“And also bring some beautiful women, or else be careful with your worthless life.”The silent envoy glanced at Zhao Xing indifferently and spoke.Zhao Xing turned pale with fright, hurriedly apologized multiple times, and only then slowly retreated.Seeing Zhao Xing’s submissive demeanor, one of the guards said, “Taiji, now that we’ve come to Chang’an, we should enjoy ourselves before going back. It’s said that not only is there fine wine here, but the women of Chang’an are also exceptionally beautiful.”“That’s right. These southerners are scared to death when they see us, just like dogs encountering wolves,” another guard said.The barbarian envoy sneered, “Sooner or later, I will turn this place into my palace. By then, I will select all the beauties of the world, just like that dog emperor of the southern people.”“When that time comes, Taiji, don’t forget about us,” the guard said with a lewd grin.The barbarian envoy laughed heartily and nodded, then suddenly turned serious. “I

Twenty fire lances were laid neatly on the ground.After assigning the logistics to Pang Yukun, Xiao Ming turned his gaze toward the line of bronze tubes. Unlike the heavy cannons he’d developed, these fire lances were narrow at both ends and bulbous in the middle—primitive firearms, more like oversized metal muskets than true artillery.The bore was tiny, and their effective range? Not worth mentioning.Clearly, the recent insult from the barbarian envoys had stung Emperor Xiao Wenxuan—he’d been furious enough to actually send these over. But to Xiao Ming, the yellow-gold sheen of these fire lances didn’t say “weapon.” It said “coinage.”No wonder some emperors in history had melted them down into currency.“Your Highness,” Pang Yukun asked, “what should we do with these? Should we send them to Cangzhou?”Xiao Ming smiled. “No need. Twenty fire lances… that’s enough raw brass to cast a real cannon. Send them to the machinery department instead.”“As you command,” Pang replied.He was

The lone moon hung high, its silver light blanketing the earth like morning frost.In a small grove opposite the Qingzhou Army’s official estate, dozens of shadowy figures shifted among the trees, black silhouettes in the night.“Big Brother, what now? The estate is guarded day and night by the Qingzhou Army. There’s no chance to make a move,” whispered one of the men.Through gaps in the trees, one could clearly see the glint of moonlight reflecting off the soldiers’ silver armor.“Yeah, the wheat’s almost ready to harvest. If we don’t act now, it’ll be too late.”The man referred to as “Big Brother” was clad in black, the round silver moon reflected in his eyes. He spoke coldly, “Beishan Taiji will soon launch his attack on Cangzhou. The merchants from the steppe brought word—our mission is to disrupt the Qing Prince’s supply lines. No matter what, tonight we burn those wheat fields.”“Finally! I’ve been waiting for this. When did this brat Xiao Ming start calling the shots in Qingz

“Li San, I order you to immediately send people to monitor all medical clinics. Do not let anyone who buys medicine for bruises and injuries escape surveillance.”In the Qi Prince’s residence, Xiao Ming spoke solemnly to Li San.Li San had already learned about the burning of the government estate on his way back. At present, Wang Xuan was in Cangzhou City, responsible for gathering intelligence on the grasslands, while Li San handled affairs within the fiefdom.This incident filled him with guilt because he had received no prior warning.“Your subordinate has already arranged for a secret investigation upon arriving,” Li San hesitated before continuing, “By the way, Your Highness, these past few days, I’ve had the covert guards keep an eye on merchants returning from the grasslands. A few of them behaved suspiciously—after entering Qingzhou City, they snooped around everywhere and even lingered near the workshop district and the Machinery Department.”“Are you saying these merchants

“Father, I want to join the militia!”Zhu Wuliu held a hoe in his hand, his face brimming with excitement.“You cowardly brat, join the militia my ass. I’ll go for our family,” Zhu Da snapped back.In the Zhu family courtyard, Zhu Wuliu was protesting to his father. The latest newspaper had just come in, announcing that each village would organize a hundred-man militia to patrol, maintain order, and catch barbarian spies.And apparently, militiamen would even be given their own uniforms.“Why not me? I want to catch barbarian spies too! Those bastards dared to harm our Prince Qi. I’m gonna smash their skulls with my hoe!” Zhu Wuliu declared.“Why not you? Because I’m your father, that’s why. And I’m the squad leader. This squad listens to me. Now scram!” Zhu Da glared fiercely at his son.At that moment, Zhu Wuliu’s mother walked over and said, “Your father’s right. When you’ve married a wife and had a child, then we’ll stop interfering. For now, just behave and stay home. Tomorrow yo