Last year, after Fang Qifo's death, Chen Fan had asked Ning Yi for elm cannons, but Ning Yi didn't agree, not to create any technological barriers. Instead, it was to deal with the Jin army's southward advance. The production method of the earth cannons had already been transferred to the imperial court by Qin SiYuan. Once the technology was leaked, and such things appeared in the war between Xigua and the imperial court, it would be difficult for him to escape responsibility.

At this time, many situations became more pressing in Ning Yi's mind, especially since the location of Mount Lüliang was so sensitive. He had to transfer some achievements to Mount Lüliang as early as possible to deal with possible troubles.

Regarding these troubles, Ning Yi did not yet have a particularly clear understanding. The environment and customs of Mount Lüliang were somewhat special, quite different from the Central Plains. Qingmu Village was intended to exist as a smuggling hub between the North and South, mainly considering defense against both Southern and Northern threats. With this in mind, landmines, gunpowder, and other items were very useful.

Of course, even stone landmines, which seemed to have low technical content, had many technical barriers to overcome. The simplest landmine in later generations involved hollowing out a stone, filling it with high explosives, iron filings, and a simple ignition device. However, Ning Yi only had barely qualified high explosives. The ignition device was not yet mature, as it involved the appearance of matches.

The match head was wrapped in sandpaper for ignition. A thin line was tied to one end of the match. Pulling the line would create sparks and detonate the landmine. In the early days of the People's Republic of China, militiamen used this method to make landmines. However, in the current Wu Dynasty, achieving such an effect was a big problem. Fortunately, crude alchemists of this era had already come into contact with the chemical changes of sulfur, phosphorus, and other substances. Supplemented by flint and the study of a large number of flammable materials, they could barely achieve the effect of detonation, but the safety was not high, and they still needed to be treated with caution during installation.

But in any case, as long as there was time, with Ning Yi's directional requirements, the development of such small items was not difficult. Since he was going to Lüliang this time, he would transport these immature things there first, at least to let the people of Lüliang learn how to hollow out stones.

In addition to landmines, the production of elm cannons on Ning Yi's side had reached a relatively mature stage. At least under Ning Yi's control, a few workers who also served as gunners had mastered the knack of making earth cannons and the laws of cannonball trajectory. On this basis, the barrel of the elm cannon could be tried to combine with steel. And the craftsmen in Lüliang researching earthen blast furnaces must have also mastered some experience.

Regarding the development of technology, Ning Yi knew that the most reliable way was to rely on the progress of basic science. However, he simply didn't have the time to wait for basic science. Therefore, the research room under Bamboo Records only conducted a large number of experiments based on exhaustive methods.

First, determine various experimental methods and data and step recording methods, and then countless brainstorming material experiments, record phenomena, and summarize laws. Ning Yi's methods in this regard were simple, rude, yet highly targeted. The only purpose was: explosion.

All experiments that obtained flames or explosions by different methods could be rewarded as long as they had originality and repeatability. After that, logical comparisons of the exploded materials were made, looking for differences, and summarizing rules. As long as a certain, reliable explanation could be given, more rewards could be obtained.

In this era, the real beginners in the study of chemistry were alchemists like Gongsun Sheng, and those who could come into contact with explosions were mostly firework craftsmen. Ning Yi brought these two together, formulated basic rules, gave reward levels, and left the rest to them to give full play to their enthusiasm.

However, what really played an important role were those basic rules including "comparison" and "exhaustion." In the past year or two, even if the craftsmen initially recruited into Bamboo Records were mediocre in talent, they had already mastered basic scientific research methods, including the existence of various basic elements—which was naturally taught by Ning Yi at the beginning—and already had their own understanding.

At this time, the status of Wu Dynasty craftsmen was low. Although the Ministry of Works Manufacturing Bureau responsible for military equipment also had firearms business, even the craftsmen who were already minor officials were definitely not as well-treated as Ning Yi could give. In addition to monetary rewards, Bamboo Records could also use the Xiangfu's relationship to send some craftsmen's children to private schools. This was even more attractive, so that many craftsmen in the Firearms Division of the Manufacturing Bureau were even doing private work for Ning Yi.

