Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 170 Spring is here
Wang Lie stroked his beard and smiled gently: "Your Excellency is already twenty-four years old, and your prestige is growing daily and your foundation is becoming increasingly solid."

However, in the magistrate's residence, there has been no sound of family members coming to visit, nor has a son been seen to bring joy to his parents' side; this is no small matter.

His tone was calm and unhurried, yet every word hit the nail on the head.

Xun Yu immediately followed suit, as if he were a prepared advisor, and said, "What the prince says is absolutely right! My lord, I dare to speak out, but this matter concerns the very foundation of our being!"

"My lord! You are no ordinary scholar, but a powerful ruler of this region! The hopes of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Taiyuan Prefecture rest on your shoulders!"

He took a deep breath, looked directly at Zhang Xian, and his voice became increasingly earnest.

"What is a pillar? What are branches? Offspring and bloodline are the foundation of this pillar and the root of its extension! Our lord is in his prime, full of energy, so there is nothing to worry about."

Rong Yu is talking nonsense. The weather is unpredictable, and people are subject to fortune and misfortune at any time.

If, by some unforeseen event, our lord, were to meet with misfortune, who would inherit this vast legacy?

Who will protect these hundreds of thousands of people who survive by relying on their lord?

Xun Yu's words were like a cold sword, pointing straight to the core.

Wang Lie nodded slightly and added.

"Although Wenruo spoke frankly, he hit the nail on the head. Now that the Central Plains are in chaos, the governor, who is stationed in one region, will not be easily moved. Since ancient times, the transfer of power is most prone to chaos."

From a national perspective, when a ruler is few, his ministers become suspicious. When a ruler implements new policies and reforms the bureaucracy, countless families are destroyed and many harbor resentment in secret.
Without a strong heir to guard against the wicked and unite the people, the entire force will crumble in an instant should anything change occur, and your years of hard work will be destroyed! At that time, Bingzhou will once again be engulfed in war, and the refugees will starve to death. Is this what you, my lord, wish to see?

Zhang Xian fell silent.

He was not a person ignorant of worldly affairs.

Having traveled through time, I know that in feudal times, especially in the late Eastern Han Dynasty when chaos was about to break out, whether a leader of a power had offspring, and whether those offspring were healthy and intelligent, directly affected the cohesion and future prospects of the entire group.

The people who work hard for you do so not only for ideals and practical benefits, but also because they hope that this "business" can last and be passed down to future generations, so that their descendants can also benefit from it.

The absence of a clear heir means enormous uncertainty, instability, and the potential risk of betrayal.

He understood Xun Yu and Wang Lie's concerns and agreed with their reasoning.

but……

“Wenruo, Your Highness,” Zhang Xian said, his voice calm, with a hint of barely perceptible helplessness.

“I understand your good intentions. The matter of offspring is related to the succession of the family business and is certainly not a trivial matter.”

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the orderly street scene of Jinyang City outside.

"only……"

He turned around and glanced at Xun Yu and Wang Lie: "Taking concubines and having children to continue the bloodline is as easy as turning my hand for me."

With my current status, if I simply spread the word, wealthy and powerful families in Taiyuan and even Bingzhou would be lining up to send their daughters to my household.

"And I'm sure you two already have suitable candidates in mind?"

Xun Yu and Wang Lie exchanged a glance, neither denying it.

This was indeed one of their ideas. Marrying a well-educated and virtuous woman from a prominent family of equal social standing was the safest choice, as it would not only solidify their relationship with local powerful clans but also provide their future heirs with a good maternal background and resources.

Zhang Xian shook his head: "But I'm not willing to be so hasty."

He walked back to his desk, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface, his eyes becoming profound: "My wife, Zhang Xian's wife, is what I truly desire, not a bargaining chip for a political alliance."

The children I raise should be born from a bond of affection, not merely as tools to continue the family line.

What I want to create in Bingzhou is a different order, a new atmosphere that values ​​practical learning over family background and emphasizes the rule of law in pursuit of development.

If even my own family is reduced to a tool for political marriage, then what is the foundation of everything I'm promoting? What is its persuasiveness?

These words, bearing the clear imprint of modern ideas, sounded somewhat shocking to Xun Yu and Wang Lie.

"Furthermore," Zhang Xian continued, his tone carrying a barely perceptible heaviness.

"I know not what tomorrow will bring; swords flash and spears fly everywhere."

If I hastily marry and have children now, and something were to happen to me one day, leaving behind orphans and a widow, how would they cope? Wouldn't that drag them into this endless vortex as well?

"My lord, be careful what you say!" Xun Yu's expression changed, and he quickly interrupted.

"Our lord is blessed with boundless good fortune and will surely turn misfortune into good fortune! How can you utter such ominous words!"

