Outside the main hall, the area that had been hit by the grenade was blackened, with shrapnel even embedded in the windows.
After estimating the distance from the blast point to the windows, Jiao Xu returned to the Ministry of Works hall in a daze and asked Fang Er,
"Duke Fang, can this thunder have such great power?"
Fang Er smiled slightly and pointed to a chair, saying,
"Have a seat first, then we can talk."
After Jiao Xu sat back down, he continued lightly,
"It might seem very powerful to you, but in the Great Tang, the gunpowder used in this kind of grenade is not top-tier."
"I wonder if Chief Clerk Jiao is interested in taking a trip to the Great Tang with this Duke."
"Of course, you don't need to make a decision now. It's more than a month before I return to the Tang, so you can consider it slowly."
After speaking, he looked at the others.
"Chief Clerks Fang and Sun, Chief Clerk Li, this Duke also sincerely invites you all to conduct research in the Great Tang!"
"As long as you agree, all research projects in the Great Tang will be unconditionally supported by this Duke!"
"We have people, money, and resources!"
"Similarly, you can bring your families along."
Li Tianjing, skilled in astronomy and calendar compilation, presided over the compilation of the "Chongzhen Almanac" seven years ago and co-translated "Tongwen Suanzhi" with Xu Guangqi.
Fang Yizhi, a prodigy second only to Song Yingxing in this era, authored books such as "Dongxi Jun," "Wuli Xiaoshi," "Qieyun Shengyuan," and "Yixue Huaitong."
Sun Yunqiu, who had extensive research in optics, proposed the principle of pinhole imaging centuries before Western scientists and authored "Jing Shi," creating various simple optical observation instruments.
These individuals were all great figures, practically titans.
At least in this era, they were undeniably prominent figures who would have a profound impact on later generations.
People engaged in scientific research share a common trait: they are all practitioners of idealism.
Fang Er didn't just speak; he presented each of them with different items.
To Li Tianjing, he showed a star chart of the Milky Way.
To Sun Yunqiu, he presented an old-fashioned camera.
And to Fang Yizhi, he directly played a video of various workshops in Shenyang on a mobile phone.
These items were all related to their respective fields of expertise, yet far beyond what they could achieve at present. However, they could discern the underlying principles.
Fang Er was confident that these items held an irresistible allure for them.
As expected, the first to make a decision was the multifaceted Fang Yizhi.
He rose, walked to Fang Er's side, respectfully returned the phone, and cupped his hands, saying,
"Your subordinate is willing to accompany Duke Fang. However, I would trouble Duke Fang to also bring my family."
Staying in the Ming Dynasty, he could see his immediate future.
But from the videos displayed on the phone by Fang Er, he could not see his ultimate destination!
This "not seeing" was not about lacking a path, but about not seeing the endpoint!
This was the ideal state for anyone dedicated to research.
The unknown was what attracted them the most!
He did not understand how images could appear on that small rectangular device, but he had a premonition that by following Fang Er, he would surely understand it in the future!
Similarly, Jiao Xu, Li Tianjing, and Sun Yunqiu also made the same choice, simply because the conditions offered by Fang Er were too exceptional.
"Duke Fang, your subordinate is willing!"
The three answered in unison.
"Hahahaha!"
Fang Er laughed and stood up, looking at the four of them and nodding with great satisfaction.
"On behalf of the Great Tang and Emperor Taizong, I welcome your joining!"
"Starting today, you have one month to settle your affairs. On the first day of the ninth month, we shall return to the Great Tang together!"
After bowing, the four retreated with anticipation.
These four were the talents Fang Er had identified who were currently serving in the Ministry of Works. After finishing there, Fang Er had Chonglou lead him to the Northern Administrative Bureau of the Imperial Guard.
Luo Yangxing, upon receiving the notification, personally waited at the entrance of the Northern Administrative Bureau.
"Your humble servant, Big Camel, greets Duke Fang!"
Having been given this nickname by Li Shimin, he consciously used it when addressing Fang Er.
"Haha, Big Camel, no need for such formality. This Duke has come with a request for your assistance!"
Fang Er lightly patted his shoulder and then walked straight into the yamen.
Luo Yangxing quickly followed at his side, patting his chest and vowing, "Duke, please do not hesitate to command. Your humble servant will go through fire and water to fulfill it!"
Fang Er glanced back at him and nodded with great satisfaction.
Upon arriving at the main hall of the Northern Administrative Bureau, he had paper and brush brought, and slowly wrote down several names.
Hu Zhengyan, a native of Xiuning, Huizhou.
Xue Fengzuo, a native of Yidu, Shandong.
Jie Xuan, a native of Houtang, Xujiang Town, Guangchang, Jiangxi.
Zhang Luxiang, a native of Tongxiang, Zhejiang.
After writing, he handed the slips of paper to Luo Yangxing.
"Send someone to invite these individuals. Remember, invite, not arrest!"
"And, try to have them bring their entire families to the capital. Tell them the Emperor has important official positions awaiting their assumption."
Luo Yangxing took the slips, glanced at them, carefully folded them, and tucked them into his embrace.
"Duke, rest assured, your humble servant will send reliable people to invite them."
"We will certainly ensure these individuals are not wronged."
"Well done, this Duke has high hopes for you!"
Fang Er smiled and patted his shoulder a few more times before leaving the Northern Administrative Bureau with his hands behind his back.
Returning to the imperial palace, Li Shimin was in the imperial garden, admiring the scenery with Liu Rushi and the others.
The ladies had been receiving unprecedented treatment these past few days, with two palace maids attending each of them.
"Have you finished your business, boy?"
Seeing Fang Er appear in the imperial garden, Li Shimin asked instinctively.
"Hehehehe, the affairs in the Ming Dynasty are indeed finished. This subject wishes to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Does Your Majesty wish to accompany me?"
Fang Er smiled and stated his intention.
"It would be too much of a waste to leave the Iwami Ginzan to those who are currently living well. Why not take it all, as a ticket for Liu Rushi and the others to visit the Great Tang?"
Li Shimin's eyes lit up at this, and he nodded repeatedly.
"This朕 is very interested! You make the arrangements. Set a time and inform us."
His memories of the Land of the Rising Sun were very pleasant, especially the time he went with Li Xiaogong and Li Jing.
On that occasion, not only was the marriage between Fang Er and Changle settled, but he also tasted a feast of a unique flavor.