Question: Tell me about the place you were in when you were in Bianliang. Search: \(?Complete?Ben?God?Station) to read high-quality literature for free.

Answer: Returning to Your Honor, it was a very large place, a manor to the west of Bianliang City, with a dozen workshops and five or six hundred people, all belonging to one owner...

Question: You make gunpowder?

Answer: Yes, my family has been fireworks artisans for generations, and originally had a small workshop, but unfortunately...

Question: How did you get into that manor?

Answer: First, people from there came to invite me. My fireworks-making was a family skill, and I was reluctant to go, guarding the shop. Soon after, another fireworks shop opened across from my house. Their fireworks had more variety, exploded louder, and were all sold cheaply. I couldn't compete with them, and business declined. Later, the people from the manor offered generous terms, and I had no choice but to go.

Question: After entering, did you learn the method of gunpowder improvement?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Since gunpowder could be improved in this way, why hadn't you thought of it before?

Answer: Gunpowder preparation was originally a method passed down from my ancestors. Only after entering that courtyard did I realize there were such particularities. The various rules in that courtyard were extremely strict, even how to use a cup or a glass of water was prescribed. The process of gunpowder preparation was also somewhat complicated, which I had never imagined before.

Question: Who came up with the process for improving gunpowder?

Answer: This, this humble one doesn't know. The one in charge of the gunpowder workshop was Mr. Gongsun, the one in charge of the entire courtyard was Mr. Lin, and there was another person in charge surnamed Lin. They all participated, but some people also said that the improvement method was personally instructed and taught by the owner, but Mr. Lin and the others were in charge of the manufacturing.

Question: What is the name of your owner?

Answer: Ning Yi, Ning Liheng.

Question: He later... killed your emperor.

Answer: Yes, it, it was him.

Question: Have you met him?

Answer: I've met him a few times. He treated us all to a meal every year, and sometimes came to ask about things, always talking to Mr. Lin and Mr. Gongsun. I... I've probably seen him three or four times.

Question: What kind of person is he?

Answer: He... is young, but has authority. He always smiles when talking to us, but smiles less when talking to Mr. Lin and Mr. Gongsun. No one dared to be too presumptuous in front of him.

Question: Do you know why he set up such a courtyard?

Answer: I don't know. He said he wanted to research some interesting things to sell at Bamboo Memoir (Zhuji).

Question: Bamboo Memoir (Zhuji)?

Answer: He also opened many shops, restaurants, and tea houses, selling food and daily necessities, and hiring storytellers and magicians, all called Bamboo Memoir (Zhuji). From Bianliang, many large cities have them, and many carts also drag things to the countryside to sell.

Question: Approximately how many kinds of workshops were there in the courtyard you were in?

Answer: I'm not very clear. Some places were not allowed to enter. But I remember there were gunpowder, cloth, wine, floral water, papermaking, blacksmithing, coal briquette making, fruit jam, dried meat...

Question: How much else do you know about your owner's affairs?

Answer: I... I only know that when the heavenly soldiers went south, he left the city, saying he was going to... clear the fields and strengthen the walls, and later, it was said that he was in Xia Village and won a battle. I don't know if it's true or not, because later, the authorities said that the owner colluded with the Right Chancellor's Mansion, and when the Right Chancellor's Mansion fell, the owner was also implicated.

Question: Yes, it was indeed them who defeated Guo Yaoshi's Resentment Army in Xia Village, causing Guo Yaoshi to lead his troops to flee west. And later, your owner killed the emperor.

Answer: Yes, yes.

Question: Do you hate your owner?

Answer: Yes, he... no, I, I am a humble commoner, I can't, I can't speak of it...

Question: If he hadn't killed Zhou Zhe, do you think you wouldn't be here?

Answer: I... don't know. Moreover, the Royal Army is acting on behalf of Heaven. It is a good thing that I can come here...

Question: ...If I say that your owner's battle in Xia Village really caused a major obstacle to our army's capture of Bianliang, would you feel...?

Answer: ...

...Heh. Never mind, I won't make things difficult for you...

...

With a boom, it rang out on the hillside over there. A group of people wearing Jin Dynasty official uniforms walked over to look at the traces of the explosion. On this platform, several high-ranking officials sat in their seats drinking tea, not yet moving.

