On the 20th of the second month, Zhenzhu was busy planting seedlings of various vegetables, assisted by male and female workers hired by Yong Saiweihao. These workers were locals from the nearby area who had not migrated north like the others. Due to their poverty, they couldn’t afford the travel expenses, and if they left their homes, they would likely starve on the roadside. Staying here, they could at least forage in the forest and dig up taro and yams for food. Moreover, they were reluctant to leave their land. Hence, they stayed while most people had migrated north. Upon hearing that the general was hiring workers to plant vegetables with a daily wage of 80 brass coins, they quickly applied for the job. Fortunately, the general was hiring many people, so they were able to secure work. By now, a significant portion of the empty space behind the kitchen had been cleared, with nearly 40 workers, some of whom were women helping Zhenzhu with the plant propagation. Zhenzhu’s new role was to oversee the creation of the vegetable garden in the military camp. "Do you need soldiers to help?" Yong Saiweihao asked as he walked up behind her, seeing her diligently planting seeds. "Is that possible?" Zhenzhu looked up from the vegetable seeds. "Of course." Most soldiers would train in shifts according to their commanders’ schedules. Therefore, when one group was training, there would be other groups available. Although he could have had the soldiers help her without hiring workers, he wanted to provide the locals with more income to support their families, as food prices in the surrounding cities were rising due to the war. Thus, he hired them to help Zhenzhu. "Yes, have the soldiers help clear the land and turn the soil. It will speed up the planting," Zhenzhu suggested. "Alright," Yong Saiweihao nodded in agreement. For more chapters visıt 𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹•𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖•𝗇𝗲𝘁 The next day, when Zhenzhu woke up, she found that the vegetable garden, which had been overrun with weeds, was now completely cleared, and the soil had been turned. She was so surprised that her mouth dropped open, nearly allowing a fly to enter. "Miss, the Young General had soldiers help clear the weeds and turn the soil since before dawn. Hundreds of them came, and they finished in no time," one of the workers reported to her when he saw Lady Zhenzhu standing there with her mouth agape. With soldiers helping , not only could she plant vegetables on this vast land, but she could also plant vegetables across the entire valley. Zhenzhu looked at the now-ready land with satisfaction. "Let’s plant some vegetables.” Zhenzhu and several workers happily sowed seeds into the ground. "Grow quickly, little vegetables." By the time they finished sowing the seeds, it was nearly noon. She instructed the workers to take a break and eat before watering the plants. She considered setting up a system to divert water from the river since the area was quite far from the river, but for now, they would have to carry water to the plants. "After you eat and rest, help me carry water to the plants. I’ll go check on the water system," she instructed the workers before heading toward the river. However, on the way, she passed a large stable, and the smell of horse manure wafted to her nose, causing her to change direction towards the stables instead. "Brother, re you the one taking care of them?" She asked a soldier who seemed to be the stable hand. "Yes, Lady He." At this point, every soldier in the camp knew of Lady He Zhenzhu, their lucky star, who had resolved the issue of the dark character, preventing people in the camp from falling ill and allowing them to use water freely again. "Oh, do you have a lot of horse manure? I need some to make fertilizer." Having horse manure as fertilizer would give her an excuse to use her golden fish scales. "Yes, we have plenty. I clear it out every day," the stable hand replied. There were many horses in the army, and besides him, there were dozens of other stable hands helping to clear out the manure daily. But if Lady He wanted it for planting vegetables, they would be happy to deliver it to her. They had heard she was creating a vegetable garden behind the kitchen to help the army through the food shortage crisis. "Very well. I’ll deliver it to you tomorrow, Miss." "Thank you, Brother.” "No need to thank me." Zhenzhu then walked to the river. It was a large river, providing enough water for the entire army. She looked at the wide expanse of water. Would it