Starting with choosing a wife, creating the most powerful Xia

Li Chu dared not accept Chu Xuan's praise.

After all, he had only reproduced the tools that Chu Xuan wanted. Although it required quite exquisite craftsmanship, such skills were not unique to him in the vast Xia Dynasty.

If it were him, Chu Xuan could certainly find a better craftsman with some effort.

Most importantly, it was the blueprints provided by Chu Xuan. Without these blueprints, I'm afraid no one could have made such exquisite snow salt.

He could only laugh awkwardly and say, "Master is too kind. Master gave me a meal and a place to sleep. I only did a little bit of work. I'm glad you don't mind."

"Master Li, don't underestimate yourself. You'll still need my help in the future."

Chu Xuan looked at him with shining eyes.

Indeed, it's good to have your own craftsman. Only when someone has a head full of ideas can someone bring them to life. Otherwise, you'd be terrified if you wanted to make something.

Without waiting for Li Chu to say anything humble, he patted him hard on the shoulder.

“Master Li, you have done a very good job this time. My Nameless Village needs a master like you. You will stay in my Nameless Village from now on as the head of the Crafting Department, in charge of forging various artifacts within the territory. Your monthly salary is fifty taels. No matter where I go in the future, you will have a residence. If you need anything, you can directly withdraw it from the warehouse and report back later.”

These words practically drew Li Chu completely into Chu Xuan's inner circle.

He received a monthly salary far exceeding what was originally promised, the title of the number one craftsman in the nameless village, and the right to take supplies first and report later.

All of these actions demonstrate the favor and trust placed in Li Chu.

Li Chu had never seen anything like this before. He was so frightened that his legs went weak.

The social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants meant that artisans were only slightly above merchants. In reality, because merchants held a lot of wealth, they were often superior to these artisans.

To put it bluntly, they are just laborers who make a living by doing hard labor. It seems that it is a great honor for those scions of wealthy families to even glance at them.

But with Chu Xuan, he received unprecedented respect and trust.

This renowned poet, clearly from a distinguished family, seemed to regard him as an equal, showing no discrimination or dislike, and truly treating him as a human being.

Despite his advanced age, Li Chu's eyes suddenly reddened.

She suddenly lowered her head and knelt on one knee in front of Chu Xuan.

"You have treated me as a national hero, and I will repay you as a national hero. Although I, Li Chu, do not possess the talent of a national hero, from this day forward, my life belongs to you, my master!"

A slight smile appeared on Chu Xuan's lips.

First came the generous reward, then he demonstrated his abilities, and finally, he exchanged sincerity for sincerity. Chu Xuan had already anticipated this situation, so there was nothing unexpected about it.

Although Li Chu was not young and had experience, he still did not know what it meant to win people's hearts only through routines.

He helped Li Chu up, patted the dust off the latter's body, and draped his own outer robe over him.

"Lord Li, there's no need for that. I'm flattered and only hope that I haven't let you down. It's cold today, so please don't kneel anymore. It's not good for your health. Just focus on doing your job well."

Without waiting for him to speak, she turned and left, leaving only one sentence behind.

"Mr. Li, please rest early. The journey is still quite long."

As Chu Xuan's figure disappeared into the distance, Li Chu slowly clenched his fist.

With such a master, what more could one ask for? He would dedicate all his skills to Chu Xuan to feel that he was worthy of the latter's great kindness.

As I stepped out of the makeshift factory, A Leng was already waiting outside with her horse.

After Chu Xuan mounted his horse, the two headed towards the village, and only then did A Leng ask a question.

"Why is my husband so kind to Li Chu? He is skilled, but he is not the best in the world. There are many people who can replace him. Besides, you have only met him a few times. Aren't you afraid that he will betray you by entrusting so many important things to him?"

Hearing Ah Leng's somewhat worried words, Chu Xuan simply smiled and shook his head.

He was certainly aware of these concerns.

But in Chu Xuan's view, Li Chu was worth doing this for.

To be honest, for this factory, the craftsmen's skills only need to be above average. The most important thing is the various ideas proposed by Chu Xuan.

Therefore, the selection of craftsmen places greater emphasis on loyalty and other qualities.

Li Chu came from a family of artisans and had a better understanding of those families.

Moreover, before arriving at the nameless village, he had spent so many years hiding in the black market, scheming and plotting, living a miserable life, like a rat in the sewers.

Such a person is easily favored by anyone who can provide him with food and shelter.

As a craftsman from the nameless village, Li Chu would inevitably come into contact with his secret sooner or later. Since that was the case, why not be straightforward and tell him from the beginning, and give him more, so that he wouldn't feel distrusted?

In this way, how could he not be completely devoted to her?

Moreover, even if this series of moves continues and Li Chu remains unmoved and fails to wholeheartedly pledge allegiance, Chu Xuan still has a backup plan.

At least, those guards patrolling the mountains outside the village are not just sitting idly by. How could a craftsman who makes a living by smelting iron possibly escape from those bandits who lick blood from their blades?

is it possible?

A smile appeared on Chu Xuan's lips, but he didn't explain much to A Leng. He simply reached out and gently patted the girl's pert bottom.

"What's wrong? Are you starting to question your husband's actions?"

"ah!"

Suddenly attacked while riding, Ah Leng turned around and gave Chu Xuan a resentful look before slowly licking her red lips.

"Husband, you started this, so don't just stir up the fire without putting it out later."

Upon hearing this, Chu Xuan's eyelids twitched.

Ah Leng has become quite fond of it lately, and perhaps because of her self-indulgent martial arts, her sexual desires are much stronger than the other girls.

Even when she was exhausted, she would still cling to Chu Xuan, as if she had to fight to the death.

He finally understood what it meant when a woman got aroused, and men had no chance. If he hadn't been exceptionally gifted, he really wouldn't have been able to control this girl.

Rolling his eyes, Chu Xuan patted her waist again.

"Who's your husband, or am I? All you ever think about is this kind of thing. Take me to the village's outpost first."

"Is my husband going to find Wang Fang and the others?"

Hearing Chu Xuan's voice become serious, A Leng also spoke solemnly.

"Well, their base should be set up by now. It's time to give them something to do. My nameless village doesn't support people who just want to eat."

Chu Xuan nodded slightly.

An You finally said that after returning to the Prince's Mansion, he would send someone here to hand over the duties, which should take about two or three days.

There were some preparations to be made before his men arrived.

Wang Fang and his bandit gang were an important part of this.