foreshadowing future reform issues.
• Wang Zhenyi shows her intellectual prowess and independence, writing a couplet for Chen Wu and discussing his inventions.
• Osi Han maintains his warm and welcoming demeanor, treating Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi as honored guests.

Significant Themes

• The tension between traditional practices and technological innovation, as seen in the salt production industry.
• The rapid pace of historical change, with Chen Wu feeling as though an age has passed since he last visited the capital.
• The international exchange of knowledge and ideas, represented by the meeting between Chen Wu, Wang Zhenyi, Osi Han, and Lagrange.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi's relationship deepens as they spend time together and discuss intellectual pursuits.
• Chen Wu meets Lagrange for the first time, likely feeling a mix of awe and apprehension due to Lagrange's mathematical achievements.
• Osi Han acts as a connector between the Chinese and Western intellectuals, facilitating their interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu meets Lagrange, a renowned mathematician who worked at the Dashun Academy of Sciences for over 20 years before returning to France.
• Lagrange reveals that he is in Dashun to work on the Zhoutian Star Chart Project, a global scientific cooperation between Dashun and France to build unified observatories and share data for a complete star chart.
• The project involves major powers: Dashun, France, Spain, Russia, and has the support of the School of Gezhixue and Sea-Pacifying Palace in Great Shun.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Realizes the global scale and importance of the Zhoutian Star Chart Project.
• Lagrange: Shows his amiable side despite his stern appearance, shares his life story, and explains his role in the Zhoutian Star Chart Project.
• Osi Han: Provides context and insights about the political landscape, including the balance-of-power diplomacy of Russia's Catherine II.

Significant Themes

• Scientific cooperation and exchange: The Zhoutian Star Chart Project demonstrates the power of international scientific collaboration.
• Global influence of Great Shun and France: Their alliance and joint project stir the globe, involving major powers and colonies.
• Balance of power: Catherine II's diplomatic strategy reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics of the time.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Lagrange: They meet for the first time, with Lagrange recognizing Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi from Jia Yihe's report.
• Chen Wu, Wang Zhenyi, Lagrange, and Osi Han: They gather around the fireplace, sharing stories and discussing the Zhoutian Star Chart Project.
• Chen Wu and Osi Han: They exchange insights about the political landscape, with Osi Han providing additional context about Catherine II's diplomacy.