Bradley continued his report, his tone filled with pride: "We are using a double-layered cellar-style granary, with the outer layer providing ventilation and heat dissipation, and the inner layer reinforced and sealed, utilizing geothermal and ventilation shafts to maintain stable temperatures, effectively preventing moisture and mold."

Louis smiled and said: "This is good news. This winter… I hope to see these granaries filled."

Upon hearing this, Bradley smiled and said: "They will be, I'm afraid there might not be enough space."

Then Louis flipped open a new report.

On the thin booklet was attached an exploration map sent from Star Forging Territory, with several dark-colored vein lines resembling blood vessels stretching across the land, extending to the deep northwest.

"This is the situation of Star Forging Territory." Bradley lowered his voice, "The geological workshop's exploration team has confirmed that a Magic Marrow Vein has been found in the ninth mining area. The reserves… may far exceed Red Tide Territory."

Louis gently slid his fingertips over the dark vein marks, not actually surprised.

After all, he had already learned of the existence of this vein through the Daily Intelligence System.

However, at that time the population was insufficient and miners were limited, and recklessly mining would only add a burden to himself and the territory's residents.

But now with the influx of refugees, more hands are available, so he can naturally act accordingly.

"Has the expansion already begun?"

"Yes. Workshops, smelting furnaces, and craftsmen dormitories have all been proposed. The mining town is also being planned."

"Inform Star Forging." Louis leaned back in his high-backed chair, "Mining can commence, but proceed with caution, start from the periphery, safety first, avoid collapses."

Bradley responded and noted it down.

"Also, send more refugees there. Priority should be given to expanding the mining dormitories to prevent workers from sleeping in the wild."

"Yes, my lord."

After reading the last page of the dossier, Louis leaned back, gently rubbing the paper's edge with his fingertips.

He paused and raised his head, his gaze landing on Bradley: "Bradley, our construction workers, are already insufficient, aren't they?"

Bradley replied softly: "Yes, my lord. The scale of Red Tide's construction has already far exceeded initial expectations. We are now continually selecting strong and young ones from the accommodated refugees for training through the master-apprentice system to cultivate a new batch of construction craftsmen."

Louis nodded slightly, his voice carrying restraint: "Very well, remember to let them know that effort and reward are equivalent. If they are willing to learn, willing to work, Red Tide will offer them a future."

Bradley smiled subtly and said softly, "Yes, my lord."

Louis gently closed the dossier, opening the next thin booklet pushed by Bradley, his eyes quickly sweeping over the large characters of "Spring Plowing Mobilization" on the cover.

"The next one is regarding spring plowing." Bradley understood, slightly bowing, "You are aware of Mai Lang Territory's situation, having just returned from there.

In the southeastern other districts of Red Tide, a total of 3,200 acres has been newly cultivated, mostly achieved by the labor of refugees."

Louis's gaze slightly brightened, raising his eyes to look at the large map on the wall. Though not as much as Mai Lang Territory, 3,000 acres in today's barren Northern Territory also represents the survival of countless lives.

"Have the techniques and experience of Mai Lang been sent to various villages?"

"A transfer order has already been issued." Bradley's voice carried a hint of pride, "Mai Lang Territory's farming methods, cold-resistant wheat, and geothermal greenhouses are all being replicated. Increased food production this year can be anticipated."

Louis lowered his head, looking at the "Expected Yield" figures on the booklet, his fingertips gently rubbing the paper, his long-unfurling brow slightly relaxed for the first time.

This was what he cared about the most.

In the Northern Territory, there can be no Iron Armor, no city walls, but there can never be a shortage of food.

"There still isn't enough food." Louis murmured softly, "If the territory's people starve, all order will collapse."

Bradley nodded respectfully: "Therefore, we must expand our granaries in advance as a precaution."

Louis had just closed the dossier on spring plowing, rubbing his brows wanting to rest for a while, but Bradley had already switched to the next heavy booklet, with "Population and Settlement Report" written on the cover.

