Chapter 644: Chapter 416: Promotion
After returning home, Wei Ziang no longer had to pretend and even straightened his back considerably.
Xiaomi was curious about what he wanted to say, so she followed him eagerly.
Once the two returned to the room, someone brought tea over. Wei Ziang instructed not to be disturbed and opened the doors and windows, allowing a clear view of the entire courtyard.
Speaking of secrets, if you close the door, others know you’re up to something sneaky, but with the door wide open, even if someone approaches, there’s nowhere to hide.
"Brother, what exactly do you want to say, being so mysterious?"
Xiaomi’s heart was itching with curiosity as if caught by a cat’s paw, feeling unbearably uncomfortable.
Wei Ziang sat at the table, laughed lightly, and said, "Speaking of it, the inspiration came from Xiaomi."
"Hmm???"
What do you mean?
Wei Ziang didn’t directly explain. Instead, he changed the topic and said, "The books in Xiaomi’s space are diverse and can be said to be rich in knowledge."
Xiaomi nodded repeatedly, signaling for him to get to the point and stop beating around the bush.
"During this period, I’ve read a lot of books, from cultural history to technological development. I wouldn’t say I understand everything thoroughly, but I’ve gotten a general overview."
Xiaomi opened her mouth wide in surprise: "In such a short time, you’ve read so many books?"
Wei Ziang laughed: "The Spiritual Energy in the space is plentiful, and recovery is quick, so I read more books."
He hardly slept and would get engrossed once he started reading.
Moreover, he read incredibly fast and had a good memory, subconsciously reading a lot.
However, if you want to do something, just reading isn’t enough; you need to find a direction and delve into it.
Xiaomi admired him and quickly motioned for him to continue.
"As far as I know, a few years ago, someone indeed researched black gunpowder. It’s said that the saltpeter used to make ice is one of the materials required."
Xiaomi suddenly realized, no wonder saltpeter could only be rented, not bought, and had to be returned on time every year, otherwise facing severe punishment.
Although black gunpowder was created, there still hasn’t been a major breakthrough in its use.
Previously, he had thoughts but no clear goals. On the way to the stone forest earlier, Xiaomi reminded him.
The world is so vast, why be confined to one small part of it?
However, whether traveling to another country or going to sea, absolute military power is necessary.
Both for themselves and for the country behind them.
"This time, all the famous Forging Masters of the military are in Lishi City. I plan, once healed next month, to ask General Song for help, to see if I can follow one of them to learn for a year or so."
Xiaomi suddenly realized: "You want to create weapons yourself?"
"No," Wei Ziang shook his head, "firearms!"
Xiaomi was stunned, then amazed: "Firearms? Guns?"
This was her first thought.
Wei Ziang chuckled: "Impossible, guns definitely can’t be made, but perhaps we can try making fire lances."
Xiaomi nodded blankly; he made it sound so easy, making her feel as if she could do it too.
Fortunately, she remained sensible.
After a while, Xiaomi came back to her senses: "Do whatever you want to do. I don’t have handguns here, but there are plenty of toy guns. If you want to make a fire lance, you can take some inspiration."
"Alright, thank you, Xiaomi."
Xiaomi waved her hand helplessly, thinking her brother had far greater ambitions than she ever would.
Moreover, she could tell that he probably only disclosed a third of what he was thinking; what he planned to do in the future was still unknown.
Wei Ziang briefly mentioned his ideas and asked Xiaomi for another year.
In a year, he would accompany everyone back to Cheng County, return to Xiangmu Village, and attend the wedding of Second Sister and Ze Ge.
Initially, to ensure Wei Ziang could return in time, the couple’s wedding was also set for next year.
As for what to do after that, they would decide then.
The two only discussed this matter roughly, without saying much, and didn’t even tell other people.
In the following half-month, Wei Ziang stayed home obediently to recuperate, hardly taking a step outside.
However, they did receive news that Nong Zheng Bo had been promoted to Nong Zheng Hou.
Jiang Hu, who was promoted directly from Lord to Marquis, was completely baffled by the edict he received, along with a variety of rewards, most of which were precious items belonging to women.
And the two main culprits remained silent, only meeting Jiang Yu’s slightly knowing glance.
Meanwhile, Wei Ziang was directly promoted from Chiliarch to a Junior General, with the emperor’s edict granting him one wish.
Wei Ziang naturally stated directly that he wished to study with the Forging Masters from the Capital City for some time.
Although the request seemed strange, since it was his wish and as long as it wasn’t excessive, the emperor directly agreed.
So Wei Ziang went straight to the Forging Masters to become a novice apprentice.
Of course, all of this was kept secret from Jiang Hu, the Nong Zheng Hou, only Jiang Yu asked Wei Ziang and Xiaomi secretly.
Though the details about iron mines couldn’t be disclosed, they received definite news that it was indeed due to something the two did.
Liu Ze also had his suspicions but didn’t ask about it.
Simultaneously, a massive army of 150,000 troops stationed around the stone forest, densely surrounding it, so tightly that not even a bird could fly in.
Even people approaching the army were warned to leave quickly or be directly captured.
As a result, the barbarians, who used to harass Lishi City every so often, suddenly quieted down and never came back.
Regarding the stone forest, only one edge bordered Xuyu Dynasty, while almost all the rest lay between the two countries.
The Xuyu Dynasty’s army surrounded the stone forest, nearing the national border, effectively violating the peace and friendship treaty between the two nations.
Not that the soldiers below can handle such matters; naturally, higher-ups would manage the negotiations.
At least for now, the 150,000-strong army is diligently guarding the stone forest without moving its position.
Many people don’t even know why they’re guarding this mountain, only a few are busy in the stone forest every day.
"General Wei, General Wei!"
In the middle of the stone forest, several furnaces burned brightly. A large number of blacksmiths gathered from various places were sweating profusely, processing and transporting the iron ore after a preliminary forging.
This greatly reduced transportation costs.
Wei Ziang was among them.
He had only been there for over half a month. Although with the title of a general, he worked diligently as a novice apprentice.
To learn forging, first you must learn to smith. The teachers explained carefully, and he learned earnestly.
Upon hearing someone call him, he set down the hammer and placed the iron piece, beaten thousands of times, into the bucket beside him.
The hissing sound that ensued was very pleasing.
"What’s the matter?"
"General Wei, Miss Jiang is here, says she has an urgent matter for you."
"Xiaomi? Lead me to her."