Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 171 It's Time for All Things to Revive Again

"Look carefully!" Tian Sui pointed to the rows of brand-new curved plows and sturdy oxen along the edge of the field.

"These are agricultural tools allocated by the prefectural government, which save labor and allow for deeper plowing! As officials in charge of promoting agriculture, your primary responsibility is to ensure that these tools are used correctly and distributed to the farmers who need them most!"

At the same time, we urge all village heads and pavilion chiefs to adhere to last year's plan: land designated for crop rotation and fallow must not be altered without authorization, and newly reclaimed slopes must be planted with drought-resistant millet or alfalfa according to the plan!

A young official watched as the old farmer skillfully maneuvered the curved plow in the field, turning over the dark brown, damp soil, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Tian Diannong, this curved plow is so much faster than the old one!"

Tian Sui stroked his beard, his eyes filled with pride: "This is all thanks to Your Excellency's dedication to agriculture! The new plows were produced by the craftsmen's camp, and the wheat seeds were also personally selected and cultivated by Your Excellency."

Remember this: persuading farmers is not about being bossy, but about understanding farming practices, knowing their needs, and solving their problems! Be like the magistrate, stoop down to their level, and understand the weight of each plow and hoe!

He pointed to a field covered with straw mats in the distance: "See that? That's an experimental field, where we're trying out a new crop that the magistrate found—the cold-resistant white cypress. It's said that its fibers can be spun into cloth, which is excellent for keeping warm! If the trial is successful, it will be another blessing for the people of Bingzhou!"

The one or two hundred new clerks who came for their internships looked at the vast fields where spring planting had already begun and nodded in agreement.

Before long, the brief introduction was over, and the next lesson required them to go down to the fields and practice.

Tian Sui divided the more than two hundred people into many teams, and led them to work in the fields by experienced agricultural officials.

Some were pulling plows, others were sowing seeds; it was quite a lively scene.

Meanwhile, on the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains, outside Jingxing Pass.

The atmosphere here is completely different from the peaceful atmosphere along the Fen River in Jinyang.

This treacherous path, seemingly carved out by a giant axe, was now bustling with activity and lively chatter!
More than 10,000 refugees who escaped from the Yellow Turban Rebellion in Ji Province, along with local laborers from Bing Province who were conscripted to open up the mountains, clung to the steep mountainside like ants.

The sounds of shouts, chiseling, tamping earth, and the yelling of the overseers mingled with the howling mountain wind.

"Keep up the work! This section of the retaining wall must be completed before the spring flood season!"

A dark-skinned, hoarse-voiced middle-aged man stood on a high place, waving his arms.

His name was Sun Da. He was originally a craftsman from Zhongshan County in Jizhou. When the Yellow Turban Rebellion broke out, he did not want to be implicated, so he fled with his elderly mother and young son. Later, he heard that Mr. Zixu of Changshan was settling refugees, so he rushed over and was settled there.

Because he was strong and knew a bit about stonemasonry, he was promoted to a foreman.

Huge stone blocks were lifted by ropes and simple pulley systems, and moved slowly to the sound of shouts, embedding themselves into the pre-dug foundation trenches.

The laborers chanted slogans and wielded huge wooden mallets, tamping the clay mixed with lime layer by layer. Zhang Xian originally intended to use cement, but considering its lifespan, he chose the mixed rammed earth, which, although more time-consuming, was more durable.

The newly built plank road extends along the mountain wall, with a bottomless ravine below.

"Shuisheng! Take some men over there! Clear away the rubble, don't block the path of the rammed earth!" Sun Da pointed to another spot.

A lean young man stepped forward in response and led a team to quickly clear away the rubble.

Shuisheng was someone Sun Da met on the road, and because he was quick and efficient, he was taken under Sun Da's wing.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes filled with hope as he looked at the new, much wider and sturdier road that was gradually taking shape beneath his feet.

Working here means you get to eat your fill and you get paid. More importantly, the officials in Bingzhou said that once this road is repaired, it will be safe for people on both sides of the Taihang Mountains to travel back and forth!
In the distance, smoke curls from the huge makeshift camp.

Thick millet porridge was bubbling in a large pot, while large chunks of freshly delivered pork and pork bones, still covered in ice, were piled on the cutting board next to it.

The air was filled with the aroma of food and a faint smell of blood.

This is meat that Zhang Xian transferred from Jinyang, specifically for these manual laborers to supplement their diet with oil and nutrients.

The migrant workers held rough earthenware bowls, eating the long-awaited meat soup and mixed grain cakes smeared with oil, and satisfied smiles appeared on their tired faces.

Lu Da was in charge of coordinating this section of the project. Han Ji was stationed in Baijingbao in the rear to oversee the construction and renovation of the pass. Lu Da was sent to reinforce the dangerous road in the middle of the path.

Holding blueprints, he was accompanied by several newly selected mathematics officials, measuring the angle of a dangerous slope and calculating how much stone and manpower would be needed.

