Fang Er was a little disappointed.
Can the artisans who worked with you at that time still be found?
Li Shun scratched his head.
Your Lordship, it's possible to find them, but it will take some time.
Since they can be found, time is not an issue.
Thus, Fang Er said.
Prepare yourself and wait for my news.
With that, Fang Er left the workshop.
He rode Bai Xue straight to Chang'an.
Since Li Xiaogong had once built Wu Ya warships, the Ministry of Works must have blueprints on file!
Finding Du Yiyang is definitely the right move!
Bai Xue was very excited.
It had never left Fang Family Village before.
Before, it was just taken around the estate by the household servants.
This was its first long journey.
It neighed from time to time along the way, shaking its head and wagging its tail.
Fang Er smiled and patted its head.
Alright, I'll let you go out more often in the future.
He galloped all the way to the Ministry of Works.
Upon flashing his token as the Marquis of Liaodong, the guards at the Ministry of Works gate immediately invited Fang Er in.
This was a true deity!
Du Yiyang, upon receiving the news, scurried over to greet him.
Oh! Marquis of Liaodong, you are a rare guest.
Come, come, come, let's talk in the inner hall.
He grabbed Fang Er's arm, showing an excessive enthusiasm, and directly seated Fang Er in the main seat.
Fang Er was a bit bewildered.
Unsolicited kindness is a sign of treachery!
Well, Minister Du, just say what you need, don't put on this show, I'm a bit nervous.
Du Yiyang sat down opposite Fang Er with a chuckle.
Marquis of Liaodong, you see, ever since you gave the Emperor the artillery blueprints that one time.
The Ministry of Works has been busy for over half a year, and we've managed to produce a few cannons.
However, they are always inferior to those you sold to the extermination army.
Either they burst or the range is insufficient. Could you offer some guidance?
Fang Er smiled.
These self-propelled mortars have already bombarded the Liaodong Peninsula.
The Ministry of Works still hasn't grasped the technology of muzzle-loading rifled artillery.
And this is even with a sample piece.
Come, take me to see them.
Du Yiyang nodded happily.
He led the way, taking Fang Er to the artillery test range.
The range was outside the city.
It spanned over ten mu of land, all enclosed.
Three cannons stood there quietly.
A few artisans were squatting dejectedly nearby.
Du Yiyang strode over.
All of you, get up! The Marquis of Liaodong is here. Whether you can learn the true skills depends on your fortune!
Upon hearing this, the artisans immediately scrambled to their feet.
They didn't even bother to brush the dirt off their clothes.
Each of them had two irregular circular dirt marks on their backs as they rushed towards Fang Er.
We pay our respects to the Marquis.
Reaching Fang Er, they bowed like obedient children.
Fang Er chuckled.
Get up, let me see the cannons you've made first.
Although this thing was already outdated for Fang Er.
It was still good for defending the city.
It was impossible for the entire Great Tang's military equipment to be supplied solely by Fang Family Village.
He approached the cannons.
Fang Er carefully ran his hands over the muzzles.
He occasionally reached inside to inspect them.
After inspecting them all, he stepped aside and said to an artisan.
Come, load and fire it for me to see.
The artisan singled out by Fang Er nodded and bowed, then hurried over.
Loading the powder, loading the shot, igniting, all done with practiced ease.
Boom!
A flash of fire erupted from the muzzle.
The cannonball was fired.
The artisan looked at Fang Er expectantly, hoping for his guidance.
Fang Er brought his ear close to the cannon.
He listened carefully to the lingering sound in the barrel.
Confirming his judgment.
He turned his gaze to Du Yiyang.
Minister Du, there are indeed problems, but I have a condition.
Du Yiyang quickly leaned in.
Please speak frankly, Marquis of Liaodong. As long as the Ministry of Works can fulfill it, there will be no problem.
Fang Er nodded.
I've heard that when the Prince of Hejian was the Grand Governor of Yangzhou, he built Wu Ya warships. Do you have the blueprints on file at the Ministry of Works?
