Ch 73: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Fang Jun was exceptionally astute. Fang Yunxuan had merely hinted at the idea using an acrostic in her letter, but Fang Jun immediately grasped the immense potential benefits of her suggestion.

The idea of “black eating black” (pirates attacking other pirates) not only promised huge gains without initial investments but also helped suppress piracy. Fang Jun had heard that most of the so-called pirates—up to 80%—were disguised forces from Fusang, a country to the east. For years, they had wreaked havoc at sea. Whenever the court managed to capture these pirates, Fusang would send envoys to condemn their actions and demand their extradition for trial. At the same time, Fusang frequently claimed poverty, seeking financial aid from the court.

In previous years, when the empire faced both internal and external strife, it had little capacity to address maritime issues. As a large nation, providing aid to smaller countries was also seen as a way to display status, a tradition carried over from the late emperor’s reign. Every year, silver and goods were granted to neighboring countries as a form of largesse.

If Fang Jun and his men also disguised themselves as pirates and eliminated these forces, Fusang would have no grounds for retaliation. And if by chance they were captured by Fusang, the court could simply send envoys to demand their release, turning the tables. Meanwhile, Fang Jun and his men could gain valuable naval experience, preparing for future expeditions to even more distant lands. Fang Jun even entertained the idea of eventually conquering Fusang.

About half a month later, Fang Jun requested an audience with the emperor to present his proposal. He had already prepared a detailed plan, considering all potential challenges.

The emperor was momentarily stunned to hear Fang Jun propose disguising himself as a pirate. But after listening to the entire plan, he clapped his hands in admiration. The court faced pressing issues and a dire need for funds, and this plan elegantly addressed both problems. It was indeed a brilliant strategy.

Still, the emperor was puzzled. “You’re now a second-rank official, proficient in both civil and military affairs. If you stay in the capital, you could very well become the next Prime Minister Yuan. Why leave everything behind, hide your identity, and take on the perilous task of posing as a pirate? Not only is it dangerous, but it also separates you from your family. Should anything happen, the court could never acknowledge your actions.”

Indeed, Fang Jun was no longer a rural youth with something to prove. Such a task could easily be delegated to subordinates, with Fang Jun still receiving credit. Yet he insisted on leading the mission himself, even going so far as to practice water combat and prepare a will. Knowing how much Fang Yunxuan cherished her brother, the emperor was reluctant to let him take such a risk.

Fang Jun replied without hesitation, “Your Majesty, my lifelong wish has been to serve my country and contribute meaningfully. Over the years, I’ve studied diligently, earned the top scholar title, and become a general—all because of Your Majesty’s trust and the honor you’ve bestowed upon me. To have encountered such an enlightened ruler, I am deeply satisfied. I do not wish to waste time but to shoulder more burdens and resolve greater challenges for Your Majesty.

“With Prime Minister Yuan and other capable ministers in the court, my absence makes little difference here. But this maritime endeavor is unprecedented. I wish to personally explore better solutions and gain experience. Someday, when the opportunity arises, I hope to venture to other nations overseas.”

Fang Jun’s words stirred the emperor’s own ambitions. Praising him heartily, the emperor personally penned a secret decree appointing Fang Jun as an imperial envoy with the authority to act independently. He tasked him with eliminating Fusang’s pirates.

Officially, however, Fang Jun’s departure was framed as a mission to search for valuable resources and ideas among the people. This included discoveries like persimmons, cotton, cowpox vaccination, and rice-fish farming. The emperor reasoned that traveling thousands of miles was more enlightening than reading countless books. If hidden treasures of knowledge existed among the populace, they should be sought out and promoted for the country’s benefit.

The court ministers, though initially perplexed, found no grounds for objection. After all, it was Fang Jun, not them, who would undertake this daunting task—akin to finding a needle in a haystack. If not for Fang Jun’s favor with the emperor, they might have thought this was a deliberate challenge to him.

As the mission did not threaten anyone’s interests, the ministers had no complaints. Some even speculated that the emperor favored Fang Yunxuan and Fang Jun, attributing their achievements to the twins’ “auspicious fortune.”

Some pitied Fang Jun, believing his talent was wasted on a task that would distance him from the court, potentially relegating him to a powerless position upon his return. Others mocked him, suggesting he had brought this upon himself by being too industrious with innovations like cowpox vaccination.

