Chapter 389: Technical Transmission

Autumn sunlight streamed through the open windows of the Investigation of Things Institute's office, scattering over piles of drawings, models, and scattered parts, casting a mottled play of light and shadow.

The air was filled with the distinctive smell of tung oil, ink sticks, and metal shavings mixed together.

Zhao Lao Nian, nearing fifty, had hair half-turned white; his hands, long accustomed to working with instruments, were covered in old calluses and tiny scars.

He was now bent over a large desk, carefully proofreading the final volume of the manuscript, then gently weighing it down with a paperweight.

In the center of the desk lay a set of manuscripts more than ten volumes thick, bound in indigo-blue hardcover.

On the cover, written in his own neat regular script, were the four large characters: 'Essentials of the Investigation of Things'.

He gazed at this monumental work, which had consumed his own and the entire Ministry of Works' elite nearly five years of effort to compile, and let out a long, satisfied sigh.

His eyes held both the relief of completing a heavy duty and a solemn sense of imminently handing down a legacy.

Over these five years, the technology of the Chen Dynasty did not stagnate despite the emperor's gradual devolution of power; instead, under Zhao Lao Nian's leadership, it entered a period of systematic summation and deepened expansion.

The Vortex Machine technology, originally an emergency measure against the Bone-Corroding, has developed into dozens of models of various sizes;

applied to mine drainage, road tamping, grain threshing, and even emerging textile workshops, it has profoundly changed the face of production and life.

Based on the principle of Youn Energy–Fortune Momentum coupling, the manufacturing process for the Heart-Guarding Talisman has been standardized, greatly increasing output and stability, effectively curbing the potential threat of Shadow Corrosion.

After numerous iterations, the Youn-Dispelling Crossbow's range, accuracy, and destructive power against Youn Energy constructs have vastly improved, becoming the standard equipment of the Border Garrison for countering infiltrations by the Iron Crow Army.

Meanwhile, the development of the Vortex Cannon has entered its final testing stage; it will be a strategic weapon capable of changing the rules of siege and defense.

More importantly, all of these are founded on a deep understanding of energy principles and rigorous mathematical calculation, not on vague experience or speculation.

The Essentials of the Investigation of Things is the grand synthesis of all this knowledge and technology.

It not only meticulously records the manufacturing drawings, process flows, and usage methods of various instruments;

what is more valuable is that Zhao Lao Nian, with his transcendent wisdom, attempts to construct a self-consistent theoretical framework to elucidate the internal laws and mathematical relationships behind the phenomena of vortex flow, Fortune Momentum, and Youn Energy.

The book even contains many of his pioneering thoughts on energy conversion, mechanical structure, and material properties; its depth far surpasses the usual 'artisan' scope of this era.

'Sir, the carriage is ready.' A young clerk reported respectfully at the door.

Zhao Lao Nian nodded, personally wrapped the heavy manuscript bundle carefully, held it to his chest as if embracing the world's most precious treasure, and slowly walked out of the Investigation of Things Institute.

Inside the Purple Harmony Hall, the medicinal scent seemed a bit stronger than usual.

Chen Wen half-reclined on the soft couch, covered with a thin blanket, having listened to Crown Prince Chen Hong's brief report on this year's autumn tax revenues and expenditures.

His complexion was somewhat pale, but his spirits were still alright.

'How has the public reacted to the commutation of grain transport?' Chen Wen asked, his voice tinged with hoarseness.

'Replying to Father Emperor, feedback from all regions has been acceptable. Money and goods are each half, giving the people more choice and easing the burden on state granaries. However… some remote prefectures suffer from insufficient currency circulation, causing slight complaints; I have ordered the Transport Bureau to make adjustments.' Chen Hong responded fluently.

'Hmm, being able to think of an adjustment plan is good. This matter, you may handle it with full authority.' Chen Wen gave a slight nod, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his eyes.

At that moment, Fu Quan stepped in quietly.

'Everyone, the Minister of Works Zhao seeks an audience outside the hall, saying… the Essentials of the Investigation of Things is complete, and he has come specially to present it.'

Chen Wen, upon hearing this, seemed to be invigorated.

'Summon him quickly.'

Moments later, Zhao Lao Nian entered, bowing while holding that thick stack of manuscripts.

'Your subject Zhao Lao Nian pays his respects to Your Majesty and to the Crown Prince.'

'Minister Zhao, no need for excessive courtesy.' Chen Wen gestured for him to rise, his eyes falling on the indigo-blue cover he held.

'Is this… the Essentials of the Investigation of Things?'

'Exactly.' Zhao Lao Nian carefully placed the manuscript on the stand brought by the attendant, his voice trembling with uncontainable excitement.

'Thanks to Your Majesty's trust, this humble official and his colleagues, after five years, have searched through old records, repeatedly verified and tested, and finally compiled this book.'

'It contains the diagrams, manufacturing methods, and uses of seventy-three devices ranging from the Dragon-Stirring Boat and Heart-Guarding Talisman to the latest Vortex Cannon;'

'and also includes the foundational works Mathematics of the Investigation of Things, Brief Analysis of Fortune Momentum, and Discerning False Youn Energy, attempting to elucidate the principles behind them.'

