Chapter 006: Testing the Blade

In the eyes of the common folk in this county, he is undoubtedly a significant authority, but in terms of official rank, he is merely a seventh-rank official. In contrast, the person before him, a Grand Scholar of the Wuying Hall with a fifth-rank title, is on a mission of inspection. For a minor official like himself, should any issues be discovered, there would be no need for further reporting before execution.

Shi Hong took it carefully, examining it with great caution. He delicately felt the texture of the blade's edge with his fingers, then tapped it a few times with his fingertip, his expression growing increasingly troubled.

Sir Chen

Shi Hong easily broke free from the crowd and strode into the room—he didn't even need to ask, as the sound of hammering was coming from that very room

Shi Hong merely said lightly: "Let's go"

In addition to the county magistrate Chen Zhi'an, there were also the county deputy, the chief clerk, and the record keeper present. Upon seeing Chen Zhi'an rise, they quickly stood up together and all raised their wine cups.

Shi Hong, his father Shi Hong, Zhou the blacksmith, and Zhang the scholar traveled together in silence to the county town

Soon, a small mountain of animal hides piled up in front of Scholar Zhang. The villagers stared at each other in astonishment, and Scholar Zhang let out a long sigh: "Alright"

Chen Zhi'an wished he could kick this subordinate away: "You fool! Didn't you see Lord Fu is giving a lecture? What is the matter..."

He took a strip of cloth, carefully wrapped his knife, and strapped it to his back. Shi Hong opened the door, exhaled a breath of stale air, and strode towards the village

The villagers were taken aback. Scholar Zhang was momentarily stunned, then hurried to catch up with Blacksmith Zhou

... ...

Chen Zhi'an was feeling anxious, as the following passage was likely to concern his life and fortune. Just at that moment, a deep drumbeat sounded: "Dong dong dong..." Chen Zhi'an was furious: "Who is beating the drum!"

Shi Hong's father waved his hand and said, "Let's go, stop being so fussy."

When Shi Hong and others entered, the banquet had long been cleared away, leaving only the county officials. The dignitary at the head table and his attendants had already retreated behind the screen

Zhou the blacksmith did not walk far; he turned back to look at Shi Hong, his nostrils flaring: "That kid said the things I forged are mere trinkets, which shows he has real skills. You should go find him instead of bothering me, a useless one who can only forge trinkets"

Scholar Zhang straightened his back and said: You have underestimated my son-in-law

Upon leaving the house, I encountered my daughter, Zhang Ying'er, squatting in the yard, playing with ants

Regardless, Ah Hong is a great benefactor to everyone, which is absolutely not the same as hiring Zhou the blacksmith with money

Shi Hong thus learned in a noisy uproar that his lifelong commitment had been decided

Ah Hong, please don't...

... ...

"Ah Hong, you have arrived," Zhang Xiucai broke the awkwardness. After all, he was also Shi Hong's prospective father-in-law. Since he regarded Shi Hong as family, there was naturally no need for so many formalities.

Shi Hong was taken aback: "In-laws? Father, you married my sister off? That can't be right, the Zhang family has no sons." Shi Hong suddenly realized: "No way?!"

As for its power, the ring-headed sword he is currently forging is already capable of leaving a three-finger deep mark on an anvil—of course, the ring-headed sword also broke.

There is no need to mention Shi Hong's father, a simple and honest countryman, kneeling there with his head bowed, unable to utter a single word.

Scholar Zhang felt helpless; he himself thought that the request from Blacksmith Zhou was somewhat excessive. After some contemplation, Scholar Zhang decided that it was better to acquiesce.

Chen Zhi'an pondered that the person behind him wanted to observe, so he naturally had to present himself as benevolent and approachable. He chuckled and said, "Zhang Quanan, there is no need for excessive formalities; please rise and speak. If you have any disputes, please elaborate to this official."

Shi Hong let out a sigh, glanced at the dull gray ring-headed knife in his hand, and shook his head in resignation

Scholar Zhang sighed deeply and, stroking her head, said, "Ying'er, your father has risked all his savings for your happiness in this life"

Zhou the blacksmith tossed something aside with a clang and turned to leave

Zhang Xiucai was also taken aback; he did not rush forward, entirely due to the demeanor and status of a scholar.

Zhou the blacksmith curled his lip in disdain: "Country bumpkin." One person took the lead, striding proudly towards the county office.

