Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 242 Another autumn has arrived.

Day three.

The city of Yinguan was still asleep, with only sporadic barking of dogs.

Outside the gates of the Xie and Wang residences, a somber atmosphere prevailed.

Zhao Shi, dressed in a black official's uniform with a worn-out dark cloak, stood with his hand on his sword in front of the Xie residence.

Behind him stood dozens of judicial officers wielding chained swords, and hundreds of law enforcement guards clad only in leather armor, carrying round shields and longswords! The flickering torchlight illuminated his young face, and his clear black and white eyes shone astonishingly bright in the darkness.

"Judicial Officer, on duty! By order of the Marquis of Jinxiang and the Former General, apprehend the wanted criminals Xie Gui and Wang Mian! Anyone who disobeys will be executed without exception!"

Zhao Shi's voice pierced the silence before dawn with clarity.

"Break the door!"

boom--!
The heavy iron-clad wooden battering rammed into the gates of the Xie residence with a dull thud under the combined force of the guards! The gates, symbols of power and prestige, collapsed like paper in an instant!

"who?!"

"Protect the master!" Shouts and curses erupted from inside the mansion as servants and guards rushed out in terror, armed with clubs, knives, and spears.

"Stubborn to the end!" Zhao Shi's eyes flashed with anger as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and pointed forward.

"Take them down! Anyone who resists with weapons, kill them!"

"kill!"

The guards roared in unison and crashed into the chaotic Xie family! Amidst the clash of swords, although Zhao Shi was a civil official, don't forget that he was a military officer who rose through the ranks from a small mountain village to Taoyuan and then to Lüchi. Under his tutelage, the guards' combat strength was only slightly inferior to Zhang Xianjun's in terms of military equipment, but in terms of combat skills and qualities, they were far superior to the so-called household servants.

Therefore, the battle was a foregone conclusion, ending in a one-sided massacre in an instant, with anyone who dared to resist falling into a pool of blood.

Zhao Shi, amidst the mess and bloodstains, stormed into the Xie family's back residence, surrounded by officials and soldiers.

In a luxurious inner room, they found Xie Gui slumped on the floor, pale and lifeless.

"Thank you, Gui!"

"You forcibly seized 3,783 mu of farmland, driving the Liu family of three, tenant farmers, to their deaths! You illegally operated gambling dens and lent money at exorbitant interest rates, exceeding ten times the principal, forcing at least forty families into prostitution and selling their children! You colluded with former Prefect Wang Biao to embezzle military funds and resell military supplies! Furthermore, you incited rent increases, framed the government, and plotted rebellion! The evidence is irrefutable, and your crimes are too numerous to list! According to the criminal law of Bingzhou, you should be punished for multiple crimes and sentenced to death! Arrest!"

The cold iron chains, like venomous snakes, wrapped around Xie Gui's neck and wrists.

He was as if his bones had been removed, uttering meaningless hoarse sounds, and was dragged away like a dead dog by the ruthless executioners.

Almost simultaneously, the same scene unfolded at Wang Mian's residence.

The stubborn servants were mercilessly crushed by the law enforcement guards, and Wang Mian was dragged out of the secret room where he was hiding, his face ashen.

Noon, at the vegetable market entrance of Yinguan City.

A sea of ​​people, a bustling crowd.

People flocked in from all directions, completely surrounding the execution ground. A suppressed excitement and the satisfaction of revenge filled the air.

On the high platform, Zhao Shi, dressed in a somber black robe, stood with his hand on his sword.

Before him knelt Xie Gui and Wang Mian, stripped of their fine clothes and left only in prison uniforms.

"Bring your ID!" Zhao Shi's clear voice resounded throughout the venue.

One victim after another was brought onto the stage: an elderly woman with white hair holding her son's blood-stained clothes, a miner with a broken leg leaning on a cane, a young girl with a numb eye who had been forced into prostitution... They wept uncontrollably, denouncing the heinous crimes of the Wang and Xie families.

