Chapter 257: Why Did I Abandon the Wu and Defect to Xia?
Regarding everyone’s attitude, the Crown Prince of Great Xia, Xia Tianqiong, was highly satisfied. With their support, persuading the Emperor upon returning would be much easier, and he was filled with confidence. The time of war would be his moment to expand the borders, establish his merits, and make his mark.
“The gains from this trip are indeed substantial. They’ve allowed us to discover signs of Great Wu’s resurgence. With this knowledge, we can prepare in advance, halt their rising momentum, and eliminate the threat to our Great Xia,” Xia Tianqiong said with a smile.
“Your Highness’s words are absolutely correct!” everyone smiled and concurred.
“What surprised me even more is that the harbinger of this resurgence is none other than Lin Beifan, a former corrupt official.”
Xia Tianqiong took two steps forward, looked into the distance, and began to explain, “Since he took office in the court, he has contributed greatly to Great Wu. He invented the aerial artifact known as the ‘Air Balloon,’ the watercraft ‘Air Cushion Boat,’ and the miraculous construction material ‘Cement.’ All of these innovations have rapidly expanded the strength of Great Wu.”
“During the past, two young grandmasters converged in the capital city, and it was him who intervened and persuaded them to depart and engage in a decisive battle outside the city!”
“During a rebellion in Great Wu, he swiftly quelled it.”
“In the Northern Hebei region, when it was afflicted by bandits causing suffering and displacement among the populace, it was reportedly his brilliant strategy that resolved the issue with minimal cost, pacifying the menacing banditry.”
“When a significant flood struck Southern Jiang, he personally rushed there to aid the flood victims. He even established Minxin City, addressing the livelihood, sustenance, and basic needs of a million afflicted citizens.”
“In the Yan and Wu Competition, he led the youth of Great Wu to a resounding victory over the Yan nation.”
Xia Tianqiong sighed, “It can be said that without his support, Great Wu would have fallen into turmoil long ago. It’s a pity that such an exceptional talent belongs to the Great Wu.”
An elderly courtier clasped his hands and laughed, “Your Highness, if you admire him so much, why not recruit him for our cause? With his assistance, our strength will surely be enhanced!”
“I am already considering that!” Xia Tianqiong said with a determined and ambitious expression, “In the next couple of days, I plan to have a detailed conversation with him. He’s an exceptionally intelligent individual; he should understand how to proceed!”
Although they had already decided to launch an attack against Great Wu, Xia Tianqiong and his entourage firmly decided to extend their stay by a couple of days.
This would allow them to gather more intelligence and be prepared for any eventuality.
So, on the second day, under Lin Beifan’s hospitality, they continued to tour the capital city and Minxin City. Witnessing how both cities flourished under Lin Beifan’s management, Xia Tianqiong’s appreciation for Lin Beifan grew even stronger.
Talents are scarce, especially talents like Lin Beifan, even scarcer! Having someone like him is equivalent to having an army of 100,000! On this day, Xia Tianqiong saw a colossal object rising into the air before them, soaring high into the sky.
The delegations were all taken aback, “Is this the legendary Air Balloon?”
Lin Beifan smiled, “Indeed.”
“Why is this balloon ascending? Has something significant happened?” someone inquired in confusion.
Lin Beifan shook his head and explained, “There’s no major event; it’s merely a training session for the Flying Sky Battalion! Despite having the Air Balloon, regular practice and frequent use are necessary. It’s only during critical moments that it proves its value.”
“I see!” Everyone suddenly realized, appearing like rural folks seeing the world for the first time.
Looking at the commoners around them, it was apparent that they were already used to this spectacle.
“The Air Balloon!” Xia Tianqiong gazed at the balloon in the sky, filled with fascination. For him, this Air Balloon was an incredibly important strategic weapon.
As the saying goes, ascending heights offers a clear view into the distance. If they were to rise into the sky using the balloon, they could gather intelligence on the enemy’s situation and conveniently orchestrate commands, thus enhancing their chances of victory.
Moreover, a flying balloon hinted at…
Immortality, longevity!
Since ancient times, legends have spoken of immortal beings residing in the nine-tiered palaces in the heavens, overlooking the mortal realm. The Air Balloon could fly.
If one were to ascend the balloon, did that mean they could reach the heavens, meet the legendary immortals, gain immortality, and live forever?
This temptation was hard for anyone to resist!
Especially for someone like Xia Tianqiong, who was destined to become an emperor. With the highest authority, desiring immortality was the only way to ensure his power remained enduring.
With these thoughts, Xia Tianqiong couldn’t help but ask, “Sir Lin, how high can this balloon fly? Can it take people to the nine-tiered palaces in the heavens to meet the legendary immortals?”
As soon as he spoke, the people present became unsettled, their ears perked up to listen.
Lin Beifan shook his head, “I don’t have a precise measurement of how high this balloon can fly. However, based on our flight records, it has reached a height of 500 zhang. As for the nine-tiered palaces and immortals, we haven’t seen them yet. Perhaps we haven’t reached the required altitude; further effort is needed.”
The crowd didn’t know whether to feel regret or relief.
Regret because flying so high still hadn’t led to encountering immortals or the nine-tiered palaces.
Relief because they were fortunate not to have been discovered by Great Wu’s people.
Looking at the ballooning Air Balloon in the distance, Xia Tianqiong’s heart began to float along with it. He turned to Lin Beifan and said, “Sir Lin, could you allow me to ride the Air Balloon once?”
Lin Beifan was dumbfounded, “Huh? You want to ride the Air Balloon?”
Others were equally astonished, “Your Highness?”
After the initial shock wore off, they all anxiously tried to dissuade him.
