BXBX NOVEL Chapter 47: Turn the Tables! Old Ancestor Longyan_i
“What is oyster cement?” Wang Shouzhe put down his maritime merchant thoughts and asked curiously.
“Oyster cement is a building material made by objects like oysters, shells, and so on, processed by kiln-burning and other methods.” Chen Fanghua explained, “Using oyster cement and river sand in a suitable ratio can ensure a good bond between bricks, tiles, and stones, making the stones as solid as a whole. It is often used in the walls of prominent families or government offices. Because it isn’t mass-produced, its cost is relatively high. Since you come from a noble lineage, young master Wang, it’s completely normal for you to be unfamiliar with this basic building material.”
“I see.” Wang Shouzhe ‘understood suddenly’, full of joy, “Reading ten thousand books is no better than traveling ten thousand miles. I did gain some new insights.”
It sounds like a type of cement? Wang Shouzhe began pondering, how had he never thought of something like cement? Even if it isn’t sold, this product would be extremely beneficial to the basic construction of the clan.
That being said, Wang Shouzhe only had a vague idea about how cement is produced. As long as there is a general direction and a willingness to put in some manpower and funds, it will eventually be produced.
Moreover, buildings with concrete structures are very sturdy. Be it the construction of houses or the creation of water conservancy facilities, it is very beneficial in enhancing the overall safety of the clan.
immediately, Wang Shouzhe included the cement industry into his future research and development plans.
“Young Master Wang, the best thing about the Hundred Islands Guard is the exquisite seafood.” Chen Fanghua continued, “Fresh seafood is very difficult to store and transport, so most of the seafood transported to the mainland are usually salted and dried. If you want to eat seafood, it’s best to consume it while it’s still fresh. Today, I have arranged for you to have a taste….. ”
“Thank you for your kind intentions, Brother Chen.” Wang Shouzhe refused, “However, the journey by sea is exhausting, and my family is a bit tired. After resting for a few days, I’ll repay your kindness by being the host.”
He and Old Ancestor Longyan traveled all the way to the Hundred Islands Guard, not just for a bite of delicious seafood. Besides, Wang Shouzhe had a lot of things to discuss with Old Ancestor Longyan.
“Then we’ll do as Young Master Wang wishes. But since the Young Clan Leader commanded me to entertain the honorable guests well, I’ll have to askyou not to put me in a difficult situation, and let our Chen Clan be the host.” Chen Fanghua said with a smile.
Lingering along the way and chatting about this and that.
After a short while, they entered Golden Sand City, the main city of the Hundred Islands Guard. This city stood on an island, and every rock used for its construction was rugged and sourced locally. Wang Shouzhe specifically noticed that between the rocks, there was a certain white lime filler, which must be the oyster cement that Chen Fanghua had mentioned earlier.
If even the city wall uses oyster cement, it shows that the adhesives made by mixing oyster cement and sand are very strong. But, which is stronger, this material or concrete?
This question will need to be corroborated once Wang Shouzhe “develops” cement, so for now, he sets it aside.
Once they were in Golden Sand City, they stayed at a high-end inn. With the arrangements made by Chen Fanghua, the “natives of these parts” easily secured a large dwelling for Wang Shouzhe and his party to stay in.
The dwelling had seven or eight rooms, and the environment was peaceful, enough space for everyone to comfortably stay.
After everyone had retired to their rooms to rest, Wang Shouzhe had also taken a bath. After resting for over half an hour, he went next door to visit Old
Ancestor Longyan.
Standing at the door of the old ancestor’s room, he knocked on the door, lowering his voice to call out: “Old Ancestor, ShouZhe requests an audience.”
After a while, Fourth Aunt Xu Zhirou opened the door and said: “ShouZhe, the Old Ancestor invites you in.”
“Four Auntie, my dear girl. You must have been tired after the long journey, go back to your room to rest. I have something to discuss with Old Ancestor.” Wang Shouzhe said as he entered the door.
“Yes, ShouZhe,” Xu Zhirou bowed slightly and, pulling the still confused Wang Licui along, left, closing the door behind her.
After they left, Wang Shouzhe walked to Old Ancestor Longyan with a bow, “ShouZhe invites Old Ancestor, sorry for the intrusion.”
The Old Ancestor Longyan’s profound eyes swept over Wang Shouzhe, calmly saying, “ShouZhe, you look solemn and serious. Could it possibly be, you ve come to advise me not to sell my personal spiritual treasures?
Wang Shouzhe couldn’t help but laugh bitterly, Old Ancestor Longyan has pre-emptively taken the lead. However, he has already weighed this matter in his heart. He immediately put on a serious face and said, “After skimming through the information about the Hundred Islands Guard, I found that Golden Sand Island has a famous black market, so I dared to guess the purpose of Old Ancestor’s visit. But ShouZhe has a slight doubt, is Old Ancestor planning to sell the Dragon Smoke Sword, or the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield?”
Old Ancestor Longyan’s eyes remained unmoved, saying, “The Turtle Scale Treasure Shield is of no use to me anymore.”
