The Whole Dynasty Spoils the Tyrant's Beloved Youngest Daughter-Chapter 418: Qi Xiao Gains His Own Consciousness
Li Wei had followed Ye Ying for quite some time. Even if Ye Ying didn’t say anything, he could sense certain things. As for Jun Ning’s identity, it was even more apparent. Jun Ning frequently visited Qianji Pavilion, and as long as one paid a little attention, they would know her true identity.
However, after Ye Ying was injured and Jun Ning took charge of Qianji Pavilion, she never revealed her true identity to anyone, still considering herself as the Pavilion Master, and everyone respectfully called her Pavilion Master.
Li Wei was no exception.
But to this day...
Li Wei had also heard the news that Dongchu Kingdom was about to go to war, so he connected Jun Ning’s words today to her true identity instantly.
Jun Ning’s position was easy for him to understand.
It was precisely because of this understanding that after Jun Ning spoke of these matters, making a choice wasn’t as difficult or conflicting for him.
Jun Ning originally had her back to Li Wei; when she heard Li Wei’s address and choice, she turned around, her beautiful large eyes looked at Li Wei with appreciation and watched him for a long time.
This Li Wei, he’s perceptive.
He is useful.
"Since this is the case, Li Wei, be ready at all times. Depart with the army in half a month," Jun Ning said, "If you handle this task well, there will be a significant reward upon your return."
Which man doesn’t want to achieve success and make his ancestors proud?
The opportunity Jun Ning offered and the promise of a great reward made Li Wei incredibly eager. He excitedly said, "Thank you, Your Highness."
After discussing this matter, Jun Ning returned to the palace. Now, her time was extremely precious; it was no longer like when she was young, sneaking out to play for many days, being indulged and protected.
She returned to the Imperial Study Room to review memorials and inspect the progress of the tasks she assigned to the Ministry of Industry.
Qi Xiao was also in the Ministry of Industry at this time, learning from the Minister of Public Works about the specific methods of archers’ fire attack and whether the range of the bow and arrow could be extended. If it could be extended, it would undoubtedly have a multiplying effect on the battlefield.
He was so immersed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice when Jun Ning came over to inspect.
Jun Ning watched Qi Xiao fiddling with the bow and arrow in his hands for a long time, her eyes fixated on Qi Xiao, without moving away.
This child has truly grown up. Like his father, he’s a man who stands tall, daring in matters, meticulous, and thoughtful. She believes that given time, he will undoubtedly grow into a pillar of talent.
However, this pillar of talent remains aloof towards her.
Even though they have a well-known marriage contract, having played exceptionally well together as children, everyone thought they were made for each other by heaven.
But now, Xiao Er has grown and has his own ideas.
He might not be willing to marry the Crown Prince, oh no, if she ascends the throne in the future, Xiao Er would inevitably have to join the Royal Family, and he might not be willing to join the Royal Family.
He might not even be willing to stay behind her.
And he’s even less likely to like her as he did when he was younger, clinging to her, unable to sleep well without her by his side.
"Sigh..."
Thinking of this, Jun Ning sighed with regret.
Qi Xiao, hearing a familiar sigh, quickly turned his head and looked at Jun Ning, respectfully speaking, "Crown Prince, you’re here?"
Jun Ning composed her emotions, walked a few steps forward, and said, "Hmm, I came to see how the Ministry of Industry is preparing for the fire attack."
The Minister of Public Works greeted and saluted Jun Ning, then reported, "To report to the Crown Prince, everything that needs preparing has been prepared according to requirements and quantities, with a little extra."
Jun Ning pointed to the bow and arrow in Qi Xiao’s hand, "What are you doing with this?"
The Minister of Public Works said, "Right now, I am discussing with Sir Qi how to increase the range of the bow and arrow." In truth, he was somewhat unwilling, but due to Qi Xiao’s identity, he had no choice but to cooperate with him.
"Is that so?" Jun Ning said, looking at the eunuch beside her, "Bring me a bow and arrow."
The eunuch hurriedly brought a bow and arrow forward.
Jun Ning took it and tested the pull; the bow was somewhat soft and floppy, indeed with room for improvement. After improvement, it might increase the range.
For so many years, no officials had proposed the idea of improvements, but Xiao Er brought it up, showing great courage; that was good.
Jun Ning smiled as she patted Qi Xiao’s shoulder, "I have high hopes for you."
Qi Xiao smiled bashfully, not obviously, with a hint of a big boy’s shyness. Jun Ning didn’t see it too clearly, so much so that she mistakenly thought her compliments and praise were not liked or accepted by Qi Xiao.
No, to be more accurate, Qi Xiao probably didn’t like women in power, women discussing state affairs!
Otherwise, why was he always so cool whenever she discussed state matters with officials or expressed any ideas?
Jun Ning couldn’t explain her current predicament with no retreat, having to brace herself, nor did she know how to describe the exhaustion of being in this position, which wasn’t from her heart...
Regarding Qi Xiao’s aloof politeness and dislike... She could only force a bitter smile, and then went to inspect other areas.
The Minister of Public Works seemed to have something to say to her but was inconvenient to speak in front of Qi Xiao. Hesitating for a long time after she left, seizing the opportunity, he quickly caught up.
"Crown Prince!" the Minister of Public Works followed behind Jun Ning.
Jun Ning turned her head to look at him, saying, "Does the Minister of Public Works want to suggest that the improved arrows not be used for warfare for the time being?"
The Minister of Public Works nodded, "The Crown Prince is correct. I do not support the immediate use of improved bows and arrows in battle."
As for the reason.
The Minister of Public Works explained, "This battle concerns national affairs, and the improved arrows have not been tested in combat; if something were to go wrong midway, leading to the failure of the war, we would lose more than we gain..."
"Really?" Jun Ning asked meaningfully.
These officials were too conservative and inflexible, sticking to conventions and not understanding adaptation. As a result, many instruments were too old and nearing obsolescence yet still in use.
The state affairs were the same, quarreling over trivial matters every day, everyone caring about their official hats and not daring to speak the truth, stand out, or act decisively.
Simple matters were always being complicated, always being cautious.
The decline of Dongchu Kingdom in recent years and being beaten down by others were really inevitably related to the worries of these people.
And at this moment, with the crisis imminent, it’s either Bei Xia’s demise or Dongchu’s downfall. The improved bows and arrows could undoubtedly bring numerous benefits, yet the Minister of Public Works was still concerned.
The reasons for concern sounded so grand and justified.
Jun Ning couldn’t help rubbing her forehead in exasperation.
The Minister of Public Works was taken aback by Jun Ning’s questioning, and the meaningfulness in her words made him become anxious, more unsure of how to respond.
He stammered for a long time, unable to utter a complete sentence.