A few cynics theorized that the emperor was wary of Fang Yunxuan and Fang Jun’s growing influence and connections, especially their strong military backing. To curb their power, the emperor sent Fang Jun away. This led some to conclude that Fang Yunxuan’s son might not necessarily be the crown prince, as the emperor, still in his prime, had no need to pick a side so early.

Publicly, however, those who had once been wary of Fang Jun now offered congratulations, lauding his appointment as a sign of imperial favor.

Prime Minister Yuan invited Fang Jun to his residence for tea, his demeanor calm and unhurried. “So,” he asked, “tell me, what task has the emperor entrusted to you this time?”

Fang Jun chuckled, “Master, nothing escapes your sharp eyes. However, this matter is still in its early stages, so it’s not convenient for me to disclose the details yet. Rest assured, it’s a good thing.”

“A good thing?” Prime Minister Yuan gave a dry laugh. “The people outside don’t see it that way. They think you’ve fallen from grace, and even Her Highness the Consort might find her circle growing cold.”

Fang Jun kept smiling. “That’s actually for the best. Neither Her Highness nor I enjoy the sensation of oil boiling over a roaring fire. Let those who flock to profit and flatter us drift away; it spares us from unnecessary trouble. As long as the tangible benefits come to us, and the credit remains ours, that is our true foundation.”

Prime Minister Yuan stroked his beard and nodded approvingly. “If it’s truly a good thing, then go ahead. Don’t worry about the household—I’ll take care of things here.”

Fang Jun expressed his gratitude and asked after Prime Minister Yuan’s health. The two chatted warmly for a while, avoiding further discussion of the matter. Despite the lack of specifics, the Prime Minister understood what was happening.

The emperor’s intentions were always inscrutable; serving him was like serving a tiger—a truth that applied to this emperor in particular. Cunning and intelligent, even Prime Minister Yuan chose his words carefully during court discussions.

Imperial Consort Xian was currently favored, and her two children were the emperor’s only heirs. Fang Jun enjoyed swift promotions and was clearly valued. Their successes reflected both their abilities and the emperor’s favor. However, no one could guarantee that the emperor wouldn’t eventually grow wary of their prominence. Betting on an emperor’s benevolence was unwise; the better strategy was to maintain appropriate boundaries and avoid discomforting him.

This principle guided Fang Jun’s actions. By stepping back when his influence was at its peak, taking on a seemingly “idle and rustic” task, he allowed public speculation to cool. His decision to disguise himself as a pirate, while risky, could be interpreted as demonstrating implicit trust in the emperor. Sharing such a plan not only reduced potential suspicions but also brought the emperor closer to him.

This dynamic also garnered the emperor’s empathy. Seeing others mock Fang Jun for taking on thankless tasks might evoke a sense of injustice, drawing the emperor’s favor even further toward him. It ensured that the emperor saw them as loyal servants wholly dedicated to his cause, not as potential rivals.

Fang Yunxuan had devised the plan but had Fang Jun propose it. This was a matter of tact. The inner court wasn’t suited for political matters. Her projects, like improving agriculture, woolen clothing, and household management systems, fit the scope of a consort’s influence—focused on practical living and the wellbeing of the people. Such contributions aligned with her role and the emperor’s expectations, enhancing her image as a “model mother of the nation.”

However, discussing foreign affairs or military strategies would have crossed an invisible line, raising suspicion. After all, the emperor and empress were not equal partners in governance, and Fang Yunxuan was not even the empress.

Fang Yunxuan cherished her current life and saw no need to risk any changes. Even if the emperor didn’t mind her involvement, such actions could provoke backlash from ministers and jeopardize her son’s standing. By letting Fang Jun take the lead, any success would become his credit, benefiting him and indirectly benefiting her as his sister. This was the most advantageous approach.

For Fang Yunxuan, these choices came naturally. Drawing insights from her Book of Memories, she realized that every relationship required careful cultivation. Success lay in finding a balance that benefited all parties, ensuring lasting harmony.

Grateful for the life she’d been granted, she resolved to treasure it. This time, she had been dealt a strong hand and was determined to play it wisely.

Meanwhile, the woolen products she had initiated were already being distributed, and she no longer needed to oversee the details. Seizing the opportunity, she established a research institute within the palace. Organized into small groups, the institute focused on innovative and practical projects.

