Chapter 186: Boundless Resolve, Struggling Against Heaven, Miracles Appear, Rice Ears Sprout

Within Jiangzhong County.

Gu Jin Nian's words could be said to set people's blood boiling.

Putting aside the nineteen prefectures, which together amount to 19,000 people, just the prefectural city alone has roughly forty to fifty thousand commoners gathered; the rest are not missing, they simply cannot squeeze in.

But Gu Jin Nian's words, like the great bell of Huangzhong and Dalu, rang in their ears, deafening them.

Indeed.

Jiangzhong County faces a great disaster.

This is a disaster without precedent in history.

In the face of this disaster, almost no one dares to step forward.

Countless fertile fields are destroyed.

The crops have withered.

In the eyes of the commoners, desperation fills them.

The first thing people think of is to flee, to leave.

But if they leave, this place will forever become wasteland, and Jiangzhong County holds great significance for the Da Xia Dynasty.

Once a major incident occurs in Jiangzhong County, it will deliver a devastating blow to the Da Xia Dynasty.

Not only that.

If these countless commoners become displaced, they will become a terrifying force; to put it bluntly, such terrifying refugees, whether moving south or north, will have a huge impact on the Da Xia Dynasty.

Then the refugees will increase, and when that moment arrives, even immortals cannot save the Da Xia Dynasty.

No matter how divine your methods are.

Before the tide of events, you are ultimately no more than an ant.

And this Heaven's Mandate struggle.

It cannot possibly be resisted by Gu Jin Nian alone.

Nor can the civil and military officials of the court solve it.

The ones who can truly resolve this calamity are the countless commoners; only they can confront the heavenly disaster.

Now.

The Da Xia Dragon Ear is taken out, and Gu Jin Nian gives the commoners hope: as long as they unite their will, reclaim the wasteland, and sow the withered rice fields with Da Xia Dragon Ear.

Then revival from death becomes possible.

This undertaking is indeed massive.

But if these countless commoners are willing to give their all, then every difficulty will cease to be a difficulty.

Gu Jin Nian's words are full of charisma; he clenches the rice ear in his hand and looks at this group of ordinary commoners.

His voice is deafening; his voice resounds for a hundred li.

"Only those who rely on themselves can overcome myriad hardships."

"Everyone."

"Do you dare to contend with Heaven and Earth?"

Gu Jin Nian's roar makes the commoners, one after another, feel their blood surge like a volcano.

They are extremely excited, each clenching their fists, wishing they could go hoe the fields right now.

"We are willing to contest Heaven."

Roars rise one after another, and the emotions have already been stirred by Gu Jin Nian.

"All fellow villagers and elders."

"Do not wait any longer."

"Do not hope any longer."

"Now each return home, rally and inspire, take the farming tools from your homes; I, the host, will be in the fields, awaiting you."

"The three great families, I have already sent people to block them; if a household lacks farming tools or draft oxen, take them directly."

"If the three great families dare to resist, they will all be beheaded."

"To be an enemy of the people is an unforgivable capital crime."

Gu Jin Nian speaks again, mentioning the three great families; this time he grants the commoners supreme authority.

The three great families, donate five thousand taels of silver, okay? Good! They, backed by power, aren't afraid to act as they wish, right?

Good.

Gu Jin Nian does not take action himself; he lets the commoners take action, and Gu Jin Nian does not believe that the forces behind the three great families can resist the will of these countless commoners.

Even Emperor Yongsheng would not dare to defy the will of these countless commoners.

Even the rebellious Prince Ning would not dare.

On the stage, hearing Gu Jin Nian stress the three great families, Li Shan's voice immediately rose.

"Lord, this matter is somewhat improper."

Li Shan spoke; he knew very well that if these commoners were allowed to do whatever they wanted, the three great families would inevitably suffer a great disaster.

Hearing Li Shan's words.

Gu Jin Nian sneered, he looked at Li Shan, then turned to the commoners and said.

"Fellow villagers and elders, the three great families feast on the commoners; in this year of great disaster, they ignore human suffering, treating the people as a boat and destroying it against the current—this is an age‑old principle."

"Yet some still do not believe, some are not afraid; why are they not afraid?"

