Chapter 413: The Covenant of Light Points

False Song, Hebei West Circuit, a government lodging beside the post road.

Zhou Huaian sat in a shabby room, the oil lamp tiny as a bean, illuminating his focused face.

On the desk before him lay several sheets of rough paper, densely filled with observation data, efficiency calculations, and possible improvement ideas regarding the 'Wooden Fan Blast Furnace'.

Though several days had passed since returning from Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping County, his mind was wholly occupied by that ingenious mechanical structure.

As an Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Works, he had seen many local reports of 'clever tricks,' but most were showy and impractical, or merely minor improvements based on artisans' experience.

A design that could significantly boost blast efficiency while remaining relatively simple and feasible is truly rare.

"A stranger's guidance…… a passing merchant……"

Zhou Huaian muttered to himself, his brows slightly furrowed.

He instinctively felt that Liu the Blacksmith's words were not necessarily false, yet the identity of this 'stranger' seemed suspicious.

What kind of traveling merchant would carry such exquisite instrument diagrams on hand and casually gift them to a blacksmith on the verge of closure?

As he pondered, the voice of a post-station courier came from outside the door.

"Lord Zhou, two gentlemen outside request an audience, saying they have an appointment with you to discuss the Principle of Craftsmanship."

Zhou Huaian startled.

"An appointment?" He had no acquaintances here, nor had he made any prior arrangements.

But the four words 'Principle of Craftsmanship' struck a precise chord in his heart.

"Please let them in."

He straightened his robes, feeling a hint of wariness but more curiosity.

The door was pushed open, and the post-station courier led the two men inside.

The lead man wore a blue cloth robe and cloth shoes, his face ordinary, yet his demeanor was tranquil as water; when his gaze swept over, Zhou Huaian inexplicably felt a hint of pressure.

The man behind him, somewhat older, dressed as an attendant, had large knuckles and sharp eyes; upon entering, his gaze unintentionally swept the room's corners, finally landing on the rough paper spread before Zhou Huaian on the desk.

"I am surnamed Wen, with a single given name Wen; this is my assistant, Old Zhao."

Chen Wen cupped his fists, giving the alias he had prepared beforehand.

"I apologize for the sudden visit; please forgive me, Lord Zhou."

Zhou Huaian returned the gesture and invited the two to sit.

"Mr. Wen, you're too polite; I don't know what business brings you two here at this late hour— the courier just said you wished to discuss the Principle of Craftsmanship?"

His gaze, inquisitive, swept back and forth between Chen Wen and Old Zhao Nian.

Chen Wen gave a faint smile, his eyes falling on the rough paper on the desk.

"I have heard that Lord Zhou recently visited Liu's Workshop in Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping County, greatly praising the Blast Wooden Fan, even personally sketching and recording it to bring back for study."

"We too have some interest in it, and thus came specially to seek your advice."

Zhou Huaian's heart jolted, his wariness rising sharply.

Although his trip to Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping County was incognito, being tracked down so precisely could not be coincidence.

"Mr. Wen, your sources are impressively well‑informed."

His tone grew a bit colder.

"How did you come to know of this? And why are you so interested in it?"

Chen Wen paid no heed to his wariness and replied calmly.

"It was a chance occurrence; I merely heard about it."

"As for interest… Lord Zhou, don't you notice that the ironware circulating nowadays is of uneven quality— farm tools break easily, weapons… heh, best not dwell on it."

"Getting to the root, the timing of the smelting fire is truly a crucial link."

"That wooden fan, though small, can steady the airflow, aid the flame, and greatly benefit the improvement of iron quality."

"Such ingenuity that benefits the state and the people— whoever devotes themselves to the Way of Craftsmanship could not help but be interested."

These words did not directly answer Zhou Huaian's doubts, yet each sentence resonated deep within his heart.

Over these years in the Ministry of Works, what he had seen was mostly clinging to tradition and perfunctory duty— never had he heard anyone link the Principle of Craftsmanship so earnestly with benefiting the state and the people.

Moreover, their casual remarks on the Way of Smelting showed considerable expertise.

His expression eased somewhat, yet he remained cautious.

"What Mr. Wen said is quite right."

"But the origin of this device is unclear; rashly promoting it might be improper."

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Works follows set procedures; it is not for a lowly official like me to decide alone."

Chen Wen nodded, indicating understanding.

"Regulations are certainly important, but flexibility is also indispensable."

"If we cling rigidly to established rules, we will hardly make any progress."

He shifted his tone, his gaze unintentionally sweeping over Zhou Huaian's hands, which were somewhat rough from constant contact with instruments.

"Observing the marks on Lord Zhou's hands, you must be someone who constantly deals with tools, not a mere paper‑pushing official who only talks strategy."

