Chapter 293 The Overseas Craze

Gao Yuan did not object. To everyone, this news was exceptionally good, and more information soon spread.

Although Gao Yuan supported these families going out to sea together, it was not unconditional. Everyone had to prepare their own sea vessels, rent naval warships for escort, and most importantly, pay taxes.

The Maritime Trade Office would take a twenty percent cut of all income obtained from overseas. Once someone was found guilty of tax evasion, their right to go to sea would be revoked, their ships confiscated, and they would be heavily fined.

For those whose eyes were already bloodshot with greed, a twenty percent tax rate was not a problem at all; they gave it willingly.

Soon, a large number of shipyards sprouted up everywhere like bamboo shoots after rain. Skilled shipbuilders and high-quality timber became highly sought-after commodities as their value rose with this craze.

Many people used their connections to gather a large number of shipbuilders from Dengzhou, Yangzhou, the Capital City, and other places to come to the Nanyue Kingdom. The official shipyards also took the opportunity to double in size.

Currently, the fleet commanded by Cao Xing already possessed seventy Heavy Treasure Ships. According to the current progress, the fleet's scale would exceed one hundred Heavy Treasure Ships and thirty Fast Treasure Ships by the next voyage.

All of these treasure ships were equipped with two catapults and ten ballistae improved by Princess Consort Huang Yueying. In this era, they could be considered armed to the teeth.

Gao Yuan had reserved gun ports for all these treasure ships. Once cannons were developed in the future, these Heavy Treasure Ships could immediately transform into ships of the line, becoming the overlords of the ocean.

In a valley outside Panyu City, a deafening explosion suddenly startled birds into flight and sent wild beasts scurrying in all directions.

Gao Yuan, Yang Xin, and Princess Consort Huang Yueying released their hands from their ears and pulled out their earplugs. All three showed expressions of joy.

"Husband, it's done! It's really a success."

Gao Yuan nodded with a smile and said,

"Let's go see the results."

The three walked to the site where the explosive pack had detonated. They saw that the goats used as targets were all lying on the ground, with blood flowing from their mouths, noses, and eye sockets. Clearly, their internal organs had been shattered by the shockwave.

Even the sheep slightly further away were mostly heavily injured, lying on the ground bleating helplessly, clearly not going to survive.

This lethality shocked Princess Consort Huang Yueying. Previously, she had used miniature Flying Thunder Cannons for testing, which at most shocked chickens and ducks to death.

"I... I didn't expect the lethality to be so startling..."

Princess Consort Huang Yueying was shocked, but Gao Yuan and Yang Xin were very satisfied. The two finally understood why this weapon was called the "Heartless Cannon." This way of dying was truly shocking.

Gao Yuan even felt that the blow this weapon dealt to enemy morale would far exceed its actual lethality.

"Sister Yueying, can these Flying Thunder Cannons be mass-produced now?"

"The Industrial Research Institute has long prepared a group of craftsmen. Production can start at any time. In a month at most, we can have at least ten Flying Thunder Cannons."

"That's good. Hurry up with production. We don't need many; a hundred will be enough."

The Flying Thunder Cannon was a transitional product. Gao Yuan did not plan to equip them on a large scale; his ultimate goal was still the proper Red-Coat Cannonss.

"By the way, is the security work all in place?"

"Rest assured, My Lord. Following Lady Yang's instructions, every process is carried out by different people, and the craftsmen never meet each other."

As she spoke, Sister Yueying pointed toward the mouth of the valley.

"The guards here are all members of the Beiwei Army dispatched by the Duke, ensuring that everything is foolproof."

To ensure absolute safety, Gao Yuan had dispatched five hundred Beiwei Army soldiers to be stationed here. These people had all been possessed by martial souls, so there were absolutely no issues with their loyalty.

Gao Yuan nodded with satisfaction.

"The Industrial Research Institute must not slack off. We need to develop the Red-Coat Cannonss and Muskets as soon as possible. Those are the truly great weapons of destruction."

