They were all local wealthy families living by the sea; who didn't own several boats?
Even if not all wealthy women owned their own shipyards like the Huang family, they still had opportunities to deal with ships in their daily lives.
Therefore, these women all possessed basic common sense.
They immediately recognized the extraordinary nature of this wooden sailboat—
"One, two, three... Good heavens, there are four floors."
"I... I'm not seeing things, am I? This model actually has nine masts and twelve sails?"
"If the ship were actually built according to this model, it would be estimated to be over 40 meters long (more than 130 meters)."
"Impossible! This is impossible. Where in the world is there a ship that big?"
If the ship is too big, it will require more materials;
The more wood used, the heavier the ship will be;
Some of the more astute women from the powerful clans and their wealthy merchants were already secretly making calculations.
They are all experienced people who can use a small model to deduce the approximate size and weight of the "finished product".
According to the giant sailboat model brought out by the Yue King's Palace, their calculations revealed that it was a "juggernaut".
Putting aside everything else, the anchor alone probably weighs several thousand kilograms.
The anchor weighs several thousand kilograms. Not to mention the raw material, high-quality iron, its weight alone makes it difficult to handle.
With a heavy anchor and a large ship, how should we steer it?
Relying solely on manpower?
Haha, that would require hundreds or even thousands of boatmen.
So many people, it's too wasteful.
There must be many details involved in building such a large ship, including materials, labor, and technology. These are all issues that need to be addressed.
"Wait! They've only brought out a model, what are we thinking about?"
"Exactly, having a model doesn't mean you can actually build it."
“But Princess Yue isn’t the type to act recklessly. She held an auction and brought out this model, so she must have something in mind.”
"Perhaps they don't want to auction off any secret formula this time, but just want to sell a model?"
Several ladies were gossiping amongst themselves.
The last person, after saying that, didn't even believe it himself.
It must be said that Xie Yuan has proven her abilities through her actions in the two years since she came to Yuezhou.
Princess Xie of Yue was very capable; everything she did was extraordinary.
They hadn't forgotten how much money their family made from the sugar-making recipe they won at the last auction.
"Does the Princess Consort of Yue want to build a ship?"
"But since she made the model, she must have the relevant blueprints. If she has the blueprints, she can build it herself!"
"Yes, the Yue Prince's mansion is full of talented people, with all kinds of craftsmen, and she is not short of money—"
"No! She lacks it! She lacks skilled craftsmen who are proficient in shipbuilding, and she also lacks various related raw materials."
For example, the ironwood used in shipbuilding, and various moisture-proof and waterproof techniques, and so on...
These women truly lived up to their reputation as the matriarchs of their respective families.
They may not be as outstanding as Huang, but they are not ordinary people either.
Their minds can be remarkably clear at crucial moments.
Soon, some people guessed Xie Yuan's purpose—to throw out a brick to attract jade!
Use this wooden sailboat model as bait to attract powerful clans to join in. Everyone will contribute their manpower and technical skills to build this great ship to the best of their ability!
Standing on the stage, Zheng Yurong saw that the guests in the lobby on the first floor and the private rooms on the second floor were whispering and talking amongst themselves.
She didn't rush to speak, but just stood there with a smile.
She only raised her hand after the chatter in the restaurant gradually subsided.
However, Zheng Yurong remained silent, instead gently fiddling with the model in her hand.
With Zheng Yurong's push, the model slowly began to rotate.
It was only then that everyone realized that the base of the sailboat model was a rotating disc.
As the disc rotates, the model changes angle, allowing everyone to see many details of the sailboat model from various positions.
The more they looked, the more eager the crowd's gazes became.
They all live by the sea, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that their ancestors have relied on the sea for their livelihood for generations.
They have an inexplicable affinity for the sea and for ships.
They were also very familiar with each other.
Therefore, even just by looking at the model, they can discern some clues.
"Great! This ship has a really good design!"
"A four-story ship with nine masts and twelve sails—if it were ever built, it would be a behemoth of the sea!"
"Oh my, if we could sail out to sea in such a big ship, would we still be afraid of those giant waves and storms?"
"Exactly, with such a large hold, it should be able to carry quite a lot of cargo."
As everyone carefully observed, they couldn't help but admire it.
"Tsk tsk, as expected of Princess Xie, every move she makes is so extraordinary!"
"Hiss, this must be the foundation of a top-tier family."
"The Xie family of Chenjun, a family with a thousand-year-old lineage!"
Compared to these true aristocratic families, these local powerful clans could only be considered bumpkins and nouveau riche.
Thinking of this, everyone couldn't help but feel both envious and heartbroken.
They envied the Xie family's prestige and heritage, and felt saddened by the hardships and shortcomings of their own family.
"This is a model of the treasure ship that our Queen ordered to be made. All of you distinguished guests are experts and have surely already seen its extraordinary nature."
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Zheng Yurong finally spoke.
She first gave everyone a small compliment, then got straight to the point, "To be honest, our princess has detailed blueprints for the treasure ship."
Wow!
The crowd erupted in another uproar.
Just now, they were all guessing that Princess Xie might have blueprints in her possession.
However, upon hearing a definitive answer from Zheng Yurong, a female official in the Prince's residence, everyone was still pleasantly surprised.
"Are there really blueprints?"
"Treasure ship? Hmm, that's quite fitting!"
If it could really be built, given its scale, calling it a "treasure" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
"Lady Zheng, stop keeping me in suspense!"
Someone couldn't contain themselves any longer and shouted at the top of their lungs, "What exactly are you auctioning at this auction?"
"Yeah, yeah! It can't be that they're auctioning off this model, can it?"
Then someone else took the opportunity to shout something.
Actually, it wouldn't be bad if Princess Xie were willing to auction off this model.
With the model in hand, they can disassemble it and then have skilled workers in the family make a replica.
If you don't succeed the first or second time, try a few more times and you'll always have a chance!
If it succeeds, it will be like planting a giant money tree.
Thinking of this, the eyes of these wealthy merchants who owned shipyards were already burning with desire.
"Lady Zheng, what exactly is Her Highness the Princess's plan?"
"Oh dear, this isn't the first time we've dealt with each other, there's no need for such roundabout ways."
When Zheng Yurong did not answer immediately, the crowd started to jeer.
Zheng Yurong surveyed the room, and only after everyone had finally quieted down did she speak: "An auction, of course, is going to be an auction!"
"However, the rules are a little different this time—"
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