She told the emperor, “Isn’t it fascinating that wool can be spun into yarn and turned into garments? This is entirely thanks to the Wardrobe Bureau’s efforts! I thought it would be great if more such ideas could be explored. For example, I’ve already suggested studying chicken and duck down. They’re working on it. Others are collecting folk remedies from palace staff to identify those with genuine medicinal value. And there’s more…”

Fang Yunxuan spoke excitedly, sharing one idea after another. While they seemed fantastical, the emperor listened intently and praised her: “Only you could come up with so many clever ideas. These plans are promising. As for the research institute, it’s an apt name. If anyone develops something useful, I will reward them personally.”

Fang Yunxuan smiled. “Then I’ll thank Your Majesty on their behalf in advance. Just wait and see!”

Meanwhile, Fang Jun had reached the coastline. Rather than taking immediate action, he spent time with his men acclimating to life at sea, familiarizing themselves with the routes, and conducting multiple drills on how to respond to enemies or escape in dangerous situations. They split into four ships, each equipped with signal flares for emergencies. If one ship was in danger, the others would quickly respond.

Once they were prepared, they began covertly observing pirate movements. Only then did they hoist the pirate flag and launch their “black eating black” operations. They even mimicked the pirates’ ships and clothing, and Fang Jun went as far as to learn Fusang’s language.

In the beginning, they struggled, narrowly avoiding disaster on several occasions. However, actual combat quickly honed their skills. Soon, they became adept at their pirating operations. Coastal residents began noticing a decline in pirate activity and, though unaware of the reason, were delighted.

Fusang, on the other hand, was furious. Over ten of their pirates had been killed, and significant amounts of goods had been stolen. Moreover, these new “pirates” had begun targeting Fusang’s official ships, causing substantial losses.

Given their limited resources, these losses were devastating. Furious, Fusang sent envoys to Great Zhou to negotiate.

Lin Li, an official in the coastal region, was momentarily surprised by the complaint but quickly retorted, “For years, all the pirates we’ve captured have been from Fusang. Where are Great Zhou’s pirates? Do you have evidence?”

The envoy replied, “They look like Great Zhou people. They don’t resemble us.”

Lin Li, quick-witted, countered, “Appearance? So they didn’t speak Great Zhou’s language? Perhaps they spoke Fusang’s instead?”

The envoy hesitated. Reports from the few pirates who had escaped indeed mentioned that these new pirates spoke Fusang’s language and wore Fusang clothing, though they looked like Great Zhou people.

Seizing the opportunity, Lin Li declared, “Piracy is rampant, and we are actively pursuing them. Wanted posters are up at every city gate. Rest assured, we will do our best to catch them.”

When the envoy brought up Fusang’s losses, Lin Li responded, “Great Zhou has suffered even greater losses in these waters. Is Fusang willing to compensate us? If not, why bring up your losses with us?”

Unable to gain any advantage, the envoy left, frustrated and humiliated. Afterward, Lin Li laughed heartily. “Whoever these new pirates are, they’re doing great work! Not only have they spared Great Zhou’s interests, but they’ve dealt Fusang a heavy blow. The more of these ‘good pirates,’ the better—let them rob Fusang clean!”

With Lin Li’s tacit approval, Fang Jun and his men operated more freely. Within three months, they began transporting treasures back to the capital.

The emperor was pleasantly surprised by the swift inflow of silver into the treasury, further cementing his high opinion of Fang Jun’s capabilities. Among the items Fang Jun sent were goods unique to Fusang, which were unavailable in Great Zhou. The emperor sent these to Fang Yunxuan, saying they might amuse her.

Fang Yunxuan was delighted to know her brother was safe. Meanwhile, her research institute had successfully developed down-filled garments. Although the quality wasn’t perfect—some feathers poked through—their warmth was unmatched. Lightweight and cozy, they were far superior to cotton clothing and fur cloaks, though their appearance still needed improvement.

This innovation marked a significant breakthrough. Citizens could now raise ducks and geese for an additional income source, eventually affording down-filled clothing to keep warm during winter. Related industries, such as ready-to-wear shops and fabric workshops, also flourished.

The institute then turned its attention to improving baby carriages. Fang Yunxuan remarked that children often tired from walking and being carried was uncomfortable for both the child and the caretaker. Sedan chairs weren’t practical either. She envisioned a simple, pushable cart for children to sit in, allowing them to move around and enjoy the sunlight.