The highest-ranking person here was Wanyan Xiyin, the Right Supervisor of the Marshal's Office, and Shi Liai, a Han Chinese who served as a Minister of the Privy Council. Xiyin shook his head: "The power seems to have increased somewhat, but to be used on the battlefield, it seems that it still needs improvement."

Shi Liai nodded: "These talents have just started working, and there is still room for improvement." After saying this, he frowned slightly, "I had previously heard of that Ning person from Wu Dynasty who murdered the emperor, but I didn't expect that Lord Gushen was actually paying attention to him."

Wanyan Xiyin was the most knowledgeable about Han Chinese culture among the Jurchen officials, both civil and military. This Han Chinese minister, Shi Liai, was originally a famous talent in the Yanyun area. His family was a powerful local gentry. He had originally worked for Zhang Jue. When Zhang Jue wanted to betray the Wu Dynasty, Shi Liai immediately resigned and returned to his hometown. When the Wu Dynasty people recovered several states in Yanyun, they had also sent people to invite Shi Liai to become an official several times, but Shi Liai knew deeply about the corrupt trend of the Wu Dynasty and was unwilling to join them. In the end, Yanyun completely belonged to the Jin Dynasty before he entered the officialdom. At this time, he was in charge of the Privy Council under Marshal Zonghan, above tens of thousands of people. Among the high-ranking officials in the court, Xiyin and Shi Liai were quite in tune, and could be considered friends.

"I originally didn't pay too much attention, but after the war report from Western Xia came in the last two days, I learned a little bit about it, and only then did I ask about the gunpowder matter." Xiyin smiled, "Speaking of which, I had a past grudge with this person."

"Oh? Has Lord Gushen fought with him?"

"No, but when the army entered Bianliang, everyone was busy collecting Wu Dynasty gold and silver. I specially asked people to search for rare Wu Dynasty classics, but the gains were not abundant. Later, I learned that this person, who murdered the emperor and caused chaos, occupied Bianliang for two or three days. When he left, he not only looted a large amount of military equipment and supplies, but also searched several libraries in Bianliang City, and actually packed more than ten carts and took them away. He was one step ahead of me, which is really regrettable."

Shi Liai laughed: "Lord Gushen and this person seem to have some mutual appreciation."

"Mutual appreciation is out of the question. Southern culture is as brilliant as the stars and as vast as the sea. Sometimes, the things that happen in the South are regrettable, but such a culture can always breed some people who are admirable and moving. Like this one, years ago, he was already laying out plans for Bianliang. When the army went south, he went to the front line and even fell into a deadly place to defeat Guo Yaoshi. Guo Yaoshi's two brothers were all killed by him. After making such meritorious service, he was falsely accused and suppressed. He personally murdered the emperor in the Golden Palace. He is truly a hero of his generation, worthy of applause." As he spoke, he gently patted his thigh, "I didn't see Zhou Zhe's expression when he died, which is a pity."

Wanyan Xiyin's status among the Jurchens was extraordinary. At this time, he spoke out his thoughts, and Shi Liai's expression was complex. He lowered his voice: "Lord Gushen, be careful in your words. After all, this person's actions of murdering the emperor..."

"Haha, Master Shi, you are just too cautious." Wanyan Xiyin smiled indifferently and patted him on the shoulder, "The Jurchen court is different from the Han Chinese court. We were able to fight our way out of the White Mountains and Black Waters by relying on the unity of our superiors and subordinates and the dedication of our soldiers, not on anyone's flattery or sycophancy. If the Wu Dynasty had such a ruler, it would be a sign of national demise. It is gratifying to swing the knife and kill him! How can my Jin Dynasty, which can gain the world, have the reason for a thousand autumns and generations? If one day the Jin Dynasty emperor is like this, it will also prove that my Jin Dynasty has reached the time of destruction. We should speak out this truth loudly as a warning. If anyone carelessly extends and clings to it, then good, I will cut him down with one sword. So as to prevent these rats from messing up my Jin Dynasty court."

Although he was the creator of the Jurchen script, he was a soldier all his life, and usually had a gentle literary spirit, but when holding a sword, he was imposing without anger. Even the few sons of Aguda could be beaten by him. The Fourth Prince, Wanyan Zongbi, had some grudges with him and feared him like a tiger. At this time, the two were talking, and there were other people around. Shi Liai, who was deeply influenced by Confucianism, advised him to be cautious in his words. Wanyan Xiyin swept his eyes over them, and most of them were silent, not daring to meet his gaze.

