Chapter 19: Silver! Silver!
Our Discord Server: .gg/PazjBDkTmW
Winter had arrived, and the sky darkened early. By now, it was roughly equivalent to 8 PM in modern times.
For Xiao Ming, who had never slept before midnight in his previous life, this was prime time for leisure. However, tonight, he had kept Qian Dafu back for an important matter—mineral exploration.
The development of his fief required multiple aspects to progress simultaneously: industrial foundations, agricultural foundations, mining, and chemistry. None of these could be neglected, as they were all interdependent.
In particular, chemistry and industry had to advance together. If one lagged behind, certain industrial progressions would be impossible.
“Your Highness means for this old servant to personally search for mines?” Qian Dafu asked.
Xiao Ming nodded. “That’s right. The fief’s mines are practically monopolized by the Wang family. Even the ones they are mining only produce coal and iron. I need you to locate various mineral deposits. Once discovered, the government will fund and manage the extraction, keeping the mines firmly under our control.”
Xiao Ming’s earlier words about reform had merely been a surface-level act. Now, he was taking real action.
Qian Dafu bowed deeply and said, “Your Highness, rest assured. This old servant will not disappoint you.”
Xiao Ming nodded. “What I’m about to tell you tonight must be kept secret. You are not to disclose it to anyone in advance.”
Qian Dafu solemnly agreed.
With a mere thought, Xiao Ming activated the vast technological database stored in his mind. Precise locations of mineral deposits across the region appeared before him, along with detailed methods for prospecting each type of ore.