[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-life-as-false-emperor":3,"chapter-eternal-life-as-false-emperor-eternal-life-as-false-emperor-chapter-43":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Eternal Life as False Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1682689,2149,"Chapter 43: The Odd Cabinet","eternal-life-as-false-emperor-chapter-43",43,"\u003Cp>\"The Military Examination is a test to recruit martial artists from across the land, just like the Imperial Examination.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, \"Multiple levels of martial arts, then military formations, and subsequently military strategy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Currently, the North is in chaos, and the borders are being disturbed by alien races. Only by recruiting aspirants and martial artists from across the land can we resist the foreigners.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyone who passes the Military Examination can be appointed as a Deputy General, or even a Commander or Vice General, to lead the army!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The few exchanged glances, not knowing how to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi added, \"I have discussed this move with General Xu, and he also agrees strongly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, they immediately replied, \"We ministers obey your command!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heh...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, Xu Mujun wields such influence over the Imperial Court, yet there isn’t a single person who opposes him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Xu Mujun is entirely loyal to the court, so he can be trusted with confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The second matter is the reconstruction of Jiaotai Hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, \"I intend to rename Jiaotai Hall to ’Baiyu City’, for the purpose of my cultivation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The six were speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did this really need to be discussed here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for cultivation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They exchanged glances; the emperor focusing on cultivation and neglecting state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For them, this was, undoubtedly... good news!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the six, only Zheng Zongbing clearly expressed opposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the emperor were to cultivate, who would handle state affairs?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, the late emperor left an edict that no descendants of the Zheng Clan shall practice immortal cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his words carried little weight, making no impact whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The third matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi continued, \"Negotiations with Wu Country; you are to decide on the matters of land cession, financial compensation, and reparations.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I only want one thing!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, Your Majesty, enlighten us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cultivation Secret Technique!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, \"General Xu reported back secretly; he was nearly assassinated by a cultivator from Wu Country.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that Wu Country has been defeated, they must submit their cultivation secret techniques.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, the war must continue!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The six again exchanged glances. Was this really a national matter to be discussed with the cabinet ministers?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It truly was... absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of hesitation, they ultimately expressed their agreement under Zheng Yi’s constant urging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the meeting, news of Emperor Zhengyong’s desire to seek immortality spread rapidly throughout the capital city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty wants to open a special examination? That’s truly wonderful!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I missed the last Imperial Examination due to illness. I didn’t expect His Majesty to show mercy and open a grace examination... It’s truly wonderful!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Long live His Majesty’s wisdom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Emperor Zhengyong’s sole focus on seeking immortality is a sign of doom for the nation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Taking national matters and mixing them with immortal cultivation, it truly is... too absurd!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A foolish emperor! If this were to spread, how would our Great Yu Dynasty face the late emperor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve heard that among the three listed that day, two were charlatans, but one was rewarded handsomely and appointed as a Minister of the Ministry of Industry!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Buying bones with a thousand gold coins, His Majesty truly values promises!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seeking the path to immortality... Now, I don’t know how many charlatans and capable individuals from the Martial World will head to the Imperial Palace...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Court and public were abuzz with discussions, which Zheng Yi had a rough idea about but chose to ignore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, he was examining the Palm Thunder presented by Lei Shitou and Zhan Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also known as gunpowder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhan Liang said, \"According to Lei Shitou’s method, we have developed this new type of explosive, although powerful, it is very unstable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It must be handled with great care during use and kept away from open flames; otherwise, it can easily explode.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there a solution?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, reducing the white phosphorus content will suffice.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can it be produced on a large scale?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhan Qing, I have a thought; could we place these flames into a sturdy sealed long tube, then place an iron projectile inside, ignite the gunpowder, and use the explosion’s impact to fire iron projectiles and pins?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, \"Could it be made similar to a crossbow or a bed crossbow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhan Liang’s eyes widened; he hesitated, \"Like fireworks? If such a thing could be applied on the battlefield...