To Ren Baqian, forging iron was a much easier problem to resolve. It would be resolved as long as there was hydraulic power and a blast furnace was constructed. Even though it would require labor to lift the heavy hammer for forging, it would be more efficient compared to hammering on the iron repeatedly.
As long as there was sufficient steel, it would be possible to assign a breastplate to every soldier. Aboriginal warriors had great vitality and having a breastplate could also prevent many casualties. Moreover, it wouldn't hinder their mobility.
However, the food shortage problem was a little tricky for Ren Baqian.
New crops such as pumpkins, potatoes, and sweet potatoes had just been cultivated. At the very least, it would take six months before there would be a considerable amount to harvest. Only then could these crops be directed to the commoners, reducing their consumption of meat and supplementing the army in turn.
