"Qinglong Village is home to many people, especially the old folks who have always considered it their home. Now that we have the ability, it is my responsibility to protect the village. In these chaotic times, when we are out there struggling, the village is our support. In the past two years, we have recruited quite a few people, both openly and secretly, and we have provided them with a lot of food, drink and other necessities. The profits from coal alone may not be enough in the future."

As Mo Lan spoke, she innocently touched her nose. Ever since the village became prosperous, the surrounding small villages had come to join them without them having to besiege or clear them out. Originally, they were thinking of clearing a broad road leading directly to the border, but they didn't expect these people to give up their territory on their own initiative.

Those people were sensible, and Mo Lan was not stingy either. After training them, they were put into mixed formations, so that they would not have the opportunity to stick together.

With money in hand, construction began on the service area at the foot of the mountain.

The building constructed using the blueprints she provided would definitely be eye-catching.

Furthermore, she and Karen have maintained contact throughout these two years. Now that he has become the chief, their future cooperation will surely be much more effective.

Besides, she knew better than anyone what the people outside the Great Wall lacked. All he needed to do was transport tea, wine, and porcelain from the south to the Great Wall and bring back furs, horses, and dairy products from the Great Wall. The price difference between the two would allow her to earn a considerable amount.

However, for now, she needs to establish a business channel that belongs only to her.

As for those vassal states that changed rulers every few days, she had no obligation to be loyal to them.

"Don't overthink it, it's just a coal mine. I don't even consider it a threat. The world is vast, and there's more than just this one mineral deposit!"

Hearing her master's meaningful tone, Han Shuang suddenly raised her head, and when she met her master's bright eyes, she suddenly understood.

"Your Majesty is wise; it was my narrow-mindedness that led to this." Your Majesty is right. If there is a first coal mine, there will be a second, and a third.

Cough cough... Mo Lan looked away guiltily at Han Shuang's suddenly bright eyes. If she hadn't been talking about the coal mine, she wondered if this girl would have grabbed her and beaten her up.

It took me most of the day to finally finish reading through the accounts.

With her sharp eyes and keen observation, she saved most of her time. "When you deliver the ledger to your elder brother, tell him that before summer arrives, the coal mine cars should be thoroughly inspected. If any are found to be rotten, damaged, or infested with insects, they should be replaced immediately. Safety is of paramount importance."

"Also, we must not venture into the mine shafts recklessly to prevent roof collapses. If we are not confident, we should abandon the attempt and reopen the shaft rather than disregard human lives."

"Understood, Your Highness." Han Shuang nodded, picked up the account book, and stood up. "Master, when do you plan to depart for the routine inspection?"

"Make preparations in the next couple of days. I'll tell my father, and we can leave at any time." Mo Lan shifted her body and gently rubbed the cup in her hand.

"Understood."

Watching Han Shuang's figure disappear, Mo Lan slowly lay down, picked up a piece of pastry, squinted her eyes, and chewed it slowly.

"Hua Bao, come here. What are you doing, peeking around like that?"

More than two years have passed, and Hua Bao's naive and innocent temperament has not changed. She is fierce and cute in front of outsiders, but silly inside.

They even think they're very capable.

"Hehe~, Miss, you've found me?" Hua Bao ran over quickly, holding a newly made dress in her arms. "Miss, I made you a new dress. I'll help you try it on tonight. If it doesn't fit, I'll alter it."