Chapter 50
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“Why aren’t you angry?” the chatterbox genius suddenly asked this provocative question.
Han Jiao paused, turning to look at Xie Xiu.
“If I talk so much, they’ll get angry.”
Han Jiao knew that this unlucky kid used to chat with strangers and always managed to provoke them within three minutes. So, it was quite strange to him why Han Jiao wasn’t angry.
Han Jiao genuinely wasn’t angry. Instead, he found it somewhat amusing.
Patients with Asperger’s syndrome typically have severe social difficulties. Xie Xiu didn’t intentionally provoke others, but his untimely honesty often offended people.
“Your Highness, are you afraid of upsetting others, so you usually avoid talking to strangers?”
“I can’t engage with people whose intentions are unclear and malicious.”
“In that case,” Han Jiao smiled, “Your Highness can tell that I’m not someone with unclear and malicious intentions?”
“You don’t have ill intentions, but you might lie.”
“Your Highness, you won’t get angry over harmless lies, will you?” Han Jiao felt that Xie Xiu’s guard was gradually weakening, so he continued, “By the way, the Ninth Prince enjoys cuju. Recently, I designed an inflatable ball for cuju without bamboo supports. It’s sturdy, thick, highly elastic, and doesn’t require any internal framework.”
Hearing this, Xie Xiu tilted his head slightly, and his previously vacant and numb eyes suddenly became clear and lively. It was as if he could visualize Han Jiao’s idea in thin air—a solid inflatable ball without a framework. He quickly concluded, “It will deflate.”
When Xie Xiu pondered about constructing the device, his eyes seemed to come alive.
Han Jiao’s eyes lit up. He quickly seized the opportunity. “It won’t deflate. For the air inlet of this kind of ball, I’ve used a resilient rubber material from foreign tributes. After inflating, it can automatically seal itself.”
Xie Xiu suddenly smiled as a trace of disdain shone in his clear eyes. In a calm but confident tone, he told Han Jiao, “A ball like that won’t take in air.”
It was surprising that this unlucky kid could actually smile.
He looked quite handsome when he smiled!
Truly the older brother of the bug-level handsome boss.
However, Xie Xiu’s smile was entirely one of unreasonable mockery. It seemed he could visualize what Han Jiao had in mind.
“Humans indeed can’t inflate it, so I’ve also devised a piston pump,” Han Jiao wanted to explain more specifically and asked, “Your Highness, please listen to my explanation.”
“Let’s hear it.” Xie Xiu still stared into the void, ready to construct Han Jiao’s idea through imagination.
Han Jiao had to use words to describe the construction and principles of the pump as clearly as possible.
Immediately, a vivid image of the pump that matched Han Jiao’s description formed in Xie Xiu’s mind. He began demonstrating the process of inflating the ball.
The demonstration was a success. Xie Xiu’s lively gaze, like a momentary shutdown, returned to being vacant. He lowered his head to continue tending to the flowers and muttered, “Ninth Brother must be very happy.”
Han Jiao was stunned.
This unlucky kid didn’t lie. His performance indicated that he had fully assembled Han Jiao’s concept using his imagination.
No need for sketches, no need for demonstrations, no need for part explanations.
This unlucky kid was practically a mechanical genius!
If they could get Xie Xiu to work at the Weapons Development Department, then Great Chu’s military capabilities could likely advance by several centuries ahead of the world.
However, this era had quite a dark sense of humor.
Xie Xiu, a genius mechanical engineer, was serving as a puppet for Senior Minister Li. Xie Duo, the political and military genius, was sweating it out on the cuju field. Xie Guang, the straight-shooting tough guy, was battling a bunch of crafty old foxes in the political arena.
“Your Highness, do you think there’s room for improvement in this concept?” Han Jiao continued to try and rekindle Xie Xiu’s interest in mechanics.
