Vaerik continued to explain his design concept: "For defense, the main gate will be covered with thick iron skin, preventing not only chopping attacks but also fire attacks.
The top of the stone wall can also be designed with arrow slits, allowing our archers to engage in battle from inside at any time.
Hidden places on the roof are reserved for boiling oil outlets; once enemies approach to climb, hot oil can be poured directly, scalding them to death.
These devious tactics can greatly enhance the defensive power of the earth building."
Finally, he patted the drawing and summarized: "Stone wall around, mud plastered with grass, wooden frame inside, hot spring water as a heater, earth building castle done!"
The craftsmen listened with wide eyes, completely shocked by this concise yet practical design.
What amazed them even more was that Vaerik could design such a complete building in such a short time.
Several people couldn't help but praise in low voices: "My lord, truly a genius!"
Mike pondered for a while, slowly nodding: "It is indeed feasible. The construction period might be shortened to within half a year, or even faster...
But I can't guarantee success, as this is something new, unprecedented."
"You research the specific technology and do your best," Vaerik patted his shoulder.
Hearing Vaerik's words, the craftsmen began to discuss in low voices, an atmosphere of excitement spreading throughout the workshop.
If this bold plan succeeded, it would not only bring stronger defense to the Crimson Tide Domain but also further enhance its reputation in the Northern Province.
Thus, the Crimson Tide Domain's earth building plan was officially launched.
...
Duke Tudor, as usual, got up and did his favorite exercise, stretching his muscles and bones.
Then he washed, changed clothes, and finally sat in his study, beginning to review the mountain of letters.
Most of the letters were about tedious affairs—land management, economic coordination, noble marriages, conflict mediation...
Suddenly, his gaze stopped on a special letter.
The sender was Vaerik Tudor.
This name made Duke Tudor pause slightly; it seemed familiar.
After a moment's thought, he finally remembered that Vaerik was his eighth son, the child whose mother had died early and whose talent was terrible.
A few months ago, to comply with the emperor's pioneering decree, he had casually thrown him to the Northern Province to pioneer wasteland.
"Sigh, having too many children makes it difficult to remember them all," Duke Tudor sighed, showing off while pretending to complain.
Now he already had ten daughters, twelve sons, and two concubines who were pregnant.
Regarding child-rearing, he always adhered to the strategy of winning through quantity; as long as he had enough children, a few would surely succeed.
And this tactic indeed worked.
For example, his eldest son Arthur was now the vice-commander of the Imperial Guard's "Dragon Blood Knight Brigade."
He would most likely be the next Tudor clan leader.
The duke looked at the letter envelope sealed with the Tudor family crest, feeling a slight impatience.
This was probably a letter begging to return south.
But since it had been sent, he might as well read it.
The content of the letter began with Vaerik simply reporting his safety, saying he had successfully arrived at his Northern territory, and all affairs were on track.
Then came surprising information.
Vaerik had discovered that his territory contained large amounts of cold iron ore, and even found the extremely rare magical marrow ore.
Duke Tudor couldn't help but chuckle when he read this.
Magical marrow ore was something only the Jade Federation had in large quantities, while in the Iron Blood Empire, such mines could be counted on fingers.
He thought Vaerik had simply had dog shit luck, and didn't believe at all that this child had discovered such valuable resources through insight.
But regardless, the value of this territory had indeed greatly increased, worth investing more resources to develop.
The following content of the letter surprised Duke Tudor even more.
Originally, he thought Vaerik would request delicious food, fine wine, beautiful women... these things for a luxurious life.
However, Vaerik's requests were completely different from what the duke had imagined.
He put forward a series of practical and useful requests:
Building and mining craftsmen to improve the territory's infrastructure, especially for mining and castle construction.
Next, he requested grain, various seeds, and livestock.
Finally, he specifically mentioned blood stones, a mysterious mineral that could test whether people had the potential to become knights.
"It seems this boy is much smarter than I imagined."
The duke raised an eyebrow slightly, feeling a hint of interest in this almost forgotten son.
Duke Tudor finished reading the letter, thoughtfully tapping the table.
Some recent difficulties quietly emerged in his mind.
The emperor's measures against the old aristocracy had become increasingly severe, with the power of the eight great families being weakened one by one.
Meanwhile, new nobles were emerging successively, making the struggle for interests increasingly intense.
The political situation in the Iron Blood Empire was now unpredictable, even making him feel unprecedented pressure.
Perhaps developing the Northern Province was a way out, he thought.
Of course, it was impossible for him to pour large amounts of support into the Northern Province.
But using Vaerik's territory to plant a seed in the Northern Province wasn't a bad choice.
Understanding all this, Duke Tudor ordered his guards: "Have Bradley come here."
Soon, an old butler walked into the study.
Duke Tudor gestured for him to sit down, then picked up Vaerik's letter from the desk, slowly placing it in front of Bradley.
"This is a letter from Vaerik..." Duke Tudor's tone paused slightly. "He's requesting talent and resources from me. After consideration, I've decided to give him some support."
Bradley nodded seriously, picking up the letter to read quickly.
Duke Tudor continued: "You'll go to the Northern Province with the team to investigate the specific situation of the magical marrow mine, see if what Vaerik said is true or false. And you understand, the magical marrow mine can't be casually exposed."
"Yes, my lord," Bradley replied, without complaint about being sent to such a remote place.
"Additionally, I will give him some limited support. Dispatch several experienced craftsmen and architects to help him improve town construction.
Also, a small squad of knights to help Vaerik increase his fighting power. Bring some funds, food, tools, seeds, livestock, and other support.
These things aren't much, consider it giving him a chance."
Duke Tudor considered for a moment, then continued: "If he can govern the territory well, the family will add investment. If he shows any sign of incompetence, the family will immediately withdraw all support.
Bradley, you're responsible for secret monitoring, ensuring everything is under control."
"Understood," the old butler Bradley replied with a slight bow.
The duke stood up, slowly walking to the window, gazing toward the north.
"Vaerik, I hope you won't disappoint me," he said softly.