"Why do the three great families not fear this host?"

"Why do the three great families not fear you all?"

"In such a year of great disaster, why does every household lack grain while the three great families still have it?"

Because these people are here, and the prime minister Li Shan is present on the spot!

There is Prince Ning behind us.

There are also some powerful nobles hiding in the shadows.

They have never looked us straight in the eye!

In their eyes, we are all slaves!

They crawl on our bodies, feed on our blood, and still shout that we are fools.

Then today, we will step forward and show them who the real fool is.

Everyone, this time we fight not for ourselves! Nor for the court!

We fight for our descendants, for the fight for dignity.

Anyone who dares to obstruct disaster relief!

Kill!

Anyone who dares to spread rumors!

Kill!

Anyone who dares to slander and insult!

All shall be killed without pardon.

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he did not insult Li Shan, but his words made Li Shan's complexion turn extremely grim.

Gu Jin Nian was manipulating public opinion to suppress himself.

Indeed.

In almost an instant, countless gazes converged on him.

The common folk's terrifying stares, pair after pair of eyes filled with murderous intent, seemed to want to skin and cripple him.

Feeling the gathered public opinion, Li Shan instantly felt a terrifying pressure.

Lord Hou is unsuitable.

We should capture all members of the three great families and execute them.

Everyone, do not misunderstand; I regard sin as unforgivable.

Li Shan spoke, but his tone shifted; by then public opinion had already solidified.

If one still dares to speak recklessly at this critical moment, death is inevitable.

Who can stop public opinion? As Li Shan opened his mouth, the twelve Great Scholars also spoke at that moment.

Those who obstruct the people commit an unforgivable crime.

Lord Hou is right; as long as the masses are united, we can resist natural disasters.

One's life is only worthwhile if one contends with Heaven.

We, as Great Scholars, have been unable to do anything for the common folk; faced with disaster we are only desperate, and today Lord Hou's words awakened me like a dream; I still have some strength and am willing to farm together.

The twelve Great Scholars, upholding virtue, spoke, following Gu Jin Nian's words, and agreed to restore farming together.

Seeing the situation, Gu Jin Nian had nothing more to say.

Now is the time to get things done.

Thus, he stepped down from the stage, leading Li Ji, Gu Ningya and others toward the rice fields.

In an instant, all the common folk sprang into action.

Most returned home, fetched plowing oxen and tools, and, in high spirits, followed Gu Jin Nian into the fields as soon as they were equipped.

The remaining folk lifted gongs and drums, beating them throughout Jiangzhong Prefecture, rallying the people to spread Gu Jin Nian's message.

After hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, the people of Nineteen Prefecture became even more excited, demanding the authorities quickly send them back to inform the Nineteen Prefecture's folk.

In a moment, drought‑stricken Jiangzhong Prefecture, like a bundle of dry grass, was ignited by Gu Jin Nian's spark, erupting into raging flames.

Watching the responding folk, Li Shan fell silent, deeply impressed by Gu Jin Nian's terrifying manipulation of public opinion.

As for the three great families, they fell into misfortune, becoming stepping stones for Gu Jin Nian's consolidation of public opinion.

What a pity, if this rice ear truly possessed divine power, it might actually resolve this colossal crisis.

But this rice ear ultimately cannot defy Heaven and change fate.

Li Shan spoke.

He thought this in his heart.

Soon.

All the citizens of Jiangzhong Prefecture mobilized; the elders, unable to farm, stayed home to care for children or forge tools.

The women began cooking and making necessities.

The whole Jiangzhong Prefecture, from despair and numbness, ignited into raging fire at that moment.

At this moment, it is not a single person fighting, but the entire city's folk.

In the barren fields, countless silhouettes are cutting wheat.

Send the order: the army splits into nineteen units, leave five thousand here, the remaining ninety‑five thousand elite troops march to Eighteen Prefecture to strictly control grain; all fertile fields must be guarded.

Tell the people: if anyone attempts to damage or restore the fertile fields, and ensure local county troops strictly oversee; any destruction of fields or secret hoarding of seed rice shall be rigorously investigated.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, passing the message to Gu Ningya.

Understood.

