Ning Que seemed to be hesitant to speak.

He and Yue Zhongmu are both teachers and friends.

The two had a very good relationship and often drank together.

But Yue Zhongmu had let it go long ago.

He didn't want to be a general anymore and wanted to retire to the mountains.

"You don't have to do this, Junior Brother."

"If you have anything to say, just say it."

"Huh..." Ning Que stood up and bowed respectfully, "Brother Yue is unwilling to intervene in the war because of past events. But now that the war is about to begin, I really have no choice but to hope that Brother Yue can come out."

"You're welcome, Junior Brother."

Yue Zhongmu waved his hand nonchalantly.

He stood up, looked at Ning Que, and stated his opinion on the spot: "I remember you once told me that when a general leads his troops into battle, he must understand the reason for the battle, including the soldiers at all levels. In addition, wars can be divided into just and unjust. If it is to support the country, recover lost territory, and drive out foreign enemies, then it is a just war. But if it is to invade other countries and massacre the people, then it is unjust."

"Emperor Feng persecutes loyal officials and is obsessed with ostentation. Only by overthrowing him and reestablishing a new order can we truly usher in peace. Master once said that you are the only one in the world who can do this. You are the true Emperor of Peace! If it is to fight for eternal peace, then I will do my duty."

"Okay." Ning Que smiled and raised his hand. "I will write a letter, and Senior Brother Yue will have to give it to the King of Nanyue. Afterwards, Senior Brother Yue can stay in Lingnan temporarily to help the King of Nanyue eliminate the surrounding tribes. Build fortifications, improve people's livelihoods, and train troops for war."

"OK."

Yue Zhongmu nodded.

As a hexagonal warrior, he also possesses a high level of accomplishment in civil administration. He excels at training and expanding his forces, often finding himself with even more troops during battles. Having him go to Lingnan ahead of time is the most appropriate approach.

"In the spring of next year, I will go to the Bailing Five Islands first. Then I will arrange for Senior Brothers Haizai and Haigui to be responsible for transporting some of the personal guards to Lingnan. With their help, Senior Brother Yue will be able to gain a firm foothold in Lingnan."

"Aren't you afraid that a spy might inform the Emperor?"

"I'll tamper with the casualty list." Ning Que smiled, "Then I'll remove the truly elite and trusted personnel and say they've died overseas. They won't suspect anything."

"That's good."

Yue Zhongmu and others then nodded.

"And there's Senior Brother Wan."

"Babao Trading Company is crucial."

"It's about the speed of building Lingnan."

Ning Que looked at the pot-bellied Wan Sanqian again.

Unlike ordinary people, Ning Que clearly understood the importance of commerce. Therefore, before he even left the mountain, he partnered with Wan Sanqian in business. Through his behind-the-scenes direction and coordination, the Babao Trading Company's business grew exponentially, becoming the leading trading company in Jiuzhou and controlling the economic lifelines of many small nations.

"Senior Brother Yue and Senior Brother Wan will coordinate the follow-up." Ning Que looked at the two of them. "Regardless of what Lingnan needs, please give Senior Brother Wan your full support. As for the money, just deduct it from my annual dividend. If it's still not enough, then I'll owe it to you first."

"Why are you being so polite?"

Wan Sanqian looked slightly dissatisfied, raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp, saying, "You and I are closer than brothers. My fellow brothers are all prepared to sacrifice for this, so how can I be so fussy over such a small sum of money? Besides, Babao Trading Company couldn't be what it is today without your help. Forget about saying I owe you, even if you owe me the entire Babao Trading Company, what difference does it make? I founded Babao Trading Company because I thought I could do something for the world one day!"

"good!"

Ning Que raised his hands and bowed deeply.

"As for the other brothers, you can disperse at that time. You don't need to do anything else, just spread out like before. I have a feeling that Emperor Feng will make another move soon."

"Okay, we'll listen to you."

Leng Qian looked at them, filled with righteous indignation, and waved his lacquer fan. "That's all I can say, but don't blame me for pouring cold water on you. Dafeng is now a rich and powerful country, with a million armored men, ten thousand chariots, and two hundred thousand elite cavalry. Xiaoning, defeating Dafeng will be no easy task. If a full-scale war really breaks out, the casualties will be terrible."

"I know."

"So I specially had someone create a secret weapon."

"With this weapon, we can accomplish our mission!"

Ning Que raised a smile.

Yi Suiyun and the others all looked puzzled.

I don't know what he wants to do.

"Brothers, there is no need to be curious."

"I'll show you tomorrow morning."

"You will understand by then."

"good!"

…

The next day, early morning.

Ning Que arrived in the forest first.

Because of several heavy snowfalls, everything was covered in silver. Ning Que unfolded the oilcloth and wiped the musket.

This musket is more than half a person's height.

The gun body is covered with hardwood.

It is straight on the outside and has a tube inside, made of steel.

The interior is through and the bottom is closed.

There is a curved pole on one side, which is the way to the fire.

In fact, it is similar to a hand-rolled bird gun, with a range of about 100 meters and certainly not as accurate as a rifle. It is also a single-shot weapon, firing at most two or three rounds per minute, similar to the matchlock guns of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The main reason is that time is limited, and many overly complicated processes are unnecessary. Hot weapons are basically a dimensionality reduction attack on cold weapons, which can have a decisive effect on the battlefield and have an astonishing deterrent effect.

As far as Ning Que knew, the nations of Kyushu had yet to develop firearms, not even gunpowder. In fact, after Ning Que had descended the mountain, he had considered offering the gunpowder to Emperor Feng. With firearms, the Great Feng would be invincible and unbeatable. Furthermore, it would significantly reduce casualties, maximizing victory with minimal losses.

It was only because of his father and brother's deaths in battle, coupled with various rumors among the people, that Ning Que temporarily put aside his thoughts. If such a powerful weapon were to be released, it would be enough to change the situation in Jiuzhou. If Emperor Feng really killed his father and brother, how would he seek revenge in the future?

For this reason, Ning Que had kept it a secret. In reality, crude firearms weren't difficult to make, and even high school students knew the formula for gunpowder. Just like how some people in later generations could use water pipes to make firearms and successfully assassinate the Prime Minister.

After talking with Tian Zhongxun, Ning Que actually already had the answer in his mind. Although there was no substantial evidence at the moment, did it still matter?

Emperor Feng's actions have confirmed this.

Since they were going to be at odds in the future, he naturally wouldn't hide his firearms anymore. He would find an opportunity to send a group of Gongshu family members over there, and have them manufacture gunpowder and firearms. In less than three years, he would be confident of overthrowing Emperor Feng!

"Junior brother, you're here really early."

"Where's your secret weapon?"

"Could it be the fire stick in your hand?"

Yi Suiyun frowned.

Looking at the musket in front of him.

In all his years, he had never seen such a strange weapon. It looked a bit like a spear, but without a spear head. It was a staff, but the shape was extremely strange.

What the hell is this?!