Chapter 51: Anqioba, the Western Merchant
By February, the northwest remained bitterly cold.
The workshops and new residences had been completed. Because ample funds were provided, the masons built the houses quickly and with excellent quality.
Additionally, soap, perfume, and the thirteen-spice seasoning were already being produced in bulk.
A batch of flintlock guns was also manufactured, with quite satisfactory quality.
The production of front-loaded smoothbore cannons was progressing smoothly, with an expected completion time of about three months per unit.
Making cannons took much longer than rifles and required significantly more materials.
The craftsmen had been relocated to a cave deep in the mountains to work on firearms and artillery.
Guards were assigned to protect them, and supplies were regularly delivered to ensure their well-being.
Jiang Yi was preparing to take control of the entire Hanzhou region, aiming to achieve this within one to three years at the fastest.
In just over a month, he had completely secured Shuangma Township.
He recruited a hundred guards and purchased a hundred servants.
Both the guards and servants were trained using twenty-first-century military methods, endowing them with formidable combat capabilities.
The guards and servants of the Jiang family received high monthly wages and were guaranteed at least one meal with meat daily.
Their treatment was far superior to that of the official Hanzhou troops, and their combat effectiveness was much greater.
Shuangma Township oversaw ten villages, each assigned ten guards for patrol duties.
Jiang Yi planned to encircle towns by controlling the countryside, arming himself to seize power.
“Bathing like this is truly relaxing!”
Every so often, Jiang Yi would bring his wife to the bathhouse to soak in hot water—a supreme comfort for them both.
Shen Rong brushed Jiang Yi’s hair, her face lit with a joyful smile.
After finishing, Jiang Yi pulled Shen Rong into his arms.
Studying his wife closely, he noticed her skin growing whiter and more delicate.
Her once dull, yellowed hair had turned black and shiny.
“I’m only now realizing you’re becoming more beautiful. Your skin is improving, and your hair feels as smooth as silk.”
Jiang Yi gently stroked Shen Rong’s hair, then admired her exquisite features.
“I used to have an ordinary figure and appearance. My husband gave me skincare and haircare products he prepared; perhaps that’s why my skin and hair have improved.”
Shen Rong had looked in the mirror and seen her own growing beauty.
Since the day Jiang Yi went hunting, the couple had been able to eat meat every day.
“Of course, I only use the best for you. Even the women from wealthy families haven’t used such fine skincare and haircare products. Besides, you’re naturally beautiful.”
Recently, they had been trading with merchants from the Western Regions and acquired many high-quality medicinal materials.
Before transmigrating, Jiang Yi had read traditional Chinese medicine books that included recipes for skin and hair care.
“We currently have 8,000 strings of cash, so reaching 10,000 is within sight.”
Over the past month, various soaps and perfumes remained in high demand.
At present, supplies were delivered on time and in fixed quantities to avoid shortages.
“By next month, we’ll have wealth amounting to 10,000 strings.”
Nearly four months had passed since Jiang Yi’s transmigration, and the development had been relatively smooth.
“That banquet a month ago, when they made things difficult for you—they are short-sighted women. One day, they will kneel before you.”
“You still remember that? I thought you’d let it go.”
Since leaving the Jubin Pavilion, Shen Rong had urged him not to seek revenge.
“How could I forget? They wronged you. Someday, I’ll make them pay double. You will become the Queen of Han, or even Empress.”
Jiang Yi whispered these promises into Shen Rong’s ear.
She had always known he was destined for greatness, but had not imagined he would become a sovereign.
“Darling, what you’re doing is too dangerous. If you oppose the court, you’ll face tens of thousands of imperial troops.”
When Jiang Yi discovered a large cache of armor, he did not report it to the authorities.
Shen Rong understood he intended to use the armor for a grand purpose, likely opposing the court.
Hoarding such armor was a capital crime—treason and rebellion.
Yet she did not betray Jiang Yi to the officials; she resolved to weather the storm with him.
The Fire Lotus Sect had rapidly grown to over 100,000 members in Hanzhong but was suppressed by imperial forces in less than a month.
“The Fire Lotus Sect caused havoc in the prefectures but was swiftly crushed by the imperial army.”
Shen Rong had heard of their devastating defeat and worried Jiang Yi might suffer a similar fate.
“The Fire Lotus Sect was just a ragtag group, but our guards are well-trained. Moreover, we have flintlock guns and cannons, giving us a crushing advantage over the official troops.”
The Fire Lotus Sect’s undisciplined masses lacked real fighting power.
After chatting for a while, the couple dressed and left the bathhouse.
Walking through the streets, Shen Rong and Jiang Yi attracted many glances.
Some recognized Shen Rong and thought she looked more beautiful than ever.
As they strolled, a caravan approached.
“Jiang Yi, Madam Jiang! It’s been a while; I’ve missed you both.”
An Qiaoba had come to Hanyang City to restock goods and happened upon the couple.
“Long time no see. Are you here to sell or to buy?”
Jiang Yi was very interested in the goods An Qiaoba had brought; the Western Regions indeed held many treasures.
“Business has been good lately. We brought some local specialties from the West. This time, we’re buying some brocade silk, soap, perfume, and thirteen-spice seasoning to take back.”
An Qiaoba’s companions unloaded sacks from the camels, revealing seeds inside.
“Last time, you said you wanted a lot of cotton and corn seeds. I brought them this time.”
Locally, cotton and corn were not valuable; cotton was grown ornamentally, and corn served as fodder.
Untying the sack’s cord, Jiang Yi grabbed a handful of corn kernels, which were plump and full.
He then took a handful of cotton seeds, equally robust.
“I’m very satisfied; I’ll take them all. Please deliver them to Funiu Village. I’ll pay you then.”
“These corn kernels aren’t as large as those before my transmigration, so the yield won’t be as high,” Jiang Yi thought.
He had been excited when An Qiaoba first mentioned corn and cotton from the Western Regions.
If obtained, their yields would definitely surpass wheat and rice.
An Qiaoba explained that corn’s taste and texture were not great, making it best suited for feeding horses and cattle.
“The taste and texture aren’t great, but the yield is somewhat higher—sometimes over 400 jin per mu.”
An Qiaoba was honest about corn yields, having brought some to Daliang for sale before.
The people of Daliang showed little interest in the crop, and Western merchants thought it wasn’t very profitable.
“Next time you come, bring more corn and cotton seeds—I want as much as you can bring.”
Jiang Yi believed these seeds were unimproved varieties, so the taste wouldn’t be great.
But that didn’t matter—as long as they were edible.
When spring warmed the land, he planned to plant large amounts of cotton, harvesting in autumn.
“This cotton is beautiful, but inedible. Come autumn, it produces fluffy cotton bolls, which don’t seem very useful.”
An Qiaoba candidly shared cotton’s drawbacks, noting that growers primarily planted it for ornamental purposes.
“I appreciate your honesty. I have my own use for cotton. Come with me to Funiu Village; I’ll treat you to a drink.”
Since An Qiaoba’s visits were rare, Jiang Yi wanted to host them well.
“Thank you for your generous hospitality, both to me and my wife.”
An Qiaoba accepted the invitation, curious to see Jiang Yi’s hometown.
“Could you introduce this young man beside you?”
“He’s Qi Yu, the son of a good friend. He’s come with us to Hanyang to do business. Though young, he’s very clever.”
An Qiaoba introduced Qi Yu to Jiang Yi, hoping the two would become good friends.