Xie Xiu blinked like a machine and provided precise suggestions, “The leather should be waterproof, or it’ll absorb water, increasing the weight. The circumference should be twenty-three inches. Try dropping it from a height, observe the bounce trajectory, and consider the weight…”
As Han Jiao listened to Xie Xiu’s accurate details about a modern soccer ball, he was left dumbfounded.
When Senior Minister Li returned to the reception hall, he happened to see Xie Xiu passionately discussing some unusual things.
Han Jiao was about to rise and bow when he saw Senior Minister Li raise his hand to stop him, indicating that he should let His Highness finish speaking.
Senior Minister Li took a seat in a circular chair to the west.
After providing his suggestions, Xie Xiu once again lowered his head to tend to the plants.
Senior Minister Li smiled and looked at Han Jiao. “This young friend seems to be getting along well with His Highness.”
Han Jiao was worried that Senior Minister Li might become suspicious, so he immediately admitted that he unintentionally mentioned the leather ball he designed for the princes recently, which piqued Prince Duan’s interest.
“Master Han is truly knowledgeable and versatile,” Senior Minister Li praised with a smile. “He can write political treatises, craft items, and manage accounts skillfully.”
The last sentence made Han Jiao’s smile freeze on his face. He raised his eyes to observe Senior Minister Li’s expression.
Dealing with the case of wrongful execution for personal gain wasn’t something that could be openly discussed. Did this old man suddenly bring it up to investigate further, or was it an attempt to mend past grievances?
“I genuinely admire your skills, young friend. You needn’t be overly concerned.” Senior Minister Li maintained a calm attitude.
Han Jiao lacked experience in the political arena, and right now, he was displaying some young manful inexperience. He didn’t know what this old fox was up to.
Senior Minister Li spoke confidently, “Zhao Liang is a waste, not fit to be a Regional Commander. Master Han knows this, the officials in the court know this, and I naturally understand it too.”
This old man had more tricks up his sleeve. Han Jiao took a deep breath and responded calmly, “Elder is absolutely right. This person has been guarding the border for years, yet he’s failed to achieve any military merit and only increased expenses. It’s an oversight by the Ministry of War.”
“Zhao Liang was recommended by Zhou Zhaokun, who shares the same hometown as him,” Senior Minister Li stated firmly. “It’s not just an oversight by the Ministry of War. It’s also because Zhou Zhaokun appoints people based on personal relationships. But the blame doesn’t solely lie with him. After all, the memorial recommending Zhao Liang was approved by me. So, there’s at least fifty percent of the blame, and I will take responsibility for it.”
Han Jiao stood up abruptly, bowing, and said, “I’ve personally reviewed the account books, and I can assure you that there’s no connection between this case and Elder’s involvement!”
Senior Minister Li waved his hand, motioning for Han Jiao to sit down, and calmly continued, “I value talent, so I’ll be frank with you. I’m not afraid to bring these shadow issues to light and discuss them with you face to face.”
Han Jiao was bewildered. He couldn’t figure out what this old fox was up to. All he could do was sit down and wait to see what would unfold.
Senior Minister Li sighed, his expression turning serious. “Half of the Generals in charge of the southeast’s defense against the Wokou pirates [Japanese] were appointed by me, and it’s the same for the northwest’s border defenses. So, why have I placed elite warriors in the southeast but a bunch of incompetents in the northwest? You’re so clever, haven’t you considered the reasons behind this?”
Han Jiao hadn’t really thought about it.
Indeed, the renowned commanders in the southeast defending against the Wokou pirates were a product of Senior Minister Li’s choices, while the northwest’s border defenses had seen continuous failures. The merits and faults were all on Senior Minister Li.
Could it be to compensate for past mistakes? Highly unlikely.
This old man, despite his ambition, didn’t take matters of state lightly. Moreover, having capable generals didn’t hinder corruption among the Ministry of War’s higher-ups.
There must be a special reason behind Senior Minister Li placing a bunch of incompetent puppets in the northwest.
“I am not very astute,” Han Jiao humbly sought guidance.
