Chapter 185: May I ask, fellow villagers and elders

Outside Jiangzhong County.

Inside the military camp.

Gu Jin Nian is reviewing various regional official documents.

At present, the earth‑shaking disaster in Longxi County has been about half stabilized; the Crown Prince arrived in person, rallied the people, and the relief operations are being handled in an orderly manner.

Nanyue County remains fairly regular; snow‑disaster rescue is relatively slow, but the problem isn't serious—as long as the meltwater hasn't flowed, the issue stays minor.

The biggest trouble remains Donglin County, where the fire problem is still severe; the number of rain‑prayer talismans is limited—Xianmen gave about ten, and the Da Xia Dynasty has roughly twenty.

These rain‑prayer talismans are national treasures; in a great drought they become lifesaving items.

However, Xianmen's contribution is small, which was unexpected; Da Xia's relations with Xianmen are still good, and although Xianmen also needs the talismans, they apparently aren't as urgent as Da Xia's.

"If I need to write a letter, I should still have some face with Xianmen."

Gu Jin Nian mutters to himself.

After all, he is of a celestial‑spirit root; even if he doesn't specialize in cultivation, those who come to Xianmen will still grant him some face.

In the midst of this great disaster, face matters little; rescuing the people comes first.

And at that moment.

A voice sounds from outside.

"Report!"

"Lord, Master Li Shan brings the Imperial Censorate's twelve Great Scholars to pay respects to you; shall you receive them?"

As the outside voice continues.

Gu Jin Nian does not set the documents aside, but speaks.

"Have Mr. Fang attend to them briefly."

Gu Jin Nian says this; he isn't in a hurry to meet Li Shan and the others, but instead assigns Fang Jingcheng to handle it, partly so Fang Jingcheng can become well acquainted with officialdom.

After the Da Xia disaster is completely over, Fang Jingcheng will inevitably accompany him to the capital, where many court matters will be handled by Fang Jingcheng.

Getting some exposure now is quite good.

"As you command."

Soon, Gu Jin Nian continues processing documents; a portion of the celestial fire stones in Da Xia's sky has been located, and Su Wenjing has allied with many Great Scholars, planning to use Confucian formations combined with righteous qi to block the celestial fire stones.

This is good news; once the location is pinpointed, even if it can't truly be blocked, at least the people can be evacuated, destroyed buildings can be rebuilt, and only casualties pose a problem.

"Lord."

"I have a matter to report."

At this moment, a voice sounds; it is Zhou Man's voice.

"Enter."

Quickly.

Zhou Man walks into the main camp, bows to Gu Jin Nian, and then speaks.

"Lord, within the Nineteenth Prefecture, the thousand people you requested have already set out; barring any mishap, they should arrive in the prefectural city before noon tomorrow."

Zhou Man's words confirm the matter.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian nods, finishes the document in his hand, places the file aside, stands, and looks at Zhou Man.

"Zhou Man."

"I, the Lord, will ask you something."

"Do you wish to live?"

Gu Jin Nian says, looking at Zhou Man, his expression and gaze utterly calm.

Hearing this, Zhou Man is taken aback.

He feels he heard incorrectly.

After a brief pause, Zhou Man kneels on the ground.

"Lord, I previously made a single‑thought mistake; I am in Jiangzhong County, and though I dare not claim to be meticulous, I have indeed endured considerable hardship; you, Lord, may even inquire of the people."

"I have committed some errors, but I have never harmed the people; Jiangzhong County is a poor county, and I have studied a few years; had it not been for this case involving too many people…"

"I truly dare not act recklessly; if you, Lord, grant me a chance to live, from now on I will place you above all, and I dare to swear a life‑or‑death oath, upholding the righteous qi of Confucianism and Daoism."

Having served as an official for so many years, how could Zhou Man not understand a single word from Gu Jin Nian? How could he not grasp Gu Jin Nian's meaning?

Honestly, he fully believes Gu Jin Nian could kill him, and that it would be a matter of will.

Because the person before him is Da Xia's foremost Heaven's Mandate Marquis, the Grand Duke's heir, and the saint of the later Confucian‑Daoist tradition; these three titles alone could crush him to death.

Killing him would be simpler than crushing an ant.

If Gu Jin Nian were not the saint of the later Confucian‑Daoist tradition, even without any fault, Gu Jin Nian could still arbitrarily behead him to pacify the people and set public opinion.

