Shuhan

Changan.

Deep inside the imperial palace, in the Xuanshi Hall, candlelight flickered.

Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne carved with dragons and phoenixes. The throne was magnificent and golden, as if carrying the glory and vicissitudes of the Han Dynasty for hundreds of years.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe with intricate cloud and dragon patterns embroidered on the collar, and he looked majestic yet gentle.

The battle report tightly held in his hand was a little worn from being read over and over again. It densely recorded the progress of the war on the front line. Every word was like a leaping flame, illuminating the determination in his eyes.

Liu Chan's eyes swept across the battle report, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose, revealing a hint of relief.

This relief was not only because of the frequent reports of victory in the battles, but also because the Han Dynasty was gradually moving towards revival under his governance.

He thought to himself: "The two battlefields of Qingzhou and Hedong are like two sharp swords piercing the heartland of Wei. This is the key to the revival of the Han Kingdom and the unification of the world."

The direction of Qingzhou was the main battlefield between the Han and Wei states.

Zhao Yun, Wen Pin and Hao Zhao guarded Qingzhou like an indestructible fortress.

Cao Zhen led his army to attack repeatedly, but was always cleverly defeated by Zhao Yun, Wen Pin, and Hao Zhao who defeated the enemy with a smaller force.

The battle of Qingzhou consumed a large amount of manpower and material resources of the Wei State. Food and supplies were consumed like water, and the morale of the Wei army gradually dropped. However, the morale of the Han army was high due to Zhao Yun's bravery, and they won every battle.

In the direction of Hedong, Guan Xing led the Nuer Army, sweeping across the border of Wei State like a whirlwind.

They bypassed Yubi and went deep into the enemy's rear, fighting to support the enemy and obtaining food from the enemy. They moved forward like the wind with only one man and a few horses, catching the Wei army off guard.

Under his leadership, the Nuer Army was like a sharp knife, cutting through Wei's defense line. Production in several counties almost stagnated, food and supplies to Yubi City were cut off, and the morale of the Wei army was low, with people in panic.

As for Sima Yi's military farming and Gongsun Yuan's indecision, they were indeed not important issues for Liu Chan.

Although Sima Yi was talented, he was limited by the power struggle within Wei and was unable to deal with the Han Kingdom with all his strength.

Gongsun Yuan is just a fence-sitter who sways with the wind and is not a concern.

Liu Chan thought to himself: "As long as the two battlefields of Qingzhou and Hedong are stable, the unification of the Han Kingdom is just around the corner."

While Liu Chan was immersed in his thoughts, Empress Zhang came in. She was wearing a gorgeous phoenix robe, a golden phoenix crown on her head, and walked lightly, like a fairy descending to earth.

There was a gentle smile on her face, and her eyes were full of love and heartache for Liu Chan.

The queen whispered softly, "Your Majesty, although state affairs are important, the emperor's health is also important. I have prepared soup and tea for you, please take a rest first."

Liu Chan looked up at Empress Zhang, and a warm feeling surged in his heart. He put down the battle report, took the tea handed to him by Empress Zhang, took a sip, and felt the fragrance of the tea permeating and refreshing.

He smiled and said to Empress Zhang: "I know you are worried, but how can I be careless when the state is at hand? However, with you by my side, I feel I have someone to rely on."

Empress Zhang was touched when she heard this. She stroked the back of Liu Chan's hand and said softly, "Your Majesty, although I cannot share your worries about state affairs, I can at least give you a moment of peace in this busy life. I am willing to share the joys and sorrows with Your Majesty and spend this life with you."

When Liu Chan heard this, he was deeply moved. He held Empress Zhang's hand tightly. They looked at each other and smiled. There was no need to say much, as everything was self-evident.

Next, the dragon and the phoenix come together, a scene that is not easy to watch for long.

The next morning, as the dawn broke in the sky, the tranquility of the Chang'an Academy of Surgical Sciences was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps.

Liu Chan was wearing a dragon robe and looked a little tired, but he could not hide his strong interest in new things, so he personally stepped into the gate of the Academy of Sciences.

The Academy of Sciences, a place that brings together talented people from all over the world, always brings Liu Chan unexpected surprises and shocks.

Qingxuzi was wearing a Taoist robe, with white hair and beard, and had been waiting in the yard for a long time.

Although he usually considers himself as a cultivator and alchemist, he seems particularly excited today, as if he holds an incredible treasure in his hands.

Seeing Liu Chan coming in, a cunning flashed in Qingxuzi's eyes, and then he strode forward, gently spread out his hands, and a red pill that was completely red and emitting a faint luster appeared in front of everyone.

"Your Majesty, this is the Nine-Revolution Golden Pill that I have spent all my efforts to refine. It is a rare treasure in the world!" There was a hint of pride in Qingxuzi's voice, as if this golden pill really had the power to reach heaven and earth.

