382 To fight or not to figh (1/2)

Fortress 178's sole existence was for the purpose of war. Therefore, it was destined to be different from the other strongholds ever since its emergence.

There were no shops selling a variety of things in the streets, nor were there any particularly well-dressed pedestrians. Some girls had already changed into long skirts for the spring season, but even their long dresses were made out of calico fabric.

The clothes of those in the fortress were very monotone and were mainly in shades of dark blue, dark green, or yellow.

At present, the textile dyeing techniques in Fortress 178 were still stuck at the most basic level. After wearing the clothes for some time, the color would start fading.

Just as Wang Shengyin had said, the Northwest was one of the most suitable places for growing cotton. However, there was a lack of that technology here. All of their focus was instead placed into developing their military industry, as well as trying their best to ensure that everyone had something to eat.

So who would have the time to involve themselves with bells and whistles?

After Xu Xianchu left, Ren Xiaosu, Wang Shengzhi, and the others walked out of the building and carefully sized up this legendary fortress.

The pedestrians on the street turned to look at them when they saw them, because other than Ren Xiaosu, the group looked a little out of place.

Wang Shengyin had also changed into a long dress, but the blue dress did not look like it could be produced here in the fortress. Wang Shengyin said that this blue was called Tiffany Blue, and it was a very popular color back in the Central Plains, as a female singer had worn it before.

Ren Xiaosu thought there probably wouldn't be celebrity singers in Fortress 178. The women he saw in Fortress 178 were all carrying a pole with baskets on both ends just like the men.

Ren Xiaosu suddenly asked Wang Shengzhi, ”How do you think Mr. Zhang will handle the Zong Consortium?”

Wang Shengzhi raised his head and smiled. ”You're hoping that Fortress 178 will help you get your revenge?”

”That's right,” Ren Xiaosu admitted frankly. ”But if it's not Fortress 178's own decision, I don't want to drag others down with me either. I can still manage a lot of things by myself.”

Ren Xiaosu thought that if Fortress 178 was unwilling to send in their troops against the Zong Consortium and clear out the obstruction to the trade routes, he would have to infiltrate the Zong Consortium himself.

Anything Li Shentan could do, he could probably do as well.

Wang Shengzhi smiled and said, ”Look at these pedestrians on the street.”

”Hm?” Ren Xiaosu was taken aback.

”Everyone's taking the food in their homes out with carrying poles. But where are they taking it?” Wang Shengzhi asked.

”To sell?” Ren Xiaosu said.

”The farmers live outside the fortress, while these are normal residents, so why would they be selling their food?” Wang Shengzhi said with a smile, ”They've gathered up all the food they stored away to donate it to the military of Fortress 178.”

”Why, though?” Ren Xiaosu was stunned. He really did not understand military matters. He had encountered an Advanced Army Warfare Leadership skill user but did not have a Skill Duplication Scroll on him to learn it at the time.