In November of the seventh year of the new calendar, the upper reaches of the Agama Mountains began to cool down significantly.

The snow and ice that accumulate on the mountain all year round no longer melt, causing the streams downstream to begin to dry up.

The watermills of Ironforger and the estate were discontinued, and the newly built windmill mill was replaced.

Ironforge now crafts more gears and pulleys in addition to farming tools, which can be used in boats and everyday buildings.

Lawrence often travels between Fort Ironforge and the shipyard, or goes to the town of Phumesius to settle things, and rarely goes to the port of Flying Fish in the west and the southtown and Steel's territory in the south.

After all, time is limited, and I usually have to enjoy life, so how can I have so much time to run around.

If the territory is bigger, then there will be more things.

Ironforge was an area where blacksmiths and craftsmen gathered, and within a few years it had developed its own cultural atmosphere.

The leader here is not designated by Lawrence, but by the most skilled, older and stronger man, who is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Lawrence's weapons.

The Great Iron Furnace is currently managed by Quirre, a small but strong Southern blacksmith.

Lawrence is also very happy with Quirre, he is receptive to other people's opinions and is able to think about whether various opinions are reasonable.

Being the head of Ironforge doesn't require much of the rest, as long as you can lead and coordinate the craftsmen.

The Ironforge was steaming hot, and Lawrence and Loshanda stood thirty meters away from the large iron furnace with black masks, looking at the freshly baked pot of molten iron.

Whereas normal molten iron is irrigated into molds to make farm tools and weapons, today's molten iron is mainly used to make more elaborate objects.

The blacksmiths used a long, heat-resistant rod to push a thick iron hook into the container containing the molten iron, and by pulling the hook high, the pot of molten iron began to tilt.

When the molten iron flows down a special mold, the first thing that comes down is the liquid that flows.

The workers quickly fixed the head end of the molten iron with a tie rod.

The tie rod is a long rod tool similar to pliers, and the teeth on both sides of the jaws are specially machined to grip the high-temperature metal more stably.

One end holds the high-temperature metal in place, and the other end is attached to the wire drawer with a hook and lock structure.

The wire drawer is a fixed rope and a grinding disc wire drawing machine that is quickly turned by workers in the distance.

The molten iron, which began to cool down, was pulled outward by the rod with a small head, and soon pulled out silk threads of different thicknesses.

This is not the first time that the workers here have produced this kind of wire, and although they are not able to make the wire of the same thickness at present, they already know how fast and hard to pull the wire so that it does not break.

In order to pull all the red-hot wire out before the molten iron solidifies, workers have to brave the heat and risk to seize the tight minutes, and the process lasts more than half an hour as more and more molten iron is poured out of the container.

Losanda will slightly heat up the molten iron to prolong the active time of the molten iron.

Lawrence quickly left the area and went to the next room to check on the harvest.

In the workshop next door, a group of people are forging and cutting iron wires harvested ten minutes ago.

The long wires were divided into large numbers of finger-long bars, the thick ones being thrown into one box and the thin ones being thrown into another.

Thick nails can be made into iron nails, both shipyards and construction teams need a large number of iron nails, even in outside countries, iron nails are a bestseller, sometimes used as weapons.

The thin ones are even more useful, and can be processed into iron needles.

There is a big problem with both fish bone needles and animal bone needles, that is, they are too large for delicate needlework, and they are also easy to be damaged.

With bone needles, only the simple animal skin clothes can be sewn, which are usually too large and can easily break.

Iron needles are a luxury and a must-have for many families, and every family is willing to exchange grain and eggs for iron needles.

The backward craftsmanship of the craftsmen of this era made it very difficult to produce iron wire sheets, which was more troublesome than making iron cannons.

Traditionally, wire making is done by forging iron ore into iron pieces, which are then heated to the right temperature and then forged into flat pieces of iron using a hammer.

Then the high-temperature iron sheet is drawn to make fine iron wire, which requires a lot of manpower and material resources, so the iron wire is more precious and is mostly used to make fine handicrafts and weapons and equipment.

Lawrence looked at it for a while, then walked out and chatted with the craftsmen who had ended.

