Xia Lan Shi pondered for a moment. “If the day really comes when our equipment is exhausted, we absolutely cannot just sit and wait for death. Mr. Liu Chu, do you have any advice?”
Xiao’s expression did not change. Clearly, he had already gone over all of this countless times in his mind.
He calmly laid out the framework. “First, establish a strategic reserve depot. The Light Network is not merely an information network, but also an equipment network. We cannot wait until something breaks before figuring out what to do.”
Xia Lan Shi immediately took over the administrative planning. “I will follow the military equipment management system and seal away thirty percent of the spare equipment separately at the Northern Frontier Administrative Office and Han Chuan. Any damaged equipment will be immediately allocated and replaced. We absolutely cannot allow any gaps to appear in the defensive line.”
“Second, establish repair workshops.” Xiao looked at Pei Yi. “The lenses may be difficult to manufacture, but the frames, tubes, hinges, screws, leather cases—these are the parts of a telescope most prone to wear and tear. We must make them easy to disassemble and repair.”
Pei Yi nodded. “The Military Equipment Battalion can take this over. I will select the most skilled craftsmen to specialize in equipment maintenance and the reproduction of components. We can dismantle these devices, have the craftsmen measure and reproduce them, and eventually achieve self-sufficiency.”
“Third, technological independence,” Xiao said. “Do not wait until we have lost them before beginning research and reproduction.”
Xia Lan Shi picked up his pen and recorded it. “I will order the Ministry of Works and the Military Equipment Battalion to jointly establish a specialized workshop and recruit the best craftsmen throughout the entire region. We will begin by studying and mapping out the most basic single lenses.”
Xiao nodded. “The first generation can aim for two-times magnification. For the second generation, try three times. Gradually narrow the gap between us and these precision instruments.”
“Finally, graded deployment.”
Xia Lan Shi immediately understood what he meant and said, “Use military telescopes at important points, and inferior ones at ordinary patrol posts. By putting the best equipment where it is most needed, we can maximize the service life of these supplies.”
The corners of Xiao’s lips lifted slightly.
There was an extraordinary understanding between him and Xia Lan Shi. With only the slightest hint, Xia Lan Shi could reason out what he truly meant on his own.
Inside the military council chamber, everyone listened with astonishment.
Because every one of these measures was building a complete industrial chain for the Northern Frontier.
Xiao Yuan’s expression remained unchanged on the surface, but inwardly, he admired them.
After spending some time together, he had already witnessed Xiao’s military planning and command abilities, as well as his martial prowess.
Not long ago, Xia Lan Shi’s inspection trip to Linzhou with Xiao had also revealed Xiao’s talent and foresight in commerce.
He knew very well that these were abilities forged through long years of experience, accumulated through countless trials.
Having such an all-around talent join his faction could be said to be an enormous boost.
Although he still had no idea what method Xia Lan Shi had used to persuade Xiao to join their side, only Chi Ban Yue secretly smiled without saying a word.
At this moment, Su Mu Chen, who was behind the screen, added, “As far as I know, the real difficulty is not merely grinding the lenses, but the lenses themselves. Those lenses are made from a kind of extremely pure glass. Da Sheng probably cannot produce it yet.”
As everyone exchanged glances—
Xiao Yuan spoke in a deep voice.
“Then make the glass first.”
Everyone turned their eyes toward Xiao Yuan.
“Establish a specialized research workshop and recruit the finest craftsmen. Perhaps today, we will only manage to make glass that looks nothing like what we want. But tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, and the day after that, we can continue researching day and night. As long as we establish this industrial chain and allow the technology to take root in Da Sheng, one day, we will certainly be able to make it.”
Xiao Yuan spoke with certainty, as though he could already foresee the day when it would happen.
Xiao nodded in agreement.
“We can start by experimenting with glass windows, wine bottles, or glazed cups. As long as we can produce glass that is uniform and free of bubbles, a simple telescope will only be a matter of time.”
With the seamless cooperation of several people, the basic framework of a complete sustainable industrial chain had already taken shape within just a few sentences.
Xia Lan Shi’s grip on his pen tightened slightly. He immediately recorded several of the most important proposals from this military council in his notebook.
