Chapter 111: Protection

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"Your careful planning is approved by the Emperor!"

Emperor Taizong immediately sent an imperial decree.

Duke of Lu, Cheng Yaojin, and Duke of E, Yuchi Jingde, were ordered to mobilize all the soldiers from the camps outside the city and station them in Hongnong Commandery. Roads were to be blocked and passage restricted; all military and political affairs would be handled within Hongnong Commandery without reporting to the capital, to prevent any leaks.

Li Zhi held the nominal title of county magistrate but had effectively acquired most of the powers of the commandery governor.

Within the commandery, he could oversee all matters related to agriculture and commerce.

North of the city.

The military camp.

Cheng Yaojin received the imperial order.

Preparations were underway to break camp.

"Report... His Highness the Prince of Jin requests an audience!"

"Quickly, bring him in!" Cheng Yaojin personally went to welcome him partway.

"Your Highness!"

"I have just received the Emperor's decree and was about to set off!"

"Excellent, excellent..." Li Zhi and Luo Tong entered the main camp and went straight to the central command tent. Yuchi Jingde was inside, polishing a golden whip. When their eyes met, he looked a bit embarrassed.

At the last martial contest, he had lost face terribly.

It had become a laughingstock ever since.

Li Zhi was even more formidable.

Being with these two meant he would suffer losses sooner or later.

Thus...

When they went outside the camp to welcome Li Zhi earlier, he had stayed behind.

"General Yuchi, greetings!"

"Young Prince... I lost to Luo Tong last time, but I’m not convinced. If there’s another chance, we shall have another bout!" Yuchi Jingde tried to save face.

At least he regained a bit of dignity.

Luo Tong laughed heartily. "Good, when the opportunity arises, I will certainly seek General Yuchi’s expert skills again!"

"You have all received the orders to deploy troops, right? I’m here to ask how many soldiers are in the camp and how you plan to station them in Hongnong?"

"Your Highness, please wait a moment!"

Cheng Yaojin took out a map. "This is a complete map of Hongnong Commandery!"

"There are 100,000 soldiers in the camp, all battle-hardened elites. I dare say, in both combat ability and discipline, they are the best in the entire country. Your Highness can rest assured in calling upon them!"

"What arrangements do you intend to make?" Li Zhi asked.

"We plan..." Cheng Yaojin quickly devised a plan, scattering the 100,000 troops like seeds across the various counties of Hongnong.

Soldiers would guard all the key routes.

Every village and hamlet would have camps and checkpoints.

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The foot soldiers would patrol their assigned areas, while light cavalry would ride swiftly between counties as mobile forces, ensuring absolute security.

With such deployment, not even an influential noble family causing trouble, nor an army of tens of thousands, could penetrate Hongnong.

Despite his rustic appearance, Cheng Yaojin’s military talents were not lacking.

Li Zhi regarded him with newfound respect.

"Good, let’s proceed with this arrangement!"

After having lunch in the camp, the entire army broke camp and marched directly to Hongnong Commandery.

...

...

Agricultural Base.

Since Li Zhi was absent, all affairs were managed by the commandery governor Zhao Tang.

He was gradually adapting to farming.

He had developed a deep understanding of sweet potatoes and rice.

Combined with the agricultural manuals provided by Li Zhi, his diligent study meant he was fully capable of managing independently.

"Governor Zhao, long time no see?" Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde arrived, startling Zhao Tang.

"My goodness, what brings you here...?" Zhao Tang was surprised.

He had once been Vice Minister of Personnel, qualified to attend court sessions.

Although he had little real power, he had seen his idols before.

Among them were Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde.

And now, they were standing right before him.

"We have come by imperial order to station troops in Hongnong! Governor Zhao, from now on we will be working together. I hope for your kind cooperation."

"Not at all, not at all..." Zhao Tang quickly replied. "If there is anything you generals need, just issue the orders. I will certainly do my best!"

"Very well!"

The two generals nodded.

Li Zhi watched, dumbfounded.

This fellow Zhao Tang admired Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde so deeply that calling him a devoted fan was no exaggeration. Had he called these two earlier, it would have been much easier to manage Zhao Tang without all the extra hassle.

"Are these the crops we are to protect?" Yuchi Jingde looked toward the large greenhouses ahead.

Inside were many sweet potatoes and rice plants.

The rice had already sprouted tender shoots.

The fields looked lush and green.

A remarkable sight.

"Yes! These are hybrid rice and sweet potatoes, which the Emperor places great importance on!"

"I’d like to take a closer look..." Yuchi Jingde entered one of the greenhouses to carefully observe the rice seedlings.

"How do they look, Black Carbon? Are they better than millet?"

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Cheng Yaojin didn’t want to get his feet wet and stayed outside.

Yuchi Jingde stayed inside for a long while before coming out.

His head was drenched in sweat, as if he had just bathed.

Cheng Yaojin found it strange. "What’s wrong? Did you fall in water?"

"No, no..." Yuchi Jingde took deep breaths before saying, "The temperature inside that greenhouse is very different from outside. Staying inside feels like the height of summer. It’s so hot I can hardly breathe."

"Such a thing exists?"

Cheng Yaojin went inside to try it for himself.

Sure enough!

The temperature inside was much higher.

"Young Prince, what is going on here?"

"Let Governor Zhao explain," Li Zhi saw their eager curiosity and gave Zhao the opportunity.

Zhao Tang said, "The two generals may not know, but farming and seasonal cycles are all related to temperature. This greenhouse can adjust the temperature and is no longer limited by natural seasons..."

"So, crops that normally grow in summer can be planted in winter, and winter crops can be grown in summer! This way, we can plant whatever we want all year round!"

"Just now, General Yuchi said the temperature inside felt like the peak of summer. That’s correct — it is like the hottest days of summer! Only such a temperature can promote rapid growth of rice."

From this explanation...

It was clear!

Zhao Tang’s research on greenhouses was thorough.

He had a clear understanding of the principles involved.

Li Zhi nodded. "Well done, Governor Zhao. You’ve been working hard lately, haven’t you?"

"Serving Your Highness is no light matter. I dare not be negligent."

"Excellent!"

Li Zhi greatly admired Zhao Tang’s attitude.

If he continued like this, promotion would come soon.

"Why are you two staring blankly?" Li Zhi noticed Cheng Yaojin and Yuchi Jingde wide-eyed, looking like simpletons.

Cheng Yaojin said, "This is truly a marvel of the world!"

"Plants of different seasons growing in the same season?"

"Governor Zhao, did you discover this?" Yuchi Jingde asked.

"That... of course not!" Zhao Tang wanted to claim credit but dared not admit it in front of Li Zhi.

"I am but a humble servant, unworthy of such insight. It is all thanks to Prince Jin. I merely help manage the agricultural base."

"Again with that..." Cheng Yaojin did not know what to say.

Why did all good things have to be connected to Li Zhi?

Divine elixirs, the merchant guild, and now sweet potatoes and rice — all came from Li Zhi! Because of this, Emperor Taizong had dispatched 100,000 troops to protect Hongnong Commandery!