Chapter 48

His voice was unexpectedly gentle.

Having received permission, Cheng Hao was overjoyed. He hurriedly bowed in thanks and withdrew from the room.

Qin Ke took out his telescope and smiled silently. He had already intended to stay a few more days.

Over the next several days, Cheng Hao, Vice Minister of Works, led the Ministry of Works officials in and out of the glass kilns and Jiang Family Ironworks. He even stripped to the waist alongside the craftsmen to make implements.

The craftsmen were so stunned their jaws nearly hit the floor.

As a fanatical maker of artifacts, Cheng Hao found the true meaning of life in Mengshan County's kilns.

After becoming acquainted with the craftsmen, Cheng Hao heard them praise Rong Xi many times. Thinking of how Rong Xi had shown no nervousness or fear when meeting the Prince, he felt immense admiration for him.

"Are Young Master Rong's skills passed down through his family?" he asked a craftsman beside him.

If Young Master Rong was willing, he could recommend him to Minister Yang and secure him a post in one of the Ministry of Works' departments.

The craftsman looked astonished. "Passed down through his family? Vice Minister Cheng, you don't know Young Master Rong's background?"

Cheng Hao truly did not know. He humbly asked, "What is Young Master Rong's identity?"

Seeing that he genuinely did not know, the craftsman lowered his voice. "Young Master Rong came from Shengjing. He is Minister Rong's legitimate eldest son."

What?!

Cheng Hao froze. Other than Minister Rong of the Ministry of Personnel, was there another minister in Shengjing surnamed Rong?

He suddenly remembered that his wife seemed to have mentioned Minister Rong furiously sending his son back to their ancestral home. He had not paid attention at the time, and after several months, he had completely forgotten.

Thus, it was only natural that he did not know Rong Xi's identity.

Minister Rong actually failed to recognize his legitimate son's genius! Cheng Hao felt unbearably stifled and upset.

After arriving in Mengshan County, Rong Xi's abilities had left him astonished. He had long wanted to befriend him, but aside from the first day, Young Master Rong had not appeared again. Only then had he asked the craftsmen about him.

If he really was Minister Rong's son, how could Cheng Hao "lure" him into the Ministry of Works? If Minister Rong found out, he would certainly come settle accounts with him.

Yet he truly could not bear to let such a brilliant pearl remain buried in dust.

After returning to the government office, Cheng Hao remained dejected. Once in his room, he recorded that day's experience in making artifacts. After much deliberation, he decided to seek out Qin Ke.

Unfortunately, Qin Ke was not at the government office.

He was teaching Rong Xi more advanced horsemanship.

Snow Mud was the name Rong Xi had given the white horse. Compared with Red Flame, Snow Mud was clearly gentler, but its speed and endurance were not much inferior to Red Flame's.

"When are you returning to the capital?" Riding was not easy. Rong Xi panted roughly as he leaped down from his horse and asked Qin Ke.

Red Flame moved close to Snow Mud. Qin Ke dismounted as well and let them go play on their own.

"That depends on how many more days Vice Minister Cheng wishes to stay." A smile hid in his eyes. His long lashes seemed to sweep by like flowing light, and his pale eyes easily gave him an air of cold indifference.

Even so, his beauty was unmatched.

Rong Xi had never cared about others' appearances before, but now he finally understood that beauty could be bewitching; it was no empty saying.

Thinking of Vice Minister Cheng's passion for artifacts, Rong Xi could not help smiling.

The excess flesh on his body had gradually faded, revealing his handsome contours. Yet Rong Xi was still young, and his childishness had not fully disappeared, making him rather adorable to look at.

With red lips, white teeth, and delicate features, he resembled a child from a New Year painting. Though slightly plump, he looked wonderfully festive.

Qin Ke had never paid attention to anyone's appearance either, but at that moment, he suddenly felt that the youth before him looked exceptionally pleasing when he smiled.

His heart softened along with it.

He had sweated a little earlier. Now that he had rested, the cold wind brought a sudden chill, and Rong Xi could not help rubbing the goosebumps on his arms.

"Let's go back." Seeing how pitiful he looked, Qin Ke immediately mounted his horse.

Rong Xi slowly climbed onto Snow Mud's back and rode home beside Qin Ke.

Qin had grown accustomed to mooching meals, and Chen Chuangu had shamelessly stationed himself at Rong Residence as well.

When he saw the two arrive, his smile bloomed brightly. "Eldest Brother, what dishes are there today?"

Since they were entertaining guests, Rong Residence served different dishes every day, yet all of them were exceptionally delicious.

Rong Lian and his servant, as well as the Liu Clan grandmother and grandson, had benefited from the distinguished guests' presence. Every day, they ate until their mouths were slick with oil, wishing they could swallow their tongues.

After staying at Rong Residence for some time, Rong Lian suddenly realized that he seemed to have put on a little weight.

When Great Wei selected officials, appearance was also among the criteria. If one was too fat and ruined one's looks, it would be difficult to obtain even a minor official post.

After the initial panic, he immediately reduced his meals, suffering greatly as a result.

After dinner, Rong Xi saw Qin Ke and Chen Chuangu out of Rong Residence.

He pondered for a moment. Seeing the two about to mount their horses and leave, he suddenly said, "Brother Sizhi, I have something I wish to ask you."

Qin Ke's expression immediately turned serious. "Go ahead."

"I know iron is monopolized by the government," Rong Xi said, gathering his courage. "But if iron smelting methods improve and iron production increases greatly, demand among the people will rise as well. The government alone likely cannot meet the people's needs."

Qin Ke was quite interested upon hearing this. "Eldest Brother, speak freely."

Rong Xi smiled shyly. "The court might as well grant special operating licenses. The government could designate blacksmiths within its jurisdiction to operate on its behalf, while the court collects taxes and profits from them."

Great Wei's territory was vast, and the government had countless affairs to handle. The court could not possibly attend to every aspect.

In some government-run departments, many officials did not understand practical matters. Their decrees were often detached from reality, and if this continued, production could not develop or expand.

If craftsmen could obtain special licenses, then in pursuit of profit, they would surely devote themselves fully to smelting iron. With competition in their hearts, they would only innovate more and more.

He did not explain it in detail, yet Qin Ke already understood his meaning.

"This method is indeed feasible." The man gave a soft laugh, his gaze turning gentle as he said in a low voice, "However, it touches upon certain people's interests, so I fear it will be difficult to implement."

Rong Xi knew that as well, but where there was a will, there was a way.

"I believe there are countless skilled craftsmen throughout the realm. If the court can establish special rewards and protect the interests of innovators, why should Great Wei fear that it cannot prosper?"

Profit had always been the driving force behind creation.

He had held this grand ambition in his heart for a long time. It was only because he trusted Qin Ke that he spoke of it to him.

Qin Ke was not a stubbornly conservative man. Moreover, the young emperor had ascended the throne and was committed to reform, attempting to change the court's corrupt and decaying state.

Rong Xi's words might well suit his intentions.

"I understand what you mean." Qin Ke suddenly reached out and touched his topknot. "Set your mind at ease and wait for my news."