Chapter 232: Hiding Secrets

Chapter 232: Hiding Secrets

But Bei Jingchu was dissatisfied with his answer: "Do you expect me to give instructions for everything? Are you here just to sit around and do nothing?"

"Do you think the task His Majesty assigned to me, the princess, is the only one?"

"Should I spend all my energy cleaning up after you?"

"Tell me yourself, what should be done?"

He asked, "Should we bribe them with hefty rewards?"

"Possible, but what if some are stubborn and refuse to cooperate, keeping their secrets hidden?"

"Then... then punish them severely."

"So, the Minister is not incapable of thinking, just thinking in the wrong direction."

"Remember, we don't have much time; every second counts."

The little girl looked very authoritative.

At this moment, Bei Jingchu was grateful for her mask. Without it, her missing tooth would be revealed as soon as she spoke.

Where would her dignity be then?

Meanwhile, in the secret chamber hidden in the estate.

Everyone was clearly separated, even drawing curtains.

Some brought their apprentices, telling them to keep a close eye, ensuring no outsiders could glance their way.

Facing Changyan's request for learning, the craftsman arrogantly sneered: "Our skills have been handed down from our ancestors, not to outsiders."

"Even if we take apprentices, we only pass them on to men, not women."

"You're a pretty girl, diligent too. How about marrying my son?"

"Once you give birth to my grandson, perhaps my son might be in a good mood and teach you a thing or two."

As he spoke, the young man beside him, about fourteen or fifteen, spat out some phlegm and eagerly nodded: "Yes, Father!"

"I agree, I agree!"

Changyan: ...I'm not willing!

Even though she was young and inexperienced, she knew this deal was a bad bargain.

Moreover, after this proposal, the way they started subtly checking her out.

They didn't know she was a palace maid, thinking she was someone's daughter who was brought along.

They even joked about why her father would bring a girl as an heir, questioning if there were no sons in the family.

Every time she tried to ask something, they treated her like a thief trying to steal their techniques.

Changyan felt hurt, but the craftsmen also felt justified.

Their family's skills were invaluable!

Even my own wife is not qualified to learn it all, how can it be casually passed on to an outsider.

Just as Changyan was in a dilemma, the Minister of Works arrived.

Changyan greeted, "Your Excellency."

They didn’t realize the supervisor was the Minister of Works; they only knew he was an official.

Without wasting words, he ordered the box behind him to be opened.

A dazzling golden light burst forth.

"Those willing to hand over their family's skills will be rewarded with ten taels of gold."

At these words, many were swayed.

For most commoners, ten taels of gold was a fortune.

Soon, someone stepped forward.

"My skills, hidden away for a lifetime, could never earn me ten taels of gold."

"Better to trade them for money and give my family a better life."

Only a few stubborn ones remained. Their attire was slightly better than the others, showing their skills sold well and they weren’t short of money.

"Offering you money to sell your skills is an honor."

"But some still don’t grasp what they’re doing."

"Yes, those recruited are craftsmen for the construction project."

"They are out there building with great energy."

"And you, the most skilled among them, have been brought here."

"Gentlemen, you need not know the purpose of what you’re making, only that you’re working for the imperial court."

"No one may withhold anything!"

"Either take the money and hand over everything, or..."

"Or don’t blame me for being harsh!"

Some more frightened individuals yielded and stepped forward to take the money.

Finally, only two holdouts remained, clutching their family secrets, refusing to impart them.

One of them had his eye on Changyan as a daughter-in-law.

The Minister of Works singled him out and, in front of everyone, forced him onto a chair.

A broad, heavy, spiked board struck once, and the man writhed, desperately begging for mercy.

"Your Excellency! Please spare me!"

"This humble one dares not! I will obey and listen!"

Seeing his fate, the other also relented.

He was taken down from the bench.

The Minister of Works left with the remaining gold, ignoring the pleas of others.

His son stepped forward, boldly asking, "Your Excellency, we haven't received our gold yet."

The Minister of Works ignored him and walked away directly.

The executioner was speechless: "The final step, still unwilling to obey, still wanting gold?"

"Those who don’t follow orders naturally get nothing."

The young man stammered, at a loss for words: "This, this..."

From then on, when Changyan sought advice, no one dared to stay silent.

Except for the old man who had just been beaten, who snapped, "Get away, don’t bother me."

Changyan stayed calm and collected: "Master, if you keep hiding your knowledge, I’ll have to report you to the guards."

"Do you really want to be beaten again?"

His wounds were still fresh.

Thanks to Changyan, the teaching atmosphere in the secret palace began to improve.

They had recruited the most skilled craftsmen.

After discussions and advice, many were struck with bursts of inspiration.

Not long after, Bei Jingchu received a crude cannon.

The Minister of Works explained its use to her: "Load the barrel with gravel and shrapnel."

"Ignite the gunpowder, and it will scatter gravel far and wide."

"A single shot can take out a large group of enemy soldiers."

Though it was just a crude cannon, Bei Jingchu treasured it, running her hand over the rough barrel.

"Has it been tested?"

"Of course, it was tested thoroughly before presenting it to Your Highness."

"Your Highness made the right decision; only by allowing craftsmen to communicate without reservation can we quickly create new and powerful weapons."

Bei Jingchu brushed off his praise and gave the cannon a light, happy pat.

"Reward the creator of this device handsomely based on their contribution."

"Yes."

"I’ve heard Miss Changyan played a significant role; some key ideas were hers."

Bei Jingchu gave a slight glance, thinking, 'A genius is truly a genius.'

She smiled wider, feeling an odd pride, as if her own daughter had come of age, forgetting entirely that she was younger—just an eight-year-old child herself.

But her smiles were concealed behind a mask, only the faint curve of her eyes betraying her hidden emotions.

"Then reward her as per protocol."