Reporting to Your Majesty, Your subject observed that the firecrackers were quite small, only the thickness of a finger, yet they produced such a loud sound. If that young brother Fang were to create larger ones, one wonders if their power could be amplified. If so, then I am confident that with this tool, we can repel Jieli.
Qin Qiong said somewhat uncertainly.
What difficulty is there in that, Your Majesty? I request that young brother Fang be summoned to the palace for questioning.
Cheng Yaojin interjected.
Instead of consulting someone who understands, why are we all guessing aimlessly?
Granted. Li Er agreed readily.
Cheng Chumo and Yuchi Baolin had accompanied their fathers, and since their fathers hadn't left, they had been waiting outside the Eastern Palace. Upon hearing that Fang Er was to be summoned, they quickly went to fetch him.
Fang Er was drowsily counting silver in a restaurant when he saw Cheng Chumo rushing back again. He asked curiously, "Brother, what's wrong? Did you lose something?"
Quickly, Brother Fang, come with me, Your Majesty wishes to see you! Cheng Chumo grabbed Fang Er and prepared to pull him out.
What the heck! Don't rush, explain yourself. Why is His Majesty summoning me out of the blue? Fang Er was very surprised.
Did Li Er find out about me even though I've been so low-key? What on earth?
News has come from the grasslands that Jieli is about to march south. His Majesty has convened a council of ministers to discuss countermeasures. General Qin mentioned that your firecrackers might be useful, so you were summoned for questioning. Cheng Chumo briefly explained the reason.
Only then did Fang Er understand. It was due to the gunpowder.
There's no question about it. He quickly washed his face and, together with Cheng Chumo, rode his horse towards the imperial palace.
They went around the southeastern corner of the imperial city to the Yanxi Gate, and upon entering, it was the Eastern Palace.
Having already drunk quite a bit earlier, and then riding his horse at full speed, the bumps and the wind made Fang Er feel dizzy. He paid no mind to the palace architecture, enduring the churning in his stomach. After dismounting at the Yanxi Gate, he followed Cheng Chumo into the Eastern Palace.
Your Majesty, Fang Er has arrived.
Inside the Eastern Palace, Li Er and several generals were drinking wine. Upon hearing Cheng Chumo's voice, he put down his wine cup and looked over.
He saw Fang Er leaning askew against the doorway, his head nodding continuously, appearing as if he could fall asleep at any moment.
Cheng Yaojin immediately understood what was happening and said, "Your Majesty, please do not blame him. Young brother Fang's restaurant opened today, and he must have drunk quite a bit. I suspect the effects of the wine are kicking in."
Li Er waved his hand, indicating no blame, and then instructed a eunuch to fetch Fang Er a bowl of ginseng tea to sober him up.
He was truly intrigued by Fang Er. To be so highly recommended by Cheng Yaojin at such a young age was truly rare.
After Cheng Chumo fed Fang Er the ginseng tea, Fang Er soon felt a bit more clear-headed.
Looking at the group of people before him, he saw a middle-aged man in a yellow-red casual robe, a nine-ring belt at his waist, and six-harmony boots, being surrounded in the center. He instantly recalled the reason for his visit.
He quickly knelt and paid his respects: "Your humble subject, Fang Er, greets Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!"
Li Er was amused!
This was the first time he had heard such flattery. His lips twitched a few times, and then he said, "Rise and speak."
After Fang Er stood up straight, Li Er asked again, "Are you feeling more clear-headed?"
Much better, thank you for Your Majesty's concern. Fang Er said, rubbing his still slightly dizzy head.
General Qin mentioned that you created something called firecrackers today and suggested they might be useful in battle formations. Tell me, can they be used?
Li Er asked.
They absolutely can be used! Fang Er declared, patting his chest.
Oh? Quickly tell me, how are they used? What are their uses! Li Er excitedly walked up to Fang Er, staring into his eyes.
Uh! Your Majesty, could I have a chair? My legs are weak. Although his head was slightly clearer, Fang Er still felt weak all over and just wanted something to lean on.
Fetch him a chair. Li Er said to a eunuch nearby.
Chairs already existed in the palace. Yuchi had commissioned them to be made in the style of Fang Er's design and sent over.
Fang Er leaned back in the chair, shifting his posterior a few times to find a comfortable position, and then began to explain.
Speaking of these firecrackers, their effect is actually due to the gunpowder inside. Once ignited, that substance burns rapidly. If it is wrapped with something, it will explode. As for how powerful it is, that depends on the amount of gunpowder used. After speaking, Fang Er looked at the people before him. Seeing that they did not react much, he boldly dropped a bombshell.
If there is enough gunpowder, it could blow up the entire Chang'an!
What!
Li Er was so startled that he jumped up!
The others also looked at each other, wondering if they had misheard.
Brother Fang, this is no laughing matter. Quickly explain to me, what do you mean by enough gunpowder to blow up Chang'an!
Cheng Yaojin asked, grabbing Fang Er's collar in fright.
Fang Er only dared to say this at this moment. If he were sober, he wouldn't dare to say he could blow up Chang'an in front of Li Er even if he had ten times the courage.
What the hell, what do you want to do? If you blow up Chang'an, do you want to take Li Er's place?
Why are you so agitated? Look at how nervous you are! It was just an example. If one were truly to blow up Chang'an, one would likely blow oneself up before making enough gunpowder. This thing is dangerous!
Fang Er pushed Cheng Yaojin away, straightened his clothes, and said indifferently.
The people around finally relaxed their tense hearts upon hearing this.
Young brother Fang, Fang Er, then tell us, how is gunpowder made.
Li Er almost called him young brother Fang again, but quickly corrected himself.
Damn it, Cheng Yaojin almost led me astray.
Simple! Charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter mixed together in a certain proportion!
Fang Er casually revealed the ingredients for making gunpowder.
Just these?
Li Er asked, looking at him in disbelief.
Yes, just these!
Fang Er nodded affirmatively.
Your Majesty, these things are actually all in the palace. Why don't we have someone fetch some and let this young brother Fang broaden our horizons?
Zhangsun Wuji offered a suggestion from the side.
Mm, this is a good idea. I agree.
Li Jing also said, stroking his beard.
So, Li Er ordered a eunuch to find these items.
Fang Er looked at the plates laid out before him, his mind somewhat hazy.
What is this? Why are these things presented to me?
He had completely forgotten what he had said earlier.
Brother Fang, His Majesty wants you to make gunpowder. Quickly make some and let me feast my eyes!
Yuchi Heizi pointed at the items in the plates and said to Fang Er.