Fang Xin's birth made the entire Duke's mansion bustling.
Carts of ingredients were delivered to the mansion for preparation.
Zhang Tian, under the guise of a paratrooper's hot jump, took a helicopter to the oil field's dock, commandeered a transport ship, and sailed out to sea, catching a boatload of bluefin tuna.
Fang Er even felt a pang of envy at the treatment of young Fang Xin.
The child was simply surrounded by a bevy of beauties.
Xiao Qing, Xing'er, Hua Niang, Bing Xue Yu Lu, and Changsun Ling'er all eyed him with a predatory intensity.
Aside from his feeding times, if anyone let go of him, he would be in someone else's arms within three seconds.
Three days later, Fang Er finally managed to wrestle young Fang Xin from the clutches of the women.
Before he could even enjoy playing with the "little bird," he heard Yan Shuangying's voice outside the door: "Duke, the leaders of the grassland tribes have arrived and are waiting outside the mansion."
Fang Er asked in surprise, "How so soon?"
According to the timeline since he had notified the tribes to come collect their goods, it would still take at least ten days to half a month for them to reach Shenyang.
Yan Shuangying explained, "Replying to the Duke, Ashina Bobi said the ice and snow on the grassland have melted, and they can't wait to march."
Alright!
These grassland wolves, enticed by the prospect of plunder, could no longer contain themselves.
He glanced at young Fang Xin in his arms, handed him over to Xiao Qing beside him, and then instructed Yan Shuangying.
"Take them to the front hall. I'll change my clothes and be there shortly."
"Yes, Duke!"
When Fang Er had changed and arrived at the front hall, Ashina Bobi, Yinan, Balemeng Gan, and others were already waiting.
Seeing Fang Er enter, everyone quickly rose.
"We congratulate the Duke on the birth of his son!"
They had only learned of young Fang Xin's birth after entering the mansion, and they all congratulated Fang Er with beaming smiles.
Progeny was exceptionally important in this era!
No matter how high one's status, if they had no descendants, their followers would not feel secure.
In the hearts of the grassland tribal leaders, the markets, weapons, and the yet-to-be-utilized hospitals and schools were all tangible benefits Fang Er had provided them.
If Fang Er were to meet with any misfortune, no one could guarantee whether these benefits would continue.
Only with him having an heir was there hope for these to persist, hence the heartfelt and sincere congratulations from the tribal leaders.
"Hahaha, thank you all. Please, sit!" Fang Er walked to the main seat with a smile, gesturing for everyone to sit and talk.
After a round of pleasantries and catching up, they proactively brought up the weapons ordered before the year.
The eight tribes had only ordered the Yun Yi-style firearms, sabers, and plate armor; these items had long been prepared and were ready for delivery at any time.
Upon hearing this news, everyone was overjoyed.
"Duke, could you send some over so I can have some fun first?" Ge Zhiwoyang asked Fang Er with a fawning expression.
"Of course. However, it's not convenient here. Let's go out to try them," Fang Er replied with a smile, then turned to Yan Shuangying.
"Shuangying, send someone to the workshop to deliver some of the weapons and armor requested by the tribal leaders to the First Division's training grounds."
"Yes, Duke!" Yan Shuangying then went out to relay the instructions.
"Right, right, yes, outside the mansion. We mustn't disturb the young Duke. It was my oversight. Duke, please don't blame me." Ge Zhiwoyang finally realized that trying out firearms was no small matter, and the young master was probably still sleeping.
The group left the Duke's mansion and headed straight for the First Division's encampment outside the city.
After waiting for a while in the training grounds, they saw Zhou Zhi personally driving a tractor to deliver the weapons.
As the vehicle stopped, the artisans who had come with him carried the boxes off the vehicle and opened them one by one.
"Armory, Master Craftsman Zhou Zhi, pays his respects to the Duke!"
"As ordered, twenty units of Yun Yi-style firearms, sabers, and plate armor have been delivered. Please examine them, Duke."
After all the boxes were opened, Zhou Zhi pointed to the contents and addressed Fang Er.
"Gentlemen, please proceed?" Fang Er said with a smile to the tribal leaders.
"Hahaha, good, I'll go first!" Balemeng Bogan stepped forward, picked up a set of plate armor, and began to put it on.
The two personal guards accompanying him quickly came forward to assist.
Once the plate armor was on, he moved around a bit and exclaimed, "The items crafted by the Duke are truly excellent!"
After that, he picked up a Yun Yi-style firearm and began to fiddle with it.
Load gunpowder, ram it down, load the bullet, ram it down again, then raise the gun and fire at the target in front.
The Yun Yi-style was a muzzle-loading, breech-loading firearm. Fang Er wouldn't be foolish enough to sell them the Yun Er-style.
However, even so, it greatly pleased the tribes. These items were vastly superior to their previous curved sabers and leather armor.
The sounds of gunfire echoed continuously in the training grounds as everyone had a fantastic time.
The power of the firearms, the heft of the sabers, and the sturdiness of the plate armor all left everyone immensely satisfied.
"Duke, now that we have suitable weaponry, why don't you allocate us directions for our expedition for the eight tribes?"
He Yi Ji Ke placed the firearm back into the box and quietly asked Fang Er.
The strength of the eight tribes varied, with his Tiangang tribe being on the weaker side, only slightly stronger than the bottom-ranked Tianying tribe. If they all fought independently, their gains would likely be meager.
Fang Er pondered for a moment and understood his meaning.
He took out a map and examined it carefully, then called a halt to the other tribal leaders.
"Everyone, stop for a moment!"
"Duke, what are your orders?" Ashina Bobi walked over excitedly, carrying a saber.
"Stop!" Yan Shuangying glared at him, instantly drawing his revolver and pointing it at his head.
He had been keeping a close eye on these individuals. This was the armory, and if anyone harbored malicious intent, they had to be dealt with immediately.
It wasn't just him; snipers from the Torch Squad were also observing from afar, their rifle scopes already subtly trained on the leaders.
Should any of them make the slightest hostile move towards Fang Er, all that awaited them would be a ruthless bullet.
If this fellow had been holding a firearm, there might not have even been an opportunity for an explanation.
Ashina Bobi was stunned for a moment, then reacted, quickly dropping the saber to the ground and sheepishly saying, "A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"
"Alright, don't be so tense. Put your gun away," Fang Er said sternly, reprimanding Yan Shuangying.
With this minor incident, the other leaders, when they came forward, consciously put their weapons back into the wooden crates.
Once everyone had gathered around, Fang Er pointed to various areas on the map and began to demarcate their territories.
"Everyone, to the north and west of the grasslands, there are still vast tracts of land."
"Therefore, before you dispatch your troops, clearly define your respective objectives to avoid encountering your own people and damaging relations."
"Similarly, the tribes need to look out for each other, lest you encounter a formidable enemy and be unable to cope alone."
"Of course, if you encounter an opponent you truly cannot defeat, send word back, and I will personally lead troops to your aid."
Fang Er's words left the tribal leaders momentarily petrified.