A long silence fell over the residence.
After a long moment, Hu Yulin finally regained his voice. His expression was slightly agitated as he pulled Rong Xi’s sleeves. “Brother Rong, let’s go inside to discuss this.”
The two of them went back to the study room.
“Brother Rong, what is the horseshoe you just mentioned? Can it really protect the horse’s hoof from damage?”
Rong Xi had been unaware that the Wei Dynasty did not have horseshoes until he heard the conversation between those men today.
Caravans use horses to carry their goods, and the horses’ hooves rub against the ground during long journeys, causing the keratin to wear off and the underlying flesh to become injured and bleed, which is detrimental to the horses.
Especially for warhorses, the casualties and losses would be immense if they were not protected by horseshoes.
“Indeed.” Rong Xi nodded and replied.
Hu Yulin naturally believed him and was so surprised that he quickly asked: “What should we do?”
“Brother Hu, don’t be anxious. We still need brother Jiang’s help with this matter.” Rong Xi said with a helpless smile, “We just happen to have a gathering at Jin Shi Xuan today. We can discuss it with brother Jiang then.”
“Okay.” Hu Yulin clapped his hands and laughed, “You and I will go right now.”
He called his servant and sent him to the Jiang family to invite his friend.
Rong Xi had previously arranged to meet Rong Lian at Jin Shi Xuan, so there was no need for him to go out of his way to find him.
The two of them arrived at Jin Shi Xuan, where Duan Changjin entertained them in an elegant room.
Soon, Jiang Weiping arrived, and several people took their seats casually.
Hu Yulin got straight to the point: “Brother Jiang, I need your help.”
The two had been friends for many years and there was no need to be polite. Jiang Weiping didn’t hesitate at all, “You say it.”
Rong Xi handed the drawings he had just drawn to Jiang Weiping.
“This item is a horseshoe, which can protect the horse’s hoof from wear and tear and extend the life of the horse.”
Duan Changjin and Jiang Weiping were shocked when they heard this.
It was common knowledge that while the Wei cavalry was formidable in battle, they suffered significant losses of horses each year, which hindered the expansion of their cavalry force.
The northern tribes had an abundance of horses, and they were well-fed and strong. In terms of cavalry, they far outnumbered the Wei. If war broke out, the Wei would undoubtedly have been defeated in a straight cavalry battle.
If they can make the horseshoes, the war horses will suffer less loss, and the Wei’s combat power will be even higher!
The more they thought about it, the more they felt their hearts surging, and Jiang Weiping’s hand holding the paper trembled slightly.
How glorious it will be if such a feat comes from his hands.
“Brother Rong, what is the reason for forging this thing?” He tried to calm down and asked calmly.
Hu Yulin bent his eyes and smiled: “The horses in the caravan were injured, and brother Rong happened to hear it, so he taught me this method.”
Originally, it was just to protect the horses of the caravan, but after thinking carefully about it, he realized that this thought could actually enhance Wei’s combat power.
Several people were suddenly speechless.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Just at this time, the waiter announced outside the door: “Report to Young Master Rong, there is a man looking for you outside of the shop.”
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“Brother.”
“I meet a friend today and gather at Jin Shi Xuan, and you will come with me.” After Rong Xi finished speaking, he asked the servants to arrange the carriage and horses properly, and led Rong Lian and his servant into the private room together.
Rong Lian was puzzled, but he didn’t show it on his face.
When his brother was in Shengjing, he had no friends. Unexpectedly, he found several friends in Linxi.
He looked at the three people in the room. Although they were not from the aristocratic families, they were simple and honest. He felt really happy for his brother.
“This is the second son of Rong’s mansion, I have long admired your name.” Hu Yulin bowed and saluted, with a smile on his face, but the emotion in his eyes could not be seen clearly.
Duan Changjin and Jiang Weiping also saluted politely.
Rong Lian returned the greetings one by one and sat down with Rong Xi.
Rong Xi had been acquainted with the others for a long time, so his previous posture was more relaxed. Now that Rong Lian had arrived, he sat upright like a pine or bamboo, dignified and respectful. The others couldn’t help but straighten their backs and sit up straight.
After learning the identities of several people, Rong Lian did not show any disdain, and it made them feel a little better.
Though Rong Lian’s name had not spread to Mengshan, when they made friends with Rong Xi, they were curious about the other people in the Rong family, so they took a look around.
Traders from Shengjing had passed through the region, mentioning Rong Lian in their conversations. Word spread by mouth, and soon, all the people of Mengshan knew Rong Lian’s name.
