Chapter 196: Promotion

With the completion of this census, the number of subjects under Luoning's rule reached over 14,000, meeting the requirements of 5,000 and 10,000 people for the second and third tiers of the 【Population Prosperity】 achievement.

Just like the previous time he completed the 【Wealthy】 achievement twice at once, Luoning received two rewards simultaneously this time as well.

As the two lines of prompt text disappeared from his sight, Luoning's Attribute Points and Energy Essence increased by 250 and 500 points, respectively.

He did not immediately check his Attribute Panel, but instead carefully flipped through the parchment in his hand, reading the statistics that had been gathered.

Looking at the population structure, Zhaoze Town and Shanlin Town shared commonalities—the population over fifty years old accounted for less than 5%, while the population under thirty accounted for nearly 60%.

From this, it can be seen that the population situation in Zhaoze Town is still very healthy and full of vitality.

I believe that as long as there is sufficient food security and further encouragement of childbirth, the population here should be able to grow.

Additionally, looking at the status and occupations of the subjects, there are not many serfs in Zhaoze Town; the vast majority are Free Tenant Farmers, and the remainder are Free Citizens.

However, regardless of their status, living here means they are dependent on the lord. Among this group, there are those who farm, those who herd, those who hunt, and so on—a great variety.

With a larger population, there are naturally more people who understand carpentry and masonry.

"Wilson, there are a few things that need you to do."

Wilson sat up straight, "My Lord, please speak; your subordinate will certainly do my best!"

"First, for those who know carpentry, you need to coordinate and assign them to the Ironwood Workshop to speed up the production of ironwood weapons and armor. The order for Wushan Castle is due in three months, and I do not want the deadline to be delayed."

"Secondly, these masons must also be put to use. Shanlin Town, Huitu Village, and Black Earth Village will be the key areas for future development. As more and more people go there, building more residences is very necessary."

"Finally, there are those who know how to work with clay; transfer a portion of them to Jim. The Ceramic Workshop is a key focus for future development. Additionally, the Blacksmiths must also be integrated. Wubei Territory has a lot of arable land waiting for us to reclaim, and the production of Curved Plows and farm tools must be accelerated."

With more people, only by concentrating efforts can greater strength be exerted.

Wilson noted these matters down one by one. Thinking about having to make these people leave the homes they had lived in for years, he felt a bit troubled: "My Lord, what if these people are not very willing to go to Shanlin Town or other villages?"

Luoning raised an eyebrow, "I am not only paying them wages but also arranging their food and lodging; what is there for them to be unwilling about? Tell them that as long as they work for me wholeheartedly, I will reward them with land."

A serf who works hard for Luoning for ten years can receive ten mu of land; this was an incentive policy set previously, and it remains applicable here.

Moreover, speaking of Zhaoze Town, there is a lack of arable land here, so the importance of land to the subjects is self-evident.

Now that the lord is providing them with a way to obtain land, this is an excellent thing for them.

Wilson nodded quickly, "They will surely be grateful for your benevolence, My Lord."

Benevolence, actually, it doesn't quite count as that; it is just giving these people a goal to strive toward.

After all, even if the land is eventually distributed, the property rights still belong to Luoning. The only difference is that the farmers can farm freely on this land while paying a smaller portion of grain in taxes.

"Spring plowing is almost here."

Luoning looked at Wilson and his five Assistants, beginning to arrange the spring plowing plan.

First, the more than 60,000 mu of land in Zhaoze Town must all be planted this time. Before sowing, it must be ensured that peat is extracted to supplement the fertility of the fields.

Fertilizing tens of thousands of mu of land is a massive project. By then, I am afraid that apart from those involved in herding and animal husbandry, all other labor will be invested in it.

However, for Luoning, whether Wubei Territory can be self-sufficient in food this year depends on this spring plowing; no matter how much manpower is invested, it is worth it.

After the spring plowing comes land reclamation. Luoning plans to divide Zhaoze Town into several villages as well, forming reclamation teams with the villages as units.

Ultimately, rewards will be given to villages and individuals with outstanding performance based on the results of the reclaimed land; only in this way can the enthusiasm of the subjects to develop the territory be further enhanced.

"Wilson, do you still remember the matter of 'Administrative Chief' I mentioned to you last time?"

Wilson's breathing hitched, and then it became somewhat rapid.

He clearly remembered that the Lord had once said that after the administration of the northern savage tribes was handled and an Administrator was appointed, he would be appointed as "Administrative Chief."

It is just that the situation is different now; the Lord's territory now not only includes all the savage tribes but also has an additional Zhaoze Town.

At this thought, Wilson's gaze became somewhat eager.

Luoning smiled and said: "Congratulations, Wilson. From now on, you are the Administrative Chief of Wubei Territory."

Ever since he became an Administrator, Wilson had not necessarily done his work perfectly, but at least he had met Luoning's requirements.

Moreover, as he became more proficient in handling administrative affairs, he not only did not slack off but instead performed very actively.

This attitude is worthy of recognition.

Since his attitude is very good and his ability meets the requirements, there is no problem with promoting Wilson.

"Thank you, My Lord!"

Wilson was so moved that he wept with joy, quickly kneeling on one knee to express his loyalty.

From Administrator to Administrative Chief, the fivefold increase in salary is secondary; the main thing is that he has been recognized, which indicates that he can advance further in the future.

His experience immediately drew the envy of the five Assistants. Their superior, their master, had been promoted; when would it be their turn?

Luoning smiled slightly; promoting people is naturally to motivate them.

He said to the five Assistants: "After Wilson becomes the Administrative Chief, the positions of Administrator in Shanlin Town, Zhaoze Town, and other villages will become vacant; this is your opportunity."

The Assistants' moods immediately became excited; this was indeed an opportunity for them.

And in the future, when Wubei Territory grows larger and stronger, possessing several small towns with populations like Zhaoze Town, Luoning will still need to appoint officials for commerce, taxation, finance, and so on.

This emerging land is full of opportunities; it just depends on whether these young Assistants can seize them.

Next, Luoning continued to convey to Wilson and the others the subsequent coordination to promote spring plowing and land reclamation.

"Alright, that's all for today. If there is anything, you can come to find me at any time."

Luoning waved his hand to dismiss them, and while picking up the parchment at his side, he said: "Additionally, have this person named 'Pi'er-sen' come to see me tomorrow morning."

Written on the parchment was: Pi'er-sen, leader of the Zhaoze Town Caravan.

Luoning can indeed use the Tieti Family's Caravan from Muma City to sell ironwood weapons, and even silk and porcelain later on.

But this does not mean that he does not need to form his own caravan.

On the contrary, once the commerce of Wubei Territory really gets going in the future, having his own caravan will be very necessary.

To form a caravan, one naturally needs to find people who understand business; it is too impractical to randomly find a farmer who only knows how to farm to sell things. If things go wrong, he might lose the capital and end up hawking for others.

Shanlin Town does not have such a candidate, but Pi'er-sen from Zhaoze Town fits Luoning's requirements very well.

As long as Pi'er-sen has the ability and is willing to work for Luoning, it is irrelevant even if the caravan he led once served Leisen.

Merchants, after all, pursue profit as their fundamental goal. (End of chapter)