RWNEFE -Chapter 484 Shen Lanxi Inspects the Overseen Factory

Regarding this, the ministers had no objections. Even if they did, Shen Lanxi’s next words had already silenced them.

“There will surely be battle reports soon. We can review them and discuss further then!”

Zhao Zheng grew anxious. “Prince, if we don’t act quickly and something happens in the Southwest, it will be too late.”

Shen Lanxi’s voice turned cold. “The Southwest army is made up of the Prince of Zhen’nan’s former troops. The Prince of Zhen’nan is the war god of Great Zhou. If the soldiers he leads can be easily defeated by barbarians, wouldn’t that be ridiculous?”

Zhao Zheng was once again rendered speechless.

“Enough about that. We’ll discuss the Southwest situation later. Let’s first talk about establishing a factory on the outskirts of the capital!”

At the mention of this, the ministers perked up.

The factory was an oil-extraction plant, using soybeans imported from the Moon Kingdom as raw materials, along with grain collected from various regions.

Previously, everyone assumed this grain would serve as rations for the garrisons. No one expected Shen Lanxi would use it to produce oil.

Moreover, these soybeans had a higher oil yield than rapeseed. Both lard and rapeseed oil were precious commodities. Now, with widely cultivable soybeans, perhaps all the people of Great Zhou could have access to oil.

After discussion, Shen Lanxi scheduled a visit to the factory outside the city the following day to inspect it personally.

Watching Shen Lanxi efficiently handle state affairs in minutes, Zhou Ruyuan felt a surge of unease.

Every move she made affected court politics. This was not just a casual outing; it involved layers of preparation.

The Astronomical Bureau calculated the envoy’s schedule, the Ministry of Rites prepared the accompanying list, the Bureau of Ceremonies readied ceremonial robes and boots, and the Imperial Guards rehearsed the route in advance to eliminate any possible danger.

Even with just a day in between, there were already over a thousand people working nonstop behind her to ensure the outing went smoothly.

At the oil-extraction factory, the clerk of the Ministry of Works personally explained the factory layout, staffing, and production progress to Shen Lanxi.

“The factory is still partially incomplete. Two hundred workers have been recruited so far, with more joining. Of the 1,500 jin of soybeans delivered yesterday, two-thirds have already been used. The plan is to complete processing by noon. Additional soybeans will be delivered by the Ministry of Revenue afterward.”

Shen Lanxi listened as she walked, followed by accompanying officials, as well as attending Censors and historians recording the inspection.

The Ministry of Revenue clerk added: “The oil produced is counted by the Ministry. The first batch has already been sent to oil shops inside and outside the capital. This batch has been pre-ordered by imperial merchants and will be sent to Ancheng, Yuzhou, and other locations once production is complete.”

Upon arriving at the oil-extraction site, the workers all stopped working and bowed.

Shen Lanxi raised her hand. “Don’t stop. Continue your work—don’t delay production!”

The workers glanced at the clerk, who waved dismissively. “Go back to work!”

Shen Lanxi continued walking, with officials from the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of Works explaining along the way.

When she reached the storage area, she specifically addressed safety concerns.

The Ministry of Works clerk explained: “All entry and exit points are guarded and inspected by soldiers. No open flames are allowed within a hundred meters of the factory. The workers’ dining area is located at least two hundred meters away.”

Shen Lanxi nodded and added: “The storage containers should also be improved. They must be durable—accidents can happen during transport.”

The clerk replied respectfully: “Improvements are already underway, and notices have been posted to gather ideas.”

Shen Lanxi added: “Set generous rewards. If someone proposes a truly effective method, conditions can be adjusted to recruit them into the Ministry of Works.”

The clerk took note.

As Shen Lanxi walked, she addressed the ministers behind her: “This site can serve as a pilot. If the court profits and the people benefit, officials from other regions can come to learn. Prosperity shouldn’t be limited to the capital—other regions are part of Great Zhou as well.”

The ministers were amazed at the high oil yield and hurriedly expressed their agreement.

Later, Shen Lanxi also inspected a textile factory and livestock farms outside the city, spending heavily to bring in foreign animal husbandry experts to train the farm workers.

With the factories operating smoothly, ten days later, a new battle report arrived from the Southwest.

“The barbarian tribes in the Southwest have taken advantage of the terrain, repeatedly luring our Southwest army into pestilent forests. Although our forces suffered over a thousand casualties, we request the Prince Regent to send medical support.”

Shen Lanxi’s face darkened with anger. “Are the Southwest soldiers all useless? After all these years stationed there, they don’t even know where the miasma is?”

No one spoke in court, but in their hearts, they criticized Zhou Ruyuan. The Prince of Zhen’nan has been stationed in the Southwest so long—how could he not know?
Could it be that he is just a figurehead? These are the troops under the Prince of Zhen’nan—how is he supposed to handle this?

Wu Yanzhi said: “I believe the Prince of Zhen’nan must be sent. He commands the Southwest army; without a leader, the barbarians dared to provoke them.”

Zhao Zheng continued to step forward to recommend himself: “My ancestors also held the Southwest in awe, intimidating the barbarians.”

Wu Yanzhi impatiently interrupted: “You said it yourself—that was your ancestors, not you.”

Zhao Zheng was again speechless.

Shen Lanxi had already made her decision.

“Chancellor Wu is right!”

Wu Yanzhi gave Zhao Zheng a pointed look and returned to his seat.

Shen Lanxi looked at Zhou Ruyuan: “Prince of Zhen’nan, it seems the Southwest mission falls to you!”

Zhou Ruyuan: “As a military general in court, it is my duty!”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes shifted as she continued: “The capital’s forces are insufficient. All soldiers will remain here to protect His Majesty.”

Zhou Ruyuan had already anticipated that Shen Lanxi would not let him take the troops with him.

“I will only take the Prince of Zhen’nan’s former Southwest troops. They are familiar with the region!”

Shen Lanxi: “Approved!”

“I’ll give you three days to hand over responsibilities. Is that enough?”

Zhou Ruyuan wished he could leave immediately.

“Enough!”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “His Majesty and Her Highness await your triumphant return in the capital!”

Zhou Ruyuan forced a smile in response.

Prince of Zhen’nan’s Residence

Bai Qingling had already begun preparations, keeping them hidden from Shen Yuantang.

“Princess, Consort Shen has arrived again.”

Bai Qingling looked at the prepared items and instructed: “Take them downstairs and pack them into my portable chest.”

“Yes!”

Shen Yuantang saw two guards suddenly appear at the door and felt her anger flare.

In just a few days, the Prince had completely disregarded the household’s opinions, showing exclusive favor to Bai Qingling?

“Bai Qingling, come out here!”

One of Bai Qingling’s maids frowned. “Princess, just deal with her.”

Bai Qingling shook her head. “She has the Shen family behind her. It’s not yet time to act.”

If it weren’t for her poor health and the Prince needing heirs, all the other concubines would have been removed long ago.

Shen Yuantang rushed forward and slapped Bai Qingling.

“Bai Qingling, you’re only a secondary consort, yet you dare station guards at the gate? You completely disregard the rules of the Prince’s residence!”

Bai Qingling covered her face, her eyes flashing with cold anger, quickly suppressed.

“The secondary consort misunderstands. Those are not guards—they are monitors. The Prince ordered me to remain in the courtyard; they are preventing me from leaving.”