The Red Mansions

Chapter 1675 Jia Heng: Sister Feng is so proud...

Shenjing City, Imperial College

A large crowd gathered around Jianhu Lake, looking up at the iron ship anchored on the lake, and their hearts were inexplicably shocked.

This iron ship floats on the water, why doesn't it sink?
All the candidates present were puzzled, or in other words, they just couldn't figure it out.

Xu Guangqi glanced at the candidates present and said, "Everyone, the reason behind this can still be explored through the method of studying things to gain knowledge."

When these words were spoken, all the candidates present felt somewhat puzzled when they heard them.

Xu Guangqi then, with the help of his disciples, explained the principles to everyone, mainly the principles of density and buoyancy.

Everyone present was talking non-stop.

Qi Kun was behind the crowd, listening to Xu Guangqi explaining the principle of buoyancy, a thoughtful look also showing on his resolute and calm face.

Could this be the true meaning of the ancient sages' pursuit of knowledge through investigation of things?
Thinking of this, Qi Kun quickly drove away this strange thought, and a look of worry appeared on his resolute and calm face.

I am afraid that if this continues, Prince Wei will successfully persuade the candidates in Beijing, giving this new school an opportunity to take advantage of.

Thinking of this, Qi Kun's face became gloomy and his heart was covered with a thick layer of haze.

The other candidates and scholars around them all had deep gazes and a thoughtful look on their faces.

Everyone knows this, but to see an iron ship floating on the water like this is shocking.

After Xu Guangqi finished doing all this, he said in a gentle voice: "Everyone, the third question is how does the white rabbit go to the sky? Today, the Academy of Sciences will demonstrate it to you."

Then, Xu Guangqi's disciple Chen Long took a hot air balloon from not far away. Under the balloon was a bamboo basket with a pair of white rabbits on it.

The hot air balloon floated up to the sky, carrying the white rabbit in the bamboo basket into the sky.

At this moment, all the candidates watching from all directions stood on tiptoe, stretched their necks, and watched the hot air balloon slowly rise into the sky driven by the hot air.

"It went up to the sky? But isn't this a Kongming lantern?" One of the young scholars said with a look of surprise on his face.

The candidates around also raised their heads and looked up at the Kongming lanterns.

At this moment, it seemed as if some solid ice was melting in the heart of the candidate below.

Academy of Sciences, the way of investigating things and acquiring knowledge, perhaps this is the true meaning of the teachings of sages?

Qi Kun's fair face showed shock as he stared at the Kongming lantern floating towards the sky.

Are the two white rabbits really heavenly?

Kongming lanterns have always been known for their lightness, so how could they carry two rabbits up into the sky?
It's really unbelievable.

Zhao Yi stared at the Kongming lantern with his gray eyebrows, and said with emotion: "If this thing is big enough, we can even use a hot air balloon to carry people into the sky."

When Qi Kun heard this, he was shocked. There was a hint of surprise in his eyes. He said, "How can a mortal go to heaven?"

Zhao Yi said: "White rabbits can fly to the sky. Although humans are heavier than white rabbits, it is not impossible for them to fly to the sky. However, after flying up, how to come down, I don't know."

Qi Kun said in a gentle voice: "If a person goes to heaven, is it disrespectful to the gods in heaven?"

Zhao Yi said loudly: "There are nine levels of heaven, how many levels can ordinary mortals reach? Besides, the gods in heaven are broad-minded, why would they care about such trivial matters?"

Qi Kun heard this and had an inexplicable look on his face. Then, he said, "Even if this goes to heaven, it's nothing."

Zhao Yixu said: "Lord, if the soldiers stand in that frame to observe the enemy's movements, they can have a full view of the enemy's deployment of troops."

Without saying anything else, he said, "Lord Zhao, that's all for today. I'll go back first."

At this moment, Qi Kun felt inexplicably tired in his heart.

Zhao Yi nodded, without saying anything else, and left the Imperial College with Qi Kun.

On the other side, Jia Heng was holding a monocular telescope in his hand, looking at the iron ships drifting on Jianhu Lake, and said to Chen Xiao beside him: "If one day iron ships are rampant on the lake, and we use red cannons and fire guns to conquer the barbarians, looking around, there will be no rival for our Han navy in the world."

Chen Xiao frowned, a thoughtful look on her face, and said, "If an iron ship like this wants to sail on the sea, relying solely on wind power, I'm afraid it won't work."

