Chapter 11

Relying on the wondrous article Qin Mu had written earlier, Li Er vigorously pushed for comprehensive reforms.

Agriculture, metallurgy, commerce, civil service, military, and all other aspects had undergone earth-shaking changes.

Through the various technologies contained in Qin Mu's article, all sorts of fresh things were springing up like bamboo shoots after rain in the Great Tang.

For example, the "three-piece set" for warhorses that Qin Mu had proposed in the article: saddles, stirrups, and horseshoes.

Li Er attached great importance to this technology and ordered Fang Xuanling to personally supervise it; in a very short time, the three-piece set for warhorses was born, greatly enhancing the Great Tang's military strength.

Besides this, there were other technologies such as the curved-shaft plow and refined salt, which also appeared one after another.

The Great Tang's national power soared instantly, leaping to become a super-powerful state!

The sad part is.

The benefits of these technologies were all divided up by noble families such as the Five Surnames and Seven Clans.

The power and influence of the noble families grew larger and larger, while the common people still could not get enough to eat.

Scholars from humble backgrounds spent their whole lives, yet still could not cross the "dragon gate" of the imperial examinations.

While the powerful in Chang'an City were singing and dancing, countless common people at the bottom could not even reach the level of basic subsistence.

But compared to these, Li Er was more concerned about another matter.

Chang'an City.

Imperial Palace, Ganlu Hall.

"Scoundrels! With the strength of the entire nation, you still cannot catch a small rebel! What use do I have for you?"

Li Er's roar echoed throughout the palace.

Several guard commanders knelt on the ground, trembling, not even daring to raise their heads.

Standing around were a group of Li Er's trusted high-ranking officials.

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Tang Jian, and other dukes of high status all remained silent.

Li Er was trembling with rage, and his heart was also quite desperate.

For several months.

He had been governing the Great Tang according to the guidelines in Qin Mu's article.

Various technologies and reforms had given the Great Tang's national power a great leap forward.

But the more this happened, the more terrified Li Er became.

When he first saw that ancient wondrous article, he was only extremely shocked, shocked by the ingenious ideas in that article.

But when these ingenious ideas gradually became reality, Li Er finally discovered how terrifying that youth named Qin Mu truly was.

Merely by writing one article, he had already caused such earth-shaking changes in the Great Tang.

If he were utilized by others, what would the consequences be?

Every time he thought of this, Li Er felt his scalp tingle.

At all costs, he must find Qin Mu!

This was Li Er's death order.

But so much time had passed, and Qin Mu had vanished as if he had evaporated from the world, with no news at all.

This made Li Er always feel as if he were standing on the edge of an abyss.

Where did he go?

Is he dead or alive?

Or is he plotting for other forces?

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger; where could a mere rebel run to? As the saying goes, 'Under the vast heaven, all is the King's land.' Sooner or later, we will be able to catch him; Your Majesty, please be patient." Fang Xuanling advised in a flat tone.

Others also nodded one after another, and at the same time, a doubt arose in their hearts.

He was just a small petty thief; why did His Majesty have to make such a big fuss?

Because under the manipulation of Li Er and Zhangsun Wuji, the author of that ancient wondrous article had long been changed to Zhangsun Chong.

Therefore.

Fang Xuanling and the others did not know at all that Qin Mu was the true Top Graduate!

They still thought that Qin Mu was merely a bold petty thief.

"Enough, enough, transmit my order: continue to search for the whereabouts of that rebel, and increase the reward again! Whether dead or alive, you must find him!" Li Er waved his hand.

The several guards kneeling on the ground trembling hurriedly agreed and walked quickly out of the Ganlu Hall. ===== CHAPTER 13 =====