I'll steal Gao Qiu's life and lead the Song Dynasty to prosperity.

Chapter 62 Establishing a City and Planning Land Reclamation

The reputation of "Jiachagabu" spread rapidly throughout the Hehuang region as the number of transactions increased and the scale of transactions expanded.

The tribes involved in the trade expanded from the initial White Grass Tribe, Gray Tent, Black Water, and Spring Eye Tribe to more than a dozen smaller tribes.

The scale varies, but the frequency has stabilized.

The Tibetan herders discovered that as long as they arrived at the designated, and each time, different, location as agreed, they could meet the scarlet-robed "Gyachagabu" or one of his trusted subordinates.

The transaction process is simple and straightforward, with absolutely no forced buying or selling, and no subsequent extortion.

Even if they occasionally encountered scouts from Xisheluosa lurking in the distance, the well-prepared Song cavalry would swiftly appear, driving them away or even killing them.

The indigenous people are feeling increasingly safe.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Zhao Mingcheng summoned Liu Zhongwu, Wang Shan, Tong Guan, Xia Zheng and others for a new discussion.

He decided to take a more substantial step.

"Gentlemen, although our trade has calmed the hearts of the tribesmen over the past few days, the frequent changes in trading locations are not a long-term solution and are also inconvenient to manage."

Zhao Mingcheng, in the main hall of the old house, addressed the crowd while looking at a roughly drawn map of the surrounding terrain of Qingtang.

"I plan to select a place outside the east, south, and north gates of Shanzhou City, a place with open terrain, easy to control, and not far from water sources, to establish a fixed trading post."

"Build simple wooden fences, and assign soldiers to guard them on rotation. Both Han and non-Han people can trade within the market area, and our army will ensure their safety. In this way, rules will be established, people's hearts will be at ease, and commerce can gradually flourish. What suggestions do you all have?"

Wang Shan pondered for a moment and said.

"Lord Zhao, setting up a fixed market is a good thing because it is easy to manage. However, it also makes the market a bigger target. I'm afraid that scoundrel Xisheluosa will send troops to harass us."

Liu Zhongwu nodded.

"General Wang's concerns are very valid. Therefore, our garrison troops must be highly skilled, and we should set up sentries and patrols outside the market to spread our intelligence widely."

The market has set opening and closing times, and those entering must be inspected and are not allowed to carry long weapons. A watchtower can also be erected on high ground near the market for a swift response in case of alarm.

Tong Guan's high-pitched voice carried a hint of laughter.

"General Wang and General Liu have considered things thoroughly."

Those kids under our command are experts at gathering intelligence and identifying spies.

The scouts can also contribute to the market's overt and covert security. They'll ensure honest merchants feel at ease, while those with ulterior motives have nowhere to hide.

Xia Zheng also offered some helpful suggestions.

"My lord, if a fixed market is established, it will be convenient for the tribes to travel between them, and news will be transmitted quickly. I can contact those trustworthy chieftains who are not on good terms with Xisherosa to help maintain order in the market, translate and communicate, and appraise goods. They are familiar with the local situation and should be of help."

"Brainstorming is very efficient," Zhao Mingcheng nodded to everyone.

"What you all said is very insightful. General Liu, General Wang, you two will be in charge of overseeing the garrison duty shifts and the overt and covert defenses."

There are also children offering sacrifices, spying, and identifying people; thank you for your trouble.

Duke, the task of contacting the tribal chiefs and assisting in management is best left to you. The market can be temporarily set to open once every five days, with people entering at dawn and leaving at midday.

Transaction taxes can be levied leniently, and goods such as grain and meat can be accepted to attract traders. Specific regulations will be drafted later.

Seeing that Zhao Mingcheng was not acting unilaterally, but rather taking into account the opinions of many and making proper arrangements, especially entrusting him and Liu Zhongwu with the important task of guarding the border, Wang Shan sincerely clasped his hands in greeting.

"This humble general obeys the order and will ensure the safety of the market."

Liu Zhongwu, Tong Guan, and Xia Zheng also agreed.

Once the decision was made, it was implemented swiftly and decisively.

Within two days, three "market districts" with large logs as fences, simple sheds and spacious trading areas were erected several miles outside Qingtang City.