be possible for her to dig a canal to divert water to the vegetable garden? That would ensure a constant water supply. She needed to discuss this with Brother Hao. The next day, Zhenzhu consulted Yong Saiweihao about digging a canal, seeking his permission and help with the labor. "Will it be worth it?" Digging a canal required both time and labor. He had to calculate the worth of the vegetable garden she was planning to cultivate. An area of 100 mu was substantial but not enough to feed the entire army. "Brother Hao, how could it not be worth it? Don’t forget, I’m a silver-tier spirit energy cultivator, so the vegetables I grow will have spirit energy of silver-tier. Plus, I have a special fertilizer that can accelerate growth by four times. This means if a vegetable takes one month to grow, mine will take only 7-8 days. Don’t underestimate the small area; it can yield a lot," she cited her abilities. With her silver-tier spirit energy, plants watered with spiritual energized water grew rapidly. Although the area might be too small to feed the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the army, it could still help prevent starvation. "Can you really nurture plants over 100 mu?" Yong Saiweihao asked, perplexed. Typically, agricultural spirit energy cultivators could not nurture lots of plants since they would be too exhausted. However, she claimed she could nurture all these plants. "I have a special fertilizer and unique methods, Brother Hao. If you have more manpower and land, I can help you plant rice and vegetables." In a situation , she noticed the army was struggling, and their supplies were dwindling daily. Brother Lang, who had gone to gather provisions, who would know how many he could get? She genuinely wanted to help. "So, if there is more land and enough labor, you can plant more?" Yong Saiweihao pondered deeply. Provisions were crucial now. Yesterday, Wenlang had sent a courier to report that the gathered supplies could only last 1-2 more months. It would take several months for new crops to arrive, so self-sufficiency was their only option. Looking at her bright face, he felt somewhat relieved. This young woman was indeed their lucky star, as the soldiers claimed. In problems that troubled even him, Taizi, and His Majesty, she said she could help. However, the situation was still unstable. Diverting soldiers to help her plant vegetables was not feasible. His father was still fighting on the front lines, and the soldiers in the camp needed to be ready for any unexpected situations. "Report! General Zhao successfully pushed the enemy back 200 li, reclaiming the Mingshan Valley battlefield. They are sending some of the wounded soldiers back to camp.” "Alright. Prepare accommodation for the injured, have the physicians ready, and call an urgent meeting." "We’ll discuss this later," the young man turned to tell her. News of General Zhao’s victory at Mingshan Valley quickly spread through the camp. The soldiers celebrated by beating gongs and shouting in joy. Though the war was not yet won, the victory boosted their morale. A few days later, Yong Saiweihao called Zhenzhu for a consultation about expanding the cultivation area. With the enemy pushed back, the situation had relaxed somewhat, allowing him to focus on the soldiers’ sustenance. "I have submitted a petition to His Majesty for approval of the cultivation plan. There are several thousand mu of land available for farming. If this succeeds, I will request a reward for you." This was a significant matter. Initially, his petition faced opposition from senior nobles due to Zhenzhu’s young age, which made them doubt her capabilities. Without Taizi’s personal endorsement, the petition might not have succeeded. "Really?" Zhenzhu exclaimed excitedly. Such swift action. What kind of reward? Could it be a trade rights? "Brother Hao, what kind of commendation will you request for me?" She moved closer to him, speaking in a flattering tone. Her sparkling eyes made him want to knock on her little head. "Let’s wait until the task is completed first." How could she expect a commendation before the work was even done? "Brother Hao, you must tell me in advance to motivate me. If it’s enticing enough, I’ll work my hardest." "If it’s not enticing, you won’t work hard?" He raised an eyebrow in question. "Hey! How could that be? Haven’t you seen how hard I’ve worked for the people of Yan?" Zhenzhu shouted to cover her intention. Even if he didn’t request a commendation for her, she was determined to help the region. However, if Brother Hao did request a commendation