Jia Heng nodded and said loudly: "This requires the invention of steam engines to drive ships so that they can sail on the sea."

Chen Xiao stared at the young man in the python costume and asked, "The steam engine, is that the one you asked Xu Guangqi to develop a few days ago?"

Jia Heng nodded and said in a deep voice: "Steam engines can not only be used as locomotives to pull carriages and transport goods, but can also be loaded on iron ships to drive ships on long voyages. They are more than ten times faster than wind power."

Once we build iron ships weighing several hundred tons, we will be able to dominate the ocean, which is almost a dimensionality reduction attack in this era.

Chen Xiao nodded and said, "If a steam engine can be so powerful, then what you said before is not surprising."

By evening, the sky was filled with sunset glow and the sun was shining in the west. The expressions on the faces of the candidates watching around seemed to be somewhat unsatisfied.

It can be said that this scene completely impacted the three perspectives of all the candidates present.

As the dense crowd dispersed, it was foreseeable that the influence of Fengming's Three Questions would gradually expand, spreading throughout the entire Shenjing and even the world.

Chen Xiao turned his head to look at Jia Heng beside him and whispered, "It's over, let's go back first."

Jia Heng said in a gentle voice: "Don't worry, I'll go over first and talk to Xu Siye."

This was a perfect performance, and as a director, he had to at least express his condolences to the actors.

Chen Xiao hummed softly, without saying anything else, and followed Jia Heng downstairs.

Then, accompanied by the lieutenant of Jinyifu, they came to Fengming Pavilion. At this moment, Xu Guangqi went up to greet him, bowed his hands, and said loudly: "This subordinate greets the King of Wei."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, his eyes flickered, and he asked, "Xu Siye, today's experiment was done well."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi quickly said modestly: "Prince Wei is really overpraising you."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "After this incident, the scholars in the capital will certainly look at the new learning with new eyes. I think there will be many candidates willing to go to the Imperial Academy to study the new learning. If the new learning is established, Mr. Xu will be a saint for future generations, and his students will be all over the world."

When Xu Guangqi heard this, his eyes flickered, then returned to normal again, and he said loudly: "Prince Wei is really serious."

Jia Heng smiled and said, "Mr. Xu is still too modest. If you can really write a book and create a prosperous era, it will be passed down through the ages and praised by generations to come."

There is no scholar of this era who does not want to become a sage.

When Xu Guangqi heard this, he also felt a little bit of longing in his heart.

Jia Heng said nothing more, turned his head and looked at the students behind Xu Guangqi, his heart was filled with mixed emotions, and said: "Everyone, let's encourage each other."

This is more than just the beginning of a prosperous era, it is the opening of an era and has pushed the progress of human civilization forward by hundreds of years.

While everyone was talking, they went back to the side hall and sat down.

The Imperial College had already prepared a variety of wine and food. Under the light, a blue and white porcelain cup and plate was sparkling.

Jia Heng said: "Xu Siye, this time you were able to reverse the unfavorable public opinion in front of the candidates in Beijing, and set a good example for the new learning to be popular in the world."

Xu Guangqi's face became serious, and he said, "King Wei, the new learning should be called the study of the investigation of things. Using this name can avoid more disputes."

Jia Heng was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. Xu's words are not without reason. To the outside world, we should call the new learning the study of the investigation of things."

Then, everyone sat down, clinking glasses and toasting each other.

Jia Heng put down the wine cup in his hand, and with a burning gaze under his sword-like brows, he asked with a hint of expectation, "Mr. Xu, how is the development of the steam engine going?"

Xu Guangqi said, "Prince Wei, the craftsman is making the mold according to the blueprint. We should be able to see the actual model in a while."

Jia Heng nodded and said, "Whatever you need, Mr. Xu, you don't have to be modest. You can send someone to deliver it to the Zongli Yamen."

As the new year began, the Zongli Yamen had been established, and clerks and assistant officers had been recruited to work there.

Xu Guangqi was silent for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, Prince Wei. If there is indeed something that requires help, I will definitely not hesitate to help you."

While Jia Heng was talking, he chatted with Master Xu Guangqi and his apprentice for a while, and then did not linger in the Imperial College for long, but returned to Ningguo Mansion.

Shenjing City, Ningguo Mansion——

Jia Heng and Chen Xiao came to a lacquered wooden table and sat down, a thoughtful look on their faces.

