Chapter 189: New Policies Promoted

Da Xia Dynasty.

The thirteenth year of Yongsheng, June 25th.

As the period approaches July, the Da Xia Dynasty feels extremely scorching; waiting another month would only make the weather hotter.

Around July, one basically has to consider the wheat harvest.

However, for Jiangzhong County, ever since planting the Da Xia Dragon Spike, the only thing the common folk worry about each day is the rice ears in the fields.

Within the fertile fields of Jiangzhong County.

The crimson rice ears stand half a person tall, unlike ordinary rice ears; they are entirely red and feel slightly warm to the touch.

The villagers are not at all surprised by the rice ears' change; after all, this is the Da Xia Dragon Spike, a royal special supply, and its growth in this form is expected.

Since it's a royal special supply, no one would believe it were ordinary rice. The villagers gather outside the fields all day; in just one month, these rice ears have grown robustly, and the grains even show a faint red hue.

They look ripe.

Maturing in a month is an extremely unbelievable phenomenon, and the entire populace of Jiangzhong County is profoundly shocked.

Yet whether they are truly ripe must await an official announcement.

Inside the army's main camp.

A steaming pot of rice is brought in; the rice is red and plump—this is the harvested Da Xia Dragon Rice.

Beneath Jiangzhong County lies a divine artifact that can accelerate the ripening of these Da Xia rice ears, achieving full ripeness in just one month.

However, Gu Jin Nian knows that the optimal harvest time is still three to four months—three months yields top grade, four months is perfect.

Gu Jin Nian intends to test the effect of a dragon spike that grew in one month.

If it's roughly acceptable, he will order the whole city's people to harvest wheat to supply Jiangzhong County's folk for self‑sufficiency.

The Da Xia Dragon Rice within the Mountain and River Splendid Map has been completely consumed; this is thanks to Gu Jin Nian's preparation using spirit crystals to accelerate ripening, but such consumption is honestly hard to sustain.

If it can be harvested, that would truly be a great boon, relieving massive pressure.

The red Da Xia Dragon Rice appears; inside the army's main camp are Gu Jin Nian, Grandfather Gu, Gu Ningya, Li Ji, Fang Jingcheng, and dozens of soldiers.

The rice arrives; each person ladles a bowl, says nothing, and the group begins tasting.

Gu Jin Nian takes two bites; the grains are plump, fragrant, soft, and slightly spicy—not a strong heat, but a blend of aromatic spiciness.

It's as if some leftover soup were poured into the rice, turning the previously bland rice into something exceedingly tasty.

"Hmm, delicious, delicious."

"This rice is really fragrant."

"So very tasty."

In an instant, the camp's people all speak up, and even Grandfather Gu can't help but praise its flavor.

Gu Jin Nian is also surprised; this flavor is far tastier than Da Xia Dragon Rice, which is fragrant and has a decent, chewy texture, whereas the Jiangzhong harvest's dragon rice—

It is fragrant and spicy, with fragrance foremost; the spiciness merely stimulates the appetite, the texture is soft, likely due to the planting period, making it ideal for children and the elderly.

Gu Jin Nian senses the energy of this Jiangzhong Dragon Rice.

Compared to that, it indeed has less energy than Da Xia Dragon Rice—only one third—but it has the advantage of gentle energy, like a hot spring flowing within the body.

Extremely suitable for children and the elderly, offering different benefits, quite good.

Da Xia Dragon Rice is certainly good, but for those with weak constitutions, children, or the elderly, its medicinal effect can be too strong.

It's not inedible, but the absorbed energy can have certain impacts; elders who eat it may feel vigorous, yet that isn't ideal—it requires gentle regulation to truly achieve longevity.

Now, this Jiangzhong Dragon Rice happens to solve that problem.

Very good, quite excellent.

"Mr. Fang, notify immediately; the wheat can be harvested."

"Go and summon the tribal elders from all regions to Jiangfu City; I have matters to assign."

Gu Jin Nian speaks, issuing this order.

"As you command!"

Hearing this, Fang Jingcheng lets out a long sigh; now the entire Jiangzhong County's populace awaits a bumper harvest. Though a one‑month bounty is somewhat unbelievable, people still have hopes.

