Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

On the third day after Xinghuobao was renamed and its rules were established, before the morning mist had even dissipated, more people had gathered in front of the low platform made of logs in the central open space than the day before.

Apart from the Wei soldiers on duty guarding the stronghold, almost everyone in the fortress who could move around was present. The displaced people under Zhao Tiezhu's command, including young and strong men, women, children, and the elderly, the prisoners of the hard labor camp under Wang Jian's supervision, and even the women responsible for cleaning and cooking, all stood holding their breath, their eyes fixed on the stage.

Besides Chen Xing, two more people were on the stage. To his left was Chen Wei, the commander of the personal guards, standing solemnly with his hand on his sword, his armor gleaming. To his right was the newly appointed scribe, Li Shu, in front of him was a rough wooden table with several newly carved bamboo slips spread out on it, and beside him were charcoal pencils, carving knives, and a box of well-mixed cinnabar ink. Li Shu seemed quite nervous, occasionally stealing glances at Chen Xing before quickly lowering his head to organize the bamboo slips.

Chen Xing, still dressed in simple, practical attire, calmly surveyed the crowd below. After two days of reorganization, the atmosphere within the fortress was vastly different from when it was first breached. Bloodstains and filth had been almost completely cleaned up, the housing was largely allocated, smoke was rising from chimneys on schedule, and even the breach in the fortress wall was beginning to take shape, with the labor camp, under Wang Jian's supervision, working diligently to fill and compact the earth. Although people's hearts were not entirely at ease, the fear had faded considerably, replaced by a sense of grounded well-being and anticipation for the detailed regulations to be announced today.

"Gentlemen," Chen Xing began, his clear voice cutting through the subtle commotion in the room, "the 'Merit Order' I spoke of the other day is the foundation of Starfire Fortress. However, empty words are meaningless and difficult to implement. Today, I will clearly explain its details one by one!"

He gestured to Li Shu. Li Shu took a deep breath, stepped forward, and unfurled the most important scroll in his hand. It was densely covered with writing, some parts even showing corrections, clearly the result of repeated revisions. Li Shu composed himself and began to read aloud the contents of the scroll as loudly as possible. His voice wasn't particularly loud, but in the quiet room, the words were clearly audible.

"Detailed Rules of the Starfire Fortress Merit Order!" Li Shu read aloud. "Article One: The System of Recording Merits. All merits earned by anyone within the fortress shall be verified and recorded by the scribe and various stewards, and converted into 'merit points.' Merit points are the basis for exchanging various items and for promotions."

The audience listened intently, especially to the unfamiliar yet intriguing term "gongdian" (功点).

"Article Two, Categories of Merit and Conversion." Li Shu continued reading, this part being more specific, "Grade A, Merit in Battle. Killing an enemy in battle earns twenty merit points; capturing an enemy scout or leader earns ten to fifty points, depending on their value; those who are wounded earn five points for minor injuries and twenty points for serious injuries; those who die in battle have their merit points doubled and recorded under the name of their designated relatives or comrades."

A slight ripple stirred within the ranks of the Wei infantry, as soldiers exchanged glances. Twenty points for beheading, points for capturing enemy soldiers depending on the circumstances, points for wounding, and points for the families of those killed in action… such clearly defined and fair rules were unheard of, yet they were straightforward and righteous, stirring a surge of patriotic fervor. Chen Wei remained impassive, inwardly praising his lord's thoughtful consideration; this method would surely inspire his soldiers to fight to the death.

"Class B, Labor Merit," Li Shu read aloud. "Reclamation: Five points for reclaiming one mu of cultivated land; ten points for reclaiming one mu of uncultivated land. Cultivation: Sowing, weeding, irrigating, and harvesting. Merit points are determined by the civil affairs manager based on the acreage and estimated yield. Diligent workers may receive additional rewards. Craftsmanship: Repairing houses, forging tools, and improving techniques. Merit points range from five to fifty points, determined by the manager based on the difficulty and effectiveness. Transportation and Storage: Moving heavy objects such as grain, building materials, etc., is calculated based on weight and distance."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tiezhu and the refugees behind him brightened up, their breathing quickening. Farming and labor could earn merit points? And they could be exchanged for goods? This was simply incredible! Several able-bodied men among the former prisoners couldn't help but look up, their eyes gleaming with hope. The labor camp halved the merit points, but if they were diligent and accumulated them day by day, there was always a chance for advancement!

