NFBE Chapter 169 Striving for the First
Chapter 169 Striving for the First
The military camp gates were wide open, and the soldiers, who had already received the messenger's message, lined up in neat rows to welcome him.
A gatekeeper stepped forward with a grin and led Shen Qing's horse, grinning foolishly, "Your humble servant Sun Xin welcomes the Crown Prince's wife."
"In the military, please address me by my rank."
"Yes, General Shen!"
With Sun Xin leading the way, cheers and shouts of welcome rose and fell. Shen Qing couldn't help but feel a little smug amidst the repeated calls of "General." This wasn't some extra in Hengdian World Studios; no wonder so many people were eager to make their mark. It truly felt great!
·
Cangyue Kingdom—
The newly enthroned empress suspended foreign conquests and advocated for recuperation and development, establishing three basic national policies: build high walls, store ample grain, and refrain from vying for hegemony.
"The grain seeds that His Majesty ordered to be cultivated last year have been promoted along with the improved wooden plow. If they can yield the same harvest as the experiment, Cangyue will no longer have to worry about famine."
This was also one of the important achievements that made the princess stand out among the many heirs. In addition, the Cangyue tribe was still a tribal country decades ago, and female queens and generals were not uncommon. When the Western Expeditionary Hua tribe established its country, there was no rule that women could not participate in politics. Therefore, there was not much resistance to the empress's ascension to the throne.
The empress, seated high on her throne, nodded slightly, her expression beneath her crown unreadable. After the Grand Minister of Agriculture finished his report, he returned to the ranks, and another official stepped forward immediately afterward.
"A recruitment order has been issued to gather talented individuals for the Divine Machine Battalion..."
……
Pingshan Pass Military Camp —
Why were Shen Qing's eyes often filled with tears? Because the food in the military camp was just too awful!
Alas, joy turned to sorrow. Shen Qing, feeling utterly hopeless, broke off a piece of the dull gray pancake and stuffed it into his mouth to chew.
Kuroko, who had been honorably transferred from coachman to bodyguard, felt sorry for his lady as she ate a pancake full of impurities while shedding tears. "General... you only need to pretend. You don't have to eat the same food as the soldiers. I'll go and prepare special meals for you."
Shen Qing waved her hand. She had long anticipated that with famine and war every year, the imperial court would not have enough money to allocate, and local finances would inevitably be strained. That's why she had been trying her best to raise money and solicit sponsorships in Xuandu. But she was still too optimistic. The military pay deficit was actually so huge!
Lu Zhen's proposed solution was to solicit donations from prominent families in Yongzhou, as in previous years. However, Shen Qing felt that it was better to rely on oneself than to ask others for help. It was fine once or twice, but if it was done year after year, wouldn't that leave them vulnerable to manipulation?
Have I gathered all the personnel I needed?
"We are already on standby and waiting."
Shen Qing wiped her face. "Let's go."
As a high-ranking official, Lu Zhen naturally had his own fertile land in Pingshan Pass, and Shen Qing allocated ten acres to him.
This field was not far from the military camp. Shen Qing ordered people to surround it. As a traditional Chinese, how could he not develop farming?
There were already about ten people waiting in the field, including servants who had come from Xuandu and experienced local farmers.
Do you know why I summoned you here?
The group exchanged bewildered glances. Although they didn't understand, their attitude was respectful: "We will obey the general's orders!"
Shen Qing nodded in satisfaction. "When I was on a mission to Yu Kingdom, I heard that some farmers there were able to grow wheat that could yield three harvests a year."
The crowd gasped in disbelief. How could this be!
Actually, no, at least Shen Qing hasn't seen it yet. It's just giving these people a direction to strive for. If three batches don't work, two batches will do.
"How could this general speak recklessly?"
Seeing Shen Qing speak with such certainty, the crowd was filled with doubt. Then Shen Qing proceeded to teach them his rudimentary biology in this and that manner.
"Do you understand?"
"..."
In truth, Shen Qing himself was confused, but on the surface he appeared confident and composed. “Practice makes perfect. These ten acres are for your experiments. Plant whatever you like. If you can successfully cultivate something, you will be rewarded with a hundred gold pieces, and your immediate family members will be exempt from corvée labor.”
A generous reward will surely bring forth brave men. The farmer, who had been timid and hesitant just moments before, suddenly became passionate. They were all farmers; there was no reason why the people of Yuguo could grow something that they couldn't!
Seeing that everyone was in high spirits, Shen Qing nodded in satisfaction.
One month later—
On the barren hillside, Shen Qing's figure was desolate. He sat on a rock for a long time, chewing on a blade of grass, and finally made a decision that went against his ancestors' wishes.
It's too difficult to be a rabbit; let's just become a great power.