Chen Xiao nodded, his eyes deep, and said with emotion: "After this incident, there should be no more criticism of the new school in Shenjing City."

Jia Heng paused for a moment and said, "Hearing is not believing, seeing is believing. Since they have seen what the study of investigating things to gain knowledge is, they will not be opposed to this reform of the imperial examination system."

Chen Xiao's beautiful face seemed to be covered with frost, and her clear eyes looked at Jia Heng like dew, saying, "I'm afraid these scholars will insist on their own opinions and continue to talk about the dispute over the orthodoxy."

Jia Heng said: "The saints also taught us to study things and gain knowledge, and the new learning is also Confucianism."

It is nothing more than a confluence of Confucianism and Mohism.

Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said, "In the next two or three years, we will vigorously promote new learning. We will first select talents of various trades and sciences through the imperial examinations and fill the Ministry of Works and the Military Equipment Bureau and other government offices."

Chen Xiao nodded and said, "Then do as you say."

Jia Heng said, "Well, I'll go to the backyard to see Ruoqing."

Even though Gu Ruoqing is pregnant now, he needs to visit her more often.

In fact, it is not only Gu Ruoqing who is pregnant in the back house, but also Fengjie and Chai Dai, and Jia Heng needs to visit them often.

In the backyard, in the warm room of the wing room——

Gu Ruoqing's face was as white and tender as snow, with rosy cheeks on both sides, which made her look plump and lovely, and her expression was a little lazy and playful.

At this moment, the maid quickly stepped forward and said in a gentle voice: "Miss, this is the pregnancy-preserving medicine made by the kitchen. Please take it first."

Gu Ruoqing responded softly, then took the teacup handed to her by the maid, took a sip, frowned slightly, but didn't say anything and ate slowly.

At this moment, the voice of the nanny came from outside, with a hint of surprise: "My lord, you are here."

After a while, Jia Heng walked around a screen from the outside and quickly entered the warm room of the wing room and said, "Ruoqing."

Gu Ruoqing's tone clearly showed her joy as she said, "My Lord, you are here."

Jia Heng nodded, looked at Gu Ruoqing with warm eyes, and asked, "Ruoqing, how are you today?"

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful eyes and eyebrows were filled with joy, and she asked, "It's pretty good."

While Jia Heng was talking, he came to sit in front of Gu Ruoqing, gently held the beautiful woman's slender and soft white hand, and asked: "Ruoqing, is the pregnancy-preserving medicine bitter?"

Gu Ruoqing's snow-white face was covered with a hint of shame, and she said, "It's okay, it's not bitter."

Jia Heng took the bowl of pregnancy-stabilizing medicine, handed it over while speaking, blew lightly, and the heat of the medicine immediately dissipated a lot. While speaking, he handed it to Gu Ruoqing's lips.

At this moment, Gu Ruoqing slightly opened her pink and moist lips, and her plump and lovely face was covered with two bright and beautiful blushes, just like peach blossoms in February, bright and charming.

After a while, Gu Ruoqing looked at Jia Heng and asked curiously, "I heard that there has been a lot of public opinion in the capital recently about the new school."

Jia Heng smiled and joked, "You heard it all in the backyard."

When Gu Ruoqing was in Jiangnan, he also liked to establish a government.

Under Gu Ruoqing's emerald eyebrows, her charming eyes showed concern. She bit her pink lips with her pearly teeth and said, "I am also... concerned and confused."

Jia Heng placed the blue and white porcelain soup bowl in his hand on a small table beside him, and gazed at the bright and pretty face of the beauty, feeling a surge of pity in his heart.

He gently pinched Gu Ruoqing's smooth and round chin, looked into her crystal clear eyes, and seemed to catch a glittering glitter in them.

While Jia Heng was speaking, he moved closer to the beautiful woman's rosy lips and kissed those soft and slightly soft lips.

Gu Ruoqing's beautiful, straight nose pursed, and her quiet, cold face was clearly flushed, while her eyes were charming under her green and beautiful eyebrows.

Jia Heng said: "Take good care of your pregnancy these days and don't let your mind wander."

Gu Ruoqing uttered a soft "hmm", her beautiful face flushed and her bright eyes shone like rainbows.

Jia Heng reached out and gently put his arm around Gu Ruoqing's shoulders, and the two of them leaned against each other and talked.

Jia Heng and Gu Ruoqing talked for a while, then left the wing and headed towards the house where Ping'er lived.

