Chapter 187: Something big has happened

Inside the main military camp.

The brush in Gu Jin Nian's hand dropped.

He knew that Da Xia Dragon Ear had drought resistance, belonging to the tough little weeds among rice ears; no matter how heavy the rain or drought, it was hard to affect this Da Xia Dragon Ear.

But he never expected, no matter what, that this Da Xia Dragon Ear would be so fierce.

If you count it, planting was only five days ago, and yet it has already sprouted?

This is no longer a miracle.

This is a divine sign.

"How could it have sprouted already?"

This time, Gu Jin Nian himself was somewhat astonished; he stood up and looked toward the other person, asking.

"I don't know, Marquis; you should go see for yourself—all the common folk have gathered there."

"Everyone is saying it's a miracle."

Fang Jingcheng also wasn't clear.

We can only let Gu Jin Nian go see for himself.

Having said that, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words and headed toward the good fields.

It was about ten li.

Near the good fields, a large crowd of commoners had gathered, but the soldiers guarded the four directions; no matter what happened, they kept strict control, and moreover the commoners watched each other, knowing that someone didn't want them to fare well.

Thus, during this period the commoners voluntarily submitted to inspection and also kept an eye on others; the role of these elders was to spy on them—slacking off, etc., was easy to say, but anyone daring to hoard seeds or seedlings would be dealt with harshly.

Even damaged seedlings had to be handed over to the soldiers, and Jiangzhong Commandery also activated strict controls, with all necessities purchased by the army, precisely to prevent anyone from selling seedlings and seeds.

Soon, after Gu Jin Nian arrived at the good fields.

Long before, the commoners had already filled it up; the entire prefecture city's commoners crowded the surroundings, a surging throng that looked extremely frightening.

"The Marquis has arrived, the Marquis has arrived."

"Make way quickly, the Marquis is coming."

Seeing Gu Jin Nian arrive, the commoners shouted and voluntarily made way for him.

Following the passage, Gu Jin Nian came to the good fields.

Inside the good fields, rice seedlings had been planted, but most of it was still just seeds.

At this moment, within this good field, a few rootlets had sprouted—not especially vigorous, but in merely five days they had already taken root and sprouted, which is indeed terrifying.

The rootlets were yellowish, not that lush green color.

"Marquis, there were actually some signs yesterday, but we didn't pay much attention, thinking it was just because of the seeds; who would have thought that this morning, upon looking, the seeds had all sprouted, and not just in one spot—several places' seeds had sprouted."

The commoner responsible for cultivating this field came over and informed Gu Jin Nian of the specific situation.

"Let me take a look."

Gu Jin Nian extended his hand, and strands of magic power seeped down from within his body to sense the vitality of these seeds.

To be frank, taking root and sprouting in five days is simply unimaginable.

Normally speaking, one month to take root and sprout, one month to grow, one month to grow rice grains, one month to fully mature—four months per harvest is the norm.

Three-season rice works like that.

If it is Da Xia's two-season rice, it's half a year per cycle.

As the magic power entered the field, Gu Jin Nian instantly felt a fervent sensation; the vitality was very strong, overwhelmingly so.

This completely defies common sense.

As the sensation approached that of an incense stick burning, Gu Jin Nian roughly understood what the problem was.

The seeds have mutated.

Yes, this Da Xia Dragon Ear has mutated.

Gu Jin Nian felt that this Da Xia Dragon Ear was absorbing some kind of energy, and that energy came from underground, although he didn't know what it was.

"Is there something down there?"

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

Jiangzhong Commandery suddenly, overnight, experienced a drought, and all crops died completely in a single day—this in itself is extremely unreasonable.

Everyone thought this was heaven's punishment; even Gu Jin Nian believed it should be heaven's test.

But who would have thought that this drought actually had a cause?

It was hidden beneath the good fields of Jiangzhong Commandery.

But exactly where, Gu Jin Nian didn't know.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian rose and went to inspect several other good fields; quickly he discovered that all the seeds were absorbing a kind of blazing energy, extremely scorching.

These energies not only solved the water source problem, but more importantly, the Da Xia Dragon Ear's mutation will produce better rice strains.

It is very likely that the Da Xia Dragon Rice grown here will not be inferior to the Da Xia Dragon Rice within the Mountains and Rivers Brocade Map.

Gu Jin Nian had previously estimated that the Da Xia Dragon Rice he currently possessed was of the highest quality, mainly because the Mountains and Rivers Brocade Map itself is suitable for farming, plus the Spirit Crystal's ripening, naturally making the quality best.

As for the seeds taken out, they are of medium quality; planted in ordinary good fields, the rice they produce will certainly not match that of the Mountains and Rivers Brocade Map.

Finally, taking the rice grown from these good fields and planting it elsewhere results in the worst quality.

Yet, despite all his calculations, Gu Jin Nian never expected that beneath the good fields of Jiangzhong Commandery lay something hidden.

This thing caused all the good fields of Jiangzhong Commandery to wither overnight from drought, yet it became nourishment for the Da Xia Dragon Ear.

He calmed his mind.

Gu Jin Nian unleashed his magic power to carefully sense what was happening beneath the earth.

All of this is thanks to the Buddhist Sect; if it weren't for the Buddhist Sect forcing him to make the Twelve Great Vows, his cultivation in the Dao would probably not have reached the Fifth Realm.

The Golden Core within his body, at this moment, transformed into an infant's shadow and sank into the earth.

I have no idea how long I've been infiltrating.

In the deepest part, Gu Jin Nian felt an unprecedented sense of oppression; there truly was something underground, extraordinarily terrifying.

