Eastern Han Dynasty, not the Three Kingdoms

Zhang Xiu had been standing silently by the side. Seeing that Xun Yu had made Ma Chao so embarrassed, he finally couldn't help but say, "Mr. Wenruo, you don't know, Lord Dong once recommended my general for the title of Marquis of Wei, but my general refused. This means he gave up a high position and generous salary! Now he is escorting Master Lu's family to Xiliang, and even Lord Cai's funeral was handled by my general. You are really making it too difficult for him." Zao Zhi also saw Ma Chao's embarrassment and interrupted, "General Ma has made great military achievements at a young age, and he is also rare in his loyalty and righteousness. We should drink a drink together." After hearing this, Xun Yu no longer pressed the issue and the few of them drank a glass of wine together. Xun Yu was slightly startled, then he showed a wry smile, looked at Zhang Xiu and Ma Chao, and said slowly: "I was a little anxious and did not think it through. Meng Qi is indeed a loyal and righteous man, admirable." Ma Chao's expression eased a little, and he clasped his fists and said: "Mr. Wenruo also cares about the world, Ma Chao can understand." Then, several people fell into a brief silence, each thinking about the current situation and the future direction.

Ma Chao put aside his worries and said, "Just now I came in and heard what Mr. Wen Ruo and Mr. Zao Zhi were saying about the military farming plan. It really makes me want to discuss it. Could you please tell me about it?" Xun Yu said, "You should ask Mr. Zao Zhi about this. He was the one who proposed it and he is a great talent in this field."

Zao Zhi did not refuse and began to talk: "First, we need to conduct a comprehensive land survey and select areas with good soil, flat terrain and close to water sources as the land for military farming. Then, these lands will be carefully measured and divided, and different planting blocks will be divided according to the growth needs of different crops. Next, a large number of manpower will be organized, some of which will be responsible for reclaiming wasteland, and some will be responsible for building water conservancy projects to ensure the perfection of the irrigation system. Warehouses will also be built to store food, agricultural tools and other supplies. In terms of manpower arrangements, a shift system and responsibility system will be implemented to ensure that everyone has clear tasks and responsibilities.

When it comes to seed selection, strict controls must be exercised, selecting high-quality varieties with full grains and strong adaptability. At the same time, during the planting process, appropriate fertilization and weeding should be carried out according to different stages. Special personnel should also be assigned to monitor weather changes at all times and take preventive measures against wind and rain disasters. A strict regulatory system should be established to ensure that every link is carried out in accordance with regulations, rewarding outstanding performance and punishing slackness. Furthermore, lessons learned should be continuously summarized, and strategies should be adjusted in a timely manner according to actual conditions to ensure that the military farming work can be carried out continuously and efficiently. "Ma Chao nodded frequently, deeply impressed by Zao Zhi's insights.

Ma Chao said worriedly, "Xiliang has just been through war and needs to be rebuilt. Furthermore, being on the border, there's the risk of invasion from foreign tribes at any moment. Most of the population is in reserve, constantly engaged in combat. Casualties are aplenty every day, and good farmland is being laid to waste. The poverty of Xiliang truly fills Ma Chao with anxiety."

Xun Yu nodded slightly after hearing this and said, "Meng Qi is quite right. Xiliang's current situation is indeed difficult."

Zao Zhi also agreed, "Yes, General Ma, but if we can implement the policy of military farming during this difficult time, perhaps it will improve the situation."

Ma Chao's eyes lit up, and he said hurriedly, "Oh? Mr. Zao Zhi, please tell me in detail."

Zao Zhi stroked his beard and said seriously, "First, we can conduct a comprehensive inventory of arable land in Xiliang and make reasonable plans based on the fertility of the land and the availability of water resources. Then, we can organize the people and some reserve troops to participate in farming during the slack season, and provide them with certain rewards to motivate them. At the same time, we should establish comprehensive water conservancy facilities to ensure irrigation water. Furthermore, we should pay attention to the combination of crop types planted, ensuring both grain production and considering some cash crops to increase income. We can also introduce some advanced farming techniques and tools to improve production efficiency."

Ma Chao nodded repeatedly, then looked at Xun Yu and asked, "Mr. Wenruo, what do you think of this strategy?"

Xun Yu thought for a moment and said, "This strategy is indeed feasible, but we must also consider the difficulties in implementation, such as the deployment of labor and the supply of resources. We need to plan carefully and implement it step by step."