Zhang Xiucai was taken aback, recalling his son-in-law

Shi Hong stepped forward and shook the ring-headed knife in his hand, saying, "This knife looks good but is useless; if it isn't a decorative item, what is it?"

Chen Zhi'an sat down, his hands resting on his knees, exuding an air of authority.

Shi Hong smiled and pinched his sister's nose, saying, "You, with such a small heart, which unfortunate fellow in the future would dare to marry you? Hahaha!" He laughed heartily and left, leaving Shi Shan behind, fuming and stamping her feet.

A series of tinkling sounds came from one side, but just now everyone's attention was focused on the blacksmith Zhou. It was only now that they noticed there was another sound of forging.

Scholar Zhang hurriedly lowered his voice and apologized: "Master Zhou, he is just a child and does not understand, please do not take it to heart. Oh, the second precious sword is ready so soon, that is wonderful, truly wonderful. Master Zhou is indeed the best blacksmith in our county..."

Chen Zhi'an is most aware of the matters concerning his own territory. Although he is not greedy, he cannot refuse the annual offerings and attentions from the local gentry, which have amounted to a considerable sum over the years. If this were during the time of the founding emperor, even three hundred taels would have implicated three generations. Although times have changed since the founding era, a sum of ten thousand taels would still certainly be a capital offense

His father was taken aback, and upon turning to see the steadiness and determination in Shi Hong's eyes, he suddenly recalled that for the past three years, his son had shouldered all the work in the fields alone, recently led everyone to the mountains for hunting, and thought of ways to help the village escape conscription. One by one, as these memories flooded back, his father suddenly understood: his son had grown up

With his words, coupled with the authority that Shi Hong has established in everyone's hearts over the past few days, a sense of unease began to spread among the crowd. Could it be that what Shi Hong said is true?

Everyone looked at Scholar Zhang, who, in a fit of urgency, slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Ah Hong, stop talking! You all know who Liu Yuanwai is, right? Can anyone introduced by Liu Yuanwai be wrong!"

You little bastard!" Zhou the blacksmith shouted angrily, turning to Zhang the scholar. "Where did this little brat come from, daring to speak to me like this? I learned to forge at the age of eight, and he probably wasn't even born yet! How dare he say that my work is inferior? Hmph! Fine, fine! If what I forge is inferior, then I won't do it anymore. You can find someone else to do it.

He suddenly blocked Shi Hong's way and said, "Ah Hong, listen to me, Confucius said..." Shi Hong, anxious, grabbed his arm, not realizing his strength was a bit too much. Before Zhang Xiucai could finish saying "Zi," a scream akin to that of a slaughtered pig followed.

Shi Hong was furious: "You are truly despicable. Clearly, the items you produced are substandard, yet you still attempt to deceive us. Do you realize that this affects the military service of the entire village? If you submit these items, it will cause delays, and half of the villagers will have to serve in the military. Who knows, we might even face penalties because of your worthless junk!"

At Shi Hong's feet lay a pile of blackened, broken ring-headed knives, each severed in two.

The villagers certainly know the wealthy Liu Yuanwai from the county, and since he was introduced by Liu Yuanwai, it must be reliable

Well, just thinking about it feels exhilarating

What he is most concerned about now is still that Zhou Blacksmith, that fraudster

At the village entrance, several small dishes were laid out on the large grinding stone, and the blacksmith Zhou was eating with grease all over his mouth, while Scholar Zhang carefully accompanied him. The villagers stood not far away, their expressions complex. Undoubtedly, everyone hoped that Shi Hong was right, but they were also very rational; Liu Yuanwai was a prominent figure in the county and would never introduce a fraud. This time, Shi Hong was likely to lose for sure. Undoubtedly, everyone hoped that Shi Hong was right, but they were also very rational; Liu Yuanwai was a prominent figure in the county and would never introduce a fraud. This time, Shi Hong was likely to lose for sure

Shi Hong was overjoyed, as his sword was always finished in a dull gray. This was also the aspect he found most challenging in meeting the requirements set forth on the jade tablet of the Great Dao Divine Monarch.

Bang!

At this moment, in Shi Hong's home, the first brave person to stand up against this arranged marriage was not Shi Hong himself, but his sister, Shi Shan

She hardened her heart and turned her face away, refusing to acknowledge him

Shi Hong quickly let go: "I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Brother Zhang, this person is a fraud. This knife is nothing but a fake. Please let me in; he might just run away..."

