Chapter 9

"Zishi, breakfast is almost ready. Rest for now."

At his words, Liu Zishi stamped his foot. He had meant to wipe his face with his sleeve, but remembering that his new clothes were clean, he simply could not bring himself to do it. Instead, he went to the well, drew water, and washed himself.

"My lord, this servant sees that the coal briquettes have dried. Can they be used?" The young man's curiosity had been burning fiercely; after several days, he could no longer hold it in.

Rong Xi smiled and nodded. "Once Jiang's new device is finished, we can give it a try."

Though Liu Zishi was young and innocent, Rong Xi saw that his character was kind and upright. He did not fear hardship, was obedient and sensible, and was material worth shaping. After considering for a moment, he asked, "Zishi, would you like to study and learn to read?"

In the courtyard, Liu He had been about to serve the meal. Hearing this, his expression trembled slightly, and he abruptly lifted his head.

The young man beneath the eaves sat cross-legged, a headcloth upon his hair, clad in deep robes with broad sleeves. Though plump, his bearing was like jade. Bathed in the morning glow, he was magnificent, outshining the splendor of the golden sun.

The young lord was kindhearted and benevolent. Liu He would naturally devote all his loyalty and strength, until death itself.

Little Liu was not as given to thought as his grandfather. He had never touched a book or held an inkstone; only outside the schoolhouse had he heard the teacher reciting aloud, and he had remembered a few lines that had been seared into his heart.

Yet he remembered only their sounds, not their meaning.

"My lord, can this servant also study and learn to read?"

The young man's heart pounded wildly, nearly bursting from his chest. His bright eyes shone with excitement as he stared straight at Rong Xi.

The boy's thirst for learning was plain to see. Rong Xi broke into a smile, the sharpness of his brows softening. "From today onward, come to my study every day at the hour of the Snake to learn characters and writing."

"Thank you, my lord! Thank you, my lord!"

Liu He hurriedly knelt and kowtowed in thanks, pulling the stunned youth down with him. Tears welled in Liu Zishi's eyes. He raised a hand to wipe the corners of them and said hoarsely, "This servant will certainly not fail my lord's hopes!"

Rong Xi had come alone to Linxi and had Liu He and his grandson to serve him. Both were good people, and Liu Zishi was material worth cultivating. Rong Xi happened to lack trusted, loyal servants to handle matters for him, so personally training the youth was naturally the best choice.

Since Liu He and his grandson had chosen to follow him, they would heed only his commands. Even if someone were sent from the capital to inquire, they would know how to deal with them.

After breakfast, once they had digested their food, Liu Zishi consciously followed Rong Xi into the room.

Rong Xi knew Great Wei's elementary textbooks by heart, so teaching Liu Zishi was more than easy enough.

Liu Zishi's attitude was proper and his mind pure. He concentrated wholly, throwing himself heart and soul into learning, and before he knew it, noon had arrived.

Just then, visitors came.

An ox cart stopped before the Rong Residence, and Hu Yulin and Jiang Weiping got down together. Jiang Weiping held something in both arms, covered with black cloth so that none could see its appearance.

Hu Yunde had originally intended to visit today, but was suddenly entangled in mundane affairs and could not come. Filled with regret, he had sent Hu Yulin to convey his thoughts in his stead.

Upon reaching the main hall, Liu He served tea on a tray, far more cheerful and attentive than before.

Hu Yulin was sharp-eyed. Narrowing his eyes slightly, he said, "Could it be that magpies have arrived at your door today?"

As soon as he spoke, Rong Xi arrived with Liu Zishi. Knowing they had important matters to discuss, Liu He withdrew.

Hu Yulin then noticed the excitement on little Liu's face and the ink staining his fingers. His thoughts turned, and he understood what had delighted Liu He.

That was good as well.

Earlier, seeing that Rong Xi had no clever, quick-witted servants attending him, Hu Yulin had intended to give him one or two. Now that Rong Dalang was personally cultivating trusted aides, he naturally did not mention it again.

"I have not failed Lord Rong's trust. The coal stove is finished."