'This humble official is dull; what I have managed is merely the tip of the iceberg. Yet I wish to use this book as a foundation, so that the study of technology in our dynasty will have successors, passing the torch from generation to generation!'

Chen Wen had Fu Quan bring the first volume of the manuscript to the bedside.

He lightly stroked the smooth paper, flipping through the precise, delicate drawings, the neat and clear annotations, and the text attempting to probe the underlying principles.

Even his fingertips could feel a weighty power.

This is neither a martial arts secret manual nor a treatise on political stratagems.

This is genuine learning that can increase land yields, let goods flow freely, strengthen the army, and improve the people's livelihood.

It is the solid foundation that sustains this vast empire and resists those uncanny forces.

'Good! Good! Good!'

Chen Wen uttered 'good' three times, a flush of red rising on his pale face.

'Minister Zhao, this is an achievement benefiting the present and useful for a thousand ages! This book encompasses everything, its system is rigorous, and what is especially rare is that it does not indulge in empty talk but points directly to the root.'

He raised his head, his piercing gaze fixed on Zhao Lao Nian, then turned to the Crown Prince beside him.

'Hong'er, come take a look.'

Chen Hong hurried forward, respectfully receiving the manuscript and examining it carefully.

Although he had studied the basics of investigation of things under Zhao Lao Nian, seeing such a systematic and profound work still left him stunned.

'Master Zhao's learning is as vast as an ocean of smoke; as a student, I am in awe.' Chen Hong said sincerely.

'Your Highness, you overpraise me.' Zhao Lao Nian hastily bowed.

'This humble official merely organized and recorded the learning of predecessors and others. The way of scholarship lies in seeking truth and in practicality. I hope Your Highness will henceforth value the study of technology; then it will be a great blessing for the state.'

Chen Wen took up the thread, his tone becoming especially solemn.

'Hong'er, remember: one can win the world in an instant, but one cannot govern the world in an instant.'

'The benefit of arms and armor is certainly important; yet the foundation for enriching the people and strengthening the state lies in agriculture, technology, and commerce.'

'This book is the foundation of the study of technology. I command you to issue an edict ordering the Ministry of Works to immediately organize personnel to transcribe this book and distribute it to government workshops and the Academy of Investigation of Things in each prefecture, to be used as essential textbooks.'

Moreover, under the Imperial Academy, a Department of Investigation of Things will be added, selecting talented youths to specialize in this study. The required funds will be supplied from the inner treasury.

Chen Hong's expression turned grave, and he solemnly replied, "Your subject son obeys the decree! I will surely cause this learning to flourish, not failing the expectations of Father Emperor and Zhao Shihou."

Upon hearing this, Old Zhao Lao Nian was so moved that his old tears streamed down, and he prostrated himself, knocking his head on the ground.

"Old subject... old subject, on behalf of all Investigation of Things scholars throughout the realm, thank Your Majesty for your great grace! Your Majesty is sagacious!"

All he had sought in life was merely to pass on this useful learning and to develop it further.

Now that the emperor values it so highly, even seeking to incorporate it into the official education system, how could he not be overjoyed?

Chen Wen had Fu Quan help Old Zhao Lao Nian to his feet, and spoke gently: "Minister Zhao, you have devoted yourself to our dynasty's crafts, pouring out your heart and blood; your merit is supreme. My heart is greatly comforted."

He paused, then his gaze fell back upon that set of Essentials of Investigation of Things, as if through it he could see a farther future.

"With this book, our dynasty's crafts will have truly taken root. Even if, later on, Your Majesty and you gentlemen are no longer here, those who come after can still follow this path and not lose their way."

In his words lay a subtle sense of melancholy and entrustment.

Both Old Zhao Lao Nian and Chen Hong heard the meaning within, and their hearts sank.

"Your Majesty..." Old Zhao Lao Nian's voice choked.

"Father Emperor..." Chen Hong also showed a worried expression.

Chen Wen, however, waved his hand, and a light, relieved smile appeared on his face.

"It's no matter. Birth, aging, sickness, death are the common lot of man. To see this book completed, to see the Ministry of Works system perfected, to see the Crown Prince grow—Your Majesty... has few regrets left."

"Minister Zhao, go rest well. From now on, we will still rely on you, for Your Majesty and for the Crown Prince, to cultivate more talents like you, pillars of the state."

Old Zhao Lao Nian bowed deeply once again.

"Old subject... I will surely exhaust my remaining years, and only cease upon death!"

Gazing at Old Zhao Lao Nian's back as he carried an empty box, his steps somewhat light as he departed, Chen Wen fell silent for a long while.

The technology has already been passed on, the system already established.

This, a vital part of the nation's lifeline, had at last laid a sufficiently solid foundation before he completely let go.

He withdrew his gaze and looked out the window.

Autumn was deepening, the sky high and the clouds light.

He could feel that the once mighty Fortune Momentum within his body, now in motion, was becoming increasingly sluggish.

That balance which sustained his life and strength was slowly and steadily sliding toward a certain critical point.

The time left for him was truly not much.

He coughed lightly a few times, then said to the Crown Prince standing beside him:

"Hong'er, accompany Your Majesty... to look at the test report of that Vortex-flow Cannon."

"Yes, Father Emperor."