"What are you doing?" Shi Hong was taken aback. The sudden actions of everyone left him somewhat perplexed

Shi Hong stared at the knife, eagerly saying, "Brother Zhang, let me take a look." Zhang Xiucai glanced at everyone; almost all of them subtly shook their heads, fearing that Shi Hong would take the knife and make some inappropriate move. After all, such matters are uncomfortable for anyone involved.

This official in ... ...

Over there, Scholar Zhang was pulled to the ground by Shi Hong's father: "Oh no..."

The few hunters who hunted the wild boar king with Shi Hong stood up one by one, saying: "There’s me, there’s me..."

The dispute in this instance ultimately subsided for the time being under the persuasion of the crowd. However, Zhou the blacksmith insisted that Shi Hong must bow and apologize; otherwise, he would not agree to remain in the village.

Shi Hong has indeed heard that Scholar Zhang's wife is snobbish and mean-spirited, and it is possible that she may regret this marriage at any time

Shihong's father squatted on the threshold, smoking a dry pipe, making a popping sound. Shihong walked over and took a deep breath: "Father, do you believe me?"

"Master Zhou, Master Zhou, please do not be angry. It has been said that he is just a child; do not hold it against him..."

A minor official hurriedly ran out, and moments later, the drum ceased. Chen Zhi'an let out a sigh of relief and smiled as he looked at the esteemed official above: "My lord, please continue."

Scholar Zhang was in a difficult position, as a few people were arranged to accompany Blacksmith Zhou, enjoying fine wine and delicacies. Meanwhile, he dragged himself to the Shi family, nursing the pain in one side of his rear end from being thrown by Shi Hong's father.

Shi Hong's mother did not go along. Last night, she stayed up late to make several pancakes, carefully packed them in a cloth bag, and tucked it into her son's embrace, gently reminding him: "Don't go hungry on the road"

Shi Hong was taken aback, recalling what Scholar Zhang had mentioned to him earlier about going outside to invite a blacksmith back. He happened to have a few questions he wanted to consult a "master" about, and upon hearing that the person had already arrived, he was instantly filled with excitement. He grabbed Shi Shan's hand and said, "Let's go, quickly take me to see him"

That little wretch Zhang Ying'er? She wants to be my sister-in-law? No way!

Scholar Zhang was taken aback: "Impossible! hetushu.com. Master Zhou was introduced by Liu Yuanwai, who is a prominent figure in our county. He would never..."

Upon returning home, Scholar Zhang, with a furrowed brow, opened his money cabinet, took out a silver ingot, held it in his hand, and went to find Blacksmith Zhou

Brother!" Shi Shan angrily shook off his hand: "Why are you so spineless? You still want to see him. Hmph, if it were me, I wouldn't give them this iron mine at all.

Chen Zhi'an anxiously gazed at the person on the podium, who appeared calm and indifferent, showing no intention of raising a glass.

Uncle Zhang finished speaking and strode back.

Upon witnessing those brutes fall, Scholar Zhang immediately felt that the words of the sage were indeed correct: in all matters, one must be guided by emotions and reason, and one should not act recklessly

The crowd was once again in a flurry, and now Zhou the blacksmith had become the savior of the village. Even if he were to touch the backside of any woman in the village, apart from her husband, no one else would condemn him.

Upon seeing Shi Hong arrive, Zhou the blacksmith put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth, and with a sidelong glance, let out a few cold laughs. He deliberately spoke loudly, saying: "Hehe! Well, if someone is willing to give me money, I certainly won't refuse. However, the time wasted is yours, and it has nothing to do with me." Even at this moment, he did not forget to incite discord between Shi Hong and the villagers.

Not to mention that everyone is scraping together money to hire him, just the fact that he wastes time means that when the work is finally produced, it will be substandard, and the villagers will still have to serve in the military

Zhang Xiucai also found it difficult to speak, but when it concerns the lives of the entire village, he could not remain silent. However, when Shi Hong's father heard about the proposal to bow and apologize, he exploded on the spot, smashing the coarse porcelain bowl filled with clear water on the ground. He stood up and shouted: "Bow and apologize? In-law, I am a rough man, but I also know that a man's knees are worth gold. Men kneel to heaven and earth, to their lords, to their teachers, and to their ancestors. What kind of scoundrel is that Zhou? Even if he said a few unpleasant words, an apology would suffice. Why should my child kneel to him? No way!"

