Chapter 201
Li Er had a strong Hun heritage within his lineage. Although he had, upon taking the throne, presented Li Dan, the founder of Taoism, as his ancestor, the truth was that his grandmother and mother both had pure Xianbei ancestry. To deny this would mean disavowing these two branches of his family, a choice Li Er would never make. Nevertheless, once he ascended to the throne, Li Er implicitly acknowledged Li Dan as his ancestral figure.
He did not understand the concept of “compensating for deficiencies.” Li Er displayed greater intelligence than the rulers of the foreign dynasties who succeeded him. He comprehended that to be a successful emperor in the Central Plains. One had to uphold the authority of their lineage. Otherwise, they risked losing the support of the majority and causing instability.
Recognizing his genetic limitations, Li Er turned to culture to make amends. Li Er stood out as a remarkable cultural figure among the emperors of various Chinese dynasties. He was well-versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, and his affiliation with Taoism led him to explore its classics, too.
As the saying goes, “repeated reading deepens understanding.” While Li Er didn't have the luxury of immersing himself in books for extended periods, his position granted him a broader perspective and experience than an average person. His extensive experiences naturally allowed him to gain insights when revisiting the texts he had read.
For instance, from the sixth to the tenth year of Zhenguan (632-636 AD), Li Er faced numerous challenges in his dealings with Su Li. Over time, his considerations and decisions underwent profound transformations. He realized that drawing closer to Su Li brought tremendous benefits. The Tang Dynasty resolved its food shortages, expanding its territory by nearly double. Conversely, attempts to restrain Su Li or harbor apprehensions yielded nothing.
After this epiphany, Li Er tried to mend his relationship with Su Li, leading to the rapid development of the previously stagnant Tang Dynasty. He learned to tread carefully around Su Li, even if it meant suppressing his pride and appearing submissive, all for the sake of reaping endless benefits.
However, Li Er was a man of culture, and his inner pride prevented coarse and humble thoughts from taking root. As the Analects say, “When we encounter individuals with contrary character, we should reflect on ourselves.” Our ancestors had already articulated these principles so clearly. Unfortunately, future generations often lacked understanding until they experienced hardships themselves. Even Li Er was not exempt from this human nature.
In any case, recently, Li Er was diligently seeking ways to show goodwill to Su Li. Yesterday, he received a special invitation from the Princess’s residence. Su Li had invited him to visit a newly established factory.
Today, Li Er set aside all political matters and left the palace as dawn broke, heading to the Princess’s residence. Upon meeting, the father-in-law and son-in-law exchanged no unnecessary words. Su Li took Li Er and Su Che with him, inviting them to board a carriage and head outside the city.
Li Er knew that it had to be significant if Su Li extended an invitation. Su Li had never disappointed him in this regard. Therefore, Li Er did not exhibit impatience.
During the journey, Li Er enjoyed spending time with Su Che, appearing like an ordinary grandfather taking his grandson for a stroll. The carriage moved leisurely for approximately half an hour before stopping in front of a factory along the Wei River.
Li Er stepped off the carriage, carrying Su Che in his arms, and followed Su Li inside the building. The factory was currently empty. The trio proceeded until they reached the river’s edge, where Li Er noticed an exceptionally tall waterwheel by the riverbank. Adjacent to it stood a simple workbench bearing a robust steel cylinder. Many pipes connected to the waterwheel, with their other ends linked to something resembling a bellows. Though the machinery before him couldn’t be considered advanced industrial equipment, its clever mechanical design emitted a steam-punk-like aesthetic and an inexplicable sense of ingenuity.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Li Er eventually asked, “Su Li, what is this?” Li Er was not ignorant. Hydraulic-powered devices were common in the Tang Dynasty. Items like crane wagons, rotary winches, and scraper carts were widely used among the common people. However, these devices had relatively straightforward structures, and their replication posed no significant challenge.
In comparison, the machinery before him was vastly more intricate. “Your Majesty, this is a set of hydraulic forging equipment,” Su Li explained with a smile, leaving Li Er surprised as he had never heard of it before.
Su Li didn’t delve into further explanations but instead turned to Su Che and instructed, “Dear, start the fire.” Brimming with excitement, Su Che quickly wriggled out of Li Er’s embrace and headed towards the waterwheel. After pulling a lever, the waterwheel began to turn with a creaking sound. Subsequently, to Li Er’s amazement, the bellows expanded and contracted with wheezing noises.
Now filled with coal, the furnace instantly glowed red, radiating heat waves. Su Li took a pair of tongs, picked up an iron block, and placed it into the furnace. In no time, the iron block became red-hot. Su Li then set the heated iron block on the workbench and pulled the lever of the forging machine. Under the waterwheel’s driving force, a robust lever raised a massive steel hammer weighing over three hundred catties, then slammed onto the iron base on the workbench.
Clang!
A spine-tingling sound resonated, and before Li Er could fully process it, the sounds merged into a continuous rhythm. Under the force of this colossal impact, the solid iron block transformed into a thin sheet in a matter of moments, leaving Li Er utterly astonished. He finally grasped why Su Li had brought him here to witness this demonstration.
“What incredible power is this?” Li Er couldn’t help but murmur to himself. Su Li smiled and replied, “Your Majesty, this is the power of machinery.”
“Such remarkable innovation, truly elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary!” Li Er gazed at Su Li with a mixture of emotions. Su Li continued, “In addition to this hydraulic forging machine, I’ve also prepared a hydraulic textile machine, and some components of the steam engine created by Su Che are nearing completion. Today, I’ll showcase them all to Your Majesty.”
“Ah, then I must pay close attention,” Li Er immediately became deeply interested.