Damn it, I'm in the garbage book I wrote

Chapter 857 Development is the only way

After the scoundrel from Tibet was secretly imprisoned, the Western Regions ushered in a rare period of peace. Apart from a few small countries connected with the Abbasid Caliphate making a fuss, almost everyone else had their eyes fixed on the development projects in Xia Lin's hands.

This is a national-level development project, and anyone in the Western Regions with a little knowledge knows what will happen if these things are implemented.

Some people were naturally uneasy, but the vast majority supported or even endorsed it. Incorporating the Western Regions into the Central Plains was not a bad thing. However, the local forces were probably not too happy to see this happen, but they were also eyeing the actual benefits that would be obtained after the projects were implemented.

Therefore, development is a calculated strategy, which applies at any time and in any place. Who wants to live a hard life? The Northern Han Dynasty is indeed in conflict with the Central Plains Dynasty now, but when have they ever continued to harass the border in winter?
Sima Gong said: When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame.

Therefore, the most urgent task is to devote the main energy to the development and construction of this vast land in the Western Regions. Previously, some of Xia Lin's confidants had asked him why he insisted on coming to this desolate and barren land to suffer, when there were still vast areas in the Central Plains suffering from hunger and thirst.

Xia Lin would usually explain patiently that the suffering in the Central Plains was mostly caused by human error, such as by clans, officials, or gentry, while the suffering here was mostly due to divine intervention, such as drought, poverty, or remoteness.

Conquering nature is easy, but scheming and plotting are difficult. Construction is the most rewarding activity in the world; if you sow sweat and toil in the land, there's an 80% chance it will respond. But to heal the festering wound in someone's heart requires struggle—a struggle of time and space.

Moreover, in addition to how to develop, completing the territory is also a very important matter. This expansion of territory will inevitably lead to conflict with the Abbasid Caliphate again, and the Battle of Hunlus will most likely be brought forward. But it doesn't matter, the cannons of the Han people are not just for bombarding their own cities.

Inside the general's council hall, a huge sand table depicting the Western Regions was surrounded by people. In addition to core generals such as Xia Lin, Xu Shiji, and Wang Zhuoheng, there were several industry experts who were well-versed in water conservancy, agriculture, and construction, as well as several tribal chiefs who had submitted earlier and were very familiar with the local situation.

"Gentlemen, the battle is temporarily over. Now it's time to figure out how to make this land yield gold." Xia Lin tapped the edge of the sand table with his riding crop, making a crisp sound that drew everyone's attention. "Zhuo Heng, tell me, what's our most pressing need right now?"

Wang Zhuoheng stepped forward and answered without hesitation: "Man, Commander. Reliable manpower, especially literate people who can manage a region. The Western Regions are vast and sparsely populated, with different tribes speaking different languages ​​and having different customs. Just conveying government orders and coordinating relationships is already a challenge."

Xia Lin nodded and looked at Xu Shiji: "Third Brother, you were able to unite all the tribes in the mountains of Lingnan. You should share your experience."

Xu Shiji nodded slightly and said slowly, "Nothing more than this: everyone should share the benefits, and rules should come first. The most important thing is to let everyone see the tangible benefits and believe that these benefits will last. In Lingnan, I first taught them to cultivate land and plant rice. One harvest was better than a year of hunting and gathering. The same principle should apply here."

A local agricultural official from Fuliang chimed in, “General, Master Xu is absolutely right. I have surveyed the land around Shanshan over the past few months. The sandy soil is barren, but there is plenty of sunshine. If there is a stable water source, it is not impossible to cultivate. It is especially suitable for growing drought-resistant crops such as cotton, grapes, and melons. Cotton provides warmth, grapes are used for winemaking, and melons are easy to store; they are all good things that can be turned into money.”

“Water is the key.” Another expert in water conservancy pointed to several winding dotted lines on the sand table and said, “The water in the Western Regions mostly comes from snowmelt, which is highly seasonal, with floods in summer and droughts in winter. The most urgent task is to build water conservancy projects, dig canals and build dams, construct karez wells, and bring water to where it is needed and find ways to store it.”

Xia Lin listened attentively, his fingers tracing patterns on the sand table: "Explain in detail, where should we start?"

