CH 42

C42 – Working So Damn Hard!

After sending Wang Zizhao back to his own room, Tang Yue was compelled to remain. He responded to several inquiries from the queen and reluctantly agreed to a series of unfair conditions, all while enduring her pleading gaze.

As part of the agreement, if he were to take sole responsibility for the well-being of her son, her son would be entirely entrusted to his care.

What about her son’s life? Despite his noble status, he had never experienced true happiness from a young age. Instead, he was thrust into the battlefield at a tender age to protect his country. She expected him to devote himself wholeheartedly to the people of South Jin.

Tang Yue was the one who suffered the most in this situation. He found it difficult to fathom this familial affection. Unaware of his surroundings, he agreed to everything. As he looked at the gentle and refined Queen Madame Hu, he couldn’t help but think of his own mother, who was more akin to a fierce tigress than a loving mother. It was exasperating.

“Nephew Tang, my son’s future rests in your hands. Bengong cannot remain outside the palace for an extended period. I will pay you and your nephew a visit another day.”

Even after Queen Hu departed, Tang Yue remained slightly bewildered. How had he become a nephew?

Wang Zizhao reclined on the bed, and the butler entered the room carrying a box of bamboo slips. He placed the table by the bed and arranged the bundles of bamboo slips on it, allowing Wang Zizhao to peruse them.

They were working so damn hard!

Tang Yue suddenly developed admiration for such a powerful individual. Despite their immense power, they also bore heavy responsibilities as the caretakers of an entire nation.

“You know, you can actually have a small table designed to be placed on the bed. That way, you wouldn’t have to exert yourself so much,” Tang Yue suggested, recalling the computer table he had seen before, which he found to be ideal for individuals who were sick and needed to work.

The butler’s eyes brightened, and he promptly arranged for someone to take care of it. After all, it was just a table, and it didn’t require much effort.

Tang Yue added a reminder from behind, “It would be best if the table had a movable corner that could be folded. This would make it convenient for storage during normal times.”

The butler pondered for a moment and enthusiastically applauded. “Excellent! It should be designed that way!”

Once the butler left, only Tang Yue and Wang Zizhao remained in the room. Since Hu Jinpeng held an official position, he couldn’t stay there all day.

Wang Zizhao silently held a book and immersed himself in reading, while Tang Yue, having nothing else to do, decided to explore the room.

This room spanned an expansive two hundred square meters, with a clear division between the inner and outer chambers. The style, as expected, was cool, unyielding, and visually striking.

Tang Yue initially believed that in this era, there would be no elaborate decorations. However, upon closer observation, he discovered that these seemingly simple objects boasted exceptional craftsmanship.

The wooden furniture was meticulously carved with intricate patterns, while the copperware and porcelain displayed exquisite designs. They lacked the dust and wear commonly seen in museum exhibits.

Tang Yue admired each of these handicrafts, savoring the distinctive features that characterized this era. Only then did he realize that the changes extended beyond geography, encompassing politics and economics as well.

“Which one do you like? This king will gift it to you,” Wang Zizhao said, glancing at Tang Yue who was practically drooling.

Tang Yue coughed twice, mentally calculating the value of these antiques. He couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.

One should understand that any item in this room was worth a fortune in the modern era. It would be enough to sustain him for a lifetime of indulgence.

He made an effort to maintain composure and appear generous. “I have an abundance of these items. It doesn’t matter to me.” That was strange!

Wang Zizhao chose not to expose him. He gestured towards a set of carving knives on the table. “The knife I saw you using earlier was quite extraordinary. Although this set is primarily meant for carving characters, it was crafted by an ancient artisan. If you’re interested, I can transfer it to you.”

Tang Yue hadn’t noticed what was on the table previously. He was captivated by the smooth lines of the carving knife with just one glance.

As he held it in his hand, he was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt. In this era, the knife held the same significance as a pen—it was an immensely valuable tool.

“Isn’t it troublesome to carve characters with this knife?” Tang Yue turned his head and inquired.

Wang Zizhao still recalled the charcoal pen Tang Yue had brought along. He shook his head and explained, “While the charcoal pen is convenient for writing, it isn’t durable. The handwriting doesn’t last long.”

“No… the charcoal is only a temporary solution. It can be securely fixed to the brush’s tip using a slender bamboo tube. Writing with ink will undoubtedly be more efficient and effortless compared to carving with a knife.”

Wang Zizhao immersed himself in deep contemplation. After a lengthy pause, he asked with bewilderment, “How can it be fixed? What exactly is ink?”

“I can’t tell you clearly. Seek out someone skilled in craftsmanship. I will teach them the process of creating a pen first. As for ink… I will need to dedicate some time to research it.”

He recollected that Qi Min had mentioned using pine wood and oil as the primary ingredients for making ink. Discovering the precise method of achieving successful results would require experimentation.

Wang Zizhao’s passion for writing rivaled that of his enthusiasm for horses and swords. He also recognized that the prosperity of a nation extended beyond the strength of its soldiers and generals; it equally hinged upon scholars and ink merchants.

If he could genuinely enhance the writing process and speed, it would greatly benefit scholars. Furthermore, it would make the art of writing more accessible to people in the future.

Wang Zizhao promptly assigned the most skilled craftsman in the manor to Tang Yue, along with the assistance of the butler. Tang Yue was also granted funds upon his request. Wang Zizhao displayed immense generosity.

Tang Yue pondered, “No wonder everyone appreciates having a generous boss. It makes tasks proceed smoothly and effortlessly.”