Autumn had fully passed, and Great Xuan entered winter, welcoming its first solar term: Lidong, the Beginning of Winter.
Vital energy withdrew and lay dormant; all things rested, recuperated, and were stored away.
Gu Yun stood in the somewhat desolate courtyard.
Several hand lanterns swayed gently, their warm yellow light carrying an unavoidable sense of age.
When Gu Yun had first arrived in Great Xuan, he had found it difficult to adapt to traditional lighting. No matter what, it could not compare to modern illumination, incandescent bulbs, in terms of brightness and clarity. Being surrounded by it always left him with a faint sense of indistinctness.
If he had to work in such an environment, he would even feel a trace of irritability.
However, time has a way of smoothing over everything. By now, Gu Yun had adapted well to this slightly hazy environment.
By the lantern light, he inspected the components. This was the final batch.
Once he confirmed that everything was correct, his days away on assignment would be over, and he could return to the capital.
That did not mean he could rest just yet. Assembly and testing still remained. In truth, this was precisely when Gu Yun least wished to rest. This was the critical moment that would prove his efforts over these past weeks had not been wasted, and the key opportunity to demonstrate his value to the Crown Prince.
Hard work does not betray those who persevere. He had overseen every stage of the process personally, and not a single component had any defect.
Gu Yun felt the tension leave him. He let out a soft breath and glanced around. Everyone was waiting for his verdict, their expressions unconsciously tinged with nervousness.
Rarely did he feel inclined to tease others. He frowned, gently shook his head, and lowered the lid of the wooden crate containing the components.
Master Craftsman Wang, his dark, weathered face drawn tight, said impatiently, “It’s no good? How could it be no good! I supervised this myself under your guidance, watching the men below work it out bit by bit! Not the slightest deviation. I even measured everything with that standardised wooden ruler of yours!”
His voice was thunderously loud, making everyone’s ears ring. No wonder Yan Zhao had specifically singled him out as the bad-tempered one back at the workshop outside the capital.
Li Lan looked at him expressionlessly and said, “Please calm down. Nothing is accomplished in a single step.”
Gu Yun nodded and looked towards Master Craftsman Wang.
From the workshop outside the capital until now, he had spent well over a hundred and fifty hours with the man. Yet even now, they could not coexist peacefully, let alone become friends.
The reason did not lie with him, but with the other man. Among all the craftsmen, Wang was the one least convinced by him. Throughout the entire manufacturing process of these components, Wang had questioned everything at every turn. It had taken Gu Yun only three days to go from patiently explaining things to becoming thoroughly exasperated.
As for his own temper, he did not consider it particularly good either.
At this moment, hearing Wang’s agitated outburst, Gu Yun actually felt somewhat satisfied. He took a moment to appreciate the sight of the man fuming with rage before finally speaking in an unhurried manner.
“I haven’t even said anything yet. How have all of you already concluded that it’s a failure?” Gu Yun asked with a smile.
His bright, clear eyes formed a stark contrast to Wang’s sallow complexion.
No one present noticed that. Their attention was entirely fixed on Gu Yun’s words.
Li Lan asked, “So the result is a good one?”
Yan Zhao stroked his chin and said, “Just as I expected.”
Amid the burst of cheers, only Master Craftsman Wang’s expression became even uglier. He let out a cold snort and said,
“You’re really not reliable at all! Why couldn’t you have said so earlier? You just had to keep everyone hanging. And I don’t know what the rest of you are so pleased about. Don’t assume that just because the components are finished, that thing can actually be made. If it can’t, then not only will all these days have been wasted, but the young master will suffer a substantial loss.”
The surroundings fell silent.
Such a dispiriting remark, spoken at a moment like this, naturally left everyone displeased.
Yet Master Craftsman Wang seemed completely unaware. Staring at Gu Yun, he continued, “When that happens, I’d like to see how you explain yourself to the young master.”
Gu Yun smiled.
Li Lan was about to speak when Yan Zhao stopped him, narrowing his eyes as he watched Gu Yun. This man was almost excessively clever.
Gu Yun glanced at Yan Zhao. He truly did not want anyone else interfering in matters between himself and Master Craftsman Wang. Grudges were never products of reason, and anyone who involved themselves could easily become collateral damage.
As someone who took responsibility seriously, he did not wish to see that happen.
A skilled craftsman who maintained exacting standards for his work was not easy to find. Considering that he would need Wang’s services in the future, it would be best to resolve the animosity between them. Their conflict had already accumulated to the point where simply proving his capability could no longer dispel it.
So another approach was required.
“Master Craftsman Wang, if you are incapable of judging a person objectively, then at a time like this, it would be best to remain silent,” Gu Yun said with a smile. His tone was calm and measured, almost leisurely.
“Do you know? Before this, someone once told me that you…” He paused deliberately. “I didn’t believe it. But now, it seems they were absolutely right.”