This... this Lord Fu, hehe, do you perhaps find our humble village's rough wine distasteful compared to the fine brews of the capital? Hehe..." Sweat had already begun to bead on Chen Zhi'an's forehead

Shi Shan shouted sharply and, after entering, grabbed his arm, saying angrily: "What are you putting in this effort for? They have already invited an expert, so we are no longer needed."

Scholar Zhang hurriedly stopped the furious father of Shi Hong from erupting, saying: "In-laws, in-laws, if he passes, we will still need to rely on him in the future, so please calm down"

He went inside to take a look, and Shi Hong was wholeheartedly hammering a piece of red-hot iron on the anvil. Compared to before, he had become much more skilled. Sparks flew from the iron block, which quickly transformed into an elongated shape

Upon seeing this, his father quickly dropped the stick to help Scholar Zhang: "In-law, in-law, I did not mean it, are you alright?"

Everyone knows that Shi Hong is still in contact regarding iron smelting, but no one says much about it. After all, if it weren't for Shi Hong discovering this iron mine, even if someone had thought of this method, the village would not be able to afford the cost of purchasing iron ore.

"Ying'er, come here." He waved his hand to call his daughter over. Zhang Ying'er, holding a branch in one hand, looked up with her sweet and crisp voice and called out, "Father."

Father, Father, please listen to me. Do you still not believe what I say? Please remain calm, calm...

"Who dares to say that what I, Old Zhou, forge is inferior!" A furious roar echoed from www.hetushucom.com as Blacksmith Zhou emerged, wielding a second gleaming ring-headed saber, glaring angrily at Shi Hong

Shi Hong's father nodded slightly: "I know, at most I will go serve in the military." He suddenly puffed out his chest: "But I believe in my son Ah Hong, that Zhou the blacksmith must have a problem. I am not talking about you, my in-law; you must have been deceived as well."

The gentleman at the head table did not raise his cup, coughed lightly, and lifted his eyelids to glance at Chen Zhi'an, causing the county magistrate's heart to tighten.

Chen Zhi'an shuddered, not daring to oppose: "This official obeys your command." He waved his hand: "Bring those people in."

Chen Zhi'an tremulously raised a glass of wine: "Lord Fu, in just three short years, you have risen to prominence, and your future prospects are boundless. I toast to you with this cup."

Brother

Shi Hongxing rushed over, and the villagers felt somewhat awkward upon seeing him. Although everyone was striving to survive, they couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt towards Ah Hong.

Ah Hong, it is all our fault; please do not act recklessly

This action startled everyone present: just imagine, a person wielding a sharp blade, asking where another individual, with whom he has a "grudge," is. It is not surprising that the villagers misunderstood the situation.

Zhou the blacksmith's knife is certainly substandard. The ring-headed knife that Shi Hong currently holds is the best he has been able to forge so far, capable of leaving four-finger-deep marks on the anvil. However, it still falls far short of the requirements set by the Great Dao Deity. Shi Hong holds a glimmer of hope, after all, the Great Dao Deity is a celestial being, and perhaps the Deity's standards are simply higher.

Everyone was stunned for a while, and then Uncle Zhang suddenly stood up and smashed the bowl in his hand: "You all wait, I will go get my share too. If that surnamed Zhou thinks it's not enough, then mine counts as well! My life was saved by Ah Hong, and I, Lao Zhang, believe in him!"

"Sir Chen," the person at the top spoke, "since the common people have come, it is just right to see how Sir Chen handles this; it can also be considered part of the assessment of your achievements in governance."

Bang!

He extended both hands and handed over the knife: "Here, for you."

Everything was arranged, yet someone still heard: "What’s going on? Why is there still the sound of someone forging metal?"

Shi Shan pouted and cried out with a "Wow."

Despite Zhou the blacksmith's arrogance in the village, when he truly stands before the county magistrate, he immediately behaves as meekly as a kitten. After all, he is merely a blacksmith by trade and has not encountered much of the world. His recent boldness is only a result of the pressing circumstances; others are merely tolerating him because they rely on his skills.

