329: Chapter 329 Stayed up all night

Three days before the expedition, Lin Xiao was very busy. Helping the women improve their cultivation was crucial.

After that experience in the bathhouse, the women had opened up a lot more.

Playing Mahjong, playing Fight the Landlord—Lin Xiao was having the time of his life!

If it weren't for the grand goal of immortality in his heart, he might have wanted to indulge in this gentle paradise forever...

Of course, he couldn't play all day; serious business couldn't be neglected.

He left the matter of mobilizing troops and deploying generals to Mu Wanying and Zhao Caiwei, not participating directly.

In fact, with his current strength, bringing troops along was only to clean up the aftermath, commonly known as "doing chores."

Lin Xiao's main energy was still focused on Northern Industry.

Every time he refreshed the mall, he would run into the factories and mines.

He obtained many books on metal smelting, mining technology, and basic machinery.

These items weren't high-grade and didn't cost much prestige, but they could bring about a qualitative change in basic industry.

Although Lin Xiao came from a science and engineering background, after all, different industries are like different worlds.

He still had to study many industrial concepts from books before he could teach his subordinates.

Actually, relying on the system to tinker together a steam engine wasn't difficult.

He might even be able to put together a rocket launcher if he just kept opening mysterious packages.

But once those things beyond the era appeared, they wouldn't have much value without a supporting industrial system.

Crucially, it would very likely draw the target of the Heavenly Palace.

He was still unsure if his current strength could contend with the Heavenly Palace, so for safety's sake, it was better not to be too flashy.

But stagnating was also not an option.

Xie Juner told him that the honeycomb coal, which had earned him a fortune, was already being produced by other workshops in the four provinces of the Western and Eastern Borders.

Prince Qing, the Prince of East Sea, and even the Prince of Nanling were all keeping an eye on him.

It wouldn't be long before people started stealing the secrets to Northern Cottage's flagship products, like the soaps and Snow Skin Cream, and even Northern Industry's cement.

They didn't even need to send many spies; these things weren't that complex, and clever people would surely figure them out.

Therefore, Lin Xiao still planned to focus on building an industrial foundation.

Improving efficiency in mining, metallurgy, construction, and textiles would allow him to earn more money and serve as a technical reserve.

On the day before departure, his sister-in-law Zhao Cailing arrived belatedly.

Upon hearing that her sister Zhao Caiwei was about to set out on an expedition again, and to the northern grasslands to fight barbarians at that, the young girl grew even more worried.

"Brother-in-law, let me go too. Now that I've finished dealing with the plague, I should go back to being a military doctor."

Zhao Cailing's gaze was firm as she said, "On the grasslands, the soldiers will easily fall ill from the environment. They will definitely need me."

Before Lin Xiao could say anything, Zhao Caiwei flatly refused.

"No! Your constitution is weak. Traveling rapidly across the grasslands every day will be too much for you."

"You aren't the only military doctor. The medics of the Zhenbei Army are also very experienced."

Zhao Cailing wanted to say more, but she saw that Zhao Caiwei's gaze had become very stern.

"Ling'er, Father is getting old, and I cannot always be by his side. Weapons have no eyes on the battlefield; if something happens to you, how could I face Father!?"

Zhao Cailing looked dejected and said aggrievedly, "I understand. I just won't go then."

Seeing his sister-in-law's sulky look, Lin Xiao smiled and said, "Ling'er, I'm planning to establish 'Northern Medicine.' Would you, our Little Medicine Fairy, like to lend me a hand?"

"Northern Medicine? What is that?" Zhao Cailing immediately became interested.

“It's simple. I want more people in the Northern Border to be able to afford doctors and medicine. To that end, we need to train more physicians and cultivate more medicinal herbs.”

Lin Xiao said, "In the world today, the best doctors all serve the nobility."

"Shouldn't there be more Little Medicine Fairies like you, who have superb medical skills but treat the hardworking masses?"

Zhao Cailing was elated to hear this. "Brother-in-law, I... what should I do?"

"To develop medicine, we must naturally train talent first!"

Lin Xiao looked at Su Wansha beside him and asked, "Has the chef training for Northern Catering started?"

"Not yet. We're currently recruiting and expect to start next month," Su Wansha replied with a smile.

"Then expand the recruitment! Not only for chefs but also for people to study medicine! Ling'er, you'll be responsible for the screening. As long as they have a talent for medicine, recruit them for me."

Lin Xiao smiled and said, "We'll just open an academy. Chef Sui will teach the cooks, Ling'er will train the physicians, and I'll have Old Yu find some experienced masters to take on technical workers and apprentices!"

Hearing this, the women found it extremely interesting. Moreover, if it were truly established, it would definitely benefit the people.

"Husband's plan is wonderful. I wonder what this academy will be called? Will it still be called 'Northern Academy'?"

Lin Xiao chuckled. "Since it's a completely new teaching model, let's call it the 'New Northern Academy'!"

"New Northern Academy..."

Zhao Cailing's face was full of anticipation. "Brother-in-law, I feel like my Master would really like this academy you're starting. Can I invite her to come and see it?"

"If she is willing to teach some medical theories, it will surely help more people."

Lin Xiao was naturally more than happy to agree. He was also curious about the level of the Medicine King Valley's successor.

"Give it a try. If she can come, I can even specially appoint her as an Academician!"

"What is an Academician?"

"It's similar to the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy."

The women understood immediately.

That night.

Lin Xiao didn't go to the other women's rooms. Since they were about to part, he naturally had to spend some intimate time with Xiao Qingxuan.

"Husband, the 'New Northern Academy' you mentioned today—I feel it is very much worth promoting."

"The academies of the Tianwu Continent are still focused on academic study. Husband can be said to have set a historical precedent."

Xiao Qingxuan stood before the mirror, clumsily putting on a pair of yoga pants.

Lin Xiao had obtained them from a mysterious package while trying to get special medicine. He had kept them, wondering which woman should use them.

After much thought, his Empress wife's figure was the best match.

"My lady, focus. Don't talk about such buzzkills."

Lin Xiao propped his head with one hand, reclining on the bed as he admired the peerless scenery.

After more than half a year of 'development,' his Empress wife was becoming more and more exquisite!

The lifespan of the yoga pants ultimately only lasted for one night.

The next day.

Lin Xiao took Mu Wanying and Zhao Caiwei out of the city, accompanied by Princess Meng Xi, heading straight for the Stone Fortress.

Princess Meng Xi had long been anxious. If she hadn't known that mobilizing troops took time and that she was the one asking for a favor, she would have hurried them long ago.

Right now, she wanted to shout out loud for the soldiers to go faster, even faster.

"Princess Meng Xi, before the war officially starts, there are some things this General must make clear to you."

Lin Xiao said with a half-smile, "You should understand that asking this General to take action comes with a price, right?"