Chapter 127 The Invisible Wheels of War Rolled Over the Gravel Road, ...
The wheels rumbled over the gravel road. Lin Yue sat in the bumpy driver's seat, his gaze sweeping across the desolate landscape outside the window.
"Mayor," Ah Hu, who was driving, said honestly while skillfully maneuvering the reins, "when are we going to pave this road with cement? Every time we come out, it's so bumpy that my bones feel like they're going to fall apart."
The others in the transport team echoed this sentiment.
“Yes, Mayor,” a young transport team member said, “we travel this road several times a day now. It would be great if it could be paved with cement. Like, we wish the town could be flat and solid, so it wouldn’t be slippery on rainy days.”
"And with our current technology," another veteran team member added, "we can fix it in three months. We also have no shortage of materials; the cement plant has plenty of capacity right now."
"A cement road?" Lin Yue smiled and shook his head. "Too slow and too wasteful."
Ah Hu was taken aback: "Then...then you mean? This road is just going to keep bumping like this forever?"
Lin Yue looked at the winding dirt road: "I'm wondering if there's a way to make a car run faster and more steadily than a rock-walking lizard, without having to eat grass."
"Faster than the Rock-Walking Lizard?" Ah Hu's eyes widened. "What kind of magical beast is that? Nothing faster than it can transport goods, and nothing that can transport goods is as fast as it, plus it's more expensive."
"It's not Warcraft," Lin Yue smiled mysteriously, "it's the power of technology. A method that can shorten the distance from Blackrock City to Hope Town from three days to half a day. That's why I'm having you learn more!"
"Half a day?!" Everyone in the carriage was stunned.
"Mayor, you're not talking about a teleportation array, are you?" a young man asked excitedly. "I've heard that the elves have those kinds of magic arrays that can instantly transport people from one place to another."
“It’s not a teleportation array,” Lin Yue shook his head. “That thing consumes too much magic power, is unstable, and we don’t know magic. I’m talking about something more reliable and practical.”
He paused, looking at the expectant eyes of the crowd: "Once things are settled with the dwarves, we'll prepare to launch that plan. You'll find out then."
Ah Hu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite. The mayor never boasted. If he said he could shorten it to half a day, then he definitely could. But... what kind of miracle would that be?
My heart was filled with anticipation, and even the bumpy ride on the road didn't seem so unpleasant.
The convoy moved slowly across the wasteland. Through the car windows, one could see the occasional silhouette of wild beasts flitting by in the distance, and withered grass swaying in the wind. Although this land was barren, it was gradually regaining its vitality under the influence of Hope Town and Blackrock City.
“Mayor,” Ah Hu suddenly remembered something, “I heard that our sweet potatoes and soybeans have had a bumper harvest this year?”
“Yes,” Lin Yue nodded, “the output exceeded expectations.”
"That's great!" Ah Hu said excitedly. "My little sister was just complaining the other day that although there's enough food in Hope Town, there aren't many different kinds. She's never really gone hungry, and she's still not satisfied with all this delicious food. Now that's great, we have sweet potatoes and soybeans too. I heard we can make a lot of different dishes with them. She's definitely going to be a big fat girl in the future."
"Aunt Lian is already working on it, and we'll be able to try the new dishes when we get back."
"Hehe, then I'd better finish my work quickly and go back." Ah Hu grinned.
The convoy continued on its way.
By noon on the third day, the familiar outline of the city wall had appeared on the horizon.
From afar, Lin Yue could see the flags fluttering on the city wall and the busy figures on the outskirts. Hope Town seemed to have always been so vibrant since its construction.
As the heavy truck approached the city gate, the guards on the outpost immediately recognized it as a transport convoy and waved for it to pass.
Lin Yue had just jumped off the car and hadn't even had a chance to stretch his stiff legs when a gray-white lightning bolt, accompanied by a gust of wind, shot out from the city gate.
"Awooo—!"
It's Xiaofen.
It howled excitedly, moving so fast it was almost a blur, and pounced directly at the carriage.
The rock-walking lizard accompanying the vehicle hissed in fright at the sudden aura, its thick limbs involuntarily retreating, almost turning tail and running away. This was a newly purchased lizard, unable to yet suppress its instinct for fear. In the wild, encountering a powerful beastman race like Xiao Fen, fleeing was an instinct ingrained in its genes.
"Oh no!" Ah Hu quickly grabbed the reins, struggling to steady the panicked lizard. "Xiao Fen! Slow down! Don't scare my lizard!"
But Xiao Fen paid no attention to any of that. She rushed to the carriage, sniffing the sides with her nose, wagging her tail like a windmill, her whole body trembling with excitement. She was searching for something.
"Whoosh"
A small black cat jumped off the top of the carriage and landed steadily on Xiao Fen's head; it was Xiao Hei.
Little Black flicked its tail gracefully, its emerald green eyes narrowing into slits.
"Awooo~"
Xiao Fen let out a cheerful whimper and excitedly spun around in circles, wagging her tail even more enthusiastically. As she spun, she twitched her nose and rubbed against Xiao Hei's body, trying to confirm if the scent was real.
Xiao Hei patted Xiao Fen's head with its paw, somewhat impatiently.
But Xiao Fen wouldn't stop. It circled Lin Yue twice more before suddenly pouncing on him.
"Ouch!"
Even though he was prepared, Lin Yue was still caught off guard by her enthusiasm and almost fell. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and regained his balance.