“Then, think about it carefully when you return,” Senior Minister Li spoke with great emphasis. “I don’t seek wealth, I don’t indulge in pleasure. I’m loyal to the sovereign, and when it comes to employing people in governance, I must consider long-term benefits for the people. Some things, if I explain them myself, you might think I’m boasting. So, I hope you can understand the reasons on your own. If you still can’t comprehend my intentions, don’t force it. Eventually, the world will understand.”
Facing such a formidable opponent for the first time, Han Jiao’s thoughts were led astray. He had no counterarguments and could only follow Senior Minister Li’s guidance and think it over carefully. Yet, he couldn’t grasp it in the short term.
“No need to rush. You can ponder it slowly when you return,” Senior Minister Li smiled. “Today, I’ve gained much from your insights. It’s a pity that it’s getting late, and I must escort His Highness back to the residence. I hope there will be another opportunity for us to chat in the future.”
With head full of questions, Han Jiao bid farewell to the old fox.
Soon, the host offered wine and the banquet dispersed. Han Jiao was sent home by Zhou Hao’s carriage. Throughout the journey, Zhou Hao kept asking where he had gone during the banquet.
It seemed that Zhou Hao was unaware of his encounter with Senior Minister Li.
However, the situation was too coincidental. If it wasn’t deliberately arranged, how could Senior Minister Li have guessed that Han Jiao would attend the banquet hosted by some Lord Qin?
Whether today’s banquet was a setup by others, for now, he set it aside. Upon returning home, Han Jiao immediately went to his study to gather his thoughts.
What was Senior Minister Li’s intention regarding the issue of appointing generals to the northwest border?
This old man had indeed not made mistakes in economic matters. Corruption and bribery involved some members of Prince Duan’s faction.
However, Senior Minister Li’s tolerance of their corruption was also for the purpose of using their wealth to establish a larger power group. He was not innocent.
This person seemed to have ambitions for power and nothing else. Everything, be it wealth, reputation, political achievements, respect, dependence, trust, or even favor, were all tools and means to reach his goals.
The hidden reasons behind this were impossible to fathom.
The next day, Han Jiao gathered a stack of written records to study the battles on the southeast and northwest borders.
By evening, his colleagues had left, but Han Jiao continued working late, staying at the Hanlin Academy to research.
Unfortunately, on this day, Xie Duo conducted a secret investigation with the Northern Garrison and arrived at Han Jiao’s modest residence in the evening. He knocked on the door.
Mrs. Han thought it was her eldest son returning and hurried to open the door while holding the little son.
She was met by the exquisite curve of a young man’s jawline. Mrs. Han looked up to see a handsome face that, despite its coldness, radiated a sharp beauty.
The one who knocked on the door was a young man in blue attire, tall and impatient in demeanor.
Knocking on someone else’s door with such an attitude, this young man could very well be a dangerous individual.
Mrs. Han, holding her child, initially tried to close the door. However, she was momentarily stunned by the appearance of the young man on the other side of the door, who, without hesitation, bypassed her and the child, walking into the courtyard as if he were no stranger.
“Han Xiaobai, come out,” Xie Duo called from the inner courtyard.
Xie Duo’s tone sounded like someone collecting a debt. Mrs. Han rushed to intercept and asked, “Who are you? What do you want with our A’Jiao?”
Xie Duo tilted his head and menacingly told the servant of the little child prodigy’s household, “I am a colleague of the Eldest Young Master of the Han family.”
“Eldest Young Master?” Mrs. Han looked bewildered. “Are you referring to my son?”
Xie Duo appeared to be taken aback. His sharp gaze swept up and down Mrs. Han. “Han Jiao is your son?”
Mrs. Han straightened her back and declared defiantly, “Of course! What do you want with my son? If you have any business, talk to me!”
The young man standing before her seemed greatly shaken. He tilted his head, looked at her with confusion, and remained silent.
