Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 143 Morning
West River.

Zhao Yun, with his thick beard and scarred face, put away his sword and wiped away the bloodstains.

Behind him were more than a dozen corpses, and eight or nine men who were collecting money and goods.

"Chief, tea, iron, and salt totaling three hundred shi."

"Heh, this batch of goods is enough for the Wang family to exchange for quite a few horses and furs."

"Let's go, take it back to the village!"

"promise!"

The men led over a hundred horses, loaded all the goods onto their backs, and then headed down the Lüliang Mountains.

This group of people was naturally Zhao Yun and others whom Zhang Xian had sent out to kill Wang Ze.

They have been loitering near the Lüliang Mountains for more than half a month, attacking powerful merchant caravans, setting fire to beacon towers and causing disturbances, and so on.

In just half a month, they earned the reputation of being bandits in Lüliang, making the people and powerful families in the surrounding areas live in fear.

Back at the camp in the Lüliang Mountains, there were still dozens of people in the village.

However, judging from their attire, they didn't look like bandits, but rather like a caravan.

that's the truth.

Manager Wang trained a group of people for Zhang Xian to be good at traveling as merchants.

They are now all leading their own trading teams, and this time they came to Lüliang Mountain as well.

The loot Zhao Yun and his men needed somewhere to go, so Zhang Xian sent men to bypass Lüliang and steal the loot. The supplies there also needed to be replenished regularly.

These two weeks of risk-free business have yielded quite a bit of profit. Not to mention grain, the hard currencies of the grasslands, such as salt, iron, and tea, alone amount to no less than a thousand shi (a unit of dry measure).

It just so happens that we'll send them to the strong vagina together this time.

The caravan loaded its supplies in the mountains, but instead of descending, it crossed the ridge and left the Lüliang Mountains via a narrow path on the other side.

It was done flawlessly.

Watching the caravan gradually disappear into the distance, Zhao Yun asked the person beside him.

What day of July is it?

"Young master, today is the seventh day of the month."

The man cupped his hands in greeting.

Removing his beard and scars, Zhao Yun's gaze seemed to pierce through the ridge of the Lüliang Mountains and look directly at Jinyang City.

"Seven more days. Let the brothers rest well; they won't move for the next few days!"

"promise!"

The man bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew.

There weren't many people accompanying Zhao Yun on this trip; including Zhao Yun himself, there were only about ten people.

They were all cavalrymen who had fought in the Battle of Baihe Valley, and because of their injuries, they followed Zhang Xian back to Lüchi.

Thanks to Zhang Xian's medical skills, they all survived without serious injury, and were then sent to join Zhao Yun in avenging their blood feud!
The battle at Baihe Valley was fierce, and everyone in the cavalry camp who knew the inside story hated Wang Ze to the bone. Now that they had the chance to take revenge themselves, they were all looking forward to it.

The reputation of the Lüliang bandits spread throughout the surrounding area to create a stir, letting outsiders know that a gang of big thieves was lurking there.

In addition, the Gu family members in Jinyang City were secretly spreading the news, so at this time, most of the powerful families in Taiyuan Prefecture knew that there was such a group of people on the road to Xihe Prefecture.

Now that the visible work has been done, all that's left is to conserve energy and wait for the final blow!

A new day begins, and Lüchi County remains full of vitality.

Before dawn, the sound of roll call could already be heard inside the county government office.

The various clerks and officials went to work one after another.

Xun Yu and Guo Jia, who lived in the mansion next to the county government office, also woke up to this sound of roll call.

The noise from inside caused the maid in the next room to get up as well.

He knocked on the door of the two men's room and asked softly, "Are you gentlemen getting up?"

Xun Yu didn't say much; he simply replied, "Get up and change your clothes."

"only,"

Two maids pushed open the door and entered the room. One brought hot water for Xun Yu to wash up, while the other helped him change his clothes.

Guo Jia, on the other hand, was still sleepy. He asked, "Does everyone in the Zhonglang's residence get up this early?"

The maid's voice outside the door was soft and sweet: "Yes, sir, we all get up this early."

"Then I'm in for a tough time." He sighed and rolled off the bed.

"Change!"

"only,"

The two got dressed and left the room.

As they walked from the side courtyard's corridor into the main courtyard, a figure wielding a halberd made them stop in their tracks.

The halberd whistled, and dust and fallen leaves on the ground swirled around in the sound, a sight that was pleasing to the eye.

Fifteen minutes later, the halberd came to a stop and was then thrown toward a rockery on one side.

The halberd's tail was precisely inserted into a gap in the artificial rockery, and then the entire halberd disappeared into the rockery, leaving only the halberd head exposed.

Guo Jia's eyelids twitched at Zhang Xian's effortless demeanor. Zhang Xian turned around, his forehead slightly sweaty, but his breathing had calmed down. His black outfit accentuated his tall and straight figure.

"Zhang Zhonglang!" Xun Yu bowed respectfully, his posture dignified.

"General!" Guo Jia also bowed, his face still showing a hint of sleepiness.

