Nine, late autumn and early winter, when the mountains far and near gradually turn gray, Jishan County welcomes the last bustling moment of the year.

The black flag with morning stars flutters in the wind, and large-scale horse teams gather here. There are also rice merchants who come by boat. Most of the bustling crowd carry longbows and swords. After several years of operation, the Black Flag has negotiated with the Ni people. Several trade routes near Liangshan have become relatively peaceful. However, for merchants from the Wu Dynasty, trade between Liangshan and the outside world is still a dangerous undertaking that requires courage, strength, and background.

What the horse teams transport from the Wu Dynasty are mostly grain, cotton, and hemp, as well as copper and iron. What they transport back are usually iron cannons, as well as exquisitely crafted bows, crossbows, and swords. They often transport goods with hundreds of packhorses and return with several iron and wood cannons and some shells. For the outside world, the Black Flag Army's craftsmanship is exquisite. Although iron cannons are expensive, they are now essential weapons for outside armies. Even the initial wooden cannons, after being "upgraded" with steel and many processes by the Black Flag Army, have greatly increased in stability and durability. Even if used as consumables, they can guarantee the chance of winning in future battles.

The three years of bloody battle in Xiaocang River was the best advertisement for the new weapon "cannon." Not to mention the confrontation with the Jurchens, the pseudo-Qi, Tian Hu, and others came in succession with millions of troops. Countless soldiers were so frightened that they collapsed to the ground as soon as the cannons fired. According to recent intelligence, the Jurchens' cannons have also begun to enter the military ranks. Whoever does not have this weapon in the future will basically be eliminated in the war.

In addition to the various forces of the Wu Dynasty, Liu Yu's regime in the north is also a client of Xiaocang River. This line is currently relatively hidden. The transaction volume is not large, mainly because the distance of resource exchange is too long, the cost is too high, and it is difficult to ensure smooth transactions. Since the Wu Dynasty army secretly bought cannons from Xiaocang River, the warlords of pseudo-Qi have also sent several trade teams. They do not transport grain but are willing to transport strategic materials such as steel to Xiaocang River in exchange for iron cannons to take back. This exchange is more common.

Xiaocang River pretends not to know the forces behind these transactions. Last year, Guan Shihhu, a general of Qi, sent an army of 500 people to transport iron ingots in exchange for 20 iron cannons. This army brought the iron ingots and directly joined the Black Flag Army. Guan Shihhu was furious and sent people to negotiate with Xiaocang River in secret, but to no avail. He spread rumors in private. Many Qi generals heard about this and secretly laughed, but trade between the two sides ultimately failed to normalize and remained in a fragmented state.

Trade with Dali is not limited to war equipment.

Although the initial opening of the Dali gate was due to the Black Flag Army's strong attitude, and the most attractive materials were these steel weapons, soon after, the demand for military equipment from Dali decreased. Correspondingly, there was an increase in the demand for a large number of exquisitely printed books, decorative objects, perfumes, glass containers, etc., which were almost "art" in this era. In particular, the high-quality paper "collector's edition" Buddhist scriptures were in short supply in the Dali noble market.

Although the upper echelons of Dali have always wanted to close and restrict trade with the Black Flag, after the door was knocked open, the Black Flag merchants lobbied and promoted various things in Dali, making it impossible to close this trade door. As a result, the Black Flag was able to obtain a large amount of grain to solve its internal needs.

At this time, Jishan has become a city with a total population of nearly 60,000 residents and soldiers. The city is distributed in a narrow north-south shape along the small river. The upstream has barracks, fields, and residential areas. The commercial area facing the river docks is in the middle section, where the Black Flag personnel work. Going west to the mountains are concentrated workshops, smelting iron with thick smoke, and gun factories. The downstream also has some military industry, glass, and papermaking printing factory areas. More than a dozen water turbines are connected along the river. The chimneys erected in each factory area spit out black smoke, which is a novel scene rarely seen in this era and has an amazing momentum.

Since Ning Yi came to this era, from self-exploration of physics and chemistry experiments to the research of small workshop craftsmen, after experiencing the coercion and baptism of war, after more than ten years, Jishan is now the industrial foundation of the Black Flag.

Due to the addition of residents from the Northwest and refugees from the North, there are some small workshops and various catering shops run by themselves, but most of them are industries currently run by the Black Flag. In the years of war, the Black Flag guaranteed the survival of craftsmen. The division of labor on the production line has become proficient in various places. It is no longer appropriate to call them workshops. Pieces of them are already considered factories.

