Chapter 28: Capable of Purifying the Soul

“The hundred retainers are helping make the earthen grenades. I’m not leaving.”

Powdered black powder has many shortcomings in battle: it is difficult to transport, burns unevenly, and is easily damaged by dampness.

Granulated black powder is twice as powerful as powdered black powder.

It is said that Qi Jiguang, the great hero who fought the Japanese pirates, was the first to use granulated black powder in actual combat.

Tonight, the Japanese pirates on Fu Island and the pirates from Futou Village would probably attack Zhang Village.

Zhang Chen and Qi Guoshu had rallied the people of Zhang Village. The entire village was in motion.

Zhang Da’an was leading the men of the newly formed artillery company in learning how to fire homemade grenades on the main grounds of the village school.

The powder-maker Bao Wulin was leading several hundred people in producing an improved black powder that was half again as powerful as ordinary black powder.

Several hundred women of Zhang Village were following Zhang Chen’s instructions and turning powdered black powder into granulated powder.

Dozens of craftsmen were directing several hundred villagers in making earthen grenades.

They packed granulated black powder, iron nails, and small pieces of iron into the little porcelain jars brought by the Qingzhou Trading House and purchased by Zhang Chen.

Then they inserted a length of fuse into each jar, covered the mouth with cloth, and sealed it. Thus, an earthen grenade was complete.

The process was exceedingly simple, and most of Zhang Village’s elderly, infirm, and otherwise incapacitated villagers could make them.

The hundred retainers Tian Yachun had brought were helping with the grenades. Zhang Chen smiled. “We have enough people. Take those hundred retainers back to the county seat.”

“I’m not leaving. If I die with you at the hands of pirates or Japanese raiders, then you won’t be angry with me anymore.” Tian Yachun caught hold of Zhang Chen’s hand. “I did wrong before, my husband. I’ll change. I won’t do it again. Tell me, what must I do for you to forgive me?”

“This… well, you didn’t really do anything wrong. How should I put it?” Zhang Chen saw Tian Yayi approaching in the distance with his personal maid. He gently pinched Tian Yachun’s fingers. “Little Tian, let me put it this way. Xia Hua relies on me and loves me. In her, I feel the affection of family and the warmth of home. That is why I disregarded everything and took Xia Hua as my concubine.”

“After they learned that I was a live-in son-in-law, even the respected village elder Shi Keren had a trace of disdain and contempt in his eyes. But when Miss Xu saw me, her gaze was utterly pure. Her eyes were like a clear spring, transparent to the depths, capable of cleansing the soul.”

Zhang Chen smiled.

“The eyes are the windows of the soul. Miss Xu is a pure woman, untouched by the corruption of the mortal world. Her heart is as good as gold. That is why I shamelessly pursued her.”

“Little Tian, after the Tian family drove you to Zhang Village, all I felt for you was hatred and contempt. Now I feel nothing in particular. Though an ordinary, tranquil life may be the truest kind, life must still have passion. Do you understand what I mean?” Zhang Chen pulled his hand free from Tian Yachun’s grasp.

“Xu Zihan’s eyes are like a clear spring, transparent to the depths, capable of cleansing the soul.” Tian Guilan, Tian Yayi’s personal maid, secretly glanced at Zhang Chen. He was so handsome, and so gifted with words. The way he praised people was beautiful!

“I was too self-important before, always thinking the mountain beyond the next one was higher. My husband, I’ll change. I won’t do it again. Please forgive me.”

Tian Yachun cursed Zhang Chen viciously in her heart. Xu Zihan’s skin was better than hers, and she was fairer, too. That bastard Zhang Chen simply looked down on her, which was why he felt nothing for her.

“I used to travel frequently to Dengzhou and Jinan to inspect the accounts of the family’s dozen or so shops. That is why my face became so dark. My skin will look better next year. Husband, please don’t be angry with me anymore.”