The Ninth Prince had never witnessed a court official’s wife personally coming out to open the door and welcome a guest.
This peculiar little child prodigy seemed to come from an equally peculiar family.
“What’s the matter?” Mrs. Han was puzzled about what she had said that left the young man so shocked. She softened her tone and added, “A’Jiao hasn’t returned yet. If you have something to discuss, you can let me know, and I’ll pass it on to him.”
Xie Duo quickly composed himself, made a slight turn, faced Mrs. Han, and politely nodded. “Madam, I have an important matter to discuss with your son, which is best not shared here. It’s fine by me to wait in the hall for a moment.”
Mrs. Han: “……”
This kid actually asked her to invite him in to sit. He even said “it’s fine” first! Shouldn’t she be the one to say “It’s fine. Come in and sit down”?
Quite impolite!
Did he come here just to brighten up their home?
Did he think he was a royalty?
“Are you A’Jiao’s colleague?” Mrs. Han questioned with extreme dissatisfaction. “Our A’Jiao is the youngest junior scholar-official at the Hanlin Academy. You look even younger than him. How can you be his colleague?”
The young man’s pupils contracted abruptly.
Thunderstruck!
Xie Duo, who had always considered himself to have a mature and dignified appearance, suppressed his anger, licked his thin lips, and dangerously whispered, “Where do I look younger than him?”
“Hahaha!” Mrs. Han foolishly stated the truth, “Do I even need to say it? It’s obvious at first glance!”
When she saw the young man’s icy gaze fixed on her, Mrs. Han’s survival instincts were activated by an inexplicable sense of danger. She quickly concealed her smile and apologized, “I have a straightforward way of speaking, hope I didn’t offend you.”
Offend?
Take a good look at this Prince’s eager sword at my side, and think carefully about how to speak, Madam!
“Of course not.” Xie Duo gave a slight upward curve to his lips, deciding to grant the mother of the little child prodigy another chance at life.
“Then please come in and have a seat,” Mrs. Han found the child’s audacious demeanor rather intriguing. She assumed that, since he had come alone and appeared to be of similar age, he might be a friend of A’Jiao. Thus, she let her guard down and invited him into the main hall, taking the opportunity to boast about how her son had passed the Imperial Examination at such a young age.
The moment they stepped into the main hall, the young man who was following her suddenly took a step forward and quietly asked in her ear, “Madam, do you have shadow guards in your house?”
Mrs. Han didn’t quite catch what he said and turned to look at him in confusion.
Xie Duo had already understood her reaction.
“What guards…” Mrs. Han hadn’t finished her sentence when she saw the young man make a hushing gesture.
“There are thieves on the roof.”
After uttering these words, the young man suddenly spun and leaped onto the roof, his feet barely touching the corridor pillars.
He moved so quickly that Mrs. Han hadn’t even raised her head when she heard a sharp “crash” sound.
Above the side door, a large hole was smashed in the roof, and a burly stranger fell through it. He attempted to rise, but the young man in blue clothes immediately stepped on him with a sword drawn, rendering him immobile.
A low hum accompanied the unsheathing of a long sword. The shadow guard, having heard of Ninth Prince’s swift swordplay, panicked and shouted, “Your Highness, please hold! I am a shadow guard sent by Prince Yan to protect Master Han!”
The commotion frightened Mrs. Han’s little son, who started crying.
Still trying to make sense of the situation, Mrs. Han comforted her child while gazing up at the large hole in her roof.
Why did this young man start wreaking havoc the moment he entered her home? Despite her complaints, she couldn’t help but cover her chest, her eyes fixed on the young man who had subdued the rooftop intruder.
This boy is so daring, how did he manage to bring down the intruder so quickly? I couldn’t see it clearly!
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This is so hilarious, ripperoni to their family’s rooftop though. I hope it doesn’t rain that night… Love seeing Han Jiao’s mom and Xie Duo mutually irking each other. He fits in already lmao
Thanks for the translation, Hardworking Girl!