"Lu Ming, County Commandant of Tao County," Lu Ming announced with a smile.
"Ah, it's you, sir!" Ma Jun was somewhat flustered, unsure how to respond. The other party was so young that he couldn't even react in time.
Lu Ming was also a little confused. Was Ma Jun from this era?
However, he didn't mind and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Ma Jun, would you be willing to work for me? I've heard you're skilled with your hands, and I happen to need a skilled craftsman."
"Sir, I'm willing, but I'm lacking in talent and learning, and I'm afraid I'll hinder your important business." Ma Jun naturally accepted without hesitation; he didn't know how to refuse.
"No problem, come, follow me." A hint of smugness flashed through Lu Ming's mind; at least this task wasn't difficult. A meal—a few steamed buns and a bowl of meat soup—would suffice.
In the right environment, with the right person doing the right thing, success is possible. Everything is the same; it's not complicated, the only difference is whether it can be done or not.
"Ding, the Mohist branch quest 'Dilemma' has been completed."
"Ding, Ma Jun has become your follower."
"Ding, Industrial skill unlocked."
Suddenly, Lu Ming saw a new "Followers" section on his panel. Clicking on it revealed the name Ma Jun and his portrait.
Ma Jun: A famous craftsman during the Three Kingdoms period, a disciple of the Mohist school.
Skilled in manufacturing machinery and modifying tools. When holding a technical position, his skill advancement speed doubles, and tool crafting time is halved.
Unlocked building: Machinery Development Lab.
The Machinery Development Lab appeared in the construction section. Just as Lu Ming was wondering what was going on, he saw the resources needed for machinery development: 500 wood and 100 iron ore.
He happened to have these resources. After clicking... Ma Jun, standing beside him, bowed and asked, "My lord, shall we build a machinery development workshop?"
"Yes, do you know how to build it?" Lu Ming nodded, somewhat surprised, as if it were a game.
"Yes, my lord, please entrust everything to me. I will direct the craftsmen to build it; it will take five days," Ma Jun said decisively. Five days to build a house? That seemed a bit too fast.
"Good, go ahead and do it. I will have people assist you and follow your instructions." Lu Ming led Ma Jun to his estate, which was responsible for mining.
Conditions were far from ideal, so the smelting of iron ore was slow, and the extraction of ore was also slow.
Lu Ming had inexplicably taken Ma Jun as a follower; he hadn't even realized there was such talent in his own county.
After showing Ma Jun around the workshop and introducing him to the manager, Lu Ming specifically instructed him to do exactly as Ma Jun said, or else he would be fired!
Facing his master, who was also the county magistrate, the steward dared not disobey; that wouldn't just be courting death, it would be a death sentence.
After finishing all this, Lu Ming finally inspected the streets. Tao County wasn't very large, limited by the technology of this era.
The population was only two hundred thousand, which was quite remarkable in the Xiliang region.
Even large cities like Luoyang and Chang'an only had a million inhabitants. The more people there were, the more areas needed to be governed, and all sorts of strange and unsavory things would emerge. Just handling administrative affairs was a headache.
After finishing his business, Lu Ming finally had time to look at his new skill: Industry. The Industrial skill sounded very sophisticated, but in reality, it involved making boilers, iron smelting furnaces, steelmaking furnaces, and other tools.
Only with the Industrial skill could a city develop its industrial technology. The higher the industrial technology, the more things could be manufactured.
Simply put, it's about technological level. Without industrial technology, one can only produce ordinary knives; with industrial technology, one can produce repeating crossbows, ballistae, battering rams, catapults, and even the legendary well curb.
Currently, he's not a county magistrate, so he can only develop his own industrial technology. He can manufacture these things himself to arm his private army.
At least this can improve his strength or the lives of ordinary people.
Back at his residence, Lu Ming was contemplating his future development plans.
Right now, he needs to accumulate initial capital, including food, talent, and soldiers.
Food is essential for maintaining his private army and rule—this is fundamental. Talent will make things easier, and expanding his territory also requires capable governance.
Just then, he saw his older cousin, Dong Yuan, chatting with his mother in the living room. One was a mature, sophisticated woman, the other a mature lady—two completely different styles clashing immediately.
Dong Yuan was Dong Zhuo's eldest daughter, Niu Fu's wife, and Lu Ming's cousin.
Dong Zhuo had thick eyebrows and large eyes, but his daughter was unexpectedly beautiful. She had fair, wheat-colored skin and a lovely face. Because her mother was Qiang, her features were striking, giving her a somewhat Westernized look.
She was voluptuous, with a full figure; even in brocade robes, her ample bosom was evident.
Moreover, she inherited her mother's beauty and fiery temper—she was the kind of woman who would dare to cause trouble!
Therefore, when Lu Ming saw Dong Yuan, he felt a chill. This older cousin had dared to beat a man who harassed her in the street to death; even Niu Fu would find her ruthlessness difficult to handle.
All these years, she hadn't even had a child, and hadn't dared to utter a sound—a testament to her nature.
Upon seeing Lu Ming, Dong Yuan's lips curled into a bright smile. "I was just talking about you, my dear brother, come here!"
"I heard magpies chirping as soon as I walked in today. I knew it must be good news, and look, my dear sister is doing just that. Sister Yuan, it's so good to see you." Lu Ming was glib; if he didn't appease his domineering cousin, who knows what might happen.
Dong Yuan, radiating youthful energy yet possessing the charm of a mature woman, giggled. Lacking the reserved demeanor of women from the Central Plains, she sized up her cousin for a long while before saying, "You're not getting any younger; it's time to get married!"
"Married? I want to spend more time with Mother. I don't know if my wife will get along with Mother after we're married, so I'm not in a rush. Sister Yuan, why are you so happy today?" Lu Ming had no intention of getting married so early, even though many wealthy young men were already married at this time. Dong Yuan reached out and pinched Lu Ming's cheek without any hesitation, saying in a coquettish tone, "Because your mother said she wanted to find you a wife, and she asked me if I knew anyone. I actually know someone, and she's quite suitable for you."