Xiao Fen rubbed her big head against his face frantically, her warm breath spraying on his face, and she let out a sob of grievance and longing.
Lin Yue hugged the two little guys, both amused and exasperated, stroking Xiao Fen's fluffy head with one hand and scratching Xiao Hei's chin with the other. All the weariness in his heart vanished in that instant.
Home is still the best.
Those around them smiled as they watched this heartwarming scene.
"Mayor, welcome home." The old village chief's wife stepped forward, her eyes slightly red.
"Yes, I'm back."
"Mayor, you've worked hard these past few days," the old village chief's wife said with concern. "Go and get some rest. The agricultural team is all ready. Old Bud said it's not too late to check on the harvest after you've rested."
“No need to rest,” Lin Yue shook his head, patting the dust off his clothes. “I want to go take a look now.”
He turned to Xiaofen and said, "Alright, Xiaofen. I know you miss Xiaohei. Let's go. We're going to check on the agricultural team's harvest today. You two can come along, but don't cause any trouble."
"Awoo!"
Xiao Fen responded excitedly and immediately squatted down. Xiao Hei stood up, stepped around Xiao Fen's back, found the most comfortable and easiest place to hold on, and then squatted down. Then Xiao Fen slightly tightened her grip on her hind legs, suddenly sprang up, and carried Xiao Hei forward at high speed.
A cat, a wolf, and a human worked together seamlessly, just like before.
That afternoon, Lin Yue plunged headfirst into the agricultural group's planting area.
From afar, he could see that golden sea. On the newly reclaimed dozens of acres of land, golden soybeans and reddish-brown sweet potatoes were dazzling in the sunlight.
Old Bud is leading all the members of the agricultural team in an unprecedented bumper harvest.
In the fields, busy figures could be seen everywhere. Some were digging sweet potatoes, some were harvesting soybeans, and some were carrying bamboo baskets full of crops. Everyone's face was filled with the joy of a bountiful harvest.
"Mayor, you're finally back."
Old Bard spotted Lin Yue behind Xiao Fen immediately. He excitedly dropped his shovel and ran over, pointing to the crops piled up like small mountains in the field, his voice trembling: "Look, it's a bumper harvest! The sweet potatoes and soybeans are ripe, and the yield... the yield has exceeded everyone's expectations."
It was a breathtaking sight.
The sweet potatoes dug out of the ground were enormous, each one heavy, the largest even as big as an adult's fist. They were piled together like small red hills.
Meanwhile, the harvested soybean plants on the other side were laden with fruit, the plump pods almost breaking the stems. Peeling open a pod revealed four or five round, plump soybeans, each brimming with the power of life.
Lin Yue walked into the field and picked up a sweet potato. It was heavy and had a good weight to it. He cut it open with a knife, revealing golden flesh with a delicate texture and a faint, sweet aroma.
"Good sweet potato." Lin Yue nodded in satisfaction.
“That’s right,” Old Bud said proudly, “this is a new variety from our Hope Town. Look at the color, a beautiful golden yellow, it’s so pleasing to the eye. And it’s sweeter than the Stone Skin potato, and when you cook it, it’s incredibly delicious!”
"How's the output?" Lin Yue asked the most crucial question.
“Preliminary estimates,” Old Bud’s voice was filled with unbelievable joy as he pulled a small leather notebook from his pocket, filled with densely packed data, “make the yield of this first batch of sweet potatoes at least 25,000 pounds!”
"Twenty-five thousand pounds?" Lin Yue's eyes lit up.
“Yes!” Old Bud nodded excitedly. “Calculated by plot, each plot can produce an average of one thousand to two thousand five hundred pounds, which is several times that of ordinary crops.”
"What about soybeans?"
“The soybeans are even more promising,” Old Bard said, turning to the other side of his notebook. “This plot of land will yield about 40,000 pounds of soybeans, and the beans are particularly plump.”
Lin Yue's heart also burned with excitement, and his mind raced with calculations.
25,000 pounds of sweet potatoes, 40,000 pounds of soybeans...
Based on the daily rations required by each soldier, these crops are enough to feed two thousand people for a month. If they were made into dry rations and some were saved, the supply could last even longer.
More importantly, this is only the first harvest.
"Uncle Bud, is this just the first batch?" Lin Yue asked.
“Yes,” Old Bader nodded, “there are two more batches to come. If the weather is good, the second batch can be harvested in another month. Based on this yield, this year our Hope Town will not only have enough grain to eat, but also have a large surplus.”
"Enough for everyone in our town, plus the brothers in Blackrock City, to eat their fill for more than half a year," an agricultural team member next to him added excitedly.
Lin Yue nodded in satisfaction. Food is always the most important foundation of any power. With sufficient food, Hope Town can continue to develop.
"You've all worked hard," Lin Yue said to all the members of the agricultural team. "There will be an extra meal in the canteen tonight, and each person will be rewarded with three silver coins."
"Thank you, Mayor!"
"Long live the mayor!"
Cheers echoed across the fields.
The real surprise is yet to come.
"Mayor, take a look at this." Old Bud mysteriously pulled Lin Yue to a separate experimental field.
This experimental field is about two acres in size, surrounded by a wooden fence, and guarded by dedicated personnel.
"What is this...?" Lin Yue asked curiously.
"You'll see when you see it," Old Bud said, keeping everyone in suspense.