Gu Ningya nodded; he knew the rice ear was crucial and dared not act rashly.

In fact, Gu Jin Nian's Da Xia Dragon Spike comes in three varieties: the finest grows in the Brocade Landscape, another matures with spirit crystals of medium quality, and a third is a medium‑quality seed rice.

In Jiangzhong Prefecture, he used the medium‑quality variety; elsewhere the most ordinary was used.

It isn't about the others; the main reason is precaution, as someone would surely try to study the seeds.

Regardless of whether the other side can figure it out, at this point we cannot keep it secret; we can only use this method to control.

At least in the early stage there won't be major problems, until after the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster ends.

He will have His Majesty dispatch an additional five hundred thousand troops to garrison Jiangzhong County; at worst we can add a new barracks, and with sufficient food we can expand the army.

Soon, when Gu Jin Nian arrived at the fields, he lifted his sleeves and cut the wheat himself.

Such an act brought tears to the eyes of the surrounding villagers one by one; as a Da Xia Lord, a Heaven‑favored son, he went into the fields to farm for the people and for disaster relief. How many could do that? Indeed, a great reputation is not without substance.

As Gu Jin Nian took action himself, Li Ji followed suit, and some officials, including the Twelve Great Scholars, also stepped in.

In an instant, the whole Jiangzhong County became incredibly bustling.

About four hours later.

Within the remaining eighteen prefectures of Jiangzhong County.

The villagers who had gone to Jiangzhong County's prefectural city also returned at this time.

The first thing everyone did upon returning was to beat drums and gongs, and spread the news.

They repeated verbatim what Gu Jin Nian said today.

But the villagers' words were even more direct and exaggerated than Gu Jin Nian's.

"Friends and elders, a great joyous event, a great joyous event!"

Four or five robust men rang the bell, waking every villager and drawing everyone together.

Everyone was curious, not knowing what had happened, and it was already dark; why wake people at this hour? After the villagers gathered, some voices began to speak.

"Why ring the bell? What joyous event? Could it be that the court's grain has arrived?"

"Yes, what joyous event?"

"Why so happy? What exactly is the good news?"

The villagers were very curious, unable to imagine any good news, and they hadn't brought anything with them.

At that moment, an elder of the clan slowly approached, looking invigorated.

"Friends and elders, this is truly a momentous joyous event!"

"On our trip to Jiangzhong County's prefectural city, we brought back astonishing news."

"The Da Xia Heaven's Mandate, our Lord, will give the Da Xia Dragon Spike to the people of Jiangzhong County; this Da Xia Dragon Spike is the rice we've been eating these past days."

"The Lord says this Da Xia Dragon Spike requires little water; even in severe drought it can produce rice grains, and its yield is twice that of ordinary rice, allowing three harvests a year."

"The Lord says that if we common folk are willing to work hard, in half a year every household can eat this royal‑supplied grain; moreover, he says Jiangzhong County will become a key incubation area."

"From now on, our Jiangzhong County rice will be sold throughout the Da Xia Dynasty."

"The Lord also said this rice sells for thirty taels of silver per shi, which is more than enough. Isn't that a great joyous event?"

The elder shouted with a raised voice, his face flushed, speaking so loudly his throat turned red.

When those words were spoken, every villager was stunned.

"Let us plant this rice? Such a good thing?"

"Royal‑supplied rice for us to grow? Doesn't that mean we'll become prosperous?"

"Double yield? Three seasons a year? Huh, my hundred mu of land earns about two hundred taels of silver annually; if I plant this rice, regardless of quality, I could earn four or five hundred taels a year."

"And such good rice selling for thirty taels of silver isn't expensive at all."

The villagers replied one after another, each showing surprise; Gu Jin Nian's words were very conservative and not especially direct, whereas the elder's words were very straightforward.

The Da Xia Dynasty had just been founded, with few people and vast lands; Jiangzhong County itself was a major grain county, with few mountains and many plains.

A typical household owned about forty to fifty mu of land; for those with good conditions, a hundred mu is not unreasonable.

Mainly because the new nation had just emerged, having gone through internal strife, yet there were no major issues.

After hearing everyone's voices, he spoke directly.

"Thirty taels of silver?"