Wanyan Xiyin's behavior was not considered ostentatious. At this time, the Jin Dynasty court was indeed as he said, and words could be spoken freely. Even Wu Qimai had been beaten with a board by ministers for doing wrong things. Wanyan Xiyin was a real founding hero, and his ranking in the Jurchen court could enter the top ten. He didn't care about a few straightforward words. But after speaking, he became solemn again, with a hint of remembrance.

"Master Shi, do you know? The battle in the northwest of the Wu Dynasty reminded me of the experience of starting an uprising. In the early years, the tribes suffered from the oppression of the Liao people. We knew early on that there would be a war. At Chuhe Store, the Liao people came with an army of 100,000. Our side had only 3,000 armored soldiers. The late Emperor led us on a night raid, heroic and magnificent, but being in the middle of the army, knowing that the other side had 100,000 people, is a feeling you can't know..."

He paused slightly: "To Hubudagang, the Liao people had 700,000, and our army had 20,000. Speaking of it, it's that the Jurchen people are invincible with 10,000, that the Liao people had internal strife, it's like this and that. But on the battlefield, who isn't gritting their teeth and moving forward? Saying this and that military strategy, the truth is, even without military strategy, we can only move forward. We have nothing to lose. If we take a step back, we will all die."

Wanyan Xiyin said these words in a calm tone, but he also had the composure of someone who had experienced big battles and crossed the threshold of life and death: "I told everyone earlier that we cannot underestimate the Han Chinese. It's a pity that I value them, but the Han Chinese have never made me proud. Now I can finally say that the Han Chinese also have heroes. Master Shi, it is an honor for us to live in the same era as heroes and compete for the world."

"Lord Gushen is wise." Shi Liai, whose hair was black and white, nodded. After a moment, he slowly said, "It is difficult for those who murder emperors to achieve great success throughout history. Even if they are temporarily arrogant, I am afraid they are just a flash in the pan and will not last long. I think he may be able to secure a corner, but he is probably not qualified to compete for the world."

Wanyan Xiyin reached out and tapped his thigh, remaining silent for a moment. After a while, he smiled: "What Master Shi said is indeed correct... Someone." He called the official behind him, "Among the Han Chinese who have come north this time, I want all the gunpowder and fireworks craftsmen, no matter where they are now."

"Yes." That person took the order and went down.

Wanyan Xiyin stood up, and Shi Liai and the others also stood up. He glanced at this platform, then turned around and began to walk down. Shi Liai followed beside him, and Xiyin turned his head and talked in a low voice. The breeze faintly carried the conversation over.

"The Wu Dynasty is re-establishing a new emperor... It is extremely unwise..."

"...Attack Wu... Wait until next year..."

"Xiaocang River and the Zhong and Zhe families... I want to send someone..."

Names appeared in this conversation, perhaps meaning that Ning Yi was finally beginning to enter these people's sight in a relatively equal form. Although the words were light, the impact that would be caused after this could not be estimated at this time. Before long, a group of people left this desolate mountain and returned to the urban area along the road.

Jin, Tianhui Year 4.

Xijing Datong, formerly known as Yunzhong Prefecture, was rapidly prospering after the Jin Dynasty's second attack on the Wu Dynasty. It was the location of Wanyan Zonghan's Eastern Route Marshal's Office and Privy Council. Not long ago, with the death of Liu Yanzong, the head of Zongwang's Western Route Privy Council, the Jin Dynasty's military core, which had originally been divided into eastern and western routes, was now rapidly concentrating in Datong.

The large increase in slaves filled the population and labor force vacancies caused by the war. The concentration of nobles and merchants drove the prosperity of the city. Although this place was still an important military town, the various businesses in the city had indeed greatly prospered.

In every brothel in this place, you could now find southern Wu Dynasty noble women who had been reduced to prostitutes. In every shop, there were now one or two slaves snatched from the South, wearing ropes and tattooed on their faces, being forced to work. At present, it was the era when the Jurchens were truly invincible in the world, and they had not yet lost their enterprising spirit. Generals and outstanding figures gathered in this city, but of course, the connections and transactions of all kinds of people, in the dark, never truly stopped for a moment.