Jiang Weiping went straight to the point, setting the stove on the floor and lifting away the black cloth. A coal stove half a leg tall appeared before them.

Compared to a charcoal brazier, it was far more exquisite and convenient.

Liu Zishi and Hu Yulin leaned closer to inspect it for a moment. The young man rose and asked, "My lord, may we try it?"

Rong Xi nodded his permission.

Liu Zishi carried the stove to an open space in the courtyard. Following Rong Xi's earlier instructions, he lit a honeycomb coal briquette and placed it inside the fire chamber with tongs.

The chamber was tall and deep enough to hold three honeycomb coal briquettes stacked upright.

The youth placed two more unlit briquettes on top. Following Rong Xi's guidance, he adjusted the air vent at the bottom side of the stove, making the fire blaze ever brighter.

The stove fire could not be wasted. Rong Xi went to the kitchen and told Liu He to bring out some meat.

Jiang Weiping looked puzzled, while Hu Yulin raised a brow and explained, "Shouyuan will have a feast for his mouth today."

The words were still obscure, but Jiang Weiping did not ask further. He merely watched Rong Xi cut the meat into chunks and place it into a pot with cold water. Once it boiled, he poured off the broth, repeating the process twice.

He then placed a clay jar atop the courtyard stove, poured in the meat chunks, covered them with water, and added wine, scallions, Sichuan pepper, and fragrant mushrooms. He narrowed the air vent and let it simmer over a low flame.

"Brother Xuan Shi, Brother Shouyuan, how about staying here today for drinks?" Rong Xi invited.

Hu Yulin nodded repeatedly. "How could I refuse Eldest Brother's generous hospitality?"

Jiang Weiping had been about to politely decline, but Hu Yulin cut him off. "Shouyuan need not worry about Lady Jiang. I'll send a servant to inform her at once."

As he spoke, he ordered a sturdy servant to go to the Jiang Family Ironworks and inform Lady Jiang.

With matters having reached this point, Jiang Weiping no longer declined.

"Eldest Brother, this dish will still take some time. How about we go inside and discuss matters?" He had a task to carry out today, and he had to see it done.

Rong Xi nodded. He had Zishi prepare all the seasonings and watch the coal stove before leading Hu Yulin and Jiang Weiping into the study for a detailed discussion.

"Eldest Brother," Hu Yulin said, his smile fading as his expression turned solemn, "when my father learned of the honeycomb coal briquettes, he rebuked me for going too far in taking advantage of others. Xuan Shi is here to apologize."

Seeing Rong Xi about to speak, he raised a hand to stop him and continued, "But that matter is finished, so let us say no more of it. Now that the coal stove is complete, on behalf of the Hu Clan, I wish to discuss a joint venture with Eldest Brother and Shouyuan. Would you two brothers be willing?"

Rong Xi had long known this was coming and was not surprised. Jiang Weiping, however, was utterly stunned. He was merely a blacksmith—what did this have to do with him?

"Eldest Brother's ingenious ideas and Shouyuan's craftsmanship are both treasures beyond compare." Hu Yulin smiled. "All I have to offer is money and goods, and I wish to join hands with you both to achieve something great."

Rong Xi shook his head with a sigh. "Brother Xuan Shi need not belittle himself. The way of commerce is more precious than money and goods. I admire Brother's talents immensely."

The two looked at each other, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter.

Seeing how familiar the two had become, Jiang Weiping was startled to realize that he had been so immersed in crafting devices that he had not known his friend and Lord Rong had formed such a close bond. Seeing it now, he could not help saying, "Only a few days apart, yet Xuan Shi and my lord have already..."

"Brother Shouyuan need not stand on ceremony. You may simply call me Eldest Brother." Rong Xi's eyes curved as he smiled with warm gentleness.

Jiang Weiping had already admired his ingenuity. Seeing that Rong Xi held not the slightest prejudice of social standing and, as the son of an official household, had taken the initiative to befriend a craftsman, his favor deepened greatly. A smile immediately appeared, and dimples unexpectedly surfaced on his cheeks, softening his dull air and making him vividly charming.