Du Yiyang was taken aback.
After thinking for a long time, he finally slapped his forehead and said.
Indeed, Marquis of Liaodong, that is true.
After saying that, he continued somewhat sheepishly.
However, to consult those Wu Ya warship blueprints, the Emperor's permission is required.
For Fang Er, was this a problem?
No!
Wait, I'll be right back.
With that, Fang Er left the Ministry of Works.
In the Liangji Hall.
Li Shimin was showing off to Empress Changsun how he had managed to get Fang Er's convoy back when he heard an eunuch announce that the man himself had arrived.
Empress Changsun chuckled.
See, that kid certainly wouldn't just let this slide, and he's already here.
Li Shimin waved his hand dismissively.
Let him in.
After instructing the eunuch, he smugly said to Empress Changsun.
Alright, Guanyin Bi, go behind the screen and listen. See how I'll deal with that brat.
Empress Changsun walked behind the screen, ready to enjoy the show and watch Li Shimin perform.
As Fang Er entered the hall, he saw Li Shimin looking displeased.
Whoa!
Did someone steal his blanket?
Your Majesty, I have come to request an imperial decree.
Li Shimin turned around, sat behind his imperial desk, and said impatiently.
Speak.
Huh? Holy cow!
It seems it's not just about a stolen blanket!
Your Majesty, I have matters that require you to issue an imperial decree.
I must take the convoy away!
And please, Your Majesty, issue a decree for the Ministry of Works to provide me with the Wu Ya warship blueprints.
This serious request.
Made Li Shimin break character.
We're talking about serious business here.
How can we talk with such a stern face?
He put away the "stolen blanket" expression.
And replaced it with a puzzled look, asking.
Where are the ships you seized in the north?
Fang Er looked at Li Shimin in surprise.
Your Majesty, those wrecks, aren't you afraid they'll sink to the bottom of the sea along with the silver?
Alright. This is a very strong reason.
So strong that Li Shimin was speechless.
He looked at Fang Er with some reluctance.
Building ships is not a matter of a day or two.
Are you sure you want to build Wu Ya warships?
The Ministry of Revenue cannot afford so much silver!
Fang Er appeared indifferent and chuckled.
I didn't say the Ministry of Revenue had to pay now, did I?
Just like the military expenses, you can owe it first. Once the silver from over there is transported back, we'll settle it.
At cost price, of course!
Well, Fang Er is very generous!
So generous that Li Shimin didn't know what to say.
Then tell me, why must you take the convoy away?
Fang Er spread his hands.
Your Majesty, I have the blueprints, I have the capital, but no people, how can I build them?
You're pressed for time, and you must use the convoy to pick up the artisans!
Li Shimin was displeased. Damn it, I was just bragging to Empress Changsun.
Saying I had snatched Fang Er's precious convoy back.
In the blink of an eye, Fang Er gave him a reason why he had to return the vehicles.
He tested him.
Where do you need to pick people up? I'll send the Hundred Riders! We won't be late!
Fang Er directly retorted.
Fine then, if you want to deal with Wa Country, you'll have to find someone else. It's just that I have no destiny with Yue'er.
I just don't know what my father-in-law will think.
Alright, I'll be taking my leave now. I'm going back to the estate to enjoy the warmth and beauty.
With that, Fang Er flicked his sleeves and walked towards the hall exit.
Li Shimin looked conflicted.
Wait!
Alright!
Fang Er, holding the imperial decree and the car keys, left the Liangji Hall.
Li Shimin watched Fang Er's retreating back with a look of melancholy.
Empress Changsun's face was beaming with joy. She emerged from behind the screen.
She looked at Li Shimin playfully.
Your Majesty, you really gave that brat a good thrashing, didn't you!
Li Shimin's face was etched with embarrassment!
He had just gotten the convoy back and hadn't even gloated for a day before Fang Er drove it away again!