Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

"Lord Link, if this continues, they'll both get hurt," Lina said with some concern. Her eyes were fixed on the two on the field, afraid that they might get injured if they weren't careful.

"It's alright, they weren't using their full strength, they were holding back," Link said softly. He carefully observed their movements and expressions, and from their breathing and the force they exerted, he could tell that they weren't truly fighting with all their might. Training was for physical conditioning, honing swordsmanship, spearmanship, and the like, not for going to the battlefield to kill enemies and necessarily determine a winner.

Sure enough, after a short while, the two exchanged a single blow and immediately separated. They skillfully regulated their breathing and wiped the sweat from their foreheads. If they didn't wipe the sweat away promptly, it would turn into ice crystals and stick to their faces, which would be extremely uncomfortable.

"Good morning, Lord Link!" Fiora ran over to greet Link as soon as she saw him. Her face was radiant with a smile as beautiful and captivating as a spring flower.

"Good morning, looks like I'm late again," Link chuckled. A hint of apology flickered in his eyes, though he hadn't meant to be late.

“We’ve only been here a short while!” Fiora shook her head, flicked her cat tail, and said softly, “Lord Link, would you like to spar with me today?” Her eyes were full of anticipation, hoping to have another chance to spar with Link.

“Okay.” Link nodded, casually yanking off his military coat with a flick of his wrist. Lina quickly caught the coat and handed him a one-handed wooden sword. Link took the sword, feeling its weight and texture, and silently prepared himself.

“Miss Fiora, may I do it?” Avery walked over carrying a two-handed wooden sword and said in a deep voice, “Let me do my part to thank Lord Link for taking care of me these past few days.” There was a hint of determination in her eyes. Although she still had some hostility towards Link, she also wanted to express her gratitude through this sparring session.

“This…” Fiora looked at Link. She had a feeling that Ivy Li harbored some inexplicable hostility towards Lord Link, which was troubling her. She didn’t know whether she should let Ivy Li and Link spar, fearing it might cause some unnecessary conflict.

“No problem, Fiora can rest for a while.” Link flicked his wooden sword. He understood Avery’s thoughts; she just disliked his status as a human nobleman. But he didn’t care. He believed that through this sparring session, Avery would have a new understanding of him.

"Please enlighten me, Lord Link!" Avery gripped her wooden sword, a sharp glint in her orange eyes. She was going to teach Link a lesson. In her opinion, most human nobles were all show and no substance, all looks and no substance. She would prove with her own strength that orcs were no less capable than humans.

"Come on!" Link narrowed his eyes. The wolf-eared girl in front of him had a rather oppressive aura; it was an aura she had cultivated after killing many people. He could feel the killing intent emanating from Avery, which made him take the situation seriously as well.

Link had sparred with Fiora before, and more than once, but each time it was just a friendly spar, never a true test of their full strength, so he didn't know the extent of his own abilities. Since Lina and the others couldn't defeat him even when they attacked together, Link decided to use the wolf-eared girl as practice today to gauge his strength.

"Then, be careful!"

Avery sprang into action, charging towards Link like an arrow released from a bow. Her greatsword swung towards Link, its momentum brimming with killing intent—a natural, instinctive release of her wolf-eared aura. She wanted to overwhelm Link in one fell swoop and humiliate him. Her eyes were filled with confidence, as if she could already envision Link being defeated by her.

"Don't underestimate me." Link's lips curled into a smirk, a tingling sensation immediately running down the back of his head—his instinctive reaction to sense danger. His mental process of elimination allowed him to anticipate Ivy's movements. Instead of retreating, he advanced, and in Ivy's bewildered gaze, he swung his wooden sword upwards with one hand, the tip striking precisely the hilt of the sword she held.

"Snapped!"

The greatsword instantly slipped from Ivy's hand, spinning and flying a great distance, leaving Ivy completely stunned. She hadn't even finished a single move; her weapon had been disarmed before she even began? How could this be? She couldn't believe her eyes, and she couldn't believe her strength was so utterly vulnerable.

