RBCT Chapter 1194 - 1183: Wealthy Merchant
Chapter 1194 - 1183: Wealthy Merchant
Chen Gaoxuan looked at Zhao Xiong with an unusually intense gaze, already able to foresee the significant role this black gunpowder would play on the battlefield in the future.
"General Zhao, you’ve made great contributions this time. Can you tell me who came up with this method?"
"Does Your Highness still remember the people I brought back from Jing’an City?"
Chen Gaoxuan thought for a while and frowned, "Are you referring to the Ye Family’s legitimate Third Miss and her mother?"
"Indeed, the method of making this black gunpowder was contributed by Lady Ye San."
"Her? Are you saying this method belongs to the Ye Family? But hasn’t the Ye Family submitted to us? What do they mean by this?"
"No, Lady Ye San says she is the only one who knows the method of making this black gunpowder. Lady Ye San also mentioned that her elder brother is old-fashioned, but she believes Your Highness is destined for greatness, so she brings this sincere intent to submit to you."
Hearing Zhao Xiong say this, Chen Gaoxuan couldn’t help but be touched, both by his own recognition and by Ye Lu’s boldness as a woman.
"Where is Lady Ye San? I wish to see her." At this moment, Chen Gaoxuan was extremely curious about what kind of woman possessed such a bold intellect and mysterious concoction, and what else she might know.
Being summoned by Prince Linsan was within Ye Lu’s expectations. She entered the palace with an exquisite appearance and calm steps, feeling as if she was one step closer to becoming Queen with every step she took.
"This humble woman Ye Lu pays her respects to Your Highness." She elegantly curtsied, striking a balance between showcasing her graceful demeanor and avoiding servility, instantly earning favor.
Chen Gaoxuan was astounded by the sight before him, surprised by how captivatingly beautiful Ye Lu was, distinct from the women in his harem. She was shy and bold, not at all distasteful, but rather admired.
He always believed women should be straightforward and not confined by rigid etiquette discouraging actions. He was determined that when he ascended to the throne, he would elevate women’s status, and at this moment, he felt Ye Lu might be an exemplary model.
"Lady Ye San, please rise. People, offer her a seat."
Ye Lu looked at him with eyes full of admiration and joy, "This humble woman has written about Your Highness and heard of your wisdom, and seeing you today confirms your exceptional nature."
"Lady Ye San’s character is indeed different from ordinary women," Chen Gaoxuan said as if both admiring and probing.
Ye Lu replied gracefully, "Although this humble woman has not read many books, I believe that since the heavens divide people into men and women, there is naturally a purpose. Therefore, I think that everyone simply has different roles, and it doesn’t mean women should be inferior to men."
Ye Lu’s response was bold, but she knowingly did so intentionally, aware that Prince Linsan was unlike typical men in this world. He liked bold and assertive women and increased women’s status upon entering the throne, despite opposition. So, she carefully chose her words, knowing Chen Gaoxuan wouldn’t blame her and might even appreciate her.
Those around inhaled sharply at her words, thinking even if she offered the black gunpowder recipe, she might eventually displease Your Highness. One attendant slightly curled their mouth, then quietly withdrew, not knowing whom they reported to.
Chen Gaoxuan’s gaze was intense. He admired Ye Lu, but did not express it openly, instead subtly remarking, "Lady Ye San indeed possesses extraordinary insight. Let’s first talk about this black gunpowder."
Seeing he said nothing further, those present truly believed Ye Lu had annoyed Chen Gaoxuan. After all, in this era, which man doesn’t prefer holding a higher status? But only the two of them knew the truth, which was why Ye Lu didn’t immediately face schemes upon entering Chen Gaoxuan’s inner courtyard.
Prince Linsan believed he held an unbeatable Magic Treasure, yet he was unaware that soon it would become difficult to purchase sulfur and saltpetre on the market.
"Brother, what is this?" Ye Cheng looked at the water column rising before him and the fish flipping on their backs on the lake surface, his shock remaining unabated, "What exactly is this thing? How powerful can it be?"
"Gunpowder."
"Gunpowder? Brother, was your recent control over the market flow of sulfur and saltpetre because they are the raw materials for making this gunpowder?"
"Exactly."
"Brother, you are truly wise, having such a recipe. With this gunpowder, what do we have to fear?"
"But I don’t plan to use it initially."
"Why not?"
"Because Ye Lu also knows it, I want to keep a trump card to catch Prince Linsan off guard."
Ye Cheng was shocked, "Ye Lu also knows? Is it passed down from our ancestors?"
"No." Ye Qiu shook his head, "She has already submitted to Prince Linsan, and Prince Linsan is likely to use it soon in warfare, unaware that we possess it. Thus, we must conceal our strength, and at critical times it will be effective. Also, I don’t want them to produce too much, causing more casualties."
Ye Cheng didn’t delve into the precise origin of the gunpowder recipe but was deeply impressed, "Brother, you have high principles."
Ye Cheng knew that with their current stockpile of sulfur and saltpetre, they could conquer half of Jiang Shan. But if they did, the casualties from gunpowder wars would multiply, turning the World into scorched earth, contrary to their original intent. They simply wanted a clear and peaceful World where citizens lived peacefully, not doing insincere deeds to seize Jiang Shan.
"Find an opportunity to show our City Lord the power of this gunpowder."
Ye Cheng’s eyes flashed, "Is that what Brother means?"
"In the future, Jing’an City will be our base camp, at least temporarily without considering relocation, so we must completely control this city." Ye Qiu said assertively.
"I understand Brother’s intention, I will do this well."
Ye Qiu smiled slightly at him, "I trust you, without you, things wouldn’t have progressed so smoothly."
Ye Cheng, usually praised by his elder brother, was even more motivated, "How can I let down Brother’s trust?"
"Go ahead, I’ve arranged a squad for you. They will protect your safety at all times from now on."
"They are all elites trained by you, Brother. Isn’t it a waste to give them to me? Also, I’m usually inside the city, where there’s no danger."
"No way, to me, you are more important than anyone else. Don’t refuse."
At this, Ye Cheng felt even more touched. As a mere bastard in the family, without his elder brother’s support, he might only manage small household matters his whole life. How could he be entrusted with such responsibility now? How could he be addressed as Second Master by everyone when he goes out? In the future, he must ensure tasks given by his elder brother are completed even more perfectly.