Chapter 6: What Determines the Mind

Just then, the Fifth Overlord passed by and, seeing the light and airy movements of the crowd, became extremely displeased. He stopped and shouted, "Haven't you eaten enough? Put in some effort; although my oxen are strong, they won't ruin the land!"

If it were the Liu family or the Wang family of the gentry, one could still scold them for their greed and shortsightedness that disregard the interests of the nation, but he, as the foolish grandson of a landlord family...

However, this year, due to upstream drought, the water flow of the Chengguo Canal has decreased, and water resources have immediately become tight

The fifth genealogy is incorrect; this person's generation is not that of his nephew, but rather his grandson—there is no way around it, as he has at least a dozen grandsons in the family, and there are even great-grandsons who are older than him

He asked his grandson a question

By mid-August, the autumn plowing in the fifth district was completely finished, and it was time for the sowing phase

Indeed, the cumbersome straight-tined plow seems more suited for the more than fifty acres of flat land belonging to the fifth family. The land of the self-sufficient farmers has long been less than one hundred acres per household, and due to inheritance divisions, it has been divided into scattered plots, making the large plow difficult to use, while the curved-tined small plow is just right for the task

The method that can yield immense profits with minimal investment is all written in the criminal law

I am going to the kiln to fire tiles

Young master, something is wrong, something is wrong

"Too slow, still too slow." Fifth Lun understood that whether it was the curved plow or intercropping beans and wheat, the increase in harvest would not be immediate. It would be better to simply and brutally raise the rent to collect those three to five hundred stones.

This year is too late, perhaps before the spring plowing next year, we can make some water conservancy tools like tube carts, but that would require hiring a skilled carpenter from the county town. Although Wu Lun has many ideas, his practical skills are quite poor.

It is said that one of the best farmers in the Fifth Pingdan was specially invited by Fifth Lun to test the new plow

I went to the mountain to cut down trees

It was only when the irrigation was completed for the sowing that the fifth wheel found its place to be utilized again

Now the people in the village feel relieved, all marveling at how the usually indifferent head of the family has changed his ways this year. They have also heard that this was the idea of the young master, and they secretly give a thumbs up to the fifth member of the family, who is squatting by the field calculating accounts.

After walking for several miles, I saw sparse wild trees in the fields, and in the distance, a small stream and a low hill, with two villages adjacent to each other. Groups of villagers surged out from their respective villages, wielding manure forks, sticks, hoes, and even sickles, rushing aggressively towards the ditch.

Grandfather, what is the matter that you called me here for

The one who was summoned was indeed the middle-aged peasant named Diwu Pingdan, who had fallen from the pear tree that day and was sent home by Diwu Lun using a horse.

Looking at his and the old red horse's silhouette, Wu Lun seemed to see his grandfather following Colonel Chen Tang on an expedition to the Western Regions, traversing the vast desert with the spirit of one Han defeating five Hu

Recently, he has been mediating between the Fifth and Eighth families, resolving their grievances, and has already gained some reputation in the county. According to the plan, the next step is to establish authority.

Of course, ... ... iron has become expensive

What is the matter

Moreover, this county is located in the heart of Guanzhong, and as early as the Former Han Dynasty, it underwent two agricultural revolutions led by Zhao Guo and Fan Sheng, resulting in highly advanced plowing techniques. Various methods of field management have been implemented in rotation, and composting techniques have also been developed, leaving little room for the fifth order to intervene.

Compete for water!

Iron, from mining to casting and then to sale, is entirely managed by the government, and naturally, the pricing is determined solely by the officials, which is exceedingly high. This is akin to the scissors effect in handicrafts, a form of invisible heavy taxation. The Xin dynasty has indeed achieved the state of "sufficient resources without increasing taxes," enabling it to support foreign wars, yet the wealthy elite are filled with resentment.

