Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 126 Grain (Please read 4k words)

"prick!"

"call!"

"prick!"

"what!"

"The strength of the sword and shield lies in its unwavering advance; the shield is in front, the sword behind, wielding the sword to support the shield."

"Only those with great strength can join the Mountain Camp. Now that you have joined the Mountain Camp, you must take it upon yourselves to hone your strength!"

"A bowman is one who controls the bowstring! Every day, he draws the powerful bow a hundred times and practices archery a hundred times!"

"Giddy up! Watch your position! Keep a step and a half apart to the left and right! Remember the commands for small steps, quick steps, and darting steps!"
-
The Jiaqi Battalion was in high spirits. With all 5,700 new recruits having returned, the entire camp seemed to come alive. The sounds of daily drills were deafening, even drowning out the thunderous sound of forging hammers.

Luqi County Government Office.

The head of the main hall.

Zhang Xianzheng listened to Han Ji's report with his eyes closed.

"My lord, since the spring sowing began on February 25th, the entire Lüsi region has worked together with one heart and one mind, and the farmland that was originally scheduled to be fully sown by March 15th has been completely cultivated today, March 8th, with more than 50,000 mu already cultivated."

“Currently, the village chiefs in various places have begun to organize a group of people to reclaim wasteland. It is estimated that at least 20,000 mu of new land can be reclaimed within a month.”

"but."

Han Ji first shared all the good news, then left an opening for discussion.

"Speak freely."

"Head of the table," Zhang Xianwei said softly, his eyes slightly open.

Han Ji then continued, "After several major operations, the lord's wealth has been entirely replenished in Luqi County. The wealth confiscated from the He and Xu families now amounts to less than two million coins."

"The grain, fodder, and silk have been completely used up. If it weren't for our lord using his position as a general to intimidate Governor Ding Yuan into sending the necessary grain and fodder, Luqi County would probably be starving by now."

Zhang Xian, who was in charge, nodded slightly. He had actually anticipated that the county would face difficulties with the newly recruited 5,700 soldiers and the large-scale spring planting.

He thought for a moment, then opened his eyes and said, "The two million coins should also be deposited into the county treasury and used as salaries for all officials and yamen runners."

"How have things been going with Manager Wang's business trips over the past two or three months?"

Han Ji cupped his hands in greeting: "We have already traversed the four prefectures, but the wealth we brought back was merely a drop in the ocean."

"That's enough. If the caravan can make a profit, it means the trade is going well. Turn it back. I have important instructions for you."

"Yes!" Han Ji replied.

Zhang Xian then asked, "Has the selection of warhorses in the Jiaqi army been completed?"

"It's done. All three hundred veterans and one thousand seventeen new recruits have received training in riding two horses."

How many horses were culled?

"A total of fourteen hundred, but these are mostly fine horses, only slightly inferior to the warhorses used in service."

Zhang Xian nodded: "Send out a thousand horses, and have Han Sheng organize two hundred veteran soldiers to obey orders."

"My lord, what do you want?"

Zhang Xian stood up and laughed, “Bingzhou has no shortage of horses, but the Central Plains does. Let Manager Wang’s caravan make a trip to Shangdang and Luoyang to buy horses and grain.”

It's true that Bingzhou has no shortage of horses. As long as you have the power, the Hu people who occupy Bingzhou can be your horse grooms. If you run out of horses, you can just rob a batch.

Not to mention that even without keeping an eye on the horses of the Hu people, the horse breeding pens of the home farm alone can produce no less than two thousand home horses a year.

Compared to naturally bred warhorses, home-bred horses are of superior quality, with almost identical physique, temperament, strength, and endurance, making them the most suitable for equipping cavalry.

Therefore, even without encountering a fiscal deficit, he would gradually phase out the warhorses in the army to use as replacements.

Now that there are financial problems, let's just sell the horses first.

Given the horse prices in the Central Plains, the sale of this batch of a thousand warhorses would be enough to support the production of the first batch of Taoyuan wine at the Lüchi Winery, so the loss of the horses was actually not significant.

Once the blood-generating machine, the winery, is operational, all of Lüqi County's problems will be solved. As long as it can hold out until the harvest season a few months from now, Lüqi County will be able to achieve self-sufficiency.

"Sir, have these 50,000 mu of land been allocated and planted?" he asked.

Han Ji cupped his hands in greeting: "The planting was all done according to the plan outlined in the field survey." He looked down at the records.

"There are 53,000 mu of land in Luqi, 30,000 mu of wheat in the fertile riverside soil, 8,000 mu of soybeans in the mountain fields, 4,000 mu of millet in the corners, 6,000 mu of sloping and sandy land planted with pumpkins, and 5,000 mu of scattered land planted with millet."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xian made a mental calculation.

If all these fields are harvested, the pumpkins from those six thousand acres alone will yield nearly twenty million catties.

Other seeds such as wheat, beans, and millet can also yield around ten million kilograms.

