"My lord, what is a working person?" Andrew was puzzled by Ed's earlier mention of a working person.
"They just mine the ore for us, and all we need to do is collect it. They're just laborers, haha. In a couple of years, they'll find him a wife."
"Why would you marry a sister-in-law? What is a sister-in-law?" Andrew was even more confused.
Ed had really shot himself in the foot; the problem was getting more and more complicated. He didn't want to explain anymore.
"Marrying a sister-in-law is a reward, a payment for the hard work of laborers."
"Oxen and horses? What a vivid metaphor." Andrew thought to himself, looking down. He was starting to understand.
That mining lord not only provided ore, but also people and supplies; he truly treated them like cattle and horses.
We're going to find him a sister-in-law, haha. We should reward him handsomely.
Ed didn't know if Andrew could understand his explanation, but he would be very happy if he knew that Andrew could understand it to this depth.
"Andrew, I understand some of the situation you just described. After they finish mining, do they need to transport the ore back to their territory? Have you scouted out their route to the valley?"
Hearing Ed's question, Andrew snapped out of his reverie about marrying his sister-in-law.
"My lord, that's right. They should still be transporting the ore back. As for the road to the valley, I've checked it, and it is indeed easier to travel. However, it will take them a few days to reach the valley. It would be best to ask the miners who came earlier. I believe they would know the answer."
Ed lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying, "Our territory needs gypsum mines right now, but they've stopped mining them, which is seriously affecting our construction progress. So I've come up with a plan. This time, we'll send more people and ships to recapture that valley and transport all the ore they've mined back. Of course, we'll also bring back some people who are willing to come to our territory. The remaining people can continue mining gypsum. Once we've filled all the ships with enough gypsum, we'll all leave. What do you think of this plan?"
Andrew looked at Ed and thought the idea was excellent. He was confident that he could take the valley again, and even do so with minimal casualties, just like last time.
Because their bows, arrows, weapons, and armor are very powerful, the thing to be careful of is that there are too many people, so don't make too much noise when going up from the lake.
"My lord, I think it's feasible. Our weapons are very powerful, and with a sneak attack from above, taking down the valley again shouldn't be a problem. The only issue is whether the attack will cause chaos. This time, we don't have Elmwood as an inside man. There are far more people in the valley than last time."
Ed also felt it was a problem; if things got chaotic, he couldn't kill them all! His plan required people to mine.
what to do?
Huh?
Andrew said, "Didn't a lot of men, women, and children come this time? Did the lord send some of the miners' families to Elm to check on them? What if he recognizes someone? Wouldn't that mean we have an inside man?"
Haha, I'm so smart.
"Okay, Andrew, let's do it this way. I'll figure out the rest. You just need to keep those guards under control. Make sure any who surrender are made to mine gypsum on the spot. I'll talk to Elm about the other issues when I get back."
"Yes, my lord, when shall we go?"
Ed didn't want to drag it out too long. It wouldn't be good if they dug up all the ore and transported it back. Although his main goal was the gypsum mine, he would be a fool to refuse free silver.
"Go and prepare now; the sooner we go, the better."