Chapter 913 Celebrity Huang Chengyan

Chapter 913: 913 Celebrity Huang Chengyan

That day, Lu Ming was playing with his daughter.

Lin Dong, having received the news, arrived at the door to wait. After Lu Ming finished playing, he clasped his hands and reported, "My lord, Xu Shu sent word that Huang Chengyan, a renowned scholar from Jingzhou, has arrived in Zheng City. He is currently spending time with Ma Junji and has even visited the workshops."

"Is it just Huang Chengyan alone?"

Lu Ming felt there was no need to report such a thing. These so-called scholars were nothing but opportunists; those with real ability had already entered officialdom. Why would they need to be so persistent?

"His daughter, Huang Yueying, is also there."

Lin Dong hurriedly added, glancing at the Queen, afraid of being reprimanded. To say such things in front of the Queen was tantamount to courting death.

Even knowing Lu Ming’s lustful nature, doing so in front of the Queen was a bit excessive.

At the mention of women, Lu Ming’s interest was piqued.

"Let’s see what these so-called scholars from Jingzhou are up to. My lady, I’ll go take a look."

Wang Yi said nothing, only watching with a smile. To her, neither Huang Yueying nor Madam Cai posed any real threat.

Her position was already secure. Even if more women joined, they would only be concubines.

It wouldn’t affect her, so she didn’t care if other women joined.

While ordinary workshops didn’t prohibit outsiders from entering, some secret workshops did.

A gray-haired man was chatting happily with Ma Jun, the leader of the Mohist faction responsible for technological innovation.

Ma Jun was a very aloof person, unlike other ministers in the court, and had little contact with them. He only spoke of proportions and innovation.

Furthermore, his Mohist identity made him unpopular with other officials; their philosophies clashed.

Becoming an official through connections versus through ability—most members of the Mohist faction relied on ability.

Even with his poor relationships with the court officials, Ma Jun firmly held onto his position as Minister of Works.

The Ministry of Works was responsible for all engineering projects in the country, ranging from city defense repairs to riverbank reinforcement and maintenance, arms manufacturing, and agricultural tool production.

The nature and work of this department meant it was better suited to those who enjoyed using their intellect.

Ma Jun was a veteran figure, and Lu Ming trusted him greatly, even bestowing upon his wife the title of Lady of the First Rank.

His diligence and lack of factionalism ensured his limited social circle. Not just anyone could have a meaningful conversation with him; only members of the Mohist school could.

The fact that this man could converse so amiably with Ma Jun meant they must have known each other for a long time; otherwise, he wouldn’t have even been allowed inside.

"His Highness Prince Qin has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Ma Jun hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to Lu Ming, who was approaching. "This subordinate greets my lord."

"This humble subject, Huang Chengyan, greets His Highness Prince Qin."

The white-haired man bowed respectfully to Lu Ming, not daring to rise until he received a reply.

Lu Ming glanced at Huang Chengyan and then said, "Rise. You are Huang Chengyan?"

"This humble subject is indeed Huang Chengyan."

Huang Chengyan felt somewhat guilty under Lu Ming’s gaze. He didn’t know why Lu Ming had taken a liking to his daughter.

However, marrying his daughter to Lu Ming, a man who was about to become emperor, was an honor.

Only a fool would refuse. With the emperor as his daughter’s bride, the Huang family would certainly stand taller.

Currently, the head of the Huang family was Huang Zu. Huang Chengyan was of little importance, and as for Huang Zhong, he was from a very minor branch of the family, practically a stranger.

The powerful clans and wealthy families of the land are all the same; they’ll stop at nothing to gain profit.

So-called renowned scholars are merely a means for the powerful to elevate each other; truly capable individuals are few and far between.

"Ma Jun, do you know Huang Chengyan?"

Lu Ming asked, waving for the other craftsmen to continue their work.

Ma Jun clasped his hands in a respectful bow and said, "Yes, I do. When I was designing the repeating crossbow, I happened to meet the traveling Master Huang, who gave me guidance, which allowed me to successfully design it."

"My lord, Master Huang is a rare talent. Even I am ashamed to admit my inferiority in weapon design."

"Haha, Minister Ma, you flatter me. My skills are mere trifles; I’ve only scratched the surface."

Huang Chengyan replied with a smile, but the smile on his face reflected his true feelings—he was clearly very proud.

"If he truly possesses such talent, you can make an exception and recruit him." "The Ministry of Works’ business is to repair the world. Alright, have you come up with any ideas about the ships and crossbows I asked you to design before?"

Lu Ming has already begun researching artillery, but the power of gunpowder isn’t very high. Starting research at this stage will only allow him to reach the level of the Ming Dynasty’s Hongyi cannons—or, you could call them Nurhaci’s happy cannons!

When business was discussed, Ma Jun’s expression became serious, and he made an inviting gesture, "My lord, this way please."

Huang Chengyan hesitated, unsure whether to advance or not; it was clearly an awkward moment.

Lu Ming, on the other hand, said, "Since you’re a master, then come and take a look. In Qin, there’s no such thing as scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, nor is there any concept of ’extraordinary skills’ or ’unusual crafts.’

"Powerful families monopolize books, inherit traditions, and cut off the path to advancement for others. This behavior is shameful."

"What I hate most is this kind of behavior. Everyone thinks I hate the powerful, but that’s wrong. I myself can be said to have come from a powerful family, so how could I hate myself?"

"Huang Chengyan, if you were to remain in the Ministry of Works, would you still consider my cunning and ingenious skills unfit for high society?"

"Hearing your words is worth more than ten years of study; Your Highness is right."

"Indeed, I am the only one sober in a world of fools. This old man is willing to serve Your Highness with utmost loyalty, regardless of the official position, I will have no objections."

Huang Chengyan merely expressed his loyalty; he offered no answer regarding the question of whether his skills were worthy of respect.

"Heh, let’s go." Lu Ming didn’t respond, only smiled.

To expect these so-called literati to engage in such matters, their values ​​simply wouldn’t change.

It’s like in modern times, thinking that being a waiter or sanitation worker is shameful.

This kind of thinking is incredibly naive. Earning a living with one’s own hands is honorable; how could it be shameful?

Furthermore, the traditional social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants is deeply ingrained, so adapting will take time.

Ma Jun arrived at a module—a crossbow made of wood, with silk threads simulating the structure of a ballista. As for the design concept, it would definitely be built first, and then gradually adjusted.