In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 862 Providing shelter for all the poor and needy, bringing them joy

The end of October slipped away quietly in the breeze, and November arrived.
The warm sunshine of the day seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye, replaced by a fierce, cold wind.

The entire city of Daning seemed to have entered winter in an instant.

Winter is approaching, and for the people of the grasslands...

This signifies the arrival of the most difficult season of the year.

Livestock will freeze to death, crops will be harvested less, workshops will shut down, and people will become idle.

They spent their days in tents, surviving on stored food.

Every day, the cost of lighting the charcoal fire had to be carefully calculated.

Nearly half of the day's twelve hours are spent suffering from hunger and cold.

However, this situation did not occur in Daning City.

People did not become as bleak as the autumn wind, nor did they become listless.

Instead, they would leave the city refreshed and full of fighting spirit, carrying hoes or entering the workshop with food in their hands.

Because the government has already given a guarantee.

No one will freeze to death in Daning City this winter!

Bright red slogans were pasted on the walls on both sides of the city gate.
The view of entering and leaving the city is so clear that it's impossible not to believe it!
Outside the city, all the merchants' carriages stopped moving.
Give way to carts and horses carrying farm tools and food.

In the fields, you could have a dozen or so people standing on a single acre of land.

They were bending over, carefully preparing.

Red ribbons hung along the edge of the sky and earth.

One after another, large red flowers hang in the middle of the fields.

Several elderly men, who looked frail and dignified, were energetically shouting in the fields, leaning on their canes.

An aged voice, carried by the autumn wind, permeated the air.

Tomorrow, tomorrow is the most important day for the entire Beiping Regional Military Command.
All ten trial planting sites will begin harvesting sweet potatoes, hoping for a bountiful harvest.

A tense yet expectant atmosphere permeated the entire Dusi.

In the city, at the military headquarters,
Zhang Bin knocked on the door of Lu Yunyi's office, carrying three thick volumes of documents.

His eyes were sunken, his skin was dark, and he had lost a lot of weight and looked haggard. He hadn't rested for three days.

"Come in."

A crisp sound came from inside, and Zhang Bin pushed open the door and entered.

Upon entering the government office, one is greeted by a mountain of documents.

On the spacious desk, stacks of documents lay piled high.
Even the round table that was usually used to hold fruits and vegetables was now filled with documents.

"My lord, this is a document sent urgently by the Three Guards of Doyan."

"It's them again?"

Lu Yunyi raised his head blankly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

The Doyan Three Guards have a tradition of reporting everything, big or small.
Lu Yunyi felt he should really suppress it!
Where did these grassland people get this habit from!
"Leave it there."

Lu Yunyi glanced around, pointed to a stack of documents that was slightly shorter, and gestured for Zhang Bin to put them down.

After putting it down, Zhang Bin's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:

"Sir, all the farm tools and laborers have been arranged."

Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation are being arranged tonight and will be ready for use tomorrow morning.

However, the list of attendees for tomorrow's ceremony has not yet been finalized. May I ask how Your Excellency intends to select them?

Lu Yunyi put down his pen and paper, lost in thought.

After a while, he spoke:

"Apart from the necessary city defense troops on duty, all other government officials should go."
Tell Hong Yishan that nothing is more important than food.

Let all the officials and clerks see for themselves how difficult it is to earn a living by digging in the fields.

"Yes, my lord!"

Zhang Bin's expression turned serious as he continued to ask questions:
"What are the arrangements for Lord Pan tomorrow?"

"Everything is as usual. Lord Pan said that after he sees the news about the sweet potato harvest, he will rush back to Liaodong overnight. Commander, don't forget to bring him some local specialties."

"Yes, sir. I shall take my leave now."

"Um"

Lu Yunyi nodded, then picked up the brush and began writing and drawing on the unfolded document.

A short while later, the door was pushed open again.

Liu Heiying rushed in.

He didn't speak immediately, but instead found the teapot in the corner and gulped down several large mouthfuls.

After a long sigh, he finally spoke:
"Brother Yun'er, all defense arrangements have been completed."
Fewer soldiers were assigned to the fields near the construction site on the west side.
A garrison of elite soldiers was stationed in each of the three directions: south, north, and east.

If anyone tries to cause trouble, they will be apprehended.

