Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Huangfu Changshui didn't say anything for a long time. Zhang Jingwei, who was standing beside him, was terrified. If Huangfu Changshui wanted to deal with him with his fighting power, he would probably not be able to get out of bed for the next few days.

After Huangfu Changshui hesitated for a long time, he finally opened his mouth slowly: "Jingwei..."

Zhang Jingwei quickly responded, "Father-in-law, I'm here."

Huangfu Changshui looked at Zhang Jingwei solemnly and asked, "Regarding this batch of saltpeter, what do you think should be done with it?"

Zhang Jingwei thought for a moment and responded, "Father-in-law, this is your temporary solution. I dare not speculate or make hasty conclusions."

Huangfu Changshui frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Weren't you talking nonstop just now? Why are you so cautious now? Tell me quickly, what should we do with this batch of saltpeter?"

Zhang Jingwei took a deep breath and said, "In my humble opinion, it would be better to hand it over to the authorities. This way, we can avoid being caught in a dilemma and also demonstrate my father-in-law's dedication to the law."

Huangfu Changshui's face darkened upon hearing this, and he sternly said, "You are absolutely foolish! If we hand over this batch of saltpeter to the government, wouldn't that be clearly opposing the Prince of Jin?"

Zhang Jingwei quickly explained, "If that's inappropriate, why don't we just hand it over to the King of Jin? After all, the saltpeter originally belonged to him."

Huangfu Changshui's eyes widened as he shouted angrily, "If I act this way, wouldn't that confirm my identity as a member of the Prince's Party? This will inevitably lead to many troubles and disasters in the future!"

Zhang Jingwei seemed a little impatient at this point and shouted, "This won't work, and that won't work. Are you really going to do as I said and burn them all to ashes?"

Huangfu Changshui stamped his feet in anger and roared, "What a rotten idea you've come up with! If we really do this, we'll completely offend both sides at once! Then, we'll be facing a situation where we're being attacked from both sides. What good will it do me?"

Zhang Jingwei spread his hands helplessly and sighed, "It's just a little bit of saltpeter. Why is my father-in-law so worried? Besides, all parties are aware of the explosion at the manor, so there must be very little saltpeter left."

Huangfu Changshui widened his eyes and said in disbelief, "At first I thought the quantity was not much, but who would have thought that the final count would show as many as twenty stones! This is much more difficult and dangerous than hiding twenty stones of salt!" As he spoke, he rubbed his hands unconsciously, appearing a little anxious.

Zhang Jingwei, who was standing aside, pondered for a moment before his eyes suddenly lit up and he said, "Father-in-law, I have an idea. Since we have obtained so much saltpeter, why not make good use of it and make it into a powerful weapon!"

Huangfu Changshui frowned slightly upon hearing this and asked doubtfully, "Oh? Is this the legendary black gunpowder that my dear son-in-law is talking about?"

Zhang Jingwei nodded quickly and explained enthusiastically, "That's right, it's black powder! We can first mix this saltpeter with charcoal and sulfur in a certain proportion to make black powder. Then, find a suitable iron pipe, fill it with a small amount of black powder, and add an iron ball. When the black powder is ignited, it will instantly produce a violent explosion, which will forcefully propel the iron ball out of the iron pipe. In this way, even an enemy wearing heavy armor will find it difficult to withstand this powerful attack!"

However, Huangfu Changshui shook his head repeatedly, rejecting the suggestion. "That's just a firearm. Similar equipment exists in the Jingji camp, but the regulations on it are much stricter than those on armor! If you're caught manufacturing it privately, you'll be beheaded!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei couldn't help but reveal a look of disappointment, but more of surprise, and asked: "Father-in-law, since there are fire guns, don't you also have red cannons?"

Huangfu Changshui scratched his head, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Red Cannon? I've only heard of a weapon called the Red Soil Cannon. It's said that the shells it fires are extremely powerful. Once they hit their target, both men and horses are shattered, and a large area of ​​the surrounding land is dyed red with blood, hence the name. It's said that it can not only kill enemies but also capture cities!"

Zhang Jingwei frowned and said in disbelief, "I've been to military camps several times, but I've never seen even the slightest sign of a lighter!"

Huangfu Changshui smiled faintly and responded, "Firearms? That's a rather clever name. The reason you haven't seen them is because these powerful weapons have only appeared among the Nine Guards of the Capital. Not to mention you, even someone like me who often travels in the army has never had the chance to see them."

Hearing this, Zhang Jingwei was speechless. He thought to himself, since we have entered the age of firearms, why bother engaging in a bloody battle with those fierce Rong people? If we could just set up a few cannons at the city gates, wouldn't that keep all the gods and ghosts away?

At this moment, Huangfu Changshui suddenly clapped his thigh excitedly and praised loudly: "If you ask me, this Li Zaizhi is truly a genius! He can actually create such a magical weapon. If it weren't for his absurd theories, this man must be an unprecedented genius!"

After hearing this, Zhang Jingwei was stunned for a moment, then muttered to himself: "Li Zaizhi... Actually, I should have guessed it long ago!" He was now a little conflicted about whether or not to tell Huangfu Changshui that Li Zaizhi had set his eyes on this batch of saltpeter. If that "genius" got hold of this batch of saltpeter, he would definitely be able to make an Italian cannon.

It is still unclear whether Li Zhuowu in this world is good or bad, but out of some selfishness towards Master Li, Zhang Jingwei still concealed the matter.

Huangfu Changshui asked again, "How are you doing with the investment attraction?"

Zhang Jingwei scratched his head like a primary school student who hadn't finished his homework and said, "My son-in-law is working on it."

Huangfu Changshui gave him the impression of a boss who was always urging him to get things done, waiting for his project plan, project progress, and project results...

Huangfu Changshui looked at Zhang Jingwei solemnly and said earnestly, "Jingwei, we are family! Sometimes, I really don't want to put too much pressure on you. But winter is approaching, and you know that the grasslands have not been peaceful in recent years. Now we will have a bloody battle with the Rong people. Before that, I must give those soldiers an explanation!"

Zhang Jingwei nodded slightly, expressing his understanding, and responded, "I understand my father-in-law's difficulties very well."

Huangfu Changshui patted Zhang Jingwei on the shoulder, nodded with satisfaction, and continued, "Good boy, stop dreaming about being an emperor all day long. It's more important to live a down-to-earth life. Now that you have entered my Huangfu family and become my son-in-law, as long as I am here, I will protect you."

Zhang Jingwei quickly bowed and said gratefully, "Thank you, father-in-law, for your kindness and protection. I will definitely remember this in my heart!"

At this moment, Huangfu Changshui frowned slightly, as if he suddenly remembered something. He sighed and said, "Alas, there's something else that's giving me a headache. Go check on Ling'er. I don't know what's wrong with her lately, she's always been in a bad mood. She refuses to eat a single bite all day long and just keeps drinking hot water!"