Behind Ma Wen was a complete map of the White River Valley.
The map had been left behind by Ma Wen's grandfather and perfected by Ma Wen's father. But when it came to Ma Wen's generation, there were no further territorial surveys.
This map could only be considered a rough draft at best.
After all, the White River Valley had at least doubled in size.
It extended from the mines in the north to the White River in the south, and from the border with River Beach all the way to the coast.
Ma Wen made up his mind. After today's meeting, he would go to River Beach and find two surveyors to draw up a detailed map of the White River Valley.
But for now, he would just have to make do with it.
Daniela didn't have any stage fright at all. She seemed to really think of herself as Ma Wen's fiancée.
She walked to Ma Wen's position and pointed at the coastline on the map.
"You want to build a port here?"
Marvin nodded. "That's true."
"Why don't we go a bit further south?"
Her slender finger traced the coastline and pointed at the estuary of the White River.
"This is the most suitable place to build a port. You can develop maritime trade outward. As far as I know, the inland rivers in the south are also very deep.
"I went to the White River to take a look when I was bored a few days ago. The river is wide and slow, but the water is very deep. Many ships can sail up there.
"If we build a port here and then repair the abandoned pier, we can completely open up the east-west direction of your territory."
Daniela spoke with assurance.
Marvin nodded and said, "That's what I planned to do at first."
"But the geology of the estuary of the White River Valley is very poor. It's not suitable for a port. Because of the erosion of the river, it's very difficult to build a city on that land. Moreover, it's closer to the wilderness. "
Daniela said confidently, "You can count on me to solve this problem."
"It's just that the soil is a little soft. As long as you don't worry and leave it to me, you'll definitely see a brand new port in half a year!"
Everyone was skeptical of Daniela's words.
Only the alchemist who had come to join in the fun suddenly said, "Steelstone powder?"
Daniela looked at the alchemist in surprise. "Not bad. To think that there would be someone who knows about [Steelstone Powder] in such a rural area."
Ma Wen's mouth twitched slightly.
It was as if he didn't know what steelstone powder was. It's just that the White River Valley can't afford the price and channel of that stuff, right?
But after giving it some thought, he realized that Daniela's words made sense.
The estuary of the White River was indeed an important strategic location. If he could occupy this place, it would be very convenient not only for the outside but also for the inside.
He pondered for a moment. "What if I want you to build the port in three months?"
Daniela shrugged. "We'll have to double the budget."
Ma Wen nodded. Daniela's ability to estimate was still very strong. Building a brand new port required a lot of manpower and resources, as well as a lot of money.
After the port was built, you would also need enough ships.
At present, Marvin only had the "Southern", which he had seized. After the war ended, Marvin had sent his men to deal with this ship.
Most of the slaves chose to leave on their own. A small number of them stayed. Ma Wen let them live in the eastern part of the White River Valley, near the new port.
They might become the first residents of the new port. The "Southern" quietly docked on the beach and started the first phase of the transformation.
The engineers from Riverbeach had already started the overall transformation of the "Southern".
The transformation would take about a month. After the transformation, the "Southern" would become a completely different ship, at least in terms of appearance. Even if the Taurus Chamber of Commerce wanted to say something, there was nothing they could do. If they openly fell out with Ma Wen, Ma Wen could totally accuse them of secretly carrying out the slave trade.
The Southern Wizard Alliance did not explicitly prohibit the slave trade, but it required a license. Obviously, the "Southern" did not have such a license, so it could only disguise itself as a merchant ship to secretly transport slaves. Anyway, the current Ma Wen was not as easy to bully as he was at the beginning. The White River Valley was gradually developing and becoming stronger. They were not afraid of the Taurus Chamber of Commerce coming to them.
…
For the rest of the time, Ma Wen took the initiative to sit next to him, and Daniela became the focus of the meeting.
All of Marvin's suggestions had been improved upon.
The northern mine would continue to operate. According to the information left by Ma Wen's father, there was not only a very deep iron vein inside the northern mine, but there might also be other associated veins.
But previously, due to the economic shortage of the White River Valley, there had been a shortage of miners.
Daniela's suggestion was to buy slaves. And in large quantities.
"Building a territory requires manpower. The cost of a slave is one-fifth of that of a free citizen. Although their lifespan is a bit shorter, the benefits are much higher than hiring miners. " Daniela said calmly, "I don't know the market in the South, but in the North, this is our common practice."
"If you want to leave a reputation of benevolence, it's very simple. Give these slaves a promise: work hard for three years, and they will automatically become free people."
