After Xiao Yuanzi had resolved two problems in quick succession for her, Yun Shu naturally intended to honor the promise she had made to him earlier.
She gave Emperor Xuanwu a concise explanation of the general concept behind the "lu lu ox," her face displaying a particularly obedient and pleasant smile.
"Father Emperor, do You not think that for someone as talented as Xiao Yuanzi, remaining in the palace as a mere eunuch is somewhat of a waste?"
"Oh?"
By now, Emperor Xuanwu had come to understand Yun Shu quite well. At a single glance at her expression, he could already tell she was brewing some new scheme. He raised his brow and gave a low snort.
"Speak. What is it that you wish to do this time?"
"This is not something your daughter wishes to do for herself, but rather something Xiao Yuanzi might do for the glory of Tiansheng."
Yun Shu gestured toward the curved-shaft plow.
"Father Emperor, look at this plow. Is it truly difficult to make?"
"It ought not to be," the Emperor replied.
Lowering his gaze, Emperor Xuanwu examined the tool before him—this curved-shaft plow that delighted him beyond measure. Though he had deemed it a divine instrument, in truth, it was nothing more than a few pieces of wood and iron.
"But then, Father Emperor, if it is so simple, why has no one created it before?"
"…"
Indeed. Why was that?
"In truth, when one thinks carefully—are horseshoes complicated? Are quill pens? Is printing?"
Without waiting for Emperor Xuanwu to respond, Yun Shu continued, nodding her head rhythmically.
"All these are even simpler than the curved-shaft plow, yet none had been invented before.
Your daughter believes the reason might lie in the way people approach problems.
Too many confine their thoughts within the limits of what already exists, never even considering things beyond those boundaries.
Perhaps… that is why Grand Preceptor Ye places such great emphasis on innovation.
Because Grand Preceptor Ye understands that people as clever, quick-witted, and innovative as your daughter are truly rare."
"…"
She could not resist slipping in a few words of self-praise.
Emperor Xuanwu tugged the corner of his mouth, yet given the undeniable usefulness of the things she had tinkered with, he did not interrupt her.
The next moment, Yun Shu suddenly raised her voice, placing special emphasis on her next point.
"Beyond that, your daughter believes there may be another reason—sloth in governance!"
"Sloth in governance?"
At those words, Emperor Xuanwu's eyes darkened, and he could no longer hold his tongue.
"Are you referring to Us?"
"Father Emperor, You attend to myriad affairs each day and labor tirelessly for Tiansheng. Everyone bears witness to this!
How could your daughter ever imply You are negligent in governing?"
Startled that the Emperor would react so strongly to those two words, Yun Shu hurriedly denied it with exaggerated earnestness.
"What your daughter meant was the Ministry of Works!
Apart from my maternal grandfather, who is constantly busy to the point of exhaustion, is it not true that many others within the ministry seem particularly idle when not assigned tasks?
They linger in the Ministry of Works without purpose, never once considering the pursuit of anything meaningful."
Yun Shu brightened.
"Your daughter was thinking—if Xiao Yuanzi were given a post in the Ministry of Works…
With someone as diligent, hardworking, and—most importantly—gifted as Xiao Yuanzi among them, producing useful inventions from time to time and earning Your Imperial praise…
Then perhaps the others, not wishing to be outshone and made to seem useless in comparison, might also be inspired to strive harder, and in following Xiao Yuanzi's example, create more tools like this curved-shaft plow.
Would You not agree?"
"You wish for Xiao Yuanzi to enter court service?"
Emperor Xuanwu instinctively furrowed his brow.
"There has never been a precedent in Tiansheng for a eunuch to take up official post. Moreover, since ancient times, those who seek office must first…"
"Father Emperor."
Yun Shu mimicked Yun Chuhuan's usual gesture of tugging on her sleeve, pulling lightly at Emperor Xuanwu's sleeve with a slight sway.
"For all things under Heaven, there must be a first, that a precedent may be established for those who follow.
You yourself have witnessed Xiao Yuanzi's talents. If he is denied a place in the Ministry of Works, is that not a lamentable loss?
If it truly proves too difficult, then perhaps let him first leave the palace and work at the Ministry of Works in an unofficial capacity.
Once he produces tangible results, You may gradually bestow rewards upon him.
In time, as the rewards accumulate and the court becomes accustomed to him, should You then grant him an official post, the reaction may not be so severe."
"…"
This little one—how is it she grows more adept at coaxing as she matures?
Still, what she says does hold a certain logic.
Xiao Yuanzi… well then. The Ministry of Works already harbors so many idle drones—what harm is there in placing one truly gifted man among them?
Should any dare bring protest before Us, We shall demand they produce a divine instrument even more useful than this curved-shaft plow.
With a light tug, he withdrew his sleeve from Yun Shu's grasp and placed his hands behind his back, giving a light cough.
"This matter—we shall give it due consideration. You need only prepare well for your own obligations.
At court tomorrow, ensure that no incident arises!"
"By incident, does Father Emperor mean that your daughter must not disgrace You, or that I must not stir trouble?"
This was a question Yun Shu had wanted to ask earlier when she had been summoned to the Imperial Study around noon. However, the entire conversation had been occupied with discussions about the new commercial tax to be announced tomorrow, and she had forgotten.
Now that the subject resurfaced, she remembered it clearly. With wide, innocent eyes, she looked hopefully at Emperor Xuanwu.
Emperor Xuanwu: "?"
He could not help but let out a laugh, half in exasperation.
"You still dare think of stirring up trouble?"
"Your daughter has no such intention."
Yun Shu twisted her fingers together, adopting an air of meek sincerity.
"But if those ministers on the court were to take offense at your daughter's presence and deliberately seek to make things difficult for me…
Surely Your daughter cannot simply cower and allow them to say as they please?"
"You are not only the head of the Merchants' Association—you are also the Princess Sheng An of our Tian Sheng Dynasty!"
Knowing full well that her wide-eyed meekness was entirely feigned, Emperor Xuanwu still could not suppress a wry snort. He reached out and tapped her forehead with a finger.
"If bearing the role of the Merchants' Association's president diminishes the authority and dignity you ought to command as a princess, and renders you so useless, then We fear We must reconsider whom to name as the next president."
"Father Emperor speaks wisely!"
Yun Shu's face lit up in an instant.
"Your daughter shall not disappoint You!"
"You had best not!"
Emperor Xuanwu gave a low huff.
Just then, Li Dehai, who had apparently slipped out unnoticed, returned quietly.
He approached and bent to whisper a few words in Emperor Xuanwu's ear.
The Emperor's expression, which had moments ago still held traces of amusement, instantly darkened. Even his tone grew cold.
"Prepare the carriage. Return to the Imperial Study."
"As You command."
Emperor Xuanwu's imperial carriage quickly departed from Yihe Palace.
Left behind without an explanation, Yun Shu watched the scene in puzzlement. Once everyone had gone, she idly asked,
"When did Eunuch Li leave just now?"