"...Put the things down carefully, pad them well. The road is long, be careful not to bump them. Be sure to watch the gunpowder carefully, don't let it see a single spark. A Si, you must pay attention to this matter..." Rain was falling in the yard, and Ning Yi was checking the goods to be taken to Lüliang, instructing everyone. On the other side, he was also listening to his wife talk about the situation at home.

"...The Go game competition held in Bamboo Records has been attracting more and more participants recently. Shopkeeper Nie and others are also joining in the fun. It's almost like the martial arts competition held by the guards every five days. Sister Nie organizes these things in an orderly manner."

"It's good that she has something she likes. As for Shopkeeper Nie, he doesn't seem to be married yet. Is he trying to show off in front of the girls?"

Tan'er smiled with pursed lips, "That's possible, oh."

The Go competition that Tan'er mentioned was the latest event in Bamboo Records. Bamboo Records was constantly expanding, and its scale had grown quite large. Centered in Bianliang, the restaurants had opened a total of fourteen—although the disaster relief event had made Ning Yi many enemies, the accumulated connections were very terrifying for this store of Bamboo Records. Almost every link had friends and partners. Coupled with Ning Yi's ability, the plan was made, the contract was signed, the money was injected, and then it would directly enter the recycling program to achieve a soft landing.

Outside of the restaurants, there were nearly thirty Bamboo Records carts going in all directions, each equipped with two bodyguards, one salesperson, one tailor, one storyteller, and sometimes additions or subtractions were made as appropriate. In addition, there was a large courtyard outside the city responsible for various studies, with a current population of about three hundred. Workshops responsible for making briquettes, coal stoves, perfumes, soaps, mosquito coils, fruit juices, etc., the printing workshop in cooperation with the Wang family, the Su clan's cloth line's workshops, shops, designers, the current residents of the Ning family mansion, etc., etc. ... In total, the number of people eating under the hands of the couple Ning Yi and Su Tan'er had actually expanded to more than four thousand people.

In a year or two, expanding to such a scale, Ning Yi had never relaxed about the life and entertainment of these people. The corporate culture of later generations was derived from this. In fact, in this year without electricity, the poverty of ordinary people in terms of entertainment was unimaginable for later generations. The daytime was okay, but at night, there was almost nothing to do except hug a woman and go to bed. At first, when there were few people under him, Ning Yi tried to require his subordinates to organize a semi-monthly cultural evening. Bamboo Records had storytellers, acrobats, and could also contact courtesans who were good at singing and dancing. This was not difficult.

Of course, entertainment projects were not just watching performances. After those martial artists from Du Long Gang joined, Ning Yi organized martial arts competitions, Cuju and other activities in the name of strengthening the body, and also asked the storytellers under him to tell these things with a good reputation in internal publicity. For example, so-and-so in Wanzhao Tower had a pair of unparalleled iron fists, and so-and-so in Yuyan Tower had excellent leg skills and had once shocked HeShuo. At this time, Bamboo Records was still centered on restaurants, and after discussions, everyone inevitably wondered who was more powerful. And every ten and a half months, there would be a martial arts selection, and then people would be allowed to communicate and compete. Those who did well would be rewarded.

Among the martial artists who came out of Du Long Gang, some were originally murderers on Liangshan Mountain. After transformation and repentance, their personalities became kind and harmonious, and they had no desire for rewards. However, the disciples they brought were all young and interested in these things. On the other hand, although most of the viewers of the martial arts competitions were employees of Bamboo Records, there were also women among these people. Even women from Fanlou would find opportunities to come and watch after hearing about it. For the competitors, this was actually a great encouragement.

Ning Yi strictly required the martial arts competition to be controlled in the direction of strengthening the body. The competition was stopped when appropriate, and private exchanges were allowed. Because it was well controlled, these competitors who originally had friendships in Du Long Gang did not hurt their feelings after the competition, but made the employees of Bamboo Records know each other more. Among them, several "star" employees were produced. Some of them were originally murderers from Liangshan Mountain, and some were young disciples taught by these people. Now, under publicity, most people in Bamboo Records know who is very good at fighting in so-and-so Tower, and who is very willing to help people. After the beginning of this year, when most people gathered in the capital to receive red envelopes, Ning Yi also let Zhu Biao compete with Gongsun Sheng from the courtyard. Although this competition was mostly of a performing nature, both of them were masters and greatly opened everyone's eyes.

