Chapter Ten: The Steam Engine Takes Center Stage

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No one expected Li Chengqian to suddenly say such words. Especially at this moment, Emperor Taizong’s attention was gradually shifting toward Li Chengqian. As for Li Tai, he quickly fell from favored prince to an unwelcome child.

“Your Highness, it was not mentioned explicitly. The sage only said to help Your Highness complete the great task together,” Yu Zhi Ning slowly lifted his head, looking at Li Chengqian with calmness.

As a great scholar, Yu Zhi Ning and the others clearly understood Li Chengqian’s thoughts at this moment. For a long time, Li Chengqian had been out of favor; just as he was beginning to regain the crown prince’s status with Emperor Taizong’s renewed attention, he immediately embraced the role of crown prince.

Li Chengqian glanced sideways, noticing that although the teachers’ outward attitudes had changed considerably, deep down, they still harbored doubts about his so-called steam engine.

Since that was the case, he had to demonstrate some real ability.

“Very well. I appreciate Father’s kindness. With your help, this steam engine of mine will surely be built before long,” Li Chengqian nodded, a glimmer of confidence shining in his eyes.

“Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness. It is our honor to assist you in any way,” Yu Zhi Ning and the others quickly cupped their hands in respect.

“I have an envelope here. Inside are detailed instructions. You only need to prepare the materials listed within. The steam engine requires very precise components, so prepare extra; I will select the qualified ones later,” Li Chengqian frowned slightly, then took out an envelope from his bosom and handed it to Zhang Xuansu and the others.

“Yes, Your Highness, we will obey your orders,” Zhang Xuansu hurried forward, took the envelope, and respectfully responded.

“You may leave now. If any problems arise, come to me at once,” Li Chengqian waved his hand and turned to leave.

After arranging everything, Li Chengqian felt a trace of fatigue. He knew time was precious.

However, some core components of the steam engine were too important to entrust to others; he intended to hand this task directly to his most trusted Crown Princess, Su Yuyan.

The most critical secrets and blueprints could touch no one else but himself; no other person had the qualification or opportunity to access them. Otherwise, it would bring extremely adverse consequences.

Accompanied by guards, Li Chengqian went straight to Su Yuyan’s bedchamber.

This was almost the only leisure place Li Chengqian visited whenever he had free time—a rare moment of companionship and tranquility amidst the imperial palace’s chaos.

Of course, every time he came here, Li Chengqian gained much. From Su Yuyan, he could hear sincere words and dare to speak his heart. The outside world was dazzling but dangerously perilous. Even a crown prince like him was in great danger.

Whether in the inner palace or the Taiji Palace, Li Chengqian felt immense hardship.

He had been deeply troubled lately, surrounded by danger everywhere. The only consolation was that the biggest thorn, He Gan Chengji, had been removed.

This was the reality Li Chengqian had to face after transmigrating—whether the turbulent intrigues in the Taiji Palace or countless watchful eyes in the inner palace.

These were all problems Li Chengqian had to consider.

Moreover, at this very moment, Prince Wei, Li Tai, was constantly eyeing his crown prince position, waiting for a mistake to seize the chance and replace him.

All these weighed heavily on Li Chengqian’s mind.

But now, under Emperor Taizong’s pressure and after cutting off distractions, Li Chengqian finally found his true treasure: his Crown Princess. At this moment, she was the most important person to him.

Inside the Crown Princess’s bedchamber, Su Yuyan had just bathed and changed, busy with needlework.

“Crown Princess, great news... His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived...” Su Yuyan’s maid hurriedly ran in.

“Hurry... prepare my attire,” Su Yuyan said excitedly, her expression complex.

While speaking, she swiftly tidied herself and stepped out.

Just then, Li Chengqian entered, meeting Su Yuyan head-on.

“My beloved, come, let’s go inside,” Li Chengqian gently wrapped his arm around Su Yuyan’s waist, his tone soft and tender.

“Your Highness...” Su Yuyan blushed faintly.

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Because she had just bathed, Su Yuyan looked somewhat shy.

They had been married for years, not a short time, but previously Li Chengqian’s heart was elsewhere, causing Su Yuyan to spend many lonely years alone.

Now, after years of devotion, the payoff was finally coming, and Su Yuyan felt life was worthwhile.

All her past efforts had not been in vain; she had finally found her true love.

“Prepare the evening meal. Tonight, I shall dine with my beloved,” Li Chengqian glanced toward the maids outside, his expression eager.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maids replied, quickly leaving.

Within the Crown Princess’s chamber, only Li Chengqian and Su Yuyan remained. Others had tactfully withdrawn, leaving them some privacy.

After so many years, they were well accustomed to these routines, and the maids knew them too well.

“Your Highness, please put me down,” Su Yuyan said shyly, her eyes full of happiness as she looked at Li Chengqian.

Su Yuyan could hardly believe her eyes. Normally, even a glance from her was unwanted by Li Chengqian, let alone his company. Yet now, he was so tender, carrying her into the chamber—a treatment she never dared to imagine.

But it was real. Pinching her arm, Su Yuyan confirmed she was not dreaming.

“Come, my beloved, sit here,” Li Chengqian gently helped Su Yuyan onto a chair, smiling warmly.

“Your Highness, I’m fine. I just missed you so much,” Su Yuyan said, carefully helping Li Chengqian remove his outer robe and change into something closer to the body.

The two seemed to have endless conversation, eager to make up for the regrets of the past years.

“My beloved, I actually have some tasks to entrust to you,” Li Chengqian suddenly turned serious.

