I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 154 New Plan
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"Maybe we should give it a try next year and see if we can grow some sweet potatoes."

In the manor hall, Rhodes muttered to himself as he roasted potatoes by the fireplace.

Sweet potatoes did not originally exist on the eastern continent; they came from the land of the gods where the Holy Council was located.

According to the church, crops such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, peppers, and tomatoes, which are not found in the eastern continent, are all gifts from God.

Rod doesn't care where he comes from, as long as he has something to eat.

The variety of crops in Heisongling is currently too limited; this issue must be addressed next year.

However, for large-scale planting, many seeds need to be planned and prepared in advance.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes, in particular, are crops that produce starch, and can be used to make even more food products.

With that in mind, Rod simply took out a map of Black Pine Ridge and began planning for more farmland.

Five thousand mu is a very large area. The furthest farmland is now three kilometers away from Shuangye Town, and it takes a lot of time to travel back and forth.

Farmers are not trained soldiers, after all; three kilometers is a long distance for them.

Rhodes stared intently at the map, muttering to himself, "Perhaps we can start with Blackrock Mountain and then expand to other areas to cultivate some farmland."

Once the land is developed, it cannot be left unattended, especially after crops have been planted.

Regular patrols and surveillance are necessary.

We may not need to guard against territorial bandits now, but we still need to deal with wild animals promptly.

Rod considered planning to build several watchtowers around each farmland, using bricks as the material.

The watchtower could provide shelter for patrols and occasionally offer refuge to farmers who couldn't make it home during the autumn harvest.

The watchtower could also be used to build beacon towers, allowing messages to be transmitted more quickly in Black Pine Ridge.

In this way, as arable land continues to increase, watchtowers will gradually be built, and the entire territory will slowly come under Rhodes' control.

As the population gradually increases, it is impossible for everyone to live in Frostleaf Town, and some villages will need to be built in the surrounding area in the future.

Just as Rhodes was sketching on the map, a guard respectfully reported, "My lord, the blacksmith Hamor requests an audience with you."

Rhodes snapped out of his thoughts and said softly, "Yes, let him in."

"Yes."

The guard responded and went out, and soon brought Hamo in.

"Good day, Your Excellency."

After bowing, Hamo reported, "The standard plate armor you mentioned has been preliminarily forged. You can go and check it at any time."

"If it's inconvenient for you, I'll bring the plate armor over."

"No need, it's more convenient to go see for yourself."

Rhodes stood up. "Let's go."

Hammer nodded, stepped aside to let Rhodes go first, and then followed.

Soon, Rod arrived at the blacksmith's shop.

The blacksmiths bowed respectfully, and then the apprentices carried in the box and carefully placed it on the ground.

Beethoven also waited beside him.

Rhodes opened the box and took a look.

Except for the lack of polishing, it is already a complete set of plate armor.

Rhodes beckoned over a guard and said to Hamo, "Ace has a fairly standard and well-proportioned physique. Let him feel it."

"Come on, help him remove his chainmail."

"Yes, my lord."

Two blacksmiths stepped forward to help, quickly removing the chainmail and replacing it with plate armor.

Rhodes looked at the guards encased in iron plates and couldn't help but nod.

Although the plate armor was not polished, it still made the guard look more heroic and formal.

It must be admitted that only with such guards by his side could Rhodes' noble status be truly highlighted.

"How are you feeling?" Rhodes asked the guard.

The guard moved his body from side to side, raised his arm to test his flexibility, and answered honestly, "The lower part of the breastplate is a bit loose, and the shoulders feel a bit narrow, but otherwise it's fine."

The guard thought for a moment and then added, "His buttocks...his rear end is a bit narrow, that's all."

Rhodes nodded slightly and stepped forward to take a closer look.

The shoulder armor was indeed a bit narrow, and the lower chest armor was already constricted to its limit.

After a moment's thought, Rod instructed, "A little bigger isn't a big deal. We can use a thicker lining to make it more comfortable to wear."

Normally, plate armor also has a lining, with some soft leather or cloth stuffed inside.

Otherwise, no one could stand wearing a piece of iron on their body.

