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

Chapter 246 Vigorous Vitality
……

……

Rhodes followed Lawrence into the kitchen.

“Right here, sir.”

Lawrence stopped in front of a huge wooden crate.

This box is taller than a person and as wide as two people can hug. It is made of thick pine wood.

Rod stepped forward and patted it; it was quite solid.

It must have been Avril's personal instruction; the carpenters put a lot of effort into it, and there were even carved patterns on the outside.

Every joint between the wooden planks of the box was perfectly sealed, without a single gap. The exterior of the box was coated with a layer of grease, which gave it a dark brown sheen under the light.

Lawrence opened the wooden box, and a blast of cold air immediately rushed out, like a winter wind.

Rod then discovered that the wooden box was double-layered, with thick hay in the middle and a layer of animal hides underneath.

The most eye-catching feature was the palm-sized mutated rabbit hide pasted on the left and right sides inside the wooden box, which shimmered with a faint blue light and emitted a chilling aura into the box.

This should be the Frost Rune.

"This large one is not frozen, which keeps the food fresh."

Lawrence pointed to two small boxes on the right, "There will be ice inside."

"Yes, the large one is a refrigerator, and the small one is a freezer."

Rhodes corrected Lawrence's pronunciation and asked, "Musen will also need to come for regular recharging, right?"

Lawrence nodded repeatedly, "Yes, sir, he comes about every two days."

"Hmm, the methods are still too primitive."

Rod couldn't help but sigh softly.

The most basic frost rune is simple in structure and inexpensive to make, but it cannot recharge itself and is not as powerful as the refrigerator from the previous life.

If only this were dragon crystal, it would freeze everything around it when placed in the box.

"Sir, Musen said this was designed by you, is that right?" Lawrence asked curiously.

"Yeah, just an idea."

Rod replied casually, taking a sip of his drink, "This thing is too rudimentary; we'll just have to make do with it for now."

"Sir, you are too modest!"

Lawrence exclaimed, "These refrigerators and freezers are really great! They not only keep food fresh, but you can also enjoy ice in the summer!"

"If this were sold in the south, wouldn't those noble lords go crazy for it?"

"This is a big deal!"

Without Rod's prompting, Lawrence, as a businessman, had already sensed the business opportunity.

"If we could make one that doesn't need charging, that would be a really big business."

Rhodes nodded slightly, then suddenly realized something.

Frost runes are very basic, and there must be people in the Dawn Cult who know them, but why have we never heard of anything like a freezer in the Southern Provinces?
Rhodes frowned as he pondered, unable to figure it out for a moment.

Lawrence looked at Rhodes' expression and asked cautiously, "Sir, what's wrong?"

Lawrence was no stranger, so Rhodes immediately shared his doubts with Lawrence.

"This... I've never heard of it before."

Lawrence thought for a moment and said, "I feel that those who know magic are very mysterious and probably don't care about the lives of ordinary people like us."

Lawrence's words immediately made Rhodes realize what was happening.

Wizard apprentices care more about improving their knowledge and mental strength; they probably don't care about small things like coolers at all.

You can obtain ice blocks directly by casting a spell, and you can also sell them freely to earn gold coins.

Wizard apprentices are mostly alone; no one has the time or inclination to study these things.

Rhodes had his past life etched in his mind, and he still had people under his command. Once he gained the ability, he couldn't help but want to replicate it.

Moreover, the relationship between the Dawn Society and the nobility is somewhat delicate.

"By the way, how much seafood did this smoke?"

Rhodes stopped thinking about Dawn and added, "Finished products that can be sold."

"About ten tons were transported back."

Lawrence thought for a moment and reported, "Of course, there are still some things that haven't been completed."

"Ten tons isn't a lot," Rod said, his brow furrowing slightly.

"We have enough manpower, but the seafood we can find on the shore is getting scarcer and scarcer..."

Lawrence explained helplessly, "These days everyone has made some fishing gear and cages just to barely keep up with the catch."

"Yes, I'll bring some people to make some of these fishing gear tomorrow."

Rhodes has a lot of knowledge in this area, which he hasn't had time to pass on before.

"Also, go and find those craftsmen who can build ships, but don't be too obvious about it."

Rod looked at Lawrence and instructed, "The smoked seafood can only be sold once we have shipbuilders."

We must arrange all the basic conditions for fishing before we can reveal that Heisongling can reach the coast, so as not to be deliberately held hostage.

Another point is that the "Tidal Body" attribute requires a lot of seafood.

