Chapter 140: Parachuting, Bing Wengu is a Madman

Chapter 140: Parachuting—Bing Wengu Is Simply a Madman

Zhan Yu hadn’t originally planned to stay long in Ji County. His main purpose was to experience the steam-powered train. The train was truly miraculous, and even a sage would struggle to resist it.

"The Sage has ridden the train for six hours straight without rest. You must be quite fatigued. Perhaps you should stay overnight in Ji County," Bing Wengu suggested considerately.

"No need. I could return to Bianjing in no time at all," Zhan Yu replied, thoroughly impressed by Bing Wengu. "This train is incredibly convenient. If every major city in Dayong could be connected by rail, what a vision of prosperity and grandeur that would be."

Just imagining that day brought vivid scenes to Zhan Yu’s mind—the train’s mighty roar, the endless flow of passengers boarding and disembarking.

When distance no longer posed a barrier of time, no mountain or river could block the flow of information.

This was merely the convenience it brought to civilian life, not to mention its military applications. If battlefield reports could reach us swiftly, tactical deployments could be adjusted in real time.

At the thought of warfare, Zhan Yu’s eyes narrowed slightly. His gaze lingered on Bing Wengu, and a flicker of regret stirred in his heart.

Bing Wengu was, after all, a civil official. If he had been a military officer, with such brilliance, Dayong would have no trouble subduing the Five Peaks and Three Rivers, unifying the realm, and becoming the world’s hegemon. Alas, pity—he was just a scholar with a brush in hand. Still, to have such a scholar—one whose wisdom could resolve the nation’s calamities—was already a great fortune, a blessing from the ancestors. One must not be greedy.

"I won’t stay long, my dear minister. I’m certain we’ll meet again soon," Zhan Yu said with a smile as he looked at Bing Wengu once more.

Bing Wengu himself had no particular thoughts on the matter, but the ministers behind Zhan Yu couldn’t help but shoot him envious, resentful looks.

Zhan Yu’s words were no longer a hint—they were practically an explicit declaration that Bing Wengu would be recalled to Bianjing once his three-year term ended. Otherwise, why mention meeting again so soon?

Even the Crown Prince couldn’t help but scrutinize Bing Wengu, his estimation of him climbing higher.

The ministers’ minds raced, each harboring different thoughts—some schemed to win him over early, others to recruit him, and still others to suppress him.

Bing Wengu remained utterly unfazed by their scrutinizing gazes, unflappable as always. What were a few stares? Back during his interstellar days, he had faced tens of thousands of eyes and still carried on as usual. As a young general, he’d long grown used to being watched.

As for Zhan Yu’s words, they hardly stirred him. He had only been in Ji County for three years. First, he had invented the flying machine and artificial rainfall to alleviate droughts. Then, he had improved crop strains to boost yields. Now, he had successfully developed the steam-powered train.

Any one of these feats could have catapulted a man to greatness. He had accomplished all three. As long as the emperor retained even a shred of rationality, he would be both valued and treated well.

This was simply the natural course of events—nothing to be surprised about. But for the ministers, it was anything but normal. No seventh-rank official, all but banished, had ever been summoned back to Bianjing so soon. Not even the scions of noble houses, whose elders were close to the emperor, had such a precedent.

"If Your Majesty isn’t in a hurry, I humbly ask you to stay another day. I wish to take you on a flying machine ride," Bing Wengu said, revealing his true purpose. Whether the emperor stayed overnight meant nothing to him—his aim was to borrow the Sage’s influence to promote his recreational projects.

"Last I’d seen the flying machine, Bing Wengu had piloted it himself, and even the artisans had fretted. Now, the aircraft’s performance had stabilized enough for him to board."

"I can ride the flying machine now?" Zhan Yu exclaimed in delight.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Bing Wengu confirmed.

"No, absolutely not!" The Left Chancellor stepped forward, bowing to the emperor. "Your Majesty’s divine person is beyond value, your dragon-body sacrosanct. How could you court such peril? If anything were to happen, regret would be futile!"

"Your Majesty, reconsider—"

"Your Majesty, your safety must come first—"

The ministers behind the emperor immediately echoed their objections. Many of them had never seen the flying machine, only heard of it. But that didn’t stop them from opposing—in their eyes, Bing Wengu had already hogged enough glory. He couldn’t be allowed to hog more.

Considering that the flying machine soared through the skies, where accidents would leave no chance for rescue, Zhan Yu hesitated.

Bing Wengu quickly interjected, "Actually, based on the flying machine, I’ve developed a parachuting activity. The main reason I invited Your Majesty to Ji County this time was to witness parachuting."