Master Craftsman Wang looked ready to explode. Grinding his teeth, he demanded, “What about me? That I’m terrible? My character or my craftsmanship? Who said it?”
Gu Yun shrugged and said to the others, “Pack everything up. We’re heading back.”
With that, he turned and walked away, going to pack his own things as well.
“What sort of riddle are you playing at?” Master Craftsman Wang exclaimed, grabbing Gu Yun’s arm.
Gu Yun lowered his gaze and looked calmly at the hand gripping him. It was a labourer’s hand: rough, cracked, and broad.
Master Craftsman Wang held on for a moment before finally finding himself unable to withstand that seemingly casual gaze of someone in authority, a gaze that could determine the course of his life with a single word. He released his grip and even stepped back several paces.
Imitating Chao Yan’s way of getting angry really did work.
Gu Yun raised an eyebrow slightly, brushed at the sleeve that still carried the other’s warmth, and said, “Master Craftsman Wang, you’d better hurry and pack your things as well. Don’t keep everyone waiting for you alone.”
Master Craftsman Wang gave a muffled snort and left. He looked as though he never wanted to see Gu Yun again.
Unfortunately for him, they would be travelling together and spending a great deal of time in one another’s company from now on.
After a dusty and exhausting journey, they finally returned to the workshop outside the capital.
Gu Yun climbed down from the carriage, entered the workshop, and went to inspect the gunpowder stored in Warehouse Number One.
The gunpowder had been refined in the workshop before the manufacture of the fire-lance components. It had then been sealed with moisture-proof materials and stored away. Nearly a month had passed since then. During that period, several rainstorms of varying intensity had swept across the outskirts of the capital.
Gu Yun was somewhat concerned that the gunpowder might have become damp.
After inspecting everything from beginning to end, he was reassured. It was perfectly intact.
He had no intention of returning to the Eastern Palace that day. Looking at the time, it was still early morning, with the auspicious purple vapours of dawn rising in the east. Looking around at himself and the others, everyone appeared to be in good condition.
Gu Yun made the decision on the spot. They would carry out assembly and testing today.
Upon hearing this, Master Craftsman Wang pulled at the corners of his mouth in a forced smile.
The other craftsmen had all noticed the friction between him and Gu Yun. One was a familiar colleague they had known for years; the other was a mysterious newcomer whose background remained unknown. They did not know whose side to take, and they lacked the authority to mediate. As a result, they all pretended not to notice.
Gu Yun saw through it but chose not to say anything.
He led Yan Zhao and the men he had brought over to the workbench and personally taught them how to assemble the weapon.
The process was not difficult, far simpler than forging the components themselves. Furthermore, in order to make them more useful assistants, Yan Zhao and his men had already learned how to cast iron.
On an entirely ordinary night, Great Xuan’s first fire lance was born.
Yan Zhao picked it up.
The weapon resembled a long-necked wine bottle and was longer than he had imagined. The barrel was narrow at the front and broader at the rear. Forged from wrought iron, its entire surface gleamed with a cold metallic sheen.
The enlarged section at the rear housed the powder chamber. The straight beechwood stock supported the barrel, with three iron bands tightly securing the junction between wood and metal. A brass screw cap sealed the rear of the powder chamber. Near the muzzle, oil-soaked hemp cord had been wrapped around the barrel.
Yan Zhao braced it against his shoulder.
The underside of the stock curved inward into a hooked shape, providing excellent resistance against slipping and making it comfortable to use. The overall construction could be described as a work of genius craftsmanship.
Its only flaw was that it was somewhat heavy.
That was only from the perspective of an ordinary man such as himself. For a soldier who had undergone rigorous training, or for a martial artist, such weight would hardly amount to anything.
Yan Zhao held it in his hands, examining it repeatedly.
Li Lan was not someone who enjoyed talking. After silently counting for a while, he decided it was now his turn to inspect it and extended his hand towards Yan Zhao. Yan Zhao shot him a glance.
Li Lan frowned. “Are you looking for a fight?”
Yan Zhao narrowed his eyes into slits and pointed the muzzle at Li Lan.
Remembering the weapon’s power, something His Highness had personally told him about, Li Lan felt his brow twitch sharply. Instinctively, he stepped aside while simultaneously reaching out to seize Yan Zhao.
Yan Zhao hurriedly said, “It was only a joke!”
Li Lan withdrew his hand and held out his palm expectantly. Yan Zhao clicked his tongue and handed over the fire lance.
The moment Li Lan took it, he found the handling excellent. He weighed it in his hand.
Not bad. Remarkably light and manageable.
Reluctant to put it down, he turned it over repeatedly in his hands. The craftsmen and apprentices who had long since run out of patience crowded around, all clamouring for a chance to try it themselves.
Compared to Yan Zhao, Li Lan possessed one trait that was both an advantage and a disadvantage. He was thin-skinned.
