Chapter 364: The Ministry of Works

The blood‑smoke clouds over Heroic Prefecture have already cleared for over a month, yet the shadow of that pyrrhic victory still hangs over the skies of Bianliangcheng.

The compensation for fallen soldiers and the relief efforts for the drought‑stricken southern provinces are like a heavy load pressing on the shoulders of the newborn Great Chen dynasty.

Yet in the southeast corner of Bianliangcheng, inside the workshop district directly under the Ministry of Works, surrounded by high walls, a quite different scene unfolds.

The clashing of metal, the sawing of wood, and a low, continual hum intertwine to create a vibrant din, forming a stark contrast with the solemnity of the court and the chatter of the marketplace.

Minister of Works Zhao Lao Nian is currently crouched beside a massive machine, his gray‑white brows almost knotted into a frown.

The purple robe's lower hem is casually tucked into his belt, stained with oil and sawdust; were it not for his official garb, anyone would take him for an old craftsman bent over his work.

"Do you hear that? When it spins up, there's a 'creak', like a mouse squeak!"

He brings his ear close to the rapidly spinning bronze flywheel and says to the several equally grimy master craftsmen beside him:

"It must be that the third bearing seat isn't ground smooth, or there's impurity in the lubricating grease!"

"Take it off, re‑grind it! Switch to the freshly purified whale oil we just acquired!"

"Yes, Minister!" the master craftsmen replied in haste, daring not to be the slightest bit negligent.

The massive contraption before them, over two persons tall, with a complex structure made of numerous bronze components, a wooden flywheel, and at its core a piece of special‑force‑bound, slowly rotating azure crystal shard, is the Ministry of Works' most urgent project—the "Vortex Flow Type Three" prototype.

Unlike the small, unstable versions used to power the "Demon‑Dispelling Crossbow" in the battle of Heroic Prefecture, this machine seeks stable, enduring power output, aiming to convert the vortex effect generated by the repulsion between Nether Energy Crystal Ore and the dynasty's Fortune Momentum into reliable force capable of driving large workshops.

The low, continuous hum is the sound of the flywheel spinning at high speed and the core "Vortex Force Field" running steadily.

The wide drive belt attached to the output shaft steadily transfers power to the opposite side of the workshop.

There, a row of heavy forged‑iron hammers rise and fall in precise rhythm, striking the red‑hot iron blanks into the rough shapes of various agricultural tools.

Beside it, a complex linkage mechanism drives dozens of saw blades, easily splitting thick logs into uniformly thick boards.

Its efficiency matches that of dozens of skilled artisans working simultaneously.

"Force field stable!"

"Output power holding at eighty percent of design!"

"Continuous operation exceeds three hours, with core crystal energy loss within expected range!"

A young official, holding a logbook, voices his barely contained excitement as he reports to Zhao Lao Nian.

Many of the officials and artisans involved in the project also wear looks of relieved joy.

After nearly two years of trial, error, and renewed effort, this machine that embodies the Ministry of Works' countless efforts finally sees the dawn of success.

This means a brand‑new power source—free of human or animal labor, unaffected by weather—is about to be born.

Its significance may rival that of a victorious battle.

Zhao Lao Nian rises, brushes dust from his hands, and though his face shows little joy, it grows even more solemn.

"Don't get too excited too soon!"

"Did you hear that mouse‑like squeak? A tiny fault could knock the whole machine out!"

"And this drive belt is hot enough to burn the hand—how much power is wasted uselessly to friction?"

"And the noise! Working long hours in this room, will our ears even survive?"

He fires off a litany of problems like a rapid‑fire cannon, pressing down the excitement that had just risen among the crowd.

"Record!"

"First, bearing precision and lubrication are the top priority for the next half‑month!"

"Second, drive efficiency must be improved by at least another ten percent!"

"Third, find a way to cut the noise! Try installing sound‑proofing panels or placing soft pads under the machine!"

"Moreover, the design for the Type Four machine can now be launched, targeting large textile and grinding workshops, with power three times that of this one!"

He pauses, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, his tone easing slightly.

"I know you've all been working hard."

"But think of the brothers who died beneath the walls of Heroic Prefecture, and think of the people in the south awaiting relief."

"If our Ministry of Works contributes just a bit more, the soldiers at the front gain an extra measure of protection, and the common folk across the realm will find peace a day sooner."

"This machine is not just a machine; it is the Ministry of Works' reckoning to His Majesty and to the world!"

Their expressions tighten, and they all bow, saying, "We will faithfully follow the Minister's instructions!"