Lu Yunyi tossed the brush aside, leaned back in his chair, and looked at him with a smile:
"Black Hawk, it seems you've lost weight since I came back."

"Ok?"

Liu Heiying looked down at his stomach and patted it lightly:
"I have to lose weight, my horse can barely carry me anymore."

"Hahaha, if you eat three meals a day, sleep as usual, and pay more attention to your diet, you'll lose weight quickly."

Are your children easy to take care of? Lately, I don't know why, everyone seems to be talking to me about having children.

Lu Yunyi scratched his head abruptly.

Liu Heiying sat down opposite him, a worried look on his face.
"Stop talking, I'm already feeling tired."
My sisters-in-law don't know how lucky they are. This child cries endlessly every night; it's a real headache just listening to him.

"Kids are all like that, they'll get better as they grow up."
Did you look into that famous doctor from the grasslands that I asked you to inquire about last time?

"I checked, and he is indeed a renowned doctor from the grasslands. He heard that Da Ning is not xenophobic, so he came here specifically."

"hold head high"

Lu Yunyi wasn't particularly surprised that these renowned doctors were truly skilled.
They were quite surprised that they had come all the way from the Northern Yuan.

He sat up straight and asked excitedly:

"How did they get here? Who helped them obtain their identities?"

"Uh"

Liu Heiying scratched his head, somewhat puzzled as to why Brother Yun was so excited, and said:

"It was one of Li Xian's cousins ​​who invited them over; it's said they came for medical treatment."

Later, those renowned doctors, finding Da Ning to be a good place, decided to settle down there.
Judging by the days, their family should be arriving soon.

"Okay! Okay."

Lu Yunyi spoke with a firm and resounding voice, appearing very excited.

"That's how it has to be done. No matter how decadent the Northern Yuan Dynasty is, it still has some capable people."
"If such a thing happens again, the Commander will not stop them if they wish to come!"

"Brother Yun'er, will this work?"

"Why not? People from inside the pass don't want to come, but don't people from outside the pass want to come too?"

Liu Heiying thought of something and said thoughtfully:

"Brother Yun'er, I just remembered something."

Several prominent families in Liaodong sent letters a few days ago.

They seem to hope to open workshops in the city, and judging from their tone, it seems they intend to establish a presence here.

"Hmm? Is it the main family or a collateral branch?"

“Naturally, they are from a collateral branch. If the main family leaves Liaodong, I'm afraid the Liaodong government will not release them.”

"hold head high"

Lu Yunyi's interest waned considerably, but he still stated definitively:

"No matter what they are, as long as they come, they are welcome. Treat them well!"

"it is good."

"Alright, let's go eat first, then we can go home and get some rest."
Tomorrow's harvest is plentiful; we'll still have a busy day ahead.

Lu Yunyi stood up, walked to Liu Heiying's side, and patted him hard on the shoulder.

Suddenly, Lu Yunyi realized something:

"Oh, I forgot you have a child at home. You should quit your job and go home sooner. I'll take care of things here."

Liu Heiying smiled sheepishly:
"Then I'm leaving."

"Get lost, and come earlier tomorrow."

"okay."

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the entire city of Daning came alive with activity.

The people in the city, whether they were elderly with white hair or young children, all got up early.

The laborers rubbed their sleepy eyes.

After a quick wash, I put on some simple clothes.

Shouldering the farm tools he had prepared beforehand, he walked out of the city with high spirits.

The soldiers, clad in neat armor, marched with firm and powerful steps.
Under the leadership of their respective superiors, they proceeded in an orderly manner towards the fields outside the city.

On the roads outside the city,

The crowd was bustling and noisy, like a flowing river.

The people walked along, chatting excitedly.

"I wonder how many we can dig up. Judging from the dense leaves, it shouldn't be low."

“I have relatives in the government office, and they say that sweet potatoes near the capital generally cost more than six shi (a unit of dry measure).

"Six stones?"

Many people turned their attention to this area.

In the past, if they could grow a bushel and a half of grain, it was considered a great blessing from heaven.

If it's six stones
They couldn't imagine what a grand occasion this was.

Now they work in workshops and construction sites, so it's hard for them to go hungry.
But they still hope that food will be cheaper, the cheaper the better!
The group arrived in the fields,

The scene before me was breathtaking.

Those green fields looked like a huge green velvet carpet.

On the ridges of the field, sweet potato vines spread wildly.