Hence he has no doubt that Gu Jin Nian would dare to kill him.

Now that he opens his mouth to ask, it is to seek a way out for himself; it depends on whether he obeys.

"I, the Lord, can give you a chance at life, but the condition is whether you are willing to obey."

Gu Jin Nian says; indeed he had Zhou Man investigated—cannot say Zhou Man is an excellent official, but at least he hasn't committed major faults, and the people's reputation of Zhou Man is fairly average.

Naturally, Gu Jin Nian gives him a chance.

"Willing."

"Lord, I will certainly be willing."

"Lord, to speak frankly, your status is so lofty; before the Wang Wei affair, if you had called upon me, I would have been willing, let alone now?"

Zhou Man's words are sincere; who doesn't know Gu Jin Nian's current position? Who wouldn't want to serve under such a person?

However, mentioning Wang Wei makes Gu Jin Nian's expression turn cold.

"If it weren't for the people of Jiangzhong Commandery, based solely on Wang Wei's matter, you should die."

He spoke, and Zhou Man instantly dared not speak, lowering his head, his mood extremely tense.

"Wang Wei died because of the people of Jiangzhong Commandery; I, this Lord, now give you this chance, considering the people as well, not because I wish to take you in."

"I, this Lord, will tell you three matters; if you can agree to them, I will spare your life; if you cannot fulfill them, I will make your life worse than death."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice cold.

"Lord Hou, please rest assured."

Zhou Man said firmly.

"First, I, this Lord, want you to garrison Jiangzhong Commandery, work hard to restore agriculture, putting the people first. I will send people to your commandery; if I hear any bad news, be ready to be torn apart."

"Second, I want you to properly look after Wang Wei's entire family, ensuring they suffer no grievance; of course, if they err, you need not shield them, just tend to them."

"Third, go find Lord Hou, tell him your current situation, saying that after the disaster ends, I, this Lord, will execute you; have Lord Hou help you find a way to escape this calamity, preferably letting Prince Ning step in, and I will cooperate with you to stage a drama, understand?"

Gu Jin Nian said, these three matters are all important.

After tomorrow, I will be able to solve Jiangzhong Commandery's difficulties.

But such a solution still requires someone here to devote themselves fully; bringing people from the court, Gu Jin Nian is uneasy, and selecting talent from Jiangzhong Commandery would waste too much time.

And Zhou Man became Gu Jin Nian's best choice.

This fellow was originally to be executed by me; now I give him a chance. Whether a person is good or bad, after suffering a loss, they will certainly learn.

Gu Jin Nian does not expect Zhou Man to be devoted his whole life; at least the first three years should be fine, right? Devoting himself for these three years counts as atonement; if he handles everything properly within three years, everything will be easy.

Three years.

Gu Jin Nian will make Jiangzhong Commandery the foremost commandery of Da Xia.

That is his confidence.

At that time, if Zhou Man makes any mistake, Gu Jin Nian can directly control him, killing him on a word.

Second, Wang Wei is dead; the only thing Gu Jin Nian can do is make the people of Jiangzhong Commandery live better, while also caring for his household. This care cannot be accomplished with a few words.

If I give orders, there is no problem; the subordinates will do it well, but it is likely that they will only give a little care in the first few years and then stop, which is normal.

If Zhou Man handles it, that's fine; at least it covers everything, and it is also a form of atonement.

The last one is a pawn he has placed.

"Lord Hou, I understand."

"But if I go to find Lord Hou, Lord Hou might not believe me."

Zhou Man spoke; he is not unwilling, just thinks Lord Hou would not trust him.

"He wouldn't have believed you before, but now he certainly will."

"He proactively petitioned Prince Ning, sending disaster relief grain to win popular support, but it backfired; not only did he fail to gain support, he also wasted a lot of grain, which they could not take away and has already been seized by my men."

"At this moment, he must be furious; you going to find him is just right."

Gu Jin Nian said.

"That is indeed true, Lord Hou, but even if Lord Hou agrees with me, it's likely only because he's enraged and momentarily irrational; he certainly will not tell me any important matters."

Zhou Man was somewhat puzzled.

"Tell him that among my military grain there are actually some herbs mixed in; after the people eat it, it indeed nourishes their Qi. If you reveal this secret to him, he will naturally believe you."

"However, this Lord knows he will not fully trust you, but will test you; time can resolve many things."