"Category C, meritorious service in assisting others." Li Shu's voice gradually became steady. "Scouting and reconnaissance, relaying messages, rescuing the wounded, teaching literacy and arithmetic, maintaining cleanliness and stability within the fortress, etc. Anything that benefits the fortress can be recorded as merit, ranging from one to ten points, depending on the circumstances."

This clause has a broader scope, even giving hope to women, children, and the elderly. Rescuing the wounded and maintaining cleanliness—things they could easily do—could actually be considered meritorious deeds?

"Article Three, Redemption of Merit Points." Li Shu flipped through a slip of paper. "With merit points, one can register and redeem the following at the clerk's office: one liter of millet for one point; one foot of coarse cloth for five points; one ounce of salt for ten points; one pound of iron for fifteen points. New-style iron farm tools can be borrowed temporarily; those who excel in land reclamation can apply to exchange them for merit points. In the future, the allocation of land and houses and promotions within the fort will also be based primarily on accumulated merit points! Merit points can be accumulated and transferred to immediate family members, but private buying and selling, or forcible seizure, are strictly prohibited. Violators will have their merit points confiscated and will be severely punished!"

As soon as the specific exchange rates were announced, a suppressed gasp and murmur arose from the audience. Salt was 10.1 taels! Although expensive, the price was clearly marked, and there was hope! Cloth was 5.1 feet, millet was 1.1 liters... People quickly calculated in their minds how much work they would have to do and how much wasteland they would have to clear to exchange for a liter of rice, a foot of cloth, or even that precious salt.

Chen Xing raised his hand at the opportune moment to silence the discussion. Li Shu put away the detailed rules and picked up another, shorter scroll.

"This is the Provisional Regulations for Recording and Verifying Merit," Li Shu said. "Each office will establish a 'Merit Record Sheet' to record the merits of its personnel daily. The clerk, Li Shu, will maintain a master ledger, which will be checked against the records of each office every three days, confirmed with vermilion ink. Each person's merit points will be publicly posted monthly near the gate of the stronghold. Any objections can be appealed for verification. Recording and verification must be conducted fairly. Any acts of favoritism, fraud, or misappropriation will result in the forfeiture of all merit points for both parties involved, and depending on the severity of the offense, will be punished with whipping, hard labor, or even expulsion!"

The rules were detailed and there were methods for supervision and public disclosure, intended to prevent abuses. Everyone nodded in agreement, feeling that although the law was strict, it was convincing.

Chen Xing stepped forward and continued, "The details of the Merit Order are now clear. From this day forward, all those in Xinghuo Fortress, regardless of whether you were soldiers or civilians, exiles or prisoners of war, will be rewarded for your merits and punished for your transgressions under this order! I want you to know that in Xinghuo Fortress, sweat will not be shed in vain, and blood will not be spilled in vain! Every bit of effort, every drop of blood, will be remembered and will be rewarded!"

His gaze swept across the entire area with intense intensity: "Perhaps some doubt whether this decree is truly valid? Where will the grain, silk, salt, and iron come from? Isn't the merit point exchange just empty talk?" He paused, pointing towards the main granary in the stronghold, "The secret treasure of the previous dynasty that we discovered the other day is the foundation! However, living off our resources is not a long-term solution. The future of Starfire Fortress rests in your hands! In the hundred acres of uncultivated hillside outside the walls! In the grain you produce through your diligent labor! In our concerted efforts to build this fortress as impregnable as a fortress, deterring foreign enemies and attracting merchants to trade! At that time, grain and silk will be self-sufficient, and merit point exchange will be the ironclad rule!"

These words not only answered the question of the source of supplies, but also pointed out the direction for the future—self-reliance and joint construction of the fortress. They closely linked personal merit with the rise and fall of the fortress.

"Zhao Tiezhu," Chen Xing called out.

"Your subordinate is here!" Zhao Tiezhu strode forward.

"The most important task in managing civil affairs is land reclamation. New agricultural tools have been distributed to you. Your top priority is to organize manpower, improve the efficiency of land reclamation, and get crops growing in the fields as soon as possible! Record the progress of land reclamation according to the detailed rules and check it with Li Shu every three days."

"Don't worry, my lord! Tie Zhu knows what's what! He will make sure everyone's efforts are not in vain!" Zhao Tie Zhu's voice boomed.

"Chen Wei".

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Military drills, fortification patrols, and enforcement of military regulations are your duties. You are responsible for verifying any military-related merits or auxiliary merits. The enforcement team must be fair and impartial, and anyone who violates military regulations or orders must be dealt with according to the law. The results of the handling and the merit records must be submitted to Li Shu for filing on a regular basis."