Nearly 9,000 Black Flag elites are stationed here to ensure that the technology here is not easily taken away by the outside world, and to make the镖师 (bodyguards), soldiers, and Ni people who come to Jishan dare not act rashly here, regardless of their background.

For several years, although the specific technology has not been leaked, the Black Flag has opened up the basic concept of *Gewu* (物格, investigation of things) to the outside world. In the market, pamphlets such as "An Elementary Exploration of *Gewu*" and "The Principles of All Things," initially compiled by Ning Yi and others, are sold very cheaply. From the basic principles of physics, chemistry, and mathematics, they ultimately promote the prospect that as long as there is sufficient calculation power and in-depth exploration, all things in the world can be explored... These theories may have extremely tortuous developments in Europe, but in the East, people actually have few taboos in *Gewu*. Moreover, Ning Yi has already committed such a rebellious act as regicide. The outside world can look at these things more calmly.

These pamphlets have secretly leaked out. The forces of Wu Dynasty, Dali, Central Plains, and Jurchen have all studied them privately. However, the most emphasis is placed on the *Gewu* Institute of Junwu and the Wanyan Xiyin faction of Jurchen. Dali is a peaceful country and is not very interested in building weapons. The Central Plains is plagued by people's lack of livelihood, and the warlords are strongly purposeful. Even if they take a few of these pamphlets and throw them to the craftsmen, the craftsmen without any foundation will not be able to figure them out. As for the many officials and Confucians of the Wu Dynasty, they often burn them to ashes after casually reading them. On the one hand, they feel that this kind of heresy is not good for the world, and the pursuit of heaven and earth is obviously disrespectful. On the other hand, they are also afraid of leaving a handle for others. Therefore, even though the literary style of Southern Wu is prosperous, and it is okay to scold the country at many literary gatherings, the discussion of these things is still a rebellious act.

In Jishan, the discussion of *Gewu* within the internal industrial system of the Black Flag has formed a trend. Initially, it was Ning Yi's promotion, then it was the promotion by political department personnel. Now, people have vaguely seen the future of physics at the source. For example, building a cannon and blasting a mountain through with one shot. For example, the prototype of the steam engine that Ning Yi envisioned and is currently the focus of attack, a chariot that can wear iron armor and run without horses, a giant airship that is enlarged in size and equipped with guns and cannons, etc. Many people already believe that even if they cannot do it now, they will definitely be able to appear in the future.

Near the upstream barracks, in the Jishan *Gewu* Research Institute of the Huaxia Army Engineering Department, a discussion about *Gewu* is underway. At this time, the Huaxia Army Engineering Department includes not only industry but also agriculture, wartime logistics support, and other parts of the matter. The Research Institute of the Engineering Department is divided into two parts. The main body is in Hedeng, which is internally called the Upper Institute, and the other half is arranged in Jishan, which is generally called the Lower Institute.

Over the years, this is probably the most extraordinary discussion meeting for the Research Institute. After several years, Ning Yi finally appeared in front of everyone.

"...Regarding the future, I think the most important node lies in an independently existing power system, like the steam engine that I mentioned before... We need to solve the problems of steel materials, casting cutting, lubrication, and sealing... In the next few years, fighting will probably still be our most important thing, but we may as well pay attention to it as a technological accumulation... In order to solve the problem of blasting, we need better steel with a more reasonable carbon content, and in order to have greater projectile power, the projectile and the barrel must fit more closely. These things are used in muskets. The bullets of muskets can reach beyond two hundred *zhang* (丈, approximately 3.3 meters), although there is no accuracy, but the blasted gun barrel, one or two failures, are all technical accumulation in this area... In addition, in the application of waterwheels, we have improved a lot in lubrication. Every link has improved a lot..."

"...Outside of physics, in terms of chemistry, explosions are already quite dangerous. Everyone responsible for this area, pay attention to safety... But there must be a safe way to use it, and there must be a large-scale production method..."

"...Don't always think that agriculture is useless. We have been fighting and running around in these years. This aspect needs time to settle down. I have not seen the actual effect yet, but I think this is the most important part of the future..."

The discussion meeting is basically a progress report on the current research of the Huaxia Army. After the report, Ning Yi made a summary at the front. Most of the more than two hundred people below are craftsmen. Many people were illiterate at first. In the early years, Ning Yi could only explain tasks, but there was no need for discussion. In the last three or five years, the initial *Gewu* enlightenment has gradually been completed. Some young students taught by Ning Yi himself have also joined. Only then does this kind of outlook have the significance of existence. Some people below have bright eyes and nod their heads greatly, and some people blink their eyes and try to understand.

