I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 102 Post-Autumn Planning
Lawrence certainly didn't disappoint Rhodes.

In seven days, he led his men to deliver all the grain to the granary without stopping.

Of course, this is not based on mercy.

In those seven days, Lawrence whipped more than thirty slaves.

He was secretly given the title of the First Overseer of Frostleaf Town by the slaves.

However, it was precisely because of this that the first Autumn Harvest Summary Conference was able to be successfully held in Frostleaf Town on the evening of the seventh day.

The manor hall was full of people for the first time.

On the left are Lawrence, Otto, and the father and daughter, Ryan.
On the right are Durant, Gunle, Us, and White Frost Prophet.

Rhodes sat in the main seat, and Avril sat opposite him.

Millie sat behind Rod, cracking pine nuts.

Those in the territory who had influence and free time were all seated around the long table.

The maid, Lia, placed the dried fruit on the table, poured everyone a cup of herbal tea, and then bowed and withdrew.

Rhodes's gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Lawrence.

"It's time to start."

"Okay sir."

Lawrence stood up and cleared his throat. "This year's harvest in Frostleaf Town is 998 tons of rye and 367 tons of wheat!"

"A total of 1,365 tons!"

His voice was loud and clear, with a slight tremor at the end, "The highest yield was achieved from 1,000 mu of premium farmland, 289 tons!"

"Cool!"

Gunle slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed in surprise, startling everyone who turned to look.

He immediately realized the situation was inappropriate and quickly covered his mouth.

He lay face down on the table, head down, pretending to be dead, not daring to utter a sound.

The others were also excited, but dared not utter a sound.

Rhodes noticed everyone's awkwardness, waved his hand, and smiled casually: "Don't hold back, shout as you please!"

"Thirteen hundred tons? We wouldn't even dare to dream of that!" Gunle shouted first.

Aleya looked at Raine and said, "Now we don't have to worry about food anymore!"

"I've never seen so much grain before, even an oxcart couldn't carry it all!" Otto exclaimed excitedly.

……

The group immediately erupted in noise, and even Avril couldn't help but clench her hands in excitement.

Although upon closer examination, it has little to do with her.

The most silent people in the hall were Millie and the White Frost Prophet.

Millie was too young to understand and was focused on fighting Matsuko, so she barely heard what Lawrence was saying.

The White Frost Prophet was somewhat confused.

He leaned close to Us's ear and whispered, "How much grain is this?"

Us scratched his head. How do you explain this?

After thinking for a moment, he made an analogy: "It's more than enough to feed two thousand people in a year, roughly equivalent to the annual food rations of six or seven White Frost tribes!"

"By the Holy Lord!"

The White Frost Prophet's eyes widened in shock.

Actually, it wouldn't be surprising if it were just a matter of 1,300 tons of grain.

The important thing is that this is only 5,000 acres.

This production volume is just outrageous!
Let alone 10,000 mu, even 15,000 mu of arable land might not yield this much!

Everyone assumes that Rhodes might be the reincarnation of the Holy Lord.

Or some legendary, extraordinary figure, such as a wizard or a male witch.

In short, ordinary people cannot do this.

But nobody really looked into it.

People like this; they're used to quietly accepting benefits.

When good luck comes, you take it for granted.

Only when things are going badly do people wail, "Why am I so unlucky?"

Rhodes let them make a fuss for a while, then waved for them to be quiet.

He turned to Lawrence and said, "I've seen the granary. You've done a good job. I'll reward you."

"Thank you for your generosity." Lawrence bowed.

Rod then asked, "How much straw is there?"

"More than 2,600 tons."

Lawrence reported.

Rod nodded slightly. "Dry and store these as well."

Wheat grains are precious food, and straw is equally valuable.

So much straw, chopped up, is enough to feed thousands of livestock.

It can also be composted into fertilizer, which can nourish the soil.

Building houses and burning firewood for heating were the most common uses of this era.

However, Rod couldn't bear to use them to start a fire; there were plenty of pine needles in the mountains that could be used to start a stove.

"And wheat bran."

Rod reminded him, "Wheat bran can also be used as livestock feed, so don't waste it."

At this moment, Otto, who was sitting in the corner, cautiously interjected.

“My lord, even wheat bran people can eat it.”

"It's especially filling when mixed into bread."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone stared at him.

"Okay, I'll save some for you."

Rod raised an eyebrow, a half-smile on his face, and said, "Whether the others eat or not is none of my concern."

"Hahaha!" A burst of laughter erupted in the hall.

"There's so much grain, it's not enough for you, why are you still thinking about wheat bran?"

Renn patted Otto on the shoulder, and the latter immediately realized what he meant.