"This, how is this possible?" Avery stared at Link in astonishment, then looked down at her calloused hands. Her hands were covered in calluses from holding a sword for so long, marks of her battles. She couldn't believe that she had become so weak. If it were a holy knight of the kingdom who had done this, she would have accepted it, but now she was just a minor noblewoman from a small place.

"I told you, don't underestimate me." Link swung his wooden sword. To him, Avery was less of a threat than Fiora. Fiora's agility and perception were simply too strong. Although he had never fought her at full strength, Link probably couldn't defeat Fiora in one move; it would take at least three moves.

"Want to try again?" Link's lips curled into a smile, a cold wind ruffling his long black hair, giving him an air of mystery. His eyes were filled with confidence and provocation, as if telling Ivy that she was no match for him.

Avery gritted her teeth, a hint of resentment in her eyes. She picked up the large wooden sword from the ground, gripped it tightly again, and said, "Again!" She didn't believe she would keep losing to Link; she wanted to prove her strength.

Link nodded and assumed his stance again. This time, Ivy was more cautious. She no longer attacked blindly, but carefully observed Link's movements, looking for his weaknesses. Link, too, was in no hurry to attack. He waited quietly for Ivy's move, preparing to counter her attack.

On the training field, their figures intertwined once more, the clanging of wooden swords echoing continuously. This sparring session was not only a contest of strength but also a collision of minds. It allowed Link and Ivy to understand each other better and brought about a new change in their relationship.

182. Military rations

"Come!"

Avery gritted her teeth, a resolute glint in her eyes. She swiftly bent down, picked up the wooden sword that had fallen to the ground, and with a powerful push off the ground, charged towards Link again like an arrow released from a bow. This time, she gripped the hilt tightly with both hands, gathering all her strength in her arms, and brought the sword down fiercely, the wind whistling through the air, carrying a sharp and imposing aura. She understood now that this seemingly ordinary opponent possessed unfathomable strength, and she must no longer underestimate him.

"You have too many flaws!"

Link shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He dodged Ivy's powerful attack with a swift movement, simultaneously gripping his wooden sword with one hand and thrusting the tip upwards with deadly precision, striking the hilt of Ivy's sword with pinpoint accuracy. The strike was perfectly timed, rendering Ivy powerless. She felt a tremendous force travel through the hilt, numbing her hands and rendering her unable to swing the wooden sword any further.

“Again…” Ivy’s eyes narrowed, a defiant glint in them. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart, which had grown agitated by the repeated setbacks. She took a small step back, her feet shoulder-width apart, assuming a defensive stance, ready to launch another attack.

"Hah!" A delicate shout rang out, like a nightingale's song, clear and melodious yet full of power. Avery charged forward again, her movements agile and unpredictable, her sword strikes relentless, raining down on Link like a storm. However, Link moved with effortless ease, dodging Avery's attacks. He would sometimes sidestep, sometimes parry, each move perfectly timed, rendering Avery's assault ineffective.

“You’ve lost. You moved too aggressively. Against an enemy faster than you, you had no chance to swing your sword.” Link dodged Avery’s sword strike again, then, taking advantage of her exhausted strength and unprepared energy, he thrust his sword towards her chest. Avery was startled and quickly dodged to the side, but Link’s sword was like a shadow, closely following her body. Finally, the tip of Link’s sword stopped at Avery’s throat; just half an inch further and it would have taken her life.

“No, you need to hold back some of the power when you swing your sword. Don’t unleash your full strength.” Link sheathed his wooden sword and looked at Avery, saying, “Fighting isn’t just about strength and speed; skill and strategy are even more important. You need to learn to observe your opponent’s weaknesses and find the best time to attack, instead of just blindly charging in.”

"Hmph..." Avery snorted coldly. Although she was somewhat unconvinced, she had to admit that Link was right. She sheathed her wooden sword, silently walked to the side, and began to reflect on her shortcomings.

