Usurpation of Mongolia: My father-in-law is Genghis Khan

Chapter 302 A stark contrast: the happy life of the occupying forces in Annam!
In the blink of an eye, it was May of 1242.

In the past six months, the northern mountainous region of Annam has been cleared by the Song army. Of the original 800,000 barbarians, 230,000 have now been registered as commoners.

Another thirty to forty thousand barbarians fled into the deep mountains. Chinese adventurers, armed with "Annam Privateering Certificates," entered the primeval forests to hunt these barbarians.

The nobles of Zhao Shuo Khanate now have vast plantations in Southeast Asia and are in dire need of these barbarian slaves. A tall and strong barbarian slave can be sold for thirty taels of silver.

Those who could not be sold for a price were beheaded on the spot, and their scalps were sold to the imperial court.

The Song army's strength was rapidly increasing. When their three 10,000-household units were initially incorporated into Zhao Shuo's Khanate, their total strength was 23,000 men. Even with the addition of the three 1,000-household units provided by the Han army, two of the 10,000-household units were still understrength.

But now, with the addition of barbarian warriors who have submitted to the Song army, the outstanding young men of the Song state, tempered by war, have reached full strength.

With the addition of the three Han army commanders, each Song army commander had eleven thousand men.

Other gains were also significant.

Fifty thousand of the most submissive barbarians were relocated from the northern mountains to settle and cultivate land in the Red River Delta region.

These barbarians were originally a rice-farming people, but they were driven from the Red River Delta to the mountains by the Annamese because they were no match for them.

They can contribute far more grain by farming in the Red River Delta than in the mountains.

These barbarians were naturally grateful to the Chinese for being able to return to the Red River Delta to farm.

They understood that if the Chinese could destroy Annam, they could then cultivate the land here permanently.

If Annam ultimately wins this war, they will not only lose these lands, but also face death and extermination.

Secondly, there are oxen for plowing.

To be precise, they are water buffalo.

Annam has a hot and humid climate with abundant rainfall and many mountains, forests, and lakes, making the cost of raising water buffalo much lower than in the Jiangnan region.

Those barbarians used a large number of water buffaloes to plow the fields.

This resulted in a reduction of nearly 70% in the barbarian population, and a large number of water buffaloes fell into the hands of the Song army.

These water buffaloes provided valuable livestock for the elderly, weak, women, and children of the State of Song to work the fields.

Of course, the main force for farming was still the local soldiers. A total of 70,000 local soldiers followed Zhao He into Annam, of whom 40,000 were stationed in Annam for farming, and another 30,000 were engaged in transporting grain and fodder.

Thirty thousand men are certainly not enough, but aren't there still those Annamese who have surrendered north of Changjiang?
Men, women, and children were all mobilized to serve the Han army and do various auxiliary work.

Transporting logistical supplies under the supervision of the garrison soldiers was just one aspect of the operation.

Finally, there are the women.

The Song state swept through the northern mountainous region of Annam, capturing approximately 120,000 barbarian women. They kept 20,000 for themselves, and offered 100,000 of them to the Zhao Shuo Khanate.

Including the Annamite women captured by the Han army during their conquests in the northern region, Zhao He had 160,000 female prisoners in his hands.

To stabilize the morale of the soldiers, each of them was simply given one, allowing them to focus on farming. If they felt it wasn't enough, they could spend five taels of silver to buy another one.

With fields, cattle, and women, and the grain they grew being sold at three times the price, the soldiers were extremely enthusiastic about farming.

Apart from the three Han Chinese commanders who were reorganized from the Song army, the Zhao Shuo Khanate's army did not participate in the sweep of northern Annam.

But they weren't idle during those six months; they mainly did five things.

Firstly, the three naval commanders, in addition to transporting grain to the eastern coast of Annam, also dispatched large ships to flex their muscles at the mouth of the Bach Dang River and even outside major ports in southern Annam, thus tying down Annam's military forces and preventing them from relaxing their vigilance.

Secondly, they organized surrendered Annamese to build boats on a tributary of the Phú Lương River. They also made probing attacks on the south bank, giving the impression that they were about to launch a major offensive and cross the Phú Lương River at any time, keeping the Annamese army on the opposite bank on high alert and unable to eat or sleep in unease.

Thirdly, they chose high, dry locations near clean water sources to build sturdy fortifications. This prevented the spread of plague and also protected them from flooding during the rainy season in Annam. Special "sick camps" were also built to separate those infected with the plague from healthy soldiers, preventing the spread of the disease.

The work of building fortifications was still carried out by the Annamese who had surrendered.

The heavy labor service further depleted Annam's population.

Oh, and elephants too.

Annam itself did not have many war elephants, only about 120 or 130 throughout the country. However, it had 400 to 500 elephants used for labor.