"Lu Gongcao, the slope of this new road is almost half that of the old one! We've also added retaining walls and drainage ditches, making it much safer for caravans to travel on it!"

A young arithmetic official said excitedly, holding a newly made abacus in his hand and moving the keys very quickly.

Lu Da nodded, but his face showed no relief: "The project is massive and costs a fortune. Your Excellency is sparing no expense, even using the treasury, to open up this vital passage between Hebei and Henan. Your ambition is no small matter."

We bear a heavy responsibility and must be meticulous in our planning; neither the construction schedule nor the quality can be compromised!

He looked down at the long line of laborers winding like a dragon at the foot of the mountain, and at the continuous stream of grain and ironware being transported from Jinyang.

They were filled with awe for their lord's actions and determination.

He grabbed a tin megaphone and shouted down, "Everyone, keep up the good work! Once this section is cleared, your families stranded in Jizhou will be able to reach Bingzhou more safely!"

"Oh!!"

More than 10,000 laborers from Ji and Bing prefectures shouted in unison.

Construction is in full swing here, and the day when the last two dangerous sections are cleared is fast approaching.

the other side.

Jinyang.

Since that day when he was urged to marry at the county government office, Wang Lie has spent the last ten days or so away from persuading farmers to marry and instead has stayed at home looking for a suitable woman of marriageable age.

Thanks to his good reputation among scholars, he has written to many prominent families and clans in recent days.

Although Zhang Xian said that he did not care about his spouse's status, for scholars in the Eastern Han Dynasty, the lower limit for not caring about status was that they had to be from a respectable family.

As for ordinary people, they are not even considered.

After careful selection, Wang Lie actually found a good family that could definitely meet the magistrate's awkward requirements.

The invitation letter has already been sent out, and it should arrive today.

He made some preparations and then went to discuss it with Xun Yu.

Zhang Xian's marriage is no small matter now. Although he has not yet been named the powerful ruler of Bingzhou, he is already in fact one. If any problems arise, it will be a disaster for Bingzhou.

So he couldn't help but worry about it.

Outside the Jin Yang crafts camp, a newly established testing ground for ingenious machines was set up.

There was no sweltering heat of a blacksmith's workshop, nor the earthy fragrance of an experimental field. The air was filled with the faint metallic scent, the fresh aroma of wood shavings, and a peculiar smell reminiscent of lingering gunpowder smoke.

Under several semi-open sheds, a dazzling array of ingenious and whimsical crafts were on display.

A massive waterwheel model, requiring four people to crank, was connected to a complex gear train. A wooden box, taller than half a person, stood nearby, its internal structure unknown, only a few cranks and observation holes visible. Most striking was an exquisite bronze crossbow, currently being carefully disassembled and tested by several craftsmen. Zhang Xian, dressed in an oil-stained tunic from the craftsmen's camp, was bent over beside the bronze crossbow, his brow furrowed.

He held a specially made copper ruler with graduations in his hand, repeatedly measuring the angle of a key linkage latch on the crossbow arm.

Sweat slid down his focused profile, dripping onto the cold bronze surface with a soft hissing sound.

"The angle is a little off, and there will be some sluggishness when releasing the gun, affecting the range and accuracy." Zhang Xian's voice was not loud, with his usual calm analysis.

"Try grinding off half of the bevel of the No. 3 tenon."

"Yes!" Old Hu, the foreman of the craftsmen, quickly responded, carefully took the tenon, and walked to the grinding stone next to him.

Just then, a deliberate cough broke the focused atmosphere of the test site.

"Ahem...My lord! You are indeed here!" Wang Lie's familiar voice rang out.

He led three people in.

One was an elderly man dressed in a simple robe, with a thin face and sharp eyes. He didn't look like a nobleman or celebrity, but rather like a master craftsman with superb skills.

Beside the old man were two other people, including a child of about eight or nine years old whose eyes were bright and lively.

The other one surprised Zhang Xian slightly.

She was a young woman.

She wore a simple, narrow-sleeved indigo-blue Hu-style dress that allowed for easy movement. Unlike the elaborate updos of typical young ladies, her hair was neatly tied into a high ponytail at the back of her head and secured with a simple wooden hairpin.

Her face was not covered by a veil, and while she might not be considered stunningly beautiful, she was certainly quite attractive. Her complexion was a healthy rosy color, her nose was straight, and her lips were slightly pursed, giving her a spirited air that was different from that of a typical young lady from a respectable family.

What is most striking are her eyes, large and bright, which are now scanning everything in the testing field with undisguised curiosity and inquiry.

Especially the disassembled bronze crossbow in front of Zhang Xian.

The child was the same, his gaze fixed on the crossbow, his eyes revealing a hint of eagerness.

"A prince?" Zhang Xian straightened up, his eyebrows twitching almost imperceptibly.

"My lord, please allow me to introduce you," Wang Lie said with a beaming smile.