Fiora, Lina, and the others were dumbfounded. In their eyes, Aviri was like a brave and fearless warrior, launching attack on Link time and time again, only to fail time and time again. Now, the battle seemed to have turned into a morning lesson, with Link patiently instructing Aviri.

After half an hour.

"Phew... Alright, that's enough for today." Link exhaled a long breath, his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat. He waved to stop Ivy, who was about to attack again, and said calmly, "Let's practice again next time. I have things to do today!"

"Hmm..." Avery's orange eyes were filled with complex emotions as she looked at Link, her heart brimming with admiration and gratitude. She gave Link a knightly salute, then turned and left without a word. Today, she truly witnessed what it meant to be outshone by others, to have someone even more capable. Her once restless heart had been tempered by Link's strength and wisdom, becoming much calmer.

For Avery, no amount of inspirational talk or sweet words mattered; only force could bring her to her senses. She knew all too well that in this world where might makes right, only by constantly improving her strength could she survive.

"Lord Link, is she alright?" Fiora blinked her blue eyes and asked softly. She watched Ivy's departing figure, a hint of worry in her heart. "Could it be that you've damaged her confidence?"

“It’s alright! How could someone who has survived in the Monster Mountain Range for so long be so fragile?” Link tossed the wooden sword aside, dusted himself off, and said, “She just needs some time to digest what she learned today. I believe she’ll be able to adjust soon.”

“That’s true.” Fiora smiled slightly. She walked to Link’s side and draped the military coat over him. “It’s so cold, Lord Link, you should take care of yourself.”

"Have someone prepare. We'll go check out Armory Number Four later; a new batch of military supplies has come out," Link instructed calmly. "These new supplies are very important; they're related to our future operational plans. We must ensure everything goes smoothly."

“Okay!” Fiora nodded in response, then turned to make the necessary arrangements.

...

After having breakfast.

Link then took Fiora, Rael, Quill, and Avery with him. The others were all busy and couldn't come along. They were heading to the old military camp in Winterhold, which had now been converted into a secret armory. There were five secret armories in Winterhold, and the finished armory was the fourth one; it was a place to store military supplies.

The No. 4 finished arms depot was separate from the Ministry of Military Affairs and served as a logistics warehouse. Supplies were only transferred from this depot after the Ministry of Military Affairs received approval. This ensured the safety and rational allocation of supplies, avoiding unnecessary waste and chaos.

"Lord Link!" Raven was already waiting outside the warehouse. He was dressed in a black logistics uniform, his hair neatly combed back, looking quite energetic. Raven was now mainly in charge of logistics and no longer participated in the army's training and protection work. He knew the importance of logistics, especially during wartime, when logistical support could often determine the outcome of a battle.

Regardless of the era, in times of war or natural disasters, logistics is paramount. In wars where the fighting forces are roughly equal, the outcome often hinges on the logistical prowess. Therefore, Raven takes his new mission very seriously. He diligently studies logistics management and continuously improves his skills to ensure he can excel in the job.

So Raven's task was indirectly increased, but he didn't complain at all. He knew that this was Link's trust and high regard for him, and he was determined to prove his worth with his actions.

“Let’s go!” Link nodded and walked ahead. He glanced around, quite satisfied with the security. At least there was a guard every three steps and a sentry every five. These guards were all elite soldiers who had undergone rigorous training; they were loyal, reliable, and disciplined, ensuring the safety of the warehouse.

Soon, Link and his group arrived at the heavily guarded No. 4 finished armory. After completing some formalities and verification, Raven pushed open the warehouse door, and a strong smell of rust hit them. Link and his group entered the warehouse and saw wooden shelves piled high with supplies. There were quite a few newly manufactured steel armors; the military institute delivered a new batch of armor every few days, and now the warehouse contained over a hundred sets of heavy armor.