Upon seeing the two people, Zhang Xian smiled broadly and stepped forward to greet them: "Wenruo, Fengxiao, you're awake? Did you rest well last night? Our home is simple; if there's anything we've neglected, please feel free to tell us."

His tone was sincere and concerned.

Xun Yu smiled gently: "General, you flatter us. We, Xun Yu and Fengxiao, have been staying here as guests and have been treated with great kindness. We are already very grateful."

The mansion is quiet and elegant, with clean bedding, making it a very comfortable place to rest. However, I've heard that the General rises at the crack of dawn every day to practice martial arts; his diligence is truly admirable.

He noticed that Zhang Xian's clothes were slightly damp, which meant he had been practicing martial arts for a long time.

"It's just a habit." Zhang Xian waved his hand, not caring much: "When I was young, I practiced martial arts. If I didn't practice for a day, I would feel my muscles and bones would become weak. Even though I am in this position now, I dare not neglect it."

He looked at Guo Jia: "Fengxiao, you don't seem to have slept enough? Is the bed uncomfortable, or were you disturbed by the servants?"

Guo Jia rubbed his eyes, yawned slightly, and laughed, "No, no, the bed is comfortable, and the servants are very well-behaved and dared not disturb us."

Jia Su was just lazy and used to getting up late in the morning.

Hearing the sound of roll call at the manor, I was not used to it for a moment.

The diligence of all the officials under the General of the Household is such that Lu Qi's rise to power is no accident.

His words were half a joke, half a genuine reflection. The pace of operation of this county government office was indeed much more intense than he had imagined.

"Haha, Fengxiao, you speak your mind!" Zhang Xian laughed.

"Since the establishment of the government is in its early stages, there are many complicated matters. If the officials do not get up early and work diligently, they may not be able to finish sorting out the documents before sunset. If this neglects your peaceful sleep, it will be my fault."

Since Wenruo Fengxiao has also risen early, then let him join me for breakfast. Breakfast here is also served early, as we eat three meals a day.”

"Thank you very much, General!" Guo Jia's eyes lit up; he had always had a great interest in food.

At this moment, a maidservant approached and respectfully bowed to Zhang Xian: "Master, breakfast is ready."

Zhang Xian nodded and said to Xun Yu and Guo Jia, "Wenruo Fengxiao, please come with me. The breakfast in the mansion is simple, just some porridge, soup and cakes to fill our stomachs. I hope you won't find it offensive."

"General, you're too kind," Xun Yu and Guo Jia said in unison.

The three moved to the main hall, where a low table was set out, with steaming millet porridge on it. There were also several dishes of pickled amaranth and sauerkraut, a few pieces of golden-brown naan bread, and a small dish of chopped salted meat jerky.

The tableware consisted of ordinary earthenware bowls and plates, and bamboo chopsticks.

There was also a pot of warm fermented rice water on the side.

"Please sit down, make yourself at home." Zhang Xian pulled out a chair and sat down first.

Xun Yu and Guo Jia found this somewhat strange, but they still took their seats according to etiquette.

Zhang Xian smiled and said, "Everything is kept simple in the border region, so we made some Hu chairs and stools. Most of the people in the manor are used to it. If you two are not used to it, I can have someone bring over mats and couches, shall I?"

"You're too kind, Zhonglang. We'll just do as the locals do. These chairs are indeed very comfortable to sit on."

Xun Yu smiled faintly and did not trouble Zhang Xian any further.

As for Guo Jia, needless to say, he's fine with anything.

Zhang Xian smiled, stood up, and personally picked up the ceramic ladle to serve the two of them thick millet porridge in their ceramic bowls: "The new wheat from Lüqi has not yet been stored in the granary. This millet is old grain stored from last year. It has been cooked for a while, so it is quite soft and sticky. Please try it."

Xun Yu picked up the earthenware bowl, used bamboo chopsticks to pick up a mouthful of millet porridge, and elegantly put it into his mouth. After savoring it, he praised, "The cooking time is just right, and the millet aroma is rich and mellow. The chefs in the General's mansion have excellent skills."

He wasn't just being polite; the porridge was indeed cooked perfectly, with the rice grains bursting open, thick but not greasy.

Guo Jia was even more direct. He picked up a flatbread, broke it open, dipped it in some millet porridge, took a big bite, and mumbled, "Mmm! This flatbread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it goes perfectly with this millet porridge!"

Xun Yu also picked up a chopstickful of pickled sunflower greens, which had a crisp and slightly salty taste, perfect for accompanying the porridge.

He noticed that Zhang Xian's breakfast was no different from his own—millet porridge, pickled vegetables, and flatbread—with nothing special about it, and he was slightly moved. For someone in such a high position to eat the same food as ordinary officials was a rare and commendable frugality.

Seeing the two of them start eating, Zhang Xian also started drinking hastily. Halfway through his meal, he asked the waitress next to him.

"I remember the salted eggs should be pickled by now. Boil some and bring them out for you two to try."

"Yes, Master."

The maid gave a slight bow and stepped out.