Not only has it become much more compact and lightweight, but it also allows for easy turning and maneuvering, making it suitable for small and fragmented plots of land

In recent days, when observing the local people plowing the fields, I discovered that the plows they use are quite different from those I saw during my later life in the south. Although the plowshare, plow bed, plow beam, and plow point are all present, the most significant difference is that the beam is long and straight, which is not very conducive to turning; it requires two oxen to lift the beam for better operation.

Fifth Lun furrowed his brows and looked again at the distant relatives engaged in the water dispute. The noise was growing louder, and the Sixth clan had already fled in panic, with many people injured and bleeding. Meanwhile, the Seventh clan showed no signs of stopping. If this continued unchecked, it would lead to fatalities, but if he got involved, it would be uncertain when the matter would be resolved. Damn it, which side should he prioritize

Upon hearing this, the farmers from the fifth mile shouldered their yokes again and walked away, chatting and laughing

Watching this scene, Wu Lun hesitated while holding the ring knife at his waist

On that day, while Fifth Lun was leading his companions in search of a suitable location to set up a cart by the ditch, his companion Fifth Fu came running over, panting heavily

No

Now the Fifth Lun can rest assured, while on the other hand, the "new item" he had commissioned the blacksmith Qiu Gao Nu to create a few days ago has also completed its initial field testing.

Once the sowing is completed in a few days, we will immediately go to assist

Since the order of borrowing was determined by drawing lots, those who were placed later have little to complain about. When using the oxen, the villagers are also very cautious, not daring to strike hard with the whip, fearing that they might injure or exhaust the oxen.

The fifth theory only suggested "intercropping with mung beans," a common knowledge that anyone who has studied middle school biology would possess. This is one of the "open-source" methods he thought of, which may slightly increase the yield per acre in the coming year

On the fifth dawn, in order to prove a point, he also stomped his feet on the ground

Currently, if one wishes to create a new plow, it is certainly impossible to obtain freshly forged iron blocks. One can only purchase finished ironware from the county's iron office. After returning home, one must melt it down and recast it. As a result, the costs naturally increase over time

What the fifth Lun is calculating is how much time can be saved for everyone in the village by lending out oxen and plows. With two oxen per person, a few hours are sufficient to cultivate ten small acres of land, a speed several times greater than that achieved with traditional plowing and wooden or stone tools. After the autumn plowing is completed, before the community day arrives, the farmers will have seven to eight days of free time. At that time, gathering them to work should not be met with resistance.

Since we have nothing to do anyway, although there is no pay, the Fifth Clan will provide meals. Many hands make light work; nowadays, with the great benefits received from the cattle, anyone who slacks off will surely face the disdain of the entire community

Using oxen for plowing and iron tools is truly satisfying

Those who often mediate disputes may frequently get beaten. If not handled properly, they may offend both parties involved. They need to think carefully about whether it is worth intervening and how to mediate effectively

Suddenly, a loud shout was heard, and it was the Fifth Overlord who, upon receiving the news, also rode over on horseback

However, for smaller irrigation channels below the county and township level, there is not as much energy to manage the water. In other places, I am not sure, but in Lingqu Township of Changping County, a small channel is opened for every two kilometers, and then a mutually satisfactory water usage ratio is determined based on the population and the amount of arable land.

He even saw the Fifth Overlord wave his hand, instructing someone to carry the "seed drill" out of the warehouse to use on his own fifty acres of land. This device is called the "three-legged seed drill," an invention by the agricultural official Zhao Guo during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. It still relies on an ox to pull it in front, while one person stands behind to hold the seed drill, scattering wheat seeds into the seed box. In a single day, it can sow one acre of land, and it does so very evenly, preventing waste.

The farmers who were drawing water immediately became furious, throwing down their wooden buckets and gripping their yokes, asking: "Who, who dares to compete for water at the fifth mile! Let us see if we do not beat him to death!"

Even a scruffy little child is shouting to help pass the bricks. In the child's memory, the autumn festival is the most enjoyable time of the year. Dancing and waving their hands makes the deities happy, and they themselves are delighted as well. Isn't that wonderful

It is not their boasting; under the leadership of the veteran from the Fifth Clan, when it comes to armed conflict, no one in this locality is a match for the Fifth Clan.