"What is parachuting? I know what an umbrella is—you use it when it rains or snows. But how do you jump with it?" Zhan Yu couldn’t fathom it. "Is it some new kind of dance?"

"The parachute I’m referring to isn’t for jumping with an umbrella, but for jumping from the flying machine," Bing Wengu explained. Upon hearing this, the Left Chancellor’s face paled. He gaped at Bing Wengu as though facing an assassin, his eyes filled with wariness and disbelief.

"County Magistrate Bing, surely you're not thinking of inviting His Majesty to parachute?"

"What gave you that idea, Left Chancellor? I would never be so reckless." Bing Wengu maintained an expression of utmost sincerity, showing no trace that this had indeed been his original plan.

"I only meant for His Majesty to experience the sensation of flight. As for parachuting, that will be performed by others—His Majesty will only be an observer." Bing Wengu declared righteously.

Admittedly, Zhan Yu was genuinely intrigued.

"Very well, I shall stay the night," Zhan Yu said. "Even if I cannot ride the aircraft myself, seeing a parachute display will be quite the spectacle."

The Left Chancellor could hardly object now.

Bing Wengu led Zhan Yu off the train, and upon exiting the station, they were greeted by the bustling streets of Ji County.

"Has Your Majesty ever tried dishes like rice noodles or spicy broth?" Bing Wengu recommended. "These are specialties of Ji County—they’re not available elsewhere yet."

This was Bing Wengu’s way of doing Aunt Bing a favor. If the Emperor dined at her shop, it would undoubtedly become the talk of the town, with more business than she could handle.

Zhan Yu was indeed interested. "I must sample the delicacies you recommend, Minister. Last time, the red and green preserves I brought back were a big hit with the Empress Dowager and the imperial consorts. Sadly, they were all consumed, and there are none to be found in Bianjing. This time, you must ensure I return with a generous supply."

"The Yue family is honored to have earned Your Majesty’s favor. Now that the train will soon be operational, whenever Your Majesty runs out, I shall have the Yue family promptly deliver more."

Zhan Yu laughed. "Excellent. I won’t take without paying—the Imperial Kitchen will place orders with you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Bing Wengu looked around. Most of the yamen officers he had brought remained at the station to maintain order. Cong Lin was not by his side, and he was unsure of the temperaments of the others—not trustworthy for important work.

His gaze swept the imperial guards until he spotted Jiang Jinghuai. Bing Wengu gave a discreet signal, and Jiang Jinghuai quietly approached.

"Jinghuai, take a squad of guards to my eldest sister’s place and clear the area ahead of time," Bing Wengu instructed. "We must ensure no commoners accidentally disrespect His Majesty."

Having visited Ji County multiple times and even wandered around its streets, Jiang Jinghuai was familiar with the layout. He led the men to Aunt Bing’s rice noodle shop right away.

Aunt Bing’s hands shook with excitement, but the thought of Bing Wengu steadied her quickly. She couldn’t embarrass him.

Out of all the fine eateries in Ji County, her younger brother had chosen hers to bring the Emperor—this was his way of putting her in the spotlight. She absolutely can’t embarrass him.

With this in mind, Aunt Bing calmed considerably, her mind sharpening. And with clarity came realization.

Knowing a large entourage would arrive, she feared being overwhelmed and decided to seek help.

She initially considered asking Liang-shi and Father Bing to assist, but recalling their timid dispositions, she worried they might freeze in the Emperor’s presence. Nervousness led to mistakes, and a dropped dish could cause trouble for her brother.

After much deliberation, she resolved to summon Si Lang and Elder Nan. Having trained under Bing Wengu for some time, they ought to be competent enough.

Stepping outside, Aunt Bing hired a few loafers, paying extra for speed. The men eagerly agreed—everyone in Ji County knew this was Lord Bing’s eldest sister’s shop. Who would dare slack off?

Standing at the shop entrance, Aunt Bing hesitated before calling over another loiterer, whispering additional instructions before returning inside, still uneasy.

With the Emperor’s imminent arrival, Aunt Bing set to work, preparing everything in advance.

Meanwhile, Elder Nan and Bing Silang, upon receiving the news that they would serve before the Emperor—even if only in menial tasks—treated it with utmost gravity. Dressed in their finest, they rushed over without delay.

"Eldest Sister, am I late?" Bing Silang barged in loudly.

"No," Aunt Bing chided. "But you mustn’t speak so loudly later. Be on your best behavior—don’t cause trouble for Da Lang."

"Don't worry, Eldest Sister. Your fourth brother isn't the same as before. Now I'm a proper boss, and I know my limits."

As he spoke, Nan Dalang hurried in. Aunt Bing didn’t know him well, so she only gave him a few brief instructions.