At the back of the hall, thirteen-year-old Ning Xi was sitting there, burying his head in writing with a pen. Sitting next to him was the girl Min Chuyi, who was inseparable from Ning Xi after practicing martial arts with Hong Ti. She blinked her eyes, her face full of the expression "Although I don't understand, I feel it's very powerful." She seemed a little restrained to be sitting next to Ning Xi.

When Ning Xi was young, his temperament was pure and he often played with Min Chuyi. For a period of time, they were inseparable playmates. Ning Yi and others felt that this was a good thing, so Hong Ti accepted Chuyi, who had good aptitude, as a disciple, and also hoped that Ning Xi would have more protection by his side.

As they grew older, their personalities gradually grew differently. During the three years of war in Xiaocang River, everyone went south. After that, news of Ning Yi's death came out. In order to prevent children from accidentally saying the truth and being discovered, even Ning Xi's family did not tell him the truth. After his father "died," young Ning Xi was determined to protect his family and buried himself in learning. Compared to before, he was much more silent.

Min Chuyi's family was initially poor, and her parents were honest people. Even though Ning Yi and others did not care, she gradually regarded herself as a guard by Ning Xi's side. At the age of twelve or thirteen, she had already developed and was taller than Ning Xi. Ning Xi took care of his brothers and family and got along well with other children in the Black Flag Army, but he gradually felt awkward about Min Chuyi following him and often wanted to get rid of her. As such, although Tan'er liked Chuyi very much and even had the idea of getting them engaged as children, Ning Xi and Min Chuyi are currently in a rather awkward period of getting along.

Recently, Ning Yi "suddenly" returned, and Ning Xi, who once thought his father was dead, was confused. The last time he saw Ning Yi was four years ago. The mood at the age of nine was completely different from that at the age of thirteen. He wanted to be close but was mostly a little shy, and annoyed by this restraint. In this era, monarchs, ministers, fathers, and sons have a large set of etiquette for juniors to treat elders. Ning Xi has already accepted this kind of education. Ning Yi treated children in the past with a modern mentality, relatively free and easy, and he could play with them from time to time. At this time, he was also a little at a loss for the awkward teenager at the age of thirteen. In the half month after returning home, both sides can only feel the distance and let nature take its course.

Getting along with other children is relatively better. Ten-year-old Ning Ji likes martial arts. His swordsmanship and boxing skills are quite good. He has lost a few teeth recently and keeps his mouth shut all day, very aloof, but he has no resistance to *jianghu* (江湖, martial arts world) stories and admires his father very much. Ning Yi told the children at home about the deeds of fighting and killing Lu Tuo and others on the road:

"...He relied on his high martial arts to get ahead, but they were gradually at a disadvantage in the fighting in the forest. Lu Tuo shouted: 'You go, they can't keep me,' wanting his followers to escape, and then he slashed Duke Du and Uncle Fang with a few knives. He is a big *xiao* (枭, villain) in the north, very arrogant when he is acting rogue, but I happened to be there, so he couldn't escape... I blocked him and exchanged two moves with him, and then hit his head with a *Fantian Yin* (翻天印, Heaven-Turning Seal palm strike). His followers hadn't run far before they saw him fall... Well, we also caught a few this time..."

Ning Ji and five-year-old Ning He listened with shining eyes, admiring him very much. Later, Ning Yi told them about the sights in Tian Hu's territory in the north, and the martial arts competition between Lin Echan and Shi Jin: "That fat monk didn't dare to come over, otherwise, I would have taught him a lesson," and so on.

Eight-year-old Wenwen is as her name suggests. She likes literature but not martial arts. She is a quiet little girl who likes to listen to stories. She has been carefully taught by Yunzhu and has felt since she was a child that her father is the most talented person in the world. There is no need for Ning Yi to create rumors and brainwash again. In addition, five-year-old Ning Ke is enthusiastic, and the sisters Ning Shuang and Ning Ning are only three years old. They are mostly intimate with Ning Yi after spending two days with him.

On this day, Ning Yi came to Jishan to show up. Among the children, Ning Xi was able to understand *Gewu* and was also interested in it. Everyone traveled together. After the meeting, they strolled around the streets of Jishan. The market not far away was bustling, and a group of merchants were blocked at the former county government office of Jishan, with intense emotions. Ning Yi took the children to the nearby teahouse to watch the fun. It turned out that the iron cannons in Jishan had announced another price increase, which attracted everyone to inquire.

