Chapter 130 Digestion and Integration: The Seedling Machine Shakes Golden Grains, New Wheat Reflects Green Fields

When Zhuge Liang returned to the county office, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the office was bustling with activity as people were just waking up. Huo Qubing and Yuchi Jingde were rubbing their sleepy eyes as they arrived one after another to begin their day's duties.

Everyone saw Zhuge Liang enter calmly, his feather fan waving lightly, a slight smile on his lips. He had already obtained the defense maps of the remaining four cities from Lu Zhiyun.

Now, whenever Jiang Ge sees the Prime Minister, she feels an immense sense of security. She seems to have suddenly understood Liu Shan's feelings—having such a wise, shrewd, and always shrewd prime minister by her side makes it easy to let go of all tension and feel a sense of security that "even if the sky falls, there's someone tall enough to hold it up," and... well, a sense of peace that makes her want to be lazy sometimes.

This sense of security does not come from complacency, but from boundless trust in absolute ability.

Zhuge Liang's gaze swept over Jiang Ge. Seeing her clear eyes and calm demeanor, the smile on his lips seemed to deepen, and he nodded to her almost imperceptibly.

Everything is understood without words.

Although he didn't say it aloud, Zhuge Liang still wanted to tell Jiang Ge about Lu Zhiyun's situation.

The words had barely left his mouth.

Huo Qubing then asked the question that everyone was curious about: "Shall we press our advantage and pursue them?"

"The army should not act rashly."

His gaze swept over the crowd in the hall, who were slightly excited upon learning that they had obtained the defense map, and he slowly said, "Our army has just won a victory, and although morale is high, the surrendered soldiers need to be integrated, and the new city needs to be pacified. The paper mill is beginning to take shape, but new agricultural tools and crops have not yet been widely adopted. If we were to start another war at this time, it would be putting the cart before the horse, like trying to catch rain with a leaky jar; you may get a few drops, but it will never be full."

"The most important thing right now is to digest the information," Zhuge Liang said, setting the tone for the situation.

Since the day Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan and devised the strategy of "strategic digestion," the entire county town has been like a precise and efficient machine. Under the command of the strategist Zhuge Liang, all parts began to operate at full capacity.

The newly designated, enormous drill ground has replaced the tranquility of the former farmland, and is now constantly filled with deafening slogans, the clanging of metal, and the uniform sound of footsteps.

This is the "furnace" jointly run by Huo Qubing and Bai Qi.

Their mission was to completely break down and integrate the existing Songyang County soldiers, the surrendered soldiers brought by Lu Zhiyun, and the newly recruited young men, forging them into a brand-new iron army.

The process was by no means smooth sailing.

When the surrendered soldiers first arrived, most wore expressions of fear, doubt, and even a barely perceptible hint of humiliation. They formed their own group, as if separated from the Songyang County troops by an invisible wall. After all, they had once been regular soldiers paid by the emperor; how could these displaced peasant armies compare to them?

But they still lost.

The soldiers from Songyang County, however, carried the superiority complex of victors and inevitably looked at these "defeated opponents" with arrogance.

This subtle standoff erupted during their first joint training session.

Huo Qubing championed the mobility, lightning-fast attacks, and on-the-spot decision-making of cavalry. The cavalry squads he trained (although warhorses were scarce, they often practiced using bamboo poles instead of horses) emphasized skirmishing and guerrilla warfare, flanking maneuvers, and pursuing maximum casualties and disruption.

Bai Qi, on the other hand, was an absolute disregard for discipline. The infantry formations he trained demanded unwavering stability, like mountains, and absolute obedience, as precise as an extension of one's own arm. Every movement had to be precise to the millimeter, and every advance or retreat had to maintain the absolute integrity of the formation.

In his view, individual bravery must give way to the ironclad rule of the collective.

On this day, Huo Qubing was having his "cavalry," who had the air of chivalry, conduct a flanking maneuver. Inevitably, the troops collided with the infantry spear formation that Bai Qi was rigorously training.

