ushernet Chapter 45 Holding a Ceremony
Chapter 45 Holding a Ceremony
After the King of Qin led all the civil and military officials of Qin to visit the fifty-mile-long main road in the west of the city built by Ying Wuyou, the road construction was officially completed.
However, for Ying Wuyou, his work was not yet finished. He had promised the merchants who participated in the road construction that he would grant them inscriptions of merit and naming rights. And to this day, those promises remained unfulfilled.
For some time now, Ying Wuyou had been pondering how to fulfill her promise to those merchants, and she decided that this matter needed to be handled with a grand ceremony. After all, she could not allow her reputation to be tarnished, nor could she let down those merchants who had once trusted and supported her.
Holding a grand ceremony is like raising a flag before everyone, clearly demonstrating the benefits these merchants will receive from donating to road construction. If they need to donate again in the future, these merchants will undoubtedly offer their full support. Moreover, once this news spreads, merchants from all over the world will flock to Qin like bees to a fragrant flower. At that time, the wealth brought to Qin will be like a surging torrent, having a tremendous impact on Qin's economic development.
Ying Wuyou decided to visit her estate, which happened to be located next to a newly built cement road. As she rode in her magnificent carriage along this smooth and solid road, the wheels made a soft sound as they rubbed against the pavement, like a harmonious melody.
Ying Wuyou sat inside the carriage, admiring the scenery through the window. The roadside was desolate due to winter. The distant mountains rose and fell, their peaks bare. Outsiders might find it barren, but Ying Wuyou, having been from the Northwest in his previous life, knew that the Northwest in winter offered no sign of green. Yet, it was precisely this barren land that made Ying Wuyou feel a deep sense of familiarity. The carriage moved smoothly, faster than before, which brought Ying Wuyou immense comfort and pleasure.
She secretly marveled at the immense convenience the construction of this cement road had brought her. It not only reduced travel time but also improved safety. The old dirt roads were rugged and muddy, causing considerable inconvenience after rain. Now, with this cement road, both transporting goods and traveling have become much easier.
As the carriage continued its journey, Ying Wuyou felt a surge of pride. She knew that this cement road was more than just an ordinary road; it was a symbol of the nation's prosperity. It had witnessed the progress of the times and the development of society, and it would become a broad road leading to a happier life for many more people in the future.
Upon arriving at the estate, Ying Wuyou summoned Zhao Ran. Since purchasing the ceramic kiln, Zhao Ran had consistently performed exceptionally well, like a thoroughbred horse. Not only did he diligently register personnel information when Ying Wuyou was recruiting workers for road construction, but he also followed Ying Wuyou closely like a shadow, always ready to answer his commands. These outstanding qualities greatly pleased Ying Wuyou.
Therefore, without hesitation, Ying Wuyou went directly to Zhao Ran. Upon seeing Zhao Ran, Ying Wuyou got straight to the point: "Zhao Ran, go and inquire about the stone carving masters, and see which master has the best skills?"
Immediately afterwards, Ying Wuyou took out a list from his small bag and said to Zhao Ran, "After you find out about the stone carver, you must personally select a large stone, the bigger the better, and then have the stone carver carefully carve it according to this list. Don't carve the inscription for now, leave the space empty. Carve it later."
Zhao Ran listened intently to Ying Wuyou's instructions before speaking, "Miss, I understand." Ying Wuyou nodded slightly and said, "Yes, this matter must be handled properly." Zhao Ran clasped his hands in a salute and said confidently, "Miss, rest assured, I will certainly not disappoint you." Ying Wuyou said, "From now on, you don't need to refer to yourself as 'this humble one' anymore; just address each other as 'you and I'." Zhao Ran looked apprehensive and hurriedly said, "Miss, you absolutely mustn't! My status is too lowly; how could I dare to address you as 'you and I'?" Ying Wuyou waved her hand and said, "This matter is settled then. Go and get on with it quickly!" Zhao Ran wanted to persuade her further, but seeing the encouraging look in Ying Wuyou's eyes, he could only say, "This humble one... no, I understand. I'll go and get on with it right away." With that, he turned and ran off like an arrow.
Ying Wuyou felt quite helpless. She complained to the system in her mind, "System, tell me, these ancient people always refer to themselves as 'this humble person' or 'this lowly official,' it's really hard for me to get used to!" The system, unusually, didn't sleep in today. Instead, it was full of energy and said with great enthusiasm, "Host, this is the Qin Dynasty, with a strict hierarchical system. There are still slaves at this time, let alone servants you bought. You could kill them at will, and no one would criticize you."
Ying Wuyou sighed and said, "Alas, System, you're right. I still have a very long way to go." The system comforted him, "Host, you've already done a great job. Papermaking has benefited countless scholars, and road construction has benefited countless people. These people will always remember your kindness." Ying Wuyou said helplessly, "But to completely change the Qin Dynasty, I'm still far, far away. I've only done these two things so far, and I already feel exhausted. In my previous life, I was just an ordinary college student; my abilities are still lacking."
The system hurriedly said, "Host, everyone improves little by little. Those who are more capable than you aren't necessarily doing better. Besides, you still have me. I'll help you. As long as you take it one step at a time, you will definitely change the Qin Dynasty." Ying Wuyou clenched his fist and said, "System, you're right. I feel comforted."
Ying Wuyou then called over Old Man Liu and asked him, "Uncle Liu, among these people on the estate, who else do you think is the most clever?"
After pondering for a moment, Old Liu said, "I think Zhu Xiaozhu, who raises pigs, is quite good. As for the others, Li Daniu is as strong as an ox and honest and kind. Oh, right, there's also Zhao Heizi, that young man is as clever and quick-witted as a monkey."
After listening, Ying Wuyou nodded slightly and said, "Zhu Xiaozhu is still busy raising pigs; he can't be left alone. I remember Li Daniu; he's a tall, seemingly simple-minded guy. Call this Zhao Heizi, Uncle Liu, over here so I can take a look at him." Uncle Liu nodded and replied, "Yes," before turning and leaving.
Before long, Ying Wuyou saw Uncle Liu leading a short, dark-skinned boy over. Ying Wuyou asked, "Are you Zhao Heizi?" The boy replied, "Miss, I am indeed Zhao Heizi." Ying Wuyou scrutinized Zhao Heizi and noticed that his skin was indeed somewhat dark, but his eyes were clear and bright, like a clear spring, exuding a cleverness.
Ying Wuyou said to Zhao Heizi, "I have something for you to do. Can you handle it well?" Upon hearing that he had a task, Zhao Heizi's face immediately lit up with joy. His eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky as he looked at Ying Wuyou and asked, "What does Miss want me to do? I will do my best to do it." Ying Wuyou was very satisfied with Zhao Heizi's eloquence and instructed, "Go and invite Boss Zhao Fugui to the estate tomorrow." Zhao Heizi quickly agreed.
Having finished handing over the important matters, Ying Wuyou left the manor and returned to the palace.