The Black Flag's political personnel are explaining:

"...In early July, everyone knows about the turmoil that occurred in Tian Hu's forces. After the Tian Hu Rebellion, 'Hungry Ghosts' launched attacks north of the Yellow River. In the south, the second battle of Xiangyang, the 背嵬 (Beiwei) Army won a great victory over the Jin-Qi coalition forces. Although there have been criticisms and reprimands within the Jurchen, there has been no action so far. According to the reaction of the Jurchen court, there is likely to be a big move..."

"...Outsiders can say that the Wu Dynasty and the Huaxia Army are irreconcilable enemies, but even if we killed the emperor, we still have a common enemy today. If the Jurchens come, we don't want the Wu Dynasty to be defeated miserably. Once defeated miserably, it will be a disaster for the people and the world will be overturned! In order to deal with this matter, we have decided that all workshops will go all out to work overtime and start preparing for war regardless of losses! The price of iron cannons has increased by 30%. At the same time, our scheduled shipments have also increased by 50%. You can choose not to accept it. After the fight, the price will naturally drop. You can come and buy it then..."

"...The situation is critical. The Black Flag will not change the decision to increase prices within two years. The price of iron cannons will only rise and not fall! As before, the price may be adjusted. Everything is subject to the agreement when we signed the contract. Go back and tell the adults behind you that we don't force you to buy or not..."

Where would everyone easily accept such an explanation? The various voices in front were noisy. Some people accused the Black Flag of sitting on the ground and raising prices. Some people said that in the past, everyone transported grain to the mountains, but now the Black Flag is turning its back and is ungrateful. Naturally, some people were rushing to sign contracts with the Black Flag. The scene was noisy and lively. Ning Xi frowned as he watched all this. After a while, he asked, "Dad, are we going to fight?"

"It's still early, don't worry."

"Okay." Ning Xi nodded sullenly, and after a while, "Dad, I wasn't worried."

Ning Yi looked at the child beside him and suddenly smiled, understanding. The Black Flag's propaganda has long been tragic and generous. Even the children do not fear war. I am afraid that wanting to fight is the mainstream. He patted Ning Xi on the shoulder: "This war may end after your generation grows up, but don't worry, we will defeat those bastards."

"Okay." Ning Xi nodded again sullenly.

Everyone watched upstairs for a while. Ning Yi said to Ning Xi, "Why don't you go out and play for a while?" Ning Xi nodded, "Okay."

"Take Chuyi around the market. You are a boy, you have to learn to take care of people."

Ning Yi said with a smile. After he said this, Ning Xi became a little awkward. The young man at the age of twelve or thirteen always seems awkward about the girls around him. The two originally had some mental obstacles, and Ning Yi's words made it even more obvious. Watching the two go out and sending away the few followers around him, when closing the door, only he and Hong Ti were left in the room.

There was still some noise outside the window. Ning Yi sat down in the chair and opened his arms to Hong Ti. Hong Ti also just pursed her lips and came over to sit in his arms. Ning Yi does not stick to etiquette. For the old couple, this kind of intimacy has long been accustomed to.

In the two years that Ning Yi was away from the three counties of Hedeng, Yunzhu, Jin'er, and others still took the time to secretly see him, but only Tan'er and Hong Ti had not seen him for four years. On the day he just arrived home, Ning Yi went to Su Yu's grave with Tan'er to pay respects, while Hong Ti led people to further clean up the spies. After the matter was done, it was almost late at night. Ning Yi waited for her to come back, said a few words in a low voice, and then insisted on taking her and Tan'er to sleep together.

Hong Ti and Tan'er did not refuse, but the three of them lying together did not have the mood to mess around. They held hands and chatted in a low voice until dawn, snuggling each other and falling asleep drowsily. The next day, Ning Yi felt that it was more romantic to sleep separately.

The family has been separated for too long, and they also have an adaptation period. After Ning Yi came back, he was not idle. During these days, he was doing things while staring at and teasing the people around him. Now it can be regarded as stealing half a day of leisure. Ning Yi usually likes to watch his martial arts wife shy and obedient, but sitting here today, he did not do any small actions between husband and wife. Listening to the sounds outside, he poured himself a cup of tea and chatted with Hong Ti while waiting for something to happen.

"I always feel that it's not good to plot against your own children." Hong Ti put her chin on his shoulder and said softly.

"...Yes." Ning Yi took a sip of tea.

...