Just then, a minor clerk rushes up and whispers a few words into Zhao Lao Nian's ear.

Zhao Lao Nian's expression shifts, he nods, and then says to the assembly:

"Everyone, do as just discussed and go about your tasks separately!"

"I'll be right back."

……

Imperial Palace, Side Hall of the Hall of Nurturing Heart.

The medicinal scent is thinner than a month ago, yet it still lingers in the hall.

Chen Wen leans half‑back on the soft couch, covered with a thin blanket; his complexion still bears the pallor of illness, but his gaze is much clearer than before.

The imperial physician advises that he still needs rest and must not overexert his spirit.

Yet the piled‑up memorials, concerning state affairs and the people's livelihood, he cannot set aside entirely.

At this moment he holds in his hand a detailed memorial submitted by the Ministry of Works concerning the successful test of the Vortex Flow Type Three prototype.

Before his couch, Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru stand attentively, awaiting His Majesty's edict.

Chen Wen reads slowly and carefully.

Upon seeing that the machine runs steadily for over three hours with core energy loss matching expectations, he gives a slight nod.

Upon seeing the series of problems Zhao Lao Nian pointed out that still need improvement, even the corner of his mouth twitches with a faint smile.

This is the Zhao Lao Nian he knows.

Never satisfied with current achievements, forever striving for better.

The Ministry of Works handled this matter well.

Chen Wen set down the memorial, his voice still somewhat weak, yet carrying clear approval.

Minister Zhang, the funds needed for the subsequent construction of the model workshop shall be prioritized by the Ministry of Revenue.

Minister Wang, if the Ministry of Works needs to summon skilled artisans from various regions, the Ministry of Personnel shall cooperate.

"We will obey the edict," Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru replied in unison.

Zhang Cheng added:

"Your Majesty, if the Vortex Machine can truly be promoted on a large scale, not only will military production greatly increase, but in agricultural irrigation, textile and forging, and even grain transport, there will be great benefits."

"Given time, it will surely become an important cornerstone for the increase of our dynasty's national strength."

Wang Ru also said:

"Minister Zhao and the fellow officials of the Ministry of Works, who devote themselves to practical work and do not seek empty fame, this practice should be advocated."

Chen Wen nodded, picked up the vermilion brush again, and began to review the memorial slowly.

His movements were much slower than when he was healthy, each stroke seemingly consuming considerable energy.

But his handwriting remained steady and strong.

"The Ministry of Works' investigation of things and extension of knowledge benefits the state and the people; this is truly commendable."

"The Vortex Machine is a device for consolidating the foundation and nurturing the essence; immediately allocate funds, and in Bianjing and the surrounding prefectures select sites to establish three Model Workshops……"

"The required materials and manpower shall be coordinated by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel."

"Furthermore, regarding Zhao Aiqing's concerns about the use for ships and waterworks, capable personnel may be assigned to conduct preliminary research first……"

Having finished reviewing, he gently exhaled and passed the memorial to Zhang Cheng.

A slight wave of dizziness came over him, and he had no choice but to close his eyes to rest for a moment.

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru exchanged a glance, each seeing worry in the other's eyes.

"Your Majesty, your health is of utmost importance; these trivial affairs, we and the Crown Prince……" Zhang Cheng had not finished speaking when he realized his mistake and stopped abruptly.

Chen Wen slowly opened his eyes; a complex flicker crossed his gaze, yet he did not pursue it.

"I am fine."

"You may withdraw first; I…… want to go see the Empress Dowager."

"Yes, we take our leave."

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru bowed and withdrew from the hall.

Chen Wen, supported by the palace attendant, slowly rose to his feet.

He walked to the window, gazing toward the general direction of the Ministry of Works' office.

Although far away, he seemed to also hear the lively bustle coming from the workshop district.

That was not merely the sound of machinery operating.

It was the sound of a dynasty tenaciously recovering from injury, striving to build the future upon ruins.

To exert ability and reverse the battle situation requires paying a heavy price, consuming the dynasty's Fortune Momentum.

Then, through such a people-benefiting investigative technique, enhancing national strength and uniting the people's hearts, could we more swiftly accumulate Fortune Momentum, forming a more stable and enduring virtuous cycle?

This might be his new insight, while ill, into the mysterious "Balance of Fortune Momentum."

The advancement of the Ministry of Works lies not merely in the success of a single machine.

Moreover, it lies in the fire of hope it has ignited, illuminating a path to national strength that differs from relying solely on individual prowess, being more solid and substantial.

He lightly coughed twice, then said to the attendant beside him:

"Proceed to the Cining Palace."