CHAPTER 322: CHAPTER 319: HOW FIRECRACKERS ARE MADE

Xiao Chong didn’t lose his composure because of the chili; Xiao Yixun’s secret hope to see the drama failed, and her face turned even colder as if everyone owed her eight million.

Lin Wanwan noticed that Xiao Yixun held a deep grudge against Xiao Chong for forcibly sending her back to Chang’an last time, and she probably sought revenge as soon as she got the chance.

Xiao Chong better fend for himself; with someone as eccentric as Xiao Yixun, nothing she does would be surprising.

Lin Wanwan, having received a favor from Xiao Yixun, could only treat her as an honored guest. In reality, she was very wary of Xiao Yixun.

She wouldn’t let little Qingyu be alone with Xiao Yixun either, sensing Xiao Yixun’s hostility towards Qingyu, like the feeling of competing for affection with a new child in the family.

It’s exhausting!

Especially since Xiao Yixun had such peculiar hobbies, making her nervous just by looking at her collection of poisonous insects and herbs.

Lin Wanwan strictly forbade Qingyu from visiting Xiao Yixun’s side room, fearing an accidental poisoning if she touched something she shouldn’t.

Xiao Yixun spent most of her time quietly in her assigned room, occasionally venturing into the mountains to pick herbs—all of them toxic, showing clearly she wasn’t using them for medicine.

In ancient times, poison and medicine were intertwined; Xiao Yixun’s skills in herbal medicine were not inferior to Lin Wanwan, who specialized in testing and identifying herbs with Sun Simiao.

After dinner, Hua Nong and Xiao Yixun’s mute maid cleared away the meal, while Hong Yan took Qingyu to rest.

The little one initially resisted, wanting her mother to accompany her to sleep; only after Lin Wanwan cradled her and coaxed a bit did she agree to go with Rongrong and rest first.

"Cousin, I’ve heard that today at the workshop, your Red Face Smile Shop set off a loud explosion?"

Indeed, Xiao Chong came for this reason, something Lin Wanwan was mentally prepared for.

Smiling, she took out a small firecracker from her pouch specially picked for Xiao Chong and handed it to him, saying, "It’s not an explosion, just a bit louder than usual firecrackers. See for yourself, cousin."

In about twenty years, a Daoist named Li Tian in the Great Tang would also invent a basic version of firecrackers, and his descendants would go on to research splendid fireworks.

Gunpowder was invented early, with three stories about its origins: one saying it was during the Han Dynasty, one saying the Jin Dynasty, and one saying the Tang Dynasty—all related to alchemy.

Medicine King Sun Simiao summarized the experience of previous alchemists, collected recipes from others, and eventually proposed the very effective sulfur fire trapping method, passed down to later generations.

Daoist Li Tian studied firecrackers based on this, although the Great Tang didn’t immediately enter the gunpowder era; the first recorded appearance of cannons was in the Southern Song period.

Thus, Lin Wanwan wasn’t worried about opening Pandora’s box by introducing firecrackers to the Great Tang; these things would eventually be made by Li Tian and his descendants anyway.

Given Huaxia people’s love for firecrackers, whether for celebrations or mourning, the advent of firecrackers was inevitable.

Xiao Chong took the firecracker from Lin Wanwan’s hand, studied it carefully under the lamp for a while, then handed it to Dugu Di beside him: "What do you think, Xiwen?"

Dugu Di put down the wine pouch filled with Lin Wanwan’s new brew, sniffed the firecracker at his nose for a while, and after a long pause replied, "It contains gunpowder, with paper, sulfur, charcoal powder, and saltpeter."

After speaking, he lightly pinched the firecracker with his fingertips, turned to Lin Wanwan curiously, and asked, "Village Lady Le’an, there’s one thing unclear to me that I wish to ask."

Lin Wanwan, looking at the face covered with flowing ribbons, for some reason felt as if he could see right through her, even though he appeared blind.

If this guy’s eyes could open, his gaze would surely be as sharp as Xiao Chong.

Calming herself internally, Lin Wanwan replied lightly, "Feel free to ask, Lord Dugu."

Dugu Di said, "Sulfur and charcoal powder, and saltpeter are easy to collect, but where did you obtain this paper, Village Lady? As far as I know, there’s no paper workshop in Great Tang that can make such paper."

Lin Wanwan’s eyes widened instantly upon hearing this, her mind racing. Are you kidding me! How did he figure this out, by touch or by smell?!

Who is really blind here? How did he know?

Underestimated the ancient people of Great Tang!

A little flustered, Lin Wanwan hurriedly continued to let her mythical senior brother take the blame: "This was given to me by my senior brother in the past; perhaps it’s an imported item, haha. Lord Dugu is truly impressive, being able to distinguish this."

Dugu Di smiled faintly and did not pursue it further, quietly handing the firecracker back to Xiao Chong.

Xiao Chong looked at Lin Wanwan with a subtle smile in his eyes, nodding gently: "Oh~ it turns out your senior brother was involved again~"

His tone clearly carried a hint of mockery.

It felt like he saw through her yet didn’t explicitly say it, aggravating Lin Wanwan!

At least die for me clearly! Why keep the heart on tenterhooks!?

This shadowy master!!!

Lin Wanwan glared fiercely at Xiao Chong, sarcastically saying: "Cousin, your insights are as sharp as fire; my senior brother definitely can’t compare, I’m humbled!"

Xiao Chong rubbed his nose, smiling wryly: "Xiao misspoke, please don’t be angry, cousin."

Then he immediately changed the topic: "Cousin, do you have this firecracker formula? This thing might have other uses; I shamelessly want to ask for it from you."

Lin Wanwan replied grumpily: "The formula is a secret not to be easily given away! Cousin is handsome, but his thinking is even more beautiful!"

"Cough cough cough cough!"

As soon as Lin Wanwan finished speaking, Dugu Di got choked on the wine, coughing incessantly.

He had never encountered someone speaking to Xiao Zifang so disrespectfully before; today he witnessed it, too bold!

Xiao Chong sighed softly, helplessly: "I was being presumptuous."

He didn’t understand why Lin Wanwan suddenly got so angry, speaking so disrespectfully. He hadn’t exposed her at all, always cooperating with her act.

Lin Wanwan immediately felt regret after speaking, her cheeks reddening slightly.

Today, it wasn’t just her and Xiao Chong; there was an outsider from the Dugu Family, and she really shouldn’t have embarrassed Xiao Chong.

Moreover, directly commenting on appearance was indeed rude, considering this was the Great Tang, not modern times.

People like Xiao Chong would likely be sensitive about being described as beautiful, as it hints at femininity.

Back then, Zhuge Liang insulted Sima Yi by sending him women’s clothing, insinuating that Sima Yi was like a woman, which was a severe insult.

If it were someone else, they would’ve challenged directly for a duel long ago, but Sima Yi was a stealthy strategist and endured it.

Secretly glancing at Xiao Chong, Lin Wanwan saw his expression remained calm, seemingly not angry, and relaxed internally.

Flippant, really flippant! How could she embarrass the big boss like this, especially when he was her support in Mao County, she needed to maintain the attitude expected of a graduate entering a company.

Treat the client like first love, even if the client torments me a thousand times!

"Haha, cousin, don’t blame me, I was just joking. The formula is available, I’ll provide it to you right away."