Chapter 43

In the hall, the seven army commanders, the Duke of Dingbei, the Zhao family father and son, and nearly a hundred doctors watched the soldiers who were performing the single saber dance with fierce energy, each with different expressions.

With Tang Chuxue at the head, the army commanders were, of course, overjoyed. This secret sewing thread and the sewing technique would bring a significant improvement to the empire's army, allowing countless experienced veterans to be retained.

The Duke of Dingbei felt a great weight lifted from his heart. At his current level of cultivation, advancing further was as difficult as ascending to heaven. He never thought that he would find an alternative path, and his long-stagnant title would be promoted to a higher level. A second-rank marquis, one step further would be a first-rank marquis, and perhaps there was a real chance to join the ranks of the dukes in the future.

Therefore, the Duke of Dingbei's gaze towards Jiang Xingchen became even more affectionate, and at this moment, he truly regarded Jiang Xingchen as his junior.

As for the Zhao family father and son, they were even more ecstatic, with stars in their eyes. This was a big deal for the entire empire's army, and the Zhao family would rise to prominence. Not only in Hongyuan City, but even in the capital, they would be recognized.

Especially Zhao Zixiang, thinking of the fierce tigress at home turning into a gentle kitten, he felt a warmth in his heart. Gradually, his gaze began to wander, although his eyes were still on the soldiers, their figures had already disappeared from his pupils, and a silly smile appeared at the corners of his mouth.

"Father! You're drooling!" Zhao Danqing turned his head and suddenly said.

"Ah!" Zhao Zixiang was startled awake and hurriedly reached out to wipe the corner of his mouth. Finding nothing, he immediately glared and slapped Zhao Danqing on the back of the head.

The only ones who did not show joy were the hundred doctors sitting in the back row. Originally, they were still making fun of the idea a few days ago, thinking that a line that could be absorbed by muscles was something only a fool would believe!

But now, their eyes were filled with envy and jealousy for that young man: "Why not me? If I had thought of this method and made this line, I would at least be a baron..."

After a moment, the soldiers stopped, their faces still flushed with excitement. They originally thought their second half of life was over, but now they had a new lease on life, and the excitement in their hearts was hard to control. If it weren't for the presence of the army commanders, they would have bowed to thank Jiang Xingchen for his great kindness.

Tang Chuxue waved for the soldiers to step back, stood up with a smile, and said loudly, "Very good! Whether it's the method of suturing wounds or the thread that can be absorbed by muscles, the First Army will adopt it all! I'll trouble you to teach the doctors in the army over the next two days!"

With these words from Tang Chuxue, Wu Tianfeng, Chen Xuan, Wei Ning, and the other three army commanders all stood up, expressing their approval of Jiang Xingchen.

When they finished speaking, the Duke of Dingbei laughed and said with a hint of earnestness, "Jiang Xingchen, you'll need to spend more time over the next two days, treating more soldiers to make up for the time lost in the past few days!"

As these words were spoken, the faces of the seven army commanders showed a hint of discomfort. The Duke of Dingbei was expressing dissatisfaction, as seven days ago, they did not believe, and now they knew the consequences. They had been talking about improving the empire's army's combat effectiveness, but did they know how many injured soldiers had been delayed in those seven days?

A person standing behind the seven army commanders smiled and said to the Duke of Dingbei, "Your Excellency! You should have received the urgent letter from the Imperial Noble Administration. The matter has been confirmed today, and the urgent letter will take effect immediately!"

This person was sent by the military to verify the situation, and he was also trying to divert the conversation to ease the Duke of Dingbei's dissatisfaction. After all, Jiang Xingchen was a talent under his jurisdiction, and it was not pleasant for the military to suspect him after such a significant contribution.

Seeing that the military representative had spoken, the Duke of Dingbei decided to let it go, expressing dissatisfaction was fine, but going too far would not be good.

At this moment, Tang Chuxue suddenly walked up to Jiang Xingchen and said quietly, "Your method is excellent, but the thread that can be absorbed by muscles is truly incredible. As army commanders, we are also responsible for the soldiers, and I hope you can understand!"

Jiang Xingchen, the Duke of Dingbei, the Zhao family father and son, and the other army commanders were all taken aback. Tang Chuxue, with her prestigious status, actually explained herself, which was a form of indirect apology.

Previously, Jiang Xingchen had never directly faced this legendary First Army Commander, but now, looking at her face-to-face, he was momentarily dazzled by her beauty. In his perception, Tang Chuxue was even more beautiful than Wan Rou.

Quickly lowering his eyes to avoid her gaze, Jiang Xingchen said softly, "I understand. This method is indeed a matter of life and death for thousands of soldiers, and the army commander's actions are not inappropriate!"

Hearing Jiang Xingchen's words, Tang Chuxue couldn't help but smile, and a hint of approval flashed in her eyes.

"However!" Just as Tang Chuxue smiled, Jiang Xingchen's tone suddenly changed, making her heart skip a beat.

"I hope that the production of this secret thread will be handled by the Zhao family's pharmaceutical company!"

"The kid actually dares to bargain!" The faces of the military representatives changed, and Tang Chuxue felt a vein throb on her forehead, her previous satisfaction instantly vanishing.

But then, Jiang Xingchen's words made them discard their rising dissatisfaction and think carefully.