Each and every case was accompanied by the reading of cold evidence from the thick files in Zhao Shi's hands.

The crowd below the stage went from initial silence to suppressed weeping, and finally erupted in a deafening roar!

"Kill them!"

"You scoundrel! Give me back my son's life!"

"Kill those two beasts!"

The sound waves, like a tsunami, swept across the entire execution ground.

Faced with overwhelming public resentment and irrefutable evidence, Xie Gui and Wang Mian were already limp and powerless, lacking even the strength to beg for mercy.

When the witnesses finished their accusations and public anger reached its peak, Zhao Shi stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the entire scene like lightning, finally settling on Wang and Xie.

He suddenly drew the command arrow from his waist. The arrow was entirely black, with the character "法" (law) engraved on its tip!

"The criminals Xie Gui and Wang Mian have committed heinous crimes that defy all reason! According to the criminal law of Bingzhou, they are sentenced to immediate execution by beheading!"

Zhao Shi's voice boomed like thunder, without the slightest hesitation or pity!

"Execution!"

The command arrow was thrown to the ground!

Two gleaming blades flashed suddenly in the blinding midday sun!

puff!puff!
Two heads that once held sway over Yanmen Pass, arrogant and domineering, rolled to the dust, splattered with blood!

After a moment of deathly silence, deafening cheers and cries of anguish erupted! The people knelt down in droves, bowing to Zhao Shi on the high platform and the black banner that read "Minister of Justice"!
"Iron-fisted and impartial!"

"Lord Jinxiang is for the people!"

"Judge Cao is mighty!"

Zhao Shi stood on the high platform with his hand on his sword, bathed in the gaze of the people.

His young face remained as hard as iron, only his knuckles, slightly white from gripping the knife hilt, betrayed the turmoil in his heart.

Even though he didn't know how many powerful families like the Wang and Xie families he had executed, every time he saw the sincere emotions on the faces of the common people, he would think of his time in Taoyuan.

The last thing Brother Xian said to them every time he told a story.

A person's talent cannot determine their worth, but their character certainly can. From now on, you must all strive to be people of character, not beasts.

Wang Mian and Xie Gui's two bloody heads rolled to the execution ground, the dull sound like a death knell, striking heavily in the hearts of all the powerful clans of Yanmen.

The air in Yinguan, and even the entire Yanmen County, seemed to have been completely replaced overnight.

Those wealthy gentry who had gathered to plot against each other now drooped like wilted eggplants, retreating behind the high walls of their respective mansions.

The bustling scene has vanished, replaced by tightly closed vermilion gates and an atmosphere of constant anxiety.

They may still harbor resentment, cursing Zhang Xian's ruthlessness, Chen Ji's cruelty, and Zhao Shi's inhumanity, and even feeling that it was a great injustice that their family's accumulated land was forcibly distributed to peasants by the land allocation law.

But before Zhao Tiemian's merciless sword, which could easily behead anyone, all resentment and scheming could only turn into sighs suppressed deep in their throats and heads bowed in despair.

The land survey documents issued by the prefectural governor's office, the tax regulations, and the order to promote new agricultural tools... These were the kinds of government orders that they would have previously paid lip service to and refused to comply with, but now they were being implemented with the fastest speed and the most obedient attitude.

No more concealment of land records was allowed; land that should be returned had to be returned even with gritted teeth, and taxes and grain that should be paid had to be paid in full even with gritted teeth.

Those displaced people and poor households who were allocated land, holding the land deeds stamped with the bright red seal of the prefect, stood up straight for the first time and dared to walk on the ridges of their former masters' fields. Their eyes showed less fear and more confidence.

Chen Ji's decrees, as if freed from heavy shackles, began to flow freely across the barren land of Yanmen.

On the construction site of the old canal of the Sanggan River, the shouts of workers have become loud and hopeful again.

Chen Ji's name is renowned for its kindness in the fields, villages, and towns.

