Chapter 51: Li Chengqian is Busy

After a brief moment, Emperor Taizong of Tang revealed a rare smile. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed the palace maids and eunuchs nearby and let out a faint, cold snort. "You may withdraw now. The Crown Prince and I have some matters to discuss."

"Yes, Your Majesty. We take our leave," the eunuchs and maids replied hurriedly, turning to exit. The doors of the bedchamber were slowly closed, leaving only Emperor Taizong and Crown Prince Li Chengqian inside.

"Chengqian, what you’ve said is true—the steam engine can power not only trains but also ships. If properly utilized, the Tang Empire’s reach will become boundless," the emperor said.

"Yes, Father, everything I’ve told you is true," Li Chengqian affirmed.

"In that case, where the Tang Empire encounters trouble—famines or the like—my relief supplies could be delivered swiftly?"

"Of course. The steam engine will only improve with time; this is just the first generation. However, developing it requires substantial funding," Li Chengqian admitted, his face flushing slightly as he mentioned money.

"You’re quite bold—just building a dedicated railway line and a single train would cost 500,000 strings of cash?" Emperor Taizong raised an eyebrow.

"Your Majesty, this is a rough estimate. Given that the annual tax revenue of the Zhenguan era reaches 34 million strings of cash, it shouldn’t be too difficult," Li Chengqian said with a slight smile.

"You intend to drain the imperial treasury! Still, I can support eight or ten lines. Your maximum budget is 8 million strings for now. If the results are exceptional, we can discuss special approval," the emperor responded with a relaxed smile, easing the tense atmosphere.

At this moment, Emperor Taizong had made up his mind to undertake a grand project. He would spare no expense for the future of the Tang Empire and would not concede easily if the endeavor showed promise.

Using the steam engine just to drive a spinning wheel was no great challenge. A single steam engine could power thousands of ordinary spinning wheels simultaneously, saving vast amounts of manpower and materials.

This would significantly elevate the Tang Empire’s technological level. However, freeing so many workers from their tasks meant finding other work for them to prevent idleness, which often bred trouble.

It was human nature—idle hands invited mischief, while constant busyness kept problems at bay.

"Father, this is just a budget estimate. I want to conduct initial tests first. These matters concern the lifeblood of the empire, so caution is essential. I will first procure coal to fuel the steam engine adequately, and then construct new railways to provide better infrastructure for the trains," Li Chengqian said earnestly, his eyes shining with hope for the future.

At this very moment, Li Chengqian resolved to devote himself fully—to the Tang Empire, to his father, and above all, to himself—to forge a new future.

"Very well, Chengqian. Here is a special medicine from the imperial physician. It is said to double the healing effect. You will recover faster," Emperor Taizong said tenderly, handing over the miraculous pill.

Li Chengqian hastily accepted the pill, which appeared to be traditional Chinese medicine. He inhaled its scent and immediately recognized the precious ingredients—ginseng, deer antler, Tianshan snow lotus, and more.

Such an extravagant formula with genuine medicinal materials was naturally a potent remedy. Anyone taking it would feel refreshed and invigorated.

Given Li Chengqian’s current injuries, this miraculous medicine would surely amplify his recovery.

"Thank you, Father," Li Chengqian said gratefully.

"Take it now. I’m counting on you to build that train," Emperor Taizong smiled warmly, bringing a bowl of water to Li Chengqian’s lips.

"Father, I insist on doing this myself. I’m feeling much better," Li Chengqian replied, quickly taking the water and swallowing the pill.

The medicine was surprisingly palatable and felt different as it entered his body.

After more than half an hour of casual conversation, Li Chengqian felt refreshed and energized; the aches in his waist and back had subsided.

"Father, I want to try walking around," Li Chengqian said, attempting to rise from the bed.

Emperor Taizong nodded. "Good. Let me help you."

Li Chengqian was about to decline, but the emperor gently supported him, and together they walked slowly.

With his father’s assistance, Li Chengqian was able to walk gradually.

"Excellent, Chengqian. I’m so pleased. It seems the imperial physician’s special medicine is indeed effective. When I have the chance, I’ll ask him for more," Emperor Taizong said excitedly, looking at his son as if seeing his younger self.

Li Chengqian was the emperor’s eldest son, the legitimate heir born to the imperial consort Guanyin. He had witnessed the infamous Xuanwu Gate Incident firsthand.

On that very day, Guanyin had personally wielded a knife to protect him—a memory still vivid in Emperor Taizong’s mind.

Each time he recalled it, he felt a deep sense of guilt toward Guanyin. After enduring hardship, she had passed away before him, a sorrow that pierced his heart.