Forgot, there's plenty of rye this year, why bother eating wheat bran?

The laughter subsided, and Rod said seriously, "Do as I say with the farmland. Burn all the farmland. Be careful not to start a wildfire when you set the fire."

The ash from burning stubble can be used as fertilizer for next year and can also kill insect eggs.

Once the heavy snow melts in the north, all the nutrients seep into the soil along with the water.

"In addition, several plots of land will not be cultivated next year."

“I will point out a few new plots of land to be reclaimed.”

"We also need to tally everyone's work points so that land lease prices can be adjusted based on those points next year."

Rhodes gave instructions one by one, and Lawrence wrote them all down.

The counting of work points is crucial. Rhodes needs to determine the results so that the townspeople neither go hungry nor hoard too much, which could lead to inflation.

Rhodes also plans to gradually introduce currency.

With money, townspeople can trade freely, and the economy can thrive.

But there's no rush.

"Winter is coming soon, let's get everyone together to chop firewood."

In the north, winter requires not only food but also heating.

The trees on the nearby hillsides have been mostly cut down; let's go to a higher mountain to collect them.

"Tell Hamor to forge more sword blanks and rough chainmail pieces, and leave the fine work to Winter."

"Pay attention to the freezing time; the waterwheel needs to be dismantled to prevent it from freezing."

Lawrence nodded repeatedly: "No problem, my lord!"

He paused, then suggested in a low voice, "Sir, there's usually a celebration after the autumn harvest."

"Shall we hold one too?"

The others also looked on with anticipation.

With such a bumper harvest, shouldn't we hold a celebration to enjoy it?
Rhodes simply shook his head slightly.

"Let's put the celebration aside for now, let's remove this thorn first."

He turned to Durant: "Are you ready for what I told you?"

"Yes!" Durant bowed.

"The soldiers have all rested and their positions have been chosen."

Rhodes nodded, his eyes sharpening.
"Let's release the bait."

……

……

Airo walked along the desolate path, his heart pounding.

His mind was filled with Baron Rhodes' words, and memories surged like a tide.

If he can get this done, he, his wife, and daughter will be able to live a life free from financial worries.

Rhodes also promised that his children would be freed from slavery and become free citizens.

Airo let out a long sigh of relief, but his steps became even more determined.

He recalled his wife's worried eyes when they parted, and his daughter's helplessness.

Airo didn't trust Rhodes, after all, it was their first meeting.

But he saw with his own eyes the slaves' food: thick meat broth, black bread, and they ate until their bellies were round and full at every meal.

Airo also believed what his childhood friend said.

"Fight!"

He gritted his teeth, a fierce resolve forming in his mind. "Even if they die, the Baron will take good care of them; they won't starve!"

"If we succeed, we'll enjoy a life of luxury!"

Airo gathered his thoughts and looked down at the burlap sack on his back.

It contained 30 jin of new wheat, its weight pressing down on my shoulders.

Suppress his anxiety and nervousness.

Airo traversed the canyon, searching for a familiar path, and ventured into the Black Rock Mountains, gradually making his way back to the village of Chaotic Rocks.

He had just arrived at the valley in front of the village when a dozen or so figures rushed down the hillside.

These are the bandits who raided Luanshi Village.

Without saying a word, the robber pinned him to the ground.

The sack was snatched away, and wheat grains were scattered all over the ground.

Airo gritted his teeth, his resolute gaze instantly turning weak.
"Please don't take my food! I stole it with great difficulty!"

……

……

In a dilapidated wooden house in Luanshi Village, Dis grabbed a wine glass and gulped down two mouthfuls.

Setting down his glass, Dis grabbed the village chief's daughter from the side, his thick stubble rubbing against the girl's face repeatedly.

A large, cold hand reached inside her clothes and became brazen.

The girl lowered her head, remained silent, and let him do as he pleased.

The girl's mother next to her lowered her head, unable to bear looking at her, and silently served Disi food.

"Don't look like a dead fish. Didn't I give you food?"

With a sharp shout, the girl forced a smile onto her face.

Dis didn't actually force her, but this middle-aged, burly man was simply too frightening.

Dis is a 33-year-old wandering knight who became the leader of the Brotherhood of Blades five years ago.

The Brotherhood of Blades used to roam Razor Plains, but this year it was razed to the ground by alien races, so there's nothing left to plunder.

They then moved on to Ice Peak Valley and robbed the lord of 50,000 catties of grain.

Now that he has no worries about food and drink in winter, Disi can finally let loose.

After a busy autumn, he felt he deserved to enjoy himself.