"You all are too young; does anyone remember that I attended the Prefect's banquet not long ago? Didn't I say when I returned that the Prefect treated us to a meal, and that rice was premium Yin Zhi rice?"

"Do you know how much that Yin Zhi rice costs per shi? Fifty taels of silver per shi. I thought it was the best rice in the world, but after tasting the royal rice, I realized Yin Zhi rice is nothing."

"The Lord, being a noble, doesn't understand rice prices and hasn't tasted inferior rice; we understand that, but I know it."

"With this rice, selling it for a hundred taels per shi is certainly possible, and on the market, you can imagine how many will scramble to buy it—people will buy it crazily."

"Take Li Er Niu's family: if they have a hundred mu of land, planting this ear of rice yields at least two shi per mu."

"A hundred mu equals two hundred shi; at fifty silver per shi, that's roughly ten thousand taels of silver."

"Leaving aside miscellaneous items and adding our own consumption—about two taels per person per day—by the end we can easily reach seven or eight thousand taels, no problem."

"Of course, if this rice is planted extensively, the price will drop a bit; a hundred taels may appear at first, then become cheaper later, but in the first two or three years, around fifty taels is certainly fine."

"So, Li Er Niu's family, if they farm earnestly, can net three to four thousand taels a year without issue."

"Calculate it yourselves; is this the figure?"

The elder spoke, knowing what everyone needed—silver—exchange grain for silver.

Don't think these people haven't studied much, but after a lifetime of farming, they can calculate this instantly.

In an instant, over a thousand people gasped.

Especially Li Er Niu's whole family trembled with excitement; a yearly revenue of three to four thousand taels? What does that mean? Doesn't that make his family landlords?

Of course, there are a few aspects most people don't realize: one is mass production; once it becomes mass‑produced, price competition drives it down, and fifty taels certainly won't sell.

Unless planting is restricted to Jiangzhong County, the Da Xia Dragon Spike will inevitably be distributed nationwide, so the price will gradually fall to an average level.

Secondly, transportation costs are high, so merchants buying it must factor in those costs.

If it stabilizes, fifteen taels of silver per shi is reasonable.

But they have a point; after all, Jiangzhong County enjoys the first two years' benefits—first because it plants first, and second because demand elsewhere will be huge.

Anyone with some means wouldn't want to shortchange their children, and this business isn't limited to domestic markets; overseas can be done too, likely at higher prices.

Moreover, if Jiangzhong County were to promote it well, the birthplace of the Da Xia Dragon Spike? To be frank, Jiangzhong County's future will inevitably rise because of this.

But for now, the common folk only see a hundred taels per stone; aside from that, no emotional contagion, no this or that, there is no fragrant promise from the elder.

"Is this for real?"

Nevertheless, some still questioned, showing a hint of doubt.

It's fine not to be questioned, but once questioned, the elder stared directly at the person, his temper flaring.

"Xiao Li, you brat still dare to doubt? What are you? When there's no disaster, you sneak a bite here, a bite there."

"Now there's a drought, and you still sleep all day, eating the grain the court provides—do you still have any shame?"

"Who is the Lord? He claims to be a saint reborn, coming to our Jiangzhong County—has he ever starved us?"

"Elders and fellow villagers, my old man has a few questions for everyone."

"Does this rice smell fragrant?"

"Is this rice tasty?"

"Honestly, isn't Zhou the Rich right here? Zhou the Rich, speak honestly—if there were no disaster, how many silver taels per stone of rice would you be willing to pay?"

The elder pointed at a plump middle‑aged man and asked, as he was a local wealthy man.

"Fifty taels per stone, I'll definitely buy, though I might not eat it myself—my son will. If it's thirty taels per stone, I'll eat too. My whole family has over twenty mouths; we consume about twenty taels of rice a day, with a few side dishes."

"We consume one and a half jin of food daily; a stone of rice is 120 jin, enough for two full‑grown people. Frankly, once accustomed, fifty taels is acceptable."

"Besides, I'm not really a wealthy man; the neighboring county has many rich ones."

"Villagers, go plant now; later I'll buy the harvest at a price a bit higher than the market and sell it elsewhere."

