Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
All banquets were the same — the food was not always the highlight. What was important was what the conversations were about and with whom the conversations were with.
The meal lasted for about four hours. The dishes were changed a few times and Lu Peien, Steward Yao, as well as that beautiful disciple from the Soul Mountain Sect became the accompanying guests while the entire meal revolved around Yan Liqiang and Zhang Yourong’s chats.
In the end, Yan Liqiang still did not share his ideas about the steam engine. After all, Yan Liqiang, who had lived two lives, was not an ignorant fifteen-year-old young man who would shine just because people gave him some light. Yan Liqiang believed that with this engineer’s great attainments in the area of mechanics and creations, as long as Yan Liqiang revealed a hint regarding steam engines, Zhang Yourong would be able to understand the details immediately and thus create the steam engine.
Yan Liqiang was more aware than anyone else what effect the steam engines could bring. This was a trump card that he was keeping up his sleeves. His current relationship with the Soul Mountain Sect and Zhang Yourong was not good enough that just a few words could get him to hand over his secret to the Soul Mountain Sect and Zhang Yourong. This did not match the principles of being able to gain the greatest benefit in a given situation. Most importantly, although Zhang Yourong was a renowned engineer — his title described his ability, not his character. Yan Liqiang had no idea what kind of person he was or what his personality was like. In his previous life, Yan Liqiang had also met many professionals and professors who appeared to be very dignified, but they were secretly very shameless people. Therefore, there was no way that he would commit an error that only children would do — to equate a person’s achievements in his career and his rumored reputation with his character and morals.
When chatting with this engineer, Yan Liqiang appeared to be very courteous while holding back. Despite so, Yan Liqiang still let this Hall Master of the Soul Mountain Sect’s Thousand Engineering Hall finally understand what a soulmate was for the very first time in his life after meeting him and what it felt like when they said that when drinking with a bosom friend, a thousand cups would be too little. Each time Zhang Yourong said something, Yan Liqiang would be able to understand what he meant and could engage in a discussion with him. They clicked easily and could instantly immerse themselves in a conversation, making this great engineer from the Soul Mountain Sect feel happier as the conversation went on.
The gazes of the few people who were listening at the side slowly turned from surprise to admiration as they looked at Yan Liqiang. They did not conceal their expressions at all. This was especially the case for Lu Peien. He saw Yan Liqiang chatting with the renowned engineer with great fluency and composure at the dining table, and Zhang Yourong was even listening attentively to him. Thus, Lu Peien’s recognition of Yan Liqiang was refreshed once again…
Yan Liqiang and Zhang Yourong discussed metal winding mechanisms, then moved on to light refraction and reflection, to the density of physical material, to how objects produced sounds, and then the transition of water between the liquid, solid and gaseous states before they finally reached measurements…
“I always thought that if one wished to gain greater development in the Great Han Empire on the path of mechanics and the investigation of things, it is necessary to standardize the measurement system as the most basic foundation. The many variations of measurements we have now imposes a huge restriction toward the development of mechanics and the investigation of things. For example, we have picul, hu, decaliter, sheng, dou, he, yue, and other units to measure volume, and the smallest unit is yue. Two yues is one he, ten yues is one sheng, four shengs is one dou, ten shengs is one decaliter, five decaliters is one hu, and ten decaliters is one picul. There haven’t been any shortcomings when we use these units in our daily lives since we can make do with it. However, on the path of mechanics and the investigation of things, these would appear to be lacking and deplorable. For example, it’s hard to accurately measure and describe the volume of this wine cup I’m holding. Ten craftsmen could give ten different answers. The path of mechanics and the investigation of things is the same as internal cultivation — just a small discrepancy could lead to a huge error. If one wished for greater advancement, the prerequisite would be that all things in the world can be measured and described — from something as big as mountains, to something as small as dust. We must be able to measure their weight, length, and mass. So, even if there are ten thousand craftsmen, everyone would use the standardized measurement system and obtain the same results. It would be clear to see who is right and who isn’t, instead of having each person reporting their own figures…”