Soldiers inspected the area outside the gate, watchtowers and beacon towers were inside, cavalry patrolled outside the gate, and Tong Guan's scouts mingled among the people coming and going.

On the first day of trading, it was still dark.

Outside the three city boundaries, a number of Tibetan herders had already gathered, leading cattle and sheep, carrying furs, barley, and medicinal herbs and mushrooms gathered from the mountains and fields, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

There were also a few Han Chinese merchants who came from Qinfeng Road or even further inland areas after hearing the news. These Han Chinese merchants brought more cloth, needles and thread, iron pots, pottery and other items.

As the gate slowly opened, soldiers maintained order, and several tribal leaders contacted by the magistrate announced the rules loudly in Tibetan, the crowd, filled with curiosity, trepidation, and anticipation, surged into the market area.

The transaction was initially a bit hesitant.

But soon, the clamor of bargaining, the bellowing of cattle and sheep, the clinking of coins, and the rustling of goods passing through hands blended into a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Salt, tea, and cloth were traded for cattle, sheep, and barley; iron pots and pottery were traded for furs and herbs; and some even traded a fine little bronze mirror for a piece of incense.

The Song soldiers stood at attention with their hands on their swords, their eyes alert, but they did not interfere with the fair trade.

The tribal chiefs who assisted in management were busy mediating minor disputes and explaining the rules.

Zhao Mingcheng did not personally visit every market, but he was often accompanied by Liu Zhongwu or Wang Shan, who took turns inspecting them.

His scarlet robe has become a symbol of "fairness" and "safety".

Zhao Mingcheng would occasionally inspect the market.

Wherever he patrolled, people, both Han and non-Han, would often look upon him with awe and gratitude. The trade would quiet down briefly before continuing with even greater enthusiasm.

The establishment of fixed markets has brought about a more stable and larger-scale circulation of goods.

More importantly, it has begun to subtly change the behavioral logic of this land.

The market was already running smoothly, but Zhao Mingcheng's gaze had already turned to the distance and the depths.

Trade can solve immediate needs and win over the hearts of the tribes.

However, to ensure long-term stability in the Hehuang region and provide sustenance for the army on the border, a solid foundation is essential.

This foundation is the system of military settlements.

On this day, the sky was clear and the weather was fine. Although it was still cold, the sunlight shining on the wasteland brought some warmth.

Zhao Mingcheng traveled light, bringing only Liu Zhongwu, Xia Zheng, and several veterans selected from the army, whose ancestral homes were in Guanzhong and Hedong and who were familiar with farming.

The guide was Zaxi Dorje, the chief of the Baicao tribe, who volunteered to lead the way.

After several transactions, this "Auspicious Vajra" was completely convinced of "Jiachagabu's" sincerity.

Upon hearing that Zhao Mingcheng wanted to find land to reclaim, he immediately expressed his familiarity with the Huangshui and Yellow River valleys and offered to be his guide.

The group rode out of the south gate of Shanzhou City and proceeded along the Huangshui River Valley.

Tashi Dorje changed into a newer fur robe, mounted his low-slung horse, pointed to the mountains and rivers on both sides of the river, and enthusiastically introduced them in a tone that mixed Tibetan and broken Chinese.

"My lord, look over here, at the bend of the Huangshui River. The water flows gently, the land is flat, and the grass is lush. It used to be the winter pasture of the Black Sheep tribe. Last year, during the war, the Black Sheep tribe fled far away and haven't returned yet. This land is fertile! It's perfect for growing highland barley!"

Tashi Dorjee pointed to a wide river bend. Although the grass was withered and yellow at the moment, the terrain was flat and close to the water source, making it an excellent place for cultivation.

Zhao Mingcheng stopped his horse to observe and nodded slightly.

An old soldier behind him jumped off his horse, squatted down, grabbed a handful of soil, rubbed it in his hand, brought it to his nose to smell, and looked up to say.

"Sir, this is black loess soil, very oily, excellent land! After the spring thaw, we can level it slightly, and irrigation will be convenient; it's perfect for planting wheat..."

"Planting beans will do."

Another veteran observed the distant mountain range and the course of the river, and said.