Lin Yue stepped into the experimental field and was immediately stunned by the scene before him.
The sweet potatoes there no longer had the usual reddish-brown skin, but a deep, amethyst-like color. In the sunlight, these purple sweet potatoes even shimmered with a faint sheen, so beautiful they seemed otherworldly.
Old Bader grabbed a large purple sweet potato, cut it open with a knife, and the flesh inside was also a mesmerizing purple.
"This...this is a mutation?" Lin Yue asked in surprise.
Old Bard looked puzzled. "Mayor, to be honest, I'm not sure either. The Stone-skinned Potatoes and Starlight Wheat you gave us before grew like that, so I thought that was how they were supposed to be."
He scratched his head, looking at the purple sweet potato in his hand: "But most of the sweet potatoes and soybeans this time are the normal color, only a small portion has turned into this... how should I put it, it looks very unusual."
“I don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing,” old Bud said with some concern. “Could there be something wrong with the land? Or…are these crops sick?”
He then led Lin Yue to look at the soybeans on the other side.
The soybean plants there looked much thicker and stronger than ordinary soybeans. When you peeled open the pods, the soybeans inside were no longer the usual yellow, but completely black, with strange patterns of flowing gold on them.
Lin Yue's heart stirred, and Xiao Hei immediately understood.
[Ding! Detected mutated crop [Purple Heart Calming Potato]. Quality: Rare. Characteristics: Rich in a special anthocyanin that can repair damaged nerves and soothe the mind. Long-term consumption helps improve mental resilience and concentration, and has a certain therapeutic effect on mild mental trauma.]
[Ding! Detected mutated crop [Golden-Veined Black Bean]. Quality: Rare. Characteristics: Extremely high protein content, more than three times that of ordinary soybeans, and contains an unknown energy element that strengthens muscle fibers and enhances explosive power. Long-term consumption can improve physical fitness and accelerate wound healing. It is a top-tier nutritional supplement for warriors and those engaged in heavy physical labor.]
Lin Yue looked at the appraisal report and was overjoyed.
This is no crop; it's clearly a strategic-grade alchemical material.
Purple heart yam, known for its restorative and calming properties, can treat the mental health issues of soldiers under immense pressure on the battlefield.
Golden-veined black soybeans, which enhance physical fitness and accelerate healing, are practically a supplement tailor-made for warriors.
If these mutated crops can be cultivated on a large scale, Hope Town's combat effectiveness will experience a qualitative leap.
Lin Yue smiled: "Uncle Bud, this isn't an illness, it's... a gift from heaven."
“All these purple sweet potatoes and black beans are harvested and stored separately.”
“Yes, Mayor.” Old Bud also realized the importance of these mutated crops and nodded solemnly.
"Also," Lin Yue continued, "the matter of these mutated crops must be kept strictly confidential. Apart from the core members of the agricultural group, no one else should publicize it for the time being."
"I see."
Lin Yue carefully inspected the mutated crops again. There were approximately one hundred pounds of purple-hearted calming sweet potatoes and one hundred and fifty pounds of golden-veined black soybeans. Although the quantity was small, this was only the first batch. As the planting area expanded, the yield would increase. He wondered if these mutated crops would still be mutated after being planted.
“Mayor, there’s something even stranger,” Old Bud said after a moment’s hesitation.
He took a stone slab with a simple map drawn on it from the suggested room where farming tools were placed. It was marked with something in different colors.
“Look,” old Bard said, pointing to the map, “we’ve found that the closer we get to the deeper into the cursed lands, the higher the percentage of mutated crops and the better they grow.”
Lin Yue took the stone slab and examined it carefully.
On the map, the agricultural group's planting area is divided into three parts: the North Zone, the Central Zone, and the South Zone.
The northern area is about 500 meters away from the cursed land, and the proportion of mutated crops is only about 3%.
The central area is about 200 meters away from the cursed land, and the mutation rate has increased to over ten percent.
In the southern area, only fifty meters from the outer edge of the Cursed Forest, the mutation rate is as high as thirty percent.
Lin Yue fell into deep thought.
The closer you get to the cursed land, the higher the mutation rate.
“Mayor,” Old Bard hesitated for a long time before finally uttering a bold and earth-shattering guess, “I’ve farmed all my life and I’ve only ever heard of cursed land causing crops to fail, even wither and die, leaving nothing but barren land.”
He paused, looking at the cursed land shrouded in filth in the distance: "But our land... why does it feel like... it's not cursing the land, but rather... blessing it?"
A blessing, not a curse?
Lin Yue's heart skipped a beat.
This unassuming old man made a guess that might overturn everyone's understanding.
Perhaps Bard was right.
Perhaps the true secrets of this land are far deeper than he imagined.
“Uncle Bard, we… need to continue expanding the planting area closer to the Cursed Lands.”
"Huh?" Old Bud was startled. "But...isn't it very dangerous there? Could it be...?"
"Dangerous, but worthwhile. Since the data has proven that the closer we get to the cursed land, the higher the mutation rate and the greater the value of the crops produced, why don't we take advantage of this pattern?"
“However,” he changed the subject, “the expansion of the planting area must be done quietly. Don’t make a big fuss about it, and don’t let outsiders know about it.”
"Furthermore, security measures must be in place. Anyone going to plant near the cursed land must be accompanied by a patrol team at all times, and no one may approach without guards."
