Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Devices and Tools: Volume 8

Page One (Continued)

The Big Beehive original: "Da Feng Ke." This evocative name refers to the weapon's honeycomb-like internal structure and the way its projectiles swarm the enemy like angry bees. is an essential weapon for battle, defense, and offensive maneuvers, whether on land or at sea. It overwhelms the mind and dazzles the eyes, striking terror into the spirit original: "jing dan," literally "startling the gall." In traditional Chinese medicine and culture, the gallbladder was considered the seat of courage; therefore, to "startle the gall" means to cause a complete loss of nerve or bravery. and inflicting severe casualties on the enemy.

Its manufacture must be executed with the utmost precision and ingenuity; this is the preeminent firearm original: "huoqi," a broad term for incendiary, explosive, or gunpowder-propelled weapons. to be equipped upon warships.