Colonial Era: From Remnants to European Dominator

Above the fields, a flock of migratory birds, flying from the southern foothills of the Altai Mountains, are flying in neat formation toward the distant mountains. With mating season approaching, where will they truly find their home?

Before planting, the land is hoeed and turned over to kill pests and prepare the soil for planting. After planting, the land is turned over again. This process is used to cultivate vegetables and weeds. In ancient times, before people discovered vegetables, vegetables were weeds and weeds were vegetables. They simply selected the edible weeds.

Onions, garlic, and ginger are three indispensable seasonings in the world's culinary repertoire. Compared to the spiciness of chili peppers, the first three have a neutral flavor and are relatively undemanding in terms of climate. They can be grown in slightly warmer temperatures and with some hydroponics, making them an indispensable part of the entire history of human taste.

As for chili peppers, their status has been rising ever since they spread from the Americas to the world. People always find it hard to forget their pungent taste, especially in damp and cold places where chili peppers are a good medicine.

It dispels cold and dampness, and also has a more pungent and stimulating effect than garlic and ginger. Even in the three townships of Jinshan Prefecture, it is widely planted, especially in the warm June season, which is the best time for chili peppers.

The shepherd's whip lashed the wild horse, causing its hooves to leap off the ground as it galloped toward the wheat field not far away. The shepherd was terrified and quickly rode off, brandishing a rope to lasso the horse. He finally managed to subdue it at the last moment, which relieved the shepherd. After all, if the seedlings had been trampled, he would have not only had to pay compensation but also been whipped.

After all, according to the laws of Jinshan Prefecture, there seems to be little difference between herdsmen and farmers. Both have to pay taxes. The former pays mostly with money and grain, while the latter pays either with money or with livestock at market price. Everything is considered fair.

However, the boundaries between the two sides were clearly defined, especially between pastoral areas and farmland, where there was a significant divide. For example, if a herdsman's horses or sheep trampled or ate seedlings or wheat, he would not only be fined but also whipped, with the number of times depending on the extent of the damage. Similarly, if a farmer ventured into the designated pastoral area, he would also be punished.

All of this, besides creating a facade of fairness, was to maintain the rule of the Jinshan government. The so-called criminal law and rules could not only be used to restrain people, but also to consolidate public support. Since ancient times, strict laws and ironclad rules have not only produced strong countries, but also good citizens.

This is why, after industrialization, European countries not only had advanced weaponry, but also a higher fighting spirit than their contemporaries. Education is only one part; the rule of law is fundamental.

Managing people's hearts is difficult, but if rules are set from the beginning, it is better than a loose tribe.

The principle that "only by valuing the law and agriculture can Jinshan stand firm" has been engraved in the minds of successive Jinshan rulers since the city's founding and has been reflected in its implementation.

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On the treetops, several mischievous children were going up and down, then up and down again, their laughter and chatter continuing until the sun set and the shouts and curses from their homes finally stopped. It was just a pity for the nest of birds, which had only just hatched and were already being tormented to death.

The two men under the tree did not intervene at all, but instead laughed and mocked the children who had been taken away by their parents, especially the crying and unruly child who was dragged home by the ear. This made Wang Haizhou laugh heartily and exclaim repeatedly:

"That's the beauty of life, haha----"

Sitting opposite, Li Yuanheng chewed on the wild fruit he had traded candy for from the group of mischievous children, savoring its slightly sour taste. Looking at the chessboard still in use on the table, his mind became increasingly clear. He raised his hand and used a black piece to block the path of the white pieces, leaving Wang Haizhou scratching his head in disbelief.

He played a few more pieces, but seeing that he couldn't win, he simply discarded the white piece and lay back.

"We can't beat Dalang, so forget it."

The chess pieces are scattered across the board, with only the path of the black dragon swallowing the white snake still somewhat visible.

"Does Master Wang know about what was going on in the government office the other day?"