The rice ears have grown so well that the villagers stare anxiously, yet without Gu Jin Nian's command they cannot forcibly harvest; if something went wrong, no one could take responsibility.

But now that Gu Jin Nian has spoken, it is a tremendous joy for Jiangzhong County.

"Li Ji, you also go over there and inform the people: this harvest's grain, each household should keep six months' surplus; besides that, the Da Xia Dynasty will purchase all remaining grain at ten taels of silver per shi."

Gu Jin Nian says, sending Li Ji along; Li Ji naturally understands the implication—it's plainly to make an appearance and win the common folk's favor.

In an instant, Li Ji is overjoyed and holds Gu Jin Nian in even greater respect.

The two depart.

Grandfather Gu can't help but speak.

"If my Da Xia people could eat this dragon rice every day, not to mention anything else, twenty years from now our Da Xia soldiers would certainly not be physically weaker than Xiongnu cavalry."

Grandfather Gu instantly comprehends the benefits this Jiangzhong Dragon Rice can bring.

"Lord Guo, if this rice continuously supplies our army, aside from other matters, within at most ten years every soldier in our ranks could reach the Second Realm."

"Indeed, after I finish this rice, a wave of heat surges within me, equivalent to a day of diligent martial practice. Our army's warriors at the First Realm consume at least two jin of food daily, half of which must be meat. Eating about half a jin of this rice means we need not eat anything else all day; subordinates even feel they don't need to train in martial arts, yet their physiques still strengthen."

"Training still must be done; if the army's soldiers combine this dragon rice with their drills, the effect will be even better."

The soldiers all speak up, saying that after eating this dragon rice they immediately feel its benefits.

"Hmm."

"We'll arrange it moving forward."

Gu Jin Nian nods, but says nothing further.

Upon hearing this, the Lord Zhen Guo Gong instantly grasps Gu Jin Nian's meaning; he takes a sip of tea and says to Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian, these gentlemen are the ones who fought side‑by‑side with your grandfather and me back then; you need not guard against them—just speak plainly, the clearer you are, the better they'll understand the rice's value."

The old master could tell at a glance from Gu Jin Nian's curt way of speaking that he clearly didn't want to say much.

But these men are loyal to him, and after taking Jiangzhong Commandery they are to be stationed there; if they don't know the true value of Da Xia Dragon Rice, carelessness is inevitable.

He heard the old master say that.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, stood up, and saluted the soldiers.

"Uncle(s), I was a bit defensive just now; this matter is of great importance and was unavoidable. I hope you won't hold a grudge against your nephew."

Gu Jin Nian rose, first offering an apology; this gesture filled the soldiers' hearts with goodwill.

"Jin Nian, you are being modest."

"Ah, a little caution is a good thing; soldiers never tire of deceit, truly befitting Da Xia's first Marquis."

"We are all rough men; we won't take it to heart."

Several of them rose in turn and returned the salute to Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian is not only the grandson of the Duke of the State, but also Da Xia's first Marquis, so he naturally deserves respect.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian is modest and courteous; how could they not be pleased? "Uncle(s), since that's the case, let your nephew explain."

Gu Jin Nian nodded and then began to speak.

All the land in Jiangzhong Commandery, including some wastelands, has already been put to use by your nephew, and with additional reclamation, my plan covers four hundred million mu of land.

"My idea is simple: on fifty million mu of land, we plant this rice that grows once a month—Yong Lai Wei. You just tasted it, Uncle(s), and its texture needs no description."

"The main point is the effect; it suits children and the elderly, but this is not the true Da Xia Dragon Rice."

"The genuine Da Xia Dragon Rice, barring any mishap, yields at least three times the effect; I can't detail the specifics, but threefold is the baseline."

On three hundred fifty million mu of land, the harvest per cycle is about one point seven billion shi of grain.

"Now, your nephew will implement a new policy: tax per mu instead of per head. From now on, taxes are levied per mu of land, with a uniform rate per mu."

"Moreover, all classes—scholars, farmers, merchants, artisans—are taxed uniformly at a one‑tenth rate; the local county office takes a tenth for basic development and livelihood projects."