"Let Night Whisper Society investigate this matter, and then you send someone to buy it."

"Okay sir."

Lawrence nodded emphatically, taking Rhodes's instructions to heart.

Just as the two were about to continue their discussion, Avril, lifting her skirt, slowly walked into the kitchen.

“Darling, it’s time for them to offer a toast.”

Avril extended her slender hand, "Without you, their lord, they cannot begin."

When toasting, the sober person should toast the lord first, and then everyone should start drinking wildly.

In fact, no lord ever started arranging affairs of his territory halfway through a banquet.

"coming."

Rod took Avril's hand and got up to return to the banquet.

……

……

Late at night.

The campfire had long since died out, leaving only embers of charcoal in the courtyard.

Everyone went home, while Gunle took Reinsao and the others to the tavern for a second round.

With Lia's help, Rod, having taken a bath, pushed open the heavy wooden door to the bedroom.

Despite having drunk quite a bit, Rod's steps remained steady.

Rod's current physical condition makes him more resistant to alcohol than one might imagine, and since there's not much strong liquor around, he can basically drink all the time.

The same applies to Durant and Gunner, among others.

However, everyone was very sensible and did not shout randomly in the manor.

Moonlight streamed into the room through the skylight, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Avril sat quietly on the edge of the bed, combing her blonde hair that fell over her shoulders.

She had already changed out of her evening gown and was now wearing only a thin linen nightgown.

Her graceful figure was partially revealed.

Rod walked slowly toward Avril and embraced her.

Their eyes met in the dim firelight.

Without words, they understood each other's desires.

Passion burns like a flame, unleashed in the quiet night.

After a long time.

Everything is calm.

Avril lay languidly on Rod's broad chest.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, her breathing was still a little rapid, and her slender fingers gently drew circles on Rod's chest.

"Your heartbeat is still so strong."

Avril said softly, her voice gentle with satisfaction.

"Just like when I first met you."

Rod gently stroked Avril's back, feeling the warmth of her smooth skin.

"Thank you for everything you did for me tonight."

Avril looked up at Rhodes and said earnestly, "I know you're declaring my position to everyone, telling everyone that I am the lord's wife."

"Nothing can be hidden from you."

Rod pinched Avril's cheek. "I wanted to give you a grand wedding, but I can't do that right now, so this is the only way."

"I know that's enough."

Avril pressed her face against Rod's chest.
“Sejuani is a beautiful, strong, and exceptionally talented female warrior. Blackpine Ridge needs her. We need her.”

"We need a lot of people."

Rod said calmly, "But I hope that you will always be the one standing by my side."

"Of course, as long as you don't kick me out, I'll definitely stand by your side."

Avril's voice was soft yet firm.

"Squeak-"

The door was suddenly pushed open, and Vivian's head popped out from behind it.
"And I."

……

……

Despite working all night, Rhodes didn't slack off the next day.

There is still much to do.

Breakfast has just ended.

Lawrence then presented the menu and supplies list for the celebratory dinner to Rhodes for approval.

"Double the amount of seafood."

Rhodes gave the order without hesitation.

Lawrence hesitated for a moment, then said cautiously, "Sir, aren't we going to keep this seafood to sell? It's all money..."

"My soldiers have been fighting for a month, can't they enjoy themselves?"

Rhodes smiled and handed the list to Lawrence. "It's alright, go ahead and do it."

Seafood is precious, so this will not only reward the soldiers but also speed up the entry process.

"Also, just let them eat, and don't let them talk about it," Rhodes instructed.

"Yes, sir."

Lawrence scratched his head helplessly, then bowed and withdrew.

Rhode then summoned Luna and asked her to prepare the materials needed for the Dragon Essence Potion, as Rhode was ready to make it at any time.

After Luna left, Rod summoned the engineering supervisor, Sherry, the agriculture supervisor, Otto, the animal husbandry supervisor, Thiel, and the foundry supervisor, Hamo, to inquire about their work.

The work of the engineering department is mostly visible; outside the manor, the Snow Rabbits are already digging foundation tunnels.

Rather than inquiring about the progress, Rod showed more concern and care for Sherry, inquiring about the lives of the Snow Rabbit people.

Also, inquire whether the brick factory is large enough and whether it needs to be expanded.

It's worth mentioning that as the weather warms up, there's no need for underground drying rooms anymore, and tens of thousands of bricks are produced continuously every day, almost hollowing out the area around the Azure River.

