Military formations vary, but not all formations are suitable for depicting array plates. Large-scale formations can only unite the soldiers' bloodlust into one force, but they cannot condense the bloodlust into a single force to fight the enemy. This makes them difficult to deal with experts and unsuitable as a sharp weapon.
Qin Mu did not use the Three Enclosures and Four Symbols Formation, because even a variant of the Three Enclosures and Four Symbols Formation could not be used in military formations. He was going to use the Five Elements Formation of the Ghost Valley School.
In the art of arranging formations among individuals of equal cultivation level, the most powerful element is the coordination of cultivation techniques. The Guigu School emphasizes the complete mastery of the Five Elements, but in the past, too many people wanted to become his disciples, and many lacked the necessary aptitude. Therefore, Guiguzi didn't want to accept them as personal disciples, instead taking them as nominal disciples. The cultivation techniques practiced by these nominal disciples were based on one of the Five Elements. Qin Mu only recently learned this. The more he studied, the more he admired Guiguzi; his two classic texts were truly all-encompassing. What frustrated him most was the section on the I Ching and the Eight Trigrams; he simply couldn't understand it. He could read the hexagrams, but he didn't grasp their meaning.
Qin Mu didn't care. After all, everyone has things they don't understand, or rather, everyone has things they can't do. For example, music and painting are things he has almost given up on cultivating.
Alchemy, weapon crafting, and formations were the areas Qin Mu decided to specialize in, because he discovered that these things did not require much philosophical insight to refine. They were like formulas; although there might be multiple solutions, there were patterns to follow.
In addition, you need to keep your hands steady and your mind calm, which is easy to do.
The array plate cannot be made using molds, but that doesn't matter. The body-refining technique of the Yuchi family is a forging method, so forging a suitable array plate is not difficult. The most time-consuming part is actually polishing and inlaying the array plate.
Another aspect is runes. Runes require more special materials and special inscriptions to form a complete whole.
Qin Mu needed to create Five Elements Runes, which required not only the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) and inscriptions, but also the spiritual energy of the five elements to complete the rune creation. Fortunately, Qin Mu possessed all these conditions; the only thing he lacked was experience.
Gold is a metal, and there is no rule specifying which type to use. However, for the same formation, the same metal must be used. It is a circle with a diameter of 20 centimeters. The back has a messy pattern, and the front has a pictographic fire character.
It looked like a tiny flame, but when Qin Mu began carving, he realized things weren't so simple. Especially the last two strokes; when he made the first cut, the knife felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Within his Qihai acupoint, a surge of spiritual energy flowed into the piece of bronze along the carving knife.
Qin Mu found it incredible. Although copper has excellent load-bearing capacity, how could such a small piece absorb so much spiritual energy?
The patterns on the back are a kind of communication and reinforcement pattern, so the reason can only be the character "fire".
Ancient pronunciations and writing systems possess immense power, a point mentioned by Yuan Tiangang and Li Gang, and also recorded in the classic texts. However, it was only possible to study them if one became a Grand Scholar. Qin Mu never imagined that pictographic writing was already so extraordinary.
Qin Mu originally thought that as long as he didn't work on bronze inscriptions, there would be no problem with bell and drum inscriptions, and fortunately, pictographic inscriptions were still within acceptable limits.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Qin Mu guessed the reason. If it were just a simple pictograph, there would be no problem. But if it was inscribed with spiritual energy and made of special materials, it might have special power.
The heartwood of trees over a hundred years old, the soil from mountain peaks where sunlight never shines, the pebbles from deep water, and the essence of iron ore—not only are these materials difficult to collect, but crafting them is the most challenging part. At Qin Mu's current level, he can only craft one set per day, which is five runes.
Alchemy is relatively easy to handle, with Han Chen's help. The only thing lacking is medicinal herbs, but there are still plenty of common herbs, which is perfect for Qin Mu to practice with.
Qin Mu was in a semi-secluded state, not leaving his house for half a month.
"You've come!" Qin Mu smiled and then stepped forward to take Princess Changning's chubby little hand.