In a courtyard in the east of the city, two groups of people were meeting.

"A few months ago, people came in large batches, which was easy to say. Recently, the inspections have become stricter, so the prices are higher than before." A serious-looking Jurchen official took the gold and silver from the other party, counting them with a frown, while still speaking, "Moreover, you specifically want those who are specialized in this line of work. Of course, I will be able to find them next, but... I'm afraid the price will have to increase again. Don't blame me for not making it clear then."

"That's only natural." The Jurchen man in gorgeous clothes who paid the money smiled, "As long as Seventh Master helps me make the Shangjing fireworks business a monopoly, money is not a problem. Well, Seventh Master, there are no problems with these contracts, right?"

"Of course not. They are all official contracts. You can look at them carefully in person."

"If Seventh Master says there are no problems, then there's no need to look at them." The man in gorgeous clothes put the contracts into his arms.

"From here back to Shangjing, I guarantee you will be safe, but don't wander around." The other party frowned, "To be honest, since I've taken the money, I don't care what you do. You can use these pigs however you want. If they refuse to work, you can beat them. If you beat them to death, just pay the government. But if you mess around on the road and something goes wrong, don't drag me into it. If it weren't for that kid Wuyan introducing you, I wouldn't do this business with you."

"I know, Seventh Master, don't worry. Business, the first time is unfamiliar, but the second time is familiar. If there's nothing wrong this time, then there will be more to do next time. Now is a good time, why would I just want a few pigs and not want more?"

"I don't think you're that kind of person either. Sigh, is the fireworks business really that good?"

"Shangjing is different from Xijing. Xijing has a bunch of big soldiers who don't know anything. They just know how to go to brothels and restaurants. The people in Shangjing love to join in the fun and set off fireworks and firecrackers at night. I had a few Liao craftsmen over there before, but how can the Khitans compare to the Wu Dynasty in this regard? That's where people really know how to have fun. Just watch, I'm going to make a big profit on this."

"It's up to you to make money."

The two said, laughing heartily, and then went to the back to bring out several Wu Dynasty "pigs": There were a total of five Wu Dynasty craftsmen. Their faces were all tattooed. One of them didn't know who he had offended, and was beaten black and blue. One person's arm was broken off at the elbow. The five people stood there chained together, ragged, with dull eyes, and skin and bones.

The man in gorgeous clothes expressed dissatisfaction with the person with the amputated arm, but soon after, he still took the goods. He and five of his subordinates escorted the five slaves away from the courtyard and headed towards the east gate of the city. The group of eleven people encountered an inspection not long after.

In the afternoon, Wanyan Xiyin returned to his mansion and talked with Chen Wenjun, who was nominally a concubine but actually his wife, for a while. Soon after, someone requested to see him. It was the trusted general he had arranged to gather the gunpowder craftsmen. Wanyan Xiyin did not avoid suspicion and summoned the man into the courtyard. The general saluted Chen Wenjun and then reported some things to Wanyan Xiyin in a low voice: "There are a few strange things..."

After Wanyan Xiyin finished listening, his expression became serious. After a moment, he waved his hand: "I understand, look for them." The trusted general excused himself and left. Wanyan Xiyin stood there, pondering for a moment. Chen Wenjun came over: "Husband, what's wrong?"

"...Nothing." Wanyan Xiyin thought for a while, smiled, and shook his head. "A clown jumping on a beam... By the way, something big has happened in the Wu Dynasty recently. I haven't told you yet..."

The setting sun gradually turned red. In the courtyard planted with various flowers and trees, the world-renowned general hugged his wife, speaking softly. The wife occasionally laughed, and the two's embrace melted into a happy silhouette in the setting sun.

*************

The city of Yanzhou at the end of July was a lively scene.

Li Pin sat on the stone steps beside the small square, watching a group of people not far away crying and protesting. Tie Tianying, disguised as a merchant, stood beside him, frowning: "What is this Ning Liheng up to..."

The battle on Dongzhiyuan at the end of June shocked the world after nearly a month of spread and fermentation. Li Pin had originally left Xiaocang River in despair. Hearing the news, his whole person was shocked beyond words. The person in Xiaocang River who spoke in that tone about subverting Confucianism initially gave people the feeling of being crazy. However, when the Black Flag Army defeated more than 100,000 Western Xia troops with 10,000 people, and single-handedly regained the general trend of the Northwest in such a crisis, no matter what this madman said or did, it was impossible to ignore.