If today we can resolve the disputes between the two families, it would indeed establish our authority

Fifth Lun hurriedly stopped him: "Be gentler, when you go out to work in the future, remember to wear shoes, do not go barefoot again"

The strength of an ox far exceeds that of a human, as it strides forward with ease in the posture of two oxen lifting a beam, while the large iron plow behind it has already sunk deep into the ground. The plowshare ruthlessly turns over the dry, hardened soil, making it loose and suitable for the growth of wheat seeds

... ...

Fifth Lun nodded, but another layer of concern arose.

The Chengguo Canal was constructed during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. While the Zhengguo Canal and the Bai Canal nourished the Shiyi Commandery east of the Jing River, the Chengguo Canal benefited the Fuwei, Jingwei, and Liewei Commanderies.

The fifth Lun was silent, realizing that he had been somewhat hasty

During the break, Fifth Lun announced the news of the plan to renovate the village community during the agricultural off-season. The farmers were initially silent, but then they all expressed great enthusiasm: "The autumn community has not been properly organized for several years; this is indeed a significant matter! Only by entertaining the deities can we ensure favorable weather for the coming year"

Subsequently, the later generations developed the curved plow, which is somewhat shorter, allowing a single ox to pull it

It is no wonder that during the Han Dynasty, the virtuous and literate individuals of the realm repeatedly petitioned for the abolition of the state monopoly on salt and iron, as this was indeed a common aspiration of both landlords and commoners. Although for the lower classes, this was merely a distinction between being exploited by the government or by the wealthy elite.

As a southerner who grew up eating rice, Wu Lun indeed does not understand wheat very well, and he is even less familiar with making leavened flatbreads.

Fifth Fu quickly waved his hand and pointed to the west, saying: "It is the Sixth Clan and the Seventh Clan fighting over water!"

I went to the edge of the canal to dig soil

... ...

While I was lost in thought, a call came from behind me once again. It was the fifth fortune, riding a shaggy donkey at full speed, shouting: "Young master, someone from the county magistrate Xianyu has come to summon you, saying you must hurry to the county temple, as there is an urgent matter."

This matter can only be temporarily set aside, fortunately, the Fifth Overlord is by no means obstinate or conservative, but I hope my grandson understands the difficulties of this world and does not act impulsively.

The two policies that the aristocracy despised the most about the Xin Dynasty were the Wang Tian Private Land Ordinance, which restricted their appetite for acquiring more land and slaves.

Fifth Lun patted his own bottom, then tapped his head, and laughed.

The Fifth Overlord had long been accustomed to the endless stream of new ideas from his grandson. Just now, while testing the plow in the field, he had been glancing at it without much surprise. After examining it up and down, he said slowly, "It is indeed a good tool, and it can save labor, making it suitable for small-scale farming, but..."

The old man, wielding a sword and riding a horse, crossed the ditch; although his hair was white, his demeanor remained as impressive as in his youth

According to memory, the fifth Lun had the blacksmith forge a device, though it is uncertain whether it has become deformed. After the fifth Pingdan operated it for a trial, the feedback received was quite positive

It is no wonder that both the Former Han and the Xin dynasties had strict laws prohibiting the slaughter of plow oxen, and the common people held these large animals in great respect, almost venerating them as sacred cattle. However, they were still unable to engage in practices such as drinking ox urine or bathing in cow dung.

Since iron is so difficult to obtain, how should one proceed in the future to manufacture and stockpile weapons

... ...

Lun'er, which do you think is more expensive, human labor or iron?

The sixth clan, which has always been focused on the land, is clearly no match for the seventh clan, known for their light-hearted heroism in this county. When faced with this group of brave and fierce young delinquents, armed with real weapons, how could mere farming tools withstand them? Soon, the sickles broke and the manure forks snapped, leading to a hasty retreat.

Thus, the fifth Lun happily went to report to his grandfather, who was sitting on the ridge of the field basking in the sun, with the new plow, hoping to produce more than ten curved plows for the villagers to use before the spring plowing.

