Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1004 - 88: Crossbow and Triple-Bow Crossbow (2)

What... what... exactly took place?

Did their eyes deceive them, or was it merely a dream?

A massive vessel got utterly demolished by a single shot?!

How... could such a thing occur?

How might arrows possibly shred a colossal ship?

It has to be an illusion, yet the undeniable truth lies right in front of them; clearly, this isn't any dream.

The naval warriors bellowed in wild exhilaration: “Long live the Great Zhou! Long live Prince Han for a thousand, thousand years!”

All onlookers present snapped back to reality thanks to the naval officers' thunderous cries, though their faces remained etched with sheer horror.

The locals of Swamp Prefecture along with distant traders finally regained their composure, echoing the naval officers' cheers. Faces reddened with fervor, they pumped their fists high, eyes brimming with tears, and for some, streams already trailed down their cheeks. They couldn't quite grasp why such emotion overwhelmed them.

Uncle Gao leaped to his feet, flailing his arms in rapture, unleashing a primal howl: “Prince Han!”

“Prince Han! Prince Han! Prince Han!”

In unison, Swamp Prefecture's residents, the visiting merchants, and the troops thrust their arms skyward, chanting “Prince Han,” each utterance slamming like a massive mallet against the foreign visitors' spirits.

Those recent spectacles ignited a fierce blaze in every Great Zhou citizen's heart, yet they plunged the outsiders into icy fear. Be it the trio of bolts from the initial behemoth or the enormous projectile from the follow-up one, both displayed unimaginable might. The foreigners shuddered at the thought of those strikes aimed their way—likely slicing them clean through in an instant.

The overseas troops and protectors pondered deeper than the merchants or nobles did. Should that second device's giant bolt strike a city portal, it would undoubtedly breach it. Hitting the ramparts? It could very well topple them entirely.

Be it a breached gate or crumbling walls, enemies would pour inside unchecked.

These pair of titans... they serve as assault engines!

Armed with such tools, storming fortresses turns effortless! Should Great Zhou's forces deploy them against their strongholds, the foreigners' capital would fall to ruin under Great Zhou's onslaught.

Beyond land, these titans dominate the waves too, smashing foe vessels from great distances.

At this realization... the faces of the foreign warriors and sentinels drained of color, their gazes overflowing with dread.

These twin behemoths render foes utterly powerless, be it in assaults or sea clashes.

We stand no chance in battle! Absolutely no match against Great Zhou!

The overseas sentinels and troops felt profound relief that their realm avoided enmity with Great Zhou, lest disaster strike...

Though less versed in armaments than the troops, the foreign royals weren't dimwitted. The displays moments ago revealed the devastating force of those two colossi.

They never imagined Prince Han excelled not just in commerce but in forging arms as well.

Just who is this Prince Han?

Is there any feat beyond his grasp!

A figure like Prince Han, shunned by Great Zhou's sovereign no less; this... Great Zhou's emperor must be... utterly shortsighted.

The naval commanders reviewed the procession last. Having demonstrated the duo of behemoths' prowess, they merged back with the ranks.

Zhao Yao beamed at the stunned looks gracing the foreign envoys' features. Precisely the outcome he desired.

A thousand warriors clad in ebony war gear marched back to the wharf. They held themselves erect and dignified, poised for Prince Han's inspection.

Descending from the observation deck, Zhao Yao approached the forefront of the thousand elites. His attendants promptly saluted, and Zhao Yao mirrored the gesture.

This martial courtesy came from visions of another realm in Zhao Yao's slumber, a practice he held in high regard.

Post-salute, Zhao Yao issued the order, “Attention, at ease.” The thousand elites snapped to rigid stance, then eased.

“Your display earlier was outstanding,” Zhao Yao declared with swelling pride, “I take great pride in you all!”

At these words, delight lit up the faces of the thousand elites, yet discipline kept them immobile.

“All credit goes to Your Highness's tutelage!”

Zhao Yao pivoted to confront the foreign notables, grandly presenting: “These form the foot soldiers, those the bowmen...”

With every description, the elites rendered salutes toward the platform's dignitaries.

The foreign notables rose and reciprocated Prince Han's elites' martial honors with their homeland's customs.

Upon wrapping up the elites' presentation, the foreign notables pressed Zhao Yao on the nature of the pair of behemoths hauled by the naval warriors.

Zhao Yao clarified that the initial behemoth bore the name Crossbow, reaching roughly one hundred twenty to one hundred thirty-five paces. The subsequent one, the Triple Bow Crossbow, extended about two hundred to three hundred paces.

Details on crafting and mechanics of crossbows and triple bow crossbows? Zhao Yao kept those under wraps, naturally.

Zhao Yao stressed that these crossbows and triple bow crossbows were custom-built for the event. Far from elite gear, of course—the true pinnacles, Bird Gun and Cannon, stayed hidden from view.

The foreign notables swiftly probed if crossbows and triple bow crossbows were available for purchase. Eager to acquire them, they'd spare no cost.

Zhao Yao informed them that sales of crossbows and triple bow crossbows lay beyond his purview; imperial sanction was essential. Should they earnestly seek them, petitioning the court was the path.

Hearing this, the foreign notables vowed to approach the court. Though suspecting denial, they resolved to attempt it.

After detailing the crossbows and triple bow crossbows, Zhao Yao proclaimed the inaugural Swamp Prefecture parade rite's end. Triennial repetitions would occur, with invitations extended to foreign notables once more.

This rite left the foreigners profoundly rattled. Beyond beholding Great Zhou's troops' splendor, they confronted the realm's armaments' ferocity up close, quashing any rebellious notions.

Gazing upon Zhao Yao, the foreign notables inwardly marveled: Prince Han proves utterly formidable!