Chapter 871

Previously, there were generals who, for the sake of cheapness, used coal to smelt iron. The result was that the iron smelted from coal was completely unusable, as the impurity content was too high.

Only by using charcoal could qualified iron be smelted.

And for over two thousand years, every dynasty had done it this way.

How did things become different when it came to Qin Mu?

Fang Xuanling didn't understand iron smelting.

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But he knew that Great Qin's prices were determined by the market.

Great Qin's iron prices were so low, it certainly wouldn't be selling at a loss; there must still be a profit.

"Could it be that Great Qin has free charcoal and free iron ore?"

Fang Xuanling just guessed casually.

Unexpectedly, Li Er actually took it to heart.

His eyes suddenly lit up, and he excitedly gripped Fang Xuanling's hand.

"Xuanling, you are indeed worthy of being called 'Fang the Planner'! Great Qin must have used free labor!"

"Do you remember them developing Liaodong? There are many trees there, and not many people, only the large numbers of refugees and war prisoners sent there."

With Li Er saying this, Fang Xuanling also felt that this might be the reason.

Since its founding, Great Qin had been in constant warfare.

They had conquered Tibet, Tuyuhun, the Turks, the Three Hans, and Goguryeo, and now they had peacefully incorporated Wozhe, Fuyu, and Yelang.

In terms of the number of war prisoners, Great Qin definitely ranked first in the world!

Perhaps, it really was because of these war prisoners?

Fang Xuanling suggested.

"Li Er, this matter of iron prices concerns the lifeblood of the nation. This time, no matter what, we must learn from Great Qin."

Li Er immediately understood the meaning in Fang Xuanling's words.

Great Tang was currently training troops in Lingnan, preparing to occupy the Siam region.

In fact, Great Tang could also have the opportunity to obtain many free war prisoners.

By utilizing them, they could also lower Great Tang's iron prices!