Immediately afterwards, the Xijing Grand General's Office issued three decrees.
The first decree, "Encouraging Cultivation," states that all registered residents of Guanzhong and Longyou who reclaim wasteland this spring will have the reclaimed land owned by them and will be exempt from taxes for five years; migrants returning to their hometowns will be lent seeds and farming tools by the government, to be returned after the autumn harvest; and soldiers stationed in military garrisons will keep 30% of their harvest and store 70% in the granary.
The second decree, the "Establishment of Grain Price Stabilization Order," stipulated that each prefecture should establish granaries for grain purchase when prices were low and sell them at a fixed price when prices were high; hoarding and speculation would be severely punished, and violators would have their property confiscated.
The third decree, "Simplified Tax Order," states that this year, land taxes in Guanzhong and Longyou will be reduced by half, and poll tax will be completely exempted; taxes for merchants will be reduced by 30%.
The government order caused a sensation among the people.
But what caused an even greater sensation was the "new farming method" personally promoted by Zhao Muyun.
Ten miles outside Xijing City, there is an "experimental field" designated by the government.
That morning, the ridges of the fields were filled with elderly farmers from various counties, village heads, and curious villagers.
Zhao Muyun stood barefoot in the paddy field, his trousers rolled up, holding a strange-looking plow in his hand.
That was a simplified version of the curved plow that he had the blacksmith build based on his memory.
“Watch closely,” he said to Yinji beside him, and also to all the onlookers, “this kind of plow can be operated by one person and one ox. It is half the effort of a straight-shaft plow, and it is flexible in turning, making it suitable for small plots of land.”
He demonstrated it himself.
The plowshare entered the soil, and as the old ox moved forward, the soil churned and rolled like waves, reaching a uniform depth.
The eyes of the several elderly farmers watching were wide open—these were the straight-shafted plows they had used all their lives, which required two oxen and three men, and were heavy and difficult to turn.
"This...this amazing artifact!" an old farmer with white hair asked in a trembling voice, "Grand Commander, can we make this plow?"
“Yes.” Zhao Muyun put down the plow. “The blueprints have been sent to blacksmith shops in various prefectures and counties. With government subsidies, farmers can exchange their old plows for new ones and just pay the price difference.”
He then went to another dry field, where several new farm tools were laid out:
Models of rakes, seed drills, and waterwheels.
"This is a seed drill, which can sow three rows at once, with consistent depth, saving seeds and labor."
"This is a waterwheel, which can draw water from low-lying areas to irrigate fields in high-lying areas. We will send craftsmen to various counties to provide guidance on the specific methods later."
“Furthermore,” he said, grabbing a handful of soil from the field, “the land needs to be nurtured; it can’t just be planted without being fertilized. Starting this year, we will promote ‘soybean-wheat rotation’—plant wheat this year, soybeans next year, and leave the land fallow to grow grass and fertilize it the year after. The specific regulations will be issued by the Agricultural Promotion Office.”
A bold village head asked, "General, these beans... aren't worth much!"
"Beans are edible, the dregs can be used to fertilize fields, and the straw can be used to feed livestock."
Zhao Muyun patiently explained, "More importantly, if you plant beans on the land, the yield per mu will increase by at least 20% the following year when you plant wheat. You do the math, is it more profitable to plant wheat every year, or to rotate crops?"
The old farmers counted on their fingers, and gradually a look of realization dawned on their faces.
Yinji watched from the side, feeling a mix of emotions.
My master had mentioned these farming tools and methods back in Shuozhou, but at that time, due to frequent wars, there was no time to promote them.
Now that we have a chance to catch our breath, we can finally put this into practice.
“Your Highness,” Zhao Muyun suddenly called to him, “the Ministry of Agriculture should send people to the countryside, not to give orders, but to learn and teach.”
“Each county will select three experienced farmers as ‘agricultural instructors,’ who will receive a monthly subsidy and be responsible for promoting the new methods.”
“You must remember this: farmers know more about farming than officials. What we need to do is tell them the new methods, let them try them, modify them, and spread them.”
"Disciple understands."
