Chapter 107: Flourishing and Prosperous, Becoming an Empire on Which the Sun Never Sets

The conversation then shifted to the development of gunpowder.

Currently, Su Hu had already achieved significant results. Ever since King Zhou witnessed the formidable combat power of gunpowder, he had immediately appointed Su Hu to lead the "Military Bureau," placing him in full charge of its development. Su Hu, for his part, had been working diligently and had even brought Huang Feihu into the fold. After several months of research, they had made considerable progress.

When Chu Xiaoyu heard about the breakthroughs Su Hu and his team had achieved, he was genuinely happy for them. "So, you’ve made some real progress with gunpowder? What is the current situation?"

"Sir, it is like this. Following your instructions, we have mixed the raw materials according to the specified ratios, and we have managed to create some relatively simple hand grenades."

"Wait, what? Hand grenades? Uh... really? You actually managed to make those?" Chu Xiaoyu was somewhat surprised.

Su Hu nodded excitedly. "Yes, exactly. It’s just that the deterrent power of these grenades isn’t quite enough yet; they can only blow up a small area, and our supply is still limited."

"Sir, do you have any ideas on how we might improve them?" Su Hu asked, looking somewhat anxious.

Chu Xiaoyu pondered for a moment before replying, "Well... have you ever heard the saying, 'Haste makes waste'? You might not realize it, but you have brought about the birth of gunpowder a millennium ahead of its time. You have already done something truly remarkable."

To have actually produced hand grenades at this stage? That was even more incredible.

"However... if you truly wish to improve them, you could start with the density and composition of the gunpowder. Let me give you a simple analogy."

"Think of a pile of sand. It will naturally contain both coarse and fine grains. If you separate the two and then refine and compress them, the explosive power will surely reach a new level."

"Ah! So that’s how it works? Hearing it from you, Sir, I think I understand the principle now!" Su Hu could not hide his excitement.

Looking back, Chu Xiaoyu had only mentioned the concept of gunpowder in passing, yet who would have thought that Su Hu and his men would actually succeed in developing it? And they had even fashioned it into grenades? One could never underestimate the intelligence of these ancient people. It was truly impressive, formidable, and extraordinary.

"Heh heh, Sir, once we return, I will definitely refine the mixture according to your advice on particle size." Su Hu took a sip of wine, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

"General Su, keep up the good work. Once you achieve a major breakthrough, I will personally reward you."

"Very well! Then this general thanks Your Majesty in advance for your favor."

"Haha... it is my pleasure!"

As the monarch and his subject exchanged pleasantries, Chu Xiaoyu could only shake his head with a smile. After a few rounds of drinks, the time grew late, and King Zhou and Su Hu took their leave.

***

The next day, in the capital city of Chaoge of the Great Shang Dynasty.

Today was a very special and grand day. The city was adorned with lanterns and streamers, and the people of Shang were gathered in celebration. Their brilliant King had introduced miraculous crops like sweet potatoes and potatoes from somewhere unknown. With the court and the people working in unity, following half a year of land reform and planting, they had finally received news that would shake the world.

A single acre of land could produce over a thousand pounds of these divine crops.

The entire Great Shang was stirred.

A thousand pounds of produce—solid, real, and without any exaggeration. The harvested crops had filled every granary to the brim, and the overflow was stacked high in open-air lots throughout the city.

Today, the court announced that every citizen, regardless of age, would receive a ration of grain based on the number of people in their household. One "dan" of grain was equivalent to about a hundred pounds in later generations. A family of ten could receive a thousand pounds of grain—enough to feed them for an entire year without any worry. For a thrifty family, there would even be a surplus for the following year. Such a wonderful prospect was something the common people had never dared to dream of.

This year’s bountiful harvest was worthy of celebration across the entire realm. King Zhou had risen early, even humming a nameless tune in his high spirits. Queen Jiang had also arrived early to help dress him. Despite having given birth to two children, the Queen maintained a graceful figure; those unfamiliar with her would never guess she was a mother of two.

"My Queen, do you know? I am so happy today—truly, incredibly happy. Even the day I ascended the throne did not bring me as much joy as this," King Zhou whispered into her ear.

"Your Majesty..."

As the warm, masculine presence of her husband enveloped her, the Queen, despite being long-married, felt as shy and flustered as a young maiden newly chosen for the palace.

"My Queen, you look truly beautiful today."

***

As the man’s bold presence continued to surround her, the Queen let out a soft, involuntary moan. "Your Majesty, you are truly wicked!"

As they say, a man who is not a bit wicked is not loved by women. The Queen leaned back, melting into his embrace.

***

Half an hour later, at the Star-Picking Tower in Chaoge, a vast sea of Shang citizens had gathered. The people cheered incessantly.

"Long live the Great Shang!"
"Long live Chaoge!"
"Long live the King!"

Looking at the grain piled across the entire square, the people were filled with boundless excitement. Food was the foundation of life, and from now on, they would never have to worry about going hungry again.

"His Majesty arrives! Silence!"

With a sudden shout from the palace guards, King Zhou, dressed in his royal robes and leading his civil and military officials, walked forward with long, confident strides. The clamor of the crowd below the tower died down instantly. Their brilliant King had finally arrived!

"Long live the King!"

Looking out at the swaying sea of heads below, seeing the anticipation and hope on those simple faces... they were all his people. King Zhou felt deeply moved, his expression shifting with emotion. If things continued at this pace, the Great Shang would surely become the greatest power among all nations—a goal well within reach.

The Great Shang would never become a fallen kingdom of slaves! Never! With the "Sir" guiding them, the future of the Great Shang would surely flourish, becoming an empire upon which the sun never sets.