Chapter 37

When Jiang Xingchen spoke, everyone was taken aback, their eyes instantly brightening.

Zhao Zixiang and his father felt as if they had wings, soaring from the bottom of a valley back up to the clouds.

The bearded man also visibly relaxed. If he had missed this opportunity, he wouldn't know when he could be promoted to a second-class marquis! Thinking of his earlier disappointment, he inwardly scolded himself: "Brat, if you had a better method, why didn't you bring it out earlier? You made me worry for nothing!"

The happiest, of course, were the seven army commanders. After all, this method of stitching wounds was crucial, directly affecting the recovery of soldiers and the enhancement of the army's combat effectiveness. Once on the battlefield, the gap between experienced veterans and new recruits was significant.

However, this time, they were much more cautious, especially Wu Tianfeng, who carefully asked, "Are you sure the army's doctors can learn this method?"

This question echoed the thoughts of everyone present. The seven army commanders, Zhao Zixiang and his father, the bearded man, and the nearly hundred doctors all stared intently at Jiang Xingchen, waiting for his answer.

"Of course!" Jiang Xingchen nodded, taking out a fine thread from his pocket and said, "This thread is specially made and can be absorbed by muscles. There's no need to remove it after stitching the wound!"

"What?" Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief. "A thread can be absorbed by the human body? That's ridiculous..."

In an instant, everyone's mood plummeted.

The bearded man's expression turned serious, and he said sternly, "This is no joke. If you're not sure, don't make false claims. The consequences will be severe!"

Hearing this, Jiang Xingchen glanced at the man, feeling a sudden liking for him. Although the man had a stern face, his words clearly showed a protective intent.

"I'm not joking. Whether it works or not, we'll know after a trial!" Jiang Xingchen bowed slightly to the man and then said loudly.

Tang Chuxue, sitting in the main seat, narrowed her eyes and asked, "Are you sure what you're saying is true?"

"Absolutely! We can demonstrate it immediately. The results will be clear in seven days!" Xia Zhanhong said decisively.

"Good!" Tang Chuxue exclaimed. "Let's give it a try. In a few days, the people from the Imperial Military Department will arrive to confirm the news. They can witness it together!"

Soon, several wounded soldiers were brought in, all with severe injuries that had not yet healed, only the bleeding had been stopped. They had been withdrawn from the front lines to recuperate. Their faces were pale, and they walked unsteadily.

Jiang Xingchen didn't say much, stepping forward and working without looking at the wounds. His hands moved deftly, quickly stitching the wounds and reapplying medicine and bandages. This time, he didn't leave the thread ends outside!

"The internal stitches use this special thread, while the external ones use ordinary animal sinew thread! In seven days, the animal sinew thread will be removed, and the catgut thread will have been absorbed by the muscles... By then, we can see how the soldiers are doing, which will prove what I just said!"

Jiang Xingchen bowed slightly to the people above and then stepped aside.

Although they found it hard to believe, seeing Jiang Xingchen's calm demeanor, everyone present began to waver, thinking, "Could it be that the thread really can be absorbed by muscles?"

The thought of this possibility made the seven army commanders' eyes flash with joy. If the key was in the thread, then the method would be foolproof, and the enemy couldn't replicate it.

Zhao Zixiang's eyes shone brightly, staring at Jiang Xingchen as if he saw a pile of glittering yellow crystals. If he could master this secret formula, the entire Imperial Military Department would become his customers. At this point, he absolutely believed Jiang Xingchen's words.

"Let's end it here for today. In seven days, we'll confirm the results!" Tang Chuxue waved her hand, and the seven army commanders stood up and walked out. The doctors also followed.

It was clear that they still couldn't be sure about the effectiveness of the catgut thread. But Jiang Xingchen smiled faintly, not minding.

"Brother Jiang!" Zhao Danqing walked up to Jiang Xingchen with a grin, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you interested in the catgut thread I made?" Jiang Xingchen asked with a smile. Seeing Zhao Danqing nod eagerly with a fawning smile, he suddenly changed the subject: "But I can't give it to you!"

"Why?" Zhao Danqing's smile froze, and he stammered, "You can't mass-produce this thing anyway. It would be better to work with the Zhao family. We can split it fifty-fifty, and you won't have to spend a single copper coin!"

"Do you think the army will entrust such technology to you?" Jiang Xingchen countered.

"That's right! The Military Department will definitely buy this technology and keep today's news confidential. They won't let it spread outside!" Zhao Zixiang walked over, sounding somewhat regretful.

"Is that so!" Zhao Danqing's face fell in disappointment.

But at that moment, Jiang Xingchen suddenly smiled and said, "However, if your Zhao family pharmaceuticals want a share, it's not impossible!"

"Oh? How so?" Zhao Danqing and Zhao Zixiang immediately perked up.