These suits of armor were crafted from the finest steel, making them incredibly hard and sharp. They not only effectively protected the soldiers' bodies but also provided formidable offensive capabilities in battle. Link walked up to a set of armor, gently stroking its surface, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"Amazing..." Avery stared with wide orange eyes, curiously looking around. Many things here astonished her. She had never believed that humans were smarter or more capable than orcs, but today, she had no choice but to believe it. Those sets of black armor filled her with envy. She was wearing a tattered suit of armor, riddled with knife marks and arrow holes, a stark contrast to these brand-new suits.

"Where are the new supplies that arrived today?" Link turned his head and looked around, but didn't see what he was looking for. He was a little puzzled; according to the plan, a new batch of military supplies should have arrived at the warehouse today.

"Inside the warehouse!" Raven quickly led the way, heading into the warehouse. They passed through rows of wooden shelves and arrived at the very back of the warehouse. There was a large wooden table there, piled with cardboard boxes the size of shoeboxes. These boxes were all wrapped in thick kraft paper, with the words "Military Compressed Rations" written on them in large characters with a brush.

Link stepped forward, tore open a cardboard box, revealing strips about two fingers thick inside, also wrapped in paper, but this time it was waterproof oil paper. This type of oil paper effectively prevents moisture penetration, ensuring the quality and taste of the compressed rations.

"Lord Link, what are these?" Fiora asked curiously, standing on tiptoe. "They're wrapped in oiled paper. The cost price must be quite high." She knew that in this era of scarcity, every resource was hard-won, so she was very curious about these items wrapped in oiled paper.

"Of course it's expensive. Just this one piece. Guess how many copper coins it costs?" Link said mysteriously, holding one piece in his hand. "There's a prize for guessing correctly!" He hoped to stimulate everyone's curiosity and participation through this method, so that everyone could better understand the value and significance of these new military supplies.

“Let me think…” Rael and Quill picked up a piece and weighed it in their hands, finding it quite heavy. They frowned, deep in thought. What was wrapped in this oiled paper? Why was it so heavy?

“I guess it’ll cost ten copper coins!” Rael boldly guessed. He figured something this heavy must be quite valuable, and ten copper coins should be about right.

“Five copper coins,” Fiora said softly. Although she didn’t know what they were, she gave a relatively conservative guess based on her intuition and experience.

“None of them are right!” Link shook his head, a hint of a smile flashing in his dark eyes. He looked at everyone's puzzled expressions, secretly pleased with himself. He knew that the value of these new military supplies far exceeded everyone's expectations.

He slowly tore open the oil paper, revealing a gray solid inside, with specks of dark red mixed in. These solids looked unremarkable, but they contained immense energy. Then, to the astonishment of the others, Link put the solid into his mouth and took a slow, laborious bite. His brow furrowed slightly, as if he were enduring some pain.

"Lord Link, this thing is edible?" the group asked in astonishment. They watched Link chew on the gray solid, their hearts filled with doubt and surprise. What on earth was this? How could it be eaten?

“Of course, this is called military compressed rations.” Link frowned, the taste of which wasn’t exactly pleasant; he could only slowly moisten the compressed rations with his saliva. He had personally developed this ration, spending a great deal of time and effort researching and experimenting to ensure that soldiers had sufficient energy and nutrition during field operations.

"Military rations?" Fiora exclaimed in surprise. She picked up a piece of compressed military rations, tore it open, and stuffed it into her mouth. She had just taken a bite when she felt a hard sensation that almost broke her teeth.

"So hard!" She could only take a small bite, but Fiora could taste several ingredients inside, such as wheat flour, dried meat, and salt. These ingredients were carefully selected and combined to provide soldiers with comprehensive nutrition and energy.

“I’ll have a taste too.” Evelyn tore off a piece of compressed military ration and stuffed it into her mouth. She bit down hard, her brow furrowing, before she could barely manage to take a bite. It felt like eating a lollipop; the contents were slowly melting in her mouth. However, this melting wasn’t as sweet and delicious as candy; instead, it had a faint salty taste and a meaty aroma.

"Lord Link, this stuff isn't good, it's too hard." Fiora took a bite and lost interest. She thought the military rations tasted terrible and couldn't compare to the gourmet food she usually ate.

