Chapter 32

"Lord, this red one is named Blaze. It runs like a raging fire, hence the name. The two black ones are named Wuzui. It is said that Xiang Yu's steed, which could lift a thousand jin, was of the same breed. As for the one you are riding, it is named Clawed Yellow Lightning, which is exceptionally noble, and only a person like you can tame it. The last one, the snow-white one, is named Jade Lion of the Night. It is fierce and incredibly strong, and few can control it." The groom introduced each horse one by one.

Liu Yao was taken aback by these names. These horses were also very famous in history. Wuzui, Xiang Yu's steed, was originally also ridden by Zhang Fei. As for why Taishi Ci chose Wuzui, it was unknown, perhaps influenced by Zhang Fei. Blaze was originally Huang Zhong's steed, and it was fitting that it returned to its rightful owner. Clawed Yellow Lightning was also one of Cao Cao's steeds. After every victory, Cao Cao would ride Clawed Yellow Lightning to return, to show his nobility.

As for the last one, the Jade Lion of the Night, Liu Yao couldn't help but think of someone, the valiant Zhao Yun of Changshan. But Zhao Yun was probably still learning martial arts from the spear god Tong Yuan and had not yet come out of seclusion. Liu Yao had no way to find this warrior he admired most.

After collecting the spoils of war and having a hearty New Year's Eve dinner with his generals, Liu Yao secretly returned to his room alone.

Liu Yao anxiously looked at the ancient book tattoo on his hand. Time ticked by. Suddenly, the tattoo glowed green again, transforming into a book that fell into Liu Yao's hands.

"Please, Lord, proceed with this draw." The ancient book displayed the usual words on its cover.

Liu Yao, familiar with the process, closed his eyes, silently said "start," and then "stop." Instantly, the ancient book emitted a green light and then returned to calm.

Liu Yao, full of anticipation, opened to the eighth page, where four large characters caught his eye: "Primitive Steel Smelting."

Liu Yao was overjoyed. "Hahaha, what a coincidence, I was just worrying about Huang Zhong and the others having top-tier horses but no good weapons, and now I have a solution to my urgent need."

"The Lord's draw opportunity is used up. Please look forward to the next draw." A line of text appeared on the book, and it then transformed back into a green light on Liu Yao's arm.

Liu Yao no longer paid attention to the tattoo but instead thought about the steel smelting. He was immediately troubled again. He had the method, but he lacked the most crucial thing: iron ore.

Although the iron mines in Youzhou were abundant, it would take time to develop them, and the ancient mining speed would not meet Liu Yao's needs. Liu Yao was in a dilemma.

Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Liu Yao's head, and he softly uttered two names: "Su Shuang, Zhang Shiping."

Although these two were not famous in history, they had a significant connection to a well-known figure. One could say that this person's rise was entirely due to the efforts of Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping. That person was one of Liu Yao's thorns in the flesh—Liu Bei.

Liu Bei, during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, relied on Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping to provide him with horses and steel, allowing him to gather a force of over a thousand men and gain some military achievements, thus building his reputation.

Thinking of this, a smile crept onto Liu Yao's lips. "Hehe, Liu Bei, without the support of Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang, I'll see how you can rise from the Yellow Turban Rebellion. As for you two, if you cooperate, I'll spare you. If not... well... hmpf."

The next day, Liu Yao ordered someone to bring Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping to the governor's residence. These two were well-known in Youzhou, so they were easily found and brought to the governor's residence.

The two followed a messenger, walking slowly, their hearts filled with trepidation. After all, Liu Yao, the governor of Youzhou, was a high-ranking official and a ruthless killer who had slaughtered nine out of ten of the 50,000 Wuhuan soldiers.

As the saying goes, if you have a clear conscience, you won't fear ghosts knocking at your door at midnight. These two were afraid because selling weapons and steel was a capital offense. They had given many small officials in Youzhou significant benefits to operate their businesses safely, but now they faced the highest official, who could not be protected by those people.

The messenger led Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping to the council hall, where they saw Liu Yao sitting high on the main seat and Shi A standing beside him, exuding an aura that warned others to stay away.

"Are you Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang?" Liu Yao looked down at them, his presence full of authority.

The two knelt and bowed. "Commoner Su Shuang (Zhang Shiping) pays respects to the governor."

Liu Yao glanced at them and sipped his tea. "Do you know why I have called you here?"

"We do not know, my lord," the two said, trembling and drenched in cold sweat.

"Hmph." Liu Yao coldly snorted and threw his teacup to the ground, shattering it. "You don't know? You don't know that selling weapons privately in our Han Dynasty is a capital offense?!"

"Please forgive us, my lord, please spare our lives." The two immediately started kowtowing, begging for mercy. As the saying goes, the richer a person is, the more they fear death, and these two were perfect examples.

Seeing that the intimidation had worked, Liu Yao said, "It's not impossible to spare your lives, but... " He left the sentence hanging.

Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping, seasoned businessmen, understood Liu Yao's meaning. They exchanged a glance, nodded, and said through gritted teeth, "If the governor spares our lives, all our wealth will belong to you, my lord."

"Very well, since you know your place, I will not make things difficult for you," Liu Yao said happily. "I don't want your wealth; I only want two things."

The two were stunned and said, "Please, my lord, specify. Whatever we have, we will offer to you."

"First, I want all the steel and iron ore under your control."

"No problem, my lord. I have hundreds of thousands of pounds of iron ore and nearly a thousand pounds of steel, all of which I will offer to you," Su Shuang agreed without hesitation, as these things were insignificant compared to his life.

Liu Yao nodded in satisfaction. "As for the second, I want you two to serve me!" Su Shuang and Zhang Shiping were top-tier business talents, though not as prominent as the Mi family in Xu Province or the Zhen family in Zhongshan Wujun. They were still rare talents, and Zhang Fang, who managed the Huoyun Guild, would benefit from their assistance.

The two were instantly overjoyed. In this chaotic era, a wealthy merchant was of little use without a powerful patron, and Liu Yao was undoubtedly such a person.

"Su Shuang (Zhang Shiping) pays respects to the lord." The two bowed without hesitation.

"Good, rise. Take my order to the Huoyun Guild in Youzhou and find Zhang Fang. He will arrange everything for you. By the way, bring your families to Jixian as well." Liu Yao was not yet fully trusting them and needed some precautions.

"Understood." The two had no objections, as their families would be well-protected as long as they did not betray him.

"You may leave." Liu Yao waved his hand.

"Understood." The two left.

With the raw materials issue resolved, the only problem left for Liu Yao was finding a skilled blacksmith. Only a truly outstanding blacksmith could forge divine weapons.

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