After returning to the Meng Family, Meng Zhao immediately gathered the skilled craftsmen under his command. After employing certain methods, he passed on a limited portion of the secret arts from the Secret Classic of Heavenly Crafts and had them attempt to forge several prototypes.
Though there were only five prototypes, each was a complex mechanism with immense practical use. Whether for transporting goods or enhancing smelting capabilities, they would provide enormous assistance.
Meng Zhao did not immediately bring out those weapons of war intended for the army. Mainly, there was ample time. Nothing was happening in Liang Prefecture, while the Pudu Cult in Yanzhou had also lowered its banners and silenced its drums. He first wanted to use these prototypes to hone the abilities of his craftsmen, laying a foundation for forging military weapons in the future.
Meng Zhao kept close track of the process. He even spent two hours every day soaking in the workshop, traveling back and forth between it and the Yangwu Grand Barracks. He rarely even returned to Meng Family Village, so busy that he could scarcely catch his breath.
After Ding Zhanyun returned to Meng Family Village, she was immediately met with the envy of several sisters. In particular, having rendered great service by obtaining valuable things from her natal family for Meng Zhao made Xun Wenjun and Zhuo Muling feel a sense of crisis.
Liang Muqiu, Han Lu, and Zhu'er were the old hands in Meng Zhao's chambers. They had the deepest feelings for him, received the greatest favor, and held positions that could not be shaken.
As for the three daughters from Lingwu City's three great families, they had originally all been rivals standing on the same starting line. Yet Ding Zhanyun had quietly accomplished something so major. How could the other