Gu Yun did not wait for his breathing to steady. He took a light breath of fresh air and looked up at him: “I have an idea to improve the combat effectiveness of the army, and I want to put it into practice.”
Chao Yan’s gaze sharpened. He lowered his eyes and looked at Gu Yun. After a moment of eye contact, his expression softened again. He released Gu Yun, spread out the writing materials, and said, “Speak.” He even seemed prepared to write it down.
Gu Yun felt an inexplicable pressure. He walked over to Chao Yan, took from his sleeve a rolled-up piece of paper about a foot long, and handed it over: “No need for such trouble, I have prepared it.”
Chao Yan said, “That is thorough.” He reached out to take it, but the paper slipped through his fingers.
Chao Yan’s calm gaze fell upon Gu Yun.
Gu Yun did not retreat. He said, “If it succeeds, in exchange you must promise me three things. The money and people I require are necessary investment on your part. Investment means funds and resources provided to achieve a certain objective, namely improving the combat effectiveness of the army. You cannot expect the person providing the idea to also prepare everything, that would be trying to gain something for nothing.”
Chao Yan looked at him for a moment. Then he let out a long sigh from his nose, leaned back into his chair, and said:
“If it does not succeed? You want people and money, and that is also pressure for me. I must at least see some results, otherwise I cannot account for it to my people.”
Gu Yun had not considered the possibility of failure, but since it had been raised, he had to answer seriously.
Gu Yun said, “If it does not succeed, I will do whatever you want me to do.”
Chao Yan gave a low chuckle.
Gu Yun said, “Everything carries risk, does it not? Your Highness, are you such a cautious person?”
Chao Yan said, “Gu Yun, you are very bold.”
Gu Yun smiled. “Your Highness, it is because you have indulged me.”
Chao Yan signalled for him to sit on his lap. After hesitating for a few seconds, Gu Yun walked to the armchair, stood there briefly, then moved closer and slowly sat down. The muscles beneath him were firm and warm. He shifted slightly to find a more comfortable position, his expression awkward, and said, “That is enough.”
Chao Yan wrapped his arms around him from behind, lowered his head, and pulled the rolled paper from his hand.
Gu Yun grabbed his wrist. “You have not yet agreed to my exchange.”
Chao Yan said, “Do I even have another choice?”
Gu Yun said, “I have not yet said what the three conditions are.”
Chao Yan said, “Those three conditions will not exceed my capabilities.”
Gu Yun let go.
Maintaining this posture, Chao Yan unrolled the paper. Inside were charcoal drawings of structures he could not understand, but overall it appeared to be a detailed design diagram of a mechanical object. “What is this?” he asked.
Gu Yun replied, “A fire lance.”
Chao Yan said, “A fire lance? What is that? A firearm? It is different from the firearms I have seen, whose parts are all disassembled.”
“Currently the army mainly uses swords and crossbows, with firearms as supplementary weapons. Firearms are very weak and have almost no killing power.”
“What advantage does your firearm have compared with those currently in use? If its advantage is less than the manpower and money required, then it is not worth producing.”
Gu Yun explained, “The fire lance is a tubular projectile weapon. The firearms Your Highness refers to are incendiary weapons.”
Gu Yun had read the travel record and confirmed that the Xuan Dynasty possessed the mineral resources needed to manufacture firearms.
From the very beginning, he had intended to develop firearms. For him, this was the fastest and best way to rapidly increase his value and thus control his own destiny.
However, in order to ensure that firearms could actually be developed and have military value, he consulted other books to examine the level of industrial and technological development in the Xuan Dynasty.
The manufacture of firearms required a certain industrial foundation, such as iron-smelting technology.
This was not only true for firearms, but also for other technologies that were ahead of their time.
He discovered that the Xuan Dynasty’s industrial and technological base was sufficient to manufacture fire lances.
But for some reason, perhaps because this world was a novel and the author’s setting was incomplete and full of gaps, or perhaps because the emperor and the bureaucratic class deliberately suppressed it in order to maintain stability and protect their interests, and because foreign threats were not sufficient to force the development of firearms, things had come to this state.
In short, the firearms technology of the Xuan Dynasty was still in its infancy. The firearms produced were mainly incendiary, using fire and toxic smoke to disrupt enemies, with weak armour-piercing capability, and were mainly used to supplement cold weapons.
Furthermore, the agricultural level of the Xuan Dynasty was not particularly advanced.
