northernbook Chapter 131 Planting Wheat
Chapter 131 Planting Wheat
Unlike the people of Chu who enthusiastically cultivated sugarcane, the people of Qin showed absolutely no interest in growing wheat. In their eyes, wheat was far from a good food. Its coarse texture and unpalatable taste made them prefer to endure hunger rather than touch it. If there weren't absolutely no other food available, who would willingly chew on that bland and tasteless wheat?
The land of Qin was vast and desolate, with endless yellow sand sweeping across it like waves, like a pack of raging wild beasts, wantonly whipping at people's faces.
Day after day, year after year, the people toiled diligently on this land. Their hands tirelessly cultivated every inch of soil, striving to find a glimmer of hope in this seemingly barren land. They carefully planted millet, sorghum, and beans—traditional crops passed down through generations. These crops were like a beacon of hope for their lives; though they couldn't provide them with a life of abundance, they at least managed to feed their families.
However, just a few days ago, an order struck like a bolt from the blue, resounding throughout the Qin Kingdom. The majestic face of the King of Qin appeared before everyone as he issued a shocking decree: every household must cultivate at least two mu (approximately 0.33 hectares) of wheat. This sudden order stunned all the people of Qin; they stopped their farm work and gathered together, their eyes filled with astonishment and bewilderment.
"What is the use of this wheat? It tastes bitter and hard to swallow, and it's extremely rough. It's really hard to eat. Why is the King of Qin forcing us to grow it?" an elderly commoner asked with a puzzled look and a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes.
Others chimed in, "Yes, could it be that the King of Qin has some ulterior motive?" Everyone chimed in, their hearts filled with endless doubt and unease.
Some elderly people silently recalled the past, when the Qin state also suffered a terrible food shortage, and the shadow of hunger loomed over every corner. Perhaps, the King of Qin's order to plant wheat this time was to prepare in advance, to plan ahead, and to avoid repeating the same mistake.
But the young people disagreed. They were resistant to wheat, seeing it as an unnecessary burden. In their view, traditional millet, sorghum, and beans were enough to meet their needs, so why bother growing that unpalatable wheat? Their hearts were filled with rebellion and defiance, and they were unwilling to easily accept the King of Qin's orders.
In a small village, a young and ambitious hunter named A Yong frowned deeply, his eyes filled with doubt and dissatisfaction. He complained helplessly to his weathered father, "Dad, do we really have to plant wheat? It would be so much better if we used our only two acres of land to plant millet. That way we might be able to harvest more grain and at least make our family's life a little easier."
The father sighed softly, his sigh seemingly filled with endless helplessness, and slowly said, "Alas, this is the king's decree, how can we common people disobey it? Since the king has given the order, we have no choice but to do it. Perhaps this wheat will really be of great use in the future, so let's not jump to conclusions so quickly."
Ah Yong muttered under his breath, his words full of doubt: "What use is it? In my opinion, it must be those guys in the court bewitching the king. They don't want us ordinary people to live a good life at all, they're just thinking about all sorts of nonsense."
Upon hearing this, the father's face immediately darkened, and his voice became low and serious: "What are you saying! His Majesty is wise and mighty, how could he be easily bewitched? Since His Majesty has given the order, there must be a deeper meaning and reason behind it. We just need to do as he says obediently. How could you make such absurd remarks?"
Ah Yong looked aggrieved and said with a mournful face, "But this wheat is really awful. It has a very rough texture. It's nothing like millet, which is sweet and delicious and makes people feel comfortable eating it."
"Alright, get to work in the fields!" the father urged A-Yong. A-Yong nodded and followed his father toward the fields.
Meanwhile, in the Qin court, the King of Qin slowly glanced at the assembled ministers below and then asked, "How is the wheat promotion progressing?"
At this moment, Li Si, dressed in official robes, resolutely stepped forward and respectfully bowed to the King of Qin, saying, "Your Majesty, indeed some people have different opinions, but it is only that their enthusiasm is slightly lacking. However, they still follow Your Majesty's orders and have begun to plant wheat."
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin's previously relaxed brows furrowed slightly, a sense of doubt rising in his heart. He asked in a deep voice, "Why is that?"
Li Si continued solemnly, "The main reason is that the people find wheat-based foods unpalatable, which is why they are reluctant to grow wheat."
After listening quietly, the King of Qin gradually understood. He slowly said, "It's alright. Let the people get moving and plant wheat first. When the harvest comes next year, we will vigorously promote the use of stone mills and water mills. At that time, these disputes will surely decrease."
Li Si quickly echoed, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty. Once the people taste the delicious noodles, I am confident that the amount of wheat planted next year will increase significantly."
The King of Qin nodded slightly, a satisfied expression on his face, and said, "Well, how is the promotion of the curved plow going?"
Wang Wan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the production of the curved plow is being expedited, but the quantity produced is still not enough."
The King of Qin frowned slightly and said, "The curved-shaft plow is a powerful tool for agriculture in our Great Qin. If it can be widely used in the fields, it will greatly increase grain production and benefit the people of our Great Qin. This matter is urgent and we must manufacture and promote the curved-shaft plow as soon as possible. The craftsmen and carpenters are all highly skilled. As long as they are given reasonable compensation, they will certainly devote themselves to the production of the curved-shaft plow."
Wang Wan lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then raised his head and slowly said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right, but the matter of wages still needs careful consideration. If we pay too little, we fear it will be difficult to motivate them; if we pay too much, we fear it will place an excessive burden on the national treasury. We hope Your Majesty will provide a general standard so that we can handle this matter properly."
A thoughtful look flashed across the King of Qin's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "How about this? Let's raise their wages slightly above their usual level. This will incentivize them to work harder without putting too much pressure on the treasury. I'll entrust this matter to you. Make sure it's implemented as soon as possible."
Wang Wan bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your expectations and do my best to accomplish this task. Once the curved plow is completed and widely adopted, our Great Qin will surely usher in a brand new era."
The King of Qin nodded in satisfaction, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers in the court, and slowly said, "My dear ministers, return to your duties. Court is adjourned!"
The ministers rose in unison, shouting, "Respectfully seeing off Your Majesty!" They then withdrew from the court and returned to their respective duties. The King of Qin, however, sat quietly on his dragon throne, his mind racing with thoughts of the future development of the Qin Dynasty, his heart filled with anticipation and determination.