Chapter 21: Assignment to the Ministry of WorksAfter reviewing several memorials once more, Emperor Yuan’an couldn’t help but shake his head with a sigh. “This child Fu Yuchen—is he overly reverent and nervous in my presence, or is he simply timid and submissive by nature? This doesn’t seem like the talent capable of writing ‘Discourse of Youth.’”Zheng Ze was not one to speak lightly, but seeing the emperor’s puzzled expression and recalling how the young man’s steps had turned light and spirited the moment he left the hall, he couldn’t help but smile slightly and offer, “Perhaps it is out of caution, Your Majesty?”Emperor Yuan’an understood immediately and chuckled, “Ah! So he’s a little fox! One face before the emperor, another behind his back.”The palace was filled with eunuchs, serving as the emperor’s eyes and ears. No official would dare reveal a completely different demeanor immediately after leaving the emperor’s presence; at the very least, they would wait until they were outside the palace walls.Clearly, Fu Xuechen was still too inexperienced. He hadn’t considered this and had revealed his true self as soon as he stepped out of the hall, observed plainly by the eunuchs.“Speaking of which…” Emperor Yuan’an’s expression turned nostalgic, tinged with regret. “The late Duke of Jing was a military genius, cautious in all his actions. Despite his scholarly demeanor, he earned the title of ‘God of War.’ What a pity! Fu Chuanyi does not take after his father and has failed to inherit the old master’s military brilliance!”Returning to the present, he smiled again. “Who would have thought that in the third generation of the Fu family, this child Fu Yuchen would show a trace of the God of War’s former spirit? Outwardly, he appears just as frail and refined. Could it be that the rumors of his incompetence were all a pretense?”Having satisfied his desire to vent, Emperor Yuan’an felt content and once again immersed himself in reviewing memorials.Outside the palace, Fu Xuechen walked alongside Yunzuo with an expression of relief, nearly skipping with joy.Yunzuo found it amusing. His study companion had just met the emperor and even had the chance to respond to a few questions—no wonder he was so delighted! Moreover, judging by his father’s demeanor, the emperor seemed quite attentive to this descendant of the God of War. Well, from now on, he could bring Fu Xuechen along to accomplish more merits and increase his opportunities for imperial audiences…“Hmm…” Fu Xuechen touched the storybook tucked in his robe, wondering if he should postpone his assignment to the Ministry of Works for the day. Perhaps he should first leave the palace, find Fu Yuchen’s two friends, and settle the matter of selling the storybook to earn some pocket money?But Yunzuo guessed his thoughts first and spoke up, “Are you thinking about the storybook? Actually, the Ministry of Works has the best printing workshops and craftsmen. Perhaps I could have them print a batch for you, saving you the trouble of copying it by hand?”“Oh? That would be perfect! Let’s go quickly then!”Hearing this, Fu Xuechen’s eyes lit up, and he immediately changed his mind, urging Yunzuo to hurry as they quickened their pace out of the palace.Watching his companion’s energetic demeanor, Yunzuo smiled silently. He wondered if the young man himself realized that among all the proper and rule-abiding imperial study companions, he was by far the one with the least psychological burden.While others were still cautiously interacting with the prince, afraid of doing anything that might displease him, he had already perfectly adapted to the environment, quickly positioning himself in a comfortable manner that felt both approachable and respectful—this was simply… innate brilliance!The Ministry of Works was located northeast of the palace, not far away, but that was merely the central office for its officials. The various workshops, artisans, and warehouses under the ministry were scattered across the capital, some within the city walls and most outside, depending on the type of workshop.Yunzuo led Fu Xuechen, accompanied by his personal attendant Li Zhen and four guards, first to the Ministry of Works.For an underage prince without official rank, the ministry officials did not pay much attention. Only an ordinary sixth-grade director and his subordinates came out to greet them at the entrance. In the Six Ministries, a director roughly corresponded to a project executive in later times.Other department heads merely nodded and cupped their hands in salute from the doors of their respective offices as the Sixth Prince led Fu Xuechen inside, which counted as an exchange of greetings.The Minister of Works then gave instructions, assigning Director Yang Qian to liaise with the Sixth Prince and handle matters, while all departments were to facilitate the prince’s inspection and learning. With that, the reception was considered complete. Everyone dispersed to attend to their duties, leaving only Yang Qian to accompany the Sixth Prince and Fu Xuechen.Yang Qian had earned his imperial examination degree in the final years of the previous dynasty and was an old-timer in the Ministry of Works. Perhaps because he had persisted until the establishment of the Great Rong Empire before returning to serve, having never actively surrendered, his life after the new dynasty’s founding was not particularly smooth.Fortunately, although inflexible and unadaptable in political matters, he was highly skilled in technical affairs related to the ministry. Other officials looked down on him but had to admit his deep familiarity with the various workshops and artisans under the ministry. His experience was indispensable in many matters, allowing him to secure his position and smoothly transition from an official of the old dynasty to the most experienced and senior official in the new one.Yang Qian was over forty, with a sparse goatee, a lean and dark complexion, and a perpetually troubled expression. At first glance, he resembled an accountant in a landlord’s household, clutching an abacus. Only his relatively resonant voice and his frequently narrowed, sharp eyes hinted at his considerable competence."Does Your Highness wish to first examine the design blueprints for firearms in the ministry or proceed to the warehouse to view the finished products?"After completing the reception formalities, Yang Qian wasted no time and immediately inquired about the next steps.Yunzuo couldn’t help but exchange a glance with Fu Xuechen. Fu Xuechen, of course, wanted to slip away to visit the printing workshop. However, Yang Qian seemed to have no intention of taking them directly to the heavily guarded workshops to observe artisans manufacturing firearms, nor did he consider letting them visit workshops unrelated to firearms production.Yunzuo had to voice his own intention: "It’s getting late today. Could we first visit the printing workshop?"Yang Qian’s brow immediately furrowed into deep lines that could trap mosquitoes: "Your Highness, His Majesty’s decree did not mention that Your Highness needs to observe the production of items other than firearms."Yunzuo immediately felt somewhat awkward. Fu Xuechen now understood why Yang Qian had been sent out to receive two little brats—this person was clearly not well-liked! In later times, he would have been a stereotypical technical official through and through.Although underage princes were merely princes—without noble titles and not part of the court hierarchy—they were still princes after all. With no crown prince currently designated, no one could say for certain which prince might become the future emperor. Therefore, while court officials did not need to treat princes with excessive reverence, they also shouldn’t be this blunt and truly disregard them!

The Prince Does Not Compete for the Throne