The second day of the fifth month. Zhenzhu was busy weaving Tiejin silk reinforced with iron threads. She was designing a military uniform to present to Yong Saiweihao for consideration. This was her first commission, and she had to do her best. "Aunt Qu, please give me another piece of copper-reinforced black cloth." "Here you go, Miss," Madam Qu handed over the stiff cloth to Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu took a thin piece of fabric and sewed it onto the knees, elbows, and areas expected to receive impacts. The thread she used was also made from Tiejin silk, reinforced with Enduring Character to increase its toughness and durability. The military uniform she designed was relatively form-fitting, using dark green fabric for effective camouflage in various situations. Iron and copper threads were woven into the fabric to increase its durability. Although this added some weight, it was not as heavy as the bulky traditional armor, which hindered movement. The knees, elbows, and ankles were further reinforced with silk to reduce impact. "Peipei, go and fetch a sturdy male servant for me." "Yes, Miss," Peipei went to call a servant. He was tall and big. Zhenzhu handed him the finished military uniform. "Put it on, run around the weaving factory three times, crawl once, and then come back." "Yes, Miss," the servant, though puzzled, complied with her instructions. After running around the weaving factory three times and crawling once as instructed by the lady, he returned to her. "How do you feel? Is there any discomfort while running?" Zhenzhu asked. "The only issue is at the ankles, Miss. The fabric there is too large and stiff. If I walk for a long time, it might cause chafing," the servant replied honestly. Everything else was fine, but the ankles were a bit problematic. He now understood that Lady was using him to test the suit she had made. "Oh," Zhenzhu nodded and began to think of a solution. "Miss, I think we should use smaller pieces of copper-reinforced fabric and sew them together into a large piece. This will make the ankle area more flexible but still not too soft," Peipei suggested. "Yes, I was thinking the same. Aunt Qu, bring me the copper-reinforced fabric to look at.” "Here you go, Miss," Zhenzhu meticulously adjusted the fabric design. She had been engrossed in this design for three days. If she finished today, she would present it to Yong Saiweihao. Zhenzhu diligently sewed the fabric herself. After more than two hours, she finally completed the prototype military uniform. "Finished!" Zhenzhu looked at her work with pride. Zhenzhu carefully packed the uniform into a box and handed it to Peipei. "Peipei, carry this for me. I’ll go home, bathe, and change. Then, I’ll take this to present to Brother Hao." "Yes, Miss. I’ll inform Xin Xi to prepare the carriage.” Zhenzhu hurried home to change her clothes eagerly. She then set off in a carriage driven by Xin Xi, heading towards the Governor Manor. Upon arrival, she was escorted to the reception hall. Inside, three men of different ages and a bright-faced young girl were waiting: Wenlang, Yong Saiweihao, Governor Xin, and Li Si. They were all eagerly awaiting Zhenzhu. Zhenzhu bowed respectfully to the high-status and elder individuals before carefully placing the wooden box containing the uniform. "A’Zhu, I can’t wait to see your military uniform. Hurry and show us." Li Si said, her eyes sparkling. "Brother Hao, may I borrow one of your guards?" "Fine," the straight face man replied. She then went to select from the guards guarding them. She chose a tall, muscular, broad-shouldered, and had a strong chest. This was to ensure her uniform looked its best. "Brother, please change into this outfit I prepared. And don’t forget to look handsome," Zhenzhu instructed the young guard. Oh, young lady, this is just how I look. How am I supposed to make myself look handsome? The guard thought to himself. After arranging everything, she returned to the reception hall. "I think we should go to the pavilion outside. If we stay here, it will be difficult to test the effectiveness of the uniform," Zhenzhu suggested. "Fine, let’s go outside then," Wenlang agreed. Everyone moved from the reception hall to the pavilion outside, which had a large enough courtyard for martial arts practice. Shortly after, a young guard walked in. He wore a dark green military uniform woven with Tiejin silk, reinforced with iron and copper threads. His movements were agile and not cumbersome. The joints and high flexibility needed areas did not hinder his mobility. The front thighs, chest, back, and arms were reinforced with thicker, slightly heavier fabric, providing excellent protection for vital points to save life. The suit was designed to cover from the neck to the ankles. Zhenzhu nodded in satisfaction. Good, good. She walked beside the young guard and began her presentation confidently. "Today, our weaving factory proudly presents the Brave Warrior Military Uniform, crafted from Tiejin silk, reinforced with iron and copper threads. It is durable, impervious to swords, spears, sabers, arrows, and many other weapons. Additionally, the fabric can adjust its temperature according to the weather. When it’s hot, it keeps the wearer cool, and when it’s cold, it keeps them warm. Our shop has designed this uniform to suit the conditions of warfare perfectly. It is ideal for camouflage in grass and dirt mounds. The chest area is especially reinforced with iron threads and Tiejin silk, woven with fine, strong, and durable threads, protecting the heart, a vital organ for survival. Furthermore, our design also protects the back, thighs, abdomen, nape, and arms. Moreover, the