Then he put down his pen and looked toward the screen, his eyes shining brightly.
“Doctor Su, we will take this path.”
Behind the screen, Su Mu Chen remained silent for a long time.
Then he let out a relaxed, low laugh.
He could finally set his mind at ease.
“I will find suitable knowledge related to glassmaking for you and help you avoid some unnecessary detours on this road,” he said lightly.
From this day onward, the Light Network would no longer merely be “something supplied by Gui Chen Zhai.”
Instead, it would become the flesh and blood of the Northern Frontier’s frozen soil in the future, forged bit by bit through its own systems, its own craftsmen, and its own planning.
This was no longer dependence.
It was true strength.
At this point, Xia Lan Shi looked toward Xiao Yuan.
“I propose that, starting today, we officially establish an entirely new department—the Light Network Bureau, directly under the Northern Frontier Administrative Office, with Observation Post Guards stationed beneath it.”
Xiao Yuan nodded in agreement.
“Approved.”
An unprecedented institution was thus born.
The military council was nearing its end. Everyone was enthusiastically discussing the details of constructing the towers, recruiting craftsmen, training the sentries, and raising the necessary funds.
Until Xiao Yuan turned toward Xiao and sincerely asked, “Mr. Liu Chu, do you have anything to add?”
The entire room fell silent.
Xiao stood up and walked to the military map.
He picked up a pen. Rather than calculating data, he began drawing a line from Beiming Port, connecting it all the way to Linbei City.
“What you are discussing is the delivery of messages. What I see is the nervous system of the Northern Frontier.”
Those words—“the nervous system of the Northern Frontier”—sent a shock through the hearts of every general and powerful minister present.
Xiao did not launch into a lengthy speech. He left behind only the core strategic principle:
“What truly matters is not how quickly information travels, but enabling the entire Northern Frontier to think and act simultaneously.”
His gaze swept across everyone, his tone gradually turning cold.
“When the northern watchtowers come under enemy attack, Beiming Port will halt operations, Han Chuan will close its passes, and reinforcements will immediately mobilize. The systems, craftsmen, spare equipment, codes, and maintenance are all for one purpose—to ensure that twenty years from now, the Northern Frontier can still connect every city into a single whole just as it does today, thinking simultaneously and acting simultaneously.”
Xia Lan Shi stared at the military map, brilliant light flashing in his eyes.
He completely understood Xiao’s grand vision and immediately stood up to shoulder the responsibility.
“I understand.”
Xia Lan Shi turned toward Xiao Yuan, his voice resolute. “I will organize everything decided today into the Regulations of the Light Network Bureau and the Light Network Communications Protocol, covering the organizational structure, equipment allocation, guard rotations, maintenance reserves, and encryption system respectively. All nodes will use standardized staffing. Once Your Highness approves them, they will be implemented immediately.”
A rigorous system instantly transformed what had originally been scattered ideas into a functioning war machine governed by clear rules.
Xiao Yuan slowly rose and looked at his trusted subordinates throughout the room, each fulfilling their respective duties and cooperating with perfect understanding. His gaze was as sharp and steady as a blade.
“Chief Administrator Xia, oversee the construction and temporarily serve as Director of the Light Network Bureau; Mr. Liu Chu, serve as Guest Adviser of the Light Network and be responsible for overall optimization; Doctor Su, technical adviser; Pei Yi, engineering commander; Qin Feng, military defense; Chi Ban Yue, intelligence security and counter-infiltration.”
Xiao Yuan looked at everyone in the room, his voice resounding through the secret chamber like a great bell.
“What we have established today is not merely the Light Network, but a new military system for the Northern Frontier. From this day forward, no matter which city in the Northern Frontier, no matter which beacon fire, no matter which soldier, none of them will ever again be fighting alone.”
What he wanted was not a road capable of transmitting messages, but a network covering the entire Northern Frontier.
Xia Lan Shi gazed at the military map.
He knew that what they had established here today was not merely dozens of towers, but an entirely new order powerful enough to transform Da Sheng’s entire military and political system.
The Northern Frontier was gradually transforming.
And this change would eventually sweep across all of Da Sheng.