“Your Highness, please speak,” Su Yuyan slowly lifted her head, her eyes soft and expressive, gazing tenderly at Li Chengqian.

Su Yuyan gave all her love and affection entirely to Li Chengqian.

She understood that as Crown Princess, she must devote her infinite tenderness to the Crown Prince.

Especially recently, she felt that after marrying into the imperial palace for so many years, this was the happiest period of her life.

All previous unhappiness had passed like smoke and clouds.

“I’m preparing to create a miraculous device. Once built, it will astonish the entire palace and even the whole Tang Empire,” Li Chengqian smiled confidently, his expression full of hope.

“Your Highness, whatever you do, if you need me, just command. I will support you wholeheartedly,” Su Yuyan held Li Chengqian’s hand, rubbing it continuously, unwilling to let go for a moment.

“Thank you for your support, my beloved. I trust very few people now, and those I trust completely are even fewer—almost none,” Li Chengqian said.

“Therefore, I plan to entrust the most important task directly to you. I cannot trust anyone else with it,” he continued, taking out a blueprint from his bosom. “This is a new perfume design. Once produced, it will surely amaze everyone.”

“Your Highness, this bottle is so beautiful!” Su Yuyan’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the perfume bottle’s design.

Li Chengqian knew well that Su Yuyan never liked cosmetics; her natural beauty was already captivating.

Yet he wished to make her even more beautiful, fragrant all over, so he specially designed and drew this perfume.

“Not only this one. The perfume is just one part. I have more important things to discuss.” Li Chengqian gave Su Yuyan the perfume blueprint and then took out another one. “This is the most important: the steam engine.”

“Your Highness, the perfume might be popular among nobles within the palace, but what is this steam engine? What is its use?” Su Yuyan blinked her big eyes, looking at Li Chengqian with curiosity.

Li Chengqian bent down and lightly kissed Su Yuyan’s exquisite face. “My beloved, you are truly the most beautiful woman under heaven. I only love you.”

“Your Highness, you’re so bad!” Su Yuyan nestled in Li Chengqian’s arms, her face full of happiness. “But recently, you have been so good to me. This is the happiest time of my life.”

“No, this is only the beginning. I will make you the happiest woman in the world,” Li Chengqian said, rising slowly and holding Su Yuyan closely, treasuring her like a precious gem.

At this moment, Su Yuyan’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and she felt even more dependent on Li Chengqian.

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“Thank you, Your Highness. I have always been yours and will be devoted to you forever,” Su Yuyan said, her face burning with shyness as she closed her eyes unconsciously.

“My beloved, here is the blueprint for you. Look closely; this is the steam engine’s structure. It consists of these parts.”

“Starting tomorrow, you must secretly prepare these items within the palace. I will assign a few trusted guards and maids to assist you in making these small components.”

“Though the parts are small, they are indispensable to the steam engine.”

Li Chengqian handed the blueprint to Su Yuyan, pointing at the parts on it. Then he took out a letter from his bosom and gave it to her.

“Your Highness, what is this letter for?” Su Yuyan asked in surprise.

“This letter contains the manufacturing instructions for these parts. Follow it exactly, and there will be no problems. The steam engine will be completed soon.”

“However, this is top secret. No one else must know—only you and I. Otherwise, it will jeopardize my plan,” Li Chengqian’s expression turned serious.

“Yes, Your Highness, please rest assured,” Su Yuyan understood immediately and quickly agreed.

“This steam engine determines my life and death, and also the livelihood of the Tang Empire.”

“If I succeed, my position will be very secure, and soon I will be the firmly established Crown Prince of the Tang Empire!”

“Conversely, if I fail or someone else beats me to it, everything may change. My crown prince status could be revoked at any time,” Li Chengqian said with a hint of sorrow.

At this moment, Li Chengqian was fully aware that many coveted his position, especially Li Tai and Li Zhi.

Of course, also Wu Meiniang. Later, he would have to warn his adoptive father that if the throne passed to Li Zhi, someone would have to watch over Wu Meiniang for him.

These were top secrets of the Tang Empire and, more importantly, future secrets unknown even to Emperor Taizong.

With access to abundant intelligence, Li Chengqian held an absolute advantage.

From every angle, he possessed advantages that Li Tai and others lacked.

“Yes, Your Highness, rest assured. I understand the gravity of this,” Su Yuyan said softly, entwining her arm with Li Chengqian’s.

“Mm, I trust you will do well. That is why I have come directly to you,” Li Chengqian smiled, embracing Su Yuyan.

At this moment, Su Yuyan was the happiest woman on earth, having nearly all of Li Chengqian’s love.

This love was already intoxicating her; she was completely immersed.

A woman in love is the most adorable. Though Su Yuyan had been married to Li Chengqian for years, it was only now that she truly felt love. In the past, he never cherished her; she seemed only a decoration in the palace.

“Your Highness, Crown Princess, the meal is ready,” at that moment, the maids appeared outside with dishes.

“Bring it in,” Li Chengqian waved his hand calmly.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maids hurried inside carrying the finest dishes.

“Here, my beloved, try this. I remember it was your favorite,” Li Chengqian said, picking up a piece of cherry pork and placing it into Su Yuyan’s bowl without waiting.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Su Yuyan felt even more blissful.

“By the way, I forgot to mention something,” Li Chengqian suddenly sat up, as if something momentous was about to happen.

“Your Highness, what is it?” Seeing Li Chengqian’s surprised expression, Su Yuyan quickly asked.