The demonstration in the experimental field lasted for three days.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the interior of the country. Upon hearing the news, farmers from all over the country were either skeptical or hopeful, and many more flocked to the government to inquire about the new plows and new seeds.
During the spring planting season, a long-lost vitality is stirring on the Guanzhong Plain.
......
While Xijing was vigorously promoting agriculture and strengthening the army, the atmosphere in Dafeng, the capital city on the opposite bank of the river, was somewhat oppressive.
Li Jingang stood on the city wall of the imperial palace.
This palace was built by the Da Yin dynasty, but it was not repaired after the establishment of the Da Feng dynasty. Now the vermilion paint is peeling off and weeds are growing rampant.
But standing here, you can still overlook the entire capital city.
"My lord, all the armies have retreated to their original defense zones," Feng Liang reported from behind. "In the direction of Longmen Pass, Zhao Muyun has reinforced the defense with about 10,000 troops, stationed in Huazhou."
"Where did he get his soldiers from?" Li Jingang asked without turning his head.
"They should be newly recruited. In addition, Xijing is vigorously promoting new farming methods, which are said to increase yield per mu by 30%."
“Thirty percent…” Li Jingang sneered, “What arrogance.”
But he knew in his heart that Zhao Muyun was not one to speak carelessly.
Ma Zongliang stepped forward: "My lord, our spies have sent word that Zhao Muyun, in addition to reorganizing the army and encouraging agriculture, is also manufacturing large quantities of military equipment."
"A new military equipment manufacturing plant was built in the western part of Xijing City, with furnaces burning day and night."
"What are you building?"
"The main improvements are to that 'divine machine gun,' and... a new kind of incendiary bottle made of kerosene, which is said to be inextinguishable when exposed to water and ignites upon contact with the skin."
Li Jingang finally turned around, a shadow flashing in his eyes.
Firearms—that was what he feared most about Zhao Muyun.
During the Battle of Longmen Pass, those exploding cannons inflicted heavy casualties on the Fengtian Army.
If Zhao Muyun comes up with something even more terrifying...
“Where are our craftsmen?” he asked.
"As instructed by our lord, we have hired over thirty craftsmen from Jiangnan and Jiangdong at great expense, and they are currently developing firearms. But..."
Ma Zongliang hesitated for a moment, "Progress is slow. Gunpowder formulas are easy to obtain, but cannon casting techniques and shell manufacturing methods are Zhao Muyun's closely guarded secrets."
Li Jingang was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Is Yang Chao's surrender confirmed?"
"It's confirmed. Zhao Muyun has given him the position of advisor, tasking him with training the surrendered soldiers from Jiannan."
"What a Zhao Muyun..."
Li Jingang muttered, "A slap followed by a sweet treat, this tactic... Feng Liang."
"Your subject is present."
“Send an envoy to Jiannan to meet Yang Yan.”
Feng Liang was taken aback: "What does the lord mean?"
"Tell Yang Yan that his nephew has surrendered to the enemy and is helping Zhao Muyun train troops in preparation for attacking Jiannan."
Li Jingang smirked coldly, "Tell him that if he's willing, I can forgive his past crimes."
"Will Yang Yan believe this?"
Whether he believes it or not is not important.
Li Jingang looked westward, "The important thing is to plant a thorn in his heart. Zhao Muyun can use Yang Chao as a pawn, and so can I."
Feng Liang suddenly realized: "My lord is wise!"
Li Jingang waved his hand, and after everyone left, he leaned against the railing alone.
The spring breeze blows from the direction of the Luo River, carrying a warm and humid atmosphere.
But a chill ran through him.
Zhao Muyun acted swiftly—reorganizing the army, encouraging agriculture, and manufacturing equipment, taking each step steadily and surely, neither rushing forward because of victory nor becoming complacent because of peace.
People like that are terrifying.
"We must break the deadlock before he gradually erodes Jiannan..."
Li Jingang gripped the railing tightly. "Or, let's find him some other trouble."
He suddenly remembered someone.
"Someone come here."
The guards entered immediately.
"The Lingnan envoy from Xuancheng South Post Station has come to meet the Emperor!"
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