One point seven billion shi of grain, harvested three times a year, totals five point one billion shi. After all expenses, it can be kept at four billion shi; a one‑tenth tax then yields four hundred million shi of grain.

"My idea is simple: food consumption is large—about half a jin per person per day. Including warhorses, weapons and other supplies, the average per person exceeds five jin."

"Each year, one‑third of the grain will be allocated to the Ministry of War, expanding the army to over ten million, preparing for Da Xia's future. Do you, Uncle(s), understand my intention?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke to this extent; how could anyone not know?

All the soldiers present were utterly shocked at that moment.

Their minds couldn't quite compute it, but a simple conversion showed it was a terrifying amount of military provisions.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty has four million elite soldiers; frankly, half of the state's tax revenue is consumed entirely by the Ministry of War.

Putting aside other issues, the Ministry of War is still poor; as they say, the civil side is poor while the military is rich. The army is a bottomless pit—you can pour in as much silver as you wish.

After all, the more you spend, the stronger the soldiers become; food and drink are paramount, as are warhorses, armor, weapons, and a host of other supplies.

The more money poured in, the higher the troops' combat power—everyone understands that, but how many dynasties can afford it?

It's not a question of willingness, but whether there is silver to spend.

Now that Gu Jin Nian has finished speaking, who doesn't grasp his meaning? To strengthen the Ministry of War?

This is no trivial matter.

Honestly, the generals understand that Da Xia's only chance to go to war is to retake the Twelve Cities, but those have already been reclaimed by Gu Jin Nian.

Thus generals are of little use; they merely need to maintain a certain military strength and the ability to suppress internal unrest.

From now on it will be the scholars' world, but after Gu Jin Nian's words, everyone understood that this Da Xia Dragon Rice could propel Da Xia's further development.

"Flatten the Xiongnu State!" If that happens, the generals' status won't decline; at least for the next fifty or sixty years, don't think it will be low.

"Marquis, do you mean this Da Xia Dragon Rice can enable our court to flatten the Xiongnu State?"

A soldier spoke up, unable to hold back, and asked thus.

"Not only can we flatten the Xiongnu, but if you generals can hold Jiangzhong Commandery, it will take only ten years to even seize the Fuyu Dynasty."

"Given time, unifying the Eastern Wilderness is not impossible; Uncle(s), consider that a single Jiangzhong Commandery can produce fifty million shi of grain annually."

"Let's not even discuss how much the populace can eat daily; even if they eat a lot, it's not bad—this grain makes the body even stronger, doesn't it?"

"Moreover, this is just one Jiangzhong Commandery; if the entire Da Xia Dynasty cultivated Da Xia Dragon Rice, could we unify the Eastern Wilderness?"

Gu Jin Nian stopped there, letting them think for themselves.

Indeed, having said all that, how could anyone present not understand?

In an instant, each soldier's breathing quickened, their eyes widened.

Unifying the Eastern Wilderness is a great cause for joy for them.

First, when the court wages war and expands territory, generals are inevitably needed, right? Once needed, their status won't decline.

Second, even setting aside the lofty goal of unifying the Eastern Wilderness, seizing the Xiongnu State is no small matter.

The Xiongnu State has more than ten tribes, meaning that if Da Xia truly flattens it, each tribe would represent a marquisate.

Soldiers must earn merit on the battlefield; otherwise promotion is too difficult.

Gu Jin Nian's words gave them hope.

They are not young now, but still relatively young in the Ministry of War—just over forty each—and even waiting another ten or twenty years would make them even more valuable.

If one day the Da Xia Dynasty attacks the Xiongnu State, that would be sheer joy for them.

Anyone who conquers a tribe can be ennobled with that tribe's name as a marquisate; that's the court's rule.

And who produced this Da Xia Dragon Rice? Gu Jin Nian did. Who is Gu Jin Nian's grandfather? The Duke of the State.

They are generals under the Duke of the State.

To put it bluntly, if there truly is a chance for ennoblement, does the Duke of the State grant it to other soldiers or to his own men? One could figure that out with a toe.

Thus, their breathing quickened, and each one became genuinely excited.