for her, she’d be even more motivated. "Hmm, I believe you," the young man said, amused. "Can you handle several thousand mu of land?" "Of course, I can. Do you underestimate me?" Zhenzhu said. If she had enough workers, how could she not be able to manage it? "Alright. If you can handle it, that’s great." "Brother Hao, where is this several thousand mu of land, and how many workers will I have? If there are only 40 workers, it won’t be enough." "The land belongs to villagers who have migrated north. The government will lease it properly. As for workers, soldiers will be assigned to help you in shifts. The enemy has retreated far, so the situation has improved, and we can spare some soldiers to assist you." "Excellent!" Zhenzhu exclaimed. Brilliant. She would turn the soldiers into farmers. "Alright, shall I take you to see the land today?" Zhenzhu rode her horse following Yong Saiweihao to see the land designated for agriculture. As he mentioned, most of the land belonged to villagers. Fortunately, it was all near the river or not too far from it. She hadn’t expected the southern land to be more fertile than the north. "How long will it take to grow rice?" Yong Saiweihao asked, because their remaining rice and grains would only last about two more months. If they didn’t find more in time, the soldiers would starve. "If there are enough workers, it will only take 30-40 days. Normally, from planting seedlings, transplanting, growing, to harvesting, it takes about 150 days or around 5 months. But I can make it grow and yield faster," she crossed her arms and smiling proudly, as if to say that he made the right choice in entrusting her with this task. Don’t forget to request plenty of commendations for me, preferably a few trade rights. "It really is that fast. Brother Hao, didn’t you see? The vegetables I planted just a few days ago are almost ready to be harvested. Moreover, my crops are dark blue-tier spirit plants. Soldiers who eat them will find it easier to cultivate their spirit energy. Those without spirit energy will be able to start cultivating, while those already cultivating will progress even further. With this, Yan’s soldiers will become invincible, unmatched by any other region!" She raised her small arm to boost her own morale. "Is it really that remarkable?" He smiled, amused. Everything this girl did seemed amusing, yet she was incredibly endearing. "It is that remarkable, Brother Hao. Just wait and see." "But Brother Hao, can you check out my Spirit and Soul plant seed now?" Zhenzhu suddenly remembered she had to sell him the Spirit and Soul plant. "Let’s resolve the army’s supply issues first," he said in a flat tone, though a flicker of amusement sparkled in his eyes before they returned to their usual calm. "You said you would listen to me after dealing with the dark character issue!" "Did I say that?" He raised an eyebrow. Did he? She thought back to that day, the first time she offered him the Spirit and Soul plant. He had said, "After we finish eating, let’s check out the current situation. If you complete your task, I’ll consider your proposal." Complete the task? Didn’t that mean resolving the dark character issue? "W... Well" Didn’t he say, “complete the task”? It was not a farming task. Zhenzhu pouted. "Alright then, let’s hear it." Yong Saiweihao gave in. Just look, if he teased her any longer, she might cry. You little money-hunger. "Brother Hao, this Spirit and Soul plant is excellent. It has special abilities to use poison and create illusions to deceive enemies. If you go to battle or need to eliminate enemies, you can use it. Additionally, the Spirit and Soul plant is incredibly loyal to its master and will never betray you, Brother Hao. Isn’t it wonderful?" "I don’t know how to grow it." "Hey, don’t worry. I can guide you. I’ll provide after-sales care until it matures." She didn’t know how to grow or care for it, but she could ask Baihu later. For now, she just needed to convince Brother Hao. "Brother Hao, are you interested? It’s not expensive at all. I’m only asking for eighty thousand taels. This price is unbeatable. You’ll get a loyal and capable Spirit and Soul plant that will serve you for life without ever betraying you. It’s a great benefit. If it hadn’t chosen you, I’d keep it for myself." "That’s expensive," Yong Saiweihao pretended to mutter softly. "Brother Hao! If you decide now, I’ll reduce the price to seventy-five thousand taels," she quickly lowered the price, fearing she might lose the sale. "I’m very poor. Can I pay in installments of 1,000 taels each time?" He