Gu Jin Nian said; he sent Zhou Man over, not necessarily to learn some great secret—sometimes having a pawn in place allows many actions.

"I understand."

"Lord Hou, please rest assured; I will handle it properly."

Zhou Man spoke, his tone absolutely resolute.

"Go then."

"Remember, this matter is not the most important; the first matter is, then the second, and the third is not the most important."

Gu Jin Nian specifically reminded Zhou Man, lest this fellow confuse the priorities.

"Lord Hou, please rest assured."

Zhou Man nodded.

Soon, Zhou Man walked out of the main camp, exhaling a long breath.

To be honest, this post‑calamity feeling truly swings between extremes, but precisely because of this, Zhou Man's heart is tense; he wants to get things done right.

Only then will his own life be saved.

Saving his life is not just for himself, but also for his family; if he truly dies, can his descendants, including his wife and so on, have a good future?

Perhaps some matters could lead to his whole family being eradicated; that's not impossible.

After Gu Jin Nian leaves Jiangzhong Commandery, this could indeed happen.

And now, having taken refuge under Gu Jin Nian, if anything happens to him, Gu Jin Nian will choose to help him.

Thus he stands wholly on Gu Jin Nian's side, even willing to exert great effort to earn Gu Jin Nian's favor.

Thus.

About half an hour later.

Finally, Li Shan and others arrived at the military main camp.

"I have already met you, Lord Hou."

"We have met you, Lord Hou."

Li Shan, one of the Twelve Scholars of the Censorate, hurried into the main camp and bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

"I have seen you all."

"Official duties were busy, preventing me from receiving you immediately; please forgive me."

Gu Jin Nian rose to speak, appearing comparatively gentle toward Li Shan and the others.

Marquis, you are being courteous, but the disaster in Da Xia is the priority; our coming to disturb you is actually a fault.

Indeed, learning that the Marquis is occupied with official documents, we truly feel ashamed.

Everyone spoke, showing no anger at all, only guilt.

Gentlemen, what brings you here?

Gu Jin Nian didn't say much, directly asking what they came here to do.

Marquis, there have been rumors lately that you mistreat the people; we naturally don't believe them, but where there's smoke there's fire, so His Majesty has sent us to investigate. If it turns out to be groundless, we will certainly inform the world, which would also help correct this unhealthy trend.

Someone spoke up, informing Gu Jin Nian of their purpose.

Li Shan, meanwhile, remained silent.

Having doubts is fine; please feel free to speak, but after questioning you should prepare to return, for I, the Marquis, do not wish outsiders to interfere in disaster relief.

Gu Jin Nian disagreed, saying this situation is not special, but he still wanted to remind them that handling disaster relief is not their responsibility.

Marquis, please rest assured.

We will certainly not cause trouble.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Marquis.

However, at that moment Li Shan finally spoke.

Chief Minister Li, what is the matter?

Gu Jin Nian looked at Li Shan, speaking with slight curiosity.

Just now I heard from your subordinate that you will be able to resolve the crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery tomorrow—is that true?

Li Shan spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.

Fang Jingcheng had previously mentioned this.

Indeed.

Gu Jin Nian appeared composed.

Upon hearing this, the Twelve Great Scholars all changed color; they had already been surprised by Fang Jingcheng's words, and now hearing Gu Jin Nian speak, how could they not be shocked? "Marquis, such matters must not be spoken lightly," said one. "I know you have the people's welfare at heart; this disaster is something no one wishes to encounter. Your intention to boost morale is good, but if you promise what ought not be promised, that is not good."

Li Shan spoke, offering a kind reminder to Gu Jin Nian.

But as soon as those words were spoken, Gu Jin Nian's expression softened.

Disaster relief is entirely under my authority; whether spoken or not, it should have nothing to do with you, Chief Minister.

Gu Jin Nian said this with a gentle expression.

Li Shan showed no expression, merely speaking.

It is indeed unrelated to me, but if such words spread, they will affect the populace; if you truly succeed, it will be a good thing, but if you fail, the people may develop other thoughts about the court.

Please, Marquis, proceed with caution.

Li Shan spoke, with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

Have any of my words ever been false?

Gu Jin Nian replied lightly, also with a smile that did not reach his eyes.

Upon saying that, Li Shan fell completely silent, while the Twelve Great Scholars became intensely excited.

