Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

The chapter describes the Northern Sea County Armory, a vast facility where 3,000 blacksmiths work tirelessly to produce weapons for the military. Despite their efforts, the output is insufficient for the needs of the large army due to the high rate of weapon damage in battle. Zhang Xuan emphasizes efficient logistics and cargo shipping to optimize resources and reduce costs. The armory is strategically located near the Giant Ocean River for easy access to materials. Inside, craftsmen inspect and forge weapons, with Zhang Xuan overseeing the quality control process. He learns that the production rate is low, and the quality of iron hampers output. A report arrives, prompting Zhang Xuan to rush back to Yidu County, where he discovers that Li Yuan has ascended to the throne in Chang’an, signaling a potential threat to their power. Zhang Xuan and his officials plan to address this significant development.

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