Chapter 25: The Production Corps
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“I remember, Your Highness,” Lu Fei said with a salute. He knew that Xiao Ming would not bring this up without reason, so he asked, “Your Highness, do you intend to reinstate the military farming system?”
“Exactly. At the founding of the Great Yu Empire, the government implemented the military farming system, where soldiers doubled as farmers. But as time passed, commoners lost their land, and the system gradually became obsolete, replaced by the current mercenary system,” Xiao Ming said, brushing the snow off his shoulders. “Now that the six prefectures are in ruins, everything should be planned with agriculture in mind. I intend to temporarily reinstate the military farming system. Soldiers will farm during the busy seasons and train during the off-seasons. This will not only ease the financial burden but also accelerate the economic recovery of the six prefectures. What do you think?”
Lu Fei pondered for a moment before replying, “Your Highness, restoring the military farming system is not impossible. You are the ruler of the six prefectures, and your word is law for us soldiers. However, most of the current recruits are landless commoners. If we reinstate the military farming system, they still won’t have land to farm.”
Xiao Ming had already anticipated this issue. He replied, “I’ve thought of that. This version of the system will be different from the past.”
“Please enlighten me, Your Highness.”
Xiao Ming continued, “Those who own land can return home to farm, while landless soldiers can cultivate government-owned land. The harvest from these lands will be entirely used for military supplies. What do you think?”
Lu Fei couldn’t help but laugh. So, after all this, Xiao Ming’s plan was to have the Qingzhou army farm his land. Straightforward as always, he said, “Hmph, I thought Your Highness was truly concerned about the people. Turns out, it’s just about your own estate.”
Xiao Ming wasn’t offended. From an outsider’s perspective, it did seem like he was acting out of self-interest.
He laughed heartily. “If that’s how you see it, Lu Fei, you’re gravely mistaken. I won’t take a single grain from these lands. All the harvest will go to the state treasury. As you said, the land already belongs to me—I don’t need to quibble over small gains. In my view, if the people prosper, my territory prospers. If the people are strong, my territory is strong. If you don’t believe me, I can write a formal decree and hand it over to Chancellor Pang. How about that?”