Chapter 803: Alliance
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The people of Liangzhou City who participated in the reclamation formed a long line in front of the general's office to receive the seeds distributed by the government.
Two days ago, it rained, and it was just the opportunity to sow seeds, after all, there was still a lot of newly cultivated wasteland, and there were no wells for irrigation.
The military field was planted earlier than the private field, after all, there were many people, and they were all young and strong men.
Moreover, the sergeants have to take on the responsibility of protecting the people.
"Everyone listen, this kind of seed must not be eaten, the general in order to prevent the seeds from being sown by voles and mole crickets, so the seeds are mixed with medicinal powder. After planting, be sure to wash your hands. "The sergeant in charge of distributing the grain took the trouble to explain to the people over and over again.
"The general is really thoughtful, so that the seedlings can be more evenly produced, and it will save the seedlings." When the people heard this, they were very happy.
At this time, Zhong Ye and Wei Yining worked on the wasteland reclaimed by themselves in the suburbs, and after the previous year's cultivation, this was basically a "cooked land".
There is no wild grass, and the ground is level, so you only need to turn it deep and rake it again to cultivate.
"Yining, how did you come up with the idea of mixing medicinal powder with seeds?" Zhong Ye wiped the sweat from his face, and asked Wei Yining with a smile: "I heard them say that the common people have to applaud this matter." ”
"A few days ago, Futaba complained that the things in the warehouse were bitten by rats, and the kitchen people also said that the stored rice noodles were often eaten by rats. But he didn't dare to give rat poison, for fear of mixing it into the food. So it occurred to me that of course the food I ate should not be fed with rat poison, but I did not have to worry about the seeds that were planted in the ground. I still remember that last year, some people complained that there were many voles and hares, and the insects in the soil stole a lot of the seeds planted. I can't prevent it, so I can only do it in a hurry. So I came up with this idea, hoping it would work. Wei Yining said.
"I think it should work, this year there are a lot of people planting cotton, and your military clothing workshop has raw materials again." Zhong Ye looked at the people farming in the distance and said, "I have no other wishes, I only hope that the people here can have enough food and clothing, and live and work in peace and contentment." Avoid the suffering of war, and no longer have to live in misery. ”
"Yes, the people grow cotton and sell it, which is enough to feed a family." Wei Yining said: "To put it in detail, although Liangzhou is located in a remote area, the terrain is basically flat, as long as suitable crops are planted, it is still possible to let the people have enough food and clothing." Grandpa loves the people like a son, and he will definitely get what he wants. ”
"When there is real peace, the people can also resume animal husbandry, and at least a third of the people here are engaged in animal husbandry." Zhong Ye couldn't help but sigh when he mentioned this: "Because the Turks are raging, the people dare not go to the wild to graze, cattle, horses and sheep cannot be trapped, and they will get sick after a long time." ”
"Yes, the aquatic plants here are also abundant, especially on both sides of the river." Wei Yining nodded, as long as there is no foreign attack, why can't there be cattle and horses here?
While the two of them were talking, a group of soldiers ran over and reported to Zhong Yeyu: "Grandpa, the people over there in Sanlin Village have been robbed by the Tartars, but we have already run away when we heard about it. ”
"What did you rob? Did you hurt anyone? Zhong Ye asked with concern.
"The person was not injured, but he snatched the seeds from the land, and there were more than a dozen sacks."
"When the harvest is scarce, the Tartars have no food to eat." Zhong Ye snorted coldly and said, "There's no need to chase them, anyway, if you eat this food, you will be poisoned." After this incident, presumably the Tartars will also restrain themselves. Give the stolen seeds to the people, let them cultivate them well, don't worry. ”
Zhong Ye also ordered his men to go out more to protect the surrounding area, and ensure that the people planted the land safely.
The agricultural season cannot be violated, and if the sowing season is missed, the harvest will be poor.
As the weather warmed up, the Turks were really ready to move, but because Zhong Ye was so well guarded, they couldn't find a flaw, and every time they sent troops to nothing, they even lost their hands by the Han army.
By the middle of April, Wusun, which had been estranged from the Great Zhou, suddenly sent envoys to ask for a meeting, and it turned out that the Turks could not bargain in Liangzhou, so they went west to fight Wusun. They also know that when eating persimmons, they have to pick soft pinch. Zhong Ye's iron bucket here is generally not able to grab anything, so naturally they have other people's ideas.
Wusun was originally a small country, and it has always been in conflict with the Turkic well water. This time, tens of thousands of cattle and sheep were robbed, and most of the grain was robbed.
The king of Wusun knew that the Turks were afraid of Zhong Ye, so he sent an envoy with a generous gift to Zhong Ye for help.
Zhong Ye then discussed with Wei Yining, since Wusun took the initiative to show goodwill, then he might as well have one more ally.
Although the Turks have not been able to bargain in successive battles, it is impossible to annihilate them in one fell swoop in this situation.
Since there is going to be a protracted war, it is better to unite small countries such as Wusun and surround the Turks in the middle, so that they have no escape.
Zhong Ye then met with the envoy of Wusun and gave him a great courtesy.
Later, 10,000 cavalry were sent to escort the Wusun envoy back to China, and at the same time tens of thousands of catties of grain were brought with them. It can be regarded as the help of the Great Zhou to Wusun, and so that the 10,000 cavalry do not have to rush back, and they will help Wusun for a period of time.
When King Wusun saw this, he was overjoyed. Agree to be allies with the Great Zhou Dynasty for generations and never betray.
Zhong Ye also reported this matter truthfully.
When the news reached the capital, Yan Kentang had also returned to the capital to face the saint, truthfully reported his inspection of the border fortress, and praised Zhong Ye. The emperor was very happy when he heard this, and even said that he didn't use the wrong person.
However, in May, the crops outside Liangzhou, which had been growing well, suddenly suffered a plague of locusts that had not been seen in a century. The locusts crossed the border, like a whirlwind of clouds, and in the blink of an eye, the green crops were eaten into the ground, and not a single leaf was left.
For a while, there were desperate cries of the people all over the field, and Zhong Ye was also anxious when he saw this situation.
But this was unavoidable, and the people had to be encouraged to return to farming.
Another crop was planted and the weather was smooth, but who wanted a rare frost in August to completely freeze the unripe crops to death.
These two natural disasters completely failed to harvest any grains.
But overnight, Zhong Ye had a lot of gray hair on his head.
Wei Yining felt sorry for her husband, so she tried to help him share it.
personally led people to appease the people, so that everyone cheered up and hurriedly harvested the grain in the field with straw. Even if you can't get food, you can still make feed for cattle and horses, which is better than rotting in the ground.
At the same time, he asked Zhong Ye to write a recital and hand it to the capital, asking for support.
It is necessary to ensure that the grain supported by the imperial court can be transported to Liangzhou before the heavy snow closes the door.
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