The Whole Dynasty Spoils the Tyrant's Beloved Youngest Daughter-Chapter 419: Tumor

Jun Ning said, "Minister of Public Works, if you think the improved bows and arrows will cause problems in warfare, then go personally to test them and find the issues yourself. As long as you act swiftly and work diligently, all the problems you mentioned won’t be problems at all; they’ll all be resolved. I hope you won’t avoid issues, cling to old ways, and use outdated items. Haven’t you thought that old things, when used for a long time, will also have problems?"

Changes happen like fleeting moments.

People must keep up with the times, and so must things.

If everyone stands still, clinging to the old ways, then they’ll only be left far behind, become obsolete, and be beaten.

The Minister of Public Works has lived a steady life all his life, never making any big mistakes, nor accomplishing any great deeds, truly living a stable life.

He himself knows this isn’t good. If it goes on like this, he’ll become a redundant official. However, he’s used to acting this way, and no one has ever pointed out this issue to him; instead, they think his work is thorough and meticulous.

As a result, he’s trapped in those false praises, deeply resists change from the bottom of his heart. His fighting spirit and courage have all been stifled by those praises.

Jun Ning suddenly pointed out his problem, and after a moment of difficulty accepting it, he was enlightened, like waking from a dream.

"Crown Prince..." he said, lowering his head with a hint of shame he couldn’t completely hide.

Seeing him like this, Jun Ning knew he recognized his mistake and had a mind to change, so said, "Think it over yourself. Once you have thought it through, submit to me a plan to resolve this matter in a few days. I don’t want to see your concerns anymore, nor your conservatism. What I want is your attitude and a way to solve the problem."

"Yes, Crown Prince."

After saying that, Jun Ning left.

After sending off Jun Ning, the Minister of Public Works returned and continued working with Qi Xiao on the improved bows and arrows, only this time without the slightest reluctance. His once stifled enthusiasm showed signs of revival.

There were many problems with improving the bows and arrows. The Minister of Public Works was adept at manufacturing but not at solving problems, so he personally sought out the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War to discuss solutions together.

The Vice Minister of the Ministry of War had considerable insight into weapon manufacturing. This time, the Ministry of Industry proposed improving bows and arrows and wanted to put them into production soon. He gave a lot of suggestions, each critiquing the Minister of Public Works for sticking to old ways over the years.

If it had been the usual Minister of Public Works, hearing so many heart-piercing problems, he might have fought desperately with the Vice Minister. But today, the Minister of Public Works actually accepted all the advice humbly without any rebuttal.

The Vice Minister was quite puzzled, "Hey, Lao Li, did you take the wrong medicine recently? You’re not disputing my words at all. Previously, whenever I mentioned problems with the bows and arrows you made, you would get angry with me."

The Minister of Public Works is officially named Li Yugang; over the years, he had argued quite a bit with the Vice Minister while collaborating on weaponry and bows and arrows.

Initially, everyone was polite and decent, even when arguing—’Minister Li, there seems to be some issue here,’ ’Minister Li, can you make some changes here,’ ’Minister Li...’

They used official titles, but gradually began to call each other by names and nicknames.

The Minister of Public Works was genuinely infuriated hearing the nickname ’Old Li’ this time.

But now, the nation faced difficulties.

Additionally, Jun Ning candidly pointed out his problems, which he acknowledged and intended to change. So, he didn’t quarrel with the Vice Minister.

He simply said, "Shen Qianqiu, stop your nonsense and help improve the bows and arrows quickly."

Li Yugang said this with lowered brows, appearing a bit impatient and somewhat guilty.

Shen Qianqiu noticed Li Yugang’s shame and gleefully remarked, "Old Li, did the Crown Prince point out your problem?"

Having worked together for so many years, Shen Qianqiu could tell from a mere glance why Li Yugang felt ashamed today.

"Shen Qianqiu, could you stop talking for a moment?" Li Yugang glared fiercely at Shen Qianqiu, indicating him to stop the chatter.

Yet Shen Qianqiu persisted. After waiting so long for a chance to hit Li Yugang hard, he wasn’t about to let it go.

"If the Crown Prince hadn’t pointed out your problem, I guess you would continue being stubborn for a long time, refusing to acknowledge your problem." Shen Qianqiu’s words were truly cutting, "Perhaps until the day you die, you’d still be living in the false praises from your disciples, blinded by leaves, failing to see the mountain, comfortably remaining the cancer among our country’s officials."

Cancer?

This insult was rather severe.

Li Yugang, thin-skinned, couldn’t take it anymore, "Old stuff, you’ve said enough!"

"No, I still have more to say."

Shen Qianqiu continued with his chatter, making Li Yugang unbearably ashamed, eventually admitting defeat, "Old stuff, I beg you, please stop. The Crown Prince was right; I admit it. Your sharp tongue is harsh but right; I admit that too. Next, I’ll change, so please stop talking, or else, even if I don’t die of old age, I’ll be nagged to death by you."

"Alright then!"

Upon hearing this sincere admission, Shen Qianqiu finally kept quiet.

From then on, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Industry joined forces to get things done efficiently.

...

The eunuch reported to Jun Ning the dispute he overheard between the Minister of Public Works and the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, making Jun Ning chuckle, "Did they actually say that?"

"Indeed," the eunuch replied, "I was just handing over tasks at the Ministry of Industry, close to the two lords, and heard everything clearly. They had no reservations about what they were saying."

Jun Ning tutted, "Who would’ve thought? Those two, usually so poker-faced, arguing with each other—turns out to be quite amusing."

The eunuch agreed and said, "Indeed!"

After laughing, Jun Ning sent the hundred-year-old Lingzhi to the Minister of Public Works to encourage him to continue his hard work.

The principle of balancing discipline and encouragement applies here.

After admonishing the official, the official recognized his issue, so she shouldn’t cling on but find ways to encourage him to correct his mistakes and work well.

The eunuch went off to deliver the Lingzhi.

Three days after delivering the Lingzhi, Jun Ning received the proposal from the Minister of Public Works regarding the improved bows and arrows, detailing the issues, how many would be moderately made, how many used in warfare, and whether any temporary issues might arise during combat. He provided specific statements and data.

It was very much to Jun Ning’s liking.

Upon hearing that Jun Ning had criticized the Minister of Public Works, Emperor Yongning anxiously sent someone to inquire.

Seeing Jun Ning still smiling, he was worried to death, "Yi Yi, the Minister of Public Works is a stubborn mule, did you get into trouble with him? Did he hurt or insult you?"