Royal Gold Medal County Magistrate

Fang Zheng followed closely, adding, "Indeed, what Lord Zhang said is correct. Learning to ride a bicycle couldn't be simpler."

"If His Majesty and the esteemed colleagues still find it difficult to ride, there is indeed a solution. Simply add two small training wheels at the back for stability."

He originally planned to sell the training wheels as accessories, but now he has to reveal his trump card early.

And Zhang, the old man, is putting in so much effort today. When we get back, I'll get him a few high-end bicycles no matter what.

And get him some new glasses as compensation.

Jiang Liang regretted it.

Why did I argue with him? Zhang Dongxiang is famous for his stubbornness.

Now he's even been driven to Fang Zheng's side. He's so excited at his age.

"Your Majesty, Lord Fang has been demonstrating for quite a while now, and three people have already been injured. I don't want to waste any more words."

"Now, it's clear the difference between the two. Investing a large amount of money into the construction of the Academy of Sciences would be a complete waste."

"If the Ministry of Works, with the assistance of Taoyuan County, can build the Firearms Bureau, that would be a great service to the court."

Fang Zheng glanced askance at him.

Taoyuan County's assistance? The Ministry of Works is really thinking too highly of itself.

You weren't there when the peaches were planted, but you come when it's time to pick them?

"Bah! You're shameless! So, the credit for Taoyuan County's achievements now belongs to the Ministry of Works?"

"You...."

Fang Zheng suddenly started scolding, and Jiang Liang felt choked up.

"Lord Fang, this is all for the sake of the country. Besides, Taoyuan County has made great contributions to the court, and the court should naturally reward them! I don't deny that!"

They did award me, secretly giving me a wife who should have been mine anyway, and nothing else!

"Lord Jiang, the matter hasn't been decided yet, so it's best not to jump to conclusions."

Fang Zheng couldn't help but have a headache.

He really slipped up today, always thinking about the problem according to his own thinking.

The court officials are not sensitive to the market. The employment system has gradually begun to rise in the market, and the scope of the people's activities will increase dramatically in the foreseeable future.

In theory, launching a bicycle is feasible and a good thing.

But the court officials don't think so! They didn't even think about it.

Probably only the Ministry of Revenue is more concerned about this matter, but now it seems that the Ministry of Revenue is obviously afraid of spending money and is unwilling to stand up and speak for him.

Things have become a bit tricky now.

The establishment of the Academy of Sciences is related to the future. It is better to do it sooner than later. If we lose this time, the pressure will be greater later.

I should have prepared two more items.

Sure enough, nothing goes smoothly...

Emperor Jing said faintly: "Alright, you two don't need to argue anymore. Since Qing Fang is not convinced, let's vote again by raising hands."

The ministers raised their hands to vote again, and this time, those who supported the Ministry of Works accounted for 90%.

Fang Zheng cast an unkind look at the Crown Prince and Zhang Dongxiang. Their faces turned blue and purple, and they dared not say a word.

Sighing inwardly, Fang Zheng said: "I think this kind of voting is unfair! Does the Ministry of Works dare to compete with me again!"

"Dare not! We've already won, why should we compete with you again!" Jiang Liang retorted.

The overall situation has been decided, the funds are in hand, why should I play with you?

Three black lines drooped down Fang Zheng's forehead.

Damn it! It's always like this! Aren't the ancient people written in novels all rigid and face-loving, and they get hooked as soon as you provoke them?

You're so frank that I can't get off the stage.

Emperor Jing said helplessly: "Qing Fang, what exactly do you want? Do you have to win? If all the competitions in the world are like you playing rogue, then what's the point of having competitions, and where's the fairness?"

"I think the bicycle does have its merits, but this matter still depends on the opinion of the majority."

"Since you've already lost, then admit defeat, so as not to violate the way of a gentleman."

Gentleman? I'm just a gentleman!

Fang Zheng coughed lightly: "Your Majesty's teachings are correct, but I still want to speak my mind. I think this kind of voting is unfair and cannot test the true potential of the bicycle."

"Then how do you think it should be considered fair?"

Fang Zheng perked up and said loudly: "The fairest thing in this world is silver! Only voting with silver is fair!"

"I suggest that we put the Ministry of Works' and my items on sale to the public for a period of two months to see who sells more and sells better, and whoever wins!"

"If I lose again at that time, if I have a single complaint, please, Your Majesty, chop off my head!"

Jiang Liang became anxious: "Your Majesty, no! The two treasures made by the Ministry of Works are both priceless. Moreover, there are also knives and swords among them. If the people are only allowed to buy porcelain, how many people will be able to buy it? On the other hand, bicycles are just a pile of wooden frames, which is greatly unfair."

"That's right, that makes sense! Qing Fang, I can't favor you," Emperor Jing said.

Fang Zheng turned to Jiang Liang and said: "Lord Jiang, I have no objection to the Ministry of Works wanting to build the Firearms Bureau. Even if Your Majesty doesn't approve it, you can still study it internally, as a branch."

"I will send the best craftsmen from Taoyuan County to help the Ministry of Works manufacture gunpowder and firearms, without reservation."

"Secondly, although the porcelain from the Ministry of Works is expensive, the unit price is high. We will only compare the total sales performance?"

The gunpowder and firearms of Taoyuan County, from the moment they appeared in the world, have already passed on the baton of history.

Although Emperor Jing didn't say anything, it was only a matter of time before they belonged to the court.

In the early stage, we can eat a little of the military's orders... but people who want everything will get nothing sooner or later.

What he saw was the gains and losses.

Silver is certainly attractive, but compared to the bright prospects brought by the Academy of Sciences, it is nothing.

Now, it is better to sell a favor to the Ministry of Works in exchange for another chance to compete.

Sure enough, Jiang Liang was moved.

Cooperation with Taoyuan County is only a matter of time, but the degree of cooperation still depends on Fang Zheng's attitude.

Now that he took the initiative to mention it, it was a good thing.

What's more... if we only compare the total sales, the odds of winning for porcelain are very high.

The unit price is high enough, and with my connections, it may not be impossible to win over tens of thousands of taels of silver in the short term?

Thinking of this, Jiang Liang smiled: "Is what Lord Fang said true? That's really generous."

"Of course, it's true. I wouldn't dare to talk nonsense in front of His Majesty! If Lord Jiang agrees to compete again, everything I said before will count. I wonder what His Majesty thinks?"

Emperor Jing looked around and suddenly felt a little funny.

Fang Zheng is really unwilling to admit defeat. It's a good thing for young people to be motivated.

Is building the Academy of Sciences really that attractive?

"If you two have no objections, I naturally have no objections either,"

It's just that the wedding date may have to be postponed.

Emperor Jing couldn't help but feel a little regret.

Jiang Liang said: "I think the Ministry of Works can verify it with Lord Fang again."

Emperor Jing smiled: "Good! Then it will be as you two said. Two months is the deadline, and there can be no changes at that time."

"I obey!"

......