"How could it not be hard? This stuff was pressed down with a thousand-pound stone," Link said calmly. He looked at everyone's disgusted expressions, but he wasn't angry. He knew that this kind of military ration didn't taste very good, but its practicality and nutritional value were very high.

To develop these compressed military rations, he issued five documents to the research department in a single day, detailing everything from the formula and production process to final storage—all according to his instructions. He hoped the research department would strictly adhere to his requirements in production to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the compressed military rations.

"Lord Link, why make this military ration? Isn't wheat porridge better?" Fiora took another bite of the compressed military ration. She really didn't understand why Link would go to such great lengths to develop such unpalatable military ration.

"So what do you think we should do if war breaks out in winter?" Link didn't answer, but instead asked a question. He hoped to use this question to guide everyone to think about the importance and necessity of reducing military rations.

“Defend the city and wear them down,” Avery replied immediately. She felt that the best strategy for war in winter was to defend the city and use the city walls to deplete the enemy’s forces and resources.

"What if we win the defense and go after the enemy, but then it starts snowing heavily? The enemy has already fled far away." Link's lips curled up, and he asked again, "If we don't pursue and kill the enemy, it will attract an even stronger enemy. What will you do then?"

"This...it should be difficult to catch up. In snowy weather, warhorses can hardly move, and they can't carry much supplies." Rael and Quill hesitated. They knew that chasing the enemy in winter was a very difficult task, especially in heavy snow, when warhorses could not run fast at all, and the supplies they carried were also very limited.

“I understand. At this time, as long as we carry some compressed military rations and march quickly, we can catch up with the enemy.” Fiora’s eyes lit up as she said, “Compressed military rations are food eaten in the field, used to replace wheat porridge.” She finally understood Link’s good intentions. Although these compressed military rations did not taste good, they were very suitable for eating in field combat.

"Huh? That seems to be the case!"

“Yes! These compressed military rations are prepared for the field, especially in winter when the snow is knee-deep and even warhorses have difficulty walking, let alone pulling a cart of wheat.” Link said calmly, his dark eyes flashing. “At this time, as long as each person carries about ten pieces of compressed military rations and eats them sparingly, one piece can last for a day.”

Compressed military rations, though only about the size of two fingers, are packed with ingredients. Small amounts of wheat flour, dried fruit powder, dried bacon, solidified lard, salt, sugar... more than a dozen high-calorie animal and plant ingredients are mixed together, packed into a wooden box, and then, using a pulley system, a massive stone is hoisted and pressed down firmly on the movable wooden box for a full day and night. The result is a large block of compressed military rations, truly as hard as brick, requiring a saw to cut into pieces. After being cut into pieces about the size of two fingers, they are wrapped in oiled paper.

This compressed military ration contains more calories than two bowls of wheat porridge. If an idle person ate compressed military rations every day, they could gain more than ten kilograms in a month. This is undoubtedly an ideal food for soldiers who need to fight in the field for long periods of time.

"hiss..."

Link's explanation stunned Fiora and Aviri. They hadn't expected that such a small pack of compressed military rations contained such great energy and value. With compressed military rations, regardless of whether it was winter or not, combat mobility was not greatly restricted. Especially for knights, carrying a pack of compressed military rations could sustain them for several days without having to resupply.

“Of course, this is impossible to use in large-scale warfare; the cost is too high,” Link sighed. He knew that the production cost of this compressed military ration was very high, making it impossible to equip the troops with it on a large scale. But he believed that with the continuous advancement of technology and the expansion of production, the cost of this compressed military ration would gradually decrease, eventually becoming one of the mainstream food sources for the troops.

"Lord Link, how many copper coins does this compressed military ration cost?" Fiora asked curiously. She wanted to know just how valuable this magical military ration was.

“Thirteen copper coins,” Link shrugged. The price was indeed high, but considering its practicality and nutritional value, it was worth it.

"hiss..."