"The number of refugees accommodated after the war has so far reached over eighteen thousand," Bradley introduced, "Currently, food is uniformly dispensed daily from the granary, ensuring the most basic stability."

Louis flipped open the pages, his gaze scanning over the rows of dense names.

Eighteen thousand people, this is a wealth, but also a burden.

"What about diseases?" he asked.

"The epidemic of cold winds at the end of winter has been mostly controlled." Bradley answered, "The medical and pharmacological workshops work around the clock, distributing herbal medicine daily in regulated amounts. But the Northern Territory is damp and cold, vigilance against a second outbreak is necessary."

Louis nodded slightly.

The population surge is an opportunity, but a slight mistake, and famine and disease can destroy everything faster than war.

Bradley continued: "To settle refugees, the Government Hall is implementing a household contract system. We provide them with farmland, cattle, tools, and temporary accommodation. Upon signing the contract, they officially become citizens of Red Tide, enjoying territorial protection laws, reasonable tax burdens, education, and redemption opportunities."

This contract appears to be benevolent, but it is essentially the bond of Red Tide.

After all, what he needs is not just a population but Red Tide People, who can be mobilized, educated, and trusted subjects.

"Furthermore, the first batch of three thousand skilled slaves purchased through Calvin Commerce Association is already underway. We only select slaves with valuable skills like craftsmen, herders, blacksmiths, and pharmacists to contribute to basic construction."

Louis did not lift his eyes, he merely said softly: "Don't buy too many at once, trial first, gradually integrate, to avoid any unforeseen circumstances."

"Understood."

The booklet turned to the latter part, with a few hand-drawn red lines added, marked on the edge of the new town in Red Tide's southeast.

"This is the Border Guard Village pilot project." Bradley tapped his fingertips on a few small dots, "We are accommodating willing remnants of the Barbarian Race. Most of them have lost their clan, food, and shelter, so they are very willing to comply, holding onto a thread of salvation."

Louis's gaze fell beside the marked symbol on a small name: Sif.

"Is her identity used to appease them?"

"Yes." Bradley answered frankly, "Although they may not worship the Princess of Cold Moon's clan, it at least offers them a psychological leeway."

Louis breathed out gently, not immediately responding.

This is a delicate game.

These remnants of the Barbarian Race are potential combat forces and labor, yet also a hidden risk, thus Red Tide delineates a "buffer zone" for them institutionally.

On the surface, it's autonomy, but the real power is firmly held in Red Tide's hands.

"Military Household System, educational training, Lianzuo System, patrol battalions, all executed simultaneously."

His voice was calm, as if issuing an order that was naturally unquestionable.

"On the surface, giving them the illusion of autonomy, but every lifeline, every grain, every weapon, must be held by us."

Bradley's eyes brightened, slightly bowing: "Understood, my lord."

His tone carried a rare sharpness, as if infected by a hint of iron blood from Louis:

"If they wish to celebrate the so-called clan glory, let them celebrate. But their food, their soldiers, their offspring, all belong to Red Tide."

Speaking of this, the elder's eye was as calm as water: "Do not worry, they will soon understand that their only future lies under Red Tide's protection."

Louis smiled slightly, not expressing an opinion.

"By the way," Louis suddenly remembered something, asked softly: "How is the overall morale of Red Tide?"

"Higher than ever before, my lord."

The elder slowly raised his eyes, looking at the young lord sitting behind the desk, his tone carrying a hint of reflection, seemingly speaking on behalf of countless Red Tide people:

"Whether newly arrived refugees or old residents of Red Tide, they all understand that their survival now is because you are here."

He slightly bowed his head, his voice firm: "They call you the Sun of the Northern Territory."

Louis's brow slightly raised, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, yet he did not immediately respond.

Bradley observed and continued: "They believe that as long as they work hard under your protection, they will be rewarded, even those who have fled from war and famine as refugees, someone said, Red Tide Territory is the only place where one can see the future."

Just then, the morning light outside penetrated through the thick clouds, casting a pale golden light trace onto the map.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.