Chapter 42: The City Knows How to Have Fun

After all, from Qiu Chuji’s perspective, even the abbot of the Quanzhen Daoist Temple could not guarantee absolute safety when refining elixirs. How much more dangerous must it be for Fang Xu, a novice just starting out? Therefore, Qiu Chuji hoped to persuade Fang Xu to abandon the art of alchemy, especially considering Fang Xu’s noble status.

Qiu Chuji simply couldn’t fathom why Fang Xu was so determined—could it be that the thoughts of the elite were always so peculiar? Or perhaps the art of alchemy had become a toy for the aristocracy? Qiu Chuji couldn’t help but feel a hint of sorrow.

“Did you mention an explosion in the furnace just now?” Fang Xu paused, surprised upon hearing Qiu Chuji’s words.

He could easily sense the worry in Qiu Chuji’s tone, yet when the matter of the furnace explosion was raised, Fang Xu’s eyes lit up involuntarily.

It was well known that Sun Simiao, in his day, invented gunpowder precisely because he gained insight during a furnace explosion. If this was the case, then such incidents were not only inevitable but perhaps even necessary.

Now that Qiu Chuji had brought it up, how could Fang Xu not take note?

“Yes… yes, I did.” Seeing Fang Xu’s excitement, Qiu Chuji was utterly bewildered.

But since he had said it himself, Qiu Chuji did not intend to deny it.

In Qiu Chuji’s mind, Fang Xu must now understand the dangers and risks inherent in alchemy and would surely choose to give it up. If alchemy could be prevented from becoming a pastime for the powerful, then its benefits could better reach the common people.

Unfortunately, Fang Xu did not notice the expression on Qiu Chuji’s face; his thoughts were entirely occupied with the elements of the furnace explosion.

“Is it really possible for the furnace to explode?” Fang Xu mused for a moment and then looked at Qiu Chuji, seeking confirmation. Qiu Chuji, seeing Fang Xu’s expression, naturally assumed that Fang Xu was about to give up, but remained somewhat reluctant. Why not add a little nudge?

“I would never speak carelessly,” Qiu Chuji said. “Even the abbot of the Quanzhen Daoist Temple cannot guarantee safety.”

He deliberately invoked the abbot to lend weight to his words.

Of course, more importantly, Qiu Chuji truly wasn’t lying. When he had studied alchemy under the abbot, furnace explosions happened more often than not. He was only telling the truth.

Though admitting this might embarrass the abbot, Qiu Chuji reasoned that saving a life was more important; if he could change Fang Xu’s mind, then surely the abbot would forgive him.

Qiu Chuji pressed his hands together and silently recited a prayer. Upon hearing Qiu Chuji’s words, Fang Xu’s eyes shone even brighter.

“You mean even the abbot faces risks when refining elixirs?” Fang Xu excitedly grasped Qiu Chuji’s hands. Qiu Chuji was so taken aback he could only nod dumbly, unable to fathom Fang Xu’s excitement.

“So, Qiu Chuji, how confident are you in your own alchemy?” Fang Xu asked seriously, after a moment’s thought. Qiu Chuji hadn’t expected Fang Xu to persist, or even direct his attention toward himself. He couldn’t help but find it amusing and, seeing the opportunity, decided to deal the final blow.

Yet he completely misunderstood Fang Xu’s intent.

Fang Xu cared little for the success rate in alchemy; what truly mattered to him was the likelihood of a furnace explosion, for that was precisely what he needed. If things went smoothly, he might even manage to develop explosives in one attempt.

As long as Qin Suwen kept the explosives firmly in her grasp, there would be no risk. This was the heart of Fang Xu’s concerns. The power of explosives was immense; a slight mishap could lead to disaster, even unnecessary casualties.

Were it not for the constant incursions by the barbarian tribes beyond the frontier, Fang Xu would never have considered using explosives to resolve these issues. But it was unavoidable; in Fang Xu’s eyes, the barbarians’ strength and abilities far surpassed those of the soldiers in the Central Plains.

Even among the Qin soldiers, Fang Xu felt only General Meng could compare with the barbarians; the others simply paled by comparison.

This was not a matter of boosting others at the expense of his own side, but rather a reasonable assessment. It was Fang Xu’s responsibility to everyone; he hoped to help Qin Suwen, who was, after all, his wife, even if only in name.

As a man, how could Fang Xu let Qin Suwen bear the burden alone? He wished to share her load.

At this moment, Qiu Chuji’s arrival had eased Fang Xu’s urgent predicament.

“My success rate in alchemy is only about half,” Qiu Chuji said modestly, but to Fang Xu, this meant something entirely different.

“So the chance of a furnace explosion is also half?” Fang Xu asked, eyes gleaming with excitement. Qiu Chuji, hearing this, felt deeply puzzled.

As an alchemist, Qiu Chuji knew well that nothing was more shameful than a furnace explosion. One or two accidents could be excused, but if more than half ended in disaster, what kind of alchemist would that be? Was Fang Xu mocking him?

“Ahem! Don’t underestimate me, benefactor. If I truly wished, I could keep furnace explosions to about ten percent,” Qiu Chuji replied, coughing lightly.

“What? Who wants you to suppress them? I want you to increase the explosions!” Fang Xu exclaimed.

Qiu Chuji was utterly confused. Had the nobility lost their minds?