"Set up double-layered fences and alarm systems around the planting area. If wild animals or any abnormal situation are spotted, retreat immediately. Crops can be abandoned, but people must be saved. And you must wear a gas mask when entering that area. The guards will teach you how to use it and how often to change it."
"Finally, a rotation system must be implemented. Each person must work near the edge of the forest for no more than half a day, and then they must take turns resting. No one shall be allowed to be exposed to the influence of the corrupting forces for an extended period of time."
"Understood, Mayor. People are more important than crops, and I will strictly enforce this rule." Although Old Bud still had some concerns, he trusted the mayor's judgment.
The kitchen lights at Yihaodian were on all night.
Aunt Lian led her team of cooks, washing sweet potatoes, soaking soybeans, slicing and drying them, grinding them into powder and cooking them. Everyone was busy with their tasks in an orderly manner.
When Lin Yue arrived in the kitchen, Aunt Lian was standing in front of a large pot, directing several cooks. "You have to control the heat well," she said while stirring the soy milk in the pot. "If it's too high, the soy milk will burn; if it's too low, it won't cook through."
"Aunt Lian," Lin Yue stepped forward, "how is it?"
"Mayor!" Aunt Lian turned around, her face beaming with excitement. "You've come at the perfect time. These sweet potatoes and soybeans are simply treasures. We've thoroughly studied the recipes you gave us, and even made quite a few innovations based on them."
She wiped her hands and picked up a list from the side: "Look, this is the list. We've also added some local seasonings and cooking methods, and it tastes even better than the original recipe."
Lin Yue took it; it was covered with the names of various food items written on it.
Sweet potato products: dried sweet potatoes, sweet potato chips, sweet potato noodles, sweet potato porridge, roasted sweet potatoes, fried sweet potatoes, sweet potato cakes...
Soybean products: tofu, dried tofu, tofu skin, soy milk powder, soy sauce, fermented black beans, fermented bean curd...
"So many?" Lin Yue was somewhat surprised.
“This is just the beginning,” Aunt Lian said with a smile. “Once we study it in more depth, we’re sure we can develop even more variations.”
“However,” she changed the subject, “mayor, do you have any specific requirements?”
Lin Yue thought for a moment: "A lot of this food will be sent to the front lines. The journey is long, so it needs to be able to be preserved for a long time without spoiling. As food, it should smell so good that people want to eat it, and once they eat it, they won't forget it. Frontline soldiers expend a lot of energy in battle, so the food must be able to replenish their strength."
"Understood. Just wait and see. I guarantee you a satisfactory answer within three days."
Over the next three days, Aunt Lian and her team demonstrated amazing creativity.
Sweet potato chips were the first successful product. The sweet potatoes were sliced thinly, seasoned with a little salt, and then spread out on bamboo mats to dry in the sun. After a few hours, the sweet potato chips became dry and chewy. Another method is to boil them and then sun-dry them to remove moisture, resulting in a sweeter and softer texture.
A young cook couldn't resist taking a bite and immediately let out a satisfied groan: "This is so delicious! It's sweet and chewy, and the more you chew, the more fragrant it becomes."
"The key is that it can be stored for a long time," Aunt Lian said with satisfaction. "In cold weather, this thing can last for months without spoiling. And it's lightweight; one person can carry several kilograms of it."
Sweet potato noodles were the second dish successfully made. Sweet potatoes are ground into powder, mixed with water to form a dough, and then pressed into noodles using a special strainer. After cooking, they are served with pickled vegetables and minced meat, creating an irresistible aroma. The preparation method is similar to that of potato noodles.
“This can be canned,” Aunt Lian said. “Pickled cabbage and vermicelli canned food, the dwarves would definitely love it.”
Roasted sweet potatoes are the simplest yet most tempting way to prepare them. Simply place the sweet potatoes directly into the oven to roast; the outer skin will be charred black, while the inside will be golden brown, steaming hot and emitting a sweet aroma.
“This is perfect for on-site distribution,” a cook said. “The aroma can travel hundreds of meters away.”
There are many ways to make soybeans, among which tofu is Aunt Lian's proudest creation.
The key to using brine to curdle tofu is controlling the temperature and time. Too hot and the tofu will become tough; too cold and it won't set properly. After countless experiments, the optimal ratio was finally mastered.
When the first piece of tofu came out of the oven, everyone gathered around.
It's white and tender, like a fine work of art. It trembles when you gently poke it with your finger.
"What kind of food is this? It's so tender, so smooth, and the bean flavor is so strong!"
"The mayor said we can make Mapo Tofu, Braised Tofu, Tofu Soup..." Aunt Lian listed as she went, "There are so many ways to make it."
However, fresh tofu is inconvenient to carry, so dried tofu was made. By pressing the tofu, salting it, and drying it, it was transformed into a magical food that weighs almost nothing and is rich in protein.
"You can eat this after just soaking it. If you boil it a little, the flavor will be even richer than fresh dried tofu. Most importantly, it's incredibly light. A soldier can carry a dozen pieces, enough to last for several days."
“Grind the soybeans into a very fine powder, dry them, and then put them in a jar,” Aunt Lian said, taking out a jar of white powder. “When you add hot water, you can make a bowl of fragrant soy milk.”
She demonstrated it on the spot. As soon as hot water was poured over it, it released a rich aroma of soybeans, even more fragrant than freshly ground soy milk.
