With three deafening loud noises, the artillery bombardment test began.
The sound was so powerful that it was like thunder from the sky.
However, despite this seemingly violent bombardment, the Empire State Building still stood as tall as ever.
Just as Qi Xiao guessed, except for a few broken pieces of glass, everything else was unscathed.
Sprinkle some water~~
The emperor seemed to be having fun, and suddenly ordered to use solid bullets for bombardment.
this……
Qi Xiao's heart tightened after hearing this, and he couldn't help but clenched his sweaty fists.
Fortunately, there were no near misses, and the result was still roughly the same as before.
The shelling by solid bullets did not shake the main structure of the building except for smashing some tiles on the decorative surface.
This result is due to the top-notch reinforced steel bars, otherwise, it may not be able to withstand it.
In any case, the emperor was finally convinced. This was what he saw with his own eyes and there was no doubt about it.
Don't say anything, let's talk!
What are you talking about?
The emperor has his own ideas.
"Qi Xiao, can you donate the technology related to this to me?"
"Your Majesty, look what you said, if you want it, how can I not give it to you?"
Hahaha, this is the consciousness we should have~~
However, the emperor only hesitated for a few seconds before his smile cracked due to Qi Xiao's next words.
"However, Your Majesty, you have always advocated clear distinctions between rewards and punishments, and never treat meritorious ministers unfairly. But I don't know what kind of reward this humble minister can win from you with his master-level skills?"
"You...hum!"
If it weren't for Mu Ziqing's sake, I would really like to reward you with two big ears.
He's quite capable, and he actually learned how to flatter me.
However, we adults have a lot of experience, but we don’t have the same experience as you!
There is no other way. The Ministry of Industry is in a hurry to start construction. If we don't make some concessions, we will be the ones who suffer the most.
Dragons can be big or small, they can bend or stretch.
Besides, shouldn't you be a little accommodating to your half-hearted son-in-law?
"Three virtuous sons, reward him!"
"Here!"
After a while, a large plate of gold ingots was brought up. A rough visual inspection showed that it weighed at least ten kilograms.
But who would have expected that Qi Xiao pursed his lips, showing a look of disdain that was neither serious nor serious.
Huh? What?
Still too little?
The emperor grinded his teeth, became cruel, and winked at San Dezi again.
Not long after, another plate of gold was brought up.
Qi Xiao estimated with his fingers that this money is enough to buy thousands of tons of cement. Since this business is not a loss, let's go with it.
At this stage, he did not forget to sell Li Hongyu a favor.
He symbolically handed the page of tissue paper on which the relevant ratios and process parameters had been written down to the prince's hands.
Pay the money with one hand and deliver the goods with the other hand?
It's really similar.
Although the emperor felt a little uncomfortable after being slaughtered, he still laughed happily.
He knew very well that he had made a huge profit.
If Dafeng Dynasty had this technology, construction would definitely be like cheating.
From fortification walls, border fortresses, to Qiongyu Pavilion, and land transportation, this cement can be used for construction. It will not take more than ten years to benefit from this.
Did Qi Xiao suffer a loss?
That doesn’t really count!
Although on the surface he took advantage of this opportunity to extort a large sum of money, his real motive was not that.
What he upholds is the ‘people-oriented’ approach that his father often taught him. Since he holds science and technology that benefits the country and the people, why not let it benefit the people?
The so-called Empire State Building is just a prop to hide the motives.
Both sides have their own motives, and it’s hard to say who loses and who gains.
Even if it’s a happy outcome for everyone!
However, while smiling, the emperor's face suddenly became condensed, as if he had realized something.
Then, he snorted coldly and left angrily.
As for why he was unhappy, no one knew.
Qi Xiao and Li Hongyu looked at each other awkwardly, their eyes full of confusion.
…
Let’s talk about the emperor. He was strolling alone in the back garden with a solemn face, seeming to be thinking about some kind of life.
Oh no, what he was thinking about was the national destiny of Da Fengguo.
Just now, he suddenly felt a flash in his mind, and a feeling of fear came to his mind.
What are you afraid of?
crisis!
Since Qi Xiao came to Beijing, he first built a new type of gunboat, and then overturned the theory of a round sky and a square earth. Now, he has boldly innovated and built a new type of building that is different from the traditional concept.
Objectively speaking, the changes he brought about are not small!
If you just pick out one of them, it doesn't seem to be a big deal. However, if you look at it in series, you can feel its influence.
This power is enough to subtly influence the thoughts of the world, and then form a new form of thinking trend, which will undoubtedly challenge traditional concepts and even imperial power.
This is a big deal.
Not to be underestimated.
Although the emperor didn't care much about small things, he was not vague at all when it came to big things.
The conclusion is that he is aware of a potential crisis that exists objectively but cannot be expressed.
And this crisis made him feel the pressure.
Perhaps out of habit, whenever he felt uneasy, he would subconsciously walk to the Queen.
This time, it's no exception.
And Su Liu seemed to have calculated it correctly, and actually made tea in advance and added fragrance to it.
"Your Majesty, please take a seat!"
"Zitong doesn't need to be polite."
The emperor and empress sat upright and looked respectful to each other as guests.
The scent of sandalwood creates a harmonious atmosphere.
Su Liu took a sip of tea and asked, seemingly unintentionally: "I look at His Majesty's face with a solemn face and a faint cloud of sadness. Could it be that he has encountered some difficulty?"
The emperor hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "The one who knows me is Zi Tong!" After sighing, he added, "I always feel that I have made a fatal mistake in employing people in recent years."
Su Liu smiled softly and said: "No one is a sage, how can one make no mistakes? If there is a mistake, just correct it, why bother with it? Thinking like this will hurt the dragon's body."
The Queen's words were very gentle, without any slander or innuendo, and were just right.
When the emperor heard this, he suddenly felt relieved, as if he had found some kind of comfort.
Invisibly, the atmosphere became somewhat more harmonious again.
Suddenly, the emperor's face straightened up and he asked with gleaming eyes: "Zitong, do you know what the true meaning of the imperial examination is?"
Seeing that she seemed stunned, he quickly added: "What I mean to ask is, what is the true meaning of the imperial examination?"
What is the true meaning of the imperial examination?
The Queen's heart trembled when she heard this, and she immediately thought to herself: Seeing His Majesty acting like this, it seems that he wants to express his sincerity!