Zao Zhi said, "General Ma, you can organize some of the officers and soldiers and assign them specific areas for farming. When they're not fighting, they can devote themselves to farming. Combine military and civilian farming. For example, you could have experienced officers and soldiers lead the people in the farming. Regarding implementation, you need to make good plans and arrangements, distribute tasks reasonably, and ensure production efficiency. You also need to provide necessary agricultural tools, seeds, and other supplies, and establish a reasonable reward and punishment system to motivate the officers, soldiers, and civilians. At the same time, you need to strengthen management to ensure the orderly and smooth progress of farming. This way, Xiliang will surely recover, grain production will increase, and the current predicament will be alleviated."

Ma Chao agreed deeply and said, "What you two gentlemen said is absolutely right. It seems that we still need to carefully consider the strategy of military farming and come up with a comprehensive method." The three of them continued to discuss this topic in depth.

The three of them got along better and better as they talked, and Ma Chao was even more impressed by the talents of the two gentlemen. The two gentlemen were simply masters of domestic affairs.

Ma Chao said excitedly, "Gentlemen, today's conversation with you has truly enlightened me! Your insights into these matters are so profound, you truly are worthy of being called great talents in internal affairs! I eagerly anticipate this, and sincerely hope that you two gentlemen will accompany me to Xiliang. With your wisdom and talents, you will help me rapidly develop Xiliang and bring this land back to life!"

Xun Yu frowned slightly, exchanged glances with Zao Zhi, and then hesitantly said, "Mengqi, this matter is of no small importance. It is truly too serious. Please allow us to carefully consider it."

Zao Zhi also nodded in agreement, "Yes, General Ma. After all, this involves many aspects and cannot be decided hastily. We really need to think carefully about the pros and cons and feasibility."

Ma Chao hurriedly said, "I understand. I hope you two gentlemen can seriously consider this."

Ma Chao glanced at the sky and said, "Alas, it's getting late. I'll take my leave now. I still need to go buy some supplies, and my family is waiting for me at home."

Xun Yu said with emotion, "Lord Lu has devoted himself to the country. Although Dong Zhuo has slandered him, I will never believe it. Lord Lu must have his own reasons for doing so. Now that Madam Lu is here, we should go and pay her a visit."

Zao Zhi also said immediately: "Yes, since Lord Lu's family is here, we must go and visit them together."

Ma Chao replied, "That's fine, let's go together."

So they went to the post house together.

At the inn, Ma Chao, along with Xun Yu and Zao Zhi, came to meet Madam Lu. Madam Lu, beaming with joy, exclaimed, "Wenruo, I never thought I'd meet you again. I never imagined I'd see an old friend from Luoyang again in this unfamiliar land of Chang'an." Xun Yu hurriedly bowed and saluted. Madam Lu hastily helped him to his feet, asking with concern, "Why is Wenruo here?" Xun Yu then recounted his search for the emperor and Lu Zhi. Madam Lu, tears welling in her eyes, said, "Wenruo, thank you for your hard work." Then, remembering Lu Zhi's whereabouts and uncertainty about his safety, she burst into tears again. Xun Yu, Zao Zhi, and Ma Chao rushed to comfort her.

Xun Yu then asked Madam Lu what her plans were. Madam Lu replied, "Luoyang is in chaos, and it was thanks to Meng Qi's mediation with Dong Zhuo that he was able to get us out. We are now planning to follow Meng Qi to Xiliang. Once we have news of my husband, he will escort us there." Xun Yu and the others inquired further, and Madam Lu answered them one by one. She also detailed the hardships of the journey, Ma Chao's dedicated escort, and Ma Chao's repeated attempts to dissuade Dong Zhuo in Luoyang. These words reassured Xun Yu and Zao Zhi about Ma Chao's character, and their trust in him grew.

Perhaps it was the shock she had experienced in Luoyang, the fatigue of the journey, or perhaps she was moved by Xun Yu's loyalty, but Madam Lu kept the others chatting until very late. Finally, they agreed to visit again another day and slowly left the inn in the night.

Ma Chao, however, was constantly pondering how he could convince these two talented men to follow him to Xiliang and help him build it. Ma Chao deeply admired the talents of Xun Yu and Zao Zhi, but for the time being, he couldn't think of any good way to effectively persuade them.