Volume One, Chapter 11: The Ordeal

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“My surname is Changsun. You may call me Sister Changsun. As for the gentleman you mentioned, you can call him Brother Qian. I’m sure he’ll be very pleased,” the woman said with a smile.

“Sister Changsun, Brother Qian, you two must be husband and wife,” Song Chenfei guessed inwardly.

“Yes, we are husband and wife,” Sister Changsun nodded.

“Sister Changsun, you are as beautiful as a celestial being, your face flawless like exquisite jade, your brows like distant ink, eyes resembling autumn waters, lips red and teeth white, and your figure graceful like willow branches swaying in the breeze. Surely, it would be difficult to find anyone in the world who could compare to your beauty!”

“Brother Qian, your handsome appearance is extraordinary, eyes like twinkling stars, pupils as bright as the moon, and your demeanor majestic and grand like towering mountains, exuding an aura of awe and dominance. Only you could be worthy of Sister Changsun—truly a match made in heaven! My judgment was not mistaken; you really are husband and wife,” Song Chenfei flattered wildly.

Brother Qian chuckled, “I’ve heard enough flattering words praising me to be sick of them. But if you say I am a good match for Sister Changsun, that does please me.”

Sister Changsun rolled her eyes, “It seems you have some self-awareness. With your looks, you’re nowhere near worthy of me.”

Brother Qian replied, “I may look ordinary, but you still chose to marry me.”

“That was a mistake I made back then. If I had another chance, I definitely wouldn’t marry you.”

“If I gave you another chance, you’d still be stuck with this pile of cow dung,” Brother Qian said boldly as he embraced Sister Changsun.

“Annoying!” Sister Changsun said with a pout.

Clearly, their love was deep and inseparable, far beyond that of ordinary couples.

“Father and mother share a profound love, supporting each other through thick and thin. They are truly the happiest and most perfect couple in the world,” the young man beside them said.

Song Chenfei looked at the young man and realized he was their son, though he bore little resemblance to them.

“Song Chenfei, let me introduce you. This is my son, Song Shu,” Brother Qian said, pointing to him.

“Hello,” Song Chenfei greeted with a respectful bow.

“Hello to you as well. I’ve heard that our Great Qian has gained a young master craftsman. I’ve already seen the waterwheel and water tower you made—truly ingenious. You are indeed worthy of your father’s recognition,” Song Shu spoke with gentle elegance, like a breeze in spring.

He was obviously someone carefully nurtured by a prominent family.

“Oh, it’s nothing but a temporary idea, hardly ingenious at all. The world is vast, and I am but a tiny speck, insignificant and unworthy of the title master craftsman,” Song Chenfei replied humbly.

“Talented yet humble, knowing there are many capable people and hidden dragons and crouching tigers in this world. I have seen many talented youths act arrogantly and recklessly. For example, Song Shu, you are talented but often too proud, which is a flaw. You should learn from Song Chenfei,” Sister Changsun said, her impression of Song Chenfei improving further.

“Mother speaks wisely. I will remember your teachings,” Song Shu sincerely nodded.

Then Sister Changsun looked at Brother Qian, “Next, why don’t you get down to business?”

Brother Qian said, “This time we came firstly to check on your injuries, and secondly to ask if you are satisfied with how the Prince of Pingyang was dealt with?”

“Of course not. Throwing a few servants under the bus to cover for him, just to brush me off—do you think I’m a three-year-old child?” Song Chenfei said coldly.

“Then do you want me to help you seek justice? Though I’m not the top man in Great Qian, I am still a person of some influence and skill,” Emperor Qian said with a flicker in his eyes, suddenly asking.

Without hesitation, Song Chenfei answered, “No need!”

Sister Changsun, Song Shu, and Emperor Qian were all somewhat surprised. This was a golden opportunity.

“Why?” Brother Qian couldn’t help but ask.

Song Chenfei again replied without hesitation, “It’s simple. I want to avenge my grievance personally. Using someone else’s hand is not my way.”

“Good, brave and ambitious. Just like I was in my youth,” Brother Qian said, growing more fond of the young man.

“Since you say so, I won’t interfere. However, there is one thing I must tell you,” Brother Qian said.

Song Chenfei listened attentively.

“When you join the Ministry of Works, study diligently and get familiar with things. Soon, Great Qian will face something extremely important. If you can help Brother Qian accomplish it, it will be a great achievement for you, and you will be rewarded accordingly,” Brother Qian said.

“I will do my best, Brother Qian,” Song Chenfei nodded.

They chatted casually for a while longer, then took their leave.

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After leaving, Emperor Qian asked Song Shu, “What do you think of this young man?”

“Talented and humble, but I feel there is a restrained sharpness and arrogance within him,” Song Shu answered.

“Sharpness and arrogance? Those are fitting words. But why do you think so?” Emperor Qian pondered.

“Actually, he already suspects your identities but dares not be certain, yet still calls you brother and sister. That is outright defiance, lacking respect for imperial authority,” Song Shu said.

“I don’t see it that way. This young man lacks reverence for imperial power, but that’s a good thing. Young people should be full of courage and passion; otherwise, they’ll be like those elderly ministers in court who live in the past and are gloomy,” Empress Changsun said.

“If the Empress thinks so, then I agree. In any case, I have high expectations for this boy. I wonder what feats he will accomplish,” Emperor Qian said with anticipation.

...

“Chenfei, that Sister Changsun is so beautiful, so beautiful. I’ve never seen such a captivating woman,” Li Hao said to Song Chenfei.

“She is indeed very beautiful,” Song Chenfei nodded. In his previous world, she would definitely be considered a beauty capable of toppling kingdoms.

