Chapter 6: Women are Tigers

Wei Yan stroked his short beard under his chin and pondered for a moment: "When it comes to renowned generals in the world, there were the Three Heroes of Liangzhou in the past, followed by Huangfu Song, both of whom can be considered distinguished generals. The Five Great Generals of Cao Wei are merely on par, and it is better not to mention them. As for our current dynasty, Guan and Zhang, along with your esteemed father, can all be regarded as notable generals. However, it is difficult to determine who should be placed first. Each has their own perspective, and it would be inappropriate to force a ranking. Nevertheless, in my humble opinion, I believe Guan is slightly superior." He chuckled and waved his hand: "Of course, this is merely my personal view and should not be taken seriously, should not be taken seriously."

As soon as these words were spoken, Wei Ba let out a quiet sigh. The old monk spoke wisely: women are like tigers, and one must avoid them at all costs. The women of the Ma family are even more formidable; after so many days, they have finally come to seek justice. This girl is not only ruthless but also cunning. She probably knew all along that her father, Wei Yan, would not yield to anyone, only to Guan Yu, which is why she brought up Guan Yu to make her point, conveniently linking it to the real issue of a lost dog. Even if her father tries to protect her, he cannot afford to take this matter lightly. This girl is not only ruthless but also cunning. She probably knew all along that her father, Wei Yan, would not yield to anyone, only to Guan Yu, which is why she brought up Guan Yu to make her point, conveniently linking it to the real issue of a lost dog. Even if her father tries to protect her, he cannot afford to take this matter lightly

Everyone has? Wei Feng looked at Wei Ba in surprise: "What are you joking about?"

However, what surprised Wei Ba the most was not the people being punished; he immediately noticed two individuals seated in the hall: a middle-aged man and the young woman in white whom he had encountered on Yangping Mountain that day. Upon seeing Wei Ba enter, the young woman cast a glance at him, her gaze as cold and piercing as ever.

Upon hearing this, Wei Yan began to understand; it was certainly Wei Ba who was speaking recklessly and making baseless claims, having offended the Ma family in some way. He glared sternly at Wei Ba and said in a deep voice: "You impudent child, what insights do you possess? It is merely nonsense. If there is anything in the *Tushu* that has offended Colonel Ma, then Colonel Ma, being magnanimous, would not need to stoop to contend with a mere child like you."

"You flatter me, Major Ma," Wei Yan replied dismissively, his gaze somewhat unfriendly

Indeed, as Wei Ba had anticipated, upon hearing these words, Wei Yan's expression changed. He slammed the table and shouted sternly: "You insolent fellow, what is the meaning of this? Did you truly say such a thing?"

He was immersed in technological transformation and did not notice these changes; however, upon returning to the ironworks, Wei Feng immediately noticed his transformation.

As the long knife clanged under the old craftsman's hammer, Wei Ba's eyes grew increasingly bright, resembling the fire in a furnace, and his back straightened more and more, akin to the gradually shaping ring knife

Wei Yan was utterly perplexed. Ma Dai praised him for his strategic acumen, and he believed he was truly deserving of such praise, even feeling a bit smug. He extolled Wei Feng for his maturity and composure, and noted that Wei Wu possessed the demeanor of a renowned general. Although there were some exaggerations, they were not entirely outlandish. However, what could be said of his second son, Wei Ba, who was supposedly well-versed in scholarly pursuits? He could recognize a few characters, but he was still far from being truly learned. Was Ma Dai perhaps trying to mock the Wei family for their lack of education? He could recognize a few characters, but he was still far from being truly learned. Was Ma Dai perhaps trying to mock the Wei family for their lack of education?

That is good. Wei Feng's eyes sparkled as he stared at the knife for a moment. He pulled Wei Ba aside and whispered, "A Ba, after you finish forging the knife for Father, can you help me forge one as well?"

Wei Ba let out a helpless smile. He understood Wei Feng's intention; both Wei Feng and his father, Wei Yan, regarded this as a divine weapon, unique in the world. Little did they expect that what he aimed to create was an industrial product, not just one or two, but thousands, even tens of thousands. If possible, it would be ideal for every soldier in Shu to have one.

