Chapter 224: Running Out of Money Again
Our Discord Server: .gg/PazjBDkTmW
A cup of strong tea sat beside him, its faint aroma filling the air.
Setting aside military reforms for now, Xiao Ming continued, “The Huyantuo tribe has withdrawn from the grasslands, replaced by the Blood Wolf Tribe. I assume you’re all aware of this?”
“Our scouts on the plains have already brought back reports. Last time, we won by sheer luck. But now that Beishan has taken control of Youzhou, things have become much more complicated,” Niu Ben said with a frown.
Zhan Xingchang added, “Exactly. The Blood Wolf Tribe has intensified surveillance on Cangzhou. Enemy scouts frequently appear outside the city, making it impossible for us to send craftsmen to build fortresses on the plains. After Your Highness left for Chang’an, I attempted it once. The moment our craftsmen transported materials onto the grasslands, barbarian cavalry arrived, forcing us to retreat back into the city.”
“Beishan is indeed not an easy opponent. Right now, he’s like a wolf watching its prey, eyeing Cangzhou for any weakness. The moment we slip up, they’ll strike,” Xiao Ming said, his expression grim.
After a moment of thought, he continued, “But we can’t abandon the fortress strategy. If we can’t expand onto the plains yet, we must at least turn Cangzhou’s defenses into an impenetrable stronghold. After the meeting, I’ll teach you a new construction method.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Zhan Xingchang replied.
Xiao Ming then turned to Chen Qi. “How is the military workshop progressing?”
Chen Qi said, “Your Highness, all equipment from the Machinery Department has been moved to the military workshop. Cannons are now being produced steadily. This month, we’ve supplied Cangzhou with twenty more cannons. However, material shortages are becoming a problem again.”