"Winter has arrived this year, and a lot of iron needles and steel needles are needed to make clothes and bedding, and we will make another furnace tomorrow."

Lawrence has added an additional task to Quirret, which is already the twentieth pot of wire made this year.

Querey looked embarrassed, "The waterwheel has been out of use recently, and although our people here have strength, they are definitely not as good as the waterwheel when they turn things." ”

Lawrence understood that these blacksmiths were better at making delicate and delicate work, and were not good at the quick and quick response things that machines do.

"You can try wind power or steam engine, and make another furnace tomorrow, it shouldn't be needed for the time being, and then I will take you to make iron sheets."

Lawrence is not in a hurry to improve the technology too much, and it is already very good to be able to make iron nails and iron needles in batches now.

Quirre knew about the Iron Sheet, and there was a huge stone outside the Ironforge Castle, and Lawrence thought that the freshly baked molten iron could be stamped with block stones to make a thinner Iron Sheet.

Queray asked, "Prophet, are we making iron sheets to fight?" ”

Lawrence smiled: "Not all, in addition to the iron sheets used on the ship, they will also be used to make iron pots, iron knives, iron cans, can lids and other things, in short, there are many uses." ”

Quereth wasn't so anxious to see things, "We may not have enough people here, if there is a war, we can capture more slaves back." ”

Quereth provided valuable advice.

The Kingdom of Stars has a very high level of support for warfare, and most of the people basically support external expansion, killing the enemies outside, and capturing the people there to come back as slaves.

The men were taken to work and plant, and the women were given to the prophets.

It is a war country in itself, and in addition, it can occupy more territory and capture more people by war, which is the safest way to invest for the people of the country of stars.

Dead people are not important at all, even if they die their own family, everyone is willing to fight!

The death of a man in a war to his wife and children, a woman's death of her husband and children, and the death of her children to their parents are not a matter at all in the country of stars, and they are all recognized by the parties themselves.

From the management personnel, to the merchant servants, to all kinds of slave laborers, they all support the fight outside.

Everyone believed that war could bring great benefits and solve problems.

Only Lawrence himself wants to live a luxurious, leisurely and comfortable retirement life.

"Take your time, next year will be much better."

Lawrence smiled confidently, "Now the children in the town are growing up to help their families, take care of their younger siblings, and go to school to learn languages and writing." ”

"In another year or two, we'll be even more lively here."

Quirre didn't get a solution to the problem, "But we're short of people right now. ”

There aren't enough of 50,000 people right now, and Lawrence understands the difficulty, "It's almost winter, and more people will come over next year." ”

"This year, the Iron Fort also needs to be expanded, and this winter, in addition to thinking about technology, you take people to see where the machinery and equipment need to be improved, and how to produce faster and more stable."

"Persist for another half a month, and after half a month, stop and rest for a while, and then focus on studying."

Quirre knew he had to wait only next year, "Yes, prophet of wisdom. ”

Lawrence soon joined up with Los Angeles to make arrangements for the expansion of Ironforge, and went to the manor to feed the dogs to increase the intimacy and majesty before returning to Oak City.

On the way, Loshanda, riding a reindeer, spoke his opinion.

"Iron needles and nails are more anxious, iron pots are not so anxious, there are bakeries outside, and there are not many people who cook at home."

Lawrence said: "Well, a lot of places still cook in the traditional way of baking, and they make a lot of bread at once, which can be eaten for two or three days. ”

There are dried fish and pickled vegetables in Flying Fish Port, and there are many fresh vegetables that can be eaten after washing, and you can solve the problem of eating with bread and water.

Because wheat and rye are the main ingredients, most of the bread will not spoil if it is stored for a day or two, and there is no problem in filling the stomach.

Loshanda remembered the valley, "Have you been to the valley lately?" ”

"I've been there." Lawrence replied, "I have harvested some saltpeter, some of which I keep for later use, and the rest for the people of the Military Academy and the Holy Virgins College to study." ”

Loshanda looked at the mountain road in the distance, "It seems that there are not many wizards outside, and only the beekeeping witch has come during this time." ”

"No, no, no." Lawrence didn't insist on it, and even smiled.

