Chapter 178: Stage Summary

Inside the main hall of the Luo Chuan Defense Commissioner's mansion, the atmosphere was solemn yet faintly carried a hint of excitement.

Under Chen Wen's command, the core team—Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, Zhao Lao Nian, and others—were all present.

A huge map of the three counties hung in the center of the hall.

It was marked with small flags and symbols of different colors.

It clearly showed the current status of key points such as agricultural zones, workshop zones, barracks, granaries, and water conservancy facilities.

This was the quarterly regular meeting set by Chen Wen, aiming to review the achievements since the implementation of the 'Deep Roots and Firm Foundation' strategy.

And to plan the next steps.

As the person in charge of civil affairs and logistics, Zhang Cheng stood up first.

Holding a thick stack of registers, his voice was loud and filled with uncontainable joy.

"My lord, everyone! Since the lord devised the strategy and fully pushed forward the 'Deep Roots and Firm Foundation' policy, our three counties have undergone tremendous change!"

He walked to the map, his finger sweeping over the large areas of Luo Chuan, Thus entries: Thus entries: Anping, and Lin He.

"In agricultural affairs, thanks to the lord's strength, we have constructed seventeen waterworks large and small since last winter and this spring, and reclaimed forty-eight thousand plus mu of new farmland."

"Spring plowing and summer weeding have followed the seasons, and moreover... uh, the weather has been favorable,"

He vaguely brushed over the effect of Ability Granting, but everyone present understood tacitly.

"Now the summer grain prospects are excellent; according to estimates by elderly farmers in each township, if no major disaster occurs, this summer's harvest will increase by at least fifty percent compared to the same period last year!"

"The various charitable granaries and ever-normal granaries are already more than half full; the stored grain is enough to sustain the military and civilians of the three counties for over a year and a half, with surplus to accommodate refugees!"

A low murmur of praise rose within the hall.

In these troubled times, grain is the lifeline, the foundation and source of strength.

Zhang Cheng continued.

"The workshop reforms have shown particularly notable results. Zhao Lao Nian, you go ahead and speak."

Zhao Lao Nian rose somewhat nervously, rubbing his hands full of old calluses, his face flushed.

"Report... report, my lord, and all officials."

"The artisan workshop is now divided into three grades—A, B, and C—each responsible for its duties."

"Under... under that 'special care',"

He carefully avoided the sensitive term.

"The Jia workshop can now steadily produce Cold-forged Wart Armor, with a monthly output of up to fifty sets!"

"The Yi workshop specializes in divine crossbows, producing thirty bows and a thousand bolts per month."

"The Bing workshop handles weapon maintenance, agricultural tool forging, and everyday utensils."

"The new water blast has been put into use, greatly increasing the efficiency of iron smelting."

"Moreover... moreover, the 'gunpowder' concocted by that kid Lei Huo."

"Although still not fit for major use, its noise is considerable and could be used to disturb enemy formations."

Shi Dun's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he couldn't help but interject:

"Great! With these armors and bows, our Jing'an Army's lads are now even more formidable!"

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, signaling Zhao Lao Nian to sit down, and turned his gaze to Qian Gui.

Qian Gui immediately rose to his feet, his expression returning to its usual sharp and capable demeanor.

"My lord, regarding the Inspection Bureau, we have preliminarily established an investigation network covering the three counties and surrounding key routes."

"We have engaged in intelligence exchanges with Zhao Kuangyin and the Iron Crow Army, each side having its wins and losses."

"But thanks to terrain and popular support, we hold a slight edge, having successfully thwarted several of their infiltration attempts and even planted some of our own agents in return."

"Furthermore, every move of Supervisor Guard Jun and his retinue is under our control."

"His recent secret correspondence with Bian Liang mostly consists of complaints that we are 'impervious to water'."

"And accusations that the lord's authority is growing daily, though there have been no substantive destructive actions yet."

Wang Ru then reported on administration and people's livelihood.

