"Steam engines..."
Li Yan and the others followed the direction pointed out by the messengers from the Crown Prince Mansion.
They saw, in the middle of the wide street, ten gigantic objects draped in thick oilcloth, being slowly dragged forward by sturdy water buffaloes and dozens of strapping men working together.
The oilcloth could not fully conceal their outlines, revealing a cold steel framework and thick rivets.
Under each one were special round wooden rollers. As they crushed the bluestone slabs, they let out a heavy, rhythmic rumbling, like the heartbeat of some slumbering behemoth, drowning out the surrounding clamor.
The crowd was completely boiling over.
"Heavens above! Is this the so‑called 'Iron Bull' that can run by itself and possesses infinite strength?"
"I heard it burns coal? Isn't that just like burning incense in a temple?"
"Good grief, such a huge lump of iron—how much silver must it be worth? The Thirteen Lines really are making a grand gesture!"