"What kind of disorderly conduct is this! Disrupting our formation, you shall be punished with caning according to the law!" Bai Qi's face was ashen, and his voice was as cold as iron. The infantry formation behind him immediately stopped moving, their spears slamming to the ground with a dull thud, and a chilling aura spread out.

Huo Qubing rode up, his youthful and spirited face full of disdain: "General Bai, the battlefield is ever-changing. How can we simply stick to our formation? If our cavalry cannot be flexible and seek opportunities, what difference is there between us and stationary targets?"

"Undisciplined flexibility is the beginning of defeat! Charging into battle without orders is a major taboo in the army!" Bai Qi did not back down an inch. His gaze swept over the somewhat undisciplined "cavalry," especially the surrendered soldiers who originally belonged to Lu Zhiyun's troops. "A rabble, not fit for any great task!"

These words stung many people. The surrendered soldiers' faces flushed with anger, and the county soldiers also felt caught in the crossfire of this tactical attack, instantly creating a tense atmosphere.

Lu Zhiyun, who had been silently observing and helping to maintain order, frowned deeply. He knew the temperaments and ideologies of these two men well, and understood that continuing the argument would be of no benefit to training the troops. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute to the two renowned generals, and said in a steady voice, "General Huo, General Bai, please forgive my impertinence."

Both of their eyes turned to him at the same time.

"General Huo said that the advantage of cavalry lies in its movement, speed, and surprise. General Bai said that the power of battle formations lies in its stability, its firmness, and its combined attack."

Lu Zhiyun carefully considered his words, his years of practical experience transforming into a thorough understanding at this moment. "However, I believe that the two are not mutually exclusive. In the past, when I was in the border army, I also saw elite cavalry and heavy infantry cooperate in combat. The cavalry would harass the enemy's flanks and draw their attention, while the infantry phalanx would advance from the front and deliver the decisive blow. Or the infantry would form a defensive formation, while the cavalry would launch a flanking attack from both sides... The key is how to make the two understand each other's commands and cooperate as seamlessly as the left and right hands."

He paused, then looked at the surrendered soldiers and county troops: "As for the soldiers... I would stake my life on them, my old troops are not cowards. They just need time, to understand for whom they are fighting and why they are fighting. If they are treated equally and rewards and punishments are strictly enforced, they will surely become a formidable force in time!"

Lu Zhiyun's words were like a bucket of cold water, slightly extinguishing Huo Qubing and Bai Qi's anger, and also pointing out the core of the problem—cooperation and recognition.

Bai Qi and Huo Qubing had vastly different styles; Bai Qi waged protracted wars, while Huo Qubing employed blitzkrieg tactics. Neither was willing to concede to the other, inevitably leading to some friction.

Zhuge Liang had arrived at the edge of the training ground at some point, gently waving his feather fan. He didn't intervene, but simply watched quietly. His very presence was a form of invisible pressure and guidance.

Huo Qubing and Bai Qi exchanged a glance. Both were proud and arrogant men, but also unparalleled generals. They instantly understood the value in Lu Zhiyun's words.

If we remain angry now, we will jeopardize important matters.

"Hmph, if that's how it is,"

Bai Qi said coldly, "Then let's train together. The cavalry need to be familiar with the infantry commands and know when to engage and when to disengage. The infantry formation needs to practice clearing a path for the cavalry and consolidating their position."

"good!"

Huo Qubing's eyes blazed with fighting spirit, "I'll show you what true cavalry-infantry coordination is! Don't let my men break your formation!"

"Arrogant!" Bai Qi's lips seemed to twitch slightly. "If you were to disrupt this, I would personally lead your horse and hold your stirrups!"

There seemed to be a spark between the two.

In the days that followed, the training ground became a true crucible.

Bai Qi formulated extremely strict, even cruel, military discipline regulations.

