Chapter 67: The First Firearm

Xun Keqing's intelligence was all from within Yellow Mud Hollow.
Apart from some personnel changes, there were also petty intrigues.
One particular item concerned the bandit chieftain Ma the Boss of Cold Mountain, who visited Yellow Mud Hollow yesterday.
This came about because a few days ago, a small batch of goods from Yellow Mud Hollow disappeared mysteriously near Cold Mountain, along with the people transporting them.
This incident enraged the current ruler of Yellow Mud Hollow, Master Yishui, who demanded Ma the Boss provide an explanation.
Though the Fragrant Sect now seemed weakened and powerless, Ma the Boss clearly knew some inside information.
He understood that, even with Prince Qi’s army at the borders, it was unrealistic to expect Yellow Mud Hollow’s people to be completely subdued at this stage.
Thus, Ma the Boss hurried over at once to "admit fault and seek forgiveness."
The intelligence also mentioned that he suspected the incident with Yellow Mud Hollow’s goods was orchestrated by Master Yishui himself, and suggested Xun Keqing try to contact others to further fan the flames.
The aim was to pit Master Yishui and Ma the Boss against each other, so others could profit from the chaos.
Li Yuanjing had long suspected Xun Keqing was not so simple and likely had access to information, but he hadn’t expected her channels to be so formidable.
Clearly, the Jingmen branch of Xun Keqing, or rather the roots of the Fragrant Sect, were far deeper and more formidable than he had imagined.
Nevertheless, since Xun Keqing was now of great help, Li Yuanjing could hardly be too demanding about the matter.
Especially since Xun Keqing’s decision to reveal such classified secrets to him was rather delicate.
This woman was certainly no fool for love, but her intention to align with him, or to use him, was now very apparent.
At least for the moment, Li Yuanjing did not object to such an exchange of interests.
After lingering in a slight flirtation with Xun Keqing, Li Yuanjing became serious and said coldly,
“You’ve done well with this matter. Keep a close watch on it. I’ll let the workshop give you two days off.”
As he spoke, Li Yuanjing took out ten taels of silver and handed them to Xun Keqing,
“I need to know more precise information and developments from their side. Can you manage it?”
Seeing Li Yuanjing produce ten taels of silver at once, a greedy light flashed in Xun Keqing’s seductive almond eyes. She also gained a clearer understanding of Li Yuanjing’s strength.
Delighted, she replied,
“Master, rest assured, I’ll handle this matter for you perfectly!”
...
After sending Xun Keqing off, Li Yuanjing sat quietly for a while before calming down.
Although Xun Keqing and the person behind her did not know exactly who Ma the Boss’s backer was, that was no longer so important.
Li Yuanjing understood that Ma the Boss was adept at handling people; otherwise, he would not have gone to Yellow Mud Hollow to "admit fault and seek forgiveness."
Judging by the situation, Master Yishui would not let Ma the Boss off without extracting a heavy price.
This meant that if Li Yuanjing made a move against the Third Boss, he would have a considerable margin for error.

