The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 407 Capture
After replacing the spring, Jia Huan test-fired a dozen shots again. There was no explosion, but the dust accumulation was a bit serious. The trigger and barrel had to be cleaned every ten shots or so. This is a common problem of muzzle-loading muskets. Whether it is an old-fashioned musket, a matchlock gun, or a steel wheel lighter, this problem is unavoidable. It was not until the appearance of striker firing and encapsulated bullets that the carbon deposit problem was solved.

But in general, apart from the defects in the durability of the spring, Jia Huan was quite satisfied with this new flintlock rifle. Not only was it light and convenient, its range was no worse than his own steel-wheeled double-barreled pistol. The key was that it had huge advantages in technology and cost, making it suitable for large-scale equipment of the army.

As for the defect of poor spring durability, it involves professional knowledge of smelting and cannot be solved overnight. It can only be improved slowly in the future.

Mandalin's temporary residence was in the workshop, a room of less than ten square meters, with a bed and a workbench, and basically no space left, so Jia Huan could only sit on the bed, while Mandalin happily cleaned up the drawings and parts scattered everywhere, humming an unknown little tune.

Finally she can go home, Mandarin is in a very happy mood. Although she is a military man, she hates war. Especially after witnessing the tragic scene of her comrades including her father dying under enemy fire, she is even more disgusted with war.

During the time when she was captured by the enemy, she had nightmares almost every night. In her dreams, she seemed to be back in that tragic naval battle, watching her ship being hit by several heavy artillery shells, the torn body of the captain's father, and the remains of many of her comrades, sinking into the unfathomable sea along with the burning warship...

The wounds of war can heal, but the trauma of war will last a lifetime. Even if a long time can dilute the fear and sadness, the memory can never be erased. Yes, Mandarin hates war, so she is very reluctant to make killing weapons. If Jia Huan hadn't asked her to, she would not have made this flintlock rifle.

Mandarin used to think that women in Dajin were pitiful and had no freedom, but now she actually likes this kind of life where girls stay at home and never go out. It is peaceful and comfortable, where they grow flowers and grass, do needlework, and get together to chat about family matters, play the piano and flute when they have time. It is so wonderful to be away from war!

"Okay, we're done packing, Jia, let's go. I want to go horseback riding and eat Kung Pao Chicken. Oh yeah!" Mandarin raised her hands, stretched her body, and then turned around in a circle.

Looking at the tall and graceful blonde girl in a high ponytail, Jia Huan's heart seemed to be sprinkled with a ray of bright sunshine. He instantly felt full of energy and said with a smile: "Arrange it right away!"

Mandarin cheered, and pounced on Jia Huan like a hungry tiger, knocking him onto the bed and sitting on him in a very unladylike posture.

This action was too violent, and Jia was startled. He reminded: "Shi Tou and the others are still waiting outside."

Mandarin put a finger to her lips, sighed softly, and whispered seductively: "Jia, I have made the flintlock rifle. How will you reward me?"

"Didn't I tell you to arrange it right away?" Jia Huan pretended to be stupid.

Mandarin twisted her body, puffed up her cheeks and said coquettishly: "It's not enough, I want more rewards."

Jia Huan took a deep breath and felt that he was about to lose control and transform into a moonlit werewolf, wantonly invading the other party's territory.

However, Mandarin seemed to be unaware of the danger and was still twisting her body left and right. Jia Huan could not stand this any longer. He turned over and pushed the daring foreign maid down under him...

In the yard outside the workshop, Shitou was playing with the small axe out of boredom, Muye was squatting on the ground watching a group of ants moving things, and Jinbao was sitting next to him picking his feet, saying, "Why is it taking so long? I remember Miss Man didn't have much luggage. She should have packed it a long time ago. How about we hurry her up?"

Mu Ye said without even looking up: "You sir, you have no vision, just wait."

"Hey, Xiao Mu, listen, that sound?" Jin Bao suddenly heard a strange sound coming from inside the house. He quickly put on his shoes and wanted to go forward to listen carefully.

Mu Ye pulled the guy back and cursed him with a low laugh: "Get back here, you idiot, you dare to listen to the Third Master's wall."

Jin Bao realized it belatedly, stuck out his tongue and said, "I'm just worried that Master San is in danger."

"Damn the danger, you should worry about yourself." Mu Ye cleverly grabbed Jin Bao and walked out of the workshop gate, but Shi Tou had already slipped away.

