Chapter 914 The Skillful Hands of Huang Yueying

Chapter 914: 914 The Skillful Hands of Huang Yueying

Ma Jun demonstrated a mechanical crossbow, more suitable for deployment on ships. A few soldiers could easily draw the bowstring and load an arrow to create an attack stance.

It also had a dedicated bolt-loading mechanism, making it incredibly convenient.

The second type was an ancient cannon, only a prototype. This was the precursor to the ancient cannon, utilizing gunpowder and iron cannonballs.

It relied on gunpowder to propel iron projectiles, unlike later cannons where the ammunition would explode.

Currently, even the fuse problem hadn’t been solved; even with spears, they were impractical.

These were the basics. With improvements made to the basics, it could become more sophisticated.

Lu Ming listened, while Huang Chengyan behind him stared in astonishment, finding the idea utterly unbelievable.

If it were to actually appear, the so-called sturdy city gates and walls would surely crumble under heavy bombardment, making them even more unstoppable!

Lu Ming’s steps were always steady and deliberate, never hasty.

This experience and pragmatism left the other warlords utterly helpless.

"Chengyan, from now on, you will assist Ma Jun in developing the warships, ballistae, and cannons. That’s not enough; they need further refinement. Currently, their power is all show and no substance."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Huang Chengyan had no other choice but to accept, not refuse, as he couldn’t refuse anyway.

Ma Jun, meanwhile, seemed gleeful and unconcerned, not considering whether this was a power grab. After assigning Huang Chengyan his tasks, Lu Ming continued walking outside.

Leaving the workshop, he arrived at the post station.

The post station not only handled cargo and logistics but also provided lodging and meals for guests.

However, not just anyone could be a guest; certain conditions were required.

Officials, scholars, soldiers, generals, and others from various regions came to report on their duties.

The post station was similar to an inn, only much quieter. After all, it was an official guesthouse.

Entering the lobby, it was empty except for the innkeeper, who was using an abacus, and a waiter sweeping and wiping tables.

"Greetings, Prince Qin."

Lu Ming waved his hand. "Where is Miss Huang?"

"Miss Huang is in the courtyard, Your Highness. I will show you the way."

The innkeeper rubbed his hands together. Finally, he could see the emperor in person! This was incredibly lucky!

Ever since rumors circulated that a minister had advised Prince Qin to inherit the throne and become emperor, there had been much discussion among the people, all praising Lu Ming’s noble character and unwavering loyalty. Even though the Han Dynasty had collapsed and its reputation was utterly ruined, he still remained loyal—such a rare virtue!

"No need. Just do your job."

Lu Ming stepped forward; he had already spotted Huang Yueying on the map.

In the courtyard, a woman with a pretty face, not quite a beauty, but possessing an air of inner and outer elegance, was fiddling with a crossbow.

Her black hair was tied in a neat ponytail, and her fair, calloused hands were carving a crossbow from wood.

Lu Ming simply stood at the doorway, not allowing anyone to disturb her.

He watched quietly.

Among his wives and concubines, some were skilled in medicine, some knew how to teach, some could compose poetry, and some were even adept at painting and chess.

But none were as engrossed in mechanical arts as Huang Yueying.

Even his younger sister, Lu Qing, only enjoyed wielding weapons and hadn’t pursued any real study. Recently, she had become obsessed with archery, even putting sex aside.

Huang Yueying was unaware that someone was watching; she was lost in her own world.

She came from the Huang clan, the Huang clan of Jingzhou. Although not from a top-tier wealthy family, Huang Chengyan, her father, was a renowned scholar and certainly didn’t lack for food or drink.

Huang Yueying, born into a distinguished family, was raised to read, write, and compose poetry.

However, she didn’t become a typical well-bred young lady destined for marriage; instead, she became obsessed with blueprints and crafting various objects.

Huang Chengyan initially tried to stop her, believing such whimsical skills were merely those of a low-level craftsman, and how could his daughter be engaged in such pursuits!

But Huang Yueying outwardly obeyed, secretly continuing her research. Ultimately, perhaps out of love for his daughter, Huang Chengyan turned a blind eye.

Ma Jun mentioned that he had once pondered the method of making a repeating crossbow with Huang Chengyan, which was actually Huang Chengyan secretly learning after witnessing his daughter’s work.

He himself didn’t possess profound knowledge of mechanical engineering; he could fool Ma Jun, but he wasn’t qualified to fool Lu Ming.

Or rather, not quite fooling him, but certainly not very skillfully.

Lu Ming looked at Huang Yueying and suddenly thought of the famous "Zhuge Repeating Crossbow."

It seemed that this repeating crossbow was Huang Yueying’s creation. For a woman to be able to study mechanics and invent a repeating crossbow was truly remarkable.

However, the Three Kingdoms period was ultimately a male-dominated era, so Huang Yueying’s achievements were attributed to Zhuge Liang.

After an unknown amount of time, Huang Yueying finally finished the repeating crossbow.

This time, she had improved the crossbow, and it could fire ten bolts at once.

But it was even more complex and refined, designed to unleash powerful destructive force in an instant.

"Miss Huang is truly beautiful inside and out."

Huang Yueying turned around and saw a tall, robust, and handsome man standing at the courtyard gate. His imposing appearance and aura of wealth and power made her instantly recognize him. She placed her hands on her waist and bowed, saying, "This humble woman, Huang Yueying, greets Your Highness, Prince Qin!"

"No need for formalities."

Lu Ming looked at the crossbow in Huang Yueying’s hand. "Do you enjoy studying these craftsmanship techniques?"

"Just a trivial skill, Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness."

Huang Yueying remained composed and respectful. Any other woman would have been overwhelmed with trepidation and flattery.

"Your father has betrothed you to me. Tomorrow is an auspicious day; I will take you as my princess consort. Continue your research; I will support you. The Imperial Household Department has many more materials; as your princess consort, you can choose freely."

Lu Ming reached out and pinched her chin, his tone carrying a hint of command and amusement.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Huang Yueying bit her lip, but accepted the offer nonetheless. Morally speaking, it was her father, Huang Chengyan, who decided her marriage—a marriage arranged by her parents and a matchmaker.

Emotionally, marrying a handsome man like Lu Ming was something to be happy about.

Most importantly, Lu Ming didn’t seem to discriminate against her, nor against her dedication to craftsmanship!