To the First Emperor of Qin: The state has decreed this!

Chapter 231 Take good care of the factory! Otherwise, I'll break your legs!

Only after Ying Zheng's figure completely disappeared from the entrance of the Institute of Physics did Zhang Fan breathe a sigh of relief.

This emperor, who was the greatest emperor in history, had such a powerful aura that it kept his nerves on edge!

however.

Before I could fully relax, an unexpected figure hurriedly walked in.

The visitor was none other than the newly appointed Imperial Censor Ding Chen.

This old censor was so angry during the morning court session that he almost fainted!

At this moment, his face was ashen, his steps were hurried, and the veins on his forehead were bulging, clearly indicating that he was still in a fit of rage.

"Zhang Fan!"

As soon as Ding Chen saw Zhang Fan, he rushed over anxiously.

His voice was so excited it almost cracked, and he nearly fainted again.

"Today, I am truly enraged by that young master of the Imperial Household Department!"

"Such treacherous and despicable people are simply—"

His finger trembled as he pointed into the air, but he couldn't utter a coherent sentence for a long time.

All that remained was heavy breathing!

Zhang Fan quickly helped him up and handed him a cup of tea.

"Lord Ding, please speak slowly. What's wrong?"

Ding Chen took the tea and gulped down several mouthfuls before he could catch his breath.

His voice was filled with anger.

"Do you know what their plan is?"

"He actually made that suggestion in front of everyone in the imperial court!"

"After your eastern expedition, all coal mines and steel mills under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Academy will be brought under the control of the Imperial Household Department!"

He grew angrier as he spoke, and slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup jump.

"I know he did this for personal gain!"

"That is, to rebuke him for his disregard for the law and his insatiable greed!"

"But that old scoundrel actually turned around and accused me of hindering His Majesty's reforms and impeding the development of the Qin Dynasty!"

"I'm so angry!"

Ding Chen's face flushed red, as if he had been transported back to the scene of being betrayed by Zong Yu during the morning court session.

Of course, the things he accused himself of were all made up!

Speak to people in a way that resonates with them!

He spoke Zhang Fan's words!

He understands that!

Ding Chen said angrily:

"He calculated that you would leave Xianyang!"

"Fortunately, we reported to His Majesty and took over openly and legitimately!"

"Once that official document is issued, these workshops that benefit the country and its people will all be his possessions!"

Zhang Fan's brows indeed furrowed tightly.

Ding Chen's visit was clearly to avenge the betrayal he suffered during the morning court session!

But his words cannot be ignored!

According to the rules of the Qin Dynasty, the Shaofu Zongyu was in charge of the royal family's private finances and handicraft manufacturing.

They certainly have the right to intervene in these emerging industries!

The paper mill, having already matured into a fully-fledged operation, was naturally transferred to the management of the Imperial Household Department!

But this concentrates all the key resources in his hands!

Given Zong Yu's character, he would surely seek to gain a great deal of personal profit!

This will undoubtedly severely hinder technological development and may even affect many plans.

more importantly!

One of the biggest goals of this expedition to Japan is its silver mines!

When the silver mines are opened, the support of the Shaofu (Minister of the Imperial Household Department) will be necessary, as it is his duty.

But if Zong Yu were to manipulate things in this way, that would not be a good sign!

Zhang Fan sighed inwardly:

The Qin Dynasty's existing system of Three Dukes and Nine Ministers showed particularly obvious drawbacks when faced with this entirely new industry.

Too much power concentrated in one place!

It is prone to corruption and lacks checks and balances!

But right now, he has no good breakthrough!

The interests involved are far too numerous and complex.

However, Zong Yu was allowed to dominate the coal mines, steel mills, and all the potential silver mines in the future.

This is absolutely unacceptable!

My thoughts came to nothing.

A smile of appreciation appeared on Zhang Fan's face.

He patted Ding Chen on the shoulder in a seemingly friendly manner and exclaimed sincerely:

"Lord Ding truly has great foresight!"

"Those who understand the times are wise!"

"Excellent! Excellent!"

Ding Chen's face instantly darkened considerably.

He rolled his eyes inwardly!

To associate with someone like Zhang Fan who "disregards etiquette and has absolutely no humility"!

It just doesn't feel honorable!

He would rather associate with those eunuchs than deal with an ignorant and arrogant junior like Zhang Fan!

If it weren't for wanting to get revenge on that old bastard Zong Yu, he would never have condescended to come here and deliver the message!

wrong!

Aren't I the Imperial Censor?

Isn't his official rank much higher than this kid's?

Why does his tone sound like he's praising a subordinate?

Holy crap!

However, the new Imperial Censor Ding Chen only dared to say these complaints in his heart, and did not dare to utter a single word in rebuttal.

After all, the imperial court is practically taking on Zhang Fan's shape!

That kid really went all out!

Ding Chen was furious and pointed at the open space, cursing Zong Yu a few more times to vent his frustration.

Then, he turned his gaze to Zhang Fan, suppressing his reluctance.

The suggestion was:

"Immortal Master, you can go to Japan without worry!"

"I can temporarily manage these workshops for you, and I will absolutely not let that old scoundrel Zongyu succeed!"

He spoke with righteous indignation!

Zhang Fan smiled coldly to himself.

Sure enough, that old fox was trying to take advantage of the situation to make a quick buck.

But he had to admit that it was indeed a win-win situation!

This would both silence Zong Yu and allow Ding Chen to keep an eye on things!

It's not too late to figure things out when I get back!

It's better than letting Zong Yu take over directly, which would be difficult to handle in the future.

He forced a smile and said in a tone that was half-teasing and half-mocking:

"Since Lord Ding is so devoted to the Qin Dynasty!"

"I entrust this important task to you with complete confidence. However..."

Then.

He suddenly leaned close to Ding Chen's ear, gave a wicked smile, and lowered his voice considerably.

"Take care of yourself! Or I'll break your legs!"

Hahaha~~

Ding Chen's smile froze instantly, cold sweat poured down his forehead, and he could only nod stiffly.

He kept glancing around out of the corner of his eye, afraid that someone else might see them talking!

otherwise!

His good reputation will be completely ruined!

Zhang Fan turned around, patted Ding Chen on the shoulder, and strode towards the Zhangtai Palace where Ying Zheng was.

I must personally report this matter to Ying Zheng!

Make sure all subsequent arrangements are foolproof!

……

Meanwhile, inside the 749 Bureau command center.

The atmosphere, however, was unusually heavy!

Several marine geography and navigation experts are gathered around a huge sand table.

They were deducing the best route from Langya Port on the coast of the East China Sea in Qin to Japan.

"Based on the shipbuilding technology and navigation conditions of the Qin Dynasty!"

An expert pointed to the route map on the sand table, his brow furrowed as he explained,

"To ensure the safety of the fleet and prevent it from getting lost on the vast ocean!"

"The safest route is to go around the coast."

He used a laser pointer to draw a long arc on the sand table:

"Starting from Langya Port, we'll head north along the Shandong Peninsula coastline, passing through Liaodong!"

"Continue south along the west coast of the peninsula, passing through the Tsushima Strait and entering northern Kyushu!"

"Then we traveled eastward along the Seto Inland Sea, eventually reaching the Wakayama area."

Another expert quickly reported the data:

"The entire journey is approximately 1800 to 2000 nautical miles!"

That translates to 3300 to 3700 kilometers.

The voice just fell.

Everyone present gasped in shock!

This would be considered a short distance with modern technology, but in the Qin Dynasty, without modern navigation!

This is undoubtedly a long voyage!