"Marquis, if we guard Jiangzhong Commandery well, can we truly go to war?"

Some of the soldiers were slightly simple‑hearted, and they rose to ask Gu Jin Nian this question.

"If you all can keep Jiangzhong County firmly under control, not to mention waging war— even if we don't go to war, the twenty‑four uncles present, my nephew can still manage to grant half of them a marquisate."

Gu Jin Nian answered decisively.

Granting a marquisate is no small matter; apart from achieving some extraordinary feats, it is generally impossible—usually the highest rank one can reach is a count.

But Gu Jin Nian was confident that if Jiangzhong County stayed stable, three to five years of stability would be enough.

Once it remains stable for three to five years, the Da Xia Dynasty's wealth would reach an extremely terrifying level.

At that point, two routes are entirely possible: either to dominate the entire Eastern Wilderness by force.

Or to impose economic sanctions on the Eastern Wilderness; whichever path is taken, the choice lies with the Da Xia Dynasty.

"We will steadfastly defend Jiangzhong County and sweep away all obstacles for the marquis!"

At that moment, the soldiers all stepped forward, knelt before Gu Jin Nian, and were extremely agitated.

"You needn't be so formal,"

Seeing them like this, Gu Jin Nian returned the courtesy slightly.

Lord Zhen Guo Gong, however, watched everything with a calm expression.

Since learning of Jiangzhong County's situation, Lord Zhen Guo Gong has spent each day pondering how to attack the Xiongnu Nation.

If he had to worry about anything, it would be whether Emperor Yong Sheng might go to great lengths to stop him from heading to the Xiongnu Nation, after all, Emperor Yong Sheng is also a warmonger.

He might even want to fight himself.

Thus.

Gu Jin Nian assigned several matters to the troops; the so‑called assignments were essentially to guard Jiangzhong County tightly, even though the seeds of Jiangzhong County are unsuitable for growth elsewhere.

Nevertheless, he did not wish to reveal Da Xia Dragon Rice so quickly.

As for the new policy, Gu Jin Nian earnestly explained it to the soldiers, stating that future tax collection in Jiangzhong County would be the Da Xia Dynasty's most important matter.

There is no exception.

Taxation elsewhere can be delayed or slowed; it doesn't matter as long as Jiangzhong County's revenue can be collected, everything else is negotiable.

The new policy of Tanding Into Mu is a lethal blow to aristocratic families.

Implementing it anywhere would be extremely difficult.

But Jiangzhong County happens to adapt; the Three Great Aristocratic Families have already been severely struck, and all officials dare not provoke him. At this critical moment, disaster relief is paramount; any other matters must submit.

Anyone who dares to defy him can start preparing their end.

Moreover, with military authority interfering, the policy can be forced onward, and public opinion is in his hands; a proper explanation will make the rollout simple.

When the Jiangzhong County policy rollout is complete and the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster ends, he can use this matter to inform all the people, letting them see Jiangzhong County's results.

Speaking with facts, the populace will naturally accept; as for the aristocrats and power brokers, Gu Jin Nian's thoughts are simple.

Whoever opposes, kill them.

Where is there so much nonsense?

Now is a tumultuous season; other matters can be set aside until these major issues are resolved.

Soon, the soldiers departed.

In the blink of an eye, two days passed.

During these two days, the whole Jiangzhong County was bustling, and the people smiled broadly one after another.

This Da Xia Dragon Rice exceeded their expectations; it can grow rice in a month, and the smiles on Jiangzhong County's people's faces have not waned since a month ago.

Because it was a pilot planting and many seeds elsewhere were destroyed, the first harvest mainly came from a few major prefectures; other prefectural towns still need about seven days for a bountiful yield.

Yet this celebration has already spread throughout Jiangzhong County.

Even at midnight, many people emit hearty laughter.

And this conduct, once it reached the outside world, turned into reports of myriad noises coming from Jiangzhong County at night—civil unrest had begun, but Da Xia soldiers suppressed it.

Thus no major incident erupted.

These rumors bear Gu Jin Nian's imprint; he deliberately had people mourn at the city gate, crying for the outside scouts to hear.

Today.

Noon.