"Most people just need to be given a little hope, and they will work hard for you."
"This is different from the slaves you released before. The slaves on that ship are southerners, and most of them are children and women. You also promised them freedom. And the slaves you need to buy are young and strong men. There are often wars between the cities in the North, and many people are defeated and captured as slaves. I know a place that is the best place to buy these slaves. "
Before Daniela finished, Ma Wen already added, "Bass Port."
Daniela nodded approvingly, "It seems that you are not a lord for nothing."
Ma Wen sighed. As someone who had received a high level of education, he was very resistant to slavery.
But in this situation, if he did not follow Daniela's plan, he would not be able to quickly build a territory.
He was not a saint, and could not help everyone. Just as Daniela said, he needed a group of young and strong slaves who were obedient.
…
After talking about the mines and the new port, Daniela turned her attention to the South.
It had to be said that although she had only stayed in the White River Valley for a short time, she had basically understood the territory.
South of the White River was a very fertile land, but there would be more monsters that would harass the residents.
With the manpower of the guards, they would not be able to clear out all the monsters.
But Daniela suggested another method.
Build an adventurer's camp.
Build an adventurer's camp in the west of the White River near River Beach City.
Here, build a village-like place for adventurers to rest, resupply, repair weapons … and vent their desires.
This idea had been brewing in Ma Wen's mind for a long time, but Daniela was able to bring it up in such a short time. It had to be said that the future Arctic Queen had the ability to govern a country.
As for the specific facilities of the adventurer's camp, Ma Wen already had a plan in mind.
The plan was also very simple: ask for it from River Beach City.
After all, Madeline and his deal was still ongoing. She would have to grit her teeth and agree to any of Ma Wen's requests from River Beach City.
If he did not take advantage of the situation to extort her, would he have to wait until she became a legend?
…
According to Daniela's idea, once the adventurer's camp was built, they could effectively settle down the adventurers that were attracted by the Wildland Expansion Order.
They could then start exploring the South. That was a barren land, but once people gathered there, the barren land would gradually be expelled.
Ma Wen could issue some appropriate monster hunting orders. That way, bounty hunters would come here to hunt monsters like carps in the river.
Moreover, there were many monsters to the south of the White River that could be used for economic purposes. Killing them would allow the adventurers to make a fortune.
This would become the southernmost adventurer's paradise.
…
Apart from this, Daniela also put the recruitment of rangers and sentries on her agenda.
This was because in her mind, such a vast territory must have sufficient defense mechanisms. Otherwise, it would be too easy for enemies to infiltrate.
"Here, here, and here. This is the most important place … We have to build a sentry tower."
Daniela's fingertips pointed to the top of Ogre Mountain.
Just as she said, this was a very good location, overlooking the entire White River Valley. The Spider's Crypt could be seen from the north, the future adventurer's camp could be seen from the south, River Beach City could be seen from the east, and the new port could be seen from the west.
There had to be a sentry tower here.
As for the other places Daniela pointed to, they were all vital points.
Ma Wen looked at Daniela with more and more admiration.
Although this girl was younger than him, her strategic foresight was terrifying.
"Do you believe me now?"
She blinked and looked at Ma Wen. "I'm a woman who could draw architectural blueprints at the age of four."
Ma Wen finally made the decision. "Alright, I'll leave the overall design to you."
At this moment, the others could no longer sit still.
Seeing Ma Wen and Daniela going back and forth for a long time, Anna and Vigny could not help but ask.
"Master Ma Wen (Big Brother), you've said so much, but where's the money?"
Ma Wen and Daniela looked at each other and replied in unison.
"Borrow!"
…
Borrowing money like crazy. This was the main reason why Ma Wen wanted to attack Ogre Mountain.
With this gold mine, he could use it as a fulcrum to borrow money everywhere.
Inside the Wizard Tower outside River Beach City.
Medeline's face was ashen as she looked at the list Ma Wen sent her recently.
On it was a list of resources and manpower requirements.
What the f * ck, there was even a dozen prostitutes!
What made her even more furious was that at the end of the list, 2,000 Wizard Gold Coins were written!
"Do you really want to squeeze me dry?" Medeline clutched the list tightly.
But in the next second, her expression softened a little.
"So it's borrowing. Half a year?"
She hesitated for a moment, but finally approved all of Ma Wen's requests.
The same thing happened in the headquarters of the Southern Wizard Alliance.
However, this loan's requirement had increased to 10000 Magus gold coins!
…
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