Chapter 95: Chapter 95: Multiple Contingency Plans

Despite the fact that the Calvin Commerce Association’s grain procurement is advancing splendidly.

In a few days, carts will come from the South, delivering heavy sacks of grain into the Red Tide Territory.

But Louis is very clear in his heart that relying solely on purchasing grain is far from dependable.

This is ultimately just a stopgap measure.

The winters in the Northern Territory are unrelenting, and to truly survive, relying solely on external support won’t work.

In case the snowline advances, transportation is obstructed, or enemies take advantage of the situation…

There are too many variables, so he doesn’t dare pin all his hopes on the ’outside.’

“We must plan ahead and prepare in multiple ways.”

Thus, a few days later, he proposed two emergency plans to slightly increase food supply within the Red Tide Territory.

The first is to utilize the geothermal hot spring areas within the Red Tide Territory to build a ’mini greenhouse’ system.

Though the Red Tide Territory is located in the icy snowfields of the Northern Territory, it does have a few rare hot spring spots.

These places have perennial mist, melting even the snow on the ground in winter, with ground temperatures remaining above zero degrees even in winter.

Perhaps for others, these are just a few ’curious hot water pits.’

But in Louis’s eyes, these are the most precious farming resources in the entire territory.

He stood before a densely marked map and circled a few areas, placing these mini greenhouses near these hot springs.

After detailed design work, he entrusted this task to Mick, the agriculture officer.

“Mobilize manpower and use local materials to build a few first.”

Mike widened his eyes, although he had no idea about the reason behind Louis’s actions or whether it would work.

However, he didn’t object at all, simply nodding emphatically, as he always had complete faith in Louis’s words.

The structure of the mini greenhouse designed by Louis is not complex.

Using thick wooden beams to prop up arch-shaped frameworks, covered with animal hides and thick burlap, then sealed tightly with mud.

The hot spring water is piped inside, forming a circulating hot air corridor.

Without needing a stove, the temperature inside the greenhouse can be maintained above the growth line for crops.

Thus, even if it’s a blizzard outside, the inside can remain as warm as spring.

Of course, what to plant is also crucial.

“We don’t seek high yield, only speed,” Louis’s requirements were exceedingly clear.

After careful selection from the seed bank, the first batch to be planted included the following three crops:

Fast-growing lettuce, which can be harvested in just twenty days, may taste bland but grows quickly and provides sustenance, making it the first choice for the commoners’ staple food.

Winter radish, with a slightly longer maturity period, but it excels in high yield and long preservation. It’s suitable for soups, pickling, and porridge, offering good nutrition.

Ground dragon grass, usable for both food and medicine, with sturdy rhizomes not only usable for medicine but also combinable with grains to make a pot of warming medicinal porridge, especially important for children and the elderly.

Upon receiving Louis’s orders, the craftsmen began building by his drawings, clanging beside the hot springs.

A few days later, the first batch of greenhouses was ready near the hot springs.

A few low huts stood quietly amidst the steaming water vapor, in the geothermal area by the hot springs.

The wooden frames were sturdy, and the tops were covered with animal hides and burlap, shielding from the cool breeze of early autumn.

Hot spring water flowed slowly along the channels, bringing the warmth from underground into the greenhouse.

Louis lifted the covering and took a glance inside.

Rows of fast-growing lettuce seedlings had quietly pushed through the soil, revealing moist green buds that hinted at vigorous life in the gray-brown earth.

Seeing Louis come to inspect, Mike ran over with unstoppable joy on his face.

“Lord! They’ve sprouted, really sprouted! Your method truly works!”

He trembled with excitement, like a child planting for the first time and seeing their seeds germinate.

Louis nodded: “Continue building.”

He spoke calmly, as if this outcome was entirely expected.

“Yes!” Mike nodded repeatedly, “I’ll arrange for more manpower immediately, as many as we can plant!”

Following behind, Weir, who was never much for farming, widened his eyes in astonishment at the sight of the green buds emerging from the soil.

“This, can this actually grow? Although it hasn’t snowed yet, isn’t the ground already cold?”

“The hot spring water is underneath,” Louis glanced at him, “As long as the ground is covered, the heat won’t escape, the warmth in the soil allows for planting.”

Is it really possible to do this?

Weir opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing, staring at his lord with a fiery gaze.

The great sun warms the earth, allowing it to be cultivated.

Louis noticed his gaze and smiled gently: “Let’s go, we’ll have a look at the fishing.”

From the greenhouses to the dock, the temperature was mildly cool, but the wind was gentle, vapor mingling at the surface, carrying a subtle scent of mud and fish in the air.

Early autumn had not yet frozen the rivers, providing the last window for fish migration.

Now, the fishery in the Red Tide Territory was already highly developed.

Rows of wooden stakes were erected on the dock, with several newly built large ships docked at the side, sails still bearing the creases of fresh cutting.

On the water, an entire fleet of fishing boats was busily working in an orderly fashion.

Over a dozen fishing boats, circled together, with nets descending slowly underwater, oars slicing through the water, creating waves.

The fishermen on the boats cooperated seamlessly.

They rowed to drive the fish while simultaneously tightening the nets, the thick ropes creaking through the water, sounding like some wild beast’s mouth slowly closing.

Suddenly! The water erupted!

Silver-white fish bodies were thrown high into the air, glistening enticingly under the sun!

“The fish are up!!”

“Quick, haul in! Haul in!!”

The fishermen shouted in unison, their movements on the boats turned urgent yet orderly.

The water surface boiled, silver glints everywhere, as a heavy net was pulled up, causing the boat to tilt slightly.

This sight captivated Louis.

Just then, a familiar voice came from the dock: “Lord! You’re here! Without any notice.”

Luke ran over with a beaming smile, his face full of pride and sycophancy.

“The first catch today is at least over two thousand fish!” He said, gesturing wildly to indicate the fish’s size, his eyes full of light, “This fish migration is a great harvest!”

Louis looked at the face almost splitting from smiling and just nodded lightly: “Good work, Luke.”

“It’s all thanks to your wise arrangements!” Luke immediately straightened his back, his tone brimming with pride, “If you hadn’t let us modify the nets beforehand, we couldn’t have caught so many! Now there’s no worry about food and drink for winter.”

“Enough of the flattery, just speak the truth.”

Luke chuckled, quickly straightening his posture: “Yes, yes! Whatever instructions you have, Lord! I’ll complete them one hundred percent!”

“Hmm.” Louis looked at the unfrozen waterways not far away, “Today, I want you to take some people and try to set up a batch of simple winter fisheries.”

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