Thus, Yeon Gaesomun dispatched hundreds of spies to infiltrate the Great Tang, seeking ways to steal the gunpowder formula.
If conditions permitted, it would be best to abduct the craftsmen as well.
After swaying the Zheng family of Hejian, they quickly located Fang Family Manor under the leadership of Zheng Dadiao.
As for Ma Ping, he usually returned to the manor to spend the night after leaving the workshop.
Therefore, he became their target.
On the distance between the manor and the workshop, they captured Ma Ping for the first time.
However, Ma Ping was only responsible for supervising the assembly of assembled bullets.
He had no knowledge of the gunpowder preparation process.
Thus, under threats and temptations, they released Ma Ping again.
These past few days, Ma Ping had been trying to sneak into the gunpowder preparation workshop every day.
He actually managed to memorize the gunpowder preparation process!
Only then did he find an opportunity to sneak out of the village.
He was brought back to the bandit lair by Zheng Dadiao and two Goguryeo spies.
That bandit lair was secretly supported by the Zheng family of Hejian!
After hearing all this, Fang Er was furious!
Damn it, it’s true that no matter when, there are always collaborators!
Of course, he was also annoyed that he had overlooked a craftsman at the time.
Master, it has been found. In the home of Ma Ping's mistress, fifty taels of silver were indeed found.
After Fang Er finished speaking to Guan Chang and the others, he walked out of the room.
Take them with you and follow me!
Compared to Goguryeo's development of cannons and their unsatisfactory gunpowder,
Ma Ping's affair was no longer important.
Zheng Dadiao and the two Goguryeo spies were thrown onto a horse-drawn carriage.
Guan Chang, Zhao Long, and Zhang De accompanied them.
Following Fang Er, they rushed towards the direction of Chang'an City.
Taiji Palace.
After hearing Fang Er's words, Li Shimin's
brows furrowed like a wrinkle.
He quickly summoned Li Jing, Yuchi Jingde, and Cheng Yaojin.
Fang Er had no choice but to recount the events.
When they entered, they had already seen Zheng Dadiao and the two spies outside the palace gate.
After hearing Fang Er's words, Cheng Yaojin said.
Your Majesty, we must act early, otherwise, I fear the longer we delay, the more disadvantageous it will be for us.
Duke of Wei, are the new troops ready for deployment?
Li Shimin looked at Li Jing.
Your Majesty, the new troops have been training for a short period, and I fear it is too late.
After Li Jing finished speaking, he turned his gaze back to Fang Er.
General Fang, what about your Three Thousand Skyfire Army?
Fang Er looked at Li Jing and then at Li Shimin.
Are they asking me to go on another trip to Goguryeo?
It's fine! I've wanted to reclaim that large iron ore deposit for a long time!
Now I have to buy it from Zhangsun Wuji with money. Once the iron ore is back, won't it be like picking it up for free?
Alright! No problem!
Fang Er replied very concisely.
Very well! I will give you ten days to prepare, and ten days later, you will depart for Goguryeo!
As I said before! I don't care what methods you use, but Goguryeo must not be given the opportunity to point its cannon barrels at the Great Tang!
Li Shimin's gaze was very firm.
Then, Your Majesty, how should we account for the military pay?
Fang Er immediately dissipated the serious atmosphere.
Li Shimin was stunned.
I'm worried about the nation and its people, and you're doing this to me?
Li Jing and Yuchi Jingde were also speechless.
The emperor doesn't mistreat his soldiers, Your Majesty, could you provide some for my brothers?
Cheng Yaojin obviously stood with Fang Er without any bottom line.
Upon hearing Cheng Yaojin's words, Li Shimin really wanted to grab him and beat him up.
After following me for so many years.
He was bought over by a mere restaurant opened by Fang Anzhi?
Speak!
Li Shimin stared at Fang Er and said.
As if to say, if you dare to overcharge, I will deal with you.
I won't ask for much. For the Three Thousand Skyfire Army, I will only take two thousand men. The daily rate will be one thousand guan, which translates to five hundred wen per person per day. How about that?
Of course, consumed firearms and ammunition are calculated separately.
This is a life-risking job, so we can't be too stingy, can we?
Fang Er tried his best to appear generous.
Are you trying to extort me?
I recall you have forgotten to submit the official documents for your Skyfire Army.
Without official documents, wouldn't that be considered harboring a private army?
Li Shimin patted his forehead, as if remembering something, and asked Li Jing.
Replying to Your Majesty, three thousand troops would certainly count.
Li Jing was inwardly delighted.
Fang Er broke out in a cold sweat.
Damn it!
I was careless, I forgot to ask for the official documents!
Is this guy openly going back on his word?
Your Majesty, you are a person of your word, your decree is absolute, you can do as you please~~~~
Uh, I misspoke. You are the Emperor, you can't do whatever you please! These Three Thousand Skyfire Army soldiers were personally approved by you at the Grand Court Assembly in front of all the civil and military officials!
Hmm? Duke of Wei, did I say that?
Li Shimin looked at Li Jing very seriously.
Uh, I don't remember. How about you ask Zhi Jie and Jing De?
Li Jing was speechless.
Your Majesty, you did indeed say that~~.
How could Cheng Yaojin watch his brother get tricked?
He quickly stepped forward and said.
But before he could finish, Li Er interrupted him.
Hmm, see, Zhi Jie also said I didn't say it.
How about this: two thousand Skyfire Army soldiers, four hundred guan per day, and I will give you the official documents along with this. What do you say?
If not, then I'll have to find the Minister of Punishment to have a chat.
Li Er looked shamelessly at Fang Er.
I!
Fang Er thought for a long time and didn't know what to say.
Go beg!
Let's just do it like this!
Damn it! You want me to work for free? No way!