Wang Lie frowned and said, "Your Excellency is mistaken! It is precisely because the future is treacherous that we need to establish a firm foundation as soon as possible! With an heir, people will have someone to rely on, and the will of the people can be united. On the contrary, it can protect the stability of the lord's foundation and turn misfortune into good fortune!"
As for risks... who can completely avoid misfortune in this world? To give up eating because of a minor choking incident is not the act of a true man.

Wang Lie's words were resounding and powerful; a man who hesitates and looks back is no true hero!

Looking at the sincere expressions of the two, Zhang Xian was also somewhat moved.

He knew that their intentions were all for his own good.

He sighed, his tone softening: "The most important things right now are spring plowing, official training, the Taihang fortifications, and the defense against the strong yin... We need to go all out for every single one of these tasks."

"My lord!" Despite the obvious shift in topic, Wang Lie refused to give up and spoke again, with the stubbornness that explained why he had been abandoned and not given power for so many years.

"Caution is certainly reasonable, but time waits for no one! Your Excellency is aware that there are already rumors circulating that Your Excellency... may have a hidden illness, which is why you do not associate with women."

Although such rumors are absurd, their cumulative effect is devastating. If allowed to circulate, they may damage the governor's prestige and sow doubt among his followers!

Xun Yu immediately added, "My lord! I don't mean for you to marry or take concubines immediately. But at the very least, you should spread the word, look for suitable candidates, or have your elders look for good matches for you."

Within Taiyuan Prefecture, there may be virtuous and talented ladies of similar temperament. The prince is highly respected among scholars and knows countless people; perhaps he could be of interest to Your Excellency?

He cleverly delegated the main task to Wang Lie.

Wang Lie immediately accepted the offer and said solemnly, "Although I am not very talented, I still have some experience in judging people."

In Taiyuan and the neighboring counties, there are indeed several daughters from scholarly families who are of upright character and well-educated.

If Your Excellency is interested, I am willing to inquire on your behalf. I will arrange some "chance encounters" or poetry gatherings, so that Your Excellency can observe their character and talent before making a decision.

This is merely a temporary measure, intended to quell rumors, reassure the people, and also for the long-term benefit of Your Majesty's cause!

A chance encounter? A poetry gathering? Zhang Xian was both amused and exasperated.

Is this an ancient version of a matchmaking event? Looking at Wang Lie's earnest expression, which seemed to be concerned for his own good and the greater good, and then at Xun Yu's eyes, which were filled with the earnest light of "My lord, please agree! This is just a delaying tactic!", he was momentarily at a loss for words.

He understood that if he didn't give them a way out today, these two wouldn't let it go.

Moreover, although the rumors Wang Lie mentioned are absurd, they could indeed have a negative impact.

In this era of limited information, any unusual behavior from those in positions of power will be magnified and interpreted infinitely.

"Never mind." Zhang Xian rubbed his temples and smiled helplessly.

"How can we fail to appreciate Your Highness's earnest intentions? Since Your Highness is willing to take the trouble, then... we would be grateful if Your Highness would keep an eye on this matter."

"but."

He held up three fingers, his expression becoming serious:

"Firstly, this matter should be conducted discreetly and not publicized, and no woman should be coerced."

"Secondly, I will only meet the person and not discuss marriage. Whether we are compatible or not is my own judgment, and no one may interfere." "Thirdly, whatever the outcome, it must not affect important matters. Spring planting, administration, construction, and military affairs remain of paramount importance!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Lie's old face immediately broke into a wide smile, as if he had accomplished a tremendous mission, and he quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Of course! Of course! Rest assured, Your Excellency, I understand! I will certainly act with caution and will never cause you any trouble!"

Once this lord relents and takes the first step, everything else will be much easier!

He had already begun to consider several families in Taiyuan, Shangdang, and even Hedong, whose members were known for their upright character and whose daughters were said to be quite outstanding.

Xun Yu also breathed a sigh of relief, a relieved smile appearing on his face.

As long as the lord is willing to consider and make contact, that would be a huge step forward! He believed that with the lord's charm and insight, he would surely find a good match.

"Very good." Zhang Xian waved his hand and picked up the official document again.

“If there is nothing else, Your Highness should go back and rest early, after all your hard work. Wenruo, let’s discuss the details of this document regarding the reinforcement schedule of the Taihang Pass.”

Hurry up and leave, hurry up and leave. This old man has wasted all the praise he gave you before.

"Yes!" Xun Yu and Wang Lie responded in unison, their tone much lighter.

After Wang Lie took his leave, Xun Yu looked at Zhang Xian, who was engrossed in official documents, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered.

“My lord… I truly agree with what you just said, but when one is in a high position, the word ‘true’ often needs to be weighed against the word ‘responsibility’.”

"Finding a virtuous and capable woman who understands the bigger picture, can assist the lord and maintain peace in the household, is not necessarily impossible; she may be a perfect match for one's true feelings. Judging from the woman recommended by the prince, she is certainly not an ordinary woman."

Zhang Xian continued writing, and gave a faint "hmm" in response.

Seeing that Zhang Xian was unwilling to talk more, Xun Yu wisely kept quiet and focused on handling official business.

