"I just thought... compared to the gift you're preparing—turning all of Fengyang Palace upside down—mine feels completely lackluster."
Yun Chuhuan mumbled his excuse, looking guilty.
"That's why I didn't want to tell you about it."
"I see."
Yun Shu nodded thoughtfully.
"But what's being constructed in Fengyang Palace isn't Father Emperor's birthday gift. It's just something I thought of while designing the décor for a restaurant. I realized the same idea might suit Fengyang Palace as well."
She paused, then added casually, "As for the real gift I've prepared for Father Emperor... it's nothing expensive. Just a small trifle I put a bit of thought into. No need for you to feel inferior, Sixth Brother."
"..."
A small trifle... that she just happened to put some thought into?
Was Fifth Sister saying that on purpose?
Did she know what he was planning?
Was he really going to lose to her again?
Back in the Imperial Academy, Yun Chuhuan was mentally flailing in frustration.
Meanwhile, in the Xuanzheng Hall, Emperor Xuanwu was in an excellent mood.
Yesterday, the Dragon Shadow Guard had reported that Yun Shu had successfully fitted iron shoes onto a horse. And he already knew Tang Yuanlin would be submitting a memorial today regarding the matter.
There were tens of thousands of retired warhorses within the Tian Sheng military, and another ten thousand pure-blooded retired steeds were soon arriving from Bei Xiang.
With this innovation, Tian Sheng would gain fifty thousand additional cavalry.
How could he not be pleased?
Thanks to his high spirits, even when dealing with ministers from old noble families—those who usually grated on his nerves—Emperor Xuanwu was notably more gracious today.
This uncharacteristically pleasant demeanor did not go unnoticed. A sense of unease quietly spread among the ministers.
After all, the interests of aristocratic clans often clashed with those of the throne.
If the Emperor was in such a good mood today... was some major change coming?
Which noble house was about to suffer?
But no rumors had surfaced beforehand.
"Do any of you still have matters to raise?"
Perched high on the dragon throne, Emperor Xuanwu observed the officials below with a faint smile. His eyes gradually settled on Tang Yuanlin.
Sure enough, Tang Yuanlin stepped forward with his hu tablet in hand.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant has a memorial to present."
Emperor Xuanwu's smile deepened.
"Speak, Tang Aiqing."
"I ask Your Majesty to first examine this item."
Tang Yuanlin drew a horseshoe from his sleeve and held it reverently in both hands.
Li Dehai quickly stepped forward to receive it and presented it before the Emperor.
"You want Us to look at this curved piece of iron?"
Emperor Xuanwu picked up the horseshoe, turning it over with curiosity and wonder. He had already heard a description of the object from the Dragon Shadow Guard, yet seeing it with his own eyes still felt miraculous.
Such a small thing... and yet it held such crucial potential!
Though excitement surged in his chest, Emperor Xuanwu kept a composed face and asked with feigned ignorance:
"This piece of iron... is there something unusual about it?"
"This item, Your Majesty, comes as a set of four and is called a horseshoe. It was invented by Her Highness, the Fifth Princess."
Tang Yuanlin spoke calmly.
"Her Highness heard that many of our warhorses are retired early each year due to worn or cracked hooves. She found this deeply regrettable, so she began researching the matter in earnest.
In time, she developed this horseshoe. When nailed onto the hoof and replaced at intervals, it prevents wear and even allows certain retired horses to return to service on the battlefield."
"What?"
Before the Emperor or his civil ministers could respond, the military officers erupted.
"Tang daren, are you serious? Just a sliver of iron can bring retired horses back into battle?"
"It is no exaggeration."
Tang Yuanlin turned back toward the Emperor and bowed once more.
"This old servant would not dare bring unverified claims before Your Majesty. Yesterday, I had two retired warhorses brought in and fitted with horseshoes."
"Those two steeds are now waiting at the palace gates. Your Majesty need only see for yourself."
"Excellent!" Finally allowing his joy to pour forth without restraint, Emperor Xuanwu clapped his hands and laughed.
"Summon the horses at once!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
A eunuch outside the hall rushed off toward the palace gates.
Inside, the eager military officers stood on tiptoe, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the horseshoe on the Emperor's desk.
Wei Yuan, Grand General of the Northern Frontier, was bolder than most. He took a step forward and asked with barely restrained excitement:
"Your Majesty, might this humble servant have a look at the horseshoe?"
"Take it!"
The horseshoe was indeed revolutionary, but in itself it was no more than a small, unimpressive object made of iron.
Emperor Xuanwu handed it over with surprising generosity.
Wei Yuan received it with both hands, studying it over and over with an expression more tender than if he were holding his own wife.
"A marvel. Truly a marvel! Your Majesty, when production begins, I implore you to grant the first batch to the Northern Frontier Army!"
"And why should your Northern Frontier get them first?"
The other generals immediately objected.
"The Southern Border Army needs them just as much!"
"The Western Sea Guard has long awaited reinforcements!"
"And us as well!"
"Enough of this!" Wei Yuan scoffed. "We all know Bei Xiang exchanged ten thousand retired horses for just a thousand active ones. What do you think they're planning?
If they prove untrustworthy, it's the Northern Frontier that will bear the brunt of the fighting!"
"Enough bickering!" Emperor Xuanwu rapped his fingers on the desk, calling them all to order.
"None of you will be overlooked. Now, instead of squabbling, how about helping Us consider how to reward the Fifth Princess for her achievement?"
"Ah..."
Wei Yuan hesitated.
He was aligned with the Crown Prince. Even though Yun Shu was a princess, and in the current political climate a female heir seemed unlikely...
Still, what if?
Fifth Princess Yun Shu had been in the spotlight more and more lately.
If His Majesty suddenly decided to include her among the candidates for succession, would supporting her now be seen as betraying the Crown Prince?
Faced with this dilemma, Wei Yuan fell silent.
Marquis Wu'an, old master Cen, had no such concerns.
Setting aside the fact that the invention of the horseshoe alone deserved recognition, he had another motive.
His treasured granddaughter, Cen Yiyi, dreamed of becoming a general one day. If Yun Shu rose in rank and influence, her study companion Yiyi might actually have a chance to realize that impossible dream.