Opening his heavenly eyes beneath the earth, Gu Jin Nian's nascent soul eyes radiated divine light; he could not discern what it was, only that a massive fireball, like a sun, hovered there.

In the endless depths below, the whole Jiangzhong County was being baked, yet strands of red fire spirits, like spider silk, sank into the county's ground.

Its source is the Da Xia Dragon Spike.

"These seeds are absorbing the energy of this thing."

"What is being nurtured within this fireball is unknown; if the Da Xia Dragon Spike is not planted, Jiangzhong County will be barren— not just for a year, but even after ten years, it will remain a great drought."

"And the Da Xia Dragon Spike can precisely absorb this energy; regardless of what it nurtures, the more it is planted, the more energy it absorbs— first, to suppress this thing, and second, the Da Xia Dragon Spike gains tremendous benefit."

"Jiangzhong County's Da Xia Dragon Spike will surpass all the rice in the world."

"Truly, this is a blessing born of disaster."

Gu Jin Nian instantly comprehended everything; he did not know what was being nurtured inside the fireball, but he knew that Jiangzhong County was about to prosper completely.

From now on, this place will become the Da Xia Dynasty's most important county magistrate— without equal.

Moreover, through Gu Jin Nian's careful insight, he instantly sensed that the Da Xia Dragon Spike's growth cycle had shrunk from four months to one month.

Indeed.

In one month it can yield Da Xia Dragon Rice.

That's absurd— it means twelve harvests a year.

And that's not the most terrifying part; the most terrifying part is that some seeds have already mutated.

These mutated seeds have a growth cycle of three to four months, yet the dragon rice they produce is several times better than the dragon rice depicted in the Mountain River Splendid Map.

That's right.

It is that exaggerated.

As the old saying goes, great calamities that don't kill bring later blessings.

Jiangzhong County faced such a great disaster, yet unexpectedly received this kind of blessing.

In almost an instant, Gu Jin Nian withdrew his spirit and awoke from his insight.

At this moment, all the people looked at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes full of curiosity, seeking an answer.

Feeling the people's gaze, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"Everyone, the rice ears have sprouted; this is a heavenly blessing, a miracle has appeared. The will of the myriad people moves the heavens; these seeds not only sprout but the dragon rice they yield is better than what we now eat."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, informing the people exactly what had happened.

As his voice rang out, in an instant, laughter roared like a mountain flood at that moment.

Tens of thousands of people, at that moment, shouted excitedly, their faces full of joy.

Many even wept with joy.

What is the happiest thing in the world? Nothing but receiving reward after effort.

Although the people knew they hadn't yet contributed anything, the feeling was even more exhilarating.

It only took five days of hardship, and it rooted and sprouted.

If it took a month of hardship, wouldn't that mean a harvest already?

"Today we set a feast, great celebration."

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang again, further exciting the crowd.

Thus.

The people beat drums and gongs, spreading the news wildly; throughout the city, countless people, upon hearing, were also thrilled.

Of course some doubted, deeming it unreasonable that roots and sprouts appeared in just five days— far too unusual.

Mainly because it's only been a few days?

Nevertheless, with everyone's praise turning to gold and the facts as they are, the whole Jiangzhong County, top to bottom, felt immense joy.

And at this moment.

Gu Jin Nian hurried at once to the army's main camp.

This matter is certainly no small affair; Jiangzhong County is far more terrifying than anticipated.

It is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity.

Seizing this chance, the Da Xia Dynasty will truly take off— it's the kind where even if you don't want to rise, it will rise anyway.

Anyone who has read a bit of history knows what every great dynasty throughout ages has coveted most: food.

Indeed, it's food; with enough food, the biggest problem can be solved.

Internal affairs.

If a dynasty can ensure every commoner has a full meal, the emperor's position will be immensely stable, unless a coup or foreign invasion occurs.

Focusing solely on internal stability, food decides everything; as long as the common folk have a bite of rice, they won't cause trouble, and most rumors are ignored.

Only when they are underfed and living poorly will they cause unrest; this has been the ancient principle.

Once food is abundant, grain taxes can be abolished, achieving an unprecedented reform, maximally developing economic trade, thereby accomplishing economic colonization.

Only by solving the food problem can economic trade be promoted; otherwise, if everyone is hungry, who will trade with you? If Jiangzhong County manages it well, it will become Da Xia's dragon‑rising land.

This is a world‑shaking joyous event.

"Lord, someone just reported that many places' seeds have sprouted, but some places' seeds were destroyed, black as if burned by fire."

At that moment, Fang Jingcheng's voice rang out, informing Gu Jin Nian of an unwelcome matter.

"The seeds were burned?"

Gu Jin Nian, somewhat surprised, looked at the other with a hint of curiosity and said.

"Lord, please look."

Fang Jingcheng handed the black seeds brought by the soldiers to Gu Jin Nian.

Indeed, these are Da Xia dragon ear seeds, but they are entirely pitch‑black, as if scorched by fire, already charred.

However, once the Da Xia dragon ear seed was in his hand, Gu Jin Nian instantly sensed what was happening.

Seeds that cannot endure the fire spirit are destroyed, while those that can endure will mutate.

In other words, in Jiangzhong County the Da Xia dragon ear has only two outcomes: either it mutates or it is utterly extinguished—extremely ruthless.

The seed bears no trace of life energy.

Staring at the seed, for an instant Gu Jin Nian's mind flashed with some ideas.

"Mr. Fang, go do three things at once."

"First, have people keep a close watch on the fertile fields, record the sprouting sites, and also log the seed's damage; if it does not sprout within ten days, it is essentially ruined."