The tribal elders of the Nineteen Counties gathered once more at the army's main camp.

Gu Jin Nian summoned these elders to inform everyone about the Tanding Into Mu policy.

Tanding Into Mu, simply put, is a land‑based tax calculation, though its explanation is cumbersome; Gu Jin Nian was very patient, showing no irritation, and explained gently to the elders.

If one explanation was insufficient, he gave a second, until the elders fully grasped the meaning and benefits of Tanding Into Mu, then he ceased speaking.

Within the army's main camp, hundreds of tribal elders from various regions were completely enlightened.

"Lord, I fully understand: henceforth, those with more fields pay more, those with fewer fields pay less—does that capture it?"

Someone summarized, saying as follows.

"Sir, you are correct; this new policy means that a household of eight with several hundred mu of fields pays more tax, whereas a household of three with ten mu pays less."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly.

"That's good."

"This is truly wonderful; if so, no one will be unable to pay the grain tax."

"Earn more, pay more; earn less, pay less—that's the principle, truly the principle."

The crowd spoke up, clapped and cheered, urging them to grasp what Tanding Into Mu truly means; it's difficult, but merely understanding the basic logic is already commendable.

"Moreover, from now on within Jiangzhong County, whether aristocrats or power brokers, their taxes will be treated equally."

"They will not be overcharged, nor will they be allowed to underpay." "Furthermore, elders, when you go back you must explain clearly, hoard silver; the Da Xia Dynasty will no longer lack grain, and later commercial trade will become the mainstream."

"One day, I will have the Emperor abolish the grain tax; then, one will sow as much grain as one wishes and take as much as one wishes."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his face resolute as he looked at the tribal elders and said.

The elders, upon hearing this, were each stunned in place.

Cancel the grain tax?

It sounds so unbelievable, doesn't it? For these peasants, the biggest worry is the levy, because each year after taking what they eat and a little surplus, almost everything left must be handed over.

But now, this Da Xia Dragon Rice has changed their future and a new policy is being implemented; the policy doesn't promise that everyone will become rich, but it does guarantee that no one will starve to death.

No one will have to sell their fields to pay the tax, after all, which family goes a whole year without any trouble?

Future generations need to take wives.

Someone falls gravely ill.

Or they get into some trouble that requires money to settle; such incidents happen to varying degrees, and when they occur, they can only sell their fields.

Without land, they can only become tenant farmers.

Now Gu Jin Nian not only implements the new policy but also says he will cancel the grain tax; in their eyes, Gu Jin Nian is a saint.

"Sir, you truly love the people as your own children; I, an old man, submit, I submit!"

"With officials like you, us common folk, this life is finally worthwhile."

"What a pity, if you had been born thirty years earlier, perhaps I could also enjoy the blessings."

"Please rest assured, sir; we old bones are already half a foot into the coffin. How the Jiangzhong County fares overall still depends on you, but for the small matters, once you give the word, we will do them—dirty work, heavy labor, we'll take; as long as you say it, we'll do it."

Everyone's eyes filled with hot tears; Gu Jin Nian, no matter the matter, always thinks on behalf of the common folk.

To be honest, even a heart of iron can be moved.

"Elders, please rise quickly."

"Today I summoned you not only to explain the new policy but also for another matter."

"If nothing unexpected occurs, in about ten days Gu will leave Jiangzhong County; Gu's grandfather will remain to guard the county."

"When I depart, I am still quite worried about possible changes; externally, we can rely on Da Xia's half‑million troops plus another hundred‑thousand iron cavalry to keep Jiangzhong County safe."

"Internally, it's not the soldiers we rely on but the tens of millions of citizens of Jiangzhong County, and you elders from various regions, virtuous and respected; Gu does not trust officials' words, but believes the elders."

"In earlier years, civil war raged nonstop; you elders suffered greatly. Gu cannot compensate, nor can he, and now he hopes the elders can think of future generations."

"If internal stability is achieved, we will no longer need the elders; should Jiangzhong County truly become stable and benefit the Da Xia Dynasty's countless people, you will surely be listed on the merit board for future generations to look up to."

Gu Jin Nian bowed once to the tribal elders.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian bow, the elders immediately returned the bow.

