This ship was very similar to what Yuwen Chu wanted to build. However, Mingzhu had doubts about whether such a large ship could be built and whether it would be effective once made. In her knowledge, she had never seen a ship this big before.
Caiyun, guessing her concerns, smiled and said, “I’ve lived on the mountain since I can remember. My master, being old and fond of talking, loved telling stories. The other senior brothers and sisters would find excuses to escape, but I, being the youngest, had no reason or courage to leave, so I had to listen to his ramblings.
One day, I couldn’t take it anymore and asked him to stop making up stories. To prove he wasn’t, he drew this kind of ship for me. The bottom layer’s people row the ship, the top ones fight, each doing their part without interfering with each other, making it fast and efficient. As for gunpowder, I’m sorry I lied before. My master taught me about that too. I’m not as skilled as him, but I know a bit more than you all do.”
Although Caiyun said she was sorry, she didn’t sound apologetic. “I’m obedient and soft-hearted, so I often kept my master company. We even made a model of this ship together. It wasn’t as big, but it was pretty good, equipped with small cannons. This might be just what you need, Wangfei.”
Mingzhu believed that Caiyun and Shi Jiujing must have done more than just build one ship together, but since Caiyun claimed to have only made this one, she decided to accept it. Greed often led to downfall; moderation ensured longevity. Sincerely, Mingzhu bowed to Caiyun and asked, “Do you have any requests? As long as I can, I’ll do my best to fulfill them.”
Caiyun smiled, “My master said that powerful weapons should only be in the hands of those who are benevolent and capable of keeping secrets. Otherwise, they would bring disaster to the world and incur divine retribution. After observing for so long, I believe that his highness and Wangfei fit this description. So, I’m giving you this secret. If possible, I hope no one else ever knows about me. I understand the saying that possessing a treasure invites trouble.”
Mingzhu was troubled, “The ship issue can be resolved, but about the gunpowder—you know that when we descended the mountain, Mr. Shi Jiujing demonstrated it, and many people saw. Even if I don’t mention you, they’ll remember you.”
Caiyun said, “Then, at least let me not be disturbed. His Highness and Wangfei have always treated me well and never forced me into anything. I’m happy here and don’t want to lose another home and friends.”
“I will do my best.”
The two clapped their hands to seal the promise. Caiyun smiled, “Wangfei might not know this, but when my master had me follow you down the mountain, he made a bet with the eldest senior brother about whether the Regent would send troops to attack the cliff. The eldest senior brother thought he would, but my master thought he wouldn’t. Because I was with you, you and the Regent had hope, and the cliff was easy to defend but hard to attack, which would waste resources. As long as he cut off the route, it would be hard for you to target him. If you did, he would have plenty of time to escape.”
Mingzhu thought for a moment and asked, “People’s greed knows no bounds. What if we force you?”
Caiyun’s eyes were firm, “I am the master’s favorite because, when I was young, a senior brother tried to force me to reveal the master’s secrets, but I would rather die than say anything. That senior brother was eventually thrown off the cliff to feed the eagles by the eldest senior brother.” She implied that if she didn’t want to, no one could force her.
“I’m really lucky to have won your favor by chance,” Mingzhu said with a knowing smile and immediately got to work, “Let’s draw the plans now. We have the general framework, but we need to detail it. Then I’ll find someone to make a model. You can represent me to help him because it wouldn’t be convenient for me to meet him frequently, but you can.”
“That person is that silly guy from yesterday, right? If you see him often, his highness will be upset. It’s strange that His Highness allows him in but doesn’t let you see him.” Caiyun started drawing the first line with Mingzhu’s charcoal pencil.
Mingzhu couldn’t explain Yuwen Chu’s possessiveness and pretended not to hear Caiyun’s comment, changing the subject, “Did you see the toys Ban Jian made? They’re very intricate. He is very skilled, clever, and pure-hearted.”
“They are indeed well-made. Although he isn’t very personable, I trust his craftsmanship.” Caiyun gave Ban Jian a fair assessment and seriously began drawing the ship.
Mingzhu acted as an assistant, handing over pens and paper. With something to do, time flew by, and soon it was time for dinner. Caiyun washed her hands and excused herself, “I don’t have Wangfei’s mental strength. I’m already dizzy. Please allow me to rest and then continue drawing.”
Mingzhu invited her to stay for dinner, “It’s troublesome to come and go. Stay and eat here. His Highness won’t be joining us for dinner tonight.”
Caiyun wasn’t one to be coy and immediately agreed. Mingzhu sent Xia Xue to inform Yuwen Chu to eat with Zhou Shuyi and others outside and not come in.
Yuwen Chu was waiting for news from the capital and had no mind for dinner, so he had no objections.
After dinner, Caiyun played with the children for a while before resuming drawing, working until late at night before her stamina gave out. She slowly wrote down the gunpowder formula for Mingzhu before leaving. Mingzhu thanked her profusely and had Donghui escort her back, informing Yuwen Chu that he could return.
Yuwen Chu joked with Mingzhu, “What were you hiding in the room? You don’t want me to come home anymore. If I didn’t know the room was full of women, I’d be jealous.”
Mingzhu, planning to surprise him, didn’t mention Caiyun’s contribution and instead handed him hot soup, asking, “Has news from the capital arrived?”
Yuwen Chu smiled, “Su Lan performed well. I’ll arrange for her to return in a few days, but you need to be prepared. She’s involved in a big matter. Though she escaped by luck, she can’t be as prominent as before. She’ll have to stay in the back courtyard and can’t show her face easily.”
Being alive was already a great blessing. Mingzhu happily held Yuwen Chu’s hand and asked, “What about Longsheng Great Eldest Princess?”
Yuwen Chu, infected by her joy, also smiled, “With her son and husband, and close servants testifying against her, she can’t escape the charges of treason and murdering court officials while framing us. The decree hasn’t been issued yet, but she won’t survive.”
