In a chaotic world of infrastructure development, a woman's path to survival after being reborn

Su Li asked not only about the situation outside, but also about Zhao Zexuan's current plans.

"After a winter's transition, there must have been tremendous changes outside. What's the situation now?" Su Li asked.

"Now, the world has been divided into four forces, and if we are included, that makes five."

"I sent soldiers to scout out the strength of the other four forces. To be honest, compared to them, we are relatively weak," Zhao Zexuan said truthfully.

Su Li naturally understood this principle, after all, they had money, food, and manpower, while they had neither money nor manpower.

There's no better way to solve the lack of money problem for now, but the issue of people is easier to address.

Having a general idea, Su Li inquired about the details carefully. Once she understood the general situation, she knew what to do next.

"So, according to you, we are the weakest side right now?" Su Li said with certainty.

Currently, they are indeed the weakest in terms of strength, without a doubt, so Zhao Zexuan nodded in agreement.

If you fall behind, you will be attacked; the weak are easily bullied. So Su Li said, "We are now in a dilemma. There are tigers in front and poisonous snakes behind. Whether we go forward or retreat, we will be doomed."

Listening to Su Li's analysis, Zhao Zexuan nodded and said, "That's right, you're absolutely right."

"What are you planning to do next? You can't just sit here and let people beat you up, can you?" Su Li asked.

Facing Su Li, Zhao Zexuan had no reservations and said directly, "Although these four forces are powerful, they are not without weaknesses. They have great internal conflicts, and I have people stirring things up among them. Right now, things are in full swing, and it will probably take some time before they can attack us."

Upon hearing this, Su Li understood Zhao Zexuan's meaning and immediately said, "Therefore, we must take advantage of this time to become stronger and not sit idly by and wait for our demise."

Hearing Su Li's words, Zhao Zexuan nodded and said, "That makes sense."

Upon hearing this, Su Li immediately made a decision, saying, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get moving. Money is a problem that can't be solved in a short time, but people are easy to deal with."

“Starting tomorrow, Lingcheng will open its doors to the public. We have enough grain to support our expenses, and a new batch of seeds has been planted. As long as there are no unforeseen circumstances, we need not worry about food.”

This isn't Su Li boasting; it's the truth, and she now has the confidence to back it up.

Because of the abundant food supply, Zhao Zexuan was not in a hurry, even though the current situation was unfavorable to them.

Hearing Su Li's words, Zhao Zexuan said, "I will have the soldiers spread the news, and Madam can also start preparing to receive the people."

Lingcheng already had experience with taking in civilians, so Su Li didn't find it difficult and readily agreed.

Once you have the soldiers to fight, you also need to prepare the weapons. Otherwise, going to the battlefield empty-handed is not fighting, but throwing your life away.

"During your travels, have you found any of the materials I mentioned?" Su Li changed the subject and asked.

Zhao Zexuan was already used to Su Li's quick changes of topic, so he replied calmly, "Found them. All the materials have been found, and the soldiers are guarding them now."

This was excellent news. Su Li's eyes lit up, and she said happily, "That's good. Have the soldiers bring all the materials back, and we can start preparing to make weapons."

Zhao Zexuan was puzzled by these words. He had seen the materials Su Li had provided, and apart from one or two that he recognized, he had never heard of the rest being used to make weapons.

Su Li never makes empty promises, and Zhao Zexuan knew this, so even though he had doubts, he didn't ask any further questions.

Of course, Su Li was only excited for a short while. She soon realized a key problem: she only had theoretical knowledge and no practical experience.

The situation is urgent now, and it is obviously unrealistic for her to try things one by one on her own. Therefore, Su Li needs craftsmen, especially those with experience in weapon making.

Upon hearing Su Li's request, Zhao Zexuan remained silent for a moment before saying, "I'll have someone look for it; they should be able to find it."

Even Zhao Zexuan himself was somewhat unsure about what he was saying. The main reason was that the situation outside was chaotic, and even if such craftsmen existed, it would probably be difficult to find them all in a short time, not to mention that Su Li needed quite a few people.

Zhao Zexuan was thinking about possible solutions, and Su Li was also thinking. After a while, the two of them said in unison, "We have a solution."

The two spoke at the same time, but Zhao Zexuan let Su Li speak first. Su Li didn't stand on ceremony and said directly, "If we can't find it outside, why not risk going inside?"

"Just like under the King of Wu, there must be many skilled craftsmen in those cities, but not all of them can be put to good use. Why not take this opportunity to secretly poach them? As long as the conditions are right, it won't be too difficult to poach them."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan nodded and said, "I think so too, and I will have the soldiers do it."

Since Zhao Zexuan agreed to do so, it meant that things weren't too difficult, so Su Li felt relieved and said, "In that case, I'll wait for you to bring the craftsmen. Remember to do it as soon as possible; this matter cannot be delayed."

“Alright, the craftsman will deliver it to you in ten days at most,” Zhao Zexuan said earnestly.

The weapon they were about to make would be a major secret weapon of Lingcheng, and it couldn't be easily revealed. So after thinking for a long time, Su Li said to Zhao Zexuan, "What we're making this time is very important. We need a place that's secluded and safe enough to make it. Where in Lingcheng do you think would be suitable?"

After hearing Su Li say this, Zhao Zexuan remained silent for a while before speaking: "If you want to keep it a secret, there may be a place, but that place is in the mountains, in a bad location, and it is inconvenient to get in and out."

In Su Li's view, the shortcomings Zhao Zexuan mentioned were not problems at all, but rather great advantages, making it a very suitable place to manufacture the next weapon.

“We need a secluded and safe place right now, and the place you mentioned is perfect. Take me there to see it sometime!” Su Li said directly.

Hearing this, Zhao Zexuan didn't ask why, and nodded in agreement: "When I have time another day, I'll take you to take a look. If the place is suitable, we'll decide on it."

Su Li was very satisfied with Zhao Zexuan's efficient work style, and said, "Don't worry, if this weapon can be successfully made, you'll be glad you made this decision today."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zexuan nodded and said, "I have always been grateful."