Honglou: This bastard is too persuasive.

Chapter 672: The Problem of Prisoners

As soon as these words came out, there was a burst of echoes in the camp. Some generals nodded one after another. Most of them were from the military, accustomed to fighting on the battlefield, and their way of dealing with the enemy was simple and direct.

"General, General Li Meng is absolutely right." Another general, Sun Hu, also stood up. His face was serious and his tone was firm. "The island country is our enemy. Keeping these captives will only consume our food and grass, and may also become a big worry for us. We can't be soft-hearted. Being kind to the enemy on the battlefield is being cruel to ourselves!"

Jia Changsheng listened quietly, frowning slightly. As a time traveler, he knew the preciousness of life. In his original world, human rights and humanitarianism were deeply rooted in people's minds. He could not agree with the practice of easily depriving others of their lives, let alone 140,000 living people.

"Generals," Jia Changsheng finally spoke, his voice steady and powerful. The tent instantly fell silent, and everyone's eyes were focused on him. "I understand your concerns. These prisoners have indeed brought us a lot of pressure. But we can't just choose to kill because of fear. This is not the best way to solve the problem."

Li Meng was a little anxious. He took a step forward and said, "General, if we don't kill them, can we still keep them alive? Our food supply is already tight, and with so many mouths to feed, this is not a small amount!"

Jia Changsheng smiled slightly, motioned Li Meng to sit down, and then slowly said: "Li Meng, the food and grass problem you mentioned does exist, but we can think from another angle. Although these prisoners are enemies, they are also labor. Why don't we use them to work for us?"

As soon as this was said, everyone showed a puzzled look. In their understanding, when dealing with prisoners, they either killed them or imprisoned them, and they had never thought of making prisoners work.

Seeing that everyone was puzzled, Jia Changsheng continued to explain: "We can let these captives participate in labor, such as building fortifications, reclaiming wasteland, transporting supplies, etc. In this way, they can not only be self-sufficient, but also contribute to our army and territory."

At this time, the silent staff officer Zhao Wen's eyes lit up. He pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and said, "General, your idea is very novel. Letting prisoners do labor can indeed solve the problem of food and grass, and it can also speed up our construction. However, there are many problems that need to be considered."

Jia Changsheng nodded and motioned Zhao Wen to continue.

Zhao Wen cleared his throat and said, "First, how to manage these prisoners is a big problem. 140,000 people is not a small number. If we are not careful, it may cause a riot. Secondly, we need to formulate a complete labor system to clarify their work content, time and treatment, otherwise it will be difficult to convince them. In addition, these prisoners are from island countries, and they do not speak the same language or culture, so there will be great obstacles to communication."

Zhao Wen's words made everyone fall into deep thought. These problems were indeed real, and each one of them was related to the success or failure of the plan.

"What Zhao Wen said is very true," Jia Changsheng said, "but these problems are not unsolvable. Regarding management, we can select a group of reliable soldiers, give them special training, and be responsible for guarding and managing the prisoners. At the same time, we can select some prestigious people among the prisoners to assist us in management, give them certain benefits, and let them work for us."

"As for the labor system," Jia Changsheng continued, "we can set reasonable working hours and intensity to ensure that they have enough rest. For prisoners with good performance, we can give certain rewards, such as reducing labor time, providing better food, etc. This can not only motivate them to work hard, but also make them feel our goodwill."

"As for the language and culture issues," Jia Changsheng looked at Zhao Wen, "Zhao Wen, you are responsible for selecting some people who understand the island country's language, or recruiting some translators to build a bridge of communication as soon as possible. We need to make them understand our intentions and their needs."

Everyone nodded and approved of Jia Changsheng's plan. But Li Meng was still a little worried and said, "General, even if we do this, will these prisoners really obey? What if they sabotage us secretly?"

Jia Changsheng patted Li Meng on the shoulder and said, "Li Meng, we must believe that human nature is good. As long as we give them respect and fair treatment, they will also feel our sincerity. Moreover, we must also strictly guard against them in management and not give them any opportunity to take advantage of us."

At this time, a young general raised a new question: "General, it is unprecedented for us to make prisoners do labor. What will other troops and civilians think? Will they think we are soft-hearted, or worry that the prisoners will harm us?"

Jia Changsheng pondered for a moment and said, "This is indeed an issue that needs to be considered. We must do a good job of propaganda to let everyone understand the purpose and significance of our actions. We are doing this to reduce killings and to make better use of resources for the benefit of our territory and people. At the same time, we must assure everyone that we will take strict measures to ensure that the captives will not pose a threat to us."

In the next few hours, everyone had an in-depth discussion on the specific details of the prisoner labor. From the location and project of the labor, to the management method and the deployment of personnel, every link was carefully planned. Jia Changsheng listened carefully to the opinions of each general, and from time to time put forward his own ideas and suggestions, striving to make this plan more perfect.

After the meeting, Jia Changsheng left Zhao Wen alone again. He looked at Zhao Wen and said seriously, "Zhao Wen, this mission is very difficult and important. You must form a team as soon as possible and implement various plans. In particular, the formulation of the labor system must be fair and reasonable and in line with the actual situation."

Zhao Wen bowed slightly and said, "General, rest assured, I will do my best. However, this labor system involves many aspects, and I need some time to research and draft it."

Jia Changsheng nodded and said, "I'll give you three days. After three days, I want to see a specific plan. Remember, this is not just for the disposal of the prisoners, but also for our future. We must use this opportunity to establish a new management model and lay a solid foundation for the development of our territory."

