Chapter 217: Ptolemy IX

At the construction site of the pyramids of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the scorching sun shone upon the earth without reservation, and waves of heat rose from the ground.

Dong Zhongshu and Amir were engaged in heavy labor, moving huge stones day after day.

But Dong Zhongshu did not let the adversity wear down his will; relying on the rich knowledge he had accumulated in Han and his unique insight into engineering, he quickly stood out among the many laborers.

While other laborers were still moving stones by brute force, Dong Zhongshu cleverly used the lever principle, leading everyone to easily shift the huge stones, greatly improving work efficiency.

The supervisors, seeing this, looked at him with new respect and transferred him to a more advanced construction team.

That day, the Pharaoh's close aide Usarkaf came to inspect the progress of the work.

Usarkaf wore a splendid robe and a headpiece symbolizing power, and, surrounded by a retinue of guards, he walked slowly forward.

Dong Zhongshu knew this was an excellent opportunity to change his fate, so he prepared in advance; when Usarkaf approached, he went up to meet him without arrogance or humility and bowed with clasped hands:

"Esteemed sir, I am Dong Zhongshu from distant Han. I have long heard that ancient Egyptian civilization is vast and profound; today, seeing it, I find the reputation well deserved. In the course of participating in the pyramid construction, I have some ideas; I do not know whether I should speak them or not."

Usarkaf raised his eyebrows slightly, taking an interest in this laborer from a foreign land: "Oh? What ideas do you have? Please share them."

Dong Zhongshu, seeing this, felt delighted and spoke in an orderly manner: "Sir, I have noticed that in the process of building the pyramids, transporting the huge stones consumes a great deal of manpower and time. In Han, there is a pulley device that can greatly increase transport efficiency. If it were applied to the pyramid construction, it would not only shorten the schedule but also save manpower."

After hearing him, Usarkaf's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise; he examined Dong Zhongshu with interest: "You, a foreigner, actually have such a unique perspective—indeed, it makes me look at you anew."

Dong Zhongshu took the opportunity to say: "Sir, you flatter me. I am also deeply fascinated by the culture and history of ancient Egypt, and I have long hoped for a chance to study it in depth. If you do not disdain me, I am willing to share what I know with you."

Usarkaf was moved by Dong Zhongshu's talent and enthusiasm, and nodded:

"Very well, from now on you will stay by my side; speak freely of any ideas you have."

Dong Zhongshu secretly rejoiced, knowing he was one step closer to escaping his predicament.

He bowed respectfully and said: "Thank you for your favor, sir; I will surely not disappoint your expectations."

From then on, while attending Usarkaf, Dong Zhongshu constantly paid attention to his likes and needs.

Each morning, he would prepare in advance the dates and Nile water that Usarkaf liked, and present them respectfully.

When Usarkaf was handling affairs, Dong Zhongshu would always wait quietly at his side; as soon as Usarkaf showed a thoughtful expression, he would timely offer his unique insights and give counsel.

Once, Usarkaf was overwhelmed preparing for a sacrificial ritual; upon hearing this, Dong Zhongshu offered the unique ritual ideas he had brought from Han, skillfully blending them with ancient Egyptian tradition, making the ceremony both solemn and distinctive.

Usarkaf praised Dong Zhongshu's suggestions without reserve, grew ever more trusting of him, and would consult him on important matters.

Not long afterward, the Pharaoh decided to personally inspect the pyramid construction site. Upon hearing the news, Dong Zhongshu was overjoyed, knowing this was an excellent opportunity to change his fate.

He accompanied Usarkaf each day in preparing for the reception, offering detailed suggestions from venue layout to procedural arrangements.

On the day of the inspection, flags fluttered around the pyramids, and the laborers stood in neat rows.

Pharaoh Ptolemy IX came slowly forward in a splendid sedan chair, surrounded by the crowd.

Usarkaf brought Dong Zhongshu forward in quick steps to meet him, and they bowed respectfully.

After Ptolemy IX had inspected the site, he raised questions about the progress of the work.

Usarkaf immediately recommended Dong Zhongshu to the Pharaoh: "Your Majesty, this is Dong Zhongshu from Han; he has considerable insight into engineering and may be able to answer your doubts."

Dong Zhongshu's heart raced; he strove to calm himself, stepped forward, bowed respectfully to Ptolemy IX, and then clearly explained the current progress of the work, the difficulties encountered, and the subsequent solutions.

He skillfully incorporated Han architectural wisdom, proposing innovative construction methods that earned frequent nods from the Pharaoh.

Ptolemy IX was very pleased with Dong Zhongshu's answer and, with interest, asked: "You come from distant Han; why have you come here?"

Dong Zhongshu then truthfully recounted how his mission to Rome had met with mishap, causing him to drift to Egypt.

After hearing this, Ptolemy IX developed a strong interest in this wise foreign envoy and ordered Usarkaf to treat Dong Zhongshu well.

Dong Zhongshu secretly rejoiced, knowing he had finally taken the crucial step toward escaping his predicament.

Within the splendid Pharaoh's palace, Ptolemy IX frowned, pacing back and forth in the spacious hall, his face full of worry.

As Pharaoh, though he held supreme power, he was mired in the quagmire of court intrigue, with various factions openly and covertly contending, leaving him harried.

At this moment, Dong Zhongshu entered the great hall under Usarkaf's guidance.

Seeing Ptolemy IX's solemn expression, Dong Zhongshu understood, bowed respectfully, and then said slowly: "Your Majesty, I have heard that you have been troubled by court affairs lately; perhaps I can offer you counsel."

Ptolemy IX's eyes lit up, and he gestured for him to continue.

Dong Zhongshu slightly bowed and began: "Your Majesty, as I understand it, the root of court intrigue lies in the conflict of interests among the factions. For now, we can start by dividing the opposing forces. I have learned that the Amon Priestly Group and the military are outwardly united but inwardly divided; Your Majesty may secretly send agents to sow discord, making them suspect each other and weakening their strength. At the same time, reward the forces that support you with generous gifts and higher positions to solidify their loyalty."

Ptolemy IX nodded thoughtfully: "What you say makes sense; but how should it be carried out specifically?"

Dong Zhongshu, well prepared, spoke in an orderly manner: "Your Majesty could issue a new tax policy, allocating part of the tax revenue to the military; this would both increase the military's income and cause the Amon Priestly Group to feel dissatisfied. At the same time, Your Majesty could summon the core figures of the Amon Priestly Group and hint that the military covets their power, provoking their panic. Thus, the conflict between the two sides would inevitably intensify, leaving them no leisure to join forces against Your Majesty."

Then Dong Zhongshu shifted his focus: "Your Majesty, besides dividing the enemies, you also need to cultivate your own loyal following. You may select trustworthy and capable individuals from the palace guards, entrust them with important duties, and gradually infiltrate them into key departments. Moreover, through marriage alliances, you can forge close ties with the great nobles at home, expanding your sphere of influence."

Ptolemy IX nodded repeatedly as he listened, and the worry on his face gradually faded.

He stepped forward, patted Dong Zhongshu on the shoulder, and exclaimed: "Dong Zhongshu, you are indeed extraordinarily wise. With your help, what need is there to fear that the court turmoil will not be quelled?"

Dong Zhongshu humbly replied: "Your Majesty flatters me; to share your worries is my honor."

Thereafter, Ptolemy IX acted according to Dong Zhongshu's strategies, and the situation of court intrigue gradually shifted in his favor.

And Dong Zhongshu, relying on his own wisdom, established a firm foothold in the court of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, and for himself, escaping his predicament and continuing to fulfill his mission, brought new hope.