Chapter 13: The Barbarian Assassin

“That’s quite different—business is business, but personal relations are personal! This symbolizes that the craftsmanship of Moyefang has reached a new pinnacle. I paid a high price to acquire it, which also helps to spread your renown. From now on, the weapons forged by Moyefang will be even more valuable,” Li Ye declared.

“Thank you, Your Highness! But the money from this sword’s auction absolutely cannot be accepted. Although it took considerable effort, the creation of this treasured sword also enhanced my skills. Besides, the material costs aren’t really expensive—just a few thousand taels of silver. It wouldn’t be right to take so much money from Your Highness,” Mo Nianqiu hastened to say.

“No!” Li Ye refused decisively. “Since you participated in the auction, the rules must be followed and payment made. Moreover, Moyefang and I have a partnership; any weapons crafted using the techniques I provide earn me a share of the profits. In the end, I’m not at a loss. If you need weapons in the future, I can ask you for them without paying a single coin. But this time, full payment is required.” After speaking, Li Ye instructed Xiaocui, “Once we return to the mansion, immediately bring the silver.”

“Yes! I will remember!” Mo Nianqiu was deeply moved. She hadn’t expected the Sixth Prince to be so principled. Her image of him rose considerably.

Moyefang had grown rapidly over the years, its status rising swiftly, largely thanks to the smelting and forging techniques supplied by Li Ye. These techniques enabled the mass production of excellent weapons, securing its title as the foremost workshop in the realm. However, their partnership remained secret; no one knew Li Ye was actually the owner of Moyefang.

Using Li Ye’s technology, Moyefang could produce weapons on a large scale in a short time, supplying the imperial army and earning vast profits. They had long formed a community of shared interests.

“By the way, I find that Shi Wushuang very unpleasant! Don’t sell him the top-tier weapons. The same goes for Yunlug Pavilion. Only provide them with superior-grade arms,” Li Ye added.

“Understood, everything will be handled according to Your Highness’s orders.”

Having finished the arrangements, Li Ye left with his entourage. Mr. Xiao was astonished; he hadn’t anticipated such a connection between Li Ye and Moyefang.

“Your Highness, you understand forging methods as well?” Mr. Xiao couldn’t help but ask.

Normally, a person devoting their lifetime to mastering one thing to the utmost is already rare. Li Ye not only managed an enormous business but also brewed wine, which must have consumed much time. How could he have the leisure to study forging arts? Mr. Xiao pondered endlessly. Could there truly be a prodigy who masters anything at once, surpassing all others?

When he first met Li Ye, he indeed thought so. Yet, when teaching Li Ye martial arts, he found his aptitude was poor. While those with talent might learn a few times, Li Ye still struggled after ten or twenty attempts. Mr. Xiao had poured immense effort into helping Li Ye master his secret techniques, nearly exhausting himself.

To enjoy fine wine continuously, he also studied various teaching methods. Li Ye was not omnipotent, especially poor at learning martial arts. Still, what happened today shocked Mr. Xiao greatly. Yet, Li Ye did not conceal it from him, which pleased Mr. Xiao, indicating Li Ye had fully accepted him as one of his own.

“Rinyue, may I have the honor of admiring that sword?” “Of course!” Rinyue respectfully handed over the sword.

Mr. Xiao drew the longsword and flicked its blade lightly. The sword sang with an endless, resonant tone. After a few gentle swings, though it was his first time holding the sword, he felt perfectly at ease — a sensation of blade and wielder becoming one.

“A fine sword!” Even after seeing countless divine weapons, Mr. Xiao couldn’t help but exclaim, “This sword is truly unparalleled in the world. Moyefang’s swordsmithing has advanced by leaps and bounds.”

Rinyue beamed with joy at Mr. Xiao’s praise, for this was the appraisal of a top grandmaster.

“Keep it, and give this sword a fitting name! Let it bring you fame alongside it!”

“Then it shall be called Cold Moon. This sword carries an inherent chill that can intimidate foes,” Rinyue said.

Mr. Xiao nodded slightly. “A fitting name indeed.”

“Mr. Xiao, would you like one as well? With these forging techniques, crafting as many as you wish is no problem; it only takes time,” Li Ye inquired.

“No need! There are few in this world who can match me. Weapons hold little significance for me. Better to brew more fine wine—it surpasses weapons any day!” Mr. Xiao immediately declined.

Li Ye smiled wryly. Aside from fine wine, there was probably nothing else in this world to capture Mr. Xiao’s interest.

The carriage rolled along the main street.

From an alley nearby, two figures emerged, wrapped tightly so only their eyes showed, fixed intently on Li Ye’s carriage.

“Remember, this is the Sixth Prince’s carriage! Investigate the places he passes through daily. Change disguises often; don’t attract attention.”

“Yes!”

After issuing orders, they slipped away through winding alleys, running a long distance before reaching an utterly ordinary civilian home. This district housed the capital’s common folk—poor families and all manner of trades and classes gathered here—a perfect hideout.

The exterior was shabby, but inside was meticulously clean. They entered and removed their head coverings. Anyone who saw them would be astonished; their features were distinctly barbarian, completely unlike the citizens of Dayuan.

In a shadowed corner sat a person.

“Is the information clear?”

The newcomer’s question startled no one. A respectful reply came: “The investigation is thorough. This man has two maidservants, one skilled in martial arts. He travels with four guards, all elite soldiers. Today, an old man also accompanied them. His identity is unknown, but he seems unskilled in combat. The Sixth Prince appears to hold him in high regard.”

“As long as he can’t fight, that’s acceptable! We must keep close watch on the Sixth Prince and seize the right moment to strike. We never expected our barbarians to be defeated by the least significant prince. Without his provision of vast supplies, how could we have lost to the Dayuan dynasty?”

“Indeed! The Sixth Prince is the most inconspicuous, the least favored son, yet he has become a tremendous threat. Without the supplies he provided, the Dayuan dynasty could never have defeated us.”

“Remember, this operation must succeed; failure is not an option!”

“Yes!”

Li Ye had never imagined that, despite his low profile and neglect by others, his vast support for Qin Qingxue’s war efforts had earned the barbarians’ enmity—and had even prompted them to dispatch assassins after him.