Being late, slacking off, disrupting formation, or disobeying orders would result in whipping, caning, or even dismissal. He personally supervised the process, showing no mercy. Whether soldiers were county sergeants or surrendered troops, they were treated equally. Initially, there were many complaints, but soon, absolute discipline brought about increased efficiency and uniformity of action. A solemn and authoritative military bearing began to emerge in these ragtag troops.

Huo Qubing, on the other hand, focused on training his soldiers' mobility and offensive capabilities.

He set up complex obstacle courses, requiring soldiers to cross them with heavy loads, practicing rapid movement and coordinated squad assaults in various terrains. He mixed cavalry (even substitutes) with highly mobile infantry, repeatedly practicing tactics such as flanking maneuvers, encirclements, side attacks, and harassment. He was passionate, often demonstrating these tactics himself, leading from the front, which greatly boosted morale.

Lu Zhiyun became the best mediator and practical instructor between the two. He understood Bai Qi's discipline and admired Huo Qubing's tactical acumen. Utilizing his understanding of his former subordinates, he proactively assisted in the reorganization, dispersing the surrendered soldiers into various units. He often used his own experiences to reassure them, telling them how fortunate they were to serve under Zhuge Liang and Magistrate Jiang. He was also adept at teaching soldiers battlefield survival skills, weapon maintenance, and practical tactics for dealing with different enemies.

His experience often convinced the soldiers more than the tedious drills.

The adjustment period was painful. Clashes, arguments, and even minor brawls occurred from time to time. But with the joint efforts of three generals with very different styles but equally outstanding abilities, changes were quietly taking place.

The surrendered soldiers discovered that although the officers here were strict, they were fair in their rewards and punishments, never withheld their pay, and the food was even better than in their original army.

They began to understand different commands and flag signals, knowing when to stand firm like a rock and when to pounce like a hungry wolf. Infantry phalanxes could better protect their flanks while moving, and cavalry charges could more accurately find the enemy's weak points.

A new army, combining the unwavering strength of Bai Qi's "shield," the sharpness of Huo Qubing's "spear," and tempered by Lu Zhiyun's practical experience, is rapidly growing.

At the same time as the roar of battle resounded across the training ground, Django was also caught up in another form of "war"—a war against the land, against poverty, and against outdated ideas.

With Zhuge Liang's overall planning and Du Fu's written assistance, she practically moved the county government office to the fields. She shed her initial bewilderment and began to act with a plan.

The promotion of the new agricultural implement, the seed drill, has not been without its challenges.

It was autumn sowing season, and the old farmers were bending over and sowing seeds according to the ancient method, which was laborious and difficult to do evenly. They had an instinctive suspicion of this wooden thing with three iron tips.

"Magistrate Jiang, this thing can just rush over and dig ditches and sow seeds at the same time? What if the seeds are ruined? Missing the planting season is a serious matter!"

Jiang Ge wasn't in a hurry; she knew that every second counted in autumn sowing. She personally selected several households willing to try, and the county government provided them with new seed drills. She also sent a special person (she rolled up her sleeves and went to demonstrate) to the fields.

When those few households easily completed their sowing, with straight furrows and uniform grains, their efficiency far exceeding that of others who sowed by hand and foot, the onlookers could no longer sit still.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Django held a field demonstration meeting, allowing the farmers to personally experience using a seed drill.

"Amazing! This trip is equivalent to half a day's work for us! Look at the spacing, so neat and tidy!"

"It saves so much effort! Not only does it save people effort, but it also saves the animals effort!"

"Magistrate Jiang, can we use this precious seed drill? Autumn sowing can't wait!"

Looking at the anxious yet expectant faces before him, Jiang Ge immediately announced, "The county government workshop has been working day and night to produce thirty seed drills. They will be rented or sold to you villagers at cost price! Autumn sowing is urgent, so you can draw up a contract first, and the cost will be offset by grain after next summer's harvest! Those who are truly in financial difficulty can register at the county government office and have their labor offset by participating in tomorrow's canal dredging!"