"This place is sheltered from the wind and faces the sun, so it is not easy to suffer from frost. However, a simple earthen dam needs to be built upstream and ditches need to be dug to ensure irrigation."

The project is small, requiring about a hundred strong men, and can be completed in a little over a month.

Zhao Mingcheng carefully noted these down.

During this period, with Xia Zheng's sparring and application in the trading process, Zhao Mingcheng's Tibetan language has become much more fluent.

He answered Tashi Dorje in Tibetan.

"This place is very good, Chief Zaxi. Are there any other similar places?"

Tashi Dorje was even more excited to see that the land he had pointed out was recognized, and he nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes! Go another twenty li ahead, there's another place, near Wild Buffalo Gully, it's even bigger! It used to be inhabited by several small tribes, but now it's all empty—"

The group continued on their way.

Zhao Mingcheng not only considers the terrain, soil, and water source, but also pays attention to the surrounding environment.

He deliberately chose places that were not too far from the fortresses and beacon towers already built by the Song army.

Firstly, it facilitates protection against harassment from Xisheluosa or bandits; secondly, in the future, when the military and civilians settle in the garrison, they can also serve as special guards to each other and help each other.

They surveyed the Huangshui River for several days, then turned east to explore some smaller valleys along the Yellow River's tributaries.

Zhao Mingcheng instructed the veterans to carefully record: how many hectares of land could be reclaimed in a certain area, how many irrigation ditches needed to be built in a certain area, where wheat was suitable for planting, where millet was suitable for planting, and where animal husbandry could be carried out concurrently.

Xia Zheng and Liu Zhongwu focused on marking the strategic locations of the terrain, where outposts could be set up, and where camps needed to be built.

Tashi Dorjee was very open with his knowledge, even mentioning details such as the existence of springs in a certain area and the prevalence of flash floods in a certain area during the summer.

After several days of investigation, Zhao Mingcheng gradually formed a blueprint in his mind.

He selected five of the most suitable unclaimed fertile lands, all near water sources, with gentle terrain, fertile soil, and all within the control or influence zone of the Song army.

Some of these lands were abandoned by tribes fleeing war, while others were sparsely populated to begin with.

At this point, the area is enclosed with minimal resistance.

On the last day of the survey, the group climbed a high slope and looked down at the winding Huangshui River and a vast, desolate river valley.

As the sun sets, it gilds the withered grassland and distant snow-capped mountains with a golden edge.

The cold wind was still biting, but a warm current was surging in Zhao Mingcheng's heart.

This is the awakening of the farming gene in the Chinese people's bones; they want to cultivate any good land they see.

"What wonderful land," Zhao Mingcheng murmured, whether to others or to himself, "it's a pity this land is lying fallow. If it could be cultivated and properly farmed, it could feed so many people and stabilize so many borders—"

Liu Zhongwu stood beside him, gazing at the vast land, and said in a deep voice.

"What you say is true, sir. However, clearing land is not easy, and establishing settlements requires even more manpower, resources, and time. Moreover, the tribes may not be happy to see us settle here permanently."

Tashi Dorje seemed to understand the word "Tibetan tribe" and quickly waved his hand, saying in broken Chinese.

"Sir, farming is good! With food, there's no war. We can herd livestock and barter for food. Both are good!"

Tashi Dorje's eyes shone with a light, an instinctive longing for a stable life after enduring war and displacement.

Zhao Mingcheng smiled and patted Zaxi Dorje on the shoulder, then said no more.

The blueprint has been drawn up; the next step is to turn it into reality.

After returning to Shanzhou City, Zhao Mingcheng secluded himself for several days, repeatedly discussing matters with Liu Zhongwu, Wang Shan, Tong Guan, and Xia Zheng.

Finally, a detailed "Order for the Establishment and Reclamation of the Hehuang Region" was drafted.

The edict was issued in the name of the pacification envoy and written in a colloquial style that was half classical and half vernacular. Its core points were only a few:

Firstly, the recruitment targets are: veteran soldiers familiar with farming who are willing to stay on the border to cultivate the land; landless refugees and disaster victims from the interior who are willing to migrate to the Hehuang region; and even Tibetan tribesmen who sincerely submit and are willing to abandon herding for farming or engage in both herding and farming.

