Chapter 213: with translation of chapter title

And after Lu Yuan finished speaking, Gu Qingwan, who had just been about to leave, suddenly froze in place.

Subsequently, Gu Qingwan immediately turned to look at Lu Yuan, her expression a mix of surprise and anger.

I knew this little thing would definitely not do something so stupid.

But why didn't this little thing say so just now!!

Making me worry for nothing!!

What do you mean, you little thing just like to watch your sister make a fool of herself, right!!

Gu Qingwan, who had been about to leave, immediately returned to the throne, and then hurriedly said:

"What is it?!

"Bring it up quickly!"

Just now Gu Qingwan said she knew what Lu Yuan was doing, and that it was her permission.

Now Gu Qingwan saying this seems to have given herself away.

But that doesn't matter.

No one would take Gu Qingwan's earlier words seriously.

And the cabinet members listening to Lu Yuan's words, seeing his serious expression, couldn't help but feel a jolt in their hearts.

No way??

After all... the cabinet had inspected Lu Yuan's workshop.

The person who came back said, inside was just a steam engine.

And by now everyone knows what a steam engine does; this is a replacement for the spirit power core.

The steam engine and the spirit power core are completely contradictory.

What is Lu Yuan researching?

And Lu Yuan didn't hesitate, immediately having someone notify the Bing Jia Chang.

……

Half an hour later.

In the courtyard before the Taihe Hall.

Gu Qingwan's throne was moved out, and all the ministers also came out from the Taihe Hall, standing in this courtyard.

In the center stood an ore refiner.

Of course, in the eyes of the ministers and Gu Qingwan, anything that looked roughly like this was considered a steam engine.

At this moment, Lu Yuan was adding lumps of coal to it, heating water.

After finishing these things, Lu Yuan then approached Gu Qingwan and said:

"I've been working on this thing lately, and I've named it the ore refiner."

Ore refiner?

Nobody knew what it did, but hearing the straightforward name, they could guess a bit.

Lu Yuan didn't beat around the bush, and directly said:

"It's simply refining our current spirit power cores into spirit stones, which can unleash greater efficacy than the spirit power cores."

Lu Yuan, while speaking, took out a twenty-catty spirit stone from a basket.

This spirit stone was just refined yesterday.

Previously, those spirit stones were basically refined today, then used for testing the next day, and were all used up.

After Lu Yuan took out this spirit stone, he directly handed it to Gu Qingwan.

And the surrounding ministers all craned their necks, tiptoeing to get a look.

In everyone's eyes, this thing showed nothing special.

After all, these ministers usually don't have much dealings with spirit power cores.

They just felt that the spirit power core Lu Yuan took out seemed a bit darker in color, and perfectly square and regular, with nothing else notable.

Gu Qingwan also couldn't see anything special; after glancing a few times, she looked at Lu Yuan curiously and asked:

"Is this... refined?"

Lu Yuan directly nodded and said:

"Yes, this is made from two hundred catties of spirit power core, and moreover from refined and recombined scattered spirit power core; I've been testing the efficacy of this refined spirit power core these days. Two hundred catties of spirit power core can be refined into twenty catties of spirit stone, and this twenty-catty spirit stone can exert the efficacy of six hundred catties of spirit power core."

Two hundred jin of spirit power core can be refined into twenty jin of spirit stone, and these twenty jin of spirit stone can exert the effect of six hundred jin of spirit power core.

After Lu Yuan finished speaking, the surrounding people blinked.

Lu Yuan's words were a bit convoluted.

But after a few seconds, everyone's faces showed astonishment.

Hiss...

Put simply, this thing...

Isn't it just that two hundred catties of spirit power core can become six hundred catties!!

The efficacy directly triples!!

The three spirit power mines of the Great Zhou Dynasty directly become nine!!

At this moment everyone was dumbfounded.

And Gu Qingwan, looking at Lu Yuan before her with a smug expression, blinked.

Immediately, Gu Qingwan really couldn't help wanting to directly pull Lu Yuan into her embrace and give him a good rub.

This Lu Yuan... why does Lu Yuan always manage to do things that hit right in my heart!!

At this moment Gu Qingwan looked at Lu Yuan, the affection in her eyes having completely overflowed.

Everyone looked at Lu Yuan now, then at Gu Qingwan gazing at Lu Yuan with clear eyes, then at the bewildered cabinet.

Instantly they understood—there was going to be a good show to watch.

At this moment the cabinet members were completely bewildered.

Not……

Lu Yuan's workshop actually has such a thing—how come the investigators didn't say anything when they came back!!

But if you think about it carefully, it actually makes sense……

How do you even say this!!

After all, nobody recognizes the gadgets Lu Yuan is tinkering with!!

Such a strange device, the investigators couldn't possibly know what an ore refiner is……

They even thought it was some other model of steam engine……

At the same time, Lu Yuan continued gazing at Gu Qingwan and said:

"Besides, the spirit power cores sold in my shop are actually waste produced during refining.

"That thing may look like a spirit power core, but it actually has no effect left.