Soon after, the elders boarded carriages and rushed to the prefectures to spread the new policy.

After seeing the elders depart, Gu Jin Nian's gaze was utterly calm.

After this episode.

Jiangzhong County was then firmly settled.

Outside, half a million soldiers plus a hundred thousand iron cavalry guard it, and an old master leads many soldiers to garrison.

Inside, these elders control public opinion, stabilizing the internal situation.

Jiangzhong County will become completely peaceful.

The reason for waiting another ten days before leaving is that after ten days they will know exactly how much grain has been harvested.

Then I can finish the final arrangements and head to the next place.

The situation in Donglin County is worsening; King Qin has sent numerous military reports, not only about fire suppression but also other matters that require my handling.

If I do not go to Donglin County in person, it will be hard to resolve.

Ten days is nothing for Jiangzhong County.

But for Donglin County, each day is a torment.

Although he understands, Gu Jin Nian can only wait.

At this very moment.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Donglin County.

Donglin County, with the character "Lin" (forest) in its name, immediately conveys that the area is lush with trees.

Indeed, Donglin County has little of everything; compared with Jiangzhong County's desolation, Donglin appears extremely verdant, with valleys and jungles thriving.

Yet at this moment, the whole of Donglin County is truly blood‑red; the sky above is crimson, reflecting across hundreds of miles of rivers and mountains.

The Donglin mountain range still has three fire spots; there were five before, and thanks to Da Xia soldiers, the locals, and many rain‑summoning talismans, two have been extinguished.

But the remaining four are almost beyond help.

King Qin is not incompetent; he immediately ordered the soldiers to fell trees and create fire‑free zones, but the area is riddled with valleys, making it hard to block the flames.

Moreover, the region is so vast that even two hundred thousand soldiers cannot clear a fire‑free zone in a single day.

And the fire is fiercer than a tiger; if the wind shifts, the soldiers fighting the blaze will turn to ash.

The only solution is to wait until the wildfire reaches beyond the valleys before it can be effectively stopped, but the biggest trouble is the wind direction.

If you guess the wind correctly, it's fine; if not, the trouble is huge.

The wind changes on a whim, beyond human control.

"Water source! Find a water source quickly!"

"Water, we need water here."

"We can't hold, hurry up, or we'll be too late."

An elite unit of five hundred men shouted in the forest; they were cutting trees in the area, but when the wind shifted, the wildfire surged toward them.

They didn't notice at first that the fire was sweeping in, burning at an almost hopeless speed.

The five hundred men's eyes were filled with despair.

"Quick, dig the pit."

In the end, the leading Hundred Household shouted, ordering all the soldiers to dig pits at once; they are warriors, buried in the pits, using martial Qi, they can barely hold on for a while.

There is a chance of survival.

Thus, five hundred men dug five large pits as fast as possible, but by then they already felt the intensely scorching flames.

The temperature wasn't especially high, but the wind blowing made it hard for them to breathe.

"It's already too late!"

"Those who can live, live."

The Hundred Household shouted, ordering people to jump straight into the pits, one after another.

In less than half a quarter‑hour, the blaze struck, like a fire dragon devouring the place whole.

"Ah!!"

A horribly piercing scream rang out; the Hundred Household pressed on the pit, and over two hundred soldiers hadn't entered the pit at all—they were burned alive by the raging fire, and it wasn't an instant death.

Instead, they suffered terrifying fire‑scorching, their bodies contorting in pain, rolling on the ground, and it took a full minute before they finally breathed their last.

Such incidents are no longer isolated in Donglin County; they happen daily.

Two hundred li away.

Qin King stood in the air, watching the mountain fire; he could hear the soldiers' screams at his ears, his face turning as grim as possible.

At that moment, voices rose from below.

"Report! Heaven Feather Army, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Company, three hundred soldiers died in the mountain fire, no survivors."

"Report! Heaven Feather Army, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Company, two hundred forty soldiers died in the mountain fire, thirty seriously wounded, thirty lightly wounded."

"Report! Mountain Chief Army, 5th Battalion, 9th Company, five hundred soldiers died in the mountain fire, no survivors."

