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

Next, Li Che boarded the 'Black Pearl' to experience it for himself.

It was indeed moving at lightning speed, weaving through the wind and waves effortlessly, really a bit like the Black Pearl in the previous life.

The only downside is that the counterweight is a bit high.

Equipped with cannons, shells, gunpowder, and a layer of armor, it had a significant impact on its speed.

But it doesn't matter. There is no need to reach the extreme speed. As long as it can outrun other warships, it is enough.

Clippers are a general type of ship that was originally used to transport perishable goods such as tea.

In the future, two types of ships can be built, one for military use and one for civilian use.

The military type is used for combat, and it is equipped with artillery to increase attack power, sacrificing a little speed for this.

The civilian version is used for commercial purposes and may be equipped with fewer artillery pieces, or even no artillery pieces at all, leaving more space for cargo.

After enjoying himself, Li Che pulled Qi Fang off the boat and pointed at several French sailboats in the distance:

"Those few Western ships over there were captured from the Portuguese. While they're not as fast as clippers, they do have some unique technology. You can lead the shipbuilders to analyze and study them. If they can improve the technology, that would be even better. Even if we dismantle one or two, that wouldn't be a big deal."

Qi Fang had noticed those Western ships a long time ago, but because he saw Li Che was always paying attention to the Black Pearl, he never had the chance to speak.

Now, upon hearing Li Che's promise, he was immediately overjoyed and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. I will study it carefully and will not damage the main body of the warship unless necessary."

Li Che, however, was unconcerned. "It's just a few warships. In my eyes, your talent, Qi Fang, is better than ten Western warships! If you can truly learn something, why not dismantle these Western ships?"

Qi Fang was deeply moved when he heard this, but he didn't know how to flatter, so he could only bow again sincerely.

Li Che offered his hand to help him up, and said with a pleasant face, "Your contribution to this shipbuilding is great, and I will naturally not be stingy. I will first promote you to a higher rank, and also grant you treasures, money, and a mansion. I will discuss this with the ministers after I return to Chaoyang City and make a final decision."

"I...am filled with gratitude!"

"Also... you must compile a list of all the contributions of the shipbuilders involved in this shipbuilding effort and submit it to me. Those with significant contributions may be awarded official positions."

Qi Fang was shocked when he heard this: "This... Your Highness wants to grant an official position to the craftsman?"

This move was somewhat unexpected to Qi Fang. He was an official in the Ministry of Works in charge of shipbuilding in the court. He had a lot of contact with craftsmen and knew very well how difficult it was for craftsmen to make a breakthrough.

Although the status of these craftsmen with real skills is slightly higher than that of ordinary people, they can only make a living, and the better ones can only have enough food and clothing.

Not to mention becoming an official based on skills, even the path to promotion for officials in the Ministry of Works is much more difficult than for other officials.

Li Che smiled and asked, "What's so surprising about this? You haven't spent enough time in Chaoyang City. Don't you know that many officials in departments like the Gunpowder Bureau and the Iron Smelting Works are originally craftsmen?"

Qi Fang widened his eyes. He really didn't know the answer to this question.

Li Che stood on the shore with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant sea, and continued, "This king will not only confer official titles upon the craftsmen, but will also improve their treatment and status, gradually distributing real power to the workers."

"In the future, those who have made significant contributions to the country will be able to participate in government affairs, become officials, and even receive a title of nobility!"

"I have long said that the future of Fengguo belongs to the working class and the peasant class. This is not just talk!"

. . . . . .

Qi Fang was still in shock until he returned to the Dalian government office.

Li Che's words were too shocking, or even heretical...

The classes in Daqing were rigid. Although it was not like the Ming Dynasty where the rule of sons inheriting their fathers' business was rigidly established, it was still extremely difficult to achieve class transition.

This was not only the case in Daqing, but also in most periods of ancient times. Often, only when the world was in chaos at the end of a dynasty would a small number of lucky people be able to break free from class constraints.

Li Che's move broke the conventional convention, but the benefits were also very obvious.

Nowadays, scientific research has become a trend throughout Fengguo, and scholars at Fengguo University can come up with something new almost every few days.

Although most of them have no practical use, the technology tree is constantly expanding and growing.

Inspired by this, the artisan class also began to invent and create, and technology advanced even faster.

Perhaps most craftsmen can only do good work and have no talent for invention, but as long as the base is large enough, there might be a Faraday hidden among them!

When he arrived at the government office, Li Che's excitement wore off and he felt the cold weather.

After staying on the warm sea for so long, he almost forgot that it was already winter in Fengguo.

Li Che extended his hand to Qu Jinshan, who stayed behind, and asked, "Did anything important happen during my absence? How was the autumn harvest?"

"Your Highness, rest assured. Everything is normal and the autumn harvest is going smoothly. The three ministers have recorded the details. You will be able to see them when Your Highness returns to Chaoyang City."

Li Che nodded with satisfaction, as long as everything was fine in his hometown.

"But..." Qu Jinshan suddenly changed the subject.

Li Che looked at him: "But what's wrong?"

"However, the Prince of Yan came a few days ago and seemed to have something urgent to discuss with you. When I asked him, he refused to tell me, only saying that he would be notified immediately upon your return."

Li Che frowned and pondered: "What important matter could Fourth Brother have?"

Qu Jinshan simply shook his head and asked, "Your Highness, would you like me to send a pigeon to inform His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan?"

Li Che nodded: "Okay, tell him, don't ask anything else, just say I'm back."

"Yes."

Li Che originally wanted to stay in Dalian for a few days to reorganize, and then return to Chaoyang City, and let Li Lin go to Chaoyang City to find him.

Unexpectedly, Li Lin was so decisive that he rushed to Dalian on horseback on the third day after the carrier pigeon sent the message.

Li Che was still a little dazed when he came out to greet him: "Why is Fourth Brother so anxious?"

Li Lin looked around with a serious expression, then pulled Li Che into the house and said, "Don't say anything more. Let the people around you leave first."

Although Li Che was confused, he still waved his hand and dismissed his attendants out of trust in Li Lin.

The guards and maids all left the courtyard. Hu Qiang, Qu Jinshan and others did not stay there because of their trust in Li Lin, but just stood guard at the door silently.

When only the two brothers were left in the room, Li Che asked, "What happened? Why did you..."

Li Lin shook his head, and the expression on his face became complicated.

It looks a little sad, but also a little fortunate.

"I received news from the palace a few days ago that the Crown Prince is seriously ill and can no longer be cured. I'm afraid he'll die within the next month!"