Chapter 193: The Bosss Promised Future Treat

Gao Yiye smiled. “Uncle Xu, from now on, you will be in charge of this building.”Xu Dafu glanced at the terrifyingly large stone house and jumped on the spot. “So big… For me to manage?”

Li Daoxuan offered no explanation. He took one firecracker from those bought for the Spring Festival, peeled off its outer paper casing, unwrapped it layer by layer, and spread out the gunpowder inside.

The gunpowder within firecrackers primarily consisted of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal—essentially the same as Ming Dynasty’s black powder, though their proportions varied slightly; they were near-equivalent, with slight differences.

A single firecracker didn’t contain much gunpowder—just a tiny pinch. He wrapped the powder-laden paper into a cone, aimed it at the small window of the “firearms bureau,” and poured it in.

“Yiye, take Xu Dafu inside to have a look.”

Gao Yiye led Xu Dafu into the “firearms bureau.” The massive, upturned stone vat enclosed an enormous interior space.

The two stepping inside felt like entering a colossal sports arena. Standing amidst such vastness and looking around, one couldn’t help but feel insignificant.

Naturally timid and cautious, Xu Dafou felt utterly dwarfed within the gigantic room, almost shrunk himself into a ball, too afraid to move freely.

Gao Yiye pointed to the pile of gunpowder by the window. “Look over there.”

Following her finger, Xu Dafu gasped. “Ah? A huge pile of odd little balls.”

Gao Yiye nodded. “This is the immortal realm’s gunpowder provided by the Deity. Celestial objects are vast; we mortals cannot use them directly. That’s why we need you to grind them into fine powder.”

The talk of immortal realms confused Xu Dafu. He hurried over to the pile of gunpowder.

What seemed like a pinch from a tiny firecracker now appeared as a substantial heap before him. He scooped up a small sphere and sniffed it. “This is a sulfur ball…”

Picking up another, he took a whiff. “This is a charcoal ball.”

“Niter…”

He quickly deduced the composition of these pellets, a puzzled expression spreading across his face. “This is essentially prepared gunpowder… except every particle is too large. Why make it this coarse and not grind it finer before mixing?”

Gao Yiye replied, “Isn’t that precisely why you’re here?”

Xu Dafu felt energy rushing with pride: Exactly! This brave woman brought me here precisely for this job. How foolish to ask such an obvious question!

He promptly offered a deep bow. “Saint Lady, I fully understand my duties now. I will grind these spherical gunpowder materials into fine powder and then proportionally mix them back into useable gunpowder.”

Gao Yiye added, “The Deity says one person isn’t enough; you must train apprentices. Otherwise, the production will never meet demand. Don’t fret about apprentices replacing masters either—later, you will be promoted to director of the firearms bureau, overseeing all gunpowder makers. Your pay will be higher than if you worked solo.”

Immense joy filled Xu Dafu’s heart: This Deity seems a very considerate wealthy lord indeed. He even understands the worry about “apprentices surpassing the master.” He gave me notice and a promise: becoming Bureau Director with increased pay!

Instantly, Xu Dafu brimmed with vigor.

Meanwhile, Li Daoxuan inwardly pondered: People of ancient times are so naive! Modern folk would immediately grow suspicious hearing promises of promotions and raises. Because, well… that’s what’s called “a boss’s promised future treat.” Who dares rely on that to stave off hunger?

Modern workers hardly need actual meals; bosses’ “future treats,” colleagues’ “gossip snacks,” and their own “work shirking fishes” satiate them fully.

Not wanting the innocent ancient to feel modern malice, I’ll be a good boss. Later, I’ll genuinely promote and raise his pay—no empty promises.

Gao Yiye continued, “Your firearms bureau stands empty right now—devoid of equipment, doors, or windows. You’ll require numerous tools and items. Don’t hesitate; report necessary supplies directly to Clerk Tan. Your bureau’s resources will be prioritized. You may also recruit some apprentices in Short-term Workers Village. Work swiftly to guarantee the firearms bureau becomes operational as soon as possible. The Deity has wanted gunpowder for a long time now.”

Xu Dafu hastily bowed again. “I fully understand. Rest assured, this humble servant will not disappoint the Deity’s trust.”

With the task assigned, they prepared to leave. The pair exited the stone vat and returned to the main fortress while Xu Dafu hurriedly searched for Tan Liwen.

Gao Yiye let out another enormous yawn. She made her way toward the watchtower.

She appeared thoroughly exhausted, teetering slightly as she walked. Mid-step, she suddenly dozed off, pitching forward and nearly collapsing. Thankfully, Li Daoxuan had sensed her fatigue. He swiftly extended a hand, placing a single upright index finger before her as a support.

Gao Yiye bumped into Li Daoxuan’s finger and jolted awake. “Oh!” she yelped. She quickly pushed off his finger with both hands to steady herself, shuffling back two steps. Glancing up at his retreating hand, her cheeks flushed slightly pink. “Thank you, Deity.”

“You’ve been staying up every night… drawing?” asked Li Daoxuan. “So, you finally hit your limit?”

Gao Yiye whispered in a small voice, “Mm-hmm.”

Had Li Daoxuan pressed now—”Exactly what are you drawing?”—she wouldn’t have concealed a thing, obediently submitting every detail.

But sensing her hesitation to volunteer the information herself, demanding an answer with his divine authority seemed… inappropriate. He suppressed the question.

He redirected instead: “How far along are you?”

Gao Yiye’s face brightened with a delighted smile. “It’s nearly completed! Once it’s entirely finished, I’ll show everyone and astonish them all.”

“Falling apart from fatigue, just to shock everyone?” Li Daoxuan chuckled. “You really are the most mischievous girl in Gaojia Village, aren’t you?”

Gao Yiye beamed. “Heh-heh.”

“Alright, quickly get back to the watchtower for a nap.”

“But I can’t sleep,” Gao Yiye protested. “I need to remain awake to relay your divine decrees.”

“That’s unnecessary,” Li Daoxuan said gently. “If Gaojia Village grinds to a halt without my directives, that’s problematic in itself. What if I issue no commands at all for one day? Stop forcing all-night drawing sessions. Draw during the day; rest properly at night! I’ll still be eager to behold whatever marvelous thing you’re crafting.”

“Ye—yes!” Gao Yiye rubbed her dark under-eye circles. “Then I truly shall go rest now. Please, wake me if you do have any divine decree that needs my delivery.”

“Go on.”

The girl scurried back to the watchtower with hurried footsteps. She flopped onto her bed. Within moments, deep snores rose as she fell fast asleep.

Li Daoxuan truly intended to issue no further commandments. Until she awoke, his role was purely observant…

Just as he pondered this, movement caught his eye. An assembly of villagers gathered on Gaojia Fortress’s front grounds. At the center, Gao Chuwu and Xing Honglang were cracking their knuckles, preparing for a duel.