"Your Highness Qin King, the eastern mountain fire has been contained, but the north‑south fires remain fierce; should we withdraw troops?"

As more voices sounded.

Qin King's expression grew even more grim.

"Do not retreat!"

"Add another five thousand elite, rush to the north and south, and control the flames."

Qin King's voice rang out, resolute.

"Prince, even if we send another five thousand, the north‑south flames may still be uncontrollable; the wind is now north‑south, and a strong gust could cause disaster."

A soldier spoke; he was Qin King's confidant.

"Even at the cost of lives, give me control of the fire; if the eastern and southern mountain fires merge, Donglin County will have no chance to turn the situation."

Qin King wore a cold expression.

It wasn't that he was heartless; it was because Donglin County currently had three fire hotspots.

One spot was tolerable, in the far west; though the flames were the fiercest there, at least it hadn't caused major damage.

However, the eastern and southern fire clusters were the most terrifying; due to the wind direction, the two plumes could easily merge.

If they merge, Donglin County would truly be beyond rescue.

The civilians of Donglin County couldn't escape at all, because most towns lay within the mountains; even if some migrated, where could they settle? Donglin County has a full fifty million people—so many homeless, it is a cataclysmic disaster.

Therefore, the two fire plumes must never merge.

"Prince!"

"It truly can't, in less than two months, brothers have suffered over ten thousand casualties; if this continues,"

The confidant knelt, crying and pleading for Qin King to order a retreat.

"The command is as solid as a mountain!"

"Dispatch another five thousand elite troops."

"Tell them, hold the position to the death; the way to survive is to block the flames."

Qin King roared.

He knew the soldiers were sacrificing, but he knew even more that without these sacrifices, more would die, civilians would be displaced, and for the Da Xia Dynasty it would be an even greater disaster.

"Yes!"

The latter shed tears, but gritted his teeth and rushed south to issue the order.

Soon, another voice sounded.

"Report!"

"Prince, the Immortal Sect still refuses to grant Rain‑calling Talismans; please decide, Your Highness."

As that voice rang out.

Qin King's teeth were about to be crushed.

"Five! I only need five Rain‑calling Talismans; as long as we can keep the mountain fire from merging, that's enough!"

"Why won't they give the five Rain‑calling Talismans?"

"Did you convey my words to the Immortal Sect?"

Qin King was so angry he spat blood; initially the Da Xia Dynasty petitioned the Immortal Sect for Rain‑calling Talismans, and various Immortal Sects handed over a few, but they hadn't expected the fire to be so fierce, so they considered asking for more.

But they didn't expect the Immortal Sect, one after another, to be cold and ruthless, giving not a single sheet.

If there were even one Rain‑calling Talisman, it could stably control part of the fire; extinguishing is hard, but at least the flames would stay within control, giving the soldiers a chance and reducing casualties.

Yet the Immortal Sect was extremely ruthless; how could that not enrage him? "Your Highness, we have said all we need to say; whether threat or request, the Immortal Sect remains indifferent, even claiming they previously gave Rain‑calling Talismans, which already counts as meddling in worldly affairs; if we give more, it would entangle us in karma."

The latter spoke, informing Qin King of the Immortal Sect's stance.

"These damn dogs are nothing but seeing Da Xia at a disadvantage and wanting to watch the fire from the other shore."

"Karma? I don't give a damn; if you're truly afraid of karma, crawl back into the mountains and never come out again."

King Qin raged.

He was truly furious now; a great number of soldiers had perished in the fire—could he not feel sorrow? Moreover, under the flames, not only the soldiers were burned alive, but also some civilians who could not escape were engulfed by the fire.

These are all sins.

"Prince, the Buddhist sect is willing to intervene, saying they can pray for rain using their merit, but they require your agreement to settle within the Da Xia Dynasty. Prince, shall you meet a representative of the Buddhist sect?"

At that moment, a figure appeared—still the Qin King's confidant—who reported the matter to the king and asked whether he should arrange a meeting.

"The Buddhist sect?"

"Send them away. My brothers despise the Buddhist sect the most; how dare they still have the nerve to come looking for me?"