The group gasped; the price was higher than they had anticipated. A single compressed military ration cost thirteen copper coins, no wonder they were astonished. A pound of wheat now cost only two copper coins, enough to feed several people. Compressed rations, on the other hand, cost thirteen copper coins per ration, barely enough for one person for a day. At this rate, very few cities could sustain a long-term supply for the knights; even Winterfell couldn't, limiting its use to combat supplies.

The cost is indeed a bit high, but it's absolutely necessary. Military supplies are also part of combat power, and eating these compressed rations can make you stronger. Of course, we'll only know the specific effects after testing. Link hopes to prove the practicality and effectiveness of these compressed rations through actual trials and tests.

“Rael and Quill, write this down!” Link said in a deep voice. “Give the Ministry of Military Affairs an order to select two groups of new recruits. One group will eat this compressed ration, and the other will eat regular food. They will undergo weight training. I need the specific data for both groups in ten days.” He hoped to use this experiment to compare the differences in soldiers’ physical fitness and combat effectiveness between compressed rations and regular food, providing a basis for future equipment selection.

"Yes!" Rael immediately pulled out his notebook and began writing. The order would soon be sent to Jin Meiting in the Ministry of Military Affairs. He knew the importance of this mission and would take it seriously to ensure everything went perfectly.

"Lord Link, may I have some of these?" Fiora asked softly. She wanted to stock up on some in preparation for possible future missions. She knew the practicality and importance of these compressed military rations and hoped to have some in advance for any eventuality.

“There’s some in the treasury. If you want some, just ask Bai for it,” Link said with a light laugh. He knew Fiora was a very thoughtful and considerate person, and she would definitely use these compressed military rations wisely.

"Mmm!" Fiora nodded happily. She knew that the things in the inner treasury were definitely many times better than these compressed military rations. Her heart was filled with anticipation and gratitude, thanking Link for his trust and care.

"Lord Link, what's this?" Rael pulled out several small paper bags from the other side. He looked at the bags curiously, wondering what was inside.

"This?" Link took the small paper bag, slowly tore it open, poured the contents into his palm, and said softly, "This is dehydrated vegetables, also part of compressed military rations." He hoped that by showcasing these new military supplies, everyone would better understand their uses and value.

"Vegetables? How can you eat this dried-out stuff?" Rell Quill asked curiously. They looked at the dried-out vegetable scraps in Link's palm, filled with doubt and surprise.

"For example, during field marches, everyone is equipped with an iron cup. Just boil some hot water, put in the compressed military rations and dehydrated vegetables, and you can have a delicious meal," Link explained casually. "Of course, you can also soak the dehydrated vegetables in your saliva and swallow them whole." He hoped that this vivid explanation would make it easier for everyone to understand how to use and how these new military supplies would work.

The dried vegetables are mainly for supplementing the soldiers' vitamins. In fact, Link will later develop a series of equipment such as military beverages, military jerky, and military fruit. That is, to further refine compressed military rations, instead of making them into one piece. For example, military jerky will be made by pressing various kinds of meat into a pure meat ration, adding some pickled fruit, and then adding a packet of sugar powder made from goat's milk, thus forming a military ration set.

Equipping a mere hundred men with these weapons, along with crossbows, would allow them to wage guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines, effectively holding off a force of two to three thousand. Linke harbored grand plans and goals; he hoped to provide the troops with more advanced and practical equipment and supplies through continuous research and innovation.

For large-scale military operations, military canned goods and similar items are needed, rather than these small compressed rations; these are for large, well-equipped troops. Link understands that different scales of warfare require different equipment and supplies, so he conducts research and development and allocation rationally based on actual conditions and needs.

183. Arrangement

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

The gale, like an enraged beast, roared wildly outside, its deafening sound deafening. Snowflakes, like white sprites swept up by the wind, danced and fell incessantly. The earth was completely covered by these pure white snowflakes, presenting a silvery-white world; that pure white seemed capable of washing away all the dust of the world. Each clean snowflake, like a light willow catkin, drifted leisurely in the air; or like soft goose feathers, it floated down from the heavens, draping the entire world in a thick white blanket.