"The three counties' officials, after the previous rectification and... and diligent duty, have seen a great increase in efficiency; the implementation of the Examination Law has proceeded smoothly, and administration has become clear."

"From last year to now, we have taken in and settled over eight thousand households of refugees from various places, all registered as citizens and granted land and homes."

"The market thrives, commercial tax revenue has increased by forty percent year-on-year, and elementary schools have grown to seventeen."

"Although they only learn basic literacy and arithmetic, this is still a great benevolent policy, and public sentiment is more united."

Finally, Shi Dun spoke on behalf of the military, his voice like a great bell.

"The Jing'an Army currently has six thousand combat troops and three thousand support troops, all training completed, equipment excellent, morale high!"

"Especially after the battle at Gray Wolf Pass, the lads' confidence has doubled!"

"The newly organized eight hundred cavalry have preliminarily taken shape. Should war arise, I, as the subordinate general, dare to issue a military pledge and will surely serve as the lord's vanguard to break enemy formations!"

Hearing these solid reports one after another, Chen Wen's steady face finally showed a hint of relieved smile.

He looked over everyone, spoke slowly, his voice not loud but clearly reaching each person's ears.

"You have all worked hard. In such a short time, achieving this situation is thanks to everyone's united effort, and also to the three counties' military and civilians who have endured hardship and toiled diligently."

He rose, walked to the map, his gaze deep.

"Now, the three counties' granaries are gradually filling, armaments gradually improving, administration gradually clearing, and public sentiment gradually aligning."

"This is the foundation for our foothold in troubled times, and also the confidence to face any future changes!"

He paused for a moment, his tone turning grave.

"However, the external storms, you all know. The lord's health is worrying, Bian Liang's suspicions deepen day by day, Zhao Kuangyin eyes us like a tiger, and the northern barbarians lie in wait."

"We may appear prosperous like brocade, but in reality we tread on thin ice."

"Today's summary is not for self-congratulation, but to see clearly where we stand, how many chips we hold, and what obstacles lie ahead."

Chen Wen turned his body, his gaze sweeping over the faces of each core member.

The 'Deep Roots and Solid Foundation' strategy must not be shaken! No matter how the outside world shifts, only by being strong oneself is it a hard truth.

The next step……

Chen Wen said in a deep voice.

Agricultural policy requires selecting fine seeds and promoting more intensive farming methods;

Workshops, while ensuring military equipment, must focus on improving farm tools and raising the quality of civilian goods;

Official administration requires constant assessment and diligent selection of capable officials; military preparedness demands training never relax for a day, especially drills for coordination among all troop types;

Intelligence must continue to extend outward, focusing on monitoring Bian Liang's movements and the core intentions of the Iron Crow Army;

"Yes!" everyone replied in unison, morale high.

After the meeting ended, everyone went their separate ways, their faces bearing a heavy responsibility and high-spirited fighting spirit.

Chen Wen remained alone in the hall, hands behind his back, standing before the map.

He looked at the area representing the three counties, now teeming with life.

Compared to the surroundings, it was like a utopia beyond the world.

A sense of solidity and control, unprecedented, arose spontaneously in his heart.

This was no longer a castle in the air, but a foundation he had truly built.

He remembered Chai Rong's kindness in recognizing his talent, but the duty to protect this foundation and the myriad beings relying on it.

It was equally as weighty as Mount Tai.

If the situation remains stable, he wishes to be a Zhou minister, assist a wise lord, and pacify Zhongyuan.

If trouble arises from within, the great hall will collapse…… then.

For this fertile land he built with his own hands, for the soldiers and civilians who trust him.

He too must possess sufficient strength to uphold a sky.

Even… to contend for the great trend capable of determining the fate of heaven and earth!

His gaze swept past the three counties toward the wider world, his eyes firm and steady.

The foundation has been initially consolidated; it is time to make more thorough preparations for fiercer storms.

Growth Progress Bar, under the catalysis of consolidating this phase's achievements and a shift in mindset, quietly rose to 15%.