In ancient tis, there were no trucks, and even oxen were rare. These grains could only be transported by horse-drawn carriages. If there weren’t enough horses, they might even rely on manpower to transport the grains. A distance of 1,500 li with 1,500 dan of grains, plus the grains conscripted from other villages. It would take a few hundred people to transport it, and by the ti it reached the Great Wall’s frontline, about 40% of the grains—or even less—might remain.
But for Shangshui Village, these grains were simply too much—equivalent to an autumn harvest’s worth. For this winter, they could only rely on the grains they already had. Ye Shikai already thought, once the grains were gone, many might resort to becoming robbers.
"Warehouse Officer, this amount is truly too much. Shangshui Village simply cannot afford it." Ye Shikai naturally chose to stand by Shangshui Village. On a personal level, the villagers of Shangshui Village helped him in tis of crisis, not to ntion Master He and He Linghan were here. On a broader scale, without enough grains, more people would turn to being robbers, and even more soldiers wouldn’t help.
"As one of the Three Elders of Shangshui Village, I must think of these thousand people. Taking away so many grains, what shall we do?" The Three Elders anxiously tapped their cane.
"Village Chief Ye, Three Elders, you’re putting in a difficult position." The Warehouse Officer also showed a troubled expression.
"This is the amount set by the higher-ups. I’m just following orders. To be honest, if it’s not completed, as per Qin Law, I’ll also face severe punishnt. Please don’t make it difficult for ." The Warehouse Officer felt helpless. Although he was responsible for inventory managent within the county, including collections from various townships, these amounts were set by the County Magistrate, and the county amounts were set by the Prefectural Governor.
"I ask of you, please don’t make it difficult for ."
"This..." The Three Elders were deeply troubled. He understood Qin Law, and if this amount wasn’t t, many would be punished. If it affected the frontline military affairs, the punishnt would be even more severe.
"Forget it, just give it away. Bring so young n to help the Warehouse Officer load the grains." The Three Elders spoke to several young n who were protesting.
"Three Elders, this..."
"No more talking." The Three Elders waved his hand, signaling everyone to stop talking. "This is also for the sake of the war. If we win, we won’t have to worry about safety issues."
"Three Elders, how about I go talk to Lord Han? Perhaps the matter of the amount has so room for negotiation," said Ye Shikai.
"Mr. Ye, your willingness to speak up for the village is already a great thank you from us. However, even if you go, it would be in vain. Moreover, you’re about to depart, and perhaps even fight on the frontline. Without these grains, you’ll struggle to sustain yourselves. Among your troops are many young n from Shangshui Village. If we tighten our belts a bit, you can eat better on the frontline."
...............
"What’s wrong? You seem very down. Is it because of sothing?" By the riverside, Shangguan Jian rode over, happening upon Ye Shikai sitting and fishing.
"Not seem, I am indeed very down now."
"It’s about the county’s grain conscription, isn’t it? I heard about it. Actually, it’s not only Shangshui Village, but nearly every village in He Nei County is the sa."
"Conscription of soldiers, labor levies, vast amounts, tens of thousands of shi worth of grains, and few might make it to the frontline." Shangguan Jian’s face was also heavy. It was indeed helpless. The Qin Dynasty was different from modern tis. One person and one large truck could deliver tens of tons of grain in two days. Back then, transporting more grains ant more personnel escorting them, longer journey, more losses along the way, and labor levies returning also needed grains. Hence, the Qin Dynasty had to build Chidao partly to save travel ti, thus transporting supplies more efficiently.
"Old Ye, I understand how you feel. I got so news. Would you like to hear it?" Shangguan Jian patted his shoulder in comfort.
"Speak if you want to."
"This battle is different from before; it’s a large war, a prolonged one. That’s why the governor’s mansion collects so much grain. The border... probably needs to station troops for a long ti."
"So... we won’t return to Shangshui Village for quite a long ti, right?" Ye Shikai questioned.
"Probably, yes. I’ve been in the army for years and haven’t experienced such a large battle. You’ve just arrived for about ten days and already encountered it. I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse for you." Shangguan Jian sighed. If Ye Shikai had co ten days later, he might not have faced such large-scale warfare. But since fate has brought Ye Shikai to this battle, maybe... it’s destiny.
"When are we departing?" Ye Shikai abruptly asked.
"The grains have been gathered in the county. Tomorrow morning, we’ll depart with the conscripted labor." Shangguan Jian seed to have guessed Ye Shikai’s thoughts and pointed towards Shangshui Village.
"You still have ti. Go say goodbye to Miss He this evening. I can tell she cares about you, and you’re concerned about her."
Evening.
"You all stay in the barracks. If any of you are young n from Shangshui Village, go ho and bid farewell to your parents, wives, and children. We’re heading to the frontline this ti, and it will be a long ti before we return." Ye Shikai didn’t lie to his soldiers. War is ever-changing, and he didn’t know when they could return or how many would. He didn’t want to fabricate lies for the sake of stability. Every young man is a parent’s hope. He didn’t want to see so many people get disappointed...
"Yes."
"Yes."
"Man Cang, I’ll leave the remaining soldiers to you. We’re departing tomorrow, don’t make any mistakes." Ye Shikai reminded.
"Rest assured, Village Chief. In terms of strict discipline, we Wei Wu Zuo are impressive." Man Cang nodded.
Ye Shikai trusted Man Cang. Although he was a newly recruited convict soldier, he was ambitious, and Ye Shikai treated him with both favor and authority, ensuring no issues. With night falling, he must quickly head to Master He’s ho.
"Mr. Ye has co, hasn’t eaten yet, right? Co in quickly."
"Master He, you’re too kind. Today the Warehouse Officer ca to conscript grains... I’m insignificant and couldn’t help much..."
"Mr. Ye, what are you saying? These things originally have nothing to do with you, and we’ve never blad you. Instead, your willingness to speak up for us is sothing we should thank you for."
"Master, this battle could be long. Last ti, I gave Ling’er so money. Go to the county and buy so grains quickly, for ergencies."
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