Chapter 72
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As they reached the entrance, a galloping horse approached swiftly, stopping before them. The rider hastily dismounted and saluted, “Wang Ye, General!”
It was a messenger, it was evident that he bore important news to report. Ming Yu purposely stepped back a few paces, allowing Xie Yixiu to approach and inquire privately. After all, they were in a crowded street, and revealing the message too early would not be wise.
The messenger whispered a few words into Xie Yixiu’s ear, causing his expression to grow increasingly solemn. When he turned back to Ming Yu, the latter had already spoken up, “Is it about the situation at Shi Chongguan? General Xie, attend to your duties.”
Xie Yixiu nodded, “Yes, the barbarian tribes outside Shi Chongguan initiated a small-scale conflict last night. The situation isn’t dire, but I need to return to Shi Chongguan to assess the situation.”
“En!” Ming Yu expressed his concern, “Go ahead, matters of war are of paramount importance. Take care!”
Ming Yu also had his reservations. He was now most apprehensive about clashes between the two armies. Liangzhou region had already been suffering due to years of continuous warfare, and the outbreak of war would only further impede its development.
His next step was to establish a horse farm and factories outside Liangcheng to engage in assembly line production. Liangzhou needed to establish its own economic system – relying solely on meager income from the farm land wouldn’t suffice to sustain families. If people couldn’t even make ends meet, how could they talk about prosperity?
One idea he had was to build a large workshop, where the glass products developed by the craftsmen could be broken down into simple steps for common people to manage. By simplifying the processes, even regular individuals could handle the work, and production output could be significantly increased. With people working and earning during their leisure time, having surplus money wouldn’t it facilitate buying things?
Glass products came in a wide variety, and their initial introduction yielded remarkably positive results. Ming Yu intended to distribute them across the Great Yan, even export them to various countries in the Western Regions. To do this effectively, a major workshop was necessary. Even so, it was estimated that the demand would likely outstrip supply.
As for the old craftsmen in the craftman workshop, they would only need to focus on developing new products. Once a variety of products were developed, they could establish different workshops. In short, Liangzhou needed to keep up not only in commerce but also in supporting industries. Planning ahead would lead to more timely benefits, otherwise falling behind in every aspect could result in substantial losses.
Because he believed that after the merchant caravans had paved the way, with the commotion caused by multiple journeys to the Western Regions, shrewd traders would pick up the scent and rush in to get their share. Once the merchants converged, the products they produced would sell out immediately! Would he still be short of money then? No, he would have people sending money to him. Those days of counting money while lying down would indeed be blissful.
However, the looming threat of the Suixi Kingdom was a challenge. To prevent Suixi from daring to invade easily, he needed to arm the Great Yan military forces. Upgrading their equipment and combat capabilities was essential, it would be even better if they could secure a victory or two against their enemies. Only then could the border regions enjoy relative peace for a few years.
Unfortunately, as a Wang Ye, he couldn’t interfere in military affairs. Hence, he thought of boosting weapon research and innovation, hoping it would contribute somehow.
Xie Yixiu was still worried, “Wang Ye, your security detail is quite sparse. Should I send some personnel over?”
Ming Yu quickly dissuaded him, “No, state affairs are crucial. We mustn’t let minor issues disrupt the greater picture. I’m relatively safe here, anyone causing trouble in the city would be dealt with promptly. Besides, the guards are present; there shouldn’t be any problems. General, it’s best if you go and return promptly!”
Xie Yixiu cast a concerned look at the dozen or so guards surrounding Ming Yu, knitting his brows. As a Wang Ye, his security detail was rather insufficient.
Ming Yu noticed the worry on Xie Yixiu’s face and smiled, “Your departure shouldn’t take long to resolve the issue. Rest assured, and bring back good news.”
Xie Yixiu nodded, recognizing the logic in Ming Yu’s words. With urgent matters at hand, he couldn’t afford further delay. He mounted his horse decisively and departed in haste.
Ming Yu gazed at the distant sky over Liangcheng, where several eagles soared through the blue expanse, adding a touch of magnificence.