At the table, the three did not discuss politics in much detail, but simply chatted casually over breakfast.

Zhang Xian asked the two if they were used to the climate of Bingzhou, whether their clothes fit, and if they needed to buy anything.

Xun Yu and Guo Jia praised Luqi for its proper arrangement of resources, noting that it was simple yet comprehensive.

The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious, filled with the warmth of a casual morning.

Before long, the maid brought over a plate with several steaming salted duck eggs, half-peeled.

She first consulted Zhang Xian, placing one in his hand. After receiving his approval, she gave one to each of Xun Yu and Guo Jia.

"Wenruo Fengxiao, these are salted duck eggs that I personally pickled. I guarantee they're incredibly oily. Try them all."

Zhang Xian greeted him warmly with a smile.

The two of them didn't stand on ceremony; since the food was served, they might as well eat it.

I poked a hole with chopsticks, and sure enough, oil oozed out.

After breakfast, the servants removed the food table and served some refreshing liquid.

Zhang Xian then said seriously, "Please sit for a moment, I still need to go to the county office to handle some official business. I will have Chief Clerk Han come to find you later."

Yesterday, I took you two to see the various industries and businesses. Today, perhaps we can visit the workshops in Luqi, or perhaps the city construction site outside the city. You two can decide for yourselves.”

"Thank you for your trouble, General Xun Yu." Xun Yu and Guo Jia rose to see them off.

Zhang Xian bowed respectfully and strode towards the front office, beginning another busy day.

Inside the main hall, only Xun Yu and Guo Jia remained, along with the gradually brightening morning light outside the window.

"Wenruo, what do you think of Zhang Zhonglang? Is he a suitable ruler?"

Guo Jia swallowed the last mouthful of porridge and asked.

Xun Yu did not answer, but pondered for a moment: "He is indeed a wise ruler, personally handling everything, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and kind and benevolent to all."

"So, are you going to stay?"

Guo Jia asked another question.

Xun Yu paused, his thoughts from last night resurfacing.

He nodded slightly and said, "I'll think about it some more. But judging from what Fengxiao is saying, you're planning to stay and serve?"

Guo Jia smiled broadly and nodded, "Now that we have met a wise ruler, why not serve him now? Or should we wait until we are stronger before offering our services?"

"It just so happens that Brother Zhicai is here too, so I can learn from him for a few more years."

"Then congratulations, Fengxiao!"

Xun Yu was genuinely happy for Guo Jia. He was not an ignorant nobleman, and he knew how difficult it was for a poor man like Guo Jia or Xi Zhong to meet a wise ruler and have the opportunity to please him.

But he himself
He was still a little unsure what Zhang Xian was preparing.

"Lets see."

Ultimately, Xun Yu and Guo Jia are still a bit young. Although people in ancient times matured early, they still needed time and experience to accumulate.

The two sat in the main hall for a while.

Before long, Han Ji, dressed in a plain robe, walked in.

He cupped his hands in greeting: "Wenruo! Fengxiao! Have you rested well? Shall we go outside the city today?"

The two men stood up and clasped their hands in greeting.

Xun Yu smiled and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Gongzhi."

Guo Jia: "Excuse me!"

Han Ji waved his hand casually, his face relaxed.

Great, that's wonderful! My lord has taken on the work again. I wish I could spend every day wandering around with Xun Yu.

This is a rare opportunity for rest.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group headed outside.

Once outside the city, Xun Yu and his companion saw a scene they hadn't seen when they entered the city the day before.

The earth is as flat as a chessboard, and on this flat land, large pits are arranged from near to far like chess pieces.

"What are they digging for?" Xun Yu asked.

“Ponds and reservoirs.” Han Ji pointed to the planning map and explained: “Our lord plans to dig many such deep pits around Lüchi to extract soil for making bricks, pottery, and honeycomb briquettes.”

Once the pits are dug to a certain depth and size, their bottoms are compacted, the walls are reinforced, and water from the Hutuo River or rainwater is introduced to form artificial ponds.

It can serve two purposes: first, it can store water for irrigation, alleviating drought; second, it can be used for fish and shrimp farming, increasing the source of meat. This is what is meant by "killing two birds with one stone."

“Taking soil for use, leaving pits to form ponds…what a brilliant example of using one tool for multiple purposes!” Xun Yu once again marveled at Zhang Xian’s pragmatism and long-term vision.

Once these ponds are built, they will become a valuable resource for agriculture and fisheries in Lüxi.

Next, they visited the construction site where people were working hard from early morning.

The massive foundation was crisscrossed with trenches, where prisoners and captives in their uniforms toiled.

Many workers were also digging with picks and shovels, chanting slogans as they tamped down the foundation.

In the distance, one can already see sections of low, grayish-white walls that are beginning to take shape—these are the initial forms of the inner and outer walls, constructed with simple concrete.

The craftsmen are building a bamboo framework and formwork in preparation for pouring the next layer.

The air was filled with the smell of lime, soil, and sweat.

(End of this chapter)