In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 726 The Yuan people only wanted to farm; the wife was about to give birth.

Time flies, and it's already the end of May.

The atmosphere in the capital grew increasingly heavy, and the weather became increasingly hot.
The sun scorched the earth, making it feel like a giant steamer.

In Daning in the north,

The persistent breeze finally disappeared, replaced by warm sunshine.
The weather also bid farewell to the gray and gloomy atmosphere.

The sun shines brightly, with blue skies and white clouds, a sight that is truly delightful.

The Daning Vanguard Settlement, as one of the first experimental fields established in Daning City,
More than a thousand people are already busy on the boundless plains.

Every weed in every ditch must be cleared away.

Any stone larger than a finger had to be picked out.

More than a thousand people bent over, carefully searching in the field.

One group consisted of soldiers from the Daning Vanguard, while the other group comprised Yuan civilians from the north of the city.

After nearly six months of training,
They were already adept at clearing the fields.
At this moment, although tired,
But they were all very enthusiastic and full of energy!

Sweet potatoes have become a gift from heaven in Daning City.
It is a blessing from heaven for these people on the frontier.

The commander said that with sweet potatoes, they would never starve again.

Their initial skepticism has turned into unwavering belief.

This represents a shift in their attitude towards and trust in the commander.

A group of more than ten people walked slowly through the fields.

Looking at the boundless fields before me, I was filled with emotion.

One of the elderly men, who was thin and frail, walked at the front.
Dark-skinned, eloquent, and incessantly talkative
He was an "expert" specially invited from the Agricultural Administration Institute of Beiping, named Sun Ling, who was in charge of sweet potato planting.

He arrived half a month ago and will stay until the sweet potato harvest is complete.

Liu Heiying was fully aware of this.

The person in front of you is not only here to help,

They also needed to collect information on the specific yield and precautions for sweet potatoes for the imperial court and Beiping.

Sun Ling pointed to the plains ahead and sighed:
"You see, the land in Daning is much better than the land inside the pass."
The soil is stronger and more fertile.

Unfortunately, this awful weather is unsuitable for growing crops.
Even the slightest change in weather could freeze the seedlings to death.
It can't compare to Henan or Shandong, and it's nowhere near as good as the South.

After saying that, Sun Ling suddenly laughed.
He pulled a piece of dried sweet potato from his pocket, took a big bite, and then weighed it in his hand.

"Now, with this, the land outside the pass has finally found a use."

"Lord Liu, I can assure you, with careful tending, the sweet potatoes will surely yield a bountiful harvest!"

The words had barely left his mouth when, before Liu Heiying could even get excited,
A general who looked like a nomadic hermit beside him spoke impatiently:
"Old Sun, how much does this produce? Could it yield two shi (a unit of dry measure)?"

He was Asu, the commander of the vanguard of Da Ning.
The surrendered generals of the Northern Yuan have been in Daning for many years.

He had no attachment whatsoever to the northern grasslands, where there was only constant fighting.

His only hope now is that his people will not go hungry.

Liu Heiying glanced at him, not angry, but instead showing praise.

This Asu has always kept a low profile and never revealed his stance.

However, after becoming the commander, regarding the policies and orders of the military command,
He was truly dedicated to his duties and a person who served the people wholeheartedly.

Sun Ling glanced at him, but unlike Liu Heiying's amiable demeanor, he was furious:

"What kind of future do you have? Just focus on farming, taking good care of your plants, and fertilizing them properly."

If your yield is less than five shi per mu, come find me!

"Really?"

Asu suddenly moved closer, his eyes wide open like lanterns, staring intently at him.

Sun Ling was even more furious:
"You rude wretch! When I was farming in Yuan Dadu, you were probably still nursing somewhere."
If I say there are five bushels, then there are definitely five bushels!

"Okay, okay."

Asu clenched his fists, his excitement evident, as were the generals following behind him.

They were genuine Yuan people.

