I didn't develop side towns at all, and mostly only built pikemen and archers, otherwise all the money went to his army and heroes.
I don't remember if I bought troops in enemy castles, I think not (they were all bought out). Ah, I remember, I bought trolls. In my own castles, I bought peasants once to capture the sawmill.
As for construction—I only built a castle, shipyard, ship, and a magic tower. That's it.
Added after 2 minutes
And if it's not a secret, what did you do with the other two genies? (there are only 9)
I assume that when you were breaking through the boots, you lost 2.