If we can hold out until harvest time this year, the grain output will be more than 30 million catties.

That's enough, absolutely enough.

Even including the number of people in the Jiaqi Camp, the average grain share per person was over 700 jin.

Not to mention that the reclamation of wasteland is still in full swing.

Even if these newly reclaimed wastelands are of poor quality, as long as they produce even a 1:2 ratio of yield, it's still a profit.

After some thought, he instructed, "The task of reclaiming wasteland cannot be neglected. We still need to mobilize the enthusiasm of the people. The officials in charge have experience in these matters, so we still need to trouble you."

"I do not find it troublesome to entrust this task to my lord. It is a blessing for an official to be able to see the people under my rule living a life free from worries about food and clothing."

Han Ji cupped his hands in greeting, a smile playing on his lips.

As Zhang Xian's logistical support, he is now increasingly enjoying hearing and seeing words like "harvest joy."

Zhang Xian smiled and said, "You have worked so hard; I am truly fortunate to have your assistance." "You flatter me, my lord," Han Ji replied, a hint of emotion in his eyes. He bowed respectfully and said, "Then I will go and get to work."

"Hmm, how's the matter of elementary education going with Shi Lin?"

"Several thatched cottages have already been built, and recently Mr. Ji has also been observing the situation. It should not be long before most of the children in the area can begin their education."

"These thatched cottages were used to educate children during the day and to teach adults to read and write at night, killing two birds with one stone."

"it is good!"

"The scholars under my command have always been a problem, so I urge you, Gongzhi Shilin, to take charge of the matter of early childhood education and literacy."

"Rest assured, my lord, I understand his meaning perfectly!"
-
Time flies, and another half month has passed.

Manager Wang and his party, along with a thousand horses and two hundred veteran soldiers, headed towards Luoyang from Shangdang.

In Lüchi County, all 53,000 mu of farmland were cultivated. Within ten days, the reclamation of wasteland proceeded smoothly. The alluvial plain of the Hutuo River is fertile, so most of the newly reclaimed wasteland is located here.

The ease of reclamation of the alluvial plain exceeded Zhang Xian and others' expectations. There were few tree roots and stubborn rocks in the soil. Basically, it was just a matter of clearing and burning some weeds, and then plowing back and forth two or three times with a large plow, and an acre of wasteland could be reclaimed.

Moreover, it is an alluvial plain, and the soil fertility is pleasing. These fields are basically fertile soil once they are cultivated, and the harvest is guaranteed with just a little care.

No wonder most civilizations arose along rivers.

Over the course of more than ten days, the able-bodied men of Lüchi worked tirelessly day and night, and managed to reclaim nearly 10,000 mu of wasteland.

Zhang Xian was overjoyed that more than 10,000 people had truly put in the effort and personally went to commend them.

Unfortunately, the alluvial plain of Lüchi is not very large. Of the original 50,000 mu of land, more than 30,000 mu were located here. In addition, 10,000 mu were reclaimed, so at most 10,000 mu can be reclaimed.

However, reclamation of wasteland in other places is not so convenient.

the other side.

Manager Wang, leading two hundred elite cavalrymen and driving a thousand strong and healthy Bingzhou horses, wound his way into the Shangdang region like a noisy earthen dragon.

The horses' hooves pounded on the official road, kicking up lingering dust, and the sounds of horses neighing and men shouting filled the air with great force.

The news spread like wildfire, reaching the high gates and deep courtyards of Changzi City, the capital of Shangdang County, even before they arrived.

“Zhang Xian? That murderer who built a Jingguan in Xihe and beheaded three thousand Hu people?” Ma Wei, the head of the powerful Ma family in Shangdang County, stroked his beard, his eyes flickering.

The several wealthy gentry behind him whispered among themselves, their faces showing greed and fear: "He sent people to trade horses? Hmph, Bingzhou horses have always been a prize for the Shangdang families! Does Zhang Xian want to get involved?"

"Master, those horses... they're all top-quality warhorses! A thousand of them!" A steward-like figure leaned closer and whispered, his eyes gleaming. "If we could negotiate a lower price and acquire them..."

A fierce glint flashed in Ma Wei's eyes: "Trying to lower the price? Are Zhang Xian's men easy to deal with? But..." He sneered: "Even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake! Send word to all the checkpoints along the way to 'carefully inspect' them! Let's wear them down for a few days and blunt their arrogance! Then have all the horse trading companies in the city agree on a price of only half! Let's see if they'll sell!"

When Manager Wang and his party arrived outside Changzi City and prepared to enter the market, they were indeed met with "enthusiastic" difficulties.

The garrison officers, holding registers and books, meticulously checked the teeth and branding of each horse, repeatedly questioning their origins and whether they were diseased. Under the pretext of inspection, they effectively blocked the large contingent on the main road outside the city for an entire day, preventing them from advancing an inch. In the sweltering heat, both men and horses were restless and anxious.