The leaves are lush and green, swaying gently in the breeze.

In the fields, simple viewing platforms had already been set up, with red ribbons fluttering in the wind, adding to the festive atmosphere.

On the viewing platform, neat tables and chairs were arranged, and tea sets on the tables emitted wisps of steam.

A moment later, the sound of horses' hooves and commotion could be heard in the distance.

Lu Yunyi, dressed in the official robes of a commander, rode a tall horse and walked majestically at the head of the procession.

Beside him were Pan Jing, the commander of Liaodong, and a group of officials from the commandery.

Pan Jing rode on his horse, his eyes bright and piercing.

He gazed at the vibrant field before him, and was secretly astonished.

This was the first time he had ever seen such a vibrant and energetic scene outside the Great Wall.

The crowd arrived at the viewing platform and dismounted.

Lu Yunyi stepped forward with a smile and greeted Pan Jing and the others one by one.

"Lord Pan, it is an honor to have you here today to witness this bountiful harvest."

Pan Jing laughed heartily and said:

"Lord Lu, you're too kind. Sweet potatoes are being grown in great numbers in the capital."
I don't know how well it's growing in the north, so naturally I have to come and see for myself.

Judging from the scenery, this year's harvest is sure to be bountiful.

"Hahahaha, come, come, take a seat."

Lu Yunyi smiled and invited him to sit on the viewing platform, saying as they walked:

"If sweet potatoes can yield a bumper harvest in Daning, then they will certainly do well in Liaodong as well."

I have already ordered people to prepare a comprehensive list of experiences and precautions for sweet potato cultivation.

When Lord Pan leaves, take it with you so that sweet potatoes can flourish in Liaodong as well.

Pan Jing stood there stunned, a surge of boundless gratitude welling up within him.

He suddenly understood why this person was so popular with important figures in the imperial court.

He is flawless in every aspect of his conduct and work.
Such valuable experience has been prepared just like that.

Pan Jing's expression shifted, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said softly:

"Thank you very much, Lord Lu. I will remember this favor."

"Oh, this concerns people's livelihood. Lord Pan, why are you being so polite? Come on, come on."

Lu Yunyi acted as if he didn't care at all.

With the sound of gongs and drums, the harvest ceremony officially began.

A group of dancers dressed in brightly colored costumes, holding colorful ribbons, danced gracefully in the fields.

Their dance was light and graceful, like joyful butterflies.

This caused the surrounding people to stare in disbelief.

Pan Jing found this arrangement somewhat strange.
Loess, fields, and songstresses—these elements seem somewhat mismatched.

"Lord Lu, is there a deeper meaning behind this arrangement?"

Lu Yunyi, who had been watching the dance with a smile, turned around upon hearing this and explained:

"Working and farming all day long is too boring."
The capital city had various stages and opera troupes, which the people of the capital could catch a glimpse of when they returned home to relieve their boredom.

We don't have these things here outside the pass.

We're taking advantage of the excitement to make some arrangements. Look how enthusiastically they're watching!
He invited all of them from the capital.

This is Dai Qiufeng, the head manager of the Daning Sugar Workshop.

Dai Qiufeng quickly stood up and bowed deeply:
"Lord Pan."

"Ang, you are the head manager of the sugar mill."
"I've heard quite a bit about your reputation in the city these past few days."

Pan Jing looked him up and down.
He was in his early twenties, probably not even thirty, but he looked very mature and composed.

Placed on the street, it would at most be considered eye-catching, but it is far from being associated with the manager who controls the sugar production within a radius of thousands of miles.

Dai Qiufeng bowed again and took out a piece of cardboard from his pocket, handing it over:

"Lord Pan, this is the workshop's business card address, and also their correspondence information."
If you have any further instructions, please feel free to send a letter.

"Oh?"

Pan Jing took the business card, looking it over with some surprise.

I was very interested in this thing, so I took it.

The dancers' performance lasted for almost half an hour, providing a feast for the eyes of the crowd.

After the dancers left the stage, several respected elders went up to the viewing platform.

Holding incense and candles, they solemnly bowed three times to heaven and earth, chanting incantations.
We pray to God for a bountiful sweet potato harvest this year and favorable weather next year.

After doing all this, an elderly man with a white beard walked up to the high platform.
He took off his shirt, revealing his thin, bony body.

