In Linghe Valley, Song Xia's firearms production has finally yielded initial results.

She raised an eyebrow at Shangguan Jin: "Shall we go take a look together?"

Shangguan Jin was extremely surprised: "So fast?"

"I must thank you for the high-quality iron that you rushed over."

The two rode their horses out of the city and saw the current state of Linghe City. Shangguan Jin couldn't help but sigh, "Even Yangzhou City is no better than this."

Linghe City was not large in the past, and it only had some fame because of Linghe Valley. How could it compare to Yangzhou City, which had been prosperous for hundreds of years? But now, Linghe City is bustling with trade. In such a chaotic era, no one in the city is without clothes to cover themselves. Everyone has a smile on their face and hope in their eyes.

Song Xia was also proud of this: "However, Linghe City alone is not enough."

"Song Xia, I'm increasingly convinced of your abilities now, and that day will come sooner or later."

Outside the city, there were still many refugees transporting stone and timber to build houses and city walls. Compared to the residents inside the city, they were thinner, but they were all full of energy. Some of the bolder ones even greeted Song Xia and his group.

"Once this city wall is built, Linghe City will more than double in size, accommodating a much larger population."

"Ouyang Zhen will definitely discover the existence of the city wall when he returns from the martial arts tournament. At that time, your conflict with him will be brought to the forefront!"

"Hmm." Mentioning this person, Song Xia's expression became somewhat indifferent. "It's about time to tear off the mask of civility."

"Are you confident you can beat him?"

Song Xia replied casually, "I'd say we have a 50% chance of winning!"

Shangguan Jin knew her well; she would never have said that without absolute certainty. If there was even a 50% chance of winning, it was at least 70% or 80% or higher, so he felt even better.

"Song Xia, thank you for coming to Yangzhou to find me back then." He felt that he was about to witness a miracle, especially since he was personally involved in it, which made him doubly happy.

"Aren't you afraid that I'll use up all of Wuhualou's money and resources, and then kick you to the curb?"

"I'm not afraid," Shangguan Jin said frankly. "With Wuhualou's business growing so large, I was prepared for it to be completely destroyed. Now, being able to use all of Wuhualou's money and resources to create a new golden age is Wuhualou's glory."

Song Xia looked at him seriously and said, "A country's wealth cannot be controlled by merchants, but I can assure you that the Shangguan family will not fall, and the talents of Wuhua Tower will exist in other identities."

Hearing her say that, Shangguan Jin was completely relieved; this one guarantee was enough.

After cycling a distance further out of the mountains, we arrived at a village. It was obvious that most of the houses had been rebuilt on the original foundations. Everyone was busy, even covered in dust, but they were all very excited and didn't seem tired at all.

"Valley Master, Pavilion Master Shangguan, you've arrived."

"Yes, you sent word that the firearms have been made, so we came to take a look."

"Valley Master, we have lived up to your expectations and have created the firearms you need. They weigh 1,400 jin, are loaded with 4 jin of gunpowder, and have a range of 3 kilometers."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Jin's eyebrows twitched violently. As far as he knew, the range of the imperial court's firearms was only two kilometers, and the imperial court's firearms weighed more than two thousand kilograms. The weight of several hundred kilograms was fatal in the transportation of the weapons during the war and could determine the outcome of the battle.

"What about safety? I don't care how powerful it is, I need to ensure the safety of the brothers who use the artillery."

"So far, there have been 20 experiments and one barrel explosion. I estimate that as long as we keep the number of shots fired in a row to no more than five, we can greatly reduce the risk of barrel explosion."

Shangguan Jin gasped again. Could Song Xia have really produced such terrifying data in such a short time? Where did she get the blueprints and the skills?

However, Song Xia frowned in dissatisfaction: "The probability is still too high. I'll go check later to see if any brothers were injured when the barrel exploded."

The steward sighed and lowered his head: "Two brothers were affected, but neither of them is in mortal danger. However, one of them has lost an arm."

Song Xia paused for a moment before saying, "Has the compensation been paid properly? We can't let the brothers feel disheartened."

“He’s in position now, but Cao Sheng keeps saying he was given too much. If his subordinates hadn’t been holding him back, he would have wanted to get back to his post as soon as possible.”

"When you have time, go and tell him that it was me who said this. He should take good care of his injuries. Linghe City will always need him."

"Yes, Valley Master."

With the steward leading the way, they arrived at a spacious hillside where a firearm was mounted. The firearm gleamed coldly, and Shangguan Jinguang could almost imagine how much merit this firearm would achieve in the future.

Song Xia sighed inwardly. The iron-smelting technology was still a bit lacking. Otherwise, she could have made them create more powerful firearms. But even so, it was enough for use in this era, although the safety could be improved.

After seeing the actual object, Shangguan Jin touched it like a pervert, muttering words like "beautiful," "powerful," and "domineering."

After admiring it inside and out, he looked intently at Song Xia: "Can we try it now?"

The manager also wanted to show Song Xia, and his expression was very excited.

Song Xia nodded: "Then let's give it a try."

Shangguan Jin looked at her nervously: "Can I start the fire?"

"As long as you're not afraid of danger, that's fine."

Soon the shells were delivered, and the steward loaded them in by hand. Shangguan Jin held the torch, and his hands were even trembling a little.

"Zzz..." The fuse was ignited, the cannon barrel was pointed at the cliff three kilometers away, and then with a "whoosh", the shell exploded, and rocks fell from the cliff.

Shangguan Jin was stunned for a moment before exclaiming with joy, "Such powerful firepower! It absolutely crushes the imperial court's firearms!"

Song Xia rarely smiled: "It's really good."

Shangguan Jin stared intently at her: "If you want to mass-produce, the refined iron I transported before isn't enough, is it? How much is needed for the second stage? I'll have someone prepare it as soon as possible."

"If they transport it again this time, the commotion at Wuhua Tower should attract the attention of the imperial court and the cult."

Shangguan Jin frowned. This was indeed a big problem, but his attitude remained firm: "Even if it attracts their attention, there's nothing we can do. We have to make firearms. I will try my best to keep it a secret."

Song Xia sighed: "Then I'll have to trouble you. So far, you've been bearing all the pressure."

"Who told you to have this ability, Song Xia? Don't keep me waiting too long."

"No, as long as the planting area of ​​sweet potatoes and corn can be expanded and the yield can be increased, the uprising is only a matter of time, and..."

"And what?"

"You overlooked the weakness of the imperial court. After all, it's not the world of those treacherous officials. So they won't confront us head-on anytime soon. Otherwise, the power of martial arts gangs wouldn't have grown so much in recent years. It all depends on how far those treacherous officials and cults have colluded."

Shangguan Jin felt slightly relieved: "What you said makes sense."