Chapter 1: Arms

"Ouyang Ming, what is your relationship with the old craftsman?" Zhang Yinfan asked abruptly

Before long, they had arrived at a residence within the rear camp

Ouyang Ming took two steps to reach the rear of the military camp, where Zhang Yinfan held a significant position within the army as a financial officer in charge of logistics. Although not a primary role, he was nonetheless one of the deputy positions wielding substantial power.

The old man glared with his eyes and kicked forward, saying: "Why aren't you going yet?!"

"Ouyang Ming, I know you want to join them. However, you are not ready yet!" The old man waved his hand, throwing him into the room, and said, "Think about it again when you grow up!"

Zhang Hanyu's eyes immediately brightened, and the muscles on his body even tensed slightly

On the training ground, thousands of soldiers clad in armor, wielding swords, spears, bows, arrows, and shields, formed ranks and vigorously slashed and shot under the blazing sun

Ouyang Ming felt a chill in his heart, and he sensed a slight pain on his skin, immediately realizing that Zhang Yinfan had indeed harbored murderous intent

After a full incense stick's worth of time, the old man let out a long breath and withdrew his hand. A few beads of sweat were faintly visible on his forehead; however, by the time the flames dissipated, the broken military knife on the platform had already been repaired.

Hu Yicheng nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I ask you, do you refuse to accept the arms and instead pass this opportunity to him?" He cast a glance at Zhang Hanyu behind Zhang Yinfan and asked slowly.

Zhang Yinfan's face showed joy as he said, "Yes, my lord is wise!" He turned and said, "Ouyang Ming, this is Lord Hu from the Imperial Inspection Office, quickly step forward to greet him!"

Ouyang Ming was originally an orphan, raised on the kindness of various families in the village. By a stroke of luck, he entered this military camp as a helper, where he caught the eye of an equally lonely old man and began to learn the craft of forging under his guidance. However, while general skills are easy to learn, military weaponry is something that is desired but difficult to attain

This is not a blessing at all, but rather Zhang Yinfan's clear intention to seize benefits

Hmph, now you know pain? I sent you to forge iron, yet you ran here to watch the drills. Do you want me, your old man, to give you a lesson instead

"Master Zhang, are you looking for me?" Ouyang Ming asked respectfully, bending at the waist

Ouyang Ming secretly scoffed, isn't this asking knowingly? Yet he respectfully said, "The petty person is using instruments to manage Ouyang Ming, may Lord Hu be safe and sound."

Ouyang Ming sighed and said, "Of course I want to learn, but I simply do not have this opportunity..."

A strong, masculine aura mixed with a pungent smell of sweat permeated the playground, evoking a sense of exhilaration and making it hard to restrain oneself

The old man held the broken sword, looking east and west. After a while, he aligned the broken part and placed it on a platform. Then, with a light shout, he rubbed his hands together a few times, and suddenly a spark emerged, enveloping the broken edge.

Ouyang Ming raised his head suddenly, his face filled with an expression of disbelief

Ouyang Ming responded and entered the rear camp, but he felt somewhat apprehensive in his heart

Suddenly, a large hand reached out from behind him and grasped his neck

Ouyang Ming responded cautiously, saying: "I have met Lord Hu."

Although the old man scolded, kicked, and hit him, Ouyang Ming knew that in this military camp, only this unassuming old fellow truly cared for him

Upon entering a dwelling, a middle-aged man looked up. He was a pale-faced scholar, exuding a certain effeminate aura that seemed at odds with the masculine vigor of the military.

Ouyang Ming felt a deep sense of despair, old master, what kind of job have you arranged for me, is it a blessing or a curse...

Ouyang Ming was taken aback and quickly said: "I am a helper under the old foreman, assisting him with various tasks."

Ouyang Ming's eyes suddenly widened, and he cautiously stood up straight, silently watching, not daring to make even the slightest sound

Zhang Yinfan said coldly, "Have you thought it through? If you listen to me, I will not only secure you a position as a regular soldier, but I will also reward you with one hundred taels of silver. If you do not listen..." His voice gradually became softer and thinner, and the temperature in the entire room seemed to drop a little.

Ouyang Mingwei followed behind Zhang Yinfan, along with Zhang Hanyu, in a submissive manner

Observing Ouyang Ming muttering to himself, Zhang Yinfan's expression turned cold as he said icily: "You serve as a messenger under the old craftsman, but you are still under my jurisdiction. Hehe, if you do not obey orders, you should understand what the consequences will be, right?"

Upon arriving at the rear camp, General Ouyang Ming handed over his sword to the accountant. Just as he was about to speak, he heard the official in charge of the accounts laugh and say, "You brat have finally arrived. Lord Zhang has given instructions, so hurry up and go in."

Ouyang Ming is not very old, yet he is not one of those naive and ignorant individuals. Over a decade of a lonely and苦苦生活 has already taught him a great deal

The old man cast a disdainful glance at him and ignored him thereafter. He reached into the corner and took out a broken knife. It was a military sword, but it had been broken at the hilt and was no longer usable

Zhang Yinfan's expression finally softened. He pulled Ouyang Ming up and personally brushed the dust off his clothes, saying: "Good, I truly appreciate a young man like you. Remember your promise, come with me."