◆◇◆◇◆
After the military council, the heavy doors of the secret chamber slowly closed.
Qin Feng walked out of the secret chamber alone. A cold early-spring wind blew toward him, yet it could not disperse the shock surging through his heart.
He stood dazed in the corridor, unable to recover for a long time.
This was the first time he had participated in such a core, highly confidential military council, and the sheer scale of its contents and profundity of its concepts had left him almost speechless.
He seemed able to foresee the transformation of the Northern Frontier in the future.
If it could truly be completed, perhaps the Northern Frontier would become an even more powerful region than the capital.
At this thought, he could not help feeling secretly shaken. He vaguely realized the true intention of Prince Su.
Pei Yi stepped over the threshold afterward. He was lowering his head and contemplating the upcoming arrangements for mobilizing craftsmen and stone materials when someone suddenly called out to him in a low voice.
“General Pei.”
Pei Yi turned his head. Seeing that it was Qin Feng, the hard lines of his brows and eyes softened slightly. He smiled and cupped his fists.
“General Qin. The atmosphere was tense inside just now, so I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you on your promotion.”
Qin Feng was somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly returned the salute.
“You flatter me. I was merely fortunate enough to receive His Highness’s promotion. I still have many shortcomings.”
After saying this, he hesitated for a moment before moving closer to Pei Yi and lowering his voice.
“That military council just now… General Pei, how much of it did you understand?”
Pei Yi rubbed his chin, seriously thought about it for a moment, and answered, “About half.”
He had to admit that as a rough soldier who only knew how to lead troops and fight battles, he simply could not keep up with the speed of thought of those people in the room, let alone those obscure and awkward technical terms.
There was probably only Xiao Yuan and Xia Lan Shi who truly understood what the “Light Network” meant.
The Doctor Su hidden behind the screen had provided technology and direction that were simply astonishing. And the insights and strategic vision of that Mr. Liu Chu were even more extraordinary.
No wonder Prince Su protected Doctor Su so carefully and had made the exceptional decision to appoint Mr. Liu Chu as a guest adviser.
With those two people in their faction, it was practically like adding wings to a tiger.
After hearing this, Qin Feng could not help wiping the fine sweat from his forehead and smiling bitterly.
“General Pei, you’re impressive. I’m ashamed… I only understood about thirty percent. It seems I still have to work harder before I can barely keep up with everyone else.”
Seeing how much pressure he was under, Pei Yi smiled and patted his broad shoulder reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. All you need to know is that whatever orders come down from above, just do them.”
“—General Pei.”
A warm yet cool voice sounded unhurriedly behind the two of them.
Pei Yi’s tall, sturdy body abruptly stiffened. He slowly turned around.
Xia Lan Shi had emerged from the secret chamber at some point, still holding that thick stack of military council records in his hands.
He looked at the two rigidly standing men with an almost-smile, his expression as gentle as a spring breeze.
“During the military council just now, was there anything the two generals did not understand?”
Pei Yi was silent for a moment before forcing himself to say, “…No.”
Xia Lan Shi raised his brows slightly. His pale-red eyes scrutinized Pei Yi’s face.
“Is that so?”
Pei Yi remained silent for even longer.
Finally, he gave an awkward cough.
“Perhaps… a little.”
Beside him, Qin Feng silently lowered his head, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Xia Lan Shi smiled slightly and asked with great patience, “Which part?”
This time, Pei Yi was honest.
“Other than the part about ‘building the watchtowers,’ there was a little of everything.”
Qin Feng could not hold back and added indignantly from the side, “I’m even worse than General Pei… I only understood what Your Highness said at the beginning: ‘Establish the Northern Frontier Light Network.’”
“…”
Xia Lan Shi looked at the two veteran generals who had slain countless enemies on the battlefield but were now standing there like students who had done something wrong.
At last, he could not help laughing softly.
“It’s fine.”
He gently gathered the thick stack of records in his hands.
“Today’s military council was never meant for all of you to learn the Light Network in a single day. It was merely to let you understand that such a thing exists.”
Pei Yi had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard Xia Lan Shi continue.