"It's just for show; I thought throwing it away would be wasteful, so I brought it home—indeed it's me……"

Lu Yuan hadn't even finished speaking when Gu Qingwan lifted her head and said:

"You're not trying to admit fault, are you? I never said you were wrong—what are you apologizing for?"

The next second, Gu Qingwan directly turned her gaze to Yan Chonghui and the two others.

Those three were startled, then with a plop they knelt down.

After that they began all sorts of explanations.

First they congratulated Lu Yuan on proving his innocence, then they congratulated the Great Zhou Dynasty.

Then they said they had acted with good intentions, helping the prince straighten out officialdom.

Blah blah blah.

However, this matter is just like how those three were pushy earlier.

No matter how those three insisted on raiding Lu Yuan's home earlier, Gu Qingwan refused to listen.

Likewise, no matter how those three tried to clear their names,

Gu Qingwan would not listen either.

Immediately, Gu Qingwan stared at Kang Linfei with a cold face and said:

"Hearing wind and taking it as rain, slandering loyal ministers without saying so, and even advocating confiscation of homes—Kang Linfei, you tell me how this should be handled."

Kang Linfei, kneeling on the ground, swallowed his saliva.

Then he began to tremble as he spoke:

"I, your subject, am willing to accept punishment……"

But as soon as Kang Linfei's words left his mouth, Gu Qingwan waved her jade hand and said directly:

"It's waived; considering this is your first offense and you've always been diligent, no punishment will be given."

No punishment?

Not punishing him would be strange.

Everyone knows this is merely a prelude; the main show is yet to come.

As expected, Gu Qingwan's next words were:

"I recall that Minister Kang is sixty-five this year, indeed somewhat old, so occasional confusion is understandable.

But the position of vice premier in the cabinet is extremely important; Kang is aging and can no longer keep up, so let him rest—I see the Hanlin Academy has a vacancy……"

Before Gu Qingwan finished speaking, Kang Linfei could not help but speak excitedly:

"Your Majesty……"

But Gu Qingwan gave him no chance at all, merely raising her chin slightly and saying:

"How about it, do you still have anything to say in your defense?!"

After being cut off by Gu Qingwan's cold voice, Kang Linfei dared not say anything.

He also couldn't say anything.

Meanwhile, Yan Chonghui and Yan Shijin naturally did not want Kang Linfei to leave, for the prince was about to dismantle the cabinet.

But……

Today's events were truly beyond expectation.

No one can bear the blame for wrongfully accusing a loyal minister……

And Gu Qingwan continued:

"The vacant vice premier position will not be filled; I will reappoint on a chosen day."

Thereafter, Gu Qingwan stopped looking at the cabinet members, rose, and gazed at the surrounding officials, saying:

"Today the prince returns victorious from court, and Lu Yuan has invented a machine that doubles the efficacy of spirit power cores—such joyous news ought to be shared with the people!"

"Moreover, this year grain and railways have both brought continuous good fortune; order the Ministry of Rites to designate today as the Great Zhou Dynasty's National Celebration Day.

Starting today, a three‑day holiday begins, and this shall be the case every year thereafter."

After Gu Qingwan finished speaking, the Minister of Rites below was startled, then immediately came forward, kneeling loudly to respond.

After saying that, the matter was not over yet.

The next second, Gu Qingwan again looked at the Minister of Rites before her and said:

"Three days later Huangcheng will hold a celebration, and Baron Lu Yuan will be promoted to Earl, with the Ministry of Rites jointly organizing it."

The Minister of Rites was startled, then immediately agreed.

Gu Qingwan finished speaking, then glanced again at Yan Chonghui beside her.

Yan Chonghui immediately lowered his head, not daring to say anything that violated the ancestral statutes or could not be used for promotion beyond rank.

At the same time.

Lu Yuan's ore refiner was also done.

Lu Yuan directly dumped a basketful of scattered spirit power cores into the ore refiner.

After about ten or so minutes, a square lump of spirit stone weighing twenty catties was refined out.

The ministers all gasped in amazement, clicking their tongues repeatedly.

This is not simply a matter of doubling the effectiveness of the spirit power core.

The key is that it can also reforge those scattered spirit power cores!

This is even an indirect increase in production!

Immediately, Gu Qingwan directly ordered the Ministry of Works to set up a new factory for this ore refiner.

All of these were ordered one by one by Gu Qingwan.

This continued until half past three in the afternoon.

This grand court assembly was adjourned.

Gu Qingwan walked down from the throne, her face cold, and approached the Minister of Personnel.

At this moment, the Minister of Personnel knew things were bad and immediately knelt.

And Gu Qingwan didn't say much more, just coldly saying:

"Take care of your people!"

The Minister of Personnel lowered his head and hurriedly said:

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Afterwards, Gu Qingwan then looked at Lu Yuan standing in place and said:

"Come with me."

Having said that, Gu Qingwan turned and walked straight toward the Double Splendor Hall.

Lu Yuan stumbled a moment, glanced at Yan Chonghui and the others, then immediately followed.

And Yan Chonghui and the others were also looking at Lu Yuan.

In the end, Lu Yuan said nothing and followed behind Gu Qingwan's mighty procession.

Yan Chonghui and the others watched Lu Yuan's silhouette, swallowing slightly.