"I am not joking with you, really." Wei Ba paused for a moment, then said earnestly: "Regarding the iron plow, if possible, we should produce more. Weapons are certainly important, but food is even more crucial. The emperor does not have to worry about starving soldiers. Producing one stone of grain in Hanzhong can reduce the need to transport three to five stones of grain from Chengdu, saving a significant amount of time. Even if it requires a bit more investment, it is worth it."

Thank you, General. The young lady bows again and says, "The General is well-versed in military affairs and must have profound insights into the renowned generals of the world. May I ask, General, who are the notable generals that catch your eye across the realm? Among the famous generals of our dynasty, who stands out the most?"

As soon as they entered, they were taken aback. In the hall, Old Master Wei Yan sat behind the desk, his face ashen. The magistrate of Mianyang knelt at the steps, trembling uncontrollably, while two men resembling clerks were being punished at the foot of the steps. One of them had already been beaten to the point of severe injury, barely clinging to life

Wei Ba felt a chill in his heart and glanced at the girl in white. Noticing the slight upward curve of her lips, he realized that her resentment had not yet dissipated. It seemed that she had come with ill intentions today, as those with good intentions would not arrive.

Wei Ba was somewhat surprised, but he did not feel as tense as last time. He followed Wei Feng to the hall and paid his respects to Wei Yan. Wei Yan raised an eyebrow and pointed to the middle-aged man beside him: "This is Lord Ma Dai, the Pingbei Cavalry Commander, who has been sent by the Chancellor to inspect the preparations at the Mianyang camp. Why are you not stepping forward to pay your respects?"

"Otherwise," Wei Ba shook his head, interrupting Wei Feng's words. "The farming tools are urgently needed; spring plowing is imminent. If we can produce the iron plows now and distribute them to the farmers, they will be able to cultivate more land, leading to a greater harvest in the autumn. However, there is no immediate urgency for weapons. The Chancellor has not yet arrived, and delaying for two to three months is not a problem. Furthermore, the new weapons have not yet taken shape. Rather than hastily forging them, it is better to wait until I have more certainty before proceeding."

Wei Feng looked at Wei Ba in surprise, and after a long while, he chuckled and said, "Good lad, you've made progress; you actually know how to help your father with his worries. Hmm, your father will definitely be very pleased to know this." He paused, then smiled wryly and said, "Your idea is certainly reasonable, but to forge weapons and agricultural tools both requires a significant amount of iron, and it won't be ready in a short time. We must prioritize, and of course, weapons come first." He smiled wryly again and added, "Your idea is certainly reasonable, but to forge weapons and agricultural tools both requires a significant amount of iron, and it won't be ready in a short time. We must prioritize, and of course, weapons come first."

Ma Dai's gaze tightened, seemingly hesitant. However, the young woman behind him could no longer contain herself; she rose from her seat and bowed to Wei Yan. "General Wei, I was deeply impressed by your son's profound insights at that time. After returning home, I pondered over them for a long time without finding a resolution. Today, I have taken the liberty to come here, daring to seek guidance from both you and your son to clarify my doubts. I kindly ask for your assistance, General."

"It will be ready soon," Wei Ban said, pursing his lips. "If delayed, it will take three days; if expedited, it will take two days. The samples will definitely be available."

With Wei Yan's permission, Wei Ba not only continued his self-imposed rigorous training every morning but also spent the rest of his time immersed in the ironworks, mingling with the craftsmen. Although he was not a metallurgy major, he was still clear about the basic theories. With the help of those craftsmen who had spent their entire lives working with iron, he quickly grasped the current state of iron smelting technology in this era and understood the direction in which he needed to strive.

Wei Ba was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said: "Of course there is yours; since the knife is drawn, it naturally belongs to everyone. How could it possibly not include you?"