"You can set up a military workshop to produce this thread specifically for the army! I can request to continue working with the Zhao family, and I believe the Military Department won't disagree. After all, they would face the same issues with a large number of people involved, making a specialized workshop more secure."

"Haha, Brother Jiang, you're really a good guy..." Zhao Danqing patted Jiang Xingchen on the back, laughing heartily.

However, Jiang Xingchen's expression turned serious again, and his tone changed: "But..."

"Ah!" Zhao Danqing swayed, covering Jiang Xingchen's mouth, and said angrily, "Just tell me the final result, don't keep changing your mind. My heart can't take it!"

Jiang Xingchen turned his head, freeing himself from Zhao Danqing's hand, and chuckled, "I just want to tell you that if we set up this workshop, I want half of it!"

"No problem, no problem!" Zhao Danqing finally relaxed, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. Even Zhao Zixiang was exhausted by Jiang Xingchen's constant changes in tone.

Today, from the beginning when Tang Chuxue questioned him, to Jiang Xingchen presenting the unbelievable catgut thread, and then his constant changes in tone, the Zhao family had experienced several ups and downs.

But no matter what, the result was good, and they had also secured a huge benefit...

As the Zhao family left, the bearded man suddenly appeared and said, "Kid, follow me!" Then he turned and walked out of the hall.

Jiang Xingchen hesitated for a moment but followed the man out.

Following the man, they soon arrived at a large courtyard. The four large characters "Dingbei Marquis Mansion" on the gate made Jiang Xingchen stop in his tracks.

"He's actually the Dingbei Marquis!" Jiang Xingchen was truly surprised. He had always thought the man was part of the military.

"What's wrong, kid! Come in!" The Dingbei Marquis's eyes flashed with a smile, clearly pleased with Jiang Xingchen's reaction.

"Oh!" Jiang Xingchen nodded quickly and followed the Dingbei Marquis into the courtyard.

Without looking around, Jiang Xingchen slightly lowered his head and followed the Dingbei Marquis into a room.

Indicating for Jiang Xingchen to sit down, the Dingbei Marquis's expression turned serious, and he asked directly, "Kid, tell me the truth, can that special thread really be absorbed by muscles?"

Jiang Xingchen took a deep breath and said with great certainty, "Yes!"

The Dingbei Marquis's eyes remained fixed on Jiang Xingchen's, and after he gave a definite answer, a look of relief flashed across his face. He laughed, "Good! As long as your method works, I'll ensure you get a third-class baronetcy!"

"What?" Jiang Xingchen's eyes widened in surprise, as if he hadn't heard the Dingbei Marquis correctly. He was just a low-level noble, how could he suddenly get a baronetcy?

"You agreed to sell the secret formula, which can boost the prosperity of Hongyuan City. I can already promote you to a noble rank! If your method of stitching wounds can be widely adopted, it will be a great contribution to the empire, and you can be promoted two more levels!"

Seeing Jiang Xingchen's confusion, the Dingbei Marquis explained, "Emperor Qiankun has been encouraging the development of various industries in recent years. Your contribution can set a good example... The Emperor has personally ordered that your rewards will not be interfered with by the empire. I can directly promote you to a third-class baronetcy!"

Jiang Xingchen pursed his lips, swallowed, and asked doubtfully, "But I only helped the Zhao family pharmaceuticals this time!"

"Cough!" The Dingbei Marquis coughed, nearly choking on his own saliva: "This brat, he didn't take anything I said seriously."

"You helped the Zhao family pharmaceuticals secure the supply for the Seventh Army, but Zhao Zixiang didn't take credit for it. He directly stated that the credit belongs to you!"

"Is that so!" Jiang Xingchen finally understood, and a surge of joy welled up inside him. Even with his lips tightly pressed together, he couldn't hide the smile on his face.

Although he had always known that contributing to the empire and the great lords would lead to a promotion in noble rank, it was only now that he realized any useful and widely applicable method could be considered a contribution.

He had originally made long-term plans without expecting a sudden leap. But unexpectedly, such a huge opportunity had fallen into his lap. A baronetcy was just one step away from reclaiming his territory.

Seeing Jiang Xingchen trying to contain his joy, the Dingbei Marquis also smiled. After a while, when Jiang Xingchen had calmed down, he said, "However, your promotion will be made public!"

"Um! I understand!" Jiang Xingchen nodded and said, "Emperor Qiankun wants to use my example to inspire more people!"

"This kid is really smart!" The Dingbei Marquis liked Jiang Xingchen even more and continued, "So, I've decided to announce you and the few students from the Imperial Academy who have gained noble status at the preliminary selection of the New Year's dance performance in ten days!"

"This..." Jiang Xingchen frowned slightly, hesitating.

"Don't worry, we won't reveal the content of your contribution!" The Dingbei Marquis immediately saw what he was worried about.

"That's good!" Jiang Xingchen grinned and suddenly said, "Lord Marquis, I have one more request. Can you help me with it?"