"It's easy to carry, nutritious, and soldiers can brew it anytime while on the march," Aunt Lian said with a smile. "I guarantee that once this product is launched, it will be in high demand and short supply."
Finally, there's the soybean paste. Cooked soybeans are mashed, salt and a special starter culture are added, and then the mixture is placed in an earthenware jar and left to ferment in the sun. A few days later, when the jar is opened, a rich, fermented aroma fills the air.
"This flavor is very strong and salty; most people probably wouldn't like it. But dwarves... they should like it."
Lin Yue took a small bite, and the strong fermented and salty flavor filled his mouth; it was indeed quite a strong taste.
“This is the diet that suits the dwarves’ eating habits,” he nodded.
Three days later, Aunt Lian convened a grand tasting event for everyone in Hope Town. From Mayor Lin Yue to the most ordinary workers, everyone attended.
The long table was laden with all sorts of freshly made delicacies.
Sweet potato chips, sweet potato porridge, sweet potato noodles, roasted sweet potatoes, tofu pudding, dried tofu, soy milk, soy sauce... each one exudes an enticing aroma.
"Eat whatever you like," Aunt Lian said generously. "There's plenty in the kitchen today."
People got to work.
An old worker picked up a bowl of sweet potato porridge and carefully took a sip.
The porridge was thick, and the sweet potatoes were cooked until soft and melted in your mouth. It was sweet and warm, and came with a small dish of salted pickled vegetables, which perfectly balanced the sweetness.
"This...this thing is sweet and warm, it makes me feel comfortable all over."
"I've never seen a crop like this before, that it can be made into so many different kinds of things."
A young man picked up a roasted sweet potato, broke off the charred skin, and found golden-yellow flesh inside, steaming hot.
Take a bite, and you'll be greeted by a sweet and fragrant aroma, and a soft and delicious texture.
"It's delicious!" he exclaimed. "Sweeter than honey!"
Several women gathered around the tofu pudding, each taking a bowl.
Some were served with sugar water, while others were served with salty braising sauce.
"Salty ones are delicious!"
"No, sweet things taste better!"
"It's salty!"
"Sweet!"
People started arguing, and the scene became quite heated.
Lin Yue couldn't help but laugh as he watched this scene. He never expected that a bowl of tofu pudding would once again spark a "sweet vs. savory" debate.
Merchants who came to buy goods also participated in the tasting. After tasting the dried tofu, their eyes lit up: "Can this be sold? I want to buy some to take back with me."
“Of course,” Aunt Lian said with a smile, “it will be available on Yihaodian tomorrow.”
"Great! I'll order 100 jin (50 kg)."
The tasting event lasted all afternoon. People ate to their hearts' content and laughed happily.
Lin Yue observed everyone's reactions and silently made his own plans.
If even those who have already tasted the delicacies of Hope Town are impressed by these new dishes, then for the dwarves who have long eaten black bread, these foods must taste like heaven.
In Blackstone City, long queues formed early in the morning outside the Hope No. 1 store.
The new menu has also been updated on the large blackboard at the entrance of the store:
New Product Launch
Roasted sweet potatoes: crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet and delicious. One serving (3 pieces) costs 3 copper coins.
Sweet potato porridge: Warm and comforting, served with pickled mustard greens for 2 copper coins.
Tofu pudding (savory/sweet): Smooth and delicate, 2 copper coins per bowl
Stir-fried dried tofu with pork: The aroma is irresistible, a perfect accompaniment to rice. One serving costs 4 copper coins.
Dried sweet potatoes: Portable and durable, a must-have for marching. One pound costs 5 copper coins.
Soy milk powder: ready to drink after mixing, rich in nutrients. One can costs 8 copper coins.
Affordable price, generous portions.
"Excuse me, what is this sweet potato?" a merchant asked curiously.
"It's a new product, made with a crop called sweet potato," the shop assistant enthusiastically introduced. "It's especially sweet and very filling. Everyone at our town's tasting event said it was great."
"Give me two pounds of dried sweet potatoes to try."
"I want one too!"
"I want three servings of roasted sweet potatoes!"
The queue kept getting longer and longer.
A nobleman entered the shop accompanied by his servant. He picked up a bowl of tofu pudding and carefully took a bite.
"Um?"
He widened his eyes and took a few more bites.
"This...this is so tender! It melts in your mouth, with a rich bean flavor, and paired with this brown sugar syrup...it's an absolute perfect match!"
He finished a bowl in one go and immediately waved, "Five more bowls! No, ten more! I want to take them home! So everyone in the family can try them!"
Several workers sat around in a corner, each holding a roasted sweet potato.
"This stuff smells amazing," a burly man said, taking a big bite. "It's sweet and warm, and it gives me energy all over."
“And it’s cheap,” another worker said. “Three copper coins, that’s enough for me to eat my fill.”
"I heard this is a new crop planted in Hope Town, called sweet potato."
"What can't Hope Town do? It's practically a land of magic."
A housewife bought a block of tofu and brought it home. That evening, she used the tofu to make a dish called "Tofu Stew with Fish".
The husband took a bite, and his eyes lit up: "What is this? How can it be so tender and smooth? It tastes even better than meat!"
"Tofu. I hope Yihaodian has the new ones," the housewife said proudly.
"Buy more tomorrow!" the husband said. "We won't get tired of eating this every day."
The new products sold out on the first day they were released.
