The journey had already traumatized Ming Pixu so thoroughly that by the time he forced himself back into the carriage, he was teetering on the edge of despair.
But now, the jarring ride had suddenly turned smooth. So smooth it felt like salvation itself.
To Ming Pixu, this newly leveled road was nothing short of a miracle. A lifeline thrown into a sea of misery.
He lifted the curtain, heart pounding with hope. He had expected to see the bustling sprawl of the capital—but instead...
"We have not yet reached the city?"
Though he had never been to the capital before, the wild grass on both sides of the road and the occasional distant smoke rising from simple homes made it clear—this was no imperial city.
Startled, Ming Pixu lowered his gaze and examined the road. His shock deepened.
"Why is this road so level? Has it always been like this on the way to the capital?"
"Most likely newly paved," the coachman replied with a glance over his shoulder. "Even this humble one had never seen a road this smooth. When I passed through here last year, it was just like anywhere else—dirt roads everywhere.
Seems like fortune smiles on you, Master. The road was repaired this year. Perhaps they knew you could not bear the jostling."
"So you have not seen it either?"
If that was the case, this method of road-building must have been implemented only recently.
If so, he had to investigate further.
If he could master this technique, would silver still be out of reach?
The mere thought of the Ming family rising to new heights under his leadership—and him retaining the position of Head of the Xuzhou Merchants' Association for years to come—was enough to chase away his carriage sickness.
The moment he entered the city, his first task was to have his people investigate everything about that road.
His men did not disappoint. Before long, they returned with the latest intel.
"You said the Crown Princess paid for this road herself?"
"That is what the common folk are all saying."
The young attendant wiped the sweat from his brow and nodded earnestly. "It is no secret in the city. The road was completed less than a month ago. The Crown Princess even posted a recruitment notice in the Capital Weekly to hire workers.
During construction, the Capital Garrison helped to cordon off sections. They paved each portion step by step.
Those main roads through the city, including the one we just came in on, were laid under everyone's noses. No one could miss it.
The material used was the same substance the Crown Princess had commissioned for the dam reconstruction. It is called 'cement.'"
"Cement..."
Ming Pixu recalled hearing about the Crown Princess foreseeing a flood in a dream and preparing in advance. He had read it in the Tian Sheng Weekly.
But without witnessing it himself, and since it did not concern him, he had paid it little mind.
He never imagined this 'cement' would prove so remarkable.
Eager, Ming Pixu asked, "Did you uncover any details about the cement?"
"They say the Crown Princess developed it with a Daren from the Ministry of Works—his surname is Jiang. The court built a cement factory outside the city solely for its production. But not a trace of the formula has leaked.
Even for this road, Her Highness paid out of her own coffers to purchase the cement from that factory."
The attendant was about to elaborate when another servant rushed in, out of breath.
"Master! Just now someone from the palace delivered a message. The Crown Princess invites you to meet her at the Ministry of Works tomorrow."
"The Crown Princess?"
Ming Pixu shot to his feet, startled. He instinctively looked outside.
"Is the messenger still here?"
"That eunuch seemed to have other urgent errands. He left right after delivering the message. At first, this humble one intended to bring you directly, but he said relaying the message would suffice. He left as soon as he spoke."
The young servant still seemed rattled—this was his first time encountering someone from the palace.
"Is there a problem, Master? If needed, the eunuch may not have gone far. I can try to catch up."
"No need."
Ming Pixu let out a long breath. "Did he say why Her Highness wishes to summon me at the Ministry of Works?"
"No, only that you are to be there tomorrow at the hour of Si."
Ming Pixu fell silent.
He could not fathom why the Crown Princess would summon him. After the ordeal of that carriage ride, he had planned to sleep soundly for once. Instead, he tossed and turned through the night, consumed by anxious thoughts.
When he rose the next morning, the heavy dark circles under his eyes and his haggard appearance startled even his closest attendant.
In a panic, the servant rushed out and returned with two pots of face powder—specifically for women.
Ming Pixu stared blankly.
"Do you even know how to use that?"
He sounded doubtful.
"Just trust me, Master. Isn't the point just to lighten the complexion a little?"
To him, it seemed perfectly straightforward—dab it on, and the job was done. How hard could it be?
Certainly better than having the Master meet the Crown Princess looking like a ghost with bags under his eyes that nearly touched his chin.
With great confidence, the decidedly unsophisticated servant busied himself with Ming Pixu's face. When he finished, he admired his handiwork with pride.
"Much better now!"
So pale. Not a trace of those dark circles left.
Ming Pixu gave a cursory glance in the slightly cloudy bronze mirror. His face was indeed paler, and that seemed to be the extent of the change.
Hearing the servant's approval, he set the mirror down and stood.
"Let us go. We must arrive early at the Ministry of Works. We cannot keep the Crown Princess waiting."
"Rest assured, Master. The carriage is already prepared. We have plenty of time."
...
While Ming Pixu departed for the Ministry of Works with his attendant in tow, on the other side of the city, Yun Shu was still in her carriage, giving firm instructions to Yun Chuhuan.
"When I begin discussing matters, you are not to interrupt. Nor are you to speak of any of this afterward. If you disobey, I will not bring you out of the palace again, no matter how much you beg. Understood?"
"Fifth Sister, relax! Do you not trust me?"
Yun Chuhuan thumped his chest, his tone brimming with sincerity.
"I live off the dividends from your Tian Sheng Weekly and the Capital Weekly these days. I might have the nerve to annoy Father Emperor, but I would never dare cross you!"
Yun Shu sighed.
Very well. She would trust him—for now.
Leading Yun Chuhuan through the familiar halls of the Ministry of Works, she paused when a clerk informed her that the Head of the Xuzhou Merchants' Association was already waiting in a side courtyard.
She turned her head slightly, but her steps came to a stop.