This left him with enormous room for development.
After some thought, Gu Yun decided to develop the fire lance.
The fire lance originated in the Song Dynasty. The fire lance he intended to develop was an improved version of the Song Dynasty fire lance, with improvements to both the barrel material and the projectile system, greatly enhancing its performance.
This improved version had been demonstrated by a video creator. On the day the video was uploaded, he was called in for questioning and the video was taken down.
That creator was his brother, “Gu Sansi”, and he himself had been an accomplice.
Four years earlier, he had seen people online praising historical firearms and discussed their power with his brother.
In the end, he wanted to build one to test it. His brother, a craft-focused video creator, thought it would make good content and agreed readily. Together they worked on the most controversial version of the Song Dynasty fire lance.
At that time his brother was in senior high school, and he was in junior high. They built it and tested it, and concluded that the Song fire lance was not very practical.
They then researched further, and based on Song Dynasty conditions, improved the design. They compared the before and after versions and included data in the video, even speculating that if the Song Dynasty had possessed the improved fire lance, it might have changed the humiliation of the Jingkang Incident.
The video was uploaded, but before it could gain traction, it was discovered by cyber police.
In the end, his brother took responsibility. Their parents bailed him out and gave him a severe punishment, while he hid behind the door holding the family cat, not daring to make a sound.
When Xu Jingzhou learned of it, he asked whether the improved fire lance still existed, wanting to try it. He was then given a harsh “legal education” lecture by his furious brother and never mentioned it again.
Gu Yun had a good memory and still remembered how to construct the improved fire lance. Unexpectedly, it would actually be useful here.
After that incident, out of curiosity, he had secretly studied other historical firearms in more depth. However, due to cost, effort, and the overwhelming authority of his parents, these remained theoretical and were never built.
After the university entrance examination, he received an offer from L University, in the same college as his grandfather, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the same major, Seed Science and Engineering.
Firearms had only been a passing interest; he wished to become like his grandfather, contributing to national food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
Xu Jingzhou had applied to a famous military academy.
He only went rafting after Xu Jingzhou received his acceptance letter. When they set off, it was drizzling, perhaps a warning from heaven not to go, but he did not understand it at the time.
Looking back now, Gu Yun felt he owed Xu Jingzhou an apology. If he had not suggested the rafting trip, they would both have been following their intended paths.
He steadied himself and continued: “I am aware of the firearms Your Highness refers to.”
“A long bamboo tube filled with gunpowder which, once lit, sprays flames to burn and frighten enemies. Its range is small, and as Your Highness said, its power is weak and almost non-lethal.”
“But the fire lance is different. It uses a metal barrel to fire projectiles. You may understand it as a gunpowder crossbow. Just as a crossbow replaces bow strength, the fire lance replaces arm strength with explosive force, the bamboo tube with a barrel, and the projectile as the arrowhead.”
“The lance strikes like a swarm of venomous bees, small but swift, seizing fleeting moments. Its sound is like thunder, capable of startling warhorses and scattering infantry. Its deterrent effect exceeds that of ordinary firearms. Although it cannot fully penetrate the thickest full-body iron armour, it is effective against chainmail and leather armour. Combined with crossbow units, it can deal with heavy cavalry. It can also be used by ordinary soldiers without extensive training.”
“However, it also has flaws. First, in rain or extreme cold it may misfire. Second, it becomes unusable after about three hundred uses. Third, it requires large quantities of saltpetre. Fourth, it cannot be used for mounted combat or guerrilla tactics, as the projectiles must be loaded while standing.”
“Therefore, the fire lance should only be used as a surprise weapon, not as a main force.”
Chao Yan asked, “How far can it strike an enemy?”
Gu Yun replied crisply, “It can deal with enemies within about one hundred paces.”
Chao Yan smiled. “That is enough.”
Such a firearm, unprecedented in the Xuan Dynasty and elsewhere, if used properly could defeat the enemy before they even reacted.
Chao Yan had long recognised the power of firearms. However, since previous emperors of the Great Xuan Dynasty, firearms had been strictly suppressed and research and manufacture forbidden. None of the craftsmen he had found were able to produce anything with real destructive power.
The firearms currently used by the Great Xuan army were outdated stock from earlier years, and in recent years, as the empire declined and wars increased, supplies were nearly exhausted.
Later, he finally found a craftsman who claimed he could produce powerful firearms, but the man fled the night before production began. Whether it was fear of exposure or fate itself blocking further progress was unknown.