Zhao Wen took the order and left. Jia Changsheng looked at his departing figure, feeling both hopeful and worried. He knew that although this decision was full of challenges, it was the right one. In this chaotic world, he would use his wisdom and courage to open up a different path.

In the following days, Jia Changsheng's army began to manage and deploy the prisoners according to the plan. Batches of prisoners were taken to designated locations and began their labor life. Under the supervision of the soldiers, they built city walls, reclaimed farmland, and transported supplies. Although it was hard work, under reasonable management and treatment, their rebellious emotions gradually decreased and they began to adapt to this new life.

In Jia Changsheng's territory, the people gradually understood his intentions and expressed their understanding and support for his actions. They saw that the labor of these captives not only reduced the burden on the people, but also brought new opportunities for the development of the territory.

As time went by, Jia Changsheng's prisoner labor plan began to bear fruit. The 140,000 prisoners who were originally a headache gradually became an important force in the construction of his territory. In the process, Jia Changsheng also demonstrated his outstanding leadership and innovative thinking, winning the respect and love of soldiers and civilians.

This discussion on the treatment of prisoners not only changed the fate of 140,000 prisoners, but also laid the foundation for Jia Changsheng's future development. In this turbulent era, he wrote his own legend in his own way. In the prisoner camp designated by Jia Changsheng, the atmosphere that was once filled with despair and hostility is quietly changing. Simple but neat tents are scattered around, surrounded by armed but peaceful guards. The sun shines on this temporary residence, giving people a different kind of warmth.

A group of prisoners from the archipelago were sitting together. Their prison uniforms were worn but clean. One of them, a young soldier named Yamamoto, no longer had the fear and anger he had when he was first captured. He looked at the coarse flour buns that had just been distributed and said with emotion: "You know what? I originally thought that if I was captured, I would either be killed or tortured. But I didn't expect that although this is a prisoner camp, at least I can eat well and wear warm clothes."

Sato, an older prisoner next to him, nodded slightly, his eyes revealing a hint of mixed emotions: "Yes, at the beginning I was also full of resentment, thinking of finding a chance to escape or rebel. But during this period of time, they gave us work to do and didn't make things difficult for us. Last time I was sick, they sent a doctor to see me and gave me medicine. If this happened in our own army, I might have been thrown aside and ignored."

Another prisoner named Suzuki, who was more cheerful, said with a smile: "And have you noticed that as long as we work hard, we can get rewards. Last time, because I was active in carrying supplies, I got an extra portion of meat, which was a delicacy that I haven't eaten for a long time."

Yamamoto took a bite of the steamed bun and continued, "I heard from the guards that as long as we keep behaving well, we may be released in the future. I don't know if it's true, but at least there is hope."

Sato looked at the prisoners working in the distance, his eyes full of hope: "Whether I can go back or not, at least this kind of life is much better than living in fear every day on the battlefield. I am just thinking about working hard and trying to save more money."

At this time, a soldier in charge of management came over and shouted in the not very fluent island language: "Everyone, eat quickly, rest well and get ready to work!" Although there was a command in his tone, there was no malice at all.

The prisoners got up, put on their clothes, and prepared to go to the work site. On the way, they talked quietly, talking about today's work tasks and their aspirations for the future.

At a construction site for a city wall, a group of prisoners were busy carrying stones. They were divided into small groups and cooperated with each other. Although the work was hard, the initial resistance on everyone's face was gone.

A captive named Watanabe, who was tall and strong, was lifting a huge stone with his companions. As he worked hard, he said, "Brothers, work harder! Once the wall is repaired, maybe we can live here in peace in the future."

A prisoner nearby panted and said, "Watanabe, are you really planning to stay here for a long time? I'm wondering when I can go home."

Watanabe smiled and said, "It would be nice to go home, but who knows when we can go back. Now that we are here, at least we have work to do and can support ourselves. And you see, the people here are not as hostile to us as they were at the beginning."

At this time, the officer in charge of supervision came over, looked at the prisoners' work progress, nodded with satisfaction, and gestured to everyone to take a break. The prisoners put down their tools and sat aside to drink water.

The officer walked over and said in the awkward island language: "You have done a good job. Keep up the hard work and you will be rewarded."

Although the prisoners could not fully understand, they understood from the officer's expression and gestures that he was praising them. Watanabe stood up and said in simple local language: "Thank you, we will do a good job."

The officer smiled and left. The prisoners looked at his back and began to have a better impression of this strange place.

During the break, the prisoners started talking about their hometowns. One prisoner named Tanaka said, "I have a wife and children at home. I don't know how they are doing now. I really hope I can go back and see them soon."

Another prisoner consoled him, "Don't worry, as long as we behave well, we will definitely be able to go back. Maybe when we go back, life at home will be better."

Watanabe looked into the distance and said, "In fact, sometimes I wonder if the war will continue even if I go back. Although I am a prisoner here, at least I can live a stable life."

After hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought. They began to realize that the war had brought them too much pain and uncertainty, and that their current life, although not what they originally wanted, gave them a rare peace.

As night fell, the captives returned to the camp after a day's work. After a simple dinner, they sat around the campfire, enjoying this short rest time.

Yamamoto looked up at the stars in the sky and said, "What do you think our lives will be like when this war is over?"

Sato said: "I hope to return to my hometown, plant a few acres of land, and live a peaceful life with my family. I don't want to fight again."

Suzuki said excitedly: "I want to start a small business, make some money, get married, and have a bunch of kids."

Everyone laughed when they heard this. In the laughter, they forgot that they were captives and seemed to have returned to their ordinary and happy lives.

(End of this chapter)