Li Pin didn't know how to defeat him, or even how to start, but after thinking it over, he decided to come and see. After that, he met Tie Tianying by chance and they traveled together.

After taking Yanzhou, the Black Flag Army also seized a large amount of grain originally harvested by the Western Xia army. After that, they did strange things in Yanzhou City: they statistically registered the household registration of each family. In these few days, they announced that anyone whose name was on the household registration could come and write the two characters "Huaxia" (华夏), and they could receive a fixed amount of grain for one person.

Writing two characters to receive grain was something that had never happened in the Northwest. Some people were overjoyed, but similarly, there were also many people who originally lived here. They were originally wealthy households, expecting the government troops to kill back and restore their original land. Now, only turning into a fixed amount of grain for one person, how could they be willing? Subsequently, these local gentry recommended people to try to contact and negotiate with the upper echelons of the Black Flag Army. This process lasted for several days and was still continuing.

During these days, outside Yanzhou City, the Zhe family army recovered Qingjian City, and the Zhong family army captured Yuanzhou. The Black Flag Army remained inactive after occupying Yanzhou. After the Western Xia King Li Ganshun was defeated, many troops began to return north. Soon after, Li Ganshun appeared and was already on his way back to the country. For the tribal Dangxiang people, after experiencing such a great defeat and the emperor being missing for several days, they could only return to stabilize the situation and fight with many leaders.

However, Qingzhou City and some other small towns that had been captured in the beginning were still under the control of the Western Xia army. Although the troops remaining here were already not very combat-effective, the Zhe family sought stability, and the Zhong family's strength was no longer there, so it was still not an easy task to capture Qingzhou.

Everyone was also watching the actions of the Black Flag Army. If this army really forced Qingzhou, showing the previous invincible combat power and those new-type firearms, it was believed that it would not be difficult to destroy these Western Xia troops. And being able to have another war of this scale would make it easier for the surrounding observing forces to see the true strength of the Black Flag Army.

The Western Xia envoy, whose Han name was Lin Houxuan, waited in the courtyard. Soon after, someone came to invite him in, and he once again saw the emperor slayer from Xiaocang River.

This leader of the Black Flag Army, who still seemed quite young, was writing at the desk. Lin Houxuan glanced over, and the sentence was vaguely "Through all the twists and turns, brothers are still here, we meet and smile." The part after that had not been written yet, and it was not known who the words were for. When Lin Houxuan bowed and greeted him, the other party looked up, put down his brush, and then greeted him with a smile.

"Haha, Brother Lin, we meet again, no need to be polite, please sit, please sit."

"Greetings, Mr. Ning."

"I said no need to be polite, sit down. I'll make you tea."

Ning Yi didn't sit down, so Lin Houxuan still stood. Soon after, Ning Yi simply made two cups of hot tea, sat down, and waved his hand, and the other party sat down next to him.

"I won't beat around the bush." After Ning Yi sat down, he said, "Over the past few months, some misunderstandings and unpleasant things have happened. Now neither of us is having a good time. Under such circumstances, I am very happy that Brother Lin was able to come."

Lin Houxuan was silent for a moment: "The Huaxia Army is powerful, Lin admires it."

"But regarding these misunderstandings, I have an immature opinion. Does Brother Lin want to hear it?"

"...I would like to hear the details."

"I think it's all your fault."

"..."

Hearing Ning Yi's sentence, Lin Houxuan frowned and blinked, probably not knowing how to pose his expression. Ning Yi put down the teacup in his hand.

"It's like this, our Huaxia Army has never thought about fighting. We just want to do business. Before you came to Xiaocang River, our people had been contacting people outside, and we had also contacted your Western Xia people. As soon as you came, you asked us to surrender. We told you that the people of Huaxia don't surrender to foreign countries. This is a principle. We don't surrender to foreign countries, but we can cooperate. You are too domineering, and you have to blockade us and contact the Jurchens. What do you think we can do? What we seek is peaceful coexistence. We have never wanted to fight. In the end, it has become like this..."

Ning Yi's words were calm, but as he spoke, his eyes began to become serious and cold: "But fortunately, we are all pursuing peace. Everything can be discussed."