The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 215

Soon after the autumn harvest, everyone counted how much grain they had harvested this year.

The border general was the happiest of all. He had been watching the hunger of the people of Ningcheng, but he didn't know what to do, because even his army didn't have enough food.

But this year, their wheat harvest is more than three times that of previous grain harvests! And this is just their rough calculation.

Even the potatoes and wheat harvested by the army yielded a very good result.

The population of the border cities was not large, and this large quantity of grain was enough for them to live on for a long time, which also indirectly suppressed the grain price of grain merchants.

In the past, there were always some unscrupulous grain merchants in Ningcheng who wanted to take advantage of the people and deliberately raised the price of grain, which made more people go hungry.

Since Xu Tian's arrival, many grain merchants in Ningcheng have felt a sense of crisis. They have all lowered the price of grain, hoping that the people will not forget their rice, oil, and salt.

The border general then found Xu Tian and said to him with gratitude, "The people of the border cities really have to thank you."

Xu Tian chuckled, shook his head slightly, and said to the border general, "General, you flatter me. I came here to relieve the Emperor's worries and to help the people live a more peaceful life."

The border general, however, refused to listen. He still believed that if it weren't for Xu Tian, ​​the border people would probably have gone hungry for a while longer, and more young people would have gone to cities like Chang'an and Jinzhou where they could eat their fill. So he left the local people behind and ignored them.

"Grand Tutor Xu, you don't understand. Most people in the border cities can't even get enough to eat. This causes many young people to leave and never return, leaving only their relatives—the elderly, women, and children—who then send money over every month. But this money is far from enough to buy food, because many grain merchants here are raising prices. This has trapped the local people in a vicious cycle."

Upon hearing this, Yang Shao nodded, his expression somewhat serious.

He was aware of these matters, which was why he hadn't left Ningcheng. He was afraid that the grain merchants would forcibly take away the wheat and then sell it at a higher price.

"So the people on the border really have to thank you." As the border general said this, a hint of admiration still lingered in his eyes.

In the past, some people who brought grain couldn't bear to see the desolate scene here. The living conditions were harsh, so they left as soon as they finished delivering the grain.

Xu Tian stayed here for a very long time. He not only stayed for a long time, but also taught the people how to farm and how to use this mutated wheat. He even went to the fields himself and never complained of hardship or fatigue.

Thinking this, the garrison general felt even greater respect for Xu Tian.

Then the border general asked Xu Tian, ​​"Grand Tutor Xu, there will be a banquet in the army in a few days. How about we all have a drink together?"

Xu Tianwen thought for a moment, then nodded to the border general and said, "Very well, it's been a while since I've seen your group of new recruits. I wonder how they are doing now?"

The border general laughed loudly, "Now they're always clamoring to come and farm with you."

Upon hearing this, Xu Tian couldn't help but laugh out loud, "It seems that your group of new recruits really miss me."

"They wear military uniforms every day now, wielding long spears, saying it's even more tiring than farming. As soon as they take off their uniforms, the entire ground is covered in their sweat."

“Okay, then I’ll go check on them in a few days and see how the potatoes and wheat we planted before are doing, and then we can replant them.”

The two then agreed to meet three days later at the border army camp.

Three days passed quickly. Xu Tian thought he should have a drink with them and enjoy himself to the fullest. He might even have to stay overnight in the border military camp, so he decided to bring his clothes with him.

After he finished packing his clothes, he went downstairs.