After exchanging a few words with Xue Rui, Ou Tuo came in. Although the reclamation of new farmland was still ongoing, spring planting had already begun.

With enough slaves and abundant farm tools in his territory, Otto spoke with more confidence.
—The conservative target is 15,000 mu, and the ultimate target is 18,000 mu.

Rod was very pleased with how upright Auto stood.

Regardless of whether he ultimately completes the 18,000 mu project, his enthusiasm remains undiminished.

Previously, Rhodes' biggest concern was spring planting. With a solid foundation laid, everything proceeded smoothly even during the month Rhodes was away.

Without wasting any words, Rod told Otto to get on with his work and then immediately went to see Til.

"My lord, the farm has been expanded again."

Till bowed and reported with a clear voice and a smile: "Currently, we have 460 goats, 297 cattle, 32 wild boars, 300 domestic pigs, and 737 wild rabbits."

Rhodes raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"so much?"

Rod smiled as he sized up the plump woman in front of him.

"Till, you did a great job."

"My lord, it's not that I did a good job, it's just that it's amazing."

Till's smile was full of joy. "These animals are all domesticated."

"Recently, a few peculiar animal trainers have suddenly appeared at the farm. They seem to be... born with the ability to tame wild animals, especially cubs."

"They can quiet down the young goats, bison, and wild boars with just a few words or even a glance."

"Then the wild animal cubs will obediently follow behind, just like pets."

"Those adult wild animals are a bit more difficult, but with some effort, we can tame at least half of them!"

“Our farm has commissioned hunters to capture a lot of wild goats, bison and wild boars.”

Till became more and more excited as he talked, and even started gesturing wildly, "We'll keep the ones we can tame, and kill the ones we can't."

"That's really lucky."

Rhodes nodded in surprise, "The hunters can catch more."

Rhodes knew very well that this was the purpose of the Hunting Lord and Nature Lord entries.

Animals with docile temperaments in a territory will become easier to tame.

"As for expanding the territory, go talk to Sherry. You may need to move to a new open space down the hillside."

"Yes, my lord."

Till bowed in apology and then withdrew.

The last one was Hamo, who also brought good news to Rhodes.
—The Winter Guards already have three hundred sets of armor, ready for use at any time.

Next, what Rhodes lacked was manpower.

However, with the blessing of the Natural Overlord title, training soldiers who can wear full plate armor is very easy.

The blacksmith's next task was to forge enchanted weapons.

Rhodes had Hammer select several skilled blacksmiths, awaiting Rhodes' instruction in new forging techniques.

After assigning tasks to the four departments, Rhodes got up and left the manor hall.

A long queue had already formed outside the manor, all of them people undergoing the second round of mental testing.

Avril saw Rod come out and quickly walked over, her face flushed.
"Two! We've already discovered two people with mental strength exceeding ten points this morning!"

"good."

Rod nodded in satisfaction. "Judging from this, there should be more."

"Uh-huh!"

Avril said happily, "The snow rabbits are still working and haven't arrived yet, so I plan to leave them for last."

"Okay, you can arrange it."

Rhodes changed the subject and asked, "Is the Knight's Roar Potion I mentioned earlier ready?"

Avril realized, "Time is tight, I've only finished five bottles, is that enough?"

"There's never enough of this stuff."

Rod smiled and said, "It's alright, give it to me first."

"In your studio."

Avril quickly got up, lifted her skirt, and went into the house.

She soon came out and handed a wooden box to Rod.

The wooden box felt cold to the touch. Rod was startled for a moment, then realized what it meant.

"So you've learned to use a refrigerator first, huh?"

This thing was clearly just taken out of the refrigerator; it was still a little damp.

Avril laughed and said, "If it can keep food fresh, then medicine should be able to too, right?"

Rhodes shook his head slightly. "I don't know. You can look up knowledge from ancient times."

Avril's words were true in her previous life, but Rhodes dared not speak rashly in this extraordinary era.

“In ancient times, they used magic-sealing boxes to prevent the loss of magic power.” Avril looked at Rhodes helplessly.

"It's okay, we'll have that in the future too."

Rod opened the wooden box, inside which were five wooden jars placed quietly.

"Alright, I'm going to the training ground now."

After a brief greeting, Rod left with Vivian.

Rhodes first glanced at Frost and Thunder.

The giant egg still exists, but Rhode can feel the magical fluctuations inside growing stronger.

What is certain is that it is now approaching the level of the White Wolf's magical aura.

But this is clearly not the end.

