The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Xiao Yunqing glanced at Lin Yuge thoughtfully, feeling that she knew too much about gunpowder.

He had always vaguely sensed that she must have some unknown secrets and past.

Lin Yuge seemed to notice Xiao Yunqing's scrutinizing gaze, and lowered her head slightly, but a ripple of emotion stirred within her.

She knew that her knowledge of gunpowder had aroused Xiao Yunqing's suspicion.

But those secrets were like heavy shackles; she didn't know how to speak of them, nor whether the person before her could accept them.

After a while, Xiao Yunqing finally looked away.

He didn't intend to delve any further; he was willing to wait until the day she completely opened her heart.

They then continued to focus on the construction of the warships.

Xiao Yunqing and his generals carefully discussed the various ship designs they had put forward.

After comprehensively considering factors such as operational purpose, sea conditions, and material reserves.

It was decided that a certain number of each ship type would be built initially for testing and preliminary deployment.

As the salt fields continued to produce salt, Xiao Yunqing transported it to the northern inland areas, generating a steady stream of funds which he then invested in various shipyards.

The entire Lingnan shipyard was bustling with activity, with craftsmen working day and night, hammers clanging, sawdust and sweat mingling.

The skeletons of warships gradually took shape, as if they were the backbone of the rise of maritime power in Lingnan.

During the construction process, Xiao Yunqing would frequently convene skilled craftsmen and generals to discuss and improve the project.

The goal was to make every warship both sturdy and agile, capable of navigating the turbulent seas and maximizing its offensive and defensive capabilities in battle.

Lin Yuge was not idle either; she continuously optimized the blueprints based on the suggestions from everyone.

This enabled the construction of warships to reach a new level in terms of technology.

Lin Yuge was busy with the dockworks every day and hadn't been home for a long time.

Therefore, Xie Chengzhu specially reserved a room for her in Tingtao Tower so that she could rest at any time.

That day, she had just returned from the dock and was preparing to go back to her room to rest.

As soon as he entered Tingtao Tower, Xie Jingwan, who was already waiting in the lobby, grabbed him.

"Mother, why did you come here?" Lin Yuge asked, somewhat surprised.

“It’s not just me who came, your older brother came too.”

Lin Yuge looked up and saw her elder brother sitting by the window drinking tea.

She was curious, wondering what important matter her mother and elder brother had come together on.

Xie Jingwan pulled her over.

She had just sat down, before she could even speak.

Xie Jingwan then said with a reproachful look:

"Look at you all, either you're so busy you're nowhere to be seen, or you're holed up at home making medicine all day long."

As her mother, I find it difficult to even see my daughter.

"You silly child, you're neglecting your own health for the sake of building the ship."

Lin Yuge hurriedly smiled apologetically:

"Mother, I have something to do. Shipbuilding is of great importance and cannot be neglected for even a moment."

Xie Jingwan sighed softly: "I know you have ambition, but you can't overwork yourself. Look at you, you don't look as good as before."

Lin Yuge had nothing to say and could only change the subject.

"Mother, what brings you and my elder brother here?"

Xie Jingwan narrowed her eyes slightly, a smile playing on her lips, and slowly said:

"Do you still remember Madam He, who bestowed a name upon you when you came of age? I heard that she has a young daughter who is also waiting to be married."

We've come here to find a suitable match for your elder brother.

After speaking, Xie Jingwan frowned slightly, her expression full of worry, and sighed softly:

"However, Lord He's official position in Lingnan is now several ranks higher than your father's."

In the past, he held a very high position in the capital, even reaching the rank of Minister.

I don't know if the He family would even consider your eldest brother. As his mother, I really have no idea.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuge began to ponder it.

She was quite impressed with Mrs. He; she was elegant and had an extraordinary air about her.

Her family must have been very strict with her upbringing; I just wonder what kind of person her daughter is.

Lin Yuge gently held her mother's hand, trying to comfort her:

"Mother, don't forget that my elder brother also holds a degree of official rank, is of noble character, and is handsome."

If the He family recognized the elder brother's good qualities, they certainly wouldn't miss this marriage opportunity.

Xie Jingwan forced a smile:

"I hope so. Your older brother is too straightforward."

I was afraid that he would be impolite in front of the He family and leave a bad impression.

Lin Qingzhou, standing to the side, looked somewhat helpless. He straightened his clothes and said:

“Mother, there’s really no need for you to worry like this. Although I’m not very talented, I do know how to conduct myself in society.”

"When I go to visit you, I will be careful in my words and actions, and treat you with utmost courtesy."

Xie Jingwan glanced at her unlucky son and nodded:

"Well, it's too early to talk about this now. Let's wait until we meet tomorrow before we discuss it further."

Daughter, you should go with her tomorrow and talk to Miss He to find out her temperament and preferences.

You two siblings are close, and having you around will make your older brother feel more at ease.

Lin Yuge was slightly taken aback, then replied:

“Mother is right, I will definitely get along well with Miss He.”

However, I'm not very good at this kind of thing, so I'll just do my best.

Upon hearing this, Lin Qingzhou immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said:

"Little sister, with you by my side, I feel much more at ease."

"You are very perceptive; you will surely have a pleasant conversation with Miss He."

The next day, Lin Fanghai took a day off. The whole family got up early, carefully washed and dressed, and then set off for the He residence.

Lin Qingzhou wore a moon-white brocade robe with a dark ribbon tied around his waist, which made him appear even more upright and imposing.

However, the slightly clenched hem of his clothes still revealed a hint of nervousness in his heart.

Lin Yuge chose a light pink silk dress, simple yet elegant.

Her hair was adorned with only a few delicate pearls and jade ornaments, giving it a fresh and elegant look.

Upon arriving at the gate of the He residence, servants were already waiting to greet us. Stepping inside, we found the courtyard deep and the scenery elegant.

The servants led them into the main hall, where Lord He and Madam He were already waiting to greet them.

The two sides exchanged greetings and pleasantries. Lin Fanghai and Lord He shook hands and chatted amiably, their words filled with the familiarity and politeness of old acquaintances in officialdom.

Lin Qingzhou stood behind his father, his posture upright like a pine tree, but the slightly clenched hem of his clothes still revealed a hint of nervousness in his heart.

Lord He's gaze was sharp as he slowly scanned Lin Qingzhou.

From his taste in clothing to his imposing yet slightly immature appearance.

His respectful yet slightly awkward demeanor did not escape Lord He's notice.

Lin Yuge gracefully curtsied to the side.

Mrs. He's gaze was instantly drawn to her, and she took Xie Jingwan's hand, praising her repeatedly:

"Madam Lin is truly a skilled educator! I knew Miss Lin was exceptionally intelligent from the day of her coming-of-age ceremony."

Unexpectedly, she has become even more remarkable now, especially in the construction of warships, where she has shone brightly, proving that women are just as capable as men.

Unlike my daughter, who spends all her time following her brother around practicing martial arts, she doesn't have the quiet demeanor of a proper young lady at all.