Chapter Thirty-Three: The Grand Competition of Household Guards

After Liu, the squire, and the others had all taken their seats, Zhang Desen began to explain various matters, referencing different materials one by one. Naturally, given the limited time, he could only cover the most crucial points.

Inside the spaceship’s screening room, Zhang Desen resembled a seasoned expert, elucidating each topic as clearly as possible and showing every piece of relevant footage. The session was lengthy, and among the materials shown was the film "Cosmic Pursuit Order." This alone took some time, during which Zhang Desen also played the drone footage capturing the humanoid creature, as well as the video and audio recording of the creature’s first encounter with Qian, the magistrate’s son. In this way, Liu and his companions came to fully grasp the gravity of the situation.

When they learned that Qian and his associates had even lost parts of their memories, everyone couldn't help but find it rather amusing.

By the time all this was done, dusk had fallen. Liu spoke up, saying, “It seems we do have a chance. Moreover, the enemy is now mired in chaos due to their own reasons. This is excellent. But, Desen, could you perhaps guide our craftsmen to replicate some of your devices—say, this spaceship?”

Zhang Desen replied with some exasperation, “That’s a huge challenge. Some things cannot be replicated simply by having the blueprints. If everything could be copied so easily, then when my homeland and other nations in my original universe obtained alien spaceships, they would have been able to reproduce them. Instead, they could only glean small insights over a long period before mastering even a single piece of technology.”

He then proceeded to explain as clearly and thoroughly as possible the potential difficulties they might encounter in the process of replication. Afterwards, he handed over the schematics for the Brown Bess musket, as well as some homemade grenades and explosives, to Liu, suggesting they start with these.

Upon reviewing the musket’s designs, Liu was overjoyed, accepting them at once as if receiving a treasure. Zhang Desen hadn’t anticipated that the materials headquarters had prepared for him—in case he ever found himself in another universe and needed to make simple weapons for self-replenishment—would find such use here.

Incidentally, the Brown Bess musket originated from a 1714 contract signed by Britain’s Royal Armouries for weapons development, with the first standard model, known as the “King’s Pattern,” being completed in 1722.

Its earliest mass-produced model, the Long Land Pattern, or Pattern 1730 Musket (also known as the P1728 musket), measured 62.5 inches in total length, with a 46-inch barrel, a caliber of roughly .76, and weighed about nine pounds.

One detail worth noting: the Brown Bess’s stock cap and ramrod were not always standardized. For instance, before the 1760s, ramrods were made from a mix of materials—some wooden, some steel—and stock caps were not always present (most often absent), highlighting the experimental nature of early firearm manufacturing.

The Pattern I smoothbore featured four ramrod pipes and an especially long stock. Over time, the length of flintlock muskets, including the Brown Bess, was generally reduced for practicality. Early carbine models lacked both the stock cap and metal ramrod. The 1756 long-barrel model achieved the highest standardization among the long Brown Bess family (with steel ramrods and brass stock caps).

This model was made sturdier and heavier (about a pound heavier than previous versions) to improve durability, mainly to fill shortages in armament caused by low stock. While there’s no evidence it saw mass deployment in the Seven Years’ War, by the American Revolution it equipped most British troops in North America.

Of course, Liu’s motives were also personal. In this universe, a musket long since obsolete in Zhang Desen’s original world was still unheard of—a brand new weapon. If Liu’s craftsmen could manage to replicate it, his rivals would be left at a significant disadvantage.

Now Liu turned again to Zhang Desen, saying:

“Desen, you’re a remarkable fellow. I suspect you may become indispensable to me in the future…”

Naturally, Zhang Desen responded with modesty. Liu continued,

“However, there’s one thing I must discuss with you. After viewing the materials you showed us, I believe we may be acquainted with your counterpart—the version of you in our universe.”

Zhang Desen was surprised and asked, “You know my counterpart? What does he do? Does he live here in Xidu City?”

Liu replied, “Patience, Desen. Allow me to explain…”

And so Liu began his story.

At first, when they heard tales of the Mysterious-Clad Hero, the name meant nothing to them—they simply wished to recruit him to their cause. But after Zhao Chengming, on Liu’s orders, sought out Zhang Desen and together slew the humanoid creature, the two had a conversation. When Zhang Desen gave his name, Zhao felt it sounded familiar, though he couldn’t recall where he’d heard it.