"If no one is willing, we'll form a merchants' guild together—everyone farms, I handle sales, guaranteed high price. Do you believe it?"

Zhou the Rich proved to have a business mind; he fully endorsed and believed everything the elder said.

Moreover, he has already begun plotting how to profit.

Sure enough, after his words, all the common folk grew even more excited.

These days, if the rich are willing to do a business, how can we poor folk refuse? The wealthy are shrewd, everyone knows that. "Enough."

"Lord also said, those with land should farm it themselves; those without, as long as there's wasteland, the county office will bring plow oxen and tools, and everyone should work together to clear and plant."

"This is a once‑in‑a‑century opportunity; once we endure it and the drought ends, we'll become prosperous. In thirty to fifty years, when you're old, at least your families will still have silver."

"I won't live to see that time, but you can."

"I'll say the final sentence."

"This great drought, the Lord has already helped us too much; now it's up to us to act."

"If everyone were like Xiao Li, we'd be poor for three generations, and after that have no heirs. But if we all get moving, become self‑sufficient, we may not become rich, yet a life without worry about food and clothing is guaranteed."

"Come, get moving. In the future, people like Xiao Li either join us in farming or get out of our village, stop gossiping here. Don't wait until other villages become rich one by one while we remain penniless."

"This time, it's not just about survival; we must prove it to everyone. Don't lose face, lose all dignity—what's the point of living otherwise?"

The elder truly lives up to the title.

In just a few words, the elder instantly stirred all the villagers.

And it even involved other villages.

Once people start fighting, the enthusiasm only grows.

Indeed, after the elder's words, every household began mobilizing; in the middle of the night, no one slept or wanted to, they grabbed tools and went to cut wheat.

You can't stop it.

Moreover, this didn't happen only in this small village; across the nineteen prefectures of Jiangzhong County, the same cry rang out.

Gu Jin Nian summoned the people of the nineteen prefectures, requiring each prefecture to have three hundred respected elders—this was the reason.

No matter how much you tell the common folk, unless you're there in person, it's hard to stir their enthusiasm.

Moreover, having someone like Xiao Li dampening spirits easily reduces people's motivation.

But these elders are different; respected and authoritative, their words are law in the village. Everyone gives them face; once they speak, together with seven hundred youths, the news spreads rapidly.

The matter was settled in an instant.

That night.

All the people of Jiangzhong County mobilized; elders handled logistics and command, youths cut wheat, women took children or cooked and fetched water.

It was incredibly lively; no one complained or said a word. Even those who initially opposed, seeing the enthusiasm, eventually rushed to join.

It was clearly farming, yet for some reason the villagers were extremely excited and happy this time.

Thus.

Three days passed.

The news spread throughout Jiangzhong County.

Gu Jin Nian's words restored the confidence of Jiangzhong County's people, prompting them to return to the fields to cut wheat and farm again.

Indeed, this was a great cause for celebration.

At least for the Da Xia Dynasty, it was a momentous celebration.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai held the memorial, his clear voice resonating throughout the great hall.

"Your Majesty, I present the report."

"The people of Jiangzhong County have regained confidence and resumed farming."

"All the abandoned rice fields will be harvested within three days, with sowing to begin tomorrow."

"We now request Your Majesty to requisition agricultural tools and plow oxen nationwide and send them to Jiangzhong County, hoping for a swift restoration to former glory."

"Heaven's Mandate, awaiting Gu Jin Nian, report."

Yang Kai spoke; as he read the memorial, he was himself extremely excited and thrilled.

Good!

Truly worthy of the Heaven's Mandate Marquis.

No wonder you're my nephew.

Only a few days? Only a few days? In five days, Gu Jin Nian could make the people of Jiangzhong Commandery unite with one will, ten thousand citizens become one, and harvest all the rice.

This is a great merit.

Yang Kai, draft an edict immediately, purchase a large number of draft oxen and farming tools, and have the Ministry of Works expedite their production.

Exert all effort to assist Gu Jin Nian.

Then announce this throughout the realm, so the people can see the situation in Jiangzhong Commandery.

Under such difficulty, the people of Jiangzhong Commandery did not choose to give up, but fought against fate; this is the true spirit of Da Xia.