"One should understand that a truly beneficial technology, if buried due to unclear origins or non‑compliance with regulations, is a genuine pity."

Zhou Huaian fell silent.

How could he not know?

He had submitted many improvement proposals to the Ministry of Works, yet most sank without trace; his superiors sought only to avoid fault, not to achieve merit.

This Blast Wooden Fan, though good, if reported through the usual channels and subjected to layer upon layer of review, who knows how many years will pass before any effect is seen.

It might even be rejected outright for non‑compliance with regulations.

Chen Wen observed the change in his expression, knowing the moment had arrived.

He glanced at Old Zhao Nian.

Zhao Lao Nian understood, took out a roll of slightly better-quality paper from his cloth bag, and gently placed it on the table.

"Lord Zhou, this might ease some of your worries."

Zhou Huai'an picked it up dubiously and unfolded it.

After just a glance, his breathing suddenly became rapid.

What was drawn on the paper was not a bellows furnace, but an improved diagram of a curved-shaft plow with a more ingenious structure and more reasonable linkage!

The curvature of the plow beam, the angle of the plowshare, and even the design of the draft point all revealed a kind of brilliance he had never seen before, yet faintly felt to be extremely reasonable!

Beside the diagram, there were fine small notes labeling the function of each part, material requirements, and the expected labor-saving effect and deep-tillage capability.

"This... this is..."

Zhou Huai'an's voice trembled slightly; he raised his head and looked at Chen Wen and the other in disbelief.

"This object, like that wooden fan, is also a gift from the 'strange person'?"

Chen Wen smiled without answering, merely saying lightly.

"If this could be mass-produced, for farmers it would save the labor of oxen and horses and increase deep-tillage effectiveness; for the state, it could increase cultivated acreage, truly the foundation of enriching the people and strengthening the nation."

"However, its promotion also requires the push of those with insight."

"Lord Zhou, what do you think?"

Zhou Huai'an clutched the diagram tightly, his mind torn.

He understood that the other party was demonstrating strength and also throwing out bait.

The value of this diagram far exceeds that of the bellows wooden fan!

If he could seize this opportunity to achieve political success, his situation in the Ministry of Works might improve; more importantly, these technologies that benefit the state and the people could truly be put to use.

But what about the cost?

These two mysterious people certainly have no simple purpose.

Who are they?

Where do they come from?

Why do they help me?

Countless questions swirled in his mind.

Yet his pure passion for technology and his unwillingness to accept the status quo ultimately overcame his fear of the unknown.

He took a deep breath, his gaze becoming resolute.

"Mr. Wen, this diagram... is indeed exquisite beyond compare."

"I... am willing to give it a try, to present it to my superiors, explain the pros and cons, and strive for a trial production in some regions."

Chen Wen's face showed a hint of a genuine smile.

He knew that this pawn had basically been settled.

"Lord Zhou, your righteousness is lofty."

Besides, I still have some scattered ideas regarding loom improvement and water conservancy applications; if you are interested, we could exchange them later.

He did not give too much at once; only a steady trickle can maintain the connection.

A flicker of longing flashed in Zhou Huai'an's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.

"I... will await with bated breath."

He did not ask how to contact them, knowing that if they wished, they would naturally appear again.

Chen Wen and Zhao Lao Nian rose to say their farewells.

Seeing them to the door, Zhou Huai'an could not help but ask.

"Mr. Wen, you... just who are you?"

Chen Wen stopped his steps, turned his head to glance at him, his eyes deep.

"Who we are is not important."

"What matters is that technology is the bone and blood of civilization."

He paused, his tone carrying an indisputable force, both telling Zhou Huai'an and explaining to Zhao Lao Nian beside him the fundamental motive of this journey.

"The Iron Crow seeks to lock this place down, but I intend to inject living water."

"This youth is pure-hearted, sincere in his craft, and is one of the keys."

"Sow the cause today, and perhaps reap a marvelous effect tomorrow."

Having said that, he and Zhao Lao Nian turned and left, their silhouettes quickly vanishing into the night beside the post road.

Zhou Huai'an stood at the door, repeatedly chewing over the words "The Iron Crow seeks to lock this place down, but I intend to inject living water."

He did not quite understand what "Iron Crow" specifically referred to, but he vaguely sensed that this seemed to concern a game he could not comprehend, of a higher level.

And he himself, seemingly without realizing it, had already become a piece on that board.

He lowered his head, looking at the heavy roll of diagram in his hand; his eyes flickered with a hint of bewilderment, but more so with a long-dormant, ignited passion.

No matter what, this diagram is real, and the technological progress it represents is also real.

That is enough.