I don't know how long it had been. Just when Mu Ye and others were hesitating whether they should return to the yard, they saw Tiehu walking towards them majestically. With his height of more than two meters and his body as strong as a tiger, just walking towards you with empty hands still gave people a sense of oppression.

"Shi Tou, where is Third Master? You didn't even notify me when you came." Tiehu greeted them as he walked up to the crowd.

Shitou teased, "Brother Tiger is busy picking flowers and catching birds, so don't bother him."

Tiehu rolled his eyes and said, "What nonsense are you talking about? I don't want to bother with you." Then he walked into the workshop. Muye and Jinbao quickly blocked the door. Tiehu was stunned for a moment and frowned, "What are you two doing? Do you want to practice with me?"

Mu Ye smiled and said, "Don't misunderstand, Master Tiger. Even if we were given ten courages, we wouldn't dare to stroke your tiger whiskers."

"Then get out of here! I have something to talk to Third Master about." Tiehu was about to push the two men aside when suddenly an idea flashed in his mind. He stopped and whispered, "What is Third Master doing? Why are you all waiting outside?"

Mu Ye and Jin Bao didn't say anything, but just looked inside with ambiguous eyes. Although Tiehu looked rough on the outside, he was actually a brave and careful man. He immediately understood and retracted his feet.

Two incense sticks later, Jia Huan and Mandalin finally came out of the workshop. The latter was originally dressed in short clothes, but now she had changed into traditional women's dress. She seemed to have just taken a bath. Her tender skin was white and rosy, and she was delicate and charming. Her long golden hair was tied into a high ponytail. She had both the classical Chinese elegance and was full of youthful vitality.

Mandarin originally had an angelic face and a devilish figure. Now that she had been moisturized by the rain and dew, she was even more stunningly beautiful. Even though Tiehu and others saw her often, they were still amazed at this moment and turned their eyes away, not daring to look at her any longer.

"Greetings, Third Master, Aunt Man!" Jin Bao bowed in a naive manner.

Mu Ye was stunned for a moment. Great! You are usually naive, but when it comes to flattery, you are faster than lightning. He also bowed and said, "Hello, Third Master, Aunt Man."

Even though Jia Huan was thick-skinned, he couldn't help but feel a little hot on his face. He felt so ashamed that he couldn't help but accidentally fired the gun. In fact, it was nothing, it was just a matter of time anyway, it was just that the time and place were a bit awkward, but... it was quite exciting, the feeling was simply... endless.

"Hey, Hu Zi came sooner or later!" Jia Huan coughed lightly.

Tiehu said hurriedly: "I just arrived, and Miss Man's flintlock rifle is ready."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "It's done, I guess. It's inconvenient here, I'll tell you in detail later. Xiao Mu, go borrow a carriage. Miss Man doesn't want to ride a horse today."

Mandarin couldn't help but blush. Not long ago, she claimed that she wanted to ride a horse, but now she couldn't. Who made her so ignorant that she wanted to have a good time just after the rain. Now she was suffering. Even walking was a little inconvenient, so how could she ride a horse?

Soon, Mu Ye borrowed a carriage from the guard post. Jia Huan considerately helped Manda onto the carriage, then he called Tiehu aside and asked, "What do you want to talk to me about?"

Tiehu actually hesitated. Jia Huan said, "Did it come from the head of the Qin family that asked you to come?"

Tiehu smiled awkwardly and said, "Third Master is indeed as good as a god in predicting things."

"Come on, stop flattering me. Where is she now?" Jia Huan asked.

Tiehu said hurriedly: "Outside the camp, Hong'er actually came to the guard today to receive a batch of weapons. I heard that the Third Master happened to be here, so I wanted to talk to you about opening a shipyard."

"Ugh, you even called Hong'er, when did you two hook up?" Shitou pretended to dry heave.

"Get out of here, little brat!" Tiehu kicked the stone away.

"You're great, kid. You're really quick. You caught him so quickly." Jia Huan hit Tiehu's chest lightly with his hammer and said with a smile.

Tiehu grinned and said with a bit of smugness: "It's a must. How can I embarrass you, Third Master?"

Jia Huan laughed and said, "Okay, then let's get out of the camp quickly." After that, he turned around and walked to his mount and mounted the horse.

Tiehu, Shitou and others also quickly mounted their horses and trotted towards the camp gate. Jinbao was responsible for driving the carriage and followed behind.

(End of this chapter)