Yet, behind him, a pair of eyes remained fixed on him.
“Wu Qi! I told you to fetch something, but you’re dawdling! Are you trying to slack off again?” a voice scolded irritably.
Ming Yu snapped back to attention and looked towards the source of the voice. He saw Wu Qi bowing his head, wearing a harmless, docile, and respectful expression. Perhaps he felt a bit uneasy and constrained due to the unfamiliar surroundings.
It seemed their group was blocking his path, making him reluctant to approach and consequently unable to do the task. If he couldn’t perform his duty, he might get scolded, right? Ming Yu smiled and nodded towards him. However, constrained by Ming Yu’s status, Wu Qi stood awkwardly, immobilized, unsure of what to do. Seeing Ming Yu nod at him, he nearly knelt down on the spot.
Ming Yu didn’t linger any further. He mounted the horse led by a guard. Having learned from General Xie for quite some time, he had picked up some riding skills. While he still didn’t dare gallop, he could manage ordinary riding without any issue.
He had to get back; otherwise, his absence might delay work. Ming Yu turned his head to glance at the man once again. The man responded with a simple and honest smile, revealing a set of bright white teeth. Ming Yu found it somewhat surprising, but before he could think more, the man lowered his head once more. Amused, Ming Yu shook his head. When did he become so sensitive?
Shaking off the thought of that person, the group of people left the craftsman’s workshop behind and rode away.
Ming Yu didn’t see that, after he had left, the simple and honest demeanor of that person had vanished entirely, replaced by a faint and elusive cold smile.
Xie Yixiu rushed back to Shi Chongguan overnight and entered the main tent of the central camp. Great General Wei was already waiting there.
Without even pausing for a drink of water, Xie Yixiu hurried to Great General Wei, “Great General Wei, what’s the situation?”
Great General Wei pressed his hands down as a gesture to calm down, and without further ado, he explained the current situation.
It turned out that the night before, the barbarians had launched a small-scale probing attack. Although it didn’t cause significant losses, it seemed to be a prelude to a larger battle. The situation remained relatively calm today, but Great General Wei, standing high, had used the Thousand-Mile Eye and sensed considerable movement among the barbarian forces. They were likely mobilizing troops and preparing for a full-scale attack.
Currently, they could only defensively hold their positions in the strategically advantageous mountain terrain. Barbarian cavalry against the Great Yan infantry was almost an insurmountable challenge. By guarding the pass, they could hope for some chances.
The only force that could confront the barbarians directly was the Red Robe Army. Unfortunately, the Red Robe Army was severely limited in numbers, and facing the barbarian cavalry directly would lead to defeat. Therefore, they could only be used as a covert and precise saber.
As to whether Shi Chongguan would repeat the history of a few years ago in case of a massive barbarian invasion, no one could say for certain. Thus, they needed a solid plan to respond.
After listening to the account of events, Xie Yixiu’s brow furrowed. Great General Wei’s concerns were valid; this matter couldn’t be taken lightly. Although they had discussed many strategies beforehand, the battlefield was unpredictable, enemies wouldn’t necessarily act according to their expectations. If they followed a rigid plan, they would be passive and constantly on the defensive.
Xie Yixiu nodded. The enemy could invade at any time, it seemed he wouldn’t be able to leave Shi Chongguan in the short term. As for Wang Ye… Xie Yixiu felt a bit worried, a vague sense of restlessness and unease. He couldn’t free himself from the situation and could only hope the Guard Battalion could swiftly annihilate the small barbarian forces attempting to invade.
Ming Yu was unaware of Xie Yixiu’s concerns, and the following days were leisurely and carefree. Besides occasionally tending to the corn seedlings in the backyard and visiting the craftsman’s workshop, he spent the rest of his time designing the blueprints for the horse farm in his study.
Days passed without any significant developments, there was no news of the battle. Ming Yu also had no idea how the small group of barbarians had fared, but he believed in his subordinates. Under Commander Mo’s leadership, they should be able to triumph over the barbarians.
