During this period, the Right Chancellor followed the iron smelting method left by Jin Shu, dug iron mines under the frozen soil and set up iron smelting sites. In half a year, he had given this small city the military strength comparable to that of a powerful country.

The method of heating with groundwater has become widespread. Although the northern frontier is suffering, the people living inside the city gates are not affected by the cold and can stay and work with peace of mind.

"Everything above has been arranged as you described. Now we are just waiting for you to come back and check the results."

Zhou Yinghuai also chimed in from the side.

"The matter you requested has been accomplished. Three schools have been built in the city specifically for the children of refugees. Refugees from within a hundred miles are now coming to seek refuge here, bringing us a lot of planting techniques from the grasslands."

After the two led Jin Shu into the council hall, the surrounding air became quiet, and Zhou Yinghuai said in a low voice.

"The message you gave has been spread, and judging by the time it takes, it should reach Huangfu Rong's ears by now."

The Right Chancellor also knew about this matter. Although he didn't know why Jin Shu did it, he knew that Jin Shu would never fight a battle she wasn't sure of winning.

“Huangfu Rong is a suspicious man by nature. If he knew that the neighboring country of Qi was going to take over his coal mines, he would definitely not be able to sit still.”

Zhou Yinghuai was somewhat worried.

"However, the truth will come out if the envoys of the two countries sit down and talk. Huangfu Rong is not an impulsive or incompetent person, and he probably won't get involved."

Jin Shu smiled.

"Leave the rest to me; he'll have no choice but to believe me then."

After settling all the ponies in, Jin Shu returned to the coal yard of Da Zhou that very evening.

This place is rich in coal resources. Even though the Great Zhou Dynasty has been mining for a century, it has only seen the tip of the iceberg. Neighboring countries have long been eyeing this resource, after all, no one wants to be hampered by coal in the winter.

However, the Great Zhou has stationed a considerable number of troops here, and a rash attempt to seize it would most likely result in defeat.

Now that Huangfu Rong has ascended the throne, his first act is to increase the number of troops guarding the mines, making the entire mines as impenetrable as an iron barrel, leaving neighboring countries only able to watch with covetous eyes.

But now Jin Shu has sent people to spread the word that Da Qi and Da Yuan have joined forces to demand the right to use the coal mine from Da Zhou.

This news is half true and half false. After all, the Qi and Yuan kingdoms had indeed had this idea for a long time, but they had never said it to the outside world. Now, Jin Shu has spread it so widely, and as Zhou Yinghuai said, Huangfu Rong, who is far away in the Great Zhou palace, has already received the news.

After half a year as emperor, Huangfu Rong had clearly become adept at his position and held a high post.

He was a diligent and good emperor, spending his days handling state affairs and the rest of his time traveling with Liang Qingqing. They would dress in plain clothes and pretend to be an ordinary couple, going on incognito visits, living a carefree and unrestrained life.

The two had originally agreed to go south to see the peach blossoms in the spring, but because of the news released by the Qi and Yuan states, Huangfu Rong had no intention of going out for a trip. He stayed up all night preparing battle plans.

In this situation, as his capable assistant and eternal support, Liang Qingqing naturally had to stay by his side and analyze the current situation with him.

“Huangfu, I don’t think you need to be so nervous about this. The Qi and Yuan kingdoms are nothing but a bunch of rabble. They’re just saying these things out of envy and disgust. It’s not worth your trouble.”

Liang Qingqing is a student majoring in modern history. She is familiar with all the important events that occurred in the history of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

After Huangfu Rong ascended the throne, he fought many battles, but he never had any conflict with Qi Yuan. After all, Qi Yuan was a small country that relied on importing coal from Da Zhou to get through the winter. If they angered Da Zhou, would they have a good winter next year?

Liang Qingqing was certain that this was not a big deal, and her firm attitude made Huangfu Rong's tense nerves relax a little.

“What you said makes sense… I remember that the troops stationed in the northern border are closest to the mine. How about this, let’s send them to provide support. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

Huangfu Rong has always been like this, cautious and prudent in his actions. Although he is arrogant and conceited at heart, when it comes to matters concerning his own status, he is extremely meticulous and dares not be negligent in the slightest.

Liang Qingqing nodded, naturally leaning against Huangfu Rong's chest, her head pressed against his chest as she murmured.

"Don't worry, I won't let you fail with me here. Haven't I helped you turn bad luck into good all these years? What are you afraid of?"

"Yes, thank goodness for you, otherwise I would have died on the battlefield long ago."

So many times, he thought he was going to die, but in the end, he always managed to escape death.

The throne was almost unattainable for a prince of his status, but with Liang Qingqing's assistance, he managed to climb to this untouchable position step by step.

The two were embracing and kissing, their love burning brightly in the flickering candlelight, when suddenly a hurried announcement came from outside the door.

"Report! Urgent dispatch from the mine!!"

The loud shout startled Huangfu Rong so much that his body went limp. Without thinking, he quickly dressed and left the palace.

Liang Qingqing quickly pulled her clothes together and followed.

The report came from a soldier stationed at the mine; he was covered in dirt and panting.

"Your Majesty! Coal has been stolen from the mine! A huge quantity! Tens of thousands of catties!"

Huangfu Rong, who had been completely at ease, felt his scalp tingle upon hearing this.

"Stolen?! Who stole it?! Has the thief been caught?!"

"Your Majesty! There are no traces left, but we have discovered a long tunnel beneath the mine, leading directly to the foot of the Great Qi city gate!!"

Great Qi!

"How dare you! You even dare to touch my things!"

It seems the rumors are true. The Emperor of Qi must have something to rely on to do this, and obviously, the Yuan Dynasty is his support!

"Send the order! Assemble the troops! I will personally lead them to the Great Qi to demand an explanation!"

Huangfu Rong had fought so many battles; the Great Qi was nothing in front of him.

Originally, with a new emperor ascending the throne and the country in turmoil, this was a time for recuperation and development. However, the country's most important resource had been stolen by others, so how could Huangfu Rong possibly sit idly by?

Liang Qingqing was somewhat shocked.

In her memory, Huangfu Rong had never fought a war with the Great Qi in his entire life. What was going on this time? Could history have gone wrong?

However, things didn't go as smoothly as Huangfu Rong had imagined. The first problem arose when the troops were being assembled.

A large number of soldiers in the barracks were infected with the cold. The situation was not fatal, but the soldiers who were infected were weak all over and their limbs were limp. They had no problem standing up and taking a few steps, let alone fighting!

Having fought in military campaigns for so many years, Huangfu Rong had never encountered such a critical situation where things went wrong.