Xing Honglang woke early.

Sleeping on the hard, cold plastic floor was anything but comfortable—it was a wonder she didn’t wake even earlier.

She sat up and found a quilt draped over her. It felt odd. Which subordinate had covered their mistress with a blanket but failed to move her back to bed? Did they have shit for brains? Utterly clueless about caring for others.

Knocking her head throbbing from a hangover, she scrambled to her feet and yelled casually, “Old Zhu, Old Zhang! Who the hell’s awake? Fetch your mistress some water!”

No one answered!

All the salt smugglers were sound asleep in their beds.

Xing Honglang circled the room. Seeing every subordinate sleeping like hogs, she resigned herself to getting water. Pouring a cup single-handedly, she drank it down before stumbling out of the plastic mansion.

Outside, daylight already flooded the area.

Just as usual, the villagers of Gaojia Village had begun their industrious labors: some engaged in road construction, others sawing wood. Meanwhile, the hundred or so militiamen drilled formations beside the main fortress.

Passing through clusters of plastic houses, she noticed “inns,” “taverns,” “markets,” and “brothels” all standing empty. Unable to hold back, she muttered aloud, “Such a fine place with plenty of people, yet not a single merchant? Absolutely ridiculous.”

“Does Miss Xing feel it too is amiss?” Thirty-Two emerged from a plastic structure resembling a “bookshop” ahead and smiled at her. “Miss Xing has seen the world—traveling widely, trading everywhere. In matters of commerce, you must have extensive knowledge and experience.”

Xing Honglang replied, “Mhm!”

Thirty-Two asked humbly, “In Miss Xing’s opinion, does our Gaojia Village now meet the conditions to establish a market?”

Xing Honglang snapped, “Isn’t that obvious? Gaojia Village must have surpassed a thousand residents! Look around—colorful houses surround the main fortress everywhere. This is no longer a village; it’s a town! Have you ever seen a town without merchants?”

Thirty-Two tilted his head thoughtfully before smiling. “Quite right. A town devoid of merchants does seem bizarre. Hence, I’m pondering how to stimulate Gaojia Village’s commerce.”

Xing Honglang chuckled knowingly. “I know exactly why it’s lacking.”

Thirty-Two pressed, “I am all ears.”

Xing Honglang explained, “Your village provides wages too comprehensively—distributing grain, salt, oil, sugar… practically everything. What need have people for commerce? They consume their rations and sell any surplus even to me!”

The logic was undeniable. Thirty-Two flushed awkwardly. “That was during Gaojia Village’s infancy, when the Deity distributed necessities due to the absence of commerce. I see—time to adjust: carpenters receive only grain, no salt; blacksmiths only salt, no grain… compensated with increased quantities.”

Xing Honglang snorted approvingly. “Scholars’ minds work swiftly.”

Thanking her, Thirty-Two returned to the main fortress to draft a detailed “wage adjustment plan.” Revitalizing commerce was imperative.

Stumbling onward, Xing Honglang exited the “commercial street” and stopped at the hillside’s edge just as Gao Yiye hurried up the path. Her dignified attire contrasted with her lively pace.

Reaching Xing Honglang, Gao Yiye looked up cheerfully. “Sister Xing! The Deity seeks you. He has something to discuss.”

Xing Honglang raised her head, offering a respectful salute skyward. Yesterday’s spectacle of cascading rolling logs and Cheng Xu soaring had opened her eyes, granting stark clarity about the Deity’s power. “What decree does the Deity bring?”

Gao Yiye whispered, “The Deity desires a ‘gunpowder maker’ brought to Gaojia Village.”

“Oh?” Xing Honglang’s brow furrowed slightly. “That won’t be easy. The court watches gunpowder makers closely.”

Gao Yiye smiled. “The Deity said if it were trivial, he wouldn’t entrust it to you. He recognizes your exceptional talents, Miss Xing—specializing precisely in the ‘difficult’ business.”

Xing Honglang grinned, basking briefly in the praise from a celestial entity.

Gao Yiye continued, “The Deity observed that with Heyang County now restless, returning to Shanxi for trade is impossible near-term. Your plan is surely Xi’an Prefecture next, correct?”

Xing Honglang nodded. “Indeed. Once my arm heals, Xi’an is my destination.”

Gao Yiye said, “While in Xi’an, consider visiting the Official Workshops. Test the waters with a gunpowder maker. If…”

Xing Honglang caught on instantly. “If willing to flee, I escort him beyond imperial grasp to Gaojia Village?”

Gao Yiye cautioned, “It carries great risk. The Deity insists—attempt only if feasible without danger. Protect yourself above all. The slightest peril demands abandoning the mission.”

Xing Honglang laughed heartily. “Raised by my father smuggling salt since infancy—always flirting with execution. Dodging authorities? My specialty! If I deem him unrecoverable, I won’t act. If I act? He’ll reach Gaojia Village, no government catching me!”

Gao Yiye beamed. “The Deity is pleased! He vowed not to forget your service should you succeed.”

Xing Honglang waved it off. “Unnecessary! When the Deity manifested, annihilated Erchun avenging me, I incurred a celestial debt. Fetching a gunpowder maker repays that vow.”

Gao Yiye giggled. “Equating Erchun and a gunpowder maker? Improper! The Deity views Erchun as worthless filth—the gunpowder maker, infinitely vital.”

Xing Honglang roared, “True! That Erchun was utterly worthless! Hahaha!”

As they laughed, distant cheers erupted.

Xing Honglang glanced curiously. “What commotion?”

Gao Yiye explained, “The cement road to Wangjia Village opens today. They celebrate its completion.”

“Oh?” Xing Honglang murmured. “That peculiar grey hard road.”

Gao Yiye nodded. “Yes. It lets the public sun chariots travel smoothly and faster. The Deity intends to pave it connecting all surrounding villages, but manpower is tight. This second stretch to Wangjia is just finished.”

Xing Honglang clicked her tongue admiringly. “Cover the world in such roads? Trade would soar! Pity—only a deity could bestow such treasures.”