joints of the body are crucial for movement, and we’ve designed the uniform to allow agile movement without any hindrance. But don’t think this makes it a weak point. We have used a method of cutting the enduring iron-reinforced fabric into small pieces and sewing them together, providing high flexibility, strength, and unimpeded movement.” "Not only that, but the uniform also features hidden weapon compartments in the legs, arms, and torso, placed for easy and convenient access. In case of capture, these hidden weapons provide a last resort for escape. With all these features, the price is only 200 taels. The uniform is guaranteed to last no less than 40 years. If you want even more durability, you can order additional character inscription for just 20 taels, bringing the total to only 220 taels." Clap, clap, clap, clap. Li Si clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling. "A’Zhu, you’re amazing! I’ll buy one—no, three uniforms! In pink, blue, and green." Zhenzhu made a wry face. A warrior uniform in pink, blue, and green? That would be quite peculiar. "I’ll design some just for you later, alright?" Zhenzhu said. "Alright, great. I’ll buy them.” Zhenzhu borrowed a guard’s sword and swiftly stabbed at the guard wearing her military uniform. The sound was like metal striking metal. But it wasn’t a metal plate—it was the armor meeting the sword’s edge. The sword even chipped slightly. "It even chipped the blade?" Li Si exclaimed. "Of course, my products are never ordinary." "Good! Very good," Wenlang said for the first time after seeing the armor Zhenzhu presented. Yong Saiweihao nodded in agreement. The armor she designed looked agile and nimble, unlike the old bulky armor. It was also much lighter. Moreover, the fabric could adjust its temperature according to the weather, making it perfect for battlefield conditions in both winter and summer. It must be noted that a war can last for a decade, and a battle can last for months. Having such armor would enable their soldiers to withstand the heat and cold better than their enemies. Additionally, she designed hidden compartments, ideal for surprise attacks. "Good, very good," Yong Saiweihao said. Zhenzhu beamed upon hearing. "Brother Hao, would you like to order a few thousand to test first?" Zhenzhu wasn’t sure how many soldiers he commanded but letting him try using them first might help him decide. Moreover, her weaving factory was still small and couldn’t produce 10,000 uniforms at once. Given a few more months, she could certainly increase production. "A’Zhu, if we needed around hundred thousand uniforms, how long would it take to produce?" Wenlang inquired, really interested in the uniforms. Despite the high cost for just the low-rank soldiers, the uniforms’ durability and features made them a worthwhile investment. "Hundred thousand uniforms!" "Yes, we need to test a hundred thousand uniforms first. Do you think the military forces of Yan Region are just a handful?" The forces under Yong Saiweihao’s command alone numbered in the hundreds of thousands, not to mention the additional troops under General Zhao and other major city generals. Zhenzhu’s hair stood on end. This was too massive order! She pondered briefly. So large. But not impossible. If she bought several large plots of land and planted mulberry trees on all of them, then bred more Tiejin silkworms, in less than two years, producing a hundred thousand sets of armor wouldn’t be impossible. However, to ensure they wouldn’t trick her into planting mulberries for nothing, a contract from the royal court would be necessary. "In two to three years, I can increase production capacity." "Alright," Yong Saiweihao replied, satisfied. In two to three years, war would be inevitable. Yan Region and Tang Region had longstanding issues. Once recovered from the drought, Tang Region would surely march their army to the border again. "Then, I and your Brother Hao will submit a petition and consult with General Zhao. Once we have a decision, we will send a quick horse with the contract," Wenlang said. Although Zhenzhu was somewhat surprised, dealing with such a big client, much larger than she expected, she couldn’t back down now. "Agreed," Zhenzhu replied firmly. Her first task in the textile industry was to work for the army. The royal decree appointing Grandmaster Huo Bi as a Grandmaster painter of the region, honoring him as equivalent to the Da Shitu, became famous throughout the region. By now, Master He’s reputation had also spread throughout the northern part of the Yan Region. It was said that Master He, upon seeing the devastating drought and the many lives lost, conceived the idea of creating the Painting’s Deity. Without delay, he set out to find a grandmaster painter skilled enough to create the Painting’s Deity. When Master He learned of a grandmaster painter renowned for his Painting’s Beast, Grandmaster Huo Bi, he set out to find him to help the people from this suffering. Master He searched for five days and nights and finally found Grandmaster Huo Bi. When Master He pleaded with Grandmaster Huo Bi to create the Painting’s Deity, the elder did not disappoint. He successfully created the Painting’s Deity, making Grandmaster Huo Bi famous and a model for future generations of painters. The Rain God Yushi, once forgotten by the people, now gained overflowing faith throughout the region. Shrines dedicated to the Deity Yushi can be seen in every town. "Master He is truly remarkable, able to help the people escape their plight." "You can’t just call him Master He anymore; you must call him Magistrate He now." "That’s right. How could I forget he’s now a noble?" "But Grandmaster Huo