“Your Highness, absolutely not!”
“Your esteemed dragon body—what if something unexpected happens?”
“Your Highness, please reconsider!”
…
Xia Tianqiong’s gaze was determined, “Esteemed individuals, please don’t be anxious. Rest assured, I’m not acting recklessly. I possess considerable martial skills and can protect myself. Moreover, with Elder Hei present, nothing untoward will happen.”
“Your Highness…”
“Enough, don’t say more. My mind is made up.”
Xia Tianqiong turned to Lin Beifan once again, his eyes filled with hope. “To witness the divine artifact of flight yet be denied the experience personally leaves me with regret. I hope Sir Lin can fulfill this wish.”
Lin Beifan replied, “I cannot make this decision on my own. I must report to Her Majesty. Only with her consent can you attempt this.”
“Sur Lin, I implore you.”
Lin Beifan conveyed the matter to the Empress. After contemplating it, she agreed to the request, but she stipulated that Lin Beifan must accompany Xia Tianqiong. For safety reasons, the balloon’s altitude should not exceed 100 zhang.
Despite the limitations, Xia Tianqiong was content. He followed Lin Beifan and boarded a balloon that was about to take off. As the balloon ascended, it swiftly floated into the air and reached an altitude of 100 zhang in the blink of an eye.
Looking down from above, the distant sights of the capital city and the city of Minxin were captured in his view, expanding his horizons.
Xia Tianqiong’s emotions were running high, “This Air Balloon truly is a divine artifact of flight! If it flies high and fast enough, one can explore the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas in a single day, gazing at the azure sea in the morning and the verdant trees of Cangwu in the evening.”
Lin Beifan chuckled, “That depends on whether the wind is favorable. If there’s a strong wind, the speed will increase.”
After the excitement subsided, Xia Tianqiong looked at Lin Beifan beside him with a half-smile. “Sir Lin, our Great Xia Empire spent a considerable sum to acquire the method of creating the Air Balloon from you. However, half a year has passed, and the balloons we’ve manufactured can’t even fly 50 zhang before landing. Is there an issue with the method you provided?”
Lin Beifan remained composed. “Your Highness, you’re mistaken about the wrong person. If the method I provided was incorrect, you wouldn’t even be able to produce the balloons, let alone make them fly!”
“I’ve emphasized before that the key to making the balloons lies in the airbag. It’s a delicate process that requires meticulous attention to detail. Even if the Ministry of Industry produces the balloons under my supervision, we still end up with a 50% failure rate. In the end, it’s your craftsmen who are inadequate, not the method.”
Xia Tianqiong nodded in agreement. “Indeed, our Great Xia craftsmen are lacking, mainly due to the absence of talents like Sir Lin. Sir Lin, have you considered coming to Great Xia to develop?”
Lin Beifan was puzzled. “Your Highness, what do you mean?”
“I’ll be direct,” Xia Tianqiong’s gaze was earnest as he looked at Lin Beifan. “Your talent and abilities are greatly appreciated by me. You’re an extraordinarily rare talent fit for being a pillar of the state. I hope you can accompany me to Great Xia and serve under me.”
Lin Beifan chuckled. “Your Highness, you truly hold me in high regard.”
“I must. Your past achievements have proven your capabilities. I am in great need of you,” Xia Tianqiong affirmed.
Lin Beifan suddenly felt a shiver. That sentence held a double meaning.
“As the saying goes, building a nest attracts the phoenix. Your Highness, if I were to follow you to Great Xia and assist you, what rewards and benefits could you offer me?” Lin Beifan asked with a smile.
“Promotion and honors, wealth and prosperity. Whatever you desire, you shall have it,” Xia Tianqiong immediately promised.
“Promotion and honors?” Lin Beifan pointed to the Great Xia delegation beneath the balloon. “If I were to follow Your Highness, could my official position surpass theirs?”
“Well…” Xia Tianqiong was dumbfounded. He hadn’t expected Lin Beifan to ask such a sharp question.
Lin Beifan continued, “These people below are your devoted ministers, loyal for over a decade, supporting you tirelessly. How could you mistreat them?”
“I am a newcomer, and no matter how great my accomplishments, I can’t surpass theirs in position or merit. Otherwise, it could shake your power in the Eastern Palace and undermine your rule. That’s something you couldn’t accept.”
“I believe, Your Highness, that you absolutely wouldn’t do anything so irrational.”
Xia Tianqiong gradually fell silent. Lin Beifan’s words made sense.
“I just calculated. When you add up their positions, they’ve essentially taken up key roles like prime minister and high-ranking officials in the ministries. If I were to go to Great Xia, the most I could achieve is a second-tier position and maybe a noble title. That would be the limit.”
“Compared to the power I have now, it’s almost negligible.”
Lin Beifan shook his head. “I’ve already established a considerable foundation here, earned the favor and trust of the Empress. If I continue diligently, I might even have a chance to ascend to prime minister in the future. Becoming a marquis or a minister wouldn’t be difficult.”
“Going to Great Xia would only result in limitations. It’s not a wise decision.”
“Furthermore, regarding wealth and prosperity…”
“Your Highness should understand. I currently reside in a luxurious mansion, dine on palace cuisine, and drink courtly wine. The Empress has rewarded me with countless precious treasures and wealth. The luxuries and wealth I enjoy here are endless.”
“If I were to go to Great Xia, I couldn’t enjoy all these luxuries anymore. Even if you wanted to grant them, I doubt your old ministers would agree.”
Lin Beifan smiled. “So, Your Highness, why would I abandon all I have here, give up my Wu path, and pledge myself to Great Xia?”