Seeing that the people of the Ming Dynasty in the south of the city were living better and better lives, it would be a lie to say they weren't anxious.

Whether it's mixing cement, building houses, or making fur,
Their people were incredibly rough and unrefined, far inferior to the Ming people.

Under such circumstances, it would be great if one could make a living by farming!

At this moment, Haisa Nan, who had been silent until now, stepped forward with a fawning smile on his face:
"Old Sun, our Duoyan Three Guards are also on the initial trial planting list."
Could you come and take a look at our place? If there's anything we've overlooked,
We'll fix it immediately, and you'll be well paid!

Sun Ling glanced at him and shrugged:

"The Princess Consort of Yan has strictly forbidden me from leaving Daning City."
Even taking a dump requires someone to watch you; even if I wanted to, I couldn't.

Haisa Nanda Xi glanced at the guards who were glaring menacingly beside him, and felt dizzy.

This was the first time he had ever seen such tight security for an elderly farmer.

He had tried to visit them several times in the past few days.

They were all rejected, and no one could be seen.

Haisa Nanda Xi looked at Liu Heiying, cupped his hands in greeting, and hoped that he would put in a good word for him.

Liu Heiying's expression was strange, and he shrugged as well:

"I have already done everything in my power to invite Elder Sun here."
Normally, Old Master Sun cannot leave Beiping (Beijing).
As for going to the Three Guards of Doyan, don't even think about it.

Haisa Nandaxi suddenly became listless.

Even those behind him sighed and were extremely disappointed.

These are people who are treasures even to the Ming Dynasty; if we could go to their clan...
With just a little guidance, many people could be saved from starving to death in winter.

Seeing their expressions, Sun Ling looked at Liu Heiying with some surprise:

"What's wrong with these Yuan people? Why are they so focused on farming? I think you're fighting a war, you should be robbing people instead."

"Uh"

The atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward, and Liu Heiying gave an embarrassed smile:
"We are engaged in both farming and fighting, and some members of the Duoyan Three Guards are also fighting on the front lines."

Elder Sun, the Doyan Three Guards now belong to the Beiping Regional Military Commission, which is also part of the territory of our Great Ming.

Since you see someone can't go, could you please write a note?
Write down some points to note so they can also take note.

The place they're in is the northernmost part of Daning.

If planted successfully, it would have significant reference value and unique meaning.

Sun Ling raised her head and looked at the burly young general in front of her:

"What special significance?"

Liu Heiying raised an eyebrow and explained:
"Think about it, if the three guards of Duoyan were to be self-sufficient on sweet potatoes, no one would freeze or starve to death."
If this matter were to spread among the people of the grasslands, it would cause a huge uproar.

Putting everything else aside, based on this one piece of news alone,
This would weaken the grassland royal court by at least 20%.

If they fight against our Ming Dynasty again in the future, they won't be thinking about stealing grain.

Instead, they came thinking of becoming prisoners of war, hoping to become Ming citizens.

Upon hearing this, almost all the Yuan people present had their pupils suddenly contract and felt their hearts tighten!
"Hey~ you've got a lot to say, and it makes a lot of sense."

Sun Ling's eyes lit up. He pondered for a moment, then looked at a young guard behind him:
"Xiao Xu, when you get back, find the documents I made in Beiping and give them to this Hai."

"Just call me Xiao Hai!"

Haisa Nandaxi strode forward.

"Lord Hai, you all have your hearts set on the Ming Dynasty, so you deserve a full meal. Don't be shy."

If there is anything you don't understand, you can send someone over on horseback.

A round trip will only take a day; there's plenty of time!

Sun Ling, upon learning the importance of this matter,
His attitude towards Haisa Nandaxi immediately improved, and his face was full of warmth.

The sea-drenched man was extremely excited:
Many thanks, Elder Sun! The Duoyan Three Departments will surely repay you handsomely!

"Talking about money is too vulgar. I'm too old for money to spend."

If you're so kind, get me some herbs.
I have many elderly friends in Beiping.