“Yes, my lord,” Hamor replied.

"The shoulder armor can also be adjusted using this approach,"

Rhodes continued, "You may not be able to make it perfectly fit everyone's body type, but you can make it backward compatible so that more soldiers can wear it."

"Then we can make it fit the body shape better by adjusting the straps and lining, or by making other details."

"Sir, may I offer a suggestion?" the guard suddenly asked cautiously.

"Of course, say whatever you want."

Rod gestured with his hand.

After thinking for a moment, the guard said, "I think most of the brothers in the team can wear this set of plate armor, but it won't fit Hein and Oliva. One is too thin and the other is too fat."

"Well, you're right."

Rhodes nodded slightly, realizing that his previous idea was somewhat simplistic and there was still a gap between theory and practice.

He thought for a moment, then ordered the guard, "Go and fetch Lawrence for me."

"Yes, my lord."

The guard quickly ran out to inform Lawrence.

Upon being summoned by the lord, Lawrence naturally could not delay and quickly turned and ran over.

He was still catching his breath: "Master, what are your orders?"

Rhodes stared at Lawrence: "You need to set aside some time right now to compile a detailed table of all the regular soldiers in the territory, including their height, weight, waist circumference, chest circumference, hip circumference, and shoulder width."

"Regular soldiers and elite troops are counted separately."

Rhodes remembered that he still had a team outside and added, "Let's take stock of the soldiers in the territory first, and deal with the others when they return."

“Yes, sir,” Lawrence replied.

Rhodes then turned to look at Hammer.

"Once Lawrence gives you the measurements, you need to create four sizes of plate armor suits for me based on those measurements: small, medium, large, and extra-large."

"Remember, there must be one model here that is the most universal."

Hamo hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Do you mean that the previous one standard has now become four standards?"

"Yes, this way it can accommodate more body types."

Rhodes instructed:
"You need to keep the data you collect. When you forge in batches in the future, you can produce according to the proportions, so you won't have to make them individually for each person."

"In the future, the military will use the data corresponding to these four models that you provided to count the height and weight of soldiers."

Weapons and equipment must be manufactured and stockpiled in advance; Rhodes couldn't wait until the army was fully recruited before starting to prepare equipment.

"Yes, my lord, I understand."

Hamo answered respectfully.

After giving all these instructions, Rhodes did not feel relieved.

The current forging cycle is still too long, and Rhodes is thinking about how to improve efficiency.

casting?

Rhodes shook his head slightly.

Forging weapons and equipment essentially involves hammering them into steel to ensure their strength.

The temperature required for high-quality steel is too high, making casting impractical.

More importantly, cast weapons and equipment become fragile, with defects such as numerous pores, unevenness, and susceptibility to breakage.

Casting can only produce rough blanks at most; forging is still required.

Researching casting now doesn't yield much benefit.

"Hamo, what's the most time-consuming step in making these plate armors?"

"Rhodes suddenly asked."

"Forge the iron into plates, adjust the thickness of the plates, and bend them into different shapes."

Hamo answered without hesitation.

Rod nodded thoughtfully.

Plate armor is definitely something that cannot be replaced by machinery.

Moreover, apprentices are not allowed to practice.

Crafting plate armor is extremely difficult and requires an experienced blacksmith to complete.

The only thing Rod could solve was the process of forging the iron into plates.

"Okay, I see."

Rhodes waved his hand, "You guys go ahead with your work, Lawrence, go and compile the soldiers' data."

"Okay sir."

Lawrence bowed and then hurried off to attend to his work.

At this moment, Bedor stepped forward and said, "My lord, the longsword made of sea-patterned magic iron has also been forged."

"Oh?"

Rhodes was somewhat surprised. "Bring it up and let me see."

"Yes, my lord."

Bedor quickly ran into the house, carefully opened the wooden box, and took out a longsword covered with a leather sheath.

He presented the longsword with both hands, and Rhodes took it and felt its weight.

It feels more solid in the hand than a longsword of the same specifications.

Rhodes then drew his sword and examined it closely.

