Fortune Across the World

Chapter 32: Harvest and a Midnight Intruder (Part 1)

Ding Qiyu was taken aback by the General's offer. She had come to promote the Curved Leaf Plow but ended up selling the Flying Arrow Crossbow instead. Nonetheless, this was another significant opportunity, and she eagerly replied, "Of course, I'd be delighted! My greatest wish is for more people in Daqian to use the mechanical devices I design."

Her fervor delighted Lu Weixi, who realized for the first time that Qiyu's ambition was not just to make a living as a carpenter but to achieve such grand aspirations.

General Lu stroked his beard with a smile, "Haha, lofty ambitions, very good! I believe you, Qiyu, can achieve this dream! Take that crossbow to Luehuo Garden and find Steward Huo; tell him the General sent you." He then prepared to leave with his entourage but added, "Your plow, I approve as well. You can discuss it with Steward Shan."

Ecstatic, Ding Qiyu watched them depart. Lu Weiming gave her a thumbs-up and gestured towards his sister, winking at Ding Qiyu. Noticing this, Lu Weixi's face flushed. She gave Ding Qiyu a shy smile and curtsied before quickly turning away. Lu Weiming, satisfied with his mischief, winked at Ding Qiyu again before catching up with the group.

Ding Qiyu sighed at Lu Weiming's playful nature, understanding why the General often scolded him. However, Lu Weixi's smile truly was beautiful... Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Ding Qiyu first took the farmer representatives to see Steward Shan.

In Chenshan Garden, she introduced the Curved Leaf Plow to Lu Shanyi, who was already impressed by the presentation. Learning that the General had approved the plow for the farmers, he readily signed an order with Ding Qiyu. The farmers were overjoyed, as the plow would directly benefit them, and they praised their capable inspector.

Leaving Chenshan Garden, Ding Qiyu went alone to Luehuo Garden. Steward Huo, who managed military affairs for the Lu family, was inspecting a batch of new armor when Ding Qiyu arrived. Waiting patiently, Ding Qiyu caught Steward Huo's attention. Finished with his task, he called out, "Young man, what brings you here?" His voice was loud and clear.

Ding Qiyu saluted, "Steward Huo, I am Ding Qiyu. I have developed a crossbow that the General finds quite useful and would like to equip the Lu family army with it. He sent me to discuss the details with you."

Intrigued, Steward Huo crossed his arms, "Oh? What kind of crossbow has impressed the General so much? Let's see it."

Handing over the Flying Arrow Crossbow, Ding Qiyu demonstrated its power, leaving Steward Huo impressed. After contemplating, he remarked, "Your crossbow is light and silent, ideal for our scouts as a self-defense weapon. However, for our archers, its range and power fall short, which is unfortunate."

Ding Qiyu quickly responded, "There's no need for regret. If needed, I can develop a crossbow specifically for the archers with greater range and power."

Steward Huo, delighted, asked, "Really? You can tailor a crossbow to my specifications?"

Ding Qiyu nodded, "Absolutely! If you can show me the current crossbows used by the Lu family army and tell me your requirements, I can make the necessary improvements." Although Ding Qiyu was only beginning to learn mechanical arts, she was confident in her ability to develop a crossbow despite the complexity of more advanced mechanisms like Mo Di's flying machines.

"Excellent! Let me take you to the archery camp," Steward Huo, an impatient man, said as he led Ding Qiyu to the Lu family army's base outside Xingcheng by carriage.

After inspecting the current crossbows at the archery camp and discussing the shortcomings and improvements needed with Steward Huo, Ding Qiyu had a rough idea, "Steward Huo, I can create a crossbow that meets your requirements. However, with the autumn planting approaching, I've already committed to providing a new tool to the mansion's farmers. I can make one or two prototype crossbows for you, but mass production of the Flying Arrow Crossbow and the new design will have to wait until after the farming season..."

With peace prevailing, there was no urgent need for weapons, so Steward Huo was unconcerned, replying, "No problem, farming is crucial in autumn. Focus on that first. I'm impressed that someone so young is already a skilled craftsman!"