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Precisely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, \"That is exactly what I envisioned. If Zhan Qing could develop this weapon, you would have the highest merit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By your command! I will go and develop it immediately!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait a moment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi looked at Lei Shitou, who was smiling broadly beside him, and said, \"From today on, your name will be registered with the Ministry of Industry. Follow Zhan Qing; I will not treat you poorly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lei Shitou quickly knelt down, shouting long live the emperor, \"Long live the Emperor! Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty~!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is more...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said to Zhan Liang, \"I have noticed that when water boils, the steam can lift a feather. If there is a large amount of steam present, could it lift more substantial things into flight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhan Liang was puzzled, \"I have also noticed this, but what use does it have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One could sew large balloons out of cowhide, set a flame beneath them, and cause them to take flight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhan Liang racked his brain, \"Your Majesty, do you mean a large sky lantern?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sky lantern?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’re referring to a Kongming lantern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi nodded, \"If successfully developed, a large sky lantern could ascend, with military men placed on it, launching thunder fire from the skies.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that point, even the world’s largest and most formidable passes, our Great Yu army could capture them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes! I will go back and develop it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two retreated, and Zheng Yi exhaled a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What he wanted Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to develop were hot air balloons and firearms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was quite aware, given the current level of technology, that there was a significant chance of succeeding with hot air balloons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it required no profound technology or principles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But firearms... given the current metal refining techniques of the Great Yu, it would be very, very difficult.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the simplest flintlock guns and bird guns would be difficult to develop successfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what he offered was merely a direction for research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest depended on these professionals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not expect Zhan Liang and Lei Shitou to genuinely develop firearms; developing something like the Red Coat Cannon would be good enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Researching cannons was ostensibly for dealing with Wu Country and other alien races.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the real goal was to counter the Fire Spirit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew when it might come for revenge, so preparations had to be made in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a little palace maid came running quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty~ Your Majesty~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I report to Your Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Liu Cheng’en rushed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, news has come from Kunning Palace. The Empress... is about to give birth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm? Lin’er is about to give birth?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi said, the Empress’s due date was around these days, not far from Consort De’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she was the Empress, and he immediately ordered, \"Proceed to Kunning Palace!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Kunning Palace, at least a hundred eunuchs and palace maids were standing guard. Seven or eight midwives were stationed inside, frequently carrying hot water in and out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several imperial physicians knelt at the entrance, all waiting for the Empress to give birth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, being the Empress, her childbirth was much grander than that of Consort Shuu or Consort Bi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Empress Dowager was waiting in the outer hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Emperor arrives!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Servants greet His Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We ministers greet His Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rise and take your places without ceremony!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi then saluted the Empress Dowager, saying, \"Greetings to the Empress Dowager.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My son, come quickly. Lin’er is about to give birth, and my heart is racing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Yi comforted, \"Rest assured, Mother. Lin’er is the Empress, she will be fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, with the combined efforts of the midwives and imperial physicians, a loud wail finally sounded from inside the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bodhisattva bless, Bodhisattva bless, Lin’er has given birth safely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager exclaimed joyfully, her face filled with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it a prince or a princess?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Son, later you must give Lin’er’s child a good name, as it is your legitimate offspring!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This son understands.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A while later, a wet nurse holding a small infant came out quickly, respectfully kneeling on the ground and said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations to the Empress Dowager, congratulations to His Majesty, the Empress has given birth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Empress Dowager urgently asked, \"Is it a prince or a princess?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Reporting to the Empress Dowager, it’s a young prince...\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1469,"2026-06-06T13:34:08.834Z",1,"novelbin.me","0e1452637a1c0343cbad62acc0dcf12c4b8198a411e43f8dc3154913b4375bb9","eternal-life-as-false-emperor-chapter-44","eternal-life-as-false-emperor-chapter-42",358,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-life-as-false-emperor-cover.jpg"]