"This is Mr. Ma Ran of the Ma family of Fufeng. He is skilled in mechanical construction and especially adept at making weapons! Hearing that our Bingzhou Craftsmen's Camp has made many innovations, he has brought his daughter Ma Yan and son Ma Jun to pay a visit."

"Fufeng Ma Ran?" A hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Xian's eyes.

But the surprise was directed not at Ma Ransheng, but at the young child.

Ma Jun! He recognized the name. It seemed that the brilliant man in history who improved the silk weaving machine and invented the dragon bone waterwheel was named Ma Jun, and he was also from Fufeng!

Could it be him? If so, then this is yet another highly skilled craftsman who has not yet reached his full potential!

Zhang Xian's gaze lingered on Ma Jun for a moment, making the young child feel embarrassed and hide behind his father, Ma Ran.

He immediately withdrew his gaze and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his tone becoming more solemn: "So it's Mr. Ma! I've long admired your name; it's an honor to meet you today!"

Ma Ran quickly returned the greeting, his voice low and hoarse, carrying the simplicity unique to craftsmen.

"This humble citizen, Ma Ran, has met Your Excellency. I possess only a few minor skills and dare not accept Your Excellency's undeserved praise."

This is my youngest daughter, Ma Yan, and my youngest son, Ma Jun. They've been tinkering with wooden and iron tools with me since they were little; they're quite crude, I hope you'll forgive their clumsiness, Your Excellency."

Although he spoke modestly, there was an undisguised pride in his eyes when he mentioned his daughter and son.

"Young Lady Ma." Zhang Xian's gaze turned to Ma Yan.

This young lady, Ma, simply clasped her hands in a gesture similar to a man's cupped-hand salute, her voice clear and crisp: "Ma Yan greets Your Excellency."

Her gaze remained firmly fixed on the bronze crossbow, showing none of the restraint that a typical woman would have when facing a strange man.

"And this young man," Zhang Xian greeted Ma Jun with a smile.

The young child returned the gift shyly, appearing somewhat timid.

Wang Lie added with a smile, "Mr. Ma and his family have seen and heard a lot along the way. They especially praised the water-powered blowers and new agricultural tools that the magistrate promoted in Jinyang, and even offered some humble suggestions for improvement."

"I believe that the Craftsmen's Camp is the magistrate's life's work, and Mr. Ma is a master in this field. Therefore, I have taken the liberty of introducing him here. I hope the magistrate will not take offense at my abruptness."

He disguised the blind date as a purely technical exchange, which made Zhang Xian feel much more comfortable.

Ma Ran was a suitable family that he had found after much effort. She was born into the Ma family of Fufeng, but from a collateral branch. Although her family was not well-off, they were still respectable.

His daughter, Ma Yannian, is fifteen years old and at the perfect age for marriage. She is currently looking for a suitable family, otherwise she will be fined if she is still unmarried by the time she is sixteen next year.

They have a family, but their maternal clan has virtually no influence. The woman is talented, though her talent lies in craftsmanship, which better suits the magistrate's requirements. Finding such a family has caused Wang Lie's already thinning hair to become even thinner.

He had put in a tremendous amount of effort to arrange this lord's marriage, hoping it would go smoothly.

"Your Excellency is too kind. It is an honor for the Bingzhou Craftsmen's Camp to have Mr. Ma here," Zhang Xian said. Even if he didn't give Wang Lie any face, he still had to give some respect to the name Ma Jun.

My gaze was initially drawn to Ma Jun, who was still a child, but when I looked over there, I was involuntarily drawn to Ma Yan.

She was squatting beside the dismantled bronze crossbow, extending a slender but calloused finger to gently manipulate an exquisite bronze blade inside the crossbow, her eyes intensely focused.

“My lord.” Ma Yan suddenly raised her head and looked at Zhang Xian, her eyes shining brightly.

"The linkage mechanism of this crossbow's sights and blades seems more sophisticated than that of standard crossbows commonly used in the military? Especially the linkage between the sights and the sights, which is extremely ingeniously designed. Could it be to increase the rate of fire?"

Zhang Xian was somewhat surprised.

How could Ma Yan see through the core intention of this improved crossbow at a glance?

The linkage structure he designed was intended to reduce the aiming adjustment time after the crossbow is cocked, thereby improving the rapid-fire capability, while ensuring power!

"Young Lady Ma has a good eye." Zhang Xian's tone carried a hint of delight.

He walked to the crossbow and pointed to the linkage device: "The traditional suspended blade linkage requires step-by-step adjustments for aiming and firing, which is time-consuming and laborious."

This design cleverly couples the sight and the sight lever through this clearance linkage. When the gun is drawn and loaded, the sight can roughly return to its preset position, requiring only minor adjustments before firing, greatly reducing aiming time.

As he spoke, he picked up several parts from the side and quickly assembled them, demonstrating how to do so.

Wang Lie didn't neglect Ma Ran either, and walked over to introduce and talk to her. However, the smile in his eyes when he occasionally glanced at Zhang Xian was impossible to hide.

(End of this chapter)