Several days later, a messenger from the craftsman’s workshop arrived, saying that Elder Huang had asked for Ming Yu’s presence, indicating that there were new findings.
Ming Yu listened attentively. Just yesterday, when he left the craftsman’s workshop, no one had brought up any constructive suggestions. How could they suddenly have made progress? Did they work overnight? This wasn’t good; research needed to be timely, but personal rest was also essential. He couldn’t let his health suffer; that would be counterproductive. It seemed he needed to establish a schedule for their work and rest.
He had initially thought of subtly hinting a few days later, pretending to unintentionally reveal a little bit of information, so that they could adjust their direction based on his hints. But this way was better; they had made progress on their own, saving him the trouble.
Ming Yu felt delighted and didn’t prepare a carriage. After exchanging a few words with Qingping, he took his guards and left. Originally, he was headed straight to the craftsman’s workshop, but the messenger intercepted him, saying that Elder Huang was at the medicine shop.
Ming Yu was puzzled. What could Elder Huang be doing at the medicine shop? Normally, he locked himself in his research hut for days without showing up. How could he suddenly go to the medicine shop? Even if he wasn’t feeling well, there were dedicated doctors on standby!
“Is there something wrong with Elder Huang’s health?” Ming Yu asked, sizing up the person before him. He recognized him as Gan Jiu, a local they had found since arriving in Liangcheng. They had assigned him to assist Elder Huang with daily chores and take care of his daily life. Elder Huang was getting old and absorbed in research. Without someone to look after him, who knew what mess he might make of himself?
Gan Jiu shook his head, “He’s not unwell. He said there are materials he needs in the medicine shop. The materials available in the craftsman’s workshop are not complete, so he’s going to the medicine shop to see if there are any missing ingredients based on what he’s learned from his books.”
Ming Yu suddenly understood. Yes, he had forgotten about it. The ingredients for making gunpowder, like sulfur and saltpeter, were readily available in the medicine shop.
In fact, it’s not difficult to guess. Fire and medicine are the result of chemical reactions in alchemists’ refining of elixirs. Medicinal herbs are also closely related to apothecaries. After studying these for some time, Elder Huang was well aware of this, so it wasn’t unreasonable for him to focus his attention on the apothecaries.
Understanding this, Ming Yu had no doubts and fully trusted Gan Jiu.
Upon arriving at the apothecary, which was quite small and filled with elderly people coming and going.
Ming Yu stepped in without hesitation. He glanced around but didn’t see anyone.
“Wang Ye, Elder Huang is inside,” Gan Jiu pointed to a small side door.
Ming Yu followed his finger and looked. The place was narrow, clearly not accommodating too many people. He nodded and instructed the others to wait outside. He only brought two guards with him.
The guards were concerned that only two people were accompanying him, but Ming Yu didn’t mind. With so many people coming and going on the street, what unexpected situation could arise? The city guards patrolled the streets outside, any disturbances would be dealt with immediately. Having been in Liangcheng for a while, even though he hadn’t been to this apothecary before, he had traversed the streets and alleys, big and small. It could be said that Liangcheng was still peaceful under the governance of Liu Zhifu.
Inside the door was a long corridor. Gan Jiu led the way, guiding Wang Ye, while Ming Yu and two guards followed behind. The place was a bit crowded.
Being a medicine shop, the corridor was filled with a strong medicinal aroma that lingered in the air. Ming Yu wasn’t quite used to this smell, it made his head feel heavy.
Fortunately, the corridor wasn’t long. After a short while, the scene before him brightened. It seemed they had entered a closed room. The room was dimly lit, even in broad daylight, candles were burning with a faint yellow light. There were two figures under the candlelight, barely discernible.
The strong medicinal scent from the corridor seemed even more concentrated here. Ming Yu furrowed his brows.
“Wang Ye is here,” Gan Jiu reminded.
Ming Yu’s vision seemed slightly blurred. Among the two figures in the room, one of them bore a striking resemblance to Elder Huang. Ming Yu assumed it was him and smiled, “Elder Huang, you rarely come out usually. Have you had a change of heart today?”
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