Unexpectedly, Gu Yun solved the problem for him.
“I can purchase the method of making the fire lance,” Chao Yan said.
Gu Yun hesitated, then ultimately gave up the idea. He could not be blinded by money and forget everything else.
“Our agreement is that once the fire lance is successfully produced, you will agree to three conditions. When that is completed, I will hand over the manufacturing method to your people, so there is no need for additional payment.”
Chao Yan said, “Alright.”
Gu Yun heard him agree, then felt a trace of regret. After thinking it over, he said, “After the fire spear is successfully forged, we can consider making another type of firearm. This one would be far more lethal than the fire spear. It is called the Heaven Shaking Thunder…”
Chao Yan said after listening, “I prefer the Heaven Shaking Thunder.”
Gu Yun replied, “I am certain I can forge the former, but I am not certain about the latter.”
“Not certain means it might be possible to forge it?”
“Yes.”
“If the Heaven Shaking Thunder can be forged, I will give you whatever you want, as long as I have it.”
“Alright.” Gu Yun agreed without even thinking.
Chao Yan immediately laughed uncontrollably, burying his head against Gu Yun’s shoulder and neck.
Gu Yun only felt as though a ball of fire had fallen from above, making it hard to endure. He shifted slightly to the left, trying to avoid the other person’s head, but the other held him tightly. His clothes creased with soft rustling sounds, and damp kisses landed on his neck, moving upwards along his throat, passing his jaw, and nibbling at his ear.
Gu Yun could not stop himself from trembling. He reached out to push him away, but could not push him off. His temper flared, and he was about to scold him aloud, suddenly gaining courage.
At the moment he opened his mouth, the other turned his head, pulled him in, and kissed him. It was a light kiss, barely more than a touch.
Chao Yan said softly, “I now believe you are a treasure sent by the heavens to Great Xuan. Having you is the fortune of Great Xuan.”
Gu Yun: “……”
Gu Yun swallowed his words of protest. It really was not necessary to praise him like this. He was just an ordinary soon to be university student. He felt extremely uncomfortable and wriggled downward, but the other did not release him. After a few attempts, he had no choice but to give up.
“Your Highness, regarding the three things I wish to trade, I think it is necessary to speak about them now.”
Chao Yan stroked his cheek. “Is my closeness to you something that troubles you? I have already agreed that I will not ignore your wishes or engage in intimate contact without consent. Why do you not even wish for me to kiss or hold you?”
It seemed the other had already guessed one of the conditions.
Gu Yun looked at him calmly. “Your Highness, please grant my request.”
Chao Yan looked at him for a while, then said, “After this is done, as you wish.”
Gu Yun thought to himself that, as expected, this was a competent crown prince.
Chao Yan released him. Gu Yun stood up and was about to bow in thanks, but the other supported him and said, “During this period, I have kissed and held you so many times, yet I have not seen any sign of your dislike. Why is that? Ask yourself honestly, do you truly feel nothing for me at all?”
Gu Yun was stunned.
Chao Yan smiled and said, “Alright, let us not speak of this. Tell me the other two conditions.”
One of the things Gu Yun wanted to raise involved Xu Jingzhou. He wanted Chao Yan to bring him out of the temple and assign him a new identity, but he had not yet tested where Chao Yan’s limits lay, or whether he could tolerate repeated requests made on behalf of a friend.
Thus, he did not dare to raise it rashly, especially not at this moment, after just refusing further intimacy.
He decided to leave it for later. For now, he would speak of something else.
“Your Highness, I want to be able to leave the palace at any time. Staying here, all I see is a square patch of sky. Apart from books, there is no other entertainment.”
Chao Yan replied, “You are already free to leave the palace at any time. I do not restrict you. Change the condition.”
Gu Yun turned it over in his mind, but truly could not think of anything else he needed in exchange. In the end, he said, “If there is anything I need Your Highness’s help with in the future, I will bring it up then.”
Chao Yan took up a brush and wrote two contract documents for today’s agreement, signing his name on each. He held them between two fingers and handed them over. Gu Yun examined them carefully, confirmed there were no issues, and then signed his own name beneath.
Each kept one copy.
Chao Yan asked, “How much money do you need? How many people? I can find a few skilled craftsmen and a team of errand runners. Is that enough? The Eastern Palace is crowded and unsuitable for manufacturing the fire spear, so it must be built outside the palace. You may choose the location. Since no one has made this before, you must oversee it personally throughout. Li Lan can be used by you, but Zhao He must remain in the palace to conceal your absence.”