He just thought to himself.

We must discuss this privately with the prince and find the most suitable candidate for our lord! Not only must the candidate have a respectable family background and dignified appearance, but they should also be knowledgeable and able to understand and tolerate our lord's whimsical ideas... These requirements seem a bit high.

The busy tranquility of the county government office has returned.

Wang Lie returned to his temporary residence, immediately spread out paper and pen, and began writing a letter.

Before we knew it, the sky had gradually darkened.

Zhang Xian returned to his residence in Jinyang, only to find it deserted, with only a dozen or so servants and maids in the vast courtyard.

His heart skipped a beat.

'Pah, pah, pah! How annoying! I've been pressured to get married, and now I'm paying attention to this.'

He strode towards the main hall, where Uncle Chen from the farm and animal husbandry department had been waiting for quite some time.

Upon seeing the patriarch return, Uncle Chen greeted him with a smile as wide as a piece of dried tangerine peel. He handed a booklet to his patriarch and said...

"Master, the meat from the five pens of chickens and ducks totaling five hundred catties has been loaded onto carts. The chicken feathers have been sent to the arrow workshop, the duck feathers to the foot workshop, the remaining skeletons to the watermill, and the chicken and duck feet to be boiled for glue."

Zhang Xian nodded, took the booklet, and sat down.

The maid Xiao Huan seamlessly placed the cups and poured the tea.

"Uncle Chen, please sit down and talk."

He gestured for Uncle Chen to sit down and said.

The latter did not refuse and worked in the agricultural and pastoral areas for two or three months. Old Man Chen also knew the character of his master.

After taking his seat, he continued speaking.

"The fifteen pens of black pigs yielded 13,000 catties of meat and 7,400 catties of fat. The internal organs were all cleaned and loaded onto trucks. The bones, skin, and tendons were also sent to various workshops."

"Fifteen cattle pens yielded 81,000 catties of meat and 54,000 catties of fat. The offal is still being processed, but the skin, bones, and tendons have all been sent to various farms."

Zhang Xian looked at the data in the booklet and listened to Uncle Chen's narration, nodding in satisfaction.

"First, arrange for vehicles to send 30,000 jin of beef, 3,000 jin of pork, and all the lard to the Taihang Mountains. Send 70% of the remaining amount to Qiangyin, and keep 30% for our own use."

"It's the head of the family."

Uncle Chen stood up and replied, knowing that his business for the day was now complete.

Zhang Xian smiled and said, "Uncle Chen has worked hard today, as have the others who helped. Please pay their wages on my behalf and give them some scraps to take home."

"promise!"

After Uncle Chen left, Zhang Xian finished his tea and also left the main hall.

In the courtyard, he picked up his Overlord Halberd and began his daily training.

The halberds were whistling and exploding, dancing with great vigor, when suddenly a few sharp cries of eagles rang out from the sky.

There wasn't just one, there were three or four.

He stopped swinging his heavy halberd and looked up, only to see a flash of yellow swooping down and landing on his shoulder, followed by several more swooping sounds.

Two or three slightly smaller falcons landed on the artificial hill, curiously watching Shan Huang and Zhang Xian.

Looking at the few falcons that clearly resembled Shanhuang, Zhang Xian couldn't help but sigh.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Why is it that whenever I'm pressured to get married, even you, this hairy guy, have to come and mess with my mind!"

It is obvious that these falcons are the offspring of Shanhuang, who hatched them in Peach Blossom Spring.

Click?!
Shan Huang tilted his head and stared at Zhang Xian, as if to say, "What? Isn't my little one cute?"

"Nana! I'm not practicing anymore! Time to sleep!"

Zhang Xian tossed his heavy halberd, which landed steadily in the weapon rack beside him. The sound startled several of the yellowish-brown chicks, who flew away.

Shanhuang glanced at Zhang Xian, then at the eagle that had flown away, and with a few clicks, it also left his shoulder.

Silent all night.

the next day.

The chill of late winter has not completely faded, but the soil on the sunny slope has begun to loosen, emitting a faint, earthy smell full of vitality.

In the fields, figures move about like industrious ants.

Spring plowing is the most important event concerning one's livelihood for the whole year.

Tian Sui, dressed in a short brown robe for easy movement and covered with an old fur coat to block the wind, led a group of young people in brand-new blue official uniforms, but with a hint of naivety and excitement on their faces, as they walked through the fields.

These are the first batch of prospective officials selected through the new regulations for examination and recommendation, and they are undergoing "internship" personally led by Wang Lie.

Yes, it was supposed to be Wang Lie who came, but last night Tian Sui suddenly received instructions from his teacher that he would be in charge of leading the internship today.

It's strange, our teacher usually doesn't take breaks, why is she thinking of taking a break today?

Tian Sui didn't quite understand, nor could he figure it out, so he simply led his people to the fields outside Jinyang City to start training interns.

(End of this chapter)