The Three Kingdoms of Farming and War began with the incorporation of the Baiyue

The fifth year of Kaiyuan.

As karez were built one after another in Dunhuang County, the land turned greener visibly.

This year marks Jin Zhe's tenth year of going out for experience.

Following Jin Lin’s precedent, he will be able to return to Luoyang next year to take up an important position and gain experience.

However, as the karez began to work, Jinzhe saw another bright future.

He wanted to build karez to improve the local climate, and at the same time build a highway to reach the Wusun Kingdom in the Western Regions.

In this way, the New Han Dynasty will once again expand its territory to the Western Regions!

The old Han people once conquered this place but never occupied it because it was beyond their reach.

But now, times have changed.

Xinhan is fully capable of doing it!
However, this huge project will take more than ten years to complete and cannot be completed in a short time.

So, Jin Zhe found his think tank Hua Xin to ask whether he should return to Luoyang to compete for the position of crown prince, or stay here to expand the territory.

Hua Xin said: "Your Highness, this matter requires careful consideration. Returning to Luoyang, although you will face the turmoil in the court, once you win the position of crown prince, you will be the emperor in the future and hold the power of the world. However, this road is fiercely competitive and full of risks, and requires extraordinary wisdom and means.

Staying here, expanding the territory, will benefit the present and future generations. Not only can you make immortal contributions here, but you can also take this opportunity to cultivate power and accumulate reputation. When the time is right, you may be able to win the throne with your achievements in the frontier. However, this strategy takes a long time and needs to bear the various variables that may be brought about by being far away from the center of power.

Your Highness should weigh your own ambitions. Do you want to forge ahead bravely and compete for the throne in the court? Or do you want to be lonely and lay a foundation for the future with your achievements on the frontier? Both have their pros and cons. The key lies in what your Highness cares about: immediate power or long-term influence. "

Jin Zhe fell into a long contemplation after hearing this. He knew that this was not just a simple choice, but also a profound examination of his future path. Outside the window, the vast frontier looked particularly magnificent under the setting sun, as if silently calling him to write his own legend...

"What if I want both?" Jin Zhe asked, "Is there a way to have both?"

Hua Xin smiled slightly, a glimmer of wisdom flashed in his eyes, and he said slowly: "Everything in the world is often difficult to have both, but wise people can always find a balance. If Your Highness wants to gain both the power of the court and the merits of the border, you need to plan carefully and implement it step by step.

First of all, in the court, Your Highness needs to establish his own reputation and power, win allies, and consolidate his foundation. This requires not only wisdom and strategy, but also virtue to win people over and make everyone convinced. At the same time, Your Highness needs to remain humble and cautious, and not show off his talents, so as not to make too many enemies and cause unnecessary trouble.

Secondly, regarding border affairs, His Highness can dispatch trusted generals, assisted by elite soldiers and generals, to ensure border stability. His Highness himself can inspect the border from time to time to show his attention to border affairs, and at the same time gain a deep understanding of the people's sentiments in the border areas and prepare for possible future wars.

Furthermore, Your Highness needs to pay attention to the cultivation and reserve of talents. Talent is the key, whether in the court or on the frontier. Your Highness should recruit talents widely and eclectically, let them shine in their respective fields, and contribute to Your Highness's great cause.

Finally, Your Highness needs to keep a calm mind and not be happy or sad because of temporary gains and losses. The world is like a chess game, and each game is new. Only by staying calm and rational can you be at ease in this treacherous court and border, and finally achieve your wish. "

After hearing this, Jin Zhe suddenly became enlightened, with a determined light in his eyes. He understood that although the road ahead was full of challenges, as long as he had a will in his heart and a plan in his hand, nothing would be impossible. So he stood up, bowed deeply to Hua Xin, and said: "Thank you for your guidance, sir. Jin Zhe will live up to your expectations and swear to leave my own legend in this world!"

Hua Xin smiled and helped Jin Zhe up, his eyes full of relief and expectation. He patted Jin Zhe's shoulder and said earnestly: "Your Highness has such a lofty ambition, which is a blessing for the country and the people. But remember, a true legend is not achieved overnight, it requires countless times of perseverance, careful consideration and courage to take responsibility. In the days to come, whether it is stormy or sunny, I hope you can stick to your original intention and keep it in mind, so that you can succeed."