Lun'er, you go to the county town first, leave this matter to me to handle

Thinking this way, the fifth Lun instead felt amused, as if he knew the quickest way to gather grain and iron

In a previous life, one should certainly be a law-abiding citizen, but in the new era, these damned laws and regulations compel the fifth lun to have the impulse to violate the law and engage in disorderly conduct

As they approached the location of the branch canal, they heard a cacophony of noise. The sixth clan farmers, who had arrived earlier, were being forced to retreat step by step by a group of individuals dressed in tight-fitting attire and wielding swords and knives

Alright, thanks to the medicine sent by the clan's ancestor, the grandson does not know how to repay this kindness

That statement is indeed true

He had agreed with the fifth Lun to first have the craftsmen and servants make some curved yokes from hardwood. If the straight yoke plow at home were to break, it would not be repaired; instead, the iron would be melted down to create a plow blade to be fitted onto the curved yoke, gradually updating and replacing it. We should not expect to achieve everything at once.

However, the fifth Lun seemed to be deep in thought, calling a few disciples to accompany him as he went to the west to take a look

The fifth mile is located right by the Chengguo Canal, where the canal diverts water from the sluice gate and then distributes it into various fields. He observed that the farmers primarily used orange peels and windlasses to draw water, which was quite inefficient. Even for the fifty acres of farmland owned by the Wushi family, they employed similar devices to the dragon bone waterwheel, which required manual effort to operate.

The government places great importance on the management of ditches, specifically appointing officials to oversee water management. They delineate sections of ditches for each county and prohibit the construction of dams upstream to store water, which would leave downstream areas without water, as this could result in loss of life

The fifth person sent someone to inquire, and the sixth person insisted: "The seventh clan has destroyed the old covenant, they must divert more water to their fields! They were the ones who acted first!"

Why is the county magistrate looking for him? Why is it precisely at this moment

Why say it earlier? What does it matter to us if others are fighting over water? Our village does not share a branch canal with their two families

The Fifth Overlord is here, let this old man see who still dares to draw their blade

Only then did the crowd relax a little. Occasionally, someone would accidentally bump into a stone and damage the plow blade, and they would nervously take it back to return it. Although they were glared at a few times by the fifth section in charge of the farming tools, they were indeed not made to pay for the damages

A few days ago, the two farmers were plowing in front of Fifth Lun, laboriously pulling the rope and crawling on the ground like snails, but today they are exceedingly pleased

Secondly, the Five Equalizations and Six Controls not only harm small self-sufficient farmers but also deeply affect landlords and wealthy gentry. Not to mention salt and wine, even iron alone monopolizes the source of production tools

A man in his forties, yet he addresses the 17-year-old as "ancestor". Initially, it was somewhat awkward, but he got used to it and it became just that.

The fifth family only remembers that the grandfather and the sixth family were relatively harmonious, while the relationship with the seventh family was rather ordinary. The two brothers who head the seventh family have always been overbearing and domineering, and they do not necessarily take into account the interests of a mere child.

Fifth Lun glanced at his injured foot, considering the man fortunate, as the wound on his foot had not become infected; once it turned gangrenous, the mortality rate would be very high

This statement made the fifth son feel somewhat embarrassed, as he could only refrain from expressing it. His wife had passed away two years ago, and there was no one in the household to weave shoes, so they could only make do with straw sandals. His hands were clumsy, and the sandals were loosely woven, falling apart within a few days. The only good pair of shoes in the house had to be shared alternately by his two sons when they went out

... ...

In the vast expanse of the northeast, where local powers are strong and the emperor is far removed, they can still disregard the law. The fifth clan, situated in the central region, does not dare to defy too much. As for mining and smelting on their own? Not to mention that their small household lacks the financial resources, it is estimated that as soon as they set up a furnace, it would be seized by the authorities, and the entire family would be sent off as convicts to develop the frontier.

Moreover, the growth of crops follows its own规律, and one must wait until the following year to harvest. How many more years does he have to prepare for this?

Is the foot better