Later, when Zhao reported back, Liu too felt the name rang a bell, but he didn’t dwell on it. For Liu, recruiting talent was always paramount—so Zhao was instructed to bring Zhang Desen into the household first and investigate further later.

When Liu finally met Zhang Desen in person, the sense of familiarity grew stronger. Yet he still couldn’t place it, simply instructing Zhao and the others to keep their ears open. Only today, after viewing all the materials, did Liu suddenly connect his sense of familiarity with Zhang Desen’s supposed counterpart—hence his earlier statement.

After explaining, Liu said to Zhang Desen,

“Let’s set aside matters of your counterpart for now. You should focus on preparing for tomorrow’s household guards’ contest. As a retainer, you must prove your abilities. At tomorrow’s contest, you’ll face Hu Tu—you’ve met him. Defeat him, and you’ll establish your authority in the household, saving me a great deal of worry.”

Zhang Desen asked, “Is there something wrong with this Hu Tu?”

Liu replied, “No need to ask so much. Defeat him tomorrow, and I’ll have Zhao Chengming explain everything in detail. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!” Zhang Desen responded at once.

…

The following morning, the contest of the Liu household’s guards began as expected. Zhang Desen donned his special forces uniform beneath the garb of a Liu family retainer and made his way to the training grounds to find Zhao Chengming. The first event was archery with bows and crossbows, and Zhang Desen, who had practiced before, took part.

Though bows and crossbows are cold weapons, they are still indispensable, even for special forces soldiers. There are several reasons for this:

First, modern bows and crossbows are extremely accurate—not at all like their ancient counterparts. They are custom-made, often equipped with electronic sights rather than relying on the naked eye. Their precision far surpasses most firearms, sometimes even sniper rifles, making them ideal for specific missions, such as hostage rescues.

Second, the environment in which they are used. While firearms dominate in most scenarios, there are unique situations—such as underwater—where guns are nearly useless due to water resistance, causing bullets to lose effectiveness. Arrows, being long and slender, retain their lethality underwater.

Additionally, in places where open flames are strictly forbidden—like fuel depots or armories—using a firearm could be suicidal. In such cases, bows and crossbows are the only safe choice. For this reason, missile and ammunition depots sometimes equip security teams with bows.

Third, bows and crossbows are much quieter. Modern bows produce minimal noise—less than even silenced firearms—which is invaluable for covert operations, greatly reducing the risk of detection and achieving what guns cannot.

Although Zhang Desen was using an ancient crossbow now, he wielded it with equal proficiency.

One after another, he fired three arrows at the target, each one striking the bullseye. Liu, his daughter, and all the onlookers cheered in unison. While they celebrated Zhang Desen’s performance, the steward Liu Man arrived, bringing the first batch of throwing knives and needles made for Zhang Desen. The crowd admired the craftsmanship, and of course, wanted to see a demonstration.

At their request, Zhang Desen gave an exhibition with the throwing knives. Drawing three at once, he hurled them at the target; all three flew in perfect parallel and hit the bullseye, spaced evenly apart. Again, the crowd erupted in applause.

His performance with the throwing needles was equally precise. As the cheers swelled, a messenger quietly approached Liu and whispered a report: notices had appeared all over town, posted by Chancellor Zhang, seeking his son, believed dead a year ago, with a handsome reward for any information.

Just as Liu was about to comment on the chancellor’s actions, the messenger added something unexpected:

“The notice says someone from the chancellor’s household has seen Young Master Zhang alive, though he seems to have lost his memory. And the gentleman’s name is… Zhang Desen.”

Startled, Liu immediately glanced at Zhang Desen. But he quickly regained his composure, instructed his confidant to discreetly inform Zhao Chengming as well, and chose to act as if nothing had happened, allowing the contest to proceed.

Meanwhile, Hu Tu, the deputy head of the Liu household guards, witnessed Zhang Desen’s repeated triumphs and was furious. Striding up to Zhang Desen, he bellowed,

“And who do you think you are? If you’re so skilled, dare you face me in a match?”

Instantly, all eyes turned toward them.