Time passed… One year, three years, five years…
By the time textile factories had spread across the nation, ordinary people could afford white sugar, silk and cotton cloth were shipped out in boatloads, rice and sugarcane from the southern seas were hauled back in shiploads, and legal education had reached the county level, Mingting's paternity test research still hadn't been completed.
Many people began to grow anxious. But unable to pressure Mingting directly, they could only complain to Emperor Li.
Wasn't it said that researching paternity tests was extremely time-consuming?
Since Count Zhongyi had the time and money to establish girls' schools, let his wife and niece teach there, pick up and drop off his wife daily, showering everyone with public displays of affection, even publishing arithmetic books and gathering a group of students to study natural sciences...
Why couldn't he spare every second to focus on his research?!
Couldn't he set aside these trivial matters and prioritize solving the issue everyone cared about most?!
Rumor had it that the sanitary pads women needed every month and the disposable diapers for babies, ostensibly invented by Su Lingyi, were actually Mingting's doing.
After marrying and becoming a father, he understood the hardships women faced, and then, out of love for his wife, he specially developed these products.
There were also the old imperial physician's handbooks: Pregnancy Guide, How to Confine After Childbirth, Scientific Prenatal and Postnatal Care… all bore Mingting's influence.
'You're a Count! Why are you spending all your time researching women's stuff?!'
'Can't you focus on proper, important matters?'
'We know you love your wife and dote on your daughter, but as a man, can't you broaden your horizons a little and stop obsessing over women's trivial affairs?!'
But no one dared to say these complaints to Mingting's face.
Everyone was afraid that once he invented the paternity test, he might blacklist them or tamper with their results, then they'd truly have nowhere to cry.
As a result, Emperor Li had to listen to the ministers' grievances every day, and even in the memorials he read, many people would directly or implicitly brought up the issue.
"What exactly are you thinking?" Emperor Li was also troubled by this matter, so he finally summoned the man in question.
"Now women can study, work outside the home to earn money, the female infant ratio has risen significantly, and women's status in the household has improved greatly. Can't you show a little consideration for me?!"
Being an emperor is also very hard. Though the national treasury was full, the country was strong, and the population kept growing, all of which gave Emperor Li a great sense of accomplishment, he was genuinely worn out by the noise.
"Foster Father, these are earplugs I recently developed. They're excellent for noise reduction and soundproofing. You should try them."
Mingting handed Emperor Li the earplugs.
'Hey, it was true… once they were in, I couldn't hear a thing. So peaceful!'
Just as Emperor Li was about to rejoice, he remembered he couldn't let Mingting off so easily and forced his expression back into a scowl.
"Don't think you can buy me off with petty favors! I am an emperor with principles!"
"What about this, then? Mingting took out another long black pole and invited Emperor Li to the shooting range for a demonstration.
"With this musket, do you think conquering Western Xia is still far off?"
"This…"
Emperor Li's eyes lit up like never before. He watched as a soldier demonstrated its use and even took a few dozen shots himself.
"Good, excellent! This is the right path!"
Emperor Li had completely forgotten why he had summoned Mingting in the first place.
Later, when officials submitted memorials again, Emperor Li personally shut them down.
What paternity test? Is it important? Is it useful to the nation or the court? Can it improve people's lives, fill the national treasury, or ensure the dynasty's longevity?
If you cherish your wives at home, why would you even worry about such things?!
Instead of wasting time on wild speculations, why not buy some hairpins, rouge, or nice fabric for your wives? Maintain a harmonious marital relationship and avoid shady thoughts… isn't that better?!
Everything must give way to the nation's interests! There is no room for negotiation on this matter!
'Mingting was sent by the heavens to assist me in achieving greatness, not to study some messy things for you!'
By the time Western Xia became history and the vast northwest was incorporated into Emperor Li's domain, Mingting was promoted to Marquis Zhongyi.
Song Yi, who was far away on a remote island in the southern ocean, heard the news and closed his eyes, clutching the remnants of powdered jade gourd in his hand.
"My son has been made a Marquis..." These were Song Yi's last words in this world.
Those who heard it couldn't help but spit in disdain.
'After all these years, this man still refused to let go, stubbornly trying to claim credit for the Marquis Zhongyi's achievements. Shameless!'
When Emperor Li was fifty-three years old, he passed the throne to Li Sheng.
He had worked diligently all these years, governing conscientiously for the people's welfare, but the toll of such labor demanded rest.
Moreover, with Mingting's extraordinary assistance, Emperor Li had accomplished everything he once dreamed of during his reign, so he stepped down with contentment.
Besides, if he worked himself to the bone and maxed out all achievements, what would be left for the Crown Prince to accomplish after succession?
It would be the best thing for both father and son to be remembered as wise rulers, leaving their mark in history!
Emperor Li, a loving father, willingly relinquished power and retired with the Empress.
After Li Sheng ascended the throne, Li Sheng bestowed further honors, and Mingting went one step further and became the Duke of Zhongyi.
They had been together since their youth and worked together seamlessly. Some policies the old emperor couldn't accept were readily supported by Li Sheng.
Li Sheng only remembered one thing, 'My sworn brother is amazing. Following his lead is never wrong!'
Li Sheng wanted to make Mingting the Prince of Zhongyi, but he declined.
Even though he had outstanding achievements and was worthy of being a non-imperial Prince, Mingting still refused.
"The brotherhood us brothers isn't something that needs a princely title to prove."
Mingting, who was now middle-aged, carried an air of steadiness, "We're brothers for life, why should we care about material things?"
Li Sheng was moved by Mingting's words. He had never seen someone as noble as Mingting, who is indifferent to power, status, or material wealth.
Mingting has invested all the money he earned from the shares of sugar factories and alcohol factories in recent years in education.
Now, there were over two hundred free girls' schools and more than a hundred vocational schools nationwide, all funded by Mingting, with free tuition and meals.
Graduates were guaranteed jobs, and vocational students were snapped up before they even finished their studies.
Mingting single-handedly supports the nation's basic education and advanced women's liberation.
Li Sheng used to read books and knew that there were sages in ancient times. Now, he feels that Mingting is a sage living right beside him.