Chapter 140: Chapter 98: Brother-in-law, You Really Don’t Want to Be a Great Official, Really Don’t Want to Be a Prince Consort?

In truth, Lu Yuan wanted to talk some sense into Song Chi.

’Being a General here is perfectly fine; he should stop thinking about climbing the ladder.’

But how could he say something like that?

’Should he just tell him that the Emperor of this Divine Ling Empire is just like Old Zhu from the Great Ming Dynasty back in his old world?’

’That after this northern expedition is over, His Majesty is going to start culling the officials?’

’That you’re in for a world of hurt?’

Forget whether he could even say such a thing—even if he could, Song Chi would have to believe him.

So, after some thought, he decided against it. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

As for whether he’d be implicated if Song Chi got into trouble in the future...

Hmm...

Lu Yuan considered it for a moment. ’There shouldn’t be any major issues.’

’Generally speaking, if this world’s Emperor was like Old Zhu from his previous world...’

’...the ones he’d kill next would most likely be the Nobles, along with the first Meritorious Officials.’

’Someone like Song Chi, on the other hand, should be safe.’

Of course, even if something did happen down the line, it wouldn’t really affect Lu Yuan.

People often joked about Old Zhu’s "extermination of the nine clans," turning it into a running gag.

But in reality, never mind Old Zhu...

...across all five thousand years of history, how many people were truly subjected to the extermination of the nine clans?

There’s only one person with a clear historical record of having their nine clans exterminated.

Then there was the case of Fang Xiaoru’s ten clans, but that story only appeared in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty.

There’s no definitive record of it; its authenticity is questionable.

Sigh, this is why they say the House of Zhu never got along with scholars.

Look how their name was dragged through the mud.

In any case, in ancient times, the "extermination of the nine clans" was basically the equivalent of a modern nuclear weapon.

Its main purpose was deterrence.

Very few actually used it.

So, even if something were to happen to Song Chi in the future, Lu Yuan wouldn’t be dragged down with him.

As for what would become of Song Chi himself, that would depend on his own fate.

However, from Lu Yuan’s perspective, Song Chi wasn’t in much danger anyway.

’Even if the Crown Prince died later on, Old Zhu would only target those with significant military achievements and great power.’

’But as for Song Chi... to put it bluntly...’

’...it would be extremely difficult for him to get promoted any higher.’

’Whether in ancient or modern times, if you want to rise through the ranks, you have to be part of the inner circle.’

’Song Chi is an outsider. Does he really think he can squeeze into the center of power by relying on a single Vice Minister of the Ministry of War?’

’That’s next to impossible.’

’Besides, it’s not like that Vice Minister of the Ministry of War has even promised him anything.’

Song Chi, unaware of the myriad thoughts running through Lu Yuan’s head, was merely puzzled. ’My brother-in-law really doesn’t want to climb the ladder?’

’After all, what man isn’t interested in fame and glory?’

However, Song Chi didn’t dwell on it. Focusing on the implication of his brother-in-law’s words, he blinked and grinned.

"So, brother-in-law, does this mean you agree?

You agree to give us the three hundred cannons?"

Lu Yuan pursed his lips.

"You’ve been rattling on for so long. If I don’t agree, how are we supposed to get through the holidays?"

Hearing this, Song Chi was ecstatic. He repeatedly cupped his hands in thanks to his brother-in-law.

Lu Yuan couldn’t be bothered with Song Chi any longer. He turned to Song Meiqin, who was standing to the side.

"Aunt Song, what do you think of our factory? Think it can be profitable?"

Song Meiqin didn’t know why Lu Yuan had singled her out, but she nodded with great conviction.

"It definitely can.

The factory is amazing. We saw the production floor, the assembly area, and the shipping department—it’s all so well-organized."

Song Meiqin was filled with nothing but admiration for her ’little man.’

’How did her little man’s brain even work? Everything he did was so methodical.’

’First the bicycles, now the factory design.’

It was a real eye-opener for Song Meiqin.

The others standing by heard Song Meiqin’s words and nodded repeatedly in agreement.

They had all been to the large workshop, and it truly looked systematic.

The workshops were distinct from the cafeteria, and there was even a separate dormitory area.

As for whether the bicycles would sell well—there were no fools present. Anyone could see their value at a glance.

How much trouble is it to keep a horse at home?

You have to feed it, muck out its waste, and worry about it getting sick.

But this iron thing? It’s afraid of nothing.

Best of all, the price was low.

Two taels and two—an ordinary family in the city could definitely afford one if they gritted their teeth and saved up.

And as for the Shopkeepers, wouldn’t every single one of them need one at the very least?

Lu Yuan didn’t dwell on the topic, instead getting straight to the point.

"So, Aunt Song, why don’t you be the factory manager for us here?

Take charge of things for us?"

Factory manager?

’What’s that?’

Song Meiqin blinked her lovely eyes, gazing at Lu Yuan with curiosity.

Then, with a casual shake of his head, Lu Yuan began to explain the specifics of a factory manager’s duties to Song Meiqin.

For example, internally, she would need to arrange food and lodging for the factory’s thousand-plus workers, as well as oversee production and safety.

She would also need to approve the daily purchase prices for raw materials to check for any embezzlement.

On payday, she would have to approve the dispersal of the silver taels.

And a whole host of other things. In short, all the factory’s internal affairs would be her responsibility.

Externally, she would have to monitor which products were selling well in which counties and which weren’t, and make timely adjustments.

Of course, Lu Yuan would consult with her on all external matters.

The main responsibility would be internal affairs.

Right now, it was over a thousand people; in the future, it would be several thousand. Managing that many people would be a real headache.

Hearing that Lu Yuan wanted to entrust her with such an important position, Song Meiqin’s beautiful eyes lit up. She looked at him, a little excited.

"Yes! I’ve been tired of staying home for ages. I’m so sick of talking to Zhao Qiao’Er all day~"

At Song Meiqin’s words, the nearby Zhao Qiao’Er couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Hmph.

’This madwoman!’

’I don’t mind her crazy ramblings, and now *she’s* the one getting sick of *me*?’