Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Steam Engine Approaches

Li Chengqian understood that Gouhun was always decisive in his actions; his arrival suggested that the matter had likely been resolved.

Thinking of this, Li Chengqian was filled with curiosity. He looked at Gouhun and said, "What have you found? Tell us, so that I and Commander Yang may share in the satisfaction."

"Reporting to Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have already stationed men to keep a tight watch on that individual with ulterior motives. Should he make the slightest move, my subordinates will apprehend him immediately." As Gouhun spoke, his hand habitually moved toward his waist.

Of course, it was merely a reflex; in Li Chengqian's presence, he dared not act rashly, for he was well aware of Li Chengqian's true strength.

"Good, well done. You have come at the right time. Commander Yang and I were just discussing this audacious person who dares to lurk within my manor—and more importantly, attempts to sabotage the steam engine I am building."

"Your Highness, please rest assured. We will give our all to protect the steam engine and ensure no harm comes to it," Yang Jiguang and Gouhun replied, bowing quickly to show their resolve as they sensed the gravity of the situation.

"I know. It is precisely because I trust you that I have entrusted such vital work to you both. From today on, you shall coordinate with each other. You must finish the steam engine for me as soon as possible—no later than tomorrow."

"For the sake of caution, prepare the materials and build another one in the secret passage beneath the warehouse. I will go down there myself to supervise."

"Note this well, for it is the most important part: do not alert the enemy. Let them walk freely about the Crown Prince's manor; simply keep them under surveillance. Of course, let them send their messages out as they please."

As he spoke, Li Chengqian turned and walked slowly into the depths of the manor.

"Yes, Your Highness. We take our leave." Gouhun and Yang Jiguang bowed one after the other and departed to make preparations.

The Crown Prince's manor had been relatively peaceful of late, much improved compared to the previous state of chaos. These past few days, there had been almost no disturbances; even the incident involving the steam engine's materials had gone unnoticed by most.

It was only because Li Chengqian had been preparing to test the engine that he had discovered the clues. Had he been preoccupied and only realized it on the final day of delivery, it would have been a disaster.

Since someone was determined to watch the manor and the steam engine, let them watch. This was Li Chengqian's genuine thought. Having a few spies hidden within his walls was not necessarily a bad thing—it might even be an advantage.

With this in mind, Li Chengqian hurried out of his study and headed toward the warehouse.

Unknown to anyone, he used the secret passage to reach a hidden corner of the warehouse, where another steam engine, nearing completion, stood ready. This was his true trump card. If played correctly, all humiliation and frustration would be swept away by the shockwaves created the moment the steam engine hit the market.

All doubts and disdain would be shattered. From that day on, there would be only one voice regarding the steam engine, and that would be the voice of Li Chengqian; all other voices would seem insignificant by comparison.

Meanwhile, Yang Jiguang and his men worked feverishly. The workers continued to toil on the original engine, which remained unfinished. Despite several attempts, Yang Jiguang and his team had failed to assemble it successfully.

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. On the day of delivery, Yang Jiguang and the others were still wearing worried expressions. Their machine was assembled, but its practicality was, at best, mediocre—a far cry from what Li Chengqian had promised.

"Your Highness, His Majesty requests that you bring the steam engine to the Taiji Palace," Li Sijian said, entering the warehouse to find a lost-in-thought Li Chengqian.

"This... very well. I shall be there shortly. Wait outside," Li Chengqian ordered, signaling for Li Sijian to wait.

Li Chengqian quickly made final arrangements. This steam engine would not make an appearance unless it was certain to stun the audience. If it failed to meet expectations, he would rather burn the wood for fuel and melt the iron for the court’s weapons.

Soon, the steam engine was ready. While it had not achieved the miraculous effect he initially hoped for, it was still impressive enough to trigger a seismic shift in the imperial court.

"Gouhun, proceed according to the plan," Li Chengqian whispered into Gouhun's ear.

"Rest assured, Your Highness, everything is arranged," Gouhun replied in a low voice.

Li Chengqian led the way, followed by Yang Jiguang and the guards carrying the steam engine toward the Taiji Palace.

Inside the palace, Emperor Li Shimin was already growing impatient. Having reached the appointed day, he was eager to witness the power of this machine. With such a device, the Great Tang Empire would surely prosper, and life would be as smooth as he desired.

"Your son, Li Chengqian, pays his respects to Father."

Upon arriving at the Taiji Palace, Li Chengqian bowed low.

"Rise," Li Shimin waved his hand. "Have you brought the steam engine?"

"Reporting to Father, I have," Li Chengqian replied, raising his head with full confidence.

"Father, will my brother's machine actually work?" Li Tai, Li Zhi, and others were present, whispering among themselves. Li Tai, in particular, acted as if he already held the winning hand, seemingly knowing more about the engine than Li Chengqian himself.

"Nonsense. How could a machine I personally oversaw be anything but functional?" Li Chengqian glared at Li Tai with sharp eyes.

"If it works, show us, Brother. Otherwise, it is just empty talk," Li Tai gloated, continuing his mockery. "Don't let it be a pile of scrap metal and wood that is only for show." Li Tai burst into laughter. He was ecstatic, ready to watch Li Chengqian make a fool of himself.

Li Zhi, standing nearby, acted more reserved and tried to stop Li Tai, but the headstrong Li Tai gave him no chance. Finally, Li Zhi’s efforts failed, and Li Tai continued his ridicule.

Li Chengqian was furious. He bowed to Li Shimin and said, "Father, this engine was built by me. How is it that Qingque seems to know more about it than I do?"

"Qingque? What is the meaning of this?" Li Shimin's face darkened.

"Father, I merely had my doubts. Besides, who has ever seen such a thing? It is perfectly normal for it to fail," Li Tai retorted, refusing to back down.

"Father, why not let the Crown Prince demonstrate it? He has brought it to the Taiji Palace; we can test it right here," Li Ke chimed in, attempting to mediate. In truth, Li Ke had his own agenda. Among the princes, he was the most talented and capable, yet due to his age and his mother's background, he was effectively barred from the throne. Though he had long coveted the position, he knew it was likely out of his reach. If the Crown Prince and Li Tai were to destroy each other, his own opportunity might arise. There was no true kindness in his offer; in the palace, brotherly affection was a luxury, and survival often demanded the sacrifice of one's own kin. Even Li Shimin, the creator of the Zhenguan era, had ascended the throne by killing his own brothers.

Li Shimin, ever astute, sensed the gunpowder in the air. "Enough. Chengqian, bring in the steam engine. Let your brothers broaden their horizons. Besides, I... I am interested as well."

"Yes, Father." Li Chengqian signaled his guards. Because the machine was heavy, it took several men to carry it into the hall. It was covered by a red cloth.

"Chengqian, demonstrate it for me," Li Shimin said, stepping down from his throne, his interest fully piqued.

"Yes, Father." Li Chengqian stepped forward to uncover the machine and prepare it for activation.

Just then, Li Tai stepped forward, bowed to Li Shimin, and announced loudly, "Father, I have a matter of grave importance to report!"

Li Shimin, who was walking toward the machine, stopped and looked up in displeasure. "Qingque, what do you have to say?"

"Father, I implore you to stay away from this machine! Once activated, it will cause this Taiji Palace to explode!"

The room fell into stunned silence. Such a reckless, inflammatory claim left everyone breathless.