Princess Changning did not struggle this time, but only glanced shyly at the maid beside her.
The maidservant, being quite perceptive, withdrew.
"Thank you!" Princess Changning's big, watery eyes were filled with affection, almost melting Qin Mu's heart.
"Why are you thanking me for no reason?" Qin Mu asked, bewildered.
"I know you took the money to renovate Yongyangfang for my sake." Princess Changning's eyes were a little red, and she said with her red lips slightly parted. Then, for the first time, she took the initiative to offer a sweet kiss.
After a long while, their lips parted.
Qin Mu gently stroked Princess Changning's back and said with a smile and deep affection, "Isn't it only right that I do something for you?"
"I've seen the design plans. You're going to build a nursing home and an orphanage in Yongyangfang." Princess Changning was deeply moved, her nose tingling with tears. Many people had been kind to her, but Qin Mu's actions made her feel particularly special.
"This will also benefit me; at the very least, it will boost my reputation, won't it?"
Princess Changning smiled, knowing Qin Mu was trying to comfort her. She didn't pursue the topic further; true kindness needs no words of thanks, especially since it was Qin Mu's deep affection for her. She would remember it in her heart; after all, he was her man for life. Princess Changning looked tenderly at Qin Mu, letting him pull her to sit on the sofa.
"The Wang family has also started demolishing Pingfang."
"Oh! It's right next to us, what a coincidence." Qin Mu smiled slightly. Of course, he knew this was no coincidence; it was clearly a slum that Li Shimin had deliberately designated.
"And Changpingfang."
"It's convenient that the two neighborhoods are connected. Changpingfang is not far from Yanpingmen. I suppose this is one of the four new commercial streets?" Qin Mu guessed.
“Yes! You guessed right! The Wang family even went around inquiring whether you really weren’t planning to build a commercial street in Yongyangfang.” Princess Changning said with a smile. It was clear that the Wang family was still somewhat wary of Qin Mu, especially in the commercial sector, given the presence of the commercial street and Rugui Tower.
Rugui Lou has always been extremely popular, and for half a month in a row, the commercial street has been packed with people every day, making the snack shop owners very happy. The shopping mall is also doing well, especially the vegetable and grocery stores on the first floor, where many people from the surrounding neighborhoods buy their goods.
Professional vegetable sellers have regular customers and deliver to their door, but ordinary people who want to sell vegetables often have to travel around the city. Now that they have a fixed location, they naturally come here.
In fact, shopping malls have spawned more professional merchants. Some hardworking and visionary merchants have started to buy vegetables from people outside the city, transport them to shopping malls for sale, and earn some profit from the price difference.
All the shops on the commercial street have been rented out, and there's even a fear that they won't be rented out, so all the rent has been paid in full. This gives Qin Mu enough money to invest in the early stages of the renovation of Yongyangfang.
Such a situation naturally aroused envy, so the two markets and four streets that Li Shimin had opened up were quickly divided up, and at the same time, the eight worst wards also began to be demolished and rebuilt. As for why there were eight, it was because the construction of the north and south markets required the reconstruction of two wards.
The neighborhood that Qin Mu needed to renovate was not located within the two markets and four streets, and no one else had anything to say about it. After all, this was a project he initiated, and besides, it was a buy-one-get-one-free policy, which was in line with the imperial court's policy.
During this time, many people had sent him invitations to banquets, but he had refused them all. He knew their intentions very well; they simply wanted to learn some experience from him.
The people who renovated Buzhengfang were divided up by the major families. Even a lowly laborer could be recruited to work for them at a high price.
Qin Mu was neither concerned nor angry about this situation. In terms of experience, Cheng Huailiang and Yuchi Baoqing were the most experienced. Moreover, Qin Mu had the support of the Xiangli family and the Imperial Workshop, so he wasn't lacking in skilled personnel.
The pilot program for labor reform at Chang'an Prison was quickly approved by the imperial court. According to Qin Qiong, although there were many who opposed it, most people understood the benefits. Moreover, Qin Qiong's memorial was reasonable and quite beneficial to the court, so there was no reason to oppose it.