Emperor Yongsheng was thrilled, and the entire court of civil and military officials appeared immensely joyful.

In just five days, such swift news arrived; this is a tremendous good omen.

Gu Jin Nian truly stands out from the crowd.

"Your Majesty, I earnestly request that you grant a commendation to the people of Jiangzhong Commandery to encourage them, further reduce taxes, and let the world witness your boundless benevolence."

At this moment, Minister of Personnel Hu Yong spoke, hoping that Emperor Yongsheng would grant the commendation.

Upon hearing this, the officials and generals of the court were surprised; indeed it was a good thing, and thus the ministers stepped forward one after another.

"We humbly ask Your Majesty to grant a commendation to Jiangzhong Commandery, encourage the people, further reduce taxes, and demonstrate the emperor's vast grace."

Hearing these words, Emperor Yongsheng felt even more delighted; this is a good thing.

Good.

"I now grant the commendation, further reduce Jiangzhong Commandery's taxes for two years, tell its people that once Da Xia stabilizes, I will personally visit Jiangzhong Commandery and honor them one by one."

Emperor Yongsheng laughed so broadly his mouth could not close.

The Da Xia heavenly disaster, like a massive stone, has constantly weighed on his heart, causing him great distress, but the biggest problem is the issue of Jiangzhong Commandery.

Gu Jin Nian, in just five days, made the people of Jiangzhong Commandery unite with one will, ten thousand hearts as one.

This can be called a miracle.

Solving Jiangzhong Commandery's difficulty in five days is certainly unreasonable; ordinary people could not achieve it.

But the ten thousand people of Jiangzhong Commandery are united from top to bottom, and that is enough.

At least they are not sitting idle awaiting death.

At least they rise to resist fate.

Moreover, Emperor Yongsheng knows exactly what Gu Jin Nian brought with him.

At this moment.

Inside Prince Ning's residence.

Upon learning the situation in Jiangzhong Commandery, Prince Ning's face turned dark and terrifying.

"Lord Hou truly is a useless man."

"Not only did he fail to complete his task, he was also deceived out of his personal belongings, causing a massive loss of draft oxen and grain; if he were still useful, I would have him die without a burial place."

Prince Ning spoke, angrily rebuking Lord Hou, while a middle‑aged scholar behind him remained silent.

Sir.

"Given the current situation, what should be done?"

"Why not act directly? I don't want to wait for anything."

Prince Ning said, now he is restless, intending to raise troops in rebellion.

Impossible.

"Your Highness, now the people of Jiangning Commandery are united and have restored agriculture; intervening at this time would inevitably provoke a backlash from public opinion."

"Please, Your Highness, think it over three times."

The latter spoke, not wishing Prince Ning to act at this critical juncture.

"Think it over?"

"If this continues, once Jiangzhong Commandery is settled, there will be no chance to dispatch troops."

Prince Ning frowned; of course he also knows that this critical moment cannot be acted upon, otherwise the trouble would be huge.

"Your Highness, Lord Hou has informed me that Gu Jin Nian mixed medicine into the rice, so that after eating it, one's vital energy is full."

"Using this to deceive the people."

"This has already sown disaster: first, the prolonged drought makes ordinary rice unable to survive; now the people, inflamed by Gu Jin Nian's scheme, are eager, yet they need not wait for the autumn harvest, as nothing will grow in those fields."

"The people will inevitably become angry, and a terrifying backlash will arise then."

"If that happens, Your Highness should raise troops, following Heaven's will; that is the optimal timing."

The latter spoke, stating the key point.

Gu Jin Nian skillfully used public sentiment; now we should use public sentiment to defeat Gu Jin Nian.

"But what if the rice actually sprouts, what then?"

Prince Ning understood the other's meaning, yet he was somewhat worried.

"How could it possibly grow?"

The latter replied, questioning Prince Ning: under this severe drought, how can rice be cultivated? "Gu Jin Nian is no fool; he understands public sentiment, how could he let us seize such an opportunity?"

"Indeed this rice cannot take root and sprout, but Gu Jin Nian must have a way to make it root and sprout."

"Even if it's an illusion, for Gu Jin Nian it's a good thing; as long as the first half‑year is stabilized and the Da Xia disaster is resolved, even if Jiangzhong Commandery ends up being nothing, what can be done?"