Shi Hong appeared much more at ease, feeling far less pressure than his father perceived. After Chen Zhi'an finished speaking, Scholar Zhang expressed his gratitude and signaled for everyone to rise. While Zhou the blacksmith and Shi Hong's father looked somewhat bewildered, Shi Hong stood up calmly and confidently

Shi Hong shivered; if it were truly a matter of strength, his father would certainly not be his match. However, Shi Hong would definitely not dare to retaliate against his father. This stick left a deep impression on Shi Hong; there was one time when he was extremely angry with his mother, and his father used this stick to give him a severe beating. This can be considered one of Shi Hong's rare "painful memories".

The jade tablet left by the Great Dao Deity contains profound insights on how to discern the quality of weapons. Shi Hong judged based on the descriptions within it. However, the "masterpiece" in his hand, aside from its bright blade meeting the Great Dao Deity's requirements, falls short in terms of sharpness, toughness, and strength compared to the Deity's standards, even significantly lagging behind the dark, unpolished ring-handled knife he is currently refining.

The gentleman before us is famously known for his ironclad impartiality. In just half a month after leaving the capital, he has executed seven corrupt county magistrates, earning him the nickname "Fu the Executioner"

At the very least, I will discuss with the recruitment personnel in the county; for every qualified knife, we should donate ten, and we will donate twenty.

This was still Shi Hong's first visit to the county town, where a blood-red recruitment notice was posted at the city gate. Observing the bustling streets filled with people, Shi Hong was greatly intrigued, and the three-story restaurants lining the streets also captivated his attention.

Shi Hong's face changed instantly, and he quickly asked with a knife in hand: "Where is the blacksmith?"

Ah Hong! What are you doing? Quickly apologize to Master Zhou!" A furious shout came, as Shi Hong's father rushed over, wielding a stick in anger

... ...

Everyone did not respond, but shouted phrases like "Hold on tight" and "Don't let him do anything foolish," while several others rushed forward.

Scholar Zhang shook his head, this child is indeed a stubborn one

Shi Hong was indifferent; even if he were much smarter than before, he could not possibly have any objections to this marriage. The village has upheld this tradition for hundreds of years, and besides, Zhang Ying'er is only eight years old, so marrying her would have to wait a few more years. What is there to worry about regarding matters that are years away?

Shi Hong nodded, feeling a warmth in his heart

Several uncles who had watched Shi Hong grow up rushed forward and surrounded him in a tight embrace. A few strong laborers charged in to restrain his arm that was holding the knife

... ...

Shi Hong's father threw a large roll of animal hides over his shoulder. Scholar Zhang and the others were taken aback: "In-law, what are you doing?" His father looked at everyone: "These are my thirty hides. Take Zhou the blacksmith's knife to the county for appraisal. If there are truly no issues, then I, Old Shun, will admit my mistake, and these hides will be compensation for Zhou the blacksmith."

Stop him

Shi Hong's mother was so furious that her whole body trembled, and she slapped her daughter: "What nonsense are you talking! She is your sister-in-law. The Zhang family is willing to marry their daughter into our family, which shows they hold us in high regard. Regardless of whether you like it or not, from now on, when you see her, you must call her sister-in-law and behave like a proper younger sister-in-law!"

Just then, that little official, not knowing the proper etiquette, quickly ran back and promptly knelt down, saying: "Esteemed officials, there are several villagers outside who wish for us to assess whether the ring-headed knives they forged meet the standards of military swords."

Shi Hong said calmly, "Father, you need not worry; his skills will surely not pass the inspection." Shi Hong's father spat twice into his palm, rubbed his hands together, and clearly began to envision a scenario where after Zhou the blacksmith failed to pass the government's scrutiny, he would give him a thorough beating.

Shi Hong exerted all his strength, and his body shook violently. The villagers holding onto him felt as if they had been struck by a moving mountain, their chests tightening, and one by one, they groaned and fell to the ground

Shi Hong circled around Scholar Zhang, using him as a human shield. His father, filled with rage, swung his stick, but not only did he fail to hit Shi Hong, he nearly injured Scholar Zhang instead. Frustrated, he forcefully pulled Scholar Zhang aside and shouted, "Get out of the way!" He raised the stick, ready to strike at Shi Hong.

Scholar Zhang hurriedly pulled a few people down to kneel: "Next month, Zhang Quanan from the village will pay his respects to the great lord of heaven..."

Shi Hong did not need to search, as he was unwilling to enter the blacksmith Zhou's house. Upon stepping outside, he saw a crowd gathered around the exterior of Zhou's house, all gazing at a gleaming ring-headed knife.

Scholar Zhang was taken aback: "In-law, do you know what you are doing?"