This kid is twenty-two, born in '98, really played with him.

……

On Lu Yuan's way to the Double Splendor Hall, he was looking left and right, but where was Gu Lie?

Shouldn't Gu Lie have come along at this time?

He also didn't catch sight of Gu Lie.

Even if he were afraid of his sister, he wouldn't be scared to this extent, right?

After all, Gu Lie hasn't done anything.

This time he also has merit.

Lu Yuan shook his head, not knowing where Gu Lie had gone.

However, just as they arrived at the Double Splendor Hall, Gu Lie came running over in a hurry, his face bearing a hint of smugness.

"Brother, you're too awesome!!"

As soon as Gu Lie arrived, he looked at Lu Yuan with an admiring face and loudly said:

Lu Yuan knew Gu Lie was talking about the ore refiner, but Lu Yuan didn't pick up the thread, merely giving Gu Lie a strange look and saying:

"What have you been up to?"

And Gu Lie gave a mysterious hehe laugh and said:

"You'll find out soon."

Lu Yuan gave Gu Lie a strange look, not knowing what mischief this kid had cooked up.

The two entered the hall.

Gu Qingwan was already seated on the throne.

Hmm…

It looks like…

Gu Qingwan's mood now seems not too good…

At this moment, Gu Qingwan's face was like icy frost, staring at the two people below who were talking and laughing.

"Have you said enough? Have you laughed enough?"

Gu Qingwan stared expressionlessly at the two below and spoke coldly:

Gu Lie looked at his sister's expression, and his smile vanished in an instant.

The next second he stood up straight with a solemn face—what a quick change of face!

And Lu Yuan also immediately stood up straight.

Although he was on very good terms with Gu Qingwan, he still needed to have eyes.

Since Gu Qingwan is angry now, we have to be serious.

Who let the person be the emperor, huh.

Although, Lu Yuan is a bit confused about whom Gu Qingwan is directing this at.

After all, Gu Lie definitely didn't make a mistake; he just came back.

Could it be that it's aimed at me??

But the problem is……hasn't this been explained already? ……

While Lu Yuan still hadn't figured it out, Gu Qingwan suddenly slammed the table.

After that sound.

Gu Lie instantly dropped to his knees, panicking as he shouted:

"Sister, I was wrong!"

Gu Qingwan: "???"

Gu Qingwan stared at her brother, bewildered.

She looked at Gu Lie, bewildered, and said:

"What have you done again?!"

Gu Lie blinked, looked up at his sister, then said bewilderedly:

"I……didn't do anything……"

Gu Qingwan frowned at Gu Lie and said:

"Then what are you apologizing for?"

Gu Lie blinked again.

Oh~

It's not me.

The next second, Gu Lie rose with a hehe laugh and said:

"No……I wasn't scared just then……"

Gu Qingwan shot Gu Lie a look, then turned her gaze to Lu Yuan.

And after Lu Yuan blinked, if it wasn't Gu Lie, then who else could it be but himself??

Before Lu Yuan could react, Gu Qingwan gritted her teeth and stared at Lu Yuan, saying:

"Since it's come to this, why didn't you speak up sooner? What were you doing with those ink marks? Instead, you waited for me and those people to finish blathering before speaking up?"

"What do you mean, you just want to see me embarrass myself, like a rascal?!!"

Just thinking about that earlier scene makes Gu Qingwan angry.

If you're fine, you should have said so earlier!

At the time, the situation was urgent; Gu Qingwan had no time to think of other plans, so she could only bluff.

If Lu Yuan had really taken it, it wouldn't have been a big deal.

Then Gu Qingwan wouldn't be angry.

But the problem is this guy didn't take anything at all.

If you didn't take it, why didn't you speak up earlier?

You deliberately wanted to see sister embarrass herself, right?!

Lu Yuan startled, oh~ so that's why she's angry.

Immediately, Lu Yuan shrugged and said:

"No, I was also confused at the time; my shop just opened yesterday, and today they came to impeach me over the clothes in my shop."

"I was also confused back then; I hadn't come to my senses."

Gu Qingwan gritted her teeth and shot Lu Yuan a look.

Before Gu Qingwan could say anything, the door was pushed open, and the grand eunuch in her vicinity hurried in, somewhat flustered, saying:

"Your Imperial Lord, Kang Linfei was beaten on his way back; now some of his disciples in the court are carrying him to demand justice!"

Gu Qingwan froze, instantly looking toward Gu Lie beside her.

Gu Qingwan could tell with her heels that this was done by her younger brother.

Instantly, Gu Qingwan got a headache.

Gritting her teeth, she looked at Lu Yuan and Gu Lie and said:

"You two, neither of you lets me relax!!"

"Hide in the side hall!!"

Thanks to reader 202202 old brother for the 500 book coins tip, thanks a lot~

Thanks to reader Youdouzi old brother for the 200 book coins tip, thanks a lot~

Thanks to the milk-drinking sheep, the dust in the fireworks, the flower-faced cat, A Quan, and four old brothers for the 100 book coins tip, thanks a lot~

……

Water?

What water? That's the sea!

(End of chapter)