The Second World in Ancient Times

Standing in the main hall of Fengyi Palace, I knew clearly that if the soldiers on the front lines were to fight with all their might, their support from the rear must be flawless. After all, I came from the modern era and understood the absolute importance of logistical support in war. This was the unique advantage I could bring to this era.

"Jinshu, convey my order to summon all the wealthy families in the capital and representatives of gentry from all over the country to come to the palace to meet me. Tell them that I have important national affairs to discuss with them." I ordered with a firm look in my eyes.

Jin Shu looked puzzled: "My Lady, what is so urgent?"

I raised my head slightly. "Of course, it's about supporting the war on the front lines. These wealthy families and gentry have strong financial resources. In this time of national crisis, they should contribute their part to the country."

Soon, wealthy families and gentry entered the palace and gathered in the main hall. They were whispering to each other, with curiosity and uneasiness on their faces.

I spoke slowly, "Everyone, the war on the border is intense right now, and His Majesty is personally leading the army in bloody battles on the front lines. You all know that war is not just about manpower, but also about supplies. I have summoned you today in the hope that you will generously donate money and food to provide sufficient armaments and food for the soldiers on the front lines."

A wealthy man stepped forward and said hesitantly, "Empress, it's not that I'm unwilling, but if I donate money and food, my family's future livelihood will be affected..."

I smiled softly and interrupted him, "Sir, rest assured. I understand your concerns. But think about it: if the country is conquered by barbarians, how long will your immense wealth last? You are helping the country now. When the war is won, the court will surely reward you handsomely. For example, we can provide more commercial conveniences, reduce taxes, and make your business more prosperous. This is a sure-win deal."

After hearing what I said, everyone couldn't help but whisper among themselves.

At this time, a highly respected local squire said, "Your Majesty, I understand. Every citizen has a share of responsibility for the fate of their nation. I am willing to donate half of my family's grain reserves and three thousand taels of silver."

With his lead, other wealthy families and gentry also responded.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to donate five hundred dan of grain and one thousand taels of silver."

"I am also willing to donate the medicinal herbs I have collected at home to treat the wounded soldiers on the front lines."

I nodded with satisfaction. "Everyone, I thank you all on behalf of His Majesty. I will arrange for someone to properly manage these supplies and send them to the front lines as soon as possible."

After sending away the wealthy families and gentry, I said to Jinshu, "Go and fetch the leaders of the various guilds in the capital. I have something else to tell you."

After the guild leaders entered the palace, I said, "My dear leaders, your artisans are all skilled workers. The front lines need a large amount of military equipment, such as arrows, shields, and armor. I hope you can organize the artisans to work overtime to produce them. The court will pay them according to the market price, and if they can complete the task ahead of schedule, there will be additional rewards."

A leader of the blacksmith guild said, "Empress, materials are crucial for forging military equipment. I wonder if the court can provide enough refined iron and other materials?"

I replied, "I have already arranged for the Ministry of Revenue to survey the mineral resources in various locations and will prioritize the supply of materials needed for the forging of armaments. All you need to do is to craft them with care and ensure the highest quality."

"Yes, ma'am."

Among the people, when they heard that they needed to support the front line, they spontaneously organized themselves.

I went on a secret tour with Jinshu and came to a square in the capital. I saw that the people were divided into several groups, some were making arrows, and some were sewing tents.

I walked up to an old man who was making arrows and said, "Uncle, your craftsmanship is really good."

The old man looked up, saw me, and quickly stood up and saluted. "Your Majesty, I'm glad to be able to contribute to the front lines. These barbarians are so despicable. They've bullied us right to our doorstep. We can't just sit there and watch."

I asked, "Uncle, what brought you here to help?"

The old man smiled and said, "Your Majesty, is this even necessary? The country is in trouble. Although we ordinary people cannot fight on the battlefield like the soldiers, we can still do what we can. Moreover, Your Majesty and His Majesty have always cared about the people. Now is the time for us to serve the court."

I was touched: "Master, you have worked hard. Don't worry, the court will not forget your contribution."

I saw a group of women sewing tents and went over.

One woman said, "Empress, this tent is to protect the soldiers from wind and rain. We must sew it firmly."

I nodded: "Sisters, the soldiers will definitely feel your kindness."

Officials from all over the country also actively responded to the call and made every effort to coordinate logistical support.

I communicated with several local officials via carrier pigeons.

A local official wrote: "Your Majesty, I have organized the local people, gathered the food and fodder we have collected, and arranged a reliable convoy to transport it. However, the journey may pass through some mountainous roads, which are rugged and difficult to transport."

I pondered for a moment, then, drawing on my modern knowledge of geography, said, "Sir, you can send people to scout the road conditions first. For particularly difficult sections, you can organize the people to widen and repair them. Additionally, you can set up supply stations along the way to facilitate rest and replenishment for the transport team. Small supply stations can be set up every fifty miles to stock water, dry food, and fodder; medium-sized supply stations every hundred miles. In addition to these supplies, they can also arrange for veterinarians to check on the transported animals; and large supply stations every two hundred miles to perform simple vehicle repairs and provide medical treatment for the injured. This arrangement will ensure the transport team's continued progress."

After receiving the order delivered by carrier pigeon, the local official replied: "Your Majesty is wise. I will make arrangements right away."

While preparing for the transportation of grain and fodder, I came up with a modern preservation method.

