The residence of the Third Prince was located on a street that also housed the estates of many high-ranking officials of the court.
On her way back to the palace, Yun Shu happened to notice that several gates bore carriages marked with the insignia of other noble households.
Most likely, given how often Emperor Xuanwu had brought up the matter of the new commercial tax during recent court sessions, many ministers had already begun private deliberations in response.
Alas, their efforts would amount to nothing.
Emperor Xuanwu was exceptionally resolute in his intent to implement the new tax.
Were it not for the need to first elevate Yun Shu to the position of Merchants' Association President, and thereby better counter opposition among the ministers, His Majesty might have already issued the decree within these past few days.
Whether Xiao Yuanzi would be able to complete what she required in time remained uncertain...
Still, Yun Shu had placed high expectations upon him, and fortunately, Xiao Yuanzi did not disappoint her.
Having first received Yun Shu's personal promise that he would be granted permission to leave the palace, then later her nearly spoon-fed suggestions, and with his own exceptional talent in such matters,
Within just a few days, the improved curved-beam plow was successfully completed and delivered directly into Yun Shu's hands.
With it came a letter from Yun Chuhe, penned in a style distinctly his own:
Though this final version of the curved-beam plow was not crafted solely by my hand, it was, in essence, an evolution of the spherical plow design originally conceived by your Third Brother.
When you present it to Father Emperor, do not forget to mention your Third Brother's contribution. I ask for nothing grand—simply credit me with half the merit.
Of course, if you truly feel unwilling… then so be it. Your Third Brother is nothing if not magnanimous. As long as you invite me to Tian Waitian Restaurant for a few good meals, I shall yield even the greatest of honors without complaint.
Also, that 'windlass ox' contraption—Xiao Yuanzi has been working on it too, though he has failed more than a few times. Seems without your Third Brother's groundwork, his abilities are rather ordinary. So, do not place too much hope in him…
Beyond that, the letter devolved into ramblings of little consequence.
"Well, is that not convenient," Yun Shu said, raising an eyebrow as she folded the letter.
She was not one to seek merit for herself in the first place.
Since Third Brother wished to claim the credit, then he might as well have it all.
Rare indeed was one so eager to shoulder the burden. Her heart was deeply comforted.
Pleased, she gave orders to bring the curved-beam plow and turned, once more, toward the imperial study with practiced ease.
An hour earlier, Emperor Xuanwu had just summoned her regarding the soon-to-be-decreed commercial tax.
His Majesty: "…"
"You again?"
These past days, Emperor Xuanwu had been completely absorbed in refining the tax reform, pacifying meddlesome ministers, and preparing the way for Yun Shu's appointment. He had not even visited the rear palace.
Finally, he had finished early today and had intended to visit Noble Consort Liu for a moment of respite. Yet before he could depart, this troublesome daughter had returned unbidden.
Had something gone awry again?
Emperor Xuanwu narrowed his eyes.
"Do not tell Us you have lost heart at the critical moment and no longer wish to serve as President of the Merchants' Association."
"Does Your Majesty regard your daughter as one so unreliable?"
Yun Shu had barely crossed the threshold before being wrongly accused, and her displeasure was evident.
"This daughter has come bearing a great gift."
"A great gift?"
Emperor Xuanwu paused. A suspicion flickered in his mind, but the thought seemed too implausible given how little time had passed.
Still, under present circumstances, the only thing she might call a great gift would be…
"Could it be that the plow has been successfully improved?"
"Father Emperor is indeed wise! To guess so precisely!"
Yun Shu smiled brightly and offered her flattery with practiced ease, while in the same breath, passing all the merit to another.
"When this daughter brought Xiao Yuanzi to the Third Prince's estate last time, Third Brother had already produced a crude version of the new plow. Though it was not yet usable, the concept was there.
Later, while Xiao Yuanzi listened to Third Brother explain his design, inspiration struck him. He began working on improvements that very day.
These past days, he remained at the Third Prince's estate, likely continuing his collaboration with Third Brother until, at last, they completed the final version.
The improved curved-beam plow was delivered to the palace at once for Your Majesty's review."
"Curved-beam plow?"
Emperor Xuanwu repeated the term slowly, pondering its form in his mind.
Then, realizing that she had said it had already arrived at the palace, he asked at once,
"Where is it now? Have you verified whether it truly functions better than the original plow?"
"Third Brother said he and Xiao Yuanzi tested it yesterday at an estate outside the city. It is indeed more compact, more maneuverable, and significantly lighter than the previous version.
The most remarkable part is that even without oxen, two people can pull it by hand."
Yun Shu's excitement nearly matched that of the Emperor himself.
"I have already had it brought into the palace. It awaits just outside the imperial study.
Would Father Emperor care to try it personally?"
"Excellent!"
Not only was it smaller and lighter, it could even be drawn by people instead of livestock. Even if it required two people, labor was the cheapest resource in the land. For countless poor peasants, if working a little harder meant saving the cost of renting an ox, there would be no hesitation whatsoever.
Emperor Xuanwu rose to his feet in elation.
"Li Dehai, prepare the carriage!"
"There is no need for a carriage!"
Good heavens, was the Emperor truly about to leave the palace just like that?
What if something were to happen outside the walls? If blame were laid at her feet for encouraging His Majesty to venture forth, she could never bear such a burden.
Yun Shu dared not risk it and quickly intervened.
"Father Emperor, the hour is not early. Traveling all the way to the countryside estate simply to test the plow seems rather unnecessary.
This daughter believes the palace grounds are spacious enough. If need be, we might conduct the trial in the Imperial Garden."
Emperor Xuanwu: "…"
The Imperial Garden? A plow trial?
That was where he often took leisurely walks, where favored consorts would conveniently appear to share his company.
Imagine finishing a long day of reviewing memorials and deciding to stroll for some fresh air, only to be greeted by the scent of freshly fertilized soil.
Or worse, to behold a graceful beauty dancing amidst vegetable beds, her elegant skirt trailing through the mud, or his cool and refined consort seated upon a plowed furrow, strumming a zither…
No. Absolutely not.
Even as an emperor, he had his limits. There was no need to sacrifice himself to such an extent.