Customers began placing orders, some even willing to pay double the price. Merchants' orders were booked well in advance, more than ten days ahead.
Hopefully, Yihaodian's sales will increase fivefold on that day.
The small blackboard outside the shop reads: "Making delicious food for frontline soldiers and contributing to peace in the North!"
“My son is at the front,” Old John’s wife said, her eyes reddening. “If only this food could reach him…”
"Yes, your son will," the shop assistant reassured him. "The mayor said the first batch of supplies will be sent to the front lines soon. Your son will definitely be able to get some."
The housewife's eyes reddened even more, but a smile appeared on her face.
Mia watched this scene with mixed feelings.
War is never just about one person. It concerns the fate of every family and every individual.
Food is the most comforting thing for people's body and mind.
......
It was early morning, the day after the first harvest had ended.
Outside the town gate of Hope Town, a massive transport convoy consisting of twenty Hope No. 1 heavy trucks is ready to depart.
As dawn broke, Aunt Lian, along with several cooks, was directing everyone to load boxes of pre-packaged supplies onto the truck.
Each box is carefully inspected to ensure it is properly sealed and will not get damp or spoil during transit.
"Two hundred pounds of dried sweet potatoes," Aunt Lian read the list aloud, "Three hundred pounds of dried tofu, five hundred pounds of sweet potato noodles, one thousand yuan worth of high-energy dry food, two hundred pounds of soy milk powder, two hundred cans of various new canned goods..."
She read aloud and ticked off items on the list.
“And this,” she pointed to a vehicle, “inside are detailed instructions for making the process, as well as some necessary tools. A stone mill for grinding soybeans, a knife for cutting sweet potatoes, brine for curdling tofu... everything you could need.”
Gray walked over and looked at the mountain of supplies, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
"Aunt Lian, how long will these last?" he asked.
Aunt Lian put down the list and did some calculations: "If we only supply your guard team, it will probably last for two months. But if we need to supply the frontline camps..."
She looked up at Gray: "It can only last ten days to two weeks."
"Ten days..." Gray frowned. "Is that enough?"
“Not enough,” Lin Yue stepped out of the crowd, walked to the cart containing the craft book, and patted the carriage: “It not only contains the production method, but also detailed instructions. The ingredient ratios, production steps, precautions... everything is written clearly.”
“If possible, you should set up a temporary food processing point on the front line. Teach them how to use the simplest tools to turn sweet potatoes and soybeans, which they have never seen before, into delicious food that can fill their stomachs, and even continue to produce these foods using locally available ingredients.”
A flash of understanding crossed Gray's eyes: "I get it. We need to not only send supplies, but also teach them how to do it themselves."
“That’s right,” Lin Yue nodded approvingly. “A hundred cans of food can save a hundred soldiers. But teaching a place how to make canned food can save even more people. This food should not only be supplied to our own soldiers, but also to the dwarf civilians.”
"Let them know that as long as there is peace, they can eat these things. War brings no happiness, only peace does."
Lin Yue then handed Gray a small package: "This is for Ryan. It contains the latest tactical advice and some samples of new flavored canned food."
“Also,” he lowered his voice, “tell Ryan that the guerrilla warfare can continue, but be careful. Don’t get bogged down in fighting, don’t take risks. Our goal is to win the hearts and minds of the people, not to annihilate the enemy.”
"Understood." Gray put the package away.
The old village chief's wife stepped forward and patted Gray on the shoulder: "Child, be careful on your journey. Remember, protect yourself and the caravan."
“I will, madam,” Gray said, his voice trembling slightly.
A crowd gathered around.
"Brother Gray, take care on your journey."
"Captain Gray, come back soon."
"Take care of yourself and don't get hurt."
Amidst the reluctant farewells, Gray climbed onto the back of the Rockwalker. He turned back and took a deep look at the crowd seeing him off, seeing Lin Yue, seeing Elder Farador in the crowd... and finally taking one last look at the vibrant Hope Town bathed in the morning light.
Smoke curls from chimneys, roosters crow and dogs bark.
This is the homeland he will need to protect for the rest of his life, and a place worth fighting for.
"Set off!"
With a wave of his hand, Gray's massive transport fleet slowly began to move.
Amu, Feiye, and the other blue-vested warriors were scattered around the caravan, vigilantly watching their surroundings. Everyone was fully armed and prepared to deal with any unexpected situation.
Twenty heavy trucks slowly drove towards the smoke-filled south.
Lin Yue stood at the city gate, watching the transport convoy depart until it disappeared on the horizon.
Will they be able to return safely?
"Yes, it will. It definitely will."
On the evening of the sixth day of their journey, at a crossroads in a valley, Gray raised his hand to signal the caravan to stop.
Ahead on the road stood a dozen or so ragged dwarves.
“They’re refugees from around the Forge Royal Court,” the Ryan Guard member leading the way said, gripping his weapon warily. “Should we take a detour?”
Gray shook his head and dismounted from the Rockwalker.
As the humans approached, the dwarves instinctively took a few steps back, their eyes filled with wariness and fear. Leading them was an old dwarf with white hair, protecting several emaciated children behind him.
“Don’t be afraid,” Gray raised his hands to indicate that he meant no harm, “we will not hurt you.”
The old dwarf stared at Gray, his voice hoarse: "You...are people from the Hope Trading Company?"
“Yes,” Gray nodded.