“Next, I will organize everything decided today in detail into the Light Network Regulations, Regulations of the Light Network Bureau, and Light Network Communications Protocol. At that time, every participating general will have to attend these classes.”
Pei Yi’s expression changed slightly, and even his voice trembled.
“We… we still have to attend classes?”
Xia Lan Shi nodded and said matter-of-factly, “Naturally. Not only will you attend classes, there will also be examinations afterward. Anyone who fails will have to retake the course.”
Qin Feng: “…”
Pei Yi: “…”
Xia Lan Shi continued, “Generals, please rest assured.”
Pei Yi thought he was about to say something reassuring. His heart had not even settled when he saw Xia Lan Shi elegantly smile and continue.
“I will personally teach all the courses. I will certainly make sure all of you learn them until you understand them.”
The two battle-hardened, iron-blooded generals displayed, for the first time in their lives, expressions of despair more profound than if they were facing the heavy cavalry of the Northern Di.
Making military commanders chew through books and take exams was practically more painful than killing them.
Worse still, the courses would be personally taught by Xia Lan Shi.
Pei Yi became even more desperate.
Behind them suddenly came an utterly undisguised chuckle.
Chi Ban Yue leisurely walked out from inside the door.
Looking at the two men’s utterly miserable expressions, she smiled brightly and kindly comforted them.
“Don’t worry. The Shadow Guard Battalion has to take the exams too.”
Pei Yi immediately felt much better upon hearing this.
“Really?”
Chi Ban Yue nodded, her smile becoming even brighter.
“Of course. If we’re going to die, everyone dies together.”
Qin Feng: “…”
He thought to himself: There’s really no need for us to share life and death together like this.
Just as the atmosphere descended into a strange kind of tragic solemnity, Xiao Yuan’s tall figure appeared at the doorway.
Seeing several people blocking the corridor, he frowned slightly.
“What is it?”
Pei Yi looked as though he had seen his savior. He immediately cupped his fists and complained.
“Your Highness, Chief Administrator Xia says… we still have to attend classes and take examinations for the Light Network.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan nodded indifferently.
“Mm.”
Pei Yi’s eyes lit up, thinking that His Highness was about to speak up for them soldiers and spare them this ordeal.
Instead, Xiao Yuan calmly uttered his next sentence.
“Very good. I’ll take the exam too.”
Everyone froze.
Xia Lan Shi also raised his eyes and looked over.
Xiao Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his imposing presence naturally commanding respect.
“Once the Light Network is established, it will concern the lifeline of the Northern Frontier’s military and government affairs. I, too, must be familiar with all the regulations. If I don’t know them myself, how can I command the confidence of the people?”
A hint of admiration flashed through Xia Lan Shi’s eyes, and he could not help smiling.
Meanwhile, Pei Yi and Qin Feng instantly fell into an abyss without end.
Even Prince Su had to personally take the exam?
Then who among those beneath him would dare fail?
If they failed this exam, it would not be as simple as retaking the course. They would lose all face.
Just as the two men’s faces turned ashen, “Mr. Liu Chu” leisurely walked out from behind them.
His eye-catching crimson-red robes fluttered gently in the wind. His cool gaze casually swept over the two men, who looked as though they had lost the will to live.
He casually tossed out a sentence.
“Don’t be nervous.”
Pei Yi let out a long breath of relief.
He even thought: So this seemingly cold Mr. Liu Chu is actually so considerate.
But the other man did not even stop walking. His tone remained calm, without the slightest fluctuation.
“Because people usually don’t pass on their first attempt.”
After saying that, he casually took the thick stack of military council records from Xia Lan Shi’s hands and then left without looking back, leaving behind an elegant yet ruthless silhouette.
A deathly silence descended over the spot.
“Pfft.”
Chi Ban Yue was the first to lose control. Holding onto a pillar, she laughed until her whole body trembled.
Qin Feng had already begun seriously considering whether he should go to the study tonight, light a lamp, and stay up late, getting an early start on adapting to the feeling of studying.
As for Pei Yi, he stared blankly at that retreating red figure, utterly bewildered by the wind.
“…Mr. Liu Chu, were you trying to comfort people or scare them?”