The Han army occupied the area north of the Phu Luong River in Annam and acquired more than a hundred elephants. These elephants transported timber and stone, which made the construction of the Han army's camp much smoother.

Fourth, the "Annam Epidemic Prevention Manual" was issued and implemented meticulously.

For example, clearing puddles near the camp to prevent mosquito breeding, using mugwort to repel mosquitoes, washing hands before meals and after using the toilet, strictly prohibiting drinking untreated water and requiring water to be boiled before drinking, and promptly reporting any cases of illness...

What is plague but bacteria and viruses?
The Han army was mainly stationed on the north bank of the Phluong River, which was already cultivated land. Coupled with strict epidemic prevention measures, what could Annam's so-called terrifying plague do to the Han army?
Fifth, they stockpiled large quantities of medicinal herbs and formed a medical team with local barbarian doctors, Annamese physicians, and doctors from Han China to make ample preparations for the plague during the rainy season.

In short, everything is ready except for the arrival of the rainy season in Annam.

Of course, the arrival of the rainy season also means that the rice fields can be harvested.

……

……

May 19th, north bank of the Fulang River, Gialin County.

After the rain, the sky was clear and bright, with a few wisps of thin clouds like cotton wool, and the scorching sun poured down again.

In the boundless rice paddies, the stagnant water still reflected the sunlight. The rice stalks, which had been on the verge of death during the rainy season, now stood tall, their plump, water-laden ears gleaming with golden hues.

"What excellent rice! This acre of land can probably yield more than three bushels of grain, which is much better than the fields back home!"

Wearing a straw hat and holding a sickle, Zheng Wu, accompanied by his two newly acquired concubines in Annam and a family of Annamese, let out a heartfelt sigh in the rice paddy.

He was a soldier from Fujian, thirty-two years old this year, in the prime of his life.

Fujian is predominantly mountainous and hilly, with a small area of ​​plains, and is known as "eight parts mountains, one part water, and one part farmland".

Even with the implementation of the equal-field system, Zheng Wu's family only had fifty mu of poor land in Fujian.

Parents, wife, three children... and he had no connections in maritime trade, so life wasn't easy. But that was fortunate; he possessed some martial arts skills and became a soldier in the local government, exempting his family from land taxes, making them much better off than ordinary farmers.

This time, Zhao Shuo conscripted soldiers to Annam, and Zheng Wu was also conscripted.

He had originally thought he would be tasked with transporting logistical supplies and, if necessary, going to the battlefield. Unexpectedly, he was being asked to return to his old profession—farming.

At first, Zheng Wu was somewhat reluctant.

However, when he heard that the imperial court had allocated him one hundred acres of prime paddy fields and two water buffaloes, and that not only would he not have to pay land taxes, but the court would also buy his surplus grain at three times the price, his eyes practically lit up!

He was even happier when he heard that a family of three from Annam had been assigned to work under him, helping him farm. They only needed to be provided with meals, which solved the problem of manpower shortage.

In Fujian, he barely had any savings at the end of the year. But here, with 100 acres of prime paddy fields, and selling the surplus grain at three times the normal price, how much could he possibly save? Probably equivalent to several decades' worth of savings back home!
He even gave him two water buffaloes for free, while he only had one buffalo in Fujian.

Houses and farm tools were readily available in Vietnam. The Annamese people were too hasty in their scorched-earth policy, leaving behind only their houses and farm tools. Farming in Fujian and Vietnam is like night and day.

Zheng Wu felt that he had been judging others by his own petty standards, and he almost shouted "Long live the King! Long live the Crown Prince!" on the spot.

However, it turned out that he was too short-sighted.

Later, in order to allow him to focus on farming, the crown prince even bestowed upon him a barbarian woman to warm his bed.

This barbarian girl has just come of age, is very pretty, and has never experienced human relations.

Zheng Wu never imagined that he, in his thirties, could be a groom again; he was practically laughing in his dreams.

Moreover, this barbarian woman was docile and obedient, serving him well and was also very capable at housework.

Later, he simply took out another five taels of silver and bought another barbarian woman.

However, these barbarian women weren't allowed to be chosen; they were assigned whichever one they received. The barbarian women he bought this time were almost thirty, had been with men, and weren't as pretty as the last ones, so he was somewhat dissatisfied.

But upon closer reflection, Zheng Wu was so angry he almost laughed.

What are you dissatisfied with?
He's over thirty himself, and he's complaining about someone who's only twenty-eight? Besides, this barbarian woman is much stronger than the last one; she's a real expert in the fields.

He's only been in Annam for a few days, and he already has two concubines. If he's still not satisfied, then he'll truly be a man who can't swallow an elephant.

He, along with two women, two cows, and the Annamese family, diligently tended the hundred acres of paddy fields.

Now, the first barbarian woman he married is slightly pregnant. His hundred acres of paddy fields are also ready for harvest.

