Chapter 96

C96 – You Have to be Treated

Zhang Chun mentally reviewed his knowledge but found it utterly irrelevant in this new world. His past experiences appeared worthless in this unfamiliar setting.

“Fuck! Despite being a modern man of knowledge, I’m clueless here! Should I consider a career change and become an actor?”

Tang Yue regarded him with a mocking expression before countering, “Are there even male actors in this era?”

“None? Well, then I can pioneer the art of historical drama acting and become the best!”

“Do you have any singing or stage skills?”

Zhang Chun hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping.

The truth was, he felt utterly ignorant. Regret filled him for not acquiring more knowledge in his previous life, leaving him feeling utterly useless now.

Of course, if he had accidentally pursued a university degree in computer science or finance, he might have fared even worse. He should have followed Tang Yue’s example, who had chosen a more common major in both the past and present, increasing his chances of survival.

The journey back was leisurely, with Tang Yue spending a significant portion of his time with Zhang Chun. They hailed from the same place, making it easy for them to connect.

Furthermore, Tang Yue used the pretext of treating Zhang Chun to openly share a prison car with him. As a result, the once-ailing young city lord appeared increasingly cheerful, sporting a radiant smile. Their fellow travelers couldn’t help but praise Tang Xiaolang’s medical skills.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

Each time Zhang Chun found himself the subject of praise, he’d feign modesty and playfully quip, “You see? I told you to act tough. How could I possibly be mentally ill?”

Tang Yue scoffed, “You’re not crazy, just excessively eccentric. Even excessive eccentricity can be a form of mental disorder. You should seek help!”

Ping Shun still enjoyed hanging out with Zhang Chun, a street-smart tough guy who had been living on the fringes of society for years. He had his own way of dealing with people.

Individuals like him tended to be pragmatic, but when they encountered someone who could be of use, they were willing to go the extra mile to win them over.

Just as when he managed to persuade Ping Shun to share his food, he had a knack for making Ping Shun willingly part with his meal.

Thankfully, Zhang Chun harbored no ill intentions and wasn’t a malicious person, so he didn’t earn the ire of others.

Among the entire group, Wang Zizhao was probably the one who disliked him the most.

Whenever Tang Yue spent more than two hours alone with Zhang Chun, Wang Zizhao would inevitably send someone to fetch him. If not for the fact that he was still a child, Wang Zizhao might have discreetly dealt with him along the way.

Wang Zizhao displayed absolute ruthlessness when it came to handling potential love rivals.

So far, however, he hadn’t encountered any love rivals that required his attention.

Upon returning to Ye City, Wang Zizhao instructed a gang of thugs to roam the streets, taking a circuitous route around the city gate before heading to the Warden’s Office to deliver the captured prisoners to the jail.

Zhang Chun’s relatively minor offense and his noble status saved him from imprisonment, leading to his temporary house arrest in Prince Zhao’s Mansion by Wang Zizhao.

Viewing this as an opportunity to gain favor, Zhang Chun intended to employ his silver tongue to win the favor of Wang Zizhao, the prominent figure.

However, since it was primarily intended for writing, the scent’s appeal was of little consequence.

“Pass this to the officials,” the King of South Jin instructed, directing them to deliver the bamboo scroll to the eagerly waiting officials, who were thrilled to witness this innovation up close.

“Undoubtedly, it’s much more convenient than carving. Writing demands less effort, and Wang Zizhao’s writing speed is notably faster than carving.”

“Indeed, and the ink provides a bright, easily discernible color. Nevertheless, this ink... could it fade over time?”

Wang Zizhao refrained from giving a definite response. Instead, he stated, “This requires time for thorough verification. I cannot make any definitive claims.”

This answer fell in line with everyone’s expectations since it was indeed a novel concept.

“What about the other item?” King of South Jin interjected, interrupting the ongoing discussion.

Wang Zizhao then picked up the second object from the tray, a black piece of iron. While everyone recognized it, the presence of the brush as a primer suggested it held deeper significance.

“This object is known as the ‘Horseshoe Iron.’ As the name implies, it’s employed for the Horseshoe Palms technique. It serves to reduce the wear and tear on a horse’s hooves while simultaneously enhancing the horse’s speed.”

A wave of astonishment swept over everyone. This item seemed even more remarkable than the brush.

“Hurry, bring it forth quickly!” King of South Jin urged impatiently.

The ongoing conflict between the northern and southern regions demanded vast resources, with half of the annual taxes being allocated to the battlefield. The depletion of warhorses posed a significant financial burden. If this invention could truly reduce hoove wear and tear, it promised substantial savings while also bolstering the availability of horses for the troops.

Cavalry units played a pivotal role on the battlefield, where a skilled cavalryman could be the equivalent of ten infantrymen. It was a clear distinction between one-to-one and one-to-ten.

King of South Jin scrutinized the horseshoe closely, but even after repeated examination, its inner workings remained elusive to him.

“How can we employ this device on the hooves of our horses?”

Wang Zizhao provided an explanation, “Your Majesty, do you perceive this iron piece as resembling a horseshoe? Once we affix this metal piece onto the horse’s hooves, it becomes quite straightforward.”

“Have you tested it before?”

“Your son has already made the necessary arrangements, including horses and skilled artisans. I humbly request that you, along with the other nobles, examine it.”

“Excellent!” The King of South Jin rose from his seat with great enthusiasm and strode down. He affectionately patted his son’s shoulder. “Zhao’er has once again made a significant contribution. He had intended to discuss these two treasures with his father later. How did you come into possession of them?”

Wang Zizhao gave a slight bow and respectfully replied, “Indeed.”

“Haha... Should this contraption prove effective, I envision the cavalry of South Jin flattening North Yue and uniting the entire realm!”

“Your wisdom knows no bounds, Your Majesty! With a sagacious lord like yourself, South Jin’s strength will undoubtedly grow. It is merely a matter of time before we assert our dominance over North Yue!” The attentive butler at the side ingratiated himself.

Such words never failed to bring joy to Long Xin’s heart. The King of South Jin’s smile took on an even more cunning aspect.

Wang Zizhao walked alongside his father, wearing an indifferent expression, refraining from speaking further.