Preparing for combat is impossible

Straight up, no idea how any of you ever win against raiders etc early in the game.

I die every time. Cant get any military infrastructure up in the 2-3 year timeline. Taxes are impossible seemingly. Takes me a while to get the manor up and then when it’s up, the kings taxes are suffocating and I can’t accumulate wealth enough to buy mercs.

Honestly very frustrated with the game. Have about 30 hours in.