Chapter Fifteen: Thunderclap Bomb

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With nothing better to do, Xiao Zhi began recounting to the two young ladies the sights and stories from his past life.
“Is it really true that there are iron birds that carry people through the sky? I don’t believe it,” Jiang Zhu shook her delicate head.
Xiao Zhi described many differences between the two worlds. “In that world, everyone can read, no one is of low status, and everyone can afford meat. Though, I can’t say much about the quality of the meat or what goes into the ingredients...”
“There’s a shop where the noodles have no noodles, a school where the duck necks are Mickey...”
The two young ladies clearly found it hard to believe and didn’t understand much, yet they listened earnestly, gazing at Xiao Zhi with fascination.
“All I tell you is true—I’m a traveler from another time.”
This wasn’t the first time Xiao Zhi had claimed to be a time traveler, but no one believed him.
People can only imagine what they have seen.
Night had deepened, yet the Ministry of War’s residence remained brightly lit.
The steward held a carrier pigeon while Song Qi took the message from its leg. He quickly scanned the letter and furrowed his brow.
“The more I read, the less I understand.”
“The one about Xiao Zhi?” Sitting nearby was a young man, Song Lian, Song Qi’s kin.
“Exactly, this Xiao Zhi.”
Song Qi handed over the letter.
“This is the first batch today, the second will arrive the day after tomorrow. Brother, the ‘leek’ Xiao Zhi mentioned is plainly our silver.”
The letter detailed everything Xiao Zhi had done and said that day, clearer than even Xiao Zhi’s own notes.
“Could there be a problem with the salt monopoly law?” Song Qi paced back and forth, racking his brains but finding no fault.
Song Lian thought for a moment. “Our noble families competed for the salt monopoly rights. Why must we wait until after the new year to sell salt? Could something go wrong in those intervening six months?”
Song Qi replied, “That’s impossible. The court needs time to organize the salt-related offices, and we need time to establish our salt routes.”
Song Lian sneered, “This Xiao Zhi is so greedy. Boldly taking bribes in the Imperial City’s office—I don’t think he’ll live long. We might not even need to act.”
“I’m not so sure,” Song Qi said. “He acts so openly. Doesn’t the emperor know he’s corrupt? But the emperor currently needs him. He’s the most useful man in the emperor’s service. At today’s court session, he was assigned to negotiate with the Northern Barbarians. I’m curious to see how he handles it.”
“Oh? That does sound interesting.”
Song Qi paced to the window, gazing at the bright moon and stars. “Maybe he knows something. Maybe those words he said were meant for me to hear.”
“Words meant for you? A time traveler?” Song Lian chuckled.

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“From another world, ha...” Song Qi laughed, “He must be getting suspicious.”
“You worry too much, brother.”
Song Qi spoke slowly, “We’ve heard nothing about the tribute to the Northern Barbarians, and the Song family’s business just acquired a huge stock of raw silk. If the Great Chu doesn’t pay tribute, who knows how much the silk price will fall.”
The annual tribute the Great Chu pays the Northern Barbarians mainly consists of cloth, followed by copper and iron.
Every year’s tribute is a big business, and the Song family profits handsomely from it.
Song Lian stood beside Song Qi, both looking toward the moon.
“The letter also said that during his night watch, Xiao Zhi had Mu Weihu send something into the palace, claiming it was a reply to the emperor’s decree. Could this item be related to the Northern Barbarians?”
Song Qi shook his head. “This man was previously unknown and not particularly clever. Suddenly, in these past few days, he seems like a different person. I’m certain he carries some secret.”
“What could this secret be?” Song Lian’s interest was piqued.
Song Qi said, “I have a feeling Xiao Zhi’s secret will shock us all.”
As they spoke, the sky suddenly flashed, like a streak of lightning. Before they could react, a thunderous boom echoed, shaking the entire world.
“What happened? That direction...”
Song Qi and Song Lian exchanged glances, sharing the same conclusion—the palace.
An anomaly had occurred within the palace, and half the city heard the roar.
Xiao Zhi was already lying down; upon hearing the rumble, a faint smile curved his lips before he closed his eyes, falling into a deep, peaceful sleep that night.
Inside the palace.
Qin Yong sat on the floor, his hairpin fallen.
He stared blankly at the cracked wall.
Because the black powder had been placed incorrectly, the palace wall only cracked slightly. Even so, to an inexperienced emperor, it was like a miracle.
Eunuch Hu nearly soiled himself, nervously trying to support Qin Yong.
“Don’t touch me,” Qin Yong pushed him away.
His pale face gradually flushed red, and a magnificent aura of royal authority began to rise.
“Ha... hahahaha...”
Qin Yong threw back his head and laughed wildly, tears nearly streaming from his eyes.

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He slowly stood, clenching his fists toward the sky.
“For one hundred ninety-two years, the Great Chu has passed through nine emperors. Forty years ago, in the battle south of the desert, Great Chu suffered a crushing defeat and was forced to sign a treaty, paying annual tribute to the Northern Barbarians. This is the greatest humiliation for Great Chu. Forty long years have passed until today. Though our nation is weak, our horses frail, and our court plagued by treason, with Xiao Zhi’s tribute, Great Chu no longer fears the Northern Barbarian cavalry. Great Chu shall rise again, and I shall be the sovereign who leads this revival.”
“Ah Bao,” Qin Yong looked back, tears streaming down his face.
“I am here, Your Majesty. Please take care of your health,” Eunuch Hu hurried forward to support him.
“Draft the decree!”
Startled, Eunuch Hu quickly prepared ink for Qin Yong.
Qin Yong lifted his brush, but after a long moment, no words appeared on the imperial decree—only ink droplets dripped continuously.
“What reward should I grant him...”
Xiao Zhi was only a sixth-rank official, so naturally eligible for promotion or monetary reward, yet Qin Yong hesitated.
With Huai Zhong’s death, Xiao Zhi had just been promoted to sixth-rank commanding officer two days prior.
He led the Imperial City Office and had arrested a corrupt official that very day. Crucially, the Imperial City Office transformed from a nearly defunct bureau into the emperor’s sharpest weapon.
This was Xiao Zhi’s achievement—he deserved a title.
His gift of the Thunderclap Bomb allowed Great Chu to face the Northern Barbarians without weakness, ending the need to pay tribute.
This was a monumental achievement, worthy of the highest praise.
Yet Qin Yong dared not reward him lightly, for soon Xiao Zhi would reach the highest rank possible, threatening imperial power.
Xiao Zhi was still sixth-rank and had led the Imperial City Office for only a few days.
But his brilliance was too glaring, forcing the emperor to think deeply.
Isn’t it laughable for an emperor to fear a sixth-rank officer? Not at all.
At this moment, the emperor also pondered—if Xiao Zhi had military command and weapons like the Thunderclap Bomb, and he wished to become emperor...
Perhaps Xiao Zhi possessed weapons even more formidable than the Thunderclap Bomb. Who could know if he was hiding his true strength?
Throughout history, emperors have rarely cared about the welfare of their people as much as about maintaining their dynasty and preventing rebels from overthrowing them.
“This sword called Xiao Zhi is fast and effective. But with time, will I still be able to wield it?”