Unlike ordinary longswords that shimmer with silver light, this longsword has a bluish hue and is covered with the special texture of sea-patterned magic iron, giving it a unique exotic beauty.

Rod waved his hand a few times, and Hamo handed him a piece of scrap.

Rhodes looked at the plate armor beside him, then at the scrap metal in front of him, and couldn't help but laugh.

Hamo couldn't help but laugh and scratched his head.

Both of them couldn't help but recall the scene when they first met.

Rhodes swung his longsword, controlling the force as he struck the scrap.

Although not as sharp as a weapon he forged himself, it could still easily cut a nick. Rhode didn't have time to constantly forge weapons, but he still had plenty of sea-patterned magic iron.

“Very good, Bedor.”

Rhodes nodded in agreement. "Next, I'll entrust all the harpoons made of sea-patterned magic iron to you. Forge them all into these standard longswords."

"Thank you for your trust, my lord."

Bedor bowed, but then looked somewhat troubled and said cautiously, "However, I do not recommend that you use this sea-patterned magic iron to forge weapons on its own."

He licked his lips nervously and continued to explain, "My master said that this kind of sea-patterned magic iron should be fused into ordinary iron materials, that would be more suitable."

"It can both improve the sharpness of ordinary weapons and save materials."

"Ok?"

Rod raised an eyebrow, seemingly lost in thought.

Do you understand the concept of alloys?

interesting.

Rhodes nodded. "Okay, we'll do as you say."

“But, my lord,”

Bedor lowered his head and said, "I don't know this kind of forging process that combines them together."

"Ok?"

Rhodes frowned.

If Bedor doesn't know, then what he said is meaningless.

Seeing Rhodes's grim expression, Bedor hurriedly bowed and apologized, "I'm sorry, sir, it was my incompetence."

Rhodes took a breath and waved his hand helplessly: "It's okay, it's not your fault."

I really appreciate your honesty.

Bedor could have easily kept this from him, but he risked angering him by reporting it truthfully.

Rod admires people like that.

Rod recalled the stories Bedor had told him before and then asked, "Is this forging method also from the sea creatures?"

Bedor nodded: "Yes, it's the forging technique of those turtles."

"Of course, there is one advantage to using only sea-patterned magic iron to forge weapons like this."

"What are the benefits?" Rod asked curiously.

“My master said this weapon is for knights only,” Bedor replied.

"Why?" Rod pressed.

Beethoven shook his head slightly, "I don't know the specific reason..."

Rhodes said nothing more and remained silent, deep in thought.

A weapon exclusive to knights... What makes knights different from ordinary people?
Just as Rod was thinking, Durant walked in.

Before Durant could even bow, Rod looked up at him and asked, "Durant, what do you think is the biggest difference between a knight and an ordinary soldier?"

Durant thought for a moment, then said, "The Cavaliers can improve their physique through 'qi'."

"Well, that makes sense."

Rod nodded thoughtfully.

So, are weapons forged from Seaweed Iron related to Qi?
He then picked up the longsword and handed it to Durant, saying, "Feel this. How is it different from an ordinary longsword?"

Durant respectfully accepted the longsword: "Yes, Your Excellency."

He took the sword with both hands, gripped the hilt, felt its weight and balance, and a thoughtful expression appeared on his face: "It seems a bit heavier."

"Bedo told me that this used to be a weapon exclusively for knights."

Rhodes said.

"what?"

Durant suddenly realized something, and his eyes lit up.
"I have read some records that the powerful knights' weapons in ancient times came from wizards, and the knights were able to use such weapons to unleash various skills."

"That's a magical weapon, isn't it?"

"I asked tentatively," Rod asked.

Durant shook his head slightly. "Magical weapons shouldn't be used by ordinary knights."

It is said that knights had a very low status in ancient times, compared to spellcasters such as wizards.

"Yes, legend has it that magical weapons all have special effects."

Rhodes agreed.

"Perhaps you could try using your own qi?"

Rod suggested.

"Ok."

Durant calmed his mind and then tentatively channeled his "qi" into his arm, gradually drawing it into the longsword.

The next second, the patterns on the longsword began to glow slightly.