Rhodes was eager to see what these two guys would become.

After giving the Winter Guard a few instructions, Rhodes headed to the training camp.

The end of the war did not make the soldiers relax; the shouts of training still echoed in the barracks.

Gunle and the other Winter Guardians, whose bodies possess the Seed of Nature, also train and battle.

The mindset of someone with great potential is completely different from that of an ordinary person.

In the past, Gunther might still be in his lover's bed, not yet up.

Upon seeing Rhodes' arrival, everyone stopped what they were doing and bowed to him.
"Lord Lord."

"Ah."

Rhodes casually replied, saying directly, "From your fifteen men, choose the five strongest to stand before me."

"Whether it's a competition or a nomination, I don't care about the method."

The Winter Guards looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Don't keep the lord waiting too long, you should make your own recommendation."

Seeing the guards behind him carrying boxes, Gunle laughed and said, "It should be a good thing, but they must be strong enough."

Rhodes glanced at Gunle, then ignored him.

They all need to take the Knight's Roar Potion; it doesn't matter who takes it first or last.

Hearing that it was good news, the five strongest men were quickly selected.

“Gunner is right, it is indeed a good thing.”

Rhodes spoke loudly, looking calmly at the five people, "But it's also a trial."

Rhodes opened the wooden box. "This is the Knight's Roar Potion. Taking it will greatly enhance your potential, but the process will be extremely painful."

Rod glanced at Gunle beside him and casually instructed, "Tell them how much pain you're in."

"It feels like your body is being burned by flames, and your soul is being torn apart."

Gunle pursed his lips and shrank his neck, "It's like someone is hammering nails into various parts of your body while someone else is peeling your skin off."

Gunle's description sent a chill down the spines of the five Iron Guards.

“Gunner wasn’t exaggerating, and I still think it’s not enough.”

Rhodes looked at the five people and said, "So, anyone who's scared can leave. We won't force you."

The five people exchanged glances and simultaneously took a step forward.
"We are not afraid, my lord!"

Their voices were in unison, and their eyes shone with a resolute light.

Rod nodded in satisfaction.

Rhodes wanted more than just loyalty in his knightly order; he also wanted courage.

If everyone is a coward, the Knights will not be able to withstand the storm.

Rhodes waved his hand, and the guards distributed the five vials of medicine.

Each person held a can in their hand, their gazes resolute.

"drink!"

At Rod's command, the five men simultaneously uncorked the bottles and drank the potion in one gulp.

The moment the potion entered their mouths, the five Iron Guards shuddered violently, their faces contorted in pain.

The five people were clearly struggling with the pain, but it was to no avail, and they collapsed to the ground one after another.

However, unlike Gunther who rolled on the ground, they knelt down more like Durant, breathing heavily and groaning in pain, but never fainted.

This surprised Rod.

Rhodes didn't believe their physiques surpassed Durant's, the only reason being the bonus from the Natural Grandmaster attribute.

The effect of this golden attribute is far more powerful than Rhode had imagined.

"My lord, I feel that my body is no longer in pain..."

After a long while, a Winter's Iron Guard lay on the ground, his voice weak, "Did I succeed...?"

"Ah."

Rhodes waved his hand, and the soldiers beside him quickly stepped forward to help him up.

"You will soon feel very refreshed and relaxed, which is the result of the medicine and your persistence."

Rod smiled and said, "Go back and get some rest. You probably won't be able to attend the banquet tonight, but I'll have the kitchen save some food for you."

"Thank you, sir..."

The guard expressed his gratitude weakly, and was then taken away by the soldiers.

At that moment, Rhodes suddenly felt strands of energy, like threads, flowing from Iron Guard's body and entering his body like flames.

This wisp of energy quickly merged with the scorching energy, causing it to grow slightly stronger.

Rhodes took a deep breath, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up slightly.

Soon, the other four Iron Guards on the ground also regained consciousness, and their bodies also released wisps of energy into Rhode's body.

"With increased strength and potential, the energy provided is also more noticeable than before."

Rod couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Then I remembered something important—

Last night I was so busy planting the seed of life in Avril that I forgot to plant the seed of nature!

Otherwise, my mental strength should have improved a little bit today.

Tonight we're definitely getting down to business.

Just as Rod was pondering, Gala appeared at the entrance of the training ground.

"what's going on?"

Rod knew that Gala's arrival meant there was important news.

"My Lord, the patrol reports that they have spotted a monster."

(End of this chapter)