"Inform the populace that the ruined seeds will be replaced with new rice ear seeds, telling them not to worry, saying some areas are too dry, causing the seeds to cannot withstand the heat, and a better batch will be issued."

"Then have people spread rumors that the sprouted seeds have been tampered with, that they are the work of celestial beings, capable of producing rice, but the rice that grows cannot be eaten."

"That is the first task."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Upon hearing this, Fang Jingcheng couldn't help but frown.

Gu Jin Nian's words were so strange—he was actually spreading rumors himself? Undermining his own seed?

But soon, Fang Jingcheng understood what it meant.

He did not speak, but merely nodded.

"The second task: extract the already sprouted seeds together with the soil, rush them to the nearest county seat outside Jiangzhong County, find a plot of land and plant them directly, then observe the results. Deploy a thousand elite soldiers; any development, this Lord must be informed immediately."

Gu Jin Nian ordered the second task.

"Lord Hou, rest assured."

Fang Jingcheng nodded.

"The third task: have Zhou Man personally deliver the ruined seeds to Lord Hou, informing him that these seeds were only soaked in a medicinal bath; placed in fertile fields they can indeed yield decent rice, but under severe drought they will never produce good grain."

"Moreover, because of the medicinal bath, the seeds were outright destroyed; claim that Gu Jin Nian's wishful calculations have completely failed, and that he now intends to petition the court for troops, fearing that if another month passes and the people discover this, it cannot be suppressed."

Gu Jin Nian issued three orders in succession.

"Understood."

Fang Jingcheng almost grasped Gu Jin Nian's plan, turned and left to implement it directly.

And Gu Jin Nian also appeared unusually agitated.

For all three tasks, Gu Jin Nian already had his own scheme.

Jiangzhong County suffers a severe drought.

Gu Jin Nian's idea was simple: replace ordinary rice with Da Xia dragon ear, with little further thought.

Seizing the moment, he would promote Da Xia dragon ear and use Jiangzhong County as a pilot site.

Yet as events gradually went awry, they unexpectedly benefited the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Da Xia dragon ear he sowed could not be guaranteed not to arouse suspicion; once suspicion arises, there are only two possibilities.

One possibility is that people think he is deceiving the populace—a strong likelihood, since no one believes he can solve Jiangzhong County's disaster, with millions of people and countless fields, how can production be restored?

The other possibility is that someone steals the Da Xia dragon ear and takes it back for study.

If it is the first case, Gu Jin Nian is not worried; he will quietly amass wealth, and once things become settled, he does not fear their mischief.

Gu Jin Nian's greatest worry remains the second possibility.

If someone steals the Da Xia dragon ear and discovers its truly extraordinary properties, everyone will rise to cause trouble, devising every possible way to disrupt.

This would be extremely detrimental to the current situation.

However, a turning point has emerged: the Da Xia dragon ear sprouts in five days. When this spreads, no one will believe it, for it is not a miracle but a divine sign, and any rational person will doubt it.

Not even the people of other nations; even the Da Xia Dynasty's subjects will likely respond with suspicion.

And in the eyes of some, they are even more convinced that they are deceiving the people.

The three actions Gu Jin Nian is taking now are meant to make them even more certain that they are deceiving the populace.

The first task is to spread rumors and steer public opinion.

He does not fear the Jiangzhong County folk doubting, because they lack the confidence to doubt and do not wish to; what would doubt achieve? Recover food? Now there is hope, at least something visible to the naked eye.

So he will wait for the outcome; as long as before the result appears, the truly desperate peasants will unflinchingly support him. If the result proves useless, a serious problem will arise; if it is good, Jiangzhong County's people will become even more enthusiastic and fervent in farming.

But for onlookers, believing they are being duped, they will remain patient, waiting for self‑destruction.

Without committing a single soldier, one can watch the Da Xia Dynasty descend into chaos— isn't that a good thing? The Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, even the Zhongzhou Dynasty all welcome this scene.

So they will wait patiently.

As for the second task, Gu Jin Nian seeks to verify his hypothesis: whether the mutated seed can grow elsewhere.

This is crucial; Gu Jin Nian hopes it will not, and believes it shouldn't, because other places lack this strange fireball.

The fireball is like a massive spirit crystal, constantly supplying energy to these Da Xia dragon ears; elsewhere there is none, so the seed cannot absorb energy and will inevitably wither.

If so, even if someone steals the seed for study and cultivation, they will find it has no effect at all.

This would conclusively prove they are deceivers, allowing them to wait calmly for internal turmoil in the Da Xia Dynasty.

The final task is to close the loop on his argument, still steering opinion—but this time guiding the clever ones.

Most people lack independent thought, only hearing rumors or watching results; some are different—without a reasonable explanation they will remain doubtful.

For Gu Jin Nian now, he does not want anyone to focus on these seeds; he wants them to deem the seeds useless.

He only needs to buy enough time.

At most three months.

At least six months.

It would give everyone on the Divine Continent a huge surprise.

However, there are still a few things I need to do right now.

Returning to the main military camp, Gu Jin Nian directly wrote a letter and then handed it to his sixth uncle, Gu Ning Ya.

"Sixth Uncle."

"Rush to Da Xia and have the Emperor dispatch an additional five hundred thousand troops here, placing the Lord Father in command, sending only those we can trust."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his expression extremely solemn; now disasters have broken out everywhere, half of the forces have been drawn for relief, while the remaining half is kept to prevent internal rebellion.

The Da Xia Dynasty has four million registered troops, not counting the various feudal princes; there are four hundred thousand cavalry, a ten-to-one ratio. Gu Jin Nian has drawn five hundred thousand soldiers; he needs no cavalry, only regular elite troops will do.