Marquis, if you truly can resolve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis tomorrow, I will, without further ado, petition His Majesty to let me travel the lands and proclaim your merit.

Indeed, Marquis, if you truly can resolve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis, I too will go to proclaim your merit.

The drought in Jiangzhong Commandery affects countless people; if you can stabilize it, that would be boundless merit.

Marquis, if you truly resolve it, from now on, whenever I meet someone I will tell them this; whoever dares to say you are lacking in any way, I will be the first to strike them down.

Right, Marquis, you know the Censorate handles matters impartially; when someone reports, we step in to resolve it. But if you settle the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis, then henceforth, should anyone dare to report you, I will first investigate whether they have any issues, then proceed to settle your affairs.

These scholars each spoke, and they were not merely flattering Gu Jin Nian; their words came from the heart.

Everyone in the court knows what the crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery signifies.

First, a food crisis affecting countless people.

Then problems arose in Jiangzhong Commandery, leading to internal troubles in the Da Xia Dynasty, causing overall major issues.

For these scholars, if Gu Jin Nian truly can relieve the people's hardship in Jiangzhong Commandery, regardless of how the Da Xia Dynasty fares, this merit is worthy of admiration.

As scholars, they naturally ought to respect it.

Seeing the Twelve Great Scholars thus, Li Shan's face was expressionless, though an expressionless face signifies many things.

Gentlemen, by noon tomorrow you will know everything.

Please rest early.

Gu Jin Nian made a slight bow; he still respected these scholars greatly, for the sacred ruler had already established virtue, and Confucius had trimmed the talents of scholars under heaven—since they were not trimmed, it means they possess virtue.

Thus, showing them a measure of respect is reasonable and proper.

Tomorrow at noon, then? Very well, I shall wait.

Very well, tomorrow at noon.

Everyone nodded, then departed together.

After everyone had left.

Gu Jin Nian also stepped out of the camp, gazing at the firmament, his expression utterly calm.

Whether he can resolve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis will be seen tomorrow.

Meanwhile,

hundreds of scholars also infiltrated various parts of Jiangzhong Commandery.

This group of scholars racked their brains, conducting various interrogations, but the results they obtained were almost uniform.

That is, all the common people praised Gu Jin Nian, and not a single person said Gu Jin Nian was bad.

This left those scholars dumbfounded.

In the end, those scholars could only reveal their identity, tell them they were sent by the court, let them say whatever they wanted, and not worry too much.

As soon as that was said, the common people spoke up even more enthusiastically.

"Are you from the court?"

"That's great; hurry and tell the emperor, the Marquis is truly a good person—definitely have His Majesty promote him."

"Yes, yes, the Marquis is truly a good person—he deserves a promotion."

The commoners' answers once again left those scholars silent.

Pushed to the limit, those scholars simply couldn't hold back.

"Gentlemen, Gu Jin Nian isn't here; say whatever you want, point out whatever he did wrong—feel free, rest assured we are absolutely not his people."

Someone spoke up, lowering their voice.

But as soon as that was said, the surrounding commoners all furrowed their brows.

"What a guy, are you the Marquis's political rival? Trying to get us to badmouth the Marquis?"

"Are you even human?"

Someone sensed the situation, immediately spoke up, and rebuked the other side.

"You bunch of dogs, the Marquis executed corrupt officials for our commoners and even gave military rations for us to eat—now you dare have opinions about the Marquis? Are you even human?"

"During disaster relief you weren't here; now the Marquis has stabilized the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery, and you want to stir up trouble? Are you even human?"

"Fellow villagers, these guys are definitely trouble—arrest them all and take them to the army camp; the Marquis has been so good to us, we can't let such petty people succeed."

Voices rang out one after another.

The commoners were truly furious; everyone could clearly see what Gu Jin Nian had done.

These people didn't come to record Gu Jin Nian's merits, but instead racked their brains here to record his faults?

How could the commoners not be angry? In a moment, many of them rose up, seized those scholars, and dragged them away regardless of what the scholars said.

All were detained in the army camp.

When Gu Jin Nian learned of this, he couldn't help but laugh and cry, yet he didn't show himself but had Li Shan go to ransom the people.

Upon hearing this, Li Shan's expression grew slightly calm, but he didn't appear himself; instead he had the Great Scholar of the Imperial Censorate step forward.

