"Labor and animal power are saved, allowing us to cultivate more fields and accomplish more tasks," said Zhuo Zifang, stroking his long beard with a smile.
Liang Xiao asked in surprise, "Does Lord Zhuo also understand these things?"
"I have read widely and dabbled in many books," Zhuo Zifang replied proudly, then his old face flushed, with a trace of regret.
Only you, young man, make me feel inferior!
In my arrogance, speaking of my vast knowledge before you, I was utterly shameless!
Whether it was those four lines of scholarly wisdom or those poems, they left Zhuo Zifang utterly in awe.
And now, Liang Xiao can even design and improve tools?
A prodigy!
Suppressing the surge of joy in his heart, Zhuo Zifang, along with Zhang Yang, continued to examine the other two blueprints: "What are these farming implements?"
"The moldboard plow and the disc plow," Liang Xiao answered. "But these two implements are merely my ideas, not yet put into practice. We now need Brother Zhang to analyze these, create prototypes, and continuously improve them."
The moldboard plow and disc plow are more modern farming tools, extremely practical, but they require stronger materials and more animal power. In particular, the moldboard plow might need a steel plowshare to be more wear-resistant.
However, while the Great Gan Kingdom was good in other aspects, its steel production capacity was extremely limited, unlike the ancient dynasties he knew from his previous life.
Ultimately, it all came down to differences in resource distribution and human development.
Zhuo Zifang and Zhang Yang observed the two implements with confusion. "These are so complex; it's likely unrealistic to promote them in the short term."
Liang Xiao nodded. "So, let's try the curved-shaft plow first. As for the other two, Brother Zhang will be responsible for optimizing them until they shine. I'll pay you fifty taels a month."
Zhang Yang repeatedly shook his head. "No, no, no! You've provided shelter for my wife and me and ensured we have enough to eat. We are already immensely grateful. How can we accept so much in wages!"
Fifty taels a month – most officials couldn't earn that much in salary!
"I can see your talent in craftsmanship, and you're worth that price," Liang Xiao said with a smile.
Zhang Yang still felt overwhelmed and dared not agree. After some back-and-forth bargaining, they finally agreed: ten taels a month, with food, lodging, and medical care included. Any additional contributions or achievements would be rewarded separately, and Liang Xiao would advance one month's salary.
However, Zhang Yang insisted that the farming implements manufactured from the curved-shaft plow designs would be solely attributed to Liang Xiao, while his own designs would be jointly credited to both of them in the future.
After Zhang Yang accepted the ten taels of silver, Liang Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The blueprints for the moldboard plow and disc plow were essentially rough sketches, as Liang Xiao had not specialized in this field in his previous life and had only drawn them based on general impressions.
Since Zhang Yang had considerable research into farm tools, it would be much easier for him to optimize these two implements than for Liang Xiao.
"If anyone is to blame, it's the savages," Liang Xiao thought, enduring the pain in his back, filled with boundless hatred.
He hadn't intended to work so hard, but without it, even protecting his family was a luxury.
The invasion by the savages had shattered his dream of living a carefree life.
If that was the case, the savages would have to bear his revenge, and in the future, they would face an even stronger Great Gan Kingdom!
However, national development could not be too hasty, and Liang Xiao also had to ensure his personal safety.
Otherwise, Liang Xiao would have loved to throw all the writings from several bookshelves at his "Little Shuangzi" to give to the Emperor for promotion, keeping only a portion of the "means of making a fortune."
Zhang Yang eagerly agreed, his gaze fixed on the three blueprints.
Zhuo Zifang also couldn't hide his overwhelming joy, his hands trembling slightly, and he asked, "Liang Xiao, where did you learn these skills?"
Talented he may be, but to also possess such exquisite craftsmanship was simply unbelievable!
"Just some idle research," Liang Xiao laughed heartily.
Zhuo Zifang naturally understood that Liang Xiao had his secrets and didn't dare to press him, merely staring at the curved-shaft plow and rubbing his hands.
"How about this, I'll become your disciple, and you can teach me these skills!"
Zhang Yang, who was studying the blueprints, nearly toppled over, staring at the old and young man in shock.
Lord Zhuo, who had countless disciples, wanted to become the disciple of an eighteen-year-old boy?
Liang Xiao was also startled and repeatedly shook his head. "That won't do! If my grandfather found out, he'd kill me."
Zhuo Zifang chuckled. "Then don't let him know! We'll each go our own way. You call me Lord Zhuo, and privately, I'll call you Teacher. How about it?"
Zhang Yang's brow twitched as if he were witnessing the most incredible event of his life.
Liang Xiao was torn between laughter and tears. "There's no need to become my disciple. I actually only know a little, and I'm not as knowledgeable as Lord Zhuo. If you have any blueprints for Zhang Yang, I'll have someone notify Lord Zhuo."
This old man had a peculiar way of thinking and was always coming up with playful tricks for him!
Only then did Zhuo Zifang smile with satisfaction. "It's settled! Qingxue is already my final disciple, so it's inconvenient for me to take Zhang Yang as a disciple. However, I can collect classics for him, and in the future, Zhang Yang can say that he often received my guidance. How about that?"
Zhang Yang was stunned again.
Liang Xiao nodded. "That's excellent."
This wasn't Zhuo Zifang being presumptuous; even the children of high officials would scramble to establish a connection with him!
Even just receiving a few pieces of advice from Zhuo Zifang would be enough to boast about for half a year, and with luck, a meteoric rise in career was not impossible!
Moreover, since Zhuo Zifang had said so, he would definitely publicly praise Zhang Yang in the future.
Zhang Yang came back to his senses, feeling ashamed. "To receive Lord Zhuo's favor is a tremendous fortune for this junior! But I must humbly decline..."
Zhuo Zifang was taken aback. "This..."
Liang Xiao, however, smiled without speaking.
Zhang Yang explained, "As you can see, I have already settled in the Liang Manor and intend to dedicate myself to studying these crafts and working for Liang Xiao. Since it is all for the benefit of the common people, where I am located is no longer important."
Zhuo Zifang stroked his beard and laughed heartily, patting Zhang Yang on the shoulder.
"Well said! Birds of a feather flock together. The person Liang Xiao favors is indeed a remarkable individual!"
"Lord Zhuo overpraises me..." Zhang Yang felt even more flattered and bewildered, and even more curious about how Liang Xiao had managed to impress Zhuo Zifang.
Was it just because of the poetry competition and that one poem?
After discussing with the two young men, Zhuo Zifang finally departed, satisfied.
Liang Xiao summoned the deputy steward and asked him to contact some craftsmen, ready to commission farm tools for Zhang Yang to test and optimize at any time.
In the imperial study, Xiao Qing looked at Zhuo Zifang with a half-smile.
"Lord Zhuo is concerned about the nation. Why not accept a re-hiring by the court, just like General Zuo?"
Zhuo Zifang was startled and chuckled. "This old minister is frail, Your Majesty..."
Xiao Qing smiled. "Alright, I won't force you. Otherwise, who will provide me with intelligence on Liang Xiao in the future."
"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhuo Zifang said gratefully. "I have come here also to report on Liang Xiao's situation to Your Majesty again! There has been an unexpected development!"
Xiao Qing's expression changed, and he asked urgently, "Has his injury worsened, or has he done something earth-shattering again? Speak freely. Merit will be rewarded, and for transgressions, well... I will try my best not to shield you!"