Must be fast!

In Annam, the rainy season and the early rice harvest season overlap. The rice is harvested and dried during sunny days before it can be safely stored.

"let's start!"

Zheng Wu and two women, along with the Annamese family, were wearing straw hats and rushing to harvest the rice.

After a long and tiring day, and with night falling, I returned home.

In the rice paddies, Zheng Wu was naturally the main laborer; women were far less useful than men in this kind of agricultural activity.

But once they got home, the two women took over the housework: one fed the livestock, and the other prepared dinner.

Because today's work involves heavy physical labor, I specially stewed a chicken.

They also had their homemade rice wine, white rice, and some wild vegetables, which Zheng Wu enjoyed very much.

One of the barbarian women is pregnant, but the other is not.

After dinner, Zheng Wu regained some strength and exerted himself thoroughly before finally preparing to rest, feeling satisfied.

"How wonderful! Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Crown Prince! I never imagined that I, Zheng Wu, would live such a good life in my lifetime!"
"Annam is located in the Phu Luong River Delta region, which is a really good place. If this war lasts for ten or eight years, I can make a fortune just by farming in Annam."

"It's a pity that it can't last for ten or eight years. According to the Eight Banners soldiers, it will only last two or three years at most. However, two or three years is still a pretty good income!"

"Moreover, after we occupy Annam, I can apply to immigrate there! Even if I sell grain at normal prices, the income will be very considerable. And with my status, immigrating to Annam should allow me to become a minor official."

"Hmm, a minor official with one wife and two concubines serving him, how wonderful is that life?"

"As for the plague? Just strictly follow His Majesty's 'Annam Epidemic Prevention Manual,' right? Now, the court has even solved Annam's most terrifying disease, malaria. I heard it's made with artemisinin, and it's effective every time."

"No matter how bad the heat and humidity of Annam is, it can't be worse than poverty! From now on, our family will flourish in Annam!"

Zheng Wu thought to himself, and then fell into a deep sleep with a smile on his face.

Meanwhile, on the south bank of the Fuliang River, in a bamboo house of an Annamite military camp.

"Dinner is served so late, and the portions are so small?"

"The rice is still half-cooked!"

"Didn't they say this year's harvest was bountiful? Why is our supply decreasing instead?"

"Bah! Who the hell embezzled our grain? There's a treacherous official here!"

……

The rice for the day had just been distributed when the Annamese soldiers inside the bamboo house began to complain.

It was only rice, and only about 70% of what it used to be, not enough to fill me up. And to make matters worse, it was undercooked and barely edible.
In addition, with the arrival of the rainy season and the large number of people gathering, some of whom have already contracted the plague, their mood is quite bad, which further exacerbates their discontent.

"Okay, just say a few words."

The squad of more than twenty soldiers was led by Nguyen Minh, who quickly reassured the soldiers.

He shouted, "No one is withholding our food. But with so many people stationed along the river, how many are left to farm?"

"The rainy season came early this year, and we didn't stockpile enough firewood, so we have to use it sparingly. It's good enough that we can cook the rice like this. Let's all stop complaining."

Someone said, "According to you, our supplies will be so limited from now on? We'll have to eat undercooked rice all the time?"

"Uh... I'm afraid that's the case. But don't worry too much, this situation won't last long."

Nguyen Minh said, “We are in a difficult situation! The Han army must be in an even more difficult one! We are implementing a scorched-earth policy, but how many Annamese are farming for us? Paying taxes for us? Our supplies are scarce, and theirs are certainly even scarcer! We are starving, and they are certainly even hungrier!”

"Furthermore, the rainy season has arrived, making the climate even more humid and hot, and mosquitoes are breeding even more. Some of us have already contracted the plague, let alone the Han army?"

"Just hold on for another month or two! By then, the Han army will have suffered from hunger and plague, and probably half of them will die. Many of the remaining half will be too weak to wield weapons. When that happens, we'll launch a full-scale counterattack!"

"When that time comes, we will not only reclaim our lost territory, but also plunder it thoroughly within the borders of China! How wealthy China is! We can take all its riches and women! Everyone can become rich! You are all heroes who defended Annam, and this is all you deserve!"

Wow~~
Nguyen Minh's words quickly boosted the morale of these Annamese.

"Yes! We are in trouble, but the Han army is in even greater trouble!"

"Let hunger and plague defeat them for us!"

"Invade China and seize a fortune!"

"Take over the entire Guangnan West Road of China!"

"Zhao Shuo has six sons here. Capture at least two of them and make them pay ransom with money, women, or even land! Haha!"

……

The Annamese soldiers were buzzing with excitement, even the half-cooked rice in their mouths seemed to taste sweeter, as they looked forward to a happy life after the counterattack.

(End of this chapter)