Chapter 78

After giving some instructions to the three women, Xia Hongsheng left them to practice on their own and went out of the Xunfang Pavilion with Qi Yong to return to the military workshop, thinking that the new-style sabers must have been forged by now. When the two arrived at the workshop, they saw a group of soldiers gathered in the courtyard, occasionally discussing something. Seeing this, Xia Hongsheng and Qi Yong exchanged a glance and knew that the new-style sabers must have been completed, so they quickened their steps and hurried over.

As they approached, someone shouted, "The nobleman has arrived!" The soldiers then dispersed, turned around, and immediately formed a neat line, saluting Xia Hongsheng. This made Xia Hongsheng look at these soldiers with new respect. It was said that in ancient battle formations, old soldiers would only respect their own generals and would not take others seriously, even new generals had to earn their respect before they would listen. However, the soldiers in front of him did not seem to be like that. Qi Yong, who had accompanied him to the Xunfang Pavilion, never entered it, which showed that Qu Tongs really had a way with his troops, and his soldiers were very disciplined.

"No need to be so formal, everyone has worked hard." Xia Hongsheng did not put on any airs, but spoke in a friendly manner. He kept his position and attitude very humble, even though he had been ennobled, he was only a low-ranking county male, a fifth-rank official with no specific post, so it was better not to act too much like an official.

"Nobleman, the saber you requested is ready. Do you find it satisfactory?" The blacksmith presented a brand new saber, looking somewhat eager to please, and said, "Try it out, if there's anything unsatisfactory, I'll make the necessary adjustments right away!"

Xia Hongsheng took the saber from the blacksmith. The blade was streamlined and slightly curved, the handle was contoured to fit the hand, making it easier to grip, and the guard on the side of the handle protected the back of the hand. There were also guards on both sides where the handle met the blade, effectively protecting the hand that held the saber, and it looked very aesthetically pleasing. Xia Hongsheng swung it a few times, feeling that the weight was just right. He imitated the movements he had seen on TV, finding that the resistance was minimal and it did not require much effort to change the saber style, and he was quite satisfied.

"I don't know martial arts, you try it out and see if it feels right. It would be best to test it on horseback. This saber is light, and I think you might find it too light when just swinging it. It needs the momentum of the horse to bring out its destructive power." Xia Hongsheng handed the new-style saber to Qi Yong and said.

"Your subordinate will comply!" Qi Yong, excited to be the first to test the saber, shouted and immediately took the saber, ran to the horses outside, and leaped onto the saddle. He spurred the horse forward, and it neighed and charged ahead. Qi Yong rode the horse back and forth a few times, and the saber seemed to come alive in his hands, changing styles with every flick of his wrist. After a few rounds, Qi Yong reined in the horse and stopped in front of everyone, dismounted, and walked to Xia Hongsheng, his lips trembling with excitement, and held the saber out to Xia Hongsheng with both hands: "Young master! This saber... is excellent!"

Qi Yong could not find enough words to describe the saber, but the single word "excellent" expressed his feelings. Seeing his reaction, Xia Hongsheng knew that this new-style saber would also be favored by Qu Tongs.

"The method of forging this saber should be a military secret of our Tang Dynasty, just like the horseshoes. I believe you are all familiar with this process." Xia Hongsheng took the saber and turned to the soldiers, smiling.

The soldiers immediately responded, began to gather the blacksmiths to pack up, and left the workshop. Xia Hongsheng and Qi Yong, carrying the new saber, left the workshop and headed to Qu Tongs' residence.

When they arrived at Qu Tongs' residence, Qu Tongs was lying on a couch, with an attendant present, and two unfamiliar people. One was frowning as he took Qu Tongs' pulse, while the other stood quietly beside him. The two of them stood to the side, waiting until the attendants had finished examining Qu Tongs. Qu Tongs then looked at them and immediately noticed the new-style saber in Xia Hongsheng's hand: "It's done? Let me see it quickly!"

