We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Those who accomplished great things in the past all had the ability to see the essence through phenomena.

People like Liu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang often had ideas and methodologies that were different from ordinary people before they started their rebellion.

That's why there are such incredible things as starting with a bowl, watching dogs fight at the age of 47, and unifying the world at the age of 62.

The same is true for Emperor Qing. His long career as an emperor has not dulled his keen eyesight, but has made him more able to see the key to things.

After just walking through a few factories, Emperor Qing could see that Fengguo's industry was developing rapidly. It was not just a matter of a craftsman's sudden inspiration, but had long become a system.

Li Che was slightly startled, then he chuckled and said, "Father is wise."

Emperor Qing smiled but said nothing, just silently waiting for Li Che's answer.

Li Che pondered for a moment, knowing that he could no longer hide it. He had to reveal something real to Emperor Qing no matter what, otherwise a rift would arise between father and son.

Fortunately, everything Fengguo did was upright, and promoting some things to Daqing was actually beneficial.

Thinking of this, he silently said: "Replying to the Emperor, the reason why Fengguo has achieved its current development is because of a new doctrine promoted by Fengguo, science."

"Science?" Emperor Qing frowned and looked over.

Before he became emperor, he was also from a prominent family and had dabbled in various theories from ancient times to the present. After he became emperor, he met with the masters of various schools, but he had never heard of the theory of "science".

Emperor Qing didn't like the feeling of not being in control, so he couldn't help but ask, "Tell me briefly."

Li Che explained as simply as possible:

"Science is a method of understanding the world and analyzing everything. Its essence is the laws governing the operation of all things in the world, and how to effectively use them to maximize their effectiveness."

Seeing that Emperor Qing was still frowning, Li Che could only give a few examples:

"For example, a textile machine uses force transmission, a farmer plows the land with a hoe, using the principle of leverage, and thunder is caused by the collision of positive and negative ions in the clouds..."

"This series of man-made and natural phenomena, and the various principles contained therein, can be collectively referred to as science."

Emperor Qing seemed to understand a little bit and asked, "It sounds a bit like the teachings of Mohism and Taoism."

Li Che smiled and replied, "They share some similarities, but they are also different. Taoism and Mohism focus more on thought, while science is more practical."

Li Che's remarks deliberately avoided mentioning the civil and military officials of Daqing behind him. After all, Daqing was still an era dominated by Confucianism, and these things did not conform to mainstream values.

But Emperor Qing is different. A king should never be a supporter of a certain ideology, but a pragmatist. He should absorb the essence of any ideology that is beneficial to the country and the court.

As for the exclusive promotion of Confucianism, it is not a big problem. It is enough to change the Confucian thought. Anyway, Confucianism has been passed down to this day and has long been completely changed.

Seeing that Emperor Qing seemed to be lost in thought, Li Che continued, "Father, are you interested in science?"

Emperor Qing nodded slightly. "If this is truly a strategy to strengthen the nation, I certainly wouldn't want to miss it. But I wonder which great scholar founded it?"

The development of science starts with curiosity. With Emperor Qing's temperament and ability, if he were not the Emperor of Daqing, he might really have become a great scientist.

Li Che smiled slightly, and did not prepare a direct answer:

"Father, this kind of knowledge is currently being taught in the schools of Feng State. If you are curious, you can go and sit in on a few classes tomorrow."

Emperor Qing frowned and asked, "Are the schools in Feng State teaching only science?"

He knew that Fengguo had established a university, and he did not object to Li Che's training of talents. After all, he even gave him the position of General Tiance.

However, I didn't know the specific situation of Fengguo University, and I just thought it was an official school similar to the Imperial College.

"I have also studied some Confucian classics, but the content is relatively limited." Li Che replied truthfully, "Your Majesty, you should be aware that Feng State is expanding abroad and is in urgent need of talent. I can only recruit people based on their merits. There is no time to train them from scratch."

The efficiency of Confucianism in cultivating talents is too low. A student has to study hard since childhood, memorize the Four Books and Five Classics, and spend 20 to 30 years from the examination for status as a student to the palace examination.

If one has poor talent and no famous teacher, it is very likely that he will not be able to become an official even if he studies for a lifetime. There are many old students in their sixties and seventies.

Even if one is gifted and has passed the imperial examination, he may not be able to take office immediately.

Moreover, the talents trained under this system may not necessarily be qualified officials.

Compared with the imperial examination system, the subject division system adopted by Fengguo University is more conducive to cultivating professional talents in various aspects, so that students can start working immediately after graduating from university.

"I will go and see it." Emperor Qing nodded, already feeling anticipation in his heart.

"Okay." Li Che smiled slightly, "Father, please go to the palace first today. You have been traveling for a long time and it is time to rest well."

Emperor Qing did not refuse. He was already a little tired after traveling on the road for so long.

If the factories in Chaoyang City were not so new and eye-opening that he felt exhausted, he would have returned to the palace to rest by now.

Emperor Qing silently made up his mind. There were many new things in Chaoyang City. He was prepared to stay for a long time and was not in a hurry.

Although Li Che had no intention of pleasing Emperor Qing, he was the emperor after all, so he had to give him some face.

Therefore, after receiving the news, he summoned craftsmen to carry out a major renovation of the Chaoyang City Government Office. It was not luxurious, but at least it looked like a palace.

Anyway, it will be used as an office for officials in the future, so it won’t be a waste if it is decorated better.

After Emperor Qing and his accompanying officials entered the government office, they were immediately attracted.

This palace is not majestic, it can even be said to be simple.

The walls were built of blue bricks, without elaborate carvings, save for a few simple patterns at the eaves. The roof was not paved with golden tiles, but with blue-grey terracotta tiles, which shone softly in the sunlight.

From a distance, the entire palace is surrounded by people's houses. Although it is less solemn, it is more lively.

Emperor Qing got off the imperial carriage and walked slowly into the palace. Passing through the simple courtyard, the first thing that caught his eye was the main hall.

There are no golden nanmu tables and chairs, nor luxurious screens in the hall, but only a few sets of mahogany furniture with simple shapes.

The floor is paved with smooth polished bluestone slabs, clean and tidy, without a speck of dust.

The most eye-catching thing is that all the windows, big and small, in the hall are made of transparent colored glaze!

The sunlight pours in through the glazed windows, illuminating the entire hall with a bright and transparent atmosphere that is refreshing and pleasant.

The officials had never seen such a transparent palace. They were stunned for a moment and couldn't help but slow down their pace for fear of disturbing the tranquility.

The sunlight shines through the glazed windows, casting their shadows on the ground, forming clear silhouettes.

Although the furnishings in the hall are simple, it is full of bookish atmosphere, which makes people relax involuntarily.

Emperor Qing walked to the window and gently stroked the smooth glass, and his mood became much more relaxed.

"Sixth Brother, did you design this palace?" Emperor Qing turned around and asked.