Inside Prince Ning's camp.

Hou Jun had a white band tied around his head, bearing some wounds and illness.

Today's affair truly made him feel uneasy; he had thought it would be a harvest of public opinion, but instead he became a laughingstock.

He was angry, not because the commoners didn't eat, but because this matter was his own proposal—this outcome he could not bear.

Prince Ning would not punish him, yet in Prince Ning's heart he had lost some standing.

That was what troubled him most.

Of course, mainly because he hadn't made a mistake in over ten years; this time it truly pained him, and in his anger he ended up doing a few wrong things.

"Gu Jin Nian says he can settle the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis by tomorrow—what do you think, Mr. Hou?"

Li Shan spoke, he was very calm, sitting opposite Hou Jun.

"Tomorrow?"

"In ten days he still couldn't do it."

"How to resolve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis? Rely on a few words?"

"Unless Gu Jin Nian can provide a year's worth of rations for all the commoners of Jiangzhong Commandery and guarantee they have enough food and clothing, what basis does he have to solve it?"

"Before I came, I inspected the rice fields—drought extreme, only a little water, utterly insufficient to grow crops."

"Who knows how long this great drought will last?"

"Furthermore, Gu Jin Nian has done a wrong thing, an extremely wrong thing."

Hou Jun spoke, completely disbelieving what Gu Jin Nian said.

"What wrongdoing?"

Li Shan asked curiously.

"The Prime Minister should have heard, the commoners of Jiangzhong Commandery set aside fish and meat, eating only the rice Gu Jin Nian prepared for them?"

Hou Jun asked. "I know that."

Li Shan nodded, having heard this when he arrived.

"Just now Zhou Man came to see me, he told me a secret: Gu Jin Nian said this was specially supplied imperial grain, but in fact it's just mixed with a lot of precious medicinal herbs, making it taste superb and replenish one's vital essence, so these commoners mistakenly think it can prolong life."

"All of that is false."

"But it must be said, this rice mixed with some medicine is indeed incredibly tasty; Gu Jin Nian wanted to deceive the commoners, but he didn't realize that after eating this rice, they would never want to eat any other rice."

"That is also a hidden danger."

Hou Jun spoke, laying out this matter.

"Zhou Man?"

"Do you believe what he said?"

Li Shan spoke, asking in this way.

"I don't trust this person, but I believe you on this matter—otherwise, what specially supplied imperial rice does the Da Xia Dynasty have? And Great Golden Dragon rice, which ordinary commoners cannot eat; you, Prime Minister, should know this, right?"

Hou Jun spoke, he fundamentally doesn't trust Zhou Man, but he believes this matter.

"Indeed."

"That, however, is the truth."

"Then what does he want to do tomorrow?"

Li Shan frowned and said.

As soon as those words were spoken, Lord Hou inhaled deeply and said.

"Zhou Man told me."

"Gu Jin Nian's plan is simple: he wants to exploit this food gimmick, present ordinary rice stalks, tell the people that these stalks can grow into royal‑reserved grain."

"If so, the people will be overjoyed and will rush to plant them."

"Think about it: if he does this and the great drought lasts only two or three months, Gu Jin Nian would truly have solved it."

"But the problem is, Gu Jin Nian would never anticipate that this drought will last at least a year."

"In that year, nothing can persist for a year without water."

"Nevertheless, one must admit that Gu Jin Nian's grasp of human hearts is truly formidable; this scheme is indeed unbeatable as long as Heaven cooperates. Unfortunately, the great fire in Donglin Commandery sent all the rain‑summoning talismans to Donglin Commandery."

"Moreover, the Immortal Sect is unwilling to provide new rain‑summoning talismans; even if Gu Jin Nian has one or two on hand, they are of little use—he couldn't possibly summon a great rain for the entire Jiangzhong Commandery, could he?"

Lord Hou spoke, appearing supremely confident.

"So this is the scheme."

"I told you, I said why he dared to make such a bold claim; now I see it's like this."

"Indeed, his grasp of human hearts is too powerful."

"It seems Gu Jin Nian hopes to temporarily stabilize Jiangzhong Commandery, then free his hand to address disasters elsewhere."

"After the other disasters are over, he'll focus on solving Jiangzhong Commandery; impressive, truly impressive."

Li Shan sighed deeply, believing Gu Jin Nian's method is extremely clever.

"Indeed."

