Reborn as a Cube Man in the Late Ming Dynasty

The village's tax revenue was not handed over to the imperial court; the money was enough to buy two sheep.

"As for the sheep, there shouldn't be any problem; there might even be some left over," Liu Dexi replied.

In that case, use the extra money to buy iron ingots or ironware, and then smelt them when we get back.

There's no rush to collect ironware from the village yet. If we don't have enough iron ingots, we'll consider collecting more from the village.

After all, there are only so many people.

"Use all the remaining money to buy iron. If you can't buy ironware, then ironware will do. Buy as much as you can."

Iron is also an important resource, and Bai Li plans to use it all to make crossbows.

It's important to know that it was only during the Ming Dynasty, with the advent of firearms, that they weren't banned. Before that, it was said that one armored soldier was worth three crossbowmen, and three armored soldiers would end up in the underworld.

Although not as severe as A, those who illegally possess crossbows face imprisonment for minor offenses, and exile or even execution for serious offenses.

While bow and arrow making requires few materials, there is a problem: training archers is difficult. First, one needs the strength to draw the bow, and second, one needs training to achieve a certain level of accuracy.

Unlike games where you can fall at the slightest touch, in ancient times, archers were the elite of the army.

But crossbows are completely different. There's no need to worry about drawing the bow, and as long as there are enough of them, there's no need to worry about accuracy.

With simple training, they can quickly develop combat capabilities and make it difficult for the enemy to get close if they are not armored.

As for the money spent, it's not my own anyway, so I don't feel bad about spending it.

We can't expect someone who just came out of the mountains and can't even pull out a single coin to pay for things.

I've raised him for so long, what's wrong with spending a little money? Besides, it's not like the money is going towards him.

However, we should send more people to prevent our goods from being stolen. After all, we can buy sheep, and we are in dire need of food. They might be robbed as soon as we leave the city.

Bai Li asked, "Are there many people who can fight?"

"There were still three or four left," Liu Dexi recalled, stroking his beard.

At the same time, he was secretly planning to discuss with the villagers how to raise more money.

Although they didn't know why Bai Xianjun bought the iron, since it was useful to him, they, who were under Bai Xianjun's protection, naturally had to do their best to satisfy him.

"Tell them to get ready and gather at the village entrance as soon as the rooster crows tomorrow. I'll make further arrangements after that."

After thinking for a moment and making sure that she hadn't missed anything, Bai Li let Liu Dexi leave.

"Boss, what about me? What mission do I have?" Liu Er looked at Bai Li eagerly, hoping to receive a big mission.

"Your mission is extremely important, urgent, and secretive!" Looking at the expectant Liu Er, Bai Li chuckled inwardly, but said with a grave expression, "Now, go back and get a rope as fast as you can—a long one—and come back quickly, or you'll be too late!"

"Okay, I'll go right away!" Liu Er also became nervous and slipped home as fast as he could.

"Wow, that's fast! It's as fast as when I was serving lunch in high school. She's got the makings of an errand girl!"

Bai Li sat at her work desk, leisurely crossing her legs, and took out an apple to eat.

Not long after, Liu Er came running back, panting, wearing a rope: "Boss! Whew~ Whew, I'm ready, let's go."

"Alright, time waits for no one, let's set off now."

The atmosphere was very quiet along the way. Liu Er was curious about what urgent matter they were going to do next, while Bai Li was waiting.

"Boss, what are we going to do? Are we going hunting? Is this rope for tying up prey?" Liu Er couldn't help but ask.

Finally asked!

Bai Li's lips trembled violently, but she forced herself to remain calm and said, "Well, it's nothing really, just helping me move."

"Huh? Boss, you said this is very important and urgent."

Liu Er looked utterly disappointed.

"Look, it's getting late. By the time we go back and forth, it'll be dark! It's definitely urgent, and I'm afraid of the dark, so I don't dare walk at night. Of course it's very important!"

No deity is afraid of the dark.

Liu Er muttered to himself, but still wouldn't give up, he asked again, "Then what's this rope for?"

"Oh, it's used to tie up chickens and lead them back to the village. You know there are quite a few chickens now. It's fine to lure one or two with seeds, but I'd be heartbroken if they got lost!"

Seeing Liu Er's somewhat disappointed look, Bai Li, having finished the joke, continued, "Besides, I really didn't lie to you. Isn't the village going to plant wheat?"

That little water isn't enough; we have to go back. You see, that water isn't easy to find; we need to get a bucket from the original spot.

"It doesn't seem to have anything to do with me!"

"Who said that? You're my errand boy, of course you're going to help me fetch the chickens! I'm so weak, I'd probably be dragged along by the chickens!"

As he spoke, Bai Li rolled up his sleeves, revealing his fair arms, and performed a bodybuilding pose with great effort, highlighting only a tiny bit of muscle, before 'exhausting' himself. He lowered his body slightly and looked sincerely at Liu Er.

"See, I didn't lie to you. My physical body is very weak, so you also have to protect me on the side."

At this moment, Liu Er also recalled the scene of their first meeting. He suddenly remembered the scene of Bai Li carrying a wolf and asked suspiciously.

"But boss, aren't you capable of carrying a wolf by hand? How come you don't have the strength?"

This kid is incredibly clever; he even remembered that. He's not easy to fool.

Bai Li's mind raced, and she came up with another idea.

"That was just the result of a short-term boost from supernatural powers; I don't usually have that kind of strength."

The eldest brother was almost bitten by a wolf before, so it's understandable that he's not very strong, even though he's very powerful.

I must protect the boss!

Liu Er instantly realized the weight of his responsibility. He immediately rallied and vigilantly observed his surroundings.

"I understand, boss. I'll protect you!"

Going alone is a bit too monotonous. Having Liu Er accompany me will give me someone to talk to and joke around with.

This is so much fun!

Bai Li strode forward with ease, enjoying the close protection he received, and headed towards his matchbox.

If you want to fool others, you have to fool your own people first.

As the leader, I certainly can't act rashly; it has to be Liu Er who makes the move.

Therefore, Liu Er made his desire to protect himself so obvious that anyone with a brain would assume that he was powerless and would definitely focus their attention on him.

Once I've equipped Liu Er with a leather sheath, making him difficult to harm with swords and knives, they'll inevitably think of taking me hostage. At that point, I'll quickly dress up and strike from behind, my main strategy being to play dumb and outmaneuver them.

This is all for Liu Er's sake.

Yeah, that's me for you, I almost believed it myself!

"Oh, right, Liu Er, you have to come over tomorrow morning too, and bring your dad with you."

"Are we going to the city too?"

I'd love to go to the city! But I can't get there right now, there's no way.

He was even thinking of going to a brothel.

Uh, I didn't mean anything by it, I just wanted to broaden my horizons.

Bai Li shook her head: "Your father has to go with you. As for you and me, we have other things to do."