"Have Lord Father bring five hundred thousand troops over?"

"Jin Nian, what are you doing this time?"

This time Gu Ning Ya was somewhat surprised; you can't just draft five hundred thousand troops at will, and having Lord Father lead the troops is, frankly, not in accordance with regulations in many places, making it easy for others to find fault.

"Something major is about to happen."

"Sixth Uncle, hurry up."

"Moreover, you must deliver the letter to the Emperor during the court assembly; it must be done at the court assembly, do you understand?"

Gu Jin Nian said this very seriously.

As soon as he said that, Gu Ning Ya's expression changed; Gu Jin Nian spoke of a major matter, and he truly had no doubt.

"Good."

With hardly any idle talk, Gu Ning Ya directly took a small group of people and rushed toward the Da Xia Dynasty, moreover using dragon boats.

And so.

Some news also spread from Jiangzhong Commandery.

Seeds sprouted in five days.

Rumors sprang up.

Gu Ning Ya's expression grew heavy; he hastily left the main military camp, using dragon boats to head for the Da Xia Dynasty.

Every piece of this information is worth careful consideration.

Inside the Ning Prince's troops' camp, upon receiving this news, Hou Jun couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"Indeed, it's not wrong."

"Gu Jin Nian is just deceiving the people; what kind of rice stalk in this world can sprout roots in five days?"

"Even the Great Golden Dragon Rice can't do that."

"Unless you use spirit crystals to force ripening."

"Moreover, my people have found out that while the seeds do indeed sprout roots, in many places the seeds have been destroyed outright, and Gu Jin Nian still tries to explain; if the people truly had no other recourse, no one would believe this talk."

"Gu Jin Nian is too eager; he wants the people to see hope so badly that one mistake leads to another, and as their expectations rise, the eventual disappointment will only grow greater."

Hou Jun spoke, his eyes full of confidence, firmly believing that this rice stalk entails a huge problem.

However, inside the tent, Li Shan slowly took out a bag and placed it before Hou Jun.

"Regardless of whether there is a problem, we should still be cautious, Mr. Hou; these are seeds I had people steal, the soil is still inside, the roots are unharmed—quickly take your people and leave to plant them elsewhere to see."

"If these seeds truly have miraculous effect, we cannot just sit and wait for doom."

"But if they fail to produce anything, we can then rest easy, awaiting Gu Jin Nian's self-destruction."

Li Shan spoke, placing the seeds on the table.

Upon seeing the seeds, Hou Jun instantly felt delighted.

"Prime Minister, you truly live up to your title; I have tried every means to obtain seeds during this period, yet not a single one was gathered, for Gu Jin Nian controls them too strictly."

"Indeed, we must still be careful and proper; I will immediately have people handle it."

Seeing the seeds, Hou Jun naturally felt pleased, for no other reason than that although everyone believes Gu Jin Nian is surely deceiving people, after all there has been no verification.

Without verification, it means there is a one-in-ten-thousand chance that Gu Jin Nian is not deceiving.

For such a major undertaking as raising troops to rebel, how could we tolerate a one-in-ten-thousand margin of error?

If the seeds prove useful, Gu Jin Nian will quell the turmoil in Jiangzhong Commandery, and the rebellion plan will come to nothing.

This matter decides victory or defeat; how could Hou Jun not seek proof? However, Gu Jin Nian's control is too strict; even if he wanted to steal the seeds, he couldn't.

Now Li Shan has delivered them, which is timely indeed.

Thus, Hou Jun immediately had people take the seeds and soil away, rushing to plant them to see the result.

"Tell the Ning Prince."

"If the seeds are ineffective, then three months from now will be the best moment; at that time we can ride the wind and waves, settling all right and wrong."

Li Shan spoke, his tone utterly resolute.

"Understood."

Hou Jun nodded.

Thus.

The next morning, in the court assembly, a figure came rushing in anxiously—it was Gu Ning Ya.

Gu Ning Ya's sudden arrival made the court assembly extremely quiet; everyone felt an involuntary pressure, not from Gu Ning Ya himself, but from Jiangzhong Commandery.

"Your Majesty, the Heaven's Mandate Marquis has sent a military report, requesting that you immediately dispatch five hundred thousand troops to Jiangzhong Commandery, and the Heaven's Mandate Marquis says it should be led by the Defender of the State Duke."

Gu Ning Ya spoke, and in the course of speaking he handed the envelope to Wei Xian, who had just come down.

He received the envelope and immediately passed it to Emperor Yong Sheng.

Yet the hall appeared unusually quiet.

"Suddenly dispatching five hundred thousand troops—what does this mean?"

Jiangzhong Commandery is merely suffering a drought, with no rebellion; dispatching five hundred thousand troops leaves only two possibilities: either the Ning Prince has rebelled, or there is a popular uprising.

No matter which, it is a huge pressure for the court.

On the dragon throne, Emperor Yong Sheng's expression also sank slightly; he took the envelope, opened it, and his face grew even more solemn.

Because the envelope had only three words.

Something happened.

It was just these three words that made the already somewhat heavy-hearted Emperor Yong Sheng feel even heavier at this moment.

"Your Majesty? May I ask what military report the Marquis is delivering?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, why would you suddenly order the mobilization of five hundred thousand troops?"

In a moment, the court officials all spoke up, asking for the reason.

Emperor Yong Sheng took a deep breath, did not explain the reason, but was contemplating, considering.

To be frank, he believes Gu Jin Nian can resolve the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery, but this belief stems from everything Gu Jin Nian has done before.