The house where Ping'er lived——

Fengjie was also in bed taking care of her pregnancy. Her face, which used to be as pretty as a flower, looked a little pale. She was holding a handkerchief in her hand, covering her mouth, as if she was vomiting.

Not far away, Ping'er came closer and asked softly, "Grandma, are you feeling better now?"

Sister Feng waved her hand and said, "I'm retching so hard, go get me a glass of water."

Ping'er glanced at Fengjie with concern, then came to the side, picked up the teapot, took a blue and white teacup, and filled it with tea with a splash.

At this moment, Jia Heng came in from outside, looked up at Sister Feng and Ping Er, and said in a gentle voice, "Sister Feng."

Sister Feng looked up at the "culprit" and said unhappily, "Do you remember me?"

It's all this guy's fault.

Jia Heng smiled, looked at Sister Feng, and said, "Come and see you two."

As he spoke, he walked closer and looked at that gorgeous, gentle and lovely face. He felt inexplicably happy in his heart and said softly, "Sister Feng, how have you been these days?"

Sister Feng rolled her eyes at the young man in the python costume and said in a coquettish voice, "You have severe morning sickness. Your child was in great pain before."

Jia Heng: "..."

The problem is that the fetus in the belly hasn't even formed yet, right? Why are you making such a fuss now?

Sister Feng's snow-white face paused for a moment and asked, "What have you been doing these past two days?"

Jia Heng said softly, "I've been busy with government affairs outside, and I've neglected you these past two days."

Sister Feng's face was as white as snow, and she was clearly gorgeous without reason. She couldn't help but snort and said with resentment, "Master Heng now has three palaces and six courtyards. Even if he takes turns, I don't know how long it will take for me to get my turn."

Jia Heng's calm face showed an unnatural expression. His eyes flickered and he said in a gentle voice, "Nonsense, what's the matter with the rotation time?"

If such taboos had happened in the past, I don’t know how much trouble it would have caused.

But now in this Han Dynasty, he has already seized all the power and become the hidden emperor, and he has no scruples about these things at all.

Sister Feng asked, "What are you thinking about? Why are you so absent-minded?"

A feeling of worry welled up in her heart. Could it be that she just said something wrong?

Jia Heng took Sister Feng's delicate hand and whispered, "Nothing, I came to listen to your stomach for any movement."

Sister Feng's beautiful eyes were as soft as water under her emerald eyebrows. She said softly, "She was pregnant not long ago. How could there be any movement at this moment?"

Although the beauty said this, she still let the young man in the python robe get close to her belly. Listening to her belly, she couldn't help but feel an indescribable sweetness in her heart.

Now that she has his child to rely on in this life, she won't have to worry about the rest of her life.

Jia Heng listened for a while, then looked at Sister Feng's bright and beautiful face and said, "Don't worry about the affairs of the mansion in the next few months."

He remembered that in the original version of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Feng Ji could not let go of the power in the mansion, so she ended up having an abortion in her belly early on.

Under her emerald eyebrows, Fengjie's beautiful eyes, which were as clear as water, rolled their eyes at the young man in the python robe and said, "Don't worry, I'll leave all these to Ping'er."

Jia Heng nodded, gently put his arm around the beauty's shoulders, and said, "The sky is big, the earth is big, but the baby in your belly is the biggest."

There seemed to be some playfulness and agility in Sister Feng's voice, and she said, "I like to hear what you said."

Jia Heng looked at Sister Feng's beautiful and dizzy face, and felt a little amused.

Fengjie is very proud.

No wonder, for Fengjie, having a child means she has someone to rely on for the rest of her life.

Jia Heng took Fengjie's hand and comforted her tenderly for a while.

Sister Feng nestled in Jia Heng's arms and whispered, "When the child grows up, if he asks who his biological father is, how should I tell him?"

Jia Heng said, "Just tell the truth."

Sister Feng said, "How can I tell you the truth? At that time, the whole garden was full of your children, all of them were little princes and little dukes."

When Jia Heng heard this, he was slightly moved, thinking to himself that Sister Feng had other intentions.

After I got pregnant, I started thinking about seeking a formal status.

Jia Heng said: "We will have a way then."

"What method?" Sister Feng raised her beautiful face and asked.

Jia Heng said: "Don't ask for now, there will definitely be a way by then."

Seeing this, Sister Feng snorted and didn't ask any more questions, but a feeling of anticipation surged in her heart.

……

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