The palace, filled with talented individuals, quickly brought her vision to life, creating the first baby carriage. Initially, many thought it unnecessary, given the abundance of palace attendants. However, once used, it proved extremely convenient. Children were delighted to sit in the carriage, which allowed them to explore comfortably.

Encouraged by its success, Fang Yunxuan suggested making a version for adults. She wanted something practical—not as childlike—that could easily navigate courtyards and narrow paths. Ideally, it would be light enough for one person to push or pull.

The research institute, following Fang Yunxuan’s ideas, produced a luxurious rickshaw. Her rickshaw was elegant, featuring a beautifully designed canopy for shade, embedded gemstones, intricate carvings along the sides, and comfortable cushions and backrests inside. Most importantly, through their work on various vehicles, the institute had significantly improved the wheels, ensuring the ride was smooth even at higher speeds.

Fang Yunxuan was delighted when she first sat in the rickshaw. She understood that many modern conveniences from her memories couldn’t be replicated, but innovations from the earlier periods of those worlds were still feasible—like the rickshaw, which was just the beginning.

Eager to showcase her new creation, she instructed attendants to pull her around the palace. Within an hour, news of the rickshaw spread everywhere. Fang Yunxuan ordered a batch of rickshaws to be made and distributed them as gifts to every noble in the palace. As expected, everyone found them novel and amusing.

Some high-ranking consorts felt that sedan chairs were still more dignified and set aside the rickshaws. However, consorts without access to sedan chairs loved the convenience of the rickshaw.

Both the empress dowager and the emperor tried it and found it impressive. The emperor subsequently ordered the rickshaw to be introduced to the general public.

Wealthy families still preferred carriages, but for ordinary households that couldn’t afford one, a rickshaw was a viable option. They could simply hire someone to pull it. The court even established an official rickshaw bureau to sell, rent, and operate rickshaws, complete with trained pullers stationed in bustling areas. The service was affordable, making rickshaws accessible even to visitors from rural areas.

Eventually, even wealthy households discovered the rickshaw’s utility. Its smaller size allowed it to navigate alleys and narrow paths where carriages couldn’t go. Additionally, in large estates where walking could be exhausting and sedan chairs impractical, rickshaws proved incredibly convenient. As a result, rickshaws gained widespread popularity, generating new income for the court and providing jobs for strong laborers.

Fang Yunxuan later remarked, “It would be even better if the rickshaw could move on its own, with a lighter and simpler design for easier use.”

While this seemed a daunting challenge, as manually turning wheels was impractical and considered unsightly, someone suggested exploring mechanical engineering. However, this idea was still in its infancy, with no clear method of implementation.

Fang Yunxuan encouraged the institute to continue researching without pushing for immediate results. She understood that bicycles, which she had in mind, required intricate components like chains and gears, which would take time to develop. Society also needed time to adapt to such innovations. For now, the rickshaw and baby carriage were more than enough to captivate people’s interest.

Another issue she raised was the uneven terrain in the outskirts of the capital, which made rickshaw rides uncomfortable. Fang Yunxuan recalled reading in a miscellaneous book about creating hard, flat surfaces by mixing certain materials. Unfortunately, the book didn’t specify the exact materials or whether the concept was even feasible.

The research institute, brimming with talent, welcomed her ideas and immediately began exploring possibilities. Although Fang Yunxuan couldn’t provide precise guidance, her suggestions gave them a clear direction to experiment with.

The emperor, impressed by the institute’s achievements, decided to establish an official research institute under the court. He recruited top talents from various fields to conduct specialized research. Initially small in scale, the institute operated independently, with researchers drafting their own plans and striving for results.

The court’s researchers, eager for accomplishments and promotions, worked diligently without needing much oversight. The institute’s establishment spurred significant progress in various areas, though its impact was initially subtle.

Meanwhile, the palace institute, composed of palace staff, found themselves producing results similar to those of the official institute. Realizing they had already made strides in several areas, they became highly motivated. This friendly competition inspired everyone to work harder, eager to contribute more groundbreaking innovations.

Fang Yunxuan, observing this, felt deeply moved. Her Book of Memories described how dedicated researchers often poured their hearts into their work, sacrificing rest for progress. She hadn’t expected the palace institute, assembled from palace staff, to develop a similar ethos.

Ultimately, she was pleased. Motivation drove achievement. Perhaps in the future, she wouldn’t need to suggest as many ideas—both the palace and official institutes would bring forth enough innovations to surprise and benefit everyone.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