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Chapter 314: A Cheerful Return to the City
Chapter 314: A Cheerful Return to the City
Feng Xuancai watched Shen Huatang's every move, deep in thought. He was aware that his birthright as a prince gave him a natural advantage. His eldest brother was kind-hearted, and even after the inevitable division of the family, he knew he would not be treated poorly by his brothers.
However, the inheritance would not last forever. Thus, they had to find their own means of sustaining themselves.
Feng Xuancai possessed little talent in academics, but he did not let that discourage him. Instead, he turned his attention to carving. While he might not become a master craftsman, this skill could be his ticket into the Ministry of Works.
The Ministry of Works held the lowest status among the six ministries, but with his family background and brothers' support, he believed he could secure a minor official position with a decent income to live comfortably. That was all he desired.
Feng Xuancai knew he lacked grand ambitions. A content and prosperous life was all he sought. Previously, he had simply focused on diligently performing his tasks. Now, observing Shen Huatang's leadership, he felt he had learned a great deal.
Knowledge dissemination was indeed a skill. Just like a Confucian scholar.
However, scholars imparted knowledge about academics. What he could impart were his insights and experiences in carving and woodworking.
Feeling enlightened, Feng Xuancai began to apply his knowledge, attempting to direct his younger brothers in their endeavors.
Feng Xuanrui and the others were still young and carefree, unburdened by such thoughts. They eagerly spun like little tops, darting here and there.
As they were working on small objects, the assembly process was swift, especially with a leader coordinating their efforts.
They spent more time selecting materials than assembling, and before the sun set, their small waterwheel and cart were ready.
The cart could be tested on the spot, but for the waterwheel, they needed a river or at least a basin to demonstrate its functionality.
Shen Huatang felt a twinge of disappointment, unable to prove the worth of her small waterwheel. Sese, seeing her sister's glum expression, pouted as well.
How could Qi Wang bear to see his precious granddaughter unhappy? He promptly suggested to Shen Fuzi that they head to the backyard pond if necessary.
Although the waterwheel was small, it could still function by the pond.
Shen Fuzi agreed with the suggestion. He would think of another solution if this didn't work, but he was determined to ensure his granddaughter could test her waterwheel and be joyous today.
After all, every grandparent wanted to see their grandchild happy.
With the king's suggestion, they eagerly carried their creations to the backyard pond. The waterwheel resembled more of a child's toy than a functional tool.
By the pond, they enthusiastically tried several times, and finally, the small waterwheel sprang to life with a rhythmic, splashing sound.
As the water churned, Shen Huatang breathed a sigh of relief. She had succeeded! Thank goodness she hadn't lost face.
With these thoughts, she sneaked a glance at her grandfather and saw him nodding and smiling, stroking his beard. Embarrassed, Shen Huatang's face flushed with happiness.
Her grandfather's satisfaction brought her even greater joy. However, unlike Liu Hemeng, who would have leaped for joy, Shen Huatang's nature was more reserved.
Sese was also delighted.
Although she hadn't drawn the design, and the assembly wasn't entirely her doing, it was still the result of their combined efforts.
As long as the waterwheel turned, it was a success!
Liu Hemeng pulled Sese along, and she happily followed, skipping and twirling.
The two little girls held hands, spinning in circles with glee.
After quite some time, Sese finally stopped, feeling a bit dizzy. She gazed at the splashing waterwheel and murmured, "I hope that one day, we won't need such cumbersome waterwheels to irrigate the fields."
Just then, the system quietly said, "It's possible, Sese."
With the development of industry, irrigation facilities and equipment would also advance.
Modern irrigation techniques would be more convenient and efficient than the current waterwheels.
However, just as industry needed to develop, agriculture needed to progress as well.
This wouldn't happen overnight.
It would take time, and someone would have to come up with new ideas and continuously experiment for there to be progress and improvement.
If Lele said it was possible, then Sese believed it with all her heart.
So she clenched her tiny fists with determination.
Liu Hemeng, who was happily chattering away, heard Sese's murmur and gently nodded. "Yes, Sese, it will happen one day."
Legend had it that long ago, even before the invention of waterwheels, the working people's ingenuity knew no bounds.
For the sake of irrigation, they would always find a way.
And in the future, they might come up with even better solutions.
The children's happiness brought a satisfied smile to Qi Wang's face.
With the successful experiment of the small waterwheel, it was time for Sese and her cousins to head back.
By now, the sun had set, painting the sky with a stunning array of colors.
The vibrant hues of sunset blanketed the mountains and rivers, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
As Sese stepped into the carriage, the dazzling sunset illuminated her path back to the city.
On the way back, the successful waterwheel experiment kept the girls in high spirits, and they couldn't help but chatter excitedly and even break into little dances from time to time. If not for the limited space in the carriage, Sese would have loved to spin a few more circles.
Watching the children grow more lively and cheerful, Qi Wang felt a sense of warmth and contentment.
Even the unpleasant encounter with Jin Yang Hou at Lu Yinchen's birthday celebration faded from his mind.
However, recalling the other man's appearance at the banquet, he couldn't help but chuckle.
He imagined Jin Yang Hou's face covered in thick layers of powder, trying to hide the bruises from the beating he had received.
The excessive use of powder made for a rather comical sight.
But Qi Wang refrained from laughing out loud, lest he draw the attention of the heavens and invite some misfortune upon himself.
After a while, Sese tired of her antics and finally sat down, cuddling up in her mother's lap and peeking out of the carriage's curtain to admire the view.
The magnificent sunset painted the landscape in vibrant hues, making even the passing travelers seem more colorful.
Sese's adorable round eyes narrowed in delight at the sight.
Noticing her daughter's excitement, the Queen of Qi gently removed Sese's little hat, as the ribbon had left a red mark on her neck from being worn all day.
Qi Wang, concerned for his daughter's comfort, said, "We don't always have to wear it, especially when we're not going out. There's no need to be so formal among family."
Fearing that Sese might feel upset, he added, "Once your hair grows longer, you won't need to worry about it."
Thinking that Sese might be sad or crying, Qi Wang prepared to lift her into his embrace. But instead, he heard her exclaim, "Hey!" and then ask in a soft voice, "Why did they tie up that young boy and put him under the carriage?"
(End of Chapter)
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