A thunderous boom shook the Ge Feng Weapons Research Building.
Those nearby were already used to it and continued with their work.
Jiang Jin said helplessly, “Once the weather warms up, we really should consider establishing a proper weapons research institute in another region—preferably a closed-off one.”
She had previously wanted to build a large-scale base combining weapons research and manufacturing in the Gosi Mountains.
But that location was too remote, with poor transport links—not exactly the best choice.
So she had started with the research building here in Ge Feng to get things going.
As for the exact location, she would decide once she had conquered more territory, giving her more options.
Yun Ci, still shaken but clearly excited, said, “Yes, exactly! Who would have thought that combining these materials would yield such power!”
The gunpowder research had only shown results in the past couple of days. Though there was still a long road ahead before success, they had taken the first step.
Jiang Jin nodded. “Stability is crucial, or we’ll end up blowing ourselves up. Also, we need to run more tests on the containers, fuses, and other materials.”
Yun Ci acknowledged, “Understood, Chief.”
Over in Liang City, after days of back-and-forth, Zhou Leng had finally ironed out the details of the cooperation between both sides.
After Zhou Leng left, Mu Qi couldn’t shake a nagging feeling. “I don’t know why, but something feels off.”
Yu He dismissed it, saying, “What’s there to feel uneasy about? We’ll just sit back—oh right, watch from the hills as the tigers fight. Let them tear each other apart.”
“And we get a city without lifting a finger. The only shame is that all the Han civilians in the city will be taken away, or we could have gained more Han slaves.”
Mu Qi frowned. “That’s exactly the problem. Why would they give us a city so easily? I keep feeling they must have some trick up their sleeve.”
Jiao Tai pondered for a moment, then shook his head. “Under our siege, Daqing wouldn’t have lasted much longer anyway. Choosing to collaborate with Lin County at this point is actually reasonable.”
Yu He agreed. “Right. It shows that the Han forces in Fengzhou are being worn down by Qu Zhao, and they had no choice but to seek cooperation.”
Mu Qi was unconvinced. “General, I still don’t feel comfortable about Fengzhou.”
Jiao Tai frowned. “Are you worried about the forces in Lin County?”
Mu Qi nodded. “Have you noticed? It was only after Lin County changed hands that Qu Zhao and Daqing shifted their stance.”
“This force is clearly not simple. We should be cautious.”
Yu He sneered. “You don’t seriously think this force can stir up trouble in Fengzhou, do you?”
“What if they can?” Mu Qi said, his face turning grave.
They had agreed to cooperate with the Han based on the assumption that the Han were weak and unable to rise. This was to use them to weaken Qu Zhao.
But if the Han grew strong, took control of half of Fengzhou—or even the entire region—they would become the true enemy.
Qu Zhao was right about one thing: the Jiao clan and Qu Zhao shared the same origins. No matter how they fought over Han lands, there was still room to negotiate.
But with the Han, the hatred was total—national ruin and family loss. It was an uncompromising fight to the death.
If there were even a chance, if this Han force had any backbone, then they would be locked in a war without end.
Jiao Tai said thoughtfully, “No rush. Let’s wait until our scouts sent to various parts of Fengzhou report back.”
Mu Qi suggested, “Let’s send more Han into the cities. We don’t need their loyalty—just enough to scout out the general situation in the counties and prefectures of Fengzhou.”
These people wouldn’t be of much use in critical matters, but if they could blend in like ordinary Han civilians, they could pass on information when needed.
Yu He disagreed. “Will that work? Instead of getting information out, they might just leak ours.”
Mu Qi smiled. “What information about us could they possibly know?”
Jiao Tai thought it over and approved. “Granted.”
Zhou Leng sat in the carriage, hands tucked into his sleeves. Through the curtain, he gazed at the endless white landscape outside. A gust of cold wind hit him, and he shuddered.
Jin Feng rode alongside the carriage and laughed heartily. “Ha! Finally out of Liang City. Who knew things would go this smoothly?”
He had been prepared for a fight.
Zhou Leng said flatly, “It’s only a temporary alliance. Stay alert on the road.”
Jin Feng frowned. “Are you worried the Jiao army might ambush us? That’s unlikely, isn’t it?”
Zhou Leng leaned back inside the carriage. “Who knows?”
What he was actually worried about was those Jiao generals and advisors whom he had “sprayed with venom” coming after him personally.
Whether they’d kill him was one thing—but a beating was possible, since it wasn’t the first time he’d been roughed up.
Jin Feng took the warning seriously and immediately ordered the scouts to widen their search perimeter.
Once he had arranged everything, he slapped his chest in assurance. “Don’t worry. With me here, no one will lay a hand on you.”
Zhou Leng said nothing.
Then, as if remembering something, Jin Feng grunted. “Look at Liang City—those Jiao people have run it into the ground, not a shred of life left in the place.”
Zhou Leng didn’t look at him, but his voice drifted out. “And you think Daqing is much better than Liang City?”
Jin Feng choked on his words, and his face turned somber. “Yeah... forcing conscription, food shortages. The people in Daqing aren’t much better off.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “When will this life ever end?”
Zhou Leng leaned gently against the carriage, murmuring softly, “Maybe... it won’t, until the day we die.”
“Huh?” Jin Feng didn’t catch it. He leaned his ear toward the curtain. “What did you say?”
Zhou Leng shook his head. “Nothing.”
“Oh,” Jin Feng grunted. “I heard you’re planning to go to Lin County?”
Zhou Leng hummed in agreement. “First return to Daqing to report, then I want to visit Lin County.”
“I’ll escort you then,” Jin Feng said, his voice carrying a hint of envy but his words teasing. “You’re just a weak old man—unsafe on the road alone. I’m not comfortable with that. Now that’s what I call loyal.”
Zhou Leng: “...Drop the first part.” He was only in his early thirties.
Jin Feng responded smoothly, “You mean the part about ‘weak old man’?”
“Fine, I get it—people care most about what they lack. Clearly, you’re both weak and old. I understand. I won’t say it again.”
Zhou Leng: “...”
People called him sharp-tongued, but he felt that was an exaggeration. The real sharp tongue was the one right here in front of him, wasn’t it?
Jin Feng kept chatting. “You know, Lin County has something called a kang—a heated bed. It’s so warm. And you, a weak old man with a frail constitution who hates the cold, would be perfect for it.”
“Too bad there aren’t many kangs there. And you, a weak old man, don’t know anyone there, so no one’s going to offer you a room.”
“But—” he grinned proudly, “I’m familiar with those folks. When the time comes, I’ll see if I can get them to spare a room for you.”
Zhou Leng’s temple bulged with annoyance. “Shut up!”
