The expected income of the Rose Star Dew Orchard, 1000 Golden Crowns, is actually quite conservative. Su Li estimated that the selling price this year would undoubtedly exceed 5 Copper Coins per pound.

Last year, the sale at this price to West High Merchant was entirely due to the territory being remotely located, in a desolate period without any interested visitors. They were the sole merchant caravan, and it was they who determined the price.

This year, a large number of merchant associations and caravans will definitely arrive, driving up the prices of this specialty product.

In fact, if the apple industry were more developed, these merchant associations would have pre-ordered early in the year, deciding how many pounds of Rose Star Dew to procure from the orchard. Some associations might even sign bulk trading agreements with the farmers, agreeing to purchase at a set price regardless of the mature apple’s market value, with heavy penalties for breach by either party.

Just as Su Li was lamenting the lack of caravans in the territory, Oliver remarked, "Lord, as I arrived, I brought news about a caravan for you. The West High Merchant caravan has arrived in our territory, and their Steward, Kurt Steel, has already scheduled a meeting and agenda with High-level Attendant Chief Steward Hilude for you tomorrow."

Su Li was instantly pleased: "Steward Kurt has returned with the caravan? They’re over half a month later this year than last."

Given Su Li’s current status and power, it’s impossible for him to meet with Steward Kurt without any preparation, even if they are old friends.

Even the scheduled meeting and agenda have to be coordinated through Chief Steward Hilude and the Provincial Affairs Council since it will certainly involve significant investment and trade negotiations. Policy reviews may also be necessary, requiring ministers from the Provincial Affairs Council to get ready. Preliminary discussions will cover main topics and potential deals to avoid surprises during the meetings.

Su Li couldn’t simply abandon his trip to immediately meet Steward Kurt upon his arrival. Therefore, he suggested to Vandar and Oliver, "Coincidentally, we’re scheduled to inspect the Bauhinia Vineyard and the herbal and spice farms next. Let’s go together."

Vandar continued his report: "The situation at the Purple Crystal Vineyard is similar to here, we are also grafting and cutting for expansion. Notably, under your intelligence guidance, we located a wild Purple Crystal Grape field of over 30 acres in the Blood Pine Forest, which after substantial manpower relocation, has significantly accelerated our vineyard expansion."

Upon hearing this, Su Li smiled, which was why he hastened back from Marle Castle despite potential opportunities en route. In the Hesse Territory, he would truly refresh territory intelligence. Delays on the road meant lost intelligence.

The 30-acre Purple Crystal Grape field was one such piece of intelligence. Its location was even east of Lake Essonide, lush atop a verdant canyon ridge and incredibly beautiful.

The Dawn Church members once hesitated over hollowing out this beautiful gorge, as its natural conditions were ideal for Purple Crystal Grapes. If managed well, the entire canyon could transform into a beautiful vineyard and church area, potentially a picturesque park for the Dawn Church.

However, after much discussion with Marshal Oerstein, the Dawn Church members decided to transport the 200-plus grape vines per acre back to the territory in carriages, planting them on the northern hills of Bauhinia Manor.

After expansion and cultivation, the Purple Crystal Grapes now cover over 50 acres.

The use of divine magic isn’t avoided due to fear. Instead, its periodic maturation cycles were controlled, but regular cultivation and maintenance continued.

This is, after all, an extraordinary world. Giving up all spiritual energy and divine methods out of fear of misuse would be self-defeating.

The territory’s extraordinary abilities primarily focus on production. In contrast, knights prefer hand-to-hand combat, engaging in real weaponry battles in warfare.

The decision to relocate all grapevines back to the territory was due to Marshal Oerstein’s troop withdrawal, concentrating forces into a single unit to prepare for western advancement, temporarily abandoning military deployments east of Lake Essonide.

The westward attack, without a doubt, aims to conquer several border principalities. These territories, wedged between Hesse and Blue Mirror Territories, with their flat terrain, are more suited to Hesse’s expansion than the dense eastern forests.

Only by sweeping these territories clean can Su Li directly reach the border of Blue Mirror Territory when they block and cut commerce routes.

For such small territories, Su Li needn’t worry. Oerstein, as a Sun Goddess Divine Chosen Level Knight commanding hundreds of elite knights, should fare easily in such vast plains. Otherwise, he might as well meet his end.

Currently, Su Li’s focus remains on internal affairs. Having mentioned the Purple Crystal Vineyard, he proceeded to tour the area with several ministers.

The nuns here were diligently tending to the expansive vineyard. Su Li immediately recognized an elite nun among them and asked, "Are you Marian?"