Loshanda noticed Lawrence's cheerful tone, "You look happy?" ”

"Is there one?" Lawrence said with a smile: "I'm going to be a father this winter, plus the beekeeper witch can increase the yield of honey, and the sugar beets on the farm also make very good quality white sugar." ”

"This year's food production is much higher than last year's, there are many more people, and there are more and more tools that can be made in the Iron Fort, weapons, armor, and daily kitchen tools and farm tools."

"You see that there are so many things to be happy about, so why should we always care about those troublesome things that have little to do with us?"

"Anyway, I don't want to leave here, I don't want to go outside and deal with the trouble caused by others."

Lawrence spoke his opinion, he just wanted to live a stable life, he just wanted to enjoy the moment, and he gently advanced the progress of civilization.

It's not going to be so busy, and it's not going to be just getting electricity or something like that, it's too fast, it's too tiring.

Losanda pondered and said, "You look a little different than before. ”

Lawrence kindly disliked the statement, "I've always been like that. ”

"In the past, there were all kinds of crises, but now that the crises have been resolved, this kind of peaceful life is the luxury that has always been desired."

Loshanda agreed: "You're right, it's good now. ”

The two of them return to Oak City, where people are busy with all kinds of life matters.

From the outside, it looks like only a few people are transporting supplies to the Circle, but inside there are schools, canteens, hospitals, factories, workshops, residential areas, shops, libraries, and other facilities.

Lawrence walked through a somewhat dimly lit tunnel into the atrium.

The Circle Building was later used as the façade of the castle, and now the residents of the Circle Building have begun to be housed, allowing some people to live in a centralized area and provide central heating.

Sophia and Saliel were busy in the nearby clearing, where only there was some lawn near the Great Oak, and the rest of the place had roads and gardens, as well as places to dry their food.

Sariel is working with several maids to carry coals that will replace the family's firewood and charcoal.

"Master!" Sophia quickly spotted Lawrence and quickly greeted and ran over.

Lawrence looked at Sophia's clean little hands, got closer and said, "You've been getting lazy lately and don't do anything. ”

Sophia is not as obedient as when she was a child, she smiled coquettishly, "Master, I have been practicing dancing recently, and I am still learning musical instruments, and today I have made a new hair, do you look beautiful?" ”

In addition to double ponytails and single ponytails, as well as draped hair, Sophia also chooses beautiful hairstyles to change.

Today is the delicate hairstyle of the noblewoman, who spent time tying small braids and braiding the ends of the hair on both sides into knots and combing them back of her head.

Lawrence said, "Well, it's not bad, but I still like the double ponytails." ”

Sophia nodded, "Then I'll change back in the evening." ”

Sariel came out of the house and saw Lawrence returning.

"Lawrence, will these honeycomb coals last a winter? Looks too little. ”

Lawrence walked over to the cart and looked at the cinders on the cart, "There are still a lot of them in Ferry Harbor, and the Kingdom of Gran will always send coal. ”

"In the future, if you burn wood in the fireplace, you can use these coals for cooking, so that there will be a lot less smoke."

Saril said happily, "Hmm! The kitchen looks like it's time to renovate it, the stoves there are all wood-burning, and we're going to have to use a new stove for burning this kind of coal! ”

Lawrence looked at Sariel, who had dirty clothes on her face and face, and smiled: "Go wash your hands, I brought back some needles and nails, and let the tailor make a few more clothes this year." ”

"Good!" Sariel quickly clapped her hands and ran in to wash her hands and face and change clothes.

Having eaten and drunk enough, and had no worries about food and clothing, Lawrence quickly talked about this year's Saintess Academy.

"How's the maid in the house?"

Lawrence brought up the topic of maids at the dinner table.

Emma replied, "From spring to now, it has been the women who have followed us to come and work, and now we have also examined some of the women of the convent and the college of the Holy Virgins, and we have selected twenty of them, all young and beautiful women. ”

There are still too few people in Lawrence's family, and there are many things that need to be done by many people at the moment.