After being cleansed by iron and blood and the law, the sky over Yanmen finally revealed an unprecedented clarity.

This clear sky was bought with the blood and tears of the powerful clans, yet it nourished the vitality of countless ordinary people.

Jinyang.

As Yanmen County undergoes a difficult transformation under the iron-fisted new policies, Jinyang City also celebrates the full moon celebration of the young master of the former general's mansion!

The autumn sun, with its golden warmth, generously bathed the streets and alleys of Jinyang City.

The hustle and bustle of the seven-day banquet seems like it was just yesterday, but today's celebration is even more joyous.

Above the door of every household, bright red characters for "fortune" and "longevity" were pasted.

The children, dressed in their rare new clothes, chased and played in the streets and alleys, clutching "lucky cakes" wrapped in red paper distributed by the General's Mansion in their little hands, their smiles so wide their eyes disappeared.

The former general's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, with red silk stretching from the tall gatehouse all the way to the depths of the inner courtyard.

The spacious open space in front of the mansion gate was no longer the rustic feast of a traditional banquet, but was now filled with hundreds of long tables covered with red cloth.

The air was filled with the rich aroma of meat, wine, and the sweet fragrance of freshly steamed rice cakes.

Plates of exquisite dishes and jars of fragrant wine were served on the table.

Invited guests arrived in an endless stream, including officials from various counties of Bingzhou, military officers, meritorious craftsmen, respected elders, and even a few special messengers who had come from Luoyang to offer their congratulations... Everyone's face was beaming with smiles as they exchanged greetings.

Inside the main hall, the decorations were elegant yet understated, brimming with festive cheer. Huge red candles burned, illuminating the hall as bright as day. In the center, seated at the head of the table, Zhang Xian, dressed in a black casual robe, stood tall and imposing. Though his brows held the authority of someone long accustomed to a high position, today they were softened by the joy and tenderness of a father.

Zou Wan, dressed in a dignified yet festive deep-colored robe, looked radiant and healthy after giving birth, her complexion glowing as she held the protagonist of the day.

The little guy was dressed up like a lucky baby from a traditional Chinese New Year painting.

Wrapped in a brocade swaddling cloth embroidered with a bright red and gold unicorn, and wearing a small tiger-head hat, the baby's delicate face had a pair of big, bright eyes curiously observing the world.

He seemed to be infected by the lively atmosphere around him, his little mouth would occasionally open into a toothless smile, and he would make a soft "giggle" sound, which drew good-natured exclamations and affection from the onlookers.

"The auspicious time has arrived—!" The master of ceremonies' loud and clear voice drowned out the noise in the hall.

All eyes immediately focused on the person in the main seat.

Zhang Xian and Zou Wan exchanged a smile, then slowly stood up while holding their son.

"Gentlemen!" Zhang Xian's voice was steady and powerful, filled with heartfelt joy, and clearly resounded throughout the hall. "Today is the joyous occasion of my son's one-month birthday! I am deeply grateful to all of you, my relatives, friends, and colleagues from Bingzhou, who have traveled from afar to be here for me!"

He looked around the room, his gaze sweeping over the sincere or complicated smiles on the faces.

"The birth of this child is a blessing from heaven, and a joyous occasion for all the people of Bingzhou! Xian and his wife, Madam Zou, are grateful for the protection of heaven and for the kindness of all of you!"

He paused slightly, his voice becoming even more solemn.

"Our newborn son has just entered the world, and we should give him an auspicious name to honor his birth and to express our hopes for his future. After much deliberation, my wife and I have chosen a name for him—"

The entire hall fell silent instantly, everyone waiting for the name that would inevitably influence the future of Bingzhou.

Zhang Xian's gaze fell on the innocent and pure little face of his son in his arms, and he spoke slowly and deliberately.

"Zhang Qian!"

"Be humble and self-disciplined, gentle, kind, respectful, and frugal. May he conduct himself with integrity, treat others with sincerity, and be open-minded!"