Hu Yulin and others also heard about it.
Now that they saw him in person, they realized that the rumors were true: the second son of the Rong family was indeed well-read and had a refined demeanor.
The group chatted casually for a long time, and by the time dusk fell, Duan Changjin instructed the waiter to set up a table and place dishes.
There were all new dishes on the plate, and they were all things Rong Lian had never seen before.
He was confused that several people still had ordinary expressions. Despite his own confusion, he didn’t express it and simply sampled the food. Even before taking a bite, the tantalizing aroma had already captivated him. Once he tasted it, the flavors were divine, leaving an enduring impression that lingered on the palate.
Despite Rong Lian’s arrogance, he couldn’t help but yield to the irresistible allure of the food.
After eating, he rarely praised: “There are outstanding people in Mengshan, and the delicacies on the jade plate in Master Duan’s shop are unprecedented in Shengjing. It is really amazing.”
Duan Changjin was stunned and looked at Rong Xi.
Has brother Rong never mentioned it to his family?
Seeing his expression, Hu Yulin instantly smiled and said, “The dishes in brother Duan’s store are indeed worthy of praise!”
With days growing shorter and nights lengthening, the sun dipped behind the mountains, signaling the onset of evening. Rong Xi stood up and said goodbye: “Brothers, please stay. My second brother and I will go home first.”
The three of them escorted him to the outskirts of the city. As they watched the carriage gradually disappear into the distance, Hu Yulin sighed and said, “Rong Lian is genuine and sincere, a true gentleman indeed.”
Upon returning home, the night had fallen, and stars dotted the sky.
Liu Zishi and Xi Yan moved the goods out of the carriage together.
“Second young master, what are you buying these rice grains for?” Liu Zishi, carrying the heavy bag in his hand, asked without thinking.
Rong Lian looked expressionless and replied: “I should also take on some of the household chores.”
He was not good at expressing his emotions and was always mistaken for being aloof. Liu Zishi heard this but didn’t understand. When he was about to ask the question, he heard Rong Xi’s instructions.
“Just move to the kitchen.”
At night.
Rong Xi slept soundly on the couch, but Rong Lian tossed and turned.
Observing his brother for a day, his spirit seemed much more vigorous than in Shengjing. Moreover, in speech and demeanor, he was no different from the elegant scholars. Although his friends were merchants and craftsmen, their character was outstanding, sincere in their dealings, and worthy of deep friendship.
My elder brother has changed a lot. Why did Qian Zhong return to the capital and say that my elder brother is domineering and arrogant?
Rong Lian was not a fool; he had his own depths. The past events unfolded vividly in his mind, clear and distinct. Among them, matters concerning Rong Xi were limited to forcing Liang Siwen, and nothing else.
Only, numerous rumors and gossip swirled around his ears.
In Shengjing, his elder brother’s bad reputation was widely known. However, when one actually cited specific examples, it seemed there was nothing to say.
Though he and his brother were raised by the same mother since childhood, he was taken care of harshly, and she never indulged him.
Later, when he knew how to read, he showed some talent, which was valued by his father, who often taught him personally.
On the other hand, his elder brother, since the age of three, gradually became chubby. Mother indulged and spoiled him, while father was too busy to discipline him, so he often caused trouble.
However, from his current perspective, the so-called “outrageous behavior” was all hearsay from outsiders or servants; he had never personally witnessed his elder brother mistreating anyone.
He still recalled how close he and his brother were in their youth. However, as they matured and became more conscious of propriety, a gradual distance developed between them.
When he saw his brother again, it was when he had the scandal with Liang Siwen.
Rong Lian pondered over it for an extended period, eventually drifting off to sleep as the day drew to a close, only to awaken early as the new day began.
The sky outside the window was dark, and the sun had not appeared.
He was no longer sleepy, so he walked to the courtyard, heard the movement next door, and curiously explored the place.
Rong Xi and Liu Zishi were exercising in the courtyard, and they didn’t stop when they saw Rong Lian coming.
“Second brother got up early today, I haven’t prepared the morning meal yet. Please wait for a while.”
The slightly fat boy said as he ran. Sweat was forming on his forehead, there was a light blush on his cheeks, and he was panting without stopping.
“It’s okay, I’m not hungry.” As a cool breeze swept through, Rong Lian was suddenly awakened, realizing he had disturbed the others. He decided to leave.
Just then, Liu He arrived with a tray in hand.
“Young master, the medicine is ready.”
