Zhu Di: My fourth son is a great emperor of all time?

Chapter 112 A New Look for Xunzhou, Everyone's Happy
Zhu Gaoshuo's extravagant "strategy for protecting the people and strengthening their bodies," despite Zhang Fu's worries and Wang Ao's gloomy face, and even the roars of that "spendthrift son" on the dragon throne in the capital, was launched in a grand and vigorous manner on the barren yet resilient land of Xunzhou.

The orders of the Prince Qi's Mansion were ironclad rules. Wang Ao rapidly established a massive poultry and egg supply chain by almost overdrawing the mansion's financial resources.

The introduction of sheep flocks, grazing, and the establishment of milk stations in various townships were also rapidly taking shape under Zhang Fu's personal supervision. Every morning, in the townships and villages under Xunzhou's jurisdiction, one could see the royal servants or village elders distributing eggs and boiled and sterilized goat milk. At first, the people were filled with fear and disbelief, but gradually, this became a part of the daily life of the people of Xunzhou.

But Zhu Gaoshuo's goal was far more than that. Free eggs and goat milk were just the foundation. What he wanted was the backbone and spirit of "everyone as a soldier". Zhang Fu, this hexagonal military general, was completely activated by Zhu Gaoshuo. He no longer worried about the cost, but devoted all his energy to the organization and training of the militia.

Combining the unheard-of "modern management models" provided by Zhu Gaoshuo, an unprecedented militarized system for the entire population was established in Xunzhou: the first step was to establish a hierarchy to ensure accountability, with the militia organizational structure built at the village, township, and county levels.

Captains and squad leaders were appointed, with clear responsibilities. Officials from the Prince's Palace were appointed to supervise the training, which was mostly conducted by wounded or retired veterans or Zhang Fu's personal guards. Training was conducted in shifts and scientifically, with flexible training schedules based on agricultural seasons and fishing seasons.

Young and middle-aged men are the main force and receive the most intensive training, including drills, physical fitness, simple weapons, formation coordination, and flag signaling. Women, on the other hand, are focused on night patrols, message relay, battlefield first aid, and logistical support. Unless they are exceptionally outstanding women, they are not trained to the standards of front-line soldiers.

Even the elderly and teenagers were organized to do what they could, such as guarding, keeping watch, and carrying things, while also being rewarded with points to boost morale.

Zhu Gaoshuo designed a "military merit points" system.

Those who train diligently, perform well, discover enemy activity, assist in maintaining order, or act bravely can all earn points. These points can be exchanged for extra food rations, such as meat, oil, tools, and cloth, and even priority access to work opportunities in the Prince's Palace workshops.

Conversely, those who are negligent, evasive, or violate the rules will have their points deducted, and their families' basic rations may even be affected. This system closely links personal honor and disgrace, family interests, and collective security.

Zhang Fu also established a strict neighborhood watch system thanks to Zhu Gaoshuo's efforts.

Ten households formed a "jia" to supervise each other. Any unusual activity was quickly communicated through agreed-upon whistles and firelight. Rapid communication channels were also established between villages, forming an invisible yet resilient defense network along the entire Xunzhou coast.

Zhang Fu deeply understood the importance of morale. Drawing upon the tragic story of the fishermen's bloody battle in the sky, he personally composed simple and easy-to-understand "Songs of Protecting Our Homes" and "Ballads of Defending the Seas," which were sung during training breaks and gatherings. The spirit of "Defending the maritime borders for the Emperor! Even if we die, we will be punished!" was deeply imprinted in the hearts of every Xunzhou resident.

The training was arduous. In the first few months, the people complained bitterly, with muscle soreness and blisters on their hands and feet being commonplace. However, nourished by eggs and goat milk, stimulated by the points reward, and inspired by the spirit of "defending the country," the people of Xunzhou demonstrated amazing resilience and adaptability.

In just one year, Xunzhou has undergone a complete transformation!

Walking through the towns and villages of Xunzhou, the most direct feeling is the difference in spirit and energy. Whether it is farmers working in the fields, laborers unloading cargo at the docks, or vendors hawking their wares in the market, everyone stands tall with sharp eyes and steady, powerful steps.

As children played and chased each other, the shadows of marching formations were faintly visible, mimicking the throwing motions of adults. Women gathered together, their conversations no longer limited to mundane family matters, but also extending to how to bandage wounds more quickly and how to transmit signals more discreetly. The martial spirit of the people had reached its zenith!
The most significant effect of this change is improved public security. Petty theft and bullying have almost disappeared, because any illegal or criminal act could instantly ignite the anger of the entire street.

On this day, in the most bustling fish market in Xunzhou Prefecture, a ruffian from out of town saw an old woman selling fish and doing good business. He wanted to extort "protection money" from her. When the old woman refused, the ruffian overturned the fish stall and hurled insults at her.

"Stop! In broad daylight, you dare to bully an old woman? Do you think there's no one in Xunzhou?!" A thunderous shout rang out. At the meat stall next door, the burly butcher who was chopping pork bones suddenly slammed his cleaver down on the cutting board, making the handle tremble. He stood like an iron tower in front of the old woman, his eyes wide open, exuding a menacing aura.

The scoundrel was startled by this imposing manner, but relying on his ferocity, he still tried to show off: "None of your business! Mind your own business, or I'll beat you up too!"

"Hit?" The butcher grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth, and suddenly let out a sharp whistle!

"Where did this brat come from, daring to run wild in Xunzhou!"

"Bullying an elderly person? You're asking for trouble!"

"Take him down and send him to the authorities!"

The fishmonger dropped his scales and picked up his carrying pole; the vegetable vendor put down her basket and pulled out a sharpened bamboo stick from the bottom; even the porter carrying water buckets unloaded his load and picked up his wooden carrying pole.

In an instant, more than a dozen strong men surrounded him from all directions, each with an unfriendly look in their eyes, rubbing their fists together. The ruffian was so frightened that his legs went weak and he tried to run away, but the butcher grabbed him by the back of his collar with his fan-like hand and lifted him up like a chicken.

"Kid, you're unlucky to have gotten into trouble in Xunzhou!" The butcher grinned maliciously, his fist, as big as a clay pot, slammed mercilessly into the ruffian's stomach.

Immediately afterwards, the angry crowd swarmed forward, raining down punches and kicks. The scoundrel didn't even have time to scream before he was beaten black and blue and on the verge of death.

"Alright, alright! Leave him alive to take to the yamen! Don't beat him to death!" A man who looked like a village elder came out to maintain order, and the crowd reluctantly stopped. They hurriedly tied up the limp ruffian and dragged him to the yamen like a dead dog.

The whole process was swift and efficient, with perfect teamwork, as if they had rehearsed it countless times, as if it were ingrained in their very being.

Similar scenes occur frequently in various parts of Xunzhou. Petty thieves are apprehended on the spot, verbal disputes are quickly resolved by those around them, and even neighborhood disputes have decreased significantly. Who knows if, while arguing, they might be mistaken for disturbing the peace by passersby and given a beating?
Xunzhou truly became a place where "no one picked up lost items on the road, and doors were left unlocked at night," and where everyone was a soldier.

(End of this chapter)