Chapter 288

In Beijiang on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the accumulated snow had not yet melted.

The Ming Army had finally established a firm foothold in Beijiang. Although they had not yet unified Beijiang, this was only a matter of time.

Jiang Jinshi summoned all his subordinates, intending to plan the future development of the Ming Army.

Even Luo Feng and Han Xiao, who were far away at the border, were called back by Jiang Jinshi. This time, Wei Xikang and Yan Wu were also among them.

"Everyone, speak freely. This concerns the future development of our Ming Army. If you have any ideas, feel free to bring them up!"

Once these words were spoken, everyone present remained silent, all thinking carefully about how to answer.

The military generals thought about the Ming Army's expansion of territory, while the literati thought about how to clean up the mess in Beijiang.

Seeing no one speaking, Feng Chunsheng coughed twice. "Since that's the case, let this old man speak first!"

Everyone's eyes gathered on Feng Chunsheng. He organized his thoughts and said: "There are many refugees now, how should they be resettled?"

"Let them return to Dingbei Jun! Such a large commandery cannot be without vitality, and that is also their home. I think they are willing to go back!" Jiang Jinshi answered.

Wei Xikang smiled and shook his head. "Feng Lao's meaning is, once the refugees return to Dingbei Jun, how should they be settled next! After all, Dingbei Jun has nothing now, this matter still needs a charter!"

Xiao Chunqiu nodded: "That's right! Now spring plowing is approaching, and Beijiang has had a severe drought for three consecutive years, the land is barren, even if there are seeds, it's hard to have a harvest."

This was indeed a problem for Beijiang. Although after spring plowing arrives, the snow mountains in the north melt and gather into rivers, there is no shortage of water in the short term.

These snow waters flow along the riverbed to the entire Beijiang, which becomes the source of life for Beijiang.

But once summer arrives, there is no rain for the whole summer, and the planted crops can only wither in the fields. If it cycles repeatedly, the people of Beijiang will never be able to live a prosperous life.

Jiang Jinshi thought about this problem carefully, then asked Feng Chunsheng: "How many refugees are there?"

Feng Chunsheng spread out the roster, clearly prepared. "Fifteen thousand refugees, only five thousand are strong and able to work, the rest are old, weak, women, and children."

This number made everyone silent. They all knew in their hearts that if the Ming Army hadn't been helping the refugees all along, it would be good if five thousand of these fifteen thousand refugees remained by now.

Wei Xikang's expression was somewhat dim. "Dingbei Jun once had sixty thousand households, about three hundred thousand people, but now only half remain!"

The number of households in each commandery is naturally different. Like the Shuo Fang Jun in history, it once had one hundred and thirty thousand households, about six hundred and seventy thousand people.

But because Dingbei Jun is close to the border, the number of people is smaller than other commanderies.

Guangwu Jun has seventy-five thousand households, while Shuo Fang Jun, close to Guansong Ridge, has eighty-five thousand households. In comparison, Dingbei Jun is indeed much smaller.

Feng Chunsheng continued: "Among these fifteen thousand refugees, orphans account for a significant proportion. Without the help of the Ming Army, they wouldn't have survived!"

The scene was silent.

"I have three countermeasures." Jiang Jinshi stood up and walked to the map of Beijiang. "First, work-for-relief. Repair the cities destroyed by the Xiongnu, dredge river channels, and build water canals. Those who participate in labor will be given food daily."

"Isn't this what we have been doing?" Feng Chunsheng was puzzled.

"Add some water conservancy projects. How long have these river channels in Beijiang not been repaired?" Jiang Jinshi pointed to the map. "Beijiang's geographical location is special. The rainfall is indeed less than in the Jiangnan region. We can only try our best to solve these problems by diverting water!"

Wei Xikang narrowed his eyes and observed carefully. "This is not a small job!"

"It will indeed waste some manpower and financial resources, but this is a matter that will benefit for generations, so it must be done!" Jiang Jinshi continued firmly. "Next, the second point: reclaim wasteland and distribute land. For all refugees, distribute wasteland according to the population of each household, exempt from taxes for the first three years, and we will provide seeds and farm tools."

Xiao Chunqiu hesitated: "Commander, the land in Beijiang is barren, ordinary seeds have a meager harvest, and there is a severe drought ahead, I'm afraid it's hard to have a harvest!!"

This problem is not only a refugee problem but also a Beijiang problem.

Facing such a situation, Wei Xikang, as the former Crown Prince, had to admit that if he had no way, he could only constantly spend money for disaster relief and transport grain from the south.

This is also the reason why the Imperial Court abandoned Beijiang; the cost of taking care of Beijiang's needs is too great!

Jiang Jinshi smiled confidently: "I have a way for the seeds!"

Li Xinyue's mall system has various types of seeds, including potatoes, cassava, etc., and even drought-resistant wheat seeds.

These have been improved and cultivated in modern times, with higher yields and better drought resistance.

"I plan to divide the area and lead everyone to plant some good things!"

"What good things?" Wei Xikang was curious.

Jiang Jinshi prepared to sell a pass first. "You'll know when the time comes. These are good things that can make the people rich!"

Since Jiang Jinshi didn't say, everyone could only believe him for the time being.

Mainly because Jiang Jinshi hadn't farmed before and didn't know if these things would work. If he said it now, everyone would definitely ask, and if it didn't work, he was afraid everyone would be disappointed.

"Then what is the third countermeasure?" Xiao Chunqiu asked.

Jiang Jinshi looked at Wei Xikang. "The third one is to establish an academy, recruit children among the refugees to enroll, provide food and housing, and teach them to read and write and practical skills."

"Good! This works!" Wei Xikang clapped his table in approval.

"The academy has been under construction, it is estimated that it will be finished in two months!" The academy Jiang Jinshi built was not small, after all, it had to accommodate so many students.

"That's great!" Feng Chunsheng stroked his goatee.

"Did not so many people freeze to death this winter?" Jiang Jinshi looked at Feng Chunsheng.

Feng Chunsheng laughed heartily: "The poisonous stone the commander gave really handled it well. The people spontaneously built kangs or stoves. As long as the smoke can be discharged, they really won't be poisoned!"

"In previous years, I don't know how much firewood was burned!" Xiao Chunqiu sighed.

"Yes! This year, the people of our Beijiang have finally spent a warm New Year!" Speaking of this, Feng Chunsheng's eyes were somewhat moist. This was a scene he had pursued for many years!

Seeing that the "civil officials" had nothing to say, Luo Feng stood up and said: "Commander, what about the remaining two commanderies?"

"What are your thoughts?" Jiang Jinshi asked back.

"I think, if we want the people of Beijiang to live such a life, our strength must be used in one place, and naturally, there is no need for other voices." Luo Feng's intention was obvious.

Jiang Ze stood up and echoed: "That's right! Just take what everyone said just now, for example, repairing water conservancy, we can't just repair the four commanderies and ignore the other two, right?"

Wei Xikang frowned tightly: "How can the generals of these two commanderies be so unreasonable? Why not send someone to kill them!"

"Seconded!" Feng Chunsheng nodded.

"Seconded!!" Xiao Chunqiu bowed.

Jiang Jinshi's mouth twitched. What is this? The civil officials feel the military generals are too conservative and not aggressive enough?