Chapter 115

The next day, Gong Xiaohua, along with a few others, went to the County Magistrate's residence.

"Sir, the commander of the army over there has come with his men, saying that there is an important matter to discuss," the magistrate's attendant reported.

"Oh, please bring them in quickly."

"Yes."

After a while, Gong Xiaohua, Li Zichen, Captain Chen from the infantry battalion, and several guards who followed behind them were all invited in.

Captain Chen had spent seven or eight years with General He at the border and had visited the County Magistrate's residence a few times before, so he had some acquaintance with the magistrate.

"Greetings, County Magistrate," Captain Chen said.

The magistrate looked at the person standing in the front. Although he was young, his heroic and imposing aura overshadowed everyone else around him, making it impossible to underestimate him.

This person should be the commander who bravely stepped forward in the face of danger and defeated the Wei Army. He's so young.

Shock, doubt, and a strong impact assaulted the magistrate's mind. Which prominent family in the capital city has produced such an outstanding successor? It's simply unbelievable.

Has the capital city's various prominent families already become so competitive, even after being away from the capital for many years?

"Sir?" The attendant on the side quietly reminded the magistrate, who had been lost in thought.

Only then did the magistrate realize that he had lost his composure and coughed apologetically.

Seeing this, Captain Chen quickly stepped forward to ease the awkwardness and introduced, "County Magistrate, this is our army's commander."

"The commander's prestige is well-known, and I have long wanted to pay my respects. To meet you in person today is truly awe-inspiring," the magistrate said.

"County Magistrate, you are too kind. We apologize for the intrusion today and hope for your understanding," the commander replied.

"You are too modest, commander. Please have a seat, everyone."

After everyone had taken their seats,

"This battle was saved from disaster by the commander's efforts, which spared the lives of the people in Xushan," the magistrate said.

"I did what I could, it's nothing worth mentioning." "The commander is too modest. May I ask why the commander and the others have come today?" the magistrate asked.

"We have come to borrow 5,000 sets of farming tools and 7,000 stones of food provisions from you, sir," the commander replied.

The magistrate and his attendant exchanged glances. It was their first meeting, and the commander was making an audacious request as if he didn't regard them as outsiders.

"Commander, I can understand borrowing food provisions, but borrowing farming tools, I'm ignorant about their purpose," the magistrate said.

"They will be used for reclaiming land."

"Reclaiming land?" This sounded even more puzzling. Were they sending the army to reclaim land?

Seeing that the commander was sparing with words, Captain Chen explained, "It's like this, County Magistrate. As you know, we were at war with Dawei recently and captured 5,000 enemy soldiers. This has caused a shortage of food supplies in the army. Our commander thought of sending these 5,000 people to reclaim land and grow crops."

"As for the location of the reclamation, we plan to choose the desolate land outside the eastern city, to the south. Would that be feasible?"

"Letting the prisoners reclaim land and grow crops? That's a good thing. Borrowing 5,000 sets of farming tools shouldn't be a problem," the magistrate said.

"Thank you so much, County Magistrate," Captain Chen quickly replied, fearing that the magistrate might change his mind.

"But before you thank me, I have an unexpected request," Gong Xiaohua said.

"Please go ahead," the magistrate said.

"General, as you know, the five thousand war prisoners from Wei Country will be redeemed by the enemy state. Afterward, if nobody takes care of this land, it will fall into neglect once again. So, can this land be assigned to me, the county magistrate, for management? Of course, the seven thousand stones of grain and fodder borrowed can serve as compensation without the need for repayment."

Captain Chen was not mistaken; the county magistrate was indeed a shrewd individual.

"I apologize, sir, but this uncultivated land will be taken care of by soldiers of the army," Gong Xiaohua said.

"General, what does this mean?"

"I have already submitted a proposal to His Majesty, suggesting the implementation of a military farming system. During peacetime, the army can both defend and cultivate the land, thereby solving the issue of provisions. In emergencies, the land can also be leased to civilians, with a distribution ratio of thirty percent to the army. It will become a part of the army's provisions."

"If this method receives His Majesty's approval, the entire national army will be able to independently solve the issue of provisions, greatly alleviating the country's financial burden. It is a beneficial policy for the nation and the people," the county magistrate praised.

After Gong Xiaohua and the others left the county magistrate's residence, an hour had passed.

During this trip, they not only successfully borrowed tools but also obtained grain and fodder without the need for repayment. It could be considered a fruitful outcome.

Next, they could boldly embark on clearing the land.

Meanwhile, at the county magistrate's residence, after Gong Xiaohua and the others left, the county magistrate remained standing at the entrance of the reception hall, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.

"Sir, why did you generously give them seven thousand stones of grain and fodder?" the attendant asked, puzzled.

"Without them, this border region of Xu Mountain might have already ceased to exist. Then, where would we have our peaceful days? Seven thousand stones of grain and fodder are insignificant in comparison."

"By the way, please instruct someone to deliver those tools and grain to the military camp tomorrow."

"Yes, I will make the arrangements."

"Wait." "Sir?" "Also, provide them with some oxen for farming."

"Yes, sir."

On the third afternoon, the county office sent people to deliver all the tools and grain, and they also loaned over a hundred oxen for their use.

Outside the camp, the spectacular scene attracted the attention of various battalions.

"Old Li, do you finally believe what I said? There's nothing the general can't handle. Let's go, gather your men and transport the grain," Captain Guo said to Old Li.

"Yes, yes, I see how proud you are."

Gong Xiaohua selected several dozen veteran soldiers skilled in farming from the camp and temporarily assigned them to handle the clearing work.

Thus, under the supervision of the Daye Army, the five thousand soldiers from Wei Country engaged in both clearing the land and planting wheat.

Considering the location and the season, clearing the land and planting wheat was highly suitable.

The clearing work was progressing vigorously, and the soldiers were training relentlessly.

The general had issued an order that every soldier would undergo assessment, and those who performed exceptionally would have opportunities for promotion. Therefore, everyone trained with great enthusiasm, unwilling to be left behind.

On this day, Gong Xiaohua led a group to inspect the progress of the land clearance.

"General, a message has arrived from the capital city, and the messenger is waiting at the military camp," the scout responsible for delivering messages reported.

"Let's go."

Upon arriving at the military camp, the other party was already waiting in the general's tent.

"General Gong, I hope you are well."

"It's Eunuch Wu. I've traveled a long way, and it has been a tough journey."

"General Gong, no need for formalities. Before you arrived, I had the opportunity to visit the military camp and witness the impressive training grounds. The soldiers were awe-inspiring and vigorous. You command both respect and power, General Gong. Truly remarkable."

"You flatter me, Eunuch Wu. Now, what is the purpose of His Majesty summoning me?"

"Let's focus on the matter at hand." As the words were spoken, a serious expression returned.

"A royal decree from His Majesty."

"I shall receive the decree." Everyone, led by Gong Xiaohua, knelt down on one knee.

"Presenting the royal decree, His Majesty commands General Gong to return to the capital promptly with the army and escort the two princes, Dawei, to the capital."

"I shall comply with the decree."

After a few days of preparations, the army, under Gong Xiaohua's leadership, began its journey back to the capital.

The defense of the Xu Mountain border will be temporarily entrusted to Captain Chen, and all military assignments will be determined by His Majesty upon our return to the capital.