Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

“Good sword, truly a good sword!” Emperor Jing clapped his hands in praise, his joy overflowing. He understood the quality of swords used by the palace guards.

Compared to the swords bestowed upon military generals, the quality was not inferior.

Now, the new sword crafted by the Ministry of Works could actually sever the palace guard's sword, demonstrating its superb craftsmanship.

Even more commendable was that, upon close inspection, the Ministry of Works' sword only had a tiny nick, with minimal damage.

The courtiers also clicked their tongues in amazement.

“Good sword, worthy of being made by the Ministry of Works.”

“It seems that Fang Zheng is bound to lose this time, but I wonder how much this sword costs?”

Jiang Liang wore a faint smile, gently pressing down with both hands: “Gentlemen, this sword is newly made, and the price is roughly three taels of silver or so. However... this is just a rough estimate, as it took too many craftsmen working together to develop it, so the price is a bit higher.”

“But given time, the price of this sword will definitely be greatly reduced. Lord Fang, what do you say? If this sword can be equipped to the entire army in the future, can it be considered beneficial to the country and the people?” Jiang Liang stroked his beard, extremely pleased.

“Given time, the price of muskets will greatly decrease. If you attach a bayonet to the gun barrel, how many bayonet charges can you do? I don't think it will work!” Fang Zheng revealed a look of disdain, pouring a bucket of cold water without hesitation.

Spending five taels of silver to make a sword is really burning money.

If Taoyuan County can improve its craftsmanship, streamline the process, and add mass production in the future, a musket won't even cost five taels of silver.

However, the Ministry of Works' iron smelting and forging techniques are indeed worthy of praise.

“Lord Fang, further words are useless! Bring your item up here!” Jiang Liang snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, and turned his head away, no longer looking at him.

Nothing good comes out of a dog's mouth; a cultured person won't argue with him!

Emperor Jing said with a smile: “Alright, I have already seen the Ministry of Works' item. Fang Qing, what about your item?”

Fang Zheng said calmly: “My item is placed outside the hall. It is inconvenient to display it inside the hall. May I ask Your Majesty and your colleagues to visit it outside the hall?”

“Outside the hall? Good heavens, it seems like it should be a large item?”

“That's right, could it be that Fang Zheng wants to win by size? Isn't that a bit naive?”

“When we came today, we didn't see him bring any large items into the palace?”

Listening to the discussion below, Emperor Jing's interest grew stronger: “Granted! Then all of you, my beloved ministers, shall follow me outside the hall to watch.”

The emperor gave the order, and the courtiers lined up and slowly walked outside.

On the plaza outside the main hall, Fang Zheng and the Crown Prince had already set up two bicycles in coordination.

However, they were currently covered with red cloth.

When the crowd arrived at the plaza, they immediately noticed the eye-catching red.

They began to point and whisper again.

They couldn't guess what it was based on its shape, and their curiosity grew stronger.

Fang Zheng walked forward, stood next to the bicycle, and held the red cloth in one hand, saying: “Everyone, please look, the item I want to display today was made by the craftsmen of Taoyuan County and is called a bicycle!”

With that, he forcefully pulled, and the red cloth was completely lifted.

Two bicycles were revealed in their entirety in front of the emperor and the courtiers.

One was mainly made of wood, while the other looked more refined and was made entirely of metal, inlaid with gold and silver, making it incredibly beautiful.

Even if you rode that on the street in modern times, it wouldn't be out of fashion.

Emperor Jing looked at the bicycle suspiciously and asked: “What is a bicycle? Could it be that it walks by itself?”

“No, it needs a person to ride on the bike and alternately step on the two pedals below, and then the bike can move.” Fang Zheng explained.

As soon as the explanation came out, someone laughed: “Lord Fang, don't joke around. This is just a frame with two wheels.”

“If the two wheels are lined up in front and behind, wouldn't people fall off when they ride on it?”

“That's right! Lord Fang, this thing is a bit strange. It's not stable as a means of transportation, so what use could it possibly have?”

Fang Zheng scratched his head, wanting to explain, but upon closer thought, he didn't seem to know why bicycles don't fall over.

He could only say: “Everyone, seeing is believing. Whether it will fall or not, wouldn't it be better to ride it and try it?”

“Before the test ride, let me briefly introduce it to everyone.”

“Everyone, please see, riding this bike is not only as fast as the wind, but it can also carry heavy objects. A basket in the front can hold items, so people don't have to carry things by hand when they buy groceries. There is also a seat in the back that can carry people, so you can send your children to school or something.”

“The most wonderful thing is this small compartment in the front!” Fang Zheng walked to the front of the bicycle and opened a transparent small square: “There is a mirror inside, as well as a fixed base for an oil lamp. Light the oil lamp and close the lid, and you can also light the way at night when walking at night.”

“What do you all think?” Fang Zheng said triumphantly.

What do they think? They don't think much of it!

Is he trying to fool people with this piece of junk?

The courtiers looked at each other, and even Emperor Jing's face showed a bit of embarrassment.

He said it so flowery, but it doesn't feel very useful... Let's not talk about whether the two wheels can even run, can you really pedal with a person in the back? And the place to install the lamp in the front is even more stupid. It wouldn't be surprising to fall to your death on the road in the middle of the night riding this thing, right?

“Alright, Fang Qing, demonstrate it as soon as possible. I want to see how this thing stands up.”

“Father, let me!” Li Yuanzhao had been eager to try for a long time, and jumped out to volunteer at this moment.

Walking to the bicycle, he said: “Father, I can ride this thing. Why don't I demonstrate it!”

“Then you shall demonstrate it.”

Li Yuanzhao skillfully sat on the bike and exchanged glances with Fang Zheng.

Seeing Fang Zheng's affirmative look, Li Yuanzhao no longer hesitated, kicked the kickstand, and started pedaling.

The bicycle steadily darted out!

Looking at his skilled movements, Fang Zheng seemed to have reactivated his memories as a corporate slave...

On the wide plaza, Li Yuanzhao was like a wild dog off the leash, stomping hard with both feet.

The wind brushed past his ears, scattering his hair.

Emperor Jing and the courtiers were all petrified.

It didn't fall! It really didn't fall!

Not only did it not fall, but it was also quite fast!

“Father! Look, I can even turn!”

Li Yuanzhao shouted excitedly, made a big circle, and returned to the crowd.

“Lao Fang, get on the bike! Let them see how to carry people!”

Fang Zheng hesitated for a moment, walked forward and sat sideways on the rear seat, put his arm around Li Yuanzhao's waist, and said in a low voice: “Slow down, don't fall!”

“No problem! Let's go!” Li Yuanzhao shouted loudly and started riding quickly again.

“Hey, I really learned something today. This bicycle is quite peculiar, haha.” Zhang Dongxiang stroked his beard and exclaimed.

“Duke Zhang, I don't think this thing is very useful. Most people's daily range of activity is at most five or six li. Who would spend money to buy such a strange thing? It's ostentatious and really ugly, and besides, the people are foolish, and even if they have the spare money to buy it, they may not be able to learn it.” Jiang Liang looked at him meaningfully.

......