Fortune Across the World

Chapter 31: Recognized by the General for Ingenuity

The farmers reacted similarly to the villagers of Hejia Village. Curious about the new tool, they eagerly tried the Curved Leaf Plow and were pleasantly surprised by its clever design. An elderly farmer representative approached Ding Qiyu and said, "Sir, your invention is truly ingenious, but our tools are supplied by the General's Mansion. It's not up to us to decide what we can use. How about we gather a few representatives and go with you to see Steward Shan at the General's Mansion to discuss this?"

Ding Qiyu was pleased to hear this. If that was the mechanism in place, it would be even better. Instead of promoting the plow to each household, she could directly deal with the mansion's management. If they agreed to purchase the Curved Leaf Plow, it would be a significant business deal. She agreed immediately, and along with three farmer representatives, she headed to the General's Mansion with the plow in tow.

Upon entering the mansion, they inquired about Steward Shan's office and set off with purpose. Ding Qiyu had only wandered the mansion once before, stumbling upon Miss Lu's Yaolu Residence. Since then, her activities had been limited to the path between Yaolu Residence and the small courtyard. She hadn't yet seen the central courtyard. Unlike the serene elegance of Yaolu Residence, the central courtyard exuded grandeur and solemnity. Constructed mainly from dark nanmu wood, its architecture conveyed a sense of dignity and gravitas. The central courtyard was the main administrative area of the mansion, with five separate courtyards. At its center, facing south, stood the "Dingbei Garden," where General Lu received guests and held meetings. The "Jifeng," "Xulin," "Luehuo," and "Chenshan" courtyards flanked Dingbei Garden, serving as offices for the mansion's four stewards.

Today, Ding Qiyu and her companions were heading to Chenshan Garden to see Lu Shanyi, the steward responsible for managing the mansion's assets. Ding Qiyu had learned from chatting with Lu Weiming that names within the mansion weren't randomly chosen but followed a naming convention. For example, Lu Renjiu, known to Ding Qiyu, derived his name from the military virtues "wisdom, trust, benevolence, courage, and strictness," with "benevolence" being his virtue, and he was the ninth of his siblings. Ding Qiyu guessed that someone like Steward Shan was likely the eldest of the "Shan" generation, hence the name Lu Shanyi.

As they crossed the central courtyard towards Chenshan Garden, they encountered a procession emerging from Dingbei Garden. At the forefront was a tall, burly middle-aged man in a dark robe, with sword-like eyebrows, a gray beard like a halberd, and sharp eagle-like eyes. He exuded an aura of exceptional valor. Beside him walked a well-dressed middle-aged woman with a kind face and outstanding demeanor, hinting at her past beauty and charm. Following them were Lu Weiming, Lu Weixi, and a group of attendants.

In an instant, Ding Qiyu discerned the identity of the leading figure, while the group also noticed Ding Qiyu and her companions. Lu Weiming's eyes lit up with surprise at seeing Ding Qiyu there, and he called out, "Brother Yu!"

Lu Weixi immediately recognized Ding Qiyu. Today, for her field inspections and to promote the Curved Leaf Plow, Ding Qiyu wore simple attire, a light brown headband, and carried the folded plow on her shoulder. Though not as refined as when dressed in the mansion's uniform, she appeared vibrant and energetic, reminiscent of the young hero who once bravely fought bandits. Despite not having seen each other for days, their connection remained strong, their souls and minds well attuned. Lu Weixi's slight smile and nod quickened Ding Qiyu's heart.

The middle-aged man at the front, hearing Lu Weiming's exclamation, turned and glared at him, making Lu Weiming shrink back. At this moment, the three farmers behind Ding Qiyu knelt and greeted, "Greetings, General! Greetings, Madame!"

Seeing this, Ding Qiyu set down the plow, bowed with clasped hands, and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, General, Madame, Second Young Master, and Miss Lu." Though not kneeling, her salute was courteous and respectful.

General Lu nodded, signaling them to rise, and looked at Ding Qiyu, asking, "Are you Ding Qiyu?" His voice was deep and resonant.

Ding Qiyu nodded, composed and poised, "Yes, I am Ding Qiyu." She chose neither "humble servant" nor "little one," addressing him as a younger person would to an elder.