"As long as the people have a bowl of rice, they will not cause trouble."

Prince Ning spoke; this was his thought.

He naturally believed that rice could not take root and sprout under a severe drought, but this is a world of immortals and martial arts; there will always be some way to make rice take root and sprout, possibly at the cost that these rice plants bear no grain.

But the problem arose: Gu Jin Nian's goal was simply to make the common folk believe that this thing works.

As for the final result, everyone actually knows that nothing will grow.

Put bluntly, all Gu Jin Nian wants is time.

"That's excellent."

"Your Highness, if the seeds sprout, that would be a great joy."

"We just need to have people hype up these rice ears as divine objects, making the populace eagerly anticipate them, so that every place in River-Middle Commandery will plant them."

"Six months later, if it turns out nothing grows, the people of River-Middle Commandery will fly into a rage."

"At that moment, it will be the greatest opportunity; the fury of tens of thousands of commoners is worth more than a million-strong army to us."

The latter spoke up, saying as follows.

"Six months?"

"You mean, have this prince wait another six months?"

Prince Ning frowned; he did not want to wait.

"Your Highness, lacking patience in small matters spoils great plans."

"In this half-year period, Your Highness can fully stockpile supplies; before the troops move, provisions go first."

"Putting it optimistically, Your Highness could pacify the Da Xia Dynasty within half a year."

"But after all, this is a rebellion; what if the Yongsheng Emperor joins forces with the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty?"

"After all, no one can say for sure how such things will go; if it becomes a protracted war, will Your Highness's grain stores really be enough?"

"Now Da Xia suffers heavenly calamities; even if Your Highness were to launch an immediate campaign and ascend the throne within half a year, how would Your Highness resolve these disasters?"

"It would be better to let the Yongsheng Emperor deal with it; if he cannot, it is not Your Highness's problem, and if he can, it is also a good thing for Your Highness."

"Furthermore, there is a place they cannot resolve."

The latter gave his advice, speaking with great conviction.

"What place?"

Prince Ning grew curious.

"East Forest Commandery."

"The Immortal Sect does not plan to intervene; they are also watching, somewhat dissatisfied with the Da Xia Dynasty. The fires are presently utterly uncontrolled; if no additional rain‑summoning talismans are provided, the blaze in East Forest Commandery will spread, making the Da Xia Dynasty even more troublesome."

"By cooperating with the uprising of the River-Middle Commandery populace, at that point Your Highness would not need to spend a single soldier; by invoking Heaven's Mandate alone, the throne could be seized."

"The latter spoke up, laying out the troubles of East Forest Commandery."

After hearing all this, Prince Ning truly fell silent; he was indeed feeling anxious.

Put that way, there really isn't any major problem.

"In other words, are we just waiting for Gu Jin Nian to stabilize River-Middle Commandery, without intervening?"

Prince Ning asked.

"No, we must intervene—by hyping it up, sending people in to loudly proclaim these rice ears as 'dragon ears,' since Gu Jin Nian enjoys deceiving the populace; we will go along with him, giving the people hope each day and making them happy."

"The greater the hope, the greater the disappointment—a principle Your Highness should understand."

"Moreover, if nothing unexpected happens, these rice ears will likely take root and sprout within half a month, and Gu Jin Nian may well resort to some trickery."

He spoke up, moreover predicting the future.

"Half a month?"

Prince Ning looked somewhat doubtful.

"It could be even sooner."

"If within one month they take root and sprout, that would prove Gu Jin Nian is definitely cheating."

"The latter spoke with a firm tone."

Prince Ning also agreed with this; normally rice takes about a month to sprout with difficulty, so in this year of severe drought, if it sprouts within a month, isn't that just bluffing?

"Then let's wait and see."

In the end, Prince Ning calmed his inner agitation, waiting for Gu Jin Nian to make these rice ears grow.

Thus.

The next day.

Throughout Da Xia, all commanderies and prefectures were also reporting disaster conditions.

It cannot be denied that the story of the River-Middle Commandery populace uniting as one also spread, and it indeed boosted morale.

