Chapter 9 The Use of Niter

Chapter 9: The Use of Saltpeter

After Qin Xiao left, Chu Jiubian listed the necessary items and handed the list to Xiao Xiangzi.

Xiao Xiangzi personally visited the Imperial Medical Bureau and the Office of Internal Affairs. After a considerable time, he returned with more saltpeter and the containers required for ice-making.

Yaotai Residence was filled with Qin Xiao’s people, so Chu Jiubian couldn't hide anything even if he wanted to. He simply directed Xiao Xiangzi and the others to work alongside him.

Purifying and cooling the saltpeter would take an entire night. Though everyone worked until dark, none knew what Chu Jiubian was truly doing. Still, no one asked—those trusted by Qin Xiao understood the importance of discretion.

As dusk fell, Chu Jiubian made a final check on the cooling saltpeter before preparing to wash up and rest.

Two young eunuchs, Xiao Jinzi and Xiao Yinzi, fetched fire from the kitchen to light the lamps in each room, then burned medicinal herbs to repel mosquitoes.

Chu Jiubian paused in surprise, realizing that the Da Ning Dynasty didn’t even have fire strikers or candles; they could only use flint for ignition.

No wonder saltpeter was only used in medicine at this time.

It was no surprise that Xiao Xiangzi had only found two baskets of saltpeter—the palace simply had limited stores.

The uses of saltpeter extended far beyond making ice. Fire strikers, gunpowder, and fireworks all required saltpeter.

If saltpeter mining were made a state monopoly, prohibiting private collection and trade, then only the imperial court would have access to it in the future.

Aside from gunpowder, products made from saltpeter could be sold externally. By first catering to the nobility for substantial profit, then gradually popularizing it among the common people, the court could secure a steady stream of income.

After washing up, Chu Jiubian lay in bed, thinking Qin Xiao was truly getting an advantageous position.

But the court didn’t belong to Qin Xiao alone—the young emperor would ultimately be in charge. Chu Jiubian considered this an investment in the protagonist.

While he was pondering these thoughts, he had no idea that the capital was already in an uproar over the two poems he had shared.

Not only were the literati and scholars who appreciated refinement discussing them, but even officials skilled in political strategy gathered with their advisors to analyze and debate.

The literati studied the two poems repeatedly, dissecting their meter, parallelism, imagery, and emotion from every angle, ultimately concluding that "such poetry belonged only in heaven."

For a time, the names of the Immortal Poet Li Bai and Resident of Yi’an Li Qingzhao spread throughout scholarly circles.

Someone sighed, "If only I could meet these two immortals in person, I would have no regrets in this life."

Even those who had once prided themselves as acclaimed talents had their poetic spirits broken, unwilling to pick up a pen to write poetry again.

Unlike these scholars solely focused on academics, the officials in the court saw more, focusing not on the two "immortals," Li Bai and Li Qingzhao, but on Chu Jiubian, who had brought these divine works to the mortal world.

Chu Jiubian’s name had long become known to everyone as the poems spread.

Now, almost no one was unaware of the "Ninth Young Master."

In the Su residence, Minister of Revenue Su Sheng gazed intently at a thin piece of paper in his hand, on which were copied the two poems that had spread throughout the capital in just a few hours.

"This Ninth Young Master is truly a remarkable person," he said solemnly.

His advisor, Fan He, also looked grave. "Indeed. Qin Xiao has played this move well."

With the emergence of these two poems, everyone naturally had their own calculations.

At first, there were rumors that the poems were written by scholars under Qin Xiao’s command. But if he truly had such talents under him, and more than one at that, he wouldn’t be so isolated in court today.

Just look at the line, "A time will come to ride the wind and cleave the waves; I’ll set my cloud-white sail and cross the sea which raves." It’s clear that the person who wrote this poem had great ambitions and would never be content to remain hidden behind the scenes as an advisor.

Therefore, the Immortal Poet Li Bai could not possibly be one of Qin Xiao’s people.

With this possibility ruled out, everyone could only believe that the two poems came from Chu Jiubian himself.

If there had only been "The Hard Road," people might have thought Chu Jiubian wrote it himself. But there was also "A Sprig of Plum Blossoms."

Unless Chu Jiubian had led two different lives, it would be impossible for him to write two such distinctly different poems.

"Sir, why do you think the forces behind the Ninth Young Master sent him to the capital to stir the waters?" Su Sheng asked.

Fan He shook his head. "I don’t know. But such a force, hidden for who knows how long without detection—we should try to court their favor if we can."

Su Sheng nodded. "It seems I must send another message to the prince."

He looked through the open window of his study, gazing far into the northwest.

The silver moonlight bathed the ground in a pure white glow.

