Chapter 82: The Armory

“I’ll go look for Master Feng right away.” Ashin tucked the envelope safely into his chest.

“You brought Doctor Tian with you—was it because Master Feng’s health is ailing?” He recalled that Feng Qinian hadn’t appeared sickly when he’d last seen him, casting a curious glance at Doctor Tian’s retreating figure.

“Master is in good health. It’s the Commandant who has been troubled by recurring headaches. Master specifically asked me yesterday to fetch Doctor Tian from the county to treat the Commandant. We arrived late and the city gates had already closed, so we hurried over at dawn today,” Ashin explained quickly.

Qi Jun mused that this Feng, the county magistrate, was quite adept at currying favor.

Given the effect Doctor Tian had on his own injuries, the man was indeed a skilled physician. If he could relieve the Commandant’s pain, Feng Qinian’s standing before his superior would surely be strengthened and his prospects further elevated.

“So that’s how it is. I have urgent matters to attend to myself. When I return, I’ll have Doctor Tian take a look at my arm injury as well.” Mentioning Doctor Tian, Qi Jun instinctively touched the wounded spot on his arm and continued, “You’d best hurry. I saw the Commandant and Master Feng head to the inner courtyard.”

“Doctor Tian, go and attend to the master.” Ashin bid Qi Jun farewell with a respectful gesture, then turned to call out to Doctor Tian.

Doctor Tian was bending to admire a camellia, inhaling its fragrance. At Ashin’s call, he quickly released the branch and straightened his attire.

Qi Jun watched, struck by how much Doctor Tian’s movements and demeanor resembled those of a woman.

What lingered most in Qi Jun’s mind was the pair of eyes that shone like the moon—if indeed this was a man, he would be considered an exceptionally handsome youth in Great Liang.

With these thoughts, Qi Jun’s curiosity and suspicion about Doctor Tian’s true appearance and gender deepened.

But he had no time to investigate further. The trip to the Qiang village would take half a day by horseback, and since the Commandant demanded the task be completed before tomorrow, he had to set out at once.

Qi Jun had wanted to ask Ashin’s opinion about his appointment as county magistrate, but pressed for time, he could not discuss it further.

He watched Ashin and Doctor Tian head toward the inner courtyard, then turned and quickened his pace out of the back garden.

He had barely stepped outside when an old servant, about the Commandant’s age, blocked his way.

“Sir, please follow me. By the master’s orders, you are to pick suitable equipment from the armory.” The old servant was evidently a trusted attendant of the Commandant. He had been waiting in the garden during their conversation but, looking so unremarkable, had not caught Qi Jun’s attention.

Qi Jun nodded and followed the old man. Though elderly, his steps were brisk and energetic, suggesting not only robust health but also some unusual skill.

The county magistrate’s armory was merely a small storehouse for swords, spears, and staves; Qi Jun had seen its contents during his sparring with Deng Fang, and they were mostly ordinary weapons of modest quality.

He was curious to see what treasures the Commandant’s armory might hold.

The old servant led Qi Jun to a small courtyard at the corner of the estate. The guards posted at the gate nodded respectfully as the old man approached.

“This old fellow holds quite a position here…” Qi Jun thought to himself, watching the old man produce a ring of keys and unlock the gate.

Following the old servant into the yard, Qi Jun was somewhat disappointed to find only a modest house, having expected the Commandant’s armory to be more imposing.

The old servant, unconcerned by Qi Jun’s reaction, found another key and unlocked the house. He did not enter, but instead gestured for Qi Jun to go ahead.

“Such a small house, yet so secretive—I must see what treasures are inside, with a dedicated courtyard and guards,” Qi Jun muttered as he stepped inside.

He brushed away dust at the doorway and looked around. The walls were lined with swords, spears, sabers, and halberds; one side held bows and arrows of various lengths. Otherwise, nothing seemed extraordinary.

“These are only a bit better than what the county magistrate’s office has,” Qi Jun commented to himself as he inspected the weapons. But when his gaze fell upon a heap of miscellaneous items in the center, he paused in surprise.

From that unremarkable pile, he keenly spotted half of what looked like a gun barrel. The black iron tube glinted faintly in a shaft of sunlight.

He hurriedly grabbed the slender tube, brushed aside the covering debris, and lifted it out.

It was a long gun, complete with barrel, body, and stock; slight wear near the trigger showed signs of use.

“No wonder this room is kept locked—what a remarkable item!” Qi Jun exclaimed, admiring the gun. From its extended barrel, he saw it differed from the Western matchlock guns captured at Panlong Ridge; it had clearly been improved upon.

“Sir, have you chosen… Hey, what are you doing with that?” The old servant, impatient after waiting at the door, entered and saw Qi Jun handling the long gun.

“Where did this gun come from?” Qi Jun asked quickly.

“Put it down first—this is the young master’s favorite possession, you mustn’t damage it!” The old servant pleaded anxiously, taking the gun from Qi Jun and inspecting it carefully for harm.

“If it’s so precious, why store it here?” Qi Jun was both surprised and amused by the old servant’s reaction. If he valued it so highly, why let it gather dust?

“You don’t understand. Master hopes the young master will devote himself to study and earn honors, but the young master is drawn to strange devices. Last month, he volunteered to study diligently, locking himself in his study and forbidding anyone to approach. Master was pleased, thinking his son had changed. But recently, he discovered by accident—the young master wasn’t studying, but secretly tinkering with this contraption!”

“Enraged, the Commandant wanted to dismantle it to put an end to the young master’s obsession. I couldn’t bear to see him heartbroken, so I hid it here against orders. Few come here, but you found it right away.”

“So that’s the story… I must find a chance to meet this young master!” Qi Jun was delighted. This young master would be a model engineering student in modern times!

Qi Jun immediately realized that someone so obsessed with firearms and capable of improving them was rare talent. If he could guide him, it might prove greatly beneficial.

“Is the young master at home?” Qi Jun pressed his excitement.

“He’s confined to the study by his father—where else could he be? Don’t get any ideas; only his attendants can see him.” The old servant, seeing Qi Jun’s intentions, replied gruffly.

In his view, scholars should devote themselves to study and aspire to honors. Someone like Qi Jun, who favored weapons and not the study hall, might lead the young master astray.

“Even families of military officials place such importance on study—this dynasty truly values culture over martial prowess,” Qi Jun sighed, choosing a bow, crossbow, and short sword before leaving the house.

The old servant relocked the doors and escorted Qi Jun toward the main gate.