But setting aside some nonexistent fantasies, how perilous the difficulty in Jiangzhong Commandery is, he actually knows better than anyone.

To resolve it is extremely difficult.

Mobilizing five hundred thousand troops now surely indicates a major incident, and there is a ninety percent chance they fear a peasant uprising.

At this moment, his heart is in his throat.

"Zhao Yiyang, hear my command!"

"Immediately mobilize the five hundred thousand troops, place them under the State-Protecting Duke, have the State-Protecting Duke appoint commanders, and rush straight to Jiangzhong Commandery."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, although he did not know exactly what had happened, he still trusted Gu Jin Nian.

But as soon as he said that, some voices rose.

"Your Majesty, this is absolutely out of the question; given the disasters everywhere, the court's remaining forces are already insufficient, mobilizing five hundred thousand troops is utterly unacceptable."

"Even if mobilizing five hundred thousand troops is not a major issue, having the State-Protecting Duke lead them to Jiangzhong Commandery is absolutely unacceptable; the Heaven's Mandate Marquis has already taken away one hundred thousand iron cavalry, and adding these five hundred thousand troops would create a terrifying force surpassing all feudal princes; should the Gu family harbor ill intentions, the Da Xia Dynasty would be in grave peril."

"Please, Your Majesty, reconsider."

"Please, Your Majesty, reconsider."

Voices rose one after another; the officials' thoughts were also straightforward: Gu Jin Nian taking away the one hundred thousand iron cavalry for disaster relief is acceptable.

But now also mobilizing five hundred thousand troops there is unreasonable, and not something everyone can accept.

Heaven knows what Gu Jin Nian intends; if he worries that the Da Xia Dynasty is about to erupt in internal strife, taking the five hundred thousand troops plus the one hundred thousand iron cavalry, this force would be a hegemon-level power even after the dynasty's internal turmoil.

Not inferior to Prince Ning.

Moreover, who is the State-Protecting Duke? The greatest war god of Da Xia; letting such a person command the troops is absolutely a huge hidden danger.

"Silence."

The next moment, Emperor Yong Sheng's voice sounded.

His gaze was calm, yet it condensed a mighty imperial aura.

"I have said before, this time the Heaven's Mandate Marquis Gu Jin Nian is the overall commander for disaster relief; whatever he says he needs, I will give him; do not employ those you suspect; do not suspect those you employ."

"You, my beloved ministers, do you have any good strategies to resolve this? If you do, I can also hear your opinions."

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice was ice-cold.

At this point, still doubting back and forth? Since we have chosen Gu Jin Nian, I do not worry that he will cause trouble.

Upon these words, the officials fell completely silent.

"Gu, my beloved minister."

"Go tell Jin Nian that I unconditionally trust him; I will hold a feast in the Da Xia Dynasty awaiting his triumphant return."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

Having said that, he flung the tiger tally aside, displaying imperial might.

Soon, Emperor Yong Sheng rose and left.

Meanwhile, Gu Ningya shouted "Long live!", took the tiger tally, and left directly to find Grandfather Gu.

The events at the Da Xia court spread almost instantly within an hour.

Gu Jin Nian sent Gu Ningya urgently to the Da Xia Capital to request five hundred thousand troops, to be led by the State-Protecting Duke, and rush to Jiangzhong Commandery.

This news can be said to have sparked a huge controversy.

Some believe that something major will happen in Jiangzhong Commandery, that the Da Xia Dynasty will face turmoil, and that Gu Jin Nian's move is entirely to gain a certain power after the dynasty's internal strife.

No matter who becomes emperor in the future, or whether the dynasty changes, the Gu family leading five hundred thousand soldiers, plus the one hundred thousand iron cavalry Gu Jin Nian previously took, could certainly dominate a region.

Furthermore, Gu Jin Nian's personal prestige is not insignificant; for some, receiving his support is indeed distinctive.

Others believe that Jiangzhong Commandery is about to see a peasant uprising; while the five hundred thousand troops may not be able to completely suppress the populace's revolt, they can at least have some effect, preventing the Da Xia Dynasty from directly descending into internal chaos.

In short.

All the statements are basically heading in a negative direction.

Inside Prince Ning's manor.

After Prince Ning learned of this, he only did one thing.

"Let Hou Jun go find Gu Jin Nian."

"Sound him out, tell him that the matter of my two sons has never been on my mind."

"If possible, if the opportunity arises, we can share a meal at my manor."

"Also, send people to Jiangzhong Commandery to spread rumors widely, claiming that the so-called Da Xia Dragon Grain is a divine object and urging the populace to plant it."

This is Prince Ning's decision.

The news is too muddled; Prince Ning also does not know who is true or false, but he knows that mobilizing five hundred thousand troops for no reason is impossible, and he has also received some information.

Jiangzhong Commandery has resumed agricultural production; this is true.

However, many of the seeds in the fields have been completely destroyed.

This matter is known by few, which means these speculations are likely true.

From King Ning's perspective, he thinks Gu Jin Nian is very likely to amass troops for his own prestige.

Regarding any kinship sentiment, King Ning doesn't believe it at all; it's all just for profit.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

The half‑million army is already nearing Jiangzhong County.

And within Jiangzhong County.

Rumors are spreading everywhere.

No one knows why, but many voices convey a simple message: the Da Xia Dragon Spike has a problem.

Yet some voices, unwavering, claim the Da Xia Dragon Spike has no problem at all, even citing the saying that each region's soil nurtures its people.

That thing is certainly good; the common folk have never seen it, so any issue is not the seed's fault but everyone's.

As for why some seeds are destroyed?