"Yes! Military law is as firm as a mountain, and I would never dare to show favoritism!" Chen Wei solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Wang Jian".

Wang Jian, the foreman of the labor camp, hurriedly stepped forward: "I'm here!"

"Working in the hard labor camp will result in a 50% reduction in merit points. This is both a punishment and a way to give them a chance to reform. You must keep a close watch on them, supervise their work, and record their merits accurately. If anyone is diligent and repentant and accumulates enough merit points, report this to Li Shu and me immediately so we can discuss their release from hard labor."

"Yes! I will strictly discipline them and record the facts!" Wang Jian replied.

Finally, Chen Xing looked at Li Shu and said solemnly, "Li Shu, the position of clerk may seem powerless, but it is actually the cornerstone of fairness in the fortress. Records of merit and accounts of supplies all rest in your hands. You must write truthfully and impartially, ensuring clear and verifiable accounts. Can you do that?"

Li Shu felt countless eyes on him. This thin former scout, now puffed out his chest, and shouted, "My lord trusts me greatly! Though I am lowly, I will do my utmost! Every achievement, every grain of rice, will be recorded. If there is any error, I will accept severe punishment!"

With the arrangements complete, Chen Xing ordered everyone to disperse and return to their duties. However, many people did not leave immediately but instead gathered around a newly carved wooden sign that had just been erected beside the village gate. Li Shu was directing two literate refugee boys to neatly copy the main terms and exchange rates of the "Merit Order" onto the wooden sign with charcoal pencils, so that everyone could refer to it at any time.

Zhao Tiezhu rallied the able-bodied displaced people, brandishing his new iron hoes, and pointed spiritedly at the northern slope: "Brothers! Our lord has given us new tools and set this merit-based system! We, from Zhao Family Village, can't possibly lose to anyone in farming! Let's go! Let's give that overgrown slope a good haircut! The sooner we finish, the sooner we'll get credit, and the sooner we can exchange it for grain and salt!"

The able-bodied men responded with a resounding roar, shouldered their farm tools, and marched in a grand procession toward the hillside like an army going to war.

Under Wang Jian's reprimands, the labor camp began its day of hard labor. But today, many people's eyes showed less apathy and more calculation. As they wielded hoes to dig the soil, someone whispered to his companion, "Clearing an acre of uncultivated land earns ten points, even if we halve that, we still get five... Five points can be exchanged for five liters of millet! If we work harder, maybe..."

On the training grounds of the Wei infantry, the shouts and commands were even more powerful. The squad leaders urged them on with even greater fervor: "Work harder! Sweat more in peacetime, bleed less in wartime! Killing enemies is a great achievement, and being wounded is also rewarded! Don't bring shame to our squad!"

Chen Xing and Chen Wei stood on the fortress wall, watching the bustling scene below gradually getting back on track.

"My lord, if this order is carried out, it will surely inspire everyone's morale. However..." Chen Wei pondered, "Although we have some resources for exchanging merit points, they are being depleted quickly. Land reclamation is not something that can be accomplished in a day, and the autumn harvest will have to wait until next year. If there are any more wars or unforeseen events in the meantime, I'm afraid we will not be able to sustain it."

"I know," Chen Xing nodded. "Therefore, land reclamation is the most urgent task. Besides..." His eyes flickered slightly, "some of those vegetable seeds grow quite fast, which might alleviate some of the immediate worries. Once the slope is initially leveled, we can select a site to try planting them. As for the long term..."

He gazed at the distant mountains, which had not yet been completely ravaged by war.

"Starfire Fortress cannot rely solely on farming. Craftsmen, trade, and even... using war to sustain war are all part of the future plans. But for now, we must first let everyone see hope, taste the benefits, establish these rules firmly, and win over the hearts of the people."

Chen Wei wholeheartedly agreed. Watching the figures diligently wielding hoes on the slope, and observing the orderly activity throughout the fortress, his admiration for this young lord deepened. He possessed not only the courage to breach the fortress but also the wisdom to establish rules and bring peace to the people. Perhaps, in this chaotic world, following this man could truly pave a different future.

The sunlight grew stronger, illuminating every inch of Xinghuo Fortress, and also the wooden plaque on which the "Order of Merit" had just been inscribed. The densely packed characters on it, like seeds, fell into the hearts of different people, quietly taking root and sprouting.

For the first time, hope and drive surged so vigorously on this land that had just experienced bloodshed and fire.