"His wisdom is truly great, but what he doesn't know is that Longxi Commandery's situation is somewhat better; Donglin Commandery is the real crisis—without rain‑summoning talismans, no one can help."

"As for Nanyue Commandery, once the snow melts and floods arise, that will be the true horror; not only will Nanyue's people suffer, but also the residents along both banks will be devastated."

"He wants to free his hand to solve these matters, but when he does, he'll find it's an unsolvable disaster."

"At that time, when Jiangzhong's people see their crops wither, a full‑blown uprising will occur; even if Gu Jin Nian returns, he cannot quell the people's fury."

"Manipulating public sentiment, a single mistake will be bitten back by the people."

Lord Hou's expression was icy; he fundamentally doubted Gu Jin Nian.

Li Shan remained silent; after all, he was unsure about future events.

"Then let's see tomorrow and discuss."

Finally, Li Shan nodded, and said nothing more.

So it was.

It lasted until the next day.

Chen hour.

Inside Jiangzhong Commandery's prefectural city.

Countless civilians gathered in the central area of Jiangzhong Commandery; this is the stage. Due to the disaster, the stage has ceased performances; the people of the nineteen prefectures were all assigned here by the authorities, and citizens from all directions are also within the prefectural city.

Everyone did not know what had happened, only heard that Gu Jin Nian had something to tell them.

Upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian wanted to address them, the people came forward voluntarily, waiting for Gu Jin Nian.

Five ke of the Chen hour.

Inside the army's grand camp.

Gu Jin Nian slowly walked out of the grand camp, dressed plainly, with soldiers protecting him.

Li Ji, Gu Ning Ya and others stood on either side.

Soon, through the main gate, Gu Jin Nian entered the prefectural city.

"Lord Hou has arrived."

"The sage has arrived."

"Quick, step aside, Lord Hou has arrived."

"Everyone step aside."

At that moment, voices rose—not the soldiers' but the civilians', who voluntarily stepped aside.

As he walked, Gu Jin Nian looked at the people, nodding constantly, his expression gentle, making the people feel friendly.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian alone stepped onto the stage.

He stepped onto the stage.

From all directions, the crowd was all civilians, all eyes fixed on him.

He felt the people's gazes.

Gu Jin Nian appeared calm.

The crowd was silent, also waiting for Gu Jin Nian to speak.

After half a ke.

When the time arrived, Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Dear fellow villagers and elders."

"How have you been eating these past few days?"

He smiled and asked the crowd.

At first, there were no grand speeches nor emotional words; he simply asked how everyone was eating.

"We eat well."

"We are especially full; in all these years we've never eaten such a hearty meal."

"Lord Hou, the food is superb; I've never in my life eaten such fine fare."

The voices of the common folk rose, each one breaking into a smile.

Having received the reply, Gu Jin Nian continued, saying.

"Then let me ask everyone again: do you still want to keep eating in the future?"

Gu Jin Nian kept asking.

Upon hearing that, the people's responses grew even more fervent.

"Of course we want to, definitely want to."

"Lord, if we could eat this kind of rice every day in the future, I wouldn't eat a single vegetable."

"Eat it every day? Lord, we don't even dare to imagine such a thing."

"Don't even talk about daily meals; even if we could have it once a month, we'd be satisfied."

"Honestly, Lord, if it weren't for your generosity, we'd never get to taste this in this lifetime. Daily meals? We don't even dare to hope, let alone afford it."

The common folk spoke up one after another; when asked whether they wanted to eat daily in the future, they all certainly said they did.

Not to mention daily.

Eat every moment.

Even without side dishes would be fine.

Only that everyone actually knows that, during these disaster‑relief years, just being able to eat is already a blessing; wanting daily meals is a bit unrealistic.

Having received these answers, Gu Jin Nian was very satisfied.

"Everyone."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice booming this time, his expression extremely solemn.

"In the thirteenth year of Yongsheng, on the nineteenth day of the fourth month, Jiangzhong County suffered a great drought; all crops were destroyed overnight."

"The court was stunned; in that moment, none of the civil or military officials dared to propose a solution."

"The countless commoners of Jiangzhong County are not unwilling to devise a plan, but they dare not; when the lives of countless people are at stake, no one dares to speak recklessly."

"Because everyone knows that if the Jiangzhong drought is not resolved, even a single untreated spot will turn this place into nothingness."