He stood in front of the drum, picked up the drumsticks, and a gentle breeze blew past.

"Boom!"

A dull drumbeat rang out.

"Boom boom boom——"

As the breeze quickened, the drumbeats grew more intense, making many people's hearts pound in their throats.

Teams of laborers arrived at their designated positions, hoes in hand, their expressions solemn and serious!

"Praying to the heavens for a bountiful harvest!"

With a loud bang, the old man slammed his double hammers down on the drumhead, and the sound became even more intense.

"dig--"

"Tiger!"

The laborers let out a long breath and let out a soft shout.
He swung the hoe rhythmically, each swing carrying a distinct cadence.

The once quiet fields have become bustling with activity.

From the high platform, the adults looked out...
Everywhere he looked, there were scenes of hoes being wielded, and he couldn't help but look serious.

"I've got it! I've got it!"

In the tense atmosphere

A gasp of surprise rippled through the crowd near the main road, quickly turning into a commotion.

A strong, middle-aged man was seen forcefully digging open a sweet potato vine.
One by one, round, bright red sweet potatoes emerged from the soil.

They varied in size, some as big as two adult fists, others as small as an egg, and they were densely packed together.

"So many, so many!"

The laborers, who were already prepared, quickly took the baskets and began filling them with food.
In no time, a basket was filled with mud and sweet potatoes.

The surrounding people were dumbfounded; so much had been unearthed in an area no bigger than a coffin lid.

That one acre of land
They could only vaguely recall the scene last year when the military governor's office solemnly guaranteed that the sweet potato harvest would be bountiful.

A year has passed, and the words have come true!
Soon, the sweet potatoes were weighed!
The laborers quickly carried the bamboo baskets filled with sweet potatoes to the weighing area.

Several huge measuring vessels were placed at the weighing area.

These measures are all made of high-quality wood, with exquisite workmanship and clear markings.

An experienced old farmer stood beside the measure.

He looked focused, his eyes revealing a hint of seriousness.

He first placed an empty measure on the scale, carefully adjusted the weight, and ensured that the scale was balanced.

Then, he directed the laborers to carefully pour the sweet potatoes from the bamboo baskets into the measuring vessel.

As sweet potatoes were continuously poured into the vessel, the scale beam began to sink slightly.

The old farmer stared intently at the scale beam, muttering to himself:
"One stone, two stones."

As time passed and the grains were weighed one by one, the people around held their breath, their eyes fixed on the old farmer and the scale, silently praying for a good harvest.

When the scale finally stabilized, the old farmer shouted:

"Four bushels and eight pecks!"

The crowd fell silent for a moment, then burst into cheers!
"A bountiful harvest!"

"Four bushels and eight pecks!"

"God bless!"

The sound continued incessantly.

Not far away, another field began to be weighed.

The old farmer's eyes widened, and he kept muttering:

"Four shi, four shi and two dou."

The people around them also tensed up, their hearts beating faster involuntarily.

Finally, the scale stopped, and the old farmer's voice trembled with excitement:

"Four bushels and five pecks!"

"A bountiful harvest—"

The crowd erupted in cheers once again!
Pan Jing couldn't help but step forward, carefully examine the sweet potatoes in the container, then looked at Lu Yunyi, and exclaimed in admiration:
"Lord Lu, the sweet potato harvest is so amazing, it's truly astonishing!"

Lu Yunyi said with a smile:

"With the joint efforts of all the people and officials, even stones can blossom and bear fruit."

Just as everyone was immersed in joy,

Suddenly, a cry of surprise came from another field.

"Five stones!!"

The moment the old farmer shouted "Five stones,"
The entire scene fell silent, as if time had frozen.

Immediately afterwards, thunderous cheers erupted.

The people jumped up in excitement, and the children showed their white teeth, bouncing and skipping around.

Lu Yunyi turned around and shouted to the people around him:
"Fellow villagers, today's sweet potato harvest is a great event for our Daning City!"

We must continue our efforts to plant these sweet potatoes in even more distant places.
Plant them on the grasslands, plant them to the ends of the earth, so that more people can live a better life!

A warm response erupted from the crowd:

"Alright! We'll do as Lord Lu says!"

Lu Yunyi pressed his hand down:
"From today onwards, for three days of celebration, there will be no curfew, restaurants and taverns will remain open, and all food and drink will be provided by the Commander!"

(End of this chapter)