Chapter 45

The few places to play in the city are dirty and chaotic, with some ruffians plotting mischief and some older kids dominating areas. But here it is very safe, with exciting duels to watch every day. Those who are strong and fit can even join in the fights. If one can achieve a ranking, their status among friends and companions will immediately change.

Though it is difficult to make it to the top four, quite a few people have made it to the top eight. They all became the undisputed leaders of their small groups. One person, due to good luck in drawing lots, managed to enter the top four by chance and now struts around with a large number of young admirers.

After the snacks were distributed, the young people returned to their small groups.

The young people also have their own circles. Zhao Jin, Chen Sheng, Shi Manqiang, Sun Dalei, and others form the core circle. Although Wang Zhaojing is new, he holds himself in high regard and only stays with them.

Yesterday, while chatting with Wang Zhaojing, Zhao Jin learned a lot about the ways of the official world. He felt he had gained a lot and wanted to chat more today. Just as he was about to sit on a rock, he felt a sharp pain in his thigh, lost his balance, and fell heavily onto the rock, his buttocks aching.

Wang Zhaojing's hit wasn't that powerful, but Zhao Jin's momentum increased the impact. After the duel with Chen Sheng and distributing the snacks, he hadn't noticed the injury until now.

Wang Zhaojing, sitting on the other side, wasn't much better. His face was pale, and he kept his hand on his chest. They exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Zhao Jin, wincing, stood up and said, "Brother Wang, go find someone to look at your injuries. I'll do the same. Don't let it become a chronic problem. The rest of you should do the same."

Wang Zhaojing tried to stand but couldn't. Ji Xiang had to help him up. Zhao Jin also couldn't stand steadily and was supported by Shi Manqiang.

No one expected the pain to be so severe. They had no mood for idle chat. Ji Xiang escorted Wang Zhaojing, while Shi Manqiang and Chen Sheng escorted Zhao Jin. The middle-aged couple came to take Mu Shulan away, and everyone went home.

After arriving at the training ground, the pain had eased somewhat. The training continued as usual, but when Zhao Jin took a wooden pole and made a thrusting motion, the pain in his leg flared up again. Zhao Zhenxing noticed something was wrong and asked what had happened.

"Don't be stubborn. You compare yourselves every day, and when you get injured, you need to treat it quickly," Zhao Zhenxing scolded. He then had Zhao Jin follow him into the house, had him take off his pants, and examined the injury. Zhao Zhenxing's brows furrowed as he said, "How could it be so severe?"

Only then did Zhao Jin notice that the injured area was already bruised and purple. Zhao Zhenxing then took out some medicinal oil and massaged it.

With his long experience, Zhao Zhenxing, who had practiced martial arts for a long time, was very familiar with external injuries and had some common medicines on hand.

After applying the medicinal oil and massaging, the pain in the bruised area gradually subsided. Zhao Zhenxing had Zhao Jin tidy up, stand up, and walk a few steps, which he did normally. However, Zhao Zhenxing frowned and said, "Be careful. I didn't expect your duels to result in such injuries. If you hit the wrong spot, it could be very dangerous."

Zhao Jin quickly agreed and followed Zhao Zhenxing to the courtyard. He hesitated for a moment and then said, "Uncle, do you have paper and a pen?"

As soon as he said it, Zhao Jin realized it was a mistake. He had never written anything in front of others, and many people even thought he couldn't read. Asking this question would only cause trouble. He quickly laughed and said, "Why would I need paper and a pen? I must be confused, Uncle. I want to make something like this."

He squatted down and drew with a stone, explaining as he drew. Zhao Zhenxing looked back at the back door of the shop but was soon captivated by what Zhao Jin was drawing.

Zhao Jin's idea was simple. He wanted to make a set of protective gear using bamboo strips to create a shield, with leather and wooden plates added to the vital areas. Essentially, it would be a bamboo basket with holes, with leather and wooden plates attached to various parts to protect the chest, legs, and shoulders. He also planned to make a bamboo helmet with an iron mask.

"How did you come up with this?" Zhao Zhenxing asked, his face full of surprise.

"I just thought about how to protect the body conveniently and easily. There's a bamboo craftsman at the cargo yard, and I pass by there every day..." Zhao Jin explained his reasoning.

The bamboo craftsman did exist, and this explanation was somewhat plausible. However, Zhao Jin had actually seen a picture of soldiers training with baseball gear during his hospital stay. This gear protected all vital areas and was made from bamboo and wood, which were easy to obtain. The parts could be tied together with ropes.

Zhao Zhenxing squatted down and looked at the protective gear Zhao Jin had drawn. After a moment of silence, he said, "This set of gear would be much more useful in battle than that cotton armor. Although it won't protect against sword cuts, spear thrusts, arrows, or firearms."

Zhao Jin laughed and said, "Uncle, you're joking. Doesn't that mean it won't protect against anything?"

"Many soldiers die in real battles, and some are disabled by minor cuts or scrapes. With this gear, at least you don't have to worry about that," Zhao Zhenxing explained casually.

Because of his long hospital stay, Zhao Jin had some medical knowledge and immediately understood what Zhao Zhenxing meant.

Non-fatal injuries on the battlefield, if left untreated, often lead to death due to infection. In this era, there were no anti-inflammatory measures. If this protective gear could be used in battle, it would significantly reduce such casualties.

"You draw very well... I remember now, isn't this the armor worn by the Japanese pirates? They call it bamboo armor. Did your father tell you about it?" Zhao Zhenxing asked, his words disjointed. Zhao Jin shook his head in confusion.

Zhao Zhenxing didn't press further but stood up and smiled. "Your leg is injured, so you won't train this afternoon. I'll take you to make this armor."

As they left, Zhao Jin thought about recording the details of the protective gear. It would be very useful.

At the bamboo craftsman's, Zhao Jin described what he needed. The craftsman, though surprised, agreed to make it because Zhao Zhenxing had brought him.

The protective gear wasn't difficult to make. The framework could be created using bamboo strips, which were easier to work with than fine bamboo threads. The gear would be sturdy enough to deflect blows and prevent sticks from piercing through.

The craftsman's business was quiet, and he agreed to make the gear for 150 coins. Zhao Zhenxing readily agreed, and the craftsman eagerly started working. Zhao Jin could tell that 150 coins was a high price.

The price was reasonable, and the materials were readily available. For the craftsman, this gear was essentially a complex bamboo basket. In less than an hour, he had the basic structure ready and offered a few suggestions, such as adding a layer of coarse cloth inside the leather to prevent damage to clothing.

Seeing the craftsman's dedication, Zhao Zhenxing added 50 more coins and asked him to attach the leather and wooden plates to the bamboo armor.