Louis continued to explain his design concept: "In terms of defense, the main gate will be covered with thick iron, which not only guards against cutting but also counters fire attacks.
The top of the stone wall can have arrow slits designed, allowing our archers to engage the enemy from within at any time.
Concealed spots on the roof will have openings for boiling oil; if enemies attempt to climb, we can pour scalding oil directly on them to burn them alive.
These cunning tricks can greatly enhance the defensive capability of the Earth Tower."
In the end, he patted the blueprint and summarized: "A circle of stones, mud plastered with grass, the wood frame for the interior, hot spring water as a stove, Earth Tower castle complete!"
The craftsmen listened in awe, completely stunned by such a simple yet practical design.
What surprised them even more was that Louis was able to design such a complete structure in a short time.
Some even couldn't help but murmur in admiration: "Lord, you're simply a genius!"
Mike pondered for a moment, slowly nodding: "It is indeed feasible; the construction period might be shortened to within half a year, perhaps even faster...
but I can't guarantee success, for this is something new, unprecedented."
"You all study the specific techniques, and do your best." Louis patted him on the shoulder.
Hearing Louis's words, the craftsmen started discussing in low voices, excitement spreading through the workshop.
If this bold plan succeeds, it will not only provide stronger defense for the Red Tide Territory but also further enhance its reputation in the Northern Territory.
And so, the Earth Tower plan of the Red Tide Territory officially commenced.
..........
Duke Calvin, as usual, did his favorite exercise after waking up, stretching his muscles.
Then he washed, dressed, and finally sat in the study to begin reading the piles of letters.
Most of the letters were about mundane affairs, land management, economic maneuvers, marriages between nobility, dispute mediation...
Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a particular letter.
The sender was Louis Calvin.
The name made Duke Calvin pause slightly; it was somewhat familiar.
After a moment's thought, he finally remembered Louis was his eighth son, the one whose mother died early and had terrible talent.
Just a few months ago, to comply with the Emperor's expansion decree, he had casually sent him to the Northern Territory to develop the wasteland.
"Alas, having too many children makes even remembering them a difficult task," Duke Calvin sighed in a Versailles manner.
He now had ten daughters, twelve sons, and two concubines currently pregnant.
Regarding child-rearing, he always adhered to the strategy of winning by numbers: as long as there are enough born, a few would eventually succeed.
And this tactic indeed proved effective.
For instance, his eldest son Gaius was now the deputy commander of the Empire's Imperial Guard Dragon Blood Knight Order.
The next Calvin Clan Leader would most likely be him.
The Duke looked at the envelope stamped with the Calvin Family crest, feeling slightly impatient.
This was probably a letter pleading to return to the South.
But since it had been sent, he might as well have a look.
The letter's content began with Louis's simple well-wishes, stating he had safely arrived at the Northern Territory fief, and all affairs were on track.
Then it mentioned a surprising piece of information.
Louis discovered that the fief contained a large amount of Cold Iron Ore, and even came across the extremely rare Demon Marrow Ore.
Seeing this, Duke Calvin couldn't help but chuckle.
Demon Marrow Ore, only the Jade Federation had such abundant mines, while the Ironblood Empire had very few Demon Marrow Ore mines.
He thought Louis had hit a stroke of luck and completely didn't believe this child discovered such valuable resources through his own insight.
But regardless, the value of this territory indeed increased greatly, worth investing more resources for development.
Yet what the letter continued to say surprised Duke Calvin even more.
Initially, he expected Louis to request indulgences, like fine food, wine, beauties... the luxuries of life.
However, Louis's requests were completely different from what the Duke anticipated.
He proposed a series of practical and pragmatic requests:
Craftsmen in construction and mining to improve the basic infrastructure of the territory, especially mining operations and castle building.
Secondly, he requested the provision of food, various seeds, and livestock.
Finally, he particularly mentioned Blood Stone, a mysterious mineral capable of testing if people possess the potential to become knights.
"Looks like this kid is much smarter than I imagined."
The Duke slightly raised his eyebrows, feeling a hint of interest in this nearly forgotten son.
Having finished reading the letter, Duke Calvin thoughtfully tapped the table.
Recent dilemmas quietly emerged in his mind.
The Emperor's measures against the old nobility had become increasingly harsh, gradually weakening the power of the Eight Great Clans.
Meanwhile, new nobles were continuously emerging, intensifying the struggle for interests.
The political landscape of the Ironblood Empire was now more unpredictable than ever, and he too began to feel unprecedented pressure.
Perhaps expanding into the Northern Territory was a viable path, he mused.
Of course, devoting substantial support to the Northern Territory was impossible.
But using the territory under Louis to plant a seed in the North was not a bad choice.
Having figured it all out, Duke Calvin commanded his guard: "Have Bradley come over."
Moments later, an old butler walked into the study.
Duke Calvin gestured for him to sit, then picked up the letter from Louis on the table, slowly placing it in front of Bradley.
"This is a letter from Louis..." Duke Calvin paused slightly, "He requested talent and resources from me. I thought it over and decided to give him some support."
Bradley nodded seriously and quickly perused the letter.
Duke Calvin continued: "You go with the team to the Northern Territory, investigate the situation of the Demon Marrow Ore, and see if what Louis said is true. You understand that the Demon Marrow Ore must not be easily exposed."
"Yes, my Lord." Bradley responded, showing no complaints about being sent to such a remote place.
"Moreover, I will provide him with limited support. Assign a few experienced craftsmen and architects to help him improve the town's infrastructure.
A squad of knights will bolster Louis's combat strength. Additionally, bring some funds, food, tools, seeds, and livestock as support.
These are not much, just an opportunity for him."
Duke Calvin deliberated for a while, then added: "If he manages the territory well, the family will make additional investments. However, should he display any incompetence, the family will immediately withdraw all support.
Bradley, you are responsible for secretly monitoring, ensuring everything is under control."
"Understood." The old butler Bradley slightly bowed his head in reply.
The Duke stood up, slowly walked to the window, gazing northward.
"Louis, I hope you won't disappoint me," he said softly.