"Zhang Qian!"

"Good name!"

"Humility and self-discipline! The meaning is profound! This young master is destined for greatness!"

"Congratulations, General! Congratulations, Madam! Congratulations, Young Master!"

After a brief silence, a tidal wave of congratulations erupted!

Xun Yu, Guo Jia, and other core confidants had a look of satisfaction and deep meaning in their eyes, while generals such as Zhao Yun and Huang Zhong showed genuine smiles. Officials from various counties and representatives of powerful clans were full of praise.

The envoy from Luoyang also stepped forward quickly, presenting the generous gifts and congratulatory messages that had been prepared in advance from the emperor and the ten attendants.

“Zhang Qian…” Zou Wan lowered her head and gently called her son’s new name.

"Today marks the one-month anniversary of my son Zhang Qian's birth! It is also a day of celebration for the entire state of Bingzhou! Let the banquet begin!"

"Congratulations on the young master's one-month birthday!"

Congratulations, General, on the birth of your son!

"Celebrate together in Bingzhou!"

Cheers, blessings, music, and clinking glasses instantly merged into a sea of ​​joy, engulfing the entire General's Mansion and the city of Jinyang.
-
A few months after the full moon celebration.

Before the hustle and bustle and the aroma of wine had completely dissipated, the land of Bingzhou had already eagerly donned its most vibrant and colorful autumn attire.

The scorching summer heat was replaced by a refreshing autumn breeze. The sky was a clear, deep blue, and the sunlight, like molten gold, generously spilled across the boundless plains.

The air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of ripe grains, fragrant fruits, and earthy scents—the smell of harvest, the most comforting strength irrigated by sweat.

The atmosphere in the study of the former general's mansion in Jinyang was more solemn and expectant than ever before.

Beside the huge sand table, a long table hastily set up was piled high with autumn harvest ledgers from various counties, like small mountains.

Zhang Xian sat in the main seat, with Xun Yu and Han Ji, who had returned from the Wuyuan affair, sitting on either side. Guo Jia from Xihe County also arrived in Jinyang.

All eyes were focused on the head of the Household Affairs Bureau, who was working diligently at his desk, compiling the final summary.

Fine beads of sweat appeared on the forehead of the Revenue Clerk, and the abacus in his hands moved so fast that it made a crackling sound, like a dense drumbeat striking everyone's heart.

As he calculated, his voice trembled slightly as he gave his initial report.

"My lord, my colleagues... the autumn harvest... the autumn harvest plan has been preliminarily verified!" He took a deep breath, trying to calm his excited emotions.

"Taiyuan Prefecture is the best choice!" The official's voice suddenly rose, filled with barely suppressed excitement.

"In the entire Taiyuan prefecture, the cultivated land this year has reached over two million mu! Among them, about 300,000 mu of secondary fields such as sloping fields and sandy fields have all been planted with pumpkins according to the lord's divine strategy! Although they are secondary fields, the yield per mu... the lowest yield per mu is 3,500 jin! The highest yield per mu even exceeds 4,000 jin! The total harvest of pumpkins from 300,000 mu... the total harvest exceeds 18 million shi!"

"How much?!" Even Guo Jia, who was used to seeing big scenes, couldn't help but gasp, and almost dropped the teacup in his hand.

The Registrar continued, "There are a million acres of top-quality farmland planted with the wheat varieties improved by the Lord. With meticulous cultivation, supplemented by new agricultural tools and topdressing methods, the average yield per acre has reached 320 catties! The total harvest is 5.3 million shi!"

There are also 600,000 mu of soybean fields, with a yield of nearly 200 jin per mu, and a total soybean harvest of 2 million shi.

The remaining fields were planted with millet, sorghum, and other miscellaneous grains. Although the yield per acre was not as high as that of wheat or beans, the total yield was still quite considerable!