But as for exactly how and when to strike, Li Yuanjing knew he had to pick the most opportune moment.
...
“I am Chen Chuxue, greetings to the master...”
Not long after, Chen Chuxue arrived at Li Yuanjing’s small warehouse, clearly nervous.
Li Yuanjing smiled, just about to speak, when outside, Chen Chunyan reported that Zhang Kun’s younger brother Zhang Liang, and the old village chief’s nephews Yang Da and Yang Er, had all come to report for duty.
“Wait here for a bit, I’ll be right back.”
Li Yuanjing smiled and nodded to Chen Chuxue, then quickly stepped out.
Chen Chuxue bit her delicate red lips tightly.
She knew Li Yuanjing was busy, but hadn’t expected him to be this busy...
However, she soon calmed herself, adjusting her breathing.
Even though she did not fully trust Li Yuanjing and, truthfully, looked down on him somewhat—after all, she had witnessed Xun Keqing’s excitement and bashful demeanor when she left—
Yet, thinking of her deep vendetta and her longing to live like a normal person again, she knew she could only rely on Li Yuanjing now.
Especially since Li Yuanjing’s loom was astoundingly powerful, something she had never heard of or seen.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss Chen. What did you want to see me about?”
Soon, Li Yuanjing returned, smiling at Chen Chuxue.
At this point, Zhang Liang, as well as Yang Da and Yang Er, were all trusted associates.
Their older brothers and uncle had already explained everything to them, so Li Yuanjing didn’t need to do much persuasion.
He needed only to steady them, assign them duties in the workshop, and let them acclimate.
“Master...”
“May I ask, master, your loom—where did you learn of it? Why have I never seen it in any old records?”
Chen Chuxue pondered for a moment before finally voicing her greatest question.
Li Yuanjing paused, then replied,
“I found it in a rare, unique book. Perhaps, aside from me, no one else in the world knows of it.”
Chen Chuxue’s eyes brightened at his words and she hurriedly asked,
“Master, are you saying the loom—aside from you, no one else can operate it?”
Li Yuanjing now somewhat grasped Chen Chuxue’s intent, especially since...she carried a subtle, enchanting fragrance...
Even though Chen Chuxue wore a veil, exposing only her eyes, and Li Yuanjing knew she was not beautiful, her demeanor still stirred his desire to show off.
He smiled,
“If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to look elsewhere. You’ll soon see whether what I say is true.”
“I believe you!”
Li Yuanjing had barely begun to boast when Chen Chuxue replied decisively, her eyes now burning with fervor. She hurried on,
“Master, may I ask, do you have a market for your cloth and thread?”
“Hm?”

Li Yuanjing’s brow furrowed.
“Not yet. Unless—you have a market?”
Chen Chuxue seemed transformed, her eyes shining brightly, a new confidence about her.
“Master, to be honest, my family is in the textile business—not just in Feng County, but throughout Qi Province, even the capital. We have connections everywhere!”
“If you’re willing to trust me, I’d like to cooperate with you!”
“In the future, I promise on my life, I can sell your cloth and thread for a good price! Also...”
She was about to say more when Chen Chunyan came respectfully to report,
“Master, the carpenters’ workshop needs to see you urgently...”
Li Yuanjing instantly perked up, his spirits soaring. He hastily said to Chen Chuxue,
“Miss Chen, I’ll consider your proposal carefully. I have some matters to attend to—let’s discuss this in detail once I’m done. You may go and rest for now.”
With that, Li Yuanjing left quickly, leaving Chen Chuxue standing alone in confusion...
“You—you—you...”
After a long pause, Chen Chuxue finally regained her composure, biting her silver teeth in frustration, wishing she could strangle Li Yuanjing.
Was her important proposal so insignificant? How could that scoundrel leave so abruptly?
Yet, the situation was set. Li Yuanjing clearly had no attachment to her, and Chen Chuxue could only sigh and go to rest.
...
“Master, we did not fail you. We’ve completed the first musket!”
“Also, the gunpowder you sent last night worked beautifully. The small lead shot is ready, and we’re waiting for you to test the musket...”
At the carpenters’ workshop, Mao Fugui excitedly held a brand-new, jet-black musket and spoke to Li Yuanjing.
Li Yuanjing gazed at the musket, nearly one meter seventy-eight in length, unable to contain his excitement.
Previously, for various reasons, obtaining wrought iron had been difficult, but the materials for gunpowder and lead were not expensive, and Li Yuanjing had already stockpiled some.
Seeing Zhao Zengjin nod slightly, Li Yuanjing knew he had already smoothed over the explanations.
He smiled,
“In that case, let’s test the musket!”
Mao Fugui and his daughter, along with the others, were overjoyed.
Yet, when it came time to test the musket, it wasn’t Mao Fugui or his two sons who stepped forward.
Instead, Mao Xiaocao picked up the musket with deft confidence and began loading the shot, packing the bullet, adding gunpowder, and setting the fuse—all with practiced, methodical skill.
This left Li Yuanjing and all the others quite astonished...