"Rise, General An, and take a seat."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Emperor had secretly summoned General An back to the capital to ascertain which camps could best spare personnel. Emperor Xian understood the advantages and disadvantages involved, but General An understood them even more clearly.
General An took his seat, his gaze fixed on the Emperor seated above. The Emperor's heroic face was alight with eagerness, his deep-set eyes like a boundless ocean, revealing no information and daring no speculation.
"Your Majesty, for what purpose have you summoned this humble minister to the capital?" General An inquired respectfully. Emperor Xian, seated behind his imperial desk, reached to his side and retrieved several blueprints, gesturing for Ah Jiu to present them to General An.
Upon receiving the blueprints, General An's eyes widened in astonishment after a brief glance, followed by bewilderment. What were these things? They were peculiar, yet they evoked a sense of exhilaration. In his many years of military service, he had never seen such items. Finally, he recognized one weapon: an arrow, though the arrowhead seemed different from those he typically used, slightly thicker and sharper.
"Your Majesty, what are these?"
"These are all weapons that will be used in war: grenades, smoke bombs, mist bombs, and improved arrows. There are also other items, but I did not bring their blueprints." Emperor Xian's low, captivating voice echoed in the study. General An's breath deepened with excitement, betraying his considerable internal energy.
"This is truly wonderful. Who is capable of creating such formidable items?" Even without knowing their exact efficacy, General An was already stirred by the mere thought.
The Emperor nodded, a hint of pride gracing his lips. He hadn't expected all of this to be designed by Xiao Yu'er, and many items had already been manufactured. He had even personally led people in testing them at the hunting grounds, and the results were favorable. Of course, he would not reveal Xiao Yu'er's involvement, as it would undoubtedly bring trouble to his daughter. Yao'er and Xiao Yu'er were both precious gifts bestowed upon him by heaven, each possessing unique abilities. Yao'er was a true general, astonishing in her strategy and agile in her thinking. Xiao Yu'er, on the other hand, was the brilliant creator of these weapons, though it was possible Yao'er had taught her, for she was a soul from another world.
"Tonight, I will lead you to witness their might, and I will also introduce you to someone."
"Yes, Your Majesty." General An rose and respectfully received the command. He could tell the Emperor held this person in high regard; even the Emperor's eyes seemed to shimmer with brilliance when speaking of them. Could it be the Empress? Although General An had never met Emperor Xian's Empress, her reputation had already spread throughout the nation. Many knew how wise the Empress of Xian Yue was, and that she dared to do what others would not, such as divorcing the Emperor. This was an unprecedented act in the annals of history. Even after divorcing the Emperor, he did not seem to be angry.
Outside the city, at the Royal Villa.
As soon as Xiao Yu'er heard that her mother had returned, she rushed out of the armory with Bing Xiao. Mao Xueqiu and Xiao Zun followed her, sprinting towards the main hall. However, Xiao Zun was no longer called Xiao Zun; he was now called Xiao Bai. Although this reserved wolf was initially unaccustomed to the change, he had since adjusted.
Qing Yao was seated in the main hall, sipping tea, while Yi Yun, below her, was reporting on the recent movements of the villa. From a distance, she heard Xiao Yu'er's boisterous calls, charging in like a storm and throwing herself into Qing Yao's arms, nearly upsetting the teacup in her hand.
"Xiao Yu'er, are your ears itching?" Qing Yao warned her. Xiao Yu'er paid no heed to the warning, clinging to Qing Yao like a little puppy, acting spoiled, "Mother, I've missed you so much." For some reason, despite possessing an adult soul, her behavior and habits were often involuntarily childlike. Many times, she forgot her and Qing Yao's true identities, remembering only that she was his mother and Qing Yao was her daughter.
"You," Qing Yao sighed, though she did miss her. She held her on her lap and turned to Yi Yun below. "Continue."
"Yes, Young Lady," Yi Yun responded, respectfully resuming her unfinished report. "Also, Consort Shu from the palace has visited two or three times, saying she wishes to see Master. This servant informed her that Master has been unwell recently and is not receiving any guests, but the Consort was persistent and continued to come as usual."
Ximen Xinyue? Qing Yao's pupils flickered. She wondered why this woman wanted to see her. Thinking back to what Prince Nan'an had said earlier, did Liu Zhao like that woman? Otherwise, why would he want to marry her? Ximen Xinyue would likely not agree; she was a proud and haughty mistress. When did Liu Zhao fall for her? Could it be? Qing Yao's mind flashed. She recalled that the Emperor had been in disguise outside, while the Emperor in the palace was Prince Nan'an Mu Rong Liu Zhao. Therefore, Liu Zhao must have fallen for her during this time. However, Ximen Xinyue was no ordinary woman. What did she mean by coming to see her?
As Qing Yao was lost in thought, Xiao Yu'er, sitting on her lap, looked curious. She raised an eyebrow and her clear voice rang out, "Mother, who is she?"
"The Emperor's consort," Qing Yao regained her senses. Indeed, Ximen Xinyue was the Emperor's consort; how could she be bestowed upon Prince Nan'an? Qing Yao dismissed the thought from her mind and looked at Yi Yun below. "Has anything else happened?"
"No, Young Lady," Yi Yun replied meekly, her head bowed. Qing Yao waved her hand, "Good, you may all withdraw."
"Yes." Everyone in the main hall departed, leaving only Qing Yao, Xiao Yu'er, and another, Mo Chou. Xiao Yu'er, having recovered from her initial surprise, had thought her father loved her mother so much that he only had her. But she had forgotten that ancient emperors had many consorts. The thought soured her expression. Because the Emperor had many wives, her mother would surely be sad. No wonder she had left the palace; it must have been because of that woman. She then thought of herself: if her father had so many consorts, wouldn't there be many children vying for her father's love? She didn't want that. Xiao Yu'er's face was grim and displeased. Qing Yao looked at the girl's ever-changing expression with curiosity.
"What's wrong, Xiao Yu'er?"
"I didn't expect that man to marry another woman. No wonder Mother doesn't want to go back. I don't want to go back either, and I don't want to see him again. Oh, and from tomorrow onwards, Xiao Bai will be called Xiao Zun." Xiao Yu'er declared forcefully. Mo Chou, standing beside them, widened her eyes, her jaw almost dropping. The princess was too exaggerated, changing her mood faster than flipping a book. Her temperament was even more formidable than her mistress'. It seemed the Emperor would have to do a lot of explaining.
Qing Yao was too preoccupied to care about anything else; she was concerned about the progress of the armory and how many weapons had been manufactured.
"Xiao Yu'er, what military weapons can be manufactured currently, and how many have been made?" Upon hearing her mother discuss serious matters, Xiao Yu'er's small face immediately became serious, and she replied earnestly.
"Currently, we can manufacture grenades, smoke bombs, and mist bombs, as well as short-range gunpowder charges and improved arrows. The most produced items are smoke bombs, mist bombs, and improved arrows. These arrows can also be called simple handguns because their arrowheads are thickened and sharpened, and they have added fuses. When fired, the wind causes the arrowhead to rotate 360 degrees. Upon piercing the body, they can cause a small explosion, injuring those nearby or igniting objects, thereby causing chaos in the battle."