So Dis led his men to attack the village of Luanshi, which was hidden in the mountains, killed the resisting militia, and occupied the place.

Despite being a robber, Dis had principles and only liked women who were willing to serve him.

The girl's acquiescence and the softness in his hands excited Dis.

He suddenly stood up and slammed the girl's head onto the table.

Just as they were about to take further action, there was a knock on the door.

"Damn it, who is it?"

"Get lost if you dare ruin my plans!"

Dee roared and grabbed a wine glass, smashing it over the bar.

No man can stand being interrupted when he's in the middle of something exciting.

Men with good tempers are no good.

Moreover, Dis has a bad temper.

The henchman outside hurriedly shouted, "Boss, we've caught a guy who ran back from Black Pine Ridge!"

He said there was plenty of food there!

Dis was taken aback, and loosened his grip on the woman's head slightly.

"what did he say?"

"He said the lord there cultivated tens of thousands of acres of farmland, and there were grains and granaries everywhere. He even stole thirty catties of new grain!"

Dis shoved the woman away abruptly, his eyes gleaming with greed.

"Is there really that much grain?"

"I think it's true, boss, otherwise how could he have stolen a whole bag of them!"

"Bring him up!"

The woman tried to slip away, but Dis pulled her back.

"What are you running for?"

He grinned, and his hands started to wander again.

Although I didn't have time to pick up a gun and mount a horse, it was still quite enjoyable to have some fun.

Soon the cabin door opened, and Airo was pushed inside by the bandits.

He looked at the bearded, burly man, Dis, and his legs went weak, causing him to kneel down.

The robbers burst into laughter, their laughter particularly jarring.

Such timid creatures are a rare sight in the wilderness.

Dis leaned back in his chair, gave a soft hum, and asked, "Is everything you said true?"

"Yes, it is!"

Airo stammered, "Master, there really is a lot of grain there!"

"Haha, sir?"

Dis scoffed, "Do I look like a lord?"

He scrutinized Airo, his contempt growing even stronger.

"Where is that place? Do you know?"

Airo bit her lip and mustered her courage: "I know, but I can't tell you directly."

"You idiot, you're asking for it!"

As soon as Airo finished speaking, a bandit kicked him to the ground.

He was about to raise his fist to beat Airo when he was stopped by Dis raising his hand.

"You're telling me all that just to get yourself killed?!"

Dis's eyes were fixed on Airo.

"I have conditions!"

Airo cried out, "You have to help me save my wife and children!"

"Are you crazy?"

A bandit jumped out, shouting, "We are bandits, not knights!"

Dis waved his hand, signaling his men to shut up.

"go on."

He stared at Airo, his tone grim, "Who kidnapped your wife and daughter?"

Airo swallowed hard, recalling that night.

"On the day I stole the grain, I was discovered by the soldiers at the granary. My wife and daughter were caught because they were too slow to run."

"Then you are quite cold-blooded."

Dis scoffed, "You abandoned your wife and daughter, and then you came back yourself?"

"I originally intended to sell the information to the lord of Icewind Valley."

Airo explained, "But you caught me halfway there, so I have no choice but to beg you."

"Don't you know we're robbers?" Dis retorted.

"As long as I save them, nobles and bandits make no difference to me."

Who can resist being a bandit in the wilderness?

Dis stroked his chin, a playful look in his eyes: "Interesting."

"But I can do nothing and still find ways to get you to talk."

Airo raised his head, his eyes filled with determination: "Then kill me!"

"Without them, I don't want to live!"

Dis scrutinized Airo for a long time before speaking again.

"Aren't you afraid that I will regret it?"

"I'm scared, but I have no other choice."

Airo said firmly, "I won't tell you the location directly; I'll take you there myself."

"What's the difference? I can still back out."

Dis looked at Airo as if he were an idiot.

Airo was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "If you don't save them, I'll burn down the granary."

"Nobody will get it then!"

Dis was not afraid of Airo's threats at all, feeling that the guy was just an idiot.

Burning down the granary?
Upon reaching the granary, Dis didn't think he would give Airo the opportunity to burn the grain.

However, Dis didn't want to waste words with him and nodded.

"Okay, I promise you."

"Thank you, sir."

Airo was overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly.

Dis waved his hand, signaling his men to take Airo away.

"Boss, are we really going to help him save people?"

Another member of the Blade Brotherhood leaned in and whispered, "We're not knights!"

Dis sneered.

"Whether to save her or not, we'll see when the time comes."

"The key is food. With food, our team can grow stronger."

What kind of bullshit lord am I? Once I have enough food and men, I will be the master of this wasteland!
　I only deleted one sentence: "taking off my pants" and "rubbing," and it was approved!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)