Mainly because the peasants don't know how to cultivate; it was originally a royal planting requiring specialists. In Jiangzhong County, the locals' method is nothing but using some "fertilizer," which inevitably causes some problems.

It's like letting the emperor eat common folk's food; he can eat it, but his body will surely suffer afterward.

Such rhetoric gained widespread support, so the Jiangzhong County peasants work even harder.

Within the main camp of the army.

Hundreds of elders gather here.

These are respected elders from various prefectures of Jiangzhong County.

They were invited by Gu Jin Nian to discuss certain matters.

"Elders of the clans,"

"Now Jiangzhong County is in chaos; you must have seen it these past days."

"Someone doesn't want the Jiangzhong County peasants to prosper; do you know why some seeds are destroyed?"

"Someone is sabotaging in secret, causing the seeds to be destroyed. With only my own strength I cannot control it, so I have petitioned the court for troops; barring any mishap, half a million soldiers will arrive tomorrow to garrison Jiangzhong County."

"Elders, these are turbulent times; relying solely on the court cannot achieve unity, so I ask you all to keep the villagers steady, never let the thieves succeed, especially with the rice—handle it properly and ensure no one steals it."

Inside the main camp, Gu Jin Nian summoned elders from across the lands for internal unification; each elder is highly respected, their authority unquestionable. Stabilizing them is tantamount to stabilizing the whole situation, no matter how exaggerated the external rumors are.

As long as they remain unshaken, the matter becomes much easier to handle.

"Lord, rest assured; I have also been pondering. Our Jiangzhong County peasants have just glimpsed hope, yet so much trouble has arisen. Having heard your words, I understand now."

"Lord, please be at ease; I will strictly supervise this matter. Your good intentions are evident to us."

The elders all nodded in agreement; they could see that Gu Jin Nian is wholeheartedly for the people.

"Then I ask each elder to endure the hardship."

"Once Jiangzhong County is settled, I will erect a merit monument for you all."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and the words instantly delighted the elders' hearts. Offering them silver was unnecessary; at this point, with people on the brink of death, why would they need money? Erecting a merit monument, however, is different—it is a legacy for the ages.

In an instant, the elders' hearts burned with fervor.

Then, under Gu Jin Nian's arrangement, they returned by carriage.

It was at that moment.

Inside the main camp, Fang Jingcheng walked in.

"Lord."

"The results are in. The soil was sent to Bai Zhe Prefecture; it was fine that day, and the next day there were no major issues. Today, however, all the seeds have withered completely, and the news just arrived that the seeds have all withered to death."

Fang Jingcheng spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of the results.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh.

Just as he had guessed.

The mutated Da Xia Dragon Spike now only thrives in Jiangzhong County, which is a tremendous boon.

If it could grow everywhere, that wouldn't be good; an enemy nation stealing it would be like sharing a dowry with them.

Now that this result is obtained, it is excellent and perfect.

"What is the total cultivated land count you compiled?"

Having received this outcome, Gu Jin Nian directly asked about it.

"Sir, according to the regional annals, Jiangzhong County currently has 246,000,000 mu of cultivated fields."

"Among them, premium farmland totals 57,000,000 mu, average farmland 130,000,000 mu, and inferior farmland 59,000,000 mu."

"Wasteland amounts to 148,000,000 mu."

Fang Jingcheng gave the answer.

Premium farmland, i. e., good fields, yields about six hundred jin per mu.

Average farmland, i. e., ordinary fields, generally yields around three hundred jin per mu.

Inferior farmland, based on water source and soil factors, typically yields about one hundred fifty jin per mu.

If the water issue were solved, the notion of inferior farmland would disappear; essentially all would be average farmland.

This problem is hard to solve, but Jiangzhong County's underground harbors some mysterious thing; after the seeds mutated, they hardly need water, so there is no inferior farmland there.

In other words, if handled properly, Jiangzhong County will possess 394,000,000 mu of cultivated land.

Subtracting the 57,000,000 mu of premium farmland.

Leaves 337,000,000 mu of average farmland.

Da Xia Dragon Rice, on such farmland, is expected to yield six hundred jin per mu, with rice grains twice as heavy.

The mysterious underground entity can only provide nutrients for the Da Xia Dragon Spike's growth.

A simple calculation: one harvest yields 20.22 billion jin of rice, which converts to about 1.685 billion shi of food.

Assuming a person's daily ration is three liang, you'd have to add some side dishes or something; you can't just eat plain rice, right?

A month's ration is ninety liang, equal to five and a half jin, roughly six jin.

A year amounts to seventy‑two jin.

It can feed 2.8 billion commoners for a full year.

That figure doesn't even include the 57 million mu of prime farmland.

The numbers are exaggerated, but there are three reasons for the exaggeration.

First, Da Xia Dragon Spike rice yields double the grain, giving twice as many grains as ordinary Da Xia rice.

Second, Da Xia Dragon Rice is extremely energy‑dense; a child needs only one liang, a young adult two liang, and the elderly or women about one liang.

Third, Jiangzhong Commandery is already a grain‑rich region; a third of the Da Xia Dynasty's grain tax comes entirely from Jiangzhong.

The Da Xia Dynasty has seventy‑two commanderies, meaning the other seventy‑one together produce only twice the output of Jiangzhong Commandery.

Naturally, the production itself is enormous, sustaining one‑third of Da Xia's population.

According to the Ministry of Revenue's records, the Da Xia Dynasty already has 190.58 million people, and unregistered residents likely add several tens of millions more.

All told, the Da Xia Dynasty's population is roughly 200 million.

If it weren't for the abundant resources of the Eastern Wilderness region, to be honest, these people couldn't possibly be sustained.