"Eating one pill may not make you immortal, but it will definitely prolong your life!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Chan curled up the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, his eyes revealing a bit of disdain and amusement.

He knew very well that there was no real elixir in this world, and Qingxuzi's words sounded like nothing but mystery to him.

"It's not certain that you can prolong your life, but it's possible that you will die suddenly at any time."

There was a hint of joking in Liu Chan's words, but his eyes were turned elsewhere, and it was obvious that he had no interest in the golden elixir.

Seeing that Liu Chan was not interested in his Nine-Revolution Golden Elixir, Qingxuzi felt a little disappointed, but then he cheered up and quickly invited Liu Chan into the inner hall.

In the inner hall, the candlelight flickered, and the atmosphere seemed even more mysterious.

Qingxuzi clapped his hands three times, and three figures walked out slowly from the darkness. They were Huang Hua, an alchemist from Guanzhong; Li Yi, a learned Taoist; and Zhao Feng, an elusive ranger.

Although these three people look different, some are fat, some are thin, some are tall, some are short, but there is a glimmer of cunning and wisdom in their eyes, and they are obviously smart and capable people at first glance.

"Your Majesty, these three are the best in our academy of science." Qingxuzi introduced them while pointing at them.

"This is Huang Hua, a scholar from Guanzhong. His research on gunpowder is truly extraordinary."

Upon hearing this, Huang Hua took a step forward and presented something with both hands.

It was a seemingly ordinary tin can with a mottled surface, but it exuded an extraordinary aura.

"Your Majesty, this is our latest developed gunpowder, and its power is several times greater than before."

There was a hint of pride in Huanghua's voice, as if the iron can contained the power to change the world.

Liu Chan took the iron can and looked at it carefully, but he couldn't help feeling a little confused.

Can such a seemingly ordinary tin can really have such great power?

He looked up at Akika, a questioning gleam in his eyes.

Huang Hua seemed to see through Liu Chan's thoughts and said immediately: "Your Majesty will know after one try."

As he spoke, he led Liu Chan and everyone else to an open area outside the Academy of Sciences.

There, an iron can half a person's height had been erected for a long time, surrounded by thick earth walls. It was obviously specially prepared to test the power of gunpowder.

Huanghua walked forward, took out a thin fuse from his arms, and carefully inserted it into the iron can.

Then, he retreated behind an obstacle a hundred meters away and made a gesture to Liu Chan, indicating that everyone could get ready.

Liu Chan stared at the iron can, feeling both expectant and nervous. He didn't know what kind of power it could unleash.

The shaking ignited the fuse, and sparks instantly spread along the fuse to the inside of the tin.

"boom!"

There was a deafening bang, as if a bolt of thunder had exploded in the sky.

Flames shot up into the sky, illuminating half the sky. The shocking explosion could be clearly heard even hundreds of miles away.

The power of gunpowder was beyond imagination. The fire covered an area of ​​more than half an acre, and the fire instantly ignited the surrounding armor. Its penetrating power was astonishing.

Liu Chan was shocked by the sudden explosion and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He had only seen such a shocking scene on TV in later generations. He never expected to see it in this era, and he never expected that such a small amount of gunpowder could have such amazing power.

He stood there in a daze, staring at the blazing flames, with an indescribable excitement and shock welling up in his heart.

"This...this gunpowder, they really developed it!" Liu Chan muttered to himself.

The birth of gunpowder will completely change the situation on the battlefield and add a powerful boost to the future of the Han Dynasty.

At this moment in the Academy of Sciences, Qingxuzi and Huanghua smiled at each other, with pride and joy shining in their eyes.

The power of gunpowder had just been demonstrated, and the deafening explosion and the subsequent rising smoke moved everyone present.

Liu Chan showed an unconcealable surprise on his face. He immediately stood up and personally hung a gold medal inlaid with gemstones around the neck of Taoist Huang Hua. His voice was filled with excitement: "Huang Hua, I will remember your contribution in my heart! From now on, you will be my imperial Taoist priest and enjoy all the glory and wealth!"

Huang Hua knelt on the ground, tears of gratitude gleaming in his eyes, and his voice choked with sobs: "Thank you for your grace, my lord. I will do my best until my death."

Liu Chan's gaze then turned to Qingxuzi who was standing beside him. This old man with a Taoist and immortal demeanor had a kind face and a gleam of wisdom in his eyes.

Qingxuzi smiled slightly, stroked his long beard, and slowly introduced: "Your Majesty, this is Li Yi, a famous Taoist priest. He is not only proficient in the Five Elements and Eight Diagrams, but also has unique insights into the laws of metal and iron. In recent years, he has devoted himself to research and finally improved the steelmaking method, making the forged steel so sharp that it can cut iron like mud."

After saying that, Qingxuzi drew a sword from his sleeve and slowly handed it to Liu Chan.

The sword was shining coldly, the edge was extremely sharp, and the blood groove was deep, as if it could swallow all the light around it.