"I understand."

With the successful development of the Flying Thunder Cannon, they now had another powerful weapon for sieges and field battles. This put Gao Yuan in a great mood. He hummed a little tune all the way back, not noticing that Yang Xin beside him was preoccupied.

It wasn't until they reached home and finished dinner that Yang Xin solemnly called everyone together and dismissed the maids.

Everyone could tell she had something to say, but seeing her hesitating and acting bashful, Zhao Xiyao finally spoke up.

"Xinxin, there are no outsiders here. You can speak frankly; there's no need for this."

With Zhao Xiyao's words, Yang Xin finally gathered her courage. She first introduced the situation from the Flying Thunder Cannon test today.

"A weapon like this can completely change the course and form of warfare. We must keep a firm grip on it."

The other women hadn't quite figured it out yet, but Zhao Xiyao and Wu Xu had clearly realized. They glanced at each other, and finally, Wu Xu voiced Yang Xin's subtext.

"You're afraid Princess Consort Huang Yueying isn't reliable, right?"

Although Yang Xin knew Princess Consort Huang Yueying came from the system and was theoretically loyal, she was still uneasy. As Mr. Shuren once said, never gamble on human nature.

Seeing Yang Xin nod, Zhao Xiyao then spoke.

"Do you mean for Husband to take her as a concubine? That way, she becomes family and will be even more trustworthy."

Yang Xin nodded again. At this, all the women became a bit unsettled. Although they knew Yang Xin had a point, they were still somewhat reluctant about pushing another woman onto Gao Yuan.

Feeling the resentful gazes of the other women, Gao Yuan felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He felt he had suffered an undeserved calamity today. Just as he was about to explain, Zhao Xiyao spoke first.

"This matter concerns the fate of the state. I hope you sisters can prioritize the big picture and must not let jealousy ruin important affairs."

Her tone carried a hint of severity, which immediately made all the women set aside their messy thoughts. They rose together and gave a respectful bow to Zhao Xiyao.

"We shall follow your teachings, Elder Sister."

Zhao Xiyao nodded with satisfaction.

"Xinxin, bring Princess Consort Huang Yueying tomorrow. I want to have a talk with her."

"Yes!"

With the matter decided, the women walked over to Gao Yuan's side and each gave him a hard pinch, saying through gritted teeth,

"This really works out well for you!"

Even Zhao Xiyao, the elegant and dignified primary wife, was no exception. This made Gao Yuan feel quite frustrated; he hadn't said a single word, yet they were the ones who decided everything.

Early the next morning, Yang Xin went to the Industrial Research Institute to find Princess Consort Huang Yueying. It took quite a bit of effort to clean up this messy science and engineering genius girl before bringing her to the palace.

Seeing the bewildered and cute girl, Zhao Xiyao was also very satisfied. Honestly, as the eldest sister, it was exhausting having a group of incredibly capable sisters whose minds were more complex than a sieve.

A silly girl like this with no background would pose no threat to her or Crown Prince Zhao Cheng, even if there were a hundred of them.

"Sister Yueying, I heard you've created a new type of weapon and achieved great merit. I wonder what reward you desire?"

Princess Consort Huang Yueying thought about it very seriously, but in the end, she shook her head.

"I don't want any reward."

"How can merit go unrewarded? Otherwise, wouldn't others think I am unfair in my rewards and punishments? I see it this way: I shall appoint you as a Concubine to the Duke of Yue, to be my sister. How about that?"

Princess Consort Huang Yueying's fair face immediately turned so red it looked like it could bleed. After hesitating for a long while, she nodded gently.

"I leave everything to Your Majesty's decision."

Zhao Xiyao was satisfied, and Princess Consort Huang Yueying herself was not resistant—though this was likely due more to the favorable impression brought by the system itself.

And so, the next day, Zhao Xiyao held a banquet in the palace, and Gao Yuan formally took Princess Consort Huang Yueying as a concubine.