"All of you would have to leave your homes, becoming refugees in the eyes of other prefectural townsfolk."

"But Gu knows that no one wishes to leave home, nor to be looked down upon by others."

"And no one wants to starve to death."

"That's why Gu has come."

"The reason Gu could come is, first, thanks to His Majesty for placing complete trust in me, and also thanks to the entire court for giving me their fullest support."

"Now, Gu needs each of you to do one thing."

"As long as everyone does it."

"Gu can make an oath here."

"First!"

"If you all support Gu, I guarantee that within a year the grain disaster in Jiangzhong County will be resolved; from now on, whether ten, a hundred, a thousand, or ten thousand years later, the youths of Jiangzhong will never fear food shortage again."

"Second!"

"Jiangzhong County is the poorest county of the Da Xia Dynasty; if you all support Gu, Gu can guarantee that in as soon as one year, at most three years, Jiangzhong County will become one of the most prosperous prefectures of the Da Xia Dynasty, perhaps unrivaled."

"Third!"

"If you all support Gu, Gu can guarantee that from now on every resident of Jiangzhong County can eat this fine rice."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, laying down the three great vows.

This caused every commoner to fall silent; the silence was not distrust, but uncertainty about what confidence Gu Jin Nian possessed.

The people naturally believed Gu Jin Nian, though their words lacked proof, they were still sincere.

"Lord, how shall we support you? Just tell us directly; even if you don't promise us wealth, as long as we have a bowl of rice, we won't starve, and we will obey whatever you say."

Someone spoke up, shouting loudly that they supported Gu Jin Nian, yet also curious about what support Gu required.

"Exactly, Lord—just one word from you about what we should do, and we can do it."

"Lord, as long as it's something we common folk can do, we will certainly do it, once you speak."

"Yes, Lord, what is it? Speak directly."

The commoners spoke up one after another, curious about what Gu Jin Nian wanted them to do.

If it's something they can do, they'll certainly do it, but they fear that Gu Jin Nian might ask them to do something beyond their ability.

He heard the shouts of the common folk.

Gu Jin Nian glanced at Li Ji below the stage, and the latter immediately brought forward a tray bearing bunches of rice ears.

"Everyone."

"What Gu asks you to do is simple: just farm the fields."

"This item, called Da Xia Dragon Spike, is the rice from which the grain you eat grows."

"From today onward, Gu will have the soldiers prepare a large amount of rice ears and distribute them around the fertile fields; everyone can take the seeds and plant them directly, just as one would normally till the land."

"Once planted, this Da Xia Dragon Spike requires little water, is drought‑resistant, and matures every four months."

"The harvested grain is twice that of ordinary Da Xia rice; in other words, over a year the yield is nearly double what two seasons of regular rice would produce."

"Moreover, this rice is the highest‑quality grain of Da Xia; if sold on the market, it fetches at least one stone and thirty taels of silver, and its price is beyond market value."

"Gu calculated that ordinary rice sells for one stone five taels of silver, whereas this rice sells for thirty taels per stone."

"A typical household harvests at least fifty stones a year; after taxes and personal consumption, the profit is about one hundred taels."

"If this rice is planted, the annual profit reaches at least a thousand taels of silver."

"With silver in your hands and in the county, you can use it to repair bridges, expand roads, and open waterways; then Jiangzhong County will change its face every month."

"In as little as one year, at most three years, Jiangzhong County will inevitably become one of the most prosperous prefectures of the Da Xia Dynasty."

Not only that, Gu Mou can now give orders directly.

Within Jiangzhong Commandery, there are many wastelands and abandoned fields; whoever reclaims them for farming may keep the land, with a limit of five mu, what do you all think?

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He stated his purpose.

It is to have the people voluntarily take up farming; what needs to be done now is to, in one fell swoop, let the people of Jiangzhong Commandery see hope, and once they see hope, they will go crazy farming.

The result would be that, within half a month, at most half a month, all the good fields in Jiangzhong Commandery that suffered drought will be planted with Da Xia Dragon Ear.

Then only four months of waiting are needed.

After four months, when the Da Xia Dragon Ear grows, the crisis in Jiangzhong Commandery will be completely resolved.

When the people harvest the grain, they will become completely frenzied, their enthusiasm will explode; at that time, whoever dares to come over and say a word, or spread a rumor,

They will be beaten to death by countless people.

