"I can help with that. An urgent confidential letter from the Heaven Dou Empire's Ministry of Works, transferring a blacksmith to the Armaments Bureau to discuss official business—it's no big deal."
Xue Qinghe paused, then added:
"However, Dean Ye, you'll owe me a favor for this."
"Heh, that's fine. I'll remember it."
After saying that, Ye Qiong did not linger. He turned and took his leave.
Xue Qinghe watched his back disappear beyond the courtyard gate, the faint smile at the corner of his lips slowly fading away.
He returned to his desk, picked up a blank official document, and began writing a confidential letter in the name of the Ministry of Works.
The following morning.
Suotuo City, the Strength Clan blacksmith shop.
A messenger clad in armor reined in his horse at the entrance. As he swung down, his boots struck the ground with a dull thud.
Clutching an official document sealed with wax, he strode into the shop.
Tai Tan, who had been tending the furnace, looked up.
The messenger held the document out to him. "Tai Tan of the Strength Clan, receive your orders."
Tai Tan set down his tongs, wiped his hands on his apron, and accepted the document before breaking the seal.
The contents were only a few short lines, but every word carried weight:
The border legions urgently required a batch of high-spec standard military weapons. The deadline was tight, and the craftsmanship requirements were extremely demanding.
Following deliberation by the Heaven Dou Empire's Ministry of Works, the Strength Clan was specially entrusted with full responsibility for this order.
Clan Chief Tai Tan was to depart immediately for the Armaments Bureau in Heaven Dou City to discuss the specific specifications and schedule. The project was expected to last more than three months.
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