At the sound of Jian Ruonan's thoughts, everyone pounding coal balls, mixing coal dust, or carrying coal stopped at once.
A spectacle like a blood test to establish paternity would make even a passing dog hit the brakes for a look.
The Minister of War put down his hammer. Leaving his name in the annals of history could wait; the blood test took priority.
The Minister of Rites set down his coal press, straightened his clothes and hat, and wiped away the coal dust.
Being properly dressed showed respect for such an iconic blood-test scene.
Chief Minister Su stopped stirring the coal dust and glanced at the Hanlin Grand Academician, who was recording the birth of "Briquette Coal" with brush and paper.
The Hanlin Grand Academician wrote in the "Record of the Emperor's Daily Activities": "In the twentieth year of Deyuan, the emperor and Jian Ruonan, Great General Who Pacifies the Distant Lands, discussed a new energy initiative in the Imperial Study-producing Briquette Coal. Reportedly, Briquette Coal burns three times as long as ordinary coal balls, ignites quickly, produces neither smoke nor odor, and costs little, making it a powerful tool for benefiting the nation and its people.
"Not only the emperor and the first-rank Grand Academicians, but even the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and the consorts of the Imperial Harem contributed their efforts.
"Just then, the Third Prince requested an audience. Before anyone could witness the effectiveness of Briquette Coal, they were to witness a blood test establishing paternity between the emperor and the Third Prince..."
As the mastermind behind "Briquette Coal," Jian Ruonan gave orders. "Quick, stack the Briquette Coal to one side. Take the tools and binder outside. Put the chairs in the middle. Listen to me-arrange them like this."
Cao Degui beckoned, and a crowd of