Because this concerns the people's interests, more importantly, everyone wants to get rich.

Indeed.

After Gu Jin Nian finished speaking.

Silence.

Utter silence.

The entire venue fell completely silent.

Everyone stared blankly; they never expected that Gu Jin Nian would bring them such a great surprise today?

Let them support Gu Jin Nian.

They had thought it was some major affair.

Who would have thought it was just farming? That's their line of work.

Even without Gu Jin Nian saying so, they themselves want to farm.

However, Gu Jin Nian actually gave them the rice seedlings; such fine seedlings, to let them plant? This is nothing short of a tremendous opportunity.

Moreover, they completely believe Gu Jin Nian's words.

This rice is the most delicious they have ever eaten; selling at thirty taels of silver per dan, frankly speaking, they feel they are selling at a loss, selling too cheap.

Fifty taels per dan would not be excessive.

Moreover, what Gu Jin Nian said is correct; everyone's normal income is one hundred taels per year, which is the income of an ordinary farming household.

If that were truly the case, an income of one thousand taels of silver per year would pose absolutely no problem.

Income directly tenfold? Jiangzhong Commandery could not fail to become prosperous.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian overlooked one thing: previously they ate five or six taels of food per day, but now they need only one or two taels, which means their income is definitely not limited to that.

If things go well, an annual income of two thousand taels of silver is entirely possible.

Marquis, ten thousand years!

After a silence of half a quarter-hour, finally a villager spoke up.

His voice trembled immensely.

His excited body shook.

And as this voice sounded,

More voices also sounded.

Marquis, ten thousand years ah!

Marquis, truly a sage.

Folks, quickly kneel before the sage, quickly!

Marquis truly is a sage, a sage indeed.

At this moment, all the people boiled over; they were excited beyond control.

They were excited to the point of tears.

I originally thought this turmoil would make Jiangzhong Commandery even more impoverished.

But now Gu Jin Nian has brought hope, and it is not a little hope, but boundless hope.

They believe Gu Jin Nian, they believe him completely.

Right then, all the people knelt down, shouting 'ten thousand years!'

Below the stage.

Zhou Man, upon hearing these words, could not help but clench his fists excitedly, if truly this Da Xia Dragon Ear were planted in Jiangzhong Commandery.

Then the future of Jiangzhong Commandery will be extremely prosperous.

It will be abundantly wealthy.

Meanwhile, far away, inside the military's main camp, Hou Jun, after hearing these words, had eyes full of contempt.

Just as Zhou Man said, he felt pity for Gu Jin Nian.

However.

On the stage.

Gu Jin Nian's voice continued to sound.

Thanks to the affection of all you folks.

However, there is still one matter at present.

It requires all you folks to do.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone calm.

As soon as he said that, the people all turned to look at Gu Jin Nian, some curious, not knowing what else there was.

Resuming production requires draft oxen and farming tools; Gu Mou went to find the three great clans in the city, but never expected that these three great clans would directly refuse.

In the year of great disaster, they did not help you all in the slightest.

Now that there is a solution, they are also unwilling to lend a hand.

Their meaning is very simple.

They look down on you all.

They look down on Gu Mou.

They think you all are merely a group of refugees, a group of people without prospects.

So, Gu Mou wants to ask you all.

If we had this Da Xia Dragon Ear, could you all let Jiangzhong Commandery recover?

Could you all withstand this great disaster?

If you can!

All you commoners, listen to this marquis's order!

Head to the three great clans!

Take out their grain, draft oxen, and farming tools, all of them.

In the year of great disaster, the whole country worries for the people of Jiangzhong Commandery; these clans, these nobles, these merchants, each and every one sees money and opens their eyes, not placing your lives in their sight.

If that is the case.

Then this marquis also will not place their lives in his sight.

If there are those with ambition.

Take out the draft oxen and farming tools, go into the rice fields, and right now show them.

Within half a month!

To let this Jiangzhong Commandery, which has lost its vitality,

regain its vitality!

Let all of Da Xia see that the people of Jiangzhong Commandery have never feared disaster! My Da Xia people have also never been afraid.

This is a war!

Contending with Heaven.

I dare ask, elders and parents, dare you contend with Heaven?

Gu Jin Nian spoke out; his voice, loud and resonant, echoed within a hundred li!

Hot blood like a volcanic eruption! It made all the people present completely boil over.

(End of chapter)