This is the Divine Continent, not the land of a past life, so it makes sense.

A quick calculation.

Gu Jin Nian has probably worked it out as well.

If harvest occurs every four months, the grain harvested in Jiangzhong Commandery could feed the entire Da Xia Dynasty's populace for more than a year.

This calculation includes transportation loss, planting loss, and every other possible factor.

After all, grain transport inevitably incurs loss, and it's a major cost.

Do the math.

Harvest three times a year.

One harvest is allocated to feed all the Da Xia Dynasty's citizens.

One harvest is stored as reserves, since we must consider two possibilities: the next generation's physique—this generation eats two liang a day, but the next might eat three to five liang or even half a jin, as genetics improve.

The final harvest is sold for silver, earning more silver to have the whole world support the Da Xia Dynasty's people.

As for the grain produced on the last 57 million mu of prime farmland, that's truly special‑supply food.

Special‑supply for the royal family, for barracks, and for breeding warhorses.

Given this scenario.

One year later, the Da Xia Dynasty will have no food shortage; everyone will have a full meal, and trade economics will explode directly.

Two years later, Da Xia Dynasty's barracks will expand wildly, recruiting soldiers and buying horses, dramatically boosting military strength.

Three years later, Da Xia's economy will enter a take‑off phase.

Five years later, Da Xia's population will surge to 250 million.

Ten years later, Da Xia's population will balloon to around 400 million, and the sheer number of people will let the Da Xia Dynasty dominate the Eastern Wilderness without any need for war—who could afford a war? Twenty years later, a new generation will join the army, having grown up on Da Xia Dragon Rice, strong and robust, along with bred warhorses and various advancements; the Da Xia army will expand to roughly 15 million troops.

At that time.

It won't be a question of whether the Great Jin Dynasty wants to fight, but whether the Da Xia Dynasty wants to reconquer the Great Jin Dynasty.

After all, as everyone knows, the Great Jin Dynasty has long been an inseparable territory of the Da Xia Dynasty.

What, you think I'm talking nonsense?

I'll show you the history books; read them yourself—the records are crystal clear.

Huh? The ink stains are still wet?

Sorry, it's southern weather; the tide comes back, you know.

One could say, if Jiangzhong Commandery proceeds as it envisions.

In ten years it will completely dominate the Eastern Wilderness region.

In twenty years, the Central Continent Dynasty will fear Da Xia.

Thirty years later, the Central Continent Dynasty will have completely lost any chance to compete.

Without absolute means—say, nuclear weapons—food will decide everything in the age of cold weapons.

Moreover, with such nourishing food.

Thirty years later, every child of the new Da Xia generation will be a warrior; cultivators will be plentiful, just like the ancient Fusang Kingdom, which altered genetics through eggs, meat, and milk. Da Xia Dragon Rice is a hundred times more nutritious than eggs, meat, or milk.

"This time I really found a treasure."

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel moved.

"If Uncle found out, his snot bubbles would burst with joy, right?"

"Damn it, solve the nation's food problem within half a year."

"Six months later, with the nation's might, let the old lord lead troops and supplies to the Xiongnu Kingdom; we can't even guess how much grain that would require."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself, very curious.

However, at that moment, a voice sounded from outside.

"Jin Nian."

"What happened?"

It was the voice of the Duke of State Stabilization.

The old lord has arrived? Hearing his voice, Gu Jin Nian hurriedly set aside what he was doing.

Fang Jingcheng, being very perceptive, took his leave from the place.

Soon, two figures walked in.

One was Grandfather Gu, the other was Sixth Uncle Gu Ningya.

Grandfather Gu's expression was grave.

He had led five hundred thousand troops here, and the letter to His Majesty consisted of a single sentence: something had happened.

How could Grandfather Gu not be anxious? So as soon as he entered the main camp, Grandfather Gu directly asked Gu Jin Nian what had happened.

He watched Grandfather Gu enter the camp.

Gu Jin Nian gave no reply, but turned to Grandfather Gu and said.

"Grandfather."

"I have a question for you."

"With the amount of grain you have, could you flatten the Xiongnu State?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking in that way.

Upon hearing that, Grandfather Gu and Gu Ningya were both stunned.

Good fellow.

Here I'm asking you what's happening, and you bring up flattening the Xiongnu State? "Jin Nian, what gibberish are you spouting?"

"What happened in Jiangzhong County?"

Grandfather Gu frowned; he didn't quite understand Gu Jin Nian's question.

"A great joyous event has occurred."

Gu Jin Nian smiled and began.

With those words, the two fell even more silent.

A joyous event? What joyous event?

Do you report joyous events like this?

"Jin Nian, your Sixth Uncle is an honest man; a few days ago you wore a grave expression and asked me to deliver a letter to His Majesty."

"Was that the look of a great event? Are you trying to harm yourself?"

Gu Ningya spoke; he was truly anxious.

Because from start to finish he acted very hurried, as if something terribly bad had occurred.

Now Gu Jin Nian mentions a joyous event again?

Falsely reporting military intel warrants execution. "No."

"Sixth Uncle, that was intentional on my part."

Gu Jin Nian smiled and said, the half‑million army has arrived, so everything is settled.

"Jin Nian, speak plainly—what exactly is happening? Stop teasing here."

This time Grandfather Gu could no longer hold back, urging Gu Jin Nian to quickly clarify the situation.

Everyone—whether the emperor, the officials, or the major powers of the world—believed that Jiangzhong County was about to face a major incident.

But Gu Jin Nian replied with a line.

A joyous event? Is there such a thing as reporting joy? Hearing Grandfather Gu's words, Gu Jin Nian immediately used telepathy to convey the entire chain of events to Grandfather Gu and his Sixth Uncle.