One stone stirs up a thousand ripples. Farmers flocked to the county official's registration area. Carpenters in the workshops were surrounded, asking when it would be their turn, their urgent and burning desire evident in the clanging and banging of their hammers.

Water conservancy is the lifeblood of agriculture.

Autumn sowing requires water, and although the main network of irrigation canals planned by Zhuge Liang was complete, the details still needed improvement. Jiang Ge, accompanied by Du Fu and the yamen runners, walked along the canals, listening to the opinions of the villages along the way.

"We're getting water here, and those of us downstream are anxiously waiting for it!"

"That section of the canal foundation was washed away before, and it needs to be reinforced this year!"

"Our village is on high ground, the water can't climb up there!"

Django took notes. For villages on higher ground, she recalled the principle of a waterwheel using water flow to lift water. She picked up a twig, drew a rough outline on the ground, and explained how to use the force of the water flow to fill the bucket, lift it, and pour it into the trough.

The skilled craftsmen in the workshop gathered around the sketch, their eyes shining, exclaiming "ingenious!" and immediately began to make a prototype.

What she was most concerned about was the winter wheat experimental field.

In preparation for the subsequent brewing process.

Despite opposition, she did not plant the traditional autumn-sown crops as was the local custom. Instead, she introduced cold-resistant and drought-resistant winter wheat varieties from the system's online store and insisted on using the "alternating field method"—making furrows and ridges in the field, sowing seeds in the furrows, gradually mounding soil around the seedlings after they grow, and then rotating the ridges and furrows the following year.

She would go there almost every day to check on things and remind the farmers to pay attention to the depth of the furrows and to conserve soil moisture.

Although Django succeeded at first, this kind of land is best suited for experienced farmers; the sowing method was simply wrong. How can good seedlings grow if the sowing method is incorrect?

At first, the farmers thought she was being whimsical, "messing around with good land," but when they saw the mud on Django's feet, the sweat on her face, and the lush, green seedlings that had already sprouted in the furrows, their attitude gradually changed to one of skepticism, to observing her secretly, and even to a sense of anticipation.

“Your Excellency, your method seems to have some merit? Look at these seedlings, so sturdy! Their roots are deep!” Old farmer Li, who was in charge of tending the experimental field, squatted down at the edge of the field, examining them carefully.

"Uncle Li, the period before winter is crucial, and we'll need your continued attention. If this method succeeds, our county will be able to harvest significantly more grain next year, and we might even have a lot left over." Jiang Ge looked at the greenery, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Don't worry! I'll watch over them every day! I'm just hoping for a bountiful harvest of wheat next year!"

Du Fu followed behind Jiang Ge, silently observing everything. He was no longer the poet who only worried about the country and its people, composing poems and couplets.

He took out paper and pen and meticulously recorded the efficiency of the seed drill, the progress of the waterwheel trial production, and the growth of the wheat seedlings using the alternating field method. He compiled Django's practical and effective methods, tailored to local conditions, into a written document in simple and unadorned language, intending to compile it into an agricultural guidebook later. He saw how Django decisively resolved water disputes in the fields, how he skillfully mobilized manpower to quickly manufacture farm tools, and how he convinced the skeptical people with the effectiveness of autumn sowing.

What flowed from his pen was no longer the grief and indignation of "the rich feasting on meat and wine while the poor freeze to death on the road," but the hope of "the seed drill shaking golden grains, and new wheat reflecting in the green fields."

He felt that his pen had never been so close to the land and the people's lives.

Django's reputation, like wheat seedlings in the field, quietly took root and accumulated strength during his autumn labors, listening and resolving urgent matters, growing solid and stable.

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Author's note: Spring wheat and winter wheat are two types, not the same variety. This is just a transitional chapter [Let me see][Let me see][Let me see] After that, updates will resume at 9 o'clock.