A suppressed low laughter spread across the Governnt Hall, lightening the tense atmosphere slightly.
Mike finished speaking and took his seat, and under Louis’s lead, everyone applauded.
The atmosphere eased a bit, and the tension in everyone’s hearts relaxed sowhat.
Next, a tall and thin, sun-tanned man rose and made a clumsy bow.
This was Andre, the newly appointed official of the Livestock Office this year.
Originally a foreman at a major ranch in the Southeast Province of the Empire, he arrived in the Northern Territory last year because of Louis’s lucrative offer.
Andre wiped the sweat off his forehead, but his lips were slightly dry from nervousness: "Lord, this year...the number of livestock is much better than anticipated."
He opened the parchnt in his hand, pointed at the neat ink marks on it, took a deep breath, and continued:
"First, regarding cattle and sheep, we built semi-underground cattle sheds as wind shelters in the northern hills, using geothermal heat to keep warm, reducing the mortality rate to half of the estimate. Among the 750 shaggy cows purchased last winter, 689 have successfully survived."
"The sheep herd has expanded from last year’s 900 to 3,100, mainly consisting of Snowfield Sheep and Short-horned Goats.
We are experinting with using ’giant bone powder’ as a feed additive, which has been extrely effective, increasing the wool yield by nearly 30%."
As he spoke, his eyes lit up a bit and his tone began to carry a hint of pride: "As for poultry, we’ve built six large new chicken coops this year.
The first batch of 8,000 was put in, and it’s estimated that 6,000 will be ready by sumr. There have been small-scale trials with geese and ducks, but these are currently only supplental and not main focuses."
Everyone in the hall nodded lightly, evidently acknowledging this outco exceeded most expectations.
"Additionally, the Magical Beast breeding program is also underway. Although the numbers are not large, all are healthy specins."
Andre paused for a mont, cautiously glancing at Louis: "Furthermore...the Morning Light Pond you ntioned has been put into use."
Louis raised an eyebrow slightly and asked calmly: "How effective is it?"
"Very successful, Lord!" Andre’s voice noticeably rose by half a tone.
Soone in the hall suppressed a laugh gently, but Louis rely waved his hand, indicating for him to continue.
Andre paused again, raising his parchnt with a bit of excitent: "The five Morning Light Ponds we carved have been put into use. The first batch of common fish species—Silver Carp, Red Tide Fin, and Northern Territory White Carp—were introduced and have adapted well."
He paused for a mont, lowering his voice slightly: "Additionally, per your instructions, we’ve trialed the first batch of magical beast fish in the deepest pond.
The Red Mane Spring Catfish and Three-eyed Moon Scale Mandarin Fish are controlled within safe numbers and currently in good condition."
Louis nodded slightly, his tone calm yet with a hint of praise: "Very good, maintain the scale for now. No need to rush expansion."
Andre visibly sighed with relief, a hint of red still remaining in his ears as he retreated to his seat.
Next, Green slowly stood up; a thick stack of parchnt account books was laid before him.
"Lord." He bowed slightly and opened the first page of the account book, "I shall report on the population and systems."
Louis nodded, picked up the hot tea on the table, and quietly signaled: "Please go ahead."
"As of early this month, the total registered population of Mai Lang Territory is 76,342."
Everyone drew a low breath, finding the number astonishing compared to last year’s figures.
Green continued: "Last year, we relocated over 52,000 displaced people; this year, another 18,072 have applied for relocation. The household registration system is nearing completion, with preliminary consolidation of family bindings and labor statistics."
Louis put down the teacup, his eyes flickering slightly: "So many? Indicates...our food security has given them enough confidence."
"Yes, Lord." Green raised his head, looking extrely earnest, "Throughout the Northern Territory, this is the only place where displaced people can settle with their families and take root."
Hearing this, everyone in the hall couldn’t suppress a sense of pride.
"Furthermore," Green opened the second roll of account books, "this year is a pivotal year for systemic advancent. The first batch of ’Red Tide Citizen Rights Certificates’ has been completely issued."
"Citizen Rights Certificates?" Louis raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at Green, seemingly guiding him to explain for everyone else, although he had personally designed this policy.
Green imdiately explained: "Once household registration is completed and basic service obligations are paid, one can obtain a citizen rights certificate. With this certificate, one can inherit housing, enjoy prioritized child education rights, dical distribution, and disaster subsidies."
At this point, a few village chiefs’ eyes lit up, realizing the significance. For the displaced, this was not only about surviving but also giving hope to the next generation.
"And job categorization is also advancing." Green’s tone shifted, flipping through another thin list, "Last year, most newcors were unskilled laborers.
After professional training, the first new professional groups have erged, including specialized agricultural workers, irrigation technicians, fertilizer formulators, and even greenhouse repair workers and geothermal maintenance workers."
Louis smiled upon hearing this: "This indicates everyone has started to find their places."
"Additionally, to encourage childbirth, the dical Officer’s departnt has implented the Warm Baby Plan this year."
Green raised his hand lightly, prompting the records officer next to him to place a thin book on the table: "Insulated baby beds, prenatal food distribution, birthing coach.
These three items were implented in synchronization, resulting in 613 newborns this quarter, doubling from last year."
This prompted many officials to emit small sighs of amazent. For the Northern Territory’s permafrost, this number was nearly miraculous.
Louis lightly tapped the table with his fingertips: "Rember, these babies are the future of the Red Tide People. Provide them with the best protection."
Upon hearing this, everyone quickly nodded in agreent.
Finally, Green turned to a page with a red stamp list: "Due to policy rewards implented last year, competition in this year’s "Cultivation List" has been fierce, with efficiency improving nearly 30% compared to last year.
The top three villages’ average sowing speed has doubled from last year."
The village chiefs seated at the forefront of the eting couldn’t help but smile and exchange glances, evidently proud of their achievents.
Louis leaned back slightly in his chair, his fingertips lightly tapping the table while his gaze swept back and forth over each piece of data and charts.
Eighty-eight thousand acres of cultivated land, seventy-six thousand registered population, the introductory Magical Beast livestock plan...
These numbers at this mont were like small stones, each hitting his heart.
This was the blueprint he originally envisioned, the plan he stayed up late at his desk to write.
He should have been prepared for all this, but when actual numbers and tangible results were laid before him, he couldn’t help but sigh softly in his heart: "They perford better than I imagined."
These people, Mike, Green, Andre, and even those village chiefs, workshop foren, cultivation record officers...
They may co from different backgrounds, originally just refugees, slaves, craftsn, soldiers, but now, each can stand independently.
This ans that Louis is no longer the young lord who needs to personally handle everything and monitor every detail.
He sets the direction for them, and they can pave their own paths.
The Red Tide Territory...is finally starting to beco a truly functioning machine.
After a mont of silence, Louis spoke in a gentle tone: "I know these days haven’t been easy. Many of you have erged from war, famine, exile... bringing children, carrying scars, not even knowing where to find shelter tomorrow."
He paused for a mont, then raised his voice: "But now, look at your achievents. Look at this valley, these greenhouses, these hills filled with cooking smoke.
You have not only survived but also brought new life to this permafrost. The food you produce will save the entire Northern Territory."
As Louis concluded, a subtle smile appeared on his lips: "Well done. But next, we need to do even better, can we achieve that?"
At that mont, everyone in the Governnt Hall almost instinctively stood up: "Yes!"
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