The man kneeling on the ground was none other than Yu Zeya, the fifth master of the Yu family, who had been expelled from the Duke's mansion years ago.
"The fifth master of the Yu family is dead. I am Ye Feisheng, the sect leader of the Li Jing Sect. The revenge for my mother's death is irreconcilable."
The Sage's gaze fell upon the kneeling man, his tone unchanged, "But the blood of the Yu family flows in your body. You are of the same root, why must you harm each other so fiercely?"
"Your Sage need not persuade me further. The day I return to the Duke's mansion will be the death of that old hag." Ye Feisheng gritted his teeth.
The Sage raised an eyebrow, "Taking the old madam's life is easy. But if it leads to discord among brothers, wouldn't that be a loss outweighing the gain?"
"After my mother's death, I had no brothers and no home. From then on, I was alone. Now, the Li Jing Sect is my home. I am grateful for the former sect leader's life-saving grace and vow to be loyal to him until death." Ye Feisheng knelt and kowtowed.
The Sage was silent for a long time before having Zhang Ying personally help him up. "Since you do not wish to return, and it is your family matter, I shall not pry too much. However, I respect your choice. You have found iron ore, and I shall credit you for it."
"This map was gifted by Scholar Xie. I am ashamed to accept it."
"That is also your destiny. Zhang Ying, fetch my Feixia Sword."
"Yes!"
Zhang Ying quickly brought the sword. The Sage personally handed the sword to Ye Feisheng, "This sword accompanied the late emperor on the battlefield. Later, the late emperor gifted it to me. Now, I bestow it upon you. I hope you can eliminate evil and protect our Great Wei."
Ye Feisheng received it with both hands. "Your subordinate will not disappoint."
Before Ye Feisheng could leave, a guard outside announced, "Your Sage, Scholar Xie is requesting an audience outside the palace gate."
The Sage glanced at Ye Feisheng and chuckled softly, "Very well, you go behind the screen for now and leave the palace later."
Although the Li Jing Sect was his, they operated in the shadows, so it was best not to reveal themselves.
"Yes!"
Xie Jiayan entered and hurried to bow. "Your Sage, I have an urgent matter to report."
The Sage had always doted on Xie Jiayan. Though he was involved in tonight's events and the Sage was slightly displeased, he did not show it now. "What is so urgent?"
"Reporting to Your Sage, a servant from the Duke's mansion discovered gunpowder in the capital, and it is suspected to be related to the rebels outside the city. I dared not delay and have come to report."
"Where was the gunpowder discovered?"
"Qian Ji Fireworks Shop. According to him, this shop used fireworks as a guise to stockpile a large amount of gunpowder, which is extremely dangerous. He was rescued by the Li Jing Sect while fleeing after being discovered. He did not know the identity of the Li Jing Sect and dared not reveal a single word. After waking up, he saw me and clung to my sleeve, refusing to let go, repeatedly begging me to report the news to Your Sage."
The Sage laughed heartily after listening. "This servant is quite capable to have stumbled upon our Great Wei's Firearm Camp."
Xie Jiayan feigned ignorance. "Firearm Camp?"
"Precisely." The Sage patted the armrest of the dragon throne. "The Firearm Camp has been researching firearms for the past few years. Due to the danger of firearms, they found a secluded location. The court's funds were insufficient, so they devised this method to sustain themselves until now."
"I see. I am foolish, please forgive me, Your Sage." Xie Jiayan quickly knelt to beg for forgiveness.
When Li Fu reported discovering gunpowder in the city, he had already guessed it was the Sage's Firearm Camp.
The weapons manufactured by the Ministry of Military Equipment had always been inferior to the Li family of Longxi. The Sage, wanting to change this situation, had faced constant obstruction in court and secretly established the Firearm Camp.
Li Fu had stumbled upon it unintentionally. If handled carelessly, it could even implicate the Duke's mansion.
Rather than be suspected by the Sage later, it was better to reveal the truth himself.
"Ignorance is not a crime. You may rise. Although that servant is of slave status, he is a loyal individual. The Duke's mansion is indeed full of capable people."
"I thank Your Sage for your praise on his behalf."