The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 606: Never Give Up (1)_1

Chapter 606: Chapter 606: Never Give Up (1)_1

Ever since Chu Suifeng opened up to Lin Ziyin, there was a burning desire in his heart, wishing he could immediately return with his people and marry her.

But the war in Border City had just ended, and as the Prince of the Northern Land, he couldn’t just leave whenever he wanted.

Only after spies confirmed that Bayal’s army had truly left the Northern Land and marched further north did Chu Suifeng and Situ Gong review the defenses of Border City again. They also allocated a large tract of barren land south of the city to the army camp, including nearby hills to be used as grazing grounds. They prepared to raise chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep there, and soldiers were tasked with digging channels for water and planning to breed fish and shrimp in the canals.

The soldiers of the border fort had long tasted the benefits of aquatic products and livestock. Seeing that they had won the victory and driven the arrogant Tatars out of the Northern Land, they were delighted when they received their new tasks and readily committed themselves to this labor.

Many civilians also came to help, as the base was essentially a model for them. After preparing the base, they could begin to cultivate their own lands following this model.

Border City was chaotic, with scarce resources. As members of Border City, the civilians led very difficult lives, with insecurity in their hearts. But as members of the Northern Land, they were also proud of having abundant lands.

Not just abundant, but very abundant. As long as they could grow rice and maize, there would be no fear of hunger. Especially since the prince was considerate of them all, with extremely low taxes for the first five years.

With such a benevolent ruler, what should they fear?

"The princess is indeed wise." Watching everyone work enthusiastically, Situ Gong couldn’t help but admire. Honestly speaking, when the Northern Land entered winter, the ground froze solid, but the soldiers and people were motivated to begin their work.

Perhaps the amount of reclaimed land won’t be much this year, but next year will be different. As soon as the weather warms, they can reclaim and plant beans and corn simultaneously. Once the land is ripe, they can plant rice the following year for a higher yield.

"Within three years, Border City will never lack food again." Situ Gong was visibly pleased.

Luo Heng and Xiao Yang were overjoyed, unable to stop smiling all day. Over the years, they had suffered greatly as officials in Border City due to the constant pressures from the Imperial Court. Once Border City could sustain itself, there would be no need to bow to the court anymore.

"Greenhouses need to be built first so that we can immediately grow seedlings in the spring." Situ Gong reminded once again. The first step in rice cultivation is to grow saplings, and the construction of greenhouses couldn’t be taken lightly.

"Prince, Mr. Situ, don’t worry. I, myself, will overlook the matter and ensure that there won’t be the slightest mistake with the greenhouses." Xiao Yang guaranteed.

"In the future, we can establish woolen mills, woolen clothing factories and woollen blanket workshops under the name of the officialdom. All workers entering the workshops will be paid according to the principle of more work, more pay. We will also open roast duck shops and hot pot restaurants here to attract more traders." Lin Ziyin suggested based on her observations.

"I’ll take your word for it." On the matter of doing business, Chu Suifeng completely trusted Lin Ziyin’s advice.

"Mr. Xiao, regarding the purchase price, please be sure to assign the most upright person to manage it, and it’s best to replace them every five years." Lin Ziyin advised. Whether it was the wool factory or the hot pot shop, these would be profitable businesses in the future.

She was concerned about people pocketing the profits. Shuffling positions could largely prevent such issues. "We could also encourage ordinary people to start small businesses, like selling snacks they’re good at making. I think as long as the taxes are reasonable, people will be willing to do this. For instance, we could provide the initial investment, build uniform stalls along the streets to give them a place to operate, which would address their concerns."