38: Improved agricultural tools

The whistling, biting cold wind caused the trees to hum, and warm sunlight streamed through the window onto the people inside.

Lister did not cultivate in the afternoon. Although he was excited about having just received the Wizard Scroll and couldn't wait to study it, he held back.

At this moment, Lister, seated in the main position in the room, looked at the people before him and said, “After inspecting the territory over the past few days, I found that the farming tools currently used by the farmers of Ironthorn Territory are far too crude.”

“Not only are the hoes and shovels poor, but the efficiency of the ploughs is also very low. The main reason for this is the structure of the soil.”

“Our Ironthorn Territory is located in the northwest of the Kingdom, where the weather is relatively cold, resulting in soil that is thicker and wetter compared to the south and east.”

Upon hearing this, Charlie, the person in charge of the farmers, and Malo, the person in charge of the artisans, along with several other artisans, nodded in unison, deeply relating to what Lister had said.

Lister continued, “Therefore, facing this situation, we need to improve our Cultivated Land tools to increase efficiency.”

“After all, next spring I need you to complete the task of clearing 10,000 danmu of Cultivated Land. With the current Cultivated Land efficiency of Ironthorn Territory, this is clearly impossible to achieve.”

Speaking of this, Lister took out several blueprints, which depicted two strangely shaped objects—farm implements widely used in his previous life's ancient era: the Curved Plough and the Seed Drill.

“These blueprints show the improved farm tools I devised over the past few days.” Lister pointed to the slightly smaller drawing and said, “I named this the Curved Plough. Compared to the ploughs currently used by the farmers of Ironthorn Territory, its efficiency is much higher...”

“In addition to human pulling, if animal power is used for ploughing, the efficiency will increase several times over, and it can perfectly adapt to the soil structure of the northwest of the Kingdom.”

“The one below, I named the Seed Drill. It is mainly used for sowing, but it is not limited to that; it can also be used for land reclamation and turning over the soil.”

“Furthermore, when sowing, it can simultaneously clear weeds and other residual matter. Compared to the uneven height and density of wheat seedlings caused by farmers scattering seeds randomly across the field before...”

“Its sowing is more uniform and tidy, which not only facilitates drainage and preserves soil moisture but also helps with weeding during cultivation.”

“Its operation requires two people and one animal. One person leads the animal pulling the cart, controlling the speed and direction of the animal's movement, while the other person holds the handle, following behind, shaking the Seed Drill as they walk to sow the seeds.”

“If used properly, it can even sow or reclaim 15 danmu per day.”

“For now, I believe these two are the most important tools for Cultivated Land in our territory. Take a look at them first.”

“15 danmu!” The few people who had been listening quietly couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

If that speed was real, it would truly be terrifying. After all, two of them could only reclaim three or four Mu a day, five or six Mu at most.

As he finished speaking, Lister passed the blueprints to the others.

Charlie, Malo, and the others looked excited, taking the blueprints as if they were holding precious treasures. They then carefully passed them around, afraid of damaging them in the slightest.

While the others were examining the plans, Lister was also deep in thought. In fact, besides these two tools, he had other tools in mind.

However, after careful consideration, he decided these two tools were enough. Setting aside the uniqueness and advantages of the Seed Drill, although there were some alternatives for the plough—such as the Saxon Wheel Plough, which sparked the agricultural revolution in early Europe and was specifically used for Europe's deep, wet, sticky soil—it was too heavy, and its flexibility and efficiency were far inferior to the Curved Plough.

Therefore, Lister naturally wouldn't choose it. Even if the Curved Plough was slightly more complicated to manufacture, usability was the most important factor.

At this moment, the sounds of admiration from Charlie, Malo, and the others interrupted Lister's thoughts.

“Oh, my heavens! These two farm tools are truly excellent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the creation of a god.”

“Yes, their structure is simply too unique. They are much more rational than the tools we have always used. Why couldn't we think of this?”

While marveling, the group looked at Lister and praised him sincerely, saying, “Lord, it is truly great that you could conceive of such farm tools.”

“If these two tools are fully implemented in our Ironthorn Territory, not only will they save time and effort, but grain production will surely increase significantly, and we will also be able to spare more people to do other things.”

At this moment, Charlie looked worried and said, “But Lord, as you said, the Seed Drill must be pulled by livestock to operate, yet very few farmers in Ironthorn Territory currently possess livestock. I'm afraid...”

Charlie didn't finish, but Lister immediately understood what he meant.

In response, he said in a relaxed tone, “Don't worry, I have already considered this matter. If nothing unexpected happens, a dozen or so Barbarian Bulls should be subdued by me tomorrow.”

“Afterward, I will divide them equally and lend them free of charge to the farmers who lack livestock. From now on, Cultivated Land will be worked in teams, which will both increase Cultivated Land efficiency and enhance the unity among the territory's people.”

Free of charge!

Upon hearing this, the group immediately became excited. Only Lister could implement such a policy; other lords wouldn't even dream of it.

“The Lord is magnanimous!”

“The Lord is magnanimous!!”

...After gladly accepting their praise, Lister continued, “Next, I will designate certain areas in Ironthorn Town to establish Workshops dedicated to manufacturing and researching various tools, and I will dispatch Soldiers to guard them around the clock.”

“Malo, you will be the person in charge of the artisans. From now on, you will lead all the artisans of Ironthorn Town in completing the manufacturing of the tools.”

Speaking of this, his sharp gaze swept over everyone, and he sternly said, “If anyone dares to leak information from the Workshops, I will judge them on the charge of betraying the territory. Do you understand?”

“Understood.” Malo and the others replied respectfully, their expressions solemn... At night, the cold wind at the training ground was even more biting than during the day.

Lister, who had just enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Dais, originally intended to come to the training ground alone, but unable to resist Daisna's persistence, she came along too.

Seeing the two arrive, Red and the others, who had already begun cultivating, respectfully bowed and greeted them:

“Lord Lister, Miss Daisna, we greet you both.”

“We greet you both.”

Nodding slightly, Lister turned to Daisna and said, “I'm going to cultivate now. You should rest by the bonfire; it's warmer there.”

“Alright,” Daisna replied softly.

Nodding, Lister walked to an open space and began his cultivation.

Currently, aside from his Spearmanship still being at the Beginner level, his Swordsmanship and the skill 'Flame Cross Slash' had both reached the Proficient level.

At the same time, the 'Silver Wolf Breathing Technique' was becoming increasingly refined.

Every breath was accompanied by a subtle wolf howl, majestic, domineering, and full of deterrence.

Today, he continued the practice of Spearmanship combined with the Breathing Technique. Since his talent was lacking, he would compensate with diligence.

Whoosh!

The long spear danced like a swimming dragon, and bursts of piercing noise sounded intermittently.

Since Lister was naturally tall and well-proportioned, he looked extremely dashing and handsome when wielding the long spear.

His figure was reflected in Daisna's eyes not far away, and for a moment, she was lost in a daze watching him.

The cultivation time passed quickly, and it wasn't until a sharp, commanding wolf howl sounded that Daisna snapped back to reality.