"I heard...I heard you're distributing food," the old dwarf's voice trembled, "is it true?"
Gray looked at the hungry children behind the old man and his heart softened. He turned to Fei Ye and said, "Bring down two boxes of dried sweet potatoes."
“Captain, this…” Fei Ye hesitated.
"Take it down, we have enough supplies."
Meanwhile, outside the city of the Dwarf Kingdom, at Ryan's camp.
The guerrilla warfare has lasted for a full ten days.
Inside the tent, Ryan was studying a map. The map was densely covered with various symbols; each red dot represented a food distribution, and each line represented a marching route.
Over the course of ten days, they had traversed almost the entire border of the dwarf kingdom.
“Sir,” the adjutant walked in, pointing to a mark on the map, “the dwarves have set up an ambush of five hundred men outside the south gate again today. They started setting up last night; it seems they are determined to capture us.”
"Five hundred men?" Ryan chuckled. "It seems General Ironbeard is really in a hurry this time."
"Should we... still go?" the adjutant asked, somewhat worried.
“Go, why not?” Ryan’s face broke into a sly smile. “But we’re not going to the South Gate.”
He marked several locations on the map: "We're going to the North Gate. Notify the Second and Third Squads to distribute food at both the East and West Gates simultaneously, making quite a commotion."
"A feint to the east while attacking in the west?" The adjutant's eyes lit up.
“Yes,” Ryan nodded, “keeping them busy. Five hundred men lying in ambush at the south gate will only get more frustrated if they can’t wait for us. Meanwhile, we’re distributing our forces at the other three gates at the same time, so even if they want to chase us, they won’t be able to spare the time.”
"Brilliant," the adjutant said admiringly.
“And,” Ryan continued, “today the food should be distributed more slowly and more openly. Let more dwarves see it, let them know that we are not invaders, but here to help them.”
"clear!"
The adjutant turned to leave, but Ryan called him back: "Wait, how's the morale of the dwarven army? Any new intelligence?"
“Yes,” the adjutant said, producing a report. “According to intelligence, the dwarven soldiers haven’t had a proper rest for ten days. Every day they’re assembling, raiding, and coming up empty-handed… Now everyone is complaining.”
“Very good,” Ryan nodded with satisfaction. “Keep it up. They’ll soon realize that this is just a waste of time.”
Looking at the dense markings on the map, the adjutant couldn't help but say, "Sir, your trick has really outmaneuvered those dwarfs. I heard that the soldiers in their camp are complaining every day, saying that we're harder to catch than mice in the field."
“A rat?” Ryan chuckled. “They’ll soon find out that rats can kill lizard beasts too.”
...
The Crucible Royal Court, Command Center.
General Ironbeard, the dwarf commander, looked at yet another "missed opportunity" marked with an X on the map and felt like his head was about to explode.
This marks the tenth consecutive day that we've come up empty-handed.
"Another failed attempt?!" He slammed his fist on the table, making the cups on it jump. "What the hell are these damn humans trying to do?!"
"General," a captain reported wearily, his face etched with exhaustion, "the soldiers haven't had a proper rest in ages. Now everyone's saying... saying it would be better if the humans just distributed the food..."
"Shut up!" General Ironbeard roared, his eyes blazing red.
But looking at his equally exhausted faces, and the weariness and dissatisfaction in their eyes, his anger turned into a deep sense of powerlessness.
It's been ten days.
Ten days in total.
He led hundreds of soldiers, running around like headless flies, but couldn't even catch a glimpse of a human.
Even more frightening is that the food distributed by humans has already caused unrest among the people in the city.
Every day, people would sneak out of town to collect food, and then boast about it to their neighbors when they returned.
"I ate human canned food."
"I received fresh bread."
"Humans say they are not here to fight, but to help us."
These words spread like a virus throughout the city.
“General,” an adjutant said cautiously, “why don’t we ask the Crown Prince for permission to change our strategy?”
"Change strategy?" General Ironbeard smiled wryly. "What kind of change can we make? Are we really going to let humans distribute food indiscriminately? And would the eldest prince listen to me then?"
Silence fell inside the tent; they were caught in a dilemma.
Continuing the pursuit would be futile, and the soldiers were becoming increasingly exhausted.
If left unchecked, human influence will grow, and public opinion will be completely won over.
In contrast to the army's exhaustion, the dwarven civilians were increasingly looking forward to their daily food distribution.
Foreman Gorm is scolding several lazy miners.
"You guys should focus on your work and stop thinking about all that nonsense all day."
"Foreman Gom," the young miner said with a grin, "I heard there's another distribution up south today. Can we sneak over and grab some?"
"Nonsense!" Gorm roared. "You're miners, not beggars!"
“But… Gorm Head,” another miner whispered, “human food is really delicious. My cousin got a jar of tomato stewed fish yesterday, and he said it’s a hundred times better than Wang Tingfa’s black bread.”
"And they give it to you for free, without asking for anything in return."
“Exactly,” the other miners chimed in. “Humans aren’t here to fight, so why won’t they let us go and collect it?”
Gorm really wanted to yell, "Get to work!"
But looking at the miners' hungry yet expectant eyes, he simply couldn't say anything.
Because he himself had secretly gotten one the day before yesterday. A can of something called braised pork. It was fragrant, shiny, and made with real meat; it was definitely a hundred times better than Wang Tingfa's black bread.
More importantly, it's distributed to humans for free, without any demands.