The steam wafted from the bowl of Chinese medicinal soup, carrying its bitter aroma directly to Rong Lian’s nostrils on the breeze. He stood there, momentarily stunned by the sensation. After regaining consciousness, he asked: “Brother, are you sick?”
Rong Xi wiped his sweat with a towel and replied nonchalantly: “I am physically weak. I have received a good prescription from the doctor. I prepare it and take it daily.”
Since my brother fell ill as a child, my mother often used precious medicinal materials to make soup for him to replenish his health. How could he become weak? Moreover, the medicinal materials are expensive. Where could he get the money to buy them?
Rong Lian’s mind suddenly became confused.
He was well-versed in classical texts and historical records, yet he was unable to decipher the strange occurrences unfolding before his very eyes.
When the medicinal soup became warm, Rong Xi drank it all in one gulp and went back to the room to take a bath.
After the morning meal, Rong Lian sent Xi Yan to find Liu Zishi, intending to get some words out of him. Unexpectedly, Xi Yan came back soon and said in confusion: “Second young master, Liu Zishi is studying and practicing calligraphy in the study.”
Ink dripped on the paper. Rong Lian stunned while grinding the inkstone, then he came back to his senses and said, “He is studying and practicing calligraphy. Where is my brother?”
“If I am not mistaken, it is the young master who is teaching him.”
If Xi Yan hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed that the uneducated man could actually teach his servant how to read.
“Brother… is very different from the past.” Rong Lian sighed, “Grind the ink for me. I want to send a message back to Shengjing.”
The place by the stream was quite pleasant, and he should really send a letter home to let them know he was safe. Also,there were many new products here, all produced in Mengshan, and they were not even available in Shengjing. He found the new-style coal briquettes and coal stoves to be very convenient, and he wanted to mention them in his letter so that his family could buy them from traveling merchants.
For several days, Rong Lian and his servant gradually got used to the peaceful life in Rong’s house.
The horseshoe was successfully made, and Rong Xi was invited to Hu’s house.
“Brother Rong, you are truly a lucky star!” Hu Yulin exclaimed with great enthusiasm. “With this, the losses of the caravan will be greatly reduced, and the horses will also be spared much suffering.”
Jiang Weiping was also full of excitement. He hesitated and asked: “Brother Rong, does this method need to be reported to the government?”
Thinking about the government’s ignorance of the iron smelting method last time, he was reluctant to go again now.
A person appeared in Rong Xi’s mind and he smiled back: “No need this time, I have my own way.”
Hu Yulin and Jiang Weiping were deeply convinced when they thought of his identity. Instead of reporting to the county government, it would be more convenient to directly inform Rong Shangshu and he would send a message to the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of War in the imperial city.
They had a different idea.
“Brother Rong, you asked me to find a kiln worker a few days ago, and I have found one. I have also purchased enough raw materials. When can they be used?”
Hu Yulin looked even more anxious than Rong Xi.
The profit-seeking instinct of a businessman was a bit cute.
Rong Xi smiled and said: “Any time.”
After returning home, he wrote a handwritten letter and sent it to King Qin. A few days later, Qin Ke, who had returned to Shengjing, happened to receive this letter.
Chen Chuangu was extremely curious, who would write to Qin Ke?
He wanted to lean in for a closer look, but Qin Ke waved him aside. However, the fleeting glimpse of the handwriting on the letter prompted him to exclaim, “It’s a letter from Rong Xi! What did he write?”
Qin Ke, who had previously been indifferent, now displayed a look of delight in his eyes and face, making him even more handsome and lively.
“What exactly did he write to make you so happy?” Chen Chuangu was anxious.
Qin Ke stood up suddenly and handed the letter to him, with a rare pleasant expression, “Such a wonderful method should be a blessing to the Wei Dynasty! I will enter the palace and present it to the Emperor.”
He walked very fast, and before Chen Chuangu could recover, his figure had disappeared outside the door.
Chen Chuangu held the letter in his hands and studied it carefully. After a long while, he burst into laughter: “It is indeed wonderful!”
No wonder Qin Ke was so anxious.
Thanks for the chapter! I am so happy for the horses! It is great to have a direct pipeline to power, lol, as long as the quiet life is preserved!
Qin Ke is a bit cute when he gets excited😂
Thanks for the chapter!
Finally an ML with real emotions XD rather than the typical cold and aloof personality in most novels 🤭
Ah, national beauty is exited, it should looks amazing
Thank you for your translation 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙
Hahaha, where is the aloof ML gone? 🤣 He is so cute!