novelraw Chapter 239
Chapter 239
Chapter 239: Vomiting
Near a river section where the western capital borders Tianshui Commandery, the huge Ministry of Waterworks was built there.
The Ministry of Waterworks was in charge of all water conservancy projects, river transport, fishing, and milling policies across the nation. Although it housed many skilled craftsmen capable of shipbuilding, before Wei Yu issued ship permits, official ships were mainly entrusted to several famous large shipyards.
If not for the ship permit issue, the Ministry of Waterworks would be a rather idle and trivial department.
Although there were craftsmen who could build ships inside, it was like a tool that rusts after long disuse. The craftsmen rarely built ships over the years, so if suddenly asked to build new ships according to blueprints, they could hardly respond.
This was also why, before Gao Xun was transferred to the Ministry of Waterworks, the new shipbuilding projects showed no progress for a long time.
The river near the Ministry of Waterworks was called the Yuan River.
Half a year ago, the number of boats on the Yuan River was still hovering around a dozen or so. But since Gao Xun arrived, the number of boats on the Yuan River has skyrocketed.
Large and small sailing ships were moored on the river; masts stood densely, canvas flapped loudly in the wind. Looking out, the scene was magnificent, stretching for several miles, resembling a naval force crossing a river.
Now, the Ministry of Waterworks by the Yuan River was clearly the largest shipyard in Great Wei. By the riverbank stood a man in an official robe, hands behind his back, looking at the river scenery with great satisfaction, and he said to the person behind him, "Look at these new ships, how well they are made. This is all thanks to our Ministry of Waterworks!"
Behind the man stood another official also in a robe, but compared to the front man’s pride and arrogance, this person’s expression was much calmer.
"You are right, sir."
At this season, the temperature had dropped, and with the wind by the river being strong, Gao Xun clasped his hands, not wanting at all to muse on life with his superior here.
He much preferred to return to the workshop; building ships was better than staying here.
As the highest-ranked official currently at the Ministry of Waterworks, Ye Zhiwei couldn't help but boast every time he saw the bustling river scene.
Of course, the one doing the most work was the man behind him.
"Ah, Cheng An, you really never know how to enjoy your blessings," Ye Zhiwei said, turning around, speaking in a teasing tone but with eyes full of admiration as he looked at Gao Xun.
"Look at these ships, don’t you feel anything? Sigh, you always have that expression every time I talk about this stuff, no joy at all! If not for you being the greatest contributor to our Ministry of Waterworks, I wouldn’t bother bringing you here!"
Gao Xun really didn’t want to come.
He silently cursed in his heart but forced a stiff smile. "Sir, the weather is cold now, and the wind by the river is strong; only because I’m in good health did I agree to accompany you."
So, everyone compromised; no one would blame anyone else.
Ye Zhiwei shook his head with a smile, pointing at him.
"You, Cheng An, since you have achieved great merit and are about to be rewarded by His Majesty, this time I won’t argue with you!"
Gao Xun smiled embarrassedly.
Ye Zhiwei was a good superior who never made things difficult for subordinates and treated talented people well. After Gao Xun was transferred here, their relationship became close in no time. Besides joking with each other, they often went out to eat together.
Don’t ask why they were so free; it was because both had no wives nearby to manage their lives.
Ye Zhiwei’s wife had died years ago, and he never remarried. Gao Xun had purely come to the Ministry of Waterworks to work; his wife and children were still in the capital.
Speaking of rewards, Gao Xun’s mind stirred a little. He asked Ye Zhiwei, "Sir, it should have been some time since you wrote to Lord Feng about the new ships? Why hasn’t there been any news from the capital yet?"
Ye Zhiwei replied, "It’s because of the treasure ship. Lord Feng wrote back last time, instructing us to finish building the treasure ship first, and then he would report it to His Majesty altogether. By the way, you’ve been in the workshop all this time. How is the treasure ship coming along? How much longer will it take?"
Gao Xun smiled calmly, "Sir, don’t worry, the treasure ship matter will be resolved soon."
Ye Zhiwei stared at Gao Xun for a few moments, raising his eyebrows unconsciously. "Ah—seems like I haven’t been to the workshop for a few days, and Cheng An, you have caused quite a stir again."
Gao Xun smiled but did not reply.
Ye Zhiwei pondered and said, "Don’t say anything. Let me guess how far you’ve gotten… hmm…"
While the two were talking by the river, someone came running toward them.
"Sir! Sir! Someone from the capital has arrived!"
Hearing the distant shout, both immediately looked over.
The messenger servant was panting and shouted even before approaching, "Sir, you’d better return quickly; a messenger from the capital has come! It’s the Gray Guards—"
Gray Guards?!
Ye Zhiwei and Gao Xun exchanged a glance, both shocked.
What were the Gray Guards doing coming to the Ministry of Waterworks?!
–
Regarding the new ships, Emperor Wei attached great importance.
Emperor Wei greatly admired Gao Xun, who had also been praised by Feng Zhicai. To understand the progress of the new ships, he directly dispatched the Gray Guards to the Ministry of Waterworks to fetch Gao Xun.
Although Gao Xun was recommended to the Ministry of Waterworks by Wei Yu, as father and son, there was no need for formalities; the unfilial son found talent and he naturally had to made use of him!
Because of His Majesty’s urgency, the Gray Guards took only three days to bring Gao Xun back to the capital.
Riding at full speed throughout, the journey was so rough that Gao Xun vomited as soon as he dismounted.
Vomit or not, after vomiting thoroughly, Gao Xun didn’t even have time to rest; after changing clothes at his residence, he went to the palace to pay respects.
Emperor Wei had a good impression of Gao Xun; after some casual conversation and comfort, he directly asked about the current types and numbers of ships at the Ministry of Waterworks.
For Gao Xun, who had been staying in the shipyard, this question was ingrained in his memory.
He replied, "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Waterworks previously had 2,215 ships in total, including tower ships, battleships, fighting ships, swift boats, and halcyons. Since receiving the order to build new ships, the Ministry has put great effort into new shipbuilding… Currently, the Ministry has thirteen warships, eight grain ships, seven horse transport ships, five command ships, and as for the treasure ship, the Ministry is currently devoting all efforts to its construction."
Hearing the numbers, Emperor Wei frowned.
Thirteen warships were too few!
Only thirteen?
The naval forces near the maritime territories each had at least hundreds of warships. If they were to fight a naval battle against Cao Ji, no matter how good the new ships were, they could not withstand being surrounded by hundreds of enemy ships!
Emperor Wei thought for a moment and continued, "Put the treasure ship aside for now. If I order the Ministry of Waterworks to focus solely on building warships within two months, how many could you build?"
Gao Xun calculated in his heart and bit the bullet, answering, "About thirty in two months."
That was still only half of what the enemy had.
Emperor Wei was somewhat disappointed but understood that the time was tight. Relying solely on the craftsmen of the Ministry of Waterworks was indeed not enough. If other shipyards were involved, there was a risk of premature information leak…
While thinking, Emperor Wei suddenly had a flash of inspiration.
He straightened up, eyes blazing as he looked toward the palace gates.
Ah!
How could he have forgotten his ultimate weapon to unify the nation!
Gunpowder!