In such a huge commandery city, tens of thousands of commoners, facing heavenly calamities without despair, chose to struggle against heaven.

Such spirit infected many commoners.

This caused donated supplies to increase ever more, and the proceeds were converted into plow oxen, tools, and grain, which were transported to River-Middle Commandery.

Transporting plow oxen and tools was most important; the Da Xia Dynasty deployed countless treasure ships and dragon boats, nearly at top speed, to deliver them to River-Middle Commandery.

Distribution was carried out by officials from various places.

However, the soldiers tasked with transport, upon arriving in River-Middle Commandery, were genuinely astonished, jaws dropping.

In the fields, it was unknown how many commoners had gathered; those with oxen plowed, those without used harrows, seven or eight people holding them while two or three steadied from behind.

There were not enough oxen for the people to make up teams.

Each was drenched in sweat, yet no one complained of fatigue.

One group would go rest, another would go up, and there was simply no idle time at all.

It cannot be denied that a large population has its advantages.

Such terrifying spirit and willpower are indeed awe‑inspiring.

Moreover, it didn't stop there; when the farming tools and oxen were delivered, the people were excited one after another.

They hurriedly started working.

Some elders even shouted loudly.

"Hurry up and grab your tools, quickly plow the fields— the neighboring village has already finished plowing five hundred mu, while we've only done four hundred fifty mu; aren't we embarrassed?"

"Damn it, when I was young, one person could plow a hundred mu a day; you lot are utterly useless. Normally losing face is fine, but if you lose face this time, your ancestral lineage will be struck from the records."

As the sound of cursing rang out, the villagers felt no anger; instead, they gathered their strength and worked desperately.

This sight left the soldiers escorting the farming tools and oxen dumbfounded.

Knowing that the people of Jiangzhong Commandery were fierce, I didn't expect them to be this fierce— aren't they risking their lives? In this way, time passed bit by bit.

In the blink of an eye.

Five days passed.

Over these five days, the entire Jiangzhong Commandery was bustling with activity.

People everywhere frantically reclaimed land; in five days' time, they turned over all the original fertile fields again, but due to the drought, plowing was truly troublesome.

Water was also hard to come by; they could only moisten the land slightly.

Nevertheless, in five days they accomplished an unprecedented feat: countless people, united as one, worked without rest, plowing every field and completing sowing and transplanting.

With the remaining time, the people planned to reclaim some previously unused fields; those fields were unsuitable for growth, but Gu Jin Nian said, this rice strain is different, and moreover, the reclaimed fields belong to those who reclaimed them.

The people were naturally excited, and the village also called upon able-bodied men to reclaim land; all villagers participated, and the grain grown from the reclaimed fields afterward could be shared by everyone.

Everyone had a share, enthusiasm rose even higher, and moreover there was no talk of unfairness.

Thus.

Three days to reap wheat.

Five days to sow.

All told, Gu Jin Nian's stay in Jiangzhong Commandery amounted to only ten days; so far, no miracle has occurred.

Yet he had already won the people's hearts.

Inside the army's main camp.

Gu Jin Nian was carefully drawing diagrams; the seeds had been sown, the land reclaimed, and now he needed to design some tools— once the drought ended, they could be used to strengthen Jiangzhong Commandery's future productive capacity.

To speak frankly.

This is an opportunity.

Let Jiangzhong Commandery become the leading grain commandery of the Da Xia dynasty.

Jiangzhong Commandery's location happens to be in the heart of the Da Xia dynasty; if this place is strongly developed to become a grain commandery, then whenever the Da Xia dynasty faces grain shortages in the future...

... it would save a great deal of trouble.

Jiangzhong Commandery is well connected in all directions; transporting grain out of it holds great strategic significance.

Gu Jin Nian already had an idea for this strategy; after things settle down, he will go discuss it with his maternal uncle.

However, just as Gu Jin Nian continued drawing.

A hurried footsteps sounded.

Soon, a figure appeared— it was Fang Jingcheng, his face full of astonishment.

"Marquis."

"The rice sprouts have sprouted."

As this voice rang out.

Before the desk.

The pen in Gu Jin Nian's hand fell.

In his gaze.

Full of astonishment.

(End of chapter)