In a small courtyard in the rear residence, a young maiden stood gracefully, holding a rough, yellowed piece of paper in her slender fingers. On it was elegantly copied the poem "A Sprig of Plum Blossoms."

A young maid with twin buns hurried in from outside the courtyard. After greeting her, she reported, "Miss, the Third Miss Zhao from the Vice Minister of Personnel’s residence has just sent an invitation, asking you to attend a poetry gathering at their home tomorrow morning."

A look of delight appeared on Second Miss Su’s charming and bright face. "Wonderful! I was just worried about not having anyone to discuss this with."

Her chief maid held her hand and smiled. "Then you should rest soon, Miss. We’ll go first thing tomorrow morning."

Ladies and matrons in various residences across the capital also received invitations one after another, all from acquaintances inviting them to appreciate poetry.

Meanwhile, in the eastern courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Xiao Xiangzi was reporting what he had seen and heard that day to Qin Xiao.

"Earlier, when this eunuch went to prepare the saltpeter and containers for the young master, a few people approached me: Xiao Huzi from the Imperial Kitchens, Miss Xiaotao from the Imperial Garden, and Aunt Haitang from the Bureau of Imperial Attire." Xiao Xiangzi presented several small gold beans to Qin Xiao. "They gave these to me, saying only that I’ve landed a good assignment and they wanted to befriend me. They didn’t say anything else."

"Well done," Qin Xiao said.

Xiao Xiangzi hurriedly replied, "This eunuch is humbled."

Qin Xiao saw him out of the study, returned the gold beans to him, and even gave him a few extra golden melon seeds. "Keep these for yourself. Keep watching, and report back if anything happens."

"Yes," Xiao Xiangzi replied cheerfully. He left the eastern courtyard and bounded happily toward the main courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

At the entrance of the main courtyard, Eunuch Hongfu was gazing up at the high-hanging silvery moon, lost in thought. But as soon as he sensed someone approaching, he immediately turned to look, his eyes sharp and cold.

When he saw it was a familiar figure, the sternness in his eyes faded.

"Master," Xiao Xiangzi called out as he ran up to Eunuch Hongfu. Smiling, he placed the gold beans and golden melon seeds he had just received into the other’s palm. "These are what I earned today, along with what His Excellency rewarded me. His Excellency even praised me."

Eunuch Hongfu usually had a kindly demeanor, but now, looking at his disciple, his smile was even more affectionate, tinged with genuine care.

He returned the gold back into his disciple’s small pouch. "Keep these for yourself, but don’t spend them recklessly. Save them for your old age."

"I understand, Master," Xiao Xiangzi said, his eyes curving into smiles and his dimples showing. "I must go now, Master. I’m afraid the young master might need me during the night."

Seeing him like this, Eunuch Hongfu couldn’t help but remind him again, "Remember, the Emperor and His Excellency are our masters."

"I know, Master. I remember," Xiao Xiangzi said before bidding farewell and bounding away cheerfully.

Eunuch Hongfu watched his figure retreating until it disappeared at the end of the palace pathway. Only then did he smile and look up at the bright moon again.

His habitually stooped posture straightened in the absence of others, revealing an unyielding demeanor, but a hint of sadness gradually appeared in his eyes.

Yet this Grand Eunuch, not yet thirty years old, possessed eyes like those of an aging man, which made his figure appear even more desolate and solitary, merging with the moonlight.

A long time passed, until the moon hung high in the sky, and a faint, indistinct cry of a child came from the main courtyard behind him.

Only then did he return to being the ever-dependable, kind, and cheerful Grand Eunuch Hong of the daytime.

Hong Fu quickly walked back into the courtyard and headed straight into the main hall.

The palace attendants serving in the main hall were flustered and about to go look for him. Seeing that he had already arrived, one of them said tearfully, "Eunuch Hong, His Majesty just had another nightmare and has been crying since he woke up."

"Understood." Hong Fu continued walking without pause toward the inner chamber. "Prepare a bowl of goat's milk, with extra sugar."

"Yes." The attendant hurried off to prepare, while Hong Fu had already entered the inner chamber.

The attendants serving inside shrank back, trying to make themselves inconspicuous, not daring to lift their heads.

On the large dragon bed, a little boy in pure white silk sleepwear was clutching the blanket, his hair disheveled, his round eyes and nose red from crying.

When he saw the familiar face, the child cried even more pitifully.

Hong Fu's heart ached. He quickened his pace, knelt on one knee beside the bed, and gently wiped the little emperor's tear-streaked face with a handkerchief.

"Your Majesty, don’t be afraid. This servant is here with you," Hong Fu coaxed softly.

Baili Hong sobbed uncontrollably, his small, sweaty hand clutching Hong Fu’s. Choking up, he said, "I—We, want our uncle."