Hearing Emma's words, Lawrence also knew that many people out there had various problems.

"You don't need to be young and beautiful, beauty is a scarce resource, let alone beautiful and sensible."

"For example, kitchens and laundry rooms, guards, cleaners, etc., can be selected from the families of soldiers and artisans in the territory, as well as from the families of nobles."

Emma knew the approximate range, "Yes, master." ”

Bull took the initiative at this time to say, "Master, I heard Kenny tell me about an incident where the Hokuriku people of Ferry Harbor sold a child to the Bhumishu. ”

Lawrence frowned, "This kind of thing is not allowed, all slaves are my slaves, including their children." ”

"Bring that child to us, is it a boy or a girl?" Lawrence asked Bull.

Bull replied, "It's the boy." ”

When Lawrence knew it was a boy, he said, "I would have arranged for him to grow up in a convent, his parents were not worthy of continuing to educate this child!" ”

"Get his parents out of me! Get out of the Land of Stars! Leave the rest of their children at the convent in Port Ferry and leave EDI to take care of them! ”

Lawrence strictly prohibits human trafficking, and his own children are raised by himself, and if he can't support them, he can send them to the convent, but trafficking is prohibited.

"Yes, master." Bull respectfully agreed.

Lawrence soon decided to give more subsidies to families with more children, clothing and fuel in addition to food, to prevent some people from treating their children as a burden.

Only the country of the stars buys slaves from outside, and outsiders are never allowed to buy the population of the country of stars, and at the same time, it is forbidden to buy and sell human beings among the people.

Emma didn't know about it, and seeing that Lawrence didn't get involved in this troublesome thing after making his decision, she talked about something else.

"Master, Kenny is seven years old, shall we continue to let him grow up here, or shall we let him go back to Durella?"

Kenny is a child of Bull and is named Kenny by the same name as his father.

Boole came up with a casual name, and was casual when he first got together with Kenny's father, but when he gave birth to the child, he was very resolute and protected the child as a mother.

Lawrence looked at Bull, he had known what Bull thought of the kid for a long time, but the kid probably didn't like to go to strange places.

Bull insisted: "I want him to go back to where his father grew up." ”

Lawrence said no more, "Maybe he can be a translator, and then arrange for him to go and learn business with the people of Ferry Harbor, where there are many Durella." ”

Bull felt that this was okay and respected Lawrence's decision.

The first blizzard soon arrived, and under the bitter cold wind, much of the outdoor work could not continue.

It was another good year, and Lawrence gave food and wine to the artisan blacksmiths, as well as the soldiers and guards, who had been working hard all year.

Even the families of women who had lost a man in their homes last year and a few years ago received a bounty.

Although these women have married other men with their children, Lawrence is not stingy with this reward, they are all warriors who have fought to the death for themselves, and it is not too much to give more.

The population of the country of stars is smaller than that of foreign countries, and in fact, its combat effectiveness is not weak, especially the average physical fitness far exceeds that of any other country.

It's not that the physique is special, it's that this area absorbs healthy people at the beginning.

There are basically no people born with disabilities here, and there are no deformed people of that kind.

Disabled people and bad genes have been completely cut off since the last generation, which means that the country was built at the feet of a group of normal people, even strong people, from the beginning.

Although healthy people and healthy people will also give birth to some people with recessive genetic diseases, as well as some atavistic people, the probability is dozens of times healthier than those feudal countries outside that are closely inbred.

This benefit, which accompanied the institution of marriage presided over by Lawrence, could bless more than a dozen generations.

Even though Lawrence did not start a war with the outside world this year, the combat effectiveness of the Star Nation is still getting stronger day by day.

Now the physique of the soldiers here in the north far exceeds that of the regular knight legions in the south, plus the replenishment of weapons and tactics, it is completely possible to launch a war to destroy the country.

This kind of soldier quality in the hands of other monarchs is to go out and open up the road, and only in the hands of Lawrence can he continue to farm and develop with peace of mind.

Unless the outside can't think about it, and has to provoke 50,000 people in this far north region, Lawrence's character will not have nothing to fight and play at all. (End of chapter)