Chapter 359: Western Development, Monarch and Ministers
Liu Xie in Luoyang is working hard, and Jinmao is also busy.

The first stone road from Chang'an to Longxi was built, and the first batch of wooden oxen and flowing horses were completed. Jin Mao personally went to Chang'an to celebrate the event.

Lu Su, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong and others accompanied the inspection.

Officials of the Minister of Agriculture were also present to report on the planting of American crops such as sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn.

Since ten of the thirteen states had their own agricultural systems, Jinmao did not intend to intervene, so he tried to plant American products in the sparsely populated northwest region.

The effect is obvious. The yield is much higher than that of traditional rice, corn and wheat seeds. Although it has not reached the per-acre yield of later generations, it is also extremely amazing.

Potatoes had the highest yield, with an output of up to 1 jin (470 ton) per mu. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, one mu of land was about square meters.

Sweet potatoes and corn are slightly less abundant, with about 1 jin (250 kg).

At present, the best rice seeds cultivated by Jinmao have an annual yield of only 5 to 7 shi (150-210kg) per mu, which can feed more than million people.

If these seeds were popularized, the population of the Han Dynasty could increase several times.

What is even more commendable is that seeds such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn have strong adaptability to the environment and are drought-resistant. They do not require intensive cultivation like rice, and the human and material resources required are completely different.

The only drawback is that it doesn’t satisfy your hunger.

Even so, Lu Su and others who were used to the magic of Jinmao were still amazed.

If Jia Xu knew about this, he would definitely sneer. No matter how miraculous things happened to Jin Mao, it was not surprising. They were just a group of young people who had never seen the world.

In this way, many problems can be easily solved.

Pang Tong was the first to congratulate Jin Mao and said, "Your Highness, with the help of such a divine species, it is just a matter of time before we can open up the Western Regions!"

Jin Mao smiled slightly when he heard this, with a deep light flashing in his eyes. He shook his head gently and said, "Pang Shiyuan's words make sense, but our ambitions are not limited to the Western Regions. These crops are not only the key to solving food shortages, but also the golden key to opening the door to a prosperous people and a strong country. They will save our people from the suffering of hunger and lay a solid foundation for the long-term development of the country."

"I want to take this opportunity to promote planting not only in the Western Regions, but also throughout the Central Plains, and even further south and north. At the same time, we need to improve farming techniques and increase yields so that every inch of land can be used to its maximum value. In addition, we need to establish a storage system to ensure that there is surplus food in years of bumper harvests to prepare for emergencies."

"Furthermore, the drought-resistant nature of these crops means that we can try them on more land that was originally unsuitable for farming, such as the edge of deserts, mountainous hills, and even saline-alkali land. This will not only expand the area of ​​arable land, but also effectively improve the ecological environment and achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature."

"As for the problem of not being hungry, we can explore a variety of ways to eat it, such as processing it into flour, potato chips, etc., to increase the sense of fullness. At the same time, we encourage people to grow diversified crops, form a reasonable diet structure, and ensure balanced nutrition."

"Pang Shiyuan, you should start preparing, formulate a detailed promotion plan, and coordinate with local officials to ensure that the policy is implemented. At the same time, strengthen the research and promotion of agricultural science and technology, cultivate a group of agricultural talents who understand technology and management, and inject new vitality into the country's agricultural development."

Such a request should be a bit excessive, but everyone present knew that Jinmao is of the character of employing whoever it wants and never sticks to formalities.

Pang Tong was still young and wished that the burden on his shoulders would be heavier, so he immediately bowed and thanked him, "Yes."

Zhuge Liang, who was standing by, was jealous. Even though he was now in charge of some logistical work, as a workaholic, Zhuge Liang wanted to take over all the work from Man Chong.

"Your Highness!" Zhuge Liang stepped forward and said, "Now that we have sufficient food and grass, why not go one step further and build a carriageway and a stone road at the same time?"

Jin Mao shook his head and said, "You can't have your cake and eat it too. Don't be impatient."

Zhuge Liang bowed again and said, "No, Your Highness, please listen to me."

After saying that, Zhuge Liang took out a thick paper book from his sleeve.

Jin Mao took it from the guard with doubt, opened it and saw densely written words inside.

"What is this?"

Zhuge Liang replied: "This is how I calculated whether this strategy is feasible."

Feasibility report?
Jin Mao took a serious look at it, but couldn't understand it, so he handed it to Lu Su and said, "Zi Jing, take a look."

Lu Su took it respectfully and calculated carefully. After years of training in arithmetic, Lu Su was considered one of the best in the world, so he could naturally understand it.

Jin Mao looked at Zhuge Liang and said, "Tell me about your plan."

Zhuge Liang was overjoyed and began to explain step by step how each stage of the construction work should be carried out.