Thus, Emperor Taizong held Li Chengqian to a high standard, nurturing him as his rightful heir. However, after Li Chengqian’s injury and subsequent personality change, coupled with the clever and obedient Li Tai, the emperor’s affection had shifted somewhat toward Li Tai.

Lately, Li Tai had disappointed Emperor Taizong deeply.

Li Tai had planted spies within the Crown Prince’s mansion and even attempted to assassinate Li Chengqian—a betrayal far worse than the Xuanwu Gate Incident he once orchestrated as Prince Qin.

Back then, Emperor Taizong had no choice but to act; otherwise, the Crown Prince Li Jiancheng would have killed him first. Now, he saw no murderous intent in Li Chengqian, only youthful stubbornness and immaturity.

From the moment Li Chengqian invented and built the steam engine, all of Emperor Taizong’s thoughts shifted.

This steam engine project had solidified his resolve: his throne must be passed to Li Chengqian.

If Chengqian ascended the throne, Li Tai and others might survive. But if Li Tai became emperor, Li Chengqian and his brothers would have no chance.

At this point, Emperor Taizong closed his eyes, lost in thought.

"Thank you, Father," Li Chengqian said respectfully, carefully observing the emperor, speaking softly so as not to disturb him.

After a moment’s reflection, Emperor Taizong regained his composure and looked at Li Chengqian. Slowly, he asked, "Chengqian, do not burden yourself too much. I fully support you. Once you build the train, you will be the foremost contributor to the Tang Empire."

"Yes, Father. Rest assured, I will give it my all," Li Chengqian nodded firmly, understanding his father’s meaning.

"Focus on your recovery. I want to see you regain your strength slowly. You are the rising star of the Tang Empire."

"Thank you for your kind words, Father. I will not disappoint you," Li Chengqian said, pacing the room.

Though his steps were still a little unsteady, it was clear he had improved greatly.

Emperor Taizong was overjoyed. His precious son, the Crown Prince, was recovering steadily.

Li Chengqian was equally pleased, for soon the Tang Empire would undergo a fundamental transformation because of him.

Except for the feudal imperial system, everything else would change profoundly.

Transportation and travel, in particular, would experience a qualitative leap once his train was introduced.

Currently, the empire’s infrastructure lagged far behind; stability and prosperity were only temporary. True wealth and strength were still distant.

To grow rich, one must first build roads—this truth was eternal.

At present, the Tang Empire was still in its infancy. When Li Chengqian ascended the throne, he would usher in a new era, bringing genuine prosperity and power.

Li Chengqian then produced a small notebook containing his designs and plans for the train.

"Father, this is the train I’ve designed. Please take a look," he said, offering it to Emperor Taizong.

"Let me see," the emperor said eagerly, taking the notebook and studying it with great interest.

"Chengqian, this is remarkable. Just looking at this train makes me happy. If it can truly be built, traveling anywhere in the empire will become much easier," Emperor Taizong exclaimed.

"Indeed. As Heavenly Khan, Father must fully govern the empire. I am willing to assist you so the Tang Empire may flourish," Li Chengqian replied.

Emperor Taizong walked over, pointing at the sleek train design. Doubts flickered in his mind.

"Chengqian, such a large train—can it really be made? More importantly, carriages now are pulled by multiple warhorses. This contraption runs without horses—will it truly work?"

He furrowed his brow, looking at Li Chengqian expectantly.

Still uncertain about this new technology, Emperor Taizong found it hard to believe.

Li Chengqian couldn’t help but smile at his naive father. Though called Heavenly Khan, he had never seen a train before, so his skepticism was understandable.

Determined to prove his father wrong, Li Chengqian resolved to build a smaller model train to demonstrate the marvel of technology.

Looking up at Emperor Taizong, he declared, "Father, rest assured. I will build a smaller train model immediately. It will take at most a day to complete. Please have the materials brought to me, and I will assemble it."

He then presented another blueprint, detailing a miniature train and all the required components clearly listed.

Emperor Taizong glanced over it briefly and gasped in surprise.

"Chengqian, you drew all this? When did you learn to draw? I’ll have the materials prepared at once!" The emperor’s spirits lifted, his face beaming.

"Yes, Father," Li Chengqian replied, walking over and pointing at the notebook. "I learned some drawing during my spare time."

Emperor Taizong nodded, deeply gratified. This was the kind of heir the Tang Empire deserved.

Just then, urgent footsteps echoed outside the bedchamber.

"Your Majesty, Lord Changsun has an urgent matter to report," a eunuch announced nervously at the door.

Emperor Taizong was startled. If Changsun Wuji sought him out here, it must be serious. Such summons were never made lightly.

"Send him in," the emperor commanded calmly yet firmly.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the eunuch replied, opening the chamber doors.

Changsun Wuji entered swiftly and knelt, sweat beading on his brow. "Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report," he said, his face pale with gravity...