Zhang Yinfan respectfully said: "In response to your Excellency, I have already brought Ouyang Ming here." He pointed to Ouyang Ming and said: "Your Excellency, I have informed Ouyang Ming of this matter. However, he is aware of his limited fortune and does not dare to accept it. Therefore, he wishes to give this opportunity to a friend."

Zhang Yinfan felt a chill in his heart and quickly said: "My lord, you and my elder brother serve in the same court as ministers. My elder brother often speaks of you, praising your impartiality and keen insight, encouraging me to learn more from you"

Not far from the training ground, at the outermost edge of a row of houses, a half-grown boy watched intently as the thousand soldiers practiced their drills with ease, his eyes shimmering with envy

The techniques employed by the elder are military secrets, derived from the weapon forging methods granted by the imperial dynasty, which are fundamentally beyond the reach of ordinary individuals

"Transfer to a friend?" The corner of the old man's mouth curled slightly, looking at Zhang Yinfan with a semblance of a smile, yet there was no trace of amusement in his eyes

All along, this handsome young man has always appeared calm and unperturbed, until this moment, when he finally revealed a look of tension.

Ouyang Ming skillfully dodged the kick and exclaimed, "Yes, yes, yes, as you command." He took the repaired military knife and swiftly ran away.

A trace of smugness flashed across the old man's face as he suddenly asked, "So, do you want to learn?"

Oh dear, old man, please be gentle, it hurts...

Along the way, he stole glances at her, whose face was filled with excitement, and her eyes were brimming with an unmistakable joy that could not be concealed

Ouyang Ming hurriedly cursed and swore, saying: "I am indeed a mere helper; if you do not believe me, feel free to inquire. If I have deceived you, I am willing to die by a thousand cuts."

Behind him, the old man shook his head and sighed, "This lazy disposition, I wonder if it can be changed in the future. Alas, I hope he has this opportunity on his journey ahead"

He was filled with trepidation, fell to the ground, and immediately exclaimed: "This humble servant obeys, willing to heed your commands, my lord!"

Ouyang Ming stepped forward with a swift motion, picked up the general's sword, and examined it carefully for a while. He clicked his tongue and said, "Old master, you are truly remarkable! This craftsmanship is indeed seamless. Hehe, in this military camp, you are undoubtedly the best!" He gave a thumbs up and shook it vigorously a few times.

The old man chuckled with a sense of pride and said, "By the way, take this knife to Zhang Yinfan; he has something to discuss with you."

Ouyang Ming furrowed his brows and said, "I definitely won't go! That miser, he must have no good intentions in seeking me!"

An elderly man with graying hair grabbed the young boy by the neck and directly lifted him up, turning several corners before entering a dwelling

Drink! Ha! Kill!

Ouyang Ming felt both astonished and delighted; in his eyes, this silver figure had already become an unattainable personage. Yet today, this individual was so amiable, which only heightened his unease and anxiety

This is my nephew Zhang Hanyu. "Zhang Yinfan said coldly: "Wait a moment, I will take you to meet a few officials. You will refuse that position in front of them and recommend Hanyu to take over. Do you understand?"

Zhang Yinfan wore a harmonious smile on his face and said, "Ouyang Ming, it must have been hard for you to follow the old craftsman. Hehe, I wonder if you would be willing to come to my grain camp?" He spoke gently, "If you are willing to come, I will guarantee you a formal soldier's position."

"Oh, is it just a helper?" Zhang Yinfan's gaze was piercing, seemingly filled with disbelief

The elderly man in splendid attire smiled and said: "I am Hu Yicheng from the Inspectorate, what is your name?"

The elderly man in splendid attire was taken aback. After a moment of hesitation, he finally let out a light sigh and said: "I have come at the behest of the court, fulfilling my duties. As long as everything is in accordance with the rules, I will act according to the regulations."

Observing his expression, Zhang Yinfan nodded in satisfaction and said, "The old craftsman has arranged a job for you, but in my opinion, this job is not suitable for you." He gently clapped his hands, and a handsome young man, roughly the same age as Ouyang Ming, walked out from the inner room

Ouyang Ming stood up and said cautiously, "My lord, what are your instructions?"

Because he simply could not understand how a prominent figure like Zhang Yinfan would seek out a nameless nobody like him

Zhang Yinfan finally softened his expression and smiled: "I see now." After pondering for a moment, he said: "Ouyang Ming, I would like to discuss a matter with you. Would you be willing?"

Ouyang Ming's expression was unpredictable, and he naturally detected the strong undertone of threat in that statement

In the inner hall, there sat an elderly man in splendid attire, leisurely at ease. Upon seeing Zhang Yinfan, he stood up and laughed heartily, saying: "Lord Zhang, you have brought the person here, haven't you?"

Ouyang Ming grimaced in pain while rubbing the sore spot on his neck and said, "Old man, I have already grown up!"

The young man shivered and quickly said, "Old man, it is my fault, please do not!"

Zhang Yinfan nodded and said: "You are Ouyang Ming, please take a seat." He even personally poured a cup of tea for Ouyang Ming.