Secondly, land grants and subsidies: each able-bodied person was granted twenty mu of land, with each household counted by the number of able-bodied persons, and the maximum amount not exceeding two qing. The granted land was located in five government-owned plots in the Huangshui and Yellow River valleys that had already been surveyed. The government provided the first year's worth of grain seeds and necessary farming tools, and assisted in building temporary dwellings.

Thirdly, tax exemptions: For the first three years of land reclamation, all taxes and corvée labor are exempted. From the fourth year onwards, each mu (unit of land area) shall pay three sheng (unit of volume) of grain annually, or in silver. Of the grain produced, after deducting the amount reserved for personal consumption and seeds, the government shall purchase 40% of the surplus grain at market price, and the remainder shall be sold by the people themselves.

Fourth, protection and organization: The settlements were located near military forts and were protected by the garrison. The settlements were organized into units called "tun" (屯), each managed by a tun chief. Five tun formed a fort, and the fort chief was selected from among those of high moral character and those knowledgeable in agriculture. They assisted the government in supervising agricultural affairs, mediating disputes, and maintaining public order.

Fifth, rewards and opportunities: those who make outstanding progress in land reclamation and achieve bumper harvests will be rewarded by the government with farm tools and cloth.

Once the decree was drafted, Zhao Mingcheng ordered many copies to be made. One copy was submitted to the Xihe Road Military Commission and the imperial court for record-keeping, while the remaining copies were quickly disseminated through two channels.

The first channel is the increasingly vibrant markets.

In the three fixed markets, interpreters loudly read out the decree and posted it in prominent places.

The tribal chiefs, herdsmen, and Han merchants who came to trade became the first audience.

In particular, the provisions such as "barbarians can also enlist", "tax exemption for three years", and "government grain collection" caused a huge sensation.

For many Tibetan herders who had suffered from war, tribal separation, and hardship, hope was rekindled in their eyes.

Even if they were unwilling to give up nomadic life for the time being, the promise that "the government would buy 40% of the produce at market price" gave them hope for future output.

The second channel was Tong Guan's "secret channel".

His scouts and wealthy merchants who traveled to the border regions spread the contents of the military farm decree to Qin-Feng Road and even more distant inland prefectures and counties at a faster pace and in a more secretive manner.

There were countless refugees who had lost their homes due to land annexation, heavy taxes, disasters, and wars.

Although the Hehuang region is harsh and remote, the allure of "land grants," "tax exemptions," and "seed loans" is nothing short of a lifeline for those who have nothing.

The effects appeared faster than Zhao Mingcheng had anticipated.

The military was the first to respond.

Many veterans, some over forty, suffering from injuries or illnesses, or with no relatives left in their hometowns, were tempted.

After a lifetime of battles and bloodshed, who doesn't yearn for a piece of land of their own and a peaceful old age?

Although the Hehuang region is remote and desolate, the promises of "twenty mu of land", "three years of tax exemption", and "government grain collection" are real and tangible.

Dozens of veterans came to Liu Zhongwu or Wang Shan to inquire and register.

Then, the tribes also responded.

Zaxi Dorje from the Baicao tribe was the first to respond.

He said that some elderly and frail members of the tribe who were not good at herding, as well as some poor households who lost their cattle and sheep in the war, were willing to try farming.

Although the number of participants was small, the significance was profound.

Following closely behind, the Gray Tent Tribe, the Spring Eye Tribe, and others expressed similar intentions.

They requested to live together as a single village, with their own tribal chief serving as the village head, and Zhao Mingcheng agreed to all their requests.

Zhao Mingcheng wanted people, a beginning, and a model.

But what surprised Zhao Mingcheng the most was the response from the mainland.

In just seven or eight days, Tong Guan brought news:

Several small groups of refugees and displaced people from Qin Prefecture, Gong Prefecture, and even Jingzhao Prefecture are quietly moving towards the Hehuang region.

The market and the land reclamation are both proceeding in an orderly manner.

Zhao Mingcheng stood atop the city wall of Shanzhou, gazing at the vast and desolate land beyond the city.

The hustle and bustle of the market could still be faintly heard, and further away, he felt as if he could see the spring of next year.

In those five selected river valleys.

Soon the first settlers will use farm tools to dig through the frozen soil and sow seeds called stability and hope.