Ning Xi and Chuyi walked one after the other through the street. The thirteen-year-old boy is actually handsome, with slightly locked eyebrows, and looks a bit calm and dignified, but at this time his eyes are a little troubled. When passing a relatively quiet place, the girl behind him leaned over.

"You..." Ning Xi didn't want to walk side by side with her. In a sense, he can be regarded as the "crown prince" of the Black Flag Army, but in fact, he does not have too much squeamishness—at least not on the surface—he is usually amiable, likes to help others, and the suffering and death scenes when following everyone south make him cherish the people around him especially. Many times, when helping to do things, he is not afraid of hard work and is unwilling to stop until he is covered in sweat.

It's just that the emotions towards the girl around him are different. He doesn't like the thought that his peers always have of "protecting him," as if she is lower than him. Everyone grew up together, so why should she protect me? What if she dies if we encounter an enemy—of course, if other people are following, he often doesn't have such awkward emotions. The thirteen-year-old boy has not yet noticed these things.

"Someone is following..." Chuyi lowered her head and said in a low voice. The boy's eyes calmed down and looked at the alley entrance in front, preparing to shout out as soon as he saw the patrolmen.

However, things happened faster than he imagined.

The figure behind him suddenly approached, and Min Chuyi brushed her sword and turned around: "Who is it—" The person's voice was hoarse: "Haha, Ning Yi's son?"

The figures intersected, and the girl who had been taught by Hong Ti's sword light danced, but the person's sharp fist wind had already knocked down a shed, and wooden pieces splashed. Ning Xi walked forward and shouted, "Spy—come quickly—" He picked up a wooden stick on the roadside and turned back. Min Chuyi said, "Ning Xi, go—" Before she finished speaking, the person struck her shoulder.

Min Chuyi stepped back a few steps, almost hitting Ning Xi, and said, "Go!" Ning Xi shouted, "Take him down!" Holding the wooden stick, he hit him, but only two moves, the wooden stick was broken by a punch. Huge force surged, Ning Xi's chest was stuffy, and his hands hurt. The person swung his second punch.

Min Chuyi rushed up from the side, and the long sword forced back the fist. Ning Xi took two steps back, and Min Chuyi also exchanged two moves with the masked man in a hurry. The fist wind howled like a big river, and he was about to hit Ning Xi's head. He was taught by famous teachers since he was a child. In terms of martial arts, he learned from masters such as Hong Ti, Xigua, and Chen Fan. Even if he is not talented in this area and is not interested, it is enough to see that the other party's skills are terrifyingly powerful. In this moment, Ning Xi just waved the broken stick and returned it, Min Chuyi pounced on him and hugged him, and then the two rolled out. Blood splashed on his face.

"Go..."

The girl's voice was almost moaning. Ning Xi fell to the ground, his head blank for a moment. After all, he has not been on the battlefield. Faced with the crushing of absolute strength, he could not react quickly at the critical moment of life and death. At this moment, he only heard someone shout behind him: "Who is it—" "Stop!"

The fighting sound rang out, and more people came one after another. The assassin flew away and disappeared out of sight in the blink of an eye. Ning Xi sat up from the ground, his hands trembling. He hugged the girl's soft body, watching the blood come out of her mouth and stain half of her face red. The girl tried her best to smile at him. He was stunned for a moment, and tears flowed out: "Hey, hey, you... Doctor, come quickly..."

After a while, he tried his best to restrain his mind, looked at the girl's condition, picked her up, and ran out of the alley while shouting...

...

"...Yes." In the teahouse room, Ning Yi took a sip of tea, "Unfortunately... there is no normal environment to wait for him to grow up slowly. Let's simulate some setbacks first..."

Hong Ti looked at him for a while: "You are also afraid."

"Yes, very afraid." Ning Yi used some strength to hold her hand. After a while, "Tell him when he is thirty."

The distant noise came. Hong Ti stood up, and Ning Yi nodded to her. His wife's figure had already burst out of the window, flying along the eaves and tiles, and disappeared into the distant streets in a few steps.

Ning Yi pushed the door open, his brows furrowed. The people around him had already followed. He went down quickly: "What's wrong? Tell everyone to guard their positions. What are you panicking about..." Everything around had begun to move.

The early winter sun hung lazily in the sky. Liangshan has spring all year round, without scorching heat or severe cold, so winter is also very good. Perhaps thanks to the weather, the assassin incident that happened this day did not cause too much loss. Min Chuyi, who protected Ning Xi, suffered some minor injuries, but she just needs to rest well for a few days and she will get better...