He described every detail in detail, from the selection of site to the selection of materials, to the deployment and training of craftsmen. Every step revealed his precise control and careful consideration of the overall situation.

Jin Mao listened with great interest and could understand it even without looking at the account book.

"So, you think the grain and grass produced in Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Sili are enough to start two projects at the same time?"

"That's right!" Zhuge Liang affirmed, "Liangzhou is located in the northwest, with fertile land suitable for farming. In addition, there has been abundant rainfall in recent years, and grain production has been rising year by year, which is enough to serve as the main food and grass supply area for our project in the early stage. Although Bingzhou is vast and sparsely populated, it has a developed animal husbandry industry and a large number of horses, cattle and sheep. Not only can it provide abundant meat supplies for the project, but its fur, tendons and bones can also be processed into materials needed for construction, reducing dependence on other resources. As for Sili, as the hinterland of the Central Plains, it has convenient transportation and prosperous commerce. It can quickly gather materials from all directions to ensure that all kinds of rare and exotic materials needed for the project are in place in time. In addition, I have ordered people to conduct a detailed investigation of the local people's strength and reasonably allocate labor to ensure that human resources are maximized without affecting people's livelihood."

"You have really considered everything." Jin Mao nodded in approval, his eyes flashing with recognition of Zhuge Liang's ability. "But the project is huge and will take a long time. If there are natural disasters or man-made disasters, how should we deal with it?"

Zhuge Liang smiled and answered confidently: "I have formulated several emergency plans. First, strengthen meteorological observation to prevent natural disasters in advance; second, set up a special fund for emergency rescue and post-disaster reconstruction; third, strengthen project management to ensure that there is enough buffer period and alternative plans between various projects. Once there is an obstruction somewhere, the plan can be adjusted quickly to ensure that the overall progress is not affected. At the same time, I will also send special envoys to various places to appease the people and ensure their support and cooperation for the project, so as to form a good situation of unity and overcoming difficulties together."

After hearing this, Jin Mao felt relieved and looked at Zhuge Liang with a look of "This is how it should be". "I feel relieved to have you in charge. Then, we will follow your plan and start preparations immediately, so that it can be completed as soon as possible and benefit the people."

Zhuge Liang bowed, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I will live up to your trust and make this project a great undertaking that will benefit the country and the people for generations to come."

Jin Mao nodded and looked at Lu Su, who raised his head seriously and said, "Your Highness, this book seems to be fine at first glance, but I dare not guarantee it."

"How can there be a perfect plan in the world?" Jin Mao immediately asked, "Where is Man Chong?"

"I am here!" Man Chong stepped out of the crowd and bowed. "From now on, you will obey Zhuge Kongming's orders and make no mistakes in any matter."

Man Chong responded meticulously: "Yes!"

"Zhuge Kongming listen to my orders!"

"Chen is here!"

"From now on, all agricultural affairs in Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Sanfu areas will be under your jurisdiction. Please don't let me down."

Zhuge Liang said excitedly: "I obey your orders! I will do my best to live up to your highness's expectations. Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Sanfu are the foundation of the country. I will personally supervise farming, build water conservancy projects, ensure sufficient food and grass, and provide solid support for the soldiers on the front line. At the same time, I will also work to improve people's livelihood, reduce the burden on the people, promote local prosperity, and enable the people to live and work in peace and contentment, so as to consolidate the foundation of the country."

Jin Mao nodded with satisfaction, his eyes revealing his trust and expectation for Zhuge Liang: "I have always been well aware of Kong Ming's talent. I am very relieved to hand over this important task to you. I hope you can live up to everyone's expectations and not only solve the current difficulties, but also pave the way for long-term plans."

Zhuge Liang bowed again and said earnestly: "I will devote my life to your service until my death. I am willing to use my humble efforts to help Your Highness achieve great achievements for generations to come."

After saying this, he turned and looked at Man Chong. When their eyes met, they knew each other's determination to work together without saying anything. Although Man Chong was a military commander, he knew the importance of food and military supplies, and expressed his full support for Zhuge Liang's arrangement.

Then, Jin Mao looked around and saw that all the ministers looked solemn, so he continued, "My dear ministers, the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every man. Today's decision concerns the safety of the country. I hope that you can fulfill your duties and overcome the difficulties together. When the work is done in the future, I will definitely reward you according to your merits and live up to your hard work."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers knelt down and said in unison: "We will do our best to assist Your Highness and create a prosperous era together!"

The Western Development Project came to an end. Jinmao briefly inspected the work of the Construction Bureau and left with satisfaction.

If Crouching Dragon, Phoenix and a few other top talents can't handle such a small matter, they might as well die by hitting themselves with a piece of tofu.

Next, Jinmao will consider accepting the abdication.

This matter is not that simple. Etiquette and procedures are only one aspect, and the emotions of many people must also be taken into consideration.

