In Chang'an, at the Cheng Manor.
Fang Er, carrying two jars of Zui Xian Niang, knocked on the gate of the Cheng Manor.
The gatekeeper led him into the courtyard.
Cheng Chumou was on duty, and Cheng Yaojin was practicing martial arts in the courtyard.
He wielded his ma shuo with great vigor.
Seeing Fang Er arrive, he casually stuck the ma shuo into a weapon rack nearby.
He took a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his body.
Your skill with the ma shuo, old Brother Cheng, truly impresses me!
Fang Er placed the wine on the stone table.
Ah, who do I see? It's our little hero! Please, have a seat.
Cheng Yaojin was very happy to see Fang Er.
What do you mean, old Brother Cheng?
Fang Er was a bit confused.
Brother, you still don't know? Those explosive packs and suction hand grenades you made were a huge success this time. Da Lao Hei and his son used only three thousand elite soldiers to wipe out Jie Li's forty thousand strong army and captured twenty thousand stragglers. The Emperor ordered a discussion on how to give you additional rewards just the other day. Tell me, aren't you a little hero?
Cheng Yaojin showed no hint of envy towards Yu Chi Jingde.
What! Really?
Fang Er was taken aback.
This is unbelievable!
The Alliance of the Wei River is gone just like that?
Just like that?
Gone?
Have I inadvertently altered the grand course of history?
That's right. It's estimated that Da Lao Hei will be back with the captives in a few days. So, how about it? The things you created have achieved such great merit, aren't you excited?
Cheng Yaojin smiled and looked at Fang Er.
Merit or no merit, it's fine as long as it helped old Brother Yu Chi. Am I the kind of person who covets credit?
Fang Er clasped his hands behind his head, leaned back in his chair, and looked up at a forty-five-degree angle towards the sky, saying faintly.
Cheng Yaojin was speechless.
What is the meaning of that gesture?
We're having a perfectly good conversation, why are you looking up at the sky?
Brother, what are you looking at up there? Is it going to rain?
Fang Er felt as if he had swallowed a dead fly.
Well, my attempt at showing off failed.
Never mind that, old Brother, your ma shuo skills just now were quite impressive! Could you teach me someday?
Hahaha, it's not me bragging, but with this one ma shuo, I've killed countless enemies! All this martial skill was forged on the battlefield.
Cheng Yaojin laughed, tossed the handkerchief to a nearby maid, picked up the tea on the stone table, and drank it down.
I heard Brother also uses an axe quite well, is that true?
Of course! Beheading! Picking teeth! Cleaning ears! These are my skills on horseback, equally formidable. Do you hear how majestic the names are?
Cheng Yaojin said, gesturing with his hands.
Beheading is indeed majestic.
Picking teeth is somewhat interesting.
But cleaning ears, are you sure a foot massage technician didn't teach you that?
Isn't that called ear candling?
That must be majestic! Your brother's three axe techniques are said to be unstoppable! But why don't you teach Chumou?
Fang Er asked with a smile.
Don't mention that brat, he's always thinking about using his saber. Only recently has he changed his ways and started learning the ma shuo from me. By the way, did Da Lao Hei take the ma shuo tip you made for Baolin?
Cheng Yaojin slapped his forehead, picked up the ma shuo he had just used, and showed it to Fang Er.
Fang Er saw that it was indeed the ma shuo tip he had made for Cheng Chumou.
On the dark ma shuo tip, a fierce tiger roaring at the sky was vividly depicted.
Didn't I give this to Chumou? Why is it in your hands?
He? He hasn't even learned the basics of the ma shuo. It's a waste to have such a good thing in his hands! Oh, right, Da Lao Hei probably took Baolin's too. Hehehe.
This fellow, true to his bandit origins, didn't even blush about taking his own son's belongings. After a few laughs, he continued.
Li Jing, that old fellow, is incredibly envious. When Da Lao Hei went to Jingyang, this old guy pestered me constantly. Can you arrange a time to make one for him too?
Old Brother, making these things isn't difficult, but I'm short on iron ore. I came today hoping you could introduce me to Lord Changsun.
Fang Er stated his purpose.
Changsun, that old fellow, yes, his family is in the ironware business. It's nothing for him. Let's go, carry this wine, and we'll go find that old guy for a drink.
Cheng Yaojin took the clothes from the maid, put them on, and pulled Fang Er out.
The Changsun Manor was not far from the Cheng Manor, and they arrived quickly.
Cheng Yaojin, as if he were returning to his own home, didn't need to be announced by the doorman. He directly pulled Fang Er inside.
The relationship among these old brothers who fought alongside Li Er was very strong.
Changsun Wuji was reading in the courtyard. Seeing Cheng Yaojin arrive, he put down his book.
I say, Cheng Blackie, what's with the urgency?
Well, I, old Cheng, came to have a drink with you, and my brother here has something to ask you. Can you help him out?
Cheng Yaojin was straightforward and to the point.
Hey! You, a brute, want to drink with me? It's about An Zhi, isn't it?
Changsun Wuji had seen Fang Er in the Eastern Palace, so he recognized him immediately.
Greetings, Lord Changsun. I've come today to purchase some iron ore from the Changsun family. I wonder if it would be convenient for you, Lord Changsun?
The Changsun family controlled nearly seventy percent of the iron ore production and sales in the Great Tang, making it a seller's market.
A few days ago, my sister mentioned it to me, saying it was the Emperor's intention. What is it, does An Zhi need a large quantity?
Changsun Wuji asked curiously.
This kid, to get iron ore, made Li Er ask the Empress to pass him a message, saying it was needed for making farming tools.
Who are you trying to fool?
How much can be used just for making farming tools? Does it require the Emperor to personally intervene?
I haven't actually calculated the specific quantity, but the more, the better.
Ho! Commander Fang has quite an appetite. Can you tell me what these iron ores are for?
Changsun Wuji asked.
I say, old fellow, just tell us if you'll give it or not, why so many questions!
Cheng Yaojin couldn't stand it anymore. He slammed the table and shouted at Changsun Wuji.
What are you shouting about? If Commander Fang needs so much iron ore, I have to know what he's using it for, right? What if?
Changsun Wuji gave Cheng Yaojin a glare.
What if what? Aiding the enemy? Screw you! Do you have any idea how much credit your brother's explosive packs have earned? If you want to aid the enemy, explosive packs are more profitable than those broken iron pieces, aren't they?
Cheng Yaojin was getting annoyed and directly interrupted Changsun Wuji.
Changsun Wuji was speechless. This guy's temper was too much, impossible to communicate with.
Brother Cheng, please don't be anxious. It's only proper for Lord Changsun to ask.
Lord Changsun, the reason I need iron ore is solely for making farming tools. The tools the farmers are currently using are simply too poor. Yesterday, I created a new tool that can double the speed of plowing.
Therefore, a large quantity of iron ore is needed to make farming tools. As for the surplus iron ore, I'm thinking of trying to make something else useful with it.
Fang Er tugged at Cheng Yaojin.
If I cause trouble between Cheng Yaojin and Changsun Wuji for my own small matters, then I would truly be ignorant.