put on a sad expression, looking like he was about to become a beggar. Zhenzhu’s eyes widened as if she had seen the sun rise in the west. How could the Young General of Yan be poor? Impossible. He could try fooling a baby instead. "Sigh, right now the army is facing so many problems that I have to use my own money to help. How could I not be poor?" He muttered, sounding like he was struggling greatly. Being a general was tough; he had little money and still had to feed the entire army. "Ah... uh... well... in that case, I’ll reduce it to seventy thousand taels. But you must pay it all at once. No installments. People need money to live, you know. I worked for you, yet you did not pay me a single coin. Brother Hao, will you buy it or not?" She looked crestfallen. She was taking a huge loss. Seeing her bright face fall, Yong Saiweihao felt guilty. He preferred seeing her smile like a blossoming flower. "Yay!" She punched up through the air before quickly handing over the spirit seed. Seventy thousand taels was still good. Had she lowered the price too much? She should have sold it for at least one hundred thousand taels. Such a rare and valuable item was very cheap at this price. "In return, I’ll diligently work on growing rice and vegetables without charging. Consider it a bonus for Brother Hao’s purchase. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t offer the bonus," she said, as if working for free was the greatest disgrace of her life. "Mm, thank you." His sharp eyes were sparkling with amusement for a moment. The two continued to survey the land until the sun set behind the hills and the moon hung high above. Then they returned to the camp. In the following days, Yong Saiweihao sent hundreds of soldiers daily to help her plant rice and vegetables. They rotated shifts, ensuring continuous progress. This caused the cultivation of rice and vegetables to proceed quickly. Zhenzhu organized and assigned tasks efficiently, as she had experience managing many workers before. Commanding disciplined soldiers was even easier. Moreover, the soldiers genuinely respected their lucky star. However, Yong Saiweihao was strict about the rules. Any soldier who disobeyed or neglected their duties was punished according to military law without exception. Lately, Yong Saiweihao noticed that the soldiers seemed to enjoy working in the fields. Yang Zhuang reported that they often complained about when it would be their turn to work in the fields. "They really complain about that?" "Hmm." He nodded, frowning. He hadn’t inspected the work for several days. It seemed he needed to check things out. Meanwhile, in the fields where Zhenzhu was working, it was dusk, and the soldiers should have been returning to camp. Yet, they were sitting in clusters around large jars, chatting and laughing loudly. Zhenzhu was sitting with one group, acting like she had known them for ages. "Lady He, the homemade [1]Putao liquor from your house is really excellent." "Brotherrrrrrr. Don’t worryyyyyy. If... hic... if it’s not enough, I’ll have my father send more. Hic. Urp." The young girl’s face was flushed red. The alcohol in her blood was making her unsteady. The guards that Yong Saiweihao had sent to watch over her had to support her on both sides. When would they be freed from this troublesome duty? They couldn’t report to the Young General, as she had threatened them severely. Zhenzhu was sitting with one knee up and the other leg flat on the ground. This posture was far from ladylike. She looked more like a true liquor connoisseur. "My house has plenty! Don’t worryyyy. Drink! Drink! Urp." She lifted her liquor cup joyfully, but when she looked at the soldiers, she saw they were all pale. "May I join you?" A cold voice came from behind. "Sureeeee, come on! I’m not stingy. Hic." Wait, this voice sounded familiar. Like she had heard it somewhere before. Never mind, she was too lazy to think about it. Her mind was a bit slow right now, so she shook off the suspicion. A bamboo cup was handed to her. "Miss, would you pour me some liquor to taste?" "Sureeeee," Zhenzhu picked up the liquor jar, ready to pour, but then she paused at the sight of the delicate hands like sculpted jade. "Brotherrrrr, your hands are so beautiful." If his hands were this beautiful, how handsome must his face be? She couldn’t resist looking up. Um... ah... please don’t look so sternnnnnn. Her drunkenness vanished instantly. [20] Putao means grape. Read ‘Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales’ before anyone else with more Chapters at https://www.jinovel.com/en