sbdcsierra Chapter 112 The First Beauty Who Became a Substitute Bride (28)
Chapter 112 The First Beauty Who Became a Substitute Bride (28)
Xie Yanhuai acted swiftly, and the research institute was quickly arranged. Some conservative ministers opposed the plan, but under Xie Yanhuai's iron-fisted methods, they dared not voice their objections.
The institute's talent selection criteria are based primarily on ability. Regardless of background or gender, anyone with a skill and a spirit of innovative research can be selected.
As the first researcher at the research institute, An Nuannuan was also assigned an important task and was secretly sent to the research institute to begin developing gunpowder.
As a result, Xie Siyuan tried to find An Nuannuan twice more, but failed to meet her.
The news spread like wildfire among the people.
Skilled craftsmen from all over the country were enthusiastically discussing the establishment of this research institute.
In a bustling market, two blacksmiths were forging iron. One of them said to the other, "Brother, have you heard that the imperial court is going to establish an research institute? This is a great opportunity. If we can get in, our skills will be of great use."
Another blacksmith wiped his sweat and replied, "I've heard about it too, but the selection process must be very rigorous. I wonder if we'll have a chance."
"No matter what, let's prepare first and practice our best skills. Maybe we'll get selected."
In a remote mountain village, an elderly man skilled in carpentry also heard the news. He sat in his courtyard, stroking a meticulously carved piece of wood in his hand, lost in thought.
He was obsessed with woodworking all his life, and his wooden creations were exquisite and durable, making him quite famous in the small mountain village. However, his talent was limited to that village. Now, hearing that the imperial court was going to establish a research institute, a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart.
He decided to pack his bags and head to the capital to give it a try, after all, the generous conditions offered by the imperial court and the opportunity to showcase his talents were simply too tempting.
In a corner of the city, there was a craftsman who was skilled at making glass products.
Upon hearing the news, he excitedly told his wife, "Wife, this is our chance! If my glassmaking skills can be applied to the Artifacts Division, I'm sure I'll shine."
His wife said with some worry, "Husband, the capital is so far away, and the selection process will definitely be very competitive. Are you really confident?"
The craftsman said confidently, "My lady, I have confidence in my skills. As long as I prepare well and showcase the unique features of my glass products, I will have a chance to be selected."
After saying this, he began to carefully select his most prized glasswork, preparing to embark on his journey to Chang'an.
To prevent unqualified individuals from infiltrating the selection process, there are multiple layers of assessment, with the final stage being handled by Shen Chumo.
Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction, believing that although Shen Chumo is a noble consort, she is still just a young lady from a secluded family and doesn't know anything.
Shen Chumo was not affected by these gossips, but Xie Yanhuai was very angry after hearing them.
He said in front of all the ministers, "The research institute was proposed and established by Consort Shen. Without Consort Shen, there would be no research institute. She certainly has the qualifications."
Moreover, Consort Shen is exceptionally intelligent and possesses unique insights into all matters. I trust her, which is why I entrusted this final test to her. If anyone dares to speak recklessly again, I will not let them off lightly.”
On the day of the selection, after layers of selection by officials from various regions, nearly three hundred craftsmen gathered in the palace, waiting for Shen Chumo's final inspection.
Shen Chumo, dressed in simple yet dignified attire, gracefully moved to the main seat and sat down. Her gaze swept over everyone present, her eyes revealing a sense of authority.
When the craftsmen saw Shen Chumo's appearance, they were all stunned for a long time, but they quickly realized their current situation and hurriedly sorted out their thoughts, focusing their attention on the upcoming test.
Shen Chumo cleared her throat lightly, breaking the brief silence.
"I know that you are all skilled craftsmen from various places. You must all be very confident in your skills to be gathered here today."
"Today's test is my hope that you will truthfully demonstrate your talents and virtues, and not harbor any illusions." Although her voice was not loud, it could be clearly heard in the quiet palace, and every word was imbued with an undeniable seriousness.
The hearts of all the artisans were on tenterhooks as they presented their works to Shen Chumo.
They thought Shen Chumo would just take a casual look and move on, but that wasn't the case.
The first craftsman to step forward was a skilled potter.
Shen Chumo examined his pottery carefully and asked, "What are the considerations when choosing the clay for your pottery? How do you control the temperature during the firing process?"
After the craftsmen answered one by one, Shen Chumo asked again, "You said you want to enter the Institute of Instrument Making. Have you thought about how to integrate your pottery skills with other instrument manufacturing to create more practical objects?"
The craftsman was speechless for a moment when asked the question, so Shen Chumo explained her thoughts in detail. After listening, the craftsman couldn't help but admire Shen Chumo and repeatedly agreed.
Another woman skilled in weaving came to take the test. Shen Chumo saw the fabric she brought and immediately pointed out the unique weaving method of the silk threads. She asked, "Your weaving method is exquisite, but it takes a long time. If you want to produce it on a large scale, do you have a way to improve it?"
The woman had initially thought Shen Chumo was just an ignorant concubine, but she was surprised to find that she had such insightful views, so she answered seriously.
Next up was an elderly man skilled in woodworking and construction.
He showed off the miniature architectural model he made, which had an ingenious structure with perfectly fitting mortise and tenon joints, and even the smallest details were handled perfectly.
Shen Chumo examined the model carefully and asked, "Grandpa, this architectural model looks very sturdy. If we were to build a real building based on this model, how would we ensure that it would remain stable under different terrain and climate conditions?"
The old man smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, I can adjust the foundation structure of the building according to different terrains. As for the climate, I have solutions in the selection of materials and the design of ventilation and drainage in the building."
Shen Chumo continued, "Do you have any innovative ideas for this building? For example, how do you save materials while ensuring the building's sturdiness?"
After listening, the old man elaborated on some of his innovative ideas and methods.
Shen Chumo listened and nodded frequently, deeply appreciating the old man's skill and wisdom.
As the inspection progressed, the craftsmen discovered that the imperial concubine was not as ignorant as they had previously thought. On the contrary, the questions she asked were very professional and incisive, and they took this final inspection even more seriously.
Shen Chumo was also quite surprised by today's selection; there were actually more hidden talents in ancient times than she had imagined.