"Planning to loot amid the fire? To perform rites for the Xiongnu kingdom—people like that have any face?"

King Qin raged.

Upon hearing "Buddhist sect," he instinctively recoiled, not for any other reason but because Gu Jin Nian despised the Buddhist sect.

"Prince, given the circumstances, we should meet. At present, the Buddhist sect truly is our last hope; if this continues, even if the Donglin County fire is contained, we may still have to sacrifice twenty to thirty thousand brothers."

"Later, the Crown Prince's faction will inevitably criticize you, Prince. The disaster in Longxi County has stabilized, and His Majesty is greatly pleased. But if His Majesty learns that so many have died here, he may form an opinion against you, Prince."

A confidant, weeping mournfully, spoke, essentially reminding the king.

"No meeting!"

"As long as we hold out until Jin Nian arrives, there will be no problem."

King Qin clenched his teeth; he cared little for such details. The Buddhist sect coming to aid the disaster would inevitably have ulterior motives, their scheming even larger.

The immediate crisis was resolved, but the lingering trouble would be endless; he was not foolish and would not be duped.

For a moment, the soldiers fell silent, unsure of what to say.

Staring at the terrifying forest fire, to be frank, they truly had no confidence; even if Gu Jin Nian arrived, what could be done?

Thus.

Time passed bit by bit.

In the blink of an eye, seven days passed.

King Qin's luck was still decent; in Donglin County, the two southeastern forest fires, despite the loss of 3,400 lives, did not merge, chiefly because the wind direction changed.

The two fire fronts, initially a hundred li apart, are now only about thirty li apart.

In other words, if the wind shifts again, within half a day the two fires will completely merge into one.

Thus, King Qin wrote nine letters in succession, almost crying to implore Gu Jin Nian to come quickly.

He truly could not endure any longer.

This task truly is beyond what a mortal can handle.

And just after the letters were dispatched, within the main camp of Donglin County—

a middle-aged monk, clutching a string of jade prayer beads, entered the camp.

He was a high monk of the Buddhist sect.

He had come three times in these seven days, each time denied an audience by King Qin, but this time the king had no choice but to meet.

The high monk of the Buddhist sect arrived and spoke very directly, without beating around the bush.

The Immortal Sect does not provide rain‑summoning talismans; the Buddhist sect actually has no such talismans either, yet they can employ the Buddhist sect's merit to pray for rain.

Upon hearing about using merit to pray for rain, King Qin immediately thought of Gu Jin Nian's twelve great vows.

However, the other party seemed to see through the king's thought at a glance.

He could not help but speak slowly, saying,

"Prince, although the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate also possesses Buddhist merit, the merit from his twelve great vows has only yielded a single bout of qi luck for the Buddhist sect, which cannot turn into wind and rain to resolve Donglin County's disaster."

"Furthermore, even if it existed, allow this poor monk to speak plainly: the rain the Marquis seeks can only extinguish the fire, yet Donglin County is already scorched and scarred; how can the vengeful souls of soldiers and civilians be quenched? And how can the countless resentful spirits of the forest's beasts be pacified?"

"The Immortal Sect does not intervene, not because they watch the fire from afar, but because the most terrifying aspect of solving the fire is these vengeful souls."

"Only the Buddhist sect can resolve the disaster of Donglin County."

"No one in the world can achieve it."

"Even if the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate were to make twenty‑four great vows, the resulting merit would be useless; only the first vow can garner immeasurable merit. Subsequent vows are not accepted by heaven and earth, and even if they are, they do not bestow abundant merit."

"If the Prince does not believe, you may consult others."

"The Buddhist sect truly cannot bear the people's suffering; we ask you, Prince, to make a decision for all living under heaven."

The high monk spoke, leaving the king virtually no choice; each sentence blocked the king's fantasies.

Yet even so.

In the end, King Qin still did not agree; he would wait.

Waiting for Gu Jin Nian to arrive! The Buddhist sect's scheming is far more terrifying than the fire itself; had the conditions been different, he could have agreed.

To settle within Da Xia.

This.

Absolutely impossible.

Two days later.

Finally, Jiangzhong County also fully concluded its first harvest.

(End of chapter)