"Really?"

Rod opened his eyes wide.

Durant himself was stunned. "Really?"

"But what's the use of that?"

Durant couldn't help but ask.

"I'm not sure, but I feel like it can enhance attack power."

Rhodes said, "Go out and try it."

"it is good."

Durant responded, and the two immediately walked out of the cabin.

Rod held the piece of iron that Hammer had just given him.

He wanted Durant to give it a try, but after thinking about it, it seemed unlikely that this would be effective.

Rhodes looked around, his gaze finally settling on a large rock not far away.

"Durant, try that."

"Ah."

Durant stepped forward and tried to infuse more "qi" into the sword, making the patterns glow even brighter.

The next instant, he raised his longsword and swung it down at the large rock!
puff!
In an instant, like a hot knife through butter, the stone was sliced ​​in two!
Durant's eyes widened.

"My lord, this is even stronger than the longsword you forged!"

This rock is bigger than a watermelon, and it was cut open so easily!

It's definitely different!
As soon as he finished speaking, Durant immediately realized, "Excuse me, sir, what I meant was that this sword is very powerful after being infused with Qi."

"But the Thorn Cutter you forged is still incredibly sharp even without any energy."

"Haha, Durant, you don't need to be so careful."

Rhodes laughed and said, "This longsword forged from sea-patterned magic iron is indeed special, that cannot be denied."

Rhodes didn't care at all.

If you can forge a Blade of Steel using ordinary iron, you can also forge a new Blade of Steel using Sea-Patterned Magic Iron.

"No wonder they can forge knights' exclusive weapons."

Rod held out his hand to Durant, "Here, let me try."

"Yes, Lord Baron."

Durant respectfully handed the longsword to Rhodes with both hands.

Rhodes took the longsword and tried to mobilize the energy within his body.

However, the energy within Rhodes' body was too thin to be effectively injected into the longsword.

Rhodes had no choice but to give up.

After a moment of contemplation, Rhodes suddenly had an idea.

Is my own burning energy enough?

Rhode attempted to mobilize the scorching energy within his body and guide it into the longsword.

This process was not smooth; it was as if an invisible barrier was blocking the flow of energy.

But after persistent efforts, the sword finally began to glow faintly.

The patterns on the sword emitted an orange glow and a slightly scorching heat.

But Rhodes could sense that a lot of energy was being lost during this process to counteract the obstruction of the Sea-Wave Iron.

As it turns out, the sea-patterned iron can barely serve as a medium for conducting these energies, but it is not the best material.

Rhodes did not continue to waste the precious scorching energy within his body, and handed the longsword to the blacksmith behind him.

"You've come to see me, surely you have something to report?"

Rod looked at Durant and asked.

"Yes, Your Excellency."

Durant immediately replied, "The first batch of looted supplies has been delivered and is heading towards us from White Rock Canyon."

"The exact number has not yet been counted, but there are fifty or sixty people in total, including those who came voluntarily and those who were slaves."

Durant added, "And there's your favorite blacksmith, but he only makes farm tools."

"That's normal. Not many blacksmiths in small villages know how to do it."

Rod nodded in satisfaction.

Even a blacksmith who only knows how to make farm tools is better than a blacksmith apprentice.

"Send someone to meet them and get them back to Frostleaf Town as quickly as possible."

He paused for a moment, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"At least Earl Falcon's death had some value."

"Gunner has led his team to the next target, Ice Spring Village,"

Durant continued, "In addition, Baron Harlan also sent a message."

"Baron Harlan?"

Rhodes frowned slightly, his tone tinged with doubt.

"Why is he sending this letter? Shouldn't he be busy vying for the title right now?"

Suppressing his doubts, Rhodes turned to Bedor and said, "Prepare some new sea-patterned magic iron for me and have it forged into rough material. I want to use it to forge a longsword myself."

“Yes, my lord.” Bedor nodded respectfully in agreement.

After giving his instructions, Rod said to Durant, "Let's go back to the manor first."

Baron Harlan's letter seemed particularly suspicious at this time, and Rhodes took the letter and read it as he walked.

(End of this chapter)