Madame Lu, having heard of the youth who saved her children, was immediately fond of the bright and handsome young man, smiling warmly, "I've heard from Xiao Ming about your bravery and wit, but never had the chance to meet you. Today, seeing you, I find his words true. Your bravery in saving my children is a debt unrepayed."

Ding Qiyu responded graciously, "If you don't mind, Madame, you can call me Qiyu. The rescue is in the past; I didn't do it for reward. Besides, being appointed as Xingcheng's Inspector is already a great honor."

Lu Weixi found it amusing—Ding Qiyu still disliked being called "young master." Madame Lu's fondness for the humble youth grew, while General Lu, maintaining his stern demeanor, remarked, "The inspector role suits you well. Shan Yi mentioned you're doing an excellent job."

Had her reputation as the "most responsible inspector" reached the General's ears? As Ding Qiyu pondered a response, General Lu inquired, "What's that wooden tool beside you?"

Glancing at the plow, Ding Qiyu raised it, unfolding the blade, and replied, "This is the Curved Leaf Plow, a new plowing tool I've designed. It greatly improves efficiency and saves labor and costs." She saw this as a chance—if the plow gained the General's favor, convincing Steward Shan would be easier.

Ding Qiyu's confidence intrigued General Lu, whose stern face showed interest for the first time, "Is it as effective as you claim?" All eyes turned to the wooden tool in Ding Qiyu's grasp.

Before Ding Qiyu could answer, the boldest farmer stepped forward to vouch for the plow, "General, the inspector speaks the truth! This Curved Leaf Plow is truly remarkable, effortlessly keeping pace with an ox!" Ding Qiyu felt grateful for the farmer's earnest words, often the most convincing.

Lu Weiming chimed in, "Father, Qiyu excels in crafting ingenious tools. During our encounter with bandits, he used a small crossbow I'd never seen to subdue three strong men. I believe this plow is just as extraordinary; that elder's words aren't exaggerated."

While intrigued by the plow, General Lu was more curious about the "crossbow" Lu Weiming mentioned, asking, "Crossbow?" Although Ding Qiyu stood tall and athletic, she didn't seem like a martial artist. Subduing three bandits suggested the crossbow's formidable power.

Retrieving the crossbow from her bag, Ding Qiyu handed it to the General, explaining, "That day, I used a small crossbow. Afterward, I saw its flaws and made improvements, resulting in the 'Flying Arrow Crossbow' you now hold. It can load six arrows at once."

General Lu examined the crossbow, impressed by Ding Qiyu's description. Such a lightweight, compact weapon, capable of holding six arrows, could surpass those used by the Lu family's army if powerful and far-reaching. Handing it back, he showed an eager expression, saying, "Demonstrate it!"

Nodding, Ding Qiyu watched the crowd step back. Surveying her surroundings, she considered shooting at a chirping bird but hesitated, recalling Miss Lu's presence. What if she cherished animals or, like Ding Qiyu once did, felt uneasy at the sight of dead birds?

She settled on a tree with yellowed leaves. With a swift motion, she fired six arrows in succession, each striking the trunk with a resounding "thud," sending leaves cascading down—a breathtaking display.

The crowd murmured in awe, amazed by the small weapon's forceful discharge. Lu Weiming, having heard Qing'er's tales of the weapon's might, was thrilled to witness it firsthand. Lu Weixi, less interested in the crossbow, found Ding Qiyu's confident demeanor captivating, reminiscent of the moment in the lakeside pavilion when Ding Qiyu declared she could thrive here as well...

General Lu's face finally broke into a smile, praising, "Young man's archery is impressive!" Approaching the tree, he plucked an arrow from the trunk, noting the deep impression left behind, and added, "This crossbow is impressive too!"

Seeing his stern father, not only smiling but openly praising Brother Yu, Lu Weiming, usually scolded, felt a surge of joy. If Brother Yu gained his father's approval, his and Weixi's path would be smoother!

Elated by the recognition of her achievements, especially by the renowned General Lu, Ding Qiyu beamed, expressing, "General, you're too kind."

General Lu appreciated the young man's humility, patting her shoulder warmly, "Well done. Would you be willing to equip my troops with your Flying Arrow Crossbows?"