It's always some kind of pain, but if there are some good herbs, they can alleviate it to some extent, and it will also make them remember your favor, the Doyan Three Guards."

"Okay! No problem! I'll write back right away."

Have the tribespeople prepare the finest herbs; the tribe has plenty of such items!

"Okay, thank you very much."

Sun Ling beamed with joy, thoroughly delighted.
Just then, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from behind.

Liu Heiying turned around abruptly and saw that it was a guard from his home. His expression hardened.
"General, the lady is about to give birth!" The guard rushed over and shouted before even dismounting.

Liu Heiying's expression changed drastically, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded.

"Okay, Xiao Wu. You go back with her."

Inform your household to be extremely careful and absolutely avoid any mishaps.

Hu Xiaowu's eyes widened suddenly.
"My lord...you...aren't you going back?"

Liu Heiying glanced at everyone present.

"Official business is important. You go back first. I will finish inspecting this land with the other officials."

"Yes!"

Sun Ling then spoke:
"You rascal, you didn't even go home when your wife gave birth."

Is official business really that important? Go back now, go back now.

“Yes, sir, you should go back. We'll take care of things here,” Asu quickly added.

Liu Heiying smiled:

"I am a junior officer in the military command, and it is time for me to go to my post."
We still have important business to attend to, so we can't just leave. Let's continue.

The group looked at each other, but more than anything, they were wary.

I had long heard that the two commanders were particularly ruthless.

When I saw it today, it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Haisa Nandaxi's expression was even more strange. A commander with no weaknesses or worries...

For Tuoluhuchaer to succeed was as difficult as ascending to heaven.
The group of people carried various thoughts and worries with them.

Strolling through the experimental field, I looked at the soil, the fertilizer, and the rice seedlings.

A somber atmosphere hung over the Liu residence at No. 3 Hongye Street!
More than a hundred soldiers were stationed throughout the mansion.

They all held crossbows and longswords, vigilantly watching all directions, leaving no blind spots in the entire Liu residence.

Even these candidates were carefully selected; they are all from Gyeongju!
When Hu Xiaowu arrived, he immediately saw countless familiar faces and breathed a slight sigh of relief.

With such tight security, there should be no problem.

He ran into the back hall of the mansion.
They saw Liu Huaipu and Ya Rong pacing back and forth at the door.

Hearing footsteps, Liu Huaipu looked over, and his face immediately turned ugly:

"Where's that brat?"

Hu Xiaowu shrank his neck:
"Uncle Liu, the general is currently on official business and cannot leave."

"Nonsense! Your wife has already given birth, what business are you still doing? Will the sky fall if you don't attend to official duties for even a day?!"

Liu Huaipu cursed loudly, panting heavily, his chest heaving violently.

Hu Xiaowu quickly stepped forward to help him up:

"Uncle Liu, don't get too angry, or you'll really have no way to explain it."

"Xiao Wu, you're just like your brother, your words are so sharp they're enough to choke someone!" Liu Huaipu's anger subsided a little.

The tall and slender Ya Rong strolled over.
Worry showed on her fair face, and her voice was soft:
"Father, please don't be angry."

Now that the burden of the military command rests on the general's shoulders, it's only natural that he's busier.

"Hey!"

Liu Huaipu sighed heavily:
"You guys have all been bewitched by this kid."
"Wait until he gets back, then you'll see if I don't beat him up!"

As he spoke, he strode to the side, picked up the cane he had prepared beforehand,

He shook it in his hand, as if weighing its strength.

Seeing this, neither of them spoke again, but looked at the house with some concern.

The doors were wide open, and women in their thirties were busy running around, while the maids were left standing aside.

The women who came to do the chores today were all wives from the soldiers' families, and their movements were very skillful.

Even so, there was still a hint of nervousness in her voice.

At first, there was no sound inside the house; everyone was quiet.