“That’s right, that’s right! That’s the idea!” When Zhang Yourong heard Yan Liqiang say this, he slapped his thigh agitatedly. “The first rule I set in the Soul Mountain Sect’s Thousand Engineering Hall was to use public tools to standardize all measurements. This wasn’t all. It’s hard for the craftsmen in the Thousand Engineering Hall to gain great advancements. The current measurement system used in the Great Han Empire is too unrefined. Other than the measurement system for volume, the measurements for time, temperature, and angles are all too unrefined as well…”
“That’s true. If only the measurements for time and temperature could be more accurate. Take for example the smelting and dowsing of weapons in my family’s blacksmithing workshop. If ordinary craftsmen wished to learn this, they would need at least a few years by relying on their experience to control the temperature. If we had more accurate measurements and descriptions in these areas, we’d be able to find out how long and at what temperature a tool should be placed in the furnace. We’d also be able to find out how low the temperature of the tempering liquid should be to complete the tempering process. With this, it would take even an apprentice only a few days to grasp this procedure. At the same time, as long as there are accurate measurements, the many valuable experiences and skills from the predecessors could be recorded as words. This would allow numerous people to learn upon looking at the records and the skills that wouldn’t be lost, nor would there be a need to teach them step by step. When that happens, the Great Han Empire’s path of mechanics and the investigation of things would definitely face unprecedented prospects…”
The Soul Mountain Sect’s engineer kept on nodding. Zhang Yourong wanted to say something, but someone knocked on the door.
“What’s the matter?” Lu Peien asked in the room.
“Sixth Master, the restaurant’s staff has come by a few times. They said that they’ve already closed for the day half an hour ago…”
Lu Peien looked at Steward Yao. The latter looked at Zhang Yourong and said, “Hall Master Zhang…”
“Then let’s stop here for today. It’s really been great talking with Brother Liqiang!” Zhang Yourong looked at Yan Liqiang, appearing as if he had not had enough of the discussions, but he still stood up.
“Haha, I’m the one who benefited greatly to have received the Great Master’s guidance…”
“Brother Liqiang, there’s no need to be humble. If you are really enthralled by the path of mechanics and the investigation of things, you’ll definitely take the title of the best engineer in the Great Han Empire in the future. If you don’t mind the fact that I’m a few years older, you can address me as Brother Rong in the future. There’s no need to stand on ceremony!”
“Alright, I’ll call you Brother Rong in the future!” Yan Liqiang took up the chance and did not reject, addressing him as Brother Rong immediately.
Zhang Yourong answered with a deep voice and then took out a pure golden paiza from his pouch, handing it to Yan Liqiang, “This is the honorary visitant identity pass of our Soul Mountain Sect’s Thousand Engineering Hall. Brother Liqiang, hold onto it. With your great knowledge, you’re more than capable of becoming one of our Thousand Engineering Hall’s honorary visitants. There are no restrictions or requirements that apply to you for this honorary visitant status. However, if you encounter any trouble in the future, you can bring out this paiza. Our Soul Mountain Sect’s honorary visitant identity pass holds some weight in the pugilistic world and in the Imperial Capital. People who see it, even if they are bureaucrats, will show you some respect!”
Yan Liqiang took a glance at the expressions of Steward Yao and that Soul Mountain Sect’s beautiful disciple — seeming as if they wanted to say something — and knew that the weight of this paiza which represented the identity of the Soul Mountain Sect’s honorary visitant was not simple. It probably did not serve just a single purpose. He laughed and took the golden paiza. “Thank you, Brother Rong!”
…
The group left Sky Beyond. There were barely any people on the streets. Although the rain had stopped completely, the sky was still dark and gloomy, with no hints of light at all. Zhang Yourong was still going to stay in the Imperial Capital for a period of time and he was going to be staying in the Soul Mountain Sect’s Imperial Capital Provincial Branch. After inviting Yan Liqiang to visit the Soul Mountain Sect’s Imperial Capital Provincial Branch when he was free, the group boarded two horse carriages at Sky Beyond’s entrance and then heading off in two different directions.
Under the illumination of the lights from the two horse carriages, the wheels slowly moved along the Imperial Capital’s streets, occasionally pressing down on the shallow puddles. The crisp sound of the hooves rang throughout the streets with the sparse crowd. In the horse carriage, Yan Liqiang took out that Soul Mountain Sect’s honorary visitant identity pass and played with it.