Jiang Xingchen was right; if the military produced it themselves, they would also need to make many preparations, and with many people involved, it would be more complicated. It would be better for the Zhao family's pharmaceutical company to establish a dedicated workshop for the army, located in a secret place, and protected by the military.

From the moment Jiang Xingchen made his request, Zhao Zixiang and Zhao Danqing clenched their fists and held their breath in tension.

After nearly half a month of careful consideration by the army commanders and the military representative, they finally agreed to Jiang Xingchen's proposal.

The moment Tang Chuxue nodded, the Zhao family father and son breathed a sigh of relief and clenched their fists in their hearts.

The Duke of Dingbei also breathed a sigh of relief, as he had been worried that Jiang Xingchen might anger Tang Chuxue.

Only Jiang Xingchen remained calm throughout, showing no signs of worry. He believed the military would make the right choice, and this proposal was not only for himself and the Zhao family but also the most beneficial for the army.

With the matter settled, both sides were pleased, and the Seventh Army began to send messages to gather a large number of injured soldiers to Hongyuan City.

Jiang Xingchen stayed to guide the doctors on how to suture. The Zhao family father and son, along with the seven army commanders, planned the establishment of the dedicated workshop.

The Duke of Dingbei looked at Jiang Xingchen with a satisfied smile. Facing the empire's First Army Commander, most people would be overwhelmed, but this young man not only dared to bargain but also succeeded...

With the catgut suture, the method of suturing wounds became much simpler. As long as one overcame the psychological barrier and had steady hands, there was no problem. Jiang Xingchen did not need to provide long-term guidance.

After about two months, feeling that everything was basically in place, Jiang Xingchen decided to leave. He still needed to return to continue his research on dance and music...

While Jiang Xingchen was guiding the army doctors, the plan he had set in motion began to unfold and exploded like a bomb.

As the pre-selection for the dance and music competition approached, more and more people flooded into Hongyuan City. Stages were set up at designated locations, and many small dance and music troupes that did not have the qualifications for the pre-selection also came to participate in this annual entertainment extravaganza. The first to act were the two major restaurants. Not long after the sun rose, Fuyongzhai and Cuilou Building hung large notices, announcing the launch of two new dishes: stone-grilled meat and beggar's wild pheasant.

The stewed ribs of the two major restaurants in Hongyuan City had already gained a reputation, and many nobles from other territories were aware of them. Now, with the pre-selection for the dance and music competition just three days away, it was the busiest time in Hongyuan City. Therefore, the new dishes of Fuyongzhai and Cuilou Building quickly spread by word of mouth.

"Quick, the two major restaurants have new dishes! If you go late, you won't be able to get a seat!"

"Do you really need to be so excited? It's just two dishes. Many restaurants introduce new dishes every day..."

"You haven't been to Hongyuan City before, so you don't know! The new dishes from the two major restaurants are always different. You're lucky to catch this, and I'll treat you to a great meal!"

"Brother, you're not being fair. You came here, and you didn't take me to Tianxiangyuan, just a meal?"

"We'll go to Tianxiangyuan later, and I'll definitely arrange the best girls for you! Let's go to Fuyongzhai first... Don't be surprised, have you tried the stewed ribs? That's what the two major restaurants introduced first. I guarantee that after you try it, you won't even want to go to Tianxiangyuan in the evening..."

Such conversations were everywhere. The residents of Hongyuan City didn't need to be told, and those who came from other places, hearing these discussions, were curious about what kind of delicacies could cause such a sensation.

Hongyuan City, backed by vast mountains, was a major commercial hub with many markets. Those who arrived early had nothing to do but wander around the markets before the pre-selection for the dance and music competition began.

Especially now, with stewed ribs available in all the restaurants in the city, almost all visitors praised them. With the two major restaurants introducing new dishes today, the wealthy nobles and rich people, who had plenty of money, mostly rushed over.

As noon approached, the two major restaurants were packed, blocking the entire street. All the visitors were amazed by the scene, something they had never imagined, and their anticipation for the new dishes grew even more...

While the two major restaurants were packed, in the eight most prosperous locations in Hongyuan City, Sun Sanqiang's bun shops also opened.

The aroma of the steamed buns, a mix of flour and meat, wafted through the air, attracting many people's attention.

Large steaming baskets were brought to the door, emitting hot steam, and the white, fluffy buns were a visual feast.

"What is this? I've never seen it before..."

"It smells so good..."

"A bun shop, this thing is called a bun, what a strange name..."

"This is made of flour, but how can it have a meat flavor..."

"Four buns for one yellow crystal coin, not expensive! Let's buy some to try!"

"Wow, it's delicious! The meat is inside the bun, and one bite fills your mouth with oil, truly fragrant!"

One person tried it and gave a good review, and immediately others came to buy. Four buns for one yellow crystal coin was not expensive for them.

Soon, those who had tried it were wide-eyed, taking big bites, as if they wanted to swallow their tongues.

Their expressions attracted more people, and the crowd in front of the bun shops grew. The eight bun shops in the city attracted as many customers as the two major restaurants.

Sun Sanqiang and the owners of the two major restaurants were almost overjoyed. Taking advantage of the pre-selection for the dance and music competition, a perfect explosion made them feel as if yellow crystal coins were raining from the sky, and they had even more respect for Jiang Xingchen, who had planned this.

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