But as time passed, the wails inside grew louder and more mournful.
The woman visibly quickened her pace in carrying the hot water.
After the basins of bloody water were poured out,
Liu Huaipu's expression was extremely solemn as he looked at the two elderly men standing not far away:
"What's going on? I don't remember childbirth being this difficult. Why is so much water being poured out?"

The two renowned doctors from Beijing also looked somewhat grave.

One of them glanced at the time, his face filled with apprehension:
"It's been almost an hour. If it doesn't come out soon, there might be some danger."

"What kind of danger?"

Liu Huaipu's face was so gloomy it looked like it could drip water!

The guards waiting in the courtyard all turned their gazes toward him, causing the old man to tremble.
"The longer it goes on, the more bleeding there will be."

Madam Liu's strength was dwindling, so the longer the situation dragged on, the more dangerous it became.

But Manager Liu, please don't be in such a hurry.
An hour isn't a long time; let's take another look.

Liu Huaipu's expression was grave:
"Please make preparations, both managers."

"Of course, of course."

Time seemed to stand still as it passed, a heavy atmosphere pressing down on everyone's hearts.

Liu Huaipu paced back and forth in the courtyard.
He repeatedly slammed his cane against the ground with a dull thud, his eyes filled with anxiety and worry!

Ya Rong clutched her handkerchief tightly in her hands; her fair face was now completely bloodless.
As she listened to the increasingly pitiful cries, her heart ached.

Hu Xiaowu stood to the side, head down, not daring to breathe.

Inside the room, several midwives had beads of sweat on their foreheads, which rolled down their cheeks.

They gently comforted the lady in bed while busily working away.

Hua Jieyu's face was as pale as paper, her hair soaked with sweat and clung tightly to her cheeks.
He gripped the sheets tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Each exertion was accompanied by a painful scream, which was terrifying to hear.

A little while later, the door creaked open.

A midwife rushed out, carrying a basin of water dripping with blood.

She was walking quickly and almost bumped into Liu Huaipu.

Liu Huaipu grabbed the midwife's arm and asked in a trembling voice:

"how's it going?"

The midwife, her face anxious and panting, said:

"Manager Liu, the situation is not good. Madam is having trouble giving birth, and the baby is not coming out."
If this continues, both adults and children will be in danger!

Liu Huaipu felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, his body swayed, and he almost fainted.

Ya Rong quickly stepped forward to support him:
"Daddy!"

The midwife quickly reminded her:

"Manager Liu, the Second Madam must not panic or act rashly at this time."
"And don't make a loud noise, lest you distract the lady inside."

Before the words were finished, a deafening cannon shot suddenly rang out within the city.
"boom--"

The sound was so loud that the entire floor of the Liu residence trembled slightly.
Everyone was startled and looked up in the direction from which the sound came, their faces filled with shock!

"What's going on? Why are you setting off firecrackers in broad daylight?!" Liu Huaipu roared.

Then, before anyone could react,

Several more cannon shots rang out in succession, the sounds echoing over Daning City.

The already tense and solemn atmosphere,

The sound of artillery fire instantly ignited a sense of oppression and panic, making the situation even more oppressive.

Inside the room, Hua Jieyu heard this loud noise.

Her body trembled violently, and she, already weak, turned deathly pale with fright.

The midwives were taken aback by this sudden turn of events.
"Madam, don't be afraid, don't be afraid, concentrate and push in rhythm with me!" a midwife called out anxiously.

However, Hua Jieyu was so frightened by the sound of the cannon that she lost her composure and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Each effort became weak and feeble, and his pupils gradually dilated and became lifeless.
"Oh no, the lady seems to have been frightened and is about to faint!" a midwife said anxiously.

Outside the room, Hu Xiaowu's face was extremely grim.

His eyes widened in anger, and he roared at the guard beside him:
"Bring your brothers and find out exactly who set off the cannons in the city!!"

Arrest him! If anything happens to his wife and children, I'll take his life!

The guards, their faces equally grim, quickly obeyed and left.

An atmosphere of tension and fear still lingered in the courtyard.
(End of this chapter)