Bi is also quite impressive. I wish I could be fortunate enough to see his paintings for once." "Hey. How could you see it? Grandmaster Huo Bi’s paintings are extremely expensive now. Great families are competing to bid for them. One painting costs more than a large manor." "Exactly. The Painting’s Deity is now in the palace. How could you see it?" "Never mind that. Hurry up today. Did you forget that today the He Family’s Vegetable Shop is giving away vegetables, mushrooms, and fruits for free? If we go late, we might miss out." "Huh? Why are they giving them away for free?" "I don’t know. I heard there’s going to be a sign put up in front of the shop or something. I’m not sure. Let’s hurry or we’ll miss it." The townspeople chatted excitedly as they hurried toward the He Family’s Vegetable Shop, afraid they might miss the event if they were late. However, they didn’t realize that Master He, whom they admired, was about to be consumed by the intense envy of one particular person. Luanchen and Su Nu, sitting in a restaurant, had their eyes lit up before they followed the townspeople toward the He Family’s Vegetable Shop. The main street outside the city, where the He family’s vegetable and fruit shops were located, was bustling with people. Both locals of Fengfu City and travelers passing through crowded the area, all waiting in front of the He Family’s Vegetable Shop. Soon, a procession of horses slowly parted the crowd. Over ten warhorses caught everyone’s attention, led by two young men. One had a clean, handsome face and an elegant presence like a celestial being, dressed in pristine white garments that seemed untouched by worldly affairs. The townspeople nearby dared not breathe heavily, fearing even a speck of dust might mar his attire. The other man had a stern face and cold eyes yet possessed a captivating charm. Clad in all black, he looked like a cool, devil god. How could his indifferent gaze leave many women weak in the knees? The crowd instinctively parted to let them through, unable to obstruct their grandeur. Upon reaching He Family’s Vegetable Shop, the two men dismounted adeptly. "Is that... is that Taizi? I saw him passing through the city once.” "Of course, it is. I recognize him. He’s so handsome; I could never forget." "Yes, that’s Taizi. And the man in black must be Young General Zhao." "The Zhao?" an enthusiastic martial arts practitioner asked excitedly. He couldn’t believe he was seeing the Young General in person—the man who mastered the Spirit of the Sword at the age of ten, admired by young men across the region who dreamed of challenging him. "Indeed. I remember that the Young General accompanied Taizi. I secretly gathered information. That must be the Young General." "Oh, I adore him. What should I do?" Many young women batted their eyes, some discreetly dropping handkerchiefs. "You like him, but does he have to like you back? Do you even know who the Young General is?" "Why are Taizi and the Young General here at He Family’s Vegetable Shop?" "I don’t know," the townspeople whispered curiously. Soon, the doors of He Family’s Vegetable Shop opened. There were fresh vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, and herbs in the shop. Each product in the shop was infused with spirit energy, ranging from blue-tier, dark blue-tier, to indigo-tier. He Lei, dressed formally, emerged from within. He bowed respectfully to Taizi before making a loud announcement. "Welcome everyone to He Family’s Vegetable Shop. Today is an auspicious day for our shop, as we have received generosity from His Majesty. He has bestowed upon us a golden plate inscribed with His Majesty’s own handwriting for He Family’s Vegetable Shop. Today is an auspicious day to put up the plate, so our shop will take this special occasion to give away large bundles of vegetables to everyone here, without charging a single coin." As soon as He Lei finished speaking, the crowd erupted in chatter. "His Majesty personally bestowed a handwritten golden plate?" For more chapters visıt 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝕟𝕖𝕥 "Why doesn’t my shop get something ?" "Your pickle shop? This is He Family’s Vegetable Shop, owned by Master He. Do you think Master He is just anyone? Even the emperor bestowed his handwriting upon him." "Master He is a good person and deserves such a reward." It’s worth noting that not just anyone can have the emperor’s handwritten inscription. A shop receiving a royal gift, whether it’s a keepsake, a painting, or a plate, signifies the emperor’s high regard for that establishment. "Today, we are honored by the presence of Taizi, who will personally put up the shop’s plate. Thank you, Your Highness," He Lei said respectfully. "Master He, you’re too modest." He Lei removed the old shop sign and invited Wenlang to put up the new gold plate. The golden shop sign gleamed in the morning sun, catching the eyes of onlookers. No matter how far, one could clearly see it. This sign was inscribed with Enduring Character by Zhenzhu three times, ensuring it would last through generations without corroding. Wenlang slowly lifted the plate high for everyone to see. "The emperor’s handwritten plate is already a great honor, but Taizi personally coming to put it up? What good deeds He shop did to be this fortunate?” " What good deeds they did? They offered the Rain God. Can you do that?" the townspeople teased each other sarcastically. After putting up the shop’s plate to proclaim the prestige of He Family’s Vegetable Shop, Wenlang and Yong Saiweihao departed. Li Si stayed behind to help the He family distribute vegetables, working busily. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en