Wang Shouzhe trembled slightly, bitterness in his heart, the confirmation was the worst among his various speculations. When the old ancestor said that the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield was useless, it meant that the Dragon Smoke
Sword was still useful.
The Precious Shield for defense, the Spirit Sword for attack, she undoubtedly chose to abandon defense and switch to offense.
“I, Shouzhe, dare to speculate about the old ancestor’s intentions. If I’m wrong, please correct me,” Wang Shouzhe pondered, “The old ancestor wants to sell the Turtle Scale Treasure Shield to gather resources for me to advance to the Spirit Platform Realm. Once I reach the Spirit Platform Realm, the old ancestor will take action and capture either the Zhao Clan or Liu Clan’s old ancestor to secure future prospects for our family!”
By the end, Wang Shouzhe’s voice was trembling.
Longyan’s ancestor remained silent for a while, her ethereal eyes calm. After a moment, she slowly shook her head: “Shouzhe, your guess is wrong.”
His guess was wrong?
Relief washed over Wang Shouzhe, and joy filled his heart. Fortunately, Longyan’s ancestor was sensible…
However, Longyan’s ancestor calmly said, “If I wait until then, I’m afraid I won’t have the strength to take action.”
“Old Ancestor…” Wang Shouzhe’s face changed, but before he could speak, he was interrupted by Longyan’s ancestor, “Shouzhe, I knowyou care for me, but I am aware of my injuries. I can’t hold on for much longer…
The fleeting pain in her face then returned to calm. Her voice was ethereal, “Who do you think Wang Longyan is? Rather than lingering in pain and dying slowly, it is better to go out brilliantly like fireworks while I still have the strength. I will take both the Zhao and the Liu Clan’s traitors with me. Shouzhe, you can rest assured.”
Rest assured?
How on earth can I rest assured?!
Wang Shouzhe trembled in his heart, wanting to swear. Longyan’s ancestor’s plan was too crazy. It must be stopped. He took a deep breath and said, “Old ancestor, even if you succeed, the regular forces of the Zhao Clan and Liu Clan are stronger than our Wang Family!”
“We have the Liu Family,” Longyan’s ancestor calmly replied.
The Liu Family… Yes, Wang Shouzhe remembered, the daughter of the Liu Family was his betrothed. So that was it, when Longyan’s ancestor personally proposed to the Liu Family in order to speed up the marriage, she had already planned this. If the two were married, the Liu Family would definitely not sit idly by when the remnants of the Liu Clan and Zhao Clan retaliated.
“In that case,” Wang Shouzhe said solemnly, “my wedding night is the best time to take action. First, on my wedding night, the Zhao Clan and Liu Clan would never expect the old ancestor to suddenly take action. Secondly, at that time, our Wang Family will have numerous guests, the Liu Clan and Zhao Clan wouldn’t dare to fight back.”
Longyan’s ancestor’s frail body shook slightly, then she slowly shook her head and said, “This plan is ominous for you. It’s not conducive to your reputation. Do not mention it again.”
Wang Shouzhe started laughing, “The old ancestor can sacrifice her life for the family. As a youngster, what’s there for me to be concerned about?” “You are still young and the greatest hope for the future of our family,” Longyan’s ancestor lightly said, “When I die in battle, the Dragon Smoke Sword will pass on to you. You must take my body to the Purple Abode Academic Palace, deliver it to my teacher, Master Binglan, tell him that Wang Longyan, out of her capriciousness, has failed her teacher’s expectations. Hope to return to the sect after death.”
She brought Wang Shouzhe to the Hundred Islands Guard and did not truly hide her plan from him, as this matter still required his cooperation.
“I understand,” Wang Shouzhe held his fist in salute respectfully.
“Aren’t you going to argue any more?” Longyan’s ancestor was a bit surprised. According to her original plan, with Shouzhe’s filial nature, he would definitely argue hard, and she was prepared to suppress him with her status as the ancestor.
“If there are no other variables, the old ancestor’s plan is the only one that can assist the Wang family in quickly turning the tables.” Wang Shouzhe calmly replied, “The old ancestor’s injuries have clearly reached a stage where they are on the brink of losing control. As proud and unrivaled as you are, would you tolerate dying slowly in pain? Dying gloriously in battle while simultaneously resolving the family crisis and allowing the world to witness your world- renowned beauty would naturally be the best choice.
“Quite right, I, Wang Longyan, have always despised hesitation and procrastination.” A touch of fervor passed through Longyan’s ancestor’s calm eyes, “Shouzhe, your understanding is the greatest comfort to me.” “Old ancestor, I spoke of a prerequisite; without any other variables, your plan would be the best.” Wang Shouzhe wore a relaxed expression as he laughed, “I too have a plan, with the ultimate goal being – Wang Shouzhe taking hold of the Spirit Platform Realm, becoming the pillar of our family, and you, Longyan’s ancestor, dealing with your own affairs. If you feel guilty towards Master, go and apologize to him yourself.”
“What?” No matter how well Longyan’s ancestor could control her emotions, she was still shocked, disbelief filled her eyes.