Next to enter were Wan Niang and Yaoniang, both still wearing their county school uniforms, clearly having rushed back.

Aunt Bing glanced nervously at Bing Silang when she saw her two daughters, but when she noticed he was too busy with his own thing and showed no particular reaction, she let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She pulled her daughters aside and carefully instructed them. The girls understood the importance of the occasion and nodded solemnly.

Everyone busied themselves, and by the time Bing Wengu showed the emperor in, the food was ready just in time.

"Your Majesty, please come in," Bing Wengu said, showing the emperor inside, and Aunt Bing and the others bowed in greeting.

Zhan Yu smiled. "Rise, all of you."

Aunt Bing's shop was small and couldn't accommodate everyone inside, so Bing Wengu arranged for the rest to be seated outside on the street with simple tables—an exceedingly bare-bones setup.

These high-ranking court officials, usually accustomed to grandeur, now sat on the street not happy at all with such crude conditions, but since Bing Wengu ignored them, they had no choice but to put up with it.

"Your Majesty, the food’s all set. Shall we serve?" Bing Wengu inquired.

Zhan Yu nodded.

Bing Wengu stood up to help Aunt Bing with the preparations.

Aunt Bing pulled out all the stops, preparing every snack the shop had to offer.

"The clay pot contains rice noodles, which come in two varieties: chicken broth and bone broth. The red pot is the spicy one," Aunt Bing explained, her heart racing.

"The regular bowls are for mala tang, and this bowl is hot and sour noodles."

It was summer, so the mala tang was packed with fresh veggies.

After finishing her introduction, Aunt Bing curtsied slightly to the emperor before stepping back.

Zhan Yu remarked in surprise, "The women in Jixian under your governance are truly remarkable, Minister. Even in the presence of this emperor, they remain poised and confident."

Bing Wengu replied, "This is my eldest sister, and this shop is hers."

"That explains it," Zhan Yu said. "I was just thinking how such a small county could have dishes I’ve never even heard of. But if they're from your family, then it's no surprise."

At that moment, Yaoniang approached with a plate of fried chicken. "Your Majesty, these are our shop's specialties: fried chicken, chicken bites, and butterfly-cut shrimp."

Wan Niang carried another plate of fried snacks. "Chicken strips, fresh mushrooms, rib meat skewers, crab sticks, fish balls..."

The two girls spoke in clear voices, doing their best to appear calm, though you could still hear a little shake in their voices.

Zhan Yu smiled kindly. "Are these two young ladies your nieces, Minister?"

"Indeed," Bing Wengu said, patting the girls' heads in encouragement. "They currently attend the county school I established, and their academic performance is quite commendable."

Zhan Yu chuckled. "I've heard of your generous support for the county school, Minister. They are truly heartfelt. These two young ladies are sharp and well-spoken—worthy nieces of yours."

Bing Wengu turned to the girls. "Go on, thank His Majesty."

The two girls immediately bowed in gratitude. Nearby, Aunt Bing's eyes welled up.

When all the dishes were served, Zhan Yu began to eat.

The snacks were indeed delicious, especially the fried foods. Zhan Yu had never tasted them before, and with Aunt Bing's excellent cooking skills, he found them both novel and delightful.

"This is delicious. I love it," Zhan Yu praised generously, and Bing Wengu had been hoping to hear exactly that.

After the meal, Bing Wengu took Zhan Yu back to rest. Having spent six hours on the train, Zhan Yu was truly exhausted.

Meanwhile, those who had traveled on the same train with the emperor were beyond excited. They had actually seen the emperor and even shared a train ride with him! From then on, they’d tell this story everywhere—it’d be the highlight of their lives.

Back at the county school, students like Xining babbled excitedly, their faces red with excitement.

"Wang Silang, if only you hadn’t gotten off the train, you could have seen the emperor too!"

Wang Silang was the one who had boarded the train only to be called back down by his father.

Now, he was kicking himself over it. If time could be reversed, he would never have stepped off that train.

"You’re such a coward! What’s so scary about a train? Lord Bing dared to ride it, Master Wuwei dared, the emperor dared, even our classmates dared—only you chickened out? Think you’re better than the emperor?"

"No, it was my father..." Wang Silang tried to explain, but he was already full of regret.

A classmate rolled their eyes, "Did you even listen to the teacher’s lessons? We’ve been told to respect your parents, but don’t be a pushover. They’ve never left the village, never studied—their knowledge and perspective are limited. You can’t follow them blindly."

Another classmate added, "The teacher said respect your parents, but don’t be a pushover. You’re just being a pushover."

