However, speaking of which.
Fang Er himself was also itching for some action.
After two battlefield experiences, life on the estate had become rather dull for him.
You will divide into two teams, each with a time limit of half a month for free activity. You can find some mountain bandits or bandits to practice with.
However, remember, you must not harass the common people!
He still had orders to oversee, so he could only let them go on a spree.
The Yan Yun Eighteen Riders, with Fang Er's permission, repeatedly assured him that they would not disturb the populace.
No longer bothering with them, Fang Er went to the blacksmith workshop.
The five lathes were operating at full capacity.
They worked almost twelve hours a day without interruption.
Truly, the machines never stopped as long as the people did.
But there were still not enough people.
Zhao Gang came up with a solution.
He selected some from the farmhands who had previously worked as assistants in the blacksmith shop.
Farmhands with nimble hands and sharp minds.
He recruited them into the blacksmith workshop.
Teaching them as they worked.
Each person was only responsible for the assembly of one part.
Only then could they barely complete the task within the given time limit.
Without the challenge of this order, Fang Er hadn't realized his own shortcomings.
That is, there was a severe shortage of backup personnel.
It seemed that after this batch of items was completed, he would have to open a night school on the estate!
With half a month remaining until the deadline.
Fang Xuanling and Li Jing arrived at Fang Family Village again.
An Zhi, how are the firearms and cannons coming along? Will they be completed smoothly in half a month?
Fang Xuanling's tone was clearly questioning.
Three months, such a large batch of items, he didn't believe Fang Er could produce them.
Hahahaha, Master Fang, you underestimate me! Don't worry, in half a month, I'll deliver them to you with not a single bullet missing!
Fang Er's reply was full of confidence!
The most difficult part, the barrel, could now be drilled in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.
With five lathes running simultaneously, that's over two hundred barrels a day!
This would be unimaginable with purely manual labor.
Because the current production of barrels involves casting blanks first and then cutting them with lathes, greatly reducing the workload.
Even if there's a slight shortfall, they could make do with the existing weapons of the Sky Fire Army!
So, delivery is not a problem.
Oh? How many have been produced so far?
Li Jing asked.
This was because he was the commander of the newly formed army.
Therefore, he was most concerned about this matter.
I don't have an exact count, why don't I take you to the warehouse to see.
Fang Er led the two to the blacksmith workshop.
It was already the end of February.
Grass grew, orioles flew, and the willow trees had sprouted tender buds.
The wheat in the fields by the roadside was also growing robustly.
Suddenly, Fang Xuanling's gaze fell upon a surrounding wall next to the workshop.
And there were several farmhands standing on the wall, seemingly guarding whatever was inside.
So, he asked.
What is that over there?
Oh, that's a breeding field I set up. It's planted with high-yield wheat for seed propagation.
Then why is it enclosed by a wall? And why is there so much land left empty outside the wall?
Fang Xuanling was puzzled.
It's just for breeding, there's no need for such a big fuss, is there?
Fang Er explained everything one by one.
Upon hearing that the yield could reach five shi per mu, Fang Xuanling was so excited that his beard trembled.
Are you sure it's five shi!
Fang Xuanling grabbed Fang Er's shoulders with both hands, staring into his eyes to confirm.
Uh, calm down, calm down!
Fang Er quickly broke free of his hands and continued.
A yield of five shi per mu should be achievable. If managed properly, with adequate water and fertilizer, five shi should be the minimum yield.
Let's go, let's go, take me to see it!
Fang Xuanling no longer cared about firearms and cannons!
He was the Minister of Revenue, and food was paramount for the people. He couldn't possibly not pay attention to such a matter!
Li Jing looked at Fang Xuanling speechlessly.
This fellow, dragging Fang Er along, headed towards the wall.
He had completely abandoned him.
He could only follow along.
He thought, anyway, the firearms and cannons were in the warehouse. It didn't matter if they saw them a day earlier or later.
Upon reaching the wall, the person standing on it was Old Ma.
This old fellow was over fifty years old, leaning on a cane, standing on the wall and constantly surveying the surroundings.
Seeing Fang Er and two others approaching.
He quickly got down from the wall.
Young Master.
How is the wheat growing?
Fang Er asked.
Good! Good! Good! This old man has lived for decades and has never seen such well-grown wheat!
Old Ma, as if presenting a treasure, opened a small gate below the wall.
Young Master, please come in.
Fang Er hadn't moved yet.
Fang Xuanling squeezed through the gap in the door.
Inside the wall, as far as the eye could see, were fields of lush green wheat.
He casually pulled up a stalk and stepped back out.
Then he ran to the wheat fields outside the wall and pulled up a stalk there as well.
Comparing the two stalks of wheat side by side.
Fang Xuanling excitedly shouted at Fang Er.
Fang An Zhi! You had such good things and you still dared to keep it a secret!
The wheat being propagated was not only sturdier than the ordinary wheat but also had several more tillers!
And the roots were also relatively thick and long!
When wheat sprouts, one seed produces one seedling.
When it enters the tillering stage, many tillers will branch out from the root.
And the number of tillers directly affects the wheat yield!
Similarly, good roots mean stronger absorption of fertilizer and water, and stronger disease resistance.
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Author's Notes:
Four chapters will be updated explosively on Saturday. An additional chapter will be added for good reviews and tips.