Gu Yun replied, “I am not yet sure how much money is needed. I plan to make a few prototypes first. As for people, Your Highness’s arrangements are sufficient. If not, I will ask you for more. There is no need for further instruction; I intended to oversee it personally in any case.”
Chao Yan asked, “When will it be ready?”
Gu Yun said, “That depends on when the materials are gathered. Tonight, I will list the required materials for Your Highness.”
Chao Yan agreed and went to the site where the Ascension Tower was being constructed. The foundation had only just been laid, and he asked the official in charge whether there were any problems.
The official replied, “Thanks to His Majesty, everything is going smoothly.”
Chao Yan nodded with a smile.
The official studied his expression and said, “Your Highness seems to be in good spirits today?”
Chao Yan replied, “Seeing the Ascension Tower foundation laid, and thinking that His Majesty’s illness will soon improve, I am naturally pleased.”
After a while, Chao Yan went to the Secretariat. Chancellor Meng had not yet arrived for duty; only Chancellors Song and Hu were present. Chao Yan asked whether they had any candidates they wished to promote, whom he could assign to the Ascension Tower project.
The construction of the Ascension Tower was already settled. Those involved would surely be promoted once it was completed.
The two ministers smiled and produced prepared lists of names. They asked Chao Yan to select officials for the project, while also presenting vacant posts for him to assign his own people.
After some negotiation, all three parties were satisfied.
That evening, Gu Yun listed the materials required for constructing the fire spear.
By then it was already dark. Just as he was about to put down his brush, he glanced around at the vivid red decorations and the red wedding garments hanging in the warm pavilion.
Gu Yun could not help twitching the corner of his mouth.
Only after leaving Chao Yan’s place did he realise why the eunuchs and palace maids were carrying red silk everywhere and decorating the place in red. It turned out that tomorrow was his “auspicious day” of marrying the Crown Prince.
Gu Yun: “……”
He would not even be eighteen next month. He felt he was still a child, although the people of Great Xuan did not think so.
He thought to himself that if he had known earlier, when making the agreement with Chao Yan, he should have changed the first condition about no physical closeness to take effect from today rather than after the fire spear was completed.
He did not want to experience being kissed or held anymore.
Chao Yan’s words, “Ask yourself honestly, do you truly feel nothing for me at all?” clung to him like a persistent infection. Whenever he thought of Chao Yan, he would recall those words.
What did “nothing at all” mean? Physically, there was certainly some reaction, but psychologically, Gu Yun believed there was none. He had simply become accustomed to it, desensitised.
He sighed, his thoughts drifting. What kind of person would his future partner be?
He had never considered this before. Now that he did, he had not even thought about gender, and unconsciously used Chao Yan as a template, listing requirements for a partner.
He was startled and snapped back to himself, feeling a wave of fear. He muttered under his breath, “Gu Yun, Gu Yun, your mind is broken. Using him as a template for dating means you might end up alone forever…”
Perhaps because his family life had been harmonious, he had never planned to live alone. He muttered for a while, then stopped thinking about it. It was still too early.
He lowered his eyes, set down his brush, and got up to fetch the Xuan paper he had written on, intending to fold it and deliver it to Chao Yan. At that moment, he bumped into something. Turning around, he saw that Chao Yan had returned at some point and was standing quietly behind him.
Gu Yun: “……”
“What were you muttering about just now?” Chao Yan asked. “What template? What partner? What do you mean by single for life?”
Gu Yun smiled. “I was thinking about the forging process of the fire spear.”
Chao Yan did not ask further. He picked up the Xuan paper, read it, folded it, placed it into his sleeve, then turned and opened the cabinet beside the bed, taking out bedding and placing it on the couch.
Gu Yun asked, “What are you doing?”
Chao Yan replied, “From today onwards, I will sleep here so as not to trouble you.”
Why does it look like I am the one bullying him? Gu Yun felt slightly displeased. “Your Highness, I meant that after the fire spear is successfully forged you should not be physically close to me. I did not say you could not now, nor did I say you cannot sleep in my bed now or in the future. We can each be well enough.”
Chao Yan stopped, his dark eyes turning towards him. His thin lips moved as he said, “You did not say I cannot be close now? Does that mean you want me to be close now?”
Gu Yun: “……”