Shopkeeper Wang wore the humble smile typical of merchants, but his mind was clear. Without making a sound, he called over a valiant old soldier, whispered a few words to him, and the old soldier nodded, mounted an exceptionally fine white warhorse, and spurred it on, charging straight towards the dawdling officer at the city gate like a white lightning bolt!
The warhorse reared up, its iron hooves, as big as bowls, almost grazing the officer's nose as it fell, the resulting gust of wind blowing his hat off.

The old soldier sat upright on his horse, his back straight as a spear, his eyes cold as knives. His hand rested on the hilt of his ring-pommel sword at his waist. His voice was not loud, but it clearly pierced through the noise: "My lord has sent General Zhang, the Xiongnu general, to escort troops into Luoyang on official business! You are lingering here, delaying military operations. What is your punishment?!"

The officer was so frightened by the sudden murderous aura that he turned pale and his legs trembled uncontrollably.

He recognized the horse; it was no ordinary horse! And looking into the old soldier's eyes, he saw a murderous aura that had truly been forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood! He had no doubt that if he dared to utter another word, the sword at the old soldier's waist would be slashing at his neck in the next instant!

"Let...let them through! Let them through quickly!" The officer's voice changed as he frantically waved for his men to remove the barricades.
-
It's January again.

The weather started to feel a bit dry in mid-April.

The atmosphere in the Lüsi County government office was somber.

Han Ji put the last few Wuzhu coins into the empty county treasury box, closed the heavy lid, and let out a deep sigh.

He turned around, his face showing undisguised exhaustion, and bowed to Zhang Xian, who was sitting quietly in the hall: "My lord, the treasury... is completely empty, with only some loose copper coins left, less than ten thousand. The granary is also almost empty, enough for the county government and the camp for ten days. As for Manager Wang's side..."

Before he could finish speaking, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the hall, growing louder and louder, like rolling thunder! The sounds of horses' hooves, wheels rolling on the ground, and excited shouts mingled together, making the window frames tremble slightly!

"Report—!" A yamen runner practically tumbled into the hall, his face contorted with wild joy, his voice trembling: "My lord! He's back! Manager Wang is back! Grain! So many grain carts! You can't see the end of them!"

Zhang Xian's slightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. Without a word, he shot out of the hall like an arrow released from a bow!
Outside the government office, the main street was completely blocked.

Shopkeeper Wang, covered in dust from his journey, stood at the very front with a radiant, relieved glow on his face.

Behind him was a caravan that stretched as far as the eye could see! Heavy oxcarts and mule carts, one after another, their wheels sinking deep into the compacted dirt road.

The truck was piled high with bulging burlap sacks! Occasionally, the sacks would open, revealing golden millet or plump beans inside!
"My lord! I have not failed you!" Manager Wang strode forward, bowed deeply to Zhang Xian who was approaching rapidly, his voice trembling with excitement: "All one thousand warhorses were sold! We obtained 1,300 ingots of gold, one million coins, and 500 bolts of fine silk! We purchased 12,000 shi of millet and 8,000 shi of beans in the towns and cities around Changzi City, along the way, and in Luoyang! All of it has been transported back!"

"Good! Good! Good!"

Zhang Xian exclaimed "Good!" three times in succession. "Twenty thousand shi of grain, more than a million jin, is enough for Luqi to use for a while. More importantly, we have money to replenish our supplies. In Bingzhou, we can also use money to buy grain and fodder."

That should last until harvest time.

Zhang Xian's tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and a surge of scalding heat welled up from the bottom of his heart, instantly flowing through his limbs and bones.

He strode forward, not looking at the glittering gold ingots and silks, but went straight to a grain cart.

He reached out, his fingertips tracing the rough burlap sack, feeling the heavy weight of the plump grains inside. He then picked up a few golden millet grains that had spilled out of the sack and took a deep sniff.

The unique, dry, and mellow aroma of the new grain instantly dispelled the last trace of gloom in my heart.

"Your Excellency has arrived!" Zhang Xian's voice carried an undeniable force: "Open the granaries immediately! Store the millet and beans in the warehouse! Register them meticulously, not a single grain should be missing! Send someone to inform all the village heads that, to ensure there is no worry about food supplies, and for this commendable act of land reclamation, the county government will allocate an additional five hundred shi of fine grain as a reward!"

"Yes, sir!" Han Ji's voice was louder than ever before, and the fatigue on his face was completely washed away by joy. He practically ran to arrange the manpower.

"Manager Wang has rendered meritorious service and is hereby awarded ten gold pieces. He is also appointed as the chief clerk of the Protectorate of the Xiongnu, with a salary equivalent to one hundred bushels of grain, and is in charge of trade and commerce!"

"Thanks to my Lord's grace!!"

Shopkeeper Wang was excited. He grinned and laughed silently, revealing his gap teeth. He then used all his strength to kowtow heavily to the ground towards the mountain of grain carts at the entrance of the yamen and Zhang Xian standing among them!
(End of this chapter)