Xia Hongsheng walked over and respectfully presented the new-style saber. Qu Tongs took the saber, made a few flourishes, swung it a few times, and examined it closely. He then looked up and said, "This is a fine saber, but if we want to equip the entire army with it, we will need to adjust our combat tactics. For one, the blade is thinner, so we need to change from chopping to slashing, using the momentum of the horse to strike the enemy and then using the curve of the saber and the momentum to cut open wounds. If the horses are shod, it will certainly enhance the impact, complementing the saber! Excellent! If our Tang cavalry can be equipped with horseshoes and these new sabers, their combat effectiveness will surely increase significantly! Very good indeed!"

As Qu Tongs praised the saber, he gently stroked it, but a look of regret gradually appeared on his face. He sighed and said, "Alas, I fear I will not live to see that day..."

However, the old man's face soon showed a broad smile, and he waved his hand, saying, "I am already in my seventies, and I have spent my life in battle. I have not lived in vain. Now, in my old age, I can see the horseshoes and this new saber, which brings me great comfort and satisfaction. Well, this attendant, who I believe is a trusted person of His Majesty, please take good care of this saber and bring it back to Chang'an to present to His Majesty. He will recognize its value."

"Lord Jiangguo, rest assured, I will bring this new-style saber to His Majesty," the attendant respectfully took the saber from Qu Tongs and said, "However, the newly ennobled County Male of Jingyang must return to Chang'an with me to express his gratitude to His Majesty. When would be a suitable time for you to depart, Lord Jiangguo and Nobleman Xia?"

"This..." Xia Hongsheng was a bit hesitant. Yue Xian's script was not yet fully rehearsed, but that would not take long. The main issue was that his sister-in-law was still in Luozhou, and he could not just leave for Chang'an without considering her.

"Is there any difficulty, Nobleman?" The attendant, being accustomed to serving the emperor, was quick to notice Xia Hongsheng's hesitation and asked.

Xia Hongsheng bowed and said, "To let this attendant know, I have a sister-in-law and some relatives in Luozhou. When I left, I only said I was going to Luoyang and would return within a month. Now, if I go directly to Chang'an, how can I not consider them?"

Qu Tongs waved his hand and said, "No problem, my nephew, just go to Chang'an with the attendant. I have an empty house in Chang'an where you can stay. Just write a letter explaining the situation, and I will send soldiers to Luozhou to bring your family to Chang'an to find you. You must not delay in showing gratitude to His Majesty, so the sooner the better."

That was the only way. He would go to Chang'an first and have Qu Tongs send soldiers to bring his sister-in-law and relatives to Chang'an. With Qu Tongs' soldiers escorting them, he would not have to worry about their safety. The flower contest was only a few days away, and he needed to inform Mingxiangju and the Xu family. So, Xia Hongsheng turned to Qu Tongs and bowed, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Qu. I will take care of my affairs in the next few days. Attendant, shall we depart in three days?"

"Very well, thank you, Nobleman, for your consideration." The attendant, being very astute, knew that Xia Hongsheng had a promising future and would not act rudely in front of a nobleman, so he also bowed and thanked him.

Xia Hongsheng left Qu Tongs' residence, with Qi Yong following him as if Qu Tongs had assigned him to Xia Hongsheng. The two headed to the southern market of Luoyang, where Xu Qixian was probably out enjoying himself with his master and friends, so they decided to inform the Xu family through the manager of Mingxiangju.

The two arrived at the southern market, the largest market in Luoyang, which was left over from the Sui Dynasty. It was still bustling with people. They pushed through the crowd to the front of Mingxiangju, which was still doing brisk business. A large notice was posted on the signboard, advertising new flower tea, iced tea, and ice for sale. Xia Hongsheng entered the shop and, seeing the crowd, did not disturb the manager but went straight to the back to find the manager.

Just as he took a few steps inside, he suddenly heard a surprised voice, "Brother Xia?"

Hearing this voice, Xia Hongsheng felt a sudden surge of joy and quickly turned to look. Sure enough, he saw the pretty young girl approaching.

"Xu Hui! How did you come to Luoyang?" Xia Hongsheng asked, pleasantly surprised.

"Father has been transferred to the capital, so we are moving with him. We just arrived in Luoyang and will be heading to Chang'an in a few days!" Xu Hui, who could let go of the strict rules at home and play freely with Xia Hongsheng, was also very happy to see him and said excitedly.

"Oh?" Xia Hongsheng's eyes lit up. "Then we can travel together. I will also be going to Chang'an in a few days!"