Now that everyone was urging him, no matter how reluctant he felt, he eventually handed it over.
And so this novel object, like an Olympic torch, passed from one person’s hands to another’s, each of them marvelling at it. Everyone except Master Craftsman Wang.
Leaning against the wall, he watched the lively scene with cold detachment.
“What’s the difference between something that can’t be used and something that doesn’t exist at all?”
Gu Yun had sharp hearing, and since he was standing not far away, he heard those words clearly.
He paid them no mind. Turning his head, he looked outside. Winter had arrived, and even the sound of insects had vanished. Silence lay all around. Fortunately, thanks to the waxing moon hanging overhead, the landscape beyond remained visible to the naked eye.
Drawing back his gaze, Gu Yun said to the others, “Find a spacious area. Set up some straw targets and let’s test its power.”
Everyone voiced their agreement.
…
Capital City, at a private estate belonging to the Eastern Palace.
“Your Highness, we’ve interrogated Li Changxi under torture time and again, but he simply refuses to talk. As for this…” Lin Mu left the interrogation chamber and hurried into the study.
Chao Yan was seated inside, reviewing a memorial submitted by the Chancellor. Upon hearing the report, he set down his brush, rose from his seat, and walked outside. He instructed Lin Mu to bring the prisoner into the courtyard.
He intended to question him personally.
Under Great Xuan law, criminal suspects were first interrogated by the Ministry of Justice, while the Court of Judicial Review was responsible for reviewing the case.
If the Court of Judicial Review deemed the evidence insufficient or the sentence inappropriate, it would attach a yellow slip to the case file, reject the judgement, and return the case to the Ministry of Justice for retrial. Should doubts arise concerning the Ministry’s handling of a case, the Court could also request that prisoners be transferred for further questioning and verification of their statements.
The Court of Judicial Review maintained temporary holding cells known as the Imperial Prison. Serious offenders undergoing review, as well as prisoners requiring short-term detention, were held there.
In the case involving the theft of the Empress Dowager’s belongings, however, the Emperor had personally appointed Chao Yan to oversee the investigation and had ordered that the matter remain confidential.
As such, Chao Yan had not transferred Li Changxi and the others to the Ministry of Justice for questioning.
He had merely borrowed the assistance of an associate Deputy Director from the Court of Judicial Review during the investigation and arrests. Afterwards, he had all of the suspects confined at this private estate.
Several days of interrogation followed. Everyone except Li Changxi had confessed.
Lin Mu quickly brought Li Changxi into the courtyard. A guard placed an armchair nearby, but Chao Yan made no move to sit.
Standing upon the smooth flagstones, he calmly assessed this particularly stubborn opponent.
The man was of average height and possessed fairly refined features. Several years had passed since Chao Yan had last seen him, yet time appeared not to have left a trace upon his face. Looking at him now, he seemed much the same as before.
Because of the torture he had endured, however, his body was covered in wounds. His blue eunuch’s uniform was torn and stained with flowing blood. His gaze was vicious.
When Chao Yan looked at him, he looked back at Chao Yan. Like a wolf. As though he wished to tear flesh from Chao Yan’s body with his eyes alone.
“You ungrateful wretch, Chao Ziyu!” he spat. “Have you forgotten who secretly helped you when that old hag, the Empress Dowager, punished you? If it hadn’t been for me, you’d have starved to death long ago!”
Lin Mu glanced towards Chao Yan. Chao Yan’s expression remained indifferent.
Lin Mu fastened heavy shackles onto Li Changxi before retreating into the distance with the others.
“Afraid people will overhear?” Li Changxi asked.
As he spoke, he spat out a mouthful of blood. His internal injuries were already severe.
Chao Yan crouched halfway down and smiled.
“I never asked for your help. Besides, you were taking someone else’s money and carrying out someone else’s orders. Why should I thank you? If anyone deserves my gratitude, it’s the person behind you.”
Li Changxi breathed heavily.
Chao Yan continued, “If you truly helped me, then ask yourself this. Once I became Crown Prince, wouldn’t you have come seeking rewards and favours?”
He paused before adding, “Tell me where your younger brother and sister are. If you speak now, I can plead on their behalf before Father. They weren’t the principal offenders, and they only ended up involved because you dragged them into this. You stole the Empress Dowager’s possessions because of your gambling-addicted parents. Then you discovered how profitable it was and lost all restraint. I cannot plead for you. Father will insist upon your death.”
Upon hearing this, Li Changxi spat again. Then he began to laugh. The laughter grew harsher and harsher until his face twisted into something ferocious.
Lowering his voice, he said, “Your Highness, did the Empress Dowager truly die of illness?”
Chao Yan lifted his eyes. His dark pupils resembled deep wells, shadows of grey-blue lingering beneath them.
Li Changxi continued, “Not only do I know how the Empress Dowager died, but my younger brother and sister know as well. I told them. So tell me, are you certain you won’t try to save us?”