So he is Ma Dai. As Wei Ba thought this, he stepped forward to pay his respects. Ma Dai smiled gently and returned the gesture. His gaze swept across Wei Feng's face before finally resting on Wei Ba's face

Wei Feng chuckled and gave Wei Ba's shoulder a firm squeeze: "The results are excellent, you know? Using this iron plow to till the land is three times more efficient than using a wooden one. Father has already ordered the transfer of iron materials from Nanzheng, preparing to forge another two thousand of them."

The Tiezuo and the county temple are not far apart, merely a few steps away. Upon arriving at the entrance of the county temple, Wei Ba sensed something was amiss; there seemed to be a crackling sound coming from the courtyard. He glanced at Wei Feng, who happened to turn his head to look at him as well, and the two brothers instinctively quickened their pace

Wei Ba smiled slightly and looked at Wei Feng: "How did your iron... iron test go?"

Upon hearing the name of Old Man Wei Yan, Wei Ba felt a sense of trepidation. However, after a moment's reflection, he realized that in order to change the fate of the Wei family, he would have to confront this obstacle posed by Old Man. Time was of the essence, and he could no longer afford to delay or hesitate.

Wei Feng was momentarily taken aback and couldn't help but laugh: "Silly boy, what do you understand? Iron is such a precious material; how can it all be used to make farming tools? Of course, it should first be used to forge weapons. By the way, how is your progress? Your father is still waiting for your treasured sword."

"Two thousand?" Wei Ba furrowed his brow, "Since it is useful, why not produce more, one for each household?"

Wei Feng furrowed his brows lightly, watching Wei Ba speak eloquently without uttering a word himself. It was only after Wei Ba finished that he pondered for a moment and said: "What you said makes sense; I hadn't considered the urgency of the matter. How about this, come with me, and we will speak to Father together."

The young girl smiled coldly: "General, this is indeed merely your personal opinion, and one might even say it is solely your perspective. It seems that your son holds a different view from yours. The Guan Yu you value is, in your son's eyes, actually of little significance. As for your late father, he is nothing more than a stray dog, how could he dare to place himself among the ranks of renowned generals"

As expected, Ma Dai stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "General of the North, I have long heard that not only are you strategic in warfare, but you also excel in educating your children. Your eldest son, Wei Feng, is mature and steady; your third son, Wei Wu, possesses the qualities of a renowned general; yet the most outstanding is your second son, Wei Ba, who has forsaken martial pursuits for literary ones, brimming with knowledge and insight. This is truly commendable and worthy of celebration"

Wei Yan cast a glance, his displeasure evident. He snorted and said, "It matters not, speak and let me hear, what is it that you do not understand? This general shall clarify it for you."

Upon hearing this, Wei Ba couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Although his father had a foul temper, he was exceptionally protective of his own. While the words seemed to suggest that his son was being unreasonable and advised Ma Dai not to take it to heart, they were, in fact, a criticism of Ma Dai for bullying someone weaker, which was unbecoming of his status. Indeed, it was quite domineering and imposing.

Achieving success in one fell swoop is unlikely, but as long as the key points are identified, what follows is merely a series of specific and meticulous experiments, along with the finalization of the process and the establishment of supporting facilities for expanded production. For Wei Ba, who has previously experienced modern enterprise production, these are not significant issues. Moreover, what he once detested the most—working overtime—he now regards as a form of training, no longer finding it unbearable.

"Aba, you seem to be in good spirits," Wei Feng said as he patted Wei Ba on the shoulder. "Father was still worried that you wouldn't be able to handle it, but it seems you have indeed changed. Alas, after all these years, you can finally act like a man."

General Wei is being modest. Ma Dai cupped his hands and said, "It must be that the general is busy with military affairs and is unaware of your son's profound insights. Coincidentally, a few days ago, my subordinate's daughter went to Pingyang Pass to pay respects at her father's grave and happened to hear your son comment on several renowned generals of our Han dynasty, which contained quite unexpected remarks.

Alright, I will speak to my father. Wei Ba made up his mind and followed Wei Feng to the ironworks