Chapter 71: The Arrival of the Craftsmen from the Prince’s Residence

Hearing Li Xiaogong’s words, Du Chengfeng was at a loss for a moment. Was Li Xiaogong hinting that the county title bestowed by the Emperor was just a starting point for him? Why bring up the Retired Emperor as well?

But according to the typical pattern of transmigration stories, after solving so many problems for the Tang Dynasty—introducing rice and sweet potatoes, inventing movable type printing, and even helping them to preemptively resolve the centuries-old locust plague—it would truly make no sense for Li Shimin not to grant him at least a marquisate.

After all, just by promoting rice and sweet potatoes for a few years, the national strength of the Tang would at least double. And then there’s the dreadful locust plague—throughout history, every outbreak brought misery and desolation for a thousand miles.

Now, receiving just a county title was clearly a transitional step, as the rice and sweet potatoes had yet to be harvested, and most people would not believe their worth until they saw it with their own eyes. When the time came, with Li Shimin’s shrewdness, granting Du Chengfeng a marquisate would be only natural.

Du Chengfeng was not worried at all. Li Xiaogong’s advance notice was clearly an attempt to draw closer to him, and Du Chengfeng felt this keenly.

Thus, he sincerely thanked Li Xiaogong, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness, for your reminder.”

Satisfied, Li Xiaogong took his leave, and Du Chengfeng returned to his study to organize the relevant documents.

Around Wangjiang Tower, there were many supporting entertainment facilities, all of which Du Chengfeng had to personally sketch and annotate with dimensions—a tedious task.

But before long, a maid came to report that dozens of craftsmen claiming to be from the Prince’s residence had come to visit.

There was no need to ask—these must be the craftsmen Li Xiaogong had promised, coming to report to him. Du Chengfeng hadn’t expected Li Xiaogong’s efficiency to be so high.

“Let them all come in. It’s unseemly to have them waiting at the door. Bring them to the open space in the front yard; I’ll be there soon,” Du Chengfeng replied.

“Yes, young master.”

Du Chengfeng put down his pen and paper, picked up the project documents he had prepared, and headed to the front yard.

The craftsmen were still waiting, craning their necks and murmuring among themselves as they looked at the unfamiliar courtyard.

They had all been working in their respective workshops when the Prince, with a single order, summoned them here and told them to obey the instructions of a young man named Du Chengfeng. The Prince had even specifically stated that from now on, they would belong entirely to Du Chengfeng.

Before long, Du Chengfeng arrived, holding a stack of documents.

A middle-aged man among the craftsmen stepped forward and politely saluted, “Are you Young Master Du?”

“I am,” Du Chengfeng replied calmly, returning the salute.

After confirming his identity, the man continued, “Greetings, Young Master Du. I am the steward of the Prince of Hejian. By the Prince’s order, I have brought these craftsmen to report to you.”

“His Highness is thoughtful. Please convey my thanks to him,” Du Chengfeng replied, quite pleased at heart.

Li Xiaogong was truly diligent in helping with his business ventures. Not only had he quickly dispatched the craftsmen, but even their tools had been brought along in carriages.

“If you have no further instructions, Young Master Du, I shall return to report to the Prince,” the steward said, bowing. His task completed, it would not be proper to linger.

“All right, take care,” Du Chengfeng replied, making no effort to detain him.

After the steward left, Du Chengfeng turned back to the craftsmen, cleared his throat loudly to silence their chatter.

The craftsmen, being sharp men, realized that this young gentleman would likely be their master from now on, and so they stepped forward and waited for his instructions.

To dispel any doubts they might have, Du Chengfeng decided to introduce himself.

He cleared his throat and addressed them solemnly, “Masters of all trades, greetings. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Du Chengfeng. I was recently ennobled as a founding county lord by His Majesty, and I am the second proprietor of Wangjiang Tower in Chang’an.”

“I’m sure you’ve all heard of Wangjiang Tower. For the next several months, you will likely be working for the Tower. Unless something unexpected happens, you will be directly under my command for the foreseeable future.”

It was not that Du Chengfeng intended to flaunt his noble title, but as their future supervisor, a little authority was necessary—after all, he was only sixteen. Besides, once the main gate’s couplets were changed in a few days, everyone would know anyway; there was no need for secrecy.

Being the second proprietor of Wangjiang Tower was no big deal, but being a county lord at just sixteen truly surprised the craftsmen. In the Tang Dynasty, noble titles could be inherited without interruption.

To be ennobled so young, one must have either great talent or great merit. The craftsmen were actually quite pleased to serve such a young lord.

In the Tang Dynasty, craftsmen held low status, despised much like merchants. Yet this young lord, though stern in speech, looked upon them without a trace of disdain, which set their minds at ease.

Softening his expression, Du Chengfeng continued, “Here, you need not feel overly constrained; just do your jobs well. If any of you have good ideas or suggestions, you are welcome to share them with me. Should your ideas be adopted, you will be handsomely rewarded.”

He did not say this merely to paint a rosy picture; he truly believed in the wisdom of the ancient Chinese. Their creativity had been dulled only by the shackles of feudalism.

As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. If these craftsmen were given a platform to unleash their talents, surely there would be many unexpected rewards.

Indeed, Du Chengfeng’s encouragement soon inspired the craftsmen to come up with a wealth of good ideas.

These craftsmen would become the seeds of Du Chengfeng’s future undertakings—but that is a story for another time.

His words stirred the craftsmen. Though all were skilled in their crafts, they had always simply followed their masters’ orders. It was rare for a superior to act as Du Chengfeng did.

“All right, everyone quiet down. Now, please divide yourselves into groups—carpenters in one, masons in another, blacksmiths in another, and so on. Understood?”

He guided them thus, as it would make the division of labor easier.

Soon, the craftsmen had formed eight groups. For the sake of Wangjiang Tower’s long-term plans, Li Xiaogong had practically sent all the skilled craftsmen from his workshops under his domain.