Chapter 32 How does the cement road compare to the Qin Straight Road?
Chapter 32 How does the cement road compare to the Qin Straight Road?
"Hey, did you know?" one palace maid asked with a grin. "What is it?" the other maid asked curiously, leaning closer. "I heard that recently all the ladies in the palace have been playing a game called Werewolf," the first maid said mysteriously. "Oh, I already knew that. I even know that Princess Jiayang invented Werewolf," the other maid said proudly. "Really? How did you know?" the first maid asked, her eyes wide. "I heard it from the servants in the Queen's courtyard. They said all the ladies go to the Queen's courtyard to play," the other maid said vividly. "Princess Jiayang is amazing! She invented such a fun game," the first maid exclaimed in admiration. "Yes, no wonder she got a title; she's truly remarkable," the other maid nodded repeatedly.
Hearing the palace maids' gossip, Ying Gaoya was filled with anger and resentment. He had once been the center of attention, but now everyone revolved around Ying Wuyou. This made him feel neglected and ignored, and his self-esteem was severely hurt.
Thinking back, those people used to surround him, flattering and fawning over him. But now, they all went to Ying Wuyou, leaving him aside. This change was unacceptable to Ying Gaoya; he felt he had lost the status and attention he once deserved.
Not only that, even his mother no longer spent time with him as before. She had recently become obsessed with a game called "Werewolf," immersing herself in it all day and neglecting his feelings. Ying Gaoya felt isolated, with no one caring for him or keeping him company, which made him feel increasingly heavy-hearted.
All these events combined intensified Ying Gaoya's loathing for Ying Wuyou. He felt that Ying Wuyou had stolen everything from him, including people's attention and his mother's companionship. This jealousy and resentment continued to spread in his heart, plunging him into pain and loneliness.
Ying Wuyou had no idea that Ying Gaoya disliked her. Even if she did, Ying Wuyou wouldn't care. This kind of brat only bullies girls because he's tall and big; he's nothing else.
Ying Wuyou was currently considering asking the King of Qin for people and money, wondering how to bring it up. She had no time to care whether others were angry or not. After thinking for a while, Ying Wuyou decided to take it one step at a time and headed towards Zhangtai Palace.
Upon arriving at Zhangtai Palace, Ying Wuyou met the King of Qin without any trouble. At this moment, King Qin was still engrossed in reviewing memorials. Seeing the king's frequent frowns, Ying Wuyou quickly bowed and said, "Jiayang greets Father. Are you unwell, Father?" King Qin looked up at Ying Wuyou and said, "Jiayang is here. I haven't seen you these past few days. What have you been busy with?" Ying Wuyou skipped over, massaging King Qin's shoulders as she said, "Father, I've recently renovated the estate, and some piglets are sick. I'm busy finding doctors and medicine for them, and I also need to build a new pigsty." King Qin chuckled and said, "Oh? So you're busier than I am?" Ying Wuyou continued massaging his shoulders, "Father, you are so busy with state affairs. How can I compare to you? I can't even manage a small estate, unlike you, Father, who governs such a vast Qin state so well. Father, you are truly wise and powerful!"
Hearing Ying Wuyou's praise, the King of Qin was very pleased. He said with a smile, "Alright, stop pinching. With your thin arms and legs, you have no strength at all. What's the use?"
Upon hearing the King of Qin's words, Ying Wuyou stopped massaging his shoulders. He then said to the King, "Father, could you grant me some manpower and money?" The King of Qin asked, "Oh? What brilliant idea have you come up with this time?" Ying Wuyou grinned and said, "Father, I want to build roads!"
"Build roads? Why did you suddenly decide to build roads?" King Qin asked, frowning.
"Your Majesty, I see that the roads are muddy after the rain, which is really inconvenient for travel. If a cement road could be built, it would greatly improve the travel of both the people and the supplies for the soldiers on the front lines," Ying Wuyou said.
"A cement road? What kind of road is that?" the King of Qin asked, puzzled.
Ying Wuyou explained, "A cement road is a road paved with cement. It is harder and flatter than an ordinary dirt road, less prone to water accumulation, and more durable. Moreover, it is simple to construct and easy to maintain."
The King of Qin then asked, "How does the cement road compare to the Qin Straight Road of my great Qin?"
Ying Wuyou confidently replied, "Although cement roads are not as magnificent as the Qin Straight Road, their advantages lie in their rapid construction and lower cost. If they can be widely adopted, they can make transportation in our Great Qin Dynasty much smoother."
The King of Qin nodded slightly in approval, knowing full well the importance of transportation to the nation's development. He then turned to Ying Wuyou, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, and said, "My son, your idea is excellent. In that case, I will give you a chance. First, produce the cement. I want to see if it is really as good as you say."
Qin Wuyou accepted the order and said, "Thank you, Father. I will go and make the preparations immediately. I also have another request."
"Oh? What is your request?" the prince asked.
Ying Wuyou said earnestly, "Once the cement is produced, I hope that Father will come to the manor to inspect it. Transporting cement is no easy task. I wonder if Father will agree?"
After a moment's thought, the King of Qin said slowly, "It is permissible, but I must leave the palace in secrecy. This matter must not be known to anyone else."
Ying Wuyou nodded and replied, "Father, I know. The people on the estate do not know my identity either, so you can rest assured."
The King of Qin stared intently at Ying Wuyou and solemnly asked, "Very well, I already know. If you can truly build a road that surpasses the Qin Straight Road, then everything is negotiable. If you cannot build such a road, I will not give you another chance. Jiayang, do you understand?"
Ying Wuyou understood the King of Qin's intentions. If he could successfully complete the road this time, all his future plans would likely proceed smoothly. If the road construction failed, he would have no further opportunities to implement his other plans.
Ying Wuyou replied with a solemn expression, "Your subject will do everything in his power to accomplish this task. If I fail, your subject is willing to relinquish his title."
King Qin looked at Ying Wuyou and suddenly burst into laughter: "Good, hahaha, as expected of my daughter, you have such courage. I will await your good news."
Ying Wuyou said, "Your subject will certainly not disappoint your father's expectations." The King of Qin waved his hand, signaling Ying Wuyou to step down.
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