"Go ahead, boldly experiment. In terms of resources and manpower, feel free to speak up; I, as your lord, will bear the responsibility for you." Cheng Mo, like Cheng Dian, foresaw the new future when speaking with Xiangbei. He no longer dwelled on where Xiangbei acquired this knowledge.
Based on the information reported by the covert guards sent to the Tong and Huo families, whether it was the secluded imperial physicians or the skilled martial arts of Miss Huo, they couldn't have taught such an exceptionally intelligent woman.
Regardless of her origin, whether she was a fairy or a demon, she had never guarded against herself, right?
With her wholehearted trust and openness, he was determined to protect her throughout his life. "Xiao Bei, what is the medal you mentioned?"
"Well, let me think. Let me put it this way, when your subordinates achieve merit, don't you reward them? If there are greater achievements, even the emperor issues an imperial decree or a plaque, right? But what about you? Do you issue proclamations or plaques? Or bestow more gold, silver, and fabric? Even if it's very practical and delightful, can these merits be carried around and shown to others in future ceremonies or rituals?"
"Each award ceremony will be celebrated, won't it?" Cheng Mo didn't quite understand what Xiangbei was trying to convey.
"Soldiers, every time they achieve merit, it involves the sacrifice of blood and lives, a declaration of loyalty and passion. If you craft a beautiful medal with gold, silver, and copper according to ranks, personally wear it on their chests, and allow them to wear it on important ceremonies or special occasions, it showcases their honor and sacrifice, doesn't it?"
"Xiangbei, thank you! Thank you for coming here, thank you for standing by my side! Whoever you are, wherever you come from, please always, always stand by my side." Cheng Mo excitedly pulled Xiangbei into his arms. He knew that this suggestion would lead tens of thousands of soldiers to follow him, Monarch Mo, to fight for honor, loyalty, and passion.
In the embrace of Cheng Mo, Tong Xiangbei felt almost suffocated, not by those sturdy arms but by the implications in Cheng Mo's words.
Who are you, and where do you come from?
He must have asked himself these questions countless times by now. After all, he was an unmistakable anomaly. Cheng Mo had probably already investigated. Even if she were a girl raised in the mountains or a miss from the noble Hou Mansion, it was impossible for her to harbor such extraordinary ideas.
Should she be honest, or should she find a way to escape? Where could she escape to?
In this ancient society of imperial power, utilizing her knowledge for mutual benefit with this young prince seemed to be the safest path.
After all, he was a substantial support. When the time came for him to dig gold from her, clinging to his thigh for survival shouldn't be a problem. Therefore, she staunchly denied it. So what if she was from the mountains? It's just that her exceptional talents were not acceptable.
Look at Cheng Dian, he was both a prodigy and a genius. If you have the ability, go ahead and investigate me. Check if Tong Xiangbei has any birthmarks or any hidden past.
Having made up her mind, Tong Xiangbei squirmed out of Monarch Mo's embrace and subtly shifted his attention. "You can think about what kind of style you want—grand and majestic yet not easily replicated."
"Yeah, let's draw a few more designs." Cheng Mo immediately took her hand and turned towards the ship.
"Don't be in a hurry. We can think about it more. I still have unfinished business. Look at the coal and yellow soil stacked here by Cheng Dian.
Have someone mix the coal chunks with water to form a paste, then add the yellow soil. Get more of these newly made coal iron stamps and press out the coal blocks, spreading them on the rocks to dry."
This task was easy to manage, and soon soldiers came over to carry out Xiangbei's instructions. They spread several large circles on the rocky slope to dry.
When the first pot of seaweed glue was thickened into a solution, Xiangbei had the pot taken down, scooped some red-hot coal balls from the stove, and put them into the newly made seaweed coal stove to heat the furnace.
Xiangbei eagerly took some semi-dried wet coal and placed it on the large stove to dry after the steam dissipated.
Once the new coal started to turn red and burn, she used long tongs to grab nine pieces, placed them in the new coal stove, and the rapidly rising blue flames satisfied her. It was quite successful.
A group of people gathered around to observe this new type of stove, so they set up another large pot on both sides to simmer glue simultaneously, waiting to see the firepower and time consumption.