Under the deliberation of a group of cunning old foxes in the imperial court, the laws and regulations for labor reform were quickly formulated, allowing the policy to be implemented swiftly. As for establishing pilot programs first, the stated reason was to identify shortcomings.
It was clear that many people had been looking for Changning lately, and a proud smile appeared on her face.
"My father is inviting you to dinner." Leaning against Qin Mu's chest, Princess Changning blushed slightly.
"Ah!" Qin Mu couldn't help but feel nervous about meeting his father-in-law.
"What? You don't want to see me?" Princess Changning asked, feigning anger and pouting.
"No, no, I was just a little surprised," Qin Mu hurriedly explained.
Sensing Qin Mu's sudden stiffness, Princess Changning couldn't help but laugh and say, "Hehe! You're nervous."
"Yes! How could I not be nervous about meeting my father-in-law?" Qin Mu nodded.
"You've seen the old man before!" Princess Changning said with barely suppressed laughter, then lightly punched Qin Mu, and said coquettishly, "What father-in-law? You...you haven't even married him yet!"
"I'll marry you! As long as you dare to marry me, I'll marry you right now!" Qin Mu said resolutely.
"Hmph! You want to marry me? It's not that easy. I might not even marry you." Princess Changning said with a hint of arrogance.
Couples in love always have endless things to say, whether it's being affectionate or exchanging sweet nothings; the air is practically filled with their love... no! It's the sweet scent of romance.
"when?"
"When you have time."
"Then let's do it tomorrow."
"Okay, I'll go back and tell him."
"What do your father and brother like?" Qin Mu asked. Of course, one needs to be well-prepared before meeting one's father-in-law and brother-in-law.
"Just bring whatever you need," Princess Changning said casually.
"How can that be? I'm taking their most precious treasure, so I definitely need to prepare properly," Qin Mu said earnestly. Men in love are at their most intelligent; they always find ways to please their target, and sweet words seem to flow effortlessly from their lips—it's almost an instinct.
"You know how to talk! My father and my brothers dote on me the most." Princess Changning said with a smile, then introduced Qin Mu, "My father likes money! You don't need to worry about my brothers."
Seeing Princess Changning's stunned expression, Qin Mu raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "You don't actually know what they like, do you?"
"How could that be?" Princess Changning raised her voice, then said somewhat guiltily, "My eldest brother, second brother, and third brother have been serving as officials in other places for many years, my fourth and fifth brothers are also in Luoyang, and my sixth and seventh brothers like to fool around outside. It's not surprising that I didn't know, is it?"
"Yes, yes, not surprising, not surprising at all." Qin Mu nodded repeatedly, suppressing a smile.
"If you want to please the old man, then give my brother some toys," Princess Changning said, pouting.
"Your younger brother? I've never heard you mention him before?" Qin Mu asked curiously.
"She was born to my aunt, and she's only two years old. The old man is embarrassed, so not many people know about her," Princess Changning said somewhat shyly.
"Two years old!" Qin Mu was slightly taken aback and couldn't help but secretly admire his future father-in-law.
"Hmph! What's so strange about it! I'll have another younger brother or sister after the New Year." Princess Changning said with an air of "you can laugh all you want." She felt a little embarrassed talking about her old man, and after saying that, she reached out and pinched Qin Mu, saying, "Men are all the same."
"I'm innocent! You're the only one in my heart." Qin Mu quickly surrendered, feeling sympathetic towards Princess Changning, even though she had just cursed her father as well. This wasn't surprising, after all, he was her half-brother; if they were born to the same mother, it would be different.
It took a lot of willpower for Qin Mu to finally send away the beauty in his arms. He longed to be with her every day, but each time they were together, it was a painful torment. The feeling of having meat but not being able to eat it was particularly painful, especially for a young man full of energy.
Qin Mu was actually a bit unfamiliar with gift-giving, especially since he was going to his future father-in-law's house. So he went to ask Aunt Zheng for advice on how to do it according to the rules of this world so as not to be impolite.