He paused, his voice becoming even more excited: "Taking into account the total grain tax revenue of Taiyuan Prefecture this year, converted into staple grain, it has exceeded... exceeded 26 million shi!"
Last year's large-scale resettlement of displaced people has resulted in a greater surplus of military and civilian provisions this year! The treasury is overflowing, more abundant than ever before!

A suppressed gasp and gasps filled the study.

Twenty-six million shi! This is a terrifying reserve that is enough to sustain the entire Bingzhou through a long winter, and even support a large-scale expedition!
A relieved and extremely gratified smile finally appeared on Zhang Xian's face.

The strategic value of the modern pumpkin farm's conversion to other crops has completely solved the fundamental problem of food security in Bingzhou! This is the golden finger of a time traveler, and also a miracle irrigated by the sweat of countless refugees and farmers!

"Good! Taiyuan has had a bumper harvest, and the foundation is solid!" Zhang Xian said in a deep voice, suppressing his joy.

"What about Xihe County? The newly reclaimed land of Zhaoyuze is also a top priority this year!"

The head of the household affairs office hurriedly flipped through another thick ledger: "Reporting to the lord! In the Zhaoyu Marsh of Xihe County, 1.1 million mu of wasteland were newly reclaimed last year and this spring! However, the new land has just been reclaimed and its fertility has not yet recovered. In addition, the irrigation system for some of the land is not yet fully in place, so the average yield per mu is only about 150 jin."

This number slightly dampened the crowd's high spirits, but it was also within expectations.

For the first year of land reclamation, this harvest is already quite remarkable.

“Among them,” the person in charge continued.

"Six hundred thousand mu were planted with millet and sorghum, which are resistant to poor soil, with a yield of about 140 jin per mu. Three hundred thousand mu were planted with beans, with a yield of 160 jin per mu. The remaining two hundred thousand mu were planted with winter wheat on a trial basis, with a yield of only 120 jin per mu."

The total grain harvest was approximately 2.75 million shi (a unit of dry measure), far less than that of Taiyuan. However, this is newly developed land with enormous potential! Given time, with improved irrigation and soil fertility, a doubling of the yield per mu (a unit of land area) is expected!

Xun Yu nodded: "This is only to be expected. The fact that such a harvest can be achieved in the first year of newly reclaimed land shows that the methods of resettling refugees and allocating land are very effective. It also benefits from the efforts of the Ministry of Works in popularizing agricultural tools and curved plows. With this foundation, Zhao Yuze will surely become another granary of Bingzhou in the future!"

"What about livestock in Xihe County?" Han Ji was more concerned about this, as the craftsmen's camp relied on it for leather, oil, meat, and even some military supplies.

When animal husbandry was mentioned, the head of the household affairs office regained his radiance.

"Don't worry, Han Si! Livestock farming in Xihe has been a great success! Last year, we resettled refugees and implemented a policy of household-based livestock farming with government assistance. The prefecture provided cattle and sheep lambs, improved alfalfa, and veterinarians, while farmers were responsible for grazing and raising the livestock. After the livestock were sold, the profits were divided proportionally."

This autumn's inventory shows that, based solely on government-run livestock and profit sharing, there are over 8,000 cattle! The sheep population has increased by over 57,000! The pig population has increased by over 32,000! The number of poultry such as chickens, ducks, and geese is countless! Production of fur, meat, and dairy products is extremely abundant!
Needless to say, the naturalized herders who originally inhabited the grasslands also benefited, ensuring a continuous flow of livestock resources to Xihe County!

"Good! Good! Good!" Han Ji exclaimed three times, rubbing his hands together excitedly. "The leather and oil are more than enough!"

Zhang Xian nodded in satisfaction.

The development of Zhaoyuze and the initial success of the agricultural and pastoral integration model in Xihe County will provide Bingzhou with an important source of meat and raw materials for handicrafts in the future.

Finally, the head of the Household Affairs Department became a little more cautious in his tone.

