While the others celebrated, Xue Ruhong spoke up, "Although we have the materials to forge weapons and armor, we still don’t have enough firewood."
As soon as he said that, his words were like a bucket of cold water, dousing the generals’ and soldiers’ excitement at once.
Just as everyone was wondering how to find more firewood, boxes began falling from the sky.
Seeing more items descending from the heavens, Feng Xiyan immediately ordered, "Everyone, step back!"
The generals and soldiers quickly retreated more than twenty meters, while Feng Xiyan placed the bronze mirror on the ground and stepped back as well.
After more than ten minutes, the final box landed on top of the growing pile.
Seeing the mountain of supplies in front of him, Zhan Qi couldn’t help but exclaim, "Heaven! The number of supplies sent by Fairy Bai this time must be at least three times more than before!"
Hearing this, the other generals also approached the boxes and bags of goods.
As they inspected the supplies, Feng Xiyan noticed the bituminous coal. His eyes lit up as he examined the small, bean-sized coals, dry and free of moisture.
’This coal is perfect for forging.’
While he was checking the bituminous coal, Ding Zhenshun walked over.
Upon seeing the coal, he frowned slightly and asked, "Great General, what are these black beans?"
Feng Xiyan looked up, held out a handful of bituminous coal to him, and replied, "These are low-moisture coal. They are very suitable to be used as fuel for forging."
Looking at the bean-sized coal, Ding Zhenshun was skeptical, but he didn’t question Feng Xiyan further.
Before Feng Xiyan could explain more, Tan Pengtai approached them and said, "Great General, please leave this batch of materials to me. This subordinate has already registered the names of all the blacksmiths available in Xiqiang City. With both charcoal and steel, we can begin forging weapons immediately."
Feng Xiyan nodded at his words. Since the wall repairs were nearly complete, it was time to upgrade their weapons.
With this in mind, Feng Xiyan said, "General Tan, organize the workers. If we are short on manpower, hire more citizens."
By the time Feng Xiyan finished giving out his order, Tan Pengtai’s face was beaming with expectation.
Clasping his fists, he said, "Thank you, Great General, for your trust! I won’t let you down!"
Nodding at Tan Pengtai, Feng Xiyan turned to Fan Wanming and said, "General Fan, announce a conscription order."
"Anyone hired to forge weapons will receive two jins of rice, one jin of flour, and one jin of vegetables per month. During the forging period, workers will be provided lodging and two meals a day."
With such generous rewards, there would be no shortage of people eager to join the forging team. With enough manpower, production would accelerate, and soon, every soldier could get the new weapons and armor.
Following Feng Xiyan’s orders, Tan Pengtai directed the soldiers to transport the bituminous coal and high-carbon steel pipes to the armory.
Meanwhile, Zhan Qi managed the delivery of other supplies to the newly built warehouse.
While everyone was busy in the barracks, Bai Hanyun had just closed a deal with a construction company.
Since she had already secured both a business permit and a building permit, it was time to proceed with her next plan.
After sending the location for her live broadcasting company to the construction company and paying the deposit, Bai Hanyun stored the antique mirror and locked the warehouse.
She didn’t have to wait long outside before Hua Yuyu returned with lunch. Before he could even step out of the car, Bai Hanyun approached.
Sliding into the backseat, she said, "Let’s go home, Brother Hua."
"Yes, Miss Bai," he replied, and drove them back.
At the same time, news of the Feng Army recruiting workers quickly spread throughout Xiqiang City.
Standing atop the city wall, Feng Xiyan looked down at the long line of people forming near the recruitment stall.
As he observed the hopeful expressions of the people below, Zhan Qi arrived.
Clasping his fists, he reported, "Great General, this subordinate has finished counting the supplies."
Without looking away from the scene below, Feng Xiyan asked, "Based on Fairy Bai’s standard food rations for the soldiers, how long will this batch of supplies last?"
Zhan Qi replied calmly, "Reporting to the Great General. According to the standard of half a catty of rice per person per day, not including side dishes, this batch of supplies will last at least four months, not counting the reserves we already have."
He paused for a second, then added, "If we include all supplies in the warehouse, we should have enough food for at least six months. This also accounts for the porridge stalls feeding the citizens of Xiqiang City."
Hearing this, nearby soldiers were stunned by the abundance of supplies owned by the Feng Army.
A famine had been plaguing the Great Continent, yet they could get half a catty of rice a day? Even the royal family might not be able to live this extravagant life!
Just days ago, they had nearly starved to death. But since Fairy Bai appeared, their lives had completely changed. Now they could eat their fill and even feed their families.
Heaven truly hasn’t abandoned them! Through Fairy Bai, Heaven has saved them from the brink of death!
At this moment, the soldiers’ desire to survive surged.
They wanted to live. They want to break the siege. They want to defeat the Yuezhi Tribe and protect their families!
Amid the rising morale of the soldiers, Feng Xiyan frowned slightly and muttered, "It’s not enough."
Startled by his words, Zhan Qi asked, "Great General? There is a great famine beyond this city. In this condition, no matter how strong the Yuezhi Tribe is, they can’t get any food or water. Once we recover our strength, we will only need a few months to completely defeat them."
Zhan Qi hesitated for a second and continued, "This subordinate thinks our current supplies are more than enough."
Feng Xiyan shook his head and explained, "We can’t rely on Fairy Bai forever. If we want to stand on our own, we must plan for the future."