"Good! Good! Leave this to me, Auntie. You don't need to worry about it." Auntie Zheng nodded repeatedly and said with a smile.
Although Qin Mu found her smile a little strange, he didn't think much of it, thanked her, and went back to his work in the courtyard.
The next day, after teaching the constables at the Six Doors, he returned home. These two hundred constables were selected by him to set up the Five Elements Formation. He had to personally train them. One was how the Five Elements Formation should be coordinated, and the other was to use the Five Elements Pill to imbue their blood energy with the attributes of the Five Elements.
I've been coming home at this time every day for the past two weeks, so as soon as I get back to the courtyard, I'm pulled by Aunt Zheng's people to start changing my clothes.
Qin Mu knew at a glance that it was a deep robe again. Since he was going to meet his future father-in-law, he had no objection. After all, it was always good to dress more formally.
After much trouble and getting dressed, Qin Mu was finally allowed to go out.
"Teacher? Why didn't you come inside?" Upon arriving outside the Duke of Yi's mansion, Qin Mu was astonished to find Li Gang sitting inside, smiling at him.
"Clop! Clop! Clop!" A series of hoofbeats sounded, and Qin Mu looked up to see another Qin family carriage approaching.
In wealthy households, carriages and livestock would definitely enter and exit through the side gate, so Qin Mu only saw one carriage at first.
"Hehe! Of course, your teacher will accompany you to the Li family!" Li Gang said with a smile, stroking his beard.
"So Prince Li also invited you, teacher."
“No, I’m going to the Li family for you,” Li Gang said, shaking his head slightly.
"As a disciple?" Qin Mu looked bewildered, not understanding.
"Yes! I'm the matchmaker for your betrothal! Of course I'll go!" Li Gang said kindly, looking at Qin Mu. He was very satisfied with this disciple; he was intelligent, polite, and eager to learn! He was simply the best candidate for a disciple, so he readily agreed when Qin Qiong invited him.
"Nacai? Matchmaker?" Qin Mu was stunned for a moment before realizing that Nacai meant going to propose marriage with a matchmaker. He said with a slight shyness, "How could I trouble you, sir, with such a small matter?"
"Hehe! This is a good thing. How could I not go? Besides, Prince Li is no ordinary person. There aren't many people who can act as matchmakers."
"Thank you, teacher." Qin Mu bowed and then said somewhat embarrassedly, "I am not yet of age to be engaged in marriage proposals. Is it too early?"
"It's getting late! It's getting late! Let's settle things first, otherwise if you two are together every day, it won't be good for your reputation." Li Gang looked at Qin Mu with eyes that could see right through people, and his smile made Qin Mu feel uneasy.
Fortunately, he hadn't done anything improper, Qin Mu comforted himself, and gave a slightly embarrassed smile: "Hehe!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Lord Li!" Qin Qiong stepped out of the carriage and bowed to Li Gang.
"It's alright, it's alright! We're family! It's only right!" Li Gang waved his hand slightly.
"Father!"
"Let's go! Let's get there as soon as possible! It shows our sincerity." Qin Qiong looked at her son with satisfaction and said.
"Wouldn't it be too sudden for us to go like this?" Qin Mu asked, stopping as he was about to get into the carriage.
"It's alright! I've already sent out invitations in advance," Qin Qiong said with a faint smile.
Qin Mu then realized that they were all ready, so he nodded and, with a mix of excitement and nervousness, boarded the carriage.
"Don't be nervous. I've already inquired about it. The Li family already knows about your situation and hasn't objected, which means they've tacitly agreed. They're just waiting for your family to come and propose marriage." Seeing that Qin Mu was somewhat uneasy, Li Gang smiled and reassured him.
Qin Mu thought about it and realized that if Li Shentong hadn't tacitly approved, how could Princess Changning have come to his house so often? Thinking of this, he felt much more at ease and gratefully smiled and thanked Li Gang.
"Thank you, teacher!"
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