Having secured two business deals, Ding Qiyu was in high spirits, humbly saying, "I wouldn't call myself a skilled craftsman. I'm just passionate about mechanical devices and happened to have some ideas."

Returning to the village that day, Ding Qiyu and Master He finalized the General's Mansion's Curved Leaf Plow order. They also modified the plow into a "Frame Curved Leaf Plow" for use with oxen, suitable for the mansion's farmers who owned cattle. They had earned a considerable amount of money, and though each plow's profit wasn't much, the scale made it lucrative. With a substantial order, Master He and his apprentice were thrilled, confident of fulfilling it within ten days, despite the Frame Curved Leaf Plow's complexity.

Ding Qiyu became increasingly busy, musing each night about starting a company once she learned more about mechanical arts. She envisioned herself focusing on design and management, rather than relying solely on her hands to impact all of Daqian.

Aunt He and Lian'er, witnessing Ding Qiyu's tireless efforts despite the profits, could only care for her better in daily life. Meals became more sumptuous, and her clothing more refined.

The Curved Leaf Plow quickly gained popularity around Xingcheng, attracting carpenters who tried to replicate it for profit. However, even when copying a plow, they couldn't match its efficiency or durability. The key lay in the plow blade's spatial parameters, which couldn't be replicated through observation alone, lacking advanced measuring techniques. It was like asking a skilled carpenter to replicate a wooden pretzel, impossible without precise measurements. Ding Qiyu's meticulous calculations ensured the blade's precision, leaving others envious but unable to compete.

As demand for the Curved Leaf Plow soared in surrounding villages, Ding Qiyu's team struggled to keep up. She devised a plan to retain control over the core, most profitable components, while outsourcing less critical parts to trustworthy carpenters, allowing them to share in the economic benefits.

Leading a team of carpenters, Ding Qiyu capitalized on the autumn planting season, amassing wealth with the Curved Leaf Plow. She also kept her promise, crafting an improved crossbow for Steward Huo, who was eager for its production. Meanwhile, Ding Qiyu searched for a small courtyard in the city but found nothing suitable. However, Lu Weiming, learning of her search, offered to help, though Ding Qiyu declined to move into the General's Mansion.

As autumn arrived, the Curved Leaf Plow became widespread around Xingcheng, and demand began to wane. Ding Qiyu finally had a moment to relax, enjoying a temple massage from Lian'er. As night fell, she sent Lian'er to bed and relished the prospect of a good night's sleep.

In the middle of the night, she was jolted awake by loud "pops" and a piercing scream from the courtyard. Heart pounding, she sprang from bed, grabbing her crossbow and rushing out in her nightclothes. Just as she was about to open the door, Aunt He and Lian'er appeared, hastily dressed and visibly tense.

"I'll check it out; stay inside!" Ding Qiyu said, opening the door.

"Be careful!" Lian'er, clutching Ding Qiyu's clothes and then letting go, her eyes bright with worry in the moonlight.

Ding Qiyu nodded and dashed outside, spotting a shadowy figure sitting on the ground, groaning in pain.

Aiming her crossbow at the figure, she approached cautiously, demanding, "Who's there?!"

The intruder flinched, startled by Ding Qiyu's voice, and began begging for mercy, "Spare me, hero! I was wrong, I was wrong! Ah, oww—" His voice trembled, indicating he was badly wounded by the arrows.

As the house lights came on, Aunt He and Lian'er opened the window to view the courtyard. In the light, Ding Qiyu saw the man clutching his leg, a grotesque figure with a filthy appearance, bald head with yellow scabs that made Ding Qiyu's skin crawl. Searching her memory, she was sure she'd never seen him before. Was he a thief from a nearby village, or did he have another motive?

Holding her crossbow, Ding Qiyu approached and demanded, "Who are you? What are you doing here in the dead of night?!"

The man stammered, "I... I am..." Glancing at the weapon in Ding Qiyu's hands, he remembered the arrows' painful impact and trembled in fear.