I said to Jinshu, "Jinshu, go find some large vats. We can salt some meat. This will extend the shelf life of the meat, allowing the soldiers on the front lines to eat more meat and replenish their strength."

Jinshu was a little confused: "My Lady, I've never heard of this pickling method before."

I explained with a smile, "Just do as I say. I have my reasons. This method preserves food longer and prevents it from spoiling. Salt inhibits bacterial growth, and the high concentration of salt dehydrates meat cells, thus preserving the food. This is similar to modern food preservation technology, which uses physical or chemical methods to extend shelf life."

Jinshu took the order and left, quickly finding large vats and salt. I personally instructed the palace maids and eunuchs to salt the meat.

"Look, first cut the meat into even-sized pieces, then spread salt evenly on it, put it in a jar, layer the meat and salt on top, and finally seal it. The meat pickled in this way will not go bad for several months." I said as I demonstrated.

When the supplies were almost ready, I began to consider the safety of transportation.

"Wanqing, go notify the Ministry of War and ask them to send elite soldiers to escort the material transport team. There must not be any mistakes along the way. We must ensure that the materials are safely delivered to the front line." I ordered.

Wanqing responded, "Yes, your Majesty."

I understand that every link is crucial, much like the logistical supply chain in modern warfare; any single disconnect could lead to total defeat. Drawing on my modern thinking and experience, I strive to establish a stable rear support system within this ancient palace, laying a solid foundation for victory on the front lines and allowing the barbarians to witness the mighty power of our united front.

As supplies were being prepared and transport teams were being assembled, I began to focus on the spiritual and cultural needs of the soldiers on the front lines. I thought of the cultural troupes in modern armies, which perform for soldiers during breaks in battle to boost morale.

I said to Jinshu, "Jinshu, select some artists in the capital who are skilled in singing, dancing, and folk music to form a consolation delegation. I want them to go to the front lines and perform for the soldiers to ease their tension on the battlefield."

Jinshu said with some concern: "Your Majesty, there is fighting on the front line. Will it be dangerous for these artists to go there?"

I replied, "Of course, we need to take thorough protective measures. Have the Ministry of War arrange for soldiers to escort them, and choose a relatively safe time and place for the performance. The soldiers have risked their lives on the battlefield and need some spiritual comfort."

Jinshu took the order and left, and quickly selected the artists.

I told the artists on the delegation, "Your mission to the front lines carries a heavy responsibility. Your performances may not directly kill the enemy, but they can warm the hearts of the soldiers and make them feel the care and concern of those at home. Perform with all your heart. I await your good news."

The artists all said: "Don't worry, Queen, we will do our best."

During the transportation of supplies, I kept in touch with the general of the transport team through carrier pigeons.

"General, where are you now? Have you encountered any difficulties along the way?" I asked.

The general replied, "Your Majesty, we have passed two cities and the progress is going smoothly. However, some sections of the road have become muddy due to the rain, so the progress is a bit slow."

Drawing on my modern meteorological knowledge, I said, "General, there's a chance of further rain in the coming days. Have the soldiers prepare rainproof gear in advance and spread hay, branches, and other materials on muddy roads to increase friction and facilitate the passage of vehicles. You can also arrange for some skilled repairmen in the convoy so that any breakdowns can be repaired promptly to avoid delays."

The general said gratefully, "Thank you for your reminder, Your Majesty. I will arrange it right away."

At the same time, I also kept an eye on the domestic public opinion climate. I knew that in times of war, public confidence and cohesion were crucial.

I said to Wanqing, "Wanqing, arrange for some scholars to write articles about the battles on the front lines, publicizing the heroic deeds of our soldiers and the enthusiastic support of the people in the rear. Post these articles at the gates of the capital and other places across the country, as well as in the marketplace, so that everyone can see them and inspire the people's patriotic enthusiasm and confidence in victory."

Wanqing responded, "Yes, your Majesty."

During this hectic period of rear-line support, I fully utilized my modern thinking, knowledge, and experience to provide comprehensive support to the front lines, from arranging supplies and ensuring transportation to inspiring morale and guiding public opinion. I firmly believe that as long as the rear is stable, the soldiers on the front will be able to unleash even greater combat effectiveness, ultimately achieving victory in this war and restoring peace and prosperity to the country.

While organizing the artist delegation, I also considered modern medical first aid. I gathered the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital and said, "Physicians, I know some simple first aid techniques, such as bandaging wounds and stopping bleeding, which differ somewhat from our traditional medical skills. I would like you to select some talented female physicians and apprentices. I will teach them this knowledge and then have them accompany the delegation to the front lines. Perhaps they can save even more lives on the battlefield."

The imperial doctors were somewhat surprised, but still said respectfully, "Your Majesty, if such a miraculous method truly exists, it would be excellent. We will go and select personnel immediately."

I began patiently explaining modern first aid to the selected female doctors and apprentices: "When you encounter bleeding from a wound, the first thing to do is to determine whether it's arterial or venous. If it's arterial bleeding, apply a bandage proximal to the wound to stop the bleeding. The bandage should be tied tightly, loosening it periodically to prevent limb ischemia and necrosis... Just like the human circulatory system is like a sophisticated network of pipes, arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. They have high pressure, so if they rupture, the bleeding will be more severe. Veins, on the other hand, return blood from all over the body to the heart and have relatively low pressure. We use different methods of hemostasis based on this principle. This is an effective method summarized by modern medicine through extensive practice and research."