OFTLHFRO C145

Chapter 145: The Strategist

Although he didn’t fully understand, Wu Qing still summoned his strategist, eager to see what these two were really up to.

When the man arrived, Luo Mingchen observed his steady demeanor—indeed, far more reliable than Wu Qing himself.

The strategist bowed respectfully and said, “I am Jiang Sheng. Gentlemen, what important matter brings you here?”

Thus, Luo Mingchen repeated to Jiang Sheng what he had already told Wu Qing.

Jiang Sheng lived up to expectations, responding, “Bingcheng’s arable land surpasses Hancheng’s, but the two of you have leased so much land that what remains cannot produce enough grain to feed Bingcheng’s people until next year.”

“That is precisely why we intend to share our variant seeds with you.”

Seeing Jiang Sheng’s confusion, Luo Mingchen explained the variant breed again.

After listening, Jiang Sheng frowned slightly and inquired, “Do you have any demands?”

Luo Mingchen looked at him with a gratified expression. “Our demand is that you reduce the taxes.”

Jiang Sheng was taken aback, then glanced at Wu Qing. “General, what are your thoughts?”

Finally remembered, Wu Qing rolled his eyes. “I think it’s unacceptable. Your governance of Hancheng is too lenient. Hu Zhongyi is Hancheng’s general, not Bingcheng’s.”

Luo Mingchen rubbed his temples and gestured for Huo Yan to speak.

Huo Yan didn’t look at Wu Qing but addressed Jiang Sheng, “Strategist, you should be aware of who has been exploiting Bingcheng’s citizens. If General Wu refuses to listen, we will report this to the emperor. General Hu holds substantial evidence of General Wu’s oppression of the people.”

Wu Qing’s expression turned ugly, about to speak when Jiang Sheng interjected, “What would happen if the emperor learned that General Huo previously poisoned our general? General Huo in the capital might also be implicated.”

Hearing this, Wu Qing grew proud again. “Exactly! You are far away, but your father and clan remain in the capital.”

Luo Mingchen looked at Wu Qing with sympathy.

Among the few present, only Wu Qing took this seriously; even Jiang Sheng was merely looking for an excuse.

Ignoring Wu Qing, Huo Yan said, “If the strategist deems this unfeasible, we have no choice but to hope you all remain safe through the bitter winter.”

Seeing Wu Qing wanting to say more, Jiang Sheng intervened, “This matter requires careful discussion with the general. Please, have a seat in the main hall and enjoy some tea.”

“Very well.”

With Huo Yan’s consent, he and Luo Mingchen went to the main hall to rest.

Once the escorts and tea servers left, Luo Mingchen nudged Huo Yan and asked, “Do you think they’ll agree?”

Huo Yan sipped his tea confidently, “They will.”

Luo Mingchen smiled, “I think so too.”

Inside the room, Wu Qing glared at Jiang Sheng. “If you ask me, I’d just kick them out. They’re renting the land, and now they talk of variant seeds and want tax cuts. Tell the emperor, and it’s their misfortune—we won’t starve.”

“How can the general be sure we won’t starve?”

Jiang Sheng’s expression grew grave. “This is Bingcheng, not the capital. Letters take one or two months each way. Previously, General Huo concealed matters for you. Now, Hu Zhongyi is the highest authority in Hancheng and despises you. The evidence remains in his hands. Should he report it, you might face demotion.”

Wu Qing was stunned. “But you said—”

“I only warned General Huo. He recently won a battle unscathed. The emperor might only reprimand you lightly. Moreover, if winter comes and Hancheng is well-provisioned but Bingcheng applies for relief grain, how would the emperor think of you? He might deem you incapable.”

Seeing Wu Qing attentively, Jiang Sheng continued, “Thus, seeds that increase food output should be requested by us from them, not vice versa. They care not for your fate but only for Bingcheng’s people. Besides, it’s uncertain when next year’s relief grain will arrive. Without food, we will have to beg Hancheng. It’s better to agree to their tax reduction now than grovel later.”

Wu Qing considered and realized how close he came to undermining himself. “If we agree now, might they seize the opportunity for more?”

“Unlikely. It’s just tax reduction. General Huo is practical and has abilities unknown to us. Following them won’t disadvantage us. If this so-called variant seed fails, Hancheng will lead the blame.”

Hearing this, Wu Qing nodded repeatedly, “The strategist is indeed thorough.”

Jiang Sheng said, “I will discuss with them shortly. General, please wait patiently.”

Relieved never to see that couple again, Wu Qing said, “Fine, thank you, strategist.”

“No need for thanks, General.”

Before leaving, Jiang Sheng was assigned several guards to protect him from being attacked.

He was fragile compared to Wu Qing’s tough exterior, and if the strategist were beaten, who would strategize for him next?

After a cup of hot tea, Luo Mingchen and Huo Yan awaited Jiang Sheng’s return.

Once consensus was reached, work began.

To prevent Bingcheng’s soldiers from stealing crops, Hancheng specially dispatched guards who rotated regularly.

Over a thousand acres were farmed by many skilled workers in Hancheng, while those unable to farm helped repair walls and roads.

As long as one had strength, there was work to do.

After receiving wages, the city’s people no longer looked lethargic.

For those alive, even a sliver of hope spurs the will to persevere.

By mid-April, sowing was complete, but the city wall’s repairs lagged behind.

During this time, Luo Mingchen’s space grew slightly—though only a little—but he marked it clearly and could easily spot the change.

On an ordinary morning, Luo Mingchen found a dead snake and two small mice at his door, making him twitch.

Behind him, Huo Yan glanced and said, “Looks like Xiao Bai(little white) caught all the rats in the city.”

Luo Mingchen sighed and looked back. “Should we discuss this with Xiao Bai? If Xinyue sees the snake, she’d be scared.”

“If it understands human speech, it will listen to you.”

Hearing the teasing in Huo Yan’s voice, Luo Mingchen retorted, “…What if it doesn’t? It’s a cat that raises mice.”

Huo Yan just smirked.

Preparing food for Xiao Bai, Luo Mingchen said to the eating cat, “No more mice in the city—fine. But don’t catch snakes too; you’ll still get fed.”

Whether it was Luo Mingchen’s imagination or not, Xiao Bai seemed to pause briefly.

Regardless of understanding, Luo Mingchen stroked its soft long fur and watched the cat nibble on tomatoes, feeling something was amiss.

Cats are typically carnivores, yet Xiao Bai enjoyed vegetables grown in the space and even coaxed Huo Xinyue to bring them—an excuse from Huo Xiang.

Speaking of which, such a large cat should know what’s edible and what isn’t.

Having eaten them for days without poisoning, Luo Mingchen would bring it more vegetables.