When Liu Chan took the sword, he felt a chill rushing towards his palm. He could not help but shiver, but then an expression of appreciation appeared on his face.

He swung the sword lightly twice, and the tip of the sword drew a graceful arc in the air, making bursts of clear sounds, like the roar of a dragon, which made people feel awe.

Seeing this, Li Yi took out a ring-handled sword from his side. The blade was thick and the handle was carved with intricate patterns. It was obviously a work of fine craftsmanship.

He said respectfully to Liu Chan: "Your Majesty, this is a fine steel ring-handled sword. Each centurion holds one. Although it is not as sharp as a sword, it is also invincible on the battlefield. Your Majesty, please strike it with the sword to test its sharpness."

Liu Chan nodded, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

He gripped the sword tightly, took a deep breath, shouted softly, and the sword flashed like lightning, instantly slashing at the fine steel ring-handled knife.

With a "click" sound, the fine steel ring-handled knife was easily cut in half by the sword as if it were paper, while the sword itself remained intact and still flashed with a sharp cold light.

This scene left everyone present dumbfounded and amazed.

After all, the fine steel ring-handled sword has already made a name for itself on the battlefield, but I didn’t expect that this sword is even better than the fine steel ring-handled sword.

Liu Chan was even more amazed. He looked at the sword in his hand carefully, as if he was looking at a rare treasure.

After a moment, he looked up at Li Yi, his eyes flashing with urgency: "How much is the production of this sword? If our army is equipped with this sword, why worry about the Wei army not being defeated?"

Li Yi was filled with pride when he saw this. He straightened his back and answered in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, if the Supervisor of Works works hard, we can make fifty swords a day! Although these swords are expensive, if they can be equipped to our army, they will greatly enhance our combat effectiveness and the Wei army will be nowhere to hide!"

When Liu Chan heard this, a hint of excitement flashed in his eyes.

If such precious swords were equipped to elite troops, the Han army would be even more powerful in the upcoming battle. How would the Wei army resist?
A surge of pride surged in his heart, and he announced loudly: "Li Yi, your contribution is no less than Huang Hua's! I order you to forge 3,000 swords immediately for use in wartime!"

Li Yi accepted the order, feeling an indescribable excitement in his heart.

He knelt on the ground and said firmly: "I will obey your order and live up to your majesty's high expectations!"

Next, under the guidance of Qingxuzi, Liu Chan saw more inventions of the Academy of Sciences.

"Your Majesty, this is the automatic irrigation system we are trying to manufacture based on your idea." An old scholar with white hair and beard introduced respectfully, his eyes flashing with a desire for knowledge and admiration for Liu Chan.

Liu Chan leaned over to take a closer look. The exquisite mechanical structure was glowing in the sunlight, and an indescribable sense of pride surged in his heart. This was the crystallization of his wisdom and the seed he had sown for the future of the Han Dynasty.

"Very good. If this invention can be popularized, farmland irrigation will no longer be restricted by the weather, and the grain production of the Han Dynasty will be greatly increased."

Liu Chan nodded approvingly, but he couldn't help feeling a little regretful. He knew that many ideas turned out to be nothing in practice, but it was these failures that paved the way to success.

Then they came to a brightly lit room where various mechanical models were displayed. Among them, a seemingly simple loom attracted Liu Chan's attention.

"This is an improved loom, which has increased its efficiency by more than three times." A young female craftsman said proudly. Her hands were a little rough from years of hard work, but her eyes were full of longing for the future.

Liu Chan gently stroked the cold machine, as if he could feel the enthusiasm and hope contained in it.

Improving weaving efficiency means improving productivity, which is naturally beneficial to the people.

However, in order to transform these achievements into actual enhancement of national strength, many difficulties still need to be overcome.

Therefore, he ordered to reward those who had made contributions generously, and took the three counties of Jingzhao Yin as pilot areas, hoping to verify the actual effects of these inventions there and accumulate experience for future promotion to the whole country.

In the following days, Liu Chan devoted almost all his energy to state affairs.

He went deep into the fields, talked with farmers about mulberry and hemp, listened to their voices, and understood their sufferings.

Whenever night fell, he would always review memorials in his study until late at night, with his brows furrowed and his eyes full of worry about the country and expectations for the future.

The efficient operation of the Jianjunsi brought clarity to the court and the country, and the people felt a natural respect for the young monarch.

In the blink of an eye, several months have passed and the autumn wind brings the good news of a good harvest.

In the fields of Dahan, the golden rice swayed in the wind, as if showing the world the fertility and richness of this land.

"Your Majesty, this year's harvest has far exceeded expectations, and the granaries are almost full." The agricultural official reported excitedly, his face filled with joy that was difficult to conceal.

Liu Chan smiled slightly, but he already had more far-reaching plans in his mind.

seem
It's time for another great battle!
Wei State!

I will take it! (End of this chapter)