In such competitions, most of those who were in the limelight were the martial artists gathered in Bamboo Records. In addition to this, the Go competition first arose in Tan'er's cloth line. It was Juan'er and Xing'er who first taught the female workers in the cloth line to play Go. Later, Su Tan'er simply held a Go competition among the employees. These female workers were mostly not very smart. They couldn't play the generally popular Go game, but Go was quite simple. Recently, the cloth line has been conducting multiple competitions and selections for this purpose.

In Bamboo Records, the same competition was taken over by Yun Zhu, the original owner of the restaurant. Even a few shopkeepers participated in it, preparing to select the most powerful people, and then hold a "grand final" with the cloth line.

At this time, Confucianism had not yet reached the point of preserving natural principles and eliminating human desires. Although there were many requirements for women, it was not enough to call it indecent with just a glance. In these competitions, it was normal for men and women to catch each other's eyes, get to know each other, and have good feelings. The several pairs of lovers who had already become a couple were the most pleasing thing for Tan'er. Since last year, whenever there were similar events, Tan'er or Ning Yi would personally appear at the proposal or wedding, and send gifts or serve as the officiant.

Checking the items to be taken to Lüliang, talking about recent events, and explaining the upcoming "Su Ning" operations. Although she had just returned home, there was not much time that belonged to the couple. After the things were moved, after talking to Su Wending, Xing'er, and others in the family, Ning Yi went to see Ning Xi, a child of nearly two years old who liked to run around stumbling. Ning Yi and Tan'er held hands and followed in the corridor, which was considered leisure time.

"Daddy, Mommy, you can't catch me!" The child said in a milky voice in front, and then fell to the ground with a pat. Tan'er wanted to run over with an "Ai", but Ning Yi stopped her with a smile: "He's a boy, what does it matter if he falls?"

Sure enough, Ning Xi supported himself on the ground with both hands, and then stood up again swaying. He patted his dusty hands, and then stretched his two small hands into the rain outside the eaves. Ning Yi and Tan'er finally smiled and went over to wipe his palms clean with a handkerchief.

Before long, Yun Zhu also returned in the rain. She talked to Ning Yi about the Go competition. In the blink of an eye, the sky was dusky. At dinner, the family sat together. At this time, there were already many people, Tan'er, Xiao Chan, Yun Zhu, Jin'er, Wending, Wenfang... Jin'er had taken off the bandages on her head, but because of the previous wrap around her forehead, she still looked thin and haggard, and the skin on her forehead was particularly pale. Ning Yi repeatedly told them about the things after he left, the most important of which was the problem of the Ning family's own private school. The matter of inviting a teacher through the relationship of the Xiangfu, Yao family, and Wang family had been basically settled, and the various secular affairs that followed were left to them to watch.

At this time, "Su Ning" in the capital was already a real big family. After dinner, Ning Yi even found Wending and others to talk to aside, telling them not to bully Yun Zhu and Jin'er...

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

Because of Ning Yi's return, although the heavy rain was still falling, the house in the night still seemed lively. After Jin'er returned to her room, she sat cross-legged on the bed, supporting her chin with her hand, feeling a little novel, but also a little lost. What was new to her was that this was the first time since she married that she had dinner with Ning Yi and Su Tan'er and Sister Yun Zhu. Sharing a man with several women, even if you like him, it's impossible to say that this feeling is good. Of course, the main thing was that she and the first wife had had misunderstandings before, and now they still seemed strange. She felt complicated because of this, and most of the loss in her heart came from this.

Of course, this feeling did not make her feel depressed, and this was also the destination of most women like her. She tried to make herself feel that she had nothing to be dissatisfied with. If Ning Yi came to talk to her later, she would show that she was very happy, and then go to chat with Sister Yun Zhu... Thinking this way, Ning Yi came later than she had imagined.

It was already late, and Ning Yi came in from outside just as she was about to go out to find Sister Yun Zhu to chat, startling her. Ning Yi closed the door, took her hand to the bed, and let her sit down.

