Chapter 203: A Hot Potato

On the day the Imperial Edict arrived in Yangzhou, the weather was clear.

Golden ceremonial guards, the raised "Avoid" and "Silence" signs, and a solemn eunuch clutching a bright yellow scroll caused the whole city of Yangzhou to fall into an uncanny hush.

The townsfolk knelt along both sides of the street, daring not even to breathe. They did not know what the Imperial Edict said, but they knew it was the will of the most revered person in the world, coming from Kaifeng.

Wang Family Fortress, Council Hall.

Wang Che, dressed in the Head of Family's formal attire, led Wang Hao and a group of senior clan elders, kneeling reverently before the incense table.

The eunuch delivering the edict's thin voice echoed through the hall, each word striking clearly upon everyone's hearts.

"…I have heard of the Wang clan of Yangzhou, loyal to the throne, developing the Water-Fire Great Power Machine, a benefit for millennia, a merit for the state; I am greatly pleased…"

The opening praise was expected by everyone. A few senior elders even showed a hint of proud delight on their faces.

"…I hereby confer the title Marquis of Investigating Things upon the Head of Family of the Wang Family, Wang Che, with a fief of five hundred households. Moreover, my sister, Princess of Yongning, wise and virtuous, is specially granted marriage to the Marquis of Investigating Things; a wedding date shall be chosen to display imperial grace…"

Alliance marriage! Title conferment!

With a "Boom", even the stoic Wang clan elders felt their minds explode; this was a monumental favor!

Tying kinship with the royal family is a singular honor throughout the Great Song! Uncle Seventh was so excited his beard trembled, and his gaze at Wang Che was full of satisfaction and pride.

Yet Wang Che and Wang Hao, kneeling at the front, did not even blink. They knew clearly that the more fragrant the dish, the deadlier the hidden hook beneath.

Sure enough, the eunuch delivering the edict cleared his throat and continued:

"…The study of investigating things is the foundation of a thriving nation. It must not be hoarded by a single family. The Marquis of Investigating Things shall select ten master artisans of the Wang Family proficient in this art, bring the Water-Fire Great Power Machine schematics, and proceed to the capital at once. I will establish the Institute of Investigating Things in the capital, aiming to disseminate this divine artifact throughout the realm and benefit all people…"

Here it comes! This is the main point!

Not only the people, but also the schematics! They intend to take away twenty years of the Wang Family's hard work, even the pot itself!

The elders' expressions changed instantly; the earlier joy vanished, replaced by deep worry.

But before they could fully digest the news, an even more lethal matter followed.

"…Furthermore, Wang Hao, a son of the Wang Family, long serving at court, diligent and meritorious, I think highly of him, yet I note his yearning for home. I hereby additionally confer the title Yangzhou Prefect, rank Seventh Grade, to assist in Yangzhou military and civil affairs, and to aid the Marquis of Investigating Things. So be it!"

This final decree struck Wang Hao's heart like a heavy hammer.

Yangzhou Prefect! Assistant in military and civil affairs!

The title sounds like the emperor is promoting him, letting him assist the new head of the family. But in reality?

It nails a nail inside the Wang Family!

From today onward, Wang Hao is no longer merely a core member of the Wang Family; he is also an appointed official of the Court. Every move he makes now represents imperial authority.

If Wang Che acts correctly, Wang Hao's assistance will be credited. If Wang Che errs, Wang Hao will be the first to be held accountable for negligence!

What a move, pulling the firewood from under the cauldron, a masterstroke of sowing division!

But he underestimated the Wang Family's strength and foundation; not only in Yangzhou, even the people of the entire Jiangnan would choose the Wang Family over Zhao Song if given a choice.

"Servant Wang Che (Wang Hao), receiving the decree, thanks! Long live Our Emperor!"

Wang Che's voice was the first to sound; he bowed heavily, and Wang Hao followed immediately with a bow.

The eunuch delivering the edict smiled with satisfaction, handed the Imperial Edict to Wang Che, patted his shoulder, and said gravely: "The Marquis of Investigating Things, Her Highness the Princess, are both Your Majesty's cherished ones. You must treat her well. And this Lord Wang, Your Majesty has great expectations of him; you uncle and nephew must be of one mind and heart, lest you betray the imperial grace."

"Yes, yes, thank you, Uncle, for the guidance." Wang Che wore a tearful grateful smile, while calmly slipping a thick silver note into the eunuch's sleeve.

After seeing the edict eunuch away, the Council Hall's great doors slammed shut with a "Boom".

The solemn atmosphere moments ago instantly exploded.

"Head of Family! What shall we do? The emperor is trying to empty our family's coffers!"

"Indeed! If the schematics and artisans are all given to them, won't the secrets of our Science Academy be fully exposed?"

"Hao, you Yangzhou Prefect... this... this is literally putting you on the fire to roast!"

Uncle Seventh grew even more frantic, stamping his foot: "Head of Family, we cannot accept this Imperial Edict!"

"Uncle Seventh." Wang Che spoke, and his voice silenced everyone.

He slowly unfurled the bright yellow Imperial Edict, his eyes scanning the words "Marquis of Investigating Things," "Bestowed Marriage," "Institute of Investigating Things," and "Yangzhou Prefect."

"Imperial Edict, we have already accepted it." he said calmly, "Your Majesty does not speak in jest. To now refuse would be defying the edict, treason. Zhao Kuangyin is currently struggling to find a pretext, coming to Yangzhou to see whether our Water-Fire Great Power Machine can actually wage war."

"Then... then we..."

Wang Che looked at Wang Hao and asked, "Uncle Hao, what do you think?"

Everyone's gaze focused on Wang Hao.

Wang Hao inhaled deeply, gave a wry smile and shook his head: "What else can we think? He is the emperor, we are subjects. If he truly wishes to move against the Wang Family, it will depend on his ability! Yet the whole Zhongyuan has just stabilized; the best outcome is to avoid further war."

Wang Che nodded; this was exactly the attitude he wanted from Wang Hao. He needed all the elders to understand that they now had no choice.

"Whatever the emperor wants, we shall give him." Wang Che's voice was decisive.

"What?!" Uncle Seventh could not believe his ears.

"If he wants an alliance marriage, we will marry. Bring the princess back, feed and entertain her, making her the most honored Marchioness in the realm. Yet she shall remain only a Marchioness; the core secrets of the Wang Family are not for her to touch a single iota."

"If he wants artisans, we will give them. From the Science Academy, select ten of the most reliable, tight‑lipped disciples, and send them to Kaifeng."

"If he wants the schematics, we will also give them!"

"Head of Family!" This time, even Wang Hao could not hold back: "If we give the schematics, we truly have nothing left!"