"As for the three prefectures of Wuyuan, Shuofang, and Shangjun... these newly recovered areas are in dire need of reconstruction. Last year, the resettlement of migrants, the repair of cities, and the restoration of land reclamation have exhausted all our efforts. This year, the reclaimed land is mostly scattered small plots, and is mostly inhabited by newly arrived mixed Han and non-Han people, who are engaged in extensive farming."

Although the supply of agricultural machinery for land reclamation was sufficient, the total grain harvest of the three prefectures, when converted into staple grain, was barely enough to sustain the relocated people and a small amount of rations for the garrison. There was still a shortage, and grain transfers from Taiyuan and Xihe were still needed to provide assistance.

Fortunately, the three counties have abundant water and grass, and livestock production is somewhat sufficient to make up for the shortfall. However, achieving substantial production will take at least three to five years.

Upon hearing this, the crowd was not too disappointed.

The difficulties faced by Xin Fubian County were expected; it was already quite an achievement that it was able to maintain self-sufficiency and initially gain a foothold.

Zhang Xian's gaze swept across the vast northern three prefectures on the sand table, and he said in a deep voice: "The three prefectures have just been established, the foundation is not yet stable, and the population is not large. The fact that you have been able to maintain most of them this year is enough to show your hard work."

The next steps should prioritize stabilizing order, constructing water conservancy projects, widely planting pasture, and encouraging animal husbandry. If there is a shortage of grain, Taiyuan and Xihe will provide full support! Once the foundation is solid, then we can plan for large-scale development!

"Our lord is wise!" everyone responded in unison.

The head of the Household Affairs Bureau finally finished compiling the report and made a final decision.

"My lord! According to the total autumn harvest of Bingzhou this year, the total grain and fodder reserves in Taiyuan and Xihe counties, converted into staple grains, have exceeded 30 million shi. Livestock production is abundant, and furs and oils are plentiful!"
After deducting expenses for the three prefectures, military provisions, official salaries, artisan camp costs, and reserves for famine relief… there is still a huge surplus! More than enough to support a million people for a year! The fullness of Bingzhou's granaries is unprecedented in history!

Thirty million shi!

"Unprecedented in history!"

Everyone was stunned into silence by this enormous number.

Zhang Xian slowly stood up, walked to the window, and pushed open the tightly closed window frame.

A breeze carrying the fresh scent of grains drifted into the study, dispelling the ink's fragrance from the account books and the somber atmosphere.

Outside the window, the houses of Jinyang City were bathed in the golden autumn sun, and the distant sounds of bustling city life and children's laughter could be faintly heard.

He gazed at the land he had created, now bursting with unprecedented vitality, and his heart swelled with pride, just like the boundless golden plains before him.

With such abundant grain and fodder, and with such a solid foundation, anything is possible for Bingzhou's future!
"Send the order to all counties!"

Zhang Xian turned around and said, "This year, all registered residents of Bingzhou, regardless of whether they are new or old residents, will have their land taxes reduced by 30%! The surplus grain will be purchased by the prefecture government at market prices! The proceeds will be used first for water conservancy projects, purchasing new agricultural tools, promoting improved varieties, and rewarding farming and weaving! This is a policy to allow the people to rest and recuperate, and to strengthen the foundation of the nation!"

"Order the Ministry of Works and the Craftsmen's Camp!" He turned his gaze to Han Ji.

"Using this year's surplus grain, furs, and oils as a base, expand the workshops! Recruit more artisans and apprentices! Start all the water-powered forging and steam workshops that have the necessary conditions! Produce as much as you can of agricultural tools, military equipment, vehicles, ships, and daily necessities!"

"Yes!" Han Ji clasped his hands excitedly, his voice booming.

"at last."

Zhang Xian's gaze swept across the vast territory on the sand table, finally settling on the boundless sea beyond the Yinshan Mountains in the north.

"Lu Bu's wolf cavalry and Guiyi's elite cavalry have re-entered the desert! Expedite the mapping of the desert!"

"I will obey the General's orders!"

(End of this chapter)