"In addition," Hua Xin continued, "Your Highness must recruit talented people and listen to opinions from all sides with an open mind. A wise man will make mistakes in a thousand considerations, and a foolish man will gain something in a thousand considerations. Only by pooling the wisdom of all can we formulate a more comprehensive strategy to deal with complex and changing situations. At the same time, we must also learn to trust and delegate power, so that every loyal and capable minister can do his job and contribute to the prosperity and stability of the country."

Jin Zhe nodded seriously, keeping every word of Hua Xin in mind. He knew that this was not just a game of power, but also a test of his wisdom, courage and benevolence. From this moment on, he was determined to take a broader mind and a more determined step towards the king's road full of unknowns and challenges, and write an immortal legendary chapter with his own actions.

"I do have an idea right now." Jin Zhe said, "I want to report the changes in Dunhuang County to the court. What do you think?" Hua Xin nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes, and said slowly, "Dunhuang County is located in the border area. It has always been a battleground for military strategists and a place for cultural integration. If we can use this as a pilot to implement a series of reform measures, it will not only improve the local people's livelihood, but also demonstrate your majesty's attention to the border areas and enhance national cohesion. This plan is very good, but we need to act cautiously to ensure that the reform measures can benefit the people and avoid touching the interests of sensitive forces in the court, so that they can be smoothly promoted."

"Sir, you are absolutely right." Jin Zhe said solemnly, "I plan to start with improving farming techniques and building water conservancy projects, and then gradually promote universal education and trade, so as to drive the economic and cultural development of the entire Dunhuang County. As for the resistance in the court, I have my own countermeasures, and I will not let these old customs and habits hinder the pace of reform."

Hua Xin smiled faintly upon hearing this, seeming to be quite satisfied with Jin Zhe's maturity and courage. "You are so determined and strategic, which is a blessing to the country. However, you must remember that the road to reform is never smooth, and you must always be prepared to deal with emergencies, keep a clear mind and strong will. In addition, it is also crucial to select a group of loyal, reliable and capable officials to assist you."

"I'll keep it in mind," Jin Zhe replied respectfully, with a preliminary candidate plan in mind. He knew that this reform was not only a reshaping of Dunhuang County, but also a test of his leadership ability and governance philosophy. In the days to come, he will go all out and prove with practical actions that he can not only protect this land, but also lead it to a more glorious future.

Jin Zhe knew that reforms must be based on the will of the people, so he decided to go deep into the people, listen to their voices, and understand their sufferings and expectations. He organized a research team composed of young talents to go to every corner of Dunhuang County to collect the most authentic public sentiment and opinions. At the same time, he also encouraged the people to put forward opinions and suggestions, and promised that each one would be carefully reviewed and reasonable ones would be adopted and implemented.

In promoting reform measures, Jin Zhe stressed the need for both bold and decisive measures and meticulousness. He advocated starting with the easy and then the difficult, starting with small things to improve people's livelihood, and gradually increasing people's confidence and support for reform. For example, he first addressed the issue of irrigation, built and maintained water conservancy facilities, and ensured that farmland had sufficient water sources; at the same time, he also implemented a policy of reducing taxes and levies to reduce the burden on farmers and allow the people to live and work in peace and contentment.

At the same time, Jin Zhe did not forget to strengthen the legal system, severely punish corruption, and purify the official atmosphere. He set up an independent supervisory agency to strictly supervise and evaluate officials at all levels to ensure that power is exercised in the sunshine. Those who dare to challenge the bottom line of the law and harm the interests of the people will be severely punished regardless of their position.

Jin Zhe also attached great importance to culture and education. He advocated respecting teachers and valuing education, increasing investment in schools, improving teachers' salaries, and encouraging more young people with aspirations to join the education industry. At the same time, he also actively promoted cultural exchanges, introduced advanced foreign cultures, and also focused on protecting and inheriting Dunhuang's local cultural heritage, giving this ancient land new vitality.

Jin Zhe understands that although the road to reform is long and difficult, as long as he keeps the people in mind and acts with righteousness, he will be able to overcome all difficulties and lead Dunhuang County towards a more prosperous future.

"What else does Dunhuang need?" Jin Zhe asked. "I think there are still some shortcomings."

Hua Xin Hearing this, Hua Xin thought for a moment and said, "Your Excellency's concern for Dunhuang is a blessing for the people. As for what Dunhuang needs, in my opinion, we can strengthen infrastructure construction, such as building roads and bridges, and developing water conservancy projects, to facilitate people's livelihood and promote farming and trade. Furthermore, although medical care and education have been improved, they still need to be continuously deepened to ensure that people in every corner can enjoy basic medical services and good educational resources. In addition, encouraging technological innovation and the development of handicrafts should not be ignored. This can not only enrich Dunhuang's economic structure, but also preserve and promote the essence of our traditional culture."

"As for cultural exchange," Hua Xin continued, "Your Excellency has foresight, but perhaps the strategy can be further refined, such as setting up an international cultural festival and inviting friends from all over the world to gather in Dunhuang to showcase their respective cultural characteristics, which will not only enhance understanding but also promote friendship. At the same time, we can strengthen the overseas dissemination of Dunhuang culture so that more people will know and yearn for this mysterious and beautiful land."

After listening to this, Jin Zhe nodded repeatedly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Hua Xin is absolutely right. The development of Dunhuang needs to be comprehensive and not partial. Your suggestion has opened up new ideas for me. Next, we will refine these plans and implement them one by one to ensure that every step taken by Dunhuang is solid and powerful."

Therefore, under the leadership of Jin Zhe, Dunhuang County opened a new chapter of development. It not only made great progress in economy and culture, but also planted the seeds of hope and dreams in the hearts of the people, and together painted a beautiful picture of prosperity.

Gradually, more and more merchant caravans from the Western Regions came to Dunhuang to rest.

Jin Zhe saw the opportunity and said, "I will take this opportunity to vigorously develop this county!"

Hua Xin nodded slightly and added: "Indeed, the increase in caravans means that Dunhuang's status as an important node on the Silk Road is becoming increasingly prominent. But development needs to be done in a proper way. We cannot just focus on short-term economic benefits, but also take into account long-term and sustainable development. I suggest that we first strengthen infrastructure construction, such as widening roads, building safer post stations, and improving the accommodation and trading environment in the city, so that passing caravans are willing to stay, or even choose Dunhuang as a permanent trading base."

"At the same time," Hua Xin continued, "we should encourage the development of local handicrafts and agriculture, and provide caravans with more local specialty goods, such as fine silk, unique pottery, and high-quality fruits, so as to enhance Dunhuang's market appeal. In addition, cultural exchanges should not be neglected. We can hold regular markets and cultural festivals and invite merchants from various countries to showcase their culture and goods. This will not only enrich Dunhuang's cultural atmosphere, but also promote understanding and respect between different cultures."

Jin Zhe nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with longing for the future: "Your suggestions are very pertinent. We will start from these aspects and make Dunhuang not only a hub for commerce and trade, but also a bridge for cultural exchange. We must also focus on education and medical care to improve people's quality of life, so that the prosperity of Dunhuang can benefit every citizen and truly achieve comprehensive development."

With the implementation of a series of policies, Dunhuang gradually rejuvenated with unprecedented vitality. In the workshops, craftsmen carefully made all kinds of goods; in the fields, farmers worked hard and looked forward to the harvest season; in the schools, the children's clear reading voices echoed in the air, foreshadowing the infinite possibilities of Dunhuang in the future. And the city of Dunhuang, in this vibrant land, quietly transformed into a shining pearl on the Silk Road, illuminating the road of communication between the East and the West.

In addition, the improvement of medical conditions has also benefited the people of Dunhuang. The newly built hospital is equipped with advanced medical equipment, attracting many skilled medical staff, and providing high-quality medical services to local residents and surrounding areas. Health lectures and free clinics are frequently held, which enhances people's health awareness and reduces the incidence of common diseases. The elderly enjoy a variety of leisure and entertainment activities in the community activity center, making their later life more colorful.

The deep integration of culture and tourism has brought unprecedented development opportunities to Dunhuang. The ancient murals and grottoes are no longer just witnesses of history, but have become a vivid classroom for modern people to experience ancient civilization and feel the charm of art. The holding of international cultural festivals, art exhibitions and folk activities has attracted tourists from all over the world, which has not only promoted the rapid growth of the local economy, but also enabled Dunhuang's cultural heritage to be better protected and passed on.

At the same time, Dunhuang has also actively promoted green and sustainable development, and has effectively improved the ecological environment through measures such as afforestation and desert control. The former edge of the desert is now full of greenery, which not only protects the natural scenery of the Silk Road, but also leaves precious green wealth for future generations. (End of this chapter)