"You're referring to that policy for the common people."

"Exactly!!"

"A small state like Qi will be safe, but a large state like Qi will inevitably be defeated in battle."

Wang Haizhou's words sent a chill down Li Yuanheng's spine. Ever since the war with the Rakshasa, Li Yuanheng had been wanting to devour the surrounding Turkic tribes that outwardly obeyed but inwardly defied him. However, he remained outwardly calm.

"What is the Lesser Qi, what is the Greater Qi, and why did it lose, and how did it win?"

The preceding statements were all pretexts; the real question was about the victory mentioned later, and Wang Haizhou naturally understood the implication:

"Xiao Qi is Xiao Man, swallowing the small and keeping the big, so that he can gain population without incurring public wrath."

"The Great Qi was incredibly greedy, swallowing tens of thousands of Turks whole. How foolish they were!"

"Let's not talk about whether we can swallow it or not, but how we should swallow it."

Li Yuanheng tapped the chessboard, making a clanging sound:

"Naturally, they would reclaim wasteland or become registered herdsmen in the prefecture, and disperse them. In this way, within two generations, they would all be people of Jinshan Prefecture, rather than Turkic wild herdsmen."

"This is naturally a defeat."

Wang Haizhou suddenly stood up, his gaze fixed intently on Li Yuanheng, who appeared nonchalant but whose heart was churning with turmoil. He earnestly warned him:

"Tens of thousands of Turks, excluding men, women, and children, there are seven or eight thousand able-bodied men. It would be difficult to defeat them one by one, let alone have them unite against us. At that time, my Jinshan Prefecture will have truly exhausted its strength and blood, and it will have benefited others for nothing."

"If you want to win, there is only one way."

"What method—", Li Yuanheng gradually sat up straight, his eyes looking at Wang Haizhou opposite him as if he had seen a guiding light.

Wang Haizhou glanced at the scattered chessboard again, raised his left index finger to point at the swaying white snake, and whispered with a smile:

"When you were playing chess just now, you were so cautious, making dangerous moves every five or six pieces. How come you're so reckless when dealing with these Turkic tribes?"

"In my opinion, we should send local scholars and farmers into the tribes under the guise of education to teach them how to cultivate land, grow crops, and read and write. In less than three years, the people's hearts will surely be won over, and there will be no need for a single soldier."

"But will they agree?"

Wang Haizhou revealed a wicked smile and replied in a casual tone:

"Brother, a woodcutter encountered a tiger in the mountains. Although the woodcutter carried an axe, he dared not make a move. At this stalemate, the tiger said, 'I have come here for no other reason than to get a full meal. If you can bring me some game, I will naturally not harm you and will even protect your descendants. Otherwise, your family will be in turmoil and you will die sooner or later.'"

"Brother, what should the woodcutter do now?"

Li Yuanheng slapped his forehead, suddenly realizing:

"With troubles ahead and behind, caught in a dilemma, if this plan is used, those tribes will have to think twice about whether it's worth it to rebel."

"That's right. With wolves in front and tigers behind, the question is whether to dance with the wolves or become food for the tigers. The wise men of those tribes surely understand this."

"If anyone doesn't understand, then this is simply a way to make an example of them!"

When Master Wang spoke of killing, he completely lost his usual refined demeanor, and his manner was no less than that of Li Yuanheng, who was known for his ruthless killing.

"Master Wang----"

"What's wrong??"

"Since that's the case, you shall come up with this plan. You shall lead the way and go deep into the tribe to educate the shepherds. In this way, you will not fail the teachings of the sage and will fulfill your long-standing learning."

Meeting those alluring eyes, Wang Haizhou suddenly became dignified and upright. He tugged at his drooping trousers, straightened his round collar, and answered in a firm tone:

"The affairs of the academy are of great importance. The task of educating and civilizing the Turks can be entrusted to my disciples and grand-disciples."

"As for me, two words."

"I'm not going!!"