"It's not just military supplies it can transport."
Sensing Emperor Xuanwu's reluctance and veiled dismissal of the idea, Ye Qing'an grew anxious.
"This system could also be used to move troops. If multiple tracks are laid, we could achieve rapid deployment across the realm, adjusting our military positions as needed!"
"Efficient troop deployment is indeed a benefit," Emperor Xuanwu replied with a shake of his head, "but as We said, laying down rails is far too costly. If they are only used a handful of times, it simply isn't worth the expense."
"There is a way to ensure they are used regularly," Yun Shu interjected, resting her chin on one hand. Her casual comment drew the attention of both Emperor Xuanwu and Ye Qing'an.
"When the military doesn't need them, we can let the common people use them."
She continued with a gleam in her eyes.
"We can establish stations along the rail routes, allowing people to board and disembark as they please. Fares can be set according to the distance traveled."
"Your Highness is absolutely right!" Ye Qing'an's eyes lit up with realization. But another concern quickly followed.
"Still, if the fares are too high, the average citizen may not be able to afford it."
"They don't need to be expensive," Yun Shu said breezily. "Let's say someone wants to travel from the capital to Suzhou—over two thousand li in all. Renting a carriage is far too costly for commoners, so let's put that aside.
Even for a healthy, able-bodied man, walking would take over a month. During that month, the cost of food and lodging—calculated at the lowest possible rates—would come to about two taels of silver, yes?
Now, imagine our train could make the same journey in just a day or two. If we set the fare at two and a half taels per person, what do you think? Would people not be willing to pay for it?"
"Barring the truly frugal, most people would choose the train!" Ye Qing'an was struck by the logic.
"After all, traveling that far on foot is exhausting. There's always the risk of running into bandits or getting caught in a storm. At best, they might lose some coin. At worst, they could lose their lives.
But with a little extra spent on the train, they save time and effort—and most importantly, they're safe.
In fact, with the time they save, they could earn back the extra fare and more. Surely many would choose the train."
His words grew more impassioned, but his mind kept racing forward.
"Though, if merchants were to board the train with large quantities of cargo, would there be an additional fee?"
"We can calculate it based on the size or weight of the goods," Yun Shu replied with a slight nod.
"Merchants have deeper pockets than commoners. It would be entirely reasonable to set higher freight rates for them."
"Indeed, Your Highness is wise!"
Emperor Xuanwu: "…"
He had nodded along for quite a while before the realization slowly dawned on him. Squinting at Yun Shu, he asked suspiciously:
"Why do We get the feeling that you planned all of this long ago?"
Was this not supposed to be a simple little gift for the Sixth Prince?
Was the gift only a pretense, a ruse to bring up this whole matter?
Emperor Xuanwu, sensing that he had walked straight into a trap without knowing it, narrowed his eyes at her.
"So the gift was a pretext. What you truly want is to lay down railways throughout Tian Sheng and launch this train of yours, is that not so?"
"Father Emperor sees through all," Yun Shu said with a grin, offering no resistance. "Truly, nothing escapes Your gaze."
"Stop flattering Us!" Emperor Xuanwu shot her a glare, half exasperated. "Why not simply speak your mind? Why go through all these twists and turns?"
"It just felt natural," Yun Shu muttered, rubbing her nose. She didn't seem particularly guilty after being exposed, and her attitude carried the logic of one who had already surrendered.
"After all, in these past two years, every major expense in the treasury has more or less been requested by Your Daughter. Outside of year-end tax collection, Minister Yan avoids me as if I were a plague. Anyone who doesn't know better might think I'm some kind of beast.
Your Daughter is not thick-skinned. These difficult matters, well, I don't always have the heart to pursue them directly."
Emperor Xuanwu: "?"
What did she just say?
Who exactly lacks a thick skin?
She?
Emperor Xuanwu, feeling as if he had just heard the best joke of the year, let out a cold chuckle.
"So what you're saying is, We are the one with a thick skin?"
"Your Daughter never said that!" Yun Shu put on her most innocent face.
"Please do not misinterpret my meaning, Father Emperor. It's simply that as Emperor, Your words carry far more weight than mine ever could."
"Hmph!"
Emperor Xuanwu snorted again, clearly displeased, yet despite his grumbling, he still ended up doing exactly what Yun Shu had hoped. He turned his gaze to Ye Qing'an and gave his orders directly.
"Did you not say the Crown Princess' schematic was merely a gift for the Sixth Prince? Then build it. Let us see if it actually works.
If it proves successful, then calculate the cost of laying tracks and constructing trains. Determine the appropriate fees for the common folk, and estimate how long it would take to recover the investment.
Prepare a full memorial detailing everything and submit it to Us."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Ye Qing'an had gotten precisely what he wanted. He bowed deeply and withdrew from the Imperial Study.
Only after leaving did he suddenly recall he had forgotten to ask about steam-powered steelmaking.
Emperor Xuanwu: "…"
Although Ye Qing'an was eager to complete the "little train toy" as soon as possible, the steam-powered steelmaking process remained a higher priority.
After all, if they truly intended to lay railways and build trains capable of carrying thousands, they would need an immense supply of steel.
At the Ministry of Works, nearly everyone who could be spared had been reassigned. Aside from a small group working on glass production, the rest had been dispatched to assist Zheng Qiaozhang with refining the steam-steel method.
Left with no other choice, Ye Qing'an gathered a few skilled carpenters to assist him. It took over three full months before they finally completed the so-called "toy."
During that time, since the tracks were being laid beginning from Yaohua Palace, Yun Chuhuan took to visiting the site daily to supervise. His curiosity had already reached its peak.
And at long last, the gift was ready.
That morning, Yun Chuhuan happened to have a day off from court. He rose early, dressed neatly, and waited excitedly to see what kind of mysterious marvel his Fifth Sister had prepared for him.
Meanwhile, within Xuan Zheng Hall...
Emperor Xuanwu had just concluded a round of morning discussions with his ministers. Rising from his seat, he stretched his limbs and spoke with a tone of fatigue.
"Day after day, these discussions grow increasingly tedious. Always the same dull matters. We are weary of it.
The Imperial Garden is now in full bloom. Why not accompany Us for a stroll and enjoy the flowers while they last?"