"I just came from your Sister Yun Zhu's place, Jin'er. After marrying you, we haven't had such a good talk. I'm leaving tomorrow, and there are some things that I need to tell you specifically."

Moving a chair and placing it not far from the window, Ning Yi's tone was serious.

He's going to scold me—Jin'er thought this in her heart, but she didn't feel uncomfortable. In fact, such a conversation was what it should be. She was just married as a concubine, and he was about to leave, so he must be telling himself something. For example, don't quarrel with Eldest Sister, take care of the overall situation, and so on and so forth. Because of Ning Yi's formality, she obediently sat on the edge of the bed with her legs together and her hands on her knees, waiting for the man to scold her.

Ning Yi sat on the chair, and then felt that the distance between the two was a little far, so he dragged the chair closer. He held Jin'er's hands, thought for a moment, and smiled: "Actually, I'm leaving tomorrow. Because of this and that, I know that the marriage was a bit hasty, and there won't be much time to spend with you next, but no matter what, Jin'er, you've crossed the threshold and are one of my wives, so... I'll stay here with you tonight, okay?"

Jin'er blinked her eyes, a little confused about the title of "wife", but her face was already red, and her head was a little dizzy. She felt that she should have nodded and said something, and the man in front of her also said something about "wedding night" and so on. Next, everything began to become a little dizzy.

They didn't go to bed until after a while. They chatted for a while, but Jin'er couldn't remember what they were talking about afterwards. She only remembered the hot breath, and she felt that she should be calm, because she actually knew what she should know, but she was still nervous and uneasy. The man picked her up and put her down, and she didn't resist, and even tried to help, but she felt that her movements were clumsy. The clearer feeling was the slight coolness when the clothes on her body were taken off. Because the coolness came from her legs, it should have been the close-fitting trousers that were taken off at that time. She remembered that she had heard of some movements before. Although it was a bit shameless to do them, it was obviously good to please him in front of her own man. However, she also forgot whether those movements were made. Recalling it, she simply didn't know what she was doing. She only remembered that when the unfamiliar pain came from her body, her heart was heavily relieved, and she felt very at ease...

This night lasted a long time. In the last memory, Ning Yi wiped her body for her. She wanted to go herself, but she finally fell asleep soundly.

When she woke up, it was early in the morning. She hugged his body and wanted to sleep, but her mind remembered that he would leave before dawn, so she wanted to get up to prepare hot water for him to wash. But Ning Yi stopped her and didn't let her get up. She looked at the man's appearance and knew that he would be leaving for a while, so she watched for a long time, and finally gradually closed her eyes and entered a dream.

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

The rain had stopped, and it wasn't dawn yet. Large lanterns were lit at the gate of the Ning Mansion. The convoy was about to set off, and Ning Yi said goodbye to Tan'er, Xiao Chan, Yun Zhu, and others, hugging each of them and kissing them on the forehead. He did the same to Ning Xi. As he was getting into the car, he looked back at the deep mansion and those who came to see him off.

On the small building in the distance, a woman wrapped in a bed sheet secretly poked her head out of the window and looked out at the gate of the yard...

"Let's go."

Zhu Biao greeted him and got into the car with him. Seeing his expression, he asked, "What are you thinking about?"

"I feel... a little sorry for people."

"Ah? Sorry for whom?"

"You're so handsome, you wouldn't understand even if I told you."

"Uh..." Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, scratched his neck, "Then... what should I say next..."

"Let's go." Ning Yi smiled, "Let's set off, to Lüliang."

"Let's set off!" Zhu Biao shouted outside, then smiled, becoming excited, "I can see Senior Lu again. This time, I want to ask her for more killer moves, haha..."

In the hazy darkness, the convoy moved and gradually moved away from this residence. Before long, it passed through the streets and through the city. In the mist and morning light of early summer, it drove towards the ownerless land that was completely different from the Central Plains—Mount Lüliang. At the same time, a woman named Lou Shuwan led a team under Tian Hu and left Hebei and turned to Lüliang. Before this, none of them had thought that there would be an unexpected encounter one day...