#525 - Tiangong Bureau

On the third day after the grand wedding, Chu Xianping returned.

Moreover, he had also "invited" the Governor and General of Yang Province back with him.

The former was called Pei Maowen, and the latter was called Feng Bei.

Now that they had surrendered, it was normal for them to come and meet the "New King."

Although the two had been very uneasy before coming, fearing that Wei Changtian would go back on his word and take their lives.

But facts proved that the latter was still very moral.

Not only did he keep their official positions as promised, but he also had Ning Yuke bestow upon them each a marquis title that was useless but sounded impressive.

After all, they were "typical examples of abandoning darkness and embracing the light," and they always had to play a "role model" role.

In addition to this, after intense preparations, the "Tiangong Bureau" (Bureau of Heavenly Works) under the Ministry of Industry was officially established today.

There were a total of about a hundred people, all of whom were craftsmen of various kinds, except for a few civil officials.

These people were treated extremely generously, even comparable to the salary of a fifth-rank official.

But in exchange, they, and their families, had to be constantly monitored by the Ministry of Justice.

Even the location of the Tiangong Bureau was extremely secretive, chosen in a remote mountain not far from Datong City.

Such a practice was naturally for the sake of secrecy.

You must know that this was the "core scientific research institution" related to the future of the Shu Kingdom, and Wei Changtian did not want the "high-tech inventions" that he had worked so hard to research to be stolen by Ning Yongnian in the blink of an eye.

Of course, if things like steam engines were put into use, they would definitely not be able to be concealed, and sooner or later they would "benefit" all mankind.

After all, there is no such thing as a "patent" these days.

But if the confidentiality work is done well, this "technological lead" can be maintained for at least a year or two.

By the time Ning Yongnian figures out the steam engine, he might have come up with something more advanced.

At noon.

Accompanied by the Minister of Industry, Wei Changtian personally met with several core craftsmen of the Tiangong Bureau and had an afternoon-long exchange with them.

Currently, the main research content of the Tiangong Bureau is two things.

In addition to the steam engine, there is also a "improved gunpowder" with greater explosive power.

It has been said before that this world has already invented gunpowder, and even during the Battle of Niutou Mountain, the Shu army used a large amount of gunpowder to create a massive "earth fire."

However, it was also during that ambush that Wei Changtian discovered that the current gunpowder technology was actually quite poor.

It is even inferior to the black powder of one saltpeter, two sulfur, and three charcoal in his previous life.

It's okay to set off some fireworks, but it's difficult to use it for other purposes.

More importantly, due to the existence of the cultivation system, the rulers of the past dynasties, including Ning Yongnian, did not seem to be very enthusiastic about improving gunpowder.

But Wei Changtian didn't think so.

Opening mountains and building roads, mining, and blasting fish, which one does not require gunpowder?

Now these "jobs" are done by cultivators, and these people not only charge high prices, but often cannot be hired even with money.

After all, cultivators mostly have a bit of arrogance. It may be okay to let them go to the battlefield to kill enemies, but to let them open mountains and blast rocks...

It's really a bit of a waste of talent.

Therefore, Wei Changtian intends to improve the power of gunpowder by the way, so as to lay a good foundation for the Shu Kingdom's future vigorous "great construction" in advance.

Besides, high-power gunpowder is also helpful for war.

You must know that although Wei Changtian does not have airplanes, and he probably won't be able to build airplanes in his lifetime.

But he has a lot of flying monsters.

In the future, when fighting, before the start, let these flying beasts carry high-power explosive packs for a "carpet bombing", and then do a few rounds of salvo.

Humph! What about the world of cultivation?

I will let you understand what is called "the power of knowledge" in the future!

In the early hours of the evening.

Outside of Shuzhou City, Wei Changtian personally sent off the mighty group of the Tiangong Bureau and ordered them to guarantee their safety and life in the deep mountains and old forests at all costs.

In addition to the "security work" jointly responsible by the Freemasons and the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Industry also reached a cooperation with the largest restaurant and brothel in the city, and they sent people to ensure that the craftsmen could eat well, drink well, and have fun in their spare time.

These craftsmen who forge iron and saw wood every day have never enjoyed such treatment, so now they are all grateful to Wei Changtian, and they have vowed to create that steam engine and more powerful gunpowder as soon as possible.

Wei Changtian knew that "invention and creation" required opportunities and inspiration, so he did not let the Tiangong Bureau sign any "military orders."

However, before the crowd left, he delivered a passionate speech on the spot.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, this seemingly inconspicuous but actually greatly changing the future of the Shu Kingdom convoy left Shuzhou City and went straight to an unknown deep mountain.

And Wei Changtian kept watching them until they completely disappeared, and then turned to look at Ning Yuke.

"Don't you understand why I value them so much?"

"Yes."

Ning Yuke nodded very honestly: "Please enlighten me, Master."

"Because what they are going to do is a great thing that will truly benefit future generations."

Wei Changtian looked at Ning Yuke's still puzzled eyes, did not explain more, but sighed softly:

"The predecessors planted trees, and the descendants enjoy the shade."

"In many years, your name and mine may not be remembered by future generations, but they will definitely be."

"You will understand later."

When he returned to the mansion from outside the city, the last ray of afterglow of the setting sun also fell into the sky.

Wei Changtian had actually rarely gone out these days. He was only busy outside for a day today. Before that, he had been staying at home with Liang Qin to celebrate their honeymoon.

Eating, drinking, meeting visiting guests, playing mahjong with the girls, and occasionally "visiting" Agou and Achun's cultivation...

For three days, Wei Changtian had not mentioned the three words "Li Wutong" to anyone, nor had he asked Zhang San even once about the latter's situation.

It was as if this woman who had had a relationship with him and suddenly returned and left in a hurry did not exist.

Including Zhang San and Chu Xianping, everyone who knew about it thought that Wei Changtian had given up on the latter.

This is not a random guess.

Because Wei Changtian's words and deeds did show such an attitude.

In fact, thinking about it, it is also right.

No matter what, Li Wutong's actions were too stupid.

Such a woman not only did not help Wei Changtian, but could not even be a "vase" like Lu Jingyao who was safe and never caused trouble.

To put it bluntly.

In Zhang San and Chu Xianping's view, Li Wutong was actually Wei Changtian's burden.

A burden that is both heavy and humble.