The paiza was golden and very exquisite. The words ‘Soul Mountain Honorary Visitant’ stood out a lot.
“Liqiang, do you know that this Soul Mountain Sect’s honorary visitant identity pass is an extraordinary thing?!” Lu Peien stared at that paiza while seated in the horse carriage, not hiding his envy.
“Brother Lu knows about this? Tell me about it!”
“I heard about it from Old Master in the past. As long as you have this paiza, it’ll mean that you have the Soul Mountain Sect’s protection. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare to offend you. Other than this, Liqiang, do you know what is the greatest benefit to having this honorary visitant identity pass?”
“What is it?”
“If you have children in the future, you can send them straight to the Soul Mountain Sect’s main branch to be a Soul Mountain Sect disciple and cultivate the Soul Mountain Sect’s great arts!” At this, Lu Peien laughed bitterly, “This is something that Old Master had thought of various means over the years to achieve but hasn’t been able to. I didn’t expect that you’d able to accomplish this over a meal. The Imperial Capital is really a place where great talents gather together. Liqiang, you’re really like a fish in the water here, with everything progressing so smoothly for you. Even I find you increasingly hard to fathom…”
“If Brother Lu likes this paiza, then why don’t I give it to you!” Yan Liqiang passed the paiza over as he said this, as if he did not mind.
Lu Peien was amused. “Do you really think that it’ll be any use for me to hold this paiza? This is something that the Soul Mountain Sect’s greatest engineer gave you. The Soul Mountain Sect will definitely have it recorded. If other people use this to swindle others, they’d be courting death…”
Yan Liqiang smiled and took back the paiza. “Oh right, Brother Lu, get the horse carriage to stop in front for a while and let me get off. I’ll head out of the city by myself!”
“The city gates are probably closed by now, right?”
“There should still be some time before the city gates close. Brother Lu, you can head back by yourself!”
“Why don’t I give you a lift? If the city gates are closed, then you can stay at the Gan Provincial Guild Hall and then return to Deer Villa tomorrow morning. There wouldn’t be any hold ups!”
“After staying in the room for so long earlier on, I feel a little stuffy. I’ll get off, take a walk, and have a breath of fresh air. If the city gates close and I can’t head back, I’ll come back to the Gan Provincial Guild Hall again to look for you, Brother Lu!”
Hearing Yan Liqiang say this, Lu Peien did not insist further. He let the horse carriage stop at a junction in front, let Yan Liqiang alight, and then the two of them parted ways.
After alighting from the horse carriage, Yan Liqiang took a deep breath of cold air. He did not turn his head to know that there was still someone tailing him fifty meters away from him on the street. When that person saw him alighting, he hid behind the signboard of a lantern shop that had closed…
This person had kept an eye on him for an entire night. He was really dedicated to his work…
Yan Liqiang let out a cold laugh and walked forward. The shadow trailing behind him also followed quietly…
After less than ten minutes, Yan Liqiang disappeared from that person’s sight after making a turn at the corner. The shadow quickly followed but found an empty street. There were a few passersby and the horse carriages, but Yan Liqiang was nowhere to be seen.
That person panicked and quickly dashed forward. He looked to the left and right, front and back, but Yan Liqiang was really nowhere to be found.
“Damn it. Could I have been discovered? That boy is really cunning…” That person mumbled to himself and then spat on the ground.
“Are you looking for me?” A voice suddenly appeared behind that person, frightening him. He slowly turned his head. Who else could it be but Yan Liqiang who was standing behind him?
In the darkness, Yan Liqiang’s eyes lit up brightly and an unknown cold aura that caused one’s heart to tremble rose up. That person wanted to cry out, but before that person could react, one of Yan Liqiang’s hands had already landed on his spine and with a soft clench, that man’s entire body turned numb and he instantly lost all mobility. He could not even cry out if he wanted to…
Yan Liqiang was like a fierce beast preying for its food, lifting that person by the neck and dragging him into a dark alley by the side.
In the blink of an eye, a few muffled sounds and agonized cries that were so soft that they were inaudible rang out from the dark alley. However, after a short moment, everything returned to silence.
A few minutes later, King Cobra tidied his clothes and walked out from that pitch-black alley. He looked left and right, revealed a cold smile, and then disappeared into the darkness…
