Meanwhile, as an archipelago far from the mainland, the Barton Islands had inevitably found development inconvenient after Great Zhou took over.
With even the interior of the mainland still underdeveloped, Great Zhou had even less capacity to cross the sea and develop the Barton Islands.
As a result, the level of development within the islands remained essentially the same as before.
But the lives of the islanders had become completely different.
After all, under Great Zhou's rule, there was no longer a noble class here.
Simply being free from the oppression of the nobility made life much better for the people.
Against this backdrop, as the Great Zhou Navy upgraded its equipment, all the outdated wooden warships retired from service here were converted into fishing boats and then rented out to the fishermen.
For the islands, the fishing industry was an extremely important part of life.
The increase in fishing boats provided the islanders with more jobs.
At the same time, catching more fish increased the islanders' income and food supply, bringing a clear improvement to their lives.
With each passing day visibly better than the last, the people of the Barton Islands were highly satisfied with Great Zhou's rule. Their loyalty to Great Zhou also increased year by year, and the followers of the State Religion here grew more numerous as well.
The sea in early spring always carried a gloomy air, with drizzling rain falling from time to time. But for the fishermen, this was nothing worth mentioning.
In fact, the sea could be scorching. A little rain, while barely affecting their work, actually made it feel considerably cooler.
At this time, numerous large fishing boats were engaged in fishing in the waters around the Barton Islands, presenting a scene of bustling activity.
Farther out at sea, three