Back in the village, Old Man Chu puffed out his chest, bragging to everyone. "Yes, I saw the emperor! He’s something else—so regal. Just one glance from afar, and his presence nearly made me kneel!"

"Well, well—look who’s the big shot now!"

Old Man Chu puffed up with pride. "It’s all thanks to my Xiao Geer. Without him, I’d never have had this chance."

His eyes reddened. "My grandson is truly remarkable!"

The villagers were green with envy. Once the poorest in the village, Old Man Chu and his grandson now thrived—Chu Yan was the top student, earning scholarships with every exam. Their kids couldn’t hold a candle to him, and it ate them up.

That evening, Aunt Bing knocked on Bing Wengu’s door.

"Da Lang, I messed up today—I shouldn’t have let Yaoniang and Wan Niang appear before the emperor," Aunt Bing said, fighting back tears as she stood at the door.

Hearing this, Nan Jinping approached and comforted her gently. "Don’t sweat it. Wen Gu’s not upset."

Aunt Bing looked hopefully at Bing Wengu, who nodded in agreement.

She explained, "Da Lang, I just spoke to Mother about it, and she chewed me out until I saw how dumb I’d been."

"I wasn’t thinking straight. I just wanted the girls to see the world. This might have been their only chance in life to meet the emperor—if they missed it, there’d be no other opportunity. I didn’t think it through. Having them appear before the emperor and his ministers was inappropriate. Folks might think I was using them to get ahead. At best, I figured if the emperor complimented them, they’d have better luck finding husbands. I didn’t want them burdened by having a divorced mother."

Nan Jinping reassured her, "Eldest Sister, as long as your intentions were pure, you have nothing to reproach yourself for. Who cares what others think? You can’t please everyone."

Bing Wengu added, "If you’re asking me, I support you. Everyone should see the world."

Aunt Bing quickly said, "I should’ve asked you first."

"Doesn’t matter," Bing Wengu brushed it off. "You’ve got to live your own life. You’re their mother—looking out for them is your job—no shame in that."

Aunt Bing only relaxed once she saw Bing Wengu really wasn’t bothered.

The next day, Bing Wengu took Zhan Yu and the officials to the makeshift viewing stand by the river.

The plane would fly here, and they’d parachute from here, allowing Zhan Yu to witness the entire process.

After settling everyone in, Bing Wengu turned and headed to the airfield. For the first jump, he planned to go first.

The main reason was that Bing Wengu wanted to bring Nan Jinping along for the thrill. He didn’t trust anyone else to jump with her.

Nan Jinping emerged, bundled up in full gear, wearing a helmet and tightly wrapped up.

Bing Wengu was similarly outfitted. Though their parachutes had already been checked by others, he double-checked them before leading Nan Jinping onto the plane.

As the plane took off, Bing Wengu turned to Nan Jinping and asked, "Are you scared?"

Nan Jinping yelled over the noise, "Of course not! Don’t forget, I’ve wanted to ride a plane forever. This opportunity came because I asked for it!"

Bing Wengu watched her excited expression with a small smile.

Since they would be jumping soon, there was a backup pilot on board.

In no time, the pilot flew the plane to the drop zone, and the two prepared to go.

The wind was too strong for words to be heard clearly, so Bing Wengu gestured to Nan Jinping, who nodded in understanding.

She moved closer, clinging to Bing Wengu, who pulled her close.

Putting his mouth to her ear, he shouted, "One, two, three—go!"

Trusting him completely, Nan Jinping leaped without hesitation or fear.

Clasped together, they plunged from the plane, like doomed lovers clinging together until their final moments.

"Ahhh! Ahhh!!!" The thrill of freefall made Nan Jinping shriek with excitement, her heart pounding wildly.

After all, she was just twenty—still young and eager for adventure.

While Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping enjoyed themselves, the spectators on the platform were horrified.

"T-they just went like that?"

"From such a height—won’t they be smashed to pieces?"

The officials paled, rising to their feet in agitation, craning their necks. From their distance, details were unclear, but they could spot the plane and what had to be the jumpers falling from it.

"This is madness! Bing Wengu is treating human lives as a joke!" the Left Chancellor said, his face flushed with rage.

The Minister of Revenue added, "Your Majesty, we must not indulge Magistrate Bing any longer. No matter his achievements, he cannot play fast and loose with lives."

As the crowd clamored in condemnation, Jiang Jinghuai, a member of the imperial guard, suddenly spoke up. "Your Majesty, if memory serves, Bing Wengu mentioned that the first jumpers would be himself and his husband."

A stunned silence fell over the platform.

Then, someone muttered, "He’s insane. Bing Wengu is a complete madman!"