Chapter 183: Wang Chong’s Future Followers! (1/2)
This was a true unowned treasure!
Wang Chong didn’t have to compete with anyone against it, and he didn’t have to sign any contract for it either. All he had to do was to find them and ship them back.
Just as how the Wootz steel could be forged into the sharpest weapons, these celestial meteorites could be forged together with steel to make the sturdiest armor.
The amount of iron meteorites on those islands was more than sufficient to forge thousands of those resilient metal armor.
And when the Great Tang army dons those sturdy armor and draw the sharp Wootz steel blades, it would become an unstoppable force!
This was the plan Wang Chong had in mind from the very start, and he had been working toward this goal.
The only problem was that the ocean was a treacherous place, and the weather could change completely in the blink of an eye. The conditions on the sea was a difficult problem to overcome.
Other than that, Wang Chong needed to have a person with some understanding of the sea, or at the very least, a person who was willing take on this challenge.
It was impossible for Wang Chong to head there himself. He had matters he had to handle here and he was incapable of splitting his body into two. Thus, Wang Chong turned his eyes to Wang Liang.
“So, you wish for me to take those overseas stones back for you?”
Hearing Wang Chong’s overview of the matter, Wang Liang asked doubtfully.
“That’s right. Venturing in the ocean comes with huge risks. The massive waves, the beasts in the sea, the navigation… All of these will prove to be a huge challenge. I won’t force you if you’re unwilling to take on the matter. However, if you choose to accept it, I’ll prepare all of the resources you need; a guide, a ship, experts, and rations required for the journey.”
Wang Chong said.
“Do you know how much money it’ll cost?”
Wang Liang asked.
“I do.”
Wang Chong chuckled. This journey would take a very long time, and even in Wang Chong’s best estimates, it would take at least half a year for a to-and-fro trip. The resources expended would be proportionate to the length of the trip, and on top of that, one had to factor in the cost of the ship and many other miscellaneous expenses. Totaling them all up, even three hundred to four hundred thousand gold taels would be insufficient!
Unless one was a clan specializing in shipping, most clans wouldn’t dare to take such an expensive risk.
“… However, I’m fine with it.”
Wang Chong said.
“Are you serious?”
Wang Liang asked gravely.
“Of course.”
Wang Chong nodded earnestly, “We’re relatives. I won’t lie to you on such matters.”
“Allow me to consider for a moment.”
Wang Liang’s thoughts fell into disarray. He had been in the capital for his entire life, and the thought of venturing overseas had never appeared in his mind before.
Heading to the vast oceans and traveling to barren islands were not something that he had visioned before.
Wang Chong’s proposal was too abrupt.
“Of course.”
Wang Chong chuckled. “However, regardless of whether you agree or not, I hope that you can discuss the matter with big aunt and uncle before making your decision.”
After saying so, Wang Chong stood up and walked toward the residence.
“Wang Chong!”
However, barely a moment after Wang Chong stood up and walked away, Cousin Wang Liang’s voice echoed from behind. Wang Chong turned his head around in astonishment, only to see the other party staring at him with exceptionally bright eyes. He bit on his lips lightly, as though gathering his determination to make a decision that would change his life, be it better or worse.
“I’ve made up my mind, I’ll help you on the matter! I’ll fetch those iron meteorite pieces for you!”
When Wang Liang first spoke, his voice was still slightly hesitant. However, as his continued on, his voice slowly grew firm, as though a butterfly having struggled free of its cocoon.
In the end, Wang Liang still hoped to be extraordinary. Adventure, ambitions, and unique experiences, this were what his soul craved for.
Gazing at Wang Liang, Wang Chong’s lips slowly curved up.
…
In the blink of an eye, a day had passed since Wang Chong’s release. Even so, the impact of the matter was still far from over.
“Paying respects to gongzi!”
On the morning of the second day, a hundred or so young man and woman stood in the courtyard of the Wang Family Residence, bowing respectfully toward the top of the stairs where Wang Chong stood.
“So many people!”
Seeing the huge number of youths who were mostly around his age or even older standing below him, Wang Chong was taken aback.
“Hehe, didn’t you say that you are recruiting some men? These lads came voluntarily.”
In the courtyard, Elder Ye, Duke of Hu, and a few other elders stroked their beards as they chuckled gleefully.
“Gongzi, we came of our own accord!”