The human soldiers distributing the food smiled and said to him, "This is a specialty of the Hope Merchant Guild. We hope you like it. We're not here to fight; we're here to help you."
At that moment, an indescribable feeling welled up inside Gorm.
Warmth, emotion, and... doubt.
"Why do humans give us food?" a young miner suddenly asked, interrupting Gorm's recollection.
“Because…” Gorm paused, looking into the young man’s clear eyes, “because they didn’t come here to fight.”
"Then why are we attacking them?" the young miner continued to press.
"They're locking down the economy and preventing us from buying food."
"But now they're giving us food for free."
"......"
Gom remained silent.
He couldn't figure out the answer to this problem either.
The miners stopped what they were doing and waited for Gom's answer.
But Gom couldn't speak.
Because he didn't know the answer either.
...
The underground mine tunnel, abandoned tunnel number three.
This place was originally an abandoned mine, left behind due to ore depletion. But recently it has become a mysterious trading place.
"...That's all?"
Blacksmith Stonehammer looked at the mysterious merchant who claimed to be a member of the Horn Caravan, and asked as he handed over the last can of tomato stewed fish.
His voice was filled with obvious disappointment.
"It's gone, really gone." The mysterious merchant shrugged, looking helpless. "Brother Stone Hammer, as you know, things are tense right now, and the First Prince's men are searching everywhere. I've already taken a huge risk to get even this little bit."
He lowered his voice and looked around: "Last time, one of my brothers was caught trading human food and was thrown into the dungeon. I heard... he suffered a terrible fate."
Stonehammer fell silent.
In the past few days, he secretly used his treasured mithril ore to exchange for many jars of food from the mysterious merchant.
The delicious taste brought color back to the faces of his wife, Ah Jin, who was growing weaker due to debilitating illness, and his two children who were starving and skin and bones.
My wife's swelling has subsided somewhat, and the children have regained their strength.
A few jars of food were like a life-saving magic potion.
"Then...when can you come again next time?" Shi Chui's voice carried a hint of pleading and urgency.
The mysterious merchant sighed and shook his head: "Well... it's hard to say. The situation is getting increasingly tense, and we dare not act rashly."
He paused, as if remembering something: "But I heard that the Hope Trading Company that supplies us has recently launched a new food that is delicious and free to eat."
"No need to spend money?" Stone Hammer's eyes lit up.
“Yes,” the mysterious merchant nodded, “It’s called…what was it called again? Oh, right, it’s called roasted sweet potato.”
As he spoke, he casually added, "It's a pity that such good food can only be found in human camps. And I heard that if you go there, they not only give you food, but also teach you how to cook it yourself. Unlike the royal court, which even deducts half a loaf of black bread."
Upon hearing this, Stone Hammer's expression changed, and he asked warily, "What do you mean? Are you telling us to side with the humans and betray the royal court?"
The mysterious merchant quickly waved his hand: "No, no, no, Brother Stone Hammer, you misunderstand. The humans have made it very clear that they are not here to fight, nor do they want you to betray the royal court."
He lowered his voice and said seriously, "The humans have set up a public learning area outside the camp. Any dwarf can go there to learn how to grow sweet potatoes and make tofu. After you've finished learning, you can choose to return to the royal court and use the skills you've learned to support your family."
"They also said that they just wanted to prove that peace is more valuable than war. If everyone can have enough to eat and live a good life, then war is naturally unnecessary."
The merchant sighed, "Besides, Brother Stone Hammer, think about it. Once you learn these skills, even if you don't have canned goods, you can still make delicious food for your family. Isn't that great?"
Shi Chui fell silent. This suggestion certainly wasn't treason. Learning technology, returning to support one's family—what was wrong with that? But... what would the eldest prince think? What would the royal court think?
“What if… what if they find out we’ve gone to the human camp?” Stonehammer asked with difficulty, “what will happen?”
The merchant smiled wryly: "Well... I don't know. But I've heard that quite a few dwarves have secretly gone to learn it, and they've all kept a low profile and haven't made a fuss about it since they came back."
“After all,” he said meaningfully, “who would refuse the opportunity to feed their family?”
After saying that, he turned and disappeared into the dark depths of the mine tunnel, leaving only the words: "Brother Stone Hammer, take care of yourself."
Stone Hammer stood there blankly, clutching the cold can of food in his arms, while those few words kept echoing in his mind.
"You can eat it without spending any money."
"Teaching you how to do it yourself."
"Make sure your family is well-fed."
He thought of his wife's cloudy eyes and the longing in the eyes of the children, and of the dwindling mithril ore.
He's almost out of mithril.
Once he runs out of mithril, what will he use to exchange for food?
Watching your family fall into hunger and illness again?
A crazy idea suddenly burst forth in his mind like a raging fire.
leave.
He took his wife and children and left the mine, left the royal court, and went to the human camp.
There is food, hope, and a future there.
Stone Hammer gripped the can tightly in his hand, a resolute glint in his eyes.
He knew what this decision meant.
This would mean betraying the royal court, becoming a deserter, and possibly being hunted down.
But...does he have a choice?
Watching his family members grow weaker day by day, did he have any other choice?
“Akin, children,” he murmured, “wait for me. I will take you away from here.”
A faint echo came from deep within the mine shaft.
Beyond this mine, underground throughout the entire dwarf kingdom, countless other "stone hammers" are making the same struggles and choices.
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