“She must be the consort of the Prince of Pingnan,” Li Hao said confidently.

“Why do you think that?” Song Chenfei looked at him strangely.

“Rumor has it that the consort of the Prince of Pingnan is called the most beautiful woman under heaven. It’s said the Prince of Pingnan once had a chance to become emperor but gave it up for her,” Li Hao explained.

“Maybe,” Song Chenfei said aloud, though inwardly he had other thoughts.

Regarding the beautiful Sister Changsun, a possibility crossed his mind but seemed absurd—almost impossible.

Too coincidental.

Considering their identities, I am certainly no chosen one.

If I were, I should have transmigrated into the Crown Prince.

But in fact, I transmigrated into this unlucky fellow.

“Forget it, no need to think about it. One day, I will know their true identities. For now, the priority is to recover my body and strengthen my constitution,” Song Chenfei looked at the tonic and medicinal herbs sent by the Prince of Pingyang and Brother Qian.

They were costly.

Just what he needed to recover and enhance his physical condition.

As a top-notch secret agent, he not only earned a doctorate in physics and read widely but also had professional training and research in medicine.

He had advanced 21st-century methods for using these herbs.

First, ingestion.

Second, herbal baths.

The prescriptions came from top experts at his homeland’s medical academy, truly exquisite.

Sure enough, after only a few days, his injuries had healed considerably, and his constitution improved significantly.

He was no longer the sickly, crippled person he once was.

Li Hao’s injuries had also mostly healed, and his physical condition had improved as well.

Li Hao was amazed.

Song Chenfei said nothing more but changed into the official uniform newly provided by the Ministry of Works and headed to report there.

The Ministry of Works office was located on Northwest Golden Phoenix Street, facing due east. Two stone lions stood at the entrance, majestic and lifelike.

Their eyes were wide open and piercing, as if scrutinizing every passerby.

The gate was tall and wide, painted vermilion, shining brilliantly under the sun. The copper fittings on the door rings gleamed golden.

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Above the gate hung a plaque inscribed with the four characters “Ministry of Works Office,” written in vigorous, powerful script, underscoring the ministry’s dignity.

Seeing this, Song Chenfei muttered to himself, “Indeed, the grandeur of government offices is just like in my homeland’s ancient times.”

“Welcome, sir, on your appointment,” a young official immediately greeted Song Chenfei at the entrance.

“Lead the way and introduce the Ministry of Works to me. It’s my first time here; I’m unfamiliar with everything,” Song Chenfei said as they walked inside.

“Yes, sir. Our Ministry of Works is crucial among the Six Ministries, overseeing engineering, craftsmen, agricultural settlements, water conservancy, and many other affairs...” the young official explained smoothly.

His eloquence was impressive, no wonder he was assigned to receive Song Chenfei.

Soon, Song Chenfei had a general understanding of the Ministry of Works, one of the Six Ministries.

“The power structure here is not very different from the ancient ministries back home. However, there are distinctions. The court clearly values the Ministry of Works highly. Few departments among the Six Ministries can compare. No wonder Great Qian has always emphasized its craftsmen,” he said.

“That’s strange. In my homeland’s history, it wasn’t like this,” Song Chenfei was surprised.

Moreover, this emperor apparently placed even more emphasis on craftsmen, viewing them as the backbone of nation-building.

Thus, Great Qian cultivated many craftsmen.

Their incomes ranked among the highest of all professions in Great Qian.

“That’s correct. A nation’s construction indeed depends on its craftsmen. Given that this world’s civilization level is still quite low, having such awareness means this emperor is truly far-sighted,” Song Chenfei nodded.

They proceeded deeper into the Ministry of Works, reaching the office area where officials worked.

“Sir Song, ahead is the duty room where your superior, Langzhong Wei, works. Since you’re new, it’s best to greet him,” the young official carefully advised.

“Yes, that’s right. I should greet my superior,” Song Chenfei agreed thoughtfully and knocked on the door immediately.

Inside, Langzhong Wei Hongbo looked up. “Who is it?”

“Lord Wei, I am the newly arrived Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works. I just came and humbly ask for your guidance,” Song Chenfei smiled and approached, discreetly slipping a hundred silver note.

He knew the ways of officialdom.

But to his surprise, Wei Hongbo disdainfully rejected it, “Lord Song, are you trying to bribe me? Know this: I am upright and incorruptible. Take back your silver.”

Could he be a self-righteous type?

Song Chenfei thought but said politely, “Of course not a bribe, just a welcome gesture for your tea. Since you decline, so be it.”

The young official respectfully whispered, “Lord Wei, Lord Song just arrived and doesn’t know which duty room to assign him.”

Wei Hongbo replied coldly, “The courtyard is spacious and bright. Let him stand in the courtyard to work. That’s a fine place.”

Song Chenfei sneered inwardly, realizing this man was no paragon of virtue but rather someone who wanted to give him trouble.

“That’s not right. Lord Song is Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works,” the young official said cautiously. Such a young Assistant Director—he dared not offend him, but Wei Hongbo was also not to be trifled with.

“What’s wrong with Assistant Director? Our duty rooms are full. There’s no spare room, so standing in the courtyard will have to do,” Wei Hongbo said with righteous severity.

Song Chenfei sneered, “So those vacant duty rooms I saw earlier were just being used to feed pigs.”

“What did you say? How dare you insult me!” Wei Hongbo glared fiercely, voice stern.

“Not at all, sir, how could I? Since you want me to stand in the courtyard to work, then I shall stand in the courtyard,” Song Chenfei said, spreading his hands as if resigned and honest.

With that, he stepped out and stood in the courtyard, ready to work standing there.