"It's been snowing heavily for three days straight." Link stood quietly at the study window, his gaze fixed on the white expanse outside through the somewhat old window, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts. This harsh weather seemed like nature's test for all living things; everyone obediently stayed indoors, gathered around the warm fireplace, enjoying the rare tranquility and coziness. The flames crackled and popped in the fireplace, casting a warm glow on people's faces.

Of course, not everyone in Winterfell chose to rest in this cold weather. The workers in the workshops continued spinning and weaving as usual, skillfully operating various tools, their threads weaving across the looms as if stitching together the hope of life. Pottery production, too, never stopped. In the kilns, flames roared, the temperature higher than anywhere else, as workers busily moved clay blanks, carefully placing them into the kilns, hoping to fire exquisite ceramics. The steel furnaces were the same; molten steel churned and surged, emitting a dazzling light, as workers wielded hammers, striking the red-hot iron, forging various sturdy tools for Winterfell.

"Lord Link, all the work outside has come to a standstill. This year's heavy snow is a bit too sudden." Jin Meiting carried a steaming cup of tea, walked gracefully to Link's side, carefully placed the tea on the windowsill, and said softly. Her voice was gentle and delicate, as if bringing a touch of warmth in the cold weather.

“Let it stop. We can’t expect them to work in this heavy snow.” Link turned his head slightly, looked at Jin Meiting, and said with a hint of concern and helplessness in his eyes, “Working in this kind of weather won’t be fast, and there might be accidents because of the cold. It’s better to let them rest for a few days, recharge their energy, and continue working when the weather gets better.”

"Lord Link is truly benevolent," Kim Mi-jung said softly, bowing her head slightly, her voice filled with respect and admiration for Link.

"Ha...when did you learn to say things like that?" Link rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smile slightly. He knew that in this kind of weather, you'd freeze to death in less than half an hour of working. Especially for people in this era, with such poor means of keeping warm, without thick cotton clothes or advanced heating equipment, working in this freezing weather was undoubtedly a huge challenge.

"Hehehe..." Jin Meiting stuck out her tongue, a playful smile on her face, and then sat down to the side, quietly waiting for Link's instructions.

"How much cloth does the weaving workshop have now, Hill?" Link suddenly turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the study before finally settling on Hill, and asked.

The heavy snow of the past three days has put many things on hold. Hill, Rael, and Quill have also had a rare day or two of relaxation, and are now sitting with Xun Chi, playing Dou Dizhu (a popular Chinese card game) with great enthusiasm. Their faces are filled with relaxed smiles, and they occasionally burst into cheerful laughter, as if they have forgotten the cold outside and the pressure of work.

"Come on, Raven, you take over." Upon hearing Link's words, Hill immediately stood up, quickly shoving the playing cards in her hand into Raven's hand, then hurried to the desk and began searching through her notebook. A hint of tension and focus flashed in her eyes, as if she were afraid of misremembering the data.

"Me?" Raven took the playing cards blankly, her grip tightening unconsciously. She then glanced warily at Rael, Quill, and Swift, thinking to herself: She's the landlord now; she can't lose to them. A resolute determination shone in her eyes, as if telling her opponents that she wouldn't give up easily.

"Lord Link, the warehouse currently has 18,000 bolts of cloth in stock, and the daily production is just over 200 bolts." Hill quickly found her notebook, flipped to the relevant page, and read aloud rapidly. Her clear and loud voice echoed in the study.

"The quantity is just enough for the first shipment, and the caravan should be arriving soon." Link breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Hill's report, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. He had requested at least ten thousand horses for the first shipment, and the warehouse inventory had now reached that amount, which made him very pleased.

He also knew that the recent snowfall had affected many operations. To avoid disrupting production, he reassigned some staff to help in the workshop, which resulted in a daily output of two hundred bolts of fabric. Although this was less than usual, it was still a respectable achievement given the severe weather.