The Jin Dynasty, only decades old, had been weakened by the previous Emperor's focus on literature. The nation needed revitalization. Imitation silver charcoal, sourced from and used by the people, could replenish state resources. Government control was ideal.
With the Emperor and three key ministries in agreement, opposition in the court faded.
Thus, Chen Liejiu, who had been waiting for Chamber members to buy the method, found himself dealing not only with Changnan officials but also with court officials.
The official sent was significant—a Vice Minister of Revenue.
Chen Liejiu was clever. Upon hearing the Ministry of Revenue wanted the method, he immediately changed his offer: "If the court desires this method, I won't sell it. I'll gift it to the court."
The Vice Minister, delighted at getting it for free, praised Chen Liejiu profusely: "To think a man possesses such righteous spirit! You should be a model for all men!"
Honestly, when the Vice Minister learned he'd be negotiating with a man, he felt some disdain. A mere man? If not for the charcoal method, why would a third-rank official deal with him?
But hearing Chen Liejiu wouldn't charge the ministry, his attitude flipped. A few kind words to save the ministry a large sum? He could heap praises by the basketful.
Chen Liejiu noticed the Vice Minister's attitude but didn't care. Societal prejudice against men was normal; its absence would be strange.
But Chen Liejiu enjoyed when people disliked him yet couldn't harm him.
After accepting the praise, he smiled and added, "However, I have a condition. I won't discuss it with you; I'll speak to your superior."
Take that for your prejudice—no credit for you.
The Vice Minister was stunned. Returning with the method cost-free would surely earn rewards from his superior and the Emperor. But with Chen Liejiu refusing to negotiate with him, he had no choice but to report this directly to the Emperor.
After all, Chen Liejiu said "superior"—the Minister was his superior, but so was the Emperor. Let's see how much nerve a mere man had facing the Emperor.
The Emperor, surprised that a man dared request an audience, agreed without hesitation: "Summon him."
Thus, Chen Liejiu, as a man, entered the palace, stepped into the thr hall, and met the Emperor—beating his little husband to it.
He was the first man in Jin Dynasty history to enter the throne hall.
Contrary to the Vice Minister's hopes, Chen Liejiu felt no nervousness facing the Emperor—only excitement. An Emperor! He'd never seen before.
Upon entering the hall filled with civil and military officials, he first looked up at the Emperor, then knelt confidently: "This commoner, Chen Liejiu, pays homage to Your Majesty."
The entire court and the Emperor were astonished by Chen Liejiu, who wore vibrant red. This man was completely different from any they had seen—not a trace of the timidity associated with men.
Emperor Changsheng, seated on the dragon throne, clearly saw Chen Liejiu look at his face before kneeling. Truly a bold man!
Ordinary people would keep their heads low in his presence, but this seemed eager to lift the imperial beads and scrutinize the Emperor's features.
"Chen Liejiu?" Emperor Changsheng spoke his name, inwardly nodding—the name suited him. "You wish to gift the production method to the court?"
It was then that Chen Liejiu realized he owed his audience with the Emperor to that Vice Minister of Revenue. What an unexpected turn of events.
Suppressing his inner amusement, Chen Liejiu seized the opportunity and replied, "Your Majesty, this commoner was born into poverty and deeply understands the hardships of ordinary people. Therefore, upon learning that the court desired my family's production method, I thought of the people who cannot afford charcoal in the bitter cold, the soldiers guarding the frontiers enduring the biting wind, and the difficulties faced by the court. I am willing to contribute my family's imitation silver charcoal method."
He showed no sign of nervousness before the Emperor. His words were clear, concise, and emphasized his motivation: for the people, for the border troops, for the court. This further elevated the favorable impression officials already had of him for his willingness to gift the method.
The Emperor, in particular, was even more impressed that a man would sacrifice personal gain for the people.
Therefore, when Chen Liejiu added, "However, this commoner wishes to make a small request of Your Majesty," the Emperor wasn't angered at all.
"Speak."
"My husband is soon coming to the capital for the examinations," Chen Liejiu kowtowed again. "This commoner bought a residence on Yushu Street, but it has been abandoned for too long. Everything needs repair, and my funds are insufficient. I feared it wouldn't be ready before my husband's arrival in February, which is why I thought to sell the imitation silver charcoal method."
"My husband was born with a weak constitution. Country doctors all predicted he would not live past thirty. The journey to the capital is long and arduous. If his accommodation is poor, it will certainly hinder his performance in the exams."
Here, thinking of Xu Huaiqian's future service to the Emperor, Chen Liejiu added a few words on his behalf: "My husband's greatest wish in life is to be loyal to his sovereign and serve the state. His body is too weak for battlefield valor, so he can only strive, despite his illness, to relieve the people's suffering and share Your Majesty's burdens."
"Inspired by my husband, I am willing to sacrifice family wealth for the public good," Chen Liejiu formally stated his request. "I only beg Your Majesty to send some to help this commoner repair my husband's residence."
His words moved the entire court. Every official in the capital knew the imitation silver charcoal was developed by that Jieyuan from Changnan.
Previously, Gu Fengchao had mentioned in court that Xu Huaiqian needed my for medical treatment. Now, hearing his husband Chen Liejiu's account, they understood there was deeper meaning behind his actions—beyond just funding his own healthcare.
No doubted Chen Liejiu's sincerity.
After all, the imitation silver charcoal was highly profitable. Even if the court bought the method, it would likely cost no less than a hundred thousand taels—enough to buy several residences. To sacrifice such great profit merely for help repairing a house demonstrated true loyalty and patriotism.
Emperor Changsheng, like his ministers, was deeply moved. He had known the Jieyuan he appointed had talent beneficial to the world, but he hadn't realized he possessed such ardent patriotism.
Good! Very good! Excellent!
While his expression remained neutral, Emperor Changsheng was immensely pleased inwardly. He appreciated talented individuals who understood propriety.
The thought of soon having an outstanding official wholly devoted to him in his court made his joy barely containable. He agreed without hesitation: "Granted!"
Having obtained what he wanted, Chen Liejiu appropriately showed delight: "This commoner kowtows in gratitude to Your Majesty. Now I can be at ease."
Seeing him so happy merely over having his house repaired, Emperor Changsheng grew curious and asked further: "You have donated the imitation silver charcoal method to the court. How will your husband fund his medical expenses henceforth?"
The Emperor hadn't forgotten Chen Liejiu's mention that Xu Huaiqian might not live past thirty! Why should such a virtuous and talented individual have such a short lifespan?
Recalling Gu Fengchao's earlier statement that it was a "rich man's illness" requiring substantial funds, Emperor Changsheng wondered about Xu Huaiqian's treatment now that the revenue source was g.
"This commoner…" Chen Liejiu appropriately showed hesitation, indicating he hadn't thought that far.
"In that case," Emperor Changsheng said, anticipating this, "besides repairing the residence, you shall receive percent of the imitation silver charcoal revenue from each Provincial Administration Commission."
"Furthermore, for your merit in contributing the method, cease calling yourself 'this commr.' I bestow upon you the title of Township Lord ."
"...Ah?" This time, Chen Liejiu was genuinely stunned. He had only intended to use the method to gain some benefits for Xu Huaiqian. He never expected the Emperor to be so generous—not only sharing profits but also granting a title.
He remembered his little husband pursued the exams partly to secure an official rank, so Chen Liejiu's commoner dealings would have protection. If he himself received a title, wouldn't his little husband not even need to take the exams?