For example, Xun Yu.

Jin Mao didn't understand why Xun Yu was so stubborn. Was it because he didn't change his surname back to Liu?
This time, Jin Mao decided to have a frank talk with Xun Yu, believing that with Xun Yu's intelligence, he would not make such a low-level mistake again.

Wancheng, Jingzhou.

Xun Yu didn't know the reason why Jin Mao summoned him, but he could guess it, so he was struggling with this along the way.

"I, Xun Yu, pay my respects to His Majesty the King of Wu."

In the side hall of the Prince of Wu's mansion, Jin Mao stared at Xun Yu, his deep eyes showing both scrutiny and subtle concern. The flickering candlelight in the room added a touch of softness to the heavy conversation, but it was also difficult to dispel the tense atmosphere in the air.

"Xun Qing, there is no need to be so polite. The relationship between you and me has long surpassed the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects. It is more of a mutual understanding and cherishment." Jin Mao's voice was gentle and firm, trying to narrow the distance between the two. "I summoned you here today because I have important matters to discuss, and I also have a knot in my heart that needs to be resolved."

Hearing this, Xun Yu slowly raised his head and his eyes met Jin Mao's. There was both determination and confusion in his eyes. "Your Highness is right. I know I am stupid, but the confusion in my heart is like a thorn in my throat, and I can't feel relieved until I speak it out."

"Oh? Xunqing, please go ahead." Jin Mao gestured to Xun Yu to sit down, and he sat down too, looking extremely sincere.

Xun Yu pondered for a moment, and finally spoke: "Your Highness has ambitions for the world and a broad mind, and I should not have any doubts. However, it is about blood and surname, which is the foundation of the family and also my personal insistence. It is not that I am unwilling to assist Your Highness, but..." His words revealed a hint of helplessness and struggle.

Hearing this, Jin Mao sighed softly, "Is it really that important whether the last name is Jin or Liu?"

"I am the descendant of the King of Wushang County and a relative of the Han Dynasty. What's wrong with being crowned a king?"

Xun Yu asked in return: "Liu Xuande is also a relative of the Han Dynasty, can he also be crowned king?"

In fact, what Xun Yu was talking about was that Jin Mao’s ancestors were more than two hundred years old, which made their blood relationship even longer than that of Liu Bei. There were millions of such Han royal relatives across the country!

Jin Mao was helpless and sighed, "Some time ago, Emperor Liu Bohe (Liu Xie's courtesy name) asked me to ascend the throne. Could it be that Wen Ruo is really so stubborn?"

Xun Yu stood there in a daze, having never expected this. He slowly turned around and looked out the window with deep eyes, as if trying to find the answer from the narrow light of the sky. The room was quiet for a while, with only the occasional bird song outside the window, which was out of tune with this heavy topic.

"Your Majesty must be helpless!" Xun Yu stared at Jin Mao and said, "There must be something hidden!"

Jin Mao shook his head and laughed, "Wen Ruo, Wen Ruo. I didn't expect that our king and his subjects would be so suspicious of each other?"

"Well, since you don't believe me, I will no longer bind you. If you want to know the truth, go ask the emperor yourself!"

Xun Yu then realized that Jin Mao was not lying. Thinking of what he had done in the past few years, he was filled with shame.

"My lord, I am guilty!" Xun Yu bowed and said, "Please punish me for my disrespect!"

Jin Mao shook his head, turned around, and said disappointedly: "Wen Ruo, there is no need for this between you and me. I have always known your loyalty, but people's hearts are complicated and things in the world are unpredictable. You and I are just pieces in the chess game. Your doubts today are actually out of concern for me and the world. How can I blame you? But remember, true trust is not about not doubting, but choosing to understand and support even if there are doubts, and facing the storm together."

He slowly walked to the window, looked at the turbulent sky outside, and continued: "This world may seem peaceful, but in fact, it is turbulent. Everything I do is for the sake of the overall situation and for the peace of all people. If you can understand my painstaking efforts, it will be my greatest comfort. As for the confusion in your heart, when the time is right, I will explain everything to you."

Xun Yu felt mixed emotions when he heard this, including relief and gratitude. He knew that his suspicion was unfounded, but he also admired Jin Mao's broad mind and responsibility. He stood up and said with a firm look: "My lord, rest assured, I will do my best to assist you in achieving your great cause. No matter how difficult and dangerous the road ahead is, I will fight side by side with you until death!"

Jin Mao turned around, his eyes filled with unspeakable emotions, and said calmly: "No need! Wen Ruo can write books and become a teacher in the future!"

The knot in my heart has been untied, and Xun Yu is no longer needed. I will never hire him again in this life.

There are so many talented people in this world. How can we not get along without Xun Yu?

impossible!
(End of this chapter)