For each matter, he disclosed his purpose and thoughts, informing them fully.

Thus.

Half an hour later.

Inside the main camp, Grandfather Gu went numb.

Gu Ningya was also dumbfounded.

"So you mean..."

"From now on, a single bumper harvest in Jiangzhong County will feed all the people of the Da Xia Dynasty for a year?"

Grandfather Gu's words trembled.

He truly couldn't believe it, but the speaker was his own grandson, so he had to accept it.

"It's true, Grandfather, I'm not deceiving you. If you don't believe, wait a month or two and see."

Gu Jin Nian said earnestly.

"Hiss!"

This time Grandfather Gu was completely at a loss for words.

He stood there, stunned.

After a long while, Grandfather Gu suddenly snapped back to his senses and looked at Gu Ningya, saying.

"Sixth Uncle."

"Hurry back to the palace at once."

"Report this matter to His Majesty."

"Jin Nian, Jin Nian, you really even deceive His Majesty. You know these past days His Majesty sighs constantly, goes to the Grand Temple daily, and the eunuchs say his eyes are red."

"He truly thinks a major event is coming, Sixth Uncle, hurry back to the palace and tell His Majesty this good news."

"Otherwise His Majesty might do something unpredictable."

"Use spirit crystals to speed back to the palace."

Grandfather Gu spoke.

He immediately thought of Emperor Yong Sheng.

If one were to name the person most distressed in the Da Xia Dynasty, it must be Emperor Yong Sheng.

If it truly were bad news, Grandfather Gu wouldn't have reacted so strongly.

He prepared to quell the unrest.

But hearing that it was good news, and such good news, his reaction was naturally huge.

"Oh, oh, oh."

"Alright, I'm going right now."

Gu Ningya reacted a beat too late, then rushed out of the main camp.

Gu Jin Nian, however, seemed somewhat helpless.

He had no way of knowing that his uncle's mental endurance was so poor.

After a short while.

Grandfather Gu fully snapped out of his shock; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, his face brimming with excitement, and said.

"Jin Nian, just now Grandfather came in; what question did you ask Grandfather?"

Grandfather Gu said with a smile.

"Oh, Grandfather, to subdue the Xiongnu nation, how much grain would you need?"

Gu Jin Nian answered instinctively.

"One year's grain for Jiangzhong Commandery."

Grandfather Gu replied with utmost seriousness.

Gu Jin Nian: "."

"Grandfather, that's a bit excessive, isn't it?"

"With that much grain, don't even mention the Xiongnu; taking down the Fuyu Dynasty as well would be no problem."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

But Grandfather Gu seemed a little embarrassed and said.

"Jin Nian..."

"Grandfather has never fought such a wealthy campaign in his life; honestly, if Jiangzhong Commandery could truly produce that much grain..."

"You must secure a year's supply for Grandfather; this will be Grandfather's final battle. After it's over, Grandfather will do nothing else and retire at the Duke's manor."

"Jin Nian..." "Grandfather has never asked anyone for anything in his life; you are my grandson, you must fulfill Grandfather's wish, that counts as filial piety."

Grandfather Gu was truly excited; his eyes were filled with anticipation.

There was no other reason.

Taking fifty million shi of grain to war, and each soldier eats at most four taels of rice a day; such a wealthy campaign, he truly has never fought in his life.

It's terribly poor.

If he doesn't indulge a bit in his old age, his heart aches, mainly because this opportunity lies before him.

"Grandfather, you should discuss it with His Majesty when the time comes."

"I truly have no way."

Gu Jin Nian gave no reply; the matter was too big, let His Majesty handle it.

Thus, six hours later.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Inside the Grand Temple.

Emperor Yong Sheng's eyes were red and swollen; indeed, it was uncomfortable.

Da Xia had only been founded for so many years, yet faced such a crisis.

If the nation truly perished, he would feel ashamed before his ancestors, and more importantly, become a laughingstock to the world.

He could even imagine how future generations would judge him.

Usurping the throne unjustly would incur Heaven's wrath.

This pressure truly made him uncomfortable.

"Father, am I truly no good anymore?"

"Alas, had I known it would be like this, I would have rebelled against his mother from the start."

"The main culprit is that little bastard Jiande; it's not him. Would I really rebel? Father, you are a man of reason; after you step down, please don't scold me."

"Damn it, could the throne really not suit me? I truly have no imperial mandate? Taking over Da Xia, trouble every year, damn it."

Emperor Yong Sheng muttered curses to himself.

And now, he most dreaded hearing any bad news; otherwise it would truly be the end.

But at that moment, a voice sounded from outside.

"Your Majesty."

"Commander of the Lantern Department Gu Ningya has an urgent matter to report, Your Majesty."

With Wei Xian's voice echoing.

Emperor Yong Sheng's mood grew even heavier.

The more he tried not to think of anything happening, the more it came.

He took a deep breath.

In an instant, his emotions became so tangled that no one could understand.

"Your Majesty, I have a matter to request an audience for."

Gu Ningya's voice sounded from outside.

But Emperor Yong Sheng ignored it.

His mood was too heavy; he wanted to pause.

"Your Majesty, I have an important matter to request an audience, sir."

Gu Ningya continued speaking, disturbing the Yongsheng Great Emperor and leaving him agitated and vexed.

"Get into his mother's!"

Regardless of what happens, later regardless of what news, first we'll give this Gu Ningya a beating, then we'll talk.

In an instant, the Yongsheng Great Emperor stood up, and then his voice showed slight irritation.

"Get lost and come in!"

(End of chapter)