The experienced water conservancy worker was clearly prepared, and produced a rough sketch: "General, please take a look. I suggest that we first concentrate manpower to build three main canals. The first canal will draw water from the Yarkand River to irrigate a large area of ​​Gobi desert west of Shanshan City. The soil there is still acceptable, and if we can get water, it can be turned into cotton fields. The second canal will dredge the old course of the Qiemo River, connecting several small oases and expanding arable land. The third canal, which is also the most difficult, requires crossing the low mountain ahead and diverting the seasonal river from the north of the mountain into this depression on the south side. This area is low-lying, and if we can store water here, it can become a land of fish and rice."

"This is quite a project," Xia Lin pondered. "How many people will we need? How long will it take to see results?"

"If we invest 5,000 laborers and work day and night, the first canal can be completed in two months, and a short-maturing crop can be planted that year. The second canal will take four months. The third canal... will probably take more than a year, and will require blasting to open up the mountain, which will be extremely costly."

"What about the money and provisions?" Xia Lin asked the general in charge of logistics.

The general hurriedly flipped through the account books: "General, the previous military exercises and campaigns have cost a great deal of money. Although we have now opened trade routes with the Tang Dynasty and other countries and have some income, I'm afraid that supporting such a large-scale water conservancy project will be... a real struggle. Especially the third canal, which will probably cost several million taels of silver."

Silence fell over the tent. Several million taels of silver was no small sum, whether in Fuliang or Chang'an.

Xia Lin suddenly smiled and looked at the silent King of Kucha: "Old King, do you think this matter has any potential?"

The King of Kucha was taken aback by Xia Lin's sudden mention of his name. He quickly bowed and said, "General Xia, your vision is truly remarkable. If the irrigation canals can be built, turning the desert into fertile fields, it would be a meritorious deed that would benefit the Western Regions for generations to come. However... the cost..."

"Don't worry about the expenses." Xia Lin waved his hand. "If we don't have enough money, we'll find a way to earn it. I plan to set up a Western Regions Development Bank, jointly funded by the Fuliang Chamber of Commerce, the Li Tang royal family, and major merchants from your Western Regions countries. All future projects in the Western Regions will be financed by the bank, and the profits generated or future taxes will be used to repay the loans in installments after completion."

He glanced at the Western Region chieftains present: “You can invest and receive dividends according to your share. You can also contribute your labor to earn money and improve your lives. Furthermore, you can use future harvests, pastures, or mines as collateral to borrow money from banks to buy cotton seeds and farm tools to develop production. In short, those with money contribute money, those with strength contribute strength, and all benefits are shared.”

Upon hearing this, not only did the chieftains of the Western Regions' eyes light up, but even the Vice Minister of Revenue sent by the Tang Dynasty nodded in approval. This method, which binds the interests of all parties together and shares the risks, is far superior to forced apportionment or uncompensated requisition.

Xu Shiji added, "We can also follow the example of Lingnan films and draw or record the process, hardships, and achievements of canal construction and land reclamation, and spread them widely. This can not only inspire the people, but also let merchants inside the pass see the potential of the Western Regions and attract more investment."

"Alright! Let's do it this way!" Xia Lin made the final decision: "Zhuo Heng, you will be in charge of the water conservancy project. Select technical backbones from the engineering camp and recruit local young men to work in lieu of payment. Start construction immediately! The agricultural official will be responsible for selecting and breeding cotton seeds and guiding cultivation. Third Brother, I'll ask you to draft the bank's articles of association and be in charge of publicity and mobilization."

He stood up, walked to the sand table, and pointed heavily at the end of the third irrigation canal, at that vast depression: "I'll put my words here: a year from now, I will make this barren land grow golden crops and raise plump fish! I'll let everyone in the Western Regions see if there's any future in following us!"

Once the order was given, the entire Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps sprang into action like a tightly wound machine.

Wang Zhuoheng personally led the survey team, braving the scorching sun and sandstorms, to remeasure the waterway and determine the final route. The soldiers of the engineering battalion worked tirelessly, digging earth and building dikes. The young men from various tribes who were recruited were initially hesitant, but when the first month ended and they received their wages in cash, all their doubts turned into soaring enthusiasm.

On the construction site outside Shanshan City, banners fluttered and shouts echoed through the air. Han Chinese, Turks, Uyghurs, Khotanese... people of different languages ​​and clothing mingled together, wielding the same tools, all for the same goal.