Hong Fu smiled gently. "Very well. This servant will help you get dressed."

In the western courtyard of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Faint but hurried footsteps sounded outside the main room. The person inside the bedchamber instantly snapped his eyes open, simultaneously rising from the bed, drawing the long sword from beside his pillow, his dark eyes fixed on the door.

"Who is it?" His voice showed no trace of sleepiness.

A young eunuch’s voice reported from outside, "My lord, His Majesty has arrived."

Qin Xiao paused for a moment, casually threw on an outer robe, and strode out.

Only before leaving the bedchamber did he set down the sword in his hand.

He had not even left the courtyard when, by the moonlight, he saw a small figure running toward him.

Qin Xiao took two steps forward, scooping up his little nephew who had already reached him, lifting him high into the air.

The child, who had been crying uncontrollably just moments before, immediately burst into laughter, kicking his little legs in the air and calling out, "Uncle, uncle!"

Hong Fu had already had the presence of mind to dismiss all the servants. He did not approach but stood guard at the courtyard gate from a distance.

Qin Xiao lowered Baili Hong, settling him in the crook of his arm, just as he had done countless times before.

Baili Hong clutched his clothes with small hands, sniffling.

"Crying again?" Qin Xiao unceremoniously used the hem of the child’s robe to wipe his nose.

Baili Hong’s eyes welled up with tears again. Choking, he said, "Uncle, I miss Mother."

Qin Xiao wiped the child’s tears with his rough fingertips. "Uncle misses her too."

The child cried even harder. "Has Mother... has Mother really become a fairy? Is she really watching me from the sky?"

But in the past, whenever he cried, his mother would feel heartbroken and stay with him. Why had she not come to him now, even after he had cried so many times?

"Did Hong Fu tell you that?" Qin Xiao asked.

Baili Hong nodded his little head.

His uncle had said that his mother was dead, just like his maternal grandparents and great-grandfather—that he would never see them again, nor would he ever see his mother again.

But Eunuch Hong had told him that his beloved relatives had gone to the sky, become immortals, and were always watching over him, protecting him.

Qin Xiao looked into the child’s pitiful eyes and swallowed the cold, harsh words he had been about to say.

However, he did not say anything about becoming immortals either. Baili Hong was no ordinary prince—he was the emperor. He had to be stronger and more mature than other children.

But after all, he was just a three-year-old child who had just lost his mother. It would be too harsh to discourage him while he was crying so hard he had a runny nose.

So, Qin Xiao changed the subject. "Remember the person who fell from the sky yesterday?"

Baili Hong was indeed distracted, sniffling as he said, "The... Immortal Brother."

Qin Xiao couldn’t help but glance toward the courtyard gate, wondering what Hong Fu had been teaching the child every day, making the emperor talk about gods and immortals all the time.

"He’s not an immortal. You can call him Chu Jiubian from now on," he corrected.

Baili Hong nodded. "Brother Jiu."

Qin Xiao corrected him again. "You are the emperor. You cannot call him 'brother.'"

"Oh." Baili Hong obediently nodded.

Qin Xiao said, "He has some fun things. I’ll take you to see him tomorrow. But you must sleep well tonight. Otherwise, I won’t take you to play tomorrow, and I’ll make you eat an extra egg yolk. Understand?"

Like uncle, like nephew—Baili Hong had inherited many of Qin Xiao’s strengths, such as a photographic memory and a lack of fear when it came to studying.

But he had also inherited some of Qin Xiao’s flaws, such as being a picky eater.

Upon hearing that he would have to eat an extra egg yolk, Baili Hong immediately covered his mouth with his small hands, shaking his head in horror before nodding reluctantly.

Qin Xiao chuckled softly and set him down. "Alright, go back to sleep now."

"Mm, Uncle, you sleep too." Baili Hong imitated the gesture of cupping his hands in a formal salute toward Qin Xiao before toddling off on his short legs.

Hong Fu bowed from a distance toward Qin Xiao and then followed Baili Hong.

Qin Xiao watched the two figures, one large and one small, walk away and let out a soft sigh.

Earlier, Chu Jiubian had said that he would show him something remarkable tomorrow—something that could solve his financial difficulties in a short time.

Since Qin Xiao had already been gradually introducing Baili Hong to such matters, taking him to see Chu Jiubian tomorrow was not a problem.

The night passed without dreams.

Chu Jiubian slept until daybreak and woke naturally.

The moment he opened his eyes, a familiar mechanical voice sounded in his mind: "Good morning, Host. Congratulations, your Faith Points have reached fifty. It is expected to exceed one hundred today. Keep up the good work."

Chu Jiubian bolted upright.