After the initial excitement faded, Gu Xingzhao clutched the remaining explosive tubes tightly. These were powerful tools, crafted specifically for the Lu family’s protection. However, if they fell into the wrong hands, they could easily cause widespread chaos.

Overthrowing the tyrant emperor was one thing, but plunging the entire country into turmoil was quite another.

To prevent these explosives from falling into the wrong hands, Gu Xingzhao decided to entrust them to a single, reliable person within the Lu family.

That day, she did nothing else but observe the Lu family members closely. In terms of familial closeness, Lu Qing was the most obvious choice, but the old man’s age made him unsuitable for such a heavy responsibility.

The person best suited for the job would have to be one of Lu Qing’s sons or grandsons.

As she lounged on the sofa, sipping on a drink and munching on chips, her eyes settled on Lu Zhou.

As the eldest son, Lu Zhou was strong and healthy. The last time they were ambushed, he had bravely stepped forward and took several blows, nearly losing his life—clearly a courageous man.

But then she saw Lu Yang sneaking some food and trying to bribe Lu Zhou. “Big Brother, I’ve got some extra here. Don’t tell Father.”

“Second Brother,” Lu Zhou responded firmly, “Father has made it clear. As his children, we mustn’t go against his wishes.”

Lu Yang, caught red-handed, was trying to pass off chocolate and compressed biscuits to Lu Zhou as a bribe. “It’s just a little food, no need to be so rigid.”

How could they survive if they really halved their rations as their father had ordered?

But Lu Zhou, always the rule follower, insisted, “Father’s words must be obeyed. It’s our duty as his children.”

Lu Yang, unwilling to argue with his stubborn brother, grabbed his stash and ran off.

Lu Zhou chased after him, trying to persuade his brother.

Watching this, Gu Xingzhao silently crossed Lu Zhou off her list of candidates. He was too rigid, too obedient to his father. If he were in charge of the explosives, he might hesitate to use them even with a knife at his throat. He wasn’t suited for such a heavy responsibility.

She also eliminated Lu Yang from consideration. His reckless and impulsive nature made him a poor choice. If given the explosives, he might blow up not just the enemies but also the officials and other prisoners who had mocked them.

With two candidates out of the running, Gu Xingzhao turned her attention to Lu Xingyao.

As Lu Qing’s eldest grandson, Lu Xingyao was talented and once held the title of the number one young gentleman in the capital, though that didn’t quite show now.

Among the Lu family, aside from Lu Qing, she was most familiar with Lu Xingyao. Lu Qing entrusted many tasks to this grandson, indicating he was someone reliable.

His insightful remarks about the kerosene incident showed he had his own opinions and was not afraid to express them.

Gu Xingzhao was almost ready to choose Lu Xingyao to safeguard the explosives when she overheard a distant conversation.

“Young Master, you promised us—next time you encounter the Ancestor during night watch, you won’t hog all the favor!”

A relative reluctantly handed Lu Xingyao a self-heating hotpot, hoping to curry favor and share in the Ancestor’s blessings.

Without hesitation, Lu Xingyao accepted the offering, confidently patting his chest. “Don’t worry, I always keep my word!”

He then proceeded to collect more offerings from other relatives, making the same promises to each. By the end, most of the Lu family had received similar assurances from him.

With his basket now overflowing, Lu Xingyao strutted around, flaunting his spoils, while a group of younger siblings trailed behind him, their eager eyes wide with anticipation. But Lu Xingyao, as stingy as they come, refused to share a single morsel.

“Grandfather said our meals will be halved from now on,” he declared smugly.

Lu Youtang puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

Lu Xingyao’s steps grew even more arrogant: “Heh, just try and get anything from me, heh~”

Gu Xingzhao silently crossed Lu Xingyao off her list as well. He was too flashy and immature, far from the composed young gentleman he was supposed to be.

She flopped onto the sofa with a sigh. “Why is there no one who’s mature, steady, has their own opinions, and isn’t rash or cruel?”

Meanwhile, Lu Xingyao continued to flaunt his full basket, even taunting his uncles as he walked by.

Lu Yang’s eyes went wide. “The kid’s got quite the stash!”

But Lu Xingyan remained calm, sitting quietly and watching his brother chase after their nephew.

Panting, Lu Yang accused, “Don’t think I don’t know—it was you who stole two bowls of noodles from me last time while I was watching Youtang!”

Since their father had ordered them to cut back on food, Lu Yang figured the Ancestor wouldn’t send as much in the future. He needed to get some extra food from his nephew!

But Lu Xingyao refused to share. Seeing his second uncle closing in, he quickly hid behind his third uncle, knowing that Lu Yang wouldn’t dare mess with Lu Xingyan.

Lu Xingyan, accustomed to such antics, sat quietly with his eyes closed, resting.

Gu Xingzhao’s eyes lit up. When it came to maturity and steadiness, Lu Xingyan, though only a few years older than Lu Xingyao, never engaged in childish squabbles.

He clearly had more of a backbone than his elder brother, Lu Zhou, as demonstrated during their time in Laiyuan Town.

And as for being rash or cruel, that was out of the question. Even when he was ill, he remained calm and composed—hardly the type to resort to violence to solve problems.

Moreover, due to his frail health, Lu Xingyan was almost invisible to outsiders, making him the perfect candidate to hold onto the explosives.

Considering all this, Gu Xingzhao grew increasingly satisfied with Lu Xingyan. You’re the one!

She immediately got up and went to her bedroom. Since she couldn’t involve Lu Qing in this matter, she needed to prepare detailed instructions to accompany the explosives before handing them over to Lu Xingyan.

Meanwhile, Lu Xingyan had no idea he was about to be entrusted with such a significant responsibility. Sitting there, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine, as if someone were watching him.

Later that night, when everything was quiet, Gu Xingzhao discreetly delivered the items to Lu Xingyan. The instructions were thorough and well-illustrated, ensuring that someone as clever as Lu Xingyan would have no trouble understanding them.

She didn’t dare get too close to Lu Xingyan, fearing that he might have another episode like before, which would render the expensive cleansing pill she had given him useless.

Though he didn’t feel that overwhelming pressure this time, he did notice his lap was suddenly full of bamboo tubes. Confused, Lu Xingyan unfolded the paper in his hand and began reading.

As he looked at the explosion scene casually printed by Gu Xingzhao, he was stunned. His thoughts raced, and he was overwhelmed by what he saw.

“Is this…”

“!!!”

“Did the Ancestor just teach me fire manipulation?!”

Gu Xingzhao nearly burst out laughing. “Fire manipulation?!”