Xia Lin also frequently appeared at the construction site. He would roll up his trousers and jump into the knee-deep mud and water to clean the canals with the soldiers and laborers. He was very approachable. When he was tired, he would sit on a mound of earth, share a piece of dry naan bread with the people around him, drink a mouthful of muddy canal water, and listen to them talk about their family situations and their hopes for the future in broken Mandarin or through an interpreter.

"Commander Xia, once this canal is completed, will it really be possible to grow cotton that white?" a dark-skinned young Turkic man asked timidly.

"Of course!" Xia Lin patted his shoulder and pointed to the endless Gobi Desert in the distance: "By then, this place will no longer be a wasteland, but an endless cotton field. When autumn comes, it will be a sea of ​​white, just like snow! You can use the cotton to trade with caravans for grain, cloth, and everything you need! The children at home will also be able to wear warm cotton-padded coats!"

The men around him listened, their dark faces breaking into simple smiles, their eyes filled with hope.

Xu Shiji, with his outstanding political and diplomatic skills, moved among envoys and caravan leaders from various countries. He carried with him meticulously drawn blueprints for the development of the Western Regions and progress maps of the irrigation canal project, and used highly persuasive language to depict the future prosperity of the Western Regions.

Profit is the best catalyst. Seeing the tangible progress of the project and hearing the grand plans described by Xia Lin and Xu Shiji, more and more caravans poured into the Western Regions with funds and supplies. The fundraising for the Western Regions Development Bank went exceptionally smoothly, with major merchants from Fuliang, Jinling, and Chang'an, and even some wealthy local merchants from the Western Regions, investing huge sums of money.

The problems of funding and manpower were alleviated at a visible speed. Summer days in the Western Regions are long and hot, but now, in order to catch up on work hours, no one rests at all. Even Xia Lin, who is extremely afraid of the heat, works from nine to five every day and has to work overtime on weekends, without a single day off.

West of Shanshan City, the once barren Gobi Desert is now a scene of bustling activity. The construction of the first main canal, the Tongji Canal, has entered its final stage.

Huge waterwheels were erected on the riverbank, using the swift current of the Yarkand River to lift buckets of muddy water up to the high bank and into the newly dug wide canal. On both sides of the canal, embankments made of a mixture of red willow, poplar branches and pebbles, meandered forward like a giant, earthen-yellow dragon stretching into the parched land in the distance.

Wang Zhuoheng was shirtless, the fair-skinned young master now sporting a limited-edition bronze complexion, his body covered in a mixture of sweat and dust that had turned into mud.

As a descendant of a prince and a general, he personally oversaw the most difficult tasks, demonstrating exemplary leadership to the fullest and greatly inspiring the construction team.

"Quick! Secure the support! Be careful when loading the gunpowder!" His original youthful voice had long since become a rough, hoarse croak, as if he had become a completely different person inside and out.

Several sappers carefully inserted a measured amount of gunpowder wrapped in oiled paper into the pre-drilled gun hole, connected the fuse, and everyone around held their breath and stepped back to a safe distance.

"ignition!"

The fuse hissed and burned, quickly disappearing into the hole.

After a moment of silence, a muffled thud came from underground, the ground trembled slightly, and gravel and dust shot into the air.

After the smoke and dust cleared, the group went forward to check and saw that a huge gap had been blasted open in the hard gravel layer.

"Good!" Wang Zhuoheng wiped the sweat and mud from his face, grinned, revealing his white teeth: "Clear the rubble and keep digging! Let's try to get this section through before sunset!"

The laborers and soldiers cheered, their enthusiasm growing even stronger. The clanging of pickaxes against rocks, the shouts of workers, and the sound of flowing water mingled together, creating a magnificent symphony of construction.

Xia Lin and Xu Shiji stood on a small hill not far away, gazing at the bustling scene. Xu Shiji held a charcoal pencil and a wooden board, occasionally sketching a few lines to record the details of the project.

"Zhuo Heng is becoming more and more composed and capable," Xu Shiji nodded in praise. "He has the potential to achieve great things."

Xia Lin smiled, but his gaze fell on the laborers of various ethnic groups who were sweating profusely: "The key is people's hearts. Look at them, who still remembers whether they are Turks, Han Chinese or Khotanese? They are probably all thinking about getting the canal built as soon as possible so that they can divide the land to grow cotton."

Just then, the King of Kucha arrived at the construction site with several attendants, carrying several large buckets of chilled plum juice.

"General Xia! Taoist Master Xu! General Wang! You've all worked hard! It's hot, come and have a bowl of plum juice to cool off!" The King of Kucha was all smiles as he personally scooped up the juice and handed it to the nearby laborers.

Since the establishment of the Western Regions Development Bank, the King of Kucha was almost the first to respond, investing a large sum of money. Now he cares more about the progress of the project than anyone else, and comes to check on the troops every few days, effectively becoming the logistics minister of the construction site.

A young Turkic laborer took the bowl, gulped down a large mouthful of the icy plum juice, and felt instantly relieved of the summer heat. He gratefully said in broken Mandarin, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The King of Kucha patted him on the shoulder and replied in even more broken Turkic, "Keep up the good work! Once the canal is open, good days will come!"

Xia Lin and Xu Shiji exchanged a smile. This shared hope, both from top to bottom and from bottom to top, is the foundation upon which this fertile land of the Western Regions blossoms.

More than ten days later, the Tongji Canal was fully opened to traffic.

On the day the sluice gates were opened to release the water, almost half of Shanshan City flocked to the head of the canal. Xia Lin, San Niang, Xu Shiji, Wang Zhuoheng, the leaders of various Western Regions countries, and envoys from various countries all stood on the high platform.

With Zhuo Heng's command, the massive gate was slowly pulled up.

The Yarkand River, which had been accumulating water for a long time, roared and surged into the dry new canal like a giant dragon breaking free from its restraints, stirring up turbid waves and rushing forward along the wide channel!
Wherever the water flowed, deafening cheers erupted from both banks. Many elderly people who had lived here for generations watched the surging clear water rush towards the desert, their eyes filled with tears of emotion. They knelt down, bowed towards the east, and murmured words of gratitude to Marshal Xia and the Heavenly Dynasty's royal army for bringing all this to the land.

The water flowed faster than people imagined, and in less than half a day, it had reached the first batch of planned reclamation areas.

The agricultural officials and land reclamation teams, who had been waiting there, immediately sprang into action. They irrigated the land, plowed up the hardened soil, and sowed the carefully selected cotton seeds.

“This place gets plenty of sunshine, and if the water supply is adequate, the cotton seedlings will grow very quickly.” The old farmer squatted by the edge of the field, grabbed a handful of wet soil, squeezed it tightly, and a satisfied look appeared on his face. “The soil quality is acceptable, and the base fertilizer has been applied sufficiently. As long as the subsequent management is in place, there will definitely be a harvest in the fall.”

Xia Lin also stepped down from the platform and came to the edge of the field. Looking at the patches of land that were soaked by the water and shimmered with a deep brown color under the sun, he seemed to already see the cotton bolls blooming in autumn, as white as snow.

"This is just the beginning." He said to Xu Shiji and San Niang beside him, "Once the other two canals are completed, we will build the largest cotton spinning workshop in the entire Western Regions here. The cloth we produce will not only be sold to the Central Plains, but also to Persia and the Abbasid Caliphate!"

Looking at this vibrant land and the people of various ethnicities whose faces were filled with hope, San Niang felt a deep sense of emotion. This was probably all there was to the so-called rule of the king. If it were anyone else, they would probably follow the same old path and ultimately be unable to escape the fighting and killing.

The success of the Tongji Canal was like a shot in the arm for the development of the Western Regions.

More and more tribes are voluntarily requesting to submit, hoping to participate in the development plans led by the Construction Corps. The labor shortage problem has been greatly alleviated. Even some previously hesitant small countries have sent envoys, expressing their willingness to open their domestic mines in exchange for the Construction Corps' help in building water conservancy projects and developing agriculture.

With the funds of the money shops in the Western Regions becoming increasingly abundant, the exploration and design of the second water canal was quickly put on the agenda.

"To be honest, I don't have much time left." Xia Lin said while taking a bath with Zhuo Heng in the reservoir of the Tongji Canal. "I have to stretch my life into two lifetimes. I don't know how long I will live, but you have to promise me that if I suddenly die, you have to continue my work. Otherwise, all our decades of hard work will have been for nothing."

"Don't worry, senior brother. No matter what, I will keep going. No one can stop me."

(End of this chapter)