Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
"General! Look at the riverbank!"
As Chang Yu shouted loudly from the Observation Post, everyone rushed out of the outpost to gaze at the distant Dan Shui River. On the west bank of the river, there was a crowd of people, and at the nearest ferry crossing, only a square wooden tower was moving in the water. As the tower continued to advance, a line of Floating Bridges appeared behind it.
Wang Jian nodded at Luzi, indicating that Lu Chu and others had arrived!
It is said that this type of bridge-building equipment was developed by craftsmen from the Chu state. Due to the abundance of local rivers, investing large sums of money to build bridges was not practical. Perhaps this year's construction would not be completed, and next year's floods could wash it away without a trace.
There were certainly boats ferrying back and forth, but their carrying capacity was extremely poor. Considering operational costs, there were not many boats in service, and their conditions were average. In bad weather, this often led to large gatherings of people and horse teams on both banks unable to cross the river. This created an urgent need for a fast and cost-effective means of crossing.
In theory, building bridges and roads should be the responsibility of the Government. The common people only needed to pay their annual taxes, and the remaining repairs for public welfare would be covered by the Official Family. However, the reality was quite the opposite; many stone and wooden bridges were funded by wealthy families in various towns.
The Government did not completely stay out of it; they could still participate during ribbon-cutting ceremonies! At that time, they wouldn't have to contribute anything and could enjoy a feast while taking home some local specialties. Who wouldn’t want such a good deal?
This generally applied to small rivers and bridges, but any construction involving earth-moving or stonework required money. The contributions gathered from households were minimal and mostly just small-scale efforts. When it came to building bridges over large rivers requiring technical expertise, it was essential for the Government to step in and apply for funding from the state. However, by the time this funding passed through layers of bureaucracy to reach local Governments, there would be barely enough left for a few bridge piers.
At least they managed to build something; insufficient funding often led to shoddy work. Thus, during rare flood years, evidence of construction failures would vanish after heavy rains. Meanwhile, those wanting to cross still relied on ferries to travel between banks.
Whenever someone came up with an idea, it was uncertain which village or township head had woodworking skills. They mobilized young people in the village to actively engage in invention and creation, ultimately developing a method for laying Floating Bridges without needing major floods. The benefits of this cost-effective and convenient technology were evident. After investigation, the Government recognized it on-site and decided to procure it. Even if floods washed away the bridges afterward, they could quickly rebuild once water levels receded.
The common people didn’t care what kind of bridge was built as long as they could cross the river. They were even willing to pay a little less in tolls since it benefited everyone. Moreover, maintaining and repairing bridges required funds, and related personnel needed salaries. Thus, under mutually beneficial circumstances, specialized Flat-bottomed Boats for constructing Floating Bridges transitioned from private industry into government-operated projects under direct charge of the Provincial Government.
Lu Chu had always loved woodworking since childhood and was particularly interested in these large boats used for laying bridges during her time in Chu state. Before working at the inn where she met Luzi and others, she had worked as a temporary worker on Flat-bottomed Boats for nearly a year. If it weren't for later layoffs among government employees, she might never have encountered that moment that changed her destiny forever.
People often say that having many skills is never a burden, and Lu Chu perfectly exemplifies this. After instructing the craftsmen to complete the flat-bottomed boat overnight, he decided to reinforce the front of the boat with multiple layers, considering it a necessity for war. Ordinary arrows could not harm those working inside the boat, providing them with protection. As for the issue of using fire attacks against the Zhao Army, that was easily resolvable.
Once the flat-bottomed boat was finished, Lu Chu ordered his men to boil snow in a pot. They then poured a large amount of water over the bow of the boat, creating layers of ice that formed a thick, shiny mass at the front facing the East Bank. The incoming rain of arrows would at most stick to the icy surface and burn for a while before extinguishing. Due to the low ignition point of oil, any thin layer of ice that melted would refreeze before it could flow into the river.
The upper deck of the flat-bottomed boat did not have any reserved positions for defense or observation; everyone was huddled around several large barrels filled with hot water on the top deck. They poured a small bucket of water towards the bow, quickly repairing any damage caused by the arrows.
No matter how low the temperature dropped, it could not be lower than what was in the hearts of the Zhao soldiers below the Defensive Formation. The catapult positions had been rendered useless! Their strongest defense no longer existed!
Leaning against the wooden wall, Zhao General Zhao Feng squinted as he watched the observation post on the hillside in the distance. At that moment, he suddenly realized a crucial issue. A few days prior, a team from the Qin Army crossing Dan Shui River was not what his soldiers had claimed to be a scouting group. Their true target was solely the Zhao Army's catapult observation post!
By now, it was too late to understand! That damned Qin Army! That damned flat-bottomed boat completely disregarded the arrows!
Just then, the whistling arrow rain in the sky abruptly ceased, leaving ears accustomed to that sound feeling somewhat disoriented. Zhao Feng glanced at the remaining dozens of soldiers beside him and dropped his crossbow.
"Brothers! Our final moment has come! Are you afraid?!" Before he could finish speaking, they heard shouts from the Qin Army coming from the riverbank.
The injured soldiers exchanged glances, their eyes radiating unwavering determination. They all discarded their crossbows and jumped down from the wooden wall to search for usable spears and bronze daggers scattered in the snow. Completing their formation in front of their general one last time, they shouted in unison: "General! Let us march together!"
Zhao Feng nodded vigorously, gripping his sword sheath at his waist as he turned to glare at the quiet wooden gate on the wall. The soldiers flanking him raised their weapons high and glared fiercely at the wooden door not far ahead.
Time seemed to come to a sudden halt in that frozen moment. The tall wooden door let out a thunderous sound as it violently shook, causing snow piled in its crevices to scatter everywhere. Zhao Feng looked up at the clear blue sky and sighed softly within.
With another loud crash from the gate, it stood firm for a moment before collapsing under pressure. As this final barrier fell away, countless soldiers clad in Qin Army armor suddenly appeared before them.
Zhao Feng turned back to look at the hillside, seeing the Flag Soldiers once again raise the red signal flag. He smiled bitterly and shook his head, suddenly reaching for his Sword and pulling it out.
"For the Zhao Kingdom! For King Zhao! Charge!"
"Charge!" The remaining dozens of Zhao Soldiers waved their weapons and followed closely behind the general, rushing towards the oncoming Qin Army.
Leading from the front, Meng Wu snorted coldly, raised his hand to signal the Soldiers to lower their Crossbows, then swiftly drew his Bronze Longsword. "Attack!"
Comment 0 Comment Count