Thinking of this, Lü Tu instructed the two men: "Don't go out today, stay home and rest well. I'm going out for a bit."
"My lord, please be careful and ignore what others are saying. We have a clear conscience."
Lu Tu kissed them both on the forehead: "Don't worry, if anyone dares to talk behind my back, I'll beat them up!"
Once outside, Lu Tu mounted his horse and headed straight for the training ground, pulling Xiao Zhong onto it: "Come with me!"
According to the topographic map, the area with abundant clay is located in Huaishuo Town, west of Luzhuang Village, right at the border with Luzhuang Village.
If that's true, Lü Tu could call over the 300 military slaves who are currently mining coal to dig clay, and then build a brick kiln to directly produce bricks.
With bricks, the effect of building houses or fortifications will be several times better.
Xiao Zhong suppressed his curiosity the whole way. He knew that Lü Tu was full of tricks, and seeing Lü Tu so excited meant there was likely good news coming.
At this moment, the stone-paved road that Lü Tu had built in advance took effect, and in less than the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, he arrived at the coal mine in Luzhuang Village on horseback.
Lu Tuchong shouted to the slave soldiers who were mining coal, "Everyone, push your carts up and follow me to Huai Shuo!"
"Yes, sir!" Even though the slaves had some doubts, they were willing to listen to Lü Tu.
They quickly crossed the border between the two cities, which was unguarded. The nearest village to Huai Shuo was a place called Manai Village, about 5 miles to the west, with a population of about 200. This was also marked on the topographical map, which shows how much effort the White Lotus Sect put into drawing this map.
A short while later, Lü Tu waved for everyone to stop. Luo Shichang wiped the sweat from his brow and asked, "Sir, are we going to rob someone?"
Lu Tu dismounted: "I suppose so."
Upon hearing about the robbery, the military slaves showed no panic whatsoever; instead, they appeared quite excited, rubbing their hands together and looking into the distance, clearly indicating their intense hatred for Huai Shuo.
Lu Tu didn't bother with them. He took a pickaxe from one of the men and went to a nearby hill to start digging.
Seeing this, the others stepped forward to help: "Sir, what are we digging for?"
"Shut up, dig first."
With their help, Lü Tu naturally had some free time. As the group lined up, a few digs with hoes revealed reddish-brown clay.
Lu Tu was overjoyed and shouted, "Stop!"
He then beckoned to Xiao Zhong, grabbed a handful of clay, and asked, "Mr. Xiao, do you recognize this?"
"This is...red soil? I've seen it before in Sichuan. Many mountains there have this kind of soil."
Lu Tu shook his head: "This is called clay. It has very high viscosity. It is not only found in Sichuan, but also in various weathered places or riverbed deposits."
"Sir, do you want to make bricks?"
Lu Tu exclaimed in surprise, "You knew this thing could be used to make bricks?"
"Of course I know. The reason I travel around is to broaden my horizons, so naturally I know about brick making."
"That makes things easier. I plan to use this clay to make a large number of bricks, and then build all the houses and fences in our village, including the fortifications at the pass, with bricks!"
Xiao Zhong nodded: "But this would consume a huge amount of manpower and resources."
Lu Tu laughed and said, "Good food is worth the wait. It doesn't matter if it takes a while, as long as we can stay comfortably."
"But sir, I've only seen the brick kiln once, and I don't remember it very clearly. Please allow me to think about it."
"No rush. Think it through before you proceed. This brick kiln is our top priority right now, and there's nothing else to do."
"My lord, but this is still within Huai Shuo territory. If we keep digging up their clay like this, won't it...?"
Lu Tu smiled dismissively: "It doesn't matter, we'll continue digging. I'll have Liu Hong bring a hundred men to guard the area. You can find a place within our territory to build a brick kiln."
"clear!"
Lu Tu Chong waved his hand and ordered his 300 slave soldiers: "From today onwards, you will dig clay here!"
The soldiers were overjoyed upon hearing this, as this job was much easier than mining coal, and at least it was much cleaner with less coal dust.
"Yes, sir!"
As Lü Tu and Xiao Zhong walked towards Luzhuang Village, they discussed the initial design of the brick kiln.
"Sir, there are three things to consider when choosing a site for a brick kiln. First, the site should be on high ground and in an open area to prevent fires. Second, it should be close to a water source, since clay needs a lot of water to set. Third, the land should be suitable for digging; it must be dug to a depth of one to two zhang (approximately 3.3 to 4.6 meters)."
After hearing Xiao Zhong's words, Lü Tu exclaimed in surprise, "Didn't you say you only had a rough look at the brick-making process? How do you know so much?"
Xiao Zhong cupped his hands and smiled, "Have you forgotten that I am a member of the Xuanpin Society who specializes in internal affairs and miscellaneous matters? 'Roughly' is just my humble way of putting it."
Good heavens, Xiao Zhong is truly a treasure. Although he hasn't been able to ride a horse for a long time and usually goes wherever he wants, he either rides in an oxcart or sits on the back of someone else.
With these words in mind, Lü Tu nodded in satisfaction: "Alright, I'll leave everything to you."
"Sir, I need a lot of villagers to help me find many stones to fill the bottom of the brick kiln, otherwise the temperature will not be high enough."
"Alright, however many people you need, just go to the drill ground. Your wages and rations will be paid as usual! I'll go find Hu Delu to make the molds for you in advance."
Xiao Zhong laughed and said, "It seems that you know quite a lot, sir."
The two exchanged a smile, their unspoken understanding unspoken.
Xiao Zhong knows so much because he has traveled throughout the Great Yu Dynasty for more than twenty years. What he has seen and heard during this time is far beyond what ordinary people can compare to.
But Lu Tu was only twenty years old, so there must be a secret involved, and Xiao Zhong wouldn't be foolish enough to ask.
After entrusting this place to Xiao Zhong, Lü Tu immediately rode to the drill ground and ordered Liu Hong to lead 100 spearmen to guard the clay mountain.
"If you come into contact with the people of Huai Shuo Town, try to avoid conflict. After all, we have crossed the border. If a conflict is unavoidable, remember one thing: leave no survivors!"
Liu Hong said sternly, "Yes, sir!"
He was a smart man and had served in the Southern Palace Imperial Guard. This matter was more than enough for him to handle, not to mention that the Huai Shuo Border Army was a bunch of cowards whose fighting strength was not worth mentioning.
Lu Tu went to the blacksmith shop and found Hu Delu. From a distance, he saw Hu Delu sitting on the ground looking worried. Actually, Lu Tu felt a little embarrassed. Of all the people, Hu Delu was the one who caused him the most trouble.
Of the more than 1,800 villagers, only Hu Delu knew how to be a blacksmith, which shows how hard the job was. Even refugees were unwilling to become blacksmiths. These 20-plus apprentices were recruited by Hu Delu with some reluctance.
When Hu Delu saw Lü Tu approaching him with a smile, he quickly stood up and sighed, "Sir, tell me, what are we going to fight this time?"
Lu Tu patted his arm and laughed, "Can't I come to see you if I don't get something?"
Hu Delu said with a bitter face, "There are just too many tasks. We haven't even finished clearing the barbed wire yet, and now we have to make 300 spearheads. The way you're coming to me now, it can't be anything good!"
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