Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life

Chapter 1193 - 1182: The Wealthy Merchant

"General, what kind of method are you talking about? And who offered it?" Prince Linsan Chen Gaoxuan squinted as he asked, genuinely interested. Primarily because Zhao Xiong was a person who wouldn’t lie, so one could tell Zhao Xiong was indeed confident about the idea that neither he nor his strategists could come up with. Is there really someone who has a solution?

"Your Highness, this method is difficult to explain clearly in a short time. It would be better for Your Highness to relocate, and I will personally demonstrate it to Your Majesty."

"Oh?" Chen Gaoxuan was intrigued. "How does General Zhao intend to demonstrate?"

"If Your Majesty has time, I can demonstrate at the training ground. If Your Majesty is eager to see it, the garden will suffice, although the garden will inevitably be damaged."

"What does General Zhao intend to do? It’s not an array or a strategy, but more like a weapon?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty, this is an unprecedented weapon. I dare to assure you, as long as we mass-produce this weapon in the future, it will play a decisive role in our plan to enter the Imperial City."

Upon hearing this, Chen Gaoxuan’s eyes became sharper: "General Zhao, do you understand the magnitude of your statements?"

"I wouldn’t dare deceive Your Highness. I’ve already prepared some of these weapons, always welcoming Your Highness’s review." Zhao Xiong knelt again, speaking very sincerely.

Prince Linsan’s strategists and generals exchanged glances, each skeptical about his bold claim. If the weapon Zhao Xiong obtained was as formidable as he said, wouldn’t they be certain of victory in the future?

"Your Highness, since General Zhao is so sure, perhaps we should move to the training ground first and let General Zhao demonstrate." A strategist suggested.

"General Zhao, such a large mobilization — if your weapon falls short of its claimed prowess, are you willing to face military law?" Chen Gaoxuan asked with a serious expression.

"If what’s presented does not meet Your Highness’s satisfaction, I am willing to accept any punishment!" Zhao Xiong vowed, further piquing curiosity.

A large group marched to the training ground, Zhao Xiong walking with a proud demeanor. Who didn’t mock him on the way back? Clearly, he had defeated Prince Donghe’s forces, yet he hadn’t recruited the Ye family, and they laughed at him for only bringing back two women. Little did they know, the women he brought back were the greatest treasure.

At this moment, he was deeply grateful to Ye Lu. If it wasn’t for her research on the black gunpowder, how would today have been possible for him?

Just wait, once they witness the power of the black gunpowder unfold, these people will only be more amazed. Today, he intended to clear his shame and have everyone see him anew; he was not just brute strength.

"General Zhao, we’ve arrived at the training ground. Can we begin the demonstration now?" A general who usually had grudges with Zhao Xiong said.

"Your Highness, this spot will suffice, but I need to use that hill for the demonstration," Zhao Xiong responded respectfully to Prince Linsan, ignoring the other person.

"You intend to use that hill over there? Should we not be standing afar then? Can we see from such a distance?" Chen Gaoxuan frowned and asked.

"No, Your Highness, if we’re too close, I fear you could be in danger; beyond this is the safety limit."

"Safety limit? General Zhao, it seems you’ve learned new things since your return. As it’s your offering, we’ll follow your lead. You may start now."

"I am grateful for Your Highness’s understanding." Zhao Xiong then addressed his soldiers, "Men, bring the black gunpowder I mentioned."

"Is this black gunpowder the secret weapon General Zhao spoke of?" Chen Gaoxuan frowned again. "Isn’t it merely a few black coal balls?"

"No, this is completely different from coal balls, yet similarly ignited with fire. Your Highness, merely by burying several pieces of this black gunpowder on that hill, it can be razed instantly." Zhao Xiong’s eyes shone with bright intensity, revealing his excitement.

"Are you saying just these few coal ball-like items can instantly level that hill?" Chen Gaoxuan remained doubtful, not because he didn’t trust his subordinates but because this claim was too incredible.

"General Zhao, demanding proof of grand claims is inevitable." The general hostile to Zhao Xiong interjected again.

Zhao Xiong shot him a glance, choosing to ignore him, instead responding confidently, "Your Highness, shall I demonstrate now?"

Chen Gaoxuan nodded skeptically, "Yes, proceed."

Despite Zhao Xiong’s prior assurances, most were unconvinced. That hill, though called a small hill, was not small — akin to a three- or four-story building. Soldiers regularly train up and down it, hardening it like rock. Expert workers might find it tough to excavate, so how could it be leveled instantly?

They watched from afar as Zhao Xiong ordered soldiers to bury the black gunpowder around the hill, commanding them to disperse, igniting it himself.

The fuse was long, allowing Zhao Xiong to return to Prince Linsan’s side. He excitedly exclaimed, "Your Highness, there’ll soon be a mighty noise, please be prepared."

The crowd was inwardly scoffing; how much noise could they make, just a few black gunpowder pieces larger than a fist? It seemed exaggerated.

But before they could voice skepticism, several intense blasts shook their hearts.

"Your Highness, be cautious, could this be an earthquake?" Soldiers immediately shielded Prince Linsan.

Zhao Xiong scoffed, "What earthquake? That’s the black gunpowder blasting the hill."

With his words, everyone’s gaze turned to the smoke-covered hill. As smoke cleared, they inhaled sharply — where was the hill? Not only was the hill gone, but a large crater remained. Was this truly the power of those few small black gunpowder pieces?

"Your Highness, this..." Strategists were left speechless, wide-eyed.

Zhao Xiong wore a proud expression, "Your Highness, please come forward to inspect."

"Yes." Chen Gaoxuan, internally overwhelmed, didn’t fault Zhao Xiong’s pride, walking forward solemnly. Storms raged in his mind, thinking of the immense advantage such black gunpowder would provide in war.

The scene still carried a pungent odor, but Chen Gaoxuan didn’t dislike it; instead, he squatted down, inspecting the crater’s expanding smile.

"General Zhao, does this contain sulfur?" a knowledgeable strategist queried.

"Exactly."

"And what else?" The strategist asked excitedly.

Zhao Xiong didn’t answer directly, looking at Prince Linsan, "Your Highness..."

Only then did the strategist realize his blunder. Such secrets shouldn’t be revealed among so many people; what if there were spies among the vassal princes?