Chapter 884

“Su Liangcai, Su Liangcai, you are truly worthy of the name ‘Liangcai’ (capable talent)!”

In front of the fiery boiler, Pang Yukun’s expression was excited. He was no longer the unlearned person he once was. Through his studies at Bowen Academy, he had learned much about technology and had a basic understanding of electricity.

According to what he learned from books, once electricity was put into use, it would generate even more efficient productivity than steam engines.

Su Liangcai was somewhat embarrassed by Pang Yukun’s praise. He said, “Senior Grand Secretary Pang, this is merely a simulation of a thermal power plant. To truly establish a thermal power plant requires a large amount of capital and power workers.”

“That’s no problem. As long as you can build the thermal power plant in Qingzhou Province, the imperial court will provide the funds even if it means tightening its belt. Both the Grand Secretariat and His Majesty are now hoping that Qingzhou City can be supplied with electricity,” Pang Yukun said, in a good mood.

Su Liangcai’s expression was moved. The Grand Secretariat’s emphasis made him feel that everything he was doing now was worthwhile. “Rest assured, Senior Grand Secretary Pang. As long as funds are sufficient, I, Liangcai, can establish a basic thermal power plant within one to two years, enough for Qingzhou’s use.”

“One to two years?” Pang Yukun was somewhat dissatisfied with this timeframe, but he knew that building a large thermal power plant indeed required a lot of equipment. This time was already not long. “Good. Today, I will bring this matter up in the Grand Secretariat, approve the funds for you, and you will be fully responsible for the construction and operation of the power plant.”

“Yes, Senior Grand Secretary Pang,” Su Liangcai responded.

Nodding in satisfaction, Pang Yukun commended all the students who participated in the research, then returned to the Grand Secretariat.

After the Grand Secretariat’s mechanism matured, the nine Grand Secretaries each performed their respective duties. Even when Xiao Ming was absent, they handled all aspects of government affairs according to the Grand Secretariat’s system, ensuring the Great Yu Empire developed in an orderly fashion.

Besides electricity, the running water project was under intense construction. A running water plant with a tall water tower was being built outside the city.

At the same time, pipelines from the running water plant were also under construction. These pipelines used large ceramic pipes to transport treated running water. Once connected to the ceramic pipes reserved within Qingzhou City, running water could reach thousands of households, carried by iron pipes for use.

Thinking of this, Pang Yukun’s mood grew even more relaxed. After all, everything was now thriving under the Emperor’s plan. Once electricity was in use, the Great Yu Empire would undergo another huge transformation, centered on Qingzhou Province.

“Senior Grand Secretary Pang, this is a memorial just sent by Ye Qingyun.”

Upon entering the Grand Secretariat’s office, the secretary presented a memorial to him.

“Ye Qingyun? What’s going on?” Pang Yukun was somewhat confused. At this point, Zhan Xingchang also approached him. Currently, only the two of them were in the Grand Secretariat; the other seven had gone down to the common people for inspection.

Opening the memorial, Pang Yukun frowned after just one glance. “Goryeo is truly a beast!”

With that, Pang Yukun handed the memorial to Zhan Xingchang.

“Turmoil!” Zhan Xingchang was startled.

“According to Ye Qingyun, after Japan was driven out of Goryeo, different voices emerged among the Goryeo common people. They demanded our army withdraw, claiming that since Japan was defeated, the Great Yu Empire army no longer needed to remain in Goryeo, and this was not the conduct of a suzerain. However, in my opinion, this is probably mischief orchestrated by some Goryeo powerful elite. The common people of Goryeo haven’t even solved their food problems; how would they care about the Great Yu Empire’s garrison in Goryeo? This matter is ultimately the doing of certain Goryeo powerful elite.”

Zhan Xingchang frowned. He also saw this content. “Goryeo choosing this moment to cause trouble is truly intriguing. I believe they want to exploit Your Majesty’s southern expedition to coerce us, making Goryeo escape the Great Yu Empire’s control in all aspects, after all, we have now affected the interests of many Goryeo powerful elite.”

Pang Yukun nodded. He said, “This memorial needs to be immediately forwarded to His Majesty. I worry that the Goryeo powerful elite might seize the opportunity to incite popular hatred against us.”

Such a significant matter dared not be decided by the Grand Secretariat alone; they could only seek Xiao Ming’s instructions.

…

Haigucheng, Ye Qingyun was awaiting a reply from his homeland. After occupying Busan City, Goryeo underwent some subtle changes. Besides the short-term hostile actions of the Goryeo common people against the Great Yu Empire’s garrison, Li Cheng-jae’s ambiguous attitude also made him somewhat wary.

This once humble Goryeo man now seemed somewhat unwilling to obey his commands. More so, he even met secretly with the King of Goryeo. But how could all this escape his eyes?

“Army Commander, a general abroad is not bound by the monarch’s orders. In my opinion, for Goryeo, this ungrateful race, we should launch a massacre to completely destroy their will to resist. Otherwise, we will face endless trouble in Goryeo. You have also received the secret guard’s intelligence. They confirm that some powerful elite are indeed bribing local scoundrels to incite trouble everywhere. They even claim that our Great Yu Empire is a dirtier invader than Japan, and that the Goryeo people are nobles of Changbai Mountain, demanding that we withdraw beyond Changbai Mountain. If we don’t take decisive action now, lives will eventually be lost.” Qu Dong’s expression showed some impatience.

Ye Qingyun was wiping his ceremonial sword. After discovering the emergence of unfavorable public opinion against the Great Yu Empire in Goryeo, he ordered meetings with the King of Goryeo and Li Cheng-jae.

Both denied their involvement and even dispatched troops to suppress these rebels. However, in reality, these rebels only grew in number with each suppression. Even a fool like him could see the trickery involved.

“Goryeo is truly despicable! I originally thought we could gently make Goryeo a part of the Great Yu Empire, but now it seems impossible. From now on, you are to deploy troops. Once the imperial order arrives, immediately purge the Goryeo nobles who oppose us.”

“Yes, Army Commander!” Qu Dong said excitedly.

While the two were speaking, Xiao Ming returned from Jinling Province by warship.

They had found nothing in Suzhou City. Now, this southern war was bound to continue for a while. Thus, there was no need for him to remain in Jinling Province.

So, after entrusting the heavy responsibility of conquering territories to Niu Ben and Luo Quan, he arrived in Dengzhou after a day’s journey, and then returned to Qingzhou City that same day.

Xiao Ming’s sudden return surprised Pang Yukun. However, thinking that Xiao Ming traveled by steam warship, he felt relieved. This steam warship was much more agile than previous sailing warships.

“Your Majesty has returned just in time.” For these past two days, Goryeo felt like a stone weighing on his chest. Seeing Xiao Ming, he blurted everything out.

“Rebellions against the Great Yu Empire are breaking out in various parts of Goryeo?” Xiao Ming’s brows immediately furrowed.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Now Ye Qingyun is awaiting the imperial court’s decision.”

Xiao Ming chuckled several times, his eyes narrowing. In any era, Goryeo was consistently ungrateful. Like a maid, yet with the proud heart of a princess. Keeping it would eventually lead to trouble.

Thinking of this, he said to Pang Yukun, “Effective immediately, appoint Ye Qingyun as